Category: Philippine Star

The suspension of Manila Councilor Ryan Ponce over acts of sexual harassment is not enough as laws clearly provide for sanctions against perpetrators, the Commission on Human Rights said yesterday.

The CHR said the 60-day suspension imposed on Ponce by the Manila City Council is a ‘welcome step toward accountability. However, it must be emphasized that suspension alone is not a substitute for full accountability.’

The city council earlier ordered Ponce’s suspension upon the recommendation of the committee on ethics, which investigated the sexual harassment complaint filed by fellow Councilor Eunice Castro.

But according to CHR, domestic laws such as the Magna Carta of Women, Anti-Sexual Harassment Act and the Safe Spaces Act ‘provide for clear sanctions and mechanisms to ensure the perpetrators of gender-based misconduct are held accountable.’

‘These laws likewise require institutions to adopt preventive measures, ensure access to justice and extend protection and support to victims or complainants,’ the commission added.

The CHR also cited the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, which serves as a guiding framework for the proper behavior expected of all government personnel.

The human rights body expressed concern over the incident, which occurred within a local government unit and involves an elected official entrusted with serving the public.

The CHR welcomed the reminder issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government to all local officials that sexual misconduct constitutes a serious breach of law, ethics and public trust.

Authorities are now responding to crimes and other emergencies within three minutes, the Philippine National Police said yesterday.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano said police officers are beating the five-minute response rule as they are responding to emergency situations in about three minutes.

Tuano attributed the improvement to the Unified 911 Hotline of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

As the DILG hotline has a feature than can block prank calls, Tuano said police personnel are focused on responding to legitimate calls for assistance.

‘From four minutes and 62 seconds response time, it was shortened to two minutes and 79 seconds,’ he said.

Tuano said pranks calls had dropped from 22,000 to 2,000.

He said there were 4,634 legitimate calls before the hotline was launched on Sept. 11. The PNP recorded 19,761 authentic calls for assistance.

The 911 hotline has a geolocation tracking capability and an active caller directory that can track the location of prank callers.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla urged the public to be responsible in using the 911 hotline, warning that prank calls can hamper response to real emergencies.

Manufacturers have committed to holding off price increases of basic goods until the end of the year, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

‘There will be no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities until the end of the year. All manufacturers have agreed to this,’ Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said in a Viber message yesterday.

The DTI said in a statement that during the recent Consumer Welfare Month Stakeholders’ Appreciation Night, it called on manufacturers to help maintain current prices at least until the end of the year.

The agency continues to coordinate with manufacturers and retailers to maintain the current suggested retail prices in line with the directive of President Marcos to keep essential goods affordable during the holiday season.

While the DTI has secured the manufacturers’ support to keep prices of basic necessities and prime commodities stable, Roque said the agency is still in discussions with manufacturers of Noche Buena items, or those purchased for the Christmas Eve meal.

‘We are still in talks with the manufacturers, but we will inform the public next week,’ she said.

Basic necessities cover canned sardines, milk, coffee, bread, noodles, salt, detergent or laundry soap, bottled water and candles.

Meanwhile, prime commodities include canned meat products, condiments, toilet soap and batteries.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continued the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations (UN) Security Council, vowing to prioritize international rule of law.

The Philippines has long campaigned for a seat at the UN Security Council, with the bid spanning several years. If elected, the country will serve as a council member for two years.

At the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – UN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Marcos continued this bid, addressing other regional leaders as well as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

‘If elected, the Philippines will continue to uphold the primacy of the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes in the maintenance of international peace and security. For the true measure of our partnership lies not only in words, but in the progress we secure for our peoples,’ Marcos said at the summit.

‘For the true measure of our partnership lies not only in words, but in the progress we secure for our peoples,’ he added.

The president thanked other ASEAN countries for supporting the Philippines’ campaign for a Security Council seat.

The Philippines’ bid comes amid tensions in the country’s sovereign waters. China has continuously encroached upon the West Philippine Sea despite the 2016 ruling from the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidating its claims.

Earlier in the summit, Marcos criticized attempts by certain actors to turn Scarborough Shoal into a nature reserve. While he did not name a country, China is the only one to have declared plans to create a nature reserve in the disputed waters.

How the UN Security Council works

The Security Council is tasked with maintaining international peace. It has 15 seats: three for African countries, three for Asia-Pacific, two for Eastern Europe, two for Latin America and the Caribbean and five for Western Europe.

Among these, China, Russia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States hold permanent seats.

China permanently occupies one of the three seats set for Asia-Pacific.

The Philippines is competing against Kyrgyzstan for one seat, with the election scheduled in 2026 at the UN.

If elected, the Philippines will gain the power to vote on UN Security Council resolutions, though it will not have veto powers.

Reigning UCAL titlist Olivarez College and University of the Philippines stayed 1-2 in the team standings after pulling off contrasting wins against their respective rivals in the PG Flex Invitational Tournament 2025 Quintana Cup on Monday, October 27, at the Paco Arena in Manila.

The Sea Lions came through with a decisive run in the third quarter to hack out an 87-77 win over the Diliman Blue Dragons and stay undefeated through five games, while the UP Maroons outlasted the Letran Knights, 80-76, for a 5-1 record in the 9-team preseason tournament.

Centro Escolar University, meantime, eked out a 76-74 win over San Sebastian College-Recoletos, to tie Letran for third to fourth places with similar 3-2 cards.

Out to secure a slot for Olivarez’s starting unit in the coming UCAL competition, Bryan Manuel did almost everything on the court with equal tenacity, posting 27 points, eight rebounds, four steals and one assist.

Rodel Renon tallied only seven points but his veteran presence made the big difference as he sparked the team’s telling run early in the third, creating a much-needed separation that saw them take several 11-point leads.

The Maroons, on the other hand, used their height and heft advantage to prevail over the hard-fighting Knights – thanks to heroics of Joshua Coronel and Arvie Poyos.

Coronel broke a 74-all count with a sequence of brilliance as he grabbed an offensive rebound following a miss by Veejay Pre before making a tough basket.

Poyos, a prized-find from Davao and Kidapawan City in North Cotabato, also made two free throws in the last 12 seconds to seal the win.

Raf Miles led the Maroons with 19 points and nine boards, while James Payosing and Pre added 11 and nine points, respectively.

The event is backed by Smart Sports, Crane, Topflite, Hapee Toothpaste, Gerry’s Grill, Spalding, Mighty Bond and Best Options.

The homegrown third-wave pioneer celebrates eight years of growth with a refreshed brand, four exclusive drinks and a renewed vision for Filipino coffee culture.

After eight years of brewing conversations, Candid Coffee is entering a new era-marked by its ninth branch opening at SM Mall of Asia and a subtle yet meaningful brand refresh that celebrates growth, community, and creativity.

What began as a small Sunday market coffee cart has evolved into a full-fledged café and roastery. Founder Lorenzo “Lanz” Castillo started Candid by pushing a cart at dawn, brewing cup after cup with one goal in mind-to make great coffee accessible, inclusive and delightfully human.

The Mall of Asia branch is more than just a new café-it’s a milestone that mirrors Candid’s internal transformation. Along with the new space comes a refreshed look and a renewed sense of purpose, symbolized by the brand’s ‘Candid Code,’ a simple but powerful acronym: SHARED-Smiles, Hospitality, Authenticity, Relatability, Energy and Daldalan.

Signature flavors and a fresh perspective

Each Candid branch has its own personality, and the Mall of Asia store takes inspiration from green and melon-colors that symbolize renewal, balance and subtle sophistication.

This idea comes alive in four MOA-exclusive drinks that reinterpret Candid’s hallmark creativity and freshness:

Honey Dew Honey Dew – Melon-infused espresso with sea salt foam and tuile, inspired by the soft sweetness of honeydew.

Melon Matcha – First-harvest matcha paired with a melon cold foam for a fruit-forward, refreshing twist.

Cucumber Melon Aerocano – Espresso blended with cucumber, melon cordial, and jasmine air for a bright, crisp finish.

Orange Creamsicle – A nostalgic nod to summer with orange and vanilla flavors layered over espresso.

Brewing the future of Filipino coffee culture

To mark the occasion, the team also introduced a limited-edition Candid candle-a sensory piece blending notes of melon, vanilla and musk to capture that ‘Candid kind of morning.’

Housed in a real Candid espresso cup, it’s a nod to slow rituals and the brand’s belief that coffee isn’t just a drink, it’s a feeling.

As it enters this new chapter, Candid continues to evolve its systems, team culture and customer experience-all while holding onto the same spirit that fueled its beginnings.

‘Our goal has always been to share something special with the world,’ Lanz says. ‘By living out the Candid Code, we believe the rest will follow.’

Experience Candid’s newest chapter at L2, North Entertainment Mall, Mall of Asia, and discover a space that feels both fresh and familiar.

A woman was recently murdered by her husband in Liloan town. But here’s the shocker; she was choked to death in broad daylight, in public, inside a church.

This was what happened in the San Fernando El Rey parish church in Liloan last Friday, October 24.

According to reports, the woman is seen entering the church with her husband. They sit together for a while. When she stands up, he suddenly charges her and pins her against a wall where he chokes her dead. He then flees, leaving her lifeless body behind.

As per canon law, the Cebu Archdiocese said the act desecrated the church and declared it closed until it is restored by canonical reparation rites.

‘I, as the Archbishop of Cebu, decree the temporary closure of the Parish Church of San Fernando Rey, Liloan. All public acts of divine worship are to be suspended until proper canonical procedures are completed to ensure the reparation of the desecration and the restoration of the church’s dignity as a house of prayer and peace,’ said Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy.

Is there no such thing as holy ground for some people anymore? Does being in the presence of the Lord no longer deter some from killing someone else?

Thankfully, this is an isolated case. We realize incidents like these are extremely rare.

It’s not every day that a church is considered desecrated. We remember some years back an altar had to be reconsecrated after electoral campaign materials were placed on it and blessed by a priest with an obvious agenda. Some decades back, a church had to be blessed again after a psychotic vagrant entered and attacked a priest in the middle of a Mass.

In this instance, it wasn’t just the woman who suffered, but also those who need the comfort offered by prayer.

Of course, this isn’t just about acts committed in a church or acts committed in public either. Violence against women, no matter where it happens, should never be condoned.

Eyeing a possible link to foreign drug syndicates, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has sought the help of the International Criminal Police Organization in tracking the source of 16 kilos of marijuana recovered in the West Philippine Sea.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said police are working with the Interpol and other foreign counterparts in probing where the marijuana worth P19.2 million may have originated.

‘We are strengthening our intelligence exchange to track foreign drug personalities who may be operating in or targeting the Philippines,’ Nartatez said in a statement.

The marijuana, stashed in 32 plastic bags and placed in a black duffel bag, was found floating near Sabina Shoal on Oct. 17.

Miguel Tabuena provided one brief shining moment that will live forever in the hearts and minds of Filipino fans in a nation struggling in the depth of dark despair.

Tabuena sizzled with a stirring seven-under-par 65 – his fourth subpar card in as many days – over a sleek Sta. Elena course which he gamely turned into a platform of his guts, courage and excellent shot-making before a roaring and cheering crowd.

He reigned in the rich International Series over a powerhouse cast that included former major winners with a three-shot win.

‘We did it,’ he said as he celebrated the historic win with his family, parents Luigi and Lorna, wife Sandra, daughter Paloma, and fans and kin. He was a grandson of the late Louie Tabuena, the former Games and Amusement Board chair.

The unprecedented win came like a balm that gave the nation a brief spell from a clutch of crippling corruption charges that have pestered its image all over.

It was a week that gave the 31-year-old Tabuena all the components needed for a decisive triumph, and he exploited it to the hilt.

It was held in his home course where he knew by heart all the nooks and crannies and virtually even the blade of grass.

And he made his presence felt, crowding the top contenders early and responding to the tests from gritty rivals with a morale-boosting hole-in-one and sinking crucial putts for birdies and eagles for a record 24-under par.

He took the first prize of $360,000 (over P21 million) from the total $2 million purse and improved his ranking in his bid for a berth in the LIV Golf League.

And the victory is sweeter as the newly minted Pinoy hero gained the feat against some of major winners like Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and PGA titlist Marc Leishman.

‘It was a goal to win an IS event and I’m really really glad it was in the Philippines, in my home club, in front of my family, my friends and every one supporting me,’ said Tabuena.

It was a great weekend for the country as Tabuena’s victory was as golden as the gold medal won by Olympic champ Carlos Yulo in the world meet in Jakarta a day earlier. They were a source of national pride for a beleaguered nation basking with honor in a brief shining moment.

The Philippine Military Academy unveiled a roadmap focused on growth, modernization and global engagement during the PMA’s 127th anniversary over the weekend.

PMA superintendent Vice Admiral Caesar Bernard Valencia said the plan includes faculty development, modern facilities and a forward-looking curriculum that shapes leaders with intellect, agility and character.

The PMA roadmap includes new infrastructure such as a 2,500-capacity mess hall, a modern warfare laboratory with advanced simulators, and improved training and academic buildings. These facilities will also support the PMA’s role as command-and-control hub for disaster response in Northern Luzon.

Navy Lt. Jesse Nestor Saludo, PMA public affairs chief, said the academy aims to strengthen its legacy as the country’s premier military school while adapting to the demands of modern defense and leadership.

The PMA’s updated curriculum now focuses on cyber, space and electronic warfare, along with micro-credentials in artificial intelligence, data analytics and unmanned systems.