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Martin Romualdez transferred to PGH for medical examination

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was transferred to the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) in Manila on Saturday for an independent medical examination ordered by the Sandiganbayan.

Romualdez left Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City, where he had been confined since Monday, when he was arrested after the court issued a warrant in connection with the P7.44-billion plunder case.

The Sandiganbayan ordered the transfer to independently assess Romualdez’s medical condition and verify the findings of his doctors at Cardinal Santos.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered the transfer to independently assess Romualdez’s medical condition and verify the findings of his doctors at Cardinal Santos.

‘The court deems it proper to direct an independent examination of accused Romualdez at PGH to verify the medical examination conducted by (his) doctors in Cardinal,’ the Third Division said in the court order on Friday.

The examination will help the court determine whether Romualdez needs to remain confined in a hospital.

Romualdez’s lawyers had asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to remain at Cardinal Santos under court custody until he was medically cleared for transfer to a detention facility. They cited several medical conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and primary hypothyroidism.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) had taken custody of Romualdez while he remained hospitalized.

At a hearing on Friday, Dr. Rosalio Torres, the hospital’s overall coordinator, testified that transferring Romualdez to another hospital could pose risks to his condition. He said Romualdez had no invasive or emergency surgery scheduled and could instead undergo intensive monitoring.

Cardiologist Dr. Rody Sy also testified that Romualdez would need about four to six weeks before he could be transferred, according to the court proceedings.

The Sandiganbayan is set to hear the issue of Romualdez’s continued hospital confinement on Sept. 14.

Romualdez is facing a plunder case over alleged kickbacks from flood control projects.

The Ombudsman charged Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and two others with plunder. It alleged that Romualdez and Co repeatedly received commissions, shares, kickbacks and other financial benefits totaling at least P7.44 billion.

Enforcement is the key to eliminating system loss

The fight over system loss has become a fight over words on paper. Bills have been filed, a technical working group is drafting, and the argument in Congress has settled into a question of what may and may not appear on a consumer’s bill. That question deserves an answer, but it is worth being honest about what an answer would accomplish. Whatever Congress writes, no clause in any draft removes a single illegal connection from a single pole.

Part of the difficulty is that the debate keeps using one term for two unrelated problems. Technical loss is physics: energy that heats the wire and the transformer on the way to your house, an unavoidable cost of moving electricity across distance. No law repeals it, and only sustained investment in better equipment brings it down – never to zero. Non-technical loss is something else entirely. It is jumpers, tampered meters, stolen wire and cable, and there is nothing technical about any of it. It is theft, which also makes it the only part of system loss that can genuinely be eliminated rather than merely reduced. When we talk about elimination, then, we are talking about the stolen half, and the instrument that eliminates it was never going to be a provision in a bill.

The limits of what a utility can do on its own explain why. A crew that finds a jumper may inspect the connection, cut it, and correct the bill, and that is the end of its lawful authority. The crew drives away and the jumper frequently goes back up within the week, not because anyone was careless but because nothing that happened carried a consequence. Theft of electricity is a crime under Republic Act 7832, and a crime cannot be answered with a billing adjustment. Only the PNP can investigate it, only a prosecutor can bring it, and only a court can bring it to an end.

That work has fallen to the PNP, and it deserves to be described plainly, because very little about it resembles what the public imagines police work to be. There are no headlines in a tampered meter and no commendations waiting at the end of a jumper case. Officers do this in the heat and in cramped alleys, around live lines, in neighbourhoods where the whole street knows exactly what is going on and nobody is inclined to say so, building files they know may take years to move through the courts. That they have stayed with it, and pushed the campaign harder this year rather than letting it go quiet, is the most underappreciated fact in the entire system loss debate.

What the partnership the PNP and Meralco renewed at Camp Crame in June does is make that effort count for more. The utility knows where the losses are, because it reads the meters, maps the feeders and sees the consumption that refuses to reconcile; the PNP is what turns that knowledge into a case with consequences attached. Neither half is worth much alone – detection without enforcement is an expensive audit, and enforcement without detection is searching a franchise area of millions in the dark. This agreement has also gone well past the signing table. The PNP chief directed offices nationwide to coordinate with utility crews, build cases and move immediately on reports of tampering and stolen wire; the two sides met again in August to press the campaign further; and Meralco is now training PNP electrical engineers and electricians, a detail that sounds minor and is not, because an officer who understands what he is looking at on a service drop builds a case that survives cross-examination. That is how non-technical loss actually comes down: case by case rather than clause by clause.

The rest of us have a part in this as well, and it is not a passive one. Scrap dealers who buy stolen wire keep the market for it alive, neighbourhoods that treat a jumper as an open secret keep it profitable, and courts that allow these cases to stall keep it low-risk. Remove any one of those and the calculation changes for the person considering it.

Infinix Launches GT 50 Pro: The Ultimate Hardcore Gaming Flagship with Industry-First Cooling and Control

Infinix Niger today officially unveils the GT 50 Pro, the gaming powerhouse serving as the centerpiece of the constantly expanding hardware ecosystem known as the New GT Ecosystem. More than an incremental update, the GT 50 Pro marks a strategic evolution by synchronizing the three core dimensions of Physical Refinement, Thermal Sovereignty and Intelligent Optimization. This approach eliminates the common friction between hardware and real-world performance, helping dedicated gamers showcase their skill by overcoming the inherent limitations of the smartphone form factor.

Showcasing both its physical and visual sophistication, the GT 50 Pro introduces the HydroFlow Liquid Cooling Architecture, a specialized thermal engine carefully designed to solve the persistent pain point of overheating. With powerful heat dissipation and active circulation ensuring stability, the GT 50 Pro forms the definitive gateway to Infinix’s connected New GT Ecosystem and its refined accessories and AIoT peripherals. This comprehensive package delivers a seamless competitive gaming sanctuary – a refuge from distraction where performance and responsiveness lead to victory – for the hardcore gaming community.

‘The GT 50 Pro represents the synergy of Infinix’s next-generation cooling architecture and carefully engineered software,’ shared Weiqi Nie, Infinix Product Director of Infinix. ‘We are proud to drive the transformation of previous-generation mobile device experiences toward a unified, competitive gaming platform in the New GT Ecosystem that moves beyond the typical smartphone and offers enthusiasts a powerfully interactive ecosystem.’

The Three Pillars of GT 50 Pro Dominance

It’s not enough for a modern smartphone to merely be good. To truly stand out from the field, Infinix’s gaming flagship leverages intentional design decisions and a user-forward experience, with its crosshairs on premium gaming performance and real competitive advantage. The GT 50 Pro upgrades players’ skills with multifunctional, high-precision interactivity – that’s where the heart of the New GT Ecosystem pushes boundaries with three integral approaches.

Physical Refinement: Tactile Precision and a Hypercar Aesthetic

The GT 50 Pro redefines mobile ergonomics by merging the first-ever Open-Cut Pressure-Sense GT Trigger with a refined hypercar aesthetic in a combination of tactile control and functional engineering. To bridge the gap between mobile and console-grade control, the GT 50 Pro employs the GT Trigger system: a pair of dual-pressure mechanical triggers with a combination of functionality unlike anything the industry has seen yet. Engineered specifically to support advanced tactics including complex ‘claw grip’ maneuvers, they enable the tactile precision needed in high-stakes play.

The Pressure-Sense GT Trigger’s diverse functionality plays a huge role solidifying the GT 50 Pro as the definitive physical interface of a hardcore gaming sanctuary. At its core, dual-stage pressure-sensing technology allows for light press, heavy press, and sliding inputs that bring intricate in-game actions to players’ fingertips. Complementing this versatility,up to 4 adjustable mapping points per trigger and 10 pressure levels make it easy to personalize control for decreased reaction time. Furthermore, with latency held below 20ms and a rugged construction that withstands over 3 million presses, the device ensures consistent responsiveness throughout its long lifespan. Ultimately, this combination of performance-forward features significantly improves aiming, skill activation, and weapon switching during gameplay of today’s most popular titles.

GT Trigger’s instant convenience isn’t limited to just performing complex combos – it also serves as a sophisticated universal command center. By sliding both buttons inward during gameplay, users can instantly take a screenshot or screen recording, access Select and Search, initiate a memory cleanup, or enter Off-screen Gaming mode. This same dual inward slide motion can also summon the Folax AI assistant, providing instant access to a wealth of knowledge and actions via natural language input. Furthermore, functionality extends even further beyond games, with GT Trigger shortcut support for quick-launching apps, controlling video playback, customizing lighting effects, and more. The versatile control scheme is deeply integrated with many of today’s most-used features: for instance, within the camera app, single-tap and long-press actions can take regular or burst photos or begin video recording, and the lower-right trigger allows for easy sliding zoom. As a complete package, GT Trigger’s expansive feature set has never been approached by any device until the GT 50 Pro.

Inspired by the pursuit of speed and skill, the GT 50 Pro’s design reimagines mobile aesthetics through the lens of hypercar engineering. By embracing this high-speed, high-precision ethos, the device seamlessly integrates advanced ergonomics and instantly recognizable expression with aerodynamic principles into its bold new form. Central to this design is the transparent Pipeline Window Display, which provides a real-time window as liquid coolant flows through the system, emphasizing the power of true heat dissipation. Combined with the visible flowing action, the GT 50 Pro’s clean lines, aerodynamic details, and sophisticated kevlar-inspired finish exude an evolved, competitive aesthetic. Sleeker and more refined than its predecessor, the GT 50 Pro pushes mobile design into the next generation.

Complementing the unique Black Abyss, Red Blaze, and Silver Glacier color schemes is Mechanical Light Waves-a dynamic RGB array designed for a professional esports identity. Four crosshair LED strips accentuate the visible liquid cooling window, creating a high-recognition aesthetic that celebrates raw technical power. With 14 lighting scenarios and 8 customizable colors, this system delivers a futuristic, cohesive visual experience for both gaming and daily use.

Thermal Sovereignty: Next-Generation Cooling Hardware

Hardcore gamers understand a fundamental truth: heat is the enemy of performance. To combat this, the GT 50 Pro introduces a paradigm shift in thermal management. At its core is the industry-first 100% coverage of core heat sources by micro-pump liquid cooling that maintains a direct link between the most thermally intensive components and the liquid cooling network. By thoroughly drawing heat away from the most thermally intensive areas, this system ensures unwavering stability. This also is the industry’s largest micro-pump liquid cooling, boasting a massive 6437mm² diaphragm area for superior heat dissipation and rapid thermal conduction. This expansive surface is connected via precision channels, etched with micron-level laser accuracy to optimize flow. Within this network, specially formulated coolant is circulated at a rate of 6.5ml per minute by a pioneering piezoelectric-driven ceramic heat pump, the first of its kind in the industry. The result: maintains high performance under heavy load and ensures a consistently high frame rate even during extended, high-intensity competitive gaming sessions. And because gamers demand the best and always push for the next level, that’s just the start of the GT 50 Pro performance story.

Building upon this internal foundation,Infinix’s GT Magcharge Cooler 2.0 takes thermal sovereignty to yet another level and makes the New GT Ecosystem greater than the sum of its parts. Exclusively when used with the GT 50 Pro, the multifunctional cooler offers the industry’s first wireless bypass charging, by routing power directly to the computing chipset instead of the battery, it significantly extends battery lifespan while simultaneously lowering device temperatures during peak performance. By avoiding an unnecessary step to convert energy, this heads off excess heat at the source and promotes sustained efficiency and performance without throttling. And as the cooler directly feeds the most resource-intensive components, it also actively refrigerates them. Featuring 12 watts of active thermoelectric refrigeration supported by a dynamic, GT Magcharge Cooler 2.0 unlocks an additional layer of potential for pushing the GT 50 Pro’s powerful hardware to its absolute limit.

Intelligent Optimization: Focused Software and Game-Changing AI Tools

Superior cooling lays the perfect foundation for the GT 50 Pro’s gaming intelligence suite to shine. From Hardcore Esports Mode and Native 144FPS¹ fluidity to the suite of AI² enhancements in XOS 16, every feature is intelligently optimized to deliver a sustained, console-like competitive experience for hardcore gamers.

In addition, Infinix’s ongoing collaboration with global game publishers through the GT Gaming Co-Lab further elevates the entire software ecosystem. This partnership has enabled breakthroughs such as the AI Frame Rescue Engine and Game Thermal Control Engine, which help minimize frame drops and maintain smooth performance even under high frame rates.

Moving beyond surface-level gaming features, Hardcore Esports Mode initiates a deep-level transformation of the GT 50 Pro’s identity. With a single tap, it optimizes the device into a high-performance gaming powerhouse for elite-level play. It applies a complete UI overhaul, bold gaming wallpapers and animations, and automatic blocking of system gestures and notifications to help players focus on high-intensity gaming sessions that demand full attention.

Further elevating the competitive experience is the Native 144FPS¹ technology, a breakthrough that delivers ultra-smooth fluidity in major esports titles. The GT 50 Pro’s Native 144FPS¹ certification promises ultra-smooth performance in six major esports titles, including Call of Duty: Mobile, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Free Fire, and more. The resulting high frame rates and enhanced response time grant diehard gamers a definitive visual advantage in the ever-changing landscape of battle, allowing players to see faster, move faster, and strike with total confidence.

Building from Infinix’s long-standing experience on gaming’s cutting edge, Native 144FPS provides real competitive advantage and doesn’t rely on novel tricks to increase apparent smoothness. With refined, verified high-frame rate output on the hardware level, the GT 50 Pro supports ranked, competitive play including leading official tournaments. Even casual gamers will notice the benefits of smooth, immersive play – as anyone who has transitioned from 60FPS or 90FPS gaming to 144FPS will testify – and the leveled-up responsive puts serious players in a position to succeed in the most heated combat situations.

The GT 50 Pro advances mobile gaming through a deeply integrated intelligent system. At the heart of this is XOS 16 and its suite of AI² features empower players with machine-like consistency and seemingly superhuman dexterity. During critical moments, AI Smart Trigger can automate complex macros in intense scenarios and execute preset actions like auto-reloading or performing combo moves. These AI tools don’t stop at challenging gameplay. It provides a host of AI-supported tools that enhance users’ experience and capabilities from every angle. Real-time vocal strategy cues like shrinking battle zone alerts come courtesy of AI Voice Prompt, while AI ZoneTouch Master dynamically identifies on-screen controls and optimizes touch response for ultra-low latency and pinpoint precision. And when in-game chat heats up, AI Magic Voice Changer protects privacy and boosts team engagement by offering 25 distinct voice tones with customizable fine-tuning. Even Infinix’s Folax 5.0 AI assistant gets in on the game with Instant Trigger Access, opening up a wealth of gaming knowledge – without leaving a session – when players slide inward on both shoulder keys.

Through it all, Infinix equips the GT 50 Pro with the longevity needed for continued excellence. A promise of 3 years of OS version updates and 5 years of security patches keeps performance, compatibility, and features on the cutting edge, and digital safety at the forefront.

A Foundation of Uncompromised Power and Sensory Immersion

Nothing puts mobile hardware to the test like fast-paced gaming, and Infinix’s new powerhouse offers sustained high performance befitting a flagship at every turn. At its core is the MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate, built on an advanced 4nm all-big-core architecture. It debuts the MediaTek Frame Rate Converter (MFRC), a cutting-edge GPU frame interpolation technology that delivers significantly smoother gameplay without compromising visual fidelity. Running at up to 3.25GHz, the chipset achieves an AnTuTu score of over 2,224,634³, marking a 26.45%³ increase over the GT 30 Pro, ensuring powerful and consistent performance across the most demanding games and applications.

To sustain the demands of elite-level gaming, the GT 50 Pro is anchored by a high-density battery up to 6500mAh4 that ensures uninterrupted performance. This massive energy reservoir is supported by a versatile dual-charging suite, featuring 45W wired and 30W wireless charging capabilities to power the device directly and avoid excess battery degradation. To keep smaller accessories like earbuds ready for action, wired reverse charging provides up to 10W of power.

Staying competitive in lobbies full of experienced players also demands uncompromising connectivity, as even a few milliseconds of latency can dictate the outcome of a match. To address this, the GT 50 Pro’s in-house-developed N1 network management chip ensures a 60%³ stronger signal for low ping times and lag-free operation.

Going Beyond Gaming with an Immersive Multimedia Experience

To maintain a competitive sanctuary during extended sessions, visual comfort and acoustic depth reign supreme. Outside of gaming, AI imaging brings exquisite clarity to the real world with the tap of a shutter button. With its latest release, Infinix has engineered a comprehensive collection of multimedia technologies designed to satisfy a huge range of uses.

Bright, Bold, Ultra-Clear Display Technology

True immersion is achieved when elite performance meets advanced display technology. The GT 50 Pro’s 1.5K ultra-clear display produces flagship-grade visuals across a formidable area, measuring 6.78 inches for wide, crisp views of every battle royale map and movie scene. To maintain total visibility and bold colors in any environment, the GT 50 Pro boasts an impressive 4500-nit peak brightness and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut.

Elite-level competition often demands extended sessions that stretch deep into the night, the GT 50 Pro is engineered to prioritize long-term visual comfort. Even during long sessions in challenging lighting conditions, the GT 50 Pro remains easy on the eyes thanks to 2304Hz PWM dimming, with TÜV Rheinland low blue light certification promising minimal strain. And if you’re gaming on the go or just especially locked into a film, Motion Sickness Relief Display detects and compensates for real-world motion, encouraging comfort and focus in otherwise distracting scenarios.

To ensure a display free from scratches and structural damage, the GT 50 Pro features a premium layer of Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7i, protecting the bright, high-contrast screen from the bumps and bruises of everyday life. Underneath it, the display panel offers five flexible refresh rates from 30Hz to 144Hz5, balancing smooth visuals and battery efficiency. This gives apps and games the headroom to render at high frame rates, and conserves power when everyday usage doesn’t call for all-out performance.

All-Scene, Directional Dolby Atmos Audio

As game sound design, movie tracking, and music composition continue to advance, basic stereo sound doesn’t always cut it. Expanding the GT 50 Pro’s multi-sensory capability is support for Dolby Atmos immersive audio, a powerful, object-based 3D sound processing feature that puts listeners in the middle of the action. Whether using headphones or the powerful onboard speakers, Dolby Atmos enables realistic sound effects with tangible directional origins in supported titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty: Mobile. It’s a stepping stone to the kind of smart competitive advantage hardcore gamers demand of a flagship platform. The GT 50 Pro incorporates this refined dimensional audio technology via selectable Smart, Movie, Gaming6, and Music modes that tailor output to perfectly complement engaging media of all types.

Streamlined AI RAW Photography

In an era defined by instant visual storytelling, the GT 50 Pro delivers a high-performance imaging suite engineered to capture the world with fidelity. The GT 50 Pro imaging suite begins with a 50MP main sensor featuring OIS and EIS for rock-solid stability and blur-free everyday photos. Its 8MP ultra-wide lens is perfect for expansive landscapes, and crystal-clear streaming and selfies come easy thanks to a 13MP front camera.

Beneath it all, Infinix’s AI RAW algorithm makes it simple to snap great photos. The refined signal processing technology delivers true-to-life color accuracy and professional-grade clarity, making every shot worth taking and every memory worth saving. Infinix’s AI Studio and Live Photo mode help take memorable scenes to the next level, streamlining the touch-up process and capturing the subtle movements and candid moments that can make mobile photography so magical.

The New GT Ecosystem: Infinix’s Expanding Gaming Universe

The New GT Ecosystem

Streamlined cross-device interaction helps gamers get the most out of any content – imagine the GT 50 Pro as a star, the New GT Ecosystem as the planets orbiting it. Infinix’s upcoming accessories share more with its gaming flagship smartphone than just striking design. They actively enhance gameplay and make it easier to stay more immersed for longer.

The GTBUDS 5 leverage Dolby Atmos to enable the spatial awareness needed for responsive, aware gameplay where an opponent’s footsteps give away their close cover. Furthermore, sub-50ms latency, a 360° panoramic soundstage, and 50dB hybrid active noise cancellation enhance the GT 50 Pro gaming sanctuary with realistic audio while helping maintain focus during tough fights. To get the absolute most out of every game, the GTWATCH 5 Pro serves as a convenient secondary screen, preventing unexpected notifications from interrupting gameplay. Beyond the screen, it features an advanced independent GNSS positioning chip with professional-grade sports algorithms. By integrating AI-driven health and fitness analytics, automatic workout detection, and bluetooth heart-rate broadcasting, it bridges the gap between peak physical condition and elite gaming performance. And stay tuned for the groundbreaking GT Game Controller, which significantly improves ergonomics and works in tandem with the phone’s internal vibration motor to provide more detailed and powerful haptic feedback.

Infinix GT 50 Pro Unboxing

Pricing and Availability

The Infinix GT 50 Pro is available in Nigeria on Jumia in Black Abyss, Red Blaze, and Silver Glacier. Users can choose between 256GB and 512GB storage configurations, with every model receiving 12GB of RAM plus up to 12GB of toggleable RAM expansion.

Media Contacts

Infinix Global PR – [email protected]

About Infinix

Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more – building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Issues with heartburns

It has been confirmed that high-fibre consumption may minimise issues with chronic acid reflux. Therefore, you can try fibre-rich foods such as oatmeal, whole-grain bread, brown rice and quinoa. Bananas, an alkaline fruit, can help neutralise stomach acid.

As long as you aren’t also lactose intolerant, dairy foods such as milk and yoghurt are also good choices. Foods to avoid include fried and fatty dishes, citrus fruits (especially lemons and limes), tomatoes, peppermint, carbonated beverages, coffee and alcohol.

UAAP SCHEDULE: Season 89 basketball tournament – first round

The action in the first round of the UAAP Season 89 basketball tournaments opens on September 13.

The league has not released the full first-round schedule of the basketball games after adjusting it to give way to the Asian Games 2026, where some of the student-athletes are competing for Gilas Pilipinas.

Only five game days are scheduled for the month of September.

Kogi Central youths urge Ododo to intervene in APC primary dispute

A sociopolitical group, Kogi Central Youth for Change, has called on Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, to intervene in the ongoing dispute surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Kogi Central.

The group made the appeal in a statement signed by its Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Adeiza, and made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Saturday.

The group said the appeal became necessary following a legal challenge instituted by Hon. Onimisi Okami over the conduct of the APC primary for the Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency.

Okami had approached the court to seek redress over what he described as irregularities in the primary that produced Muhammed Ahovi Yusuf as the party’s candidate.

Kogi Central Youth for Change expressed concern over reports of pressure allegedly being mounted on Okami in connection with the case, urging the governor to ensure that the matter is allowed to follow due process.

The group said political disagreements arising from party primaries should be handled through dialogue, established party mechanisms and, where necessary, the courts.

It also stressed that seeking judicial intervention over a disputed political process is a legitimate constitutional right and should not be interpreted as opposition to the government or the APC.

‘We are concerned about reports of threats, harassment and pressure allegedly being mounted on Hon. Onimisi Okami to abandon his legitimate pursuit of justice through the courts. If these allegations are found to be true, they represent a troubling attempt to interfere with the judicial process and undermine democratic principles.’

The group urged Governor Ododo to intervene by encouraging all parties involved to respect the judicial process and refrain from any action that could be perceived as undue pressure on the litigant.

It also called on Okami to remain peaceful and law-abiding while pursuing the matter through the appropriate legal channels.

According to the group, the dispute should be resolved in a manner that promotes fairness, internal democracy and confidence in the APC’s processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kogi Central Youth for Change further urged political leaders and other stakeholders in the state to support an environment where party members can raise concerns and seek legal redress without fear.

The group said resolving the matter through dialogue and due process would help strengthen unity within the APC and promote a more stable political environment in Kogi Central.

Josh Yugen shows Pakistan’s Miss Universe bet Manila’s fashion scene

Filipino publicist and publisher Josh Yugen, who holds Miss Universe franchises for different countries, has brought Pakistan’s delegate to this year’s international pageant to Manila to show her the local fashion scene.

Reigning Miss Universe Pakistan Misbah Arshad had a front-row seat to the shows at the recent MNL Fashion Week, held from Sept. 3 to 6.

She and Yugen also got to meet 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, the third Filipino woman to win the crown and currently one of the most followed fashion figures in the world.

‘Whenever international personalities come to the Philippines through our organization, I want them to experience the very best of Filipino creativity,’ said Yugen, national director of the Miss Universe Pakistan Organization.

‘It is one thing for us to tell the world that Filipino designers are talented. It is another thing to bring the world into the room and let them witness that talent themselves,’ he continued.

MNL Fashion Week 2026 brought together fashion designers, artists, celebrities and international personalities to celebrate Manila’s evolving creative scene.

‘Every time I attend Paris Fashion Week or Milan Fashion Week, and even when I had the privilege of walking the prestigious red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival this year, I always come home thinking about the Philippines,’ Yugen said.

‘I see what happens when creativity is supported by a strong ecosystem of media, buyers, distributors, celebrities and investors – and I know Filipino talent deserves access to those same opportunities,’ he added.

Yugen also holds the Miss Universe franchises for Egypt and Sweden. Arshad will be flying to Puerto Rico for the 75th Miss Universe pageant in November.

Can I throw away my glasses?

Glasses and contact lenses are considered corrective in the sense that they help correct a person’s vision while being worn. However, when these corrective lenses are removed, the patient’s ‘normal’ – meaning usual – vision is restored.

This is because glasses and contacts do not address the structural causes of diminished eyesight, like the shape of the eye and the way the eye bends light.

In some cases, wearing glasses and contacts regularly may help to slow down certain vision changes, but it is essential that patients wear an appropriate and current prescription for the maximum benefit.

Balisacan: ‘It all boils down to how we select our leaders’

With the 2028 national elections approaching, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the country must reflect on the way it chooses its leaders and professionalize the bureaucracy to achieve faster economic growth and catch up with its neighbors.

In a roundtable discussion with Inquirer editors and reporters on Friday, Balisacan cited a growing need to reform the country’s electoral process, noting that the current system allows virtually anyone to run for president and political dynasties to thrive.

‘I am not a political scientist but it all boils down to how we select our leaders. We need to start with that. Reform our electoral processes. We need to push for institutional reforms,’ Balisacan said.

The Philippine economy has grown by an average of just over 5 percent over the past 15 years. Noting this, he said the country now needs to accelerate growth to at least 6 percent to catch up with its Southeast Asian peers.

The country’s chief economist also stressed the need for a professional and stable bureaucracy that can ensure continuity in government programs regardless of changes in political leadership.

Reforms needed

‘Even if the leader is not prepared, what’s important is he is able to bring in good governance. For example, in the Department of Health, you must bring a good doctor to run it. A person is assigned to lead the railway but he came from a law firm. Can you imagine the learning curve?’ Balisacan said.

‘That’s one of the things we need to fix. Professionalize the bureaucracy so that even if our political system is not good, bureaucracy runs efficiently because there are technical people who know their jobs,’ he added.

Balisacan also flagged what he described as ‘family enterprise’ in the country’s politics, wherein members of the same clan run and win positions.

He pushed for institutional reforms, particularly an antipolitical dynasty law, and stronger education curriculum that would instill a sense of patriotism among young Filipinos.

‘The sense of patriotism and that love of country … if you are a leader or elected official, that is your guide, your compass, instead of personal or family interest,’ he said.

Balisacan compared the Philippines with economies, such as Thailand and Singapore, where political leaders may change but career officials and technical professionals remain in government, preserving institutional knowledge and ensuring continuity in long-term programs.

The call for better leaders is particularly relevant as the country heads toward the 2028 elections amid heightened political tensions, including the breakdown of the political alliance between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Duterte is now facing an impeachment trial and has recently been slapped with an arrest warrant over three counts of grave threats.

Weak economy

Compounding this is the fallout from the flood control corruption scandal, which has implicated several lawmakers and government officials.

Just this week, former Speaker and incumbent Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez was arrested on plunder charges amid allegations that he and former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co received more than P7 billion in kickbacks from government projects between 2022 and 2025.

Co was likewise charged before the Sandiganbayan.

This corruption scandal is largely the reason for the country’s slow economic growth, which grew by only 2.6 percent in the first half of the year. Inflation has also remained elevated, while unemployment recently climbed to a four-year high of 6 percent.

The slowdown has left the Philippines among the region’s weaker-growing economies, with growth trailing most of its neighbors.

Balisacan, however, said Filipinos are increasingly aware of how the country compares with its neighbors, partly because of greater access to information through the internet.

Niger govt issues alert over Shiroro dam water release

The Niger Government has warned residents and communities along the Kaduna River Basin of possible increased water levels following sustained inflows into the Shiroro Reservoir during the ongoing 2026 rainy season.

The government said a controlled release of water from the Shiroro Reservoir might become necessary in September to enhance the safety of the dam structure and downstream communities.

This is contained in a public service announcement issued by Mr. Obed Nana, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Niger, made available on Friday in Minna.

Nana said the alert followed a notification from North South Power Company Ltd. (NSPCL), operators of the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Plant, indicating improved inflows into the River Kaduna catchment and the Shiroro Reservoir.

According to him, recent hydrological observations showed sustained inflows into the reservoir, with high inflows expected to continue during the rainy season in line with the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

He said the controlled release, if required, would be carried out as a precautionary measure to enhance the safety of the dam structure and protect downstream communities.

The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and exercise utmost caution throughout the remainder of the rainy season, particularly in flood-prone areas and around river channels and floodplains.

He advised farmers cultivating along the River Kaduna floodplain to exercise caution, while fishermen, boat operators and others engaged in water-based activities were urged to take extra precautions.

Nana also called on community leaders to promptly disseminate the advisory to residents and urged the public to pay close attention to further advisories from the government and relevant authorities.

He stressed that residents should not panic but remain alert and take appropriate precautionary measures to protect lives, property and livelihoods, especially as water levels could rise following increased inflows and possible releases.

Nana assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with relevant agencies and stakeholders, would continue to monitor the situation and provide further updates.

He urged residents to treat the advisory seriously and cooperate with authorities throughout the remaining days of September. (NAN)