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Sen. Robin Padilla has written to Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. to authorize the release of his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

In the letter, Padilla said his SALN release should be in accordance with his data privacy rights while still complying with the constitutional provision on public office as a ‘public trust.’

Padilla said he is releasing his SALN in compliance with provisions of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards and he is willing to have his lifestyle and net worth put under public scrutiny.

Rep. Eli San Fernando of party-list Kamanggagawa has also authorized the release of his SALN, where he even wrote House secretary-general Cheloy Garafil to allow the public access.

‘We urge our fellow colleagues to do the same, to authorize the Secretary General to make public our SALNs. After all, if we are not hiding anything, we can make it public,’ he said.

Before this, only four House members have released copies of their SALNs, among them Reps. Chel Diokno, Percival Cendaña and Dadah Ismula of Akbayan party-list and Rep. Arlene Bag-ao of the lone district of Dinagat Islands.

Diokno declared P13.1 million total assets, Cendaña is worth only a million pesos, Ismula had a net worth of P3.2 million while Bag-ao declared a net of P15 million in total assets.

In a radio interview, Speaker Faustino Dy III said they will review the rules on the public disclosure of the SALN of all its 317 members.

The Speaker said that House members are ‘generally open’ to the idea and will discuss formal procedures during the congressional break to ensure consistent and transparent disclosure.

Rep. Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal party-list, meanwhile, welcomed Remulla’s decision to lift the restrictions on public access to the SALNs of government officials.

‘This carries out clearly the Ombudsman’s mandate as the anti-corruption champion – to protect the public interest and to promote the common good – not the personal interests of the powers that be. SALNs should never be hidden (from) the public,’ she said.

The word is ‘idoglatry’ and I believe I coined the word that applies to obsessive adoration, devotion and excessive expense made for a pooch.

Idoglatry is the modern application of idolatry, where the Israelites worshipped a man-made cow just like the metal charging bull in the financial district of Manhattan, New York.

I am not hating on man’s best friend, the dog, maybe just annoyed at some of our best friend’s best friend or paw parent for their affectionate excess on their dogs.

I have four mixed breed Great Dane X Belgian Malinois and I have spent money feeding, housing, vaccinating them. Their vet, Doc Joy, makes house calls but that is as far as things go.

They all have to earn their keep by barking and creating an illusion that they will confront intruders and defend their pack. So far they have managed to fake it, even making someone’s bodyguard pee in his pants.

I treat our dogs as ‘working dogs’ first, pets second. They chase rodents, one is a snake’s worst nightmare, but all know how to charm guests for a stroke or a treat. They all have names and are treated with tough love. No unauthorized barking, no stealing food and no fighting

I don’t take them to the nearby ‘paw friendly’ malls, because they are discriminated against by ignorant managers who assume that the aggressiveness or ferocity of a canine increases in direct proportion to its size.

They obviously have not seen how big dogs are usually terrified or dislike yappy, nippy toy dogs. No matter their size, I have seen them cower or run away from a yip-yapper with their tail between the legs.

But that does not mean that big dogs are saints. I have seen one shake the brattiness off a runt that tried to nip at its heel. No wounds, no injury, just a serious dose of behavior modification.

I remember a popular song back in the 70’s titled ‘Cats in the Cradle’ sung by Harry Chapin. It was a play of words then, but I never imagined I would see dogs in a stroller in a mall, puppies with their own cradle or dogs wearing diapers.

I believe all this is the work of an association of evil men in mall basements figuring out how to make people spend more and more money by force or behavior modification of paw parents.

I’m sure that diaper sales in the Philippines have quadrupled over the years because dog owners have been forced to put diapers on dogs. The same goes for disposable plastic gloves, paper towels or wipes that have become a ‘must carry’ for dog owners or walkers.

This may be the correct practice in the interest of hygiene and responsible ownership. But what is natural about wrapping pup and fur with a diaper and making it look like a four-legged burrito, forcing it to wallow in its shit and piss?

What is the potential hazard and threat of millions of diapers, plastic gloves, wipes and paper towels consumed and disposed of by paw parents? We complain about billions stolen by Cong. Tractors but don’t consider the serious cash that could fund your future.

Unlike city slickers, we literally shovel dog shit, bury them or mix them into soil. We get 10 seconds of exercise, burn 0.5 calorie and complete the food cycle of nature with no plastics added.

Why require paw parents to buy a stroller intended for a human infant and place a dog in it. Those dogs are a lot cleaner paw-wise than the feet of customers who are not required to wipe their shoes at the entrance.

Place the dogs on the floor and the cute babies back in the strollers where they belong.

Malls have zero acoustic controls, and so all those yapping puppies definitely ruin many customers’ experience. More irritating than the constant yapping of dogs is seeing how indifferent or inconsiderate some dog owners are.

They have not taken the time to discipline their dogs not to bark at everything that moves. In contrast, parents are often embarrassed or quickly respond to a crying baby. Bad mother but not bad paw parent?

Worst is when you see dog owners allowing or placing their pets on upholstered chairs in many coffee shops. Cat or dog hair can trigger asthma for people with allergies. And would you bring your dog to someone else’s house and let it sit anywhere it wants? Probably not.

Speaking of going overboard on money spent for cats and dogs, paw parents have howled excessive prices charged by veterinary clinics in a country where millions of Filipinos can’t afford quality health care. This is emotional hostage and is the payback for idoglatry.

If you are a paw parent, please reflect on the consequences and effects of idoglatry on your finances, your life, even your future. Yes, being a paw parent gives immediate emotional gratification from a pet that loves you unconditionally – except cats.

But falling into idoglatry, just like any form of idolatry, has serious consequences on your human and divine relationships. The dogs and cats live short lives, require care like an infant and become a serious financial loss.

Yes, it loves you; yes, it’s loyal to you, but it doesn’t complete you. What it could end up doing is distort your values and expectations from human relationships and ultimately disconnect you from a divine relationship with God.

God is a giver, cats and dogs are takers. But those who persist in idolatry or idoglatry ultimately lose it all. Everything has its place, know where your heart is.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC)’s digital health care arm mWell is teaming up with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to advance universal health care in the country.

DICT and mWell signed a memorandum of understanding which aims to create the country’s first national digital health integration within a government platform, enabling millions of Filipinos to gain direct access to doctors, health records and essential services.

‘This partnership will be foundational in providing every Filipino their right to quality care. Health care is always among the top concerns of our countrymen. Together with government, we will close the health care gap and uplift quality of life in every community and across every generation,’ mWell chairman and MPIC chairman, president and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

‘I hope this is a small step in providing universal health care to our people – that distance will not be an impediment to the provisioning of health care to our people. We’re very happy to support and work with the government,’ he said.

As part of the partnership, mWell and DICT are working toward integrating the mWell Health ID into the eGov PH App, which already has 18 million registered users.

The planned integration positions mWell as the health engine behind DICT’s eGov platform, advancing a shared mission to make quality health care accessible to all Filipinos.

Through the collaboration, eGov PH users are envisioned to gain access to thousands of primary care doctors and specialists as well as mind health experts.

The digital Health ID of mWell secures lifetime personal health records for individuals and families, while one-tap booking makes consultations more convenient.

‘This partnership with mWell is a critical step in building a digitally connected nation where every Filipino has access to quality health care. By integrating these essential services into our eGov PH App, we are not only advancing the government’s Digital Philippines agenda but also making good on our promise to bring health services directly to our people, no matter where they are,’ DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said.

With the acquisition and integration of KonsultaMD, mWell has become the Philippines’ leading digital health platform.

Through the mWell app, patients can consult virtually with doctors 24/7, receive e-prescriptions and lab referrals and share their records with health care providers as needed.

The company has been providing telemedicine services to various communities nationwide and has been working with DICT to reach geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

‘The future of health care is now. This partnership brings together the country’s greatest minds and the biggest hearts committed to make the Philippines a global leader in digital health. By working closely with the DICT, we are creating a digital health care network where government, providers and patients are united by technology and compassion,’ mWell president and CEO and MPIC chief finance, risk and sustainability officer Chaye Cabal-Revilla said.

‘It means a mother in a remote barangay can consult a doctor without leaving her community. It means young people can seek mind health support with dignity and privacy. It means families can keep their medical history safe for a lifetime. This is the promise of digital health that provides accessible, affordable and inclusive care for all,’ she said.

Actor Aljur Abrenica refused to address circulating reports that he and fellow actress AJ Raval are already parents to two kids.

In a recent interview with the media after being unveiled as the new brand ambassador for a furniture company, Aljur was asked about his alleged children with AJ as revealed by the latter’s father Jeric Raval, however Aljur quickly shut down such queries.

“Pasensya na, I cannot talk about it personally because I’m not yet comfortable, and yeah para sa akin wag muna,” Aljur said. “As an individual, I prayed for it. Nakita ko, huwag muna. Everything will be revealed sa mga susunod.”

The actor was also asked about Jeric and his supposed revelation to the public.

“Alam ninyo kasi tatay din ‘yun, so, si Tatay Jeric malaki ang respeto ko sa kanya. Alam n’yo ‘yung kumplikasyon sa mag-ama minsan kasi hindi ninyo nakikita,” Aljur said.

“Sometimes kasi mga tatay na ‘to mas matanda sa atin, they see things that we don’t see, na gets n’yo? Then eventually you’ll see, so that’s how I see it,” the actor added.

Last August, Jeric revealed that he had two grandchildren through AJ and Aljur.

“Babae (at) lalaki, dalawa na,” Jeric said as seen in a video uploaded from the press interview.

Jeric, who also shared he has 15 grandchildren, said he calls the baby boy as Al Junior. The older boy is now a toddler while the younger baby girl is still an infant.

The celebrity couple however denied having children in separate interviews with broadcaster Julius Babao in 2024.

Asus Philippines has officially launched Asus Business, its new a commercial division catering to small and medium businesses (SMBs), as well as startups, entrepreneurs and professionals.

The well-attended grand launch, held on October 1 at the Shangri-La at the Fort in BGC, Taguig City, was highlighted by a series of demanding durability tests on the new Asus Expert Series laptops.

To demonstrate their resilience for modern businesses, the devices were subjected to and successfully withstood rigorous stress conditions, including liquid spills, high pressure, and repeated physical impacts, validating their suitability for the modern workplace.

‘Since 2020, Asus ‘Business’ had a vision to create a series built for businesses. We released the Expert Series to help businesses to upgrade to the ‘Incredible,” Francis Avila, head of Asus PH Commercial Business Unit, expressed in his welcome remarks.

‘[We have] our ExpertCenter desktop, the secure and reliable and business-ready desktops, the Expert Center AIO [All-in-One] PCs, which have modern comprehensive connectivity and security features in an easy-to-manage design. And lastly, the ExpertBook, best in class business laptops that are scalable to fit your business needs,’ he proudly shared.

In an exclusive interview, Rex Lee, Asus corporate vice president and general manager of the APAC Commercial Business Unit, confirmed the company is making a significant investment in the Asia-Pacific commercial market.

A series of grand launches was also held in APAC markets including Vietnam, Thailand and India.

‘We found (out) that all the new products coming out this year had a huge jump on the product innovation and product design,’ Lee noted adding, ‘This shows our ambition and determination to grow the business in the APAC region.’

Built to last

At the launch, Avila proudly presented the latest products under the Expert Series P lineup, namely the ExpertBook P1, ExpertBook P3 (or PM3), and ExpertBook P5, which were also showcased at the Experience Area.

Here, attendees applied the rigorous stress tests first hand, which included, among others:

Hinge durability – The structural integrity of the hinges was demonstrated by supporting the laptop’s full weight at the edge of the screen. The hinges are rated to endure 50,000 open-and-close cycles.

Pressure resistance – This stimulated the stress of being crushed in overhead storage, the laptops withstood a maximum compression force of 120kg, demonstrated by attendees standing directly on the chassis and screen.

Panel pressure test – In a similar test, the panel display can also withstand pressure as demonstrated by slamming the screen with a ballpen.

Keyboard durability – The keyboards proved to be spill- and splash-resistant from up to 450ml of water, and are certified for a lifespan of up to 10,000,000 keystrokes.

I/O Port strength – The reinforced I/O ports supported an 8kg kettlebell suspended from an inserted LAN cable, confirming their physical robustness. It can withstand up to 9kg.

According to Avila, Asus applied 24 US military-grade tests in the development of the laptops. Some of these include drop test, temperature and humidity test, sand and dust test, altitude test, and solar radiation test.

Powered by AI

The Asus Expert Series also promises productivity powered by Artificial Intelligence.

‘We want to really leverage on AI to empower the normal customer, micro-entrepreneurs, SMB customers and private companies. That’s why in this series, the PM3 and the P5, are two of the first Copilot+ PCs launched in the market,’ Avila told Philstar.com.

The Copilot+ PC is a productivity tool providing Windows versatility, AI acceleration and enterprise-level security.

The laptops also come with the Asus AI ExpertMeet, an on-device AI software that features:

AI Meeting Minutes – Identifies speakers and easily sorts and summarizes key points

AI Translated Subtitles – Translates languages on-the-fly, for seamless participation in global calls

AI Noise Cancellation – Reduces background noise and enhances speaker’s voice through a massive deep-learning database

AI Camera – Gives the best video-call experience and ensures a user looks his best in virtual meetings

Webcam Watermark – Personalizes video calls with business cards, customized information and screen watermark

All these can be accessed an utilized without the need for internet, making it even more secure when handling confidential contents. For Lee, the Aus AI ExpertMeet is not just considered a tool but a manager that could help increase productivity.

Worry-free business

For Avila, the “worry-free” concept is central to the Asus Business value proposition, signifying an end-to-end support system for the entire device lifecycle.

This commitment is demonstrated through the comprehensive Asus Business Support package that includes on-site repairs, dedicated technical assistance and 24/7 customer support.

It also comes with a three-year on-site service with one-year accidental damage protection and international warranty over 80 countries.

Addressing modern cybersecurity threats, the Expert Series is fortified with multiple layers of security.

The platform integrates hardware-level protections such as a commercial-grade BIOS and biometric authentication, operates on Microsoft’s Secured-core framework, and includes a one-year McAfee Premium subscription for added data protection.

Finally, Asus also takes care of responsible and proper disposal of its devices so they don’t just end of in landfills.

‘We are welcoming a new era of worry-free business from performance to productivity, to connectivity, security, expandability, durability and support,’ Avila concluded.

The contractor couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya cannot demand conditions or concessions in exchange for cooperating with the government’s investigation into the flood control corruption scandal, Prosecutor General Anthony Fadullon said.

Fadullon said applicants for the Witness Protection Program (WPP) are not in a position to dictate terms to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which follows a strict evaluation process before granting protection.

‘It is not for anybody to dictate to us how we will go about doing the evaluation. It is not for anybody to impose any conditions,’ Fadullon told reporters at the Manila Hotel on Thursday, October 16. ‘We will do the evaluation and determine whether or not they will be qualified to be admitted into the program.’

Discayas withdraw cooperation. The statement came a day after the Discayas told the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) they would no longer cooperate with its probe, after one of its members questioned their potential qualification as state witnesses.

Fadullon, however, said the couple has not formally withdrawn from talks with the DOJ.

‘Nabigla kami,’ he said. ‘Pero as far as the department is concerned, wala pa naman ho pahiwatig na sila ay hindi magpapatuloy magpapag-usap sa amin.’ (We were surprised, but as far as the department is concerned, there has been no indication yet that they will not continue to talk with us.)

No quid pro quo

Fadullon said the government cannot agree to a quid pro quo arrangement where applicants demand security or immunity in exchange for testimony. He explained that the DOJ must first assess the credibility and value of the applicants’ statements.

‘You have to be able to validate that and go into the details and specifics,’ he said. ‘Where did that happen? Who did you talk to? What was the mode of giving it? Was it in cash or by bank transfer?’

He added that investigators must verify every claim with documentation or corroborating evidence: ‘You cannot just simply run around mentioning people’s names without being able to give supporting documents or evidence to show that it did really happen.’

‘Out of the question.’ Fadullon dismissed the possibility of granting the couple blanket immunity, noting the scale and complexity of the flood control corruption probe, which spans multiple years and projects.

‘Not in all cases will they be involved, and not in all cases will they be able to testify-but they can be implicated,’ he said. ‘So how can you immediately say, by giving a statement, you’re going to be given blanket immunity? I think that’s out of the question.’

On October 14, the DOJ has turned over its initial findings on the alleged ghost flood control projects in Bulacan to the Office of the Ombudsman for review.

Fadullon said five cases have been endorsed, with possible charges including malversation of public funds, falsification by public officers, perjury and violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The flood control scandal-believed to involve hundreds of billions of pesos-has been described as one of the largest corruption cases in Philippine history.

German businesses continue to view the Philippine market with “confidence” as a viable market for growth, officials from the German Embassy and the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) said on Thursday, October 16.

This, even as some analysts and Philippine ambassadors warn that recent corruption scandals – and the uncertainty of actual sanctions – could hurt the country’s image to foreign investors.

When asked how the latest corruption issue affected the perception of German investors, German Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Mathias Kruse said the embassy could not comment on the specific perception of German businesses. But he did, however, say the government’s anti-graft efforts are a positive step toward progress and “always a good sign.”

‘It’s always a good sign if the government takes on these problems,” Kruse said at a press conference promoting the GPCCI’s upcoming trade fair. “Because they are somehow in the way of further development here.”

“We hope to see this being pursued with all rigor and determination it deserves,” the German envoy said.

Long-term prospects. Citing latest available data, Marie Antoniette Mariano, the chamber’s president, said German firms operating in the country want to continue to expand and invest in Filipino workers.

‘The German companies continue to show confidence in the Philippine market,’ Mariano said, citing the latest World Business Outlook survey, a biannual poll conducted by the network of German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHK) that gauges the business expectations of German firms operating overseas.

According to the Spring 2025 edition of that survey conducted March and April ­- where nearly 130 German-affiliated companies in the Philippines participated – 65% of respondents expect improved business development over the next 12 months, while 58% said their current local situation is favorable. At least 44% of firms indicated plans to increase investments in their Philippine operations.

The German-Philippine chamber counts around 300 member companies, spanning sectors such as manufacturing, information technology, logistics and renewable energy.

The Fall 2025 edition of the World Business Outlook survey – which will cover the period when the government launched investigations into corruption in flood control projects – has yet to be released.

Trade and ties

During the briefing, Kruse and Mariano both highlighted that economic relations between Germany and the Philippines remain ‘thriving,’ spanning business, development cooperation and cultural exchange.

‘Our relations with the Philippines are thriving in terms of economic activity,’ Kruse said. ‘We have a huge number of German companies active here, and we are partners in international fora – value partners – because we are on the same page when it comes to international politics.’

Germany is the Philippines’ “most important trade and investment partner” among all EU member states, according to Germany’s foreign ministry, owing to strong bilateral flows.

In 2024, Germany exported about $2.1 billion in goods to the Philippines, while Philippine exports to Germany reached roughly $2.5 billion.

The chamber’s ‘Mabuhay, Germany’ fair on November 7 and 8 at BGC High Street Central Square will showcase exhibitions of German products and German food and beverage showcases. There will also be job opportunities and on-the-spot recruitment as well as cultural programs.

In the past months, various agencies in government and Congress have been investigating what has been called the country’s “biggest corruption scandal in history,” involving an estimated P545 billion in flood control projects funded between July 2022 and May 2025. Environmental group Greenpeace estimates the actual losses could reach P1.089 trillion when accounting for all climate-tagged expenditures potentially lost to corruption since 2023.

Government engineers have testified that officials and contractors systematically diverted billions of pesos through non-existent projects and deliberately substandard public works projects.

Last month, corruption cases were filed against 20 personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office, one of the first set of complaints tied to the investigations on anomalous flood control works.

With the expected surge of passengers during Undas or the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ordered all its regional directors and public transport companies to begin inspecting buses and transport terminals.

LTFRB chief Vigor Mendoza II said the inspections should ensure the safety of both vehicles and personnel, including drivers and conductors, to guarantee that passengers reach their destinations safely.

He also directed regional offices to check on the conditions of public toilets and ensure that these are clean, well-lit and properly ventilated, with minimal or no cost to passengers.

‘Comfortable and convenient waiting areas for passengers are a must and should be part of our regular inspection requirements. Under our watch, this will be a regular thing, not just during Undas, Christmas or Holy Week. We will require random checks at least every month of the year,’ Mendoza said.

He added that the LTFRB would deploy ‘mystery passengers’ across the country starting Oct. 24 to check on the conditions of bus terminals and transport facilities and verify compliance with agency standards.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said it found nine potentially prohibited contributors in the 2025 polls as it already started the probe on the Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) of the candidates that ran in the May 12 polls this year.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said that investigation on possible prohibited campaign contributions among 2025 candidates is being done by its Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD).

Garcia said they expect the probe on 2025 SOCEs to be completed within two weeks.

As to the issue of government contractor Lawrence Lubiano contributing P30 million to Sen. Francis Escudero’s senatorial campaign in the 2022 elections, Garcia said they expect the PFAD to issue its recommendation to the Comelec Law Department within two weeks.

It’s been quite tight, unpredictable even, in the early goings of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup that no team has scored back-to-back victories so far.

But three squads are in position to break this trend today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, all intent on starting the first streaks in the young season.

Twelve days after hurdling Manila Clasico rival Barangay Ginebra in the league’s opening salvo, 80-73, Magnolia returns for only its second assignment against Titan Ultra (1-1) at 5:15 p.m. with eyes set on a follow-up W and solo leadership.

The Gin Kings (1-1) and the Meralco Bolts (1-2), two heavyweights that got on the board Wednesday after listless starts, seek to make it two in a row as they clash at 7:30 p.m.

Their previous victory over his old master Tim Cone and old pals at Ginebra was really a great fire-starter but Magnolia’s first-year coach LA Tenorio was quick to keep his charges on an even keel.

‘It feels great but we did not achieve anything. Katulad nga rin ng sinabi ko sa mga players, we win this game, it’s just one win in the standings,’ said Tenorio.

‘We cannot be complacent just because we got this game because this is just the start of our journey,’ added Tenorio, whose sights are firmly set on ‘the bigger picture’ for Magnolia.

Meanwhile, the Bolts look to reach .500 for the first time after a horror 0-2 opening that saw them fall to the Giant Risers and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

‘Two losses (to start the campaign), it’s tough. But I think it’s more about keeping everybody in the right mind frame so that way we can continue to take those losses, learn from it, and move forward,’ guard Chris Newsome said after Meralco got over the hump at the expense of Blackwater, 105-96.

The Gin Kings are back in business following their 92-77 drubbing of TNT (1-1).

‘Well, the only good news is they only have one day (turnaround, too). We both played Wednesday, they played a tough game, we played a tough game,’ said Cone.

‘We know each other pretty well. We played against each other a lot. So the preparation I think in terms of game planning is not going to be that difficult for either team. It’s just getting the rest and getting the guys back locked into the game.’