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THE Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Muntinlupa City has granted the plea of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to withdraw the motion for reconsideration that was filed by its prosecutors in connection with the acquittal of former Senator and now Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima in the conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading charges filed against her.

In a two-page order, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 Presiding Judge Abraham Alcantara said with the withdrawal of the motion for reconsiderations, the last remaining drug case filed against De Lima by the Duterte administration is now deemed ‘closed and terminated.’

‘Considering that this case already involves an acquittal, the Court shall exercise sound discretion and allow withdrawal of the prosecution’s motion for reconsideration,’ Judge Alcantara said.

‘Indeed, the directive of the Honorable Prosecutor General upon the panel of the prosecutors to withdraw the motion is impressed with merit,’ he added. De Lima was acquitted by the Muntinlupa RTC last May 12, 2023 but this decision was declared null and void by the Court of Appeals (CA) in a ruling issued last May.

The CA held that Alcantara committed grave abuse of discretion when it acquitted De Lima and his former bodyguard Ronnie Dayan mainly due the recantation of the prosecution’s principal witness, former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos.

It ruled that Alcantara violated the Constitution and the Rules of Court which mandates ‘transparency and reasonableness of the decision making-process.’

The CA said the judge failed to state the specific facts retracted by Ragos and its effects to the facts proven by the prosecution and failed to identify the specific factual statements that were purportedly retracted by the witness.

Thus, the CA ordered that the case be remanded to the trial court for it to decide the case in accordance with the rules stated in the decision.

Acting on the CA’s directive, the trial court issued another ruling last June 27, 2025 which maintained its May 12, 2023 decision in favor of De Lima and Dayan.

This prompted the prosecution panel led by Provincial Prosecutor Ramoncito Bienvenido Ocampo to file an MR seeking the reversal of the trial court’s June 27 decision.

The panel insisted that despite the recantation of Ragos, there are other pieces of evidence which are sufficient to prove de Lima’s guilt.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, however, ordered the withdrawal of the motion on the ground of double jeopardy.

Double jeopardy is a legal principle that an accused cannot be tried twice for the same offense based on the same conduct.

Its purpose is to protect the accused from harassment, oppression, and abuse of power by the state.

De Lima earlier accused the DOJ prosecution panel of having a political agenda in pursuing the drug charges despite her acquittal.

Alcantara also stressed that granting the motion for reconsideration of the prosecutors would be tantamount to violation of the double jeopardy rule.

‘To reiterate and emphasize, every acquittal becomes final and immediately upon promulgation and cannot be recalled for correction or amendment,’ Alcantara said.

‘With the acquittal being immediately final, granting the State’s motion for reconsideration in this case would violate the Constitutional prohibition against double jeopardy because it would effectively reopen the prosecution and subject the accused to a second jeopardy despite their acquittal,’ he added.

The low-pressure area east of Southern Luzon has developed into a Tropical Depression and is now threatening to bring hazards in land areas and coastal waters in the region, the state weather bureau said.

Paolo, the 16th weather disturbance to affect the country, is less likely to directly affect the weather conditions in the next 24 hours but it is expected to bring heavy rains on Friday, threatening Northern Luzon and portions of Central Luzon.

According to the weather bureau, the eye of the storm was spotted 760 km East of Virac, Catanduanes, and is moving westward at 25 km/h.

It is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.

‘Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted over the eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon as early as this afternoon or evening. The highest Wind Signal that will likely be hoisted throughout its passage is Wind Signal No. 3. However, since the possibility of reaching typhoon category before landfall is not ruled out, the worst case scenario is Wind Signal No. 4.,’ the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. Tropical Cyclone Bulletin.

Risk of coastal flooding

‘There is a potential risk of coastal flooding due to storm surge in low-lying coastal areas of Northern and Central Luzon due to the passage of Paolo,’ PAGASA said.

Paolo may also bring moderate to rough seas over the coastal waters of Northern and Central Luzon starting Friday.

Paolo is forecast to move generally west-northwestward for the entire forecast period.

Paolo may make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora on Friday morning or afternoon.

PAGASA said a further southward shift of the track is possible depending on the strength of the high-pressure area to the north of Paolo.

Paolo will continue to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm or typhoon category by Friday morning.

NEWLY-INSTALLED Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy has ordered the suspension of masses and other parish activities in the northern towns of the province following the strong earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday night.

In an advisory, the Archdiocese of Cebu said Uy directed all parishes to immediately undergo structural assessments of their churches and rectories before these can be used again.

‘To the parishes in the North that have been gravely affected, you are asked to refrain from using your churches for the celebration of the Holy Mass until the proper experts have carried out the assessment and declared the structures safe for use,’ the advisory said.

The directive came after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake left several heritage churches badly damaged.

The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, built in 1886, partially collapsed.

In a Facebook post, the shrine said the retablo image of Santa Rosa de Lima remain unscathed after it was ‘wrapped around some unused plastic bags.’ It noted that the image was one of the few icons that was not damaged by the earthquake.

Meanwhile, in Bantayan, portions of the outer facade of the Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol, which was completed in 1863, also gave way during the tremor.

The Cebu archdiocese urged the faithful to place their trust in God during this period of uncertainty.

‘We continue to pray to our Loving Father for calmness and strength in the midst of these trials. We entrust ourselves, our families, and our communities into His merciful hands. May the Lord shelter us under His wings, protect us from every harm, and guide us to safety and peace,’ it said.

A PHOTOGRAPH showing Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo M. Lacson with the Discaya couple is likely meant to discredit his chairing of the Senate Blue-Ribbon committee’s investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

Lacson, who chairs the Blue-Ribbon committee, said the photo was taken during the 2025 campaign period, for an invitation to a political rally that he declined, and nothing more.

‘The fact that it is being circulated only means that it intended to besmirch my reputation and credibility in chairing the Blue-Ribbon committee on the flood control project anomalies,’ Lacson said.

One of those who shared the photo was controversial Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga.

Lacson stressed: ‘I did not know the Discayas and that was the first and only time outside of the Blue-Ribbon committee hearings that I met them. That meeting took around 15 to 20 minutes but not before that group photo was taken.

Lacson said that during the campaign period, a Davao City-based campaign supporter, Fred Villaroman, brought them to his office in Taguig City. Villaroman’s father, the late Police Brig. Gen. Francisco Villaroman, had served under Lacson in the National Police (PNP) and headed the security detail of then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte until 2016.

During the meeting, Lacson was invited to a political rally of the Pinoy Ako party-list group, where the Discayas’ son was running as a nominee. Cezarah and Pacifico Discaya II were at the meeting.

But Lacson said he begged off from the invitation out of respect for his friend, now Senate President Vicente Sotto III. Sotto’s nephew Vico was running for reelection as Pasig City Mayor against Cezarah.

Also, Lacson said there were other party-list groups who were including his name in their sample ballots, ‘and I thought it was not a smart political decision to join a rally of any party-list group.’

Lacson, likewise, stressed that they did not discuss any campaign contribution. ‘I did not receive, nor did the Discayas offer any campaign contribution in whatever form,’ he said.

‘I hope this clarifies whatever insinuations are being attached to this said photograph,’ he added.

THE country’s raw sugar production could fall below two million metric tons (MMT) in the new crop year as torrential downpours and pest infestation battered plantations in Negros.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) issued Sugar Order 1, where it indicated that raw sugar output in the crop year 2025-2026 could decline by nearly 8 percent to 1.92 MMT from the previous crop year’s 2.085 MMT.

SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona told the BusinessMirror that the projected outlook in the upcoming crop year, set to begin on October 1, stemmed from excessive rainfall in Negros, which accounts for over 60 percent of the country’s sugar production.

The agency noted that the initial forecast could further decrease owing to the potential impact of red-striped soft-scale insects (RSSI) infestation on yield.

‘It’s an estimate based on the heavy rainfall experienced in the north of Negros, and [there] might be a small drop considering the presence of RSSI,’ Azcona told this newspaper.

Under the SO 1, the raw sugar allocation for the new crop year would be classified as ‘B,’ which means all sugar produced until September 30 next year will be sold for domestic consumption.

The SRA said the agency has been classifying sugar output as ‘B’ since 2022 because the country’s production is still below the requirement of the domestic market.

While the impact of RSSI on sugar content was the easiest to monitor, he raised a caveat that the infestation’s impact could potentially trickle into the cane’s growth.

‘In the North, they said canes that were infected at their early stage didn’t seem to grow. So, maybe there’s also an effect on tonnage,’ Azcona said.

With the latest findings, the SRA chief noted that the agency now expects raw sugar output to fall by around 10 percent.

‘We reduced [our forecast] a bit and then we’re leaving room plus or minus a few percentage points, give or take about 10 percent, just in case the infestation can’t be curbed,’ he said.

‘Our fear is that once the milling starts, the sugarcanes will be going around all over Negros. There’s a high chance that the infestation will affect more areas.’

Azcona said the pest has infected around 6,600 hectares of sugar plantations nationwide as of mid-September, with the infestation in Negros Island accounting for the lion’s share at 4,200 hectares.

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) will be looking into the alleged ‘prohibited interest’ of the Villar family in the estimated P18.5 billion infrastructure projects in Las Piñas City.

At a press briefing, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the investigation is necessary following a news report that a close relative owns a construction firm that undertook several infrastructure projects, including flood-control projects, in the city.

Among those likely to be investigated are Senator Mark Villar, who served as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte; Senator Camille Villar, who also served as congresswoman of the lone district of Las Piñas in the 19th Congress; and former businesswoman Cynthia Villar, who served as a senator from 2013 to 2025 and congresswoman for the city’s lone district from 2001 to 2010.

‘Yes, because of that prohibited interest with his cousin being a contractor in Las Pinas,’ Remulla said when asked if the Villars are among those to be investigated.

Remulla stressed that the actual amount of the projects bagged by the said contractor will still have to be determined.

The DOJ secretary is also not discounting the possibility of inviting the Villars at the DOJ to shed light on their alleged ‘prohibited interest’ in infrastructure projects in the city.

‘Later on, we will have to build up everything. This is just one case among the 67 other cases happening in Congress,’ Remulla said.

Meanwhile, former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo appeared before the DOJ anew to further shed light on the involvement of lawmakers and other individuals in anomalous multi-billion flood control projects of the government.

‘Our case build-up is continuing, it’s going to be a long one considering the complications that are here,’ the DOJ secretary said.

Remulla noted that they are looking into the possible prohibited interests of 67 congressmen flood control projects.

He noted that more than 200 individuals may be involved in the anomaly including lawmakers, contractors and .

The DOJ chief noted that it’ is no longer a secret in Congress that some of congressmen are actually involved in construction business.

‘Everybody knows about it in Congress, that many of their colleagues are contractors also. And this is a prohibited activity..The people don’t care anymore if it is against the law because no one’s going to run after them, they think. But it’s something that we have to address and we will do it,’ Remulla stressed.

‘We have to look at it in totality and how crazy it has become, so that we can address each and every problem with a law that best fits the situation,’ he said.

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will conduct summary proceedings for certain applications of power companies to address the backlog of cases.

Under Resolution 16, the Commission authorized the conduct of summary proceedings for applications involving authority to develop and own or operate dedicated point-to-point (P2P) limited transmission facilities, approval of capital expenditure (Capex) projects, confirmation of over or under recoveries, approval of power supply contracts, issuance of Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity, and business separation and unbundling plans.

However, the summary proceedings will only apply if the applications are uncontested.

For applications with intervenors, the ERC said all parties should agree to proceed with the conduct of summary proceeding.

‘To achieve the policy of the state of total electrification in the country and ensure the quality, reliability, and affordability of the supply of electric power, there is a need to expedite the processing and applications.filed before the ERC,’ the agency said.

The ERC resolution, which was promulgated on September 29, is in line with Rule 17 of the ERC’s Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure (RRPP), which allows the conduct of summary proceedings for cases pending before the Commission.

ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino C. Juan said this reflects the Commission’s drive toward faster and more efficient regulation in line with its vision of a ‘new ERC.’

‘We will do everything we can to accelerate the resolution of applications filed before the ERC. Streamlining our processes is key to fulfilling our commitment to a more responsive and revitalized ERC,’ Juan added.

To ensure that timely and effective emergency health services will be provided following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted Bogo City, Cebu, additional medicines and medical supplies were sent by the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday night.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that C-130 cargo aircraft, carrying medicine and medical supplies, left Villamor Airbase in Pasay City at 6:58 p.m., in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense.

The DOH said that a total of P 933,647.50 worth of medicines and medical supplies will be dispatched to DOH Central Visayas.

Earlier, the DOH already deployed five limang Health Emergency Response Teams in Bogo City.

The DOH-Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team is also on standby for deployment.

Meanwhile, fresh from its extensive humanitarian operations for Super Typhoon Nando, while currently responding to Typhoon Opong and the Taal Volcano unrest, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) led by Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon, once again swung into action to respond the the victims of the quake.

After ensuring the safety of PRC staff and volunteers in the area, the PRC swiftly deployed its assets to support emergency response efforts.

‘We already have our staff and volunteers on the ground, assessing the needs of affected communities. We remain in constant communication with our team and RC143 volunteers to ensure that reports reach our Operations Center immediately and we can deliver timely humanitarian assistance,’ said Gordon.

The PRC has mobilized two ambulances, a food truck, two Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDANA) teams, and two Emergency Response Unit (ERU) teams.

Sixty-two individuals have also been treated for injuries.

The PRC remains committed to ensuring aid comes to the affected communities.

The PRC urges the public to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety.

In case of emergencies, call the Red Cross Hotline #143.

MAPUA University started defending its seniors basketball title the hard way-a 90-89 double overtime victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University-as the National Collegiate Athletic Association entered its 101st season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

JC Recto led the Cardinals with a near double-double of 16 points and nine rebounds to also step up after Mapua star Clint Escamis fouled out in the fourth quarter.

‘I just let my instincts take over. Clint (Escamis) wasn’t there and just because he wasn’t there meant we should focus on him being out,’ Recto said.

Escamis finished with eight points.

‘All I thought about was doing whatever the coaches asked me to do,’ Recto added.

Earl Sapasap and Cyrus Cuenco, had 16 and 14 points, respectively, for the Cardinals.

Renz Villegas finished with 23 points for the Pirates.

Mapua takes on Arellano Univeersity on Saturday while Lyceum faces University of Perpetual Help on Sunday at the San Juan Arena.

Recto tied the game at 80-all with a three-point play in the first overtime, neutralizing a late Pirates surge and he did it again in the second extra period by converting another and-one to pull Mapua.

Regulation ended at 74-74.

THE Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) formally signed a partnership agreement to strengthen leadership capabilities, foster innovation, and accelerate organizational growth within the state-run postal service.

The agreement was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Makati City, attended by officials from both institutions.

Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Maximo C. Sta. Maria III, himself an AIM alumnus, described the collaboration as a vital step in preparing the agency for the demands of modern public service.

‘For many years, PHLPost has connected families, supported trade, and served communities nationwide. As the world evolves, so must we,’ Sta. Maria said.

‘This partnership with AIM is an investment in our people-helping us deliver reliable services, adopt best practices, and transform PHLPost into a future-ready institution.’

Under the partnership, PHLPost managers and executives will undergo specialized training beginning with a Supply Chain Management Program. The course is designed to equip leaders with critical skills in planning, sourcing, inventory management, logistics, and risk management-capabilities that are increasingly essential as postal services adapt to digitalization and e-commerce growth.

AIM Business Development Senior Manager Joan Vidal said the program was tailored to address the evolving needs of the postal service. She added that the partnership paves the way for more customized training initiatives aimed at strengthening PHLPost’s competitiveness and long-term relevance.

Meanwhile, AIM School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning Program Head Jose Raphael Ibarra highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration.

‘We are proud to partner with PHLPost in this journey of modernization. Together, we can empower leaders, strengthen institutions, and create lasting impact through innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for national development,’ Ibarra said.

The initiative forms part of PHLPost’s broader modernization agenda, which includes digital transformation, improved delivery systems, and stronger employee engagement programs. By investing in leadership development, PHLPost seeks to reinforce its role as a vital service provider-connecting Filipinos through communication, commerce, and community service.