(UPDATE) THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on Wednesday that commuters will have free rides on the MRT-3 system on Oct. 26, 2025. According to the DTI Consumer Care’s Facebook page, the measure is in celebration of the Consumer Welfare Month. The free rides will be from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The DTI’s Consumer Welfare Month runs throughout the whole month of October, which Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro earlier said “promotes consumer rights, responsibilities, and awareness” throughout the entire celebration. “This month-long observance aims to strengthen consumer awareness, promote fair trade, and highlight the vital role of every Filipino consumer in building a Bagong Pilipinas where ‘Konsyumer ang Bida!’ (The consumer is the hero),” the DTI said.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 55 dakika

By Joel Vivero Rico, FPIA, UAP As midnight approached on Sept. 30, a powerful earthquake jolted the Philippines. Measuring 6.9 in magnitude and striking at a shallow depth of just five kilometers, the tremor was recorded by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). It violently rocked the northern parts of Cebu, as well as areas of Iloilo and Bacolod. Preliminary estimates indicate that approximately 37,000 individuals were affected, primarily in Region VII, with Bogo City, Medellin, and San Remigio among the hardest hit. As aftershocks continue to ripple across the region, that number is expected to rise. One of the most immediate and visually striking consequences of the quake was the damage sustained by the heritage structures, the most vulnerable—particularly Spanish-era churches and ancestral houses, commonly built using large adobe (volcanic tuff) blocks, and aged timber. Among the severely affected were the Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima and the Daangbantayan Church in Bantayan. Damage also extended to civic buildings from the American colonial and post-war periods, as well as to some relatively modern constructions. Destructive earthquakes in history As an architectural historian, I cannot help but recall some of the destructive seismic events that have altered both the physical and cultural landscape of the Philippines. The archipelago\'s vulnerability to earthquakes has repeatedly claimed not just lives but also centuries of built heritage. The 1863 Luzon earthquake stands as one of the most catastrophic in our history. It caused the total collapse of the original Santo Domingo Church, Ayuntamiento de Manila, and Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros. That disaster forced the Spanish colonial government to relocate the seat of the gobernador heneral from Intramuros to Malacañang Palace in the San Miguel District—a significant shift in both governance and urban development. It also led to a reconsideration of construction materials, prompting the wider use of ladrilyo, tisa (tiles), and bricks, which were viewed as more seismically resilient than adobe. In 1880, another powerful earthquake struck Manila, toppling the left bell towers of San Agustin Church and the Manila Cathedral. Fast forward to 1968: A magnitude 7.3 earthquake centered in Casiguran, Aurora, caused the tragic collapse of the Ruby Tower in Manila, claiming hundreds of lives. That incident finally compelled the government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways, to draft RA 6541, the earlier version of the National Building Code. The 1990 Luzon earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8, devastated the cities of Baguio, Dagupan, and Cabanatuan. The Baguio Hyatt Terrace Hotel collapsed entirely, sparking days-long rescue operations. In 2013, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake shook Central Visayas—particularly Bohol and Siquijor—damaging or destroying nearly every Spanish-era church in the region, and in 2019, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake in Batanes that collapsed the 19th century Itbayat Church and some traditionally-constructed schools. These historical parallels reveal a troubling but consistent pattern: Heritage structures, particularly those from the Spanish colonial era, remain dangerously vulnerable to seismic activity. Ancient structural composition Many of these historical buildings were constructed using large adobe blocks stacked with primitive joinery or adhesion methods and little to no internal reinforcement. Their sheer mass—often with walls over a meter thick—was once considered their strength. But age, environmental exposure, and cumulative seismic activity have eroded that advantage. Church facades are particularly vulnerable. Their height, along with numerous ornamental windows and door openings, weakens their stability during earthquakes. Timber trusses, many over a century old, have also deteriorated—often compromised by termites and rot. These are typically tasked with supporting heavy clay tile roofs, further increasing structural stress. Additionally, a growing concern is the phenomenon of soil liquefaction under many heritage sites. Decades of groundwater saturation and shifting have left the subsurface increasingly unstable, undermining the already fragile foundations of these historic buildings. Unsolicited solutions Given the chronic vulnerability of our built heritage, immediate and strategic interventions are essential. Foremost among these is the urgent need to conduct comprehensive soil testing and geohazard assessments at all heritage sites. Understanding subsoil conditions enables the implementation of foundation strengthening techniques, thereby enhancing resilience against future seismic events. Equally critical is the replacement of aging timber roof trusses with lighter, more durable steel alternatives. These steel trusses can be designed to replicate the appearance of the original timber systems, preserving aesthetic integrity while significantly reducing overall roof load. A lighter roof structure not only improves seismic performance but also extends the lifespan of the building. Additionally, modern new constructions or additions near heritage structures must be built with proper Seismic Gaps—intentional spacing that allows independent movement and prevents the catastrophic collision of old and new structures during earthquakes. In recognition of this need, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), as the country’s leading cultural agency, has taken the lead in coordinating assessments and preparing for the imminent repair of vulnerable heritage structures. Supporting the NCCA in this vital effort are the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the National Museum of the Philippines (NM), along with private sectors such as the Philippine Institute of Architects (PIA), United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), Heritage Conservation Society (HCS), ICOMOS Philippines, and other local heritage advocate groups. This collaborative initiative exemplifies a modern-day Bayanihan—a united community response to preserving the nation’s cultural legacy. (Joel Vivero Rico, FPIA, UAP is an award-winning conservation architect, author, historian, heritage consultant, archaeologist, and history professor at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) Design and Arts since 2011. He was recently named the PRC Outstanding Professional Architect for 2025. )

• Manila Bulletin News
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 55 dakika

DRIVING THOUGHTS In Metro Manila where traffic is a daily struggle and road rage is too often normalized, one tool has become a silent but powerful enforcer – the camera. Whether it\'s mounted on a pole, a dashboard, or held by a vigilant citizen, the eye of the lens has become crucial in pushing for accountability on our chaotic roads. Take the recent case of the driver and bodyguard of an undersecretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr). Caught on video in Quezon City, the security personnel were seen intimidating a civilian driver after a traffic altercation. The official vehicle bore a “10” protocol plate—one meant for ranking government officials—and even had illegal blinkers turned on, suggesting abuse of authority and entitlement on the road. Had this incident not been recorded and widely shared on social media, would we even be discussing it today? Thanks to the footage, public outrage was swift. The DOTr responded by issuing a Notice to Explain to the undersecretary. The involved driver has since been dismissed and had his license suspended for 90 days. Investigations are ongoing. This isn’t an isolated case. Just last March, a video from Bohol went viral showing Land Transportation Office (LTO) personnel allegedly harassing and arresting a motorcyclist. In response, former Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered their dismissal. In all these instances, the same formula applies: bad behavior plus camera equals public outcry and (sometimes) official action. That’s why both government-installed CCTV cameras and citizen-owned gadgets are proving to be more than just passive observers. They are becoming deterrents—tools that keep everyone, especially those in power, in check. The reimplementation of the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is a step in the right direction. By relying on traffic cameras to catch violations like beating the red light or illegal parking, authorities reduce the chances of bribery or selective enforcement. While legal challenges to NCAP remain, its core idea is sound: enforcement without face-to-face confrontation. It also serves a psychological purpose. Knowing you’re being watched tends to make drivers behave better. Dashcams, smartphones, and helmet cams have also empowered ordinary citizens to capture reckless driving, counterflowing, illegal parking, and now, abusive behavior from officials and enforcers. Proposals in Congress, such as the "Citizen Traffic Watch Act," aim to formalize the use of dashcam and phone footage as admissible evidence. While cameras help expose wrongdoing, they only work if there’s swift and transparent follow-up. In many cases, the perpetrators are punished temporarily, if at all. The worst outcomes are when low-level employees take the fall while the officials they serve walk away unscathed. Public outrage is often the only thing that compels agencies to act. That’s a problem. If we truly want to instill road discipline, enforcement should not depend on virality. It should be institutionalized: quick investigation, clear communication of sanctions, and penalties that match the offense. The system should work even when no one is watching. The government must expand the use and reach of CCTVs across major thoroughfares, chokepoints, and intersections. It must also support citizen-led reporting through hotlines and digital platforms, and protect whistleblowers and those who submit videos from retaliation. These actions should lead to sanctions to abusers. No one should be above the law—not even officials inside government vehicles. Citizens, on the other hand, must use their gadgets responsibly. They should report violations through proper channels—not just for virality, but for real accountability. Most important, a citizen should lead by example on the road. Discipline starts not just with others, but with ourselves. With Christmas season nearing, Metro Manila’s traffic will only get worse. More cars, more deliveries, more tempers flaring. The temptation to bend rules—beat the light, double park, cut in line—will grow stronger. Now more than ever, discipline is not optional. It is essential. Technology helps. But it is our collective behavior—enforcers, officials, and ordinary drivers alike—that will determine whether our roads become safer or more dangerous during this time. Let the recent viral incidents remind us: someone is always watching. But more than that, let us watch ourselves. Because true discipline begins not with fear of being caught—but with the will to do right, even when no one’s looking. (Email: pinky.colmenares@mb.com.ph)

• Manila Bulletin News
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 55 dakika

ENDEAVOR Who is the Filipino surgeon who holds multiple US and international patents? I framed this question with a fond wish that today’s generation of young Filipinos will do what is needed to honor the memory of my high school classmate, Rolando ‘Randy’ Puno. In January 2019, he joined our Don Bosco Makati class in celebrating our golden jubilee. Later, as the pandemic was waning, he took off from his clinical duties and invited us to his home for a jovial gathering. Then, too, he would join the Zoom meetings that we held to honor our classmates who had passed away. This was prior to his retirement from a long career with the Norton Leatherman Spine Center in the summer of 2023. Norton Leatherman Spine is a world-renowned program delivering groundbreaking care and treatment for back, neck and spine conditions and procedures. This is how and why Dr. Randy opted to settle and establish his practice in Louisville, Kentucky, which is also the hometown of the legendary Muhammad Ali. I am now taking the liberty of echoing excerpts of a narrative from the Facebook account of Laurence Tabanao Gayao who honored Dr. Randy’s service as a past president of the UE Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (UERMM) alumni association: “Dr. Puno was an outstanding orthopedic spine surgeon, inventor, and innovator whose work transformed the field of spinal surgery. He pioneered the world’s first polyaxial pedicle screw, now an industry standard worldwide, and held over 90 U.S. and international patents for spinal devices and surgical instruments. “During his 32 years at the Norton Leatherman Spine Center in Louisville, Kentucky, he also served as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Louisville and Medical Director of its Biomechanics Laboratory. “His surgical excellence and compassion touched countless lives — from children with spinal deformities to adults with complex spinal disorders. “Beyond his brilliance, Dr. Puno was a man of humility and generosity. When he was nominated for president, he hesitated to accept the role. I assured him that the entire UERM family would be behind him. During his tenure, our alumni association raised nearly half a million dollars, including $110,000 personally donated by him — funding that continues to support students through the Study Now, Pay Later program, now named after him.” Indeed, Dr. Randy was a gifted surgeon who immersed himself in acquiring a keen and comprehensive grasp of his chosen field. Although he started as an engineering student at UST, he shifted to pre-med, and eventually earned a medical degree from UE. He completed two full orthopedic residency training programs, first at the University of the Philippines and the second at the University of Louisville. His fellowship training in spine surgery took place at the renowned Twin Cities Scoliosis Center; he trained in orthopedic trauma and total joint surgery at the Hennepin County Medical Center, both in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His professional credentials include being certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery. He also served as a clinical professor at the University of Louisville\'s Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and as the medical director at its Biomechanics Laboratory. Indeed, as a renowned specialist, patients from all around the world have come to Dr. Randy for surgery and treatment of their challenging spinal problems. In addition to his multiple awards, the surgical suite of the Norton Children\'s Hospital is dedicated in his name, recognizing his lifetime of service to the children of Kentucky state. As shared by his family: “He was passionate about helping people, and patients flew in from all over the world seeking help. He touched so many lives during his (more than) three decades of practice and mentorship. You couldn’t go anywhere in Louisville without someone stopping him to thank him for fixing their back…” The patents he acquired were for unique micro implant devices that he designed using the skills he learned in our weekly drafting classes in Don Bosco under the tutelage of our teacher with a memorable name, Mr. Eusebio Queyquep, Jr. In an obituary shared by his family, we are told: “Ever since he was young, he showed natural ingenuity when tinkering (together) with his siblings in their father’s machine shop to build their own toys and tools. He was driven by an insatiable curiosity for how things work and a belief that good design and engineering can improve people’s lives.” With us, his Bosconian classmates, he maintained his self-effacing ways, wearing a broad grin and never calling attention to himself. When we learned about the malady that afflicted this gentle healer, we became more aware, too, of our frailties and increasing vulnerability with the passing of time. Dr. Randy’s end-game battle gave us a peek into ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We learned that “it is a progressive neurological disease that causes motor neurons to degenerate, leading to muscle weakness, twitching, and eventually atrophy and paralysis.” It is often called Lou Gehrig\'s disease, named after the renowned Major League baseball player of the New York Yankees. Here’s a brief clinical description of ALS from the Mayo Clinic: “(It) is a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. ALS causes loss of muscle control. The disease gets worse over time…ALS often begins with muscle twitching and weakness in an arm or leg, trouble swallowing or slurred speech. Eventually ALS affects control of the muscles needed to move, speak, eat and breathe. There is no cure for this fatal disease.” Weeks before he passed on last Oct. 10 at the age of 71, he would join our Zoom meetings, maintaining a cheerful disposition despite his inability to speak up. That, of course, buoyed up our hopes as we intensified our prayers for his healing and well-being. “Even as his illness progressed,” his family tells us, he never lost his warm smile and playful sense of humor.” It was Randy’s brother Gerry who broke the sad news to our California-based classmate Levine Frial. Levine recalls “I was reading his patients’ reviews… they loved how Randy healed and helped them years after their surgeries. One of them said, he had a ‘heart of gold.’ I can imagine he was great at helping them.” Farewell, Dr. Randy, you have been God’s good and faithful servant. By dint of your shining example, we are enlightened by this famous passage from the Good Book: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) Comments may be sent to sonnycoloma@gmail.com

• Manila Bulletin News
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 55 dakika

REFLECTIONS TODAY People build monuments to their national heroes and declare official holidays to remember and honor their service and sacrifices for the country. But with great irony, those in authority who are at the forefront in honoring the heroes are often the ones who cause the suffering of people for whom heroes had offered their lives. In the Bible, the Lord speaks of “a monument and a name” (Is 56:5) he will give to individuals so that they will not be cut off from the memory of the people. Jesus tells the crowd that while they have memorials and monuments to honor prophets killed by powerful people for being thorns on their side, they should watch out lest they follow the evil deeds of their ancestors. They might end up persecuting the messengers of God. The monuments then serve not to honor the men of God, but memorials to violence done to them. Jesus speaks of prophets and “apostles” (“those who are sent”) sent by God to people. Luke would then refer to Jesus’ own messengers who are persecuted and killed in the evangelist’s time. But first, this would happen to Jesus himself, whom God sends after sending prophets of former times. In fact, after hearing Jesus saying “Woe!” to those who build memorials, the scribes and the Pharisees who feel alluded to, plot to catch Jesus and to kill him. First Reading • Rom 3:21-30 Brothers and sisters: Now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, though testified to by the law and the prophets, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his Blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed, through the forbearance of God—to prove his righteousness in the present time, that he might be righteous and justify the one who has faith in Jesus. What occasion is there then for boasting? It is ruled out. On what principle, that of works? No, rather on the principle of faith. For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Does God belong to Jews alone? Does he not belong to Gentiles, too? Yes, also to Gentiles, for God is one and will justify the circumcised on the basis of faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Responsorial Psalm • Ps 130 “With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.” Gospel • Lk 11:47-54 The Lord said: “Woe to you! You build the memorials of the prophets whom your ancestors killed. Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building. Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute’ in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” When he left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say. Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

• Manila Bulletin News
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 55 dakika

MEDIUM RARE There was a time when Pablo Tariman figured in what we called our Malate period, him, Josie Darang, and myself. When there was nothing better to do, we met for dinner at Aristocrat, just across Cultural Center, for native food or, on the corner of Roxas and San Andres, for Chinese food (including duck from Taiwan) at the restaurant owned by MOC (Manuel Chua). That was the time Tariman gave himself the nickname Doloroso – a private joke with its origins in a modeling school. In an earlier civilization, a more innocent time, I imagined Doloroso as a towncrier who spread the good news by shouting at the top of his voice for the entire neighborhood to hear, or a lamplighter who brought light to the community as soon as the sun had set. Almost 50 years ago, Pablo Doloroso was just starting out as the p.r.o. of concerts, a line of work that involved so-called long-haired classical music that required the participation of classically trained musicians and their classy audience. P.r.-wise, you could say Pablo pioneered this type of specialization. Today, looking at his 2025 portrait showing him with his back to the keyboard of a grand piano, one had to wonder if he knew how to play or even read notes! At the memorial in honor of the man and his work during a mass last Tuesday in UP, no one bothered to ask, let alone answer, the question. Father Robert Reyes, who confessed that he did not know Pablo, said the mass, backed by a choir of half a dozen voices. Beer was Pablo’s main food, maybe his only food. Whenever he was with me and Josie, his only food was beer. I never bothered to count how many bottles he could down in one go. The real food that he played with his fork on the plate was only so much decoration. The last time I saw Pablo, he opened the door of his gleaming white SUV when he saw me standing on the sidewalk after a concert and asked if I needed a ride. At a mall months before that, I forced him to sit down with us and eat something, such as beer. Which he did, then he was gone.

• Manila Bulletin News
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 55 dakika

We join the global call for collective action to build a food-secure and sustainable future as the world marks World Food Day on Oct. 16. This year’s theme, “Hand in hand for better foods and a better future,” carries a message that resonates deeply with the Philippines — a country blessed with fertile land, rich seas, and resilient farmers, yet still confronting hunger, malnutrition, and the impacts of climate change. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the lead agency in the commemoration, reminds us that agrifood systems are under mounting pressure from extreme weather, conflicts, economic shocks, and inequality. Globally, an estimated 673 million people still suffer from hunger, even as food waste and obesity rise elsewhere. In the Philippines, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from June 25 to 29, published in August, found that 16.1 percent of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger, defined as going hungry with nothing to eat, at least once in the past three months. In our country, food security has long been a national priority. The Department of Agriculture (DA) recently launched its local observance of World Food Day with the same rallying call for unity and shared responsibility. The theme urges Filipinos to “bridge gaps, combine strengths, and collectively build a brighter and food-secure future,” the DA said. The DA continues to push climate-resilient farming, promote agricultural modernization, and strengthen farmers’ cooperatives and associations. Programs such as the National Rice Program, Kadiwa ng Pangulo, and urban and community gardening efforts aim to improve access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food. The agency is also expanding partnerships with the World Food Program (WFP) and FAO to boost farmer productivity and link local producers with institutional markets. Yet challenges persist. Food prices remain volatile, small farmers struggle with access to credit and technology, and the country remains vulnerable to climate disruptions that threaten crops, fisheries, and supply chains. As FAO Representative Lionel Dabbadie stressed, transforming food systems “is no longer a choice but a necessity.” It is about protecting dignity, culture, and peace through food — recognizing that “food is hope.” But government action alone is not enough. Food security is a shared responsibility that calls for participation from all — the private sector, communities, and individuals. Businesses can invest in sustainable supply chains, reduce food waste, and source locally to support Filipino farmers. Food manufacturers can develop healthier, climate-smart products, while retailers can champion fair trade and transparency in sourcing. Every Filipino, too, can make a difference. Simple but powerful actions include supporting farmers by choosing to buy local produce, reducing food waste at home, and adopting sustainable eating habits. Communities can organize food sharing initiatives, plant edible gardens, and volunteer with organizations that fight hunger. In schools, nutrition education and awareness campaigns can instill in the young the value of food — not just as sustenance but as a symbol of shared responsibility and compassion. The private sector’s innovation and the citizen’s everyday choices are both essential to making the nation’s agrifood systems resilient. As FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu reminds us, “The actions we take today will directly impact the future. We must produce more with less.” That future will be brighter if we act together — hand in hand — for better foods and a better life for every Filipino. All of us — government, private sector, and citizens alike — should work hand in hand to ensure that no Filipino is left hungry and that food remains a source of pride, dignity, and hope for generations to come.

• Manila Bulletin News
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 55 dakika

(UPDATE) SWIFT wift action in disaster response, expanded health care services, strengthened social support, and sustained economic growth have marked the first 100 days of the second term of Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, who vowed for more improved, results-driven governance. Under her administration, Sandoval said social services in Malabon continued to reach thousands of households. Through the flagship Blue Card Program, more than 93,000 household heads received financial assistance, including solo parents, senior citizens, and families in need, complemented by livelihood training programs for persons with disabilities, daycare learners, and youth. Sandoval told The Manila Times on Wednesday that in times of calamity, the city government provided immediate relief to affected residents — distributing over 1,500 food packs, 900 hygiene kits, and 5,000 hot meals to evacuees, with the support of volunteers and partner agencies. In the field of health, thousands of residents benefited from the "Lab for All" initiative. At the same time, the new 200-bed San Lorenzo Ruiz Hospital building was formally inaugurated, expanding access to quality medical care for Malabueños, the city’s first female mayor said. The upgrade of the hospital from a 10-bed to a 200-bed capacity was made possible by the initiative of former congressman and first gentleman Ricky Sandoval, who authored House Bill 7362, City Administrator Alexander Rosete said. Economically, Rosete said, Malabon emerged as the second fastest-growing city in the National Capital Region in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, based on the records from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) — “a testament to the growing confidence of investors and entrepreneurs.” This milestone was achieved through the city’s continued support for businesses, including the implementation of the Electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS), which made business permit processes more efficient and accessible, the city government said. Last month, over 1,100 job seekers participated in city-led job fairs, with 200 hired on the spot. Meanwhile, nearly 1,000 residents gained temporary employment under the Tulong Pangkabuhayan para sa Disadvantaged Workers and the Special Program for the Employment of Students. Environmental efforts continued citywide through regular dredging, cleanup drives, and tree-planting activities, alongside the maintenance of over 40 pumping stations. The “Mobile Jeannie” Services program also brought essential support to flood-prone areas — from cleanup operations to water distribution. The initiative delivers mobile services such as Mobile Laundry, Mobile Shower, Power Washer, and Mobile Charging Stations to communities across its 21 villages, the city administrator said. The city government also pushed forward with various infrastructure projects, including road clearing, drainage improvements, and housing programs for families relocated to resettlement sites. Malabon completed its Executive-Legislative Agenda for 2026–2028 and achieved the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Certification, affirming the city’s commitment to efficient, transparent, and high-quality public service. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recognized the city as the Best Local Government Unit in implementing DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood Program — underscoring effective leadership and collaboration in promoting local livelihood opportunities. The city was also recently recognized by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) for its successful poverty-reduction efforts. According to NAPC, Malabon’s poverty incidence dropped to 1.5 percent (approximately 1,380 families) in 2023 — a significant improvement from 2.9 percent (or 2,620 families) recorded in 2021.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 56 dakika

... Keep on reading: Love Knots, October 16, 2025

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 57 dakika

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Wednesday said they are willing to open their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth, after the Office of the Ombudsman lifted restrictions that prevented the public from getting access to these documents. “Finally,” Marcos said in a press conference when asked for his reaction to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s order to give the public access to officials’ SALNs. “We will follow the new rules — sorry, we will follow the old rules. These old rules were suspended in the last administration. I was quite surprised to find out when I first came into office that it was almost impossible to get a copy of people’s SALN. My SALN is — it will be available to whoever would like to have it. Of course, I will give it to them,” he added. The president also enjoined members of his Cabinet to do the same for transparency. Sotto also said he can share his SALN “anytime.” He said he would ask his fellow senators if they too would like to open their SALNs to the public. “I will seek their permission. [Insofar as I’m concerned] anytime [I’m] ready,” Sotto said in a text message. Senators JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, and Joel Villanueva also supported the Ombudsman’s move to reopen SALN to the public. “This is timely as the public is longing for transparency in the wake of the floodgate scandals that rocked the government. Maybe some vital information with regard to security issues should not be disclosed for the safety of the family,” Ejercito said. Pangilinan said, “We welcome this because it is clear in the law to make SALN open to the public.” Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima also welcomed the decision of Remulla to relax the rules on public access SALN. Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic Clavano IV, the office’s spokesman, said in a press briefing on Tuesday that under the new policy, “there is no need for consent on the part of the public officer whose SALN is requested.” In a statement on Wednesday, the Makabayan bloc of lawmakers in the House said they believe that the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision “is long overdue and is much needed now.” “This is a step forward for transparency and accountability,” ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio said.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 57 dakika

... Keep on reading: Tuldok, October 16, 2025

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 58 dakika

THE Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has coordinated with the police and the immigration department in its efforts to locate two Filipino workers who reportedly went missing while hiking. The consulate general, as well as the Migrant Workers Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Association, “have contacted the employer and the next-of-kin of the two missing OFWs,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. “Further updates on this case will be provided by the Department of Migrant Workers,” the DFA said in a statement. The South China Morning Post earlier reported that the Hong Kong police have appealed to the public for help in locating two Filipino domestic helpers who went missing while hiking near Tsuen Wan over a week ago. The Filipinos — Mahilum Pabuaya, 24, and Aleli Perez Tibay, 33 — were last seen on the Lung Mun Country Trail between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Oct. 4. The Department of Migrant Workers on Wednesday voiced concern over the fate of the two missing Filipinos. “The DMW immediately coordinated with the Philippine Consulate General, the Hong Kong Police Force, and the Hong Kong Immigration Department to begin a thorough investigation and active search,” the DMW said in Filipino. The agency also coordinated with the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong and said they are on standby and will provide support to the families of the missing Filipinos. “We call on anyone with information on the possible whereabouts of Mrs. Pabuaya and Mrs. Tibay to immediately contact our Philippine Consulate or the MWO-Hong Kong. Every tip, photo, or detail could be a vital key to finding them more quickly,” the DMW said.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 58 dakika

... Keep on reading: Crazy Jhenny, October 16, 2025

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 59 dakika

We can draw encouragement and caution from nations that have used technology as a governance lever. When implemented smartly, it can shift the balance of power enough to curb corruption. But success always depends on more than code—it rests on people, politics, and institutions. Take Estonia, for example. After regaining independence, it transformed into a “digital society.” Citizens can conduct almost all government business online: filing taxes, registering businesses, accessing health records, and voting. This ecosystem rests on strong identity systems, the secure X-Road data exchange architecture, and legal frameworks that tie the digital and legal worlds together. Because so many functions are now visible and traceable, the space for under-the-table deals shrinks, and trust rises as citizens experience instant, auditable feedback loops. Georgia’s land registry project offers another vivid lesson. The country anchored property transfers to a blockchain system, making historical ownership chains nearly impossible to tamper with. As a result, land disputes declined in pilot areas, and confidence in property rights rose. The publicly verifiable ledger forced intermediaries—local officials and registry clerks—to operate more transparently because their changes leave audit traces that anyone can follow. Ukraine took a more lightweight approach with “Prozorro,” a national e-procurement system. While not a full blockchain architecture, it shares the same core transparency goals: every tender, bid, and contract is published openly. This allows citizens, companies, and watchdogs to monitor procurement across all government levels. This oversight reportedly cut kickbacks and favoritism in many public projects. (Prozorro has since become a reference in reform literature.) In Dubai, real estate transactions and land contracts have also moved toward digital registries underpinned by blockchain-like proofs. This reduces the chances for backroom title alterations. In practice, buyers, banks, and utilities can instantly verify that a title hasn\'t been secretly changed, building transparency into the transaction itself. These examples demonstrate that technology can rewire incentives. If every move is logged and every change traceable, the “room for discretion” for corrupt actors shrinks. But I must underscore that none of these countries eliminated corruption entirely. They simply made it harder to hide, raised the cost of misbehavior, and provided citizens with better tools to spot anomalies. Still, these experiments also teach us where tech alone fails. In some projects, officials found ways to collude, either through means outside the system or by controlling who gained access to the system itself. The digital divide mattered profoundly: where users lacked access or understanding, new systems merely shifted the advantage to tech coders and insiders. In Ukraine, parts of the procurement system still rely on human judgment—something that neither blockchain nor publication can fully police. (One study notes that blockchain helps but doesn\'t always outperform robust e-procurement systems in all contexts.) Another frequent obstacle is that law and institutions lag. In many cases, data privacy, dispute resolution, appeals, identity verification, and oversight agencies must all catch up. Technology without a legal backbone is brittle. Since some register entries inevitably require corrections or reversals, immutable chains must be designed with “rectification records,” not deletions. Without this flexibility, the system risks building inflexibility and new injustices. What gives me cautious optimism is seeing how some governments layered incremental digital reforms rather than pursuing blind, grand tech gambits. They started small: digital payments, open tenders, and public portals for citizens to track budget flows. They then added audit trails, cryptographic proofs, and eventually, ledger anchoring. This layering made transparency a part of the institutional DNA. In many countries, corruption starts with information asymmetry. Officials know more than citizens, control paperwork, delay disclosure, or manipulate sequencing. When you insert technical systems that narrow this asymmetry, you make power more symmetric. That fundamental shift changes how people behave. So yes: a poor or developing country like the Philippines can succeed. But success won\'t come by simply installing blockchain. It requires fundamental investment in identity, connectivity, laws, training, and citizen engagement. It must build systems that people trust, reward reformers, and hold bad actors accountable. Technology is a tool, not a panacea. When paired with political will and structural checks, it can deliver real change. The author is the Founder and CEO of Hungry Workhorse, a digital, culture, and customer experience transformation consulting firm. He is a Fellow at the US-based Institute for Digital Transformation. He teaches strategic management and digital transformation in the MBA Program of De La Salle University. The author may be emailed at rey.lugtu@hungryworkhorse.com

• Manila Bulletin News
• 2 gün, 16 saat, 59 dakika

Team Asia captain and Filipino pool icon Francisco 'Django' Bustamante believes in AJ Manas so much that he expects the 19-year-old to conquer the world in the future

• Rappler
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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)  on Wednesday confirmed the existence of  structural debris in Scarborough Shoal. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said they have found precise coordinates of these structural debris in Panatag Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc. “These coordinates have enabled a thorough review of historical satellite imagery, confirming the presence of structural debris dating back at least two years,” Tarriela said in a statement. “This verification underscores that the debris is long-standing and not indicative of recent construction,” he added. On Tuesday, Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, Navy spokesperson for […]... Keep on reading: PCG detects ‘long-standing’ structural debris in Scarborough Shoal

• Inquirer
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