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THE Special Third Division of the Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that the foreclosure of properties based on improper and unfair interest rates on a bank loan is considered invalid.

In a resolution penned by Associate Justice Ricardo R. Rosario, the Court granted the motion for reconsideration filed by Editha Ang and Violeta Fernandez (borrowers) seeking the reversal of its decision dated November 24, 2021, which favored the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB) in the present case.

Their properties had been foreclosed by the UCPB after they failed to pay back a P16 million loan. The loan agreement allowed the UCPB to adjust the interest rate every quarter based on market conditions.

When the borrowers failed to pay the total loan when it fell due, the UCPB began extrajudicial foreclosure proceedings-a legal process where properties are auctioned off to recover unpaid debts.

This prompted the borrowers to file a petition with the Regional Trial Court (RTC) to nullify the foreclosure sale. They questioned the bank’s sole power to set and increase the interest rate, which they argued was unfair and invalid. While the RTC agreed that the interest rate provisions were invalid because they were left to the bank’s discretion, it did not nullify the foreclosure sale of the properties.

However, the trial court’s decision was reversed by the Court of Appeals (CA) in a ruling issued on May 11, 2015. The CA held that both the interest rate imposed by UCPB and the subsequent foreclosure sale of the properties were void.

The UCPB then brought the case before the SC. While the High Tribunal declared the interest rate imposed by the UCPB as invalid, the SC upheld the validity of the foreclosure sale of the respondents’ properties. The High Court issued its ruling on November 24, 2021,

Acting on the respondents’ motion for reconsideration, the SC ruled that if the interest rate was unconscionable or imposed unilaterally by the lender, then any foreclosure that follows is also invalid.

‘In the instant case, not only was there a finding, both by this Court and also by the courts below, that the interest rates being imposed were unilaterally imposed by petitioner, thus making it potestative or entirely dependent on petitioner’s will,’ the SC noted.

‘Being potestative, the principle of mutuality of contracts, found in Articles 1308 and 1309 of the Civil Code, could not have been present, making the provisions on interest void. Being void, the subsequent foreclosure proceedings could not have been held validly,’ it added.

The SC’s ruling comes two years after the UCPB was acquired by the Land Bank of the Philippines in 2023.

A statement issued on May 9 of that year ‘announced the successful conclusion of the merger’ of the UCPB with the LandBank, ‘following the conversion of all UCPB branches and accounts into its system.’

First of two parts

The number of Filipinos wanting to change the systemic corruption, if not syndicated corruption, has been growing in numbers. Of course, the so-called seasoned activists were at the forefront as they fearlessly vocalized their complaints against any kind of corruption, even before the flood control issues came out. But when more people in government got implicated, investigated, and soon prosecuted due to corrupt activities, civil society groups flexed their strength in numbers in people power fashion a few days ago.

Students protested in and out of their schools. When church leaders echoed the call to action against corruption in pursuit of transparency and accountability, more people joined, including business professionals and retired members of the military. This coalition of forces, spearheaded by the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation (CLCNT), has intensified its efforts as it now calls on the Filipino people to join a Friday habit of a noise barrage and candle lighting every Friday starting October 10, 2025 that will reportedly culminate in a peaceful protest on November 30, 2025 (Bonifacio Day).

It goes without saying, change is urgent. Creating a sense of urgency is the first step of eight steps in the change framework prescribed by Dr. John Kotter, who is one of the more prominent leadership and change management gurus. His 8 steps for leading change have been used by leaders in several organizations around the world.

Kotter thinks that 70 percent of change efforts fail because the leaders fail to take a holistic approach, particularly in considering the first three steps of his 8 step-approach. I think the CLCNT, among many other groups clamoring to end corruption in government, has successfully established the sense of urgency (step 1) and built a guiding coalition (step 2). Malcolm Gladwell calls this guiding coalition as the Law of the Few, others call it as a core group.

Following the subsequent steps in Kotter’s formula, the group has arguably formed a strategic vision, which is ‘No to Corruption’ (step 3) and has communicated it relatively effectively (step 4) across all media channels. The remaining steps will be in Part Two, culminating in Culture Change, which is step 8.

Malcolm referred to Kotter’s last step as the Tipping Point where events are tipped towards long lasting change in the culture. I am not aware whether Col. Harold Cabunoc (Harold) and his team have read any of the books of Kotter or Gladwell. But Harold managed to initiate changes in the decades-long tradition in a military school. I hope these changes will stick and last. A product of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1994, with combat service with the scout rangers and an infantry battalion in Mindanao, he is currently the Commandant of the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School (OCS).

Similar to PMA, the OCS has developed some training methods that some call inhumane while others call them necessary to build leaders in the Army. Among the many practices, perhaps short of hazing, the ‘dumbguardship’ mentality where juniors are treated like robots is so entrenched both in the PMA and OCS. Junior officers are taught to blindly disobey orders even if not proper, to accept any punishment even if unwarranted, and just to shut up instead of speaking up. After all, obedience is an essential ingredient of a good leader. Thus, the OCS orients these officer candidates, despite being college degree holders or licensed professionals, to see themselves as dumbguards first!

However, Cabunoc explicitly declared to his core team and to his recent batches of officer candidates, ‘malpractices that you have experienced outside shall not be brought here inside the Officer Candidate School.’

In my conversation with Harold, he proudly shared that the training methodology he and his team introduced in 2023 has moved away from the outdated, impractical, irrational practices of being a dumbguard. He knew at the onset that culture change does not happen overnight. Perhaps following the formula of Kotter, Harold has slowly removed the dumbguardship mindset in the OCS, by first establishing the sense of urgency among his core group composed of PMA and OCS graduates.

Based on the statistics he showed me when I was invited to talk before the OCS classes of 63-2025 and 64-2025, it appears the OCS is well on its way to meaningful transformation, slowly but surely!

In the spiritual realm, one of the doctrines that is very challenging for every believer is how to transform from the old to the new. Man became inherently sinful yet he was challenged to get rid of the old and put on a new self. ‘You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.’ (Ephesians 4:22-24).

The new self is reflected in the way we interact with others. Our actions and words serve as proofs that we are gone with the old because Jesus has paid the price for our sinful nature. And it certainly helps if believers are in a small group in getting rid of the old self!

Putting on the new self does not happen overnight, as in any meaningful change-whether in our corrupt government or in the OCS dumbguardship. Change, in eyes of Kotter, Gladwell, and Cabunoc, is a process that occurs over time. It will be a continuing struggle.

My daughter Regina and I pray that our leaders in government will invoke the aid of the Holy Spirit within them so they can look to become more like God in all they do. All of us should be reminded that we need to rely on God to help us, as mandated in the Preamble of the 1987 Constitution where it said, ‘We, the Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God.’

Whatever leaders do would have far-reaching effects. Col. Harold Cabunoc has successfully made a compelling case to end the desires of pride, ego, and self-recognition in the traditional Army leader (old) and to introduce the concept of serving before leading (new), at least in the OCS, where he wields influence as Commandant. After all, the big sign at the OCS says, ‘Service is the only reason why I am here.’ The future of the Army looks bright, since I think Harold has embraced and realized that good leaders are servants first. Dumbguards No More?!

Siegfred has a diversified set of education and experiences which has made him a game changer and a servant leader in organizations such as the Philippine Army, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, a US based software development company called Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Airlines and SM Prime Holdings. His professional degrees came from the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA. He has delivered leadership and management talks in government agencies. Siegfred is a former soldier and a lawyer by profession, a teacher by passion, and a writer with a mission.

Shaina Nitura of Adamson University was named Most Valuable Player in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Monday at the FilOil Center in San Juan.

Adamson is a win away from the crown after scoring a 25-18, 26-24, 23-25, 25-23 victory over Far Eastern University on Monday in the opener of the best-of-three series.

Nitura, the Alas upstart and Adamson captain, scored 30 points on 29 attacks, while also tallying 12 digs and 18 excellent receptions.

The 20-year-old Nitura finished as the second-highest scorer in the women’s division with 119 points-107 attacks, six blocks and six aces. She also ranked second in spiking (40.84 percent), seventh in receiving (39.09 percent), and ninth in digging (1.88 per set), proving her consistency on both ends of the court.

Nitura was joined in the women’s Supreme Team by Adamson teammates Felicity Sagaysay, named Best Setter, and Abegail Segui, awarded Best Opposite Spiker, FEU’s Gerzel Petallo (Best Outside Spiker) and Jaz Ellarina (Best Middle Blocker), CSB’s Zam Nolasco (Best Middle Blocker), and Arellano’s Harem Ceballos (Best Libero).

Petallo scored 97 points (81 attacks, 11 aces, five blocks) and topped receiving (50.70 percent), ranked third in serving (0.37), and eighth in spiking (34.04 percent).

Segui was the most efficient spiker with a 43.57 percent success rate, scoring 74 points (61 attacks, 10 blocks, three aces), and ranked seventh in blocking (0.42).

Nolasco led the league in blocking (0.96), with Ellarina close behind at third (0.73).

Sagaysay topped all setters (5.71 per set) and ranked second in serving (0.38), while Ceballos placed third in digging (2.63).

La Salle’s Chris Hernandez won the men’s MVP award.

Hernandez stepped up for the Green Spikers following the departure of stars Noel Kampton and Vince Maglinao. The La Salle Lipa standout ranked fourth in scoring in the men’s division with 107 points-89 attacks, nine blocks, and nine aces. He led the league in serving (0.32 per set), placed third in receiving (57.50 percent), fourth in digging (1.50 per set), and fifth in spiking (44.50 percent).

The men’s Supreme Team also had La Salle’s Issa Ousseini and FEU’s Lirick Mendoza (Best Middle Blockers), UST’s Gboy de Vega (Best Outside Spiker), and Ateneo’s Amil Pacinio (Best Opposite Spiker). Rounding out the team were UST’s Dux Yambao (Best Setter) and La Salle’s Sherwin Retiro (Best Libero).

Pacinio ranked sixth in scoring with 103 points (86 attacks, 13 blocks, four aces), second in spiking (49.71 percent), and eighth in blocking (0.52).

De Vega followed with 97 points (84 attacks, 10 blocks, three aces), ranking sixth in spiking (44.21 percent).

Ousseini was fifth in scoring with 105 points, including 29 blocks, and led all blockers (1.04 per set). Mendoza ranked second in blocking (0.86).

Yambao led all setters (5.37 per set), while Retiro anchored the defense, topping digs (2.32) and placing second in receptions (68.93 percent).

Two foreign reinforcements rose above everyone else in exciting week two of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 basketball tournaments.

After starting its campaign winless in three games, Far Eastern University finally cracked the win column, thanks to the heroics of the towering Mo Konateh of Gambia, who dominated inside the shaded area.

Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas went unbeaten in two games, as Nigeria’s Oma Onianwa made wonders on both ends for coach Haydee Ong and company, improving their record to 3-0.

Owing to their stellar performances for their respective schools, Konateh and Onianwa were named the Collegiate Press Corps’ UAAP Players of the Week presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) for the period of October 1 to 5.

The 6-foot-10 Konateh starred as the Tamaraws avoided a 0-4 hole, scoring 18 points, 21 rebounds, three assists and two blocks in a 64-58 triumph over Adamson University on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Konateh had a crucial block on Emmanuel Anabo while the Soaring Falcons were trying to claw their way back late in the game, 1:26 left in regulation.

‘That’s what we expect from him [Mo Konateh] and I was glad that he really stepped up today,’ FEU coach Sean Chambers said.

Konateh averaged 16.0 points, 15.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.0 block to win a tight vote among the scribes covering the collegiate beat. The Gambian was picked over Ateneo’s Dom Escobar and Shawn Tuano, La Salle’s Mike Phillips, UST’s Nic Cabañero, and UP’s Harold Alarcon.

Chambers said the Tamaraws ‘had their moments’ against previous opponents, including La Salle University, to which they lost by a slim margin, 72-74, on Wednesday at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Konateh put up 14 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and a steal against the Archers.

Onianwa, on the other hand, was unstoppable as she fueled the Growling Tigresses with an 18-point, 15-rebound showing in a 76-62 victory over defending women’s champion National University.

During that game, the Onianwa-led UST came up with a whopping 78 rebounds-43 from the offensive glass, compared to NU’s 37 boards in total and six offensive.

The Nigerian center then again had a fine performance of 17 points and six rebounds in just 19 minutes of play as the Tigresses overwhelmed University of the East with a 57-point shellacking, 99-42, on Saturday.

As they currently ride on an unbeaten run, Ong is already looking forward to Onianwa matching up against Ateneo’s back-to-back MVP and Gilas Pilipinas Women standout Kacey Dela Rosa, as well as FSA Sarah Makanjoula.

Onianwa, who had averages of 17.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in just over 22 minutes per game, won the vote unanimously over Cheska Apag of Adamson, Dela Rosa of Ateneo, Amyah Español of FEU, and Tin Cayabyab of NU.

THE Capital1 Solar Spikers take the spotlight on Tuesday as top pick Bella Belen finally sees action when the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference gets going at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

Following her stint with Alas Pilipinas, Belen, the former Universoty Athletic Association of the Philippines standout with National University suits up for the Solar Spikers against Choco Mucho at 6:30 p.m.

The three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player joins forces with Ukrainian import Oleksandra Bytsenko, who steps in to fill the shoes of former reinforcement Marina Tushova.

After finishing 11th in the PVL On Tour, Capital1 is determined to climb the rankings with help from local talents Leila Cruz, Kecelyn Galdones, Roma Doromal, Rovena Instrella, Norielle Ipac, Trisha Genesis and Sydney Niegos.

The Flying Titans, who finished 10th in On Tour, are looking to rebound with the help of American high-flyer Anyse Smith, who recently impressed fans while playing for Nakhon Ratchasima QminC VC in the AVC Champions League. Smith is expected to be a key figure in Choco Mucho’s title bid.

Supporting her are veterans Dindin Manabat, Des Cheng, Mean Mendrez, Isa Molde, Royse Tubino, and Jen Villegas, along with a formidable middle rotation of Cherry Nunag, Aduke Ogunsanya, and Lorraine Pecaña.

At 4 p.m., ZUS Coffee and Akari take center stage in a Pool B clash, both aiming to bounce back from lackluster showings in the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference.

ZUS Coffee, which finished seventh in On Tour and last in the Invitationals, features American import Anna DeBeer-a 5-foot-11 outside hitter from the University of Louisville who recently played for Indy Ignite in the Major Volleyball League. In her pro debut, DeBeer racked up 172 points from 148 attacks, 17 blocks, and seven aces, along with 110 digs.

Returning for ZUS Coffee is Thea Gagate, fresh off her stint with Alas Pilipinas. With her back in the lineup, the Thunderbelles aim for a strong run in a group that includes Chery Tiggo, Creamline, Galeries Tower, and Petro Gazz.

Akari, meanwhile, is led by American import Annie Mitchem, a 31-year-old veteran who last played for Jakarta Livin Mandiri and has competed in Italy, Turkey, and Brazil following a standout college career at the University of Hawaii. She’ll be supported by a solid local core: Ivy Lacsina, Gretchel Soltones, Eli Soyud, Faith Nisperos, Steph Bustrillo, Chenie Tagaod, and middles Ced Domingo, Ezra Madrigal, and Fifi Sharma.

The tournament features two pools of six teams in a single round-robin format. The top three teams from each pool will advance to the second round, facing only the bottom three from the opposite group.

Rankings will follow the FIVB system: total wins, match points, set ratio, and point ratio. After the second round, teams will be re-ranked from 1 to 12. The bottom four will be eliminated, while the top eight move on to the quarterfinals in a knockout format: 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, and 4 vs 5. The semifinals, finals, and bronze medal matches will also be single-elimination games.

THE cities of Makati and Malabon were considered the fastest growing in the whole of Metro Manila last year, according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Based on the PSA’s Provincial Product Accounts (PPA), the Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) of Makati and Malabon posted a GDP growth rate of 7.35 percent and 7.27 percent in 2024, respectively.

PSA said both cities even beat the 5.6 percent GDP growth recorded by the National Capital Region (NCR) in 2024.

However, Parañaque City, which posted the highest growth in Metro Manila in 2023 at 8.7 percent, posted slower growth of 6.8 percent in 2024. This brought down Parañaque City’s ranking to only third in NCR.

This was followed by Pasay with 6.8 percent, Pasig at 6.5, Mandaluyong with 6.4, Caloocan at 6.1, and Valenzuela at 6 percent.

Meanwhile, Marikina posted the slowest growth among the HUCs at 2.7 percent, followed by Navotas with 2.9, and Muntinlupa at 3.2 percent.

‘Services continued to dominate the economies in NCR, accounting for more than half of their GDP,’ PSA said.

These services include industries such as wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, accommodation and food services, and other services.

For the HUCs of Makati and Malabon, the services sector contributed to 93.5 and 64.6 percent of their economy, respectively.

Services also contributed to 89.2 percent of Taguig’s economy, 86.5 percent of Pasay’s, and roughly 85 percent of the economies of Las Pinas, Quezon City, and San Juan.

Meanwhile, Services only made up around 53.8 percent of Valenzuela City’s economy, followed by Marikina at 60.3, and Malabon with 64.6 percent.

The PSA releases the results of the PPA, reporting the 2024 economic performance of all 82 provinces and 33 HUCs in the country.

This marks a significant milestone as the PPA moves toward full institutionalization starting 2025, following its approval by the PSA Board with Resolution No. 1, series of 2025 dated 26 February 2025.

DESPITE the rapid growth of ride-hailing and delivery platforms in the country, its gig economy continues to fall short of even the most basic standards of decent work, according to a new Fairwork Philippines report.

Now in its third year, the study found that none of the nine major platforms operating locally-Angkas, GrabCar, GrabFood/Express, Foodpanda, JoyRide, JoyRide Car, Lalamove, Maxim, and Move It-fully met the five principles of fair work covering pay, conditions, contracts, management, and representation.

GrabCar topped this year’s ranking but earned only 3 out of 10 points, followed by GrabFood/Express with two.

Angkas, Lalamove, and Move It received one point each, while Foodpanda, JoyRide Car, JoyRide MC Taxi, and Maxim scored zero.

‘The results show very minimal evidence of basic standards in fairness of working conditions, contracts, and management,’ the report said, noting there has been ‘little to no substantive improvement in pro-worker policies since 2022.’

The report noted that most platform workers still fail to earn the minimum wage after deducting daily expenses such as fuel, mobile data, and maintenance costs.

‘Some workers reach the minimum wage threshold in terms of gross income, but fall short when work-related costs are taken into account. Thus, workers tend to strategize usually by putting in long hours of work,’ it said.

Because they are treated as independent contractors, riders and drivers shoulder all operating costs and social contributions, often working up to 16 hours a day just to break even.

Only GrabCar was credited for providing adequate safety training and free accident insurance.

‘The app also provides overspeeding alerts and fatigue reminders when workers exceed safe driving hours. In addition, the AudioProtect feature allows for in-app audio recording of trips, which can serve as evidence in dispute resolution,’ Fairwork said.

However, for the two-wheel platforms, the study noted that it could not find any evidence that companies give free protective gear or hazard pay, even as riders face harsher weather and traffic conditions.

Lack of protection, representation

Fairwork also noted the absence of social safety nets for illness or sudden income loss.

While some companies have started facilitating access to government social protection programs like Social Security System and PhilHealth, these efforts remain limited.

‘None of the nine platforms could evidence that all provisions of the sub-principle are met.Critical social protections.should be incorporated as baseline entitlements of workers rather than optional perks. The failure to address these not only undermines the dignity of platform work but also deepens systemic inequalities in an already climate-vulnerable country.’ the study said.

Under fair contracts, five platforms have readable and accessible terms, but none could show contracts free from clauses that exempt them from liability.

‘Under ‘independent contractor’ classifications, workers carry a disproportionate amount of risk for engaging in a contract with the service user. They may be liable for any damage arising in the course of their work, and they may be prevented by unfair clauses from seeking legal redress for grievances,’ Fairwork noted.

Meanwhile, only GrabCar and GrabFood/Express met minimum standards for fair management, offering human support channels and appeals for account deactivation.

Still, the researchers found ‘no documented policy from any platform that assures freedom of association and collective worker voice.’

DOLE eyes possible interventions

MEANWHILE, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma said the agency-particularly its Occupational Safety and Health Center-will conduct a study on how to provide assistance to platform workers.

He acknowledged that the gig economy has introduced new employment setups that existing regulations may not fully address.

‘There are many emerging new arrangements.in general you can apply the existing ones but they have uniqueness or peculiarity. You can’t do one size fits all,’ he told reporters in an ambush interview on Monday.

Laguesma said the government continues to review existing labor policies to ensure they remain relevant.

‘The President always reminds us to keep looking at what changes, what we should do,’ Laguesma also said. ‘I hope we are not just reactive, like firefighters that only act when there is a problem. We must anticipate.’

THE Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Monday submitted to the Office of the President the shortlist of its nominees for the position of Ombudsman, which was left vacant following the retirement of former Ombudsman Samuel Martires on July 27.

Under the JBC Rules, the President has 90 days or until October 24 to appoint the new Ombudsman from the occurrence of vacancy on July 27.

Included on its shortlist were former Commission on Audit chairman and incumbent Philippine Competition Commission Chairman Michael Aguinaldo; retired Court of Appeals Associate Justice and incumbent chairman of the Philippine Postal Corporation Stephen Cruz; incumbent Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan; incumbent deputy Executive Secretary Anna Liza Gonzalez Logan; retired SC Associate Justice Mario Lopez; incumbent Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick de Leon Musngi; and incumbent Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

The JBC came up with the shortlist during its final deliberation on the 17 individuals who applied and qualified for the position.

The shortlist serves as President Marcos’ basis for the exercise of the presidential power of appointment.

The JBC is a constitutional body mandated to accept, screen and nominate appointments to the judiciary, Office of the Ombudsman and the Legal Education Board.

Remulla was included on the short after securing a clearance from the Ombudsman.

However, it was not clear whether the Ombudsman has already junked the motion for reconsideration filed by Sen. Imee Marcos in connection with the dismissal of her complaint against Remulla for graft, arbitrary detention, grave threats, false testimony, perjury, usurpation of authority or official functions and for violation of RA 7438 or An Act Defining Certain Rights of Person Arrested, Detained or Under Custodial Investigation As Well as the Duties of the Arresting, Detaining and Investigating Officers.

The complaint stemmed from the investigation in aid of legislation conducted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations headed by Marcos in connection with the alleged ‘kidnapping’ and subsequent turn-over of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands last March.

The Office of the Ombudsman is also silent on its action in relation to the complaint filed last September 15 by Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte for eight counts of kidnapping under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC); eight counts of arbitrary detention under Article 124 of the RPC; qualified direct assault under Article 148 of the RPC; two count of expulsion under Article 127 of the RPC; and usurpation of judicial functions under Article 241 of the RPC; and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Remulla and several other government officials also in connection with the former President’s arrest and turn-over to the ICC.

A separate graft and detention charges were also filed against Remulla by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio for the alleged warrantless arrest of his client Cassandra Li Ong, a representative of Lucky South 99, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) suspected of involvement in illegal activities, last August 2024.

Remulla claimed that the filing of these charges were part of a concerted effort to derail his bid for the Ombudsman post.

The National Housing Authority (NHA) has released P3.8 million in emergency shelter assistance to 333 families affected by recent fire incidents in Sampaloc, Manila.

The aid was distributed in two batches under the Emergency Housing Assistance Program (EHAP), which provides financial support to households whose homes were damaged or destroyed by disasters.

On October 3, P2.86 million was released to 47 families in Barangay 459, Zone 45. Two days earlier, about P940,000 was distributed to 286 beneficiaries in Barangay 458, Zone 45.

Each family received P10,000 to P20,000, depending on the extent of damage to their homes, based on assessments from the Manila Department of Social Welfare’s Disaster Response Operations Monitoring and Information Center.

The assistance, per NHA, aims to help residents rebuild and restore their homes after the fires.

THE acting National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., on Monday denied reports that some active and retired officials approached him to withdraw his support from President Marcos.

No individual-civilian, or former police official-has reached out to him or his staff in relation to any destabilization efforts, Nartatez said.

‘Sa atin, wala pa naman kumakausap as well as my staff as well as sa commanders and even sa regional directors. Pagka mayroon, puwede ko silang kausapin [No one has spoken with me as well as my staff as well as the commanders and even the regional directors. If there are any, I can tell them] not to do it,’ Nartatez said during a press briefing at Camp General Rafael T. Crame in Quezon City on Monday.

‘And what’s the basis? We have a President who won by majority vote. I don’t see any basis para patalsikin [siya] [to remove him from office],’ he added.

Nartatez maintained that there was ‘no need for a loyalty check’ in the police force.

‘With or without orders for loyalty check, ginagawa natin iyan. Kaya nga sinasabi natin [With or without orders for a loyalty check, we do it. That’s why we say], the state of morale in the PNP is relatively high,’ Nartatez said.

He also underscored that under the Marcos administration, reforms are being pushed, particularly against corruption and illegal activities that have contributed to long-standing issues like flooding.

‘It started during the July [State of the Nation Address], wherein, siya na mismo ang magsabi [he was the one who said], put a stop to the corruption especially that caused the flooding here in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, and even sa lahat [everywhere]. So, what’s the basis?’ he said.

Retired and active members of the military and police have expressed support for Marcos and his relentless efforts to eradicate corruption in government.

Among those who issued a manifesto of support for Marcos’ anti-corruption drive were members of the Association of General and Flag Officers, Philippine National Police Academy Alumni Association, Inc., National Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Alumni Association, and Confederation of National Unified Service Associations.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro earlier said the military and other uniformed personnel must remain apolitical and must not be used for political gains or efforts to destabilize the government.