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Aljur Abrenica admitted that he is not ready to address the reports of him having two children with his girlfriend AJ Raval, saying he is ‘not yet comfortable’ discussing it publicly.

Last August, AJ’s father, veteran action star Jeric Raval, unintentionally revealed that he is a grandfather to the couple’s kids, a boy and a girl, during a media event for the film ‘Mamay: A Journey to Greatness.’ This led to Jeric apologizing for his slip of the tongue weeks later in a ‘Fast Talk’ interview.

Months later, Abrenica was asked about his reported children with Raval in an interview with the entertainment press, including Bandera, at a recent furniture-launch event.

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

(I’m sorry, I cannot talk about it personally because I’m not yet comfortable. And yeah, for me, not now. As an individual, I prayed for it. After looking at things, I realized not now. Everything will be revealed in the coming days.)

The actor was also asked about Jeric’s unintentional reveal, after which he clarified that he has a lot of respect for the action star.

‘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,’ he 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,’ he continued. (You know that he’s a dad. I have a lot of respect for Tatay Jeric. You know the complications of dads that others don’t see at times. Sometimes dads who are older than us see things that we don’t see. I hope you understand what I’m trying to say. Then eventually you’ll see, so that’s how I see it.)

Abrenica and AJ went public with their relationship in 2023, although it remains unknown when they started dating. The actor was married to Kylie Padilla, and they are currently in the process of annulling their marriage.

Local government units in Western Visayas are preparing for the wide-scale conduct of earthquake evacuation drills following the recent string of strong tremors in Davao and Cebu. Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) chairperson Raul Fernandez, in an interview on Thursday, underscored the importance of holding evacuation drills, noting that the number of participants in the quarterly national simultaneous earthquake drills is dwindling.

He said there is a need to emphasize the proper response protocol.

Based on various postings on social media sites, affected individuals panicked and ran in several directions instead of doing the ‘duck, cover, and hold’ method.

‘It means they are not aware of what to do,’ Fernandez said.

The first batch will be a simultaneous drill for Antique and the province and city of Iloilo, scheduled for October 23, and Aklan, Capiz, and Guimaras on October 24. ‘We will integrate the possible tsunami scenario in case the Negros trench will move and generate a tsunami,’ he said.

On Thursday afternoon, RDRRMC and the Office of the Civil Defense convened the local DRRMCs to discuss the specifics of the drill.

Fernandez noted that Western Visayas has its own ‘Big One’ to prepare due to the presence of a major fault system, the West Panay Fault.

The fault system passes through the municipalities of Libacao, Madalag, and Malinao in Aklan; Jamindan and Tapaz in Capiz; Sibalom, San Remegio, Valderrama, and Pandan; and San Joaquin, Miagao, Igbaras, Tubungan Leon, Alimodian, Janiuay, and Lambunao in Iloilo.

The last time it moved was in 1948, or over 70 years ago, causing a magnitude 8.2 quake.

It was the second biggest earthquake recorded in the country and caused widespread damage in Panay.

With the series of movements in other fault systems in the country, Fernandez said it would not be discounted that the Panay fault might move at any time.

He said part of the preparations is a massive information drive to raise public awareness.

‘They must be properly informed. The source of their information must be reliable sources. They also have to take this seriously; they have to learn the proper response,’ he said.

Reliable sources include the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, and local DRRM councils.

Fernandez also urged households to be prepared with their Go Bags so that they will have provisions in case of massive destruction and essential services are disrupted.

Go Bags contain basic survival kits that include food and water, medicines, clothing, documents, a radio monitor, a flashlight, and a whistle, among others.

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu on Sept. 30 caused extensive damage to livestock and veterinary facilities, with total losses estimated at P170,955,100, according to a report from the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO). Field assessments indicated moderate to significant impacts on the livestock and poultry sector in several local government units (LGUs), particularly in Bogo City, San Remigio, Tabuelan, Sogod, Borbon, Tabogon, Medellin, and Daanbantayan.

Animal shelters, slaughterhouses, feed storage areas, and backyard pens were damaged, resulting in livestock deaths and disruptions in feed and water supply. The quake also affected power and water systems that are vital to veterinary operations.

The municipality of Tabogon sustained the most severe losses, amounting to P154 million, after a large sinkhole destroyed livestock structures and disrupted agricultural activities.

Other areas in northern Cebu also reported significant losses following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake. Bogo City sustained an estimated P6.27 million in damages to its livestock and slaughterhouse facilities, while San Remigio recorded P5.93 million in losses affecting livestock, poultry, slaughterhouses, and farm housing. Daanbantayan suffered P1.51 million in damages to livestock, poultry, and slaughterhouses, and Borbon incurred P1.42 million in losses, mostly involving livestock and pig housing.

In Medellin, damage to the municipal slaughterhouse was placed at P560,000, while Sogod reported P107,870 in losses to livestock and poultry housing. Madrilejos recorded P315,000 in damage to pig housing, Catmon P750,000 to its slaughterhouse, and Tabuelan P39,000 in livestock losses. In total, the affected LGUs reported 470,387 heads of livestock and poultry-including 41,195 swine, 13,598 cattle, 3,304 carabaos, 30,410 goats, and 381,880 poultry.

To address the crisis, the Provincial Veterinary Earthquake Response and Recovery Framework was immediately activated, focusing on the rescue and evacuation of animals, emergency feed and water provision, and veterinary medical assistance.

During the emergency response phase (0-72 hours), the PVO coordinated with the DRRMOs, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and local government units to rescue trapped animals and establish temporary holding areas for livestock. Carcass retrieval and safe disposal were also prioritized to prevent outbreaks of diseases.

During the early recovery phase (72 hours to two weeks), teams conducted damage and needs assessments, administered vaccinations and deworming, distributed antibiotics and vitamins, and provided psychosocial support to affected farmers.

Beginning Oct. 16, focus has shifted to rehabilitation and long-term recovery, which includes restocking and dispersal programs for cattle, swine, goats, and poultry, rehabilitation of municipal and city veterinary facilities, slaughterhouses, and animal shelters, training for livestock aides and farmers on Disaster Risk Reduction in Animal Health, and integration of veterinary DRRM strategies into local disaster plans

The PVO emphasized a ‘One Health Approach’, linking animal, human, and environmental health interventions to strengthen resilience against future disasters. The earthquake, which struck near Bogo City, was followed by multiple aftershocks and subsequent tremors recorded on Oct. 13 and 15. The province remains under a State of Calamity, as declared on Oct. 1.

The University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) and the Department of Education Schools Division Office of Manila (DepEd SDO Manila) partnered to improve mental health literacy in schools in 2026, in celebration of the National Mental Health Month.

The partnership signed on Wednesday will tackle the increase of mental health issues reported among students in high school by promoting mental health literacy.

‘One of the implementation activities of the partnership is the research project on the development of learning materials for improving mental health literacy. The project is set to be implemented in 2026,’ UPM said in a statement on Thursday.

The use of mental health-related educational modules and videos will be pilot-tested in Manila, six years after its initial conceptualization in 2019, the statement read. According to SDO Manila District Supervisor Arlen Gatpo, secondary students not only experience anxiety and depression, but also bullying.

The Philippines was previously dubbed the ‘bullying capital of the world’ following the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), which found that 65% of Grade 10 students are bullied a few times a month. A study on the improvement of mental health literacy will also be used as a basis for a ‘potential broader implementation of the training initiative,’ Department of Environment and Occupational Health Professor Dr. Crystal Amiel Estrada said as quoted in the statement.

‘The modules do not teach about the diagnosis of mental disorders, but to help learners recognize early warning signs and enable them to seek help early if needed,’ Estrada continued.

Similarly, UPM Chancellor Michael Tee echoed the importance of involving parents and teachers in regards to mental health discussions.

‘In addressing mental health challenges within our schools, it is essential to actively involve the parents and teachers’ associations. The best practices we will develop through this partnership with DepEd shall serve as a model we can replicate in the entire country,’ Tee said. The Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act was signed in 2024, with its Implementing Rules and Regulations released in March 2025.

A staggering P500 million-worth of insertion in the intelligence fund of the Philippine National Police (PNP) for 2025 was made by a person who also ‘requested 3,000 containers of fish,’ according to Interior and Local Government chief Jonvic Remulla.

Remulla made the revelation at a Senate subpanel on finance’s Thursday hearing on the proposed 2026 funding of the DILG and its attached agencies.

‘We returned it because it was an insertion in the budget and the insertion came from the person who requested 3,000 containers of fish,’ said Remulla. While Remulla did not particularly identify the person behind the P500-million-worth insertion, it can be noted that Agriculture Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr. earlier revealed that former Representative Zaldy Co tried to force him to issue a permit to import fish worth 3,000 containers for three companies-including one named ZC Victory Fishing Corporation.

His explanation came after he was asked by panel on finance chairperson Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian why the PNP had a P1.3 million intelligence fund in 2025 and only 800 million in 2026. Remulla explained that the ‘additional P500 million’ was an insertion they did not use in 2025. He said they only followed the National Expenditure Program-the so-called President’s budget.

According to Remulla, they returned the budget because they found no use for it.

‘We did not ask for it, so we returned it,’ said Remulla.

In a press briefing in Malacañang in January, Remulla disclosed that various PNP IT projects incurred significant budget cuts in the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Remulla said that while there were significant budget cuts, he noted that nearly P1 billion was allocated for the purchase of all-terrain amphibious vehicles for the Bicol Region while P500 million was added to the PNP’s intelligence fund.

The low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a ‘high chance’ of developing into a cyclone in the next 24 hours, the state weather bureau said Thursday evening.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the LPA was last located 1,060 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon at 3 p.m, moving westward to potentially make landfall by Saturday evening.

Once it develops into a storm, it will be named ‘Ramil,’ Pagasa said; however, as of 5 p.m., the LPA has no effect in the country. Instead, the easterlies and the northeasterly windflow are bringing rains in Luzon and Visayas.

Pagasa warned of ‘cloudy skies with scattered rains’ due to the easterlies in the following areas:

Mainland Cagayan

Isabela

Aurora

Nueva Vizcaya

Nueva Ecija

Metro Manila

Quezon

Rizal

Bicol Region

Oriental Mindoro

Marinduque

Romblon

Aklan

Capiz

Eastern Visayas.

Meanwhile, the northeasterly windflow was forecast to bring isolated rains in the northwestern section of Luzon, particularly in Ilocos Norte, Babuyan Islands, and Batanes.

The rest of the country will observe ‘generally fair weather,’ Pagasa added. /mr

The Social Security System (SSS) on Thursday said a Calamity Loan Program (CLP) is now available to members in Davao Oriental who were affected by the two powerful earthquakes that struck the province last week.

Robert Joseph de Claro, president and CEO of SSS, said in a statement on Thursday the CLP is intended to give timely financial support to SSS members living or working in the earthquake-affected areas. This followed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) declaring all 11 cities and towns in Davao Oriental to be under a state of calamity.

Qualified SSS members can avail of calamity loans of up to P20,000 at a lowered interest rate of 7 percent per year.

Qualifications

To qualify for the calamity loan, members must:

Reside or work in an area declared under State of Calamity;

Have at least 36 monthly contributions, with at least six posted within the last 12 months before filing. Individually paying members must have paid six contributions under their current membership type;

Have an active My.SSS account;

Have no past due loans or outstanding restructured loans;

Have not been granted any final benefit;

Be of legal age and under 65 at the time of application; and

Have not been disqualified due to fraud against the SSS.

‘We further remind our members about SSS’ benefit and loan programs that may be relevant to them during these difficult times,’ de Claro said.

He was referring to the Pension Loan Program (PLP), through which retirement pensioners may borrow up to P300,000 and survivor pensioners can borrow up to P150,000. ‘Thus, there is a loan facility for actively contributing members and for retirement or survivor pensioners,’ de Claro added.

He said the revised Calamity Loan Program guidelines, issued earlier this year, enable faster activation within seven working days. The updated rules lowered the interest rate to 7 percent per year from 10 percent. This applies to members with a good credit record.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa inspected on Thursday a newly-opened super health center in Antipolo City, which was tagged as completed but non-functional by the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH said that the super health center in Tanza, Antipolo only began operating on Thursday ahead of Herbosa’s visit.

It added that P11.4 million was allotted for the construction of the two-storey building and an additional P7 million for equipment, as per the request of the city government.

It also noted that the facility was constructed in 2023 and was completed in July 2024. ‘Based on a report to me, this is not functional and was padlocked. But you can see, this is being operational. I’m happy,’ Herbosa told reporters in an interview. Upon inspection, he said that the facility is ‘partially operational’ as the laboratory and x-ray room are not yet functional and would need licensing from the agency first.

But why did the super health center remain non-operational a year after its construction was completed? Dr. Concepcion Lat of the City Health Office explained that the delay was due to the arrival of equipment and lack of manpower.

‘The transfer was being planned for months. We were waiting for the materials we ordered, then the staff,’ Lat said.

Herbosa, who said that he is happy upon inspecting the super health center, said that he does not mind if it just became operational to the public on Thursday.

‘Whether they did it because I was coming to visit or not, it is okay to me, as long as it can be used by the people.’ he said.

Spotting the difference

Meanwhile, Herbosa could not help but to compare the super health center to the one the agency inspected in Marikina City on Wednesday.

When Herbosa visited Concepcion Dos Super Health Center in Marikina, he only saw the first phase of the project. Herbosa on Wednesday said that phase one was supposed to be funded with P11.5 million for a two-storey facility.

He, however, said that plans changed because the local government wanted a four-storey building with a rooftop so the funding for phase one increased to P21.5 million.

‘Ito ang what would give you if you spend P19-20 million as a super health center. Nakita nyo na yung comparison,’ he said, referring to the super health center in Antipolo.

Herbosa noted that a super health center can be completed for with P15 million for construction works, and additional P5 million for medical and other equipment.

Herbosa on Wednesday also revealed that the DOH found 297 ‘non-operational’ super health centers across the country.

Two foreigners were arrested in Taguig City for allegedly carrying out medical procedures without a valid professional license, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Thursday.

The suspects, identified only as ‘Zhang’ (female) and ‘Cong’ (male), were arrested at a spa facility in a condominium complex along 1st Avenue last Saturday, according to the CIDG.

‘The arrested suspects were caught while allegedly performing medical treatment, particularly administering facial injection and related medical procedures to clients, without the necessary license, permits or registration from the proper Philippine authorities,’ the CIDG explained’Confiscated from the foreign suspects were assorted vials of injectable substance, cosmetic products, hair removal machine, magnetic therapy machine, and related equipment,’ the CIDG added.

The suspects were taken into the custody of the CIDG Anti-Organized Crime Unit and were charged before the National Prosecution Service for violation of Republic Act No. 2382 or the Medical Act.

The Supreme Court has announced the schedule for next year’s Bar Examination.

In Bar Bulletin No. 1 dated October 16, next year’s examination will be on September 6, 9, and 13, covering six core subjects.

On the morning of Sept. 6, Political and Public International Law (15%) and Commercial Law and Taxation (20%) will be offered in the afternoon.

The second day, Sept. 9, will be about Civil Law and Land Titles and Deeds (20%) and Labor Law and Social Legislation (10%), while on the third day, Criminal Law (10%) in the morning and for the afternoon session is Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics, with Practical Exercises. The examinations will have 20 essay-type questions, with each question numbered separately. Answers shall be graded from zero percent to one hundred percent or five percent per question.

‘The examination questions shall focus on critical thinking skills essential to legal practice and responsive to the modern demands of the legal profession. The questions shall likewise integrate contemporary issues and technology-related matters,’ read the bulletin. As in previous Bar examinations since Bar 2020-21, the 2026 Bar examination will be localized and digitalized, with designated testing centers across the country.

Next year’s Bar Examination Chairperson, Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, reminded aspiring lawyers that ‘you are here, not by chance, but by choice, because you believe in the power of your purpose.

‘Let me be clear: success in the Bar Examinations is not handed out. It is forged. It is #SuccessAchievedthroughMerit -earned through hard work, dedication, unshakeable integrity, and a refusal to settle for anything less than excellence. No shortcuts. No substitutes. No free passes. Only merit,’ Gaerlan said.

‘From my end, I give you more than procedures and protocols. I offer you a process that honors your efforts and a level playing field where only your competence and character will determine the outcome. I am and will be with you every step in your journey,’ said Gaerlan who promised an #awesomebar2026.