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Volcanic earthquakes have continued to shake Taal Volcano in Batangas province for the past 12 days, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Friday.

In its morning bulletin, Phivolcs stated the volcano recorded three volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours. These were accompanied by an ongoing volcanic tremor event that began at 2:47 p.m. Thursday.

However, Phivolcs explained that the tremor at the volcano, which has persisted for more than a day, is not a ’cause for concern.’ Phivolcs has been recording volcanic earthquakes at Taal Volcano since Oct. 6.

From Oct. 1 to Oct. 17, a total of 181 volcanic earthquakes and five tremor episodes were recorded. In comparison, Phivolcs documented 189 volcanic earthquakes and 129 tremors in September.

The four tremors occurred during phreatic and phreatomagmatic eruptions on Oct. 2.

Volcanic earthquakes are those ‘generated by magmatic processes or magma-related processes beneath or near an active volcano.’

Volcanic tremors, meanwhile, are ‘continuous seismic signals with regular or irregular sine wave appearance and low frequencies (0.5-5 Hz),’ the Phivolcs explained.

During the latest observation period, no upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was reported in the main crater lake of Taal Volcano Island (TVI), which sits at the center of Taal Lake.

No volcanic smog, or ‘vog,’ was also observed.

Phivolcs reiterated that Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, ‘which means that it is still in an abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest or the threat of eruptive activity.’

Entry to the island, boating on Taal Lake, and flying aircraft near the volcano remain strictly prohibited, the agency stressed

With the world’s best young gymnasts set to converge in Manila, they will shoot for gold hoping to live by the slogan of nect month’s event: ‘Leap High, Flip Strong!’

The official motto of the 3rd Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships reflects both the physical demands and the aspirational spirit of the sport. The tournament will be held from Nov. 20 to 24 at Newport World Resorts, a sprawling leisure and entertainment complex across NAIA Terminal 3.

”Leap High, Flip Strong!’ is more than just a campaign slogan,’ said GAP president Cynthia Carrion. ‘It’s a rallying cry for our 24 million Filipino youth to mount a leap of faith in these challenging times and to strive for growth and development.’

‘The motto cultivates a positive mindset, encouraging people to believe in themselves and their abilities,’ she said.

The meet is sanctioned by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the Asian Gymnastics Union, and is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Tourism. Around 900 gymnasts from 77 countries are expected to participate, making it one of the largest youth sporting events in the country this year.

The Philippines, whose interest in gymnastics was reignited by the two-gold haul of Carlos Yulo in the Paris Olympics, hopes to ride the momentum of that win and make the hosting a memorable one.

Carrion emphasized that the championship will be a visual spectacle as much as it will be a showcase of the best young gymnasts in. the world. ‘This is going to be a festive celebration of movement, artistry, grace, exuberance, and elegance,’ she said. INQUIRER SPORTS STAFF

Hardly have ‘nepo babies’ faded from social media posts, when a video of another form of toxic entitlement went viral over the weekend: a Lexus with blinkers on and protocol plate No. 10 had apparently been involved in a road rage incident, which showed the car’s driver slapping the driver of the multicab for allegedly getting in the way of the ‘VIP’ he was transporting. As one of the SUV’s passengers was heard saying: ‘VIP kami, ginanon kami. Eh kung nabaril namin ‘yan? Delikado ‘yang ginagawa mo, pare!’

That VIP turned out to be Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Special Concerns Ricky Alfonso who has yet to explain to his bosses, Acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Land Transportation Office Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, why he was using the protocol plate meant exclusively for judges of the Court of Appeals and the Sandiganbayan.

Alfonso has since gone on leave, his driver terminated, and investigation into the incident ongoing, said Lopez who also ordered the revocation of protocol license plates issued to officials of the DOTr and its attached agencies.

The restricted use of protocol plates is in accordance with Executive Order No. 56 issued by President Marcos, who authorized it only for top level officials, from the president to senators, House representatives, judges of the Supreme Court, the Sandiganbayan, Court of Appeals and Tax Appeals, the military and police chiefs, and so on. While Cabinet secretaries are included in the list, nowhere was there mention of undersecretaries.

Edsa busway

The President’s Administrative Order No. 18 meanwhile prohibited officials from using sirens, blinkers, and similar devices in their motor vehicles.

The incident involving Alfonso recalls similar instances of traffic violations among government officials over the use of the Edsa busway exclusively meant for public buses, ambulances, and marked government vehicles responding to emergencies.

Among those who flaunted their privilege were relatives and staff of two sitting senators, a woman who name-dropped a general, and a movie star turned politician who called out authorities for letting people like him stew in traffic, while the carousel lane had room enough for more than buses.

That Alfonso, a DOTr official-who presumably knows traffic rules-would wantonly violate them shows the skewed sense of entitlement among government officials who hold themselves above the law. The incidents raise questions about the accountability of ‘VIP’ personnel who abuse the perks and privileges of their position. Shouldn’t they hold themselves up as role models to taxpayers who pay their salaries?

Level the playing field

By stripping officials of such VIP-style privileges, Lopez showed how political will can level the playing field to ensure that traffic rules apply equally to all drivers.

Lopez had earlier required senior officials of the DOTr to commute to work at least once a week, starting Sept. 17, 2025. The mandate was meant to ensure that officials would have firsthand experience on the challenges and predicament faced by commuters that would hopefully help them craft more responsive transportation policies. Is this directive still in place? Can the agency post the weekly reports required of its officials that would include proof of their commute, like tickets or time-stamped photos?

In his notice to explain to Alfonso, Lopez emphasized that government officials are constitutionally duty-bound to ‘be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency, and act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.’

Exactly. While the Lexus was found to not be Alfonso’s personal property, what was he doing tooling around in a luxury vehicle whose blinkers were meant to part traffic so he could pass through smoothly instead of enduring the traffic woes of the rest of us mere mortals?

Collective disgust

If former DOTr chief Vince Dizon could order the agency to automatically suspend the license of erring motorists for 90 days, shouldn’t Lopez put DOTr officials to a higher standard?

As Lacanilao vowed, the agency is committed to enforcing all laws and regulations ‘without fear or favor, regardless of position or title.’ For a start, the agency can make an example of Alfonso to show it means business. He has betrayed the public trust, and shouldn’t that merit more than just indefinite suspension?

With people’s collective disgust over corruption spilling over, officials shedding their entitlements could at least appease a public already chomping at the bit over the long-drawn out investigations and conviction of the guilty behind the flood control mess.

Malacañang should start the process of imposing accountability, and revoke all special license plates, except for top officials including judges. Revoking such a privilege should make public officials identify with the sufferings of the common people whom they profess to serve.

A private caregiving facility that caters to the elderly and persons with disability (PWDs) had been maltreating its residents in the last three years until it was shut down by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) last week for operating without the necessary permits and licenses.

The facility was run by the Bukidnon Multi-Sectoral Services Foundation Inc. (BUMSSEFI).

According to Ian Dave Santiago of the Maramag Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), the foundation originally operated in Kalilangan, an interior town bordering Wao, Lanao del Sur, before relocating to Purok 1 at Tuban Village in North Poblacion here.

Felix Vergara, a former town official, said through the years, the facility has become an ‘open secret’ to many in this town with over 110,000 residents.

‘Everyone knew about it. It was openly discussed in the municipal hall but nobody lifted a finger to stop it,’ Vergara lamented.

Complaints

North Poblacion village chief John Andre Lalaan said the facility and its owners had been the subject of complaints from the neighborhood.

‘The residents complained about how the [in-house clients] yell that they are hungry. They also complained about the stench from the facility reaching their houses,’ Lalaan said.

He said the owners would make amends and promise to fix these problems. ‘[But] each time, they broke that promise,’ he said.

When DSWD Northern Mindanao personnel, accompanied by MSWDO staff and police served the closure order on the facility on Oct. 10, Santiago said the stench of human waste and urine greeted them.

They also found that the 17 residents of the facility at that time were assigned dirty and messy rooms, and they were generally living under squalid conditions.

The DSWD transferred the residents to a state-run residential care facility in Manolo Fortich town. They reportedly came from Balingasag and Laguindingan towns and Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental province, Cagayan de Oro City, and several towns in Bukidnon.

Rescued

The family of each client reportedly shells out at least P6,000 monthly to provide for their care needs.

Santiago said a foundation official, identified as Myrna Sun, would come to the MSWDO to ask for medicines or seek advice on how to treat a certain kind of disease, leading them to believe that the facility had not hired the services of any doctor, nurse and professional caregiver for their residents.

The DSWD said earlier monitoring visits by personnel revealed that BUMSSEFI had been operating without a Certificate of Registration and License to Operate and was housing clients under unsafe and hazardous conditions.

Among the violations observed were unsanitary restrooms and sleeping areas, lack of occupational safety standards and health-threatening conditions, the agency reported.

One motorist was killed and three more were injured after a UV Express van rammed 14 motorcycles along Commonwealth Avenue late Friday morning, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said.

In a statement, the QCPD explained that the driver ‘lost control of his vehicle’ along the northbound segment of Commonwealth Avenue in front of the Commission on Human Rights office.

‘The said vehicle rammed into a group of motorcycle riders and continued to accelerate forward before making a u-turn at Tandang Sora Avenue, where it collided with several other vehicles and injured four individuals,’ the police added.

The QCPD Public Information Office later confirmed, in a message to reporters, that one of the four victims succumbed to injuries.

QCPD public information chief Maj. Jennifer Gannaban added that the district police’s Traffic Sector 5 unit arrested the UV express van driver.

The police did not identify the driver nor the victims.

‘The case is now under thorough investigation by the QCPD Traffic Enforcement Unit to determine the cause of the incident and to file the appropriate charges against the driver,’ the police further noted.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday said it deported two Japanese fugitives wanted for robbery.

The BI identified the two Japanese nationals as Hoshino Takuya, 24, and Kunio Aihara, 62, who were arrested in separate operations in April and June.

‘Both were deported via Japan Airlines flight bound for Tokyo on the morning of October 16,’ the BI said in a statement.

‘Their names have been included in the BI’s blacklist, permanently barring them from re-entering the country,’ it added.

Hoshino was arrested in Las Piñas City on April 22 after the Japanese government reported him as a wanted criminal.

The 24-year-old Japanese was reportedly a member of the notorious ‘Luffy’ gang and is accused of stealing ATM cards and targeting elderly victims by impersonating law enforcement officers.

He and his cohorts also allegedly staged fake police investigations to deceive victims into surrendering their bank cards.

Meanwhile, Aihara was arrested on June 3 after the BI received information from Japanese authorities that he is wanted in Tokyo for robbery resulting in injury, in violation of the Japanese Penal Code.

He and his group allegedly stole a victim’s wallet containing about 700,000 yen in cash which caused multiple injuries requiring several weeks of medical treatment.

Gear up for a weekend packed with action, style, and nonstop gaming as vivo brings the vivo V60 Lite Launch Event to the SM North EDSA Annex Atrium on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

With the theme ‘Game at Full Power. Style in Your Hand,’ the event will bring together top cosplayers, streamers, and gamers for an epic celebration of vivo’s newest smartphone, built for the new generation of trendsetters and digital warriors.

Here’s a sneak peek at what fans can look forward to:

A star-studded 5v5 Honor of Kings (HOK) battle

Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping HOK exhibition match as cosplayers Charess, Rain Ara Pega, and Nikkinikki, together with gamers Amara Ui and Kurimeow, join five pro players in an intense 5v5 showdown – all powered by the new vivo V60 Lite.

This best-of-three 5v5 battle promises high-energy gameplay, fierce competition, and stunning cosplay flair on stage.

Fun-filled activity zones you shouldn’t miss

The event area opens at 10:00 AM with three exciting activity zones where fans can play, snap photos, and experience vivo’s world of entertainment:

vivo x NBA Basketball Challenge – Show off your basketball skills and score at least three baskets to complete the challenge.

vivo Selfie Mirror Check – Snap your best selfie and post it on social media with the hashtags #vivoV60LiteNonstopFun and #vivoV60LitePopPinkPhone for a chance to be featured.

Super Battery Power Zone – See the 6500mAh BlueVolt battery in action and discover why the vivo V60 Lite keeps you powered all day long.

10th Year Birthday Photowall – Celebrate vivo’s 10th anniversary by striking a pose at the photowall – the perfect souvenir shot for every fan.

vivo Product Experience Area – Get hands-on with the vivo V60 Lite and explore its impressive performance and stylish design. Loved it? Pre-order your own unit right at the booth.

To join the fun, visitors must claim their gaming passports at the event, which will serve as their tickets to all activities. Complete every challenge to win exclusive vivo freebies, and even get a chance to take home a brand-new vivo V60 Lite.

The vivo V60 Lite grand reveal

At 2:00 PM, the main program officially kicks off with the vivo V60 Lite product presentation and price reveal. Learn what makes this smartphone the ultimate combination of power and style, designed for gamers and content creators alike.

Cosplay runway and stage activities

Experience a spectacular HOK cosplay runway featuring creative and colorful costumes inspired by the game’s characters. Expect exciting raffles, performances, and interactive games throughout the program, as there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Watch the livestream and win a vivo V60 Lite

Can’t join the fun in person? No worries! Watch the full event livestream on vivo Philippines’ Facebook page on October 19 at 5:00 PM. Viewers who tune in online will get an exclusive chance to win a brand-new vivo V60 Lite, so make sure to stay glued to the stream.

Built for nonstop fun and endless style, the vivo V60 Lite packs a 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, sleek design, and eye-catching colors: Pop Pink, Titanium Blue, and Elegant Black. It’s a smartphone made for gamers who love to play hard and look good doing it.

Don’t miss the vivo V60 Lite Launch Event on October 18 at SM North EDSA Annex Atrium, where gaming, cosplay, and technology come together for one unforgettable day.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa revealed on Friday that the number of ‘non-operational’ super health centers identified by the Department of Health (DOH) nationwide has risen to 300.

‘Yesterday, I announced 297. I thought the number had decreased because some I visited had opened, but it didn’t decrease-it increased. Now it’s 300,’ Herbosa said in a press briefing following his appearance at an inter-agency coordination meeting with the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) on Friday.

According to the DOH chief, most of the non-operational super health centers are in Luzon.

‘Majority, of course, are in Luzon because it is the largest landmass. I think over 170 of the 300 are in Luzon, with the rest distributed across Visayas and Mindanao,’ he said.

Herbosa added that he has already instructed regional directors to inspect the 300 non-operational centers.

Following the briefing, the DOH released data showing that a total of 878 super health centers were funded under the Health Facility Enhancement Program nationwide. Of these, 300 are non-operational, 196 are operational, 17 are partially operational, and 365 are under construction as of Friday.

Herbosa said the DOH will continue investigating super health centers, with support from the ICI.

The health secretary also announced plans to establish a Citizens Participatory Audit, providing the public with a platform to report potential issues concerning super health centers in their communities.

Introduced in 2021, super health centers were designed as an upgraded version of rural health units./mcm

The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed the petition filed by Katherine Cassandra Li Ong, one of the key personalities linked to the Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos), that questioned the Senate and House of Representatives’ authority to compel her to appear and testify in their investigations.

In a decision written by Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez, the SC said Ong failed to justify her decision to directly take her case to the Supreme Court.

Ong, who was linked to Pogo facilities, Lucky South 99 Outsourcing, and Whirlwind Corp., filed a petition to the Supreme Court to stop the House of Representatives committees from violating her rights after she refused to attend subsequent hearings.

She said her rights to remain silent and right against self-incrimination have been violated when they insist that she answer their queries involving her participation in an alleged violation of the law.

Ong said her case falls under the exception to hierarchy of courts because there are genuine issues of constitutionality that must be addressed by SC, the issue is of transcendental importance, her case is of first impression, she has no other speedy remedy in the ordinary course of law, and her petition includes questions that are for the broader interest of justice.

But the SC, in dismissing her case, said Ong failed to specify ‘how any of those exceptions actually apply to her case.’

‘On this score alone, petitioner’s invocation of the exceptions to the doctrine of hierarchy of courts is unconvincing,’ the SC said.

Even on the merits, the SC En Banc unanimously affirmed the power of Congress to conduct inquiries ‘in aid of legislation,’ upholding the committees’ actions during their separate 2024 hearings on illegal activities tied to POGOs.

The SC said Congress, including its committees, possesses the power to conduct legislative inquiries and has the authority to cite individuals in contempt or order their arrest to compel attendance, testimony, or submission of documents, provided the inquiry is in aid of legislation and follows published rules.

It added that the right against self-incrimination is not a blanket right. It should only be invoked when a specific, incriminating question is asked.

‘Here, it appears that petitioner [Ong] broadly invokes her right against self-incrimination as she posits that the proceedings with the respondents are in the nature of a custodial investigation,’ the SC explained.

The SC also noted that as a resource person, Ong could not refuse to appear before the committees, although she retains the right to decline answering questions that call for incriminating answers, while the right to be assisted by counsel applies exclusively during custodial investigations of individuals suspected of committing a crime.

Sonak Group, a growing force in the sports, lifestyle and fashion industries, has appointed Kabir Buxani as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of the Sonak Retail Group.

Since joining Sonak, Buxani has played a pivotal role in modernizing operations, spearheading the company’s entry into e-commerce and introducing automation to streamline manual processes to support scalable, long-term growth.

His deep involvement across business functions has given him a comprehensive understanding of how to drive efficiency while staying closely aligned with Sonak’s core values.

The retail group’s brand portfolio includes ASICS, Onitsuka Tiger, ABC-MART Grand Stage, Molten, Mikasa, Donjoy and Mueller.

By opening more stores for these various brands, introducing contemporary labels to the Philippines and forging new partnerships, he aims to bring the latest in sports, fashion and lifestyle to customers, helping them stay on top of trends and elevate their everyday style.

Buxani steps into his new role following a strategic transition period under the mentorship of his father, Anil Buxani, who will continue to assume his role as chairperson of Sonak Group.

Third generation

As the third generation at the helm, he brings a forward-looking, entrepreneurial mindset to building on the family legacy and driving the business into its next phase of growth.

With a diverse background, Buxani has held leadership roles including chief technology officer, financial analyst and project manager.

His hands-on experience across operations, finance and technical oversight has equipped him with the strategic insight and cross-functional expertise needed to scale teams, optimize performance and drive sustainable growth, building on the acumen that has been instrumental to Sonak’s success for over 60 years.

Buxani expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for his new role.

‘I am deeply honored to take the helm of Sonak Retail Group and I couldn’t have had a better way to prepare for this role than by working side-by-side with my father and continuing to benefit from his guidance,’ he said.

Founded by the visionary Kay Sham Buxani, Sonak Group was built on a foundation of integrity and foresight. INQ