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Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Thursday clapped back at Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent tirades against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., stressing that the latter is not afraid of investigations-unlike the previous administration.

Her remarks came in response to Duterte’s statement questioning Marcos’ confidence that the ongoing probe into anomalous flood-control projects would not lead to his doorstep. ‘A person becomes confident when they know that what they’re doing is for the nation and not just for personal gain like some others out there. Let’s not forget that the President has been the key to stopping and preventing corruption,’ said Castro in a Viber message to reporters.

‘That’s our President-brave and confident in his words. He wasn’t afraid to undergo an investigation, something the previous administration never did,’ she continued.

The Palace official also said that those who have wronged the nation are often afraid to answer questions and, worse, are the same ones most vocal in attacking the government despite having no accomplishments of their own.

At a forum held on the same day, Duterte said Marcos should not be too sure that the flood-control probes would not eventually point to him, saying the investigations-which she also questioned-were still ongoing. ‘You will wonder why the President is confident that the scandal and the corruption would not lead to the Office of the President,’ Duterte said at the Pandesal forum at the Kamuning Bakery in Quezon City.

This was her reaction to Marcos’ statement in a media interview on Wednesday, saying he was confident in the investigation because he knows ‘what we did or did not do.’ ‘We’ll follow the evidence. And wherever that leads is not something that we try to direct or influence,’ he also said.

On Sept. 21, tens of thousands of people staged protests in various parts of Metro Manila-coinciding with the anniversary of the declaration of martial law under then-President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in Sept. 1972.

Days after her death, Diane Keaton’s family confirmed in a statement sent to US media that the actress died of pneumonia.

People magazine reported on Wednesday, Oct. 15, that Keaton’s family is grateful for the love sent their way on behalf of the late actress as they disclosed the cause of death.

‘The Keaton family is very grateful for the extraordinary messages of love and support they have received these past few days on behalf of their beloved Diane, who passed away from pneumonia on October 11,’ the statement read.

Keaton’s family encouraged fans to honor the Oscar-winning star’s memory through causes close to her heart.

‘She loved her animals and was steadfast in her support of the unhoused community, so any donations to a local food bank or animal shelter would be a wonderful and much-appreciated tribute,’ the statement added.

The cause of death of the 79-year-old actress was not immediately disclosed when reports about her death broke on Oct. 11.

Keaton rose to fame in the 1970s with her role as Kay Adams in ‘The Godfather’ films and her collaborations with controversial actor-director Woody Allen.

Keaton earned an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in ‘Annie Hall’ (1977) and went on to star in other blockbusters including ‘The First Wives Club,’ ‘The Family Stone,’ ‘Because I Said So,’ ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ and the ‘Book Club’ film series. The late award-winning actress was also known for her unique fashion style. Her signature look incorporated menswear such as baggy trousers, big belts and bowler hats.

Keaton never married but adopted two children, daughter Dexter in 1996 and son Duke in 2001. ‘I’m really glad I didn’t get married,’ she said in 2019. ‘I don’t want to be a wife. No.’

A magnitude 3.9 earthquake struck Santa Cruz town in Occidental Mindoro province on Thursday night, Oct. 16, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

According to Phivolcs, the epicenter of the tectonic earthquake that occurred at 7:02 p.m. was located three kilometers southwest of the coastal municipality. It had a depth of focus of 10 km.

A tectonic earthquake is produced by sudden movement along faults and plate boundaries.

Instrumental Intensity II was recorded in Mamburao town, also in Occidental Mindoro, and in the municipality of Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro. Instrumental intensities are determined using an intensity scale. Phivolcs said it does not expect any damage or aftershocks from the quake.

The seismically active Lubang Fault is located between Mindoro Island and Batangas. /das

PUMA originally debuted the H-Street in 2003, drawing inspiration from the early 2000s ‘Harambee’ running spike, blending agility and speed with a lightweight, low-profile design. Now, PUMA reintroduces this classic with the H-Street Premium, a silhouette that fuses sprinting heritage with modern street culture. Building on the success of last August’s renewed PUMA H-Street, this updated iteration reimagines the era when track and field seamlessly merged with streetwear. For its latest drop, the PUMA H-Street Premium arrives in three, versatile colorways. Starting with the Alpine Snow-Warm White-Gum a clean, minimalist blend for everyday street style. Brandy-Toasted Almond-Gum a warm brown vintage-inspired palette that pairs classic tones with modern streetwear look. Finally, the Black-Shadow Gray-Gum gives a sleek dark finish for those who prefer a laid-back cool look for any get-up. The PUMA H-Street Premium soft tones and natural finishes give the sneaker a refined, easy-to-style look while still carrying the performance-inspired DNA of its origins. The mix of premium suede uppers, rounded toe, and gum soles further showcase it as an understated but timeless aesthetic. From Track Roots to Street Culture

At its core, the Premium H-Street stays true to its sprinting heritage while evolving for everyday wear. The regular fit and lace closure provide a secure, personal feel, while the moulded footbed and cushioned EVA midsole deliver lasting comfort for hours on the move. A synthetic lining and flat heel add to the lightweight ease, making the pair as effortless on a casual day out as it is stylish on the streets. Every detail carries the original influence of a performance shoe, now refined for modern street culture.

Make Your Move with PUMA H-Street Premium

The PUMA H-Street Premium will officially drop on October 17, 2025, exclusively at Commonwealth with a retail price of ?5,500, followed by a wider release on PUMA.com starting October 24.

Learn more about the PUMA H-Street Premium. Follow PUMA Philippines’ Instagram and Facebook account for the latest updates and releases.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will also investigate the possible connections between contractor couple Cezarah ‘Sarah’ and Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya and the CLTG Builders, a company owned by the father of Senator Bong Go. This followed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon’s statement on Thursday morning that their agency and the Office of the Ombudsman will investigate possible links between the Discayas and the construction firm related to the senator.

‘We will look into that,’ ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said in a press briefing on Thursday.

‘If there is a need to invite Senator Bong Go to the commission, then the commission will invite him,’ he added.

When asked if the ICI will also request the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against Go, just like what the commission did on other government officials tagged in the flood control scandal, Hosaka said, ‘If there is sufficient evidence or information to request for an ILBO, regardless of who that person may be or who that official might be, then we will request for an ILBO.’ ‘The commission always acts based on evidence,’ the ICI executive director emphasized. Go, in a press conference conducted this Thursday, said he is willing to cooperate with the ICI on its investigation of the flood control mess, emphasizing that he is one with the commission.

‘I welcome any investigation. Let the facts speak for themselves. I am not hiding anything. I am not afraid because I am not at fault. I am not involved in any anomalous projects. I took an oath to serve the masses,’ Go said.

He also reiterated his denial of having a connection with the Discayas, emphasizing that he does not know the contractor couple nor is he linked to them in any way.

The Department of Education (DepEd) – Schools Division of Leyte has strongly condemned the shooting incident that left a public school teacher wounded inside the Tanauan School of Craftsmanship and Home Industries (TSCHI) in Barangay Canramos, Tanauan, Leyte, on Thursday morning, Oct.16.

Police identified the victim only by her alias ‘Elize,’ 48, a Master Teacher and resident of Barangay Sto. Niño, Tanauan. The suspect, her estranged husband ‘Adam,’ 46, who is reportedly jobless, was arrested shortly after the incident.

According to the Tanauan Municipal Police Station, the shooting occurred around 7:23 a.m. A concerned citizen alerted authorities, prompting a quick police response. Upon arrival, officers found the suspect armed with a bladed weapon locally known as a ‘balisong’ and attempting to harm himself. He was pacified and taken into custody without further incident. Investigators said the suspect entered the school premises and shot the victim without warning, hitting her in the right shoulder. The suspect later threw the firearm – a homemade .38 caliber ‘paltik’ revolver – onto the roof of a nearby building. The victim was immediately rushed by a co-teacher to ACE Hospital in Tacloban City.

Police believe jealousy and marital issues were behind the attack, as the couple had reportedly been separated and the suspect allegedly accused his wife of having an affair.

In an official statement issued Thursday afternoon, DepEd-Leyte said the school promptly coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and that justice is served. The division office also deployed an investigation team and directed the submission of a comprehensive incident report. Classes at TSCHI, which has a 1,942 student population, were temporarily suspended and shifted to the Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) to support learners’ psychological recovery. Regular face-to-face classes will resume on October 21. Psychosocial support services have been extended to affected learners and personnel and will continue until next week.

DepEd-Leyte noted that the safety and welfare of learners and school personnel remain its top priority, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.

The division also expressed gratitude to the local government unit, PNP, and barangay officials for their swift response to the incident. INQ

After weeks of grueling challenges, Brigiding was named the first-ever drag superstar of ‘Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale,’ besting 11 of her fellow drag queens in the Philippines and different parts of the world.

Brigiding was announced as the winner of the reality show’s finale episode on Wednesday, Oct. 15, where she was crowned at the end of a viewing party in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The Mandaluyong-based drag queen started her ‘Drag Race’ journey in the show’s first season, where she finished sixth.

The winner of Drag Race Philippines Slaysian Royale is.#DragRacePH #SlaysianRoyale pic.twitter.com/6VNmQWOTGY

– Drag Scene PH (@DragScenePH) October 15, 2025

Brigiding returned to the inaugural edition of ‘Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale’ with a vengeance and went on to have a successful run throughout the competition. She earned a total of three RuBadges after winning in the Rusical, Snatch Game and Rumix challenges.

‘Learning is the new winning. Don’t be afraid to share your story [to those who need it] and not give up on your dreams, because dreams don’t expire,’ she said in her acceptance speech. ‘Drag Race Philippines’ season one alum Viñas DeLuxe was named the runner-up of the competition.

Other competing queens included Arizona Brandy, Suki Doll, Khianna, Yuhua, Siam Phusri, Bernie, Kitty Space, Ivory Glaze, Sum Ting Wong and Madame Yoko.

The first edition of ‘Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale’ featured ‘Drag Race’ alums from the Philippines, Canada, the US, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand (Down Under), the UK and Belgique.

Illegal drugs worth an estimated P1.8 billion and 3,318 loose firearms were seized or confiscated in police operations fromAugust 26 to October 9, 2025, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Thursday.

The illegal drugs were confiscated in 6,990 operations which resulted in the arrest of 8,182 suspects, the PNP said.

Meanwhile, the illegal firearms were seized in 554,085 operations during the same period, which led to the arrest of 1,462 individuals.

A total of 376 firearms were also surrendered for safekeeping. On the cybercrime front, the PNP said it arrested 110 suspects for cyber-related crimes and implemented 118 cyber warrants to collect digital evidence from Aug. 26 to Oct. 9, 2025. (Jossa Rafoncel Par, INQUIRER.net intern)

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has frozen an estimated P5 billion in assets with regard to the flood control anomalies, according to Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) executive director Brian Keith Hosaka.

Hosaka said this in a press conference on Thursday after the ICI met with the AMLC and other government agencies in connection with the bid to recover stolen assets from allegedly anomalous infrastructure projects.

ICI chair: ‘Justice is not enough; we need restitution’

Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) chair Andres Reyes has emphasized that justice is not enough on the issue of flood control project anomalies, saying that ‘restitution’ of corrupted assets must be secured.

Reyes, who is a retired Supreme Court Associate Justice, said this during the ICI’s meeting with 18 government agencies for the asset retrieval from the flood control mess on Thursday.

Dizon: I trust my team, but I’ll still investigate contractor claims

None of the undersecretaries of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is connected to any contractors linked to the flood control controversy, Secretary Vince Dizon said Thursday, responding to earlier allegations by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste.

Dizon thanked Leviste for his candor and straightforwardness and said he would personally investigate the claims.

Sara Duterte: Why is Marcos confident flood probe won’t lead to him?

Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday was asking how could President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. be so confident at this point that the ongoing investigations into the flood control scandal won’t eventually lead to him.

Duterte said the president should not be too sure that the flood control probes will not eventually point to him, saying investigations – which she was also questioning – were still ongoing.

The refusal of the Discaya couple to cooperate with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) does not mean the fact-finding body is ‘toothless,’ given that the right to self-incrimination can be invoked even in other investigations.

ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka made the remark in response to a statement by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan chair Teddy Casiño, who said on Thursday that the decision of Pacifico ‘Curlee’ and Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya ‘exposed the toothlessness’ of the commission.

Casiño had argued that the fact-finding body had ‘no power or authority’ to compel those who may be involved in anomalous government projects to ‘testify and tell and truth,’ after the Dicayas said they will no longer appear before the ICI.

However, Hosaka told reporters on Thursday that the Discaya couple had invoked their right to self-incrimination, which can be used even during other investigations, not just with the ICI.

‘Fortunately or unfortunately, that’s their right. In fact, even in the Senate and the Congress, if a person invokes that right against self-incrimination, they have to respect it,’ he said.

‘Anyway, I don’t think that will label the ICI as toothless, because that right is also invoked in other investigative [processes],’ he addedHosaka assured the public that the ICI will find other sources of information regarding anomalous government projects given the withdrawal of the Discayas.

He had also earlier said the commission will still use evidence, testimonies, and affidavits that were previously gathered from the contractor couple.

‘It doesn’t expose any weakness on the part of the Commission because as I said we were able to get information regardless, from which source it may be,’ Hosaka said.

‘They invoke their right for whatever reason based on the advice of their lawyers, but as I said earlier or yesterday, we will find means. We have other sources of information to get to the truth and to find out who is really responsible for these anomalous projects,’ he added