With the premium to be on precision more than anything in the next two weeks, starting with the PGT’s stop at the former Binitin course in Murcia town in Bacolod, Keanu Jahns is already thinking how to best play the relatively short but tight layout—and that is not to overpower it. “I will just stick […]... Keep on reading: Jahns ready for tough grind at Binitin
MPBL players led by projected first-rounders Will Gozum and Geo Chiu make up a bulk of 128 hopefuls that were able to submit their applications for the PBA Rookie Draft slated Sept. 7 at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Gozum and Chiu are among the 71 applicants from the regional league who are hoping […]... Keep on reading: Gozum, Chiu lead final draft roster
A hundred years later, change is coming to the NCAA, proving that nothing in the world is permanent. For NCAA Season 101, the men’s basketball tournament will ditch tradition in favor of a format that’s a familiar fixture in international tournaments. Instead of the age-old two-phase format, the men’s basketball tournament will see the 10-member […]... Keep on reading: In new century, NCAA switches up format–and opinions are split
They must really think the Philippines is a big joke and that one can easily get away with fraud. First, there was Alice Guo, aka Guo Hua Ping, who had claimed she grew up on a farm and would later run—and win—as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. Guo was unmasked for her links to illegal Philippine […]... Keep on reading: Going after another Alice Guo
TARAKA, LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines — At the heart of this town of some 30,000 people is a meandering river named after it. Snaking at least 20 kilometers from the mountains of nearby Maguing town, Taraka River is one of four major tributaries of the 31,000-hectare Lake Lanao, one of the world’s 15 ancient lakes. […]... Keep on reading: Solar power helps quench thirst of Lanao del Sur farms
Why do some people, particularly those who have become suddenly rich, flaunt their wealth? It’s a question one may ask after watching video clips where owners share glimpses of their opulent houses, their vehicles, jewelry, designer bags, shoes, and latest acquisitions. Aren’t they afraid of inviting scrutiny from customs and tax officials? Aren’t they worried […]... Keep on reading: More than conspicuous consumption
The story is told about a bus driver who was offered a handful of peanuts by an old lady seated at the choice seat behind him. He gratefully accepts and munches on them. Soon after, the old lady gives him another handful of peanuts. The third time she does this, the driver finally asks her […]... Keep on reading: Selfishness and greed
MANILA, Philippines — Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. has once again earned high marks on the global stage, securing an “A-” in Global Finance magazine’s 2025 report card on central bank chiefs. It is the second straight year that Remolona, who had taken the helm of the BSP in June 2023, […]... Keep on reading: BSP chief Remolona keeps slot on Global Finance honor roll
MANILA, Philippines — What are “crazy rich Asians” spending their money on? Health, apparently, is wealth in the region, as a recent report reveals that high-net worth individuals are spending more on their well-being. This is even as they continue to splurge on five-star hotel stays, fine dining, jewelry and designer clothing. According to the […]... Keep on reading: Spending on healthcare, experience the new luxe barometer
Why do we treat water as our enemy? For decades, the country has prioritized walls and channels to block floods, neglecting the fact that water is our most powerful ally, especially for food security. Instead of making water work for us, we have spent billions trying to make it go away. The Philippines receives one of the highest annual rainfalls in the world at about 2,348 millimeters. Yet farmers still struggle with water. Only 2.15 million hectares of irrigable land are currently supported by irrigation systems, compared with a potential of 3.1 million hectares. That gap means agriculture still lurches […]... Keep on reading: Defense to offense: Switch focus from flood control to irrigation
I never thought I’d stay this long in Maynilad. After leading the team that bid for its reprivatization, I was assigned as chief financial officer (CFO) to help steer the company out of debt rehabilitation. I expected it to be a tour of duty—intense, maybe a few years, then on to the next. But somehow, nearly 19 years later, it’s become the company I’ve served the longest, and the one where my corporate journey will come to a close when I retire this August. Misconceptions and first impressions In my wildest dreams, I never imagined ending up in a public […]... Keep on reading: From the corner office: A journey I never planned
MANILA, Philippines — There were no winners in the Grand lotto 6/55 and lotto 6/42 draws on Saturday night, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said. The winning combination for Grand lotto 6/55 was 02-40-31-17-43-10 which had a jackpot prize of P106,866,519.20. There was also no winner for the lotto 6/42 draw, which had a winning combination of 08-19-27-13-11-21 for a jackpot prize of P66,711,495.80.
(UPDATE) THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has launched a probe into at least 15 government contractors flagged for donating to candidates in the 2022 national and local elections. The probe comes as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is reeling from a wave of corruption allegations tied to ghost flood control projects, prompting the creation of a new anti-graft committee and sparking calls for the resignation of Secretary Manuel Bonoan. Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed over the weekend that the poll body’s Political Finance and Affairs Department had identified at least 15 contractors who allegedly donated to candidates in 2022. The figure, he said, could climb as the review continues. “Based on our initial findings, 15 contractors were reported to have extended donations to candidates. If it is proven that they had active government contracts at the time of the contribution, then this constitutes an election offense punishable by one to six years’ imprisonment,” Garcia said. The ban is anchored in Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits campaign contributions from certain entities — including government contractors, financial institutions, public utilities, state-subsidized schools, civil service and military personnel, and foreign corporations. The rule is designed to prevent corruption, conflicts of interest, and undue influence over public officials. Violations fall under Section 264, which prescribes not only jail time but also disqualification from public office and loss of voting rights. Candidates who knowingly accept unlawful contributions may also be charged. Yet despite clear prohibitions, enforcement has been weak. In 2013, watchdogs flagged donations from construction and supply firms to senatorial candidates, but cases were either dismissed for lack of evidence or stalled at preliminary investigation. Analysts say the problem lies in the slow pace of cross-checking candidates’ Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) against procurement records, making timely enforcement almost impossible. This time, the Comelec says it is seeking confirmation from the DPWH about whether donors held active contracts during the election period. Garcia declined to name either contractors or candidates until verification is complete. “The law is clear: government contractors cannot make donations. If proven, we will enforce the penalties,” he said. Flood control scandals While Comelec examines campaign finance violations, the DPWH is battling a scandal involving questionable infrastructure projects. The controversy exploded when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally inspected a P55-million river wall project in Barangay Piel, Baliwag, Bulacan, only to find that the structure — listed as completed — had not even broken ground. The revelation fueled public outrage over “ghost projects” and sharpened scrutiny of DPWH contracting practices. In a video message, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan admitted the issue was “heartbreaking” to confront but rejected calls for his resignation. “There are those calling for me to go on leave or to resign because of this issue. That would be the easy thing to do — resign and just avoid the problem. But leaving or avoiding responsibility is not the right way to find a solution. I will accept accountability but will not condone corruption, despite calls for my resignation,” Bonoan said. The DPWH has since ordered the preventive suspension of personnel from the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office. The Commission on Audit (COA) is conducting a fraud audit of flood control projects in Bulacan, dating from January 2022 to July 2025, checking whether projects actually exist and whether they meet design specifications. Similar reviews are underway in Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Western and Central Visayas, and Eastern Visayas. Bonoan has also highlighted disciplinary actions in other provinces, such as the arrest of Batangas District Engineer Abelardo Calalo for allegedly attempting to bribe Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste. In response to the widening scandal, the DPWH has set up a new Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Committee as part of a bid to restore integrity in its ranks, amid mounting allegations of irregularities in flood control projects and the arrest of a district engineer accused of bribery. Department Order 166, series of 2025, signed on Aug. 28, empowers the committee to investigate complaints, issue subpoenas, and formulate rules in line with the Civil Service Commission’s 2025 guidelines on administrative cases. It may also form technical working groups, inspect project sites, and coordinate with other agencies and law enforcement bodies for prosecution purposes. DPWH Special Order 142, also issued this month, designated Undersecretary Eric Ayapana as chairman, with Assistant Secretary Medmier Malig as vice chairman. Other members include Assistant Secretary Michael Villafranca, Directors Gliricidia Tumaliuan, Reynaldo Faustino, and Randy del Rosario, and Assistant Director Melrose Pailma. This is not the first time the DPWH has tried to tighten internal checks against corruption. In the past, the department relied on its Internal Audit Service and Integrity Management Program to flag questionable transactions, while the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs handled graft-related complaints. Earlier administrations also experimented with transparency initiatives, such as requiring the public posting of project details at construction sites and mandating online disclosure of major procurement contracts. Yet despite these measures, the DPWH has remained one of the agencies most frequently cited in Commission on Audit reports for procurement anomalies and incomplete or substandard projects. Conflict of interest Meanwhile, Sen. Panfilo Lacson exposed a potential conflict of interest involving at least two members of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB). The senator raised the apparent conflict of interest of PCAB members — engineers Erni Baggao and Arthur Escalante — who own construction companies and bagged government contracts. They might face violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, or Republic Act 6713, he said. Lacson called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) to conduct an investigation on the matter and file criminal and administrative charges if necessary. “Paging PCAB — Instead of an outright denial, you should at least look into allegations against your own people’s improper conduct,” Lacson said, referring to PCAB’s earlier statement dismissing the reported “accreditation for sale” scandal that hounded the group. Lacson recently said he got information from some private contractors that PCAB will take care of the paperwork for accreditation in exchange for at least P2 million. “Aside from reports of corruption in your ranks, there is potential conflict of interest involving your 2 board directors in violation of RA 6713,” Lacson posted on X. He said public records show both Baggao and Escalante signed contracts with the DPWH as presidents of their own construction companies for government projects — while sitting on the PCAB board. Baggao was reappointed for a three-year term as PCAB board member in September 2023, while remaining as an authorized managing officer of EGB Construction, a contractor for government projects. Escalante, while sitting as PCAB board director, is the owner of A.N. Escalante Construction Inc. The PCAB Board’s duties include limiting the operations of constructors to the bounds of their classifications or restrictions, and investigating violations of the law. Baggao and Escalante thus had an undue advantage over other contractors, as they can investigate potential rivals, or even suspend or revoke their licenses, Lacson said. ‘Don’t be onion-skinned’ Also over the weekend, House Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Rep. Ronaldo Puno has advised Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte to not be “onion-skinned” and be open for scrutiny regarding his flood control projects. The statement came after Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante and Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon called for an investigation regarding the flood control projects in the city, which Duterte blasted. “Let me be clear, all projects allocated to my district are properly implemented and completed. If he really wants to know the exact figures, I am directing DPWH District and Regional Offices to provide him with the official data and amounts,” Duterte said, referring to Abante. During his press briefing, Puno, who is also concurrent National Unity Party chairman, said that public officials like Duterte must be prepared to account for the use of government funds, especially of the increasing flooding that hit the city despite allocations for anti-flood systems. “As government workers, let’s not be onion-skinned if our projects are going to be investigated. If it is that good, they can even praise it,” Puno said. He urged Duterte to accept any form of investigation, as he said that it is part of his job as a lawmaker, and that Davao City is not being singled out in the upcoming investigation, as other regions have been identified for scrutiny in connection with questionable flood control spending. Puno added that oversight is part of the mandate of Congress and not an attack on local leaders. “In fairness, it is not just only in Davao City that the committee will investigate. They will investigate other areas, including the ones visited by President (Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) in Baguio and Mountain Province, and even those mentioned by Sen. [Panfilo] Lacson,” Puno said. Puno also said that such investigations could benefit local officials since proper oversight may validate that their projects were aboveboard and effective and were not tainted with irregularities. “I know they will go to other provinces, but they are not singling out Davao City,” the former interior secretary said. In the same briefing, Puno revealed that there were also allocations in the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) intended for projects that had been completed, such as in Marikina City. “A funny example is in Marikina, in the district of Congressman Marcelino Teodoro. When he saw the proposed NEP in 2026, and we were seated beside each other, he told me ‘Sec, will I return this to the DBM?’ Why, I asked, he said that all of the projects listed here have already been completed,” Puno said. Even in his own district, some projects that have been staged over several years have disappeared from the budget, such as a flood control system that would divert water away from Marikina City. While projects that were vital to his district vanished, new allocations appeared in the NEP, with some of them inflated or slashed beyond recognition, with some discrepancies so blatant that other party leaders and senior lawmakers found themselves victims of the same manipulation. It was the reason Puno filed a resolution that would investigate how these errors were introduced in the NEP, since the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Public Works and Highways were responsible for the transmission of the documents. “You can include in that example why we are funding a project in Marikina that is already completed. Because if no one has read that, the funding will be there, so who will implement that? It’s the agency! It’s like they won in the lottery,” Puno said in Filipino.
UKRAINE intends to forge a defense deal with the Philippines, which would allow both countries to co-produce drones that the Armed Forces of the Philippines could use to remotely patrol the West Philippine Sea. Ukrainian Ambassador to Manila Yuliia Fediv said a defense delegation from Ukraine is expected to arrive in the Philippines in October to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to seal this agreement. Fediv made the announcement during the Special Forum on Ukraine-Philippines Landscape organized by the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands. Fediv said Ukraine “is now developing different [drone] models.” Kyiv has sent proposals to countries all over the world on “how we can co-produce [drones], and how we can exchange our knowledge and technologies,” she said. Fediv said the co-production of drones would be one of the topics to be discussed during the meeting. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has already sent a draft memorandum of understanding to the Department of National Defense regarding this, she said. “We are open for cooperation, but I think the first step needed is to sign the agreement on defense between Ukraine and the Philippine government to create this legal framework,” she said. “We [are now] awaiting for an answer [from the DND]. Then we can move forward with co-production [of drones],” Fediv said. She also said that Ukraine is interested in cybersecurity cooperation with the Philippines. “The Philippines, as I mentioned several times... you are our reliable partner in the region. That’s why we are open to share with you all the lessons [we] learned [from our situation],” Fediv said.
(UPDATE) THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has confirmed that an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) has been issued against more than 50 individuals linked to the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, or “sabungeros,” including gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the ILBO was issued against persons identified by whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, who has previously alleged that Ang orchestrated the abductions four years ago. Patidongan also linked Barretto and other members of the so-called “Alpha Group” of Pitsmasters, operators of online cockfighting games, to the case. “We already have a lookout bulletin; it’s already there. The names mentioned by Patidongan have been issued lookout bulletins,” Remulla said. He added that one of the suspects, reportedly Ang’s brother, had already left the country, though it was unclear whether he had returned. Patidongan claimed the victims were killed after allegedly being caught cheating during cockfighting games, with their remains reportedly dumped in Taal Lake in Batangas. According to the whistleblower, the abductions were premeditated and carried out systematically, targeting individuals who were suspected of rigging matches and undermining the operations of the Alpha Group. The families of the missing sabungeros filed a complaint on Aug. 1 for multiple murder and serious illegal detention against Ang, several police officers, and members of his inner circle. The complaint alleges that the victims were forcibly taken from various locations, confined in undisclosed places, and ultimately executed. The families claim that attempts to report the disappearances to local authorities were met with intimidation, allegedly due to the influence and connections of the suspects. While an ILBO does not prevent individuals from leaving the country, it instructs immigration officers to closely monitor their travel, including their destinations and purpose of travel, to ensure authorities are alerted to any attempt to leave the Philippines. Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said the DOJ is set to begin a preliminary investigation, with subpoenas expected to be issued to over 60 respondents next week. “We will study if there is a basis to anticipate that any of them might leave the country, or if there is that danger, then the prosecutors handling the case can apply for a preventive hold departure order,” Fadullon said. The DOJ’s move to issue lookout bulletins and initiate a preliminary investigation comes after careful evaluation of the complaint and supporting evidence submitted by the families of the missing sabungeros. Legal observers say the case is unprecedented in scope, involving high-profile figures in both the gambling and entertainment industries, and is likely to test the government’s capacity to hold influential individuals accountable. The preliminary investigation will also determine whether further measures, such as freezing assets or placing additional travel restrictions, are warranted to prevent the suspects from evading justice. Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and are calling on anyone with information about the disappearances to come forward.
THE Home Development Mutual Fund or the Pag-IBIG Fund urged occupants of its acquired properties to legitimize their tenure by buying the houses they are occupying, which is made affordable through a 10 percent discount under its Acquired Assets Super Sale, which started Aug. 25 and will end on Dec. 14. In a statement, Pag-IBIG said buyers can choose among three different methods: by cash, short-term installment, or a Pag-IBIG Housing Loan. This offer applies to occupied properties under the agency’s acquired asset inventory and is part of its efforts “to promote homeownership under the Marcos administration’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program.” “We are taking all available steps and launching the necessary initiatives to help Filipino workers gain homeownership, consistent with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in providing access to dignified and secure housing for all,” Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling, chairman of the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said. “We recognize that our members face different circumstances that call for tailored solutions. That is why we are addressing their varied needs through this campaign by giving current occupants of our foreclosed properties the opportunity to become legitimate homeowners,” he added. Under the Expanded 4PH Program, occupants who get an Invitation to Purchase or Lease (ITPL) from Pag-IBIG may buy their occupied homes. “Those who are issued an ITPL during the promotional period shall enjoy a 10 percent discount. They may choose to purchase the property through cash, short-term installment of up to 12 months, or a Pag-IBIG Housing Loan. For members opting to avail of the housing loan, those with limited income may apply with co-borrowers to help meet the required income,” the agency said. “Meanwhile, original borrowers whose accounts were previously canceled or foreclosed may also seek approval from the agency to qualify for another loan under the program.” Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene Acosta said it is the best time for occupants of their acquired properties to take the next step toward legal homeownership. Acosta added that proceeds from the Pag-IBIG Super Sale are plowed back to the agency’s programs. “With the 10 percent discount under our Super Sale, they can purchase the homes they already live in at a more affordable price. This allows them to finally secure legal ownership of the property and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it,” she said. “Every peso we recover from these units helps us serve more members.... The amounts originally loaned out to acquire these homes came from the collective savings of our members. So when current occupants purchase these properties, the funds return to Pag-IBIG Fund and allow us to help even more Filipino workers who also dream of having a home of their own. This is part of how we continue to fulfill our mandate of making homeownership affordable for every Filipino worker,” Acosta added. Launched earlier this month, the Pag-IBIG Fund Acquired Assets Super Sale featured 30,000 foreclosed properties with special discounts under various modes of purchase.
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