Category: Business Mirror

THE Office of the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court of Manila City has cleared lawyer Petchie Rose Espera of any criminal or administrative liability over the purported notarization of the sworn affidavit of former marine officer Orly Regala Guteza, accusing former House speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol Party List Rep. Zaldy Co of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects.

In an 11-page order, Manila RTC Executive Judge Carolina Icasiano-Sison also referred the supposed falsification of Guteza’s affidavit before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for further investigation and filing of appropriate charges against the latter and all other persons who used or presented his sworn affidavit.

It can be recalled that Guteza submitted the sworn affidavit during his testimony last month before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee which is investigating the involvement of government officials and private individuals in various ghost and substandard flood control projects across the country.

Guteza was presented before the committee by Senator Rodante Marcoleta as a surprise witness.

Sison’s order stemmed from the incident report filed by Espera on September 25, 2025, claiming that Guteza’s affidavit was presented before the Senate hearing and disseminated to the public through social media platforms.

She further relayed that the said document bears her name, notarial commission details and signature, making it appeared as if she had notarized the same.

However, the lawyer denied having notarized or signed the said documents and that the notarial signature and seal attributed to her are falsified and unauthorized.

She further claimed that upon verification of her notarial register, there is no entry corresponding to said document which confirms that the same is spurious.

Upon receipt of the incident report, the executive judge set the case for hearing on September 30 but only Espera showed up.

‘Accordingly, in view of the finding that Atty. Espera appears to be the victim of the incident, her signature and notarial details having been forged, there exists no basis for the imposition of administrative liability against the said notary public under the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice,’ the order read.

‘Hence, Atty. Espera is hereby cleared of any liability arising from the notarization of the subject Sinumpaang Salaysay,’ it added.

Considering that Guteza’s affidavit contains spurious notarial details, a forged notary’s signature, and was presented in a public hearing before Senate, Judge Sison said Guteza and all persons who made use of said documents ‘actively participated in its falsification.’

‘In this instance, considering that Mr. Guteza presented the Sinumpaang Salaysay during the public hearing and is deemed to be the author (of falsification) thereof, appropriate falsification charges shall be filed against him,’ the order stated.

‘Similarly, all other persons who made use or uttered the Sinumpaang Salaysay signed by Mr. Guteza shall be liable for falsification, noting that ‘in the absence of a satisfactory explanation, one who is found in possession of a forged document and who used or uttered it is presumed to be the forger,’ it added.

MANY Filipino college students face money problems while studying. Even if tuition is free in state universities and colleges (SUCs), students still need to pay for food, transportation, rent in boarding houses and school projects.

With the limited options offered by SUCs, some opt to study in private colleges or universities. For those who come from poor families, these expenses can be very heavy. But with discipline, creativity, and support, it is possible to survive and finish a degree.

One of the biggest costs that college students face daily is transportation. Fares for public transportation share a big part of the allowances of the students. This is more significant when their school is far away from home. Some students who live in boarding houses located near the campus, on the other hand, spend for rent, electricity, and water bills. Aside from these, there are school requirements like printing, internet load, uniforms and group projects. Some students also help their families by sending money home or supporting younger siblings.

Personal financial planning can help overcome these challenges.

Students can create a simple budget as a way to manage their money. They can jot down their ‘baon’ on a daily basis and identify how much of that baon goes to transportation and food. This way it would be easier for them to check where their money goes. Instead of cooking outside, they can cook meals all at once (to be eaten for brunch and dinner). They can bring water bottle that can be refilled at a water fountain.

Another crucial way is to apply for scholarships. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and local government units offer scholarships and allowances. Many private schools offer generous scholarship grants as well. Private foundations also give financial help. Applying may take time, but even small scholarships can make a big difference.

Students should also use their rights to discounts. With a school ID, they can get lower fares on jeepneys, buses, and other public utility vehicles. Some companies also give student discounts for software and other services. Using the library or free online resources instead of buying books can also save money.

Working part-time is another option. Students can inquire from their schools if they offer student assistant program wherein part, if not all, of their allowances can be charged against their tuition fees. Small businesses such as selling snacks, clothes, or school supplies to classmates can also help. Other part-time jobs like becoming a service crew in fast food chains can also greatly help in their finances. The important thing is to choose work that does not harm studies.

It is also important to avoid debt. Some students borrow from informal lenders or use ‘5-6’ loans. However, these have very high interest and may aggravate the problem. If they really need to borrow for tuition, some schools offer flexible payment schemes or partner with third-party lenders with friendly interests.

Aside from money, the right attitude is also important. They need to be resourceful such as sharing learning materials, borrowing from libraries, or using free online materials. They also need community spirit. In the Philippines, bayanihan is part of culture. Sharing meals with boardinghouse mates, carpooling, or joining study groups can save money and build friendships.

Some schools provide free breakfast especially for students who can’t really afford to buy food. For those students who juggle work and studies, they can politely request from their teachers for a more flexible deadline. Many organizations like Churches, civic groups, government agencies also provide financial or material help. Asking for help is not a weakness but a way to survive and succeed.

Although financial struggles are very hard, they can also make students stronger. Those who learn to manage money early develop skills in budgeting, time management, and problem-solving. These skills are crucial later in their personal and professional life. A lot of those who are successful today once experienced these hardships. Though hard but it is not impossible.

At the end of the day, financial challenges in college are temporary. College students need to keep on reminding themselves that Education is an investment and an important key to better opportunities that will help make their lives better. With determination and support, one can proudly say, ‘I made it!’

As millions of Filipinos travel to remember their departed loved ones, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is gearing up for the 2025 Undas Operation by mobilizing 2,200 first aiders and 92 chapters, covering 314 areas nationwide in observance of All Saint’s Day (Nov. 1) and All Soul’s Day (Nov. 2).

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced the suspension of the number-coding scheme on October 31.

‘Suspendido ang pagpapatupad ng expanded number coding scheme sa Biyernes, Oktubre 31, isang special-non working holiday, bilang paggunita sa All Saints’ Day Eve,’ the MMDA’s advisory stated.

Likewise, the agency said that around 2,400 MMDA personnel will be deployed in different parts of the metropolis to assist the motorists and the public.

‘No day-off, no absent’ policy was also on October 28 and will last until November 2, said MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.

According to the PRC, 284 First Aid Stations and 141 Welfare Desks will be established all over the country.

The complete list of areas to be covered include 246 cemeteries, 23 chapter vicinities, 14 bus terminals, 11 seaports, 8 highways, 4 command posts, 3 gas stations, 2 airports, 2 barangay halls, a church, and a train station.

During the holidays, the PRC will be activating all 180 ambulance units with 63 ambulances deployed on the ground and the rest on standby for dispatch. In addition, 58 mobile units (service vehicles), 100 on-foot patrol units, and 2,200 first aiders will be mobilized to ensure full coverage and accommodation of individuals who may need immediate treatment or medical assistance.

The majority of the stations will be set up on Thursday, October 30-with some a day earlier in anticipation of early visitors to the cemeteries. The Philippine Red Cross’ Undas Operations are expected to last until Sunday, November 2.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon reassured the people that the PRC is prepared to assist the influx of people that will be visiting cemeteries and public spaces for this year’s Undas.

‘As families come together to remember their loved ones this Undas, the Philippine Red Cross stands ready to serve. Our volunteers, staff, and assets are strategically placed and will be on high alert to ensure that every Filipino can commemorate safely and with peace of mind,’ he said.

On the other hand, PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang reminds everyone to remain vigilant, especially during this Undas season.

‘On behalf of the PRC, we would like to remind everyone leaving their homes to unplug electric appliances, lock doors, and never have lit candles unattended. As congestion between stations, roads, and cemeteries are projected to worsen, we encourage everyone to bring their own first aid kits and essentials in case of emergencies,’ she said.

PRC reminds everyone to stay safe on the road and at home.

The PRC encourages the public to plan routes ahead, stay alert, and always carry essentials and a first aid kit when traveling.

Those leaving their homes are also advised to secure all entry points, avoid posting travel plans online, and keep emergency contacts accessible. By observing these safety tips, families can ensure a peaceful and safe commemoration of Undas.

Smuggled agricultural products may contain harmful chemicals that can endanger the health of Filipino consumers, Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan warned on Saturday, October 25, after he revealed that illegally imported products bypass safety checks and may be unfit for consumption.

In a radio interview on DWIZ, the senator said that agricultural smuggling harms not only the country’s agricultural sector and its farmers and fisherfolk, but also ordinary Filipinos who may unknowingly consume vegetables and meat that have been injected with formalin.

Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, said that he received intelligence reports indicating that some smuggled agricultural products from China meant for disposal were instead treated with formalin upon entering the country and later entered commercial distribution.

Formalin is a solution of water and formaldehyde commonly used as a disinfectant and preservative for cadavers and laboratory specimens. It is not intended for use on food and is considered toxic when ingested.

‘Nakakalason yan. Murang pinapasok dito dahil dapat tinatapon na yan – unfit na yan. Nilulublob sa mga kemikal para mag-mukhang sariwa at saka nilalabas,’ the senator said.

‘Ang taumbayan, hindi lang mga magsasaka at mga mangingisdang lokal ang talagang naapektuhan dito: pati ang ating [mga] mamimili,’ he added.

Pangilinan also noted that some of the recently seized smuggled agricultural products that crossed the country’s borders bypassed the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance (SPSIC)-which ensures plant shipments meet health standards-by being misdeclared as processed food.

‘In the end, nakakasira ito sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. Sadyang nilalason ang ating mga kababayan. At pangalawa, talagang pinapatay ang ating local farmers at fisherfolk,’ he lamented.

The senator remains at the forefront of protecting farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers’ health as he leads agricultural reforms in the Senate. He continues to push for stronger measures against smuggling and stricter safeguards to ensure the public’s well-being.

The Philippine Army (PA) on Tuesday announced that it had partnered with Megaworld for the conduct of the so-called ‘Earthquake People and Real Estate Emergency Preparedness Summit’ (PREPS) aimed at empowering key stakeholders, urban residents and partner agencies on disaster resilience and preparedness.

The event took place at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion, McKinley Hill, Taguig City on Monday, Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a statement.

The PA, through the 525th Combat Engineer Battalion, its primary disaster response unit, showcased their capability in military mobilization during calamities and earthquakes and shared their actual disaster response operations in Turkey and Myanmar.

Meanwhile, Oplan ‘Metro Yakal,’ Metro Manila’s Earthquake Contingency Plan was presented by the Metro Manila Development Authority.

This will serve as an integrated framework to orchestrate disaster preparedness and operational procedures of all concerned agencies for the ‘Big One’ or the massive earthquake that is expected to affect Metro Manila should the West Valley Fault moves.

Megaworld Corporation shared their initiatives on establishing their Earthquake Council which focuses on Extensive Building Audits, embracing technology and innovation on emergencies, mapping out business continuity plan and the launch and distribution of their ‘life bags’ to their tenants, and residents.

Further, the Office of Civil Defense presented strategies to mitigate the disasters’ impact citing the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan.

Previously, the PA and Megaworld also conducted a series of Joint Threat and Disaster Interoperability Training in Iloilo City from Aug. 28 to 29 and in Metro Manila last May 19 to 26 at Eastwood City, Quezon City that capacitated around 200 personnel from Megaworld Lifestyle Malls based in the Visayas and National Capital Region to effectively deal with various emergency scenarios.

The partnership projects are part of the PA-Megaworld ‘Pag-Alab’ Program Partnership which aims to promote Filipino nationalism, volunteerism and social responsibility.

As value mobile brand TNT continues its year-long Anibersaya 25, a carinderia vendor and mother of three from Siargao emerged as the grand winner of a Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw, proving that small acts like loading your favorite TNT promo can lead to life-changing surprises.

Gloryjean B. Acido, 30, of Daku Island, Siargao, recalled that she simply loaded TNT Saya All 99 and joined the raffle on a whim. Little did she know that her entry would make her one of TNT’s biggest winners this year.

Life-changing experience

‘Naghahalong saya at kaba,’ she said, describing her emotions upon learning that she had won the brand-new vehicle.

A long-time TNT subscriber of five years, Acido also manages a small loading business on the side. She shared that the Next Generation Toyota Tamaraw will go a long way in supporting their family livelihood.

‘Malaking tulong po ito lalo na sa asawa ko dahil siya po construction worker. Magagamit po ang sasakyan para sa mga materyales,’ she shared.

Throughout its Anibersaya 25 campaign, TNT, the country’s biggest mobile brand, has shown appreciation to its subscribers through exciting prizes such as smartphones, watches, and cash. On the same day as the grand draw, TNT also awarded another major prize-a one-year supply of load to twenty-five lucky subscribers.

‘Our Anibersaya 25 Raffle Promo is our way of celebrating this milestone year with our Ka-Tropas across the country. Their continued loyalty and support inspire us to stay true to our mission of bringing saya to more Filipinos through value-packed offers and a superior mobile experience,’ said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP at Smart, parent company of TNT.

Win up to 2.5M cash in TNT Surepresa Promo

To bring more ‘saya’ to Ka-Tropas nationwide, TNT is ushering the holiday season with its Surepresa Promo, which gives subscribers a chance to win up to P2.5 million cash and other prizes.

With TNT Surepresa, subscribers who load up with select TNT promos can earn raffle entries to win P25,000 weekly for Week 1 to 8, P100,000 in Week 9, P500,000 in Week 10, P1 million in Week 11, and a grand prize of P2.5 million in the final draw.

To join, simply text SUREPRESA to 5858. The bigger the load, the more tokens and raffle entries earned – giving subscribers more chances to win life-changing cash rewards.

JIA MORADO-DE GUZMAN brings her veteran versatile act anew to a 20-strong Alas Pilipinas Women team which will target nothing less than the gold medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December.

‘Nothing less than the gold medal,’ declared Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara, president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, after the association board approved Brazilian head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito’s picks for the national team.

Suzara also said the team members are culled from the professional league Premier Volleyball League and the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Joining De Guzman (Creamline) at the setter position are Julia Coronel (Galeries Tower), Mars Alba (Akari), while the liberos are Dawn Macandili-Catindig (Cignal), Jen Nierva (Chery Tiggo) and Justine Jazareno (Akari).

Opposites are Alyssa Solomon (Osaka Marvelous), Leila Cruz (Capital1) and Kat Tolentino (Choco Mucho) and the outside hitters are Shaina Nitura (Adamson University), Eya Laure (Chery Tiggo), Vanessa Gandler (Cignal), Angel Canino (De La Salle), Bella Belen (Capital 1) and Alleiah Malaluan (PLDT).

Middle blockers are Dell Palomata (PLDT), Amie Provido (Fe La Salle), Maddie Madayag (Choco Mucho, Thea Gagate (Zus Coffee) and Fifi Sharma (Akari).

Suzara said the team will hold training camp from November 15 to 30 either in Japan of Taiwan.

The indoor volleyball competitions are set December 10 to 19 at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok.

The Philippines has won the SEA Games women’s volleyball gold medal six times-the last in 1993 in Singapore-while Thailand is the region’s powerhouse with 16 golds.

TO date, theoretical models of lobbying have assumed a simple transaction between policymakers and lobbyists and have not yet explained why lobbying is largely conducted through repeated interactions between policymakers and lobbyists, why the lobbying industry is so focused on building relationships, and what value is added by lobbying intermediates.

The literature on political influence activities spans separate field of economics, law, and political science and has largely focused on lobbying activities as a form of market exchange between special interests and policymakers.

There are three broad theories that describe these markets for political influence and access. The first-rather cynical-theory assumes that special interest groups offer resources (such as campaign contributions, political endorsements, vote campaigns, campaign support, or future career opportunities) to policymakers in exchange for policy favours. Two alternative theories focus on the informational characteristics of lobbying. Special interest groups approach policymakers with a mix of private information and financial resources, where the latter does not buy policy, per se, but instead signals the credibility of their information.

Contrary to public misconception, the daily life of firm lobbyists is not filled with glamorous parties and smoke-filled backroom politicking where lobbyists engage in quid pro quo transactions of money for policy. Rather, these firm lobbyists focus their professional attention on honing the fine art of building relationships, primarily with members of Congress and their staffs, but also with potential clients, coalitions, and other individuals and organizations related to their clients and issue areas. The focus on relationships is reflected in the practices that fill their daily lives as they build, preserve, and then commodify these relationships.

Distinguishable from stereotypical quid pro quo arrangements of goods for policy outcomes, lobbyists would provide support to policymakers and their staff as ‘gifts’-i.e. aimed at building solidarity and without any clear valuation or expectation of reciprocation. Rather, lobbyist participants engaged in extensive formality to frame support as gifts between political and legislative allies and friends. The general sense is that providing support in small amounts, at the ‘right’ moments, served to build trusted relationships over time to offset any inconvenience caused by taking the policymaker’s time. Fostering a gift economy, lobbyist participants would carefully provide each form of support-electoral, legislative, and personal-in order to maximize the likelihood that the support was received as a gift and minimize the appearance of a quid pro quo transaction.

In conclusion, it is demonstrated how in a ‘relationship market’ policymakers have an incentive to provide greater access to citizen-donors and lobbyists with whom they have a relationship. Recognition of the relationship market has the potential to modernize the traditional models of lobbying that envisioned lobbying as a simple quid pro quo transaction or subsidy, by incorporating the dynamics of the growth of the contract lobbyist market and including the incentives of policymakers, citizen-donors, and lobbyists as repeat players.

In other words, there is a fine line between lobbying / advocacy work and corruption. As there is always an elephant in the room, all players in this ‘game’ tried to ignore the elephant. But they failed!!

Tthe endless stories about corruption appearing in the news today confirm that the elephant has become clearly visible, influencing issues nobody wanted to talk about.

Many of the casualties and damage from disasters in the Philippines stem from weak houses and poorly built structures that fail to withstand strong winds or earthquakes, the country’s science chief said.

At the Handa Pillipinas-Visayas leg in this city, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Renato U. Solidum Jr. said Monday that about 40 percent of houses nationwide are non-engineered and are often built without proper building permits.

These collapses, Solidum told the BusinessMirror, are usually due to three main factors: poor design, substandard materials, and inadequate workmanship.

He cited the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake offshore Cebu, noting that some buildings collapsed at the lower levels because they were top-heavy, while others used substandard materials.

He added that most affected structures were private homes rather than government buildings.

‘We have to really look at how people can be assisted in really following earthquake resilient design and making sure that these would conform to the code,’ he said, noting that ‘the real challenge lies in enforcing the building code and proper land-use policies at the local level.’

‘My idea of resilience is to build stronger. Let us retrofit houses that are weak,’ Solidum emphasized.

He proposed that local building officials proactively distribute engineer-approved house designs along with a bill of materials, instead of waiting for residents to apply for permits.

This would ensure that both design and materials comply with building codes. Monitoring construction, he said, should follow immediately.

‘Second, why can’t we help before the disaster happens?’ the science chief asked, suggesting that companies and communities could help strengthen the homes of vulnerable Filipinos so they are better protected from earthquakes and flash floods.

He added, ‘Mas mura pong tumulong ngayon kaysa pagkatapos ng disaster.’

[It is far cheaper to assist now than to respond after a disaster occurs.]

Solidum underscored that efforts to build resilience should be developmental, focused on uplifting the lives of the most vulnerable.

‘Through science, technology, innovation, and our unity as Filipinos, our spirit of bayanihan, we can transform disasters into opportunities, challenges into collaborations, and risks into resilience,’ he said.

‘We Filipinos are portrayed as victims of disasters, but we can become victors over disasters,’ Solidum added.

NEARLY 3,000 families affected by recent natural disasters in Ilocos Norte and Cebu have received housing assistance from the National Housing Authority (NHA).

Based on the agency’s October 26 tally, P12.97 million in cash aid was distributed to families in Ilocos Norte who were displaced by Typhoon Nando, while P26.11 million went to residents of Cebu Province following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck on September 30.

In Ilocos Norte, 1,226 families from 12 cities and towns in the province’s First Legislative District received financial support through the NHA’s Emergency Housing Assistance Program (Ehap) on October 16 and 20.

Meanwhile, in Cebu, 1,627 families were granted aid, including 1,085 from San Remigio, 416 from Daanbantayan whose houses were either totally or partially damaged, and 126 from Sogod who suffered partial structural damage.

The distribution was based on verified masterlists and damage assessments submitted by local government units to determine eligible beneficiaries.

Typhoon Nando battered northern Luzon in September, bringing heavy rains and widespread flooding, while the late-September earthquake in Cebu damaged homes and infrastructure across several towns.

The Ehap is among the NHA’s continuing efforts to help disaster-affected households recover by providing immediate financial support for the repair or reconstruction of damaged homes.