Category: Philippine Star

The three-time defending champions University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers stretched their unbeaten streak to five games while the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats scored a breakthrough win in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 25 basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum over the weekend.

Paul John Taliman bagged 19 points on top of five rebounds, one assist and two steals while the league’s 2023 MVP Kent Ivo Salarda nearly delivered a triple-double with 18 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and four steals as the Lancers pummeled the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu Fighting Maroons, 92-74, to pull away further in the leaderboard with a perfect 5-0 record.

Not to be outdone, Rovello Robles cashed in 16 points, four rebounds and two steals while Zylle Cabellon added 10 points, two rebounds, seven assists and four steals for the Lancers, who used a fierce second-half attack to thrash the Fighting Maroons.

Ahead by just six at halftime, 43-37, the Lancers staged a sizzling rally bridging the third and fourth quarters to lead by as much as 21 points, 83-62, that sent the Fighting Maroons reeling the rest of the way.

Andrew Padilla topped UP with a game-high 20 points laced with six rebounds and three assists.

AJ de los Reyes, Wenraye Sarol, and Kent Joshua Cabanlit combined for 33 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists but fell short in the end as the Fighting Maroons stayed listless in three starts.

In the other collegiate duel, the Wildcats outfoxed the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 72-65, to give their new head coach Felix ‘Donbel’ Belano, Jr. his first victory.

Jerian Marc Abello was the man of the hour for the Wildcats with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals as they snapped a three-game jinx.

Regie Ayon, Bruce Angelo Pinuela, and John Rey Guinita connived for 27 points, 22 rebounds, six assists, and two steals while Christ Mark Codillo also made his presence felt with 12 rebounds to go with his seven points, two assists and a steal for the Wildcats, who never looked back after establishing a 13-point advantage, 59-46, early in the final period.

Keaton Clyde Taburnal finished with 16 points, four rebounds, and two steals, Janjan Peteros scored 12 with one rebound, two assists, and three steals, while John Howard Taala had 11 points, three rebounds, four assists, and three steals but to no avail as the Panthers dropped to 1-2.

In high school play, the University of Cebu (UC) Baby Webmasters and the Benedicto College (BC) Baby Cheetahs both improved their records to 2-1 after trouncing their respective rivals.

Jape Mamza fired 22 points with eight rebounds, one assist and three steals while John Day Jorquia posted a double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds to power the Baby Webmasters to a 77-57 rout of the USPF Baby Panthers.

In the other result, Kyle Nalisa produced an all-around performance of 16 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three steals, and four blocks while Lance Andrei Villarin and Hans Alcantara tallied 22 points, eight rebounds, five steals, and three blocks in between them as the Baby Cheetahs sent the San Carlos School of Cebu (SCSC) Baby Warriors crashing to their third straight loss, 62-48.

A Chinese national was arrested in Parañaque City for allegedly trafficking Vietnamese women for sexual exploitation, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported yesterday.

Wang Gang, alias Kelvin Lee, was nabbed in an entrapment operation on Sept. 25 after he allegedly offered women to foreign clients for up to P70,000 per night.

Agents of the NBI Cybercrime Division posed as customers and arranged to meet the suspect in a Parañaque hotel where he reportedly agreed to deliver two Vietnamese women for P35,000 each.

After receiving the marked money, Wang was arrested. The women were rescued.

The suspect is facing charges for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Law.

Six activists arrested in 2018 during an alleged encounter between government troops and New People’s Army rebels in Mabinay Town in Negros Oriental have been freed by the court after being cleared of charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Judge Marie Rose Inocando of the Regional Trial Court Branch 42 ruled that the prosecutors failed to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt and that the police handled the evidence poorly.

The decision will no longer be challenged, and the commander of the 302nd Brigade said they will do better case handling next time.

‘We always abide by the rule of law and we respect the decision of the court in the case of the Mabinay 6. We take this as a sign that we should improve when it comes to legalities during combat operations,’ said Brigadier General Jason Jumawan in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

We suppose we should be happy that they will handle cases better, but then again maybe we should also be wary.

Because that can mean that either they will take care not to accuse the wrong people anymore –or they will make sure to have enough evidence to make sure people are convicted, whether they are guilty or not.

Activists who go to educate farmers of their rights aren’t rebels. Rebels are those who take part in the armed struggle against the duly-elected government. Many people cannot make this distinction, especially those in the armed forces.

We cannot totally blame them for this. Their training to defend the country from threats both external and internal leaves little time for them to be taught the difference between those rebelling and those who are just pushing for positive change.

This isn’t limited to government troops. Remember the rampant red-tagging during the previous administration? Even those who were just doing their jobs like advocates for women’s rights, judges, lawyers, and even priests were lumped in with those who want to bring down the democracy.

We certainly hope Jumawan meant the former, that they will take care to no longer accuse the wrong people.

Kapamilya actress Chie Filomeno appealed to the public not to drag the names of Cebu’s Lhuillier family in her rumored breakup with fellow actor Jake Cuenca.

In an Instagram story, Chie addressed rumors linking her to businessman Matthew Lhuillier amid her alleged split with Jake.

“I’ve been reading and hearing a lot these past few days and I ask that my past relationship, my present life, and the Lhuillier family be left out of this issue,” Chie said. “They don’t deserve to be dragged into something that has nothing to do with them.”

“No further statements will be made at this time. I kindly ask that people refrain from speculation or intrusions into my private affairs. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation,” Chie briefly ended her statement.

In another Instagram story, Chie asked the public to respect her privacy.

“I may be a public figure, but I am not public property. I ask that my private life remain private,” she wrote.

Several hours later, Chie reposted a carousel she made last September 22 regarding support for the Philippines and a demand for accountability.

“I really don’t get why people meddle with someone else’s private life when there are more pressing matters, tulad po ng flood control, opo diba?” Chie wrote, accompanied by a thumbs-up emoji.

Chie and Matthew were linked, also beginning September 22, after the actress promoted the businessman’s Bisaya Brew beer.

Chie and Jake unfollowed each other three days after, fuelling speculations the actors had ended their relationship.

Sanitec officially unveiled JOMOO in the Philippines through a landmark event themed, ‘JOMOO: The Eos of Smart Living,’ marking the opening of its first showroom in Metro Manila and strategic partnership with Sanitec, the Bath and Kitchen Specialist.

The launch introduces one of the world’s leading sanitaryware brands to the local market, strengthening Sanitec’s portfolio of world-class bathroom solutions for Filipino homes and developments.

JOMOO is recognized as the #1 sanitaryware brand in China, with a brand value exceeding $25.22 billion and the World’s No.1 in Smart Toilet Sales.

With more than 350 global design awards-including “Best of Bath” in the iF Design Awards, ranked No. 1 globally in total awards for five consecutive years-JOMOO has contributed to projects such as the Great Wall of China, Ritz Carlton Residences in Jordan, Indonesian High-Speed Railway, The Mahamasina Municipal Stadium in Madagascar.

Behind its success is an advanced manufacturing network: 15 high-end Smart Factories, 16 R and D centers and 10,000 high-end showrooms across 120 countries.

Its most groundbreaking achievement is the industry’s first “eco-friendly Dark Factory”-a fully automated, robotic facility that conserves energy, reduces waste and redefines sustainable manufacturing operating with precision and efficiency at a level impossible for traditional manufacturing.

Through Sanitec, JOMOO brings a full range of intelligent, sustainable and user-friendly bathroom solutions-from smart toilets to cabinets, showers and faucets-designed to elevate everyday living while remaining accessible.

‘Tonight, we are unveiling what tomorrow’s bathrooms can be and will be,’ said Jensen Go, vice president of Sanitec Import Ventures Inc.

‘This partnership with JOMOO is a testament to our mission of providing Filipinos with carefully selected brands and products that empower us to build bigger, better and wiser.’

Adding star power to the occasion, celebrity guest Alden Richards graced the event, highlighting the significance of the launch in ushering in a new era of smart living for Filipino homes. As he shared, ‘It’s like owning a piece of the future.”

With its proven expertise, award-winning innovation and global presence, JOMOO is poised to become the top choice of developers, architects, designers and homeowners seeking modern and intelligent bathroom solutions.

This launch marks the beginning of a new era in bathroom design-where technology, sustainability, and style converge with a clear invitation: to ‘Start Your Smart Life’

With strategy and communication set to determine the outcome, the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals blasts off Wednesday, October 1, at The Country Club, featuring the best junior golfers from Luzon (North) and Visayas-Mindanao (South) in a Ryder Cup-style showdown.

In true team golf fashion, the finals mirror the recently concluded Team Europe vs Team USA duel in the Ryder Cup. The format includes Four-Ball (Best Ball) on Day 1, Foursomes (Alternate Shot) on Day 2, and Singles matches on the final day. With 48 of the country’s top juniors competing, this promises to be a pressure-packed battleground of skill and willpower.

Team North co-captain Ryan Tambalque laid down a simple but clear plan for Day 1’s Four-Ball format, where the boys’ 7-10 division opens play from the first tee, followed by the 11-14 and the 15-18 divisions. The girls’ teams start simultaneously on the 10th tee, ensuring action on both sides of the course.

The three-day event is open to the public, offering fans a unique opportunity to watch and support the next generation of professional golfers in action.

‘Keep the ball in the fairway and greens in regulation,’ Tambalque said, giving concise marching orders to his 24-player squad that emerged from a grueling seven-leg qualifying series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

However, Tambalque was quick to emphasize balance: ‘Let them enjoy the game. I’m confident in our players – lahat sila malalakas (they’re all strong), and they’ve been training independently. Whichever way we pair them, I know they’ll do their best.’

On the other side, Team South skipper Alfred Gaccion exuded quiet confidence. While he acknowledged the depth of Team North, he believes his squad holds the edge in talent, experience and resilience.

‘The opposing team is equally equipped, so we’re focusing on a balanced fielding of players. Fortunately, we have strong representatives in every age division,’ said Gaccion, who singled out the girls’ 15-18 division as a potential game-changer.

‘The 15-18 girls will definitely be on top,’ he added, referring to his powerhouse lineup of Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo.

Team North’s counterpart in the girls’ 15-18 division includes Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino and Chloe Rada.

While they lack the same level of regional dominance, Tambalque believes their chemistry could be the deciding factor.

‘This is a team event, and team play is the key to overcoming any disadvantage,’ said Gaccion. ‘Support for each other in Four-Ball and Foursomes will be the foundation.’

Though optimistic about an early lead, Gaccion knows the Singles matches will ultimately decide the championship.

‘Day 3 will be the game-changer. If we can take control early, it will boost the players’ confidence heading into the final round,’ he said.

Bonding could become a critical factor. Gaccion admitted his players come from different islands and haven’t had much time to train together.

‘We didn’t have the luxury of team practice or bonding. But this will be our own version of a ‘Team Europe’ style win – cohesive despite the distance,’ he said.

In contrast, Tambalque said Team North has developed camaraderie through regular tournaments and shared training.

‘We see each other almost every week, and even the parents have built rapport. That chemistry is a strength,’ said Tambalque.

Still, recent typhoons limited Team North’s full-team practices.

‘We weren’t able to train as a complete group, so we focused on division-specific practice sessions,’ added Tambalque.

Regardless of preparation, Gaccion and Tambalque believe their teams are ready and eager.

‘This is the first North vs South tournament of this kind, and the excitement is real – not just among the players but also the parents,’ said Tambalque.

The Four-Ball format rewards bold, aggressive play – with each player playing their own ball and the best score counting. Momentum shifts are common, setting the stage for fast starts and high drama.

On Day 2, the Foursomes format brings added pressure. Players alternate shots, making communication and trust paramount. A single misstep can doom a hole, while harmony can create upsets.

The Singles round on Day 3 pits players head-to-head, with each hole crucial in the race to collect points. With one point at stake per match, the first team to reach 24.5 points wins.

If the teams tie at 24-24, a sudden-death playoff will ensue. One age group will be drawn at random, and each captain must nominate a player to settle the match.

The complete rosters:

Team North

Zoji Edoc, Zach Guico, Asher Abad and Halo Pangilinan (boys’ 7-10)

Ronee Dungca, Mavis Espedido, Winter Serapio and Tyra Garingalao (girls’ 7-10)

Vito Sarines, Zianbeau Edoc, Ryuji Suzuki and Jacob Casuga (boys’ 11-14)

Twins Lisa and Mona Sarines, Kendra Garingalao and Alexie Gabi (girls’ 11-14)

Patrick Tambalque, Zachary Villaroman, Jose Carlos Taruc and Kristoffer Nadales (boys’ 15-18)

Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino and Chloe Rada (girls’ 15-18).

Team South

Ethan Lago, Lucas Revilleza, Kvan Alburo and James Rolida (boys’ 7-10)

Denise Mendoza, Soleil Molde, Claren Quiño and Francesca Geroy (girls’ 7-10)

Ralph Batican, Ken Guillermo, Jared Saban and Marcus Dueñas (boys’ 11-14)

Brittany Tamayo, Kimberly Baroquillo, Zuri Bagaloyos and Rafella Batican (girls’ 11-14)

Alexis Nailga, along with Luciano Copok, Mhark Fernando III and Eric Jeon (boys’ 15-18)

Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo (girls’ 15-18).

The government is committed to cracking down on corruption and reducing red tape, which the United States cited as impediments to the Philippines’ efforts to attract foreign investments.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told The STAR yesterday that the government is committed to fighting corruption to clean up the system and restore public trust, acknowledging that recent corruption issues exposed in flood control projects undermine reforms aimed at boosting investor confidence.

In this light, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) sees the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure as a major step in uncovering the misuse of public funds and ensuring accountability.

The DTI is also doing its part to help build a government that the public can trust.

‘We believe that honest and transparent service is key to earning the trust of our people and our business community. That’s why we’re going digital, cutting red tape and making sure our processes are clear and fair,’ Roque said in a Viber message.

Roque’s comments were made following the release of the US Department of State’s 2025 Investment Climate Statement on the Philippines, which cited challenges faced in attracting foreign investments, as well as recent moves to improve the overall investment climate and promote economic growth.

According to the report, the Philippines’ efforts to attract foreign investments have been hampered by corruption, poor infrastructure, high power and logistics costs, regulatory inconsistencies and a cumbersome bureaucracy.

‘Corruption is a pervasive and long-standing problem in both the public and private sector,’ the report said.

It also highlighted the lack of progress in addressing corruption since 2019, with the Philippines placing 114th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index.

In addition, the report said various organizations, including the World Economic Forum, have cited corruption among the top problematic factors for doing business in the Philippines, with the Bureau of Customs still considered as one of the most corrupt agencies.

‘The Philippines’ complex, slow, redundant and sometimes corrupt judicial system inhibits the timely and fair resolution of commercial disputes,’ the report said.

The traffic in major cities and congestion in the ports was also cited as barriers to doing business.

‘While the Philippine bureaucracy can be slow and opaque, the business environment has been better in special economic zones,’ the report said.

The report said recent reforms aimed at attracting new investors were also put in place, such as the CREATE MORE Act, which expanded incentives.

The law extended the period for tax exemptions up to 27 years, clarified value-added tax zero-rating rules and streamlined local tax policies.

American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines executive director Ebb Hinchliffe said in a Viber message that the US report reflects investors’ top concerns.

While investors are encouraged by recent reforms such as the CREATE MORE, Ease of Paying Taxes Law and the executive order on green lanes for streamlined processing of permits, he said businesses are pushing for other measures to strengthen the country’s investment climate.

‘We continue to advocate for structural reforms that promote transparency and business efficiency. These include the passage of the Freedom of Information Act, National Single Window System Act and amendments to the Bank Secrecy and Electric Power Industry Reform Acts,’ Hinchliffe said.

According to Hinchliffe, streamlining travel requirements for foreign tourists and reviewing Revenue Memorandum Circular 5-2024, which covers the tax treatment of cross-border services, are also critical steps to boost investor confidence and position the Philippines as a competitive destination for global investment.

‘Equally important is the consistent implementation of existing laws such as the Ease of Doing Business Act and CREATE MORE,’ he said.

Rep. Martin Romualdez denied another round of bribery allegations thrown against him, this time by Vice President Sara Duterte, who claimed he also accepted bribes from illegal gambling.

‘Naririnig ko ang mga akusasyon. Diretsahan kong sasabihin: hindi totoo na ako’y tumatanggap mula sa ilegal na sugal,’ he said in a statement on Monday, September 29. (I’ve heard the accusations. I will directly say it’s not true that I accept [bribes] from illegal gambling.)

A former Philippine National Police chief has been appointed investigator and special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), replacing Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong – also a retired PNP official – who resigned just two weeks after his appointment to the post.

Malacañang announced yesterday the appointment of retired Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., who served as PNP chief from August 2022 to April 2023.

‘The administration is confident that General Azurin’s experience and leadership will further strengthen the commission’s mandate to uphold accountability and transparency in the use of public funds,’ the Office of the President (OP) said in a statement.

Sought for reaction to his appointment, Azurin, who is abroad, told The STAR via Messenger, ‘I will be honored to help the administration in its ongoing investigation and to support the call of the President for better governance for a better Philippines.’

Azurin will assume his duties after concluding his personal and administrative arrangements, according to the OP statement.

A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy’s Makatao’ Class of 1989, Azurin served as commander of the Northern Luzon Police Area, which covers the Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon and Cordillera regions.

Azurin was embroiled in the alleged cover-up of the P6.7-billion shabu haul involving high-ranking PNP officers, which the Senate had investigated.

He was later cleared in the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs’ investigation on the controversy.

President Marcos, meanwhile, expressed his gratitude to Magalong for his service and contributions to the administration’s anti-corruption efforts.

‘His efforts in safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the commission have been vital to the government’s campaign against corruption in infrastructure projects,’ the OP said.

In a letter to the President which circulated on Friday, Magalong said he resigned as special adviser to the ICI to spare it from doubts related to his appointment. ‘This was not an easy choice,’ Magalong said in a statement, ‘but one I believe is necessary.’

Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto meanwhile clarified that he had never been offered the job of IC advisor and investigator, contrary to a report on a news channel.

In a Facebook post, Sotto said he was misquoted by Bilyonaryo News Channel when asked if he would accept the ICI post following the resignation of Magalong, who is a co-convenor in the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG).

Aside from Sotto and Magalong, the other convenors are Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Isabela City Mayor Sitti Hataman.

‘I was quoted wrong. If you listen carefully, what I said was, ‘Nag-release na po kami ng statement.’ What I was referring to was our statement from M4GG in support of Mayor Benjie Magalong,’ he said.

After being called out for its decision not to livestream its proceedings, the ICI said it would make sure its probe on corruption in flood control projects would be insulated from political interference.

‘It’s important that we maintain the integrity of the commission,’ ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said yesterday. ‘We don’t want the commission to be used for any political agenda.’

He maintained that the ICI’s investigation is a process that involves careful assessment of every piece of evidence laid out before the three-member body.

‘It’s hard to simply believe the statement of one witness, especially if his or her background is unknown,’ Hosaka said.

‘The commission needs to be prudent so that the cases filed would be supported by correct evidence and hold judicial scrutiny,’ he added.

Hosaka reiterated that the committee would not be beholden to any political party.

‘We will be independent,’ he said, adding, ‘We will not allow any group to use us for any political agenda or leverage because we want to seek the truth. We want to know who was really responsible for this mess. We owe that to the Filipino people.’

‘Currently, the ICI hearings are not livestreamed. This is the present policy of the commission. The initial hearings, so far, are for purposes of case build-up for criminal, civil and administrative action,’ He said in a statement.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan urged the fact-finding body to reevaluate its decision in the name of transparency. ‘Do not test the people’s desire to know the truth,’ he warned in a post on X.

Officials and members of the Minority Bloc in the House of Representatives have also expressed objection to limiting public access to ICI investigation.

‘ICI was created to seek for truth, justice and accountability. And transparency is an essential ingredient thereof, since its purpose would be defeated if its hearings are not accessible to the public,’ complained House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima.

‘It also serves as a venue for those accused or implicated to clear their names. For the policy to come from ICI itself about the possibility of a trial by publicity, does it then mean that it cannot trust itself that it can handle such types of investigation?’ she asked.

‘This is very disappointing and frustrating – a body with limited powers to investigate anomalous flood control projects and which is merely a recommendatory board, is not fully accessible to the public,’ the former senator and justice secretary said.

Minority House members Marcelino Libanan (4Ps party-list) and Perci Cendaña of Akbayan party-list also voiced objection to ICI’s decision.

‘There’s no real accountability without transparency. Let the people in. The people have all the right to watch the ICI proceedings precisely because the funds that were stolen were the taxes that they have paid religiously,’ Libanan said.

‘To begin with, the corruption took place because the process was not transparent in the first place – from the bicameral conference committee up to the project implementation stage. And now, even the investigation itself does not have any transparency at all?’ Cendaña pointed out.

Lucio Tan-led Philippine Airlines (PAL) has been named as one of the world’s four-star airlines by an industry network that specifically assesses in-flight comfort and passenger service.

The flag carrier was recognized a four-star major airline for 2026 by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).

The APEX Awards are considered as some of the highest accolades in the aviation industry, as it gathers verified feedback covering more than one million flights yearly across over 600 airlines.

PAL chief operating officer Carlos Luis Fernandez said the award places the airline in the league of some of the world’s finest carriers.

As a four-star major airline, PAL was judged as one of the best for cabin comfort, food and beverage, in-flight entertainment and overall service.

‘We remain steadfast in sustaining the highest standards of service for the welfare of passengers we serve across our global network. The trust and confidence of our travelers inspire us in PAL to further elevate our service standards,’ Fernandez said.

Also joining the four-star list are Air Europa, Air Mauritius, Air Transat, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Cayman Airways, Condor, EgyptAir, flydubai, Hong Kong Airlines and Icelandair.

The list also includes Kenya Airways, KM Malta Airlines, Norse Atlantic Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan Airlines, Virgin Australia and WestJet.

Among global airlines, APEX gave five stars to some Asian carriers, such as Bangkok Airways, Gulf Air and Vietnam Airlines.

PAL is landing wins after wins in its recovery from the pandemic restructuring. The carrier won as the second most preferred airline in Southeast Asia at the 2025 Flyers’ Choice Awards.

Cirium also named PAL as the most punctual airline in Asia and the Pacific for August. The airline turned in an on-time rate of 89.37 percent during the month, outperforming even some of the region’s finest like Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.

PAL plans to maintain its position as a respected full-service carrier through the addition of new aircraft and the refurbishment of existing assets.

Currently, PAL is reconfiguring 18 of its Airbus A321ceos by sacrificing seats to expand space for passenger comfort, and the airline will receive new long-range aircraft starting at the end of this year.