Category: Philippine Star

The Supreme Court has dismissed the petition seeking to disqualify Rep. Edgar Erice (Caloocan City 2nd District) from running as representative of Caloocan City’s 2nd District during the 2025 elections.

In a 17-page decision penned by Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul Inting dated July 8, 2025, the high court’s en banc reversed the ruling of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), which had earlier declared Erice disqualified for allegedly violating the Omnibus Election Code.

The ruling was issued after the SC had earlier released a Temporary Restraining Order to stop Comelec from enforcing the disqualification while the case was under review.

The case stemmed from statements Erice made during media interviews in April 2024, where he claimed that the automated counting machines from Miru Systems (Miru) had never been used in any election worldwide.

He also questioned the P18-billion contract between the poll body and Miru, alleging a rigged bidding and claiming to have evidence of offshore accounts linked to Comelec officials, including its chairperson, George Garcia.

Comelec’s Second Division, upheld by the en banc, found his statements to be false and unverified, concluding they could cause public confusion, alarm and distrust in the electoral process.

According to the court, the disqualification was based on Section 261(z)(11) of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits spreading false or alarming information regarding election processes with the intent to disrupt.

Ruling. The high court, however, found a procedural flaw in the poll body’s decision.

The High Court said that under Section 1(c)(3)(viii) of Comelec Resolution No. 11046, a candidate can only be disqualified if a competent court has already found them guilty of violating the Omnibus Election Code or the Local Government Code in a separate proceeding.

The final decision finding the candidate guilty must come from an earlier case, and not the disqualification case itself.

‘Instead of following the foregoing procedure, it appears that respondent Comelec decided to directly rule on whether petitioner Erice is guilty of violation of Section 26l(z)(1 l ), an election offense, and after having done so, imposed the penalty of disqualification. This cannot be permitted,’ the court said.

‘The Comelec cannot skip the processes laid down in our laws, no matter how noble the cause of protecting the integrity of the elections may be,’ it added.

The high court emphasized that while Comelec has the authority to investigate election offenses, the power to decide if an offense was committed rests with the Regional Trial Courts.

In this instance, the Comelec did not observe the proper legal steps when it directly declared Erice guilty and then proceeded to disqualify him.

Furthermore, the high court noted that although spreading false or alarming information is an election offense, it is not among the grounds for disqualification under Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code.

‘Considering that respondent Comelec had no power in the first place to disqualify a candidate on the ground of violation of Section 26l(z)(l 1) of the Omnibus Election Code, the Court shall refrain from determining whether petitioner Erice violated this provision,’ the court’s ruling read.

‘To reiterate, the determination of petitioner Erice’s guilt for this election offense should be made in the proper forum through an appropriate action,’ it added.

Sacked Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers currently detained at the Senate have asked to be placed under house arrest instead, Senate President Vicente Sotto III confirmed yesterday.

Sotto said former district engineer Henry Alcantara and former assistant district engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza have written to the Senate regarding the request.

‘The (Blue Ribbon) committee has not decided. We’ll wait for (acting Blue Ribbon chair Sen. Erwin Tulfo),’ Sotto told reporters.

Tulfo is currently overseas on official business.

The Senate President noted that contractor Curlee Discaya, who is detained alongside the former DPWH officials, has not made a similar request.

Discaya, however, has filed a petition for habeas corpus before the Pasay City Regional Trial Court.

Hernandez was cited in contempt by the Senate on Sept. 8 for supposedly lying during a Blue Ribbon committee hearing, while Alcantara, Mendoza and Discaya were cited and ordered detained on Sept. 18.

Deadline

Discaya’s camp has until tomorrow to file a memoranda in its habeas corpus petition.

Discaya’s lawyer, Cornelio Samaniego III, gave few details about his client’s appearance before the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 298 yesterday.

‘We were given time to submit our respective memoranda until Wednesday, Oct. 15, so hopefully, our petition will be granted,’ Samaniego told reporters.

The lawyer said he is ‘confident’ that the court will side with his client.

Once the memoranda is submitted, Presiding Judge Melvin Cydrick Bughao can decide on the matter.

Southern backdoor under close watch

Meanwhile, security has been tightened in the southern Philippines to prevent personalities implicated in anomalous flood control projects from escaping through the country’s backdoor, an official of the police Maritime Group said yesterday.

MG deputy director for operations Col. Pedro Martinez Jr. said their units are coordinating with the local police in the southernmost parts of the country to be on the lookout for people implicated in the flood control scandal who might flee the country illegally.

Among these areas are Bongao in Tawi-Tawi wherein maritime police units are regularly coordinating with local authorities.

The Department of Justice has placed Sen. Francis Escudero, Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and 31 others linked to corruption in flood control projects under an immigration lookout bulletin order.

The ILBO requires the Bureau of Immigration to closely monitor the travel movements of the persons in the list. However, the order does not prevent them from leaving the country unless a court issues hold departure orders against them.

No untoward incident occurred during a protest against corruption in Forbes Park, Makati led by Cavite 4th District Rep. Kiko Barzaga, the Philippine National Police said yesterday.

PNP public information office chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the rally, which started on Sunday night ended peacefully at 4:20 a.m. yesterday.

Around 300 people joined the rally, according to police.

Barzaga and the other protesters rallied outside Forbes Park where ambassadors, government officials and affluent people reside.

‘Our targets are only the thieves. No one else,’ Barzaga told reporters. ‘We just want our money back and the corrupt imprisoned.’

Barzaga said similar rallies would be held daily in front of exclusive villages.

Tuaño said police are ready to provide protection whether demonstrations happen in public or gated areas, such as in Forbes Park or Dasmariñas Village.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has instructed police to allow public assemblies as long as these remain orderly.

As part of disaster preparedness, the Pasig City government has procured go bags for less than P1,000 each, cheaper than the online estimates of P1,200 to P2,000 per bag, Mayor Vico Sotto said yesterday.

Sotto said the city government acquired the emergency kits at P992 each through a competitive bidding.

‘If we bought these outside, it would probably cost more than P2,000 to replicate the contents. Some estimates online say around P1,200 to P1,800 per bag because of bulk orders,’ Sotto said in a social media post.

The local government distributed one go bag per household, with additional bags allocated for schools, public utility vehicles and transport groups.

In Manila, students, city hall employees, barangay officials and health center workers will also receive emergency go bags.

Mayor Isko Moreno said 101,214 go bags would be distributed to benecifiaries.

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is hiking power rates by P0.2331 per kilowatt-hour this month due to higher generation costs, bringing the overall rate to P13.3182 per kWh.

The adjustment translates to an increase of about P47 in the electricity bills of typical households consuming 200 kWh.

At a press briefing yesterday, Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said the rate hike was due to a P0.19 per kWh rise in generation charges, or the cost of power procured from energy suppliers.

Charges from power supply agreements (PSAs) and independent power producers (IPPs) both increased due to peso depreciation, while those from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) went down amid the improved supply-demand condition.

This month’s generation charge also reflects the impact of the interim extension of Meralco’s 1,000-megawatt power purchase agreement, as approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission.

The IPPs, PSAs and WESM, respectively, accounted for 21 percent, 74 percent and five percent of the company’s total energy requirement for the period.

Transmission charges, or the cost of transporting electricity from power plants to distribution systems, were higher by P0.0114 per kWh due to increased wheeling rates. Similarly, taxes and other charges registered a total increase of P0.0314 per kWh.

Meralco remits taxes and other charges to the government, while it pays pass-through charges for generation and transmission to power suppliers and the grid operator.

The distribution charge, the only portion that goes to Meralco, stood at P0.036 per kWh.

Softening the blow of this month’s rate hike is the ongoing implementation of a refund equivalent to around P0.2024 per kWh for residential customers.

With the recent earthquakes across the country, Meralco has assured its eight million customers that it is actively implementing measures to strengthen the resilience of its distribution network.

‘First and foremost, we are investing heavily in our distribution resiliency program. We have continuously upgraded all our facilities – from poles to wires to substations,’ Zaldarriaga said.

Aboitiz Economic Estates has rebranded The Outlets at Pueblo Verde as The Outlets @MEZ2 Estate, reinforcing the retail complex’s integration within the 63-hectare Mactan Economic Zone 2 (MEZ2) Estate – Cebu’s leading industrial and business hub.

The move intensifies Aboitiz’s broader strategy to position MEZ2 as a fully integrated, sustainable, and future-ready destination that blends industrial, commercial, and lifestyle developments.

Located minutes away from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, MEZ2 Estate continues to evolve into a high-value hub where global industries and modern retail coexist with Cebuano culture and innovation.

The Outlets @MEZ2 Estate, recognized as the first and largest outlet mall in the Visayas-Mindanao region, features more than 70 international and local brands, including Nike, Adidas, Guess, Vans, Casio, and Sperry. The property also hosts the country’s first Adidas ‘Pulse’ concept store-signaling Cebu’s growing importance as a regional retail destination.

Designed as an open-air shopping and leisure environment, the development offers green spaces and pedestrian-friendly walkways. It also serves as a community hub, hosting weekend markets, fitness events, and cultural activities aimed at bringing together residents, professionals, and visitors.

Situated at the heart of the MEZ2 Estate, The Outlets caters to more than 14,000 workers within the zone, alongside surrounding residential and hospitality developments.

The integration highlights Aboitiz’s mixed-use model, combining retail, industrial, and business spaces to create what the group calls ‘live-work-play’ environments.

‘As we strengthen the connection between our estates and the communities they serve, The Outlets @MEZ2 Estate stands as a vital lifestyle destination for Cebu,’ said Clifford Academia, Vice President for Operations of Aboitiz Economic Estates.

‘This rebranding reinforces our commitment to creating integrated environments where industries thrive, and where people can live, work, and play seamlessly, Academia added.

The rebranding forms part of MEZ2 Estate’s broader transformation plan, which includes upgrades in transport infrastructure, utilities, and estate-wide mobility systems to enhance business efficiency and sustainability. Aboitiz Economic Estates-whose portfolio spans industrial and mixed-use developments nationwide-has emphasized its goal of building ‘smart, integrated, and connected’ communities that spur regional economic growth.

By aligning The Outlets more closely with the MEZ2 Estate brand, Aboitiz aims to strengthen its foothold in Cebu’s retail and industrial landscape-positioning the estate not just as a manufacturing base, but as a holistic destination for business and lifestyle.

According to the Bureau of Immigration, over 8 million Filipinos departed the country in 2024, reflecting a significant increase in international travel. Local trips have also remained popular, with families and solo travelers alike exploring scenic provinces, vibrant festivals and nature escapes across the Philippines.

As more Filipinos prepare for their next vacation, whether a beach getaway to the renowned islands, a cultural tour of historic cities, or an adventure to popular international destinations, travel remains a source of joy, discovery and relaxation.

Yet, alongside these memorable experiences come the risks of travel: unexpected flight cancellations and delays, accidents, sudden medical emergencies and incidents, and missing luggage and important belongings.

These unforeseen risks can quickly turn a dream getaway into a stressful and challenging experience.

Palawan ProtekTODO Travel Insurance, brought by trusted financial services provider, Palawan Group of Companies, is designed to be every Filipino’s travel companion to help them fully enjoy their vacation by being financially prepared for travel uncertainties.

ProtekTODO Travel Insurance provides peace of mind with reliable financial protection against emergencies and unexpected incidents-whether travelling locally or abroad. From unexpected accidents to logistical mishaps, it offers affordable yet comprehensive coverage, empowering Filipino travelers to explore with confidence and peace of mind.

Contrary to common belief, travel insurance isn’t just for big spenders. In reality, it’s a smart and essential part of travel planning-offering protection against unexpected expenses, stress and disruptions.

ProtekTODO Travel Insurance debunks the myth by offering affordable plans starting at just P39, with coverage up to P1.5 million. It includes medical assistance, trip delay and cancellation protection, and more, making it a smart choice for every Filipino traveler.

‘We want every Filipino to feel secure and confident, no matter where they go,’ emphasized Karlo Castro, president and CEO of Palawan Group of Companies.

‘With Palawan ProtekTODO, we’re making travel insurance mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos (affordable, fast, and hassle-free). Every traveler deserves peace of mind and financial protection; that’s why we’re making affordable and dependable coverage accessible to everyone,’ he added.

For Filipino travelers, having the right protection is essential to ensure a worry-free experience.

With its wide coverage and easy accessibility, ProtekTODO is helping redefine travel insurance as a must-have for all Filipino travelers, enabling them to explore the world confidently and securely.

Cebu-based Chek Technologies emerged as one of the standout startups at this year’s Geeks on a Beach (GOAB), the Philippines’ flagship tech and startup conference, as it showcased its new organizational intelligence platform PLATEAU.

The platform, designed to help organizations work smarter and faster through data-driven insights, reflects the kind of homegrown innovation organizers say highlights the resilience of the country’s startup ecosystem.

Co-founders Ellieken D. Lim and Christiansen Hermosilla presented PLATEAU, the firm’s new organizational intelligence platform, to an audience of investors and startup stakeholders.

Hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, creatives and policymakers attended the three-day event at JPark Island Resort Hotel in Mactan, now in its eighth edition since the conference was launched in 2013.

‘This year’s GOAB is not just about showcasing technology and design. It’s about resilience, rebuilding, and how the Philippine startup community can help shape an ethical, sustainable, and brighter future for humanity,’ said organizer Dave Overton, founder and CEO of Symph.

Government agencies stressed their support for the ecosystem.

The Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT) cited the rollout of the National Broadband Program and the eGovPH app, now with over 13 million users, while the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) underscored programs bridging research and commercialization gaps and expanding mentorship.

The conference also highlighted grassroots innovation in healthcare, creative industries and music, featuring initiatives such as Learning Board, Creative Club, Door to Asia and September Fever.

GOAB’s collaborative legacy continues through new partnerships, including a tie-up between Cebu’s Zero Ten Park and U.S.-based accelerator Gener8tor to connect Philippine startups to global networks.

‘GOAB is where collaboration occurs. It’s a place where resilience and creativity meet opportunity. And in 2025, it will once again serve as the platform through which the Philippines connects to the world,’ Overton said.

Aerospace giant Airbus is proposing to finally bring its only aircraft currently unavailable in the Philippines, the A220, that carriers can use to connect small islands to key cities abroad.

Airbus president for Asia-Pacific Anand Stanley has urged Philippine carriers to consider the smaller single-aisle A220 as an alternative to their turboprop fleet, which would be barred soon at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The A220 is the little brother of the A320, specifically made by Airbus to land in smaller airports that are incapable of handling larger single-aisles.

In spite of its smaller size, Stanley said the A220 brings competitive advantages missing in turboprops. The A220 can seat anywhere between 100 and 160 guests, whereas turboprops are limited to below 80.

Further, the A220 can fly up to 3,450 nautical miles, giving carriers the flexibility to use it either locally or internationally. Stanley said the A220 could change the game for island destinations in Visayas and Mindanao in reaching high-demand cities like Singapore and Taipei.

In September, flag carrier Air Nuigini became the 25th operator of the A220, adding the aircraft to its fleet to boost capacity for international flights.

‘This aircraft is able to connect regional, smaller routes, but it is also able to do – for the size of this aircraft – ultra long-range routes, such as Papua New Guinea all the way to Singapore, which takes about six, seven hours,’ Stanley told The STAR.

For Stanley, introducing the A220 to the Philippines could balance the need for the government to keep provincial airports as is, without having to convert them into larger gateways that require additional land and resources.

The A220 requires a runway of just 1,500 meters to land and take off, unlike the A320 that needs about 2,000 meters. As such, Stanley said carriers can maximize the A220 in linking tourist spots with their source markets.

‘This is an aircraft that can do island airports, turn around and connect to places like Singapore, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, which is extremely powerful in terms of connectivity. Today, we may need mega airports for these connections, but sometimes you need to balance this also with micro airports,’ Stanley said.

No Philippine carrier currently operates an A220 on their fleet, as they manage flights with mostly larger single-aisles like the A320.

Still, Stanley is encouraged by the A220’s entry into Papua New Guinea, so he also wants to test whether the Philippines is interested in it.

Aviation consultant ACC Aviation estimates the A220 to cost $81 million for the smaller model A220-100 and $91.5 million for the wider variety A220-300.

As of August, Airbus has signed orders for more than 940 A220s from over 30 airlines globally. To date, the manufacturer has delivered 440 of the demand.

Currently, the A220 is flying on around 1,800 routes to roughly 480 destinations worldwide, and Airbus is gearing up the aircraft to lead the market for smaller single-aisles. Airlines are eyeing the A220 for its flying efficiency, burning 25 percent less fuel compared to previous generations.

The controversy that arose from the Technical Committee’s decision to reverse a basket with 6.2 seconds left in Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals last season won’t happen again. It will be recalled that San Miguel Beer’s Mo Tautuaa scored a basket with 56.1 seconds to go and the three referees disregarded goal interference to count it. That gave San Miguel a 98-97 lead. The ensuing inbound allowed TNT to regain possession without a deadball. Then, with 6.2 ticks to go, Chris Ross tied up Jordan Heading for a jumpball, leading to a deadball and a review by the Technical Committee of the Tautuaa basket. The verdict nullified Tautuaa’s shot, bringing back the lead to TNT, 97-96. As a result, San Miguel was forced to give up the foul and Calvin Oftana hit two free throws to extend the lead, 99-96. San Miguel missed a triple that would’ve knotted the count and TNT held on for the win.

The Technical Committee came under fire from certain quarters for making the late judgment. A retired FIBA and PBA referee said the decision was technically correct because there was contact with the rim but in the spirit of the law, the shot should’ve been upheld as the ball’s entry into the hoop wasn’t compromised and it went in cleanly. What made the situation murkier was the Technical Committee called for a presscon immediately after the game to explain the late call without PBA commissioner Willie Marcial’s go-signal. The Committee noted that it could’ve reviewed the shot even after the game but this was later admitted to be a mistake.

The brouhaha prompted Marcial to reexamine the situation and come up with rule changes to assure the incident wouldn’t be repeated. Starting Game 3 of the Finals, Marcial removed the Technical Committee’s authority to check on calls and left it up to the three referees plus the substitute to rule on challenges or other reviews.

In the offseason, PBA consulted coaches twice before ratifying nine rule changes. Marcial retained the referees’ authority to rule on challenges or other reviews, assigned Nol Quilinguen as supervisor of officials and designated the reconstituted Technical Committee to simply handle the video review mechanics.

The pertinent rule change is that in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter or OT, there will be a deadball after every made basket whether two or three or four or a foul shot. There will also be an automatic review by the referees of a goal tending or basketball interference called. However, if it isn’t called, there will be no review. If there is a possible goal tending or basket interference at the end of a game, referees will review and determine a violation or none and time remaining. The automatic review will be made only if it affects the outcome.

This rule, if applied on Tautuaa’s shot, would’ve counted the basket and no review could’ve been made because there was no call. The new rule allays fears that a repeat of the Tautuaa mishap could happen again.