Author: user user

University of the East coach Chris Gavina did not hold back his words after the Red Warriors’ overtime loss at the hands of La Salle in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

Gavina wasn’t dwelling on yet another loss from his squad on Wednesday. He, however, drew the line on UE star Wello Lingolingo’s ejection for an unsportsmanlike foul. ‘I watched the video. They told me that Wello jumped f****** purposely on Baclaan on a loose ball? Get the f*** out of here,’ a furious Gavina said at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

‘Everyone’s going after it (the ball). Call a regular foul. You call an unspo on a play like that? Wello had 24 points at that moment. 24. They’re supposed to be the best of the best? Get the f*** out of here. Hell no. (They) took away our effort.’

WATCH: UE coach Chris Gavina, who went on a rant earlier regarding the officiating in their loss to La Salle earlier, exits the Mall of Asia Arena. Kean Baclaan had the ball on the floor when Lingolingo also attempted to dive for possession.

Unfortunately, as Lingolingo lunged for the ball, he landed directly on Baclaan’s right knee, forcing the La Salle guard to be stretchered out of the court.

Aside from calling out the officiating on the play, Gavina claimed other coaches have also voiced similar frustrations about the league’s refereeing this season.

‘I hope these three referees never f****** ref again in any of our games. It was a complete disservice for the outcome of this game and the beauty of the competition was taken away.’

UE remained winless after six games in the tournament.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon said that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Insurance Commission will ensure that the government will retrieve part of the public funds wasted from anomalous flood control projects through insurance bonds.

Dizon made this statement as the DPWH and Insurance Commission signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to expedite the retrieval of insurance claims in every ‘ghost’ and substandard project, which may take up 30% of the whole project cost.

‘Being jailed is not enough. The stolen money used to buy sports cars, gamble in casinos, and buy luxurious items must be returned,’ Dizon said in his speech during the signing of the MOA.

‘And this will be done with the Insurance Commission,’ Dizon added. Dizon recently revealed that 421 out of 8,000 inspected flood control works nationwide were found to be ‘ghost projects.’ He added that the figure is just the ‘initial phase’ as hundreds of projects still need to be validated.

He noted that the ‘ghost’ projects are scattered across the country, with a significant number found in Luzon. He also said that the contractors involved in these projects are under investigation. With this, Dizon called on the insurance companies to voluntarily return to the government the claims from anomalous projects. ‘Commissioner Rey and I are calling on them to voluntarily do it. Don’t let us take this to the court,’ Dizon said.

Dizon issued a stern warning if the firms refuse to return the insurance bonds, saying that: ‘We will have no choice.’

Further, IC Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado said that the Insurance Commission is responsible for ensuring that insurance instruments are not used to tolerate corruption. ‘By aligning our systems and sharing critical information, we aim to close the gaps that allow anomalies and corruption to persist,’ Regalado said in his speech at the same MOA signing.

Popular 2000s South Korean boy band F-IV lost a member with the death of Jang Hae-young after a battle with cancer. He was 45.

Jang’s death was announced by his bandmate Kim Hyun-soo on Instagram, along with an emotional farewell to his close friend. He also confirmed Jang’s death to Korean media.

‘[I want to say] thank you, because I don’t think I’ve ever done it right. Thank you, Hae-young Jang. RIP,’ said Kim. Kim further heaped praises on Jang. ‘You were always confident, handsome, and so talented in dancing, singing, and performing – I always secretly admired you,’ he said.

Jang is the main vocalist of the four-piece F-IV, which also include as members Kim, Seo Ji-won, and Woo Jeong-tae, which was currently being managed by HandJ Entertainment.

The band was formed in 1999, and made a debut in 2002.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said he is confident in the ongoing investigations into the government corruption scandal, even if they eventually lead to his doorstep.

In a brief media interview at Malacañang, Marcos was asked to comment on assertions that the government’s current investigation into alleged corruption might point to him, given that he signed the national budget and has direct supervision over personalities allegedly involved in the issue, including his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. ‘Well, I am confident because I know what we did or did not do. So, but, if we investigate-we investigate everybody. We’ll follow the evidence. And wherever that leads is not something that we try to direct or influence,’ Marcos responded.

‘That’s why we have the ICI [Independent Commission for Infrastructure]. They are an independent commission. And that is their job. And their job is to follow the leads that they received. And if necessary or if it is justified, and if they can, they will now recommend to either the Ombudsman or to the DOJ [Department of Justice] that cases be filed,’ he added.

Marcos also emphasized the autonomy of the ICI, saying he will not interfere with its probe.

‘I am confident that whatever-whatever mud might be slung at the administration, that we will be able to show that these are politically motivated and do not actually have any validation in fact,’ he 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.

The demonstrations focused on condemning the irregularities in flood-control projects and called for accountability for the personalities involved in the developing controversies.

Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III has expressed his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier announcement that the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget will be livestreamed, saying that’s what he also wanted.

The bicameral process is the one in which the Senate and House of Representatives thresh out differences and arrive at a common version of the General Appropriations Act, which the president will sign to become the General Appropriations Bill. ‘That’s what we’ve wanted ever since I was elected Speaker. That’s our commitment to our people to make next year’s budget accountable and transparent,’ Dy said in a statement on Wednesday as quoted from a radio interview.

He added that this move already reflected the lower chamber’s formation of the Budget Amendment and Revision Subcommittee (BARSc).

‘That’s also why the BARSc was established; it was the first time our budget hearings became more open and transparent,’ the lawmaker said.

‘Because we also listen to the requests and concerns of our civil society groups on how we can restore the public’s trust. That’s what we really want – for our Congress to earn the people’s trust,’ he added. Marcos said his decision came after his agreement with Dy and Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III.

The President disclosed that there will no longer be a small committee. /das

Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) Chair Stella Marquez-Araneta has expressed her optimism that Annabelle McDonnell will bring home The Miss Globe 2025 crown.

In a message posted on the pageant’s social media pages, the matriarch said, ‘your entire Binibining Pilipinas family is cheering you on with pride and excitement as you compete in Albania.’

McDonnell is in Tirana, Albania, for The Miss Globe 2025, where she hopes to post the Philippines’ third victory in the pageant’s current iteration under Deliart Association.

‘You’ve been impressing us all with your grace, determination, and charm, and we know you’ll carry that same fire all the way to The Miss Globe finals. Mabuhay and Vaya con Dios!’ Araneta said.

McDonnell has advanced to the final round of the Talent Competition and the ‘Head-to-Head Challenge,’ and will still need online votes from the public to help her secure a guaranteed spot in the semifinals.

In sharing Araneta’s message, Bb. Pilipinas wrote this caption: ‘Your Binibining Pilipinas family is bursting with pride as you shine brighter than ever on your journey to The Miss Globe crown. [crown emoji] We’re with you every step of the way, cheering you on and believing in the queen that you are! [sparkling heart emoji]’

Reigning The Miss Globe Diana Moreno told Inqurer Entertainment in an interview that she hopes to crown a successor who is powerful, humble, beautiful ‘inside-out,’ and will use the crown to inspire other people.

‘The Miss Globe pageant is looking for an empowered woman, a leader, at the same time humble. Because if you’re a queen you need to be humble to persons around the world. And this is very important,’ she said.

The Miss Globe 2025 pageant’s coronation night will be held in Tirana, Albania, on Wednesday evening, Oct. 15 (early morning on the 16th in Manila). Fans may watch it on the pageant’s official YouTube channel.

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Wednesday said that it is eyeing to add more medicines to be offered for free under its new Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (Gamot) package.

During a roundtable discussion, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado said that this may be rolled out this year or early next year.

”We are studying adding more medicines based on the approval of the Health Technology Assessment Council [HTAC],’ Mercado said.

The PhilHealth Gamot, launched last August 14, expands on the initial 21 free medicines to 75 with a yearly limit of P20,000 at select clinics and pharmacies. This initiative took effect last August 21, based on PhilHealth Circular No. 2025-0013. Medicines under the PhilHealth Gamot include ‘common treatments’ for medical conditions such as infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart conditions, nervous system disorders, and other supportive therapies.

Mercado noted that the Department of Health has an essential drug list that comprises almost 300 medicines. He added that the 75 medicines are only a fraction of what is considered as ‘essential.’ ‘We are studying that and are waiting for the approval of other accrediting bodies, especially the HTAC, but this more medicine will definitely be included because we are already far from the total essential drug list,’ Mercado added.

PhilHealth also said that it is studying which areas across the country are ready to offer the Gamot program. It noted that as of September 30, there are already 304 accredited pharmacies, of which 56 came from Metro Manila, where the free medicines can be availed. To avail of the Gamot package, one must first register as a beneficiary of PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (Yakap) para Malayo sa Sakit program through the eGovPH app, PhilHealth member online portal, or at PhilHealth offices.

The beneficiaries must get a prescription from a Yakap or PhilHealth-certified physician before availing of free medicines by presenting one government-issued ID and the prescription at any Gamot facility.

Aside from this, the state insurer reported that over 36 million have already registered and availed its Yakap since it was launched in July 2024. This program is an expansion of the Konsulta package. Mercado also said that 92 percent of all municipalities in the Philippines have a Yakap-accredited clinic, where Filipinos can avail primary healthcare services such as free medicines, consultations, and even cancer screening.

Having portrayed former President Emilio Aguinaldo in three films, Mon Confiado was able to embrace the best and worst sides of Aguinaldo, saying it was proof that even historical figures are human.

Confiado, who starred as Aguinaldo in ‘Heneral Luna,’ and ‘Goyo,’ is set to cap off his portrayal of the character in ‘Quezon,’ the third in the Bayaniverse film series. This time, the former president finds himself in a political rivalry with the then-presidential aspirant Manuel L. Quezon (Jericho Rosales).

‘Hindi ko naman masasabi na sobrang negative ang dating ni Aguinaldo. Medyo controversial ang ating pagtingin kay Aguinaldo at napakaraming tanong na papunta sa [anggulong], bayani ba ‘to?’ he said.

(I don’t want to paint Aguinaldo in a negative light. Others would just see him as controversial and wonder if he should be considered a hero.)

This is why Confiado focused on portraying Aguinaldo as a human, instead of a ‘villain.’

‘Noong pinupuntahan ko ang character ni Aguinaldo sa ‘Heneral Luna,’ hindi ko siya tinitingnan as kontrabida. Niyakap ko si Aguinaldo. Nalaman ko [rin ang] positive na ginawa niya,’ he said. ‘Marami siyang positive na ginawa pero kagaya ng pelikula, ang mga heroes natin ay tao lang.’

(When I approached Aguinaldo’s character in ‘Heneral Luna,’ I didn’t view him as a villain. I embraced him. I also discovered the positive things he did. He did a lot of positive things, but as shown in the film, our heroes are only human.)

The screen veteran added that one of the strengths of the Jerrold Tarog-helmed film is the portrayal of flaws, instead of hammering down the purpose of why the aforementioned historical figures are ‘heroes.’ ”Yun ang maganda kasi pinapakita ang flaws nila, lahat ng kapalpakan at pagkakamali, at si Aguinaldo na ang kanyang pagkabigo sa rebolusyon ay naging masalimuot. Napakaraming questions kung bakit nangyari ang gan’ong pagkakataon,’ he said.

‘Napakaganda for me as an actor na gampanan ito. Ang pinagdadasal ko lang ay sana kumita ang ‘Quezon’ kasi baka kainin ni Ma’am Daphne [Chiu] ang sinasabi niyang huli na itong trilogy na ‘to,’ he continued, referring to the president of TBA Studios.

(What’s good about the film is it shows their flaws, mistakes, and mishaps. Aguinaldo found himself in the dumps after losing the revolution. There were a lot of questions about why these things happened. It’s quite nice for me as an actor to do this. What I’m praying is for ‘Quezon’ to earn because Ma’am Daphne Chiu might take back her words that this trilogy would be the last.)

Joining Confiado and Rosales in the film are Romnick Sarmenta, Arron Villaflor, Karylle, Benjamin Alves and Ana Abad Santos.

its first win in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Japeth Aguilar powered his way to 17 points and 10 rebounds while Troy Rosario, Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos were also instrumental in the Gin Kings’ bounce back showing after dropping their opening assignment to the Magnolia Hotshots 10 days earlier.

Rosario also had a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, Abarrientos put up 14 points despite dealing with flu, and Thompson added 10 points and nine rebounds after being held scoreless against the Hotshots.

Ginebra improved to 1-1 after a listless shooting by TNT in the first quarter contributed to the lopsided contest between the two teams engaged in two Finals matchups last season.

The Gin Kings won the first half of a busy schedule this week that will end with a showdown with another rival in the Meralco Bolts on Friday at the Big Dome.

TNT likewise dropped to 1-1 as it was left to play catch-up throughout after being down by 24. The Tropang 5G eventually got their shooting on the right track behind Simon Enciso, but it proved too late.

Enciso finished with 17 points for the losing TNT side, which next faces Converge on Saturday in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Contractor couple Pacifico ‘Curlee’ and Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya will no longer cooperate with the investigation into the flood control mess of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said this in a press conference on Wednesday, October 15, after the contractor couple attended the commission’s hearing for the third time.

Bicam budget talks to be livestreamed, says Marcos

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday announced that the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the proposed P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 will be livestreamed.

This is the process in which the Senate and House of Representatives thresh out differences and arrive at a common version of the General Appropriations Act, which the president will sign to become the General Appropriations Bill.

Most Filipinos see corruption as widespread, ‘normal’ in politics

Almost every Filipino believes that corruption in the government is widespread, while the majority also think it is a ‘normal’ part of the country’s politics, a recent survey by Pulse Asia found.

Pulse Asia’s survey, held from September 27 to 30 using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adult Filipinos, found that 97 percent of respondents believe that corruption is widespread. Vice President Sara Duterte said Wednesday that it does not matter who prosecutes her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, before the International Criminal Court (ICC), as the prosecutor’s role and their need for defense remain the same.

Sara said this amid reports that ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan was disqualified from the crime against humanity case against Rodrigo Duterte due to a possible conflict of interest.

ICC lawyer questions basis for Khan’s ouster from Duterte case

Human rights lawyer and International Criminal Court (ICC) Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti is not entirely convinced there is a basis to disqualify ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan from the crime against humanity case against former President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a text message to the Inquirer on Wednesday, Conti explained why she believes so:

‘As disclosed, he had assisted a group of victims in sending a communication to the Office of the Prosecutor prior to his appointment. We see no significant or fundamental conflict of interest between the victims and the Office of the Prosecutor,’ said Conti.