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Several boxes were allegedly brought for former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr., Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, and ex-Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief Manuel Bonoan, a witness told the Sandiganbayan on Thursday.

Vergel Niño Garcia, a former driver and aide of state witness and ex-DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, made the revelation during the anti-graft court’s Third Division’s bail hearing for the malversation case of Revilla and several of his co-accused.

Revilla, Estrada, and Bonoan are respondents for plunder cases, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Garcia also said he allegedly delivered similar boxes and suitcases intended for late DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina ‘Cathy’ Cabral, former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar, a certain ‘Carleen Villa,’ and a building in Manila.

This information was gleaned after a series of questions from Associate Justice Karl Miranda, who is the Third Division chairperson.

However, Garcia said he personally did not know that the ‘maleta’ and boxes contained cash, which he only learned when the investigation into flood control anomalies began.

During the deliveries, he told the court that the boxes were sealed and the suitcases were locked, and he did not open them.

It was also Bernardo who told Garcia that the boxes were intended for senators, DPWH officials, and other personalities.

Garcia said he delivered 12 boxes intended for Revilla in the ‘White House’ in Cavite in February 2025.

In November 2024, Garcia said he delivered 12 boxes intended for Estrada at the ‘Artiaga Building’ in San Juan. Garcia said he personally saw Estrada during the delivery.

For Bonoan, he said he delivered a total of 55 boxes: 15 boxes at a posh hotel in Manila in November 2024; 20 boxes at a certain location in March 2025; and another 20 boxes at a restaurant in Tomas Morato St. in Quezon City in June 2025. Garcia said these boxes were allegedly received by Bonoan’s driver, whom he identified as a certain ‘Joni.’

He also said he delivered boxes for Cabral twice in 2023: one paper bag in her residence in ‘Tatalon’ in Quezon City, and one ‘smaller’ box in the parking area of Quirino Grandstand, during which Cabral’s driver fetched the package while the late undersecretary was present during the transaction.

As for Olaivar, Garcia said the former DepEd official personally received the boxes and luggage from him. In total, Garcia said Olaivar has received 15 boxes and four pieces of luggage across three deliveries between 2023 and 2024.

Meanwhile, Garcia said that Villa received eight boxes from him personally in January 2025.

Garcia also said he delivered six boxes in a building in Manila ‘in first quarter of 2025.’ However, Garcia said Bernardo did not tell him for whom the delivery was.

Associate Justice Ronald Moreno asked Garcia: ‘Did you not wonder or worry that the boxes contain illegal items?’

‘No, your honor,’ Garcia said.

‘I trust that he would not put me in jeopardy,’ he said of Bernardo.

Inquirer has reached out to Bonoan and Estrada but has yet to respond as of posting time.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects the country’s inflation rate to breach its 4 percent target until next year due to consumer price shocks from the Middle East war.

‘The inflation outlook has deteriorated amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Higher global oil and fertilizer prices have begun feeding through to domestic fuel and food prices. At the same time, core inflation has continued to rise, pointing to a broadening of underlying price pressures,’ the BSP said on Thursday.

This was as the central bank announced a 25-basis point increase in its policy interest.

‘The latest BSP projections now indicate a higher inflation path. Average headline inflation is seen to breach the 4-percent tolerance ceiling in both 2026 and 2027,’ it said.

‘Inflation expectations have also risen further, heightening the risk of de-anchoring from the target due to more persistent inflationary pressures.’

In March, Philippine inflation already surged to 4.1 percent, from 2.4 percent in February, as the Middle East war caused oil price shocks and unprecedented local currency depreciation.

DigiPlus Foundation, the social responsibility arm of the country’s pioneer in digital entertainment, DigiPlus Interactive Corp., has formalized its partnership with the Philippine Red Cross through a signing ceremony, marking a ?6 million commitment to support the upgrade of the organization’s facilities in Cavite. Building on previous collaborations focused primarily on blood donation initiatives, this partnership marks the first major infrastructure-focused project between the two organizations.

Under the DigiPlus Foundation’s KalusuganPLUS program, this partnership aims to enhance emergency response capabilities, strengthen blood service operations, and improve community resilience across Cavite and nearby areas. It underscores a shared commitment to strengthening frontline services and ensuring that communities are better equipped to respond to emergencies, disasters, and critical health needs.

More than a building, it is a lifeline: DigiPlus Foundation and Philippine Red Cross have formalized their partnership to strengthen continuous humanitarian support, advancing community resilience and making healthcare more accessible for all. (In photo from left to right: Angela Camins- Wieneke, DigiPlus Foundation’s Executive Director; Jasper Vicencio, Board of Trustee of DigiPlus Foundation; Gilbert Remulla, Chairman of Board of Trustee of Philippine Red Cross – Cavite Chapter; Ms Adelina B. Castillo, Philippine Red Cross-Cavite Chapter Administrator)

Through this initiative, the facility upgrade will enable the Philippine Red Cross to expand its operational capacity, enhancing its ability to deliver timely assistance, mobilize resources more effectively, and provide life-saving services at scale. The improved facilities are expected to support key functions such as emergency response coordination, blood services, volunteer training, and community-based programs.

‘At DigiPlus Foundation, we believe that meaningful impact comes from building solutions that last. Through this commitment, we are investing in stronger emergency response, better access to essential services, and more resilient communities as we continue to multiply the good,’ said Ms. Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of DigiPlus Foundation.

AB Leisure Exponent, Inc. President and DigiPlus Foundation Board Director Jasper Vicencio shared during the ceremony that ‘Our partnership with the Philippine Red Cross Cavite Chapter is rooted in a shared purpose-to be there when people need help the most.’ He added, ‘We are grateful to be part of this journey with the Red Cross as we create together something that will serve generations to come.’

The partnership highlights DigiPlus Foundation’s continued focus on creating sustainable, long-term impact by investing in systems and infrastructure that directly benefit communities-moving beyond one-time assistance toward lasting solutions.

The new Red Cross building will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance service capacity, featuring a modern disaster operations center, a spacious blood center, multipurpose training rooms, and comfortable community meeting spaces. It will enable faster crisis response, support larger blood drives, provide training and workshops, and foster collaboration with local organizations

For the Philippine Red Cross, the upgraded facilities are expected to significantly enhance both preparedness and response capabilities, enabling more efficient coordination during emergencies and improved delivery of humanitarian services across the province.

‘This support from DigiPlus Foundation is a meaningful contribution to our mission of providing timely and effective humanitarian assistance. With improved facilities, we will be better equipped to respond to emergencies, expand our blood services, and serve more communities across Cavite. Partnerships like this are essential in helping us save more lives and strengthen our reach,’ said Gilbert Cesar Remulla, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Philippine Red Cross Cavite Chapter.

As one of the country’s leading humanitarian organizations, the Philippine Red Cross plays a vital role in disaster response, health services, and community-based initiatives. Strengthening its infrastructure in Cavite is expected to further enhance its capacity to serve areas that are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters and public health challenges.

This partnership forms part of DigiPlus Foundation’s broader mission to ‘multiply the good’ by working alongside trusted institutions to deliver meaningful and measurable impact. By investing in infrastructure that supports emergency response, healthcare access, and community preparedness, the Foundation continues to contribute to building safer, stronger, and more resilient communities.

Moving forward, both organizations are committed to ensuring the effective implementation of the project, guided by transparency, accountability, and a shared vision of sustained impact.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. maintained on Thursday that the agency’s academy was undergoing ‘aggressive reforms’ amid a new alleged hazing case that surfaced among its cadets.

‘We will not allow favoritism or any cover-up. Anyone found responsible, regardless of their year level, will face the full force of the law,’ Nartatez stressed in a statement.

‘Aggressive policy reforms are ongoing at the PNPA, and this new case was a product of early interventions through regular monitoring and detection of hazing incidents,’ he maintained.

On Wednesday, newly appointed PNPA director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan bared that they had discovered the new case after finding bruises on two cadets’ feet during a regular physical inspection last Saturday.

The victims pointed to two of their upperclassmen as the culprits, prompting the academy to place them under restrictive custody while authorities investigate.

Neither Nartatez nor Maranan immediately provided further details on the new incident, but the agency assured that the two victims will receive medical, legal, and psychological support.

The new case came less than three weeks after three sophomore cadets allegedly smeared a mix of drain cleaner and muriatic acid on at least 22 freshmen at their barracks in Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, last April 3.

The three perpetrators, as well as four other cadets and two police officials, have been charged with violating Republic Act No. 11053, or the Anti-Hazing Act, in connection with the incident.

Further, nine PNPA officials were relieved of their posts to allow the investigation, including then-director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon.

‘Our goal is a total cultural shift. We are institutionalizing safeguards so that brotherhood is defined by discipline and respect, not by violence,’ Nartatez said.

Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday said that she will ask for a new travel request as her plans have changed due to uncertainty whether she would be allowed to travel abroad.

‘Thank you for the last-minute issuance of the travel authority,’ Duterte said in a statement addressed to the Office of the President (OP).

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Wednesday said that the OP granted the travel authority, allowing Duterte to travel to the Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom from April 23 to May 15.

Screenshot of the letter of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Screenshot of the letter of Vice President Sara Duterte to the Office of the President.

‘I regret to inform you that the plans have changed due to uncertainty as to whether I will be permitted to depart,’ Duterte said.

With this, she said that the OP will receive a new request ‘soon.’

She then asked the OP to ensure prompt processing and issuance of necessary documents ‘allowing sufficient time for travel preparations rather than only a few hours before the intended departure.’

‘Additionally, ensuring the confidentiality and proper handling of sensitive documents would greatly contribute to maintaining effective security arrangements,’ Duterte added.

Four vendors were arrested on Wednesday after authorities seized more than 66 kilograms of puffer fish being sold at the public market in Nabua town in Camarines Sur.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Bicol (BFAR-5), in coordination with the Nabua police, inspected the public market at 6 a.m. This led to the arrest of the vendors for violating Fisheries Administrative Order No. 249, series of 2014, which bans the sale and distribution of puffer fish.

Wheng Bricia-Briones, BFAR Bicol information officer, said violators can be penalized with imprisonment from two months to a year, and a fine of not less than P10,000.

She said seven kilograms of puffer fish were worth P1,400; another seven kilograms were worth P1,540; 7.02 kilograms were worth P1,404; and 45 kilograms were seized, valued at P45,000.

Administrative charges will be filed against the four suspects.

The confiscated fish were brought to the BFAR regional office for proper disposition.

The agency reiterated its warning against the sale, whether fresh or processed, and consumption of pufferfish, locally known as ‘butete,’ citing its potent toxin that can cause serious illness or, worse, may lead to death.

A new generation of showbiz royalty will continue their family legacy as a new crop of stars, the children of beloved actors, actresses and screen veterans, after they were launched by Viva Artists Agency.

After Ashley Diaz, Gabbi Ejercito, Icee Ejercito, Jac Abellana, Jaime Yllana, Rob Walcher, Ryan Walcher and Vito Quizon were introduced as Viva’s ‘Next Gen’ stars, they vowed that they’re more than just rising stars who carry the last names of their famous lineal kin.

‘Okay lang po na natatawag kaming nepo baby, since totoo naman siya. Pero pwede ko namang ipakita na [I’m more than just a] nepo baby since nanggaling ako sa pamilya ng Quizon and kilala po sila,’ Vito, grandson of Comedy King Dolphy and son of Vandolph, said.

‘Medyo mas madali makapasok sa buhay ng paga-artista, and ang pinakagagawin ko is to improve and ipakita anong kaya kong gawin. Nandito po ako ngayon and ipapakita ko na kaya ko,’ he continued.

(It’s okay that we get called nepo babies because it’s true. But I can show that I’m more than just a nepo baby who comes from the Quizon clan. Since they’re known, it may be easier for me to get into show biz. What I can do is to improve and show what I can do. I’m here now, and I’m here to prove that I can make it.)

Gabbi, daughter of Gary Estrada and Bernadette Allyson, said she carries the advice that her parents gave her in her budding showbiz career. Also signing with the agency is her sister, Icee.

‘My parents always tell me to take every opportunity given. Going into Viva alone, of course, I was reluctant, but with their support and advice, I took the chance, and I’m very grateful that I did,’ she said.

Ryan shared that his beauty queen mother, Patricia Javier, and father, Dr. Robert Walcher, taught him how to make the most out of his entertainment career.

‘The best lesson that my parents taught me is to always make the best of things. No matter how [tough] things may seem, it just makes things a lot easier,’ he said, while his brother and fellow Viva artist Rob nodded in agreement.

Ashley, who stars as Rosetta Rodriguez in ‘Project Loki,’ is the daughter of Joko Diaz, an actor known for his antagonist roles onscreen. She is also the granddaughter of Paquito Diaz.

Also part of the newest crop of stars are Jac Abellana and Jaime Yllana, the son of Jojo Abellana and son of Anjo Yllana, respectively.

Customers of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) can expect a bigger rebate as regulators ordered the swift implementation of P14.17-billion remaining refunds beginning May, as Filipinos reel from rising prices due to the Middle East war.

Based on a document posted on its website, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) directed the Manuel V. Pangilinan-led firm to hasten the rollout of the remaining refunds out of the original amount of P19.96 billion.

This is part of an earlier order that declared July 2022 to December 2024 as a lapsed period.

The true-up calculation shows the gap between Meralco’s actual weighted average tariff and the regulator-approved rate for the period under review.

The refund program started a year ago, initially covering P5.8 billion at a rate of P0.1189 per kilowatt hour (kWh).

Now, the ERC has mandated a higher average refund rate of P0.2511 per kWh.

Residential customers, in particular, will see a reduction of P0.4278 per kWh.

Immediate relief

‘By expediting the refund, we are providing more immediate relief to Meralco consumers, particularly in the face of rising electricity costs driven by global and domestic factors,’ ERC chair and CEO Francis Saturnino Juan said in a statement on Wednesday.

‘The true-up mechanism is a safeguard embedded in our regulatory framework, ensuring that tariffs remain cost-reflective and reasonable at all times,’ he added.

The ERC said the remaining amount would be refunded over a shorter period of 12 months instead of the original 36 months.

According to the ERC, the refund will be under a separate line item in their power bills, allowing consumers to check the amount being returned to them.

In February, Meralco sought regulatory approval for a capital spending of P272 billion for a five-year period, or until 2030.

Rate reset

Under a rate reset process, a regulated entity such as Meralco must submit to the ERC its spending and proposed projects over a certain period, usually five years, unless extended by the regulator. This will then be the basis of the rate that will be passed on to consumers.

Meralco is the country’s biggest power distributor, delivering electricity to over 8.2 million consumers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including the municipalities of Sto. Tomas, Batangas City and San Pascual.

An unexpected power interruption affected parts of Olongapo City on Thursday after a snake came into contact with electrical equipment at a local substation.

In an advisory, Olongapo Electricity Distribution Company (OEDC) reported that the reptile had climbed onto a gantry structure within one of its substations.

The animal’s contact with energized components caused a line-to-ground fault, prompting protective systems to activate and automatically shut down the affected power feeders, the OEDC explained.

The shutdown, while disruptive to residents and businesses, was a safety measure designed to prevent further damage to the electrical network and ensure public safety, it added.

Utility personnel immediately responded to the incident, clearing the obstruction and conducting necessary inspections before restoring power to the affected areas.

OEDC confirmed that electricity service has since been fully restored.

The company apologized for the inconvenience caused by the sudden outage and expressed appreciation for the public’s patience and understanding.

Travelers flying within and out of the Philippines are facing significantly higher airfares for the rest of April after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) approved a Level 19 fuel surcharge, pushing additional charges to as much as P15,397 per ticket.

This new rate brings jet fuel surcharges close to the maximum Level 20 and marks a sharp increase from Level 8 imposed from April 1 to April 15.

Before the Middle East conflict broke out, Level 4 surcharge had applied.

Under Level 19, fuel surcharges for domestic flights now range from P627 to P1,834, up from P253 to P787 earlier in April-equivalent to increases of 147.83 percent and 133.04 percent, respectively.

For international flights, the surcharge rises to at least P2,070.77 and as much as P15,397.15, from P835.05 to P6,208.98 previously, representing a 147.98-percent increase.

CAB issued the advisory on Wednesday, although the new rates had taken effect for tickets issued starting April 16.

‘This interim measure shall be in effect until the current situation stabilizes, or as may be revised or revoked accordingly,’ it said.

These new rates will be applied at a conversion rate of P59.95 per US dollar.

Up 436% from prewar levels

This adjustment comes as global jet fuel prices remain high, reaching $184.63 per barrel as of April 17, from $99.40 per barrel prior to the Iran conflict, based on data from the International Air Transport Association.

Compared with prewar levels, Philippine jet fuel surcharges have now increased by 436 percent.

In March, carriers were unable to immediately reflect the price surge, as surcharges had already been set at Level 4 before hostilities escalated. At that level, domestic charges ranged from P117 to P342, while international surcharges were between P385.70 and P2,867.82.

Level 20 remains the highest allowable tier under CAB rules, with domestic surcharges ranging from P661 to P1,993 and international charges from P2,183.11 to P16,232.44.

On top of base airfare

Under CAB Resolution No. 25, Series of 2022, fuel surcharges are optional and charged on top of the base airfare. These may be removed if the one-month average price of jet fuel falls below P21 per liter.

In a statement, AirAsia Philippines said the increase reflects mounting cost pressures on carriers amid the ongoing conflict.

‘With the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, our operational cost base has significantly exceeded initial forecasts-global jet fuel prices have surged to more than double 2025 levels,’ the airline said.