Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon said the move will enhance public discourse and strengthen accountability in governance.
“This is an important transparency measure to ensure that the public is fully informed of all disclosures, admissions, and evidence presented before the ICI—particularly those made by high-level officials, government employees, and private contractors identified during the investigations
Ngu...
From A1 term ended in August 2025 and was not renewed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
‘‘He is no longer special envoy as of August 2025. His term expired, and it was not renewed,’’ Castro said, clarifying that Ngu was neither asked to resign nor did he step down voluntarily.
When asked whether Ngu’s name being linked to the alleged ‘‘ghost’’
15 gov’t...
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The President disclosed last August that 20 percent of the P545 billion worth of flood control contracts were cornered by only 15 contractors.
“It’s pending, but we’re in the final stages already,” Roque told reporters after emerging from a hearing of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
The DTI chief was invited by the ICI as a resource person in the ongoing investigation into the multibillionpeso flood control scandal.
Roque told the ICI that members of the PCAB have been barred from participating in contracting processes. Roque added that the PCAB board members were no longer permitted to own a construction company, asserting this constitutes a conflict of interest. She also said the list of the new PCAB board members will be announced soon.
The ICI invited Roque to shed light on the systems and processes involved in the accreditation of contractors.
PCAB, which operates under the DTI’s supervision, is responsible for
Supreme...
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SC Spokesperson Atty. Camille
Ting told reporters that after the request is made and transmitted to the Clerk of Court En Banc, "it will be the Supreme Court En Banc who will decide whether they will release the SALNs or not depending on the grounds and justifications that you will be writing."
She added that privacy concerns must also be considered and that approval from the bank is needed.
conducted by both the House Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee,” the House Infrastructure Committee co-chairperson said.
“We look forward to these livestreamed proceedings and reaffirm our commitment to work with the ICI – not only on existing cases already transmitted to them, but also on future cases that Congress may take up at a later time,” Ridon added.
Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno said the decision of the ICI is a welcome development amid the
flood control project controversy had anything to do with the decision, Castro said his departure was simply due to the natural end of his appointment.
Recently, Ngu came under scrutiny after a private citizen filed a letter of sentiment before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), urging the body to look into his supposed ties with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos amid the controversy.
Meanwhile, First Lady AranetaMarcos dismissed the letter of sen-
issuing licenses to construction companies eyeing infrastructure projects.
In a press briefing, Roque said she submitted more names of contractors to the ICI for possible revocation of their PCAB licenses, on top of the initial 15 contractors now under investigation in relation to the flood control controversy.
“We can’t divulge yet the names of the additional contractors that have some violations. We are still investigating with the ICI. The ICI is really the investigating body regarding this issue of flood control and the issue with the contractors,” she said.
“There are more contractors also that we need to investigate further. I can’t really give the number as we go along. Actually there are many, but the thing is we can’t really divulge also because we need to make sure of their violation,” she added.
Roque said she also discussed with the ICI changes that need to be implemented with regard to accreditation of contractors.
“There are so many applications. We need to improve and reform our processes while ensuring that newcomers and those obtaining licenses adhere to the new rules. This way, we can prevent the issues of the past from recurring,” Roque noted.
Ting said that requests must be made in writing using the SALN/ PDS/CV Request Form available on the SC website and must state the specific purpose for which the information is sought. Meanwhile, media requests must include proof of media affiliation and accreditation. At present, the judiciary is currently updating its rules and forms on access to information, she added.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Faustino Dy III has reconstituted the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) Review and
growing clamor for transparency.
“The public has the right to know what is happening in these hearings as they are the direct victims of the anomalous flood control projects,” he said.
Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima thanked the ICI for heeding the call to make its hearings open and transparent.
“In making the ICI hearings public, it is not only the ICI that will investigate. The people can now also examine and assess not only those who are being investigated, but also the course of the investigation itself,”
timent submitted to the ICI, saying the complaint was based purely on hearsay.
In a Palace briefing, Castro said the First Lady personally stated she would not deal with the letter reportedly submitted by a certain John Santander, stressing that ‘‘all the so-called evidence presented were hearsay.’’
‘‘First of all, the First Lady said she would not give this any attention because it is hearsay evidence.
We know that the First Lady is also a lawyer,’’ Castro said. Asked about
Fire...
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responsible for fostering innovation in construction technology and improving public infrastructure. It also houses the testing site of materials for DPWH Region 4B, DPWH Asec. Melody Villar said.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla raised suspicion over the fire amid the mounting allegations of corruption linked to multi billion-peso flood control projects, calling the incident “disturbing.”
“We're just worried that it might stifle some or become an excuse to evade responsibility,” Remulla said.
“I am asking the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Fire Protection to check if there's arson, whether it was intentional or an accident. It would be easy to determine if it is arson.”
“I'm sure that there are backup documents. It is a working day so people were able to save their computers, which contain the information,” Remulla added.
The DPWH, however, said no documents related to the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects were in the BRS building that caught fire.
Compliance Committee of the House of Representatives, pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 6713 and consistent with the Speaker’s earlier statements regarding revisiting the House’s guidelines on the release of SALNs.
Dy also also released his SALN to the media yesterday, following earlier commitments to make his SALN public.
The Speaker said that lawmakers’ SALNs used to be open to public inspection and that Congress should consider returning to that practice.
"In our time, our SALN was open
PBBM... From A1
‘‘Irresponsible mining has no place in our nation. We will strictly enforce the laws against practices that destroy forests, poison rivers, and endanger lives,’’ he said. ‘‘Mining should build communities, not burden them.’’
The President said that while the Philippines holds vast reserves of minerals crucial to the global clean energy transition, economic progress must never come at the expense of people or the planet. He said the administration’s goal is to make mining a pillar of inclusive development’ one that powers the nation’s growth while uplifting local communities and protecting ecosystems.
‘‘The wealth from our soil should translate into schools for our children, hospitals for families, and roads that link people with opportunities,’’ Marcos said. ‘‘The Filipino people deserve to know how their resources are being managed, for these are their treasures as much as they are the nation’s,’’ he added.
President Marcos reaffirmed his support for industry reforms that promote transparency and sustainability. He cited the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, which creates a fair and consistent taxation framework, and the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Act, which ensures that the country’s natural resources are properly measured and managed.
she said.
At the Upper House, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said: “We are very glad they heeded the clamor of our public that they allow the livestream.”
Earlier, ICI executive director Brian Hosaka said the fact-finding body wants to avoid "trial by publicity" and undue political influence if all aspects of the proceedings are opened to the public.
Osaka said the commission is wary of unverified statements that may be made by resource persons that could confuse the public.
the relationship between AranetaMarcos and Ngu, Castro said the First Lady did not disclose anything about the matter.
Castro described the letter as a ‘‘fishing expedition’’ meant to malign the First Lady, questioning Santander’s credibility.
‘‘It seems that Mr. Santander is like a nuisance candidate who was given money to buy vinegar and then used the opportunity to hand over the socalled letter of sentiment to the ICI,’’ she said.
“Initial findings indicate that the fire originated from a computer unit inside the Materials Testing Division that reportedly exploded. No employees were harmed during the incident,” the DPWH said in a statement.
An investigation team to assess the fire incident has been deployed and is currently conducting a thorough assessment to determine the full extent of the damage and to prevent similar incidents in the future, the department said.
Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) chairman Andres Reyes Jr. said while the documents housed at the DPWH-BRS building did not involve flood control projects, documents with the Commission on Audit must be secured.
“We have to secure all the records of COA…I know there is a tendency for criminals to burn down the office,” Reyes told senators yesterday.
ICI commissioner Rogelio Singson added: “I hope it is not arson.”
Reyes noted that as per the testimony of sacked DPWH-Bulacan engineer Brice Hernandez, the testing office receives 1% per voucher.
“So, the 1% documentation is gone,” Senator Francis Pangilinan said.
for the public to see,” he said. In a memorandum order dated October 20, 2025, Dy designated Deputy Speaker and South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez as Chairperson of the Committee, with Iloilo 3rd District Rep. Lorenz Defensor and Marikina 2nd District Rep. Romero Federico Quimbo as Vice Chairpersons. The members of the Committee include TGP Party-list Rep. Jose Teves Jr., Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Maria Cristina Angeles, Quezon 1st District Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga, Ilocos Norte 2nd District Rep.
He also praised the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines for implementing the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) program, a global standard for responsible industry practices, calling it proof that economic growth and environmental protection can coexist. ‘‘We must continue to attract investors who share our values, those who respect our laws, our people, and our environment,’’ the President said.
Meanwhile, Marcos lauded the mining industry for advancing responsible practices, saying that irresponsible operations have no place in the Philippines. Speaking at the same event organized by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) at the Grand Hyatt Manila, he vowed strict enforcement of environmental laws against activities that destroy forests, poison rivers, and endanger lives.
‘‘Mining should build communities, not burden them,’’ he said, adding that the country’s resources have provided livelihoods and shaped communities throughout the years. Marcos is the second Philippine president after Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to openly express support for the mining industry, recognizing its significant role in economic growth.
‘‘Minerals are vital to electric vehicles, batteries, and new technologies that promote clean energy. This potential is both a blessing and a responsibility.
We are offered the chance to help power the global green transition and ensure that progress uplifts every Filipino, especially those living near mining communities,’’ he said.
Marcos said the conference came at a critical time to address how the Philippines can become a reliable source of critical minerals, fuel regional industrialization, create lasting jobs, and attract responsible investments. He urged participants to define a future where economic growth and social responsibility move in step.
In his remarks, Marcos praised COMP’s adoption of the TSM program’ a global benchmark for environmental, social, and governance standards’calling it proof that responsible mining is achievable. ‘‘The Philippines stands proud as the first in Asia to implement this program, joining countries like Canada and Australia in upholding ethical practice,’’ he said. He also cited the industry’s engagement with the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, which ensures that mining revenues are properly managed and benefit local communities. ‘‘My administration shares your vision of a responsible, inclusive, and climate-resilient mining industry,’’ Marcos said,
Angelo Barba, and Dinagat Islands Lone District Rep. Arlene Bag-ao. The reconstitution of the SALN Committee follows the Speaker's statement last week that the House will review its rules on the public disclosure of members’ SALNs to ensure transparency and accountability. The Isabela lawmaker also told a radio interview on Wednesday, when asked if he was willing to release his SALN, “kung kinakailangan, syempre, lead by example tayo (if necessary, of course, we lead by example."
ANGER MANAGEMENT. A student of Claret School of Quezon City kicks a football into a goal adorned with a banner that reads ‘Sipain ang Corrupt’ during a football solidarity game for good governance. Danny Pata
Gutierrez named Senior Citizens Commission head
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos
Jr. has appointed former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez as chairperson of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), Malacañang announced yesterday.
In a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed Gutierrez’s appointment, noting that the latter will serve until September 17, 2031.
For Gutierrez’s appointment, Castro cited the President’s commitment to appointing capable leaders to key government posts.
“Unang-una naman, ang gusto ng Pangulo kapag ito ay kanyang itinalaga ay dapat na magaling na isang lider at isang magaling na namumuno,” Castro said. Prior to her appointment to the NCSC, Gutierrez was a member of the Government Service Insurance System Board of Trustees.
Gutierrez previously served as Ombudsman from 2005 to 2011 and as Justice Secretary under then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Established in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11350, the NCSC is mandated to ensure the full implementation of laws, policies, and programs that promote the rights and welfare of senior citizens in the country.
BEST IN TERNO. Miss Earth Philippines 2025 Joy Barcoma shows off her terno which won her a gold medal in the 2025 Miss Earth terno competition yesterday at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Quezon City. Danny Pata
Closer PH-Japan ties under Takaichi
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday congratulated newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, hailing her as Japan’s first female leader and expressing optimism for stronger bilateral relations between Manila and Tokyo.
“Congratulations to Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on her historic election as Japan’s first female Prime Minister,” President Marcos wrote in his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Her assumption demonstrates Ja-
pan’s firm democratic advocacy and reflects the country’s commitment to progress and representation,” he added.
President Marcos said he looks forward to working with Takaichi as the Philippines and Japan prepare to mark
the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
“I look forward to working with her in commemorating the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026, and in deepening the Strengthened Strategic Partnership for the peace and prosperity of our peoples,” Mr. Marcos stated.
The Philippines and Japan established diplomatic ties in 1956 and have since built a close partnership encompassing defense cooperation, infrastructure development, and economic assistance.
Takaichi succeeded Shigeru Ishiba following his resignation. Her election
DOTr chief assures glitch-free NAIA during holidays
By Darwin G. Amojelar
ACTING Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez yesterday inspected the air traffic management center of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP to ensure its reliability and functionality to avoid a repeat of the 2023 New Year technical glitch that affected flights to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and CAAP to make sure aviation operations will be efficient and travel of passengers will be hassle-free especially during All Saints’ Day and the Holiday season.
Acting Secretary Lopez instructed CAAP to perform all necessary measures for repairs and upgrades of the ATMC. “I just want to emphasize that ayaw ko na mangyari what happened last January 1, 2023,” the acting transport chief said.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Cabinet Public Affairs Office
FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE.
‘No plan to revive death penalty’
By Charles Dantes
MALACAÑANG on Wednesday said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not made any decision on whether to revive the death penalty amid renewed public calls to curb corruption and heinous crimes.
Presidential Communications Office
Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President believes that any move to lift the suspension of capital punishment must undergo careful and thorough study.
“So far, the President has not men-
SC says open to Sandiganbayan’s plan on flood cases
By Pot Chavez
SUPREME Court (SC) Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said on Wednesday that any proposal from the Sandiganbayan to expedite pending cases will be immediately reviewed and properly implemented.
“Any suggestions or recommendations coming from the Sandiganbayan to expedite cases involving flood control projects, for sure, we will review immediately and see to it that these are properly implemented and drafted,” he said.
The Chief Justice made this remark during the 3rd anniversary of the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027 (SPJI), the judiciary’s reform and modernization program.
Earlier this week, Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg said they are drafting new rules to speed up the trial of corruption cases.
For his part, Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen said the High Tribunal supports the Office of the Ombudsman and other agencies combating corruption.
“The judiciary has to be impartial. At the end of the day, we will have to receive the evidence. Our assurance is that it will be an application of all the learnings in the SPJI, as well as all the programs when cases are filed not only in the Sandiganbayan, but also in our Regional Trial Courts (RTCs),” Leonen said.
tioned any plan to reimpose the death penalty,” Castro said in a press briefing. “If ever this is considered, it must be studied deeply. We cannot decide hastily because this concerns the integrity of our justice system,” she added.
Castro emphasized the need to strengthen what she called the country’s “five pillars of justice” before any discussion on reinstating capital punishment can move forward.
“We must ensure a clean, fair, and wellfunctioning justice system. We cannot allow decisions to be influenced by past incidents where evidence was allegedly planted or manipulated,” she said.
“If an innocent person were wrongly accused and sentenced to death, that would be a grave injustice,” she added.
Castro reiterated that the Marcos administration remains focused on
strengthening law enforcement, judicial reform, and anti-corruption measures.
The Philippines abolished the death penalty in 1987, becoming the first Asian nation to end capital punishment for all crimes. It was restored in 1993 under President Fidel Ramos through Republic Act 7659 amid rising crime, with executions later carried out by lethal injection under Republic Act 8177. President Joseph Estrada declared a moratorium in 2000, which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo upheld. In 2006, Arroyo signed Republic Act 9346, permanently repealing the death penalty.
MISDECLARED CARROTS. Bureau of Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla inspects three containers of misdeclared fresh carrots from China, valued at P13.2 million, seized at the Port of Manila. The shipment, declared as toiletries and napkins, arrived on October 2. Norman Cruz
IN BRIEF
DAR intensifies land distribution to hit target
THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is ramping up operations nationwide this October to meet its goal of distributing 400,000 hectares of agricultural land to qualified beneficiaries by 2025.
DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III said the agency is in full swing following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to fast-track the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
Estrella said October is a crucial month as DAR accelerates land validation, documentation, and titling activities across the country. Field offices are working closely with the Land Registration Authority, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Land Bank of the Philippines, and local governments to complete documentation under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling project.
From October to December, DAR will lead nationwide land title distributions, award certificates of condonation and release of mortgage (COCROMs), and provide farm machinery and equipment to agrarian reform beneficiaries. As of August, DAR has distributed 242,883 titles covering 305,944 hectares to 232,098 beneficiaries. Rio N. Araja
PH reaffirms support for Timor-Leste’s bid
FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for Timor-Leste’s upcoming membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its capacity-building programs. She made the statement following talks with Timor-Leste Foreign Minister Bendito Dos Santos Freitas on strengthening bilateral cooperation. Lazaro said the Philippines would continue to assist through the Technical Cooperation Institute and Council of the Philippines, particularly in livestock and fisheries. “Timor-Leste’s inclusion strengthens regional development, benefiting the entire Southeast Asian region,” she said.
Customs to auction off Discaya luxury cars
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) will auction off 13 luxury vehicles worth over ₱250 million seized from contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya after finding irregularities in their importation documents. The auction is scheduled for November 15, 2025.
BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Maranilla said the cars— including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce models—were discovered during raids by the BOC Intelligence Group and Philippine National Police. The couple allegedly used shell import firms to evade duties and taxes. Vito Barcelo
Senate moves to trim 2026 budget, tighten oversight on spending
By Ram Superable
SENATE President Vicente Sotto III vowed to deliver what he described as the “cleanest budget yet” as the chamber works on the proposed 2026 national budget.
Sotto said that the Senate’s version of the General Appropriations Bill will remain closely aligned with the National Expenditure Program (NEP) to
Majority of Filipinos trust AFP—survey
By Katrina Manubay
A SIGNIFICANT majority — 73 percent — of Filipino adults trust the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and are satisfied with its performance, resulting in a net trust rating of +66 and a net performance rating of +68, according to an OCTA survey.
The latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey showed that support for the AFP is strongest in Mindanao (84 percent) and the National Capital Region (82 percent).
In regions such as BARMM, MIMAROPA, Caraga, and the Zamboanga Peninsula, the AFP recorded near-universal trust and satisfaction.
OCTA said these results suggest that the consistently high levels of public trust and satisfaction with
the AFP’s performance may be linked to perceptions of its integrity, effective service delivery, and its apolitical and professional character as an institution.
The survey also revealed that an overwhelming 83 percent of Filipino adults agree that the West Philippine Sea is vital to the country’s maritime entitlements and must be defended, yielding a net agreement rating of +81. Support was strongest in Metro Manila (93 percent) and Mindanao (87 percent).
Additionally, 78 percent of Filipino adults believe the AFP can effectively defend the country from external threats, achieving a net agreement rating of +75.
Furthermore, 80 percent of adults support the AFP’s ongoing security partnerships with the United States and other like-minded nations, with only 1 percent expressing disagreement.
avoid hidden amendments.
“There will not be any insertions after second reading. We will not allow it to happen — not during our watch,” he said.
Sotto added that the Senate will hold open bicameral conferences, which will be livestreamed to the public for the first time, to promote transparency and accountability. According to him, the chamber plans to pass a
budget lower than the ₱6.793-trillion proposal submitted by the administration.
If approved, it would be the first time in Philippine history that Congress enacts a national budget smaller than the executive’s NEP proposal. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who heads the Senate finance subcommittee on public works, previously flagged potential overpricing in DPWH projects.
Clergy for Good Governance convenor Fr. Roberto P. Reyes, with Fr. Choi Gliponeo and Msgr. Jerry Bitoon, speaks during a press conference at Serviam Hall, EDSA Shrine, Quezon City, on October 22. The group of priests and bishops urged the government to fast-track cases against those involved in alleged flood control fund anomalies. Manny Palmero
OPINION
The people always pay
IT LOOKS a lot like déjà vu.
I came back to the country in late 1981, and as instructed by Ninoy Aquino in Boston, went to Doy Laurel. To cut a long story short, I was soon devoting full time to a nascent opposition grouping of “traditional” politicians, many Nacionalistas, Liberals, some even from the so-called “progressives.”
We started with what I called “truth rallies” in the key capitals of the country, and I wrote a pamphlet titled “Over-spending, Over-taxing, Over-borrowing and Overstealing,” and laid it at the doorsteps of the Marcos administration.
At that time, the economy was beginning to reach debt-crisis levels, and ordinary folks were beginning to question a dictatorship far too long in power, and scandalized by the lifestyles of the high and mighty.
Ninoy came back despite warnings by both enemies and friends, and was dastardly murdered in the airport.
We met him with banners proclaiming, “Hindi Ka Nag-iisa.” A week after, the Left came up with an instant movement, “Justice for Aquino, Justice for All” (JAJA), which lumped the deaths of rebels and victims of human rights violations alongside the death of Ninoy.
Still, it took two and a half years of protest rallies and wide-spreading agitation before the dictatorship fell, with a little help from Uncle Sam in the final months.
Historical digression does not give the right timeline parallels.
Social media was non-existent then.
These days, it is the king of communications. Knowledge is power, even if sometimes fake news deceives.
Cory had her chance after Ferdinand I, but instead of revolutionary change, she gave us a democratic space that was ruled by traditional politicians and an economy dominated by the few.
Succeeding leaders preserved the new status quo, some introducing reforms, some others dismantling the same.
But corruption persisted, with brief interludes of less, and long periods of excess, even as we changed presidents and elected the same dynasts in the legislature and the local governments.
As we keep quoting, “plus ca change…”
Through all these episodes over almost four decades, it is always the people who pay.
Politicians and oligarchs use “other people’s money” (OPM) through behest loans, through peddling influence, through misuse and abuse of taxpayer money, yet they get away with it.
Poverty is endemic, with the rich getting richer and the poor forever poor.
The middle class is a fast-vanishing breed, crushed by inflation defeating legitimate earnings with meager savings depleted by the need to survive.
It’s still the same old story -- government Over-spending, Over-taxing, Overborrowing and Over-stealing.
Except now, under Ferdinand II, the
over-borrowing has reached cataclysmic heights, the over-spending too, but the over-stealing is Olympian in scale.
Yet, it is the people who always pay.
There were hopes that Cory with her international stature as the “darling” of democracy, could prevail against the gnomes of H Street in DC and Wall Street in NY, to write off some of the “legacy” indebtedness, but, Shylocks never change. “Democracy pays no dividends,” Cory famously said.
How can Congress exact new taxes from an angry public, where people have realized they always pay, yet get nothing?
We the people have kept paying. And on top of Ferdinand I’s legacy debt, succeeding leaders burdened us more, especially with a Congress of dynasts and celebrities whose hunger for “liempo” is never sated.
In the 19th Congress, what seemed tolerable because less greedy was brought to Olympian heights through budgetary manipulation from “leadership funds” which were built-in pork in collusion with the DBM which crafts the “president’s budget,” further multiplied by “’insertions” unprogrammed allocations through bicameral sleight-of-hand.
All these transpired under the watch, or better yet, non-watch of a popularly elected president whose trust levels have all but disappeared.
Shocked by the results of a mid-term senatorial derby where his “llamado” allstar Alyansa ng Bagong Luma team was humiliated, he is “transforming” himself with coaching from an American “strategist,” first through “Mahiya naman kayo” followed by pre-arranged, media-covered inspection trips and “town-hall” consultation-kuno events while his Cabinet attributed everything they do to “Utos ni Pangulo.”
Leadership changes in the HoR and the “once-august” chamber have not inspired.
A spokeswoman full of braggadocio and prevaricated claims delivered combatively has only gained scorn for the boss.
Five press secretaries in three years have failed to stem the tide of public disapproval of one who his predecessor Duterte once described as a “spoiled rich kid” bereft of “malasakit.”
The debt has reached almost 18 trillion, even without a pandemic-induced lockdown. The annual budget has reached over-spending limits, and for what?
The gnomes suggest new taxes, but how can Congress exact these from an angry public, where people have realized they always pay, yet get nothing?
Recovering the loot
PART of the demand of an outraged public is the recovery of the stolen loot from those who conspired to steal the funds intended for flood control.
Conspiracy because the money could not have been stolen only by the contractors or the DPWH officials but includes everyone in the money trail. This process therefore will not only be very tricky but complicated as well. And to add to the problem, this will divert the attention to the more important effort at hand and that is to identify the culprits and then prosecute them which in itself will take time.
If part of the attention will be focused on recovering the loot, a good guide is the well-researched findings of Senator Ping Lacson, about the distribution of how a particular project fund is divided. It shows how many per cent of the project fund went to whom.
We have learned, for instance, that after all the shares have been distributed to every participating individual or agency, only about 35 to 40 per cent of the allotted money for a particular project will actually go to the project construction. So, will the 60 to 65 per cent that went to the pockets of some people be the
only amount that will be recovered or the entire amount?
I would think that the ICI’s technical committee will also have to determine exactly how much money will have to be recovered which is the tricky part.
Work on the conviction first and when that is done, the loot will be easier to recover
Then they will have to determine how much exactly went to the politician, contractor, DPWH personnel and the other people involved in the processing and release of funds.
How much exactly was spent for the project will also have to be computed unless it is a ghost project wherein all the money all went to the corrupt individuals and therefore should all be recovered.
When it comes to complications, since it is obvious that a lot of lawmakers are into this mess, is the Palace really
EDITORIAL
PH democracy nearing dead-end?
ACCORDING to Pulse Asia’s latest survey, an alarming 97 percent of Filipinos now believe corruption is widespread, and 59 percent see it as a “normal” part of politics.
This normalization is not just a crisis of governance but also a crisis of national conscience.
In a democracy, public trust is what keeps institutions alive.
But what happens when that trust is suffocated by decades of impunity, scandal, and systemic abuse?
The latest opinion survey offers a sobering answer: Almost all Filipinos consider corruption as too far-reaching, and more than half now see it as par for the course in Philippine politics.
This is not just a statistic but a clear warning that we must move decisively.
When corruption becomes normalized, accountability becomes optional. When citizens expect graft as a matter of course, outrage gives way to resignation. And when resignation takes root, reform dies quietly in the shadows.
The timing of this survey is no coincidence. It was conducted just days after the Sept. 21 “Trillion-Peso March,” the largest protest under the Marcos Jr. administration, sparked by revelations of massive corruption in flood control
prepared for the consequences of what will happen like for instance congressional work grounding to a halt?
As I have written two columns ago, the country cannot afford to prolong this drama that is going on because we are already suffering from the negative effects of the investigations.
Our corruption notoriety which is not already the best has gone off the roof affecting our international standing which is embarrassing us to no end.
This flood control brouhaha cannot simply be the focus of the nation’s attention while the country is being wracked with a series of very strong earthquakes from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao which is something that we have never witnessed before.
Furthermore, instead of some kind of unity in the face of all these natural calamities, our warring political factions
projects.
Whistleblowers allege ghost projects, rigged bidding, and billions siphoned off while communities drown in preventable floods.
This moment demands more than ad hoc investigative bodies and soundbites
In response, the President created an independent commission to investigate corruption allegations in infrastructure. What’s most disturbing is not just the scale of corruption, but the creeping sense of inevitability.
Fifty-nine percent of Filipinos now believe corruption is simply part of how politics works here. This belief is
continue their nonstop political bickerings.
The Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President continue to attack each other which is perhaps one of the reasons why both their approval ratings have gone down.
There should be time for everything.
When the country is reeling due to earthquakes and typhoons, sana, tigil muna ang labanan to attend to those severely affected by the calamities. That is a sign of political maturity. But it seems our leaders are devoid of that and it’s a shame.
We are now reading that the Office of the Ombudsman will investigate suspicious flood control and other infrastructure projects dating back to 2016. If that is really what the government intends to do, this government will not be doing anything else but investigate.
alarming because it tells young people that integrity is unimportant, that public service is a racket, and that the system cannot be changed.
We must reject the myth that corruption is cultural or inevitable. It is not.
Rather, it is a choice enabled by weak institutions, opaque procurement, dynastic monopolies, and a lack of citizen oversight. And like any choice, it can be unmade.
This moment demands more than ad hoc investigative bodies and soundbites.
It demands structural reform: full transparency in infrastructure spending, protection for whistleblowers, participatory budgeting, and independent citizen audits.
It demands civic education that teaches the next generation not just to vote, but to question, to organize, and to hold power to account.
Most of all, it demands that we stop treating corruption as “normal.” Because the moment we accept that lie, we lose the will to fight it.
The latest survey, in fact, should be a wake-up call for government to take firm moves and file charges against those responsible for graft and corruption, no matter how high up in the official hierarchy, and sentence them to long jail terms if found guilty.
The current flood control mess is huge and complicated enough as it is without having to take cases going back nine years ago.
This government should first finish what it started before taking additional work.
Maybe the Office of the President should study why the President’s trust rating instead of going up for exposing all these flood control shenanigans, actually went down.
His advisers should therefore as they say “go to the balcony” and take another look at this whole mess and see if a recalibration of the way it is being handled is in order before it does more harm to the President than good.
And how about the loot recovery?
Work on the conviction first and when that is done, the loot will be easier to recover.
IN BRIEF
Melania’s crypto architects accused of fraud
NEW YORK – The designers of a cryptocurrency launched by US First Lady Melania Trump in January were accused in court filings on Tuesday of organizing the operation knowing that the digital currency’s value would plummet.
The $MELANIA coins were released for just a few cents each on January 19, the day before her husband Donald Trump was inaugurated as president of the United States. Within hours, the $MELANIA coin’s price had soared to $13.73. However, it then collapsed almost as quickly, and is now only worth around 10 cents -- less than one percent of its peak price. In newly filed court papers, investors accuse the executives of the Meteora cryptocurrency exchange platform, on which $MELANIA was initially traded, of setting up a scheme that allowed them to indirectly purchase large quantities of this virtual coin.
Their accomplices then quickly resold these digital currencies, pocketing substantial profits while causing the price to plummet, according to documents filed Tuesday in Manhattan federal court and initially reported by the news website Wired. AFP
Trump: Justice Dep’t likely owes me damages
WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump said Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time) the Department of Justice likely owed him damages, after a report that he was seeking millions of dollars in compensation for past investigations.
The New York Times reported that lawyers for the Republican were demanding around $230 million in compensation for federal probes into him before he was elected president for a second time.
“That decision would have to go across my desk. And it’s awfully strange to make a decision where I’m paying myself,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about the report.
“But I was damaged very greatly.”
Trump added of the Department of Justice that “they probably owe me a lot of money -- if I get money from our country, I will do something nice with it like to give it to charity or give it to the White House.” Trump has launched a series of legal cases against media firms and other organizations he accuses of bias against him, in some cases winning huge sums. AFP
Trump brushes off White House demolition critics like Clinton
WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time) brushed off criticism over the demolition of part of the White House to build a new ballroom, saying the sound of the construction work was “music to my ears.”
Democrats including former first lady Hillary Clinton accused the Republican of failing to respect the presidential mansion after excavators tore off the facade of the building’s East Wing.
“We’re building a world-class ballroom,” Trump told a lunch for Republican senators at the White House as the grind-
name for the Paracel Islands.
It was the latest in a string of episodes between China and Australia in the increasingly contested airspace and shipping lanes of Asia. AFP
ing and beeping of machinery could be heard in the background.
“You probably hear the beautiful sound of construction to the back. You hear that sound? Oh, that’s music to my ears. I love that sound.”
The 79-year-old property mogul also said taxpayers would not pay for any of
WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump said Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time) he had shelved plans for a summit in Budapest with Russia’s Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war because he did not want a “wasted” meeting.
Trump’s reversal came just days after he announced that he would meet Putin in the Hungarian capital within two weeks, following what he called a productive phone call to end Russia’s war.
The US leader pressured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to give up the eastern Donbas region in exchange for peace during “tense” talks last Friday in Washington, a senior Ukrainian official told AFP.
But on Tuesday, a White House official said that there were now “no plans for President Trump to meet with President Putin in the immediate future” despite the Budapest announcement.
“I don’t want to have a wasted meeting,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked why the Putin encounter had been put on ice. “I don’t want to have a waste of time, so I’ll see what happens.”
Asked by an AFP journalist what had changed his mind, Trump said: “A lot of things are happening on the war front. And we’ll be notifying you over the next two days as to what we’re doing.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also called off an expected meeting to arrange the Budapest summit after speaking by phone on Monday, the White House said.
the $250-million plan. “When I hear that sound it reminds me of money. In this case it reminds of lack of money because I’m paying for it,” he said of the demolition noise.
Trump has said that he is partly funding work on the giant ballroom while private and corporate donors will cover the rest.
Last week, Trump hosted a glitzy dinner for donors with guests including several top US tech firms, but the White House has not released a list yet or given any figures.
AFP journalists saw demolition work under way for a second day on the East Wing, which is where the offices of US first ladies are located.
One former occupant of the East Wing led criticism of Trump’s project. “It’s not his house. It’s your house. And he’s destroying it,” said former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, whose husband Bill Clinton was president from 1993 to 2001, and who lost to Trump in the 2016 election.
Other Democrats compared it to Trump’s own radical efforts to reshape the federal government and target his political opponents.
“The demolition of the East Wing feels very symbolic of what Trump is doing to our democracy,” Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono said on X. “He’ll lie about protecting it, then destroy it right in front of your face.” AFP
KIRYAT GAT, Israel – US Vice President JD Vance expressed “great optimism” the Gaza truce would hold, ahead of a meeting Wednesday in Jerusalem with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Vance is in Israel to shore up support for the US-brokered ceasefire and post-war reconstruction plans.
Despite concerns in Israel that Hamas has seized on the pause to reassert itself in Gaza, Vance said Washington would not set a deadline for the group to disarm under the US-brokered deal.
That came after US President Donald Trump warned that allied nations in the region would invade Gaza to wipe out Hamas if it failed to comply with the truce.
“What we’ve seen the past week gives me great optimism the ceasefire is going to hold,” Vance said during a press conference in Kiryat Gat, a city in southern Israel where a US-led mission is monitoring the Gaza ceasefire.
“I think that everybody should be proud of where we are today. It’s going to require constant effort. It’s going to require constant monitoring and supervision,” he added. Vance is to meet Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu, on Wednesday in Jerusalem. There have been tensions over the implementation of the ceasefire, with Hamas saying it needs time and technical assistance to find the remaining dead Israeli hostages under the rubble of the Gaza Strip. AFP
Trump has counted on personal chemistry with Putin to reach a Ukraine peace deal, but has found himself frustrated time and again by the Russian leader. AFP
first
ballistic
continental ballistic missile at a military parade attended by top officials from Russia and China.
Pyongyang has said that the strike range of the new Hwasong-20 “knows no bounds”.
In September, Kim oversaw a test of a solid-fuel engine used for long-range nuclear missiles.
State media said it was the ninth and final test of the
with caveats that the United States give up its “delusional” demand that Pyongyang relinquish its nuclear arsenal. North Korea this month showed off what it called its “most powerful” inter-
PH Embassy in Kuwait warns vs. prevalent online scams
By Katrina Manubay
THE Philippine Embassy in Kuwait has warned against various scams and fraudulent activities that continue to target members of the Filipino community, notably the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in this country.
In a social media post, the embassy said these scams often deceive victims into sending money or personal information.
“These scams prey on the trust and goodwill of Filipinos and often promise quick financial gain, job opportunities, or assistance, only to deceive victims into sending money or personal information,” the post stated.
The usual con games included online romance, fake investment and money-making offers, job and visa fraud, courier or package scams, and bogus fund-raising drives.
The embassy reminded Filipinos to stay vigilant and take preventive measures against scams, advising them not to send money or share personal details such as passport numbers, bank accounts, or OTPs (one-time passwords) with strangers.
It also urged the public to verify job offers and agencies through official government channels, avoid suspicious links or pages offering unrealistic financial opportunities, and report suspected scams to the Embassy or Kuwaiti authorities.
The embassy further encouraged the Filipino community to educate fellow OFWs and help promote caution, especially when using social media or messaging apps.
More than 940 LGUs go digital, DILG says
By Vince Lopez
IN keeping with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for full digital transformation of the government, more than 940 local government units across the country have adopted the Electronic Local Government Unit (eLGU) system, a unified platform that brings essential public services online.
Developed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) under the eGov PH Super App, the eLGU system allows residents to apply for business, building, and work permits; secure community tax certificates and civil registry documents; as well as obtain barangay business clearances, all in
THE structural debris recently spotted at Panatag (Scarborough Shoal) were built by the Philippines, not by any foreign country, according to the Philippine Navy.
Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy’s spokesman for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) made this clarification following the release by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) of satellite images showing the structural debris at Panatag Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc. “What is clear is that these are the remnants of structures of the Philippines in the 80s and the 90s, and these were not built or established by any foreign power on Scarborough Shoal,” Trinidad said in a regular military briefing. Trinidad, however, declined to give more details about the matter. Trinidad earlier said there were “building blocks” spotted in the shoal back when there was still a US military base in the country.
During that time, he said the sandbank was used as a bombing range by the armed forces of the Philippines and the United States.
He also said in 1997, there was a marker — a steel structure — erected by China at the shoal, but was later blown up by the Philippine Navy. On Nov. 3, 1999, the Philippine Navy ship BRP Benguet ran aground at Panatag, but it was later extricated on Nov. 29, according to the military.
one place, anytime anywhere.
To accelerate the shift to digital governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched the eLGU Island-Wide Caravan nationwide.
Through this initiative, additional 344 LGUs have pledged to adopt the system, with 134 now under-
going training and integration to ensure smooth implementation in their communities.
As of the latest report, 41 cities and 901 municipalities were already using the eLGU system.
The DILG also reported that 1,506 LGUs now meet the standards for processing new business permits, while 1,503 comply with renewal requirements, making it easier for entrepreneurs and small businesses to operate and grow.
The DILG said it remained committed to building a government that is transparent, responsive, and people-centered. Through the eLGU system, technology becomes a bridge that connects every Filipino to faster, simpler, and more accessible public service, it added.
Northern Samar town officially declared insurgency-free
CATARMAN, the capital town of Northern Samar, has been officially placed under a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) condition, making it “insurgency-free” after years of sustained peace-building efforts.
The declaration highlighted the town’s success in restoring and maintaining peace and order through the initiatives of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC), headed by Mayor Dianne Rosales.
“This SIPS declaration is not the end but a new beginning — a pledge to preserve and give importance to the peace that we have achieved,” Rosales said during the declaration ceremony.
Lt. Col. Jayson Que, commander of the Philippine Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion, said the declaration was the result of strong collaboration
among the local government, security forces, and residents, adding that the challenge now is to sustain the peace that has been achieved.
The ceremony’s highlight was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Catarman local government, the Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police, symbolizing their shared commitment to maintaining peace and security.
A symbolic release of white doves and the signing of the wall of commitment capped the event, reflecting the unity of local officials, barangay leaders, and private citizens in preserving stability and promoting development in the municipality.
is the most populous town
IN BRIEF
welcomes 382 basic course graduates
Graduation ceremony for the
recruits who consisted the Naragsilang Class 73 was held Oct. 13 at the Naval Station Leovigildo Grantioqui in San Antonio, Zambales.
The event marked a major milestone for the graduates, signifying the culmination of their six-month training and the beginning of their careers as enlisted personnel in the Regular Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The batch is composed of 367 male and 15 female graduates, hailing from different regions of the country, 257 of them from Luzon, 32 from the Visayas, and 93 from Mindanao. Rex Espiritu
DSWD sends P20-m aid for ‘Ramil’ victims
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided over P20 million in humanitarian aid, including 26,000 boxes of family food packs (FFPs), to families hit by Tropical Storm ‘Ramil’ in Western Visayas and other regions.
“We expect these numbers to increase,” Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao of the Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG) said in a radio interview.
Dumlao, concurrent DSWD’s spokesperson, said the amount of humanitarian aid included 26,000 boxes of family food packs (FFPs) already distributed to affected localities as augmentation support to ensure that the basic needs of internally displaced persons (IDP) are met.
The bulk of the total FFPs dispatched comprising 21,000 boxes were sent to Western Visayas, specifically in the provinces of Capiz and Iloilo which bore the brunt of storm Ramil. Maricel V. Cruz
LTO shifts to high gear PUV road safety checks
THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) is intensifying its “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos! Undas 2025” operations, with hundreds of public utility vehicles undergoing thorough roadworthiness inspections across major terminals nationwide on the third day of the campaign.
LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao ordered the full deployment of LTO enforcement teams across regions to ensure the safety and convenience of travelers during the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day observance to strengthen public safety measures and prevent road accidents during the usual surge of travellers.
“As we anticipate the increase of passengers this Undas season, the LTO is committed to making sure that all public transport vehicles are safe and roadworthy,” he said.
“We urge operators and drivers to cooperate fully and prioritize the safety of every Filipino traveler,” he added. Rio N. Araja
Catarman
in the Northern Samar with nearly 98,000 residents. Rex Espiritu
NEW NAVY RECRUITS. Having hurdled their back-breaking basic training course, these 382 face tougher times ahead as full-fledged members of the Philippine Navy. Photo is taken during their graduation ceremonies at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui in San Antonio, Zambales on Oct. 13. Navy photo
COME ON IN, THE WATER’S… MURKY. Boys will be boys, and they enjoy cavorting at the Zapote River, never mind if it is is inky dark with silt and trash, and with more than enough bacteria to pose imminent risks to their health. Dennis Abrina
SEIZED SMUGGLED CIGARETTES. The Philippine Navy’s Western Mindanao Naval Command makes a big haul of smuggled cigarettes seized from a shing boat intercepted o Basilan Island in Mindanao. Navy photo
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Concepcion, Lam grind to the top
DAVAO City—On a day marked by shifting fortunes and hard-earned gains, James Ryan Lam and Fidel Concepcion carved out a pair of 70s to seize the joint lead midway through the P3.5 million ICTSI Apo Golf Classic here on Wednesday.
Avaricio pulls away at ICTSI Apo Classic
DAVAO City—Chanelle Avaricio is no longer looking back.
Armed with a hot start, steely focus and the painful memory of a missed opportunity just last week, Avaricio roared into a commanding lead at the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic –and this time, she’s intent on finishing what she started.
Determined to atone for her late-round meltdown at Del Monte, where a five-shot lead dissolved into a heartbreaking playoff loss to Sarah Ababa, Avaricio delivered a masterclass in course management and clutch execution at the demanding Apo Golf and Country Club here on Wednesday.
She fired a superb four-under-par 68, punctuated by an eagle-2 on the very first hole, to break away from the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour field with a whopping eight-shot lead at the halfway mark.
“My short game really carried me today – especially the putting,” said Avaricio, whose four-under 140 total kept her safely ahead of Princess Superal, who pooled a 148 after a 73.
Despite holding a commanding lead, Avaricio isn’t taking anything for granted – especially after struggling to close out strongly at Del Monte.
“No changes, but I’ll play my best and hope for the best,” said Avaricio, who dominated the Forest Hills leg last June.
She was on the verge of replicating that performance at Del Monte but faltered down the stretch, losing her rhythm and composure. Still, she’s taking the setback in stride and remains confident heading into the final round.
“It’s the same situation as last week. I know I have a good chance, but anything can happen. All I can do is focus on playing well tomorrow,” she added.
For Avaricio, playing well goes beyond just keeping her drives in the fairway.
“It’s all about shot placement – starting off the tee, hitting more greens in regulation, and hopefully sinking those putts,” she said.
The 2025 season has seen flashes of brilliance from Avaricio, but her stunning collapse at Del Monte – where she surrendered a five-shot advantage on the back nine and lost to Ababa in sudden death – had the potential to derail her confidence. Instead, it fueled her resolve.
Facing the punishing demands of the fabled Apo Golf and Country Club layout, Lam and Concepcion again matched outputs for the second straight day in separate flights, tallying identical 141s over 36 holes – marking a rare return to the top of the Philippine Golf Tour leaderboard for both. Lam showed grit and poise while playing alongside veteran Elmer Salvador. He fired three birdies against a lone bogey, nearly adding another on No. 2, before a failed up-and-down on the par-3 fourth slowed his charge. He scrambled through the rest of the round, settling for a 36-34 card.
“It’s a day-long grind,” said Lam, visibly spent after his round. “You really need to hit it better on this course. I’m just lucky I managed to keep my score together.”
The Apo Golf course remains a brutal test, with its narrow fairways, penal roughs and slick greens punishing even the most seasoned players. Familiarity offers no guarantees – locals haven’t been spared from its challenges either. Concepcion, who struggled with three costly three-putts in the opening round, avoided that pitfall this time. “I didn’t have any three-putts today, so that’s a plus,” he said. “My birdie putts were much closer, and I even holed a long one – about 25 to 30 steps – on No. 8.”
Despite the demanding conditions, Concepcion said he has no plans to adjust his strategy.
a masterclass in course management and clutch execution, ring a superb four-under-par 68, punctuated by an
on
PH women’s curling squad on a roll, boosts world tilt bid
By Peter Atencio
THE Dubberstein sisters, Kathleen and Leilani, pushed the Philippine women’s team further into the lead of Group B in the ongoing 2025 Pan Continental Curling Championships.
Their efforts saw the Filipinas prevailing in a close game with Kazakhstan, 8-6, for their third straight win in the tournament, also known as the 2025 United States Steel Pan Continental Curling Championships.
The Dubbersteins, along with their teammates Jessica Byers and Lindsey Schmaltz, took charge after the fifth end, scoring on a stone for a 7-4 advantage.
The 31-year-old Kathleen and Leilani made a splash in
2014 when they competed in the United States Junior Championships, and earned a silver medal.
The Wisconsin-based Dubbersteins and their crew are now ahead of Hong Kong, which posted win no. 2 after repelling Brazil, 10-2.
The Filipinas earlier beat Brazil, 13-5, and Puerto Rico, 8-6.
Team Philippines is seeking qualification to the World Championships, with their bid starting in the 2026–27 curling season.
Meanwhile Calgary’s Team Brad Jacobs continued its winning ways by turning back the Philippines’ Team Marc Pfister, 10-3, to improve to 2-0 in early mens Group A round-robin play over at Virginia, Minnesota.
The Canadians were in control over the Philippine team, taking a 4-1 lead after four ends.
With teammates Christian Haller, Enrico Pfister, Brayden Carpenter and Alan Frei, the Philippines will make a bid to qualify for the 2026 World Curling Championships, along with the Canadians.
PH eyes Asian Youth Games’ hosting in ‘31
THE Philippines is taking a bold step to stage one of the biggest youth sports competitions in the world as it seeks the hosting rights for the Asian Youth Games (AYG).
“Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino said on Wednesday that the Asian Youth Games will be held biennially moving forward, with the next edition after 2029 potentially taking place in 2031
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said on Wednesday that the AYG will be held biennially moving forward, with the next edition after 2029 taking place in 2031.
Tolentino says it could be held in the Philippines—if the government lends its support.
“Kung ba-back-up-an ako ng government,” said Tolentino.
The Olympic Council of Asia held its 101st Executive Board meeting at the Art Hotel and Resort in Manama before the opening rites of the Asian Youth Games on Wednesday at the Exhibition World Bahrain.
Tolentino, an OCA Executive Board
member, is again calling for teamwork at home, saying it will provide many young Filipino athletes with a chance to reach the bigger stage.
“May pupuntahan talaga ang mga atleta sa Palaro, Batang Pinoy, ‘yung grassroots talaga,” Tolentino said.
“Nag-heads up ako eh, it’s up to government. Dalawa ‘yung hineads up ko—if you want, we’re being considered—Asian Beach Games and AYG,” Tolentino added.
The 2025 AYG in Bahrain officially opened on Wednesday evening, marking the start of the major youth sporting spectacle featuring over 4,300 athletes competing across 253 events in 24 sports.
The Philippines has a 141-strong delegation competing in volleyball, teqball, golf, triathlon, mixed martial arts, taekwondo, muay, athletics, boxing, cycling, weightlifting, table tennis, badminton, wrestling, swimming, jiujitsu, and kurash.
Kram Airam Carpio delivered the first gold for the Philippines, winning the
Silat girls’ 51–55 kg division with a 33–19
over
late Monday.
Qiken Dwi Tata
Pencak
victory
Indonesia’s
Olifia
POC president Bambol Tolentino speaks with Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal, the Minister of Sports of Saudi Arabia during the 101st Olympic Council of Asia Executive Board Meeting at the Art Hotel and Resort in Manama, Bahrain. POC Pool
Fidel Concepcion Manny Marcelo
Members of the Pinay curling team
Chanelle Avaricio delivered
eagle-2
the very rst hole, to break away from the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour eld with a whopping eight-shot lead at the halfway mark. Manny Marcelo
BUSINESS
Sweden supports Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas railway study
By Othel V. Campos
THE government of Sweden, through Swedfund International, has extended a P12-million grant to the Philippines to advance the flagship Subic-ClarkManila-Batangas (SCMB) railway project, a key component of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).
The grant, formalized in an agreement signed by Swedfund International and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), will fund a feasibility study focused on signaling systems and operational models for the SCMB Railway.
The railway is the anchor infrastructure of the LEC, designed to connect the major ports of Subic, Manila and Batangas to strengthen logistics and trade across Luzon.
Secretary Frederick Go, the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, said during the agreement’s presentation at Malacañang that the partnership “advances the
President’s vision of developing globally competitive logistics infrastructure that will drive investment and inclusive growth.”
Go said the SCMB Railway is envisioned to be a transformative project that will modernize freight transport, boost trade efficiency, and generate jobs across the region.
Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Anna Ferry lauded the collaboration. “This agreement with the Department of Transportation is a remarkable example of synergies between public and private efforts.
We are proud to support the Philippines’ development goals with Swedish technology and expertise in transportation, and to help drive sustainable growth and opportunity,” she said.
DOTr acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez expressed gratitude for Sweden’s assistance, noting that the project would strengthen the country’s logistics and supply chain by providing a dedicated freight system
linking key ports with industrial and economic zones.
“Once realized, it will reduce logistics costs, improve trade efficiency, and advance the administration’s goal of building a more competitive and connected economy,” said Lopez.
The Swedish grant complements funding support extended in June 2025 by the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for related studies on transport modeling, port–rail integration and institutional planning. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will oversee the procurement of consultants for the main feasibility study.
The Luzon Economic Corridor forms part of the trilateral cooperation among the Philippines, Japan and the United States to enhance infrastructure connectivity, promote sustainable industrial development, and drive inclusive economic growth across key growth centers in Luzon.
Sweden,
The
ACCIONA starts building cable-stayed bridge as part of Malolos-Clark railway
SPANISH conglomerate ACCIONA
said it has begun construction on a 300-meter extradosed cable-stayed bridge in San Fernando, Pampanga to serve as a vital link for the MalolosClark railway line. The bridge is part of the second section of the line, which the global company is building with its Korean partner DL E&C. Construction is expected to be finished by August 2027.
Once completed, the new bridge is intended to relieve existing traffic congestion and improve travel efficiency, reducing carbon emissions and supporting the country’s sustainability goals.
The entire Malolos-Clark rail line is a priority project for the Department of Transportation (DOTr), as it will cut travel time between Manila and Clark International Airport to one hour,
preventing the emission of 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) assistant secretary for railways Eduardo Macabulos said the start of the construction of the bridge, which will be a vital link in the rail system, “is another step towards our goal of providing millions of Filipinos with a safe, modern, efficient and sustainable rail system.”
ACCIONA director of Infrastructure in Southeast Asia Rubén Camba also attended the ceremony.
ACCIONA is a global company that provides regenerative solutions for a decarbonized economy, focusing on renewable energy, water treatment, ecoefficient transportation and resilient infrastructure.
The company has been carbon neutral since 2016.
30,000 homebuyers joining National Housing Expo
NEARLY 30,000 potential homebuyers are expected to attend the National Housing Expo as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Pag-IBIG Fund, key government shelter agencies and private developers showcase housing opportunities at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Oct. 23 and 24, 2025. The event serves as a showcase of the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program. More than 100,000 brand-new homes will be on sale through the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan from the top 50 developers in the country, while over 30,000 PagIBIG acquired assets will be offered at discounts of up to 40 percent.
“The National Housing Expo stands as a landmark initiative that unites and brings together the entire housing sector, both government agencies and private institutions alike, in fulfillment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that every Filipino family has access to affordable and decent housing,” said DHSUD Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund chairman Jose Ramon Aliling.
“As part of our National Shelter Month activities this October, we are also holding
regional housing fairs in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Pampanga, Bacolod, Batangas, and General Santos. These events, along with this Expo in Metro Manila, form part of our nationwide push to bring the Expanded 4PH program closer to Filipino families across the country,” he said.
Wisitors will be able to browse exhibits of housing projects in Metro Manila and nearby provinces at the expo. A key feature that distinguishes the expo is that potential homebuyers will be assessed for their PagIBIG housing loan entitlement based on their income, allowing them to identify which properties they can afford through the agency’s affordable loan programs. They will also be able to get direct assistance from Pag-IBIG Fund and attend scheduled learning sessions throughout the two-day event.
Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive Marilene Acosta reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to helping more Filipino workers own homes through affordable and accessible financing.
She said the expo underscores the strong collaboration among housing agencies and the private sector in advancing President Marcos’ vision of inclusive and dignified housing for all.
By Thony Rose Lesaca
conomists at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) see the Philippine economy’s growth to slow in the third quarter of 2025 following the recent typhoons and negative public sentiment stemming from a flood control corruption controversy.
The UA&P, in its October Market Call report, said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth would likely to moderate to 5.2 percent year-on-year in the third quarter from 5.5 percent in the second quarter, before picking up to 5.7 percent in the fourth quarter.
“We project a GDP slowdown to a 5.2 percent [year-on-year] pace in Q3 due to more weather disturbances and the popular uproar over the flood control corruption controversy. However, we expect faster Q4 growth at 5.7 percent [year-on-year] given positive signs of recovery,” the report said.
The UA&P expects full-year GDP growth to average 5.5 percent, which is the lower end of the government’s projections. The Philippine Statistics Authority is scheduled to release the third-quarter economic performance data on Nov. 7, 2025.
Constructive factors cited for the rebound outlook include an improvement in employment figures in August, with the economy generating 4.1 million new jobs month-on-month.
This brought the unemployment rate down to 3.9 percent in August, lower than the 5.3 percent in the previous month and the 4.0 percent figure a year earlier.
The services sector added 1.9 million employees, followed by the agriculture sector with 1.7 million and the industry sector with 477,000
growth forecast for Q3
5.7% 5.5%
growth forecast for Q4
growth forecast for 2025
new hires.
Other positive signs include solid growth in personal remittances from overseas Filipino workers, which rose 3.2 percent to $3.3 billion in August. Export growth was also positive, albeit slower, at 4.6 percent amid higher US tariffs.
government of
through Swedfund International, is extending grant financing for the Subic-Clark-ManilaBatangas (SCMB) railway project. Attending the signing ceremony are Secretary Frederick Go (fifth from left), Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Swedish Ambassador to the Philippines Anna Ferry (sixth from left), Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department Head for Asia, the Pacific and Latin America Daniel Wolvén, Sweden’s Trade Commissioner to the Philippines Johan Lennefalk and Department of Transportation acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
BINONDO
Coseteng: PH-China ties need diplomacy
By Michael Wong Ho
IMPROVING
relations between the Philippines and China requires a foundation of diplomacy, respect and a full grasp of historical facts, according to Nikki Coseteng, who heads the Diliman Educational Corporation.
Coseteng, a former senator, said that a direct, bilateral approach involving only claimant countries is essential for resolving issues like the West Philippine Sea disputes.
“If the Philippines has an issue with China and other claimants, then we must only communicate directly with them, and vice versa,” Coseteng said, urging that “all other nonclaimant countries should be out of the picture and not at all involved in the discussion.”
She advocated for both nations to send their “best minds, experienced individuals with a deep understanding of regional history and the broader global context” to work toward a mutually beneficial outcome.
Coseteng, whose Diliman Preparatory School and Diliman
College have had students learning Mandarin and organizing educational tours to China for the past eight years, also cited the need to move “beyond the stereotypes” of China.
“Many still think of China as poor, unsafe, dictatorial and dirty, but when our students visit, they see something entirely the opposite,” she said.
Coseteng highlighted China’s unique “quick growth in recent years... without invading any other country, engaging in violent conflicts and wars, and imposing their language, religion, system of government on any other people.” The visits, she added, aim to “open minds and bring down the temperature amid ongoing tensions.”
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Chargé d’affaires Zhou Zhiyong, former Senator Nikki Coseteng, DFA Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office Assistant Secretary Marshall Louis Alferez, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Rep. Girlie Veloso, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim and Filipino Chinese Friendship Association president Danny See lead the opening of the photo exhibition and cultural arts performance at Fisher Mall in Quezon City from Oct. 2 to 3, 2025.
Photo exhibit celebrates PH-China friendship
By Julie Ann Lope
THE Filipino Chinese Friendship Association, led by president Danny See, and at the invitation of former senator Nikki Coseteng, hosted the “Golden Ties of Friendship” photo exhibition and cultural arts performance at Fisher Mall in Quezon City from Oct. 2 to 3, 2025.
The event marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China.
The exhibition showcased photographs provided by the Chinese Embassy in Manila, documenting significant historical events that have symbolized the enduring relationship between the two nations over the past five decades.
It highlighted key milestones in diplomatic, cultural and economic ties, and offered visitors a visual journey through
half a century of friendship. Traditional Chinese and Filipino cultural performances, including singing, dancing and fortune-telling were conducted during the event.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Chargé d’affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China Zhou Zhiyong, former senator Nikki Coseteng, DFA Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office assistant secretary Marshall Louis Alferez, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Rep. Girlie Veloso, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim, and Filipino Chinese Friendship Association president Danny See.
The event not only celebrated the longstanding relationship but also emphasized the importance of continued cultural exchange and friendship between the two countries.
Huang Jin Dun named FFCCCII counselor, donates P5m
FEDERATION of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) president Victor Lim announced the appointment of former standing consultant Huang Jin Dun as counselor of the organization during its board meeting on Oct. 14, 2025. Huang expressed his commitment to continue supporting the Filipino-Chinese community and promoting unity and development within society. He has served as FFCCCII’s standing consultant for several terms and is also the chairman of the Philippine Jin Jiang General Association Inc. His extensive contributions to charity, education and disaster relief initiatives have earned him respect and admiration from many sectors.
Huang donated P5 million to bolster FFCCCII’s various projects.
His donation includes P2 million to assist with the organization’s cash flow needs, P1 million allocated for a free medication program, another P1 million for the Filipino Chinese Students Allowance and P1 million dedicated to the Respect Teachers and Respect Values Reward initiative. His contribution is expected to greatly
FFCCCII president Victor Lim (right) announces the appointment of former standing consultant Huang
aid FFCCCII’s ongoing and future projects, reinforcing its mission to serve the community and foster harmony among Filipino Chinese and mainstream society. Michael Wong Ho
On the issue of combating corruption in the Philippines, Coseteng called for strong urgency and political will, stressing that “the certainty of punishment that will make people follow the law and not the gravity of the punishment.” Justice must be carried out to its fullest, she added, “regardless
of power, status, or circumstances surrounding the corrupt practices.”
The former senator described corruption as a “complex system” that is not endemic to Filipino culture but has reached a “very high level of effectivity over the years.”
She criticized the slow pace of investigations into recent infrastructure controversies, noting that even with evidence, “no big fish has yet been charged and arrested.”
“The reason why the wheels of justice seem to turn very slowly is, I suspect, because people are still thinking about protecting certain powerful individuals,” Coseteng said.
She said that “even if the penalty is death, if no one is ever charged, it’s useless.” For change to occur, crimes committed by the poor and the wealthy must be equally addressed before the law.
Coseteng also said that national development and a higher standard of living depend on the importance of education, the acceptance of the highest standards of excellence and a respectable work ethic.
“It’s hard to govern an uneducated people. Leaders must prioritize educating the population,” she said, noting that illiteracy benefits corrupt politicians.
She said that change requires citizens to realize that what is best for the country will ultimately benefit the individual.
FFCCCII to host seminar on livestock industry
THE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc (FFCCCII) is organizing a contract growing forum titled “Turn Your Raw Land into a Profitable Venture: Opportunities in Ari Livestock with MNCs” scheduled for Nov. 6, 2025 at the 8th floor of the Federation building in Binondo, Manila.
The event seeks to promote collaboration and serve as a platform for local partners with undeveloped lots to connect with reputable multinational companies (MNCs) such as Bounty Fresh Group, Charoen Pokphand Foods, Cargill Joy Poultry and San Miguel Foods.
Participants will learn how to leverage verified business models and legal contracts to increase income, while contributing to national food security and rural development efforts.
Keynote speakers, including experts and representatives from the said multinational corporations, will discuss vital topics such as market opportunities, technology access, risk mitigation, obtaining financing and contracting strategies for landowners.
The event offers a valuable opportunity for local landholders to explore partnership possibilities and enhance their agricultural ventures. Julie Ann Lope
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Former Senator Nikki Coseteng, who now heads the Diliman Educational Corporation, underscores the need for diplomacy in improving relations between the Philippines and China.
Jin Dun as counselor of the organization during its board meeting on Oct. 14, 2025.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, JASPER VALDEZ,
Jillian Ward breaks silence on rumors linking her
to Chavit Singson
By Angelica Villanueva
YOUNG actress Jillian Ward has finally addressed long-running rumors linking her to businessman and former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson
In an interview with Boy Abunda on Monday, Oct. 21, the 20-year-old actress firmly denied any connection to him.
“This will be the first and last time I’ll speak about this. Never ko siyang nakilala, never ko siyang nameet, never ko siyang nakausap. Hindi ko alam paano nila nagawa-gawa ‘yung mga kwento,” said Jillian.
The Kapuso star also clarified that she has never met Singson and challenged those spreading the rumors to show real proof.
Kung meron silang sinasabi nilang CCTV footage , ilabas nila. ‘Wag lang AI,” she added. Jillian stressed that everything she has achieved came from her own hard work. She also denied viral claims connecting Singson to her 18th birthday celebration or to her family.
“ Hindi talaga totoo . I never met him, never po kaming nagkausap… Hindi ko nga alam kung kilala niya ako eh. Hindi talaga kami magkakilala ,” Jillian continued.
The actress said she hopes her statement will put an end to the rumors once and for all.
By Jasper Valdez
GMA Network and ABS-CBN Studios are set to premiere a new season of Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) titled Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0 on Oct. 25. The launch coincides with the show’s 20th anniversary and follows the success of the first celebrity collab edition.
This season introduces a new batch of celebrity housemates—all born in 2005, the same year Pinoy Big Brother first aired. The young participants, composed of Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Star Magic talents, will live inside the iconic “Bahay ni Kuya” to build connections, share experiences, and discover more about themselves alongside peers their age.
Star Magic’s Joaquin Arce and Sparkle’s
SHOWBIZ
Ogie Alcasid still gets stage jitters
VEN with decades of experience and countless performances under his belt, Ogie Alcasid before stepping on stage.
Very Wang Nickie Wang
Speaking with Manila Standard Entertainment at a press conference for his upcoming concert with Odette Quesada the singer and songwriter revealed that performing never stops being nerve-racking, no matter how seasoned an artist becomes.
“Many times, I ask myself, ‘Why am I even on stage? What am I doing?’” he said with a laugh. “It’s nerve-wracking. But of course, you can’t let that stop you from doing your job. Like anyone else working, you have to stay composed.” Ogie pointed out that fear has become a motivator rather than a deterrent.
“I guess it’s also become my mantra or life philosophy that when something scares you, you should face it,” he added. “Because if you’re afraid of it, it must mean something to you. It gives meaning to what you’re doing.”
Ogie’s latest project brings him back onstage with hitmaker Odette Quesada for another run of their concert series Q&A . After eight successful shows across the Philippines and the United States, the duo is set to bring the production back “bigger than ever” at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Nov. 7.
“We talked and said, ‘Let’s make it bigger in Manila,’ this is it,” Ogie shared on how the concert came about. “It’s a rehashed-on-steroids Q&A . I was excited to work with Odette. After every show, we always wanted to do more.”
The concert will feature a full Original Pilipino Music (OPM) setlist, including crowd favorites from both artists’ catalogs and special renditions of classics that pay homage to Filipino music legends. Odette will perform a hit by composer Gerry Paraiso , while Alcasid will honor the late rap icon Francis Magalona
“My songs are in their early 40s now. They’ve been out there for about 43 years. To be relevant at this time in my life, to have younger people still listening, is truly a gift,” said Odette, who joined the press conference via Zoom.
Adding to the night’s nostalgia, the Apo Hiking Society will make a special guest appearance, promising a concert steeped in warmth, wit, and timeless OPM melodies.
Presented by NY Entourage Productions and A Team, Q&A promises an evening of laughter, emotion, and heartfelt tributes.
Tickets are available via SM Tickets
Sofia Pablo were introduced on Monday as the first housemates to enter the PBB house. Returning hosts Bianca Gonzales, Robi Domingo, Kim Chiu, Gabbi Garcia, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, Enchong Dee, Alexa Ilacad, and Mavy Legaspi will once again serve as guides throughout the season. The show will also bring back one of its original hosts, whose identity remains a surprise. Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Collab Edition
2.0 airs weeknights at 9:40 p.m., Saturdays at 6:15 p.m. after 24 Oras Weekend , and Sundays at 10:05 p.m. on GMA Network. The program will also be available for online viewing through Kapuso Stream, PBB’s YouTube Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and iWantTFC.
THE Department of Education (DepEd) has expressed its support for TBA Studios’ historical drama Quezon , which is now showing in cinemas nationwide.
The film, directed by Jerrold Tarog and starring Jericho Rosales as Manuel L. Quezon, depicts the former president’s life years after the Philippine Revolution during the American occupation.
In a recent advisory, DepEd encouraged junior and senior high school students and teachers to watch the film and “integrate the film into classroom discussions.”
The department said Quezon aims to “strengthen historical awareness, civic education, and appreciation of the arts among Filipino learners by providing creative, curriculum-aligned tools that make history both relevant and accessible.”
DepEd added that the film offers a “compelling portrait of history while providing timely reflections on governance, leadership, and national identity.”
According to the advisory, Quezon “portrays the life and leadership of President Quezon, highlighting his role in steering the Philippines towards independence.”
The film, which opened in theaters on Oct. 15, serves as the concluding installment of TBA Studios’ “Bayaniverse” trilogy, a series of films inspired by key events in Philippine history. Quezon topped the Philippine box office during its opening week, screening in more than 300 cinemas nationwide. Students and teachers may avail themselves of a special ticket price of P250 by presenting a valid school ID at select participating cinemas.
Jillian
Jericho Rosales (left) and Mon Confiado star in TBA Studios’ historical drama ‘Quezon,’ now showing in cinemas nationwide
Star Magic’s Joaquin Arce is introduced as one of the first celebrity housemates for ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition
Ogie Alcasid shares that he still feels nervous before going onstage despite his decades-long career in music
SHOWBIZ
Japanese Film Festival returns to SM City Manila
IRECENTLY informed a friend that the best vocal take when recording a song is the first take. I said it because just a month ago, September 13 to be exact, I went to downtown Los Angeles, California, to meet my friend Ted Reyes for a proper recording session of a song I wrote.
To both our surprise, I was able to nail the vocal right on the first take. Not that we didn’t have time for another go, but we already high-fived right after that one-stretch overdub.
“You came in prepared, Pare,” reacted Ted after we decided that the vocal on the said take, in spite of a couple of curing, which didn’t affect the fluidity of the performance, was good enough.
His reaction had to do with the fact that we previously recorded a number, “Hosanna Kapiling Ka” (which was my first recording session in America), and on that one I had to sing over and over until we were both satisfied.
LEGENDARY guitars, iconic glasses, and handwritten lyrics from some of the biggest names in music are going under the hammer at a London auction this week.
Taking center stage is Noel Gallagher’s cherry-red Gibson guitar, damaged by his brother Liam during a backstage brawl the night Oasis broke up at the height of their fame in 2009. Reflecting on the row, Noel later told reporters in 2011 that a furious Liam had stormed into the dressing room with the guitar, which he was “wielding like an axe.”
“It’s historic. If you’re an Oasis fan, you look at that guitar, and you immediately know what it is,” music specialist Mark Hochman told AFP at memorabilia specialist Propstore’s auction preview.
“It caused the break-up of the band. Liam smashed it. Noel got in a taxi, and that was it for 16 years,” he added. In 2022, the repaired Gibson was
By Jasper Valdez
THE Japan Foundation Manila has brought back the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) to Philippine theaters this October, featuring a lineup of 12 films that mix beloved classics with acclaimed new releases. Screenings are ongoing at SM Cinema Manila until Oct. 26, with free admission for all viewers.
First held in 1997, JFF has evolved into one of the most anticipated film festivals in the country, attracting approximately 40,000 attendees annually. It is now regarded as the largest Japanese film festival in the world. This year’s theme, “Bridg(e)ing,” highlights films that connect the past and future, humans and technology, body and spirit, and personal stories with collective experiences.
The festival opened with a 4K remaster of Love Letter (1995), Shunji Iwai’s acclaimed debut and one of Japan’s most celebrated romantic films. Other titles include Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1956), the animated classic Ghost in the Shell (1995), Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (2001), A Samurai in Time (2024), the live-action Cells at Work! (2024), and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom (2024). The JFF regional screenings began at SM City Baguio, followed by SM City Cebu, SM Lanang, and SM City Clark before returning to Manila for its final leg at the UP Film Institute and SM City Manila. JFF 2025 is supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, JTI Philippines, Theo and Philo Artisan Chocolates,
‘Sa Mga Lumalaban Nang Patas’ take one
Perhaps because of the same experience—a personal milestone given that it was done in a studio along the iconic Sunset Boulevard—I did rehearse more prior to our Saturday the 13th meet-up.
The song is called “Sa Mga Lumalaban Nang Patas,” which I penned to honor the righteous people who choose to keep their integrity intact in the midst of corruption, temptation, and power abuse.
I remember feeling emotional while doing the take, as if I were performing in front of a live audience and had to give my all. I think it is the proper approach when recording vocals. Most people would say you have to wait until you’ve loosened up enough. But why wait if you can deliver the blow on the first punch?
But first things first, you really have to believe in the song you are singing, that you are the right singer for it, even if there are surely better talents who can give their own spin to it.
Well, it’s not hard to believe when you are singing, “Sa mga lumalaban nang patas/ Saludo
sold for 385,000 euros ($445,000) at an auction in Paris.
But with the British supergroup now in the middle of a record-breaking comeback tour, the instrument is currently expected to fetch up to £500,000 ($668,300).
Noel’s Takamine acoustic guitar, used to record the hit song “Wonderwall”, will also go on the auction block during the sale on Thursday and Friday.
“If you ask anybody, name me an Oasis song... they’re going to say Wonderwall... I think it was the first song from the 90s to reach a billion streams,” said music specialist Richie Moores, who has been collecting Noel’s guitars for 20 years.
The guitars are part of the largest collection of Oasis memorabilia ever to come to auction, worth over £1 million.
With interest in them “growing and growing and growing”, Hochman believes Oasis will become “one of
sa inyo/ Sa mata ng Diyos wagi
ang tulad niyo…”
Someone who later heard the finished product commented, “It is timely.” I can agree, considering what’s happening in the Philippines right now. But acknowledging the efforts of fair people who embrace kindness over discreet evildoing is not time-bound.
There will always be individuals who will do the daily grind and hustle while others keep whining instead of working or staying idle by choice.
Before I got to sing that day, we did guitar and bass sessions, amid some programmed drumming by Ted. That must have given me extra confidence in front of the mic.
A tried-and-tested recording artist himself and the tunesmith behind the classic Himig Handog finalist hit “Bye Bye Na,” Ted suggested that we do the vocals on another day as I might be feeling tired already. True, I was exhausted, as I had to travel to reach his place and then play instruments. But I insisted that we do it anyway, and maybe there would be one fine take among multiple tries.
Ted ultimately did his own arrangement of the song he described as “modern sounding,” which
rightly fit my phrasing and melody. The result is a recording we’re both proud of, as his skills in arranging came in handy and my singing has never been as impassioned, as another friend noted. May I remind you that I’ve been in two bands where I was not the main singer—either by necessity or because I’ve now learned how to use the full power of my voice despite its limitations.
In recording history, there are a bunch of great songs with finished vocal tracks done on the first take.
“Twist and Shout” was covered by The Beatles, with John Lennon singing it in one go because they had been recording an album’s content all day. Same with “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, which he tracked amid a busy shooting schedule. The song won an Oscar.
Other examples are “House of the Rising Sun” (The Animals), “Bette Davis Eyes” (Kim Carnes), “That’s All Right” (Elvis Presley), and “Billie Jean” (Michael Jackson). (“Sa Mga Lumalaban Nang Patas” by YUGEL is now released in digital stores, distributed by NSFU.)
A 4K remaster of Shunji Iwai’s ‘Love Letter’ opened this year’s Japanese Film Festival at SM Cinema Manila
Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘Spirited Away’ is among the featured classics at the Japanese Film Festival
The author records vocals for his new single
Touchbass Yugel Losorata
Single artwork for ‘Sa Mga Lumalaban Nang Patas,’ created by the singer’s animator-brother Rockefeller Losorata
The author (left) with Ted Reyes in downtown Los Angeles after recording the song ‘Sa Mga Lumalaban Nang Patas’
C4 LIFE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ,
Championing holistic wellness
Tim Yap makes wellness stylish with his modern approach to health and balance
By Nickie Wang
TAKING charge of your health doesn’t have to mean drastic changes or rigid routines. It can start with simple, mindful choices that fit perfectly into your daily life.
That’s the idea behind LeanQuick, a wellness gummy introduced by Swiss Proli Natural and endorsed by stylish television host, eventologist, creative, and theater actor Tim Yap. Designed to make holistic health effortless, LeanQuick supports weight goals and overall well-being in an easy, enjoyable way. The product is formulated in Switzerland and proudly made in the Philippines. It combines science-backed ingredients that deliver weight management, heart and liver support, improved immunity, and better digestion in a single apple-flavored gummy. Each piece contains apple cider vinegar—known for aiding digestion and appetite control—along with vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B12, pectin, and natural apple flavors and sweeteners. The product is FDA-approved, ISOcertified, halal, vegan, and gluten-free. Every ingredient serves a purpose: boosting metabolism, curbing cravings and bloating, stabilizing blood sugar for sustained energy, supporting fat metabolism, enhancing focus and mood, and maintaining skin, hair, and overall glow. It also helps convert food into usable energy, promotes faster recovery after
Medical institution, internet f irm team up to boost disaster readiness
By Nickie Wang
PERPETUAL Help
Medical Center (PHMC) and RISE, a leading business-to-business internet service provider, have formalized a strategic partnership to enhance the hospital’s resiliency and capacity to serve the Las Piñas community during calamities.
The partnership was inaugurated on Wednesday at the DALTA Conference Room, coinciding with PHMC’s 50th Anniversary celebration roadmap themed “Golden Year. Greater Heights. Up and Beyond.”
PHMC president Lt. Col. Richard Antonio M. Tamayo said the collaboration with RISE will equip the hospital with robust, high-speed internet connectivity to ensure seamless communication and uninterrupted health service delivery during emergencies.
“Our collaboration with RISE empowers us to enhance our disaster response capabilities, guaranteeing that we can reach and assist our patients without delay, regardless of the situation,” Tamayo told the press during the event.
“Through RISE, we’ll have a digital backbone ensuring that our doctors, nurses, and support teams can continue providing uninterrupted service even in times of crisis. This initiative forms part of our broader modernization roadmap, anchored on our Hospital Information System and Business Continuity Plan,” the executive added.
The hospital’s ongoing initiatives, according to Tamayo, are designed to safeguard lives, sustain essential operations, and enable rapid recovery in the face of any disaster—whether natural or man-made.
“As we look forward to the next 50 years, Perpetual Help Medical Center remains committed
to innovation that not only strengthens our systems but also preserves the trust of the community we serve,” he said.
Representing RISE at the event, area sales head Justin Santiano described the partnership as a shared mission to support continuous healthcare delivery through reliable connectivity.
“Our goal is to support PHMC in maintaining uninterrupted health services by delivering dependable connectivity that can withstand the challenges posed by natural calamities,” Santiano said.
The collaboration forms part of PHMC’s broader efforts to modernize hospital operations while reinforcing its role as a pillar of community health and resilience in southern Metro Manila.
For over five decades, PHMC has provided accessible and quality medical services to residents of Las Piñas and nearby areas, adapting to the evolving needs of its growing community.
RISE, known for providing fast and reliable internet solutions across various business sectors in the Philippines, continues to enable organizations to operate seamlessly even during critical moments, helping ensure continuity of essential services like healthcare.
Hormone imbalance tied to higher breast cancer risk
workouts, and supports consistent stamina throughout the day.
Apart from its nutritional benefits, LeanQuick aims to make daily wellness effortless and accessible. Whether for fitness goals, a caffeine-free energy boost, or a gentle detox, the gummy offers a simple approach to staying healthy and balanced.
Swiss Proli Natural was founded by actress Julia Montes and chemist Pinky Tobiano, who share a belief that true wellness and beauty begin from within. Their mission is to make science-backed wellness accessible by creating clean and effective formulations that empower Filipinos to live healthier lives.
“Selecting an endorser for Swiss Proli LeanQuick was never about star power,” the founders said. “We wanted someone who walks the talk, genuinely loves what he promotes, and radiates energy that inspires.”
Tim Yap, with his long-standing passion for fitness, health, and self-improvement, embodies the message of LeanQuick. Known for his consistency, discipline, and authenticity, he represents a lifestyle centered on transformation and balance.
TWO key hormones, estrogen and progesterone, regulate a woman’s reproductive system, but prolonged exposure to them can increase the risk of developing breast cancer, a Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed) doctor said.
Estrogen regulates the menstrual cycle and prepares the uterus for pregnancy, while progesterone thickens the uterine lining to receive a fertilized egg and supports milk production. Both also play a role in mood regulation, bone health, and brain function.
“High levels of estrogen and progesterone can fuel the growth of hormone-sensitive or hormone-dependent breast cancer cells,” said Dr. Melodie Grace M. Remorca of MakatiMed’s Breast Imaging Center. “Hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells contain hormone receptors— estrogen receptors (ERs) and progesterone receptors (PRs). These receptors are proteins that activate when hormones bind to them. Once activated, they affect specific genes that stimulate cell growth.”
While breast cancer has often been associated with genetics or lifestyle factors—such as the case of actress Angelina Jolie, who underwent preventive surgery after testing positive for a BRCA1 gene mutation—hormones can also play a role. The American Cancer Society
estimates that about two in three breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive.
Hormone-sensitive breast cancer is treated with hormone therapy, which reduces the production of estrogen and progesterone or prevents the hormones from binding to cancer cell receptors.
“Depending on the type of hormone therapy, this treatment can slow the growth of cancer that has spread and lower the risk of it developing in other breast tissue,” Dr. Remorca said. “It can also be used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery for at least five years to help prevent recurrence.”
Common symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, nipple inversion or discharge, and changes in breast size or shape. Specialists recommend early screening for prompt diagnosis.
MakatiMed’s Breast Imaging Center, considered the pioneer of breast imaging in the Philippines since 1993, offers advanced diagnostic services such as digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography), breast ultrasound, and several interventional procedures, including ultrasoundguided and stereotactic biopsies.
Run by an all-women team of breast radiologists, technologists, nurses, and staff, the center provides procedures that help confirm diagnoses and guide treatment options.
“Hormone therapy remains an effective approach for treating hormone-sensitive breast cancer,” Dr. Remorca said. “It can reduce recurrence and improve survival rates, but early detection remains key to a favorable outcome.”
The Breast Imaging Center at Makati Medical Center offers advanced technology for early and accurate breast cancer diagnosis
From left: Capt. Norman Biola, Lt. Col. Richard Antonio M. Tamayo, and Justin Santiano sign the agreement between Perpetual Help Medical Center and RISE to enhance health service resiliency during emergencies
From left: Capt. Norman Biola, Lt. Col. Richard Antonio M. Tamayo, and Justin Santiano formalize the partnership between Perpetual Help Medical Center and RISE to strengthen hospital connectivity and disaster preparedness
From left: Mac Merla, Pinky Tobiano, Karrel Tobiano Sinfuego, Julia Montes, Tim Yap, and Anton San Diego at the launch of Swiss Proli Natural’s LeanQuick wellness gummy
