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The number of employed Filipinos increased to about 50.10 million in August, up from the 46.05 million recorded in July, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)’s regularly conducted Labor Force Survey.

The nationwide survey of 11,174 households found that 2.03 million people were jobless or out of business, translating to an unemployment rate of 3.9 percent, the PSA reported on Wednesday.

That figure was down from the 2.59 million unemployed in July, when the jobless rate climbed to a pandemic-era high of 5.3 percent after intense downpours swamped farms and paralyzed roads.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma agreed that ‘multiple tropical cyclones and enhanced southwest monsoons’ may cause vulnerability in the short term.

He reasoned that the flooding, infrastructure damage, and class and work suspensions halted ‘business operations, employment, and livelihood in sectors like agriculture, construction, fishing, and retail.’

He also cited that people have exited the workforce due to safety concerns, displacement, or inaccessible workplaces.

Broad improvement

‘Labor market indicators showed broad improvement in August on the back of more favorable weather conditions,’ economists at Chinabank Research said in a commentary.

With construction projects resuming as cement dried faster, the industry posted an additional 672,000 workers.

Even so, National Statistician and Civil Registrar General Claire Dennis Mapa noted in a press briefing that risks remain, in addition to unexpected disasters like the deadly magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu.

‘There are risks in September because there were several storms that month. While there is a substantial portion of our labor market that’s somewhat protected from such disasters, there are still components that are dependent on weather conditions,’ Mapa said.

The employment rate was at 96.1 percent. Mapa said the services sector accounted for the largest share of total employment at 61.5 percent, followed by agriculture with 20.4 percent and industry at 18.1 percent.

The labor force participation rate, meanwhile, rose to 65.1 percent from 60.7 percent in July, with about 52.13 million Filipinos aged 15 years and above who were either employed or unemployed.

The national unemployment rate improved to 3.9 percent in August from 5.3 percent in July. In terms of magnitude, the number of unemployed individuals was 2.03 million.

The number of underemployed persons, or employed persons who expressed the desire to have additional hours of work in their present job or to have an additional or new job with longer hours of work, was estimated at 5.38 million, translating to an underemployment rate of 10.7 percent, lower than July’s 14.8 percent.

The government awarded eight new petroleum service contracts on Wednesday, expecting gains of about $207 million in investment commitments.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally awarded the contracts, which were considered the ‘largest batch’ in the country’s history, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

The seven-year exploration deals would cover the Sulu Sea, Cagayan, Cebu, Northwest Palawan, East Palawan, and Central Luzon.

The DOE said activities would include geological and geophysical surveys, such as seismic and aeromagnetic studies, to identify drillable prospects, with the potential to discover both native hydrogen reservoirs and new petroleum fields.

The agency stressed that the contracts had ‘undergone a transparent and competitive selection process,’ ensuring that the players who earned the right to explore the upstream energy sector have financial and technical clout.

The winning proponents include Australian company Triangle Energy (Global), UK-based Sunda Energy Plc., Philippines’ PXP Energy Corp. and The Philodrill Corp., US-based Koloma Inc., Gas 2 Grid Pte. Ltd., Anglo Philippine Holdings Corp., Forum Energy Philippines Corp., and Ratio Petroleum Ltd. of Israel.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the development showed ‘reinvigorated investor confidence’ in the local power sector.

‘These service contracts signify not only our determination to secure new energy sources but also our readiness to embrace innovation and sustainability while reducing import dependence. From conventional petroleum to native hydrogen, we are expanding the frontiers of Philippine energy exploration,’ Garin said in a statement.

Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla took his oath as ombudsman on Thursday.

He was sworn in by Acting Chief Justice Marvic Leonen at the Supreme Court in Manila.

Flood control

In an interview after the ceremony, Remulla said he intends to prioritize addressing the flood control corruption scandal.

‘I think this is an emergency situation in the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways). We have to focus on case build-up and make sure that well-prepared cases are filed before the Sandiganbayan and Regional Trial Courts, whichever applies,’ he said in Filipino.

Asked if there is already a timeline for filing the cases, Remulla said it would depend on the evidence they have.

‘But we’re already gathering a lot of evidence. We’ll make sure everything is complete because we don’t want to be the cause of any delay,’ he explained in Filipino.

‘So the timeline will depend on that, but most likely it will be within the next few weeks. Once we file, we’ll be ready for trial,’ he added.

Criticisms

When asked to comment on critics of his appointment as ombudsman, Remulla shrugged it off, saying he expected it from those operating ‘in a political sphere.’

‘That’s just the way it is. They operate in a political sphere; I operate from a legal sphere,’ he said.

Before his appointment, Remulla served as Secretary of the Department of Justice under the Marcos administration.

He said he already has someone in mind to replace him but has not yet informed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who it will be.

No natural calamity has interrupted the ceremonies of the 2025 Miss Asia Pacific International pageant this time around, and the crown found its rightful owner in Isabela Fernandes of Brazil.

More than a week after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake halted the pageant’s Benefit Gala Night, the final competition show went smoothly at the Cebu Coliseum on Wednesday evening, Oct. 8.

The new queen bested 42 other aspirants to succeed 2024 winner Janelis Leyba, who unfortunately was not on hand to crown her. The Dominican-American queen had flown back to her home in the United States a day after the earthquake because of trauma.

But 2018 winner Sharifa Akeel-Mangudadatu gladly accepted the duty of crowning the new winner. She was also a member of the board of judges.

Four ladies joined the new queen in the final round, and made up her court first runner-up Anita Rose Gomez of the Philippines, second runner-up Bowonrat Maneerat of Thailand, third runner-up Jana Janssens of Belgium, and fourth runner-up Delilah Elmira Wildeboer of Netherlands.

Gomez, a lass from Zambales, came short of her bid to claim the country’s sixth Miss Asia Pacific International crown, although she was an early favorite after winning the Best in Swimsuit and first runner-up in the evening gown competitions. Her response to the question-and-answer portion made a reference to the recent calamity that was also witnessed by other delegates.

The ladies who advanced to semifinals competed in the swimsuit and evening gown segments. Then, the Top 10 underwent the grueling question-and-answer round to fight for slots in the Final Five.

The five ladies who made it to the final round then took turns in answering the final question to stake their claim to the crown: ‘When the fires of transformation dies down, and only the embers remain, what will continue to make your story burning bright?’

Fernandes’s winning answer, as translated: ‘Surely, I am here tonight for a purpose. The fire of transformation starts when we know who we are and where we want to arrive. I have a thing to say to you all: the journey of transformation never ends and we live in transformation every day.’

This year’s edition of the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant realigned the delegates’ activities after the earthquake, in solidarity with those severely affected by the tremor.

The ladies took part in relief operations, joining in the packing of goods, and personally distributing aid to those affected by the earthquake in the towns of Daanbantyan, Medellin, and San Remigio in northern Cebu.

A moment of silence during the coronation program was dedicated for the victims of the earthquake, and in solidarity with those heavily impacted by the tremor.

The members of the pageant’s board or directors and executive committee also handed tokens of appreciation to the delegates, glass lanterns with fairy lights inside, to symbolize their love, resilience, and rebirth.

In a significant stride toward environmental sustainability and efficient waste management, the homeowners of Lipa City, through the concerted efforts of the Lipa City Federation of Homeowners Association Inc. and the robust support of the Lipa City local government, are actively backing a zero waste and waste-to-energy program.

This initiative marks a major step in safeguarding the environment and ensuring consistent garbage collection by professional collectors.

Gary Llanes, vice president for business development of Alterna Verde Corp., highlighted the project’s adherence to stringent environmental standards.

‘Our facility utilizes an advanced anaerobic digestion technology from Thailand. This process doesn’t burn waste or use high temperatures. Instead, we capture methane gas from the waste to power our generators, significantly reducing carbon emissions and providing a cleaner solution for the community.’

This collaborative effort between the homeowners federation and the city LGU underscores a shared commitment to creating a cleaner and healthier Lipa City. By embracing zero waste principles and exploring waste-to-energy solutions, the community is not only addressing the immediate challenge of waste disposal but also investing in a sustainable future.

The focus on professional garbage collection further ensures that the program is implemented effectively, providing residents with reliable and regular service.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday announced that it will also examine the luxury vehicles surrendered by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bulacan Assistant District Engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

At the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, lawyer Chris Bendijo, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Office of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BOC), said that aside from the former Bulacan official, they will also investigate other DPWH employees, whom he did not identify.

‘Regarding the details, we are looking into something – the ones that have been surrendered to ICI, the vehicles of Brice Hernandez, the Commissioner is also looking into the taxes that have been paid here, and in addition to that, we have something else, some other DPWH employees who have reports, the BOC is also looking into that,’ Bendijo added.

He also reported that the BOC is currently evaluating the responses of some bureau employees who have been issued show-cause orders regarding the ongoing investigation into luxury vehicles linked to the flood control mess.

‘Apart from that, the Commissioner (Ariel Nepomuceno) has also mentioned that we have issued show cause orders to the BOC employees who appear in the document that was part of the entry of the smuggled items, so we are asking them to explain,’ Bendijo said.

‘As far as I know, some of them have already submitted their explanations and they are currently being evaluated because what the commissioner said is very clear, we will not spare anybody from this. We regret that they are part of the Commission, but we need to do something to restore the public’s trust in the BOC,’ he added.

The BOC official also clarified that they are only investigating items that involve importation.

‘Those covered by our investigation are only those goods that are going through importation and not the total ill-gotten wealth of the personalities mentioned in the investigations,’ he said.

Last month, Hernandez turned over to the ICI two luxury vehicles a black GMC Yukon Denali sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a Lamborghini Urus worth millions of pesos.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. established the ICI to investigate allegations of corruption in flood control projects.

Meanwhile, Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD) Chairperson Emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia praised the Chief Executive for taking a firm and fearless stand against corruption and inefficiency, calling his actions a ‘renewal of moral governance’ that restores confidence in public institutions.

‘The President’s message is simple but powerful. No money should go to waste, and no one should be above the law. That kind of leadership earns the trust of the people,’ he said.

Goitia said these reforms are not mere words but concrete steps toward genuine reform.

He said simplifying government processes and improving coordination among agencies will reduce duplication, red tape, and waste.

‘This administration isn’t just talking about change. It’s doing the work. For the first time in years, there’s a clear sense of direction and discipline. Every project is now measured by how much it helps ordinary Filipinos,’ he added.

On Tuesday, the BOC submitted to the ICI documents relevant to the commission’s ongoing investigations, including the case involving the Discaya family.

When Cebuana Lhuillier Bank (CL Bank) launched its flagship program Iponventure in 2024, the goal was simple yet ambitious: to make saving second nature for every Filipino, no matter their income level. Just a year later, that vision has caught the world’s attention. At the 2025 Globee® Awards, Iponventure Program, spearheaded by Cebuana Lhuillier Bank – a subsidiary of PJ Lhuillier Inc., – was named Best CSR Initiative, a recognition that shines a spotlight on the bank’s innovative approach to financial inclusion.

At the center of Iponventure are tools that may seem modest but have sparked remarkable change. The IPONBOX, a physical savings container handed out to more than 700,000 households, became a tangible reminder that every peso saved counts. Meanwhile, the Micro Savings Account, which requires only ?50 to open, broke down barriers that had long kept underserved Filipinos out of the formal banking system. Together, these two simple tools became stepping stones to financial empowerment.

But Iponventure is more than just products it is a movement. Large-scale activities like the Jumbo Travelling IPONBOX brought the savings habit into communities in festive, engaging ways. Campaigns such as Cebuana Lhuillier Savings Day, reward programs, surprise branch activations, and partnerships with financial influencers extended its impact nationwide. Even CL Bank employees got involved, driving grassroots initiatives that made saving relatable and fun.

The results have been transformative. By the end of 2024, Iponventure exceeded its targets with more than 1.1 million Micro Savings Accounts opened. IPONBOX users demonstrated improved saving behaviors, reflected in higher average balances. These milestones are not just numbers they represent families building cushions for emergencies, individuals taking the first steps toward their dreams, and communities learning that financial stability can be achieved through small, consistent actions.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, sees the recognition as both validation and motivation. ‘This award is a testament to our mission of nurturing a culture of saving among Filipinos,’ he said. ‘Through Iponventure, we empower individuals and communities to take charge of their finances and secure their futures.’

The Globee® Awards, also known as the Golden Bridge Awards®, honor organizations worldwide that bring measurable innovation and impact. For CL Bank, the award underscores a deeper truth: Iponventure is not just corporate social responsibility. It is proof that banking, when designed with purpose, can drive lasting social change.

Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Bea Gomez is officially a wife as she exchanged ‘I dos’ with musician John Odin in an intimate ceremony held in La Union.

The couple’s special day was documented by their loved ones and friends whose photos Gomez reposted via her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Gomez and Odin tied the knot in an open venue surrounded by luscious greens, respectively donning a white tube dress paired with a lace cape, and an off-white Barong Tagalog. The newlyweds also had an outdoor reception.

‘I look so exhausted. But! I’m happy. Finally,’ Odin wrote.

Official photos and videos from the wedding have yet to be shared by the couple as of this writing.

Gomez and Odin have been in a relationship since 2022, with the beauty queen revealing their romance through a Valentine’s Day social media post.

There are two powerful forces spoiling for change in our current political landscape. The first group wants to oust President Marcos through fair and foul means, motivated by the singular aim of installing Vice President Sara Duterte as president. The second group wants to oust the entire ruling political class, especially the political dynasties and everyone involved in massive corruption, but they do not want Mr. Marcos to be ousted if that would mean the VP’s assumption of the presidency.

The members of the first group are none other than the pro-Duterte forces. They have been spoiling for a fight ever since the breakup of the so-called ‘UniTeam.’ The pro-Dutertes’ wrath against Mr. Marcos reached a boiling point when former President Rodrigo Duterte was turned over to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The massive flood control corruption scandal has given the pro-Dutertes additional ammunition against the Marcos camp, even if multiple Duterte allies are among the biggest names involved.

On the other hand, the second group is a loose assemblage of Marcos supporters and pink/yellow forces. These two groups have been mortal enemies for the longest time, but they now find themselves in a de facto alliance by necessity, bound by their mutual hatred for a common enemy the Dutertes and their allies. This anti-Duterte group has also been so riled up by the flood control corruption scandal, and they’re raring for a political bloodbath.

The pro-Duterte forces have three available means to install the VP as president. First, there’s the option to launch a coup d’état, as, in fact, there have been several such attempts against Mr. Marcos, and more attempts will take place if the proponents are not arrested. However, for a coup to have a chance of success in our country, it must satisfy two conditions. First, it must appeal to our soldiers’ sense of nationalism. A coup plan must be infused with a spirit that will animate our security forces to believe that they are fighting for our country’s good. A coup anchored on pure lust for power, or to install someone who has more political baggage than the one whose ouster is sought, will have little chance of success. Second, a coup must have a groundswell of people’s support, manifested in street protests, which the pro-Duterte forces have not managed to do.

There’s also the pro-Duterte option to launch a people power revolt. While the pro-Dutertes have failed to generate massive crowds in their street protests, their capacity to gather a humongous crowd cannot be discounted because there are three big religious groups that can supply warm bodies. These are the Kingdom of Jesus Christ of Apollo Quiboloy; the Jesus Is Lord group of Sen. Joel Villanueva and his father; and the Iglesia Ni Cristo, whose members in power, like Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, are identified with pro-Duterte forces.

Third, there’s the option to build up electoral support to catapult the VP to the presidency in 2028. The pro-Duterte forces are digging up wellsprings of sympathy, disappointment, and support to benefit the VP. These include the ICC detention of Duterte, the flood control corruption scandal, natural calamities that expose failures of past and present administrations, all conveniently wrapped together as the sole shortcomings of the current government, and the inadequacies of the Marcos administration. It is in this third option that the Dutertes have a bigger chance of success.

With regard to the anti-Duterte forces, a coup d’état is not on their plate of options, obviously because they do not desire the ouster of Mr. Marcos, as it would give way to a Sara Duterte presidency. For the same reason, a people power revolt, aimed at toppling the entire ruling government, is also not an attractive option, especially because the pro-Duterte forces can ride on the initiative.

There are multiple legal remedies available to the anti-Duterte forces that are aimed at the surgical removal from office of the VP and her allies. These remedies include the VP’s impeachment and the ICC prosecution of Sen. Bato dela Rosa and Sen. Bong Go. Additionally, erstwhile Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla’s appointment as Ombudsman has given hope that criminal and administrative charges can soon be filed against Duterte stalwarts.

As for the 2028 election option, the anti-Duterte forces lag behind the pro-Duterte group in preparations because of the absence of a clear successor candidate that they can collectively rally behind. There’s no one being groomed by the Marcoses as their successor in 2028. Objectively, it’s still former Vice President Leni Robredo who has the best chance of defeating VP Sara because the contrast and the differences are like day and night.

These are the contending political forces and the arsenals at their disposal that will define our nation’s life for the foreseeable future. They either give us hope or render us hopeless, depending on which side we choose for ourselves.

Economic czar Frederick Go on Thursday disputed the claim of Securities and Exchange Commission chair Francis Lim that Philippine stock market investors lost a whopping P1.7 trillion in just three weeks due to the corruption scandal involving allegedly anomalous flood-control projects in the country.

At a briefing in Malacanang, Go said, ‘Unfortunately, the Securities and Exchange Commission chair [Francis Lim] was quoting off a confirmed fake news.social media post designed to catch attention and falsely sensationalize.’

Biz Buzz already reported on Sept. 5 that the viral social media post saying that the ‘Philippines’ Corruption Scandal Triggers P1.7 Trillion Market Meltdown’ was ‘incorrectly attributed to SandP Global Market Intelligence’ and that the company was ‘taking steps to have the posts taken down.’

Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, also debunked claims that the total value of listed companies plunged 12 percent from Aug. 11 to Aug. 29 this year, saying the drop was only about 1.6 percent.

Congress and the newly formed Independent Commission for Infrastructure are currently conducting separate investigations into these problematic flood-prevention projects that have shaken investor confidence.

Anti-corruption protests have erupted since early September, following revelations that several government officials and lawmakers got kickbacks from these flood control projects.