Category: Philippine Star

Up to 675 dengue cases have been reported in Basilan since January, according to the provincial health office.

Of the figure, 333 cases were reported in Isabela City, while the rest were in other parts of Basilan, provincial health officer Sharifa Ann Abbas-Alvarez said.

Local health officials said the number of cases is lower than the previous two years with 866 in 2025 and 768 in 2024.

Abbas said Lamitan City recorded 259 dengue infections, noting that cases in all 12 municipalities remain low.

Authorities urged residents to intensify preventive measures by eliminating stagnant water and other potential mosquito breeding sites, and to seek medical attention once they manifest symptoms of the disease.

A student reportedly abducted somewhere in this city and found dead in a shallow river in Barangay Matengen in nearby Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on Tuesday, August 11, had earlier complained about being frequently bullied by schoolmates whose identities he had reported to school officials and his relatives.

The 21-year-old Abubakar Lauban Hasim, a third-year business administration student at Cotabato State University, was first reported missing by friends and classmates in Cotabato City on Monday, August 10, and was subsequently found dead on Tuesday along a riverbank in Barangay Matengen, about 15 kilometers away.

Friends and classmates of Hasim told reporters that he was apprehensive about his safety after telling his friends, classmates and teachers about being bullied by unruly men, whose names he also revealed to them.

Police probers and barangay officials in Matengen said Hasim had two bullet wounds on his body.

They said they were certain that he was abducted and killed somewhere in Cotabato City and that his killers brought and dumped his body at a shallow spot in a river in Barangay Matengen.

Hasim was from a Moro family in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao del Sur.

Captain Steffie Salanguit, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said investigators and intelligence operatives from different units of the Cotabato City Police Office and the Sultan Kudarat Municipal Police Station, along with local executives in the municipality, are cooperating to bring closure to the apparently premeditated murder of Hasim.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee cannot be compelled to release an unfinished draft of its partial report on alleged flood-control anomalies, saying preliminary committee documents are not yet part of the official Senate record.

The high court dismissed a petition for mandamus and certiorari seeking the full, unredacted draft of the report.

It said mandamus applies only when the law imposes a clear ministerial duty that leaves no room for discretion. No constitutional or statutory provision requires the Senate committee to disclose an unfinished draft.

“A draft report is a preliminary document and only becomes part of the official Senate record once it is finalized, approved by the Committee, and submitted to the Senate plenary following the Senate’s internal rules,” the Supreme Court said in a statement Wednesday, August 12.

Right to information has limits

The high court also rejected the argument that withholding the draft violated the constitutional right to information.

It said the right is subject to recognized limitations, including the deliberative process privilege, which protects internal discussions and preliminary positions while officials are still making decisions.

“This privilege protects internal discussions while a decision is still being made, allowing officials to freely exchange views without the risk that preliminary or tentative positions will be mistaken for final decisions,” the court said.

The Supreme Court also cited the separation of powers, saying courts generally cannot interfere with legislative discretion and the Senate’s internal procedures as long as these remain within constitutional bounds.

The petition was filed by lawyers Eldrige Marvin Aceron, Sikini Labastilla and Purificacion Bartolome-Bernabe.

It followed the leak in February of a draft partial committee report that reportedly recommended criminal and administrative complaints, including plunder, against several senators and other public officials over alleged flood-control irregularities.

Contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines – Easily one of the fancied squads in the forthcoming UAAP men’s basketball tournament are the University of the Philippines’ Fighting Maroons.

Now, the Diliman-based team has added another piece to its offensive arsenal with the acquisition of point guard Ethan Kaw, who is expected to boost the team’s quickness.

Kaw spent his high school years donning blue jersey, acquiring vast experience while playing for Saint Jude Catholic School and later for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets.

In a change of heart, Kaw has chosen to wear Maroon colors in the UAAP cage wars that begin on September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

His six-foot frame puts him in the guard or forward size range, which aligns well with his role as a versatile player in the team’s backcourt and wing positions.

Possessing some shooting touch, Kaw is also expected to provide the Fighting Maroons the needed orchestration and consistency, making UP one of the teams to beat in premier collegiate cage league.

For Kaw however, his mindset is simple. He told online media that he wanted to experience a new environment in college, something expects to achieve with the Fighting Maroons.

With a month and half away before the UAAP joust, Kaw said he is adapting well to the point guard position, adding that the transition is tougher than most expect it to be.

He claimed to have significantly improved playing in the position after several practice sessions with a new system under coach Goldwin Monteverde, honing his reaction time, ball-handling and passing.

Another group of workers has gone to the Supreme Court to challenge lower court orders blocking the new minimum wage in Metro Manila, arguing that the suspension is costing workers an estimated P66 million in wages each day.

KAMANGGAGAWA Party-list and eight labor groups filed a petition Wednesday, August 12, seeking to annul the status quo ante and temporary restraining orders issued by regional trial courts in Pasig and Navotas against the Metro Manila wage order.

The wage order grants an P85 increase in two tranches: P60 effective July 25 and another P25 on Jan. 20, 2027. The court orders have prevented the first tranche from taking effect, keeping the daily minimum wage at P695 instead of P755.

The petitioners said the delay affects around 1.1 million minimum-wage earners, equivalent to about P66 million in foregone wages each day.

“Courts can restore money later, but they cannot retroactively put dinner on yesterday’s table. Workers cannot tell hunger to wait while lawyers argue jurisdiction,” the petition read.

Courts’ jurisdiction questioned

The groups argued that Article 126 of the Labor Code bars courts from issuing injunctions or temporary restraining orders against proceedings before the National Wages and Productivity Commission and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards.

They maintained that regional wage boards have primary jurisdiction over minimum wage setting.

The petitioners also accused Readycon Trading and Construction Corp., R-II Builders Inc. and the Alliance of Philippine Fishing Federations Inc. of bypassing the administrative appeal process under Article 123 of the Labor Code.

Instead of appealing to the NWPC, the companies filed petitions for declaratory relief before trial courts.

“The RTCs cannot and should not enjoin the implementation of social welfare legislations and quasi-legislative Wage Orders without causing irreparable injury to the working class,” the petition read.

The arguments remain subject to the Supreme Court’s review.

On Tuesday, August 11, Akbayan Party-list and other labor groups separately filed a letter-complaint with the Supreme Court’s Judicial Integrity Office seeking a review of the Pasig RTC’s actions in suspending the wage order.

As the enhanced southwest monsoon continues to inundate communities, Sen. Francis Pangilinan is demanding a full accounting of public funds poured into flood control projects and the immediate development of a comprehensive national flood management plan.

Heavy rains over the past week have submerged several parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, displacing thousands and paralyzing classes, work and transportation.

Pangilinan called for a complete inventory of projects detailing their locations, costs, contractors, implementation status and actual results on the ground.

To solve the crisis, Pangilinan pushed for a science-based, preventive and long-term national flood management plan that accounts for climate change, rather than disjointed local band-aid solutions.

‘Far from over’

Public furor over the flood control mess will not go anytime soon due to the perennial problem of flooding worsened by corruption, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said yesterday.

‘After a heavy downpour leaves flooded streets and yards, people will not be short on words in cursing politicians, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and contractors unless – and this is probably – genuine retribution and restitution become the order of the day no matter who were involved,’ Lacson posted on X.

Blacklisted contractors

Blacklisting erring contractors in the flood control controversy has started bearing fruit as key infrastructure projects are on the right track, Presidential Legislative Officer Joey Salceda said.

Citing the DPWH’s quarterly physical report of operations, Salceda said infrastructure reforms are showing impressive results in several key project-completion indicators.

‘The President has addressed procurement, contractor performance and project monitoring. We must now address the financing side. The government cannot clean up the contractor pool and then leave legitimate contractors without sufficient working capital,’ he noted.

Salceda proposed expanding the Development Bank of the Philippines’ infrastructure contractor support program and Landbank’s contractor-financing facilities.

PhilGuarantee coverage can be expanded to allow government and private banks to share the credit risk of lending to qualified contractors, Salceda said.

Periodic floods

Recurring floods in the Philippines reveal not just an engineering problem, but also governance, environmental and civic issues, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines said

Flagging the shortness of people’s political memory, CEAP pointed out that ‘public outrage over alleged corruption can be intense during a flood or investigation, yet during elections, the same personalities, political families, networks or allies may return to power.’

For many Filipino professionals, accepting a job abroad marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that promises career growth, higher earning potential and the opportunity to build a more secure future.

But while an overseas role can significantly increase one’s income, financial success is not determined by salary alone. It depends on the decisions made long before the first paycheck arrives and what happens after.

Relocating overseas comes with a range of upfront expenses, from airfare and housing deposits to relocation costs and everyday living expenses in an unfamiliar country. Without a clear financial plan, even professionals with competitive salaries may find themselves spending more than expected during their first few months abroad.

“An overseas career is one of the biggest financial milestones a Filipino professional can make,” said Metrobank. “While higher income creates new opportunities, long-term financial success depends on having a clear financial plan before you leave and the discipline to stay committed to it while you’re abroad.”

For Filipino professionals preparing for an international career, Metrobank shares seven practical financial moves to help maximize every opportunity from Day 1:

1. Look beyond your salary and understand your true cost of relocation

A higher salary can be attractive, but it should always be evaluated alongside the cost of living in your destination country.

Housing lease, taxes, transportation, insurance, healthcare, utilities and everyday expenses all affect how much of your income you’ll be able to save or invest.

Understanding these costs before relocating allows professionals to create realistic budgets and avoid unnecessary financial stress during their first few months abroad.

2. Organize your finances before you leave

Relocating overseas doesn’t mean leaving your financial responsibilities behind.

Before you leave, make sure you can continue to access your accounts, pay bills and manage your finances remotely through secure digital banking services. Automating essential transactions where appropriate also helps minimize disruptions while you settle into your new role abroad.

Taking these steps before relocating minimizes disruptions and gives you one less thing to worry about as you adjust to a new country and workplace.

3. Build a relocation fund alongside your emergency fund

Many professionals prepare for emergencies, but fewer plan for the unexpected costs that come with starting life overseas.

Rental deposits, temporary accommodation costs, furniture purchases, transportation expenses and administrative requirements can quickly add up during your first few weeks abroad.

Aside from maintaining an emergency fund worth at least three to six months of living expenses, consider setting aside a separate relocation fund to cover these transition costs without affecting your long-term savings.

4. Make your first paycheck count

Receiving your first overseas salary can feel rewarding after months of preparation, but it also presents an opportunity to start managing your hard-earned money smartly.

Rather than increasing spending immediately, prioritize essential living expenses, build your emergency savings, continue investing and allocate funds toward your long-term goals before expanding discretionary spending.

“The first paycheck often sets the tone for everything that follows. That is why professionals who establish disciplined financial habits early on are better positioned to maximize the opportunities that working overseas provides,” Metrobank said.

5. Set your family’s expectations early

Supporting loved ones back home remains a priority for many overseas Filipinos. But sustainable remittance planning goes beyond sending money on a fixed date every month.

Agree on a realistic amount with your family, taking into account your living expenses, savings goals and financial commitments abroad. Consider transaction fees, exchange rates, and the convenience of your chosen remittance channel to ensure that more of your hard-earned money reaches its intended purpose.

It can also be helpful to maintain a separate savings account in the Philippines dedicated to long-term goals such as buying a home, funding future investments or preparing for your return.

Choosing a secure and reliable remittance partner is just as important as deciding how much to send. Through MetroRemit, Metrobank’s money remittance app, the Bank enables overseas Filipinos in key markets to send money directly to the Metrobank accounts of their beneficiaries or through its over 11,000 cash pickup partners in the country, making it easier to support loved ones while keeping remittances aligned with long-term financial goals.

6. Continue building your savings fund while you’re abroad

Working overseas shouldn’t put long-term financial goals on hold.

Whether you’re investing regularly, saving for your first property, building retirement funds or setting aside capital for a future business, consistency matters more than timing.

The earlier you begin, the more time your money has to grow alongside your overseas career.

7. Define what success looks like before you leave

Every overseas assignment should support a larger life goal.

For some, that means buying a home. For others, it is funding a child’s education, building an investment portfolio, or returning to the Philippines with greater financial security.

“Many Filipino professionals relocate abroad to create better opportunities, not only for their families, but also for themselves and having a clear financial plan ensures that every paycheck moves them closer to the future they envision,” Metrobank said.

Working overseas is about more than earning a bigger paycheck. It’s about turning years of sacrifice into lasting financial security through intentional decisions and consistent financial habits.

Whether it is sending money home, managing day-to-day finances, growing savings, or investing for the future, Metrobank supports Filipinos abroad through MetroRemit, digital banking, savings and investment solutions, and its international and domestic presence.

The future of Philippine rowing looked even brighter with the addition of three young foreign-based talents to the national team under Belarusian coach Aliaksandra Tsekhanovich.

The rowers, born overseas to Filipino parents, graced Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) media room in Manila.

They are Ross Llaneta from New Zealand, 15; Enzo Santos from the United States, 17; and Jesu Matteo Manalo from Canada, 17. They have been training in the country for three weeks.

‘We have our targets and we’re working hard. They are improving every day, every row. We all dream big together – one dream,’ said the Belarusian coach.

They are being groomed for the Asian Under-19 Championships to be held in India from December 1-7, and underwent rigid training at the La Mesa Dam and were quartered at Philsports in Pasig. They will leave on August 16 and return to their home base.

‘But we will track their performances through GPS,’ said national team coach Maricon Fornea, referring to the satellite-based technology for on-water performance monitoring.

‘We have yet to determine the other members of the team to the Asian Championships,’ added Fornea in the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and the country’s 24/7sports app ArenaPlus.

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio aired high hopes on the latest additions to the national team, referring to them as ‘future Olympians and part of the future of Philippine rowing.’

Manalo vowed to ‘give my best’ for the Philippines, a sentiment that was echoed by Santos and Llaneta who promised to ‘make the country proud.’

‘Our search for rowing talents continues,’ added Gregorio, who last June celebrated the country’s impressive showing (three golds and one silver) in the Asian Rowing Beach Sprint Championships in Pattaya, Thailand.

Emman Pillar bagged the gold in the Under-16 Coastal men’s solo and the coastal men’s double skulls with Kyle Olano while Ayonna Huerto and Khayzie Caviltes struck gold in the Under-19 women’s doubles skulls.

Matt Jugadora pocketed the silver in the Under-19 coastal men’s solo.

‘These are stunning, positive developments for Philippine rowing,’ added Gregorio, who was president of the Philippine Rowing Association before he became PSC chairman in July last year.

The Office of the Ombudsman is preparing to investigate possible anomalies in some P60 billion in flood control projects implemented in Cebu over the past six years.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla visited Cebu on Monday, August 10, to inspect flood control projects and assess whether their design, construction or implementation contributed to persistent flooding in the province.

Remulla said about 25% of the P60-billion allocation went to Cebu’s 7th District, while another 25% of the total was awarded to a single contractor.

“That should be a lot of money to control the flooding, but apparently the past month flooding happened again here in Cebu,” Remulla said at a press conference.

“We have to look at what’s happening. Is it the design? Is it the execution? Or is it just corruption?” he added.

Remulla said the Ombudsman also plans to examine the implementation and effectiveness of public works projects in flood-prone areas across the Visayas.

He did not identify individuals suspected of wrongdoing but said the Department of Public Works and Highways Central Visayas regional office would come under scrutiny.

The Ombudsman is also looking at possible lifestyle checks involving several district engineers, Remulla said.

Cebu’s 7th District covers Alcantara, Alegria, Badian, Dumanjug, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Moalboal and Ronda.

Agricultural damage caused by the recent storms hitting the country has reached more than P100 million, as continuous rains battered the country’s farmlands.

Based on initial reports, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said that damage and losses from tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay and the southwest monsoon have amounted to P135.5 million, damaging 4,516 hectares of farmland across five regions.

Among the areas hit were the Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Western Visayas, affecting 6,010 farmers and causing production losses estimated at 4,465 metric tons.

‘This is a minor setback in our production plans. The fisheries sector has also been affected, but we have not quantified that yet,’ Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told ‘Money Talks’ on One News yesterday.

He added that the DA has lined up P106.5 million worth of support for affected farmers, such as the distribution of fertilizers along with rice, corn and vegetable seeds, through its regional field offices.

The livestock farmers are also set to receive medicines and animal feeds, Tiu Laurel said.

He added that farmers may also tap the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC)’s Survival and Recovery Loan Program, which could provide affected producers with up to P25,000.

Farmers will also be provided interest?free working capital, repayable after three years, to support their recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Insured producers will also receive indemnification through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., in coordination with the ACPC on credit assistance.

Meanwhile, Tiu Laurel noted that the recent rains will also strengthen the country’s water supply ahead of the drought conditions brought by the El Niño phenomenon.

‘Irrigation management is very critical, the positive side of these rains is that our dams are almost full again. That’s something that is very welcome despite the gloomy weather,’ he added.

Continuous rains over the weekend, driven by tropical cyclones and intensified by the southwest monsoon, pushed several major dams close to spilling levels, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported.

Tiu Laurel said that the DA’s El Niño response will prioritize support for areas less affected by the incoming drought, while also extending assistance to regions hardest hit by the weather event.

‘We are prepared to provide cash assistance and continuously provide more fertilizers and seeds,’ he noted.

A very strong El Niño episode is set to occur in the months of October to December and is expected to last until early next year, PAGASA said.

Emergency loans

At the same time, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is ready to offer up to P40,000 in emergency loans for those residing or working in areas hit by Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon once their areas are officially declared under a state of calamity.

In a statement, the GSIS said qualified members and pensioners with existing emergency loans may borrow up to P40,000, with the proceeds first used to pay their outstanding emergency loan balance. The remaining amount is released to the borrower.

Those without existing emergency loans may avail themselves of up to P20,000.

Meanwhile, old-age and disability pensioners residing in declared calamity areas may also apply, provided their resulting net monthly pension after loan deduction is at least 25 percent of their basic monthly pension.