Category: Philippine Star

The Cebu City Council is requesting the Office of the City Mayor to increase the monthly fuel allocation for all vehicles used for garbage collection, saying that the reduction has affected operations.

Councilor Harry Eran, during the most recent regular session, filed this resolution, which was subsequently approved by the Council.

In the resolution, Eran highlighted that the motor vehicles used for garbage collection in Cebu City were previously allocated an average of 400 liters of fuel per month, but this has been reduced to only 150 liters per month.

‘This significant reduction in fuel allocation has adversely affected the capacity of garbage trucks to adequately and efficiently collect and dispose of solid waste,’ said Eran.

The councilor cited that the South District barangays are considerably distant from the Binaliw Landfill, which means that this requires higher fuel consumption than the others to ensure the timely hauling and disposal of collected waste.

The Eran resolution also cited the provision from Republic Act No. 9003 (the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000), which mandates that local government units ensure the proper collection, transfer, and disposal of solid waste as part of their primary duty to protect public health and the environment.

It added that the City of Cebu, through its local ordinances on solid waste management, also recognizes the necessity of providing adequate logistical and operational support, including fuel allocation, for the efficient performance of garbage collection services.

The Council approved the measure urging Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival to increase the monthly fuel allocation for all motor vehicles utilized for garbage collection, particularly those servicing the South District barangays.

Meanwhile, in another approved measure authored by Eran, the Council also requested the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) Board to study the possible extension of the 20 percent discount on tollway fees for the benefit of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Eran’s resolution cited provisions of Republic Act No. 9994 (the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010), and Republic Act No. 10754 (the Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of PWDs), which mandate that senior citizens and PWDs shall be entitled to a 20 percent discount and exemption from the value-added tax (VAT) on certain goods and services for their exclusive use and benefit.

Its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) include land transportation services among those covered by the mandatory 20 percent discount.

For the past few days, our country has been rocked with earthquake events one after the other. These were all very strong, powerful temblors that shifted the tectonic plates surrounding the Philippines. These earthquakes though are not yet within the range of the so-called ‘Big One’ that our volcanologists have been warning us to brace for. Such is apparently to obviate public fears that the successive quakes might be the precursors of the catastrophic ‘Big One.’

The magnitude 6.9 quake that shook the entire Cebu reached nearby provinces like Iloilo last Sept.30. Ten days later, a much stronger magnitude 7.4 earthquake jarred the Davao region. It was felt all the way to Leyte, Samar and Cagayan de Oro City. Sadly, 74 people died in the Cebu quake and aftershocks still continue. On the other hand, the earthquake that originated in Davao Oriental has so far resulted in seven deaths as of this writing.

We’ve sort of been treated to an awe-inspiring resilience displayed by the bridge structures in Cebu. Three bridges spanning Cebu withstood the swinging and sideways shaking of the earthquake, seemingly swaying with it.

There is no definitive way to predict an earthquake to avoid zero-casualty. What is troubling though is the recent series of collapsed bridges when there was not even an earthquake. The collapse of the Piggatan Bridge in Alcala town in Cagayan last Oct. 3 is a case in point.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon agreed with the findings of local district engineers. Dizon noted the lack of regular maintenance and the passing of overloaded trucks, lapses in monitoring and enforcement all brought about this collapse waiting to happen. He conceded these combined issues made the 45-year-old bridge vulnerable. It was retrofitted though in 2016 at a cost of P11.7 million, Dizon added.

But we supposedly have an Anti-Overloading law, or Republic Act 8794, against exceeding the maximum gross vehicle weight of 45 tons allowable tonnage.

It was only last Feb. 27 when the Cabagan-Santa Maria suspension bridge in Isabela collapsed due to alleged design flaws and overloading also. President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM) agreed with the findings after his inspection of the collapsed bridge. The 44-ton bridge inexplicably collapsed while four vehicles were passing through but thankfully there were no casualties.

These twin bridge collapses did not merit much investigation, not even in Congress. Not in the same proportion as the reported multibillion-peso worth of ‘ghost’ flood control projects under the DPWH budget in the past three years.

It would seem these incidents have become water under the bridge.

Levity aside, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. reminded us during our Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum last week that it was actually the existing condition of our country’s bridge structures that first caught the attention of PBBM much earlier. Galvez recalled the President mentioned a decrepit hanging bridge in Mindanao during his state of the nation address (SONA) at the joint opening session of the 20th Congress last July 28.

In his SONA, PBBM pledged to ensure that funds would be allocated for the construction of a new concrete bridge in Pisompongan, a village about 20 kilometers from the Midsalip town in Zamboanga del Sur. It drew PBBM’s attention, Galvez recalled, after a video posted on social media showed school children and teachers crossing a river amid strong currents and rising waters brought by heavy monsoon rains.

Through OPAPRU’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program, Galvez told us, the P60-million concrete bridge project will be put up. Galvez announced the check was already released, coinciding with the celebration of Peace Month. And last Aug. 1, the OPAPRU chief led the groundbreaking at the site of the new bridge which will be completed before end of this year.

Many other infrastructure projects are being lined up under the PAMANA program, Galvez cited, including those in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Galvez though clarified the OPAPRU earlier suspended many of the projects in the BARMM during the campaign period for the first ever BARMM Parliament elections (BPE). The polls were supposed to take place today but the Supreme Court (SC) ordered its postponement until they come up with a new law redistricting the 80-seat BARMM Parliament. The SC told the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to come up with a constitutionally compliant legislation.

Per latest SC ruling, the BTA must redistribute to the five other BARMM provinces the seven seats originally intended for Sulu in accordance with existing laws of the land. But the SC last year upheld Sulu’s opting out of the BARMM.

The postponement of the BPE to not later than March 2026 – while seemingly inconvenient – gave the OPAPRU more time to resume its socio-economic programs for the BARMM. However, there were shocking revelations surrounding former BARMM chief minister Ahod B. Ebrahim’s alleged financial impropriety concerning the P6.4-billion Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).

The allegations brought out in the House of Representatives’ Committee Report 1502 noted the staggering monthly disbursement of P1.5 billion to local government units (LGUs) closely aligned with the ruling United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP). Such a troubling pattern raises an alarm echoing across the regions and communities that depend on these funds for their welfare and development. The stench of corruption is palpable. Thus, it demands urgent attention.

The same report rendered by the House committee on public accounts called for a comprehensive fraud audit by the Commission on Audit (COA). However, this report must not be a mere formality. It must catalyze a movement towards transparency and restore public trust in a system that has been grossly manipulated.

The postponement of the BPE could provide the necessary space for a thorough investigation. Should the forensic audit reveal impropriety, it is essential that decisive legal actions follow.

Failure to do so signals tacitly tolerating the culture of corruption. Such a message we cannot afford to send, not even in the name of peace in Mindanao.

The Senate is studying the creation of a ‘Build Back Better Fund’ in next year’s budget to help rebuild homes and communities damaged by recent calamities, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said yesterday.

Gatchalian, chair of the Senate finance committee, said the fund will be carved out of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) and used to assist residents whose homes were destroyed, including those in quake-hit Bogo City in Cebu.

He clarified that the proposal would not create a new budget item but would expand the uses of the LGSF to include housing subsidy and reconstruction support.

‘We would just include an additional criteria,’ he said.

Gatchalian said about P182 billion in disaster response funds remain available across various agencies, enough to cover current needs until the end of the year.

While some have proposed sourcing funds from flood control allocations, the senator said there are already sufficient reserves under the LGSF, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) fund and the contingency fund.

He also acknowledged public ‘trust issues’ with the Department of Public Works and Highways but expressed confidence the agency’s leadership would institute reforms.

To ensure transparency, he said agencies with their own budgets – such as the Departments of Education and Housing – could directly handle reconstruction projects or oversee their bidding.

Davao death toll now 8

Meanwhile, the death toll in twin quakes that struck Davao Oriental and nearby provinces last Friday has increased to eight while over 125,000 families were affected, the NDRRMC reported yesterday.

Office of Civil Defense Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said the eight fatalities were from Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro and Davao City. The number of those killed, he said, were for validation. No person was reported missing.

He said 125,000 families or 491,000 people from 303 barangays were affected by the twin temblors.

In its report, the NDRRMC said 66,366 families or 280,868 people affected were from the Davao Region while 58,917 families or 210,390 people were from Caraga.

The earthquakes damaged 2,155 houses in Davao and Caraga regions.

The damage to 273 infrastructure facilities in both regions is estimated at P100.3 million.

The Philippine National Police yesterday said the security situation in Davao Oriental remains stable and manageable.

PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the quick deployment of police units for rescue, evacuation and relief operations helped maintain order in affected communities.

Maj. Cirelo Solaña, chief of the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office’s operations unit, reported minor structural damage to police stations, schools, bridges and other public buildings.

Relief operations

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has tapped its small town lottery operators or authorized agent corporations (AACs) to conduct a massive relief distribution drive in quake-hit areas in the Davao region.

PCSO personnel from its Davao Branch Office, in collaboration with Jambhala Gaming Corp., Felicity Games and Amusement Corp. and Plutus Gaming Corp., had joined forces to mobilize their resources and conduct emergency first responder operations and bring assistance to the earthquake victims.

In a related development, commercial firms affected by the devastating quake in Cebu may seek exemption from paying salary increases to workers, according to the Department of Labor and Employment.

Establishments regularly employing not more than 10 workers and those affected by natural calamities or human-induced disasters may apply for exemption from compliance with the new wage order.

Eligible firms are given until Dec. 2 to apply for wage exemption.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte over the weekend confirmed that she personally experienced the two strong earthquakes in Davao City on Friday. Noting that she was not able to bring anything when she and her family left home, she emphasized the importance of preparing go bags for disasters.

Newly appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s restoration of public access to the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of government officials received positive reactions from both opposition and administration lawmakers in the House of Representatives.

‘Ombudsman Remulla’s move is a long-overdue correction to a policy that weakened transparency and accountability by restricting public access to SALNs. The ombudsman must serve the people, not those in power,’ Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno said.

‘If only the SALNs are open to easy public access, then it would be harder for corrupt officials in government to cover their nefarious tracks. It’s about time for public officials to open their SALNs and restore the trust of the public to our officials,’ the opposition lawmaker added.

Speaker Faustino Dy III himself is open to giving out his own SALNs to whoever is interested.

‘In my view, it is necessary for us to show the SALNs of all our members here in the lower House. People really have to see it, and we have to be open about it. It should be accessible to everyone,’ he told reporters in a chance interview shortly after he made the rounds at the Batasan complex.

Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos, an administration lawmaker, called the move ‘a historic step toward ending secrecy, fighting corruption and restoring the people’s faith in government.’

‘Public office is a public trust. The people have the right to know how their officials manage their wealth and live up to the ethical standards set by law,’ he noted.

‘Transparency tools like the SALN system are essential in deterring corruption and rebuilding public trust in institutions. The government should not hide behind the excuse of data privacy when it comes to accountability,’ Santos said.

So far, only four House members from the Akbayan reform bloc have released copies of their SALNs to the public: Akbayan Reps. Diokno, Percival Cendaña and Dadah Ismula and Dinagat Islands Rep. Arlene Bag-ao.

During the Duterte administration, then ombudsman Samuel Martires restricted access to public officials’ SALNs and stopped lifestyle checks. Then Vice President Leni Robredo ignored the restrictions and continued to make her SALN available to the public.

‘Expedite access’

Meanwhile, labor coalition NAGKAISA urged the ombudsman to expedite its commitment to give public access to government officials’ SALN.

NAGKAISA spokesman Rene Magtubo said the move to open the SALN is a refreshing break from the Duterte administration’s policy of secrecy.

‘During the Duterte years, SALNs were treated like state secrets. Now, we welcome transparency as the first light breaking through the fog of impunity,’ Magtubo stressed.

He said the Office of the Ombudsman must institutionalize the open access to SALNs of high-ranking officials and make transparency a pillar of good governance.

‘Workers pay their taxes down to the last centavo. We have the right to know how our leaders spend – or expand – theirs,’ he noted.

The coalition urged all workers and citizens to join another major anti-corruption rally on Nov. 30.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) aims to file 15 to 20 cases within four weeks against individuals linked to the 421 suspected ghost flood control projects uncovered in the government’s early assessment.

Newly sworn in as special adviser to the ICI, former Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the ICI, tasked to probe large-scale irregularities in public spending, is operating on a four-week plan.

He said the commission the timeline begins with the validation of 421 flood control projects that multiple government agencies have reported in their respective audits, including the Department of Public Work and Highways.

By the second week, the ICI will start building cases.

By the fourth week, the ICI should file 15 to 20 cases at the Ombudsman.

‘Between now until the third to fourth week, we are looking to file at least 15 cases,’ Azurin said in a mix of English and Filipino, at a livestreamed press conference right after his oathtaking ceremony.

Azurin said that the filing of cases will come as soon as the documentation is complete. Other agencies like the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the National Bureau of Investigation can also assist on documentation, Azurin said.

Scope of suspected projects. The 421 questionable missing or substandard flood control projects were from an initial pool of 8,000 reviewed. Of the 421, 261 are located in Luzon, 109 in Visayas, and 51 in Mindanao.

The DPWH reported a a total of 238,200 infrastructure projects from 2016 to 2025m about 12.5% or 29,800 of these are flood control works.

Azurin, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s former top cop, said the commission’s goal is to break the “cycle of negligence and betrayal” in infrastructure development.

‘This commission has been tasked to investigate, prosecute, and bring to justice all those responsible for corruption and malpractice in infrastructure projects-projects that should have protected our people but instead have caused repeated suffering during natural calamities,’ Azurin said.

A joint maritime operation recovered 36 kilos of suspected cocaine in the coastal waters off Puerto Princesa City in Palawan last Saturday.

The cocaine bricks, packed in two sacks and valued at P56 million, were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Palawan office.

According to reports, the contraband was recovered by the crew of BRP Ladislao Diwa, one of the naval assets under the western command, while conducting maritime patrols in the West Philippine Sea.

Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting Philippine National Police chief, said investigators are coordinating with PDEA in tracing both the source and receiver of the illegal drug.

Local fishermen first discovered the cocaine floating off Barangay Bahile and alerted authorities of its presence.

Familiarity with the tight, tree-lined fairways of Del Monte Golf Club may offer some edge, but Clyde Mondilla and Reymon Jaraula know it will take far more than local knowledge to dominate the ICTSI Del Monte Championship once again.

The homegrown aces finished 1-2 the last time the Philippine Golf Tour visited this mountain-top layout in 2023. Yet, heading into the P3.5-million event, which fires off Tuesday, October 14, both are tempering expectations with a blend of caution, confidence and competitive hunger.

‘Comfortable ako sa home course ko kasi madalas ko siyang nilalaro, pero hindi ko siya binabale-wala,’ said Mondilla, who delivered a thrilling comeback two years ago with a pair of eagles on Day 1 and three closing birdies in the final round to edge Jaraula by one.

Now gunning to defend his crown, the former Philippine Open champion knows that course knowledge is only part of the equation.

‘Iba pa rin ang bawat round. May mga bago kang matututunan,’ he added. ‘Kaya lagi kong sinusubukan na mag-focus, laruin lang ang game ko, at i-respeto ang course.’

While Mondilla takes a methodical approach, Jaraula enters with quiet confidence, eager to flip the script.

‘Confident ako kasi familiar na ako sa course and hopefully, magagamit ko ‘yung advantage ko,’ said the three-time PGT winner, whose local roots remain a strong motivational anchor.

Both are eager to put on a show at home, especially after contrasting finishes in the previous PGT leg at Marapara – Mondilla rallying late to tie for second and Jaraula settling for a share of 18th.

But even with their intimate knowledge of Del Monte, the field is anything but predictable.

Veteran Frankie Miñoza, a living legend and Del Monte icon, returns to action after a long layoff. Though well-versed in every inch of the course, he too understands that success now hinges as much on form and mental fortitude as it does on familiarity.

Challenging the homegrown talents is a loaded field that includes red-hot contenders, decorated champions, rising stars and a wave of foreign threats – all with one thing in mind: the title.

Leading the charge is Keanu Jahns, who has strung together an impressive PGT run – winning twice and placing runner-up twice in six starts. Although his three-peat hopes were derailed by Rupert Zaragosa at Marapara, the big-hitting Filipino-German remains a prime threat.

‘Same as always, take it one shot at a time and stick to my routine,’ said Jahns of his game plan. ‘Del Monte’s tighter layout may favor accuracy more than length, so I’ll adapt accordingly during the practice round.’

Zaragosa, the crafty and confident shotmaker who thrives on tree-lined courses, is another player to watch. Fresh off a dominant win at Marapara, he sees similarities in Del Monte’s setup – a scenario he hopes to exploit.

‘Kasi mahilig ako at bagay ang laro ko sa mga course na tree-lined,’ said Zaragosa. ‘To win again, I need to stay committed to my process, trust my instincts and the results will follow.’

Veteran campaigners Tony Lascuña and Jhonnel Ababa, both eager to hit their stride before the final two legs of the P10.5-million Mindanao swing in Davao, are poised to strike. Forest Hills winner Guido van der Valk, Zanieboy Gialon, Michael Bibat, Ira Alido and Nilo Salahog round out a formidable local cast.

Young guns Ryan Monsalve, Russell Bautista, Kristoffer Arevalo, Elee Bisera and John Michael Uy are also looking to make a breakthrough – each hungry for a statement performance on a big stage.

The foreign challenge is equally potent. American Collin Wheeler and a formidable Korean contingent – Jisung Cheon, Tae Soo Kim, Jaehyun Jung, Taewon Ha – along with Japanese standout Atsushi Ueda – are all primed to spoil the locals’ homecoming.

Mati Bishop Abel Apigo has ordered all parishes and Catholic schools in Davao Oriental to stop using their churches and buildings until authorities declare these as structurally safe, following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that hit the province on Oct. 10.

In a circular issued over the weekend, Apigo said safety must remain the top priority following reports of significant damage to several church and school structures across the diocese.

‘I am directing all the parish priests and parish administrators, especially (in areas) badly hit by the earthquake, not to use the church buildings until we receive clearance from the competent and designated teams from the province, city or municipal office declaring that the buildings are safe,’ Apigo said.

The order also covers all Catholic schools in the diocese, with administrators instructed to ensure that classrooms and other facilities are properly inspected before resuming classes and activities.

Malaysia-based cafe chain OldTown White Coffee is ramping up its presence in the Philippines with a P400 million expansion plan that will see 20 new outlets open across Visayas and Mindanao in the next five years.

The plan, announced by its Philippine licensee Del Mundo Group over the weekend, follows the recent opening of the popular chain’s first branch in Zamboanga City on Oct. 3.

‘We are optimistic about our continued expansion in Visayas and Mindanao especially in Zamboanga which we see as a growing hub for business and tourism,’ said Del Mundo Group chief executive officer Nelson del Mundo.

‘The strong local economy combined with the region’s rich culture and emerging consumer market makes it an ideal location for our brands to thrive. We believe that bringing our trusted restaurant concepts here will not only create jobs and opportunities for local communities but also contribute to the area’s vibrant dining landscape,’ he added.

Located along Pasonanca Road in Tumaga, the new store is the company’s 11th in the country and its first in Western Mindanao.

The company executive said the expansion reflects their optimism about opportunities outside Metro Manila.

OldTown White Coffee, a halal-certified brand that originated in Ipoh, Malaysia is best known for its roasted white coffee and traditional Malaysian comfort dishes.

The brand currently operates more than 200 outlets in Malaysia and has expanded to Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

It first entered the Philippine market in May 2023 with a store in Caloocan City under the Del Mundo Group, which also operates several food and beverage brands including Mesa Filipino Moderne, Ramen Bari Uma, Buchiton, Hayashi Yakiniku and Cravy.

The Zamboanga outlet is owned and managed by local entrepreneurs Pherhan and Jhulie Saiddi who said they hope the cafe will add to the city’s emerging food scene.

‘Our dream is to bring a global brand to Zamboanga that reflects both quality and cultural authenticity. OldTown White Coffee is exactly that,’ they said.

‘We believe Zamboangueños will appreciate not just the coffee but the entire dining experience that pays homage to Malaysian culinary heritage.’

Del Mundo Group chief operating officer Matt Ablis said the company’s next phase of growth will focus on provincial markets where dining options are expanding alongside local economies.

‘We’re thrilled to bring OldTown to the heart of Zamboanga. This expansion represents more than just growth; it’s about sharing a beloved cafe experience that blends heritage, comfort and community,’ Ablis said.

Though Blackie never found a forever home after being rescued in 2017, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) said the black cat was ‘never unloved’ – even after his death.

PAWS shared Blackie’s story in a Facebook post this week, hoping his memory will inspire more people to adopt strays, especially older or overlooked animals.

Blackie arrived at the PAWS shelter in 2017 as ‘a frail little kitten with a long deep gash across his back.’ Over the years, he learned to trust humans again and grew into a gentle, affectionate cat, the organization said.

Despite his sweet nature, Blackie was never adopted. Like many senior, scarred, or darker-colored cats, he spent years waiting as others left the shelter for new homes.

‘Behind that scar was a heart that only ever wanted to love and be loved back,’ PAWS wrote. ‘Adoption days came and went, and as he watched his fellow rescues make their way home, no one ever came for him.’

The group said lingering superstitions about black cats, his visible scar, and his age may have worked against him. ‘Whatever the ‘reason,’ the heartbreaking truth remains: many rescued animals like Blackie, especially those with scars, darker coats, or senior years, are too often overlooked,’ PAWS added.

Changing old superstitions, Black cats have long been branded as symbols of bad luck in Filipino folklore, a superstition that continues to affect adoption rates. But PAWS said perceptions are slowly changing as more people embrace animal welfare and challenge myths linking coat color to fate.

The shift was also helped by pop culture. The 2024 animated film ‘Flow’ – which features a black cat as a heroic survivor in a post-apocalyptic world – became a global hit and won Best Animated Feature at the 97th Academy Awards, marking the first Oscar win for a Latvian film.

‘Worthy of love.’ PAWS ended its post with an appeal to potential adopters: open your homes to rescues like Blackie.

‘This is why we fight so hard to change misconceptions and perceptions about rescues – because every life, no matter the age or appearance, is worthy of love,’ the organization said.