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Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., ordered the law enforcement agency to crack down on fraud related to cars.

This came after the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) impounded three vehicles in Central Luzon over fraud-related incidents last Thursday.

‘Nartatez ordered the PNP-HPG to strengthen coordination with the Anti-Cybercrime Group and Regional Police Offices in tracking down online listings and falsified registrations linked to syndicated car loan frauds,’ the top cop’s office said in a statement on Monday.

‘He also called on banks, lending institutions, and the public to verify all car-related transactions to avoid becoming victims of scammers,’ it added.

In a separate statement, the HPG said it impounded a sports utility vehicle (SUV) after being found parked unattended in Angeles City last Thursday morning after not being returned to its owner for an unspecified amount of time.

Later that morning, the HPG impounded a motorcycle with a sidecar after its owner presented an allegedly falsified certificate of registration and official receipt while at the traffic police’s office in Pilar, Bataan, to verify their motor vehicle clearance.

Then, on Thursday afternoon, the HPG impounded a sedan in Abucay, Bataan, after it was discovered to be a car that was sold off despite undergoing repossession proceedings over unpaid obligations to the financier.

The HPG did not provide further details about each case but did say they were all undergoing legal disposition.

A driver died while five other motorists were injured on Monday morning, Oct. 20, after a wayward cargo truck caught fire in a road accident in Atimonan town in Quezon province.

Atimonan police, in a spot report, said a cargo truck driven by ‘Rolando,’ was negotiating a descending curved section of the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Malinao Ilaya at 6:40 a.m. when he lost control of the vehicle due to mechanical trouble.

The wayward truck consequently crashed into a pile of mud on the roadside, hitting a parked wrecked truck, causing it to tilt on its side, and subsequently slid and bumped two running tricycles.

After the collision, the truck caught fire and eventually exploded, police said.

Rolando was trapped inside the burning truck and died on the spot.

The fire and gasoline sprays caused injuries to the two trike drivers identified as ‘Edwin,’ 58; ‘Meriel,’ 28, and his three passengers – ‘Amethys,’ 13, ‘Jamela,’ 11, and ‘Angel,’ 13.

They were brought to a hospital in the locality for treatment.

Local firemen rushed to the site and extinguished the fire on the burning truck. INQ

‘Taxi Driver,’ the hit Korean drama starring Lee Je-hoon, Kim Eui-sung, and Pyo Ye-jin, is coming back for a third season set to premiere on Nov. 21.

Viu announced the hit K-drama’s return in a press statement where Lee, Kim, and Pyo are set to reprise their roles as Kim Do-gi, Jang Sung-chul, and Ahn Go-eun, respectively.

They will be joined by Jang Hyuk-Jin and Bae Yoo-ram, who will star as Choi Kyung-ku and Park Jin-eon.

Based on the webtoon ‘The Deluxe Taxi (Red Cage),’ ‘Taxi Driver’ tells the story of a Korean Military Academy graduate Kim Do-gi (Lee), who was hired as a taxi driver for Rainbow Taxi Company, a firm that offers revenge call services to clients after his mom’s death.

This means that Kim and his colleagues were entrusted to take revenge for those who were wronged by society or in a different form.

The first season premiered in April 2021, while its second installment was released in February 2023. It soon became a hit in South Korea with both seasons earning double-digit ratings, according to data from Nielsen Korea.

For the first time in nine weeks, fuel retailers are reducing diesel prices at the pump by 70 centavos per liter, a welcome relief for motorists.

According to the advisories of Seaoil, PetroGazz and Cleanfuel on Monday, kerosene prices will likewise go down by 60 centavos a liter, effective Oct. 21.

Gasoline, on the other hand, will be more expensive by 10 centavos per liter.

Last week, oil companies imposed mixed fuel price adjustments, with only gasoline recording an increase.

Long before refrigerators and freezers existed, people had to find ways to keep food from spoiling. Across the world, communities discovered a common solution: pickling.

A tradition borne of necessity

The process-soaking fruits or vegetables in an acidic brine made of vinegar or allowing them to ferment naturally-became a universal method of preservation. These days, there are still a fair number of people in the Philippines who do not have refrigeration, which is why, among the many things I teach in communities, I have been focused on food preservation and the extension of the shelf life of food.

Perhaps the most famous pickle in the Philippines is atchara-made from green papaya, followed by burong mangga from half-ripe mangoes-and burong mustasa from mustard leaves, which have both become pantry staples. In Japan, there’s tsukemono, in Korea, kimchi, and in India, spicy achar. Each culture created its own twist using local ingredients, proving that pickling isn’t just a technique-it’s a reflection of place and tradition.

Originally born of necessity, pickling allowed communities to enjoy vegetables long after harvest season ended. In coastal towns, fish like tuyo and daing were also soaked in vinegar to prevent spoilage during long journeys. Over time, the practice evolved from mere preservation to a culinary art form, where flavor, color, and texture are just as important as longevity.

A little bit of science in every jar

Behind the familiar tang of pickled food lies a fascinating science, as pickling works in one of two ways: vinegar pickling or fermentation.

Vinegar pickling uses acid to create an environment too harsh for spoilage-causing microorganisms. Vegetables are submerged in a mixture of vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices. This method gives a quick, crisp result with a sharp, bright flavor. The recipe at the end of this article is one for pickled eggs. I chose these, as eggs are a staple in every household, often a part of ayuda packages. And pickling is a way to make them last longer.

Fermentation, on the other hand, relies on natural bacteria-mostly lactobacillus-to convert the sugars in food into lactic acid. This acid acts as a natural preservative, producing a more complex, sometimes sour taste. Fermented pickles develop layers of flavor over days or weeks, and the live bacteria that thrive in them offer a hidden bonus: They’re good for your gut. The health benefits of pickling

Modern nutrition science is rediscovering what ancient cultures knew instinctively-fermented foods are powerful allies for health. The probiotics found in naturally fermented pickles help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, which is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and even mental well-being.

Studies show that people who regularly eat fermented foods may have stronger immune systems and fewer digestive issues. The live cultures in these foods promote healthy bacteria in the intestines, which, in turn, can reduce inflammation and help the body process nutrients more efficiently. While many Filipinos have become obsessed with K-drama-induced kimchi, we have forgotten that we have our own pickles.

Even vinegar-based pickles have their perks. Vinegar has been linked to improved blood sugar control, making it helpful for people managing diabetes or insulin resistance. It also promotes satiety-helping you feel full longer-making pickles a surprisingly useful companion for those aiming to manage their weight.

Moreover, pickled foods retain most of the vitamins and minerals of the original produce. Because the ingredients aren’t exposed to high heat, nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants remain intact. Add in herbs like turmeric or ginger-both known for their anti-inflammatory properties-and you have a condiment that nourishes as much as it delights. A sustainable kitchen practice

Pickling also plays a quiet yet powerful role in reducing food waste. In a world where tons of fruits and vegetables go to waste every year, the simple act of preserving surplus produce can make a meaningful difference. It’s a practice that aligns with sustainability goals-minimizing waste, encouraging seasonal eating, and promoting mindful consumption.

Every jar of pickles on a pantry shelf is proof that traditional wisdom can support modern sustainability.

Pickling as a way to slow down

Beyond its practicality, pickling teaches patience. It’s a ritual that invites us to pause, chop vegetables carefully, mix brines, and wait for nature to do its quiet work. In a fast-paced world of instant gratification, the act of waiting for flavors to develop feels almost revolutionary.

Pickling, in its simplest form, is about preservation. But in a deeper sense, it’s about connection-to the earth that grows our food, to the ancestors who found ways to make it last, and to the communities that continue to share and celebrate it.

Pickled eggs

Ingredients

12 eggs, boiled and peeled

½ cup vinegar

1 cup water

¼ cup sugar

1 tsp salt

Herbs and aromatics (rosemary, garlic, and onions)

Procedure

Put the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a vessel. Mix well, making sure the solids are dissolved.

Add the eggs.

Add the aromatics and herbs.

Seal and keep for a minimum of 3 days before eating.

The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) and the Bicol Press Club (BPC) on Monday condemned the shooting of media practitioner Noel Bellen Samar in Guinobatan, Albay.

Samar, 54, who is affiliated with Kadunong ITV and DWIZ, was shot along the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Morera around 9 a.m.

He was rushed to the Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center in this city, where he is undergoing treatment after sustaining four gunshot wounds from a .45-caliber pistol.

The motive has yet to be determined.

The NPC lauded the immediate response of the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) and the Albay Police Provincial Office for launching a hot pursuit operation and creating a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG ‘Samar’) to conduct a thorough probe.

NPC president Leonel Abasola called on PRO5 director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. and the Philippine National Police to exhaust all efforts to identify, track down, and arrest the assailant, and to determine if the attack was work-related.

‘The NPC stands in solidarity with our colleague Noel Samar, his family, and the entire media community in Bicol. We denounce this cowardly act of violence against a member of the press,’ Abasola said in a statement.

He stressed that violence and intimidation have no place in a democratic society and that journalists must be allowed to work freely and safely.

BPC president Ruel Saldico echoed the call, urging the government, law enforcement agencies, and media groups to unite to ensure justice.

‘Every attack on a journalist is an attack on press freedom itself,’ he said

Filipinos have always loved beauty pageants and in this time of great need, following the recent and devastating earthquakes that struck Cebu and Davao, the Philippines is getting some love back.

The Miss USA Organization has partnered with the Philippines Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF), the country’s major private sector coordinator for disaster risk and reduction management, chaired by tycoons Manuel V. Pangilinan, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, to support its relief efforts, reaffirming the pageant community’s deep bond that transcends borders.

‘The Filipino pageant community has given so much love, talent, and spirit to the Miss USA and Miss Universe families over the years,’ said Thom Brodeur, chair and CEO of the Miss USA Organization. ‘When they hurt, we hurt. When they rise, we rise with them. It’s our honor and our duty to show up for them now, just as they have always shown up for us.’

Indeed, the global pageant family has always come together in times of crisis-and this moment is certainly no different.

In a letter to PDRF president Rene Meily, Brodeur said that the organization will pledge a portion of the proceeds of online streaming sales from the 2025 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA national pageants to PDRF.

The funds will go to help PDRF’s ongoing restoration programs in the affected regions.

‘In times of tragedy, it is often the collective compassion and generosity of others that lights the path to recovery. It is in that spirit that we are honored to support your tireless efforts in disaster response and community rebuilding,’ he said. -Tina Arceo-Dumlao

Veloso: ‘I have no agenda’

Jose Arnulfo ‘Wick’ Veloso is no stranger to boardroom battles, given his nearly four decades of experience in banking and finance, thus he is not entirely fazed by the latest attempts to remove him from the helm of state pension fund Government Service Insurance System.

Last Oct 14, current and former high-ranking GSIS officials called for his ‘immediate and irrevocable’ resignation as president and general manager of the fund, and accused him of ‘poor investment decisions’ that they said resulted in losses amounting to P8.8 billion.

Veloso dismissed these allegations as ‘baseless’, adding in his statement that GSIS’ performance ‘speaks for itself.

As of August 2025, GSIS’s total assets have climbed to ?1.92 trillion, net income has reached ?100.02 billion, and total income stands at ?231.06 billion. These results clearly demonstrate that, despite market headwinds, GSIS remains financially strong, resilient, and highly profitable, he said.

‘With nearly four decades of experience in banking and finance, my sole objective in joining government is to contribute my expertise toward strengthening our institutions. I have no hidden agenda, only a clear commitment to serve,’ Veloso said.

‘I appeal to everyone to spare GSIS from politics. As head of GSIS Management, I am committed to ensuring that our institution is treated with the respect it deserves, and I will not allow unwarranted fault-finding to derail our collective progress,’ he added.

Veloso stressed that he would continue to serve as long as the administration wants him there, thus it will ultimately be up to Pres. Marcos to decide his fate. -Tina Arceo-Dumlao INQ

‘Dreamboi,’ an entry to the CineSilip Film Festival, is in danger of not being shown to the public after receiving an X rating from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

The film’s rating was revealed by its writer-director Rodina Singh, who goes by the pronouns she/her, on X on Thursday, Oct. 16.

‘X-RATED SI DREAMBOI NEXT WEEK NA PREMIERE NAMIN PAANO YUN? Ang sakit (‘Dreamboi’ received the X rating. Its premiere will happen next week. How can we get through this? It hurts),’ she wrote. In a lengthy post on Friday, Oct. 17, the filmmaker appealed to the MTRCB to allow ‘Dreamboi’ to live ‘inside the cinema,’ adding that she’s grateful to the government agency for seeing it as a ‘mature [and] artistically driven’ film.

‘I only hope and pray that the MTRCB allows us to live, too, inside the cinema. I truly appreciate their kind words describing Dreamboi as a ‘mature, artistically driven exploration of sexuality, identity, and desire.’ It means a lot to be seen that way. I only ask that they reconsider their decision and allow us to share this story with an audience, even in a limited screening,’ she said.

Singh reiterated that the film ‘is not pornography,’ and instead talks about the ‘pain and beauty of longing.’ She also stressed that it’s meant to show the realities of trans desire, and how ‘longing shapes the lives of trans women.

”Dreamboi’ is not pornography; it is a story about being seen, about the pain and beauty of longing when the world tells you you’re not allowed to want. Because every time a story like this is silenced, another trans woman disappears,’ she said.

”Dreamboi’ is a film about trans desire-about how fantasy, shame, and longing shape the lives of trans women. It follows Diwa, who turns to audio porn to feel something again, until a secret habit of eavesdropping on a stranger having sex in a basement toilet spirals into obsession. When she discovers the man is also her favorite anonymous audio porn actor, fantasy collides with reality,’ she continued.

Singh said the CineSilip entry was made with a ‘?2 million [budget], a dream, and a community of friends and colleagues who gave their time’ to bring it to life, in hopes of allowing the trans community to ‘live with pleasure.’

‘To those who have been waiting, who believed in Dreamboi from the very start-thank you. We ask for your support now more than ever as we face this challenge. Tonight’s Dreamboi Live performance will serve as a fundraising event to help us pay our remaining post-production dues and to cover the costs of our re-appeal to the MTRCB,’ she said.

‘We will re-submit, re-appeal, and if necessary, create a new cut – because this film deserves to be seen. I only had ?2 million, a dream, and a community of friends and colleagues who gave their time, talent, and hearts to bring Dreamboi to life. We made this film with courage, not excess – with love, not luxury,’ she further explained.

Singh hoped that the public would stand with them in ensuring that the film would be shown to a wider audience.

‘We believe that visibility is not obscenity, that desire is not a sin, and that stories like ours belong in the cinema. We hope you stand with us, help us keep Dreamboi alive, and together, may we all see the light of day,’ she said.

According to the filmmaker, the MTRCB said the ‘prolonged sexually explicit’ scenes make ‘Dreamboi inappropriate’ for public viewing.

‘While it offers important representation and commentary, its prolonged sexually explicit scenes make it inappropriate for public viewing,’ the government agency said, per Singh.

Inquirer Entertainment has reached out to MTRCB for comment, but has yet to respond, as of this writing.

The Singh-helmed film stars Tony Labrusca and EJ Jallorina. It is part of the first-ever CineSilip Film Festival, which runs from Oct. 22 to 28.

The news reported that classes in public schools in the National Capital Region were suspended because of a rise in influenza-like illnesses (ILI). This was later followed by an announcement that the suspension was also meant to include safety checks because of the recent earthquakes. The Department of Health (DOH) recently stated that there was no flu outbreak.

Mixed messaging resulting from a lack of coordination regarding health concerns always brings about a certain level of alarm. It doesn’t help matters to point fingers, which only adds to the confusion, or worse, to the noise by making generalizations from baseless assumptions. If there are lessons to be learned from the pandemic and the recent events, they are the importance of being prepared and gathering the right information from credible sources.

To provide clarity, let’s define influenza and influenza-like illness. Influenza is a specific viral infection, while influenza-like illness is a broader term that encompasses symptoms that resemble the disease and are caused by other viruses, such as the respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus, to name a few. Common manifestations may include fever, cold, sore throat, cough, headache, and body malaise. Testing is needed to identify and confirm the presence of the virus, either through the use of rapid antigen kits or multiplex molecular assays.

ILI is a notifiable disease. The DOH, in coordination with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, which is our national reference laboratory, is the responsible agency tasked with routine surveillance and virologic confirmation of ILI cases and is part of the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System laboratory network. This piece of information may be of use to those who may be wondering where the numbers cited by the DOH are coming from, and to provide a form of assurance that we are capable of detecting both circulating and new influenza strains. There are limitations, such as delays or underreporting, but keep in mind that not all patients with ILI come for consult or are tested. Fortunately, there are diagnostic tests available, as mentioned above, that are readily available in several institutions but come with a considerable cost. Pooling these data together may help bridge the gap for a better picture of the incidence of influenza and other viruses that are circulating in the community.

In a study by Lucero et al., an analysis of national influenza surveillance data from 2006 to 2012 showed that influenza cases may occur throughout the year, but are more commonly seen from June to November, reflecting seasonality. The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) Flu Task Force Report released last Oct. 17, included data from all age groups and was collated from the surveillance reports of infection control committees of four tertiary hospitals in Metro Manila. Among 6,000 individuals who were tested through rapid antigen kits or multiplex PCR assays, the influenza positivity rate rose from 39 percent in August and September to 42 percent in the first week of October. This means that for the majority who presented with ILI symptoms and were tested, a considerable number were due to influenza, which is indicative of ongoing community transmission.

Questions have arisen regarding treatment with antivirals and preventive strategies. Maybe you have heard that the supply of oseltamivir is running low, and people are doubting the importance of vaccination after they fell ill, even after receiving the vaccine.

To address the first concern, in general, oseltamivir, an antiviral, is indicated for those who are hospitalized or at severe risk for complications or progression of the disease, such as the very young, the elderly, and individuals who are immunocompromised. It is imperative that a physician’s advice is sought for proper assessment.

With regard to vaccination, in line with local recommendations, it must be administered before the start of the influenza season, ideally in April to May. While no vaccine claims to be 100 percent effective, vaccination provides benefits against severe complications and hospitalization, especially if the circulating strains match those that are included in the vaccine. Strains may vary from year to year, and immunity wanes. This is the reason why annual flu vaccination is warranted.

Advisories not only from PSMID but also from the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines have been released. While the latter is a guide to clinicians, both societies uphold the importance of vaccination and adherence to infection control measures.

If you have not been vaccinated and are eligible, there is still time for you to get one. If you are feeling ill, refrain from reporting to work or school or going to crowded places. Wash your hands and cover your cough or wear a mask if needed. You can transmit the virus 24 hours before manifesting symptoms and continue to shed the virus until the seventh day of illness or longer if you are immunocompromised.

Get enough rest and stay hydrated. Seek consult if needed.

Sen. Loren Legarda, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, has filed Senate Bill No. 1413, or the Tesda Modernization Act of 2025, to strengthen and restructure the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), whose charter has remained largely unchanged since its establishment in 1994.

Thirty years after the passage of Republic Act No. 7796, otherwise known as the TESDA Act of 1994, Legarda said the agency must be updated to meet the evolving demands of education and the labor market. The proposed measure aligns TESDA’s mandate with the principles of lifelong learning, higher-level skills development, and the pursuit of a quality-assured Filipino workforce.

‘Our people must be equipped with the right skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world of work,’ the four-term senator said. ‘This bill will ensure that TESDA delivers high-quality and relevant training that helps Filipinos build better futures for themselves and their families.’

The measure establishes a Board of Advisers as TESDA’s policy and oversight body, composed of the Director General, key cabinet secretaries, the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, and representatives from the private sector.

It grants the Director General, who will have the rank of Secretary, broader authority to rationalize the Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system by upgrading, merging, or phasing out programs that no longer meet industry needs, and by devolving community-based training to local government units.

The bill also reorganizes the TESDA Secretariat into specialized offices for planning, standards-setting, accreditation, enterprise-based education, and local skills development. It institutionalizes alternative systems such as recognition of prior learning, micro-credentials, and digital badges to validate informal or non-traditional training and promote lifelong learning.

TESDA’s financing mechanisms will be strengthened through reforms to the TESDA Development Fund, the institutionalization of scholarship grants, and the introduction of systematic funding schemes such as levy-grant systems. Regular independent performance reviews will ensure transparency and accountability.

‘TESDA must evolve with industry standards,’ Legarda said. ‘We have one of the most skilled and hardworking workforces in the world, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they remain employable, adaptable, and ready for the future.’

Legarda, co-chair of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) and recipient of the National TESDA Kabalikat Award 2021 under the Legislative Category, said the measure reflects her continuing advocacy for accessible technical education and sustainable livelihoods.

‘Modernizing TESDA is about dignity through work,’ she said. ‘It ensures that every Filipino has the skills to build a stable and productive life.’