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Lifter Jhodie Peralta took a silver and a bronze while pug Leo Mhar Lobrido pocketed a bronze as the Philippines fought on in the 3rd Asian Youth Games at the Exhibition World Bahrain here yesterday.

Peralta came a breath away from snaring two golds but fell short in the end and consoled herself with a silver in snatch (87kg) and a bronze in clean and jerk (100kg) in the girls’ 53 kg class.

Top honors went to North Korean Pak Hae Yon, who had an 88kg in snatch and 107kg in clean and jerk.

‘She (Pak) beat me by only one kilogram,’ said Peralta, a triple gold winner in the World Championships in Lima, Peru last May.

Meanwhile, Lobrido succumbed to the taller, longer Abdugani Yorkinjonov of Uzbekistan via unanimous decision in their boys’ 46kg bout and settled for bronze.

‘I was able to hit him even though I’m smaller, but the judges saw it differently,’ said the Philippine flag-bearer.

In all, the Philippines, which was once at fifth in the medal tally, improved with a haul of six golds, seven silvers and eight bronzes, which was good for ninth.

Alex Eala ended a string of early exits in singles play as she got past Britain’s Katie Boulter via retirement and advanced to the second round at the Prudential Hong Kong Open Tuesday night.

The 20-year-old Filipina sensation was ahead, 6-4, 2-1, when Boulter, the runner-up in the 2024 edition, retired due to a left leg injury.

Eala moved forward to the Last 16 against third seed and world No. 21 Victoria Mboko of Canada today, intent on making the most of this shot at redemption following consecutive first-round exits in Guangzhou, Osaka and Wuhan.

‘I’m really happy to advance to the next round. Obviously, it’s not in the way I wanted it to end,’ said Eala, hoping Boulter is okay. Eala entered the WTA250 tournament in Hong Kong with her career-best ranking of No. 51.

The Cebu Provincial Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to reshape the island’s economic geography through strategic zoning and corridor-based industrial development, a move aimed at drawing new investments, accelerating regional industrialization, and ensuring economic gains extend beyond Metro Cebu.

In a keynote address during the ‘Cebu Industrial Summit 2025’ held yesterday, October 29, 2025, organized by Aboitiz Economic Estates at Oakridge Business Park, Governor Pamela Baricuatro outlined a long-term roadmap positioning Cebu as a national model for ‘sustainable, people-centered industrialization’ by 2035.

Anchored on the province’s updated Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP), the initiative envisions the creation of industrial corridors and secondary growth centers to decentralize development and strengthen local economies.

‘Cebu has always been a land of builders,’ Baricuatro told the summit’s audience which composed of business leaders, local and foreign investors.

‘We rise not because it is easy, but because it is in our nature to move forward, to rebuild stronger, and to dream bigger,’ the Governor added.

Decentralizing Growth Through Industrial Corridors

Under the province’s polycentric development strategy, Metro Cebu will remain the main economic engine, but growth will be deliberately spread across emerging industrial hubs.

The Metro Cebu Corridor, encompassing Talisay, Naga, and Danao, will anchor logistics and manufacturing expansion; The North Corridor – from Consolacion to Carmen and Bogo City – will drive renewable energy ventures, including a 114-megawatt solar farm in Toledo City; The West Corridor, covering Balamban and Pinamungahan, will focus on medium to heavy industries, while the Southeast Corridor, spanning Poro, Argao, and Palisay, is eyed for light manufacturing; The Southwest Corridor, including Barili and Toledo, will diversify tourism, capitalizing on Cebu’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

Infrastructure and Human Capital Investments

To support the zoning strategy, Cebu is advancing key infrastructure projects with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), including the Fourth Cebu-Mactan Bridge and Coastal Road, the Metro Cebu Expressway, and the Metro Cebu Sewerage System. These projects aim to improve mobility, expand access to new growth zones, and attract export-oriented industries.

Governor Baricuatro said more than 30 percent of the province’s 2026 budget will be dedicated to human development, with spending focused on healthcare, education, and workforce upskilling.

The goal, she noted, is to prepare Cebuanos for the demands of ‘industries of the future’ – including green energy, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and the creative economy.

‘What makes our approach different is that we measure progress by international standards,’ she said. ‘We focus not only on infrastructure but on human development and environmental stewardship.’

A Broader Vision for Sustainable Industry

The province’s zoning and investment push comes as Cebu seeks to solidify its standing as the Philippines’ second-largest economy outside Metro Manila. The integrated approach underscores a commitment to partnership-driven development, balancing industrial growth with environmental and social goals.

Rafael Fernandez de Mesa, President and CEO of Aboitiz Land Inc. and Head of Aboitiz Economic Estates, praised Cebu’s forward-looking strategy, noting that it aligns with private sector efforts to modernize industrial ecosystems.

‘We have deliberately evolved beyond the traditional industrial park model,’ de Mesa said. ‘We now see ourselves as builders of integrated economic systems – partners in enabling enterprise, advancing sustainability, and driving nation-building.’

He added that Cebu’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and skilled workforce make it a prime destination for high-value industries capable of propelling inclusive growth across the Visayas and beyond.

When the ruling for the disqualification of Tarlac City Mayor Susan Yap-Sulit becomes final and executory, her position will be filled by Vice Mayor Katherine Therese Angeles, the Commission on Elections said yesterday.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body is preparing to issue the certificate of finality as well as the entry of judgment on Sulit’s case.

Sulit was disqualified as Tarlac mayor over questions of residency.

Garcia said the Supreme Court has not, as of yesterday, issued a temporary restraining order that would stop the Comelec from implementing the decision.

He stressed that the ruling on Sulit’s ineligibility to sit as mayor cannot be overturned by her being voted into office.

‘The will of the people cannot prevail over the rule of law,’ Garcia said.

The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has a new leader at the helm after Thai businesswoman Anne Jakrajutatip stepped down as chief executive officer earlier this year.

Following the recent restructuring of the board of directors at Anne’s JKN Global Group in Thailand, Mario Búcaro has been appointed as her successor.

In a statement issued last October 29, the MUO thanked Anne – who stepped down last June – for her “visionary leadership and dedication, which greatly enhanced MUO’s global presence and commitment to inclusion and diversity.

“Her efforts have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire the organization’s mission as she now focuses on her family,” the MUO added.

Mario previously served as the MUO’s Vice President for International Relations and led the launch of the “Beyond the Crown” initiative promoting women’s leadership, education, entrepreneurship and social impact beyond the annual pageant.

On the diplomatic front, Mario served as Guatemala’s minister of foreign affairs, represented Guatemala as ambassador to Israel and Mexico and was concurrent ambassador to Bulgaria and Cyprus.

“As CEO, Mario will reinforce MUO’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity while enhancing its global outreach,” the organization continued. “His leadership will focus on strengthening international collaborations, expanding the organization’s presence… and enriching the candidate experience while upholding integrity and fairness.

MUO added Mario will also work to amplify its social impact initiatives, empowering women and fostering leadership development through innovation, social responsibility and global engagement programs.

Mario joins MUO president Raúl Rocha in leading the organization, which implemented structural adjustments designed to strengthen internal management and enhance operational efficiency.

The appointment comes just a few weeks before the 74th Miss Universe pageant is set to take place in Anne’s home country of Thailand.

Miss Universe 2025 candidates are due to arrive in Thailand in the coming days including the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo, who is hoping to win the country’s fifth-ever title.

Coincidentally, the last time the Philippines won was in 2018, when Thailand last hosted, by Ahtisa’s Binibining Pilipinas batchmate Catriona Gray.

Filipino clothing brand Bench was recently announced as the official swimsuit partner for this year’s pageant.

The streak continues for NLEX, the skid goes on for Blackwater.

Keeping the trend, the Road Warriors rolled to their third straight victory at the expense of the slumping Bossing, 99-88, to maintain pole position in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at Ynares Center-Antipolo.

The Road Warriors opened each quarter strong to get the upperhand then quashed the Bossing’s repeated uprisings to clear the path to a leading 4-1 record.

As they broke out of a five-team logjam at No. 1, the charges of Jong Uichico also extended the woes of the Bossing, who are now on a three-match slide after opening Season 50 victorious over Terrafirma, 107-87.

JB Bahio banged in a career-high 23 points to go with six rebounds in a performance that earned back-to-back Player of the Game honors for NLEX.

Xyrus Torres backstopped Bahio with 18 while ace gunner Robert Bolick concentrated on playmaking and issued 12 assists. Bolick still scored 15 as Kevin Alas chipped in 13.

The Road Warriors built a 47-37 cushion at the half and went on to widen the gap to 62-47 in the third.

But then the Bossing rallied and threatened at 69-66, forcing the Road Warriors to work double time to restore order.

A basket by Javee Mocon gave NLEX a 71-66 breathing room at the end of the third and an 8-0 salvo to start the fourth brought the lead back up to 13.

Later, Rey Nambatac led the fierce fightback from 23 down and drilled in the go-ahead jumper as TNT edged Meralco in overtime, 100-98, to join NLEX at the top at 4-1. The Bolts dropped to 3-4.

‘We always have that lull. In the past few games, nagkakaroon ng lull at biglang nakakahabol ‘yung kalaban so we have to address that moving forward,’ said Uichico, whose crew was outscored by Blackwater in the windup to the third, 19-9.

Sophomore Sedrick Barefield and rookie guard Dalph Panopio led the Bossing with 19 and 12 points, respectively.

A new sprint king has reached the summit of the National Youth Games now known as Batang Pinoy.

Iloilo’s Kian Labar ruled the centerpiece 100-meter dash yesterday to complete a rare golden treble spiked by a new meet record in the 2025 Batang Pinoy at the Antonio C. Acharon Sports Complex here.

It was a 360-degree turnaround for the 17-year-old after settling for bridesmaid finishes in all his five events in the Laoag Palarong Pambansa last year. This time, he reigned supreme in the country’s tuna capital.

And the Dingle National High School standout did it by the slimmest of margins, clocking in 10.82 seconds to best Bacolod’s Renz James Solomon with 10.84 for the boys’ U18 century dash crown. Quezon City’s Prince Germil Cuyos completed the podium with the same time but Solomon sported +0.04 in wind velocity to claim the silver.

Labar earlier won the 200m and 400m runs.

Every patriotic Filipino should denounce Samuel Martires, the unlamented just retired ombudsman. He is the paladin of corruption and impunity in government.

The emerging narrative is that this taciturn lawyer has been issuing clearances to the corrupt even after leaving the Office of the Ombudsman and backdating the clearances; hence, the indecent secrecy behind his backdoor deals.

As ombudsman, Martires was enamored with secrecy. By 2020, he declared that statements of assets, liabilities and networth (SALNs) of government officials be kept secret, under lock and key in his office. It was easier to go to heaven than getting a SALN of an official.

RA 6713 (the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) requires all government people to file SALNs within 30 days after assumption of office, on or before April 30 of every year thereafter and within 30 days after separation from the service.

Ombudsman Martires’ Memorandum Circular No. 1 dated Sept. 1, 2020 stopped SALNs filed at the ombudsman from being released to the public, including media, unless the one requesting has a notarized letter of authority from the SALN owner himself. ‘All requests to inspect or to take picture of the SALN will be denied,’ he declared.

Also, Martires worked to protect the corrupt from punishment. Like a thief in the night, he surreptitiously overturned the verdict of dismissal from the service of religious senator Joel Villanueva, today, the lord of the ring of pork money highjackers in the Senate.

After the Martires memo, impunity became the name of the game among the greedy and corrupt in government.

During Martires’ reign (2018 to 2025), as the people’s tribune, corruption scaled the zenith of greed and reckless disregard for basic decency.

In 2016, then ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the dismissal of Joel Villanueva for ‘grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service’ over alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund in 2008 during his tenure as a CIBAC party-list congressman. The P10 million was intended for projects that turned out to be bogus. The dismissal order was sent to the Senate which sat on it.

Until Oct. 24, 2025 when newly appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla tried to follow up on Senate compliance with Carpio’s 2016 order, only to be told by Villanueva himself that the senator was actually cleared by Ombudsman Martires as early as 2019.

If indeed, he was cleared in 2019, why did Villanueva, who often cites biblical truths in his perorations, keep quiet about it? For six years! Was he embarrassed by the clearance? Dyahe ba? Kakahiya naman ba, Pastor Joel?

Yesterday, Villanueva, along with Jinggoy Estrada, headed the list of officials to be charged with graft and plunder, circa 2025, before now Ombudsman Remulla, entangled in the P1-trillion flood-gate. Having escaped punishment previously, thanks to Martires, Villanueva has struck again. Idol!

Section 13, Article XI of the Constitution grants immense powers to the ombudsman, including to:

(1) Investigate on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public official, employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal, unjust, improper or inefficient.

(2) Direct, upon complaint or at its own instance, any public official or employee of the Government, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality thereof, as well as of any government-owned or controlled corporation with original charter, to perform and expedite any act or duty required by law, or to stop, prevent and correct any abuse or impropriety in the performance of duties.

(3) Direct the officer concerned to take appropriate action against a public official or employee at fault, and recommend his removal, suspension, demotion, fine, censure or prosecution, and ensure compliance therewith.

(4) Direct the officer concerned, in any appropriate case, and subject to such limitations as may be provided by law, to furnish it with copies of documents relating to contracts or transactions entered into by his office involving the disbursement or use of public funds or properties and report any irregularity to the Commission on Audit for appropriate action.

(5) Request any government agency for assistance and information necessary in the discharge of its responsibilities and to examine, if necessary, pertinent records and documents.

(6) Publicize matters covered by its investigation when circumstances so warrant and with due prudence.

(7) Determine the cause of inefficiency, red tape, mismanagement, fraud and corruption in government.

Note Item (6) – ‘publicize matters covered by its investigation when circumstances so warrant.’

The Ombudsman Act of 1989 (RAs 6770) gives the office disciplinary authority over all public officials, except impeachable officers – the president, vice president, Supreme Court justices, the ombudsman and members of constitutional commissions.

Not being impeachable officers, senators are covered by the ombudsman for misbehaving.

Ombudsman Morales’ 2016 dismissal order against Villanueva was final, executory and binding. The Senate cannot treat the dismissal as a piece of paper.

Per UP, up to 40 percent of the budget is stolen. The 2026 ‘people-centered’ national budget is P6.79 trillion. If 40 percent or P2.7 trillion is stolen, how can that be people-centered, Sec. Ralph Recto?

Per their SALNs, the following is how rich – or poor – our senators are:

Mark Villar P1.261 billion net worth; Raffy Tulfo P1.052 billion; Erwin Tulfo P497 million; Migz Zubiri P431.77 million; Camille Villar P362 million;

Ping Lacson P244.94 million; Robin Padilla P244 million; Jinggoy Estrada P221.2 million; Lito Lapid P202 million; Tito Sotto P188.868 million; JV Ejercito P137 million; Pia Cayetano P128.29 million;

Win Gatchalian P89.52 million; Bam Aquino P86.55 million; Loren Legarda P79.2 million; Rodante Marcoleta P51.96 million; Joel Villanueva P49.5 million; Bong Go P32.4 million; Kiko Pangilinan P26.73 million; Risa Hontiveros P18.98 million and Chiz Escudero P18.84 million.

To get their true wealth, multiply declared net worth by three to six times. Thieves lie. In their net worth.

As Filipinos prepare to head home to honor their departed loved ones this Undas, GCash reminds everyone to stay alert-not just on the road, but also online. With increased activity during the holidays, scammers often take advantage of users through text and chat messages that pretend to be from official GCash channels.

‘As we commemorate this season of remembering our departed loved ones, digital safety remains a top priority. GCash continues to strengthen its systems and educate users to recognize and avoid scams, especially spoofing,’ said Miguel Geronilla, GCash chief information security officer.

Be informed of scam tactics

Scammers are very cunning and will employ different ways to deceive people. One of the common scams to be alert to is spoofing-a type of online scam where fraudsters disguise their identity to make messages, emails or calls appear as if they’re coming from trusted sources like GCash or other official institutions.

Watch out for spoofed messages

These messages may look official, but the goal is to trick users into clicking on malicious links or sharing sensitive information such as OTPs, MPINs or account details. Never click suspicious links or share personal details like your OTP, MPIN or account credentials.

Be alert against fake pages and impersonators

Some spoofing attempts come from fake GCash Facebook pages or Messenger accounts designed to look real. Check for the verified blue checkmark and report suspicious accounts. The only official page is GCash Official.

Never share your MPIN or OTP

Fraudsters may pose as GCash agents offering ‘account verification’ or ‘cashback.’ GCash will never ask for your MPIN, OTP or personal details. Sharing these gives scammers access to your account. Always double-check before responding to any message.

Remember: GCash will never send links via SMS, email or chat apps. Only transact through the official GCash app or verified GCash channels on Facebook and Messenger.

Spot suspicious links

If you receive a link claiming to fix an account issue or confirm a transaction, don’t click it. Phishing pages are designed to steal your login credentials. Instead, open your GCash app directly to verify any alerts or transactions.

Report and stay informed

If you think you’ve received a spoofed message or encountered a phishing attempt, immediately report it through the Help Center in the GCash app. The GCash security teams continuously monitor and act on reported scams to protect users.

Individuals who have fallen victim to scams are encouraged to report and file cases to initiate the investigation. For assistance, the public can contact the PNP ACG through their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or (0998) 598-8116, or via email at acg@pnp.gov.ph and the CICC national hotline at 1326 or mobile number (0991) 481-4225, or via email at report@cicc.gov.ph.

GCash users may also report suspected fraudulent activities to the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com by messaging Gigi, “I want to report a scam.” Customers can also contact the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can honor your loved ones this Undas without falling for scams.

Filipinos can download the GCash app for free on Google Play or the App Store. For safety reminders and updates, visit the official Facebook page at GCash Official.

The Philippines and Canada will sign on Nov. 2 a military cooperation deal enabling the two countries to engage in more joint training, exchanges and other activities as allied nations.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty will meet in Makati.

High-level talks will be followed by the signing of the Philippines-Canada Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, the Department of National Defense (DND) said yesterday.

The SOVFA will be submitted to President Marcos for ratification.

Another defense pact, the Philippines and Japan’s Reciprocal Access Agreement, entered into force last month after being signed in July.

A similar bilateral military deal is expected to be signed between the Philippines and New Zealand in the coming months.

Last August, Philippine, Australian and Canadian warships traversed the West Philippine Sea as part of joint military training exercises.

In March, DND spokesman Arsenio Andolong said the military deal with Canada will facilitate ‘more effective joint exercises and capacity-building activities.’