Category: Philippine Star

In the Philippines, almost everyone believes that there is widespread corruption in the government.

This is among the findings of the latest Pulse Asia survey on corruption, which was conducted amid the ongoing investigation into anomalies involving flood control and other infrastructure projects.

The survey, conducted from Sept. 27 to 30, found that 97 percent of the respondents believe that corruption is prevalent in the Philippine government (78 percent ‘very widespread,’ 20 percent ‘somewhat widespread,’ correctly rounded).

Less than one percent said corruption is not widespread, while two percent said they cannot say if it was widespread or not.

Based on the survey, 85 percent said corruption in the government increased in the past 12 months, while 12 percent said it stayed the same. Only three percent said it decreased.

More than half or 59 percent agreed that corruption is a normal part of politics in the Philippines, while 30 percent disagreed. Eleven percent said they cannot say if they agree or disagree with the statement.

Asked which actions they consider as corrupt, whether in the public or private sector, a majority selected accepting or giving bribes (75 percent), misuse of public funds or company resources (67 percent) and offering or receiving kickbacks (64 percent).

Other ‘corrupt’ practices included insider trading or financial fraud (49 percent), evading taxes or regulatory requirements (41 percent), nepotism or favoritism in hiring or promotions (38 percent) and non-disclosure of conflicts of interest (27 percent).

Specific to the alleged anomalies on flood control projects, nine in 10 believed that there was collusion among executive officials, legislators and private contractors in the misuse of public funds.

Sixty-one percent said they ‘strongly agree’ with the statement, while 29 percent said they ‘somewhat agree.’

Only four percent said they do not believe that there was collusion, while six percent said they cannot agree or disagree.

Frequent class suspensions have led to a 12 to 14-percent decline in Math and Science grades among Grade 4 students, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) revealed yesterday.

Aside from the decline, the commission said the suspensions resulted in learning losses equivalent to half to a full school year, with 30 percent of school days in 2023-2024 lost.

‘The school closures have a big effect on the grades of a student. Majority of these (class suspensions) were due to typhoons, earthquakes and other calamities,’ EDCOM 2 noted, adding that 32 days were due to calamities and 12 due to non-teaching tasks.

Earlier, the Department of Education (DepEd) warned that prolonged suspension of face-to-face classes could disrupt students’ learning and development, following Gov. Sol Aragones’ order to suspend in-person classes in all levels in Laguna, citing the need for heightened disaster preparedness.

Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations (COCOPEA) legal counsel Joseph Noel Estrada questioned this decision, saying: ‘Laguna governor should publicize what the provincial government will do during the two-week suspension of classes as part of disaster preparedness and what it seeks to accomplish after.’

To address the learning crisis, DepEd, for its part, has strengthened its partnership with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to ensure class suspension decisions are guided by scientific data, localized risk assessments and safety standards.

The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, meanwhile, urged schools to strengthen academic recovery strategies.

‘Schools are encouraged to strengthen their. flexible learning options, lesson compression and continuity plans to minimize learning loss. Let us work together to keep learning going, rain or shine, and ensure every learner’s progress despite disruptions,’ the association said.

Health break

Aside from Laguna, several local government units have also suspended classes due to rising flu and respiratory illness cases.

Quezon Gov. Angelina Tan suspended classes in all levels, both public and private, on Oct. 16 and 17 to serve as a ‘health break’ amid a surge in influenza-like illness, severe respiratory infection and pneumonia in the province.

Meanwhile, Cavite Gov. Abeng Remulla yesterday suspended face-to-face classes in all levels, both public and private, from Oct. 15 to 18 ‘to give way to influenza-like illness surveillance and preparation for The Big One.’

‘During the suspension of face-to-face classes, the alternative delivery mode will be implemented like online classes and modular learning to ensure the uninterrupted learning of the learners,’ Remulla announced.

‘This move is a proactive effort to protect the health and safety of each Caviteño,’ he added.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) yesterday likewise urged DepEd to postpone the upcoming In-Service Training (INSET) and instead allow a total health break for educators amid the rise in flu and other illnesses affecting schools nationwide.

TDC chairman Benjo Basas said DepEd should suspend the conduct of the INSET scheduled from Oct. 27 to 31 and allow teachers to fully enjoy their health and wellness break, as provided under DepEd Order 12, Series of 2025.

‘However, the same order also recommends the holding of INSET during this period, placing school and division leaders in a dilemma, many of whom opt to conduct INSET for compliance,’ he said.

As a result, he noted, many schools still plan to hold mandatory INSET sessions, effectively defeating the purpose of giving teachers time to rest and recover.

‘Teachers, just like their students, deserve this break. After months of continuous work, from lesson preparation and actual classroom teaching to paperwork and assessments, our teachers need time to rest and recharge,’ he added.

While the INSET is meant to improve teachers’ professional competencies, Basas said it may not be practical to conduct it during a supposed wellness period.

‘In fact, teachers will still spend the week completing school-related tasks such as finalizing learners’ performance outputs and grades for the second quarter, leaving them with no real break at all,’ he said.

He urged the DepEd to review how the INSET is being implemented, noting that the program is funded by public money and should genuinely serve its purpose of developing teachers, not adding to their workload and fatigue.

Basas also acknowledged that INSET can be an opportunity for meaningful discussions on teachers’ welfare, advocacies and issues in the education sector, but only if school heads are supportive and faculty organizations are empowered to assert their rights.

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), has unveiled a new set of winter escapade packages designed for travelers seeking to trade freezing temperatures for the Philippines’ mild and inviting climate.

The packages, available from October 1 to December 31, spotlight Clark as the centerpiece of this seasonal offering.

With Korean stars Kim Myung Soo (popular actor-singer widely recognized for lead roles in Angel’s Last Mission: Love and Numbers, and formerly a member of INFINITE) and Choi Bo Min (actor-singer best known for A-Teen 2 and Shadow Beauty, and member of K-pop boy group Golden Child) helping curate and promote the campaign, TPB Philippines aims to tap into their massive fan base and the aspirational pull of Korean celebrity culture.

By showcasing the Philippines through the lens of these well-loved figures, Clark is positioned as a warm-weather alternative just a short flight away from many East Asian gateways. Its temperate conditions during the winter months make it an ideal hub for outdoor sports such as running, as well as for wellness retreats where visitors can relax and recharge.

Developed in collaboration with DOT-accredited operators, the packages curated with the Korean stars blend wellness, sport and culture.

Travelers can enjoy scenic runs and outdoor activities that showcase Clark’s open spaces and nature trails without the harsh winter chill; spa and wellness experiences, including the Philippines’ traditional hilot therapy designed to restore balance and vitality.

It also includes curated excursions to nearby heritage sites, beaches and natural destinations, ensuring a deeper cultural connection beyond the typical getaway.

‘In December, the Philippines-especially Clark and its nearby destinations-offers a milder climate where visitors can enjoy scenic running trails, wellness sanctuaries and cultural journeys that blend relaxation with discovery,’ said TPB Philippines Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.

‘These winter escapade packages are designed to let travelers return home feeling recharged, inspired and connected. By spotlighting the country through the journeys of Choi Bo Min and Kim Myung Soo, we inspire their fans and followers to consider the Philippines as their next winter destination.’

K-pop has evolved into a global phenomenon with a loyal following that transcends borders, and together the two Hallyu idols command close to 2.5 million Instagram followers with a combined reach of nearly 3 million.

As both celebrities promote their firsthand experience of the Philippines, TPB seeks to convert this worldwide fandom into concrete travel demand.

The campaign is strategically positioned to encourage travelers from colder climates to consider itineraries that reflect Bo Min and Myung Soo’s activities, thereby supporting increased arrivals and reinforcing the Philippines’ appeal as a year-round destination of choice for international travelers.

“The Department of Tourism continually enhances our tourism offerings to captivate the Korean market, focusing on experiences that resonate deeply with Korean travelers. Our packages emphasize golf tourism, with world-class courses set against stunning backdrops, as well as educational tourism opportunities that showcase the Philippines as a hub for learning and cultural exchange,’ enthused Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

‘Additionally, the vibrant dive sites provide an unparalleled underwater adventure. We are committed to providing diverse and enriching experiences that highlight the Philippines as a premier destination for Korean tourists,’ Frasco added.

With direct flights linking Clark, Manila, Davao and Cebu to major cities across Asia, and with accredited tour operators offering curated itineraries, the Philippines stands ready to welcome more travelers looking for warmth, wellness and adventure this winter.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to purchase 30,000 breeder pigs next year to boost the government’s hog repopulation program and help farmers recover from the devastating impact of African swine fever (ASF).

DA Undersecretary for livestock Constante Palabrica said the procurement would focus on young female pigs or gilts which will be used for breeding to rebuild the country’s stock and strengthen local production capacity.

‘For 2026, Congress has passed the P1.6 billion repopulation program. For pigs, 30,000 gilts will be purchased by my department,’ Palabrica said during his speech at the celebration of the 32nd Meat Safety Consciousness Week in Quezon City.

He said the initiative would help revive the local hog industry and at the same time strengthen operations of slaughterhouses nationwide as it ensures a steady supply of locally raised hogs which would, in turn, support meat processors and retailers.

Palabrica highlighted the need to modernize locally registered meat establishments (LRMEs) or slaughterhouses accredited by local governments.

Many of these facilities, he said, still practice ‘floor dressing’ or butchering animals directly on the floor, a method the DA seeks to eliminate to meet national hygienic and food safety standards.

Palabrica said the country’s livestock sector remains promising, citing strong government support and new investments aimed at improving animal production and food safety.

He said that under a recently signed law, the government will allocate around P20 billion annually for a national livestock fund to support disease control programs, infrastructure development and research to further strengthen the industry.

In particular, he said a budget of P100 million has been allotted for 2026, with another similar amount set for 2027, to establish meat laboratories that will help improve quality testing and compliance with food safety standards.

For the nth time, nature is hitting back at humanity. The intensity 6.9 earthquake that hit and devastated northern Cebu reminded us again that man’s relentless ravaging of the environment is now reaping the natural consequences. Nature’s fury is hitting humanity with a vengeance, through a series of blows that can cause multiple deaths and tremendous losses and damage to property. But people never learn.

It has been prophesied in Deuteronomy (31:17), “And on that day I will become angry with them and forsake them; I will hide my face from them, and they will be destroyed. Many disasters and calamities will come on them, and in that day they will ask, ‘Have not these disasters come on us because our God is not with us?” The Philippines is among the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and we should reflect deeply on the causes and consequences. For the longest time, the Philippines has been battered, devastated, and thousands have been killed, but the government failed to train their constituents on the science of disaster preparedness. Filipinos are more interested in planning for beauty pageants and sporting events than for disasters and calamities.

We should learn from history. The deadliest typhoon that ever hit our country, as recorded by the books of natural disasters, was Haiphong from Sept. 27 to Oct. 6, 1881. It killed more than 20,000 people and injured hundreds of thousands. Hurricane Haiyan or Yolanda, which devastated the Eastern Visayas and other areas, from Nov. 7 to 8, 2013, was our country’s second worst, killing no less than 6,241, based only on the number of dead bodies. But many people say it may have been 10,000 if we included those missing until now. Yolanda was the one that the whole world came to know because of the access to modern technology and social media. But still, we seem not to learn.

History also tells us that the other deadly typhoons include Thelma (Uring), which killed 5,956 from Nov. 2 to 7, 1991; Pablo with 1,901 dead from Dec. 2 to 9, 2012; Angela, which killed 1,800 from Sept. 20 to 26, 1867; Winnie which killed 1,593 from Nov. 27 to 30, 2004; Frank which killed 1,501 from June 18 to 23, 2008, an unnamed typhoon hit the country from Oct. 7 to 16, 1897 and caused the death of 1,500 people; Nitang from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, 1984 killing 1,492, and Reming with a mortality of 1,399 from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, 2006. People died because of drowning, falling trees, rocks, and collapsing structures. The houses are not built to withstand super cyclones and hurricanes and the locations of communities and settlements have not been planned to protect lives and properties. We never learn.

Based on the amount of damage caused to properties, the worst typhoon to hit the Philippines was Pablo causing damages worth no less than 42.2 billion. Damage caused by Yolanda was P35.5 billion; Pepeng from Sept. 27 to Oct. 14, 2009 was P27.3 billion; Pedring from Sept. 26 to 28, 2011, P15 billion; Frank, 13.5 billion; Ondoy from Sept. 25 to 27 2009, P11 billion. Ruping caused P10.8 billion damage from Nov. 10 to 14, 1990; Rosing, also 10.8 billion from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, 1995; Kadiang caused damage worth P8.75 billion from Oct. 2 to 6, 1993, and Juan from Oct. 10 to 12, 2010, P8.32 billion. Of course, all these natural calamities could not have been prevented, but the extent of losses could have been mitigated had the government planned well and the people been more prepared. But we do not learn from the lessons of history.

I recall that PAGASA has drawn a disaster map which identifies the five most typhoon-prone months, and these are July, August, September, October, and November, with June and December not being far behind. Knowing this and knowing the patterns indicated by history, officials of national agencies and LGUs should be ready with their Disaster Preparedness Plans. Typhoons can hit us 10 times more before Christmas. We should start to learn how to prepare. Our country is right on the vortex of the Ring of Fire. We should be the experts on disaster preparedness and disaster responses.

Of course, we cannot track the incidences of earthquakes. Yet, we need to learn how to respond in a more organized and orderly way. We should start to learn or perish.

A drug suspect and his companion were killed while two police officers and a Marine soldier were wounded in an alleged shootout in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Wednesday.

Police identified the fatalities as Samsudin Usman and his aide Piong Mindo.

Reports said that members of the Datu Odin Sinsuat police were serving an arrest warrant on Usman in Barangay Semba when the suspect and his companions allegedly fired at the officers, triggering a shootout.

Capt. Samy Paning, municipal police deputy chief, and his companions Cpl. Marson Quijano and Marine Pvt. Alex Bajoyo were wounded in the shootout.

Usman’s other companions fled, but one of them, identified as Barry Usman surrendered to the police.

President Marcos met with Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grli? Radman as well as the new ambassadors of Belgium and the United Kingdom on Tuesday, reaffirming his commitment to deepen ties with the three nations.

This was the first official visit to the country of Radman, according to the Presidential Communications Office.

Marcos underscored the importance of Radman’s visit as a new chapter in the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and Croatia.

Radman cited Croatia and the Philippines’ shared values and mutual respect for international law.

He was in the Philippines from Oct. 12 to 14. He met with government officials, including Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr., Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac as well as leaders of Congress.

In separate ceremonies at Malacañang on Tuesday, Marcos received the credentials of Ambassadors Vladislava Iordanova of Belgium and Sarah Hulton of the UK and Northern Ireland.

The local stock market gathered further steam, buoyed once again by bargain hunters capitalizing on cheap prices.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) improved by 0.29 percent or 17.88 points to close at 6,094.10, extending its winning streak to three.

The broader All Shares Index also inched up by 0.06 percent or 2.25 points, settling at 3,670.88.

‘The PSEi continued to correct slightly higher for the third straight trading day amid some bargain-hunting activities,’ Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said.

AP Securities said the market continued to track higher, but trimmed its gains after profit taking kicked in when the index touched an intraday high around 6,100.

‘The PSEi extended its gains as market sentiment turned positive, supported by the peso holding its ground against the greenback, nearing the 57 mark. Moreover, bargain hunting continued to be one of the key drivers of trading activity throughout the week,’ Luis Limlingan of Regina Capital said.

Trading was strong with total value turnover rising to P7.9 billion from the previous day’s P6.17 billion.

Sectoral gauges were a mixed bag, with mining and oil posting the largest increase at 1.15 percent, while property suffered the biggest decline at 0.87 percent.

Market breadth, however, was negative as decliners edged out advancers, 107 to 95, while 56 issues were unchanged.

The session’s top traded stock was still ICTSI, which surged by 2.42 percent to P550 per share. It was followed URC which jumped by 1.05 percent to P77 and Manila Water which fell by 2.9 percent to P36.80.

The Supreme Court (SC) has reversed the ruling of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to disqualify Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice from running in the 2025 elections.

In a ruling made public yesterday, the SC granted Erice’s petition, which challenged the Comelec resolution disqualifying him for allegedly spreading false and alarming information meant to disrupt the electoral process.

The high court also dismissed the disqualification petition filed by Raymond Salipot against Erice.

In December last year, the Comelec affirmed the decision of the poll body’s Second Division to disqualify Erice for questioning the credibility of South Korean firm Miru Systems’ automated election system.

The SC said the Comelec ‘went beyond’ its jurisdiction when the poll body ruled that Erice was guilty of violating the Omnibus Election Code and imposed the penalty of disqualification.

Community leaders, including ethnic Blaans, and employees of a private firm have joined forces to provide health services to marginalized villagers in a remote community in the hinterland town of Tampakan, South Cotabato.

Ferdinand Encia, chairman of Barangay Buto in Tampakan, told reporters on Thursday, October 16, that personnel of the Sagittarius Mines Incorporated (SMI) delivered to his office on Friday, October 10, medicines for common ailments and other medical provisions to boost the current joint medical service program of the firm and their barangay government.

Encia and municipal officials separately told reporters on Thursday that barangay leaders, community health workers, the SMI and Blaan tribal leaders in Tampakan are cooperating in pushing forward their community health and medical thrusts in all of the barangays in their municipality.

The SMI was contracted by the national government to soon operate the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project, which shall cover adjoining Blaan domains in Tampakan, Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, in Malungon in Sarangani and in Kiblawan in Davao Del Sur.

Encia and his constituent barangay leaders said the SMI has not extracted copper and gold yet in their hometown, but has already spent big amounts of money for community empowerment, health and education programs in the four municipalities in the past 10 years.

‘We are thankful to the management of this mining firm for its support for the health services of our barangay government and all the other barangay governments in Tampakan,’ Encia said.

The vice mayors of Malungon and Kiblawan, Maria Theresa Constantino and Joel Calma, respectively, said some of the health workers in their municipalities, including members of the indigenous Blaan community, finished midwifery and nursing courses through the SMI’s college scholarship program.