Project 7 to 1 by Carlo Ople

In this episode of the Project 7 to 1 Podcast, Carlo Ople sits down with Navotas Congressman Toby Tiangco for a timely conversation about the proposed 2027 Philippine national budget—and the much bigger question behind the numbers: are we really getting the most out of every peso?





As Congress begins deliberations on the proposed 2027 budget, Carlo and Congressman Tiangco discuss how billions in public funds are allocated, scrutinized, and ultimately spent. The conversation looks beyond the headline figure and into the importance of transparency, accountability, proper appropriation, and ensuring that government spending actually translates into meaningful services for Filipinos.





Tiangco also shares his concerns about the way budget amendments and insertions have historically been handled. He has argued that the House itself should be subjected to the same level of pre-plenary scrutiny as other government agencies, including greater transparency over how its own budget is allocated and spent. 





So, when the proposed national budget reaches record levels, does a bigger budget automatically mean better governance? Or should the bigger question be whether every allocation is properly justified, efficiently spent, and accountable to the Filipino people?





Expect a candid discussion about the 2027 national budget, budget deliberations, transparency, insertions, and the challenges of making sure public money actually works for the public.

In the third guesting of Mon Abrea on the Project 7 to 1 Podcast, Carlo Ople welcomes back the Philippine Tax Whiz for another deep dive into one of the issues that directly affects millions of Filipino workers: income taxes.





This time, the conversation focuses on the bills filed in the Senate seeking to raise the income tax exemption threshold. With a proposal to increase the tax-free ceiling to ₱350,000 currently on the table, Carlo and Mon discuss whether that amount is enough to provide meaningful relief to Filipino workers. 





For Mon and Carlo, raising the threshold to ₱500,000—or even ₱600,000—would be a fairer reflection of today’s cost of living and economic realities. But Mon takes the argument even further: his battlecry remains ₱1 Million Tax-Free Income.





The conversation breaks down why they believe the current threshold needs to be revisited, what higher tax exemptions could mean for take-home pay, and how tax policy can better keep pace with the realities faced by working Filipinos. They also explore the bigger question: at what point does taxation become a burden on the very people who are trying to build their lives, families, and businesses?





Expect another candid and thought-provoking conversation with Mon Abrea—complete with strong opinions, practical tax talk, and a bold proposition for what Philippine income-tax reform could look like.

In this episode of the Project 7 to 1 Podcast, Carlo Ople sits down with Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero for a timely conversation about his push to regulate—and ultimately prohibit—gambling advertisements and sponsorships across the Philippines.





The discussion centers on Senate Bill No. 2347, which seeks to ban gambling-related advertising across television, radio, print, websites, mobile applications, and social media. The proposed measure would also prohibit celebrity and influencer endorsements, gambling sponsorships, promotional giveaways, and other marketing tactics designed to bring gambling closer to the public.





Escudero explains why he believes gambling advertising needs stronger legal restrictions, particularly as online gambling becomes increasingly accessible through smartphones and digital platforms. He draws parallels with the country’s regulation of tobacco advertising and argues that voluntary industry self-regulation is not enough when it comes to protecting minors and other vulnerable groups.





Carlo and Senator Chiz also discuss the broader implications of the proposed ban—from the role of celebrities and content creators in promoting gambling to the responsibility of government, media, and the industry itself.





Expect a timely and thought-provoking conversation about online gambling, advertising, influencer culture, regulation, and the growing debate over how much exposure to gambling should be allowed in the everyday lives of Filipinos.

In this episode of the Project 7 to 1 Podcast, Carlo Ople sits down with veteran motoring journalist, broadcaster, and traffic advocate James Deakin.





James takes us through his journey—from his early years and return to the Philippines to building a career in broadcasting, motoring journalism, and digital media. He shares the experiences that shaped him, including the successes that propelled his career and, perhaps more importantly, the failures and setbacks that taught him some of his most valuable lessons.





A major part of the conversation is James’ long-running crusade for safer and more efficient roads in the Philippines. They talk about traffic rules, road discipline, enforcement, driver behavior, confusing and sometimes inconsistent regulations, and why solving the country’s traffic problems requires more than simply creating new laws.





The discussion also goes into the realities behind traffic enforcement and the issues that Filipino motorists encounter every day. James shares his perspective on accountability, responsible driving, and the need for both motorists and authorities to understand and follow the rules.





Beyond motoring and traffic, James opens up about the personal lessons he’s gained from mistakes, failures, and difficult moments throughout his career—offering a more personal look at the man behind the opinions and advocacy.





Expect a candid, sometimes opinionated, but ultimately reflective conversation about traffic, road safety, public policy, career setbacks, and the lessons that come from getting things wrong along the way.