Good day. Here are the stories of The Manila Times for Tuesday, November 10, 2025. Today’s episode is brought to you by Wilcon Depot, The Philippines’ leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer — your Trusted Building Partner. READ: Uwan batters country; destruction widespread ENTIRE villages lay submerged, and scores of towns remained without electricity on Monday as Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) left the Philippines after killing at least two people and displacing more than a million. “Uwan,” with a footprint that spanned nearly the entire country, slammed into the eastern seaboard as a super typhoon on Sunday evening, uprooting trees and swamping towns in its path. It landed days after Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) swept through the islands of the central Philippines, killing at least 224 people. “Uwan” devastated large parts of the Philippines, displacing more than 1 million people and leaving widespread destruction across Luzon and the Visayas, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday. READ: Pope offers prayers to victims of Super Typhoon Uwan POPE Leo XIV on Monday expressed his deep sympathies and prayed for Filipinos who were affected by Super Typhoon Uwan.  “I express my closeness to the people of the Philippines who have been hit by a violent typhoon. I pray for the deceased and their families, as well as for the injured and displaced,” the pope said in a post on X. The pope also offered a prayer to Filipinos during his weekly Angelus message in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday in Rome. READ: 312 public schools damaged in typhoon THE Department of Education (DepEd) reported on Monday that at least 312 public schools were damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan.  In a statement, the department said the Nov. 10 noon situation report from the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service showed that 1,182 classrooms suffered minor damage, 366 classrooms suffered major damage, and 261 were destroyed. Bicol, Calabarzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region logged the highest numbers of damaged classrooms due to Uwan, the DepEd said. It reported that 5,572 classrooms were being used as evacuation centers that were temporarily housing displaced families. These classrooms were in 1,072 schools across 11 regions, it said. READ: Dela Rosa's lawyers cite legal obstacles to his turnover to the ICC LAWYERS for Sen. Ronald dela Rosa warned that the government has no legal basis to invoke Section 17 of Republic Act (RA) 9851 — the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity — to justify surrendering the senator to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The statement, issued through the law firm of Torreon and Partners, headed by Israelito Torreon, came amid reports that the ICC has already issued a warrant of arrest against dela Rosa, with a diffusion order allegedly circulated to international law enforcement agencies for possible surveillance and enforcement. According to the senator’s legal team, there are indications that the government may again rely on Section 17 of RA 9851 to justify the “immediate surrender” of dela Rosa to the ICC — an action they described as unconstitutional, baseless, and a grave distortion of Philippine law. BUSINESS: FDI slump continues NET foreign direct investments (FDI) markedly fell in August, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed on Monday, as companies abroad drastically reduced transactions with local units. At $494 million, net inflows plummeted by 40.5 percent from $830 million a year earlier. It was also 61.0 percent lower than the $1.3 billion recorded in July. Year to date, net FDI inflows dropped by 22.5 percent to $5.2 billion from the $6.7 billion posted in January to August 2024. SPORTS: Ouano rules Intl 9-Ball Open in Indonesia FILIPINO cue artists continued to dominate the international scene as Genesis Ouano reigned supreme in the Bojue International 9-Ball Open held at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition ICE BSD City in Jakarta, Indonesia. Ouano’s triumph was a testament to the country’s prowess in the sport, as he outmaneuvered veteran cue master James Aranas in a nail-biting 9-8 win, securing the championship title in an all-Filipino showdown. The momentum seemed to be shifting in Aranas’ favor, but a crucial scratch on his break proved to be a turning point in the match. READ: Opinion and editorial Antonio Contreras and Orlando Mercado are today’s front page columnists. Contreras’ column is about how ignoring the Section 15 of Presidential Decree 705 turned our uplands into disaster zones. Meanwhile, Mercado’s column discusses natural disasters, green house effects and what can be done to help address the problems Filipinos face during disasters. Today’s editorial is about improving our typhoon communication. For more news and information, read The Manila Times on print, subscribe to its digital edition or log on to www.manilatimes.net. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn; and be part of our communities on Viber, Telegram, and Mastodon.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 13 saat, 7 dakika

The Coast Guard Station–Davao Oriental conducted a maritime patrol in Pujada Bay after spill reports but found no signs of oil. Authorities assured preventive measures are in place to protect the protected area and its marine life, reminding residents of the severe impact of marine pollution.

• SunStar Philippines
• 2 gün, 13 saat, 54 dakika

Digos City Mayor Josef Cagas rolled out a comprehensive plan to curb rising robbery and snatching incidents, intensifying police patrols in high-risk areas like Rizal Avenue and Zones 1-3. The LGU issued a stern warning that lawlessness "will not be tolerated."

• SunStar Philippines
• 2 gün, 13 saat, 59 dakika

ENTIRE villages lay submerged, and scores of towns remained without electricity on Monday as Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) left the Philippines after killing at least two people and displacing more than a million. “Uwan,” with a footprint that spanned nearly the entire country, slammed into the eastern seaboard as a super typhoon on Sunday evening, uprooting trees and swamping towns in its path. It landed days after Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) swept through the islands of the central Philippines, killing at least 224 people. “Uwan” devastated large parts of the Philippines, displacing more than 1 million people and leaving widespread destruction across Luzon and the Visayas, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday. The typhoon intensified into a super typhoon before making landfall in Dinalungan, Aurora, on the evening of Nov. 9. It has since weakened over the West Philippine Sea, but its impact continues to be felt nationwide, with severe flooding, power outages, and transport paralysis reported in multiple regions. Cleanup efforts were underway on Monday from Cagayan province in the far north to the hard-hit Catanduanes island, more than 1,000 kilometers to the south. In Cagayan, 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 around six in the morning... that some people were already on their roofs,” he said. While most had been rescued, video showed that some were still trapped. 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. Schools and government offices across the main island of Luzon were closed on Monday. That included the capital Manila, where residents were cleaning up after a night of heavy rain. In Aurora province, rescue worker Geofry Parrocha said officials were assessing the damage. “We’re seeing many damaged houses, and some of our main roads were not passable due to landslides,” he said from Dipaculao town, where power had yet to be restored. “We couldn’t mobilize last night because the rain was heavy and the volume of water was high.” The ground was shaking Samar province, hammered by Typhoon Tino last week, recorded the first known death from Uwan on Sunday. Rescuer Juniel Tagarino said the body of a 64-year-old woman who had been trying to evacuate was pulled from under debris and fallen trees in Catbalogan City. “The wind was so strong and the rain was heavy.... According to her family members, she might have forgotten something and gone back inside her house,” Tagarino said. The civil defense office later confirmed a second death, a person who drowned in a flash flood on Catanduanes island. Storm surges sent waves hurtling over streets and floodwaters inundating homes in some areas of Catanduanes. “The waves started roaring around 7 a.m. When the waves hit the seawall, it felt like the ground was shaking,” resident Edson Casarino, 33, said. Verified video showed a church in Virac town surrounded by floodwaters that reached halfway up its entrance. There was also major flooding in southern Luzon’s Bicol region, where verified video showed streets transformed into raging torrents of water. More than 1.4 million people nationwide were evacuated in the face of the storm. The NDRRMC said Uwan affected 1,198,039 individuals, or 330,792 families. A massive preemptive evacuation moved 1.4 million residents to safer areas before the storm’s landfall, with 149,902 families now staying in 8,901 evacuation centers. The Bicol Region (Region 5) bore the brunt of the destruction, accounting for the majority of displaced residents and infrastructure damage. Two deaths and two injuries were initially confirmed in Regions 5, 6 and 8. However, local authorities later reported an additional incident in Nueva Vizcaya, where twin children were killed in a landslide in Barangay Balangabang, Kayapa. The figures remain subject to validation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which oversees casualty verification. Extensive damage Infrastructure suffered extensive damage, with 149 road sections and 32 bridges affected, many remaining impassable. Power outages were reported in 168 cities and municipalities, while 20 areas in Region 5 lost all communication lines. Flooding was recorded in 132 areas, and 13 coastal communities experienced storm surges. Transportation and utilities were severely disrupted. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) reported that 178 seaports suspended operations, stranding 6,210 passengers, 2,900 rolling cargoes, and 80 vessels. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed four vessels ran aground in Antique, Batangas, and Palawan but noted no casualties or oil spills. At least 1,085 houses were damaged — 89 destroyed and 996 partially damaged — while assessments are still ongoing. Government offices suspended work in 615 cities and municipalities, and classes were called off in 995 localities as a precaution. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) have mobilized over P2.6 billion in standby funds and P6.4 million in immediate food and non-food assistance, including 4,776 family food packs, 2,699 ready-to-eat meals, 150 modular tents, hygiene kits and tarpaulins. The DSWD maintains P2.3 billion worth of stockpiles for continued relief distribution. Search, rescue and retrieval operations remain in full force. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police (PNP) have collectively deployed 894 rescue teams and 190 assets, including land, sea and air units. The AFP said 349 disaster response task units and search-and-rescue teams have been deployed nationwide, supported by 11,903 personnel and over 3,000 assets. The BFP reported rescuing more than 181,000 individuals and clearing 157 roads blocked by debris, while the PCG said it evacuated 175,000 people and rescued 435 individuals at the height of the typhoon. Aurora remains among the hardest-hit provinces. Four municipalities were initially isolated by landslides, prompting the Department of Public Works and Highways to rush clearing operations to restore access and communication. Health authorities also remain on alert. The Department of Health (DOH) reported P156 million worth of available health logistics for affected communities. Preemptive evacuation saved lives President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. commended local government units and national agencies for their coordinated preemptive evacuation efforts, which he said saved countless lives. “Once again, this shows how effective preemptive evacuation is. This approach clearly minimized casualties despite the strength of the storm,” Marcos said in a statement. The president directed the NDRRMC and government agencies to sustain relief and rehabilitation operations and ensure immediate restoration of lifelines, such as power, water and communication, in affected regions. Marcos issued the directive during a meeting with some Cabinet officials of regions directly hit by the weather disturbance, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro relayed. “In a meeting this morning, President Marcos ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development, led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, to continue providing assistance to all those affected by the typhoon,” she said in Filipino in a statement. The DSWD, she noted, has been keeping tabs on evacuation centers round-the-clock to determine the needs of those displaced by Uwan. The agency likewise reported that the Bicol Region, which was directly hit by the typhoon, tallied the highest number of evacuees, with more than 100,000 families displaced. In Camarines Sur, 44,000 families were affected, while Quezon province listed around 20,000 families under the Calabarzon region. Medical teams from the Department of Health were deployed to the temporary shelters to ensure there would be no spread of illnesses among the evacuees. “The president also immediately instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways, led by Secretary Vince Dizon, to begin rehabilitation efforts on damaged roads so that the delivery of aid to any part of the country would not be delayed,” Castro said. Meanwhile, the OCD said Pangasinan suffered severe flooding that has since started to recede. Four deaths were reported, though two were still under validation, while no missing persons have been confirmed. The president has instructed all agencies to maintain non-stop weather monitoring and sustain rehabilitation efforts in areas previously affected by Typhoons Tino and Uwan. “All agencies were instructed to stay alert and coordinate for continuous rehabilitation,” Castro said. WITH AFP

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 21 dakika

... Keep on reading: Crazy Jhenny, November 11, 2025

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 26 dakika

POPE Leo XIV on Monday expressed his deep sympathies and prayed for Filipinos who were affected by Super Typhoon Uwan. “I express my closeness to the people of the Philippines who have been hit by a violent typhoon. I pray for the deceased and their families, as well as for the injured and displaced,” the pope said in a post on X. The pope also offered a prayer to Filipinos during his weekly Angelus message in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday in Rome. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Uwan has displaced over 1 million people and caused widespread damage across the country. In the hard-hit area of Catanduanes, churches were turned into evacuation centers. In a statement, the Diocese of Virac said it is turning its churches into evacuation centers for those seeking safety. “Guided by faith and charity, we open the doors of our churches to welcome evacuees. Within these walls, may they find not only physical shelter but also spiritual solace and the strength to weather the storm,” the diocese said. At the Pandan Parish church, over 300 residents sought refuge during Uwan’s landfall. The Pandan local government has provided aid to those affected by the super typhoon. The Virac diocese also urged prayers for the safety of the public. “Let us unite in prayer. May we be a source of comfort and strength to one another, embodying the love and compassion of Christ,” the diocese added.Meanwhile, Caritas Philippines launched a nationwide appeal for aid for the victims of Typhoon Tino. In a social media post over the weekend, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines asked the dioceses to send their donations for the disaster response. “Thousands of families have lost their homes and livelihoods due to Typhoon Tino. Your kindness can help them rebuild their lives. Together, let us be a source of hope and healing,” it said. The donations may be sent through Caritas Philippines bank accounts (Account Name: CBCP Caritas Philippines Foundation Inc.) at ΒΡΙ (4951-007116/4951-007108); Metrobank (632-7-632028586); or BDO (004508034192). At the same time, Caritas Philippines, together with Cebu Caritas Inc. and Caritas Germany, conducted an initial coordination and assessment following the impact of Typhoon Tino in the most affected municipalities and cities in Cebu. “Let us continue to extend our solidarity and compassion to the families affected by Typhoon Tino. Together, through our collective efforts and generosity, we can help them rebuild their homes and bring hope in the midst of devastation,” Caritas Philippines added.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 29 dakika

POPE Leo XIV on Monday expressed his deep sympathies and prayed for Filipinos who were affected by Super Typhoon Uwan. “I express my closeness to the people of the Philippines who have been hit by a violent typhoon. I pray for the deceased and their families, as well as for the injured and displaced,” the pope said in a post on X. The pope also offered a prayer to Filipinos during his weekly Angelus message in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday in Rome. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Uwan has displaced over 1 million people and caused widespread damage across the country. In the hard-hit area of Catanduanes, churches were turned into evacuation centers. In a statement, the Diocese of Virac said it is turning its churches into evacuation centers for those seeking safety. “Guided by faith and charity, we open the doors of our churches to welcome evacuees. Within these walls, may they find not only physical shelter but also spiritual solace and the strength to weather the storm,” the diocese said. At the Pandan Parish church, over 300 residents sought refuge during Uwan’s landfall. The Pandan local government has provided aid to those affected by the super typhoon. The Virac diocese also urged prayers for the safety of the public. “Let us unite in prayer. May we be a source of comfort and strength to one another, embodying the love and compassion of Christ,” the diocese added.Meanwhile, Caritas Philippines launched a nationwide appeal for aid for the victims of Typhoon Tino. In a social media post over the weekend, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines asked the dioceses to send their donations for the disaster response. “Thousands of families have lost their homes and livelihoods due to Typhoon Tino. Your kindness can help them rebuild their lives. Together, let us be a source of hope and healing,” it said. The donations may be sent through Caritas Philippines bank accounts (Account Name: CBCP Caritas Philippines Foundation Inc.) at ΒΡΙ (4951-007116/4951-007108); Metrobank (632-7-632028586); or BDO (004508034192). At the same time, Caritas Philippines, together with Cebu Caritas Inc. and Caritas Germany, conducted an initial coordination and assessment following the impact of Typhoon Tino in the most affected municipalities and cities in Cebu. “Let us continue to extend our solidarity and compassion to the families affected by Typhoon Tino. Together, through our collective efforts and generosity, we can help them rebuild their homes and bring hope in the midst of devastation,” Caritas Philippines added.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 29 dakika

THE Department of Education (DepEd) reported on Monday that at least 312 public schools were damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan. In a statement, the department said the Nov. 10 noon situation report from the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service showed that 1,182 classrooms suffered minor damage, 366 classrooms suffered major damage, and 261 were destroyed. “These figures are still being verified as additional reports continue to arrive from regional and division offices,” the DepEd said. Bicol, Calabarzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region logged the highest numbers of damaged classrooms due to Uwan, the DepEd said. It reported that 5,572 classrooms were being used as evacuation centers that were temporarily housing displaced families. These classrooms were in 1,072 schools across 11 regions, it said. “The department continues to work closely with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils for rapid assessment and relief coordination,” it said. The DepEd said it has identified P20.2 million in funding requirements for cleanup and clearing operations and P57.9 million for minor repairs. The department said it has prioritized the implementation of alternative delivery modes in schools that remain closed due to recent typhoons and other calamities, and that funds would be made available for these efforts.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 30 dakika

THE Department of Education (DepEd) reported on Monday that at least 312 public schools were damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan. In a statement, the department said the Nov. 10 noon situation report from the DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service showed that 1,182 classrooms suffered minor damage, 366 classrooms suffered major damage, and 261 were destroyed. “These figures are still being verified as additional reports continue to arrive from regional and division offices,” the DepEd said. Bicol, Calabarzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region logged the highest numbers of damaged classrooms due to Uwan, the DepEd said. It reported that 5,572 classrooms were being used as evacuation centers that were temporarily housing displaced families. These classrooms were in 1,072 schools across 11 regions, it said. “The department continues to work closely with local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils for rapid assessment and relief coordination,” it said. The DepEd said it has identified P20.2 million in funding requirements for cleanup and clearing operations and P57.9 million for minor repairs. The department said it has prioritized the implementation of alternative delivery modes in schools that remain closed due to recent typhoons and other calamities, and that funds would be made available for these efforts.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 30 dakika

(UPDATE) LAWYERS for Sen. Ronald dela Rosa warned that the government has no legal basis to invoke Section 17 of Republic Act (RA) 9851 — the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity — to justify surrendering the senator to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The statement, issued through the law firm of Torreon and Partners, headed by Israelito Torreon, came amid reports that the ICC has already issued a warrant of arrest against dela Rosa, with a diffusion order allegedly circulated to international law enforcement agencies for possible surveillance and enforcement. According to the senator’s legal team, there are indications that the government may again rely on Section 17 of RA 9851 to justify the “immediate surrender” of dela Rosa to the ICC — an action they described as unconstitutional, baseless, and a grave distortion of Philippine law. “The government cannot rely on Section 17 of RA 9851 to surrender Senator Dela Rosa to the ICC without a valid extradition process or judicial authorization,” the statement read. “Such invocation constitutes a misreading of the statute, a distortion of its intent, and a direct violation of the 1987 Constitution.” The legal team said Section 17 is not self-executing and must be read in conjunction with applicable extradition laws and treaties. It cannot override the requirements of Presidential Decree 1069, the Philippine Extradition Law, or the Rules on Extradition Proceedings, which both require judicial oversight, probable cause determination, and a final court judgment before any person can be surrendered to a foreign or international tribunal. “There is no extradition treaty between the Philippines and the ICC, nor any implementing instrument that allows the direct execution of ICC warrants,” the firm said. “Without such a framework, the government has no legal basis to turn over any Filipino citizen to the ICC.” Torreon and his partners further argued that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019 extinguished all treaty-based obligations of cooperation with the ICC. The firm also said that even assuming Section 17 remains operative, the ICC is no longer a “court or international tribunal” contemplated under Philippine law following the country’s withdrawal. “You cannot deny ICC jurisdiction in one breath and surrender citizens to it in another,” the statement said. “Surrendering a Filipino citizen to a foreign body without court approval offends the doctrine of separation of powers,” it said. “Under the Constitution, only the judiciary has the authority to determine whether the conditions for extradition or surrender have been satisfied.” The statement also invoked Article III, Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution, which protects the liberty of abode, stating that “the forcible transfer of a Filipino citizen to The Hague constitutes the ultimate impairment of abode.” “The Constitution’s protection of abode is absolute,” it added. “Such impairment cannot lawfully occur without a judicial order.”

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 31 dakika

(UPDATE) LAWYERS for Sen. Ronald dela Rosa warned that the government has no legal basis to invoke Section 17 of Republic Act (RA) 9851 — the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity — to justify surrendering the senator to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The statement, issued through the law firm of Torreon and Partners, headed by Israelito Torreon, came amid reports that the ICC has already issued a warrant of arrest against dela Rosa, with a diffusion order allegedly circulated to international law enforcement agencies for possible surveillance and enforcement. According to the senator’s legal team, there are indications that the government may again rely on Section 17 of RA 9851 to justify the “immediate surrender” of dela Rosa to the ICC — an action they described as unconstitutional, baseless, and a grave distortion of Philippine law. “The government cannot rely on Section 17 of RA 9851 to surrender Senator Dela Rosa to the ICC without a valid extradition process or judicial authorization,” the statement read. “Such invocation constitutes a misreading of the statute, a distortion of its intent, and a direct violation of the 1987 Constitution.” The legal team said Section 17 is not self-executing and must be read in conjunction with applicable extradition laws and treaties. It cannot override the requirements of Presidential Decree 1069, the Philippine Extradition Law, or the Rules on Extradition Proceedings, which both require judicial oversight, probable cause determination, and a final court judgment before any person can be surrendered to a foreign or international tribunal. “There is no extradition treaty between the Philippines and the ICC, nor any implementing instrument that allows the direct execution of ICC warrants,” the firm said. “Without such a framework, the government has no legal basis to turn over any Filipino citizen to the ICC.” Torreon and his partners further argued that the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019 extinguished all treaty-based obligations of cooperation with the ICC. The firm also said that even assuming Section 17 remains operative, the ICC is no longer a “court or international tribunal” contemplated under Philippine law following the country’s withdrawal. “You cannot deny ICC jurisdiction in one breath and surrender citizens to it in another,” the statement said. “Surrendering a Filipino citizen to a foreign body without court approval offends the doctrine of separation of powers,” it said. “Under the Constitution, only the judiciary has the authority to determine whether the conditions for extradition or surrender have been satisfied.” The statement also invoked Article III, Section 6 of the 1987 Constitution, which protects the liberty of abode, stating that “the forcible transfer of a Filipino citizen to The Hague constitutes the ultimate impairment of abode.” “The Constitution’s protection of abode is absolute,” it added. “Such impairment cannot lawfully occur without a judicial order.”

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 31 dakika

... Keep on reading: Tuldok, November 11, 2025

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 31 dakika

THE initial hearing for the preliminary investigation into five cases involving ghost flood control projects in Bulacan has been rescheduled to Nov. 14, following the suspension of government work due to Super Typhoon Uwan, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Monday. DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez said the postponement aims to ensure that all concerned parties are properly notified and can participate in the proceedings amid the widespread disruptions caused by the typhoon. Martinez noted that the department is working to complete the serving of subpoenas before the rescheduled hearing. Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon confirmed the hearing will proceed on Nov. 14, provided that all subpoenas are served by then. During the opening hearing, the respondents will be issued copies of the complaints against them, the first step in the preliminary investigation. The investigation covers allegations of malversation through falsification of public documents under Article 217 in relation to Article 171, Paragraph 4 of the Revised Penal Code; perjury under Article 183; and violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The respondents include former and current officials and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH): former district engineer Henry Alcantara, former assistant district engineers Brice Ericson Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, project engineers Arjay Domasig and Nino Lawrence Morales, finance section chief Juanito Mendoza, administrative section chief Floralyn Simbulan, and cashier Christina Mae Pineda. Sally Santos, representative of Syms Construction, was also among the respondents. Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said the Bulacan cases are part of a nationwide investigation into anomalous flood control projects, many of which were allegedly “ghost” works — paid for despite no actual structures being built. “Many payments were made based on certificates of completed projects when there were no actual structures erected,” Andres said. “We are confident the evidence we have gathered is sufficient to build strong cases that should be filed in court.” “The present legal framework and existing laws, together with functioning institutions, are very much capable of ensuring accountability,” he said, emphasizing that the DOJ and the Office of the Ombudsman are working closely so that no one is charged without credible and admissible evidence. The DOJ and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) have so far secured eight freeze orders from the Court of Appeals, covering an estimated P6.3 billion in assets — including bank accounts, luxury vehicles, insurance contracts, and even aircraft — believed to have been purchased using proceeds from the anomalous projects. “These freeze orders are powerful tools of government to ensure that stolen funds can be returned to the national treasury,” Andres said. A second batch of six cases is undergoing case build-up and will likely be filed soon. Andres confirmed that the batch will include “higher-ranking officials,” including senators and congressmen who allegedly received kickbacks from the flood control contracts. “You can expect a congressman, past or present, to be involved in the next batch of cases. There will also be senators and other proponents who benefited,” he said. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier deputized the DOJ to assist in the case build-up and preliminary investigation of flood control projects, citing the limited manpower of the Office of the Ombudsman. The investigations, according to DOJ officials, are part of the Marcos administration’s intensified campaign against large-scale corruption in public infrastructure spending — beginning with the alleged irregularities in Bulacan flood control projects, where ghost projects, falsified completion reports, and illicit kickbacks have cost taxpayers billions.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 33 dakika

THE initial hearing for the preliminary investigation into five cases involving ghost flood control projects in Bulacan has been rescheduled to Nov. 14, following the suspension of government work due to Super Typhoon Uwan, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Monday. DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez said the postponement aims to ensure that all concerned parties are properly notified and can participate in the proceedings amid the widespread disruptions caused by the typhoon. Martinez noted that the department is working to complete the serving of subpoenas before the rescheduled hearing. Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon confirmed the hearing will proceed on Nov. 14, provided that all subpoenas are served by then. During the opening hearing, the respondents will be issued copies of the complaints against them, the first step in the preliminary investigation. The investigation covers allegations of malversation through falsification of public documents under Article 217 in relation to Article 171, Paragraph 4 of the Revised Penal Code; perjury under Article 183; and violations of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The respondents include former and current officials and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH): former district engineer Henry Alcantara, former assistant district engineers Brice Ericson Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, project engineers Arjay Domasig and Nino Lawrence Morales, finance section chief Juanito Mendoza, administrative section chief Floralyn Simbulan, and cashier Christina Mae Pineda. Sally Santos, representative of Syms Construction, was also among the respondents. Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres said the Bulacan cases are part of a nationwide investigation into anomalous flood control projects, many of which were allegedly “ghost” works — paid for despite no actual structures being built. “Many payments were made based on certificates of completed projects when there were no actual structures erected,” Andres said. “We are confident the evidence we have gathered is sufficient to build strong cases that should be filed in court.” “The present legal framework and existing laws, together with functioning institutions, are very much capable of ensuring accountability,” he said, emphasizing that the DOJ and the Office of the Ombudsman are working closely so that no one is charged without credible and admissible evidence. The DOJ and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) have so far secured eight freeze orders from the Court of Appeals, covering an estimated P6.3 billion in assets — including bank accounts, luxury vehicles, insurance contracts, and even aircraft — believed to have been purchased using proceeds from the anomalous projects. “These freeze orders are powerful tools of government to ensure that stolen funds can be returned to the national treasury,” Andres said. A second batch of six cases is undergoing case build-up and will likely be filed soon. Andres confirmed that the batch will include “higher-ranking officials,” including senators and congressmen who allegedly received kickbacks from the flood control contracts. “You can expect a congressman, past or present, to be involved in the next batch of cases. There will also be senators and other proponents who benefited,” he said. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier deputized the DOJ to assist in the case build-up and preliminary investigation of flood control projects, citing the limited manpower of the Office of the Ombudsman. The investigations, according to DOJ officials, are part of the Marcos administration’s intensified campaign against large-scale corruption in public infrastructure spending — beginning with the alleged irregularities in Bulacan flood control projects, where ghost projects, falsified completion reports, and illicit kickbacks have cost taxpayers billions.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 33 dakika

A MAJOR labor organization called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to conduct inspections of workplaces affected by Typhoon Uwan to ensure occupational safety, health and labor standards compliance. The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) on Monday reminded DOLE it has the power and the duty to act “motu proprio” or on its own to conduct the inspection in accordance with International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 81 and Article 128 of the Labor Code of the Philippines. “When floods destroy homes and shut down a number of factories, inspection becomes a matter of life and dignity. Workers need protection, not just relief. ILO Convention 81 and Article 128 give DOLE both the power and the duty to act motu proprio. Relief goods help families; inspections save lives — give both,” said FFW President Sonny Matula. Article 128 provides the DOLE chief with visitorial and enforcement power. ILO Convention 81 — ratified by the Philippine Senate in September 2024 — establishes international standards for a comprehensive labor inspection system. Flooding in workplaces, Matula pointed out, puts workers at risk from electrocution, exposure to hazardous materials, and disease in factories, plants and warehouses. He pointed out that inspection is not a burden on employers or only about enforcement, but an opportunity to provide technical assistance to medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) for compliance. MSMEs make up 99.6 percent of companies in the country, contributing 30 percent to the gross domestic product and 60 percent to job generation. Matula said inspections should regularly be conducted by DOLE to prevent disasters and loss of lives. He cited the May 13, 2015, incident at the Kentex manufacturing factory in Valenzuela City, where 72 workers died during a fire, the second-worst fire disaster in Philippine history, alongside the Manor Hotel fire in 2000. Only the Ozone Disco Club fire in 1996 had claimed more lives.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 34 dakika

A MAJOR labor organization called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to conduct inspections of workplaces affected by Typhoon Uwan to ensure occupational safety, health and labor standards compliance. The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) on Monday reminded DOLE it has the power and the duty to act “motu proprio” or on its own to conduct the inspection in accordance with International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 81 and Article 128 of the Labor Code of the Philippines. “When floods destroy homes and shut down a number of factories, inspection becomes a matter of life and dignity. Workers need protection, not just relief. ILO Convention 81 and Article 128 give DOLE both the power and the duty to act motu proprio. Relief goods help families; inspections save lives — give both,” said FFW President Sonny Matula. Article 128 provides the DOLE chief with visitorial and enforcement power. ILO Convention 81 — ratified by the Philippine Senate in September 2024 — establishes international standards for a comprehensive labor inspection system. Flooding in workplaces, Matula pointed out, puts workers at risk from electrocution, exposure to hazardous materials, and disease in factories, plants and warehouses. He pointed out that inspection is not a burden on employers or only about enforcement, but an opportunity to provide technical assistance to medium, small and micro enterprises (MSMEs) for compliance. MSMEs make up 99.6 percent of companies in the country, contributing 30 percent to the gross domestic product and 60 percent to job generation. Matula said inspections should regularly be conducted by DOLE to prevent disasters and loss of lives. He cited the May 13, 2015, incident at the Kentex manufacturing factory in Valenzuela City, where 72 workers died during a fire, the second-worst fire disaster in Philippine history, alongside the Manor Hotel fire in 2000. Only the Ozone Disco Club fire in 1996 had claimed more lives.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 14 saat, 34 dakika