Category: Business Mirror

THE Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Muntinlupa City has granted the plea of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to withdraw the motion for reconsideration that was filed by its prosecutors in connection with the acquittal of former Senator and now Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima in the conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading charges filed against her.

In a two-page order, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 Presiding Judge Abraham Alcantara said with the withdrawal of the motion for reconsiderations, the last remaining drug case filed against De Lima by the Duterte administration is now deemed ‘closed and terminated.’

‘Considering that this case already involves an acquittal, the Court shall exercise sound discretion and allow withdrawal of the prosecution’s motion for reconsideration,’ Judge Alcantara said.

‘Indeed, the directive of the Honorable Prosecutor General upon the panel of the prosecutors to withdraw the motion is impressed with merit,’ he added. De Lima was acquitted by the Muntinlupa RTC last May 12, 2023 but this decision was declared null and void by the Court of Appeals (CA) in a ruling issued last May.

The CA held that Alcantara committed grave abuse of discretion when it acquitted De Lima and his former bodyguard Ronnie Dayan mainly due the recantation of the prosecution’s principal witness, former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos.

It ruled that Alcantara violated the Constitution and the Rules of Court which mandates ‘transparency and reasonableness of the decision making-process.’

The CA said the judge failed to state the specific facts retracted by Ragos and its effects to the facts proven by the prosecution and failed to identify the specific factual statements that were purportedly retracted by the witness.

Thus, the CA ordered that the case be remanded to the trial court for it to decide the case in accordance with the rules stated in the decision.

Acting on the CA’s directive, the trial court issued another ruling last June 27, 2025 which maintained its May 12, 2023 decision in favor of De Lima and Dayan.

This prompted the prosecution panel led by Provincial Prosecutor Ramoncito Bienvenido Ocampo to file an MR seeking the reversal of the trial court’s June 27 decision.

The panel insisted that despite the recantation of Ragos, there are other pieces of evidence which are sufficient to prove de Lima’s guilt.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, however, ordered the withdrawal of the motion on the ground of double jeopardy.

Double jeopardy is a legal principle that an accused cannot be tried twice for the same offense based on the same conduct.

Its purpose is to protect the accused from harassment, oppression, and abuse of power by the state.

De Lima earlier accused the DOJ prosecution panel of having a political agenda in pursuing the drug charges despite her acquittal.

Alcantara also stressed that granting the motion for reconsideration of the prosecutors would be tantamount to violation of the double jeopardy rule.

‘To reiterate and emphasize, every acquittal becomes final and immediately upon promulgation and cannot be recalled for correction or amendment,’ Alcantara said.

‘With the acquittal being immediately final, granting the State’s motion for reconsideration in this case would violate the Constitutional prohibition against double jeopardy because it would effectively reopen the prosecution and subject the accused to a second jeopardy despite their acquittal,’ he added.

THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday announced a price freeze on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene in Cebu following the earthquake on Tuesday night.

The price freeze will be implemented for 60 days to ensure price stability. This move, added the DOE, is meant to protect households from undue economic burden and guarantee the continued availability of essential fuel products that are critical in cooking, lighting, and other immediate recovery needs.

‘Stability of fuel prices and availability of supply are vital in times of disaster. The Department is working closely with all partners to make sure that families and frontliners have access to the essential energy resources they need during relief and recovery operations,’ Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

The DOE, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local governments, will be conducting inspections to prevent overpricing and profiteering during this critical period. Violators face heavy penalties under the law.

The DOE also assures that there is sufficient supply of petroleum products in the province and that distribution channels are being closely coordinated with oil companies and local authorities to ensure uninterrupted access to consumers, particularly in evacuation centers and hardest-hit communities.

Price freeze on basic goods

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has implemented a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in the entire province of Cebu following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province on September 30.

‘We recognize the heavy toll this disaster has brought to families. Beyond enforcing the price freeze, our priority is to ensure that prices and supplies are affordable and stable,’ Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said in a statement on Wednesday.

Currently, DTI said its monitoring teams in field offices have been deployed to ‘actively’ inspect markets, verify prices, and guarantee an ‘adequate and continuous’ supply of these basic goods in all affected communities.

Roque said the department will be ‘vigilant’ in making sure that consumers are protected from undue price increases.

DTI said the automatic price freeze immediately took effect upon the declaration of a State of Calamity by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Resolution 1985, Series of 2025).

Visayas grid on yellow alert

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on Wednesday placed the Visayas grid on yellow alert until midnight after 27 power plants, with 1,444 megawatts (MW) of total capacity, went on forced outage owing to the 6.9-magnuitude earthquake that struck Cebu.

A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement. The Visayas grid’s available capacity stood at 1,888 MW as against a peak demand of 1,839MW. The alert is in effect from 1p.m. to 9 p.m.

The grid operator also reported 16 more power plants that have been unavailable even prior to the incident, while one other is running on derated capacity.

In all, a total of 1654.7 MW was shaved off from the grid as of Wednesday noon.

The Luzon and Mindanao grids, meanwhile, are under normal condition.

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (Mgen), the power generation arm of Meralco, said its thermal plants in the Visayas-Cebu Energy Development Corporation (CEDC) and Toledo Power Company (TPC)-tripped as a safety precaution during the seismic event.

CEDC, which has a net saleable capacity of 219.7 MW, and TPC, with a net saleable capacity of 73 MW, were promptly inspected by technical teams.

Earlier in the day, MGen said two units of CEDC and one unit of TPC have already been safely restarted and synchronized to the grid, while the remaining unit is undergoing inspection and will be brought back online progressively.

As of press time, MGen said ‘all CEDC units and TPC unit are already synced to the grid.’

Mgen said it is closely coordinating with the Department of Energy, NGCP, and local authorities to support system stability and help meet the power needs of Cebu and the Visayas grid.

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said there are 24 electric cooperatives (ECs) across 10 provinces in four regions that reported power interruptions caused by the earthquake.

It said that restoration efforts are ongoing for 844,428 affected consumer connections.

Meanwhile, the DOE, in coordination with the NGCP, power generation companies, and ECs, mobilized sector-wide efforts to immediately secure power supply to hospitals, water stations, and other lifeline facilities.

The DOE said that as of 9:00 a.m., significant progress has been reported in the Visayas, with 214 out of 309 affected towns (69.26 percent) already energized. The status across ECs, however, remains varied as 15 are operating normally; four are experiencing partial power interruptions and five continue to face total power interruptions. The DOE said restoration efforts are actively underway to bring electricity back to 844,428 consumer connections.

Meanwhile, Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines has suspended the market operations in the Visayas grid beginning 10:05 p.m. of September 30.

THE pandemic years marked a turning point for Mark Lewis Higgins. He turned 60, mourned the loss of his sister, and faced the truth that he alone carried the responsibility for Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, founded in 1960 by his mother and National Artist Salvación Lim Higgins, and his aunt Purificación Lim.

‘I realized I needed to think about succession. If something happens to me, what will happen to this school?’ he said. ‘It’s not so much for the legacy of my mom. It’s more because if the school shuts down, it would be a great loss for the country. The curriculum is so valuable.’

Slim’s became known for its strict training in design, dressmaking, and patternmaking. The school set the benchmark for technical precision in Philippine fashion education, and produced generations of designers and artisans, among them Oliver Tolentino, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Joe Salazar, Oskar Peralta, and Michael Cinco. For Higgins, the main question was how the school would continue.

‘We weren’t just looking for a partner,’ he explained. ‘We were looking for a community that understands the dignity of making.’

In September, the ownership and custodianship of Slim’s Fashion and Arts School was officially handed over to the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB).

‘Benilde has the infrastructure, the heart, and the commitment to carry Slim’s forward,’ Higgins said.

Under the agreement, Slim’s will continue offering its diploma and certificate programs under Benilde’s School of Environment and Design. The college will retain Slim’s core courses in Dressmaking, Bespoke Tailoring, Fashion Illustration, and Draping, while introducing new ones such as the Textile Series, Fashion Business Series, and Styling.

‘This is not just a merger,’ said Bro. Edmundo Fernandez, FSC, president of CSB, during the ceremonial handover and MOU signing on September 4 at the college’s Design + Arts Campus. ‘It’s a custodianship. Slim’s is a national patrimony, and we’re honored to be entrusted with its legacy. We want to make its training accessible to more students, especially those who come from middle-class backgrounds and aspire to build careers in fashion.’

Christine Cheryl Benet, incoming director of Slim’s under Benilde, stressed that the school’s identity will remain intact. ‘Slim’s has always been about precision, discipline, and honoring the craft,’ she said. ‘We’re expanding into arts and design, but the core remains-we train makers, not just dreamers.’

The agreement also links Slim’s archives with the planned Benilde Fashion Museum at the historic Miguel Febres Cordero Building. The museum will house garments, sketches, and documents from Slim’s and other Filipino designers, allowing students and researchers to study them firsthand.

For Higgins, the transfer involved many moving parts. ‘You can imagine it’s a very complicated transition.it’s like an octopus. In one tentacle, you have the curriculum. In another, you have the collection of dresses, which will now be with the Benilde Fashion Museum. Then another tentacle is the library, which houses hundreds of books. Then you have the archive of vintage photographs, my mom’s original fashion designs. So it’s a lot for them to absorb and to plan for.’

One piece in particular was difficult to let go. ‘My mom’s wedding gown. She designed and made it herself. She closed her shop for two months just to create her entire wardrobe when she got married. It’s a beautiful gown. It hasn’t been seen since 1959, but we’ve been photographing it for an upcoming book,’ he said.

The gown, he added, is a testament to her craft. ‘She bought this really expensive lace from Paris, and she always told me it was heirloom lace. The lace has not disintegrated, and the dress is beautifully cut. It’s Dutch satin and silk, and whatever was left from that lace, she made into the christening dress for my sister and me.’

Benet explained that Slim’s will remain a separate unit under Benilde. While Benilde runs four-year fashion and design degree programs, Slim’s will focus on shorter certificate and diploma courses, including TESDA-recognized training. This ensures that the Slim’s Method of dressmaking and tailoring is preserved while being integrated into Benilde’s offerings. She noted that Slim’s curriculum would broaden through Benilde’s expertise in fields such as textiles. This expansion would strengthen the fashion ecosystem, benefiting not only designers but also artisans and other makers who are vital to the supply chain.

Sustainability is another priority. Benet pointed out that many Filipinos today lack access to skilled dressmakers or tailors. ‘One of the main problems of typical Filipinos is that there’s no one to sew in their area. First and foremost, we don’t even know how to repair clothes,’ she said. By producing more skilled artisans through Slim’s, she hopes communities will learn to repair and modify clothing rather than relying on fast fashion.

She also emphasized Slim’s role in preserving Filipino identity in fashion. Many young designers, she observed, are unfamiliar with earlier generations of Filipino designers. By keeping Slim’s teaching methods and archives alive, students gain a deeper understanding of the roots of Philippine fashion, not just its Western influences.

Higgins believes Benilde is the right custodian to carry Slim’s forward. ‘The exciting thing is, because it’s in the hands of an institution like De La Salle, they can run it on a larger scale than my sister and I ever could. They want to retain the clientele of people who don’t necessarily want a college degree but who want to learn a skill. At the same time, they can integrate it so that you can ladderize it and still earn a degree. In a way, they’re reaching a broader market than we would.’

Benilde established the country’s first bachelor’s degree in fashion in 1996. With Slim’s under its wing, the college can now support both degree programs and skill-based training.

‘The fashion industry is incredibly diverse,’ Benet added. ‘It is made up not only of degree holders, but also artisans and makers, all of whom are vital to keeping our industry alive. By housing the Slim’s Fashion and Arts School under Benilde, we can contribute more holistically to the Philippine fashion ecosystem-nurturing not only designers, but also the artisans and technical experts that bring fashion to life. This milestone ensures that Slim’s legacy thrives in the hands of a new generation.’

The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed medical teams to Bogo City, Cebu, following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Tuesday night.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa stated that the first batch of the emergency response team originated from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City.

Also, the DOH Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) deployed medical teams on Wednesday, not only in Bogo City but also in nearby areas.

The DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs/ regional offices) in Central and Eastern Visayas have reported back and are now coordinating with their regional counterparts of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

‘The DOH advises all in affected areas to heed all instructions and advice from their local government units, and to brace for possible aftershocks,’ the DOH said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized its ambulances from Cebu, Bogo, and Masbate to assist those affected by the earthquake.

The PRC said that its volunteers continue to respond on the scene to provide essential medical care.

MAKATI Medical Center (MakatiMed) reached a historic milestone on August 20, 2025, with the proclamation of its chapel under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The celebration was marked by a solemn mass presided by His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, joined by priests and ministers from the Archdiocese of Manila.

During the liturgical celebration, Cardinal Advincula formally installed Fr. Moses Eduardo Ciego as chaplain of the newly proclaimed Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel.

Following the mass, he led the blessing of the chapel marker which serves as a lasting testament to the hospital’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under this title.

The hospital’s devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe was initiated years ago under the leadership of then medical director Dr. Raul G. Fores. This was strengthened during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the hospital community turned to prayer and intercession amid unprecedented trials.

In his message for the occasion, Saturnino P. Javier, MD, MakatiMed interim co-president, CEO and medical director, emphasized how the consecration of the chapel reflects the hospital’s gratitude for divine guidance and protection: ‘All these 55 years of MMC, our healthcare workers continue to carry out their noble tasks of saving lives, promoting health, assuaging pain, and curing afflictions. Today, August 20, MMC does all these while affirming its devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.’

Under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the chapel now stands as a sanctuary of faith, hope and healing for the entire MakatiMed community.

The low-pressure area east of Southern Luzon has developed into a Tropical Depression and is now threatening to bring hazards in land areas and coastal waters in the region, the state weather bureau said.

Paolo, the 16th weather disturbance to affect the country, is less likely to directly affect the weather conditions in the next 24 hours but it is expected to bring heavy rains on Friday, threatening Northern Luzon and portions of Central Luzon.

According to the weather bureau, the eye of the storm was spotted 760 km East of Virac, Catanduanes, and is moving westward at 25 km/h.

It is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.

‘Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted over the eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon as early as this afternoon or evening. The highest Wind Signal that will likely be hoisted throughout its passage is Wind Signal No. 3. However, since the possibility of reaching typhoon category before landfall is not ruled out, the worst case scenario is Wind Signal No. 4.,’ the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. Tropical Cyclone Bulletin.

Risk of coastal flooding

‘There is a potential risk of coastal flooding due to storm surge in low-lying coastal areas of Northern and Central Luzon due to the passage of Paolo,’ PAGASA said.

Paolo may also bring moderate to rough seas over the coastal waters of Northern and Central Luzon starting Friday.

Paolo is forecast to move generally west-northwestward for the entire forecast period.

Paolo may make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora on Friday morning or afternoon.

PAGASA said a further southward shift of the track is possible depending on the strength of the high-pressure area to the north of Paolo.

Paolo will continue to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm or typhoon category by Friday morning.

AT least 62 people were killed and 201 were injured in the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit northern Cebu on Tuesday night, the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said.

‘We have confirmed the death of 62, and we are still verifying reports coming. We have a report that says 201 persons were injured,’ Patricia Vasaya, monitoring officer at PDRRMO, said.

Many of the victims were rushed to the Bogo City Hospital, which recorded 30 deaths as of 2 p.m.

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) said rescue, retrieval and relief operations are on-going, with the hope of saving lives. Tuesday night’s temblor is the strongest earthquake that hit Northern Cebu in history.

Owing to the Magnitude 6.9 earthquake, the provincial government of Cebu declared a state of calamity. In line with this, a price ceiling on agricultural commodities is in effect, as mandated by Republic Act 7581 or ‘The Price Act.’

Among those killed were rescuers deployed by the Coast Guard (PCG).

Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, Apprentice Seaman (ASN) Jujay Mahusay, and ASN Ert Cart Dacunes, were killed following the collapse of the San Remegio Sports Complex in San Remegio, Cebu, during the earthquake.

DSWD sends relief items

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday reported that more than 27,000 families across 42 barangays have been affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday.

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the number of affected families is expected to rise as assessments continue as he assured Cebuanos that their immediate needs, including food and water, will be promptly addressed.

‘While there is much work to be done for recovery, President Marcos instructed us to prioritize the immediate needs of affected families. Relief efforts will focus first on what they need now,’ he said during his rounds in Bogo City, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Fresh from overseeing relief operations in Masbate, which was also recently struck by Typhoon Opong, the DSWD chief supervised the distribution of family food packs (FFPs), marking the agency’s initial wave of assistance for quake victims. Boxes of FFPs were immediately dispatched to Bogo City, with additional aid expected to support ongoing relief operations. Ready-to-eat food (Rtef) boxes, containing meals requiring minimal preparation, are also set to be distributed.

The DSWD currently maintains a stockpile of over 300,000 FFPs at the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City. In addition to food aid, the Department will deploy disaster response vehicles and equipment, including mobile command centers, mobile kitchens, water treatment units, and tanker trucks.

‘All of these will arrive by 6:00 p.m. Wednesday,’ Gatchalian said.

In terms of cash assistance, Gatchalian assured the provincial local government of Cebu that the DSWD’s Field Office 7-Central Visayas will provide cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. Benefits under AICS include medical assistance to the injured locals and burial assistance for families who lost their loved ones from the powerful quake.

The department is also preparing psychosocial interventions to help the affected families and individuals deal with the trauma caused by the late Tuesday night earthquake.

For the recovery phase, the DSWD chief said the agency will provide emergency cash assistance (ECT) as soon as the clean list of beneficiaries is provided by the concerned local governments (LGU).

‘These cash transfers allow families to prioritize their own needs, whether it’s rebuilding homes or restoring livelihoods,’ Gatchalian explained.

Gatchalian has instructed all DSWD Field Offices to be on standby and their personnel ready to be deployed to augment the manpower and resources of Field Office-Central Visayas.

The department also said it will provide burial assistance to families of those who died as a result of the earthquake.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said the agency’s field office in Central Visayas will also provide P10,000 cash assistance to the families who lost their loved ones.

First in history

THE earthquake occurred at exactly 9:59 p.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. The epicenter of the Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake, with a depth of five kilometers, was traced in Bogo City, Cebu.

It generated an Intensity VII ground-shaking event in the City of Bogo, and the towns of Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio and Tabuelan, while Intensity VI was also in Murcia, Negros Occidental; as well as Bantayan, Borbon, Catmon and Sogod, also in Cebu province.

John Deximo, Senior Science Specialist at Phivolcs, said the agency will deploy a quick response team to conduct an assessment of the damage caused by the earthquake. He said the strong earthquake, which was triggered by movements in a local offshore fault, is a first in Cebu.

‘This [earthquake] is a first in northern Cebu. We are calling it the Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake. This is the first time that a strong earthquake was recorded in northern Cebu. We are still gathering information. From what we see in the social media posts, we have moderate to heavy damage in structures, buildings and infrastructure, so we will deploy immediate QRT from our team to assess local governments,’ Deximo, a seismologist, said.

He said outside Cebu, the event is expected to affect other provinces in Central Visayas, and other nearby provinces in Luzon and Mindanao.

‘We will have to assess the damage and will refine the reported intensities,’ he said.

Deximo said the QRT will be deployed within the day, and they are expected to assess the damage in buildings, roads, bridges, and investigate geohazards such as liquefaction and landslides, and come up with recommendations for possible evacuation and putting up of an evacuation center where affected communities will be safe.

The Phivolcs Earthquake Information on the Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake reported that Intensity V was felt in Cataingan, Esperanza, and Pio V. Corpuz, in Masbate; City of Cadiz, Hinigaran, Moises Padilla, City of San Carlos, San Enrique, City of Sipalay and Toboso Negros Occidental; Dauis, City of Tagbilaran, and Talibon, in Bohol; Alcoy, Argao, Asturias, Carmen, Compostela, Consolacion, Dalaguete, Danao City, Liloan, Oslob, Samboan, San Fernando, and Santander, in Cebu; Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City,

Almeria, Biliran, Cabucgayan, Caibiran, Culaba, Kawayan, Maripipi, and Naval in Biliran; Abuyog, Alangalang, Albuera, Babatngon, Barugo, Bato, City of Baybay, Burauen, Calubian, Capoocan, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan, Isabel, Jaro, Javier, Julita, Kananga, La Paz, Leyte, Macarthur, Matag-Ob, Matalom, Mayorga, Merida, Palo, Palompon, Pastrana, San Isidro, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Tabango, Tabontabon, Tanauan, Tolosa, Tunga, and Villaba, Leyte; Ormoc City and Tacloban City.

The earthquake was also strongly felt in areas as far as Albay, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, and Camiguin province.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (NDRRMC) also reported three related incidents in Central Luzon, including a landslide, a structural fire, and the collapse of infrastructure.

So far, 22 damaged infrastructures have been recorded, including one road section and five bridge sections.

The NDRRMC said eight cities and towns experienced power interruption.

At least 46 cities and towns in Central Visayas have already cancelled classes, while four cities and municipalities declared work suspension because of the earthquake.

President Marcos ordered concerned government agencies to deploy immediate aid and emergency funds in the areas in the island province.

Hours after the quake hit, Social Welfare Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian, Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque flew to the province to coordinate government support, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Marcos also directed the Department of Health (DOH) to check the status of the personnel of the medical facilities, which are near the affected areas so they can assist the quake victims.

‘Doctors, nurses, and staff of the DOH Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center [VSMMC] and the DOH Cebu South Medical Center [CSMC] have reported back on their safety. They are now deploying medical teams to nearby areas, especially in Bogo City itself,’ PCO said.

PCO said the Department of the Interior and Local Government has also mobilized personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the National Police (PNP) to help search and rescue operations as well as to prevent looting and maintain order.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has P379 million in standby funds and has 2.4 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned nationwide which can be tapped to provide relief to the affected areas.

Of the food packs, 300,000 are spread all over Cebu and ready for immediate distribution, Gatchalian said.

For its part, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the agencies which are responding to the recent disaster may use their Quick Response Funds (QRF) to provide urgent relief and recovery initiatives.

It noted that agencies may seek replenishment from the DBM once their QRF balance has been reduced to at least 50 percent.

The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed medical teams to Bogo City, Cebu following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Tuesday night.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that the first batch of the emergency response team came from Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City.

In addition, the DOH Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) on Wednesday has also deployed medical teams not only in Bogo City but in nearby areas.

The DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs-regional offices) in Central and Eastern Visayas have reported back and are now coordinating with their regional counterparts of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Herbosa said.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized its ambulances from Cebu, Bogo, and Masbate to assist those affected by the earthquake.

The PRC said that its volunteers continue to respond on the scene to provide essential medical care.a

LeBron James sat out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ first practice of training camp with a minor injury Tuesday.

James has ‘a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute,’ coach JJ Redick said after the workout at the Lakers’ training complex.

James will become the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons when the Lakers open the regular season on Oct. 21 against Golden State. That game is the target for James and the Lakers, who will work together to manage the 40-year-old superstar’s workload against injuries and exhaustion, particularly during training camp.

While the top scorer in NBA history still might play during the preseason, Redick said the Lakers are ‘playing the long game with LeBron.’

James was named to the All-NBA second team last year after averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists and 7.8 rebounds while staying largely healthy and playing in 70 games. Redick said the Lakers want to keep James close to full health throughout the season, with the goal of being prepared for the playoffs.

Gabe Vincent (left knee), newcomer Marcus Smart (left Achilles) and rookie Adou Thiero (left knee) also didn’t fully participate in the Lakers’ first practice.

Los Angeles opens its preseason schedule Friday night in Palm Desert, California, against the Phoenix Suns.

THE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) commends the signing of Republic Act (RA) 12254, or the e-Governance Act, which streamlines and institutionalizes the government’s digital transition.

Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson of the BCCP recognized the enactment as a reinforcement of current initiatives to eliminate red tape, while further boosting the country’s overall digital economy.

According to Nelson, this development aligns with broader government initiatives to eliminate red tape, with the BCCP acting as a champion of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), enabling direct reporting on related issues.

The chamber also noted that, ‘beyond strengthening governance, this law also positions the Philippines as a stronger investment destination in the region. By streamlining processes, cutting red tape, and embracing digital innovation, the e-Governance Act reinforces a modern, business-friendly environment-one that

enhances the country’s competitiveness, attracts higher levels of foreign direct investment, and drives long-term, sustainable economic growth.’

Nelson also welcomed the passage of other priority legislation such as the Konektadong Pinoy Act and Investors’ Lease Act: ‘We wish to commend the current administration, because [it is taking a really proactive approach to passing legislation. We have been a key advocate for this as] an ARTA Champion, and e-Governance will certainly assist that.’

For him, these developments can be linked to ‘further increasing the country’s digital trade that will encourage more investments in digital infrastructure, e-commerce, and other industries.’

The BCCP official pointed out that digital transformation reforms must be complemented by measures to strengthen and institutionalize cybersecurity by way of the passage of the Cybersecurity Act, which will enhance the country’s digital and cyber infrastructure, while ensuring a more resilient Philippine digital economy.

According to Nelson, these developments will also strengthen the expanding trade relations between the United Kingdom and the Philippines, which reached £3 billion in the four quarters ending the first three months of 2025.

He also highlighted the just-established UK-Philippine Joint Economic and Trade Committee or JETCO, and the Philippines’ interest to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership or the CPTPP.

Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz has introduced the Philippines as a major hub for economic services market in Asia.

In his speech at the recent Philippine Country Forum at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in China’s capital city, FlorCruz urged Chinese investors, innovators and business owners to choose the Philippines as a destination for their next projects.

‘The Philippines is a strong and stable country, and a global center of competitive services in Asia,’ the country’s envoy to China said. ‘We are open for business and we welcome China-our largest trading partner-to partner with us in high-growth services and industries.’

This year marks 50 years of Philippine-Chinese formal diplomatic relations, but trade and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have spanned for more than a thousand years.

According to FlorCruz, the Philippines is further improving its business-friendly climate, as well as new benefits from the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act-a piece of legislation that lowers corporate income tax and provides clearer and more focused incentives for businesses.

The law aims to make the country a more attractive business destination, support the recovery of companies and strengthen its competitiveness in the region.

Also, the envoy highlighted FiberHome-a Chinese networking and telecommunication equipment provider with successful Philippine operations.

FiberHome, FlorCruz said, is living proof that progress can be achieved by investing in the Philippines.

‘We invite Chinese businessmen to visit the Philippine Pavilion and explore the possibilities of future cooperation-combining China’s cutting-edge technology and Filipino excellence in the field of services,’ he said.