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One of the current big news items is the much anticipated appointment of Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla. The process for selecting Remulla started with a list of 17 applicants who were then interviewed by the Judicial and Bar Council. The public reception to this appointment was extreme. On one side, there was anticipation that Remulla would finally run after Sara Duterte. On the other side, there was apprehension, for better or for worse, that his major task would be to run after the Duterte group.

When he finally takes his oath, he will have two major cases that he would have to contend with. The first is a pending case against Sara Duterte for the alleged misuse of the P600-million confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President. It should be noted that the plunder law says that any amount over P50 million that is misused by a government official is classified as plunder. If found guilty, government officials will be removed from office and imprisoned and held without bail even while the trial is going on. All these judgments are the sole discretion of the ombudsman.

The second category of major cases are all those flood control corruption cases that will be referred to the ombudsman by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). If Remulla is able to put all these people in jail, including contractors, senators and congressmen, he will be hailed as a hero by the majority of the Filipino people.

The last ombudsman who was hailed as a fearless and courageous person was Conchita Carpio Morales. However, during her tenure, she ordered Joel Villanueva to be removed from office. This decision was overturned by the Senate. Hopefully, this will not happen during the tenure of Ombudsman Remulla.

As of the date of this writing, no one has been named to succeed Sen. Ping Lacson to head the Senate Blue Ribbon committee. Of the five nominees, two have already declined – Senators JV Ejercito and Raffy Tulfo. Of the remaining nominees, I believe that the most qualified is Sen. Kiko Pangilinan. He has the political courage and an unblemished record of integrity which are the basic requirements to hold this chairmanship. At the same time, he is also a lawyer, which would be a major asset for anyone chairing this committee.

With Crispin Remulla as ombudsman and Kiko Pangilinan as chair of the Blue Ribbon committee, the public can be assured that at least a few ‘big fish’ will end in jail.

If the ICI does its job thoroughly and not bow to any outside pressure, the actions of this troika – ICI, Remulla, Pangilinan – will finally accede to the people’s demands for the ‘big fishes’ to go to jail.

Amidst all these, however, there is need for a word of caution. Even placing the ‘big fish’ in jail will only stop corruption temporarily. In order to completely eradicate corruption in our society, we need to address the root causes of corruption – a topic I have written about in past columns.

Before the 20th century, governments believed that countries could wage wars to seize others’ lands and resources and that in some circumstances, they actually should. War was considered legal and invasion of even independent nations was considered legal. One example was that the United States invaded the Philippines even after the Philippines had declared independence and had drafted its own Constitution.

This all changed in 1928 when nearly every country in the world at that time joined the Kellogg-Briand Pact, agreeing that wars of aggression should be illegal and territorial conquest prohibited. This change in attitude was brought about by the first World War when nations of the world said that there should be an end to all wars.

In 1945, the United Nations Charter reaffirmed and expanded that commitment. The UN agreed to a prohibition on the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state.

Wars between nations became far less common. The world also became more peaceful and prosperous. With the start of the 21st century, it seems that the world has again resorted to claiming that wars could be justified.

The use of military threats to advance political or economic demands was used to justify powerful countries to wage war, to pressure countries into signing unequal treaties.

Trump has threatened to use force to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal. Russia invaded Ukraine, claiming that Ukraine was part of their country. Israel has invaded Palestine even though it had previously signed a treaty recognizing Palestine as a state. China has unilaterally declared the South China Sea as its sole territory, thus violating the sovereign rights of its neighboring nations like the Philippines and Vietnam.

In the future, if the prohibition on the use of force collapses, then Putin, Trump and Xi Jinping can simply agree to carve the world into spheres of influence.

The European Union can become an example. None of its 27 member-states has great power on its own but together they are a force. Midsize and small countries need to form broad coalitions to defend themselves. The lesson is that states can wield real power when they work in concert.

Mon Confiado is set to play Emilio Aguinaldo for the third time in “Quezon,” the latest Bayaniverse movie that centers on the politician that ran against Quezon in the 1935 elections.

Viewers last saw Confiado’s Aguinaldo at the end of 2018’s “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” in Malacañang as a prisoner of war of the Americans. The film’s mid-credits scene teased his and Quezon’s campaigns.

The face of TJ Trinidad was used in those posters but for the upcoming movie, Jericho Rosales steps into the role of Quezon after the former retired from acting.

“Quezon” sets up an interesting rivalry between the country’s first and would-be second presidents.

During the press conference for “Quezon” held at the historic Manila Hotel last October 7, Confiado was asked to describe the upcoming film in one word and the actor went with “pulitika.”

“Mula noon, hanggang ngayon, makikita niyo dito sa ‘Quezon’ walang pinagbago ang pulitika natin,” Confiado said, adding that politics keeps revolving around the wealthy, powerful, and social elite.

The actor also said that the current political climate is all about vilification and ambition for power, themes that will be explored in the film.

He echoed the popular Filipino saying: “Kung hindi ka marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, hindi ka makakarating sa paroroonan.” The prolific actor said that this is the reason why movies like “Quezon” should be seen.

“Alam naman natin na ang kasaysayan ay napakahalaga,” Confiado ended. “Hindi tayo natuto sa kasaysayan natin, kaya ‘yung pulitika [noon] nandito pa rin.”

Starring with Rosales and Confiado in “Quezon” are Karylle, Romnick Sarmenta, JC Santos, Angeli Bayani, Bodjie Pascua, Joross Gamboa, Ketchup Eusebio, Jake Macapagal, Therese Malvar, and “Game of Thrones” star Iain Glen as Leonard Wood.

Benjamin Alves will reprise his role as a younger Quezon, while Arron Villaflor and Cris Villanueva will once again play the fictional character Joven Hernando at different ages.

“Quezon,” directed and co-written by Jerrold Tarog, will hit Philippine theaters nationwide beginning October 15.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to issue the suggested retail price (SRP) for Noche Buena products by mid-October.

‘In the next two weeks, we should put them out,’ Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told reporters on the sidelines of the Federation of Philippine Industries Business Summit 2025 yesterday.

She said the DTI is encouraging manufacturers not to implement price increases to make the products affordable for consumers.

One ham manufacturer, Roque noted, has committed to reduce its prices.

Meanwhile, the secretary is hopeful other manufacturers will keep their prices steady.

To help consumers make informed choices, the DTI issues a list of SRPs for Noche Buena products during the holiday season.

Last year’s Noche Buena price guide showed that over 100 stock keeping units (SKUs) posted price increases.

Meanwhile, 121 SKUs maintained their prices and 13 had price reductions.

Despite recent calamities that affected the country, the Department of Finance emphasized its commitment to keeping the prices of basic commodities affordable.

Christmas in the Philippines begins early, and this year, the spirit of togetherness takes center stage at Makati’s Power Plant Mall.

Pasko at Nayon Natin, a vibrant bayanihan pop-up led by ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, has been extended until the end October of October, inviting everyone to step into a Christmas village where the fiesta comes alive through craft, color, and collaboration.

Launched last August in time for Buwan ng Wika, Nayon Natin: A Bayanihan Pop-Up was designed as a living storybook and a two-month immersive marketplace filled with vibrant, community-centered brands.

Now continuing through the holiday season, this edition of Pasko at Nayon Natin is a feast not to be missed: showcasing festive collections, new unexpected collaborations, and shared experiences rooted in community.

“We wanted to recreate the feeling of a Filipino fiesta at Christmas – where togetherness, joyful exchange, and celebration of who we are as a people are at the center,” said ANTHILL co-founder Anya Lim in a statement, calling community the greatest gift. “Textiles are our language here, from woven threads to wearable statements of identity.”

Andanté Footwear co-founder Larcia Lim added that the pop-up is “bayanihan in the form of fashion” and her brand creates shoes made from fabrics honoring two different communities, Marikina and Cebu.

Other present Filipino brands are the handmade jewelry of Tropik Beatnik and home decorations of Studio Sursidan.

A Filipino seafarer injured by Houthi rebels has died, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported yesterday.

Houthi militants fired missiles at the ship Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden on Sept. 29.

Twelve Filipinos were among the ship’s crew. Ten of them have returned to the Philippines.

‘We convey the sad news of the passing of the seafarer who was injured in the attack on Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden,’ Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac posted on social media.

Rescuers drove a helicopter to save 19 of the ship’s crew, who are Russians, Ukrainians, Filipinos and Sri Lankans.

Yemen’s Houthis claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Iran-aligned group has been assaulting vessels in the Red Sea since 2023, targeting ships they deem linked to Israel, in what they describe as solidarity with Palestinians over Israel’s war in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the DMW is seeking the immediate repatriation of the sailor’s remains.

Cacdac assured the seaman’s family of full support.

He is flying to Djibouti to work with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Amsterdam-based shipowner Spliethoff for the transport of the Filipino worker’s remains.

The victim’s wife and sister will accompany Cacdac.

While in the East African country, Cacdac said he would also visit the other injured Filipino sailors recovering in a hospital.

President Marcos has signed the Expanded Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System Act into law, paving the way for more campuses to rise in various parts of the country.

Under Republic Act 12310, more campuses will be established to offer Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or STEM education in line with the government’s efforts to produce more Filipino scientists and innovators.

The law mandates the establishment of at least two PSHS campuses in every administrative region, including one in the Negros Island Region, and consolidates all existing campuses under a unified system of governance

The Expanded PSHS law reflects the government’s commitment to make premier STEM education more accessible to Filipino students with exceptional aptitude in science and mathematics, while ensuring that the Philippine Science High School System remains a symbol of academic excellence, innovation and public service.

The PSHS System is an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology.

The expansion allows more talented youth to experience world-class STEM learning and to be part of a community that nurtures curiosity, creativity and scientific leadership.

Chaired by the DOST secretary, the PSHS board is composed of representatives from the Department of Education, University of the Philippines, Congress, the Alumni Association and the private sector.

Recognized as specialized science educators, PSHS teachers are exempt from civil service examinations and may extend their service under the Magna Carta for S and T Personnel, ensuring the retention of top STEM talent.

The law also grants tax and duty exemptions on donations and imported research equipment, enabling more resources to be directed toward innovation, research and student development.

The UK, having recorded as the fastest growing economy in the first quarter of 2025 at 0.7%, making it the fastest among the G7.

BCCP Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson noted that the UK is leveraging its growth momentum through its new Industrial Strategy, providing support to British businesses and increasing its competitiveness in areas such as Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, Professional and Business Services.

Nelson said that, ‘I have been in discussions with Martin Kent, the UK Trade Commissioner for Asia-Pacific. He mentioned that UK trade growth in the APAC area is growing strongly.’

He added that the target sectors identified in industrial energy are also the areas that are of interest to the Philippines and have existing assistance and partnerships with the UK.

‘I think what the UK government has looked at, particularly with its industrial strategy plan, is to focus on key sector areas-in particular, things like renewable energy. There’s a lot of support from the UK in this area, and they’ll be looking at those opportunities,’ Nelson said.

The UK and the Philippines have entered into a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), which would address market access issues and reinforce investment opportunities in multiple sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, energy, economic development, life sciences, and technology.

Nelson also reiterated its support to the Philippines’ interest in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade group in which the UK is already a part of.

The Philippine-UK trade continues to see an upward trend in terms of total trade at £3.0 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q1 2025, with Nelson citing that the Philippines under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration has placed driving trade and investment further at the forefront of its economic agenda, driven by reforms such as the recently passed RA 12252 extending the long-term lease of private lands to foreign investors from 50 years to up to 99 years and the Republic Act 12254 or the E-Governance Act – urging the release of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

Nelson further added that, ‘Next year will be the 80th year of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and we continue to see growth in trade between the two areas. Our concern as a chamber, representing our members, is the impact on government work and legislation. We would like to see the Cybersecurity Act passed – as this is another area to which the Philippines can work together with the UK expertise.’

Yesha Mae Monsanto, second runner-up of Cebu Ultimate Catwalk Superstar-Teen Category, was doing her assignment at home when she felt the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30. She immediately thought of her parents. ‘They were sleeping on the second floor when the earthquake happened. I shouted to wake them up,’ the 17-year-old candidate said during an October 4 press conference at Café Moni.

Grand winner of Cebu Ultimate Catwalk-Kids Category, Kiana Michaili Bacaltos, had to be awakened by her grandmother while she was sleeping. ‘I was relaxed when we were evacuating, but deep inside, my heart was beating so fast,’ she recalled.

In what was the strongest earthquake recorded in Cebu and the deadliest in the country since the 2013 Bohol quake, the tremors damaged the northern parts of the province, including Bogo City, which

was the epicenter. Waves of relief goods and donations were delivered, with some of the candidates participating in the efforts.

‘I prayed for the victims, then I sent donations, including food and water,’ said 11-year-old Eiyannah Khryss Yap, second runner-up in the Kids Category. ‘Even small ways of compassion can make a difference.’

‘I was looking for donation campaigns because I was willing to volunteer. I want to help in small ways whenever I can,’ added 14-year-old Shamzy Jopia, winner in the Preteen Category.

For Monsanto, who also volunteered in packing relief goods, the earthquake served as a reminder that resilience remains an important trait amid sudden crises.

‘We should be resilient because we can rise as one,’ she said, clarifying that resilience shouldn’t automatically excuse incompetence in addressing the impacts of natural calamities.

‘I would tell a public official that they are not a common person, but a leader who has a chance to help and be a big person for us. If you were chosen to be a leader, you have a role to ensure Filipinos are safe and united as one, so we can help others,’ she said.

National, international bets

Following their coronation last July, this year’s candidates of Cebu Ultimate Catwalk Superstars are ready to face off at the Kids and Teens Pageant Global Philippines happening this October 11 in Metro Manila.

Among them are Yap as the Cebu City representative in the Little Miss Global Pageant Philippines; Allynah Ciarrah Zabate as Cebu City South’s delegate; Mary Corazon Gualiza for Cebu City North in the

Miss Preteen Global Pageant Philippines; and Rhean Summer Dela Victoria for Cebu City at Miss Teen Global Pageant Philippines.

Others will compete in international pageants, including Rhonne Angeline Jhayle Daugdaug and Candy Tumakay at the KidStar International Pageant in Thailand from December 1 to 8, while Hnin SoeChe Tun will represent the country in Cambodia from November 12 to 17 for Little Miss Icon Philippines. Jediaelle Rhianne Caritan is set to compete in a 2026 pageant to be held in the Philippines in May.

Other candidates present at the press conference included first runner-up of Teen Star International 2024 Riki Gabrielle Pitogo; Little Miss Heritage Rafaella Carra Cabalda; Laiza Loraine Lungtad, fourth

runner-up in the Cebu Ultimate Catwalk Superstars-Kids Category; and Alexandra Almario, second runner-up in the Preteen Category.

Pitogo recalled her experience in Thailand as both fun and challenging. ‘I got to meet new friends from other countries and know about their culture,’ she shared, advising her fellow candidates

representing Cebu and the Philippines to count on the support of their friends, family, and supporters to boost their confidence.

Many of the candidates consider Pitogo their inspiration in their respective competitions. Caritan said, ‘Ate Rikki is always so kind to us, and she always believes in herself. I want to be like her because

she’s a great role model.’

Caritan also considers her mother as her role model, someone who continues to support her as a young pageant contestant.

Gualiza, 14, echoed a similar sentiment. ‘My mom has taught me to be brave, confident, and to be everything – correcting myself and learning from my mistakes and stepping out of my comfort zone,’ she said.

Almario, 13, cites her grandmother as her role model. ‘She is the person who shaped me into who I am, considering she is the person who took care of me throughout my whole life,’ she said.

For Bacaltos, 11, it’s her fellow candidates whom she considers her sisters. ‘I know our journey is very hard, and we are all young. Being a kid doesn’t mean we are not perfect. They inspire me to be

confident, and that’s enough,’ she said.

‘The sisterhood we built up is so strong. I couldn’t be here without my friends,’ said Tun, 11. ‘We faced a lot of obstacles, and we are always here for each other since we all have the same dreams.’

Nothing beats making your own ice cream at home, especially a flavor not commonly found in stores.

No matter how simple and pure or how beautifully complex it is, it is your own, and you are the only one who has it.

Multi-talented chef Don Baldosano whipped up this recipe for a pure raisin and milk ice cream after being “assigned” to make dessert for his recent collaboration with fellow chef Angelo Comsti and food content producer Erwan Heussaff.

The collab was put together by California Raisins to highlight its versatility in Filipino cooking.

A versatile ingredient like raisins not only enhances the natural flavors of savory dishes but, more importantly in this recipe, adds sweetness to desserts.

Raisins alone work wonders with milk in producing a great-tasting ice cream such as this one by Chef Don.

For this recipe, Chef Don reimagined sorbetes, the iconic Filipino-style ice cream traditionally sold from street carts, using milk and California raisins, accompanied by a crisp milk tuile and burnt raisin paste oil.

California raisins milk ice cream with milk tuile and burnt California raisin paste oil

Ingredients:

300 grams of California Raisins

330 grams of milk

100 grams if cream

7 grams of agar-agar

110 grams of sugar

60 grams of butter

70 grams of all-purpose flour

250 ml.of water

10 grams of lemon juice

Canola oil

Procedure:

For the ice cream

Combine the milk, cream, agar-agar, 50 grams California Raisins, and 50 grams sugar.

Simmer together for five minutes, then allow to cool.

Once cooled, blend until smooth and transfer to an ice cream machine.

Churn and set aside to chill.

For the tuile

Combine the remaining sugar, 100 grams finely chopped California Raisins, butter, and all-purpose flour.

Mix thoroughly until well combined, then bake in a 170°C oven for 10 to 12 minutes.

To make a jam

Gently toast some California raisins in a pan until slightly charred.

Allow to cool, then add water.

Simmer until the water is reduced by one-third.

Blend until smooth to create a purée, then season with lemon juice.

For the raisin paste oil

Slowly simmer canola oil and the remaining California Raisins together until fragrant.

Blend roughly, then strain to extract the oil.

To plate

Place a base of crumbled tuile on the plate, followed by a scoop of ice cream with a hollow center.

Fill the hollow center with jam, arrange shards of tuile around the ice cream, and finish the dish with California raisin oil.

Newly-appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla has taken his oath of office, formally installing him as the country’s new Ombudsman.

The former justice secretary took his oath before Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen at the Supreme Court on Thursday, October 9.

Remulla is the seventh official to hold the position, succeeding former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term expired on July 27, 2025.

As Ombudsman, Remulla will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting government officials accused of crimes, particularly graft and corruption.

He was appointed to the position by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on October 7.

Remulla had served as justice secretary since the start of the Marcos administration, overseeing the arrest and prosecution of several high-profile personalities such as doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy, former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr.

He was also among the officials involved in handling the government’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court regarding former President Rodrigo Duterte’s case.

One of his final acts as justice secretary was signing the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order against more than a dozen former and current government officials linked to the alleged flood control project corruption case.