Category: Philippine Star

Businessman Maynard Ngu, tagged during a Senate hearing on flood control anomalies as the alleged bagman of Sen. Francis Escudero, has resigned as independent director of listed Altus Property Ventures Inc.

In a stock exchange filing, Altus said that its board has accepted the resignation of Ngu as independent member of the company’s board of directors effective Monday. Altus said Ngu’s resignation was ‘due to personal reasons.’

At a Senate hearing last Sept. 25, former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo claimed that he had facilitated 20 percent kickbacks or P160 million from Escudero’s P800 million worth of flood control and road network projects in Valenzuela City and in Marinduque through Ngu.

Bernardo said the ‘deliveries of cash were personally made by me to Maynard Ngu at his office in Manila.’

Ngu, regarded as the brain behind the success of the Philippine mobile phone brand Cherry Mobile, had been an independent director of Altus since Sept. 2, 2019.

He is the chief executive officer of Cosmic Technologies Inc., the company behind Cherry Mobile, which was established in 2009.

Aside from leading several firms, Ngu serves as a director in companies such as Cosmic Digital Universe Inc., Quantum Mobile Gears Inc., Accucom System Solutions Inc., MSN Foundation Inc., Intertext and Chat Communications Inc., Xionz Technology Inc. and Casa Nuova Inc.

Ngu is also the president of Pure Living Wellness International Inc., a company which imports and locally distributes beauty care products and general merchandise, based on its general information sheet filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Escudero’s wife, Love Marie Escudero, more popularly known as actress Heart Evangelista, is listed as a stockholder in Pure Living Wellness.

Ngu is also reportedly one of the owners of the Cork Wine Bar, where Escudero and Evangelista held their renewal of vows in February last year.

In 2023, President Marcos appointed Ngu as special envoy to China for trade, investments and tourism.

American basketball pros Sam Vincent and Taj McWilliams-Franklin are visiting the Philippines to participate in a series of engagements that will showcase American excellence in basketball and empower young Filipino athletes and leaders as part of the US Department of State’s Sports Envoy Program.

The initiative strengthens people-to-people ties between Filipinos and Americans through their shared love for sports, while inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Vincent is an NBA champion with the Boston Celtics in 1986 while McWilliams-Franklin is a two-time WNBA champion with the Detroit Shock in 2008 and the Minnesota Lynx in 2011. Both players transitioned to coaching following their successful professional careers as players.

During their visit, Vincent and McWilliams-Franklin will lead basketball clinics and leadership seminars in Alaminos City in Pangasinan, organized in partnership with the local government.

The visiting US sports envoys bring their professional and collegiate coaching experiences to train young athletes in basketball fundamentals while fostering the values of leadership, dedication, and teamwork that will help participants succeed in their professional lives.

Frankie Miñoza, one of Philippine golf’s most iconic figures, has expressed deep admiration for the vibrant display of talent and determination by 48 young golfers at the ongoing ICTSI North vs South Elite Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) Championship at The Country Club here.

Watching the spirited competition unfold, Miñoza couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and hope.

‘This is the best program we’ve had for our junior players,’ he said. ‘It serves as a stepping stone where they not only learn the sport, but more importantly, they develop proper golf etiquette.’

A man known for letting his performance speak louder than words, Miñoza did not hold back in lauding the initiatives of ICTSI, a staunch supporter of Philippine golf.

‘What ICTSI is doing by organizing this kind of tournament is truly commendable. It’s a big boost to the junior golf program – this is where our future champions will come from,’ said the Bukidnon-born legend.

Although Miñoza declined the captaincy of Team South for the tournament, he was present to offer his full support to the Visayas-Mindanao players as they went head-to-head with their Luzon counterparts in a Ryder Cup-style team competition – an innovative and exciting format that promotes both team spirit and individual excellence.

The two-time Philippine Open champion and former Japan Golf Tour mainstay reminisced about a similar era of promise in junior golf – back when the legendary Amalia Montecillo led Jungolf, the country’s premier grassroots golf organization.

‘There was a strong junior golf program before under Mrs. Montecillo. Many players rose to prominence through it,’ Miñoza recalled, referring to accomplished players like Jennifer Rosales, Gerald Rosales, Jayvie Agojo, Carito Villaroman, Mary Grace Estuesta, Ruby Chico, Ramon Brobio, Juami Rocha, Tom Concon and Artemio Murakami.

‘But after Mrs. Montecillo passed away, the program also faded,’ he added, referring to Montecillo’s passing in 2008, which marked a decline in the national junior golf scene she had passionately built since 1976.

Fortunately, ICTSI has stepped up to fill that void – and much more. ‘These kids are lucky,’ Miñoza noted. ‘Because now, they have ICTSI, which created this kind of program.’

The JPGT established in 2023, represents a major milestone in grassroots golf development. What began as a simple skills competition has since evolved into a comprehensive tournament circuit, showcasing young golfers from as early as seven years old up to 18.

More than just a series of competitions, the JPGT is a structured development platform designed to identify and nurture raw talent from across the country, instill discipline, competitiveness and sportsmanship in young players, and offer continuity and clear pathways for young golfers with aspirations of going pro or earning collegiate scholarships.

The JPGT isn’t operating in a vacuum. It is part of ICTSI’s broader commitment to elevate Philippine golf across all levels. The company is also at the helm of the Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) and the Ladies PGT, both of which have become cornerstones of professional golf in the country.

Last June, ICTSI further reinforced this pathway by launching the Intercollegiate Golf Tour, a first-of-its-kind platform that connects junior golf to higher-level amateur and professional play. This tour not only provides high-level competition for college players but also opens doors to scholarship opportunities, varsity recognition, and international exposure – key ingredients for building a professional golf career.

Miñoza’s presence and endorsement of the JPGT carries significant weight. With a career spanning multiple decades, highlighted by victories on the Asia Golf Circuit and a strong run on the Japan Golf Tour, he understands what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

‘It’s inspiring to see these kids compete,’ he said. ‘This is where champions are born.’

Indeed, the likes of Rosales, Agojo and Murakami once stood where today’s juniors now stand – eager, determined and dreaming big.

Reports claim that Zaldy Co ‘is shopping for a house in Europe.’ That can only mean he has no intention of returning to the Philippines ‘post-haste.’ Since he has resigned, is it time to take a shot at Blue, as in a Blue Notice with Interpol for the return of exs-congressman Zaldy Co?

I just saw a very timely and accurate proverb related to the Senate and congressional investigations now slowly but surely floating towards Malacañang and the executive department:

‘The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify’ – Proverbs 29:24. In legal terms, they invoke the right against self-incrimination!

Last Monday evening, I chanced upon a video where a retired Marine officer suggested that we all get a patch of the Philippine flag and wear it red side up. As you all know, that simple act is a declaration of war against another nation, the government or a revolution.

That was what the retired Marine officer was suggesting in defiance of the subtle threats of politicians, officials of the Armed Forces, the PNP and talking heads in Malacañang. I have thought of doing the same thing on numerous occasions as an act of protest against political abuse and corruption.

In fact, I actually went a step further that evening by asking a couple of friends if any of their suppliers could produce such t-shirts and how much. In a matter of seconds someone immediately suggested ‘black shirts with the inverted Philippine flag.’

Then another asked, ‘How many, how soon and what sizes please.’ All I had to do was fill in the order and we would have the shirts in a matter of days.

But instead, I asked a friend to first check with a lawyer if it was against the law or illegal to don the Philippine flag red side up or not. Half an hour later, I received ‘mixed’ opinions and replies to the question.

One lawyer immediately said it was against the law. Another said the law prohibits using the flag as a ‘garment’ or actual clothing like a robe or cape. Ultimately, the answers depended on who you asked.

The historical commission has set rules, even about the positioning of a statue of Jose Rizal on the right side of the flagpole/flag and must be facing the front of government buildings.

Others view historical rules as ‘dated’ or irrelevant with current culture, especially to the millions that have seen flag-inspired uniforms and many Olympic athletes draped with a flag doing a victory lap.

A valuable lesson I am reminded of from all of this is not to rush out and make an order, instead sleep on it, pray for divine wisdom:

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord and shun evil’ – Proverbs 3: 5-6

The answer came the next morning through an FB post of my friend Charmaine who posted a heart-shaped painting of the Philippine flag. One nation under God – marching behind one flag.

Instead of political colors, symbolism of rebellion, placards and titles of movements, use the Philippine flag to symbolize our unity and patriotism! That is exactly what my friends and I will do; ‘wear’ the flag closest to our hearts!

In a post from Heneralunacy ‘What kind of country have we become,’ the author stated: the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, normally a late political responder, recently issued a strong statement asking for real structural reforms and accountability.

Yes, said chamber is very prudent and circumspect about issuing statements, especially concerning politics, governance and peace and order because business and industry view the chambers’ pulse very seriously.

Even when their community is under attack by kidnappers, extortionists or corrupt government officials, they respond with restraint, opting to address the problem calmly and strategically.

The fact that the FFCCCII has now issued a strongly worded statement about the current levels of corruption in the Philippines is a cause for concern, because it is no longer just their backyard or community concern, it is the entire country that has been affected by corruption.

Below is the FFCCCII statement:

An urgent call against corruption

Public statement by the FFCCCII

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. urgently calls on the government, private sector and every citizen to resolutely confront the cancer of corruption eroding our nation’s foundation.

The Need for Systemic Reform – Prosecuting corrupt individuals is reactive. We must go further and dismantle the entire ecosystem that allows corruption to thrive. This requires sweeping systemic reforms built on radical transparency, efficiency and ruthless accountability.

Learn from Global Success – We need not reinvent the wheel. We must look to exemplary models in other jurisdictions where powerful, independent anti-corruption agencies have full autonomy to investigate and prosecute without fear or favor.

Corruption is a Crime Against the People – Corruption is not a victimless crime. It is a heinous betrayal that robs our most vulnerable citizens of essential services and a better life. It stifles innovation, repels investment and essentially destroys our nation and kills its people.

The time for half measures is over. Let us unite to build a system that rewards integrity and paves the way for a just and prosperous Philippines.

Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez is asking for a detailed clarification about the condition of the San Juanico Bridge as he hinted that there could be corruption in the rehabilitation of the structure.

The rehabilitation of the 52-year-old bridge, which links the islands of Samar and Leyte, was first estimated to cost P800 million, but the amount reportedly increased to P7 billion recently.

‘There is something going on na hindi kanais-nais na corruption,’ said Romualdez, cousin of President Marcos and former speaker Martin Romualdez. ‘From P800 million to P7 billion? Magkano ba talaga?’

The mayor said there should be a public disclosure about the real state of the bridge. He questioned the imposition of the three-ton weight limit on the bridge, which he said was implemented without sufficient notice or explanation.

Romualdez said he wanted to know who conducted the feasibility study that recommended the weight limit and why the public was not informed about the matter.

‘That’s why I am calling for clarification of these issues. Is the bridge really defective? How long would the rehabilitation take? Who conducted the study? Why was everything seemingly so sudden and we were given 48 hours only to close the bridge?’ Romualdez asked.

He criticized the Department of Public Works and Highways for not providing a clear information about the condition of the bridge and the basis for the weight limitation.

Romualdez said the reported defects on the bridge were not new since 20 years ago, the structure also underwent repair and the public was given sufficient time to prepare.

He said experts should be tapped to look into the bridge to determine the real cost of the rehabilitation and how it would be done.

The Supreme Court has effectively reset the first regular parliamentary elections for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), ordering the polls to be conducted no later than March 31, 2026.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, October 1, Supreme Court Spokesperson Camille Ting said that the high court’s en banc session on Tuesday, September 30, declared two regional laws governing parliamentary districts-Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) 77 and BAA 58 -unconstitutional.

The high court also said that the parliamentary elections previously scheduled for October 13 cannot proceed due to the lack of a valid legal framework for defining electoral districts.

However, it ordered the Commission on Elections to proceed with preparations and conduct the first regular elections for the Members of the Parliament not later than March 31, 2026.

BAA 77 Voided. The Supreme Court also declared unconstitutional the BA77, the act which reorganized parliamentary districts to reallocate seats originally assigned to Sulu, was passed on Aug. 19, 2025, and signed on Aug. 28, 2025.

According to Ting, the act violated Section 5 of the Voters Registration Act, which prohibits the alteration of precincts once the election period has commenced.

She said that the act violated the Bangsamoro Organic Law requirement that districts must comprise adjoining areas.

‘Some local government units in Lano del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Cotabato City were assigned to different districts that were neither contiguous nor adjacent,’ Ting said.

BAA77 reorganizes parliamentary districts within the BARMM to reallocate seats originally intended for Sulu, after the Supreme Court declared that it was not part of the BARMM.

BAA 53 was also voided. The Supreme Court also declared BAA 58, the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Districts Act of 2024, unconstitutional.

According to Ting, the high tribunal ruled that the nullification of BAA 77 does not revive the earlier law because BAA 58’s framework is now outdated.

BAA 58 still included Sulu in its parliamentary districts, a provision inconsistent with subsequent rulings removing Sulu from BARMM.

‘Since BAA 58 is based on an outdated framework following the removal of Sulu from BARMM, it cannot be reinstated,’ Ting said.

‘Rather, a new and valid districting law must be passed consistent with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, national laws, and the Constitution,’ she added.

The Supreme Court also has issued a mandate requiring the Bangsamoro Transition Authority to immediately determine and finalize the new parliamentary districts, ensuring full compliance with the Bangsamoro Organic Law and the court’s specified criteria by Oct. 30, 2025.

A police team arrested an elusive criminal gang leader from Lanao del Sur on Sunday, September 28, in Midsayap, Cotabato; he was known for sharing proceeds from his illegal activities with the Dawlah Islamiya terror group.

Officials of the Police Regional Office-12 told reporters on Tuesday, September 30, that agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (CIDG-BAR) cornered in Midsayap the long-wanted Jamal Sadang, who is facing high-profile criminal cases pending in different courts in Lanao del Sur province in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman, director of the Bangsamoro regional police, said on Tuesday that Sadang is now locked in the detention facility of the CIDG-BAR at the PC Hill in Cotabato City, the capital of BARMM.

Sadang is a known leader of an armed gang involved in motorcycle theft, extortion and large-scale peddling of shabu in different towns in the second district of Lanao del Sur.

Officials of Army units under the 103rd Infantry Brigade covering Lanao del Sur told reporters on Tuesday that Sadang has links with certain commanders of the now weakened Dawlah Islamiya, who provided him sanctuary in exchange for money whenever he is subjected to extensive manhunts by police teams under the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

De Guzman said it was local officials and traditional Maranao leaders in Lanao del Sur who reported to officials of the CIDG-BAR the presence of Sadang in Midsayap, enabling them to track him down in the municipality and serve the warrants for his arrest.

The operation that led to his arrest was assisted by officials from the Midsayap Municipal Police Station and the Cotabato Provincial Police Office, both under PRO-12’s director, Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente.

At least four uniformed personnel were killed during the collapse of the San Remegio Sports Complex during the deadly magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit Cebu on Tuesday, September 30.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) announced the death of 31-year-old FO2 Allier Vincent Catadman. Catadman, a firefighter assigned to the San Remigio Fire Station, was killed during the quake.

‘He died in the line of duty following the collapse of the San Remigio Sports Complex during the magnitude 6.9 earthquake. We honor his service, bravery, and sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his wife and young child,’ the BFP said in a statement.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also confirmed that at least three of its personnel were killed in the same sports complex. Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, Apprentice Seaman Jujay Mahusay, and ASN Ert Cart Dacunes died when the San Remigio Sports Complex collapsed.

The PCG said the three personnel were rushed to Bogo General Hospital for treatment, but were all eventually pronounced dead.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the families of our fallen personnel. Their dedication to the service and camaraderie with our fellow uniformed men and women will always be remembered. The PCG stands in full solidarity with their loved ones and will ensure that they receive the utmost support,’ PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said.

Despite the tragedy, more PCG personnel and other uniformed workers have been deployed on the ground for rescue efforts in Cebu.

The earthquake has killed at least 60 people, according to the Office of the Civil Defense, with around 154 others injured.

Cebu province has declared a state of calamity following the deadly quake.

Critical infrastructure has been damaged, including several roads and bridges. A number of historical churches have also sustained damage.

Despite the tragedy, more PCG personnel and other uniformed workers have been deployed to assist with rescue efforts in Cebu.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized nearly P35 billion worth of smuggled goods from January to August, underscoring the agency’s intensified border control operations and continuing efforts to curb illicit trade and protect government revenues.

Carrying out 653 seizure operations, the border patrol bureau said it has confiscated P34.73 billion worth of smuggled goods during the eight-month period.

The collection on seized items is only 41 percent of last year’s full year record of P85.16 billion.

BOC Assistant Commissioner Vincent Maronilla explained that last year’s figures were largely driven by letters of authority, which have now been suspended, noting that many of the operations involved were conducted outside the bureau.

‘Now we look at the complaints, when that is back, we are not keen on catching up. I think whatever the figure is, what’s important for us is the industry feels we’re doing something and there’s a reduction of the effect of smuggling in their fields,’ Maronilla said.

Letters of authority are official BOC directives that empower customs officers to carry out specific enforcement actions, such as requesting proof of duty and tax payments on imported merchandise.

In July, BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno halted the execution of all previously approved letters of authority that had not yet been served.

Maronilla said they are reviewing and streamlining safety measures for the issuance of letters of authority to prevent potential abuse based on intelligence reports.

‘Especially in the intellectual property, most particularly agriculture and the tobacco and vape industry,’ he said, referring to stronger patrols in several industries.

According to the report, the top five highest-valued seized commodities were various goods worth P20.16 billion and wildlife and natural resources at P4.78 billion.

Also among the most confiscated smuggled goods were illegal drugs valued at P4.6 billion, cigarettes, tobacco, and vape products worth P2.1 billion, along with counterfeit items amounting to P1.4 billion, according to the BOC.

Still in the eight-month period, the BOC has revoked the accreditation of 40 erring importers and customs brokers as part of its crackdown on trade law violators.

Gokongwei-led real estate developer Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC) plans to open more ‘work.able’ centers across its developments to address the growing demand for flexible workspaces, including in the provinces.

RLC, through its office development and leasing arm Robinsons Offices, recently opened its 14th work.able center at the GBF Center 1 in its Bridgetowne Destination Estate in Pasig and Quezon City.

RLC senior vice president and business unit general manager Jericho Go said that several more work.able centers are in the company’s pipeline, including at least three more within the year.

For next year, Go said that the company ‘will definitely build more,’ with work.able’s future expansion to include provincial locations as well.

‘That’s the plan because some of the demand is coming from the province already. So still Metro Manila, but also demand in the province,’ he said.

‘Be assured that we will continue to grow the business because there is demand for it. So we are not growing it for the sake of growing it. We have received demand for provincial work.able sites where we have a presence in as Robinson Land. So it will really depend on the demand, but as much as we can, we would like to have that presence to be able to bring offices closer to where people live,’ Go said.

Robinsons Offices intends to expand the work.able brand to high-growth areas to reinforce its position as a trusted partner for businesses and a catalyst for growth in the country.

Robinsons Offices’ work.able provides plug-and-play and build-to-suit workspaces, catering to clients seeking private offices, co-working spaces, conferencing facilities and event venues.

‘We are very demand-driven. So, we look at and listen to what the market needs, and then we supply it, because we also want to be conscious of our capital expenditures. We don’t want to speculate. We want to make sure that there’s a demand for space and then get into that space and serve that demand,’ Go said.

Robinsons Offices has also recently inaugurated GBF Center 2, a 30-story premier office development that will serve as a strategic gateway for global firms seeking a future-ready address in Metro Manila.

The 30-story premier office development in Bridgetowne Destination Estate will serve as a strategic gateway for global firms seeking a future ready address in Metro Manila, with each floor offering 2,800 square meters of flexible office space designed to cater to tenant layouts and evolving business needs.