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The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) on Wednesday called on the public to exercise ‘discernment’ when voting for the country’s leaders as it condemned the ‘unbridled corruption’ and ‘moral bankruptcy’ of government officials.

In a statement, the PPCRV said that recent revelations of ‘unbridled and unmitigated corruption, profligate consumption, insensate greed, and moral bankruptcy by the government officials’ cause the group ‘disbelief and deep outrage.’

‘We are outraged that the taxes which we paid for with our blood, sweat and tears. have instead been pocketed by politicians, government employees and contractors who condemn fellow Filipinos to suffering and even death when they built substandard and ghost flood control structures,’ the PPCRV said. The group also slammed the country’s justice system, which seems to be ‘blind to the culpability of others and incapable or unwilling to reach to the very highest echelons of our social and political hierarchies.’

The ‘innate patience,’ ‘ingrained amiability’ and ‘Christian forgiveness of the Filipino people,’ the PPCRV said, were ‘being depended upon to whitewash, forget and forgive yet again.’

‘But for how long can we accept? How much more can we forgive? How many more acts of dishonesty and cheating can we turn a blind eye to?’ said the group. ‘Our faith demands action.’

‘We demand that the wheels of justice be quick, thorough, and blind to personalities and positions and power bases,’ the group said. ‘We demand accountability and the incarceration of those who are guilty, proving that no one is above the law.’ The PPCRV also demanded transparency from the government, saying that ‘shadow’ contracts and procedures must be stopped.

Instead, the group said government projects should be published publicly and monitored by citizens. Addressing the public, the PPCRV also called on fellow Filipinos to vote with discernment as it stressed how voting can allow unscrupulous individuals to be put in positions of power.

‘It is our all-important vote which places government leaders in the positions of power which they may wield correctly or as we have seen, powers which some have wielded for self-aggrandizement in lieu of service-orientation with predilection for the neediest in our society,’ the PPCRV said.

The death of a participant during the 50-kilometer Mt. Magdiwata Ultra Trail Run 2025 last October 5 has drawn mixed reactions online, with friends and fellow runners raising questions over the event’s safety protocols even as the organizers maintained that it was carefully planned and properly coordinated.

In a statement posted on its official social media page, the San Francisco Water District (SFWD), the main host of the 2025 event, said the trail run had been ‘carefully planned and coordinated with the concerned local authorities, medical teams, and support personnel’ to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.

‘However, despite all safety measures in place, unforeseen circumstances occurred that were beyond anyone’s control,’ the organizers said. Friends of the fallen runner Jesse James Manatad, in their reaction to the organizer’s post, have called for transparency and a review of the safety measures at the Mt. Magdiwata Ultra Trail Run, clarifying that their questions were not meant to criticize but to help improve future events.

Already withdrew from race

They cited reports that the participant had already withdrawn from the race due to exhaustion, but was still made to walk several kilometers down the trail before collapsing. They also noted the absence of medics at one of the most difficult sections and the challenges rescuers faced navigating the terrain, which allegedly delayed response time.

The group also questioned the lack of qualification checks for first-time ultra runners and raised concerns over trail marking lapses. ‘With all these, can we still say the event was carefully planned?’ they asked, urging organizers to strengthen safety protocols and ensure faster emergency response in future trail runs. But Elmer Luzon, SFWD general manager, clarified that the incident was managed with urgency, cooperation, and adherence to the established safety protocols.

‘The rapid coordination between the race organizers, medical teams, the San Francisco Emergency Response (SAFER) team of the Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Red Cross ensured timely intervention and appropriate medical care for the affected runner,’ Luzon told local reporters in a press conference at their office on Wednesday.

Luzon refuted claims circulating online that the runner, Manatad, was forced to walk seven kilometers after collapsing from exhaustion. He clarified that Manatad was immediately fetched by a habal-habal motorcycle from the station where he was first seen struggling and having difficulty breathing, and was transported down to Sitio Sumugbong, where an ambulance was waiting to bring him to the D.O. Plaza Memorial Hospital.

He also said that, contrary to social media reports, a Red Cross emergency responder promptly placed an oxygen mask on Manatad when he began showing signs of collapse. The runner passed away at the hospital a day after the incident.

Luzon added that six other runners between Kilometer 38 and Kilometer 40 were safely evacuated by vehicle after failing to meet the intermediate cut-off time. ‘As per race guidelines, they were assisted and transported to ensure their well-being and proper course management,’ he said in a written report.

Aside from the 50-kilometer ultra trail, the event also featured 12-kilometer and 25-kilometer categories. Organized for the first time by SFWD, the race aimed to raise awareness about the rich biodiversity of the 1,652-hectare Mt. Magdiwata Watershed and Forest Reserve, which has been successfully restored to 97 percent forest cover this year-up from just 54 percent in 1997.

The 2025 Miss Asia Pacific International coronation night kicked off on Wednesday night, Oct. 8 with the parade of 43 delegates in unique ensembles in shades of red and yellow.

The candidates turned up the heat at the Cebu Coliseum, earning cheers from the audience at the venue. They were accompanied on stage by Miss Asia Pacific International 2024 second runner-up Selena Ali.

Prior to the candidates’ introduction and stage performance, a safety announcement that included reminders of what to do in case of emergencies including earthquake and fire was made. This was following the 6.9-magnitude quake that affected the pageant’s Benefit Gala Night last Sept. 30.

The Philippines is being represented by Anita Rose Gomez of Zambales.

Meanwhile, reigning queen Janelis Leyba from the United States opted to return home to her home country after experiencing trauma following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu last Sept. 30, which took the life of over 70 persons and left a trail of destruction all over the province.

After the opening number, and prior to the announcement of special awards, a moment of silence was offered for victims of the earthquake. A video was then shown where the candidates could be seen helping out packing relief goods and giving them to displaced families.

Pageant organizers gave roses to each of the delegates as a token of appreciation, bringing India and Indonesia bets to tears. According to host Marc Nelson, the roses symbolize love, resilience and rebirth.

NLEX bucked the absence of Robert Bolick to pull off a come-from-behind 85-84 victory over defending champion San Miguel Beer on Wednesday at Ynares Center here.

Jonnel Policarpio, JB Bahio, Brandon Ramirez and Kevin Alas were among those instrumental in the Road Warriors’ fightback from a double-digit deficit that spoiled the start of the Beermen’s quest to repeat in the league’s centerpiece conference. The Road Warriors won as a fitting tribute to Bolick, who flew to the United States to mourn the loss of his father.

Policarpio and Ramirez scored 16 points apiece, Alas put up 13 points, five rebounds and two assists while Bahio added 12 points and 12 rebounds.

NLEX withstood the last-ditch attempts by San Miguel to avoid defeat, led by Don Trollano, who scored 17 in 24 minutes. Trollano’s four-pointer trimmed the gap to a point. He had a chance to win it for San Miguel after Bahio missed both free throws.

However, Trollano made an ill-advised pass instead of a potential game-winner as time expired.

June Mar Fajardo, fresh off getting his ninth Most Valuable Player, put up 18 points and 15 rebounds for the Beermen.

Survivors of the Oct. 2 fire in Barangay 17 here prepare meals and sort through donated clothes under the Maharlika Bridge on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

The families, displaced after a fire gutted dozens of houses last week, have found temporary refuge beneath the bridge as they await relocation assistance from the city government.

The City Mayor’s Office on Monday, October 6, distributed the first batch of donations collected under the ‘Tabang Kauban’ drive to fire victims in Barangay 17. Chief of Staff Sheila Lumbatan and Secretary to the Mayor Xysclyn Faith Lumbatan led the distribution, assisted by acting City Information Officer Jade Adeser and other City Hall personnel.

The team handed the donations to Barangay 17 chairperson Anthony Atterviry at the evacuation site.

The donation drive gathered rice, pre-loved clothes, blankets, hygiene kits, canned goods, noodles, biscuits, ready-to-eat meals, flashlights, first-aid kits, and pillows for affected residents. ‘We’re deeply thankful to everyone who has extended help,’ Sheila Lumbatan said. She added: ‘This first wave of donations shows the strong spirit of community and solidarity among Kagay-anons.’

The City Mayor’s Office continues to collect donations at the City Hall mini-park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Donors are encouraged to give school supplies, handheld fans, brand-new underwear, slippers, diapers, and children’s food, which officials said are still lacking at the evacuation site.

According to the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWD), at least 279 residents were affected by the fire. Mayor Rolando Uy assured that the city government, through CSWD, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department, and the City Mayor’s Office, is doing everything to provide continued assistance.

‘Our priority is to help the families get back on their feet as soon as possible. We will not stop until every affected household receives the support they need,’ Uy said.

Sen. Imee Marcos questioned the appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the new Ombudsman while Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa criticized his priorities.

‘Bonget, is it really Boying? Are you sure? Are you still OK? I’ve been saying since last year that plan A, which is People’s Initiative, is a failure, as well as plan B, which is impeachment. The Ombudsman is the plan C,’ Sen. Marcos said.

‘Right now, all I can think about is the safety of VP Sara. I think what we need is a People’s Ombudsman-one who is credible, trustworthy, and one who is not an accomplice of anybody,’ she added.

Remulla’s Ombudsman bid has been hounded by controversy after reports in August claimed he had been disqualified due to pending criminal and administrative complaints filed by Senator Marcos in connection with the March 11 arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Marcos also claimed on Facebook that Remulla would be appointed despite the Supreme Court’s clarification that there was no shortlist yet.

She said it was a ‘forced appointment of a person who is unqualified, has pending cases, and is tainted with injustice.’

Dela Rosa, meantime, said he has no problem with Remulla taking over the Office of the Ombudsman since it is the prerogative of the President. He, however, he said he finds it strange for Remulla to announce he will prioritize investigations into Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds.

‘With so many problems facing the country today, especially the problem on ghost flood control projects, why is his first order of the day already focused on VP Sara Duterte?’ Why not focus on the anomalous flood-control projects?,’ Dela Rosa said in an interview on True FM.

After opening its UAAP Season 88 title defense with back-to-back losses, University of the Philippines has turned things around with three straight wins.

The Fighting Maroons extended their streak in style on Wednesday, handing Ateneo its first loss of the season, 83-69. ‘I believe we started well in the first quarter,’ coach Goldwin Monteverde said after the game. ‘We told our bench players to try and sustain our momentum.’

Francis Nnoruka spearheaded the UP win with a near double-double of 28 points and nine rebounds while Noy Remogat was all over the place with 20 points, eight assists and six rebounds.

Remogat, however, did not finish the game after being ejected just 12 seconds into the fourth quarter for a flagrant foul penalty two on Ateneo’s Ian Espinosa.

Shawn Tuano once again led the Blue Eagles with 17 points, while Kymani Ladi added 15 in a losing effort as Ateneo fell to 4-1. UP improved to 3-2 and will try to extend its streak to four when it faces Far Eastern University on Sunday at UST’s Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Ateneo, meanwhile, aims to bounce back when it hosts University of Santo Tomas on Saturday at Blue Eagle Gym.

Enforcers from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) caught a jeepney driver in Quezon City for alleged reckless driving and overcharging.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) attached a video showing the driver having a heated conversation with a passenger for supposedly charging an overpriced fare. Another passenger said in the DOTr’s second video that the driver also allegedly drove the jeepney erratically and was also speeding in the inner lanes.

The DOTr mentioned that passengers said the jeepney was coming from Fairview, heading to Ali Mall in Quezon City.

‘When he arrived at Kalayaan Avenue, the driver was arrested and it was discovered that he did not have a license,’ the agency pointed out, adding that he presented a driver’s license with a different name.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said they will not tolerate improper behavior of drivers, especially those of public vehicles. ‘There is no room on the road for such wrongdoings by drivers. Without a license, it is very dangerous to drive. We will ensure that the driver involved is held accountable,’ Lopez said in Filipino. The jeepney that the driver was driving has been impounded, while the passengers were taken to their destinations in an LTFRB service vehicle.

The DOTr said the driver will face multiple charges and will be banned from getting a license for life.

Pressure mounts on the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to open its hearings to the public, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself joining the calls of different stakeholders to promote more transparency in its investigations.

‘The President, in all instances, wants transparency. Every investigation must be transparent, with nothing hidden,’ Palace press officer Claire Castro said in a briefing on Wednesday.

‘However, how the ICI will carry this out – how it will make its proceedings public, how it will ensure transparency, and to what extent – that is up to the ICI. Still, the President continues to advocate for transparency in all investigations,’ she added.

When Marcos created ICI last month, he assured it would be fully independent and would not meddle with its work, especially on the way its three members would conduct hearings and investigations.

Castro said the President was not even asking for updates with the ongoing investigation of the ICI.

No approval needed

‘The reports are entirely in the hands of the ICI, and whatever recommendations they make will come from them alone as they do not need the President’s approval,’ she added.

The ICI, however, maintained its position of keeping its hearings in the flood control fiasco behind closed doors. ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said it was the commission’s way to avoid ‘trial by publicity,’ and to not allow itself to be used for any political leverage or agenda by any individual or group.

Past and present lawmakers have been urging the ICI to open its hearings to the public to show Filipinos that there would be no coverup and its investigations on the flood control mess would not protect anyone. Despite their differences in many issues, the Catholic Church and the Filipino megachurch Iglesia ni Cristo – both politically influential religious institutions in the country – agreed that by ensuring transparency in the ICI’s proceedings and findings was the only way to restore public trust. Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also called for the ICI to let the public have access to its hearings, warning that the body was ‘losing its credibility very fast.’

In an interview on dzBB on Wednesday, Carpio said he was ‘very suspicious’ of the ICI’s decision to make its hearings private, when even criminal trials of the courts were open to the public.

If the ICI was not amenable to live-streaming the hearings, similar to the congressional inquiries on the flood control projects, the media at least should be allowed to cover these.

‘Because of these closed door hearings, people will lose faith in that ICI. That’s the number one thing that they have to correct,’ Carpio said. Former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, who was also an SC justice, shared the same view, expressing doubts over the results of the ICI’s insistence to conduct its hearings in secrecy.

‘I don’t understand why. Because even the courts, sitting as courts, it’s open to the public. It’s only in the interest of morality and decency that the judge may conduct hearings in private,’ she told journalist Karen Davila in an interview.

Carpio-Morales also rebuffed ICI’s defense that it wanted to prevent trial by publicity and undue political pressure in keeping its hearings behind closed doors.

‘The mere fact that Congress or the Senate conducts hearings openly does not make them a trial by publicity. It is the ICI [members] who will decide, but their decision will only be recommendatory. It should be the Ombudsman who should do the investigating,’ she added.

Malacañang maintained that the ICI, and not the Office of the Ombudsman, should take the lead in investigating alleged anomalies in flood control projects and related infrastructure.

Delays in probe

Castro dismissed calls to abolish the ICI just because Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla was appointed as the next ombudsman.

While Remulla was familiar with the flood control projects under scrutiny, Castro rejected the idea that the ombudsman should conduct the investigation by itself, raising concerns about possible delays.

‘The ombudsman does not focus only on flood control projects. There are many cases that the Ombudsman needs to pay attention to. So, we do not see this as a reason to abolish or end the work of the ICI,’ she said.

Castro told critics: ‘Would they really want the Ombudsman alone to handle all of this? How long would it take for a single case to be resolved that way? That’s why there truly needs to be an independent commission that will focus on the issue.’ She added that the work of the ombudsman and the Department of Justice would be expedited once the ICI completed its document gathering and preliminary investigations into the anomalous flood control projects.

Authorities confiscated petroleum products worth P9.14 million and cigarettes valued at P6.03 million in Batangas and Quezon provinces, respectively, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said.

In a statement on Wednesday night, the CIDG said it caught three male suspects last Monday at a gasoline station along Balete Road in Barangay Balagtas, Batangas for allegedly smuggling the petroleum products in violation of Presidential Decree 1865.

‘Authorities seized two fuel tanker trucks containing 26,000 liters of diesel fuel, 10,000 liters of unleaded, and 4,000 liters of premium,’ the police noted.

The CIDG only identified the arrested suspects as ‘Ed,’ ‘Sam,’ and ‘Sid.’ Meanwhile, in the same statement, the CIDG said operatives confiscated 95 master cases of cigarettes supposedly bearing the name of various brands during a buy-bust operation at a warehouse along Dalahican Road in Barangay Mayao Crossing in Lucena City, Quezon also last Monday

Police arrested one suspect – whom they identified only as ‘Joseph’ – for allegedly violating Republic Act No. 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code, RA No. 8424 or the Internal Revenue Code and RA No. 10643 or the Graphic Health Warnings Law.