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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lack of protection, representation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DOLE eyes possible interventions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A CASE of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing?

That seems to be the reason behind the dropping of the tourism master plan for the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a project instigated by the House of Representatives under the 19th Congress, with funds from the General Appropriations Act for 2024 allocated to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza).

In the recent 2026 budget presentation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and its attached agencies and government firms, Tieza Chief Operating Officer Dr. Mark T. Lapid told Finance Committee chair Senator Sherwin Gatchalian that his office is ‘in the process of terminating the master plan because we didn’t get any clearance from the DND (Department of National Defense).to go to the islands.’

He added, only P7 million has been spent for the project’s ‘mobilization,’ while the rest of the funds are still with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The P99.2-million project for a detailed engineering study of the WPS and neighboring islands was awarded in December to WTA Architecture and Design Studio, which was the lone bidder.

Earlier, Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda (Albay, 2nd District) explained to the BusinessMirror: ‘The item is part of [the] 2024 budget’s assertive stance towards protecting our territorial integrity, including a realignment of confidential funds towards WPS defense.. Nothing says domestic territory like tourism. And indeed, this part of the sea is one of the most beautiful and biodiverse places in the world.’

2026 travel taxes seen at P7.26B

Another project which Tieza terminated, said Lapid, was the P1.25-billion Mayon Volcano Heritage Aesthetic Lighting project, another congressional initiative. Phase one of the project was allocated P500 million under GAA 2024, and phase two, at P750 million, under GAA 2025. ‘Not a single centavo has been spent on this,’ he stressed, except for P5-million Tieza spent from its own funds for a feasibility study.

‘Iilawan natin ang Mayon Volcano? ‘Di ba sumasabog ‘yon?’ asked Gatchalian in disbelief.

To which, Lapid explained that it was ‘technically viable’ to light up the volcano at a distance from the lava flows, as proposed in the project, but it was terminated because it was ‘socially [unacceptable].’ Objections were raised by stakeholders, the local government unit, and the Department of Environment and National Resources during public hearings overseen by Tieza. ‘So there’s no purpose in implementing the project,’ said the Tieza chief.

The government corporation has no proposed budget for 2026 as its operations are mainly financed by collections of travel taxes. For 2026, it projects travel taxes to reach P7.26 billion, of which it will retain 50 percent for Tieza’s operations. Lapid said earlier they will likely exceed its P6.86-billion target this year.

Bicol, Tacloban stadiums hang

Of its P620-million subsidy for 2024, the construction of a Tubbataha Ranger Station, which cost P20 million is ‘being reviewed’ as it involves the transfer of funds to the province of Palawan, he said. The project is supposed to be executed by the local government unit in partnership with conservators of the popular dive spot.

Gatchalian was looking into the low disbursement rate of Tieza projects funded by GAA subsidies. ‘It’s already end of the year and none of these projects in 2024 and 2025 materialized,’ said the lawmaker.

For instance, Tieza was also allocated a P1.55-billion subsidy under GAA 2025 to fund lawmakers’ other pet projects such as the the Construction of a Baywalk in the Cruise Port project in Puerto Galera (P10 million), Construction of the Bicol International Sports Stadium-Phase 1 (P390 million); and the Construction of the Tacloban International Sports Stadium-Phase 1 (P395 million) projects.

While plans are ongoing for the baywalk project, Lapid said Tieza ‘has yet to receive any information and scope for both projects.so the amounts are still with the DBM.’ No coordination has been made by the projects’ proponents.

At least 25 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) are now on death row abroad and need legal support, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

They were among the 1,106 OFWs with pending cases abroad, who are receiving legal aid from DMW through its P2.2-billion Agarang Kalinga sa mga OFW (overseas Filipino workers) na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund this year.

DMW Hans J. Cacdac explained initially they have 50 to 60 OFWs, who were sentenced to death, but it was greatly reduced after Malaysia implemented a new policy, which made it more flexible in terms of commuting the death penalty.

The said cases are now down to 25 after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) sought the commutation of OFWs on death sentence in Malaysia.

Cacdac said they are now working with the DFA and the Office of the President to save the remaining 25 OFWs, who are facing the death sentence, by seeking for the postponement of their executions and then appealing for their sentence to be commuted or for their acquittal.

‘The President is also very concerned about death row cases and we have been working quietly to hold the executions at bay and you are right, you have hit the nail on the head, [we are pushing for] those cases to be commuted.If not completely removed,’ he said in Filipino.

DMW is currently seeking for a higher AKSYON Fund, which is set to be reduced to just P1.2 billion next year due to low utilization rate, so it can hire more legal counsel to assist OFWs, who are facing charges abroad.

The agency currently has 23 legal retainers and 10 in-house lawyers to handle the said cases. It also has some partnerships with 22 law firms, which it taps for cases which reach the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court of the host countries.

The said lawyers were deployed in countries with a large concentration of OFWs with cases namely the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Israel.

Cacdac explained that hiring legal counsel abroad is very costly. He noted they disbursed P332,257,000 out of the AKSYON Fund to pay its legal personnel abroad.

He asked the Senate to increase their AKSYON Fund next year from P2.4 billion to increase the number of their in-house lawyers and partner law firms next year.

Senators Sherwin T. Gatchalian and Rodante D. Marcoleta backed the said proposal of raising the AKSYON Fund since OFWs with pending cases abroad, who have regular legal aid from DMW, are able to win their legal appeals.

At least seven to eight more Migrant Workers Office (MWO) are expected to be operational next year to make government services accessible to more overseas Filipino workers (OFW) abroad, according to the DMW.

This will be on top of the 42 existing MWOs worldwide including its most recently opened in Bangkok, which will accommodate 40,000 OFWs in Thailand.

Cacdac said another three MWOs will be established before the end of the year in Cambodia, Guam and Vietnam.

‘I will be conservative, I will say 7 to 8 [MWO] will be opened [in 2026]. But we are aiming for 13 next year Mr. Chair,’ he told Senate Committee on Migrant Workers chairperson Senator Rafael ‘Raffy’ T. Tulfo during a budget hearing last Monday.

Cacdac said the plan will help address their significant backlog in terms of MWO.

Under the Republic Act No. 11641 or the ‘Department of Migrant Workers Act,’ DMW must establish MWOs in areas where there are Philippine Foreign Service Posts and have a large concentration of OFWs.

Among the services provided by the MWOs are promoting and protecting the welfare and interests of OFWs; verifying employment contracts and other employment-related documents; and monitoring the status of OFWs in a specific country or territory.

‘The DFA has presence to at least 92 [nationwide locations] as far as I know, and are still far off [from what is required in the law] at 42,’ Cacdac said.

DMW issued the pronouncement when asked by Tulfo if its 1,429 filled positions is already sufficient to accommodate the estimated 10 million OFWs abroad.

Cacdac explained that their current number of personnel is only 75 percent of their total manpower.

As part of its DMW’s proposed P10.2-billion 2026 budget, he said they are eyeing to hire six additional personnel per post.

‘Right now, we will always have to say that we are short on people and it would be good to add more, especially in regular positions,’ he said in Filipino