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TIM CONE will be working with a pool of 16 players-instead of 12-for the 2027 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup Asian Qualifiers that start this November.

‘The [16-member] pool gives Coach Tim [Cone] a buffer for any.but hopefully not injuries to our players,’ Samahand Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al S. Panlilio said on Thursday.

Three players-who Panlilio and Cone called ‘logical adds’-are RJ Abarrientos, 6-foot-11 Ange Kouame and Quentin Millora-Brown with Kai Sotto being the pool’s 16th member but is still recovering from his injury.

Abarrientos, according to Panlilio who’s known by his alias ASP, is not a surprise addition because he’s been practicing with Gilas and is Cone’s point guard at Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

Millora-Brown, or QMB, Panlilio said, is also a welcome addition to the pool, while Kouame is an able backup to Justin Brownlee as a naturalized player.

‘We know that the Asian qualifiers are a tough competition,’ Panlilio said.

‘QMB’s a no-brainer, of course. And RJ and Kouame have been practicing with us since the last window. So, they are all ‘logical adds,” Cone said.

There are four groups in the Asian Qualifiers-the Philippines is with Guam, Australia and New Zealand in Pool A-and the top three will be advancing further in the event.

With Brownlee in the pool are AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Kevin Quiambao, Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Dwight Ramos and Carl Tamayo.

Millora-Brown is a 6-foot-10 former University of the Philippines big man who’s playing for the Macau Black Bears in the East Asia Super League.

Kouame was in Cone’s team that won the gold medal in the Hangzhou 19th Asian Games two years ago.

Gilas travels to Guam on November 28 and will host the same team on December 1 and plays at home against New Zealand on February 26 and Australia on March 1.

ACEN Corp. is extending a loan of P900 million to its unit to partly finance its onshore wind power project in Quezon province.

‘On October 1, 2025, ACEN executed a short-term loan agreement for P900,000,000.00 with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Giga Ace 6, Inc.,’ it said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Thursday.

Giga Ace 6 is the project company for the Quezon North Wind Power Project, formerly the Isla Wind Project, to be located in the municipalities of Mauban and Real, Quezon, and the municipalities of Paete and Kalayaan, Laguna.

ACEN did not provide further details.

Giga Ace 6 earlier secured a P34.41-billion loan to partly finance the proposed wind power project which will be done in phases. The target completion of the first phase, with an estimated capacity of 344-megawatt peak (MWp), is in late 2026. The second phase, possibly 208 megawatts, could be finished by 2028.

ACEN disclosed in October last year its investment into the Quezon North Wind Power Project Phases 1 and 2, including supporting infrastructure and transmission/connection assets.

Last March, ACEN and units signed an omnibus loan and security agreement with Bank of the Philippines Islands, BDO Unibank, Inc., and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. for P34.4 billion. The green term loan facility for Giga Ace 6 was guaranteed by its parent, ACEN, and ACEN Global Development Group. ACEN reported in August that its consolidated net income declined by 88 percent year-on-year to P763 million mainly due to a P2.7-billion impairment relating to the relating to the Lac Hoa and Hoa Dong wind farms in Vietnam.

Excluding this one-off booking and the P1.35-billion valuation gain in 2024, net income fell 24 percent over the same period, due to depressed Wholesale Electricity Spot Market prices and increased depreciation effects.

‘Despite these headwinds, attributable renewables output grew 9 percent year-on-year to 3,228 GWh [gigawatt hours], driven by new contributions from international plants.’

JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the government has yet to come up with a contingency plan in the event that a warrant of arrest is issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa and several others in relation to the crimes against humanity charges filed against them.

‘We have yet to talk about it. I don’t think they want to leave the country. We will cross the bridge when we get there,’ Remulla said.

Remulla also stressed that they have not received any information about an impending arrest warrant from the ICC.

‘There is no arrest warrant. Until we see the arrest warrant, then there is none,’ he added.

It can be recalled that former senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier disclosed that arrest warrants against De la Rosa, Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, who are known allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte, may be issued early next year.

Trillanes, who initiated the ICC complaint, made the statement after returning from The Hague where he attended along with other participants the Tenth Seminar on Cooperation from Sept 16 to 18 at the ICC.

Last March, the Philippine government handed former President Rodrigo Duterte to the ICC based on an arrest warrant issued by the ICC and implemented through the Interpol for the crime against humanity in connection with the deaths of 43 persons during his bloody anti-illegal drug war campaign.

This was despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC which took effect on March 17, 2019.

The ICC maintained that it retains jurisdiction over the said crimes which occurred while the Philippines was still a state party to the Rome Statute, which created the ICC.

The crimes covered by the arrest warrant took place between November 1, 2011 and March 16, 2019, according to the chamber.

The ICC chamber issued the arrest warrant against Duterte in connection with the killing of 19 alleged drug pushers or thieves by the Davao Death Squad (DDS) in various locations in Davao City during Duterte’s term as mayor of the province.

The arrest warrant also covers the killing of 24 persons believed to be drug pushers and thieves or drug users during the term of Duterte as President.

THE Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) secured a major conviction with the decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) to convict Janet Lim Napoles of money laundering in connection with the ‘pork barrel’ scam.

AMLC said RTC Branch 158 in Pasig City convicted Napoles of 13 counts of money laundering due to her orchestration of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam in 2013.

The case was initiated and prosecuted by the AMLC and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The decision marked another milestone in the fight against corruption and financial crimes.

‘This sends a strong message: those who abuse public funds will be held accountable,’ said AMLC Executive Director Atty. Matthew M. David.

‘The AMLC welcomes this court decision as a demonstration of AMLC’s relentless pursuit of individuals who exploit the financial system to conceal corruption,’ he added.

AMLC said this is the second conviction secured by the AMLC against Napoles involving the ‘pork barrel’ scam, following a 2024 decision issued by RTC Branch 24, Manila-affirming AMLC’s effectiveness in prosecuting money laundering cases linked to corruption.

In this 2025 conviction, AMLC said the Trial Court found that Napoles planned a scheme involving the creation of bogus non-government organizations (NGOs) to receive pork barrel funds for ghost projects.

By making it appear that the funds originated from legitimate sources, Napoles concealed its criminal origin-an act that fully satisfied the elements of money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended.

Napoles was sentenced to 7 to 14 years of imprisonment for each count and was ordered to pay a P94.15-million fine. AMLC said, however, the judgment of conviction may be subject to appeal.

MOA between ICI, AMLC

Meanwhile, the AMLC and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for inter-agency collaboration and coordination in light of the ongoing flood project investigations.

The partnership aims to enhance information sharing and coordinated action between the AMLC and the ICI to support more effective investigations.

‘This partnership is a strong demonstration of our collective resolve to uphold integrity in public service, ensure that illicit financial activities tied to infrastructure project anomalies are thoroughly investigated, and to hold accountable those responsible,’ David said.

The MOA outlines provisions for interagency coordination, information sharing, and joint efforts to trace, preserve, and recover assets linked to unlawful activities.

The agreement also reinforces the AMLC’s mandate to investigate money laundering offenses arising from corruption, malversation, plunder, bribery, and related unlawful activities.

Established under Executive Order No. 94, Series of 2025, the ICI was created in response to public calls for greater transparency and accountability in infrastructure spending.

Composed of individuals with unquestionable integrity and expertise, the Commission is tasked to conduct an in-depth investigation into alleged irregularities and misuse of funds in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday raised serious concerns over nearly P15 billion worth of uncompleted or non-operational projects, after reviewing items under the Department of Health (DOH), including the so-called ‘haunted’ super health centers.

Gatchalian described the centers as ‘haunted’ because, despite having physical structures, they have long remained unused and unoccupied.

During the Senate Committee on Finance’s hearing on the proposed 2025 budget of the DOH and its attached agencies, Gatchalian cited the 2024 Commission on Audit (COA) report, which revealed that 123 projects worth P11.54 billion were not completed within the contract period.

Citing DOH data, Gatchalian added that of the 1,099 super health centers scheduled for construction from 2021 to 2024, 319 projects amounting to P3 billion remain either unfinished or non-functional.

‘We will not allow haunted super health centers or unfinished projects to happen again. Everything under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program must be completed. Sayang ang pera, we’re talking about P15 billion,’ said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.

To address the issue of incomplete and non-operational DOH projects, Gatchalian is proposing a counterpart program in which the DOH and local governments (LGUs) would share resources for the construction and operationalization of health facilities.

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is set to release P375 million to support rehabilitation efforts in Cebu following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck on September 30.

On October 2, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman instructed the DBM to immediately process the release of P150 million for Cebu province and P75 million for each of the municipalities of San Remigio, Bogo City and Medellin sourced from the Local Government Support Fund. The DBM assured the public that the national government has sufficient funds to quickly respond to the needs of the province.

‘Our government is prepared. We have standby funds that can be tapped immediately to deliver assistance to those affected. In moments like this, government aid must never be delayed,’ Pangandaman said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRM) Fund stood at P5.3 billion as of October 2. This calamity fund can be used for broader rehabilitation efforts and the repair of infrastructure damaged by the earthquake.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development was given P625 million for the replenishment of its Quick Response Fund (QRF), while the Department of Public Works and Highways received P1 billion.

The QRF is an emergency standby fund lodged under the NDRRM Fund, enabling frontline agencies to provide immediate assistance to areas affected by disasters and emergencies.

‘This is a whole-of-government approach-from the release of funds, to the delivery of emergency services, and the conduct of ground zero assessments,’ Pangandaman said.

Citing the latest reports, the DBM said the 6.9-magnitude earthquake left 72 people dead and nearly 300 injured in Cebu. Despite the extensive damage, the DBM vowed to provide the government’s support to speed up Cebu’s recovery and assist neighboring areas.

LAWMAKERS on Thursday urged the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) to impose sanctions against Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies in Cebu accused of forcing employees to return to work despite safety risks following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake on September 30.

Party-list Reps. Perci Cendaña of Akbayan and Sarah Elago of Gabriela called for an immediate Dole investigation into alleged violations of labor and safety laws committed by several BPO companies operating in Cebu. The quake severely affected BPO hubs in Ayala IT Park, Lapu-Lapu, and neighboring areas, leaving workers shaken and families distressed.

Cendaña said workers took to social media to report being threatened with being reported as absent without official leave (Awol) if they did not return to their work stations shortly after evacuating. Others complained that emergency exits were blocked, while some companies allegedly resumed operations without clearance from authorities.

Cendaña warned that companies should never put profit above employee safety.

‘It is heartless to force employees back to work just minutes after a massive earthquake. In such situations, human life should be the top priority, not corporate earnings,’ Cendaña said.

He urged Dole to investigate possible violations of the Labor Code and the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Law, stressing that workers have the legal right to refuse unsafe work.

‘This cannot be normalized. Dole must act swiftly to ensure workers’ rights and safety are protected,’ Cendaña added.

For her part, Elago, whose party co-authored the OSH Law, condemned the reported violations as a ‘gross disregard for workers’ lives.’

‘This is a blatant violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Law and a gross disregard for workers’ lives. The right to refuse unsafe work is enshrined in law. Forcing BPO workers back to work amid aftershocks and without safety clearance is exploitation, plain and simple,’ said Elago.

Under the OSH Law (Republic Act 11058), workers have the right to refuse unsafe work without fear of retaliation from management if their life or health is at risk. Employers are also mandated to suspend operations until competent authorities have declared workplaces safe.

She emphasized the need to strengthen the OSH Law by criminalizing violations and imposing stiffer penalties on negligent employers.

‘This tragedy should be a wake-up call. The OSH Law must be sharpened to hold negligent employers criminally liable for endangering workers. We cannot allow these reported BPO companies and other industries to treat calamities as mere interruptions to profit. Worker safety must come first,’ Elago added.

The Department of Public Works and Highways on Thursday said initial estimates indicate tht at least P2 billion worth of infrastructures were damagedby the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu province on Tuesday evening.

In a news conference, Public Works Secretary Vivencio Dizon said the figure could still go up as their teams continue to conduct more assessments.

Dizon said that the moment, the priorities are clearing the roads and providing access for the unhampered delivery of relief goods to the affected areas.

‘We were sent here by the President quickly to respond immediately to the needs of Bogo and the other affected localities,’ he added.

Dizon added that a team will be sent to assess the structural integrity of the Bogo City Provincial Hospital.

He said that the hospital incurred major damages in its operating room, emergency room, and the delivery room. With this, he instructed DPWH Cebu to direct all its resources to conduct repairs starting Thursday.

Tourism

TOURISM Secretary Christina Frasco reported that 80 tourism establishments incurred damage and 711 tourism workers were affected.

She asked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide assistance for the displaced tourism workers.

DOT has also facilitated for the safe return of 14 local tourists who got stranded, and assisted one foreign tourist to stay in a safe place in Bogo City as the latter opted not to leave.

‘We want to assure the local governments that the national government is here to help out. Nakighiusa mi sa mga kaigsonan sa Sugbo niining nahitabo [We are in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Cebu after what happened],’ Frasco assured.

The DOT will also also send a team to conduct assess the damage to churches.

THE Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference is set for a high-intensity, action-packed run crammed into just eight weeks to accommodate Alas Pilipinas’s participation in the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.

The import-laden tournament kicks off on Tuesday with the league using its streamlined Reinforced Conference format-the 12 teams are divided into two pools and will play a single round-robin within their groups and the top three teams from each pool will advance to the second round and face off only against the bottom three squads from the opposite group.

Rankings will follow the FIVB classification system based on total wins, match points, set ratio and point ratio.

At the end of the second round, all 12 teams will be re-ranked from 1 to 12 and the bottom four will be eliminated, and the top eight will advance to the quarterfinals, which will follow a 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, and 4 vs 5 knockout format.

The semifinals, championship and bronze medal matches will also be one-game encounters.

Fresh off a dominant preseason, PLDT is aiming to complete a rare triple crown after sweeping both the PVL on Tour and the Invitational Conference.

Led by Russian ace Anastasiia Bavykina, the High Speed Hitters boast a stacked roster and are gunning to finish the year with a perfect record.

PVL president Ricky Palou expressed optimism for another unforgettable conference during Thursday’s press conference of the import-laced conference-backed by Milcu, Fabriano Appliances, Mikasa and International Container Terminal Services Inc.-at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas.

‘We’re looking forward to a very exciting conference,’ Palou said. ‘It’s going to be more competitive than usual because it’s Reinforced-we still have to see the caliber and skills of the imports. Whoever wins the championship, it’s anybody’s game.’

Creamline will look to bounce back with American spiker Courtney Schwan, seeking to defend its title, while Petro Gazz returns with a proven weapon in Lindsey Vander Weide, a key figure in their 2022 championship run.

Galeries Tower has signed former Chery Tiggo import Jelena Cvijovic of Montenegro, Nxled will lean on Spanish standout Paola Martinez Vela, Akari welcomes American Annie Mitchem, while Capital1 brings in Ukrainian Oleksandra Bytsenko.

Chery Tiggo tapped Cuban veteran Yunieska Robles Batista, Choco Mucho will be reinforced by American Anyse Smith, Cignal will rely on Greek hitter Eva Chantava, Farm Fresh looks to make waves with Belgian Helene Rousseaux, and ZUS Coffee is banking on American spiker Anna DeBeer.

AT least P1 billion in election funds have gone to waste following the Supreme Court’s decision striking down two Bangsamoro redistricting laws, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Thursday.

The SC recently voided Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 77, or the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Redistricting Act of 2025, and BAA No. 58, or the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Districts Act of 2024, declaring both unconstitutional.

With no governing law in place, the Court said the poll body has no legal basis to proceed with the region’s parliamentary elections this month.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said all election materials deployed in the field will have to be returned to warehouses, while automated counting machines must be reconfigured.

Ballots, he added, will be destroyed because they no longer match any new redistricting law.

‘It is P1 billion and above because that already includes, of course, the printing of that many ballots. For the rentals, maybe we have not fully paid yet, but there are milestones.with partial payments. We have also procured other materials,’ Garcia said in a press conference.

Garcia stressed that the commission cannot prepare again until the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) enacts a new redistricting law.

‘All preparations have to start if there’s already a law. Maybe there are a few preparations we can do not related to the law, but most of Comelec’s activities are only when there is a statute because that’s where it is stated how the districts are divided,’ he said.

He also said the Comelec is willing to assist the BTA in drafting the new measure, but emphasized it will not influence parliament’s decision since it is under the latter’s ‘pure, absolute discretion.’

BTA to draft new law

Meanwhile, Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua vowed that parliament will immediately pass a new law so the elections can push through next year.

‘In full compliance with the Court’s directive, the Bangsamoro Government will immediately work to enact a new redistricting law-one that ensures meaningful representation, advances equitable development, and stands firmly on constitutional grounds,’ Macacua said in a statement.

He added that the BTA is ‘saddened by the delay’ but acknowledged that the buffer period could help ‘strengthen the integrity of our democratic process.’

‘We call on our partners, stakeholders, and the entire Bangsamoro community to remain united and steadfast as we navigate this challenge. Together, we will ensure that our first parliamentary elections are built on the strongest possible legal foundation-an enduring step towards peace, stability, and a stronger Bangsamoro,’ he said.

If the new redistricting law is enacted and survives constitutional scrutiny, the region’s first parliamentary elections are set to push through on March 31, 2026.