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Crash victim apologizes to Niño Muhlach, family after motorcycle complaint

Nicolas Villanueva, the crash victim who previously called out actor Niño Muhlach over his damaged motorcycle, has apologized to the actor and his family following the viral complaint.

Villanueva posted his apology on Facebook on Wednesday, Sept. 16, addressing Muhlach, his wife Diane Abby Tupaz, and the actor’s sister, Angela Muhlach Hortaleza.

‘Isang taos-pusong paghingi ng paumanhin sa inyong lahat. Ako ay humihingi ng malalim na patawad sa aking mga nasabi at nagawa kamakailan,’ Villanueva wrote.

The post included photos of Villanueva alongside Hortaleza and local officials in which they appeared to be mending things. Muhlach and his wife were not seen in the photos.

The crash victim acknowledged that his actions had hurt others and said he was taking responsibility for his mistake.

‘Buong-puso kong tinatanggap ang responsibilidad sa aking pagkakamali. Hindi ko sinasadya na makasakit, pero alam ko na ang epekto ng aking ginawa ay totoo at seryoso,’ he said.

‘Marami akong natutunan sa pangyayaring ito. Sana ay mabigyan ninyo ako ng pagkakataon na patunayan ito sa pamamagitan ng aking mga susunod na kilos,’ he added.

Villanueva explained that he had been carried away by his emotions because his motorcycle was important to his livelihood.

‘Nagawa ko lang po dahil sa dala nang aking emosyon dahil sa motor ko po ako umaasa para may pang suporta po ako sa pang araw araw namin,’ he said.

‘Muli hindi kabawasan sakin ang pag hingi ng kapatawaran upang maging maayos po ang lahat. Maraming maraming salamat po,’ he concluded.

Villanueva’s apology came days after he publicly called out Muhlach over his damaged motorcycle, which was involved in the actor’s road crash along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City on Aug. 23.

Muhlach’s SUV crashed into several establishments, including an eatery where Villanueva was reportedly present. His motorcycle was also hit and ended up underneath the SUV.

Muhlach previously acknowledged responsibility for the accident, saying he fell asleep while driving because of fatigue. He also said his priority was to provide the necessary care and assistance to those affected by the crash.

Villanueva later posted on Facebook that three weeks had passed since the incident and claimed that he had yet to receive a replacement for his motorcycle. He also said he had not been able to return to work because of the accident.

‘Sir Niño, pangatlong linggo na po. Parang binabalewala na po ninyo yung nangyari sa akin,’ Villanueva wrote in his post on Sept. 13.

Villanueva’s posts prompted Muhlach’s wife, Diane Abby Tupaz, to defend the actor.

Tupaz said it was not true that Muhlach had abandoned Villanueva as the actor continued to provide assistance to the victim and his family following the accident.

At the time, the celebrity wife also said the insurance company had been trying to contact Villanueva but that the latter was not responding.

Muhlach had previously visited Villanueva in the hospital after the crash.

Nigeria to export 400 Experts to Jamaica – NTAC DG

Nigeria is set to deploy 400 personnel to Jamaica for paid employment, the Director-General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Yusuf Buba Yakub, disclosed on Thursday.

Yakub also revealed that no fewer than 1,000 volunteers have been deployed to Caribbean and Pacific countries over the last three years.

NTAC was established in 1987 as a soft-power diplomatic tool for Nigeria’s foreign policy and has deployed over 10,000 volunteers to 40 countries since its inception.

The NTAC DG made this disclosure during a media interaction marking his three years in office.

He stated that Nigeria has signed an agreement with Jamaica to deploy 400 experts under an initiative that sends skilled manpower abroad for a fee.

‘We signed an agreement with Jamaica. It will be finalised in writing, and we are starting with about 400 experts,’ he said.

He stressed, ‘We have introduced the exploration of skilled labour export with dignity. The world knows that Nigeria possesses an enormous reservoir of professional and technical talent. Our challenge is to create legitimate and structured avenues through which that talent can serve international markets while generating value for the professionals, the receiving countries, and Nigeria.

‘NTAC is, therefore, exploring arrangements under which countries requiring Nigerian expertise can engage our professionals through structured, remunerated, and mutually beneficial programmes. Jamaica, for instance, has expressed interest in engaging hundreds of Nigerian professionals. This demonstrates the international demand for Nigerian expertise. This emerging direction has the potential to transform NTAC into an even stronger instrument of economic diplomacy.’

He added that the initiative would help curb the risky ‘Japa’ syndrome.

Regarding the number of volunteers deployed in the last three years, Yakub said: ‘Every year, we deploy close to 400 volunteers. So, within the last three years, we have deployed about a thousand volunteers.’

He noted that these deployments were executed at no extra cost to Nigeria.

‘We don’t pay a dime to the recipient country. Instead, we partner with them to provide accommodation, utilities like water and electricity bills, and local transportation for our volunteers.

‘Therefore, Nigeria is not losing anything. Instead, we are gaining friendship, valuable exposure, and professional experience when our experts return, while securing our standing among the community of nations.’

He added that beneficiary countries consistently express their appreciation to Nigeria.

Yakub explained that this initiative earned Nigeria a spot in the Total Official Support for Sustainable Development (TOSSD), a 28-nation UN-partnered framework for measuring data in Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Consequently, Nigeria has been reclassified from being merely a recipient nation to a major contributor to the SDGs, securing a seat on the TOSSD Steering Committee last year.

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he said NTAC has sought to give the program renewed vigor and a stronger strategic focus. This is because NTAC naturally aligns with the President’s 4-D Foreign Policy framework: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

‘I have used this foreign policy initiative to drive my strategic 3-R Agenda of Repositioning, Retooling, and Re-engineering NTAC for greater national relevance and improved service delivery across our partner countries over the last three years.

‘Our policy is straightforward: if Nigeria sends a professional abroad in the service of the nation, that Nigerian must be treated with dignity. We have, therefore, continued to strengthen arrangements relating to volunteers’ allowances, deployment, welfare, monitoring, debriefing, and reintegration. Our vision is for NTAC to become a globally recognized platform for technical cooperation, professional exchange, skilled labor mobility, and Nigeria’s soft-power diplomacy,’ he concluded.

Passage of anti-political dynasty law is a congressional priority – Dy

House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III on Thursday guaranteed that the passage of an anti-political dynasty law is a congressional priority.

Dy made this statement after the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that Congress has a constitutional duty to enact and define a law that prohibits political dynasties.

The SC en banc’s unanimous decision was announced by SC Spokesperson Camille Ting on Wednesday.

The resolution is in reponse to consolidated petitions filed by groups asking the high court to compel Congress to act on the constitutional duty.

‘Passage of a constitutional Anti-Political Dynasty law is a priority of the Congress as part of its mandate to implement a constitutional policy and advance reforms that will expand equal access and democratic participation that will promote good governance,’ the speaker said.

The Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution states that the ‘State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.’

However, 39 years after the ratification of the Constitution, no bill banning political dynasties has been passed into law.

With the SC’s ruling, Dy said that ‘Congress has a historic opportunity to give fuller legislative effect to a constitutional policy that has long awaited comprehensive implementation.’

He also noted that the implementation of the constitutional policy requires a ‘fair, definite and principled legal framework’ to promote equal access and opportunities to holding public office.

On June 3, the House passed House Bill No. 8389, or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, on third and final reading.

267 lawmakers voted in favor, 20 against, and seven abstentions.

Dy and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander ‘Sandro’ Marcos III, both from long-time political clans, were the bill’s principal authors.

The measure prohibits spouses and relatives of up to second degree of consanguinity and affinity from seeking public office at the same time.

The lower chamber then transmitted the measure to the Senate on June 8.

Rs. 12 b in hospital projects launched in a single day

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake presided over the launch of four hospital construction projects worth Rs. 7.1 billion across the country yesterday, with facilities valued at Rs. 12 billion once equipment is included.

President Dissanayake attended the commencement of construction of a new Cardiology Unit at the District General Hospital, Trincomalee, funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project is valued at Rs. 4.19 billion in total, comprising Rs. 2.4 billion for construction and Rs. 1.78 billion for equipment.

He also attended the groundbreaking of a new Accident and Emergency Unit at the District General Hospital, Mannar, financed through a Rs. 600 million grant from the Government of India.

A four-storeyed medical ward complex at Mullaitivu Hospital, costing Rs. 600 million, also funded by India and a Cardiology Unit at Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, valued at over Rs. 3 billion, were also launched under the President’s patronage on the day.

BUTLAK | 40th Negros Trade Fair blooms with best of region’s food, retail, and art-Sept. 22 to 27

The best of Negros awaits metro shoppers once again as the 40th edition of the much-awaited Negros Trade Fair is set at the SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig City from September 22 to 27.

This year’s theme is aptly titled ‘Butlak,’ a Hiligaynon word that refers to the rising of the sun or blooming of flowers. Butlak reflects the bright burst of the Negrense spirit that comes alive and draws hundreds of visitors every year.

From 30 vendors from Negros Occidental who gathered at the Makati Carpak four decades ago, the fair has blossomed to over 178 brands, with 115 Negrense entrepreneurs and participants for its newest edition.

Satisfy your cravings for food, fashion, homeware, art, and local crafts from the Negros Island Region and Siquijor.

A testament to resilience, solidarity, economic survival, and appreciation for local artistry and resources, the Negros Trade Fair also gave birth to the Association of Negros Producers (ANP), which aims to support and empower MSMEs, artisans, and producers from the region.

According to ANP President Christina Gaston, ‘Our task is to find ways for brands to grow and to drive economic growth. While ANP is the incubator, the fair is the platform. The idea of Butlak was anchored on how our entrepreneurs have bloomed over the years.’

Mary Ann Colmenares, Chairperson of the Negros Trade Fair, told BusinessMirror that the success of the Negros Trade Fair is due to the creative and collaborative effort of its exhibitors:

‘For 40 years, the fair has been sustained by the shared commitment of our entrepreneurs, the ANP, our government partners, sponsors, media, buyers, and loyal consumers. But at the heart of it all are the Negrense entrepreneurs themselves-their creativity, resilience, and willingness to continuously improve their products.

‘The Negros Trade Fair has endured because it is not simply a marketplace. It is a collective effort to champion Negrense enterprise and bring the best of Negros to a wider audience,’ Colmenares said.

Growing market

A thriving hub supporting SMEs from different parts of the region while promoting its rich heritage, organizers of the Negros Trade Fair hope to increase its revenue goals by 10 percent.

‘Given that the economic environment remains challenging, we are increasing our revenue goals by 10 percent after last year’s revenue of Php54M in cash sales and Php97M in B2B sales,’ replied Colmenares.

The 40th Negros Trade Fair is especially meaningful for the ANP as it celebrates linkages, diversity, inclusivity, and the integration of various parts of the region into a formidable forward-ready business hub.

‘After four decades, our message remains simple: Negros has something valuable to offer. But this 40th edition is about showing that our products, our people, and our creativity are not simply part of our heritage-they are part of the future,’ stated Colmenares.

Modernity meets heritage

Known for its heritage weaving tradition, the trade fair will feature handwoven fabrics like hablon and textiles like abaca, sinamay, and piña.

Fashion brands using heritage weaves will also be presenting their latest designs: Camille Villanueva, StyleLoft, Pinas Sadya, Reveri by Ria Bolivar, and Hacienda Mar, just to name a few.

To highlight the region’s world-class artisans and artists, the trade fair will showcase sustainable furniture and homeware brands such as Hacienda Crafts, Art Energy, ARTISANA, Noah, Madera Handicrafts, and NVC.

The region’s most prominent artists and art galleries will also grace the event.

Taste of Negros

Of course, the Negros Trade Fair celebration won’t be complete without the delicious selection of homegrown food items like chicken inasal, lumpiang Silay, piayaya, puto manapla, silvanas, napoleones, and more.

Cravings will also be satisfied with food purveyors like Bob’s Cafe, 21, Chicken House, El Ideal, Virgie’s Homemade Products, and many more.

As each year opens new opportunities for collaboration, product development, and community growth, the 40th Negros Trade Fair remains an important platform that encourages appreciation for the region’s unique and special crafts, products, and services.

BUTLAK: The 40th Negros Trade Fair, from September 22 to 27, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Aura in SM Aura, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Free admission.

Chinese ambassador reportedly gifts Pashinyan a sailboat

Chinese Ambassador to Armenia Li Xinwei reportedly presented Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with a model sailboat as a gift on August 7, according to Armenian daily Hraparak.

The gift was transferred through the protocol department of the Prime Minister’s Office, Hraparak reported, citing information from Armenia’s Corruption Prevention Commission (CPC).

According to the CPC, the model sailboat was valued at 563,133 Armenian drams, equivalent to approximately $1,547 at an exchange rate of around 364 drams per US dollar.

The reported gift was made by Li Xinwei, China’s ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Armenia

Leaked charges reportedly point to Zelenskyy aide as alleged money laundering organizer

Leaked charges against Iryna Mudra, deputy head of Ukraine’s President’s Office, allegedly identify her superior as the organizer of a money laundering scheme intended to provide bail for former Energy and Justice Minister Herman Halushchenko, according to Ukrainian media.

The leaked text of the charges, published by Bihus.info late on September 15, does not name the official. It describes the person as a senior official of the President’s Office and Mudra’s direct superior.

According to the document, the official allegedly instructed Mudra to launder cash to cover Halushchenko’s bail and subsequently supervised her actions in the scheme uncovered by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU).

Bihus.info reported that the description appears to correspond to Kyrylo Budanov, head of the President’s Office, as Mudra reportedly has only one direct superior in the office.

The report also cited alleged transcripts of NABU recordings published by Hromadske in August. The transcripts reportedly contain several references to ‘Kyrylo,’ ‘Kyrylo Oleksiyovich,’ Mudra’s unnamed superior and a senior President’s Office official. Budanov’s surname is also reportedly mentioned directly in the transcripts.

Asked by Hromadske on August 27 about alleged references to him in the recordings, Budanov said: ‘Let the court sort it out. You know, (my name) comes up in a lot of places.’

The allegations come amid a broader corruption investigation by NABU involving senior Ukrainian officials. The leaked charging document itself does not name Budanov as the alleged organizer, and the reported identification is based on the description of Mudra’s superior and the media’s comparison with the leaked recordings.

The Kyiv Independent said it had requested comments from the President’s Office, Budanov and Mudra. NABU declined to comment.

I just found out my husband’s ‘niece’ is actually his daughter

Navigating what you are experiencing depends on your personal values and your willingness to accommodate. Before we go deeper, it is important to acknowledge that you were lied to; this is a fact. You are likely feeling disappointed and hurt, which are completely natural reactions. If you feel guilty about these emotions, it is unwarranted; it is perfectly okay to feel this way.

However, life’s most significant decisions should not be based solely on feelings. This is where insight (looking beyond the surface) and hindsight (analysing why things happened) come into play. Utilising both does not diminish your feelings; instead, they help temper your emotions and provide perspective, allowing you to arrive at a wise decision.

Let us apply these concepts to your situation. Insight reveals that the lie regarding the child’s true identity likely had a motive. According to your husband, it was done to avoid losing you. But how can we further our insight? Is there evidence that your husband continued his relationship with the child’s mother? From your letter, it seems that there isn’t. If he has genuinely moved on from that relationship, except for the child, this adds complexity to your judgment of him. Was introducing the child as his niece the best way to integrate her into your home? Probably not. Could he have been aware of your intolerance for dishonesty and, therefore, chose not to introduce her directly? How might you have reacted if he had done so? Could that have jeopardised your marriage? I cannot answer these questions for you, but I believe you can.

What kind of man is your husband? Is he habitually deceptive, or is he trustworthy and reliable? Is he loving and caring toward you and your family? Has he asked for your forgiveness regarding this matter? The answers to these questions will guide your actions. Here, I introduce the possibility of forgiveness from you. If this relationship that led to the child was established before you met, it complicates the decision to walk away, especially because a child is involved.

Children are lasting reminders of relationships that cannot be erased, making it challenging for anyone moving into a new relationship. If your husband has not continued a romantic involvement while with you, that can provide a sense of security regarding trust in your relationship.

Is your marriage valuable enough that you would not want to walk away? Perhaps you have other children, and everything has been going well until now. If that is the case, we can return to insight again. While it does not erase the lie, it can pave the way for resolving the issue and initiating an honest discussion about how your relationship should progress moving forward.

If your husband has apologised for this situation, and your heart has embraced the child, you may find a reason to consider giving him a second chance. This is not easy, especially given your high regard for honesty, but difficult situations prompt us to re-evaluate our values. We must examine whether we are inflexible or if we can allow for a degree of accommodation and, if so, to what extent.

I also recommend speaking with a professional marriage counsellor to gain clarity. Whatever decision you make, it is important to ensure that it does not undermine the valuable aspects of your role as a wife and possibly as a mother as well. Something is endearing about this child, and if you feel connected to her, you need to determine if that connection is significant enough to nurture or if your value system will not allow for it. Seek clarity.

Reader advice

Protect the bond

Martin Kiiza. I would only be concerned if the girl is younger than the amount of time you have been with her father. The truth may be difficult to accept, but she is still the same person you welcomed and loved. Do not let new information destroy that bond.

Healing after betrayal

Dennis Kateregga. Yes, it feels like a betrayal because your husband kept such an important truth from you. However, I believe you can still move forward with him. The girl clearly loves you, and you loved her even before knowing the truth. Nothing has changed about who she is. Give yourself time to process the shock, and eventually, you may find happiness again.

Protect the innocent

Danny Kats Deejajja. Honestly, what has the girl done to you? She did not choose the circumstances of her birth, and she was innocent when she came into your home. You welcomed her, cared for her, and loved her before knowing the truth. Do not let your anger towards her father cause you to reject an innocent child.

Face the truth

Esau Aruho. Although the revelation may be painful, at least you no longer have unanswered questions. Take some time to reflect on what this means for your marriage and your relationship with the girl. While the truth can be hurtful initially, it also gives you the chance to confront reality openly and honestly.

Separate the issues

Rash Rashid. This situation involves feelings and attitudes. It is important to separate your husband’s dishonesty from your relationship with this innocent girl. Do not let the information alter your perception of her.

Think before acting

Mary Lamunu. You began with a painful discovery, but your reaction could escalate the situation and create an even bigger problem for the family. The girl has not done anything wrong, yet she might end up losing someone she sees as a mother figure. Take a step back, calm down, and consider the consequences before making any permanent decisions.

Wisdom over anger

Martin Ssebyala. Do not let a minor issue destroy your marriage. You are already sleeping in the guest room, and if you continue down this path, you may push him away completely. It is often more effective to handle some situations with wisdom rather than emotions.

Find peace first

Kaweesi Josh Kitaka. Personally, I do not see a problem with the lie if it was meant to provide you with peace at the time. Consider what is happening now, ever since you discovered the truth, you have not felt at peace, and your heart feels like it is nearly bursting. Sometimes, knowing everything does not necessarily improve life. Focus on finding peace first.

UNITED STATES-POLITICS – Caribbean-American congresswoman demands probe into blacks found hanging, invokes legacy of lynching

Caribbean-American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and colleagues, led by Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, have written to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), demanding a ‘thorough, transparent, and comprehensive’ federal investigation into the numerous incidents of Black people found hanging across the country. Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, who represents the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York, told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Wednesday that the letter follows a series of deaths that raise ‘suspicion of foul play given the role of lynching in American history.

‘The growing number of Black people found hanging in public is a national crisis,’ said the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, pointing to a recent report that documented more than 70 modern-day lynchings in the United States between 2000 and 2025.

In 2026 alone, Clarke said there have already been at least 10 reported hangings of Black people.

She said they were as young as 18 years old and lived in different parts of the country, including Mississippi, Michigan and New York.

Clarke said many families have publicly questioned the conclusions of local and state investigations.

‘Inaction by the federal government is tantamount to complicity,’ says the letter addressed to Attorney General Todd W. Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel. ‘This is part of the legacy of racial terror in the United States, and this neglect has long-term consequences.

‘Not only are innocent lives lost, but lynching inflicts deep traumatic and psychological wounds on family members, neighbors, and the entire black community,’ it adds, noting that Congress enacted the Emmett Till Antilynching Act in 2022 ‘to ensure the DOJ and FBI are empowered to fully investigate suspicious deaths and hold individuals accountable.

‘It is incumbent upon you to do just that,’ the letter continued, demanding ‘a thorough, transparent and comprehensive federal investigation into every hanging death of a Black individual across the United States.

‘At a minimum, each investigation, with permission of the decedents’ families, should include an independent autopsy, an audit of local and state law enforcement investigations, review of physical and testimonial evidence, and a final report submitted to Congress explaining the agency’s findings,’ the letter urges.

It also calls for ‘robust data collection that tracks the hanging deaths of Black people transparently and systematically.’

‘We would appreciate the opportunity for our offices to connect with your teams at regular, scheduled intervals to share updates, feedback, and concerns from the broader community, as appropriate,’ the lawmakers requested.

SA Evacuation Cost: Minority Boycotts Foreign Affairs Committee Meeting

The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday refused to participate in a closed-door meeting briefed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

In a statement signed by the Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel A. Jinapor, Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo, the Minority said its decision follows the Ministry’s failure to provide full disclosure on the expenditure incurred.

The Minority said it supported the government’s decision to evacuate Ghanaian nationals whose safety was threatened by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, noting that the protection of citizens abroad is an important responsibility of the state.

It, however, said that support does not dispense with the government’s obligation to account for public funds.

According to the statement, on August 17, 2026, the Minority submitted a formal request under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), with reference number MP/BF/RTI/2026/007, requesting comprehensive records relating to the cost and financing of the evacuation, which the Minister had indicated was funded by the government and ‘Ghanaian partners’.

The request was received by the Ministry on August 25.

The information sought included detailed expenditure, funding sources, identities and contributions of private partners, expenditure on flights, accommodation, feeding, medical services, reintegration payments, as well as procurement and payment records.

The Minority said on September 7, 2026, the Minister announced that almost GHS50 million had been expended on the evacuation and reintegration of 1,964 Ghanaians, but the Ministry has not furnished the itemised account and supporting documentation requested.

‘The expenditure of public funds carries with it a corresponding duty of accountability. Government must be prepared to account, not only for the total amount spent, but also for how that expenditure was incurred,’ the statement said.

‘In these circumstances, the Minority does not consider it appropriate to participate in a closed-door meeting intended to discuss the same subject matter while its formal request for the underlying expenditure records remains outstanding.’

The Caucus said it will not participate in the meeting unless and until the Ministry provides the itemised account and supporting records.

‘We reiterate our call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make full disclosure of the expenditure relating to the evacuation exercise,’ Mr. Jinapor said, adding that the Minority will remain resolute in demanding transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayers’ funds.

Meeting Rescheduled

Meanwhile, Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has rescheduled its planned meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa after the Minority declined to participate in the briefing.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Dr. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, said the meeting was rescheduled to ensure all committee members are present for the Minister’s briefing.

‘We scheduled a meeting for the Minister to come and brief the committee. Unfortunately, the Minority decided that they will not be participating. I, as chair, decided that we must do whatever it takes to have all the committee members be part of the meeting with the Minister,’ he said.