Author: user user

Communicators, the communications group behind niche online publications Power Philippines, Powered to Wellness, Agri Tayo and Ang Minero has named Ricardo ‘Dong’ Magsajo, a former automotive journalist and auto industry executive , as its new editor-in-chief, while Abigail Ho-Torres, a veteran business journalist, takes over as host of Power Podcast, the podcast show of Power Philippines.

Magsajo started his automotive journey as The STAR’s business motoring section editor before moving to the Columbian Autocar Group as marketing director for Peugeot Philippines.

He would eventually handle the business development, sales training and media relations departments of Astara Philippines, which distributed four distinct automotive brands.

Magsajo’s journey has taken him full circle as he now takes on editorial responsibilities for Roar’s unique blend of niche publications.

Meanwhile, Ho-Torres is an award-winning journalist and public relations practitioner whose journalistic roots go back to her days as a business reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

As host of the second season of Power Podcast, Ho-Torres brings with her several levels of expertise given her two decades of experience in industries including media and utilities.

With Ho-Torres as host, Power Podcast’s new episodes, already in pre-production, promise to bring the same level of insightfulness even as a more end-user-friendly tone opens the podcast to a broader audience.

Editorially, some key changes will also be immediately felt across the entire publication group. By the fourth quarter of 2026, a significant push for stories on sustainability will make it into all of the Roar Publications.

‘We’re working very closely with the Society of Sustainability Practitioners Inc. (Sustainability PH), the industry association dedicated to championing sustainability efforts throughout the entire country

The Cebu City Council has returned the Technical Infrastructure Committee’s (TIC) report on the Monterrazas de Cebu development in Barangay Guadalupe for further technical scrutiny after the body raised doubts about its recommendations to allow the project to continue despite unresolved flood risks.

During the regular session last Tuesday, Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña challenged the TIC’s assessment of detention pond capacity, warning that runoff from the 118-hectare estate could reach over 300,000 cubic meters in extreme rainfall events similar to Typhoon Ruping (1990).

The TIC report, however, stated that current detention capacity stands at 62,710.5 cubic meters, projected to increase to 76,230.5 cubic meters once additional ponds are completed.

Councilors Dave Tumulak, Paul Labra, and Sisinio Andales also questioned why the committee recommended continuation of the project despite admitting that further technical investigation was necessary.

The TIC’s official resolution (No. 2026-008) detailed its fact-finding inspection of Monterrazas, which spans 14 catchment areas.

The committee noted that runoff is managed through detention ponds discharging into creeks such as Kinalumsan and Linao, with culverts ranging from 1500 mm to 450 mm in diameter.

For example, Catchment 01 (Montelago) had seven ponds with a combined capacity of 27,483 cubic meters, exceeding the required 8,220 cubic meters.

Similarly, Catchment 06 (Monterrazas Prime 2) had nine ponds totaling 20,267.5 cubic meters, discharging through a 1200 mm culvert into a flood-prone creek near White Hills and Forest Hill subdivisions.

The committee emphasized that its findings were fact-finding only, not a definitive conclusion on the causes of flooding in Guadalupe.

It acknowledged that other subdivisions, such as Grand Legacy and areas near Bethany Christian School, lacked detention ponds, contributing runoff to the same drainage systems.

The TIC recommended allowing Monterrazas’ ongoing projects to continue, citing engineering measures already in place, but stressed that further hydrological studies were needed.

Flooding in Guadalupe has long been a contentious issue.

While Monterrazas’ ponds exceed mandated standards, downstream flooding is aggravated by undersized city drainage pipes, altered waterways, and older subdivisions without retention facilities.

In November 2025, Typhoon Tino caused widespread devastation in Cebu, with critics pointing to upland developments as exacerbating factors.

Joint inspections in 2026, however, verified that Monterrazas’ detention ponds held more than three times the required volume, suggesting compliance with safety standards.

The issue has also taken on a political tone with Mayor Nestor Archival ‘resisting’ calls for a cease-and-desist order against Monterrazas, prompting accusations of conflict of interest due to his family’s property holdings within the development.

A complaint has been filed before the Ombudsman alleging grave misconduct and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against Archival.

Councilor Mikel Rama moved to send the report back to the TIC to address unresolved issues and provide clearer recommendations.

The council then pushed for a cease-and-desist order until detention pond capacity and drainage impacts are fully validated.

The Philippines is home to some of the best dive spots in the world. Unfortunately, not many people know that. The more people know it, the better it is for our country’s tourism.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines put together a Philippine dive delegation that would champion the cause, let people know about its enchanting dive spots and generate sales for the country’s dive sector.

TPB Philippines recently put this plan to action by joining the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE), a three-day affair that took place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The mission was a success, as the Philippine dive delegation led by TPB Philippines generated P113,273,411 in sales leads after showcasing the country’s award-winning dive destinations and offering special packages from discounted accommodation rates to guided liveaboard adventures.

The three-day expo gathered 10 Philippine dive outfits – Aldive Corporation, Buceo Anilao Beach and Dive Resort, Dauin Silver Reef Dive Resort, Garden of Eden Dive Resort, Kasai Village Dive Resort, Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa, Logon Fish Buddies Dive Center, M/Y Resolute (Liveaboards), Slam’s Garden Dive Resort – Ocean Passion, and Umali Dive Center Corporation.

The 72-square meter Philippine pavilion, which was designed with colorful underwater images shot from the country’s renowned dive locations, had dive enthusiasts, mainly from Malaysia, coming in to visit and inquire about dive packages.

The Philippine dive delegation recorded strong interest in destinations, such as Palawan, Negros Oriental, Batangas, Cebu, and Mindoro. More than just weighing in on the diving options available in the packages, visitors also expressed enthusiasm for specialized experiences, including pelagic and wreck diving.

“MIDE provides an excellent opportunity for the Philippines to promote its world-class dive destinations to the Malaysian market and beyond,’ said TPB chief operating officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

She added: ‘This year, we came in not only showing the beauty of our underwater treasures but also strengthening our continued support for the Malaysian and Philippine dive stakeholders, as evidenced by the Longstanding Appreciation Award we received for our participation for the last 13 years. And with a strong contingent covering the various segments of the Philippine dive industry, we were able to achieve an impressive sales lead figure, solidifying the country’s position as a premier global diving destination.”

Despite the fact that MIDE is a consumer-based event, the TPB Philippines organized business-to-business (B2B) meetings through its Market Representative in Malaysia. A total of 142 meetings were scheduled, allowing Philippine dive stakeholders to establish stronger partnerships with Malaysian dive agents and further increase sales.

In addition to promoting key Philippine dive destinations, Philippine dive companies that represented the country at the expo highlighted improved accessibility through carriers including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Malaysian-based airlines, such as AirAsia and Firefly, both of which operate direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Cebu, which is a key gateway to major dive sites.

TPB Philippines likewise organized marketing and promotional activities for the general public, including provision of free promotional items for answering market surveys and booking Philippine dive packages.

Sorry. There is no English word that captures the import of impoliteness, condescending attitude, insolence, contemptuousness and outright disrespect conveyed by bastos.

That’s how I describe defense counsel Mark Vinluan in treating expert witness, retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, when she was presented by the prosecution on Sept. 14, Day 24 of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Vinluan first failed to stop Justice Cabotaje-Tang, 70, from being presented as an expert witness by the prosecution. Prosecution lawyer Chel Diokno explained that her testimony would provide the impeachment court with a framework for understanding and evaluating the financial and documentary evidence.

She was to address six issues on accountability: 1) when the wealth of a public official becomes questionable; 2) the treatment of money or property not registered in the official’s name; 3) the applicable standard of public accountability for the president and vice president; 4) whether the president or vice president may engage in business while in office; 5) government transactions involving businesses owned by the president or vice president and 6) whether a public official’s assets, liabilities, financial status and net worth should be reflected in the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

Justice Cabotaje-Tang’s testimony ‘would serve the public’s right to understand the laws governing unexplained or illegally acquired wealth, SALNs, beneficial ownership and financial interests, particularly because public funds and accountability are involved,’ Diokno stressed. In 42 years, as a jurist and graft fighter, she handled 700 anti-graft cases and spent 5,000 hours studying graft cases. So she is an expert on the theft by public officials, especially unexplained wealth.

Forthwith, presiding officer Chiz Escudero ruled that since the good justice’s testimony would not be binding or conclusive upon the court, she could testify.

Vinluan is a 2014 Ateneo Law Bar passer, with barely 12 years of practice. Compare that with Cabotaje-Tang’s 44 years in the Office of the Solicitor General and at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court. She was a Top Ten student in her San Beda College class of 1979.

Defense counsel Vinluan then proceeded with his Plan B: insult the witness. He tried to imply Cabotaje-Tang is biased. She was appointed by then president Benigno S. Aquino III as a justice of the Sandiganbayan in 2012 and made its presiding justice in 2013, staying there for 12 years until she retired in 2024.

Vinluan also implied that since Cabotaje-Tang was rejected four times to become a justice of the Supreme Court during the Duterte presidency, she is biased against Duterte. He also asked her point-blank whether she had been accused of favoritism or whether she knew what favoritism means.

‘Are you anti-Duterte in any way?’ asked Vinluan. ‘No, I’m not,’ Cabotage-Tang replied. ‘Kakampi po kayo?’ Vinluan asked. ‘Ano ba ibig sabihin noon?’ replied the gentle justice, stressing, ‘I have never been political in my life.’

‘Are you friends with Representative Diokno?’ Vinluan asked. ‘No, we were adversaries, actually,’ replied Cabotaje-Tang.

‘Are you qualified to give a legal opinion here today?’ Vinluan asked, visible in his contempt. ‘I will not pass judgment on my expertise or absence of it,’ replied the good justice.

Vinluan questioned point blank who asked Cabotaje-Tang to come to the Senate court. ‘I was subpoenaed by the impeachment court and, if my testimony could be of value or aid in the just resolution of this case, I would be happy with that,’ replied the retired jurist.

Vinluan to Cabotaje-Tang: ‘Are you connected with the Akbayan party-list?’

Her reply: ‘No, sir.’

Vinluan: ‘Were you promised anything in exchange for your testimony today? Her retort: ‘No, sir. I will never testify if ever I was offered anything material or otherwise. My testimony is not for sale, sir.’

Vinluan: ‘Are you vying for an ambassadorial position at the moment?’ Cabotage-Tang: ‘No, sir. I am retired, and I want to enjoy my retirement.’

Vinluan: ‘In your 40 years in government service, have you encountered offers of bribery?’

Cabotage-Tang: ‘Yes, sir. One, in the office of the Solicitor General. But I directed that person to leave my office, and I banged the door.’ At the Sandigan, ‘I never allowed anyone to visit me, even my relatives.’

It is not 16 to convict

Three retired chief justices and a retired Supreme Court justice were heard yesterday by the Senate impeachment court on the issue of what constitutes two-thirds of senators in declaring VP Duterte guilty of one or all four charges leveled against her by the House of Representatives. Usually, two-thirds of 24 is 16.

The prevailing view, it seems, is that two-thirds does not mean a denominator of 24 senators. It could be a dynamic number – 13 if there are only 20 qualified senators, 14 if there are 21 or 15 if there are 22 qualified senators. Because of a number of reasons, like death, resignation to take up another job, incarceration and thereby outside the coercive power of the Senate to compel attendance, in hiding or simply gallivanting abroad while the Senate tries the impeached official.

There are effectively only 20 senators. Two are in jail for plunder – Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta. One is a fugitive from justice, wanted for mass murder (Bato dela Rosa). One is on an extended medical leave (Loren Legarda). At least three to four other senators are suspects for various offenses – plunder, obstruction of justice, stock market manipulation. Arrogance and stupidity, however, are not grounds for absenteeism.

The implication is that it is now much easier to convict Sara Duterte, remove her as vice president and ban her forever from holding any public office.

Sara is accused of misusing or pocketing P612.5 million of people’s money, bribing her subordinates so she could dictate to them, unexplained wealth of P6.7 billion despite earning only P24 million as a public official and plotting to kill the President, the First Lady and the former speaker.

President BBM mentioned the proliferation of substandard steel but offered to policy solution to the problem. The matter, he says, will be investigated.

Several plants using obsolete induction furnace (IF) technology were built over the past few years. The President starts counting from 2018, seeming to suggest that the entry of these obsolete plants was attributable to the Duterte administration.

The more compelling contest should be Beijing’s decision to ban plants using IF technology. These plants are blamed for the heavy air pollution that enveloped China then. Many of the plants dismantled because of this policy found their way here. Today, about 40 IF plants have been transplanted from China to the Philippines.

There is another reason besides proximity that explains why the obsolete plants were relocated here. The steel industries in most of our neighbors in the region have come under the control of Chinese steel giants. These giants would not tolerate competition from substandard steel produced by banned technology.

Only the Philippines stands outside the realm of Chinese steel giants. Filipino steel manufacturers resisted offers from Chinese corporations to buy in or enter into joint ventures. Currently, some Filipino manufacturers use some of the most advanced steelmaking technologies in the world.

It could also be that some influential persons in the Duterte administration helped facilitate the entry of the banned IF plants from China. But available evidence point to toleration rather than policy encouragement of these plants.

There is speculation that the ban on IF plants in China represented the triumph of one faction of the Chinese ruling elite over the others. The triumphant faction has invested in more modern steelmaking plants. The losing faction, invested in obsolete IF technology, found ways to transfer the banned plants elsewhere. These transfers, by the way, also opened an avenue for laundering money.

The involvement of politically influential political factions in China should explain why the raids recently conducted by Philippine authorities on some of the IF plants precipitated something of a diplomatic incident. The Chinese embassy protested the treatment of their nationals found in the raided plants.

There is enough reason for some of our security officials, such as Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, to closely scrutinize the IF plants. Some of them were found to be using hazardous (including radioactive) raw materials imported from China. The substandard steel they manufacture pose a hazard to public safety. The building that crumbled in Angeles City, for instance, used steel procured from an IF plant in Magalang.

The proliferation of substandard steel manufacturing cuts into the viability of Filipino steelmakers. Using obsolete technology banned at the source, availing of possibly cheaper financing, the possible involvement of money laundering activities and often using lower quality scrap metal, they are able to carve a share of the domestic market.

When corruption in our public works projects was at its peak, we cannot discount the symbiosis between corrupt contractors and suppliers of substandard steel manufacturers. Corrupt contractors care very little about the quality of their projects. They are in it for the illicit profit even if the inferior projects bring misery to Filipino communities. As we saw in the last flooding episode.

The solution to the proliferation of substandard steel products is available if the President cares to seriously address the matter. Experts at the DTI have long recommended a policy requiring steel products – especially reinforcement bars – to meet ‘seismic’ standards. This will require the steel products to have the tensile strength to withstand a seismic event.

The DTI, for reasons only they know, have not acted on the policy recommendation. Imaginably, our trade and industry bureaucrats are under great pressure from interest groups whose businesses might be hurt by a policy aimed at improving safety standards for our people.

According to metallurgists, the steel produced by the IF plants will fail to meet ‘seismic’ standards. There is no way the obsolete technology could meet the tensile strength requirements necessary to prevent buildings from collapsing and bridges from falling. Hundreds of millions, possibly billions, in hurried investments in importing old steel technology from China would be lost.

Our regulators, however, face literally life and death policy choices. If public safety is not the principal consideration, then we may simply allow substandard steel products to grab market share. But if our people’s safety is the first concern, then our regulators must enforce a ‘seismic’ grade requirement.

When the General Santos area was struck by an earthquake recently, several public school buildings collapsed. These are single-level structures, not even high-rises. It is a stroke of fortune that young students were not present when the classrooms collapsed.

We expect quakes to happen. We live in the western Pacific rim of fire. Every precaution needs to be taken to protect our people from inferior steel products.

Beyond promising more investigations, President BBM should instruct the DTI to adopt the higher grade requirement for steel products sold in our market. Public safety requires it.

Part of the crusade against corruption in our public works should be an honest examination of the materials used to build vital projects. In the last flooding episode, a bridge in Tarlac collapsed. Several dikes surrendered to the onslaught of water.

It is not so easy to examine flood control projects for the quality of materials used to engineer them. The corrupt syndicates do not care much about engineering quality.