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The Department of Agriculture (DA) is likely to extend the current rice import ban until the end of the year to help stabilize farmgate prices, with new measures also being prepared to support local farmers.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said yesterday he met with President Marcos last week, where they agreed to extend the ban by at least 30 days.

‘It is possible that the ban could be extended until the end of the year, depending on the situation,’ Tiu Laurel told reporters in an interview at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

‘I also talked to our rice millers and local rice traders last week. They are actually requesting the import ban to be extended until the end of this year,’ he added.

Tiu Laurel said the price of palay, or unhusked rice, has dropped again, prompting the government to consider extending the import ban and drafting additional measures to support local farmers.

Among these measures is an executive order that will prohibit local government units and other government offices from buying imported rice to help rice farmers.

Tiu Laurel also said the government may increase tariffs once the import ban ends and will issue an executive order to set a floor price for rice.

Another measure to ease rice prices is to sell P20 rice for one month to households in typhoon-affected areas such as Masbate and Eastern Samar.

Each household could buy up to 30 kilos of the staple grain, the agriculture official said.

The 60-day rice import ban that began in September was implemented by the Marcos administration to help stabilize farmgate prices and shield local farmers during the harvest season.

During his 2022 election campaign, Marcos pledged to lower the retail price of rice to P20 per kilo, a commitment that has since drawn close public attention to both price fluctuations and government actions in the rice sector.

Cebuana Lhuillier continues to champion financial inclusion by joining the government-led Lab for All caravans, a nationwide initiative that brings both healthcare and community empowerment to underserved Filipinos.

Guided by its vision of financial inclusion and empowerment for every Filipino, the company integrates its business expertise and Corporate Social Responsibility advocacies to ensure that communities gain not only access to medical services but also the financial tools needed to build better futures.

‘At Cebuana Lhuillier, we believe in empowering Filipinos to build better futures for themselves and their families,’ says president and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.

‘Our participation in the Lab for All caravan aligns with our mission to bring financial services and opportunities directly to the communities that need them most.’

Lab for All is the flagship healthcare initiative of First Lady Louise ‘Liza’ Araneta-Marcos, supported by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Beyond providing healthcare through free medicines, consultations and mobile laboratory services, the program also emphasizes entrepreneurship and innovation, linking local talents with experts and investors for lasting community impact.

Since the launch of the first caravan in Batangas City in May 2023, Cebuana Lhuillier has been a consistent partner in 47 Lab for All events-from Tacloban and Sorsogon to Quezon City and General Santos.

At each stop, the company’s Kanegosyo Centers have offered invaluable resources: Cebuana Micro Savings accounts paired with complimentary Ipon Boxes that transform saving into a rewarding habit, ProtectMax Insurance plans that shield families from financial shocks and hands-on workshops guiding aspiring entrepreneurs toward sustainable businesses.

These initiatives uplift communities and strengthen family resilience by addressing every stage of the financial journey-saving, protecting and building.

The success of Lab for All demonstrates the extraordinary progress that can be achieved when public and private sectors unite with a shared purpose. Just as Lab for All delivers much-needed healthcare to underserved communities, Cebuana Lhuillier brings the promise of financial inclusion, accessibility and livelihood support-ensuring that every Filipino not only survives, but thrives.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show-cause order to a rider for allowing a child to ride on a motorcycle without a helmet in Baclaran, Parañaque.

The incident was recorded on camera by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s Special Operations Group-Strike Force head Gabriel Go from his vehicle along Roxas Boulevard.

The viral photo received around 3,000 reactions, mostly likes and crying emojis.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the motorcycle rider and one of the two back riders had helmets. The child, who was sitting in the middle, had no protective gear.

‘That compromises the safety of what appears to be family members, especially the child,’ Mendoza said.

The vehicle’s registered owner was ordered to appear at the LTO central office in Quezon City on Oct. 2.

‘Once the identity of the motorcycle rider is established, his driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days,’ the LTO said.

The country’s luxury property landscape continues to gain prominence, and in this niche market stands The Velaris Residences-a residential masterpiece in Bridgetowne, which has proven itself worthy to be called the best in this category.

The recent PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards proudly announced The Velaris Residences North Tower as Best Condo Development (Philippines), Best Luxury Condo Development (Metro Manila) and Best Condo Interior Design-distinctions that affirm that it’s more than real estate, but a new standard of elevated living.

Is it because of the global expertise, partnerships, intentional design or a commitment to a lifestyle that goes beyond walls and ceilings? What exactly does it take to earn such recognition?

1. Born from a visionary partnership

Behind The Velaris Residences is RHK Land Corporation, the joint venture between Philippine real estate giant Robinsons Land and Hongkong Land. The collab merges local knowledge of the market with a legacy of world-class developments across Asia.

The global-local synergy in this debut project let RHK Land make its mark in the industry, collecting prestigious awards along the way and cementing its credibility among Philippine luxury residences.

2. Intentional design

In real estate, a strong design philosophy is the recipe not just for great awards, but for generations of happy clients.

The Velaris Residences believes that every space must be purpose-driven and enhance the lives of its residents.

The 40-story North Tower-an addition to the three-tower enclave-showcases this philosophy by offering one- to four-bedroom layouts that maximize natural light and provide seamless flow between spaces.

There are spacious indoor patios in the one- and one-and-a-half-bedroom units, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. Then there are double-volume living spaces in four-bedroom, townhouse and penthouse suites, creating a sense of grandeur and openness not often seen even in this market.

Every unit is equipped with smart home technology, from biometric digital door locks to app-controlled lighting and air conditioning, as well as smart mirrors in larger units.

Privacy is so important that private lifts are included in two-bedroom units and above, with a 2:1 unit-to-elevator ratio for smaller residences.

Elegance is not only the finishing touch but the foundation. Natural stone, engineered wood and other premium materials are carefully applied, all while keeping the units versatile enough for discerning residents.

3. Top-notch amenities

The awards have also recognized The Velaris Residences for its unrivaled lifestyle offerings. Specially curated for leisure, wellness, productivity and community, the North Tower’s amenities rival those of five-star resorts.

Upon arrival, residents are greeted by a grand plaza and five exclusive lobbies-each promising privacy and calm.

For relaxation, there’s an indoor Japanese sento with wet and dry sauna on the fifth floor podium. Outside, residents can marvel at an outdoor sento and sculpture garden.

For those with active pursuits, The Velaris Residences has a badminton and pickleball court, a lifestyle gym with dance and cycling studios, an Olympic-length infinity pool and, of course, a golf simulator studio.

Enjoy the garden lounge with floating daybeds, or let the children play at the Kids Club. A treetop playground, camping grounds and a dedicated children’s pool, pool bar and family deck, banquet hall and a party pool with underwater seating complete the family-centric lineup of amenities.

The North Tower also responds to modern needs with a business lounge with meeting room and a creative studio, encouraging residents to embrace hybrid work in style.

Meanwhile, smart lockers, secure mailrooms and a residents’ portal app ensure seamless contactless living, from booking amenities to managing deliveries.

Crowning it all is the North Tower Velaris SkyClub on the 40th floor. This sanctuary in the clouds comes with a wine gallery, cigar room, private theater, casual and gourmet dining areas, SkyLounge, SkyBar and SkyDeck.

It’s up to the residents to enjoy it either as an escape or a stage for life’s grandest celebrations, right at home.

4. Location with lasting value

Awards also take into account the location. The Velaris Residences rises within Bridgetowne, an emerging 30-hectare township along the C5 corridor that links Quezon City, Pasig City and Taguig City.

The property stands beside two majestic landmarks-The Victor, a 200-foot art installation by world-renowned artist JEFRË, and the scenic Bridgetowne Bridge, designed by Mañosa and Co.

These icons contribute to the project’s long-term value, alongside the township’s master-planned mix of business and leisure spaces.

Investors and residents can be confident that the C5 growth corridor is poised to become a new megalopolis, with Bridgetowne as the centerpiece-ensuring that owning a unit at The Velaris Residences is not just a lifestyle statement, but also a sound, future-proof investment.

Dismissing the allegations as part of a smear campaign, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta has denied any conflict of interest involving his wife’s role in insurance firms linked to contractors under investigation in the flood control scandal.

Marcoleta clarified that his wife Edna serves only as an independent director and audit committee chair at Stronghold Insurance Co. Inc.

‘They didn’t even bother to research what an independent director means. An independent director cannot qualify if you have relatives who own the company. You must be independent. Your role is only to protect the minority shareholders,’ Marcoleta said in Filipino over radio dzRH.

His remarks came after reports surfaced that Stronghold had provided bonds to companies owned by Curlee and Sarah Discaya, who are under investigation for allegedly cornering ghost and substandard flood-control projects.

The senator, who previously chaired the Senate Blue Ribbon committee leading the probe, has drawn attention for his handling of the Discayas’ testimony.

During a suspended hearing, Sen. Panfilo Lacson questioned Marcoleta’s perceived protectiveness toward the Discayas, which he immediately denied.

According to a Bilyonaryo news report, a notarized acknowledgment in 2022 showed that Sarah, through Alpha and Omega Contractor, personally transacted with Stronghold for a bond obligation.

Records further revealed that Marcoleta’s wife also sat on the 2023 board of Milestone Guaranty and Assurance, which issued a P19.29-million bond for Elite General Contractor, another Discaya-owned firm.

The bond covered a P192.9-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, which Senate investigators later flagged as non-existent.

Despite the links, Marcoleta rejected insinuations that his wife’s affiliations compromised his independence as a legislator.

‘That’s what they want to suggest. All they want is to destroy [my reputation] in any way possible,’ he said.

Stronghold Insurance has also denied any link to the alleged corruption scandal, saying recent reports unfairly malign the company and Marcoleta’s wife.

The firm clarified that Edna was elected to the board only in February 2024 and holds no role in management or bond issuance decisions.

Stronghold explained that surety bonds for DPWH projects are a legal requirement and available to all qualified contractors, noting that ‘the Discaya-owned firms were simply just one of their many clients.’

Honor of Kings has officially launched a Tagalog localization as part of its latest major update. Players can now switch both in-game text and voice-overs to Tagalog, making every match feel closer to home.

Honor of Kings has previously released Filipino-specific voice packs since its global launch last year. Previous voice packs including those for Edgar “ChooxTV” Dumali, for popular esports duo Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie “Wise” Del Rosario, and vlogger Joel ‘Malupiton’ Ravanera, and the most recent version from esports announcer Mara Aquino.

‘Honor of Kings deeply values the Filipino community, one of our most vibrant and engaged player bases. Tagalog isn’t just a language – it’s a feeling of comfort and belonging. We’re proud to bring this experience to our players and are open to exploring other Philippine languages and dialects in the future,’ said Isabelle Eloriaga, product manager at Honor of Kings Philippines.

The voice pack, which was part of the Honor of Kings: Thrilling update, also introduces new content such as the heroine Umbrosa, Fallen Austren, Spriteling companion, and the Ultimate Awakening game mode.

The local league of Honor of Kings, the Philippines Kings League (PKL) Fall Season, is on its sixth and final week of its regular season. Top contender Blacklist International and defending champions Boom Esports are looking to secure the upper-bracket advantage, while WETRND Esports, ACT Esports Club and Elevate have also booked playoff spots.

The top four teams in the PKL Fall Season will qualify to the Honor of Kings International Championship, which will be held in the country this November. There, the top 16 teams in the world will compete for the title of Honor of Kings World Champion.

Hollywood celebrity couple Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban are ending their relationship after being married for nearly two decades.

A number of sources confirmed the split to several entertainment outlets, including TMZ, People and Variety, with the former being told Nicole and Keith had been living apart for some time now.

The same source told TMZ that Nicole has been looking after the couple’s two children and was “holding the family together through this difficult time since Keith has been gone.”

People’s source, meanwhile, said Nicole’s family, particularly her sister Antonia, have been supportive of the Oscar and Emmy winner.

“She didn’t want this. She has been fighting to save the marriage,” the source added.

Nicole just finished production on a “Practical Magic” sequel with Sandra Bullock, while Keith is in the middle of his “High and Alive” world tour to promote his 11th album “High”.

The Australian-American couple married in June 2006 a year after dating and have two teenage daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret.

Nicole was previously married to fellow Hollywood star Tom Cruise, with whom she adopted two children, for 11 years.

Keith, a four-time Grammy winner, has gone on record crediting Nicole as being a pivotal part to his rehabilitation for alcohol abuse.

A potential low pressure area (LPA) east of the country may intensify into a tropical cyclone by Thursday, the state weather bureau warned.

In its advisory yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that if the LPA develops into a tropical depression, it will be named Paolo and could traverse Luzon.

Despite the forecast, PAGASA clarified that as of now, there are no existing LPAs or southwest monsoon systems directly affecting the country.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, easterly winds are forecast to remain the prevailing weather system.

PAGASA said the entire country may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms due to the easterlies.

Easterly winds will be light to moderate and may bring hot and humid conditions during the day and could result in localized thunderstorms by late afternoon or evening.

Coastal waters, meanwhile, will have slight to moderate conditions, with wave heights reaching up to 2.1 meters. ?Based on PAGASA’s extended weather outlook, generally fair weather with isolated thunderstorms is expected in most parts of the country until Oct. 3.

Areas such as Metro Manila, Laoag City, Baguio City, the Clark Zone, Olongapo, Tagaytay City, Lipa City, Legazpi City, Puerto Princesa City, the Kalayaan Group of Islands, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Metro Cebu, Tacloban City, Cagayan de Oro City, Valencia City, Metro Davao and Zamboanga City may experience this pattern.

Tuguegarao City, on the other hand, is forecast to see cloudy skies with rainshowers and/or thunderstorms on Oct. 2 and 3, possibly influenced by the developing weather disturbance off the country’s eastern seaboard.

State-run Land Bank of the Philippines has rejected allegations of irregular activity following reports of unusually large cash withdrawals by contractors of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) involved in flood control projects.

In a statement, LandBank said ‘all transactions were carried out strictly within the bounds of Philippine banking laws and regulations, under full compliance with government mandates and oversight requirements.’

‘The funds deposited in the accounts of DPWH contractors originated from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), released pursuant to the General Appropriations Act as passed by Congress and disbursed by the DPWH,’ the bank said.

‘These funds are legitimate government allocations, not private or unverified sources. LandBank, or any other financial institution, has no legal authority to block or question duly appropriated government disbursements,’ it added.

The lender explained that under DBM Circular 2018-14 and Bureau of the Treasury Circular 3-2018, government contractors are required to open and maintain deposit accounts with banks such as LandBank to facilitate the release of payments for public projects.

The bank said it has fully observed Know Your Client protocols, risk management procedures and documentation requirements in opening these accounts.

LandBank also underscored its strict adherence to the Anti-Money Laundering Act, noting that all cash withdrawals exceeding P500,000 are automatically reported to the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

‘Any transaction deemed ‘suspicious’ at the time of execution is immediately flagged to AMLC via a suspicious transaction report,’ the bank said.

‘In this case, the legitimacy of the source of funds – government releases through DPWH, the lawful purpose of the payments and the KYC account opening documentation of the contractors – have all been properly established and recorded. There was, therefore, no basis under the law to withhold the release of funds,’ it added.

The bank maintained that its primary role is to execute banking transactions in accordance with regulations, not to assume investigatory functions.

While distancing itself from the controversy, LandBank assured the public that it remains committed to ‘the highest standards of integrity, regulatory compliance and public trust’ and is ready to cooperate with any inquiry.

The controversy stems from a Senate Blue Ribbon committee investigation that flagged massive cash withdrawals by DPWH contractors for flood control projects.

Investigators are looking into whether the transactions are linked to alleged anomalies involving public funds.

The reported deaths from the combined effects of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, Super Typhoon Nando, Tropical Depression Mirasol and the southwest monsoon climbed to 27, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported yesterday.

The NDRRMC said four of theThe reported deaths from the combined effects of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, Super Typhoon Nando, Tropical Depression Mirasol and the southwest monsoon climbed to 27, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported yesterday. reported fatalities have been confirmed while 23 are for validation.

It said 16 people remain missing while 33 were injured.

In total, the NDRRMC said 3.4 million people across 16 regions were affected by Opong and other weather disturbances.

Fifty-three cities and towns have declared a state of calamity.

The Office of Civil Defense said it is expediting rehabilitation efforts in Masbate, the hardest hit province.

Masbate calls for aid

With residents ‘in dire need’ of rice, safe drinking water and construction materials, the Diocese of Masbate is calling for donations to help the affected families.

Caritas Philippines said solar chargers, lamps and temporary shelters are needed.

In neighboring Romblon, people are asking for food packs, shelter repair kits and solar lamps.

President Marcos directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to ensure that all affected communities would receive assistance.

‘What the President wants is clear: make sure that no one among our countrymen affected by the storm will be left behind,’ Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters yesterday.

‘The government is ready to help – from disaster response to the rehabilitation of the province. Government agencies continue to work together to ensure the recovery of Masbate,’ she added.

Castro said social welfare personnel are in Masbate to provide aid to storm-hit communities, and have visited the evacuation centers at Nursery Elementary School, Bolo National High School and Milagros National High School to check on the condition of evacuees and determine the assistance they need.

She added that national and local governments initially distributed food packs to the displaced families.

PNP pushes disaster response training

The Philippine National Police is set to institutionalize disaster response training within the PNP and strengthen community participation to boost preparedness ahead of typhoons and other calamities.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the move comes as the country braces for more cyclones, with the state weather bureau forecasting at least two tropical systems to enter the Philippine area of responsibility in October.

‘We face strong typhoons every year, and we cannot change that. But we can make sure our personnel are prepared and equipped when deployed as frontliners,’ Nartatez said yesterday.

The PNP regularly mobilizes thousands of officers during calamities to assist local government units in preemptive evacuation, search and rescue, road-clearing and relief distribution.

Nartatez said the police force aims to integrate disaster response into its training programs, ensuring that best practices from past operations are passed on to new recruits.

‘Many of our personnel already have a high level of expertise from their experience on the ground. We want these best practices included in our training for future police officers,’ he said.

Beyond training and equipment, Nartatez stressed the importance of police-community collaboration, particularly in disaster-prone areas.

‘If we need to help hold training at the barangay level, we will do so to ensure that everyone knows what to do before, during and after typhoons and other calamities,’ he added.

DICT taps Starlink

Meanwhile, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda said they are tapping the help of US satellite communications giant Starlink to provide emergency connectivity in storm-ravaged Masbate.

Aguda said he coordinated with Starlink’s global emergency response team on Sunday, adding that the group pledged to deploy Starlink units and a response team to the province.

As of yesterday, only 23 percent of cell sites had been restored on the island. Globe and Smart sent generator sets to power their downed towers, Aguda said.

‘I would like to thank Converge, they were the first to respond by sending their technical people,’ he added.