MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is verifying a list containing the names of personalities alleged to be behind attempts to overthrow President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Online posts have recently surfaced implicating Vice President Sara Duterte, Rep. Paolo Duterte, and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson as the financiers of a group, which included active and retired military and police officials, said to be behind the destabilization move. “The AFP has already noticed this and has also mentioned names such as Gen. (Romeo) Poquiz, Gen. Orlando de Leon and then Mayor Benjie Magalong, although for confirmation, and others, including Col. (Raymund Dante) Lachica who is allegedly involved in the use of the vice president’s P125 million confidential funds,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said in Filipino in a press conference. She noted that the military is now actively monitoring the situation and has engaged the intelligence community to verify the claim. “Just because something is said on social media doesn’t mean it should be immediately believed. So, they need to validate it,” Castro said. It is now also being determined if legal actions would be taken against those who circulated the online post, the Palace executive said. “They may say this is freedom of expression but we need to investigate how far the boundaries are,” she said. This is not the first time talk of purported attempts to unseat Marcos has been floated. In September, talk was rife about supposed plans to remove the president from Malacañang for his so-called failure to curb corruption in government, particularly the misuse of billions of pesos in anomalous flood control projects. The Palace appealed to critics to not drag the uniformed ranks into politics and insisted there are proper channels to air their grievances. Marcos, on the other hand, said they are “constantly talking to everyone” who may have “any kind of grievance or any kind of complaint” to be able to properly and effectively address them. Denials Vice President Duterte on Tuesday brushed off the allegation made journalist Ramon Tulfo that she was financing a destabilization plot against President Marcos, calling him a rumormonger. Tulfo, in his Facebook post, named Duterte, her elder brother Paolo and Singson as among the financiers of a plot to bring down the Marcos administration. Included in Tulfo’s list are former generals Romeo Poquiz and Orlando de Leon, former Bureau of Corrections director Gerald Bantag, lawyers Ferdinand Topacio and Victor Rodriguez, former congressman Michael Defensor and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta. In an interview with reporters in Negros Occidental where she is leading the relief efforts of the Office of the Vice President, Duterte said that she does not give any allegations without any solid evidence. “If you have only allegations but you do not have evidence, that is called gossip and you are called a gossiper,” Duterte said in Filipino. On Monday night, Rep. Paolo Duterte described Tulfo as the guy who is “proud of his imagination, it is the only thing working harder than his sense of journalism.” “If this so-called list is his version of insider intelligence, then the only thing that needs confirmation is whether he still knows the difference between fact and fiction,” the congressman said. He also said that the only destabilization happening in the country is his “grip on reality,” noting that the Marcos administration is now in the “final stage of self-destruction.” “Dodong (Brother) Mon, you want attention, you got it. But next time, try using truth instead of testosterone,” Duterte said. Poquiz, one of those tagged in the so-called destabilization plot, also denied that he was involved in such a plot, as their participation in the upcoming Nov. 16 to 18 rally is more against corruption and not in support of a change in power. Magalong on Monday denied rumors linking him to alleged destabilization efforts against the national government. He said the accusations are false and misleading, warning that such claims only harm public trust and national unity. Magalong said he has devoted his entire life to public service as a soldier, police officer, and now a local chief executive, asserting that his loyalty remains with the Republic of the Philippines and the Filipino people. He added that in his dialogues with students, business groups, and civic organizations, he consistently promotes lawful and meaningful civic participation that strengthens democracy. He said the real threat to national stability does not come from those calling for accountability but from those who spread baseless accusations “in the guise of journalism,” which divide the people and erode trust in institutions. Magalong reaffirmed his commitment to uphold truth, justice, ethical leadership, and good governance, saying corruption and deception — not responsible dissent — are what truly weaken the nation. No to military intervention The opposition led August Twenty One Movement (ATOM) on Tuesday reiterated its stance to stand behind the Constitution amid the flood control scandal affecting the national government. In a statement on Tuesday, the group said there are “certain factions” staging more aggressive calls and actions in the coming days, but said it opposes any intervention led by the military. “Social media is again alive with rumors. We understand that certain factions will be staging more aggressive calls and actions in the coming days to address this national issue. But we will categorically oppose and denounce any attempts at a military-led intervention. We call on the military to remain faithful to the people and the Constitution. The same 1987 Constitution that our people established after the fall of the dictatorship. The same constitution that you have also defended in multiple coup attempts during the aftermath of the Marcos dictatorship,” ATOM said. The opposition movement, known for its involvement in the 1986 People Power Revolution, said they will not condone attempts to install the likes of Vice President Duterte to replace incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “We will not condone any attempts by certain factions to force and install another leader who has questionable integrity and who has yet to prove her innocence in an impeachment case filed against her months ago, and which the previous Senate, led by her allies, decided to railroad and archive. A clearly unconstitutional move that violated a lot of our laws... Installing a leader who has questionable innocence to crimes that she is accused of, and replacing the current one, who has integrity questions of his own, does not solve the corruption problems. Replacing Marcos with Duterte does not solve anything but only heightens our problems as a nation right now,” the group said. ATOM said the only acceptable resolution people are expecting is to see people go to jail, regardless of their last name. “Marcos and Duterte conspired together, and now you just want to replace a Marcos with a Duterte? A Marcos already replaced a Duterte, and now we’re just going to bring one back? What kind of solution is that? This is unacceptable,” the group said. “The only acceptable resolution that the people expect right now is to see people go to jail, regardless of their last name, whether it’s a Marcos, Romualdez, or Duterte. Whether you’re a president, vice president, or senator. But the current Marcos administration appears to be having a lot of trouble doing this. And the clock of the people’s patience is ticking,” they added. They called on Filipinos to continue to participate in “peaceful anti-corruption mobilizations” until someone goes to jail.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 13 saat, 53 dakika

In response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Uwan, the JC Cares Foundation has launched a large-scale relief operation to support affected families in Navotas. The distribution is scheduled for November 10 and 11, 2025, at the Navotas Convention Center and will benefit 3,000 families. The initiative was led by the foundation’s founders, Jonathan So and Carlito Macadangdang, who rallied support from the private sector and their organization’s dedicated employees. Under their vision, JC Cares emphasizes rapid response and generous giving as pillars of its mission. Volunteers gathered at the JC Office on 35 Shaw Boulevard to unpack, sort, and […]... Keep on reading: JC Cares Foundation launches relief drive for 3,000 families in Navotas

• Inquirer
• 1 gün, 13 saat, 56 dakika

RESCUERS using backhoes and chainsaws began digging the Philippines out from the devastation of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) on Tuesday, as floodwaters receded in hundreds of villages and the storm’s death toll climbed to 18. “Uwan,” which displaced 1.4 million people, had weakened into a severe tropical storm even as it began dumping rain on neighboring Taiwan ahead of an expected Wednesday landfall. It was the second major typhoon to hit the Philippines in days, after Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) last week rampaged through the country’s central islands on its way to killing 232 people, according to the latest figures. In coastal Isabela province, a town of 6,000 remained cut off from help on Tuesday, a civil defense spokesman told Agence France-Presse (AFP), with parts of neighboring Nueva Vizcaya province similarly isolated. “We are struggling to access these areas,” said Cagayan Valley region spokesman Alvin Ayson, who added that landslides had prevented rescuers from reaching affected residents. Others were “now in evacuation centers, but when they get back to their homes, their rebuilding will take time and face challenges.” He added that a 10-year-old boy in Nueva Vizcaya had been killed by one of the landslides. The child was among 18 deaths recorded in a new death toll released Tuesday by national civil defense deputy administrator Rafaelito Alejandro. In a phone interview, Alejandro said even “early recovery” efforts would take weeks. “The greatest challenge for us right now is the restoration of lifelines, road clearing, and restoration of power and communication lines, but we are working on it.” In hardest-hit Catanduanes island, issues with the water supply could take up to 20 days to fix, he said. In Cagayan, part of the Philippines’ largest river basin, provincial rescue chief Rueli Rapsing said a flash flood in neighboring Apayao province had caused the Chico River to burst its banks, sending nearby residents scrambling for higher ground. “We received reports... that some people were already on their roofs,” he said, adding most had been rescued. Mark Lamer, 24, a resident of Cagayan’s Tuao town, said it was the “strongest typhoon” he had ever experienced. “We didn’t think the water would reach us. It had never risen this high previously,” he said. Tuguegarao is underwater More than 5,000 people were safely evacuated before the overflowing Cagayan River buried the small city of Tuguegarao about 30 kilometers away. “Tuguegarao is underwater now,” Rapsing said. Scientists warn that storms are becoming more powerful due to human-driven climate change. Warmer oceans allow typhoons to strengthen rapidly and a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which means heavier rainfall. “Uwan’s” death toll rose Monday after 5-year-old twins and an elderly man in two northern Luzon provinces were reported killed in landslides. The two children were killed at around 2 a.m. as their family slept inside their home, according to Ayson, the regional spokesman. Seasonal monsoon rains had saturated the soil around the dwelling before “Uwan” struck, he said. The storm’s first fatality came a day earlier further south in Samar province, while another was confirmed on Catanduanes island, where storm surges Sunday morning sent waves hurtling over streets and floodwaters into homes. Typhoon Tino last week sent floods rushing through the towns and cities of the central Philippines, sweeping away cars, riverside shanties and shipping containers. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday that a “state of national calamity” declared over Tino would be extended to a full year. In its latest report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said more than 2.4 million people, or 653,000 families, were affected in 6,900 barangay nationwide. At least 18 people were confirmed dead, mostly due to landslides in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), while 28 others were injured and two remain missing as of Tuesday noon. “Uwan” made landfall in Dinalungan, Aurora on the evening of Nov. 9 as a super typhoon, bringing winds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour and torrential rains that triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and coastal surges. It was the first super typhoon to hit the Philippines in 2025. Massive evacuations saved lives Civil Defense Deputy Administrator Assistant Secretary Raffy Alejandro said the scale of preemptive evacuations helped prevent higher casualties. Nearly 1.7 million people, or 499,000 families, were moved to safer ground before “Uwan’s” landfall. Around 804,000 families are now housed in 11,000 evacuation centers across the country. “The numbers show that preemptive evacuation really works in reducing casualties and injuries,” Alejandro said in a press briefing. The NDRRMC reported 267 barangay flooded and 19 coastal areas hit by storm surges. Power supply was disrupted in 394 local government units, with only 32 areas restored so far. About 202 roads and 37 national highways remain impassable, mostly in Regions 2 and 5, while several bridges were either destroyed or rendered unsafe. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has P2.6 billion in standby funds and stockpiles, and has already distributed P48.9 million worth of relief assistance to affected localities. Hardest hit Authorities identified Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte as among the hardest-hit provinces, with widespread power outages and destroyed water systems. Water supply restoration in Catanduanes may take up to 20 days, officials said. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited Catanduanes to assess ongoing operations and distribute 10,000 family food packs to local governments. In Central and Northern Luzon, extensive flooding and landslides also affected Aurora, Cagayan Valley, and CAR, where 12 of the 18 reported deaths occurred. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed over 11,000 personnel under its Search, Rescue, and Retrieval Cluster to assist in clearing operations, debris removal, and road and bridge repair. “Our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines — alongside civilian auxiliaries — are all mobilized to restore access to isolated communities,” AFP spokesman Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said. The military has deployed 2,827 land assets, 169 naval vessels and rubber boats, and 45 aircraft for transport, relief delivery, and aerial assessment. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) reported that 12 regions experienced telecommunications disruptions, particularly in the Bicol Region, Eastern Samar, and parts of Mountain Province. Restoration work is ongoing, with connectivity gradually improving: Smart (82 percent), Globe (77 percent), Converge (79 percent), and DITO (63 percent). DICT said 482 Starlink satellite terminals have been deployed across Luzon and the Visayas to reestablish emergency communications, particularly in Catanduanes and Masbate. Relief operations The Department of Health (DOH) dispatched 1,368 medical personnel and activated its Surveillance in Post Extreme Emergencies and Disasters (Speed) system to monitor outbreaks in evacuation centers. Health Undersecretary Albert Domingo said consultations were ongoing in temporary shelters, with most patients reporting cough, fever, dizziness, and abdominal pain. The DOH also distributed chlorine tablets and aqua tabs to ensure safe drinking water and prevent leptospirosis. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy’s Task Force Energy Resiliency is working to restore electricity in provinces where hundreds of utility poles were toppled. DOE targets partial restoration within two weeks, with full power expected in three to four weeks depending on damage severity. Mobile generators have been deployed to hospitals and local command centers to provide charging stations and emergency power. Continuing risk and recovery The NDRRMC warned that floodwaters remain high in parts of Cagayan and Isabela due to dam water releases, urging residents to heed evacuation advisories. “Even as the skies clear, secondary risks like flooding and landslides continue,” Alejandro said. “We ask the public to remain alert and coordinate with their local disaster councils.” Extreme weather According to the Germanwatch Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2026 released on Tuesday, the country is the seventh most affected country globally by extreme weather events, both in the long-term period of 1995 to 2024 and in 2024 alone. “The Philippines has a high ranking mainly because of its high number of affected people per 100,000 and high absolute economic losses. Powerful typhoons regularly hit the archipelagic country because of its geographical location,” the report read. Among the storms it mentioned were Ondoy in 2009, Pablo in 2012, Yolanda in 2013, Ompong in 2018 and Rolly in 2020. The report singled out Yolanda, because of its devastating impact, as it affected nine regions in the Visayas. “Beyond these catastrophic events, the Philippines faces numerous tropical cyclones every year. Between 1995 and 2024, it experienced 371 extreme weather events, which are a constant threat to communities and development. Collectively, these disasters caused more than 27,500 fatalities, affected more than 230 million people, and resulted in more than US$5 billion in economic losses (inflation-adjusted),” the report read. This long-term list was topped by Dominica, followed by Myanmar, Honduras, Libya, Haiti and Grenada. In 2024 alone, the report said the country experienced an “exceptionally destructive typhoon season,” citing multiple powerful storms making landfall from September to November, affecting more than 16 million people, destroying 480,000 houses and displacing 11 million people.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 2 dakika

THE International Criminal Court (ICC) has amended its regulations to require all applications for arrest warrants and summonses be filed under strict confidentiality, marking a significant shift toward secrecy in the court’s procedures. The ICC announced that the new rule, adopted on Nov. 10, 2025, mandates that arrest warrants and summonses must be filed as “secret” or “under seal” from the outset. Under the amendment, all related filings and amendments must also remain confidential. The contents of such applications may only be disclosed if a Pre-Trial Chamber determines that publication could “maximize opportunities for arrest” or help prevent further crimes. The regulation codifies what had been an informal practice of keeping warrant requests confidential, making secrecy the default rather than the exception. ICC officials described the reform as a strategic safeguard designed to protect investigations and ensure the successful apprehension of suspects. Confidential filings, they said, reduce the risk of suspects fleeing, tampering with evidence, or intimidating witnesses. The timing of the regulatory change has sparked renewed attention in the Philippines, where speculation continues over whether the ICC has issued a warrant for Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, the former police chief who spearheaded ex-president Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial “war on drugs.” On Nov. 8, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the ICC had already issued a warrant for dela Rosa’s arrest. Two days later, however, ICC spokesman Fadi El Abdallah said the court could neither confirm nor deny the existence of such a warrant. This statement now takes on added weight in light of the confidentiality mandate. Legal experts note that under the new regulation, any warrant against dela Rosa would likely be sealed. “This does not ultimately mean that no warrant has been issued at all,” said ICC Assistant Counsel Kristina Conti. “It could have been done in secret.” The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has since confirmed that no official communication or document from the ICC has been received or posted on the court’s public registry, suggesting that if any action has been taken, it remains confidential. The revised rule grants the ICC greater flexibility to decide when to reveal or conceal its actions. Public disclosure may still occur if it serves strategic purposes — for instance, publicizing a warrant to pressure suspects or deter ongoing crimes. However, observers warn that this approach could also reduce transparency and limit public oversight, especially in politically charged cases. States receiving sealed requests may need to respond discreetly, which can complicate diplomatic and legal processes. Medical expert opposed Meanwhile, former president Rodrigo Duterte’s lawyers have asked the ICC to revoke the appointment of a medical expert to evaluate if he is mentally fit to stand trial, citing doubts over her professional credibility and ongoing suspension by a foreign regulatory body. The defense argued that the neuropsychologist’s inclusion in the expert panel “raises serious doubts about the impartiality and reliability” of the medical evaluation, which is central to determining Duterte’s ability to engage meaningfully in proceedings concerning alleged crimes against humanity during his presidency. Duterte’s lawyers said the neuropsychologist’s suspension has been repeatedly reviewed and upheld by her home country’s professional authority and was not disclosed to the ICC Registry at the time of her appointment. The ICC prosecution, too, has opposed the neuropsychologist’s inclusion in the panel for the same reason, and has recommended her replacement with an alternative from a Registry-provided shortlist. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber had originally appointed the neuropsychologist, along with two other experts, on Sept. 24, 2025, following a defense request for an indefinite adjournment due to Duterte’s alleged cognitive impairment. ICC rules require experts to uphold high standards of professional and personal integrity, disclose conflicts of interest, and act impartially, requirements that the defense contends were compromised in this case. Pre-Trial Chamber I, presided over by Judge Iulia Antonnella Motoc with Judges Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and María del Socorro Flores Liera, is now tasked with reviewing the submissions from both the defense and the prosecution before determining whether to approve a replacement and how to proceed with the competency assessments.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 7 dakika

SEN. Panfilo Lacson said Sen. Ronald dela Rosa can not use the Senate as a sanctuary forever if he chooses to evade arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC). Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla recently said the ICC has issued a warrant of arrest against dela Rosa to face a charge of crimes against humanity together with former president Rodrigo Duterte for their bloody war on drugs. The Department of Justice, however, said it has not received any arrest order from the ICC against dela Rosa. In a chance interview, Lacson said that the Constitution is very clear. If a senator faces charges with six years imprisonment, he or she has immunity from arrest when Congress is in session. “Those are the limitations,” he said. “If Congress is not in session, the immunity from arrest cannot be availed. But we support — we in the majority support — the pronouncement of the Senate president that as long as he is in the premises, at least give the courtesy not to conduct the arrest here,” he said. “If it comes to that, then we’ll have to tackle it. And probably that would be his call also. But he can’t stay in the Senate premises forever,” Lacson added. Lacson said he wanted to talk to dela Rosa to give him advice on how to deal with the prospect of getting arrested by the ICC “within the bounds of the law and rules ng International Criminal Court.” Lacson himself was a fugitive from the law when he stayed in hiding for more than a year to avoid being served an arrest warrant in the Dacer-Corbito double murder case. He resurfaced after the Court of Appeals reversed the charges against him. Dela Rosa was absent when the Senate resumed session on Tuesday. His office has yet to respond to media queries on why he failed to attend the session. ‘All theoretical’ The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday clarified that reports of an arrest warrant against dela Rosa remain unconfirmed, with no official copy of any warrant yet received. Officials stressed that any discussion on extradition or surrender remains hypothetical, even as legal and public debate intensifies over the senator’s potential immunity under Philippine law. “Right now, everything remains in the theoretical space. We have not seen nor received any copy of this ICC warrant of arrest,” Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan said during a press briefing at the DOJ office in Bonifacio Global City. “Under RA 9851, the state has two options available to it — extradition and surrender. To close the door on one option and focus entirely on extradition would limit the state’s discretion.” RA 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, provides the government with the legal framework to either extradite or surrender individuals accused of international crimes. DOJ officials emphasized that no decision has been made on which path to follow should a warrant be received. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon noted that the government is also considering petitions before the Supreme Court regarding procedures previously used in the transfer of former president Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague. “We are mindful of pending Supreme Court petitions questioning past procedures. Out of courtesy and prudence, we prefer to await the Court’s resolution before taking action,” Fadullon said. When asked which process could be executed faster, Chan said surrender is the more expedient option. “Extradition involves multiple steps, including a request through the Department of Foreign Affairs, evaluation by the DOJ, and judicial proceedings. Surrender, on the other hand, shortens the process significantly,” he said. Fadullon clarified that while dela Rosa is a sitting senator, Philippine law does not provide absolute immunity that would prevent his arrest under these circumstances. “Certain restrictions apply only if Congress is in session and the penalty exceeds six years, but there is no absolute immunity,” he said. The DOJ also said the ICC, as a non-state entity, cannot formally request extradition under Philippine law. However, surrender remains a viable legal route under RA 9851, which the DOJ maintains is self-executing. “Congress intended the provisions under RA 9851 to be self-executing. No further legislation is required to operationalize surrender or extradition,” Chan added. Officials noted that although the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC, international norms of reciprocity and comity remain relevant considerations. “While legally we cannot be compelled, we are weighing the diplomatic and international implications of any action,” Chan said.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 11 dakika

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday defended the events organized by first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos which were held during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) last week. ​It said the holding of the events did not hinder any disaster response by the government. ​Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the events held at the Goldenberg Mansion in Malacañang — book launch of Philippine First Ladies' Portraits and Goldenberg Concert Series: The PCSO Vocal Ensemble — were meant to promote and recognize the talents of Filipinos and not a “mere costume party.” ​ "The events attended by the first lady were not personal parties, she did not go to a resort to swim or wear costumes like Snow White to join a party," Castro said during a press conference. ​"These were events meant to honor and uplift fellow Filipinos while the president and other Cabinet secretaries are responding to the needs of our countrymen," she added. ​Castro said the book launch was intended to "highlight, honor, and celebrate the achievements and contributions of the country’s former first ladies." ​She added that the holding of the events was an obligation the first lady has to fulfill. ​"Each has their own responsibility and obligation, so the first lady should not be criticized for her efforts to promote and recognize the talents of our people," Castro said. ​Without naming names, the Palace official also questioned whether someone who uplifts Filipinos must be criticized more than those who go on vacations and swim in resorts. ​"What she did did not interfere with the government’s assistance efforts. The president and Cabinet secretaries responded promptly and without delay," Castro said. ​"So, if these activities were carried out to uplift fellow Filipinos, there should be nothing wrong with that. What’s more concerning and worth criticizing are leaders who go on vacations without any valid reason," she added.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 15 dakika

by RED MENDOZA ​KAMANGGAGAWA Party-list Rep. Elijah San Fernando has filed a resolution that would block the granting of clearances to resigned Ako Bicol Party-list representative Elizaldy Co, amid ongoing investigations into his involvement in flood control scams. ​Co has been implicated in the case involving Department of Public Works and Highways officials, private contractors, and government officials. ​In his House Resolution 435 filed on Tuesday, San Fernando said that the holding or benefitting from public office is a privilege founded on trust and accountability. Thus, the issuance of government clearances or certifications to a public official under investigation for corruption undermines the spirit of public trust and accountability enshrined in the Constitution. ​He noted that House Speaker Faustino Dy III revoked the travel clearance of Co on Sept. 18 and directed him to return to the country within 10 days to address matters requiring his presence, but he refused to return to the Philippines. ​“Granting him any form of accountability or integrity clearance while these alleged violations are under investigation would constitute a clear breach of such mandate, undermine the integrity of internal disciplinary processes, and erode public confidence in the institution’s commitment to accountability and ethical governance, and is inconsistent with the ethical standards prescribed under Republic Act 6713 [Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees] and its implementing regulations, which emphasize accountability and integrity as continuing obligations of public service,” San Fernando said in his explanatory note. ​He added that allowing the issuance or renewal of any government clearance to a former public official evading investigation would contradict both the operational safeguards of the National Bureau of Investigation and Republic Act 6713. ​Granting Co new or renewed clearances while investigations are unresolved, he said, may be viewed as “inconsistent with the principles of ethical governance, due process, and institutional integrity, and could erode public confidence in the impartial administration of justice.” ​In a text message to The Manila Times, Co’s legal counsel Ruy Rondain said that San Fernando’s resolution “does not have anything to do” with his client explaining issues related to the budget.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 16 dakika

THE Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has reaffirmed its commitment to support United States Medicare portability, which would allow US retirees to avail of the benefits of the federal health insurance program in the Philippines. ​CFO Secretary Dante Ang II said on Tuesday that the reaffirmation of commitment was made during a recent hybrid meeting between CFO representatives and Filipino American leaders. ​Ang assured Eric Lachica of US Medicare Philippines that the CFO would support the initiative through government coordination and discussions with relevant stakeholders. ​During the meeting, Lachica reported that while the US House Appropriations Committee did not endorse the Medicare Portability Bill, efforts to secure Senate sponsorship for the measure remain active. ​He, however, cautioned that if subsidies for the Affordable Care Act are not extended by 2026, an estimated 22 million Americans under 65 could lose health insurance coverage, potentially leading to increased health care costs. ​To bolster advocacy for the measure, Lachica stressed the need to reactivate the Philippine working group on Medicare Portability, which last convened in 2014. ​ He said the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the Department of Tourism’s Medical Tourism Program, and the Private Sector Advisory Council’s health care sector must be part of the working group. He also suggested collaborating with Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez to address Medicare portability during meetings with White House officials.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 17 dakika

SEN. Bong Go said education plays a vital role in empowering the youth. ​“The youth are the hope of the nation, and education is the key to a better future,” Go said during the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) Tulong Dunong Program (TDP) Orientation on Friday at the Tarlac State University Gymnasium.​ The CHED-Tulong Dunong Program, which Go actively supports, provides financial assistance to underprivileged college students. ​During the event, 152 scholars were given snacks, shirts, pens, balls, and fans by Go’s Malasakit Team as tokens of support. ​“Don’t stop dreaming because this is just the beginning of a better tomorrow for you,” the senator said. Go has been a staunch advocate for accessible and quality education. He has co-authored and co-sponsored several landmark laws, including Republic Act (RA) 11510, institutionalizing the Alternative Learning System (ALS); RA 11984, or the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act, which ensures that students cannot be barred from examinations due to unpaid fees; RA 12006, or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, which waives exam fees for qualified senior high school students applying to private higher education institutions; and RA 12077, or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters and Emergencies Act, which grants financial relief to student borrowers in times of crisis.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 19 dakika

SEN. Camille Villar has filed Senate Bill (SB) 1401, which seeks to ensure the welfare and protection of business process outsourcing (BPO) workers nationwide. ​In the bill’s explanatory note, Villar cited Article II, Section 18, and Article XIII, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution, which guarantee workers’ rights to humane working conditions, security of tenure, and fair compensation. ​“BPO workers must be treated with fairness, dignity, and humanity. Their rights and benefits, as provided under the Labor Code of the Philippines, must be upheld at all times,” Villar said. ​SB 1401 seeks to address reported exploitative labor practices in the BPO sector by prohibiting unreasonable company bonds and excessive fees imposed on employees who resign before completing a fixed employment period. It also bans all forms of discrimination in the workplace, covering ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, political beliefs, disability, pregnancy, and other protected statuses. ​The proposed law reinforces the State’s obligation to ensure that labor relations promote industrial peace and shared responsibility between employers and workers. ​The BPO industry remains one of the Philippines’ most significant sources of employment and foreign exchange earnings, with more than 1.4 million Filipinos employed in the sector. Villar noted that the industry’s growth has been fueled by the country’s English proficiency, cultural adaptability, and competitive labor costs, making it a preferred outsourcing destination worldwide. ​Citing data from Statista, the senator said that the local BPO market is expected to reach $770.68 million by the end of 2025 and grow at an annual rate of 6.71 percent, reaching a market volume of $1.07 billion by 2030. ​Villar stressed that while the government continues to offer incentives and ease of doing business to attract BPO investments, it must also ensure that workers receive the complete protection they deserve. ​“To sustain the country’s leadership in the global outsourcing market, we must balance business competitiveness with social responsibility,” she said.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 20 dakika

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will file charges against a construction firm owned by former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and his brother over the collapse of a seawall in Navotas City during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan. Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corp. (Hi-Tone) is among the top 15 construction companies that cornered 20 percent of the 9,885 flood control projects implemented by the Marcos administration from July 2022 to May 2025. It was founded by Co and his brother Christopher. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said Tuesday that DPWH will take legal action against the owners of Hi-Tone and its co-owners, not only to recover government funds but also to ensure accountability. “What we will do is to file charges against Hi-Tone Construction because it not only destroyed [the project]; until now, after several months, it has not had it repaired,” Dizon said after personally inspecting the damaged dike together with Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco and brother Mayor John Rey. “We will file charges against Hi-Tone Construction not only to recover the [government] money spent but also to hold the contractor liable on the damaged portion of the dike in Navotas,” he added. Weeks after it was turned over, parts of the seawall collapsed on Sunday night, Nov. 9, during the onslaught of Uwan, triggering severe flooding in nearby villages. More than 6,000 residents were forced to evacuate as seawater rushed inland, submerging homes in Barangay Bagumbayan South, where floodwaters reportedly reached chest-high levels. The DPWH is also running after the assets of Hi-Tone and Misibis Aviation Development Corp., a company also owned by Co. Records show that Hi-Tone owns a Cessna 414 Chancellor worth $700,000; an Agusta A109E, $6.9 million; and a PA 31-350 Chieftain, $340,000 or a total of $7.940 million. Misibis owns two Agustawestland AW1398 ($32 million), a Gulfstream 350 ($36 million), two Bell 407 ($6 million), and a Bell 206B3 ($650,000) for a total of $74.650 million. At the same time, Co is the founder of Sunwest, Inc., which is also on the list of the top 15 contractors earlier disclosed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The lawmaker had said that he had already divested from Sunwest and Hi-Tone. Sunwest has bagged 78 flood control projects worth more than P10 billion. Dizon said that Sunwest is the contractor of five out of seven substandard flood control projects in Mindoro Oriental.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 22 dakika

(UPDATE) FORMER Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile is currently in the ICU for pneumonia and has “slim chances of surviving,” Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said Tuesday. Estrada shared the news during the Senate session. “I have just received a very, very sad information, that our former colleague, former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile is currently in the intensive care unit (ICU) of an undisclosed hospital, suffering from pneumonia,” Estrada told the plenary. “And I heard from a reliable source, a very, very reliable source, that he has slim chances of surviving. And I hope all of us here present can have a short prayer to be led by Sen. Joel Villanueva,” Estrada added. Enrile, 101, chief presidential legal counsel of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is on medical leave since October. Enrile appeared frail and strapped to hospital tubes when he attended remotely the promulgation of his acquittal in 15 graft cases linked to the multimillion peso pork barrel scam. Enrile was the longtime defense minister of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., serving in that post from January 1972, when martial law was declared, until February 1986, when he led a group of military officers who withdrew support to the latter following the fraud-marred snap presidential election. The breakaway triggered the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution that drove the Marcoses out of Malacañang. The former senator, who studied law at the University of the Philippines and Harvard Law School, served the first Marcos government as undersecretary, acting secretary and concurrently acting insurance commissioner and customs chief from 1966 to 1968. After that, he served as justice secretary until 1970. Enrile was appointed defense chief in early 1970 but his service was interrupted when he ran for senator in August 1971. He came back in early 1972 after he lost the race. An ambush on his convoy on the evening of Sept. 22, 1972, was Marcos Sr.’s final justification for declaring martial law. Enrile acted as martial law administrator for 14 years, until his dramatic break from Marcos Sr. In a press conference on Feb. 23, 1986, when he and then Lt. Gen. Fidel V. Ramos announced their revolt, Enrile admitted that the ambush was faked, a claim he made in other interviews with foreign journalists. In his autobiography, however, Enrile contradicted his earlier statements and said the ambush was real, after all. As legislator and politician, Enrile served as member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa, the rubber stamp parliament, from 1978 to 1984, and in the regular Batasang Pambansa from 1984 to 1986. Enrile continued to hold the defense post under then-president Corazon Aquino until a falling out between him and the country’s new leader. He was fired in November 1986 for his alleged links to a coup plot dubbed “God Save the Queen.” He served four terms as senator (1987-1992, 1995-2001, 2004-2010, 2010-2016) and one term as Cagayan representative from 1992 to 1995. Enrile was Senate president from November 2008 until he resigned in June 2013. As the Senate leader, he presided over the impeachment court that found Chief Justice Renato Corona guilty in 2012 of dishonesty in declaring his statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth. In 2022, he was appointed as chief presidential legal counsel to the son of the president he helped overthrow.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 23 dakika

WHAT began as a high-stakes casino deal inside a Pasay hotel ended in an arrest at a restaurant in Cavite, after police tracked a suspect in a P20-million estafa (swindling) case on Monday, Nov. 10. The suspect, a 58-year-old man known only as Bobby, was cornered by operatives of the Southern Police District (SPD) in a joint operation with intelligence units from Batangas and Dasmariñas City. Police said the arrest stemmed from a complaint by Lipa City businessman Dad Carlo Arguelles, 43, who claimed he was duped into investing in a supposed winning baccarat scheme at Resorts World Manila. Arguelles said he was introduced by one of the suspects, alias Raffy, to the group that promised to turn his P20 million cash into $400,000 worth of casino chips. The deal took place at a hotel in Villamor, but within an hour after handing over the cash, the man identified as "Roger," who received it, disappeared — and so did the money. However, when Arguelles checked the casino, the chips turned out to be fake. He then used a tracker hidden inside the luggage that contained the cash, which led investigators to a restaurant in Sampaloc 4, Dasmariñas, Cavite. There, police arrested "Bobby," who was unemployed and residing in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Recovered from his possession were a white Toyota Fortuner allegedly used in the heist, fake casino chips valued at $400,000, and white luggage with P15 million in cash. The suspect was brought to the Pasay City Police Investigation and Detective Management Section for further investigation. Pasay police said the case will be referred to the city prosecutor’s office for inquest proceedings.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 24 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile is still fighting for his life, according to his family. Citing information from Enrile’s son Jack, columnist Ramon Tulfo said in a Facebook post that as of 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Enrile was still alive at an undisclosed hospital, but “his father may go anytime soon.” According to Jack, official records list Enrile’s birthdate as Feb. 14, 1924, making him 101 years old. However, records retrieved from the Aglipayan Church in Cagayan show he was born on June 22, 1922, making him 103. He was baptized into the Iglesia Filipina […]... Keep on reading: Enrile still alive, but ‘may go anytime soon,’ son says

• Inquirer
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 24 dakika

THE government is implementing new “climate-smart” strategies to strengthen the country’s resilience to impacts of climate change, Malacañang said Tuesday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered concerned agencies to implement resiliency measures, especially amid the spate of tropical cyclones battering the Philippines. “As the president often says, climate change is not a challenge one country can solve alone; it requires a united global response,” Castro said during a press conference. “So... the president has ordered that we have new strategies right here in our country to address the issue of climate change,” she added. Castro cited the Department of Science and Technology’s Automated Furrow Irrigation System, which conserves water and improves crop yields through precise irrigation, and the Smart Farming Initiative that uses soil and moisture sensors to boost agricultural productivity. She said that the government was also developing a National Adaptation Plan for a “climate-smart and climate-resilient Philippines.” The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration also continued to invest in early warning systems and disaster preparedness technologies, Castro said. “So, these are just a few of what they are doing. This is not all; the government is doing more projects so that we can cope with the issue of climate change,” she added. In May, Marcos urged developed nations and partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to bolster climate finance to make it accessible and sufficient for developing and poor nations that were most vulnerable to extreme weather conditions due to climate change. The president pointed out that nearly half of Southeast Asia’s population faces significant climate-related risks as one of the most climate-vulnerable regions in the world. “As the host of the Board of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, the Philippines will continue to advocate for scientific and evidence-based, investment-led, and transformative solutions to the climate crisis,” Marcos said during the 46th Asean meeting in Malaysia. In July 2024, the Philippines was chosen as host of the Loss and Damage Fund Board, which is in charge of administering the multimillion-dollar climate. In December 2023, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the world’s richest and developed nations initially pledged around $700 million for the Loss and Damage Fund. In April this year, the board decided to spend $250 million until the end of 2026 on initial interventions to help developing countries deal with the aftermath of disasters stemming from climate change. The startup phase will include grants of between $5 million and $20 million to small-island developing states and least developed countries with approved climate-change mitigation proposals.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 24 dakika

First of three parts THE Philippines is constantly ranked first among the world’s most disaster-prone countries, which means efforts in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) should match the damaging force of disasters. Spearheading these efforts is the Gawad Kalasag — which stands for Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan (Fight Calamities and Disasters, Safety is Your Own Strength) — a national award that recognizes outstanding disaster management programs. Institutionalized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) through the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and mandated by Republic Act 10121 (The Philippine DRRM Act of 2010), the award is meant to recognize different groups — like local governments, schools, hospitals, and people’s organizations — for their work in DRRM, climate change adaptation, and humanitarian aid. While the goal is to reward excellence, a controversial question keeps popping up: Has the Gawad Kalasag become a “complacency award,” which prioritizes meticulous documentation and a stage for political showmanship over real resilience? The arguments against its current focus involve bureaucracy, spending habits, and the sobering reality of what happens when a “disaster resilience champion” gets badly hit by a disaster. The main criticism is the program’s slant toward documentary compliance. DRRM is a complicated, technical, and often expensive undertaking, spanning everything from engineering to community organization. Yet, bureaucratic evaluation systems naturally favor what’s easiest to check — written plans and policies. The rigid Gawad Kalasag evaluation process demands the submission of complete Local DRRM (LDRRM) Plans, detailed spending reports, official legislative resolutions and ordinances, and a huge portfolio of photos from seminars, training and drills. This setup strongly rewards local government units (LGUs) that are great at form (nice-looking paperwork) rather than substance (actual risk reduction). Think about the mandatory Local DRRM Fund (LDRRMF). LGUs are mandated under RA 10121 to set aside at least 5 percent of their revenue for this fund, with 70 percent earmarked for long-term prevention. An LGU trying to win a Gawad Kalasag might allocate the fund on workshops and highly visible equipment that looks good on paper, like utility vehicles fitted as “rescue” vehicles, pastel-colored partition tents with the LGU’s logo in front, rubber boats, and bright-colored go-bags. These are prioritized over less-photogenic but far more impactful projects like dredging canals, retrofitting of infrastructure, or comprehensive geo-hazard mapping. If an LGU is scored on the sheer number of activities held, the focus shifts to just checking a box, not on measurably reducing flooding or fixing structurally weak buildings. The result: an LGU with a “compliant” LDRRM Plan and a Gawad Kalasag trophy, while its residents continue to live in vulnerable communities. The most convincing evidence against the current system comes from the unfortunate link between winning the award and then being hit hard by a major calamity. Though disasters are inevitable, the devastating impact on an award-winning town or city makes you question its true resilience. Winning a Gawad Kalasag basically certifies that the LGU is exceptionally prepared. Imagine X City wins the award, and get certified as having some of the best early warning systems and evacuation protocols in the country. A year later, a huge typhoon causes massive flooding; X City suffers multiple deaths, and the designated evacuation center is destroyed by the flood. The massive devastation suggests a breakdown in mitigation — perhaps due to bad zoning, poor drainage, weak resettlement sites, or an evacuation center built in a high-risk area — all issues that the “compliant” paperwork was simply overlooked. The award gave a false sense of security, or complacency, which prevented crucial self-assessment and long-term investment. In these situations, the Gawad Kalasag can become a political defense, letting local officials deflect blame by claiming, “the NDRRMC recognized us as the best; the disaster was simply too strong.”

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 14 saat, 26 dakika