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Malacañang on Wednesday expressed support for religious sect Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) call for transparency in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s (ICI) ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

At a briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also supports transparency in the probe – a position she said the President has consistently emphasized since the creation of the super body.

‘The President, in all instances, wants transparency. In every investigation, there should be transparency – nothing should be concealed,’ she said speaking in Filipino.

‘But how the ICI will implement this – how it will make the proceedings public, ensure transparency, and to what extent – that depends on the ICI. Still, the President continues to advocate transparency in all investigations,’ Castro added in Filipino.

These remarks followed INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo’s appeal for the ICI to be transparent not only with its findings but also with the process of its investigation.

‘The investigation should be open and should be witnessed by the public. We believe that in order to achieve peace, we need to continuously investigate these anomalies, and these should be done with transparency and without favor,’ Manalo said in a statement, as read by INC spokesman Edwil Zabala on Net25.

In addition, the INC leader urged the Senate to continue its probe into the alleged anomalous flood control projects.

‘As is appropriate, the root cause of the theft of hundreds of billions of pesos from the public treasury must be held accountable even during times of hardship for the people. This is to ensure justice and hopefully prevent others from following suit. This, however, cannot be attained if the Senate investigation is stopped like what we’ve been hearing due to unclear reasons,’ Manalo said.

This was in relation to Sen.Panfilo Lacson’s announcement that the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on alleged flood control anomalies set for Wednesday is postponed ‘until further notice’ due to the unavailability of documents needed within a week.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) filed Wednesday criminal complaints against contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya for allegedly owing a total of P7.1 billion in taxes.

The BIR filed complaints with the Department of Justice against the Discaya couple, as well as Steve Balano, a corporate officer of their construction company, St. Gerrard Construction General Contractor and Development Corporation.

According to BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr., the main complaint filed against the Discaya spouses and Steve Balano stemmed from their individual liabilities for failing to file billions in income taxes from 2018 to 2021.

Another case involves their failure to file documentary stamp tax returns and pay the corresponding taxes following their supposed divestment from four of their construction companies.

Lumagui pointed out that failure to pay these taxes indicates that the divestment was not properly carried out, as such filings are essential to legally effect the transfer of shares.

‘They never divested because they never paid the corresponding taxes necessary for such divestment,’ Lumagui said.

A separate complaint concerns the Discayas’ failure to pay excise taxes on nine luxury vehicles registered under their names.

In total, Lumagui said the Discayas’ tax liabilities amount to P7,182,172,532.25.

More cases expected vs. Discayas, other contractors

Lumagui said the Discayas’ other corporations are still under audit, which means additional complaints could be filed.

‘We’re just getting started. The audits of the other construction companies owned by the Discaya spouses are still ongoing,’ Lumagui said in Filipino.

‘So far, we’ve only filed cases based on their individual liabilities and those related to St. Gerard. The audits of the other corporations involved in the flood control projects are still ongoing,’ he added.

When asked if other contractors are being audited apart from the Discayas, Lumagui responded in the affirmative, noting that other individuals are also under investigation.

‘We are continuously conducting audits and investigations on all contractors-not just the contractors. In fact, we are also carrying out lifestyle checks on various individuals involved,’ Lumagui said.

These individuals, he added, include politicians.

Tropical Storm Nakri may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and be locally named as Quedan on Thursday afternoon or evening, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

In its 5 p.m. forecast on Wednesday, Pagasa tracked that Nakri may become the 17th cyclone of the year, but will exit PAR after 12 hours.

Nakri was located 1725 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon, moving north-northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour (kph).

It is packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph, Pagasa recorded.

Though Nakri may enter PAR, the state weather bureau said that the cyclone is unlikely to have an effect on the country, and it is less likely to develop into a typhoon.

Meanwhile, three weather systems continue to bring rain all over the country on Wednesday evening, Pagasa added.

A northeasterly wind flow is expected to cause rain in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, and Apayao.

On the other hand, a shear line or the intersection of the northeasterly wind flow and the easterlies will bring rain clouds and isolated thunderstorms in Mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, most of Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Rizal and Quezon overnight.

Additionally, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, where the winds from the northern and southern hemispheres meet, will carry scattered rains in Visayas, Mindanao and Palawan. /mr

AI-driven innovative technology brand TECNO today officially announced the Philippine launch of the world’s slimmest curved-screen smartphone, the TECNO SPARK Slim, which will retail at the official price of PhP9,499. Defying conventional trade-offs, SPARK Slim combines a massive 5160mAh battery with an ultra-slim profile passing military industry certification to ensure all-around durability.

Carrying forward the youthful, vibrant, and stylish DNA of the SPARK series, its aerospace-grade fiberglass back cover makes the device thinner yet stronger, while the elegant 3D-curved profile and lightweight body ensure a comfortable in-hand feel. The expressive world-first Mood Light design adds an interactive, playful element that resonates with youthful creativity, while vibrant color options further highlight individuality. With this fusion of slimness, style, and substance, SPARK Slim delivers a premium experience that exceeds expectations within its price segment.

Slim Yet Powerful: Redefining the Balance Between Ultra-Thin Design and Lasting Performance

TECNO SPARK Slim debuts as the world’s thinnest curved-screen smartphone at just 5.93mm. This feat is made possible through TECNO’s breakthrough honeycomb space stacking technology, which optimizes 12% of internal space and enables the slimming of eight core components, from the battery and cooling system to the motherboard, while maintaining overall device slim.

Despite its ultra-thin frame, SPARK Slim incorporates a 5160mAh high-density lithium cobalt oxide battery that delivers up to 24.8 hours Day of Use (DOU). It also supports 45W fast charging, 10W reverse charging, and bypass charging technologies. This unique battery solution resists swelling even after prolonged use, proving that slim does not mean weak in endurance.

To ensure sustained performance during heavy usage, SPARK Slim integrates a 0.3mm ultra-thin vapor chamber and a high-conductivity graphite layer with thermal performance of 1800W/m·K, together forming a 24,532mm² cooling system. This enables stable charging and gaming performance while keeping the device cool in such an exceptionally slim body.

Building on this strong foundation of power and thermal stability, SPARK Slim is equipped with the new MediaTek Helio G200 chipset. Designed to balance efficiency with performance, it ensures smooth everyday use and comes with TÜV-certified fluency for up to five years, giving users long-term stability and confidence in their device.

Slim Yet Durable: Reliability backed by Military-Grade Standards

While achieving extreme slimness, TECNO SPARK Slim does not compromise on durability. Its 0.36mm aerospace-grade fiberglass back cover is 0.19mm thinner than conventional materials yet improves strength by 300% and flexibility by 200%.

The screen is protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass 7i, while the entire device is IP64 rated against dust and water, ensuring peace of mind for everyday use.

Slim Yet Stylish: Lighting Up Individual Expression

TECNO SPARK Slim comes in two timeless colorways: Slim White and Cool Black, bringing classic elegance into modern fashion trends. Weighing around 156g and featuring an ultra-narrow frame with graceful curves, the device offers a superb slim grip that feels refined and comfortable in hand.

In addition to its ultra-slim aesthetics, SPARK Slim introduces an interactive Mood Light design on the back, featuring two circular ‘eyes’ that mimic emotions through multi-scene lighting effects. In scenarios such as power on/off, charging, incoming calls, Ella activation, and notifications, the eyes display playful light animations-expressing moods like happy, not happy, or blinking. For Gen Z users, this transforms functional notifications into a unique form of fashionable self-expression, turning the device into both a stylish daily companion and a tool to showcase individuality.

Beyond playful interaction, SPARK Slim also delivers an exceptional viewing experience. Its 1.5K high-resolution curved display offers immersive clarity, reaching 4500 nits peak brightness and supporting a 144Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth responsiveness, ensuring vivid visuals even in bright outdoor conditions.

Elevated Experiences with TECNO AI and Beyond

SPARK Slim integrates TECNO AI, providing real-time translation, document summarization, and AI photo repair, empowering young users in learning, work, and creative output. With the addition of Touch Transfer, users can instantly share images, videos, or files between two TECNO devices with just a tap via NFC, providing seamless connectivity. Further enhancing the experience, the device features Dolby dual stereo speakers and dual system support, delivering enriched entertainment and productivity.

The device also features TECNO’s best-in-class ‘FreeLink’ technology, enabling direct Bluetooth-based messaging and two-way calls even without cellular coverage, which is an essential feature in remote or offline environments.

Powering Up Gaming and Connectivity

TECNO SPARK SLIM has teamed up with the hit local game Honor of Kings (HOK). Powered by the capable MediaTek Helio G200 chipset, TECNO SPARK SLIM empowers the local gaming community, proving that it offers not just a slim profile but also reliable daily gaming performance. Furthermore, TECNO partnered with TM Cellular Service, a brand under Globe Telecom offering mobile services to its customers. TECNO will offer a free TECNO x TM x HOK co-branded SIM card, which includes exclusive free up to 25GB data, and customized data for HOK, enhancing the out-of-the-box gaming experience for users.

Accessible Pricing and Launch Offers

The TECNO SPARK Slim will be available starting October 8 both online and offline, with an official price of PhP9,499. From October 8 to 10, enjoy discounted first sale price of PhP7,999PhP on Shopee and TikTok Shop. Buyers will receive a free TM SIM card of equal value with their purchase. Additionally, customers who purchase at designated TECNO offline stores during the month of October and use Spaylater for installment payments can enjoy a 20% discount, making the TECNO SPARK Slim even more affordable at PhP7,599. This makes it an excellent and smart choice for an early Christmas gift. Buyers who pay through HomeCredit, Skyro and soon through Kredivo, will enjoy 0% interest on their installment purchase.

With the launch of SPARK Slim, TECNO once again proves that slim and powerful can co-exist. As the world’s thinnest curved-screen smartphone, SPARK Slim not only pushes the boundaries of innovative engineering power with its 5.93mm body, but also delivers beyond-class ultra-slim experiences with uncompromising endurance and performance. It delivers a practical, stylish, and easy-to-use ultra-slim experience for users who refuse to be boxed in and want to express themselves at any moment.

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco on Wednesday renewed his call for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to cancel the passport of resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

He also wants the department to compel his return to the Philippines to face investigation over the alleged misuse of public funds in anomalous flood control projects.

Tiangco issued the statement after the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) subpoenaed Co to appear at its Oct. 14 hearing on the multi-billion-peso flood control scandal that has implicated several lawmakers and contractors.

‘Time is of the essence. He must be compelled to come home at the soonest possible time and not given any more time to be able to secure another passport or citizenship in another country,’ Tiangco said.

‘If the DFA continues to dilly-dally and he is able to secure a passport in a country with which we have no extradition treaty, who will be accountable for this?’ the lawmaker asked.

Co, who served as the House appropriations chair in the 19th Congress, resigned from the House in late September following mounting public scrutiny over alleged irregularities in flood control projects linked to his company, Sunwest Inc.

He and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez are also being accused of masterminding the irregular insertions in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) that led to the enlargement of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget.

His current whereabouts remain unclear, though his official excuse is that he has sought medical treatment in the United States for an undisclosed condition.

House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy had ordered him to come home within 10 days in a Sept. 19 letter revoking his travel clearance – but Co instead decided to resign his post on Dy’s deadline.

Before Co stepped down, Tiangco filed an ethics complaint against the former appropriations chair to compel him to explain these issues.

Former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales herself questioned why Romualdez did not move to cancel Co’s passport while he was still speaker, especially after Dy was linked to multibillion-peso insertions to fund questionable flood control projects.

‘He (Romualdez) seems to be covering for him,’ Carpio-Morales told ANC.

Tiangco echoed her sentiment, saying that the cancellation of Co’s passport was both justified and urgent given the gravity of the allegations.

‘I fully support the position of former Ombudsman Carpio-Morales. Zaldy Co should be sent home immediately. Now that there is a subpoena from the ICI, there is no reason not to cancel his passport. What is being discussed here is the people’s money,’ he emphasized. /apl

The value of gold held by the central bank hit a record high in September, tracking a global rally in bullion and lifting the Philippines’ foreign reserves to their highest level in 11 months.

Latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) rose by nearly 2 percent month-on-month to $108.8 billion. This was the highest level since October 2024, when the GIR reached $111 billion.

The GIR serves as the country’s buffer against external shocks. It also helps an economy finance its imports and foreign debt obligations in extreme conditions when there are no export earnings or foreign loans.

The BSP can likewise dip into the dollar buffer funds to stabilize the peso.

Topping forecast

The reserve assets consist of A-rated foreign investments of the central bank, gold and foreign exchange, as well as borrowing authority with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the country’s contributions to the same Washington-based institution.

At this point, the GIR is running above the BSP’s forecast of $105 billion level by year’s end.

The headline boost came from gold. The value of the central bank’s holdings surged nearly 13 percent to $16 billion-the highest on record since 1971-as global economic and geopolitical jitters drove bullion prices to unprecedented highs.

Adequate cover

Meanwhile, offshore investments of the BSP, which accounted for the bulk of the reserve assets, were nearly unchanged from the preceding month to $87.2 billion. Special drawing rights with the IMF and the country’s contribution to the Fund were also flattish at $3.93 billion and $737 million, respectively.

Foreign exchange holdings fell by 45 percent to $505.1 million.

Overall, the latest GIR level was equivalent to 7.3 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.

By convention, GIR is viewed to be adequate if it can finance at least three months’ worth of the country’s imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. INQ

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure renewing the franchise of the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation (IBC 13) for another 25 years.

Republic Act No. 12311, signed on October 3, also states that the franchise shall be deemed ipso facto revoked in the event that the station fails to operate continuously for two years.

‘The Grantee shall not require any previous censorship of any speech, play, act, scene, or other matter to be broadcast from its stations,’ it read.

‘However, if any such speech, play, act, scene, or other matter should constitute a violation of the law or an infringement of a private right, the Grantee shall be free from any liability, civil or criminal, for such speech, play, act, scene, or other matter,’ it also read.

Moreover, it states that the IBC 13 shall create employment opportunities and accept on-the-job trainees in the franchise operations as long as the priority shall be accorded to residents of the place where its office is located and complies with labor standards and allowance entitlements under the law.

‘The Grantee shall not sell, lease, transfer, grant the usufruct of, or assign this franchise or the rights and privileges acquired thereunder to any person, firm, company, corporation, or other commercial or legal entity, or merge with any other corporation or entity, nor shall the controlling interest of the Grantee be transferred, simultaneously or contemporaneously, to any person, firm, company, corporation, or entity without the prior approval of Congress,’ it said.

The station was also required to submit an annual report on its compliance with the terms and conditions of the franchise and on its operations to Congress, which shall include an update on commencement activities, development, operation, and expansion of business, among others. /mr

Justice Sec. Jesus Crispin Remulla has signed the immigration lookout bulletin orders (Ilbo) requested by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) against several lawmakers, contractors and officials linked to anomalous infrastructure projects.

Remulla signed the request on his last day as chief of the Department of Justice before taking his oath as the newest Ombudsman. ‘The Ilbo for all officials requested by the ICI has been signed by SOJ (Secretary of Justice),’ Department of Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano told reporters in a message on Wednesday.

The Ilbo requested by the ICI included former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Senators Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, and Joel Villanueva, and former Senators Bong Revilla and Nancy Binay, as well as the following:

Commissioner Mario G. Lipana

Marilou Laurio-Lipana

Undersecretary Trygve L. Olaivar

Carlene Villa

Maynard Ngu

Rep. Roman Romulo

Rep. James ‘Jojo’ Ang

Rep. Patrick Michael ‘PM’ Vargas

Rep. Juan Carlos ‘Arjo’ Atayde

Rep. Nicanor ‘Nikki’ Briones

Rep. Marcelino ‘Marcy’ Teodoro

Rep. Florida ‘Rida’ Robes

Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona

Rep. Benjamin ‘Benjie’ Agarao

former Rep. Florencio Gabriel ‘Bem’ Noel

Rep. Leody ‘Ode’ Tarriela

Rep. Reynante ‘Reynan’ Arogancia

former Rep. Marvin Rillo

Rep. Teodorico ‘Teodoro’ Haresco, Jr.

Rep. Antonieta Eudela

Rep. Dean Assistio

Rep. Marivic Co-Pilar

District Engineer Loida Busa

Bogs Magalong

District Engineer. Ramon Devanadera

District Engineer Johnny Protesta, Jr.

District Engineer Arturo Gonzales Jr.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration in a separate message also confirmed receipt of the Ilbo issued by the DOJ.

‘Their names have been immediately included in our centralized database and their travels will be strictly monitored,’ said Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval.

Authorities arrested two men and confiscated a pistol and parts of two rifles in Camarines Norte on Wednesday morning, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Acting on intelligence reports, police flagged down the suspects aboard a white pick-up while in Santa Elena town, Camarines Norte province, the PNP said in a statement.

‘Upon inspection, authorities discovered a hidden compartment near the chassis area containing parts of an M16A1 rifle, including its upper receiver, lower receiver, and barrel; a caliber 9mm pistol without a serial number; a magazine for the same firearm; and several front sights believed to be for M16 rifles,’ the police explained. The PNP neither identified the arrested suspects nor explained what the firearm components were supposedly for.

However, it did detail that the arrested suspects were taken into the custody of the Camarines Norte Provincial Highway Patrol Team.

Both suspects will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 10591 or the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Far Eastern University kept its V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge title defense alive after sweeping La Salle, 25-16, 25-17, 25-18, in Finals Game 2 on Wednesday at Dasmariñas Arena here.

After getting swept by La Salle in Game 1, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, on Monday, the Tamaraws came out firing to equalize the series with Lirick Mendoza standing out in FEU’s balanced attack with seven kills and four blocks to finish with 11 points.

Dryx Saavedra delivered 10 points. Mikko Espartero and Doula Ndongala had nine each, while Charles Absin added eight.

‘I think what really worked is that we understood each other on what we wanted to happen with our game plan,’ said FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo in Filipino.

‘We just focused on one thing from Game 1: service and receive. Because if you look at it, in Game 1 we couldn’t receive properly; they could. In games like this, whoever can handle the first ball will have the upper hand. This time, we were the ones who got the passes in, and that’s why the outcome was different.’

FEU and La Salle clash in a decider on Friday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. The Tamaraws dethroned the Green Spikers in last year’s final, and the latter eyeing redemption and their second crown since 2023. ‘Now that we’re already here, we’re not going to stop. Game 3 is anybody’s game. La Salle will definitely prepare and make their adjustments. For us, we’ll just keep going. Tomorrow’s another day, another chance,’ said Orcullo.

Issa Ousseini was the lone double-digit scorer for La Salle with 10 points, as MVP Chris Hernandez was limited to just seven points. Eugene Gloria also scored seven.