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The national government commits to restoring Cebu’s earthquake-damaged heritage churches, recognizing them as irreplaceable symbols of Filipino faith, identity, and craftsmanship.

The Department of Tourism said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has included in his order the immediate rehabilitation of infrastructure, including the restoration of centuries-old religious structures that have long stood as cultural anchors in their communities.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, during a site inspection at the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Bogo City-considered ground zero of the quake-announced that rapid assessment teams from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) have been deployed in coordination with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

She emphasized that the restoration of these churches is a national priority.

‘We have already deployed teams from TIEZA, our attached agency, to do a rapid assessment and inspection, and we are endorsing as well, to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the other relevant heritage agencies, so that together, we can ensure the restoration and rehabilitation of these symbols and living edifices of our faith and culture, and they can rise again,’ Sec.Frasco said.

The DOT identified five major heritage churches severely affected by the tremor: the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sta. Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan (built in 1858), Sts. Peter and Paul Parish Church in Bantayan (1863), San Isidro Labrador Church in Tabogon (1954 structure; parish established 1851), San Juan Nepomuceno Parish in San Remegio (1864), and the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Vicente Ferrer in Bogo City (originally built in 1858, reconstructed post-WWII).

These coral stone churches, many over a century old, were assessed by a joint team from the Archdiocese of Cebu, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and the NCCA.

Other damaged churches noted by DOT were Capelinha de Fatima Replica in San Remigio, San Ignacio de Loyola Church in Medellin, Holy Family of Nazareth Parish in Bogo City, Saint Ignatius de Loyola Parish in Medellin, St. Labrador Church in Tabogon, and St. Martin de Porres Church in Tabogon.

From October 4 to 6, NHCP Chair Ricky Jose led technical inspections of affected sites in Liloan, Catmon, Bantayan, Daanbantayan, and Cebu City.

The team documented extensive structural damage, as well as harm to movable heritage objects and archival materials.

Jose underscored the enduring legacy of Filipino builders whose craftsmanship shaped these churches, noting that their work continues to inspire even as their names are lost to history.

The DOT also reported that five major tourist sites in Cebu City-including Museo Sugbo, Casa Gorordo, and the National Museum of the Philippines Cebu-remain closed pending structural integrity assessments.

An estimated 1,206 tourism workers have been displaced due to the quake’s impact on establishments. Secretary Frasco assured that these workers are prioritized for relief and livelihood assistance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Cebu, which welcomed over five million tourists in 2024, is widely regarded as the cradle of Christianity in Asia. The restoration of its heritage churches is not only a cultural imperative but a reaffirmation of national resilience and unity.

Through the combined efforts of DOT, TIEZA, NHCP, NCCA, and local partners, the government is determined to ensure that these structures, deemed sacred, rise again-preserved, strengthened, and ready to inspire generations to come.

Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) has appealed to the national government for the urgent acquisition of additional seismic instruments and stations, following the earthquake that jolted Cebu last week.

Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, Phivolcs director, said this equipment and facilities can help them in mapping more off-shore active faults just like the Bogo Bay Fault, which was confirmed as the source of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit northern Cebu on September 30.

Currently, Philvolcs has 125 seismic stations across the country, with its latest facility launched earlier in June this year. However, Bacolcol admitted that these are not yet close enough to the ideal number of seismic stations of 300, considering the size of the Philippines.

Bacolcol also disclosed that at least four more stations were launched every year, saying that it will take more than 40 years for the country to complete what is ideal.

To urgently acquire the 175 additional stations, the Republic Act 12180 or the Phivolcs Modernization Act was already enacted in June 2025, he said.

‘Good thing and with that law, we’d be able to fast-track the acquisition of our seismic instruments to complete these within the next five years,’ he said during the OpenLine News Forum yesterday, October 8.

The law is aligned with the agency’s mission to expand its seismic network nationwide and to improve its technological operational capacity, he added.

In the case of the Cebu earthquake, Phivolcs has already monitored active faults through several operations off-shore and mostly on land, which were prioritized because of their risks to the residents living on top of them.

‘Mostly ang na-mapped na nato karon would be on-shore active faults, naa sa yuta, precisely because they have direct, immediate, and visible effect sa LGUs kay (para) matagaan nato og advise ang mga LGUs that they are not supposed to construct here,’ said Bacolcol.

‘We already did several off-shore active faults mapping before. But again, we need more equipment to do that. But I think that will be answered by the Phivolcs Modernization . Hopefully we will be able to acquire these things,’ he added, noting the urgency of the needed facilities and equipment.

Cebu Governor Pamela S. Baricuatro, marked her first 100 days in office by highlighting transparency, service delivery, and people-first leadership as a vital part of her administration.

Baricuatro, the 28th governor of Cebu and the second female to hold the Capitol’s highest seat, said openness and accountability remain her guiding principles.

‘I’ve said this from Day One: true leadership is measured by service, integrity, and the courage to do what’s right even when it’s difficult,’ Baricuatro posted on her official Facebook page.

Baricuatro won over 1.1 million Cebuanos who elected her in May 2025, when she ran under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) and defeated former governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The governor identified three core priorities pursued during her first 100 days: service delivery and accountable governance, inclusive growth and investment, and people-centered leadership.

Among the reforms she cited were streamlined frontline services at the Capitol, faster health and social welfare responses, and tighter oversight on public funds to ensure transparency.

Baricuatro said every peso in government should be accounted for and must directly benefit families, barangays, and communities across Cebu.

On economic development, she underscored her expanded support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), along with farmers and coastal communities.

Infrastructure and digital connectivity investments have also been initiated to widen access to education, health, and commerce.

In the course of her governorship and as what she mentioned in her State of the Province Address (SOPA) in August 29, she highlighted the hiring of 25 new doctors and 160 nurses, with more to follow, to boost health care delivery across the province.

In addition, her term also reactivated the Provincial Health Board, with broader membership and expertise to guide health programs.

Disaster resilience was strengthened after the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) was elevated into a full-fledged department.

Revelations

At the outset, Baricuatro bared what she called ‘disturbing findings’ from the previous administration-P1.1 billion in payables from unfunded projects, obligations without budget cover, and infrastructure built without bidding.

Baricuatro also flagged neglected hospitals lacking basic supplies and short on manpower, idle education funds worth over P1 billion that should have gone to classrooms and teachers, and questionable environmental permits issued to non-compliant firms.

On the other hand, she has ordered a one-month suspension of all quarrying, sand and gravel extraction, and special disposal operations in Cebu to review permit compliance and tighten enforcement.

The move comes amid mounting public complaints and aims to ensure stricter environmental accountability.

Accomplishments

Recently, the Capitol acquired its first-ever Sea Ambulance, aimed at ensuring swift emergency transport for patients in Cebu’s island municipalities.

The Sea Ambulance project was made possible through the PDRRMO in partnership with stakeholders, reinforcing the Capitol’s focus on timely rescue operations.

Fisherfolk communities also benefited, as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) turned over two fishing boats to the province, which were later distributed to the local governments of Danao City and Medellin.

Her administration also established the Cebu People’s Assistance Center (CPAC) through Executive Order No. 5. CPAC serves as a 24/7 one-stop help desk where Cebuanos can access provincial services, emergency assistance, and to lodge complaints or concerns.

Baricuatro’s early tenure was also tested by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit northern Cebu on September 30, killing a total of 72 people.

She commended the response of Cebuanos during the tragedy, saying the spirit of bayanihan proved stronger than fear and despair. ‘The people of Cebu did not fail me, nor their fellow Cebuanos in the north; together, we stood strong,’ she said.

Looking ahead, Baricuatro vowed to sustain reforms, expand inclusive economic opportunities, and maintain open collaboration with local governments, civil society, and private partners.

“I will stay focused on the people and the province we all love. God bless Cebu, and may we continue working together for a brighter future,” her post concluded.

Despite heated instances in their battle with the University of the Philippines Wednesday evening, Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin stressed that the Fighting Maroons are not malicious, but just ‘tough and physical’.

Ateneo absorbed an 83-69 loss to UP Wednesday, the Blue Eagles’ first setback in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

With UP holding a 79-62 advantage over their Katipunan rivals, Kymani Ladi and Migs Yniguez were called for double technical fouls after getting tangled up in the rebound play.

And with the game all but over with mere seconds remaining, Maroons star guard Rey Remogat was called for an unsportsmanlike foul on Ian Espinosa. The foul saw the former getting thrown out of the game.

After the contest, Baldwin underscored that physicality is part of sports.

‘Look, UP is tough. UP is physical. They have been since [UP head coach] Goldwin [Monteverde] has been there. Nobody in our dugout is crying about that,’ he said.

Baldwin said that he did not see the replay, but he believes Remogat’s explanation that he was merely trying to stop the fast break.

‘I think that it was a hard foul. I think it was a foul with purpose, you know, to stop the fast break. But I seriously doubt whether there was any malice in it,’ the coach stated.

‘UP guys are tough. Like, they’re really tough guys. But I don’t see them as malicious and I don’t see their coaching staff that way at all. I just think they’re highly competitive and I applaud that. I applaud toughness,’ he added.

The game was tight through the half, with Ateneo trailing by just two, 38-40. But the Fighting Maroons clamped down on defense in the third quarter, outscoring their rivals 24-11 to break the game wide open.

UP’s lead grew to as high as 19 points, 79-60, after a 3-pointer by Remogat.

‘You know, I ask our guys to be dogs all the time. And I think the UP coaching staff probably doesn’t have to ask for that very much because that’s what those guys are and I admire that about them,’ Baldwin said.

‘And I think we live in a world today where people overreact to toughness. I mean, get the hell out of sports if you’re not going to be tough, right? And if you’re going to cry about things all the time, well, you’re not going to be on the winning side very much.’

UP showcased its defensive prowess in the game as they forced Ateneo to shoot 25-of-65 from the floor compared to their 28-of-57 clip.

The Maroons have now won three straight games and rose to 3-2 this season, while the Blue Eagles dropped to 4-1.

Starting November 1, 2025, motorists using provisional, improvised, or temporary plates will be apprehended as part of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7’s intensified enforcement of license plate regulations.

The move is anchored on LTO Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2025-4674, issued on September 25, which prohibits the continued use of non-official plates.

LTO-7 Regional Director Glenn Galario said the measure comes as the agency has cleared its backlog in license plate production and is now actively distributing all remaining plates nationwide.

Galario clarified that, with the impending deadline, the use of improvised plates will only be allowed provided that the owner possesses an authorization to use an improvised plate. This authorization must be signed by the concerned LTO office that processed the duplicate plate request.

The improvised plate must contain the vehicle’s assigned plate number with the words “Improvised Plate” clearly printed below it.

The use of an improvised plate is applicable only to those who have requested a replacement plate due to loss, dilapidation, or similar situations that rendered the original plate unreadable or unidentifiable.

Galario said that using an “Improvised Plate” without proper authorization shall be fined.

Also covered by the apprehension are vehicles with unreadable plates, or those with plates improperly mounted such as slanted placements or wrong locations. Motorcycle plates must be mounted at the rear, while motor vehicle plates must be installed at both the front and rear.

Motorists are urged to claim their official plates at the nearest LTO office before the deadline to avoid long queues and possible penalties.

‘We ask for your cooperation and understanding. Every motor vehicle is required to have its official plate not only by law but also to ensure proper vehicle identification, public safety, and the general welfare,’ he said.

The implementation supports the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., which seeks to ensure all vehicles on public roads have proper plates.

Under the leadership of DOTr Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez and LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza, LTO 7 has been distributing unclaimed plates across the region since last year.

Violators will face a P5,000 fine under Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-001, along with other applicable laws and regulations.

The LTO also reminded motorists that vehicles bearing provisional, improvised, or temporary plates will not be accepted for registration renewal after the deadline.

A separate memorandum issued on August 27, 2024 had earlier informed the public of the guidelines for the use of improvised and temporary plates, giving motorists ample time to secure their official plates.

The country’s rice tariff collections this year may settle at a little over P13 billion, down by 60 percent on an annual basis, if the government’s temporary import ban will last until the end of December.

Industry sources said that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) would no longer be able to collect a single tariff from the commodity as the temporary rice import suspension, which took effect last Sept. 15, has been extended until Dec. 31.

Given this situation, the rice tariffs collected by the BOC from January to September will be the final count of collections for 2025.

The BOC was still able to collect tariffs from imported rice in September since there were shipments that were allowed to enter the country from Sept. 1 to 14.

The BOC collected P13.2 billion from rice imports during the nine-month period, based on its preliminary figures. This represents a 52.3-percent drop from the P27.7 billion rice tariff collected from January to September last year.

In 2024, the BOC collected a record-high P34.2 billion from rice imports.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier announced that the government would extend the rice import ban, which was initially scheduled to last for only two months. The government will allow rice imports in January 2026 before implementing another import ban by February 2026 as local harvest begins again.

Finance Undersecretary Karlo Adriano estimated that the government would lose between P1.4 billion and P2 billion in revenues for every month of rice import suspension.

This means that the government may lose as much as P6 billion in the fourth quarter. Last year, the BOC collected P6.5 billion in rice tariffs from October to December.

Despite the plunge in rice tariff collections, the rice competitiveness enhancement fund (RCEF), which seeks to modernize and develop the local rice industry, will still have a guaranteed budget of P30 billion next year pursuant to existing laws. Primarily, the RCEF sources its budget from earmarked rice tariff collections.

The guaranteed budget for RCEF was increased to P30 billion from P10 billion, following the review of the first six years of implementation of the program and tariff collection performance of BOC.

However, in the event that rice tariff collections fall short of P30 billion, the remainder shall be sourced from the budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The 2026 National Expenditures Program has already set aside P30 billion for RCEF next year, which is parked in the budget of the Office of the Secretary of the DA.

Even before the rice import suspension, the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) of the House of Representatives has already flagged falling rice tariffs this year due to the implementation of the record-low tariff rate of 15 percent.

The CPBRD pointed out that doubling the first semester rice tariff collections will only amount to P20 billion, still short of the P30 billion RCEF appropriation.

Sourcing the shortfall in rice tariff collections from the DA budget would result in RCEF ‘competing’ with the allocation for the regular programs and projects of the department, according to CPBRD.

Experts have earlier warned that the projected shortfall in the rice tariff collections this year may further strain the government’s already limited fiscal space, potentially increasing its reliance on borrowings next year to sustain rice programs.

‘With the huge increase of the RCEF, the budget for rice relative to other commodities will further widen,’ the CPBRD said.

‘The budget of the DA has been described as rice-centric where a proportionately large proportion of funds is allocated to rice production, often at the expense of other important agricultural subsectors like high-value crops and poultry and livestock,’ the CPBRD added.

Spain-based Filipino entrepreneur and content creator Ramon Natcher is set to bring his very own perfume brand to the Philippines after launching it in Spain.

A bold entry into the luxury perfume market, Ramon Éxito was born from a single idea: that success has a scent, one that lingers, captivates, and tells a story before words are even said.

With refined notes of citrus, warm amber, and rare woods, the fragrance is designed for the confident, the accomplished, and the unapologetically aspirational.

For Natcher, the brand is more than just a product, it is a reflection of his belief that success is multi-sensory.

“Fragrance is deeply personal. It is an extension of who you are and the legacy you want to leave behind,” Natcher said in a statement.

Natcher’s entrepreneurial journey began at just 17 when he ventured into a small food cart business. His ambition soon took him abroad to Dubai, where he worked and later explored the jewelry industry.

The economic downturn in 2018 led him back to the Philippines, where he opened several restaurants. However, the pandemic forced him to close those ventures, and it was during this challenging time that his path toward hair growth product Trinoxteride began.

As the breadwinner of his family, Natcher faced financial strain that eventually took a toll on his health, leading to alopecia.

He began researching hair growth treatments and, seeing the gap for effective yet affordable options, created Trinoxteride.

Natcher openly admits he has no formal business degree. Instead, his growth came from failures, persistence, and real-world lessons.

Traveling also gave him a global outlook, allowing him to see trends, innovate, and adapt. He believes adaptability is the most important quality an entrepreneur can have.

“Traditional ways of doing business don’t always work anymore. You need to be open to change,” he said.

For him, growth as a person is just as important as business achievements. He challenges the idea that people should never change. Instead, he believes change is necessary, as long as it is for the better.

His definition of success has also evolved over time. Once tied to luxury possessions, he now values three things above all: health, meaningful relationships, and freedom.

“You can have all the money in the world, but without health or the freedom to live on your own terms, it’s meaningless,” he said.

Unemployment in the country declined in August as jobs lost due to typhoons in the previous month were recovered, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Preliminary results of the Labor Force Survey released by the PSA yesterday showed that the unemployment rate dropped to 3.9 percent in August from the previous month’s 5.3 percent and four percent in the same month last year.

This translated to 2.03 million jobless Filipinos in August, down from the previous month’s 2.59 million and 2.07 million in August 2024.

In a press conference, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the typhoons that hit the country in July affected employment in industries, particularly agriculture, retail trade and construction.

He said these sectors have since recovered. ‘So in a way, the job losses in July seem temporary.’

Leonardo Lanzona Jr., economics professor at the Ateneo de Manila University said in an email that the slight increase in factory output in August may have also contributed to the lower unemployment.

‘This reversed the negative factory output observed in July. This could have resulted in more jobs which decreased the unemployment,’ he said.

Malacañang attributed the latest labor force survey results to the government’s job generation efforts.

‘The government and the President did not stop working to uplift the lives of Filipinos. We have ongoing job fairs to bring employment opportunities closer to our countrymen,’ Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing.

‘This shows that the President really cares about the welfare of each one,’ she added.

Meanwhile, the country’s employment rate rose to 96.1 percent in August from the previous month’s 94.7 percent and 96 percent in the same month last year.

There were 50.10 million employed Filipinos in August, up from 46.05 million in the previous month and 49.15 million in the same month last year.

Job quality also improved as the underemployment rate went down to 10.7 percent in August from the previous month’s 14.8 percent and 11.2 percent in the same month in 2024.

This was equivalent to 5.38 million underemployed Filipinos or those who want an additional job or longer work hours in August, lower than the prior month’s 6.80 million and 5.48 million in the same month last year.

Sub-sectors which saw the biggest month-on-month increase in employment were the agriculture and forestry (1.35 million); wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (1.30 million); construction (672,000); other service activities (399,000) and fishing and aquaculture (346,000).

On the other hand, those with the largest month-on-month drop in jobs in August were human health and social work activities (-105,000); mining and quarrying (-103,000); professional, scientific and technical activities (-102,000); manufacturing (-70,000) and education (-54,000).

Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan welcomed the developments in the labor market, noting that efforts to expand employment opportunities are paying off.

‘These positive labor market indicators reflect our collective effort to sustain economic growth while ensuring that more Filipinos benefit from it. We are working to generate not just jobs, but quality jobs that will raise incomes, reduce underemployment and improve the overall well-being of our people,’ he said.

As the holidays draw near, Lanzona said orders for various seasonal items have started to pile up, which may lead to high level of production and employment for the rest of the Christmas season.

The DEPDev said it aims to build on the positive labor market developments by promoting the policies and strategies under the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan 2025-2034, aimed at generating higher quality jobs.

‘Guided by the TPB Plan, we aim to support the transformation of the labor force toward higher-paying and more productive jobs by attracting investments, developing a competitive and skills-ready workforce and strengthening labor market governance to effectively respond to evolving conditions,’ Balisacan said.

Amid global headwinds, domestic challenges and climate risks, he said there is a need to protect vulnerable workers and enhance labor market resilience.

‘We aim to enhance resilience in sectors vulnerable to disruptions, such as retail trade and agriculture, by prioritizing improvements in logistics, infrastructure, digitalization and workforce development, particularly among micro, small and medium enterprises,’ he said.

‘The government is also ramping up investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and proactive measures, alongside timely emergency employment programs to support workers affected by disruptions,’ he said.

United States President Donald Trump has nominated Lee Lipton, a Florida restaurateur and longtime friend, as the next United States ambassador to the Philippines, breaking with tradition by selecting a political ally over a career diplomat for one of Washington’s most critical posts in Asia.

The White House sent Lipton’s nomination to the Senate on October 8. The 67-year-old businessman, a member of Trump’s exclusive and lavish Mar-a-Lago club, currently serves as interim US Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States-his first diplomatic role.

Trump’s pick of an ally with little diplomatic experience follows a familiar pattern from both his presidencies: appointing political loyalists to high-level roles, while sidelining the State Department’s career corps.

Business background, diplomatic novice

A political outsider with no prior experience in Asia, Lipton has spent over 25 years building his career in the private sector.

His State Department biography says he spent more than 25 years in apparel licensing and later moved into hospitality. “His landmark restaurants remain among the highest-volume establishments in Palm Beach County, FL,” the profile read.

At the Organization of American States, Lipton oversees staff operations and coordinates US initiatives addressing regional challenges such as the security crisis in Haiti and efforts to counter Chinese Communist Party influence in America.

The US State Department profile describes Lipton as bringing a ‘business-to-business perspective’ to diplomacy and a “results-driven mindset and a strategic approach, shaped by decades of entrepreneurial leadership.”

Key post at pivotal time

If confirmed, Lipton will take over the Manila mission at a moment of deepening U.S.-Philippine defense ties and renewed tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been pressing its territorial claims with increasing force.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth chose the Philippines for his first overseas trip in March, where he also pledged to ramp up deterrence against Chinese aggression.

As ambassador, Lipton would be expected to sustain momentum behind the two countries’ more than seven-decade-old mutual defense treaty-one of the cornerstones of America’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

Lipton’s nomination requires Senate confirmation, a process that includes committee hearings before a full vote. If approved, he will succeed career diplomat MaryKay Carlson, who has served as Washington’s top envoy in Manila since July 2022.

Alfamart Philippines, the minimart chain of the SM Group, has commenced its franchising program to provide micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) the opportunity to grow alongside its nationwide expansion.

Alfamart’s pilot started in Laguna with two franchise-owned stores.

Harvey Ong, chief operating officer of Alfamart Philippines, said the decision to open the business for franchising reflects the SM Group’s commitment to inclusive growth and entrepreneurship.

‘By allowing tenants to evolve into franchisees, Alfamart is enabling MSMEs to scale alongside its own expansion, strengthening local communities and livelihoods,’ Ong said.

Alfamart has expanded to 2,337 stores nationwide as of end-September.

The SM Group earlier said it is planning to add at least 200 new Alfamart stores in Luzon this year.

Part of SM’s retail food business, Alfamart blends the convenience of a neighborhood store with the breadth of a supermarket.

SM said such format is gaining strong traction across Southeast Asia, particularly among families and communities that value accessibility and affordability.

Alfamart Philippines is a joint venture between SM and Alfamart, one of the leading retailers with more than 21,000 mini-marts in Indonesia.

Alfamart inaugurated its first store in the country in June 2014.

The minimart chain offers a wide assortment of products catering to daily needs including a selection of basic groceries, SM Bonus products, fresh and frozen goods, snacks and personal care items at reasonable prices.

Alfamart has successfully expanded across 11 provinces, including Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Pangasinan and Zambales. It also has presence in 15 cities in Metro Manila.

Quezon City representatives Arjo Atayde, Patrick Michael Vargas, Marivic Co-Pilar and Marvin Rillo are among those named in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s request for Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders.

The request letter from ICI chair Justice Andres Reyes Jr., sent to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, October 8, is considered a major development in the investigation into irregularities in public works projects and infrastructure funds. The DOJ has since signed the order, directing immigration authorities to issue the bulletin.

The ICI is seeking to have domestic or foreign travel of more than two dozen current and former officials monitored, in effect alerting authorities should they leave the country and attempt to evade cooperation in the probe.

Atayde, an actor-turned-politician first elected in 2022, had issued a denial weeks earlier, after his name surfaced during Senate hearings in September on projects linked to controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya.

Responding to a photo that surfaced on social media showing him with the Discayas in September, he wrote that he “has never dealt with” the contractor couple and had ‘never used [his] position for personal gain.’

Vargas (5th District), Co-Pilar (6th District) and Rillo (former 4th District representative) were also included in the ICI’s list but have yet to comment on the ILBO request.

Two weeks after Atayde issued his denial, however, the Discayas claimed at a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on September 18 that they would deliver paper bags of cash to officials in Quezon City. The couple also implicated Atayde and his congress colleagues Vargas and Co-Pilar in the sworn affidavit.

Ghost, duplicate projects in QC

The inclusion of Quezon City lawmakers comes amid findings that since 2022, it hosted more than DPWH-funded flood control projects valued at some P17 billion. Many are either substandard, duplicated or missing altogether. Of this, only two were coordinated with the city government and not aligned with the city’s drainage master plan.

There, investigators have also flagged “ghost” projects, or works that are recorded on paper but have no tangible build on the ground. There were also mismatches in project data. In one instance, flood control works at multiple locations were awarded to different contractors yet bearing identical bid amounts, a pattern suggestive of collusion or bid rigging.

Mayor Joy Belmonte earlier this week confirmed that Quezon City had revoked the business permits of Discaya-linked companies and terminated four ongoing projects after the contractors failed to justify their compliance with city requirements.

Other NCR officials named

Other Metro Manila politicians in the ILBO list include:

Rep. Roman Romulo (Pasig), who had issued a statement in September that the Discayas’ allegations against him are “not true.” He is an ally of Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, who first exposed the Discayas’ schemes after Sarah sought to replace him as mayor in the 2025 mid-term elections.

Rep. Marcy Teodoro (Marikina); and

Makati Mayor Nancy Binay, who transitioned from the Senate to local government in May. She had also denied any involvement in the alleged kickback schemes.

The ILBO request also covers high-ranking figures such as Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte, former House speaker), Sens. Chiz Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva and former Sen. Bong Revilla Jr.

Several DPWH district engineers and Commission on Audit officials would also be on the Bureau of Immigration’s lookout bulletin.

Reyes, chair of the investigating unit, said the lookout order is “of utmost necessity to hold those liable accountable to the Filipino people.”