Blue Eagles still getting used to defense-oriented play, says coach Alas

– Defense is the name of the game for Ateneo head coach Louie Alas.

Following a humbling defeat against the University of the Philippines, Alas and the Blue Eagles will turn their focus on working on their defense moving forward in the UAAP Season 89.

UP blasted off in the second half to clip the Blue Eagles, 94-75, over the weekend.

The Fighting Maroons led by just one, 46-45, at the half, before the Fighting Maroons stepped on the gas and never let up in the second half.

Alas said that even back to the time he was coaching the Letran Knights in the NCAA, their defense has been the key to the championship squads.

‘Sabi ko nga sa kanila, we’re down by 10 lang, then gusto niyo, isang shoot, all agad? Sabi ko, walang ganiyan, yung home run. Hindi baseball ito. Sabi ko, let’s change the mentality na we will come back on offense, sabi ko, it’s not on my system,’ Alas told reporters after the game.

‘The reason why kami nagcha-champion before, because of the defense, the resiliency. Siguro hindi pa lang kami used to it. So tatrabahuin ko yan, tatrabahuin namin. Sabi ko sa kanila, pag hindi kayo nag-buy-in dyan walang mangyayari sa atin,’ he added.

Still, Alas took the blame for the loss, as the Blue Eagles were ‘not prepared enough.’

‘Sa lahat dito, ang gagaling na coaches. Andito yung cream of the crop. PBA magagaling, pero parang PBA din dito. Sobra ang scouting, ang daming coaches magagaling. So, ‘pag hindi ka pumasok sa game, na kulang yung preparation mo. Ganiyan ang mangyayari. That’s why I told them, siguro kulang yung preparation.’

Ateneo had an explosive start to the season, defeating the UE Red Warriors, 101-74, in their opener.

But the early wake-up call against the Fighting Maroons gave the Blue Eagles an important lesson moving forward – not to tread things lightly any longer.

‘Actually, yung first game, I was expecting a close game. So nangyayari yung nangyayari because yun yung best defensive game namin. So, tumaas yung expectation. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, one game pa lang to. Huwag tayong masyadong mataas yung tuwa. Huwag tayong mababa,’ he said.

‘Ayun, nangyayari nga yun siguro. Hindi ko na-arrest yun. Kaya yung mga ganyang attitude, sa akin talaga babagsak. Hindi ko na-arrest. May mga practices nga kami na 40 minutes lang, kasi sabi ko baka pagod. Hindi ko pala pwedeng gawin yan. So, lesson learned,’ he added.

Now, he will be pushing his team more in practices.

‘Eh sa Letran kasi, iba na rin kasi yung mga personality ng mga bata dati. Yung nga sabi ng mga coaches na parang konting masakit, humihinto. When I was coaching Latran, dumudugo na yung tonsils sa pagod, tuloy-tuloy pa rin kami, Ngayon, hindi ko na pwedeng gawin yan.’

Ateneo (1-1) will be returning to action this Saturday, September 26, against the 1-0 Adamson Soaring Falcons at 12 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Migrating abroad soon? Do these 5 financial steps before leaving the Philippines

Whether it’s pursuing better career opportunities, reuniting with family or giving their children a brighter future, permanent migration is one of the biggest life decisions many Filipinos will make.

But aside from visa applications, airfare and moving logistics, relocating permanently also requires careful financial preparation. Unlike overseas workers who intend to return home, permanent migrants often need to manage financial responsibilities across two countries-from maintaining assets and providing for your family in the Philippines to building long-term financial security in their new home.

According to Metrobank, preparing financially starts with understanding your current financial position and creating a plan that supports your long-term goals, wherever life takes you.

Here are five financial priorities every future permanent migrant should consider before leaving the Philippines.

1. Start with a complete financial checkup

Before making any major financial decisions, look at your overall financial situation.

Review your income, savings, investments, outstanding loans, insurance coverage and retirement plans. Having a clear picture of your finances helps you determine which obligations should be settled before you leave and which assets or accounts you will continue managing from overseas.

Metrobank points out that migration changes not only where you live, but also how you manage your finances. A financial review before departure allows you to make the necessary arrangements with your bank and avoid costly surprises once you have settled abroad.

2. Build a relocation fund without sacrificing your emergency savings

Moving overseas permanently comes with significant upfront expenses, from immigration fees and airfare to rental deposits, furniture, and other settlement costs. At the same time, unexpected expenses may arise during your first few months in a new country.

To prepare, Metrobank reminds future migrants to set aside separate funds for your relocation expenses and your emergency savings. Your relocation fund should cover the costs of moving, while your emergency fund should remain untouched and serve as a financial safety net in case of delayed employment, medical emergencies or other unforeseen situations as you establish yourself abroad.

3. Review and organize your financial obligations

Before leaving the Philippines, take time to review your existing financial commitments and make sure you have a clear plan for managing them while abroad.

List any outstanding financial obligations and check their payment schedules, terms, and due dates. If you have payments that will continue after your move, consider setting up convenient payment arrangements or automatic payments to help keep your accounts up to date.

It is also helpful to review recurring expenses and subscriptions, and determine which ones you still need to maintain once you are overseas. Taking care of these details before your departure can help prevent missed payments, unnecessary fees, or financial stress as you adjust to your new life.

Metrobank recommends understanding and making the necessary arrangements for your financial commitments before migrating, so you can make informed decisions about how to allocate your income and resources as you establish yourself in a new country.

4. Start planning for retirement early

Metrobank emphasizes that for Filipinos permanently settling abroad, retirement planning should begin as soon as you become financially stable. While migration may bring better career opportunities and higher income, it also means taking greater responsibility for securing your financial future.

Take advantage of retirement or pension programs in your new country, particularly if your employer offers matching contributions. Depending on your long-term plans, you may also consider maintaining your SSS membership or keeping investments in the Philippines, especially if you intend to retain assets or spend part of your retirement there.

The earlier you begin saving and investing for retirement, the more time your money has to grow. Planning ahead also gives you greater flexibility, whether you eventually retire in your adopted country, return to the Philippines or divide your retirement between both.

5. Prepare to manage your finances across two countries

Permanent migration does not always mean leaving your financial life in the Philippines behind. Many migrants continue to own property, maintain bank accounts and investments, or support family members long after settling overseas.

Before leaving, update your contact information with your financial institutions, enroll in digital banking services and ensure you can securely access your accounts from abroad. If you will continue managing assets in the Philippines, consider assigning a trusted representative through the appropriate legal documents to help handle transactions when your physical presence is required.

For Filipinos who continue to support loved ones in the Philippines, having a reliable way to send money home can also be part of managing finances across borders.

You can partner with banks like Metrobank, which has a remittance app, MetroRemit, available for overseas Filipinos in key markets. The app enables them to send money directly to Metrobank accounts of their beneficiaries or through more than 11,000 cash pickup partners in the Philippines. This makes it easier for Filipinos abroad to support their loved ones while keeping remittances aligned with their broader financial goals.

With its presence in the Philippines and across key international markets, Metrobank supports Filipinos wherever their financial journey takes them. Whether it is sending money home, managing day-to-day finances, building savings, or planning for the future, having the right financial tools and arrangements in place can help make managing finances across borders more seamless.

Preparing for permanent migration involves more than packing your belongings. With thoughtful planning and sound financial decisions, moving abroad can also be the beginning of a stronger and more secure financial future.

Africa turns to its own: Philanthropy forum calls for local power as foreign funding dries up

Dar es Salaam. African philanthropy and civil society actors are increasingly looking to community and domestic resources as international development funding becomes more uncertain, with participants at the UHISANI Forum 2026 calling for stronger local fundraising, partnerships and community ownership.

The forum, convened by the African Philanthropy Network (APN) in Dar es Salaam, brought together more than 90 philanthropy actors from across Tanzania, as well as participants from Ethiopia, South Africa and Uganda, to discuss ways of strengthening community and domestic philanthropy.

Held under the theme ‘Alternative Resources through Community and Domestic Philanthropy,’ the forum focused on how civil society organisations can diversify their resources while strengthening the role of communities in financing and shaping development initiatives.

APN Executive Director Stigmata Tenga said African-led approaches and local solutions were increasingly important to building resilient communities.

‘Prioritising African-led approaches and local solutions strengthens community resilience,’ Dr Tenga said, adding that indigenous giving practices, innovative approaches and partnerships could help address social challenges while strengthening local ownership.

The discussions came amid changes in the international funding environment that have affected civil society organisations across Tanzania and elsewhere in Africa. Participants said reductions and shifts in external donor funding were creating challenges on implementation of social justice initiatives that have traditionally relied heavily on international grants.

During an Ignite Talk, Eshban Kwesiga of the Global Fund for Community Foundations challenged participants to consider what resources already exist within communities rather than focusing only on declining external funding.

Speakers highlighted a range of approaches, including community contributions, individual giving, social enterprises, partnerships with businesses, savings schemes and other forms of domestic resource mobilisation.

The forum also examined the potential of established community structures such as Village Community Banks (VICOBA), SACCOS and faith-based organisations.

Participants argued that such structures should be viewed not merely as informal arrangements but as existing mechanisms through which communities already save, invest and finance their own priorities. Examples from Tanzania demonstrated the potential of locally driven approaches.

The Zanzibar Youth Forum, following Change the Game Academy training, mobilised more than Sh11 million after staff and members committed portions of their salaries and allowances towards supporting a rehabilitation centre for young people recovering from drug addiction.

The Tanzania League of the Blind also mobilised cash and in-kind support through its Friends of Children with Disabilities campaign, engaging government officials, businesses, teachers, parents and community members.

Contributions included educational materials, wheelchairs, food and clothing, while local government supported accessibility improvements at schools.

Other organisations have explored social enterprise as a way of generating resources. Thubutu Initiative Africa reported generating approximately Sh80 million in profit from its avocado farming activities last year, with part of the income reinvested in community interventions.

Participants stressed, however, that local resource mobilisation should not be understood simply as replacing international donors. Instead, they said it should contribute to a diversified financing ecosystem combining community resources, philanthropy, business partnerships and other sources of support.

Financial literacy was identified as another component of community self-reliance. During an Ignite Talk, Ms Lulu Meero of CRDB Bank said financial education could help communities strengthen their ability to budget, save, invest and manage credit.

The forum also placed emphasis on inclusion. Ms Rose Marandu of the Tanzania Women Fund Trust called for philanthropy and resource mobilisation approaches to address gender inequalities, unpaid care work and barriers that prevent women and marginalised groups from accessing resources and participating in decision-making.

APN also launched the Philanthropy Hub, a movement of more than 19 organisations and foundations intended to strengthen collaboration, learning and domestic philanthropy in Tanzania.

The Change the Game Academy’s Local Fundraising Techniques module was also launched in Kiswahili to broaden access to local fundraising knowledge.

The discussions will continue at the APN Assembly 2026, scheduled for November 2-6 in Accra, Ghana, under the theme ‘African Philanthropy in Action: Adopt, Advance, Amplify.’

The Assembly is expected to bring together philanthropy leaders and practitioners from across Africa and beyond.

VAT Refund Timelines: Technology, Intent or Accountability?

It is human nature to yearn for good things, some yearn for material possessions, others good health, academic success or business prominence. In a 2021 breakfast meeting involving the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) and the Government, the CTI highlighted the impediments to the pace of industrialization in Tanzania including but not limited to the delayed Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds.

Thus, it is fair to opine that the business fraternity in the country also yearns for good things including but not limited to expedited VAT refunds.

Furthermore, during my involvement with the Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) specifically on preparing and analysing proposed tax reforms to be presented to the Task Force on Tax Reforms under the Ministry of Finance, the business fraternity has consistently advocated for expedited VAT refunds reforms and lamented the delayed VAT refunds which essentially tie up capital that could otherwise be re-invested in the business.

One might potentially ask, how does a VAT refund arise? In essence, VAT regime entails output tax i.e., VAT collected from sales and input tax i.e., VAT incurred on purchases, with the difference between output tax and input tax giving rise to VAT payment position (when output tax exceeds input tax) and VAT refund entitlement (when input tax exceeds output for six (6) consecutive tax periods).

Upon the prevalence of VAT refund entitlement, a taxpayer will be required to secure a Certificate of Genuineness from an independent auditor to verify the asserted VAT refund position and rely on such certificate to lodge her refund application before the tax authority. The taxman will then be required to verify the lodged refund application and issue a refund decision either granting or rejecting fully/partially lodged VAT refund application.

Taxpayers have been pushing for reforms regarding the time taken by the taxman to determine the lodged VAT refund applications. Based on my experience, it may take three (3) to twelve (12) months for the lodged VAT refund applications to be determined by the tax authority.

For instance, in Kenya, VAT refund claims are usually determined within 120 days equivalent to four (4) months after the application is lodged for refund claims that do not require an audit or 180 days equivalent to six (6) months after the application is lodged for refund claims that require an audit. Thus, it is pertinent for the business fraternity to push for reforms on the time taken to determine the lodged VAT refunds to align with other tax jurisdictions.

Against this background, the proposed reform tabled in the fiscal budget 2026/27 which intended to amend the VAT laws to require the Commissioner General (CG) of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to determine the lodged VAT refunds within thirty (30) days and allow the accumulation of interest entitled to the taxpayer upon the lapse of such stipulated timeframe, was received with mixed reactions.

Some argued that the proposed timeframe did not afford the taxman ample time to fully verify the lodged VAT refunds, while others argued that the proposed reform would accelerate industrialization prospects as it would amplify the business and investment prospects in the country. In the end, such a proposed reform was not enacted.

However, the pertinent question still lingers. In the context of delayed VAT refunds, is it a matter of intent, technology, accountability or legislation prescribing a specific timeframe?

For instance, section 83(1) of the Tax Administration Act, Cap 438, R.E. 2023 clearly requires the Commissioner General (CG) to determine the refund applications for tax paid in excess within ninety (90) days equivalent to three (3) months from the date of receipt of the application, however, that timeframe is rarely complied with.

In this regard, one could potentially argue that the solution to the delayed VAT refunds may not necessarily be tied up to promulgating specific timeframe provisions.

By tabling the proposed 30 days determination requirement for VAT refunds in the fiscal budget 2026/27, the Government has shown its strong intent to address the issue of delayed VAT refunds that has been affecting the business fraternity, however, the failure to adopt such proposal into law may potentially depict practicality aspects that need to be addressed by both taxpayers and taxman.

In my opinion, to address the delayed VAT refund challenge, the Government should maintain the intent shown in this year fiscal budget, involve taxpayers and taxman in pertinent dialogues that will eventually prompt a balanced solution i.e., a practical timeframe for VAT refund determination, persist with technological transformations intending to simplify the verification exercise and curb fictitious receipts and strengthen accountability mechanisms for the tax authority to ensure timely determination of VAT refund claims.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Victory Attorneys and Consultants.

Radda rallies Northwest governors, partners on regional security, economic growth

Katsina state Governor and chairman of the Northwest Governors’ Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for stronger cooperation among the seven Northwest states and their development partners to tackle insecurity and open up the region’s economic potentials.

Governor Radda made the call in New York, United States, at the High-Level Side Event on the Northwest Peace, Security and Development Framework, where the region presented its common plan for peace, security and development to international partners.

A Statement by Governor Radda’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, indicated that the event was attended by Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris; and Sokoto State Deputy Governor, Idris Mohammed Gobir, who represented Governor Ahmad Aliyu.

Also in attendance were representatives of the Nigerian government, the United Nations, development and financial institutions, Civil Society Organisations and other partners.

Speaking on behalf of the governors, Governor Radda said the framework represents the collective decision of the seven governors to work together on challenges that cut across state boundaries.

‘This Framework does not belong to one Governor. It does not belong to the Chairman of the Forum. And it does not belong to the Secretariat. It belongs to the Northwest,’ Governor Radda said.

He explained that while the seven states have different histories, strengths and priorities, their people, markets and economies are closely connected. Their security challenges also cross state boundaries, making cooperation necessary if lasting solutions are to be achieved.

Using the Hausa saying, ‘Tsintsiya madaurinki ?aya,’ Governor Radda said a broom derives its strength from being bound together.

He explained that the same principle applies to the Northwest, where each state can retain its identity while working with others on common problems.

Governor Radda said security remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the region, but stressed that military and security operations alone cannot guarantee lasting peace.

He said unemployment, poverty, displacement and limited economic opportunities must also be addressed as part of efforts to make communities safer.

‘Security must be accompanied by opportunity. Stabilisation must be accompanied by development. And public investment must create space for responsible private capital,’ he stated.

According to the Governor, the regional plan is to build a Northwest where farmers can produce more and reach bigger markets, young people can acquire useful skills and build businesses, women can participate fully in economic and public life, and communities affected by insecurity can rebuild with dignity.

He said the region’s population, agricultural strength, natural resources and productive capacity offer considerable opportunities, but these advantages must be supported by sound policies, stronger institutions, infrastructure and investment.

Governor Radda therefore urged development partners to work with the Northwest at a regional level and called on financial institutions to support funding arrangements that can attract investment into underserved communities.

He also appealed to private investors to take a fresh look at the region beyond the security challenges often associated with it.

‘To the private sector, we say: look again at the Northwest. Look beyond the headlines. Look at the people, the markets, the productive sectors and the opportunities that can be created when governments coordinate,’ he said.

While seeking international partnership, Governor Radda made it clear that the governors themselves must take responsibility for delivering the Framework. He said they must strengthen institutions, improve coordination, ensure accountability and show through their actions that regional cooperation can produce results.

He added that the Framework would not be judged by the number of meetings held or documents produced, but by whether communities become safer, livelihoods improve, children have better opportunities, women and young people are included and displaced families are able to rebuild their lives.

‘We do not claim to have all the answers. But we are willing to do the work. We are willing to learn. We are willing to reform. And we are willing to partner,’ Governor Radda said.

He invited development institutions, investors and other partners to work with the seven states to build safer communities, stronger institutions and more resilient economies, while creating opportunities for young people across the region.

Governor Radda said the seven states were prepared to work, learn, reform and partner with institutions that share the region’s ambition for lasting peace and development.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Northwest Governors’ Forum, Maryam Musa Yahaya, traced the development of the Framework to the decision of the seven states to stop treating their common challenges as separate problems.

Yahaya said insecurity, poverty, displacement and other difficulties facing the region are real, but should not be allowed to define the Northwest or overshadow its history of enterprise, agriculture, trade and resilience.

‘We refuse to allow a difficult chapter to become the title of our entire story. Our story did not begin with fragility, and it will not end there,’ she said.

She recalled that the process took shape in June 2024 when the governors met in Katsina State for the inaugural Northwest Peace and Security Summit.

Although the discussion started with security, she said it soon became clear that insecurity could not be separated from livelihoods, jobs, displacement, investment and public confidence.

That understanding, according to Yahaya, changed the conversation from what individual states could do alone to what the seven states could achieve together, leading to the development of the Northwest Peace, Security and Development Framework.

She explained that throughout 2025, the Forum, with support from UNDP and other partners, consulted governments, communities, civil society groups, traditional institutions, women and young people to ensure that the Framework reflected the experiences and priorities of people across the region.

By March 2026, she said, ‘all seven governors had adopted the Framework, providing the political backing needed to move from planning to implementation.

‘We did not develop this Framework because we were coming to the General Assembly. We came to the General Assembly because we had developed it. We had done the work at home, we had agreed on a direction, and now the conversation must move from ambition to implementation. ‘

The Director-General also acknowledged the role of United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, in supporting the idea of stronger regional cooperation and the development of the Northwest Governors’ Forum and its Secretariat.

Yahaya said the next phase must put communities at the centre of implementation, particularly women, young people, farmers, entrepreneurs and families displaced by insecurity. She stressed that the Northwest was not in New York asking outsiders to solve its problems, but seeking partners willing to work with a region that has accepted responsibility for its future.

‘Our message today is not: come and rescue us. Nor is it: come and solve our problems. Our invitation is much simpler: come and build with us,’ she said.

In her remarks, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed commended the Northwest governors for speaking with one voice and putting forward a common plan for peace, security and sustainable development.

Mohammed said the importance of stability in the Northwest goes beyond the seven states, noting that peace in the region has wider implications for Nigeria, West Africa and the Sahel.

She also highlighted the Northwest’s importance to Nigeria’s food production. Citing the country’s 2022/2023 agricultural survey, she said the seven states accounted for around one-third of the maize and close to two-fifths of the rice reported during the main farming season.

According to her, the region’s livestock, mineral resources, trade routes and large youthful population provide a strong base for investment, particularly when supported by roads, electricity, skills and access to markets.

Mohammed, however, said lasting stability requires more than security operations. She said people also need justice they can trust, functioning schools and health facilities, stronger institutions, climate-resilient agriculture and jobs.

‘Every naira and every dollar invested in the Northwest is an investment in peace, and should be designed that way from the start,’ she said.

The UN Deputy Secretary-General commended the governors for committing their own resources to the regional plan, saying the decision demonstrates ownership and provides a basis for partners to contribute.

She called for better coordination of funding, with state budgets providing initial capital, development assistance supporting institutions and project preparation, international financial institutions providing long-term financing, and businesses bringing technology, markets and investment.

Mohammed said UNDP, through its Beyond Crisis Action Agenda, is developing a proposal for a Northwest-led Stabilisation-to-Transformation Programme and Financing Platform to bring together recovery, jobs, stronger institutions, development financing and responsible investment.

She also drew attention to the more than 700,000 people displaced from their homes in the Northwest, saying regional funding must eventually translate into practical improvements within affected communities.

To achieve this, Mohammed urged the governors and their partners to consider a community resilience and social action arrangement through which communities could identify their priorities and receive support for projects such as feeder roads, classrooms, markets and water facilities. She stressed that women and young people must have a strong voice in deciding those priorities.

She called on the governors to identify an initial list of projects that can be delivered, while urging development and investment partners to support project preparation, share risks and provide financing that can grow with the programme.

‘The Governors have brought one plan for seven states to New York. Now all of us in this room need to help them deliver it,’ Mohammed said.

She assured the governors of the organisation’s support, declaring: ‘The United Nations is with you.’

We have done well at CBN – Cardoso

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Olayemi Cardoso said the current management of the apex bank has done very well in its mandate of ensuring monetary and price stability.

Cardoso said this on Tuesday in Abuja, after presenting the communiqué from the 307th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

‘This is 36 months, three years precisely, that we assumed leadership role in the CBN. And, like all things, it is a pretty good time to look back and reflect.

‘In terms of context, we need to remember where we were coming from. We were coming from a place where confidence had been lost in the bank and in the country.

‘That was manifested very clearly from the confidence that was lost in our currency.

‘This was a time when our currency was regularly depreciating. You could not plan, and people panicked, and a lot of people externalised all they could to be able to protect their hard-earned savings,’ he said.

He said this was at a time when even the rating agencies had knocked us down and really did not see much hope for the future without radical reform.

He said that the crop of individuals that constituted leadership of the CBN since 2023 had been very helpful for the MPC and for him as the CBN governor.

‘The first thing, given the context that I have laid here today, was that we were able to take the bank back to its core mandate.

‘At that time, Ways and Means had dropped the economy to a huge leap. We had N23.7 trillion per capita in Ways and Means, and that fuelled the very sorry situation we had with inflation. We also had interventions of over N10 trillion.

‘We had a very dysfunctional foreign exchange market, whereby there were multiplicity of rates.

‘Our responsibility was to restore stability and maintain both price and financial stability. Our proudest moments have been in our ability over the years to take the right decisions that have been able to take us back there,’ he said.

Ex-BFP chief pleads not guilty to indirect bribery raps

Former Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Jesus Fernandez on Tuesday pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on one of his two indirect bribery cases before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.

The information was relayed to the Inquirer by his lawyer, Jhufel Brañanola, in a text message. Fernandez is charged with receiving P10.7 million, part of the supposed P14.752-million bribe from Rosaverna Sangga in connection with the BFP’s procurement of 132 ambulances worth P485 million last year.

Sangga, the representative of a company that entered into an agreement with the BFP, allegedly handed over P10.752 million to Fernandez on Nov. 21, 2024, followed by P4 million on Sept. 25, 2025.

Aside from indirect bribery, the former BFP chief also faces two counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan Second Division over the same allegation.

During his recent arraignment for one of the graft cases, he also pleaded not guilty. The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Fernandez from government service on Sept. 3, although his lawyer said he has filed a motion for reconsideration.

Police: No fatalities in Sept. 21 martial law protests

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has denied an online post claiming that two people were killed in a rally in Manila marking the 54th anniversary of martial law on Monday.

In a statement on Tuesday, the NCRPO said that based on its real-time monitoring and field reports, there were no fatalities or casualties.

‘There was a brief moment of tension, but the situation was quickly resolved through dialogue and the strict observance of maximum tolerance,’ it added.

It earlier reported that two vandalism suspects were ‘pacified’ during a rally on Recto Avenue, Manila. The NCRPO said the protests were ‘peaceful and orderly.’

The post had claimed that ‘two protesters are dead at the gates of Malacañang on the 54th anniversary of Martial Law under Marcos Jr

PDP campaign disruption: Ogun community leaders exonerate monarch, call for investigation

The Dagburewe of Idowa, Oba Sikiru Okuribido, has been exonerated by the Dagburewe-in-Council and Oloritun-in-Council of the community over allegation of stalling the campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last Wednesday.

The Sobaloju of Idowu, High Chief Yusuf Olatunji Olusanya, who addressed newsmen at Idowa Town Hall, in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Tuesday, denied the allegation, saying the traditional ruler remains a father to all candidates of different political parties.

Olusanya, flanked by other community heads, religious leaders and security agents, maintained that Oba Okuribido did not at any point in time instruct anyone to stop the PDP campaign train from entering Idowa nor participated in any alleged destruction or violence associated with the incident.

The leaders, through, Olusanya, urged the police and other relevant security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation and establish what transpired on the fateful day.

The High Chief said truth should be determined through eyewitness accounts, police records, bank transactions, photographs, videos and other available evidence.

Recall that the PDP at a press conference, last Friday, alleged that it had initially planned to hold its campaign flag-off in Idowa but was prevented from using the venue.

The party claimed that it paid N170,000 for the venue of the rally, but was later informed that the designated venue was not available.

‘Oba Dagburewe occupies a traditional position that transcends party politics.

‘If anyone alleges that His Royal Highness stalled a political rally or aided the destruction of property, the proper thing is to present the evidence to the appropriate authorities,’ he added.

Chief Olusanya further informed that there was also no formal notification letter from the party to their knowledge, sent to the community or palace informing them of the proposed campaign visit.

The councils described allegations of gunshots, looting and destruction of vehicles as serious issues that should be investigated rather than treated as political exchanges.

They also called for clarification over conflicting accounts concerning the movement of the campaign train, noting that while one account suggested the campaign did not enter Idowa, another indicated that it passed through Ososa and Idowa on its way to Ijebu-Ode.

The councils further asked the police to investigate allegations concerning the reported shooting of the son of one Sakiru Bello.

NMDPRA threatens fuel stations with licence revocation over under-dispensing

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has read the Riot Act to petrol stations involved in under-dispensing of petroleum products, threatening to revoke their licence in line with its regulations.

In a statement by the authority on Tuesday, the regulator said it has observed incidents of under-dispensing of petroleum products at some retail outlets nationwide.

‘The Authority views this as a serious breach of consumer trust that will not be tolerated,’ the statement read.

To safeguard the interest of consumers, NMDPRA directed all retail outlet operators to carry out immediate calibration and verification of all dispensers and totalisers.

According to the statement, this is intended to guarantee accurate measurement and ensure that consumers receive the full value of the product they pay for.

The NMDPRA management said it has intensified inspections and enforcement activities nationwide, warning that outlets found to be under-dispensing, operating with improperly calibrated equipment, or otherwise compromising dispensing accuracy, will be required to take immediate corrective action.

The Authority said persistent or serious violations will be subject to appropriate sanctions, up to and including revocation of the outlet’s licence, in line with NMDPRA’s regulations.

‘Outlets found to be under-dispensing, operating with improperly calibrated equipment, or otherwise compromising dispensing accuracy will be required to take immediate corrective action.

‘Persistent or serious violations will be subject to appropriate sanctions, up to and including revocation of the outlet’s licence, in line with NMDPRA’s regulations,’ the statement read.

All the umbrella bodies of fuel marketers: MEMAN, DAPPMAN, IPMAN and PETROAN were directed to promptly notify their members of the directive and to support full compliance across the industry.

NMDPRA said it remains committed to protecting consumers, promoting transparency. and upholding the integrity of petroleum product transactions nationwide.