Category: Philippine Star

Public auctions of seized and abandoned goods generated over P106 million, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said yesterday.

Items confiscated at ports from July to September were auctioned and the proceeds became part of the BOC’s overall revenue collection.

Various consumer goods, vehicles, fuel products, industrial materials, furniture and assorted merchandise from forfeited shipments were sold by the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division of the Port of Manila, Manila International Container Port and Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

‘Through the consistent conduct of lawful and transparent auctions, the BOC fulfills its mandate of protecting government revenues and facilitating legitimate trade,’ Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said.

The BOC is mandated to dispose confiscated and abandoned goods through a public auction, negotiated sale or donation.

Public support for holding former President Rodrigo Duterte accountable for drug war killings remains around 50% months after his arrest, but push for accountability has sharply dropped in Visayas and Mindanao, a new survey shows.

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted September 24 to 30 and commissioned by the Stratbase Group, found that half of Filipinos (50%) agree Duterte should face accountability for the thousands of deaths recorded during his anti-drug campaign.

That figure is nearly identical to the 51% recorded in the same survey in February, weeks before the issuance of an arrest warrant for Duterte and his subsequent transfer to the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Duterte has yet to be subjected to a full trial pending the ICC’s decision on his fitness to stand trial. He is facing charges of crimes against humanity tied to the violent anti-illegal drugs campaign he waged as president, and earlier, as Davao City mayor.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said that it will not rely solely on witness testimony when filing cases related to the alleged corruption in flood control projects.

DOJ Officer-In-Charge Undersecretary Fredderick Vida said that the agency will file cases, with or without the “tell-all” testimonies of contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya, as well as the involved district engineers. However, the DOJ will rely on the evidence it has gathered.

“The timeline is already set. The people are impatient. If we don’t find something satisfactory, we will file the appropriate cases, with or without state witnesses,” Vida said in his first appearance before the media on Monday, October 13.

“We will build the cases based on the evidence we have. What we can assure the Filipino people is that we will only file strong cases,” he added.

When it comes to testimonies, Vida said that all statements must be “verifiable by factual and objective evidence,” stressing the importance of determining whether they are truthful or merely attempts to mislead investigators.

Regarding the so-called “tell-all” accounts, he stressed that the key point of scrutiny is whether the witness is acting in “good faith” and fully disclosing the facts, or being “selective” in naming individuals.

Aside from the Discaya couple, the list of individuals designated as protected witnesses also includes several former officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH): former Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, dismissed Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara, and engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.

Within three to four weeks, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) said it aims to file 15 to 20 cases against individuals linked to the 421 suspected ghost flood control projects.

Newly sworn in as special adviser to the ICI, former Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the commission should file 15 to 20 cases before the Ombudsman in the fourth week.

Out of an initial pool of 8,000 projects earlier reviewed by the government, 421 flood control projects were flagged as questionable, missing, or substandard.

The distribution of these anomalous projects shows that the majority, 261, are located in Luzon, while 109 are in Visayas and 51 in Mindanao.

These figures represent a significant portion of the total flood control work implemented by the DPWH between 2016 and 2025, during which approximately 29,800 flood control projects were completed out of 238,200 total infrastructure projects.

Filipinas remained queens of Pacific Valorant as Xipto Esports GC took the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Pacific Game Changers trophy after overpowering South Korea’s Ninetails, 3-1, in the grand finals held offline at the Imperial Samrong Convention Hall in Thailand.

Featuring four Filipino players – Leanne “Grahams” Ti-in, Loraine “Kon” Pagente, Kim “PIETY” De Guia and Mary “capriciouS” Sabado – with Thai player Surassawadee “Yxqme” Khongpechdee and head coach Nikhil “Sieh” Bhansali, Xipto Esports GC went on a map streak, sweeping all of its opponents, 2-0, heading into the grand finals.

The Filipino-laden squad also defeated tournament favorite Falcons Vega – also with fellow Filipinos Alexandria “Alexy” Francisco and Camille “Kamiyu” Enriquez – and dropped them to the lower bracket.

The other Filipino-fueled squad fell short of the grand finals as they it was unable to survive Ninetails in the lower bracket finals, 2-3. The team also failed to qualify to Valorant Game Changers Champions, to which Francisco and Enriquez have been present the past two years.

As the last Filipinos left in the tournament, Xipto Esports started the series strong on Bind, taking an eight-consecutive-round win on its defensive side that even though Ninetails had a better defensive side, Xipto Esports was able to take the opening map, 13-9.

On Abyss, it looked like things were a replay from the first map. But Ninetails’ offensive side secured it a six-consecutive-round win to take the lead and eventually tie the series at 9-13, handing Xipto Esports its first map defeat of the tournament.

XIpto Esports’ map pick of Haven saw a close series with only a round separating both squads at the half. But Xipto Esports’ offensive was too much for the South Korean team, bringing Xipto Esports to match point at 13-6.

Hoping to extend the series, Ninetails managed a round lead at their map pick of Corrode, but Xipto Esports fired back with an impressive offensive side to close out the series at 13-7.

With the win, Xipto Esports is also the top Pacific team heading into the culminating event of Valorant Game Changers – the Game Changers Champions happening in Seoul, South Korea in November.

A number of times, Christ complained about the lack of faith of the people of his time. ‘This generation is a wicked generation: it asks for a sign, and a sign shall not be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet,’ he once said. (Lk 11,29-32)

We need to see to it that our faith is strong, deep, and abiding so we can go on with our daily activities with a profound sense of commitment and not just go through them with the attitude of simply complying with what is expected of us.

To do things and to live with a sense of commitment means that we should be driven by some core belief which in none other than a belief in God. We would always be aware of doing things with and for our Lord and because of that, we would do things in the best way we can, despite our limitations and the various conditionings that we are subject to.

When we have a good sense of commitment, we would show determination in fulfilling it, a determination that can only spring from love. We make a promise that we take very seriously. As such, a commitment can truly be considered proper when it is inspired by God’s’ love, since it is God’s love that is the source and pattern of what true love is. As shown by Christ, we would be faithful to our commitments regardless of how things go.

We need to develop this sense of commitment as early as possible, especially nowadays when we are confronted with the prevailing environment of disloyalty, infidelity, promiscuity, and hypocrisy.

We have to convince ourselves that this is the way to our true happiness and our human maturity and Christian perfection. It is a way for us to develop authentic virtues. We have to convince ourselves that entering into a commitment does not make us rigid persons. Neither does it curtail our freedom. Rather, entering into a commitment enhances our freedom, since it will help us to attain our goal despite changing circumstances.

To do things for the sake of compliance only is to have the mind of a worker without really considering the mind of the master and of the common good. It is to do things simply to fulfill the rules and the expectations of the people around, and not much more. There hardly would be room for creativity, innovation, and further development of things.

This mindset is prone to the dangers of hypocrisy and deception, as expressed once by Christ when he told some leading Jews of his time that they preached but did not practice what they preached, they did things more to be seen by others. (cfr. Mt 23,1-7)

We should overcome our tendency to do things out of compliance only and develop the strong sense of commitment. This can be done if we would really grow in our faith in God through prayer and reflection, study of Scripture and Christian doctrine, etc.

When we truly have a good sense of commitment, we would always make daily plans complete with set goals and means, and always seeing to it that everything is done with God and for God, and that there is a sensation of love in all the things we do.

And despite the changing circumstances and problems and contradictions we can encounter along the way, we would know how to make due adaptations so as to be consistent with our commitment. We do not give up no matter what happens.

The Palawan Group of Companies, through its e-wallet arm PalawanPay, reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and grassroots sports development as the Platinum Sponsor of the Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC).

Representatives from PalawanPay joined a PYBC-hosted fellowship lunch that brought together young basketball players from across the country, along with their families and coaches. The partnership underscores PalawanPay’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Filipino athletes by providing opportunities to develop their skills, showcase their talent, and live out the values of sportsmanship.

Palawan Group Chief Financial Officer and self-confessed basketball fan, Lilian Castro-Selda, emphasized how this partnership reflects the company’s broader mission to uplift Filipino communities.

‘At Palawan Group, we have always believed in grassroots development. Whether in financial services, education, or sports, our mission is to empower Filipinos to build a brighter future. That is why partnering with PYBC is both a commitment and a privilege. It is our greatest honor to take part in giving Filipino youth the chance to dream, to learn, and to grow – both on and off the court. To our young athletes: basketball is more than just a game. Every time you put on your jersey, you carry values that will serve you for life – discipline, teamwork, resilience, grit, and respect. These are the same values we live by at the Palawan Group, and we are proud to support you as you strengthen them through sports,’ she said

The program officially opened with PYBC Commissioner Benjie Paras, PBA Hall of Famer and Palawan Group ambassador, who delivered an inspiring message to the players.

‘You’re all very lucky that this is your opportunity to be scouted by coaches and to be backed by our generous sponsors. My advice is this: in any league that you play in, you need to be committed. And when I say committed, that means putting in hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and of course, love for the game,’ said Paras.

To further inspire the young players, the fellowship lunch was also attended by Pinoy basketball icon Ronnie Magsanoc, who shared stories of his journey with Benjie Paras from San Beda to the PBA and beyond. PBA MotoClub members Rico Maierhofer and JJ Helterbrand also joined the program, motivating the players with their presence and stories. To recognize key partners, Tournament Director Carl Villanueva and Deputy Commissioner Paulo Layug presented certificates of appreciation to sponsors, highlighting their vital role in making the event possible.

Through this partnership with PYBC, PalawanPay hopes to strengthen grassroots basketball programs and ensure that young players have access to opportunities that nurture growth. This commitment builds on Palawan Group’s long-standing advocacy for sports development and investing in the youth. The company believes investing in sports, Palawan not only develops champions on the court but also empowers Filipino youth to become champions in life.

The Philippines formally assumed as chair of one of the main committees of the United Nations dealing with legal questions and the codification and progressive development of international law.

Ambassador Enrique Manalo, permanent representative of the Philippine mission to the United Nations, has assumed his role as chair of the Sixth Committee (Legal) of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In his opening statement, Manalo cited the Sixth Committee’s mandate.

‘The role of the Sixth Committee and its authority among Main Committees is unique, as is the significance of international law for the achievement of the goals of the United Nations,’ he said.

In the preamble of the Charter, Manalo said the Peoples of the United Nations reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights and the determination of this Organization to establish conditions under which justice and respect for international law can be maintained.

‘In the pursuance of its lofty goals, the General Assembly has always relied on the diligent work and expertise of the Sixth Committee,’ he said.

Manalo expressed his gratitude to the member states for their confidence in electing him as chair.

‘It is a great honor and privilege for me personally and for my country, the Philippines, and is in line with our long-standing commitment to the rule of law,’ he said.

The Philippines’s chairpersonship of the legal committee takes place as the Charter of the UN marks its 80th anniversary.

Manalo emphasized that the Sixth Committee’s work takes place at a crucial time for multilateralism, with international law under strain amid global challenges.

‘At times of increased challenges, our work gains a heightened importance and our commitment to delivering its mandate should gain a renewed focus,’ he said, urging delegations to uphold the committee’s cherished tradition of consensus-building and cooperation.

During the opening session, the committee adopted its program of work for the session, which includes 34 agenda items, and established three Working Groups – on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts, Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism and Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters (PPED).

The Working Group on PPED, which is relevant to a treaty process in relation to disasters, is of particular interest to the Philippines. The Working Group is mandated to prepare a consolidated text of a draft treaty, based on the International Law Commission’s draft articles on PPED and proposals submitted by member states, with a view to advancing the committee’s consideration of the topic.

The committee also confirmed that the Philippines will continue to chair the Working Group on PPED, which aims to advance work on a treaty on disasters.

The Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York said the Philippines’ chairpersonship of the Sixth Committee and the PPED Working Group underscores the country’s continuing commitment to promoting the rule of law, and in upholding the mandate of the United Nations toward codification and progressive development of international law under the UN Charter.

The University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) Baby Webmasters shocked the four-time defending champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles, 71-64, in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 25 basketball tournament on Sunday, October 12, at the New Cebu Coliseum.

UCLM never looked back after sprinting to an early 15-6 lead, which it stretched to 11 points, 66-55, in the final six minutes on the way to grab the temporary lead in the juniors division with a 3-1 win-loss card.

Noe Lingoste paced UCLM with 12 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and a steal.

Angel Edielon Cayobit produced a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Wade Adam Luche chipped in 10 points with four rebounds and two assists for the winning side.

Lian Kent Basa posted a game-high 19 points but to no avail as the Magis Eagles suffered their first loss after rousing a 2-0 start.

In the other high school matchup, Champ Davidson Brigoli dropped 20 points with two rebounds and two steals, while AJ Kyle de los Santos added 10 points as the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers improved to 3-2 after crushing the Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC)-Cebu Greywolves, 79-58.

In the collegiate category, the Benedicto College (BC) Cheetahs scored a bounce-back 64-56 win over the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Fighting Maroons while the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars clobbered the USPF Panthers, 80-56.

Kenneth Babalcon showed the way for Benedicto College with 16 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Serge Gabines delivered a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds with six steals while Andrian Jay Tonacao contributed 10 points and six rebounds for the Cheetahs, who now hold a 4-1 slate.

On the other hand, Kyle Rueda sizzled with 18 points, six rebounds and two assists as the Jaguars evened their record at 2-2.

Christian Carl Sollano tossed in 10 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block while Alcher Obra tallied 10 markers, one rebound and two steals in the Jaguars back-to-back victories.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) confirmed that the Philippines remains off the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s gray list following its removal in February this year and has not received similar reports of outdated foreign references still linking the country to the list.

In a statement to The STAR, AMLC said the Philippines was officially delisted from the FATF gray list on Feb. 21, during the global watchdog’s plenary meeting in Paris, France. The delisting came after the country successfully addressed all 18 action items required to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing framework.

‘The Philippines remains delisted,’ AMLC said, adding that the government continues to implement various initiatives to ensure continued compliance with international standards and prevent relisting.

The clarification comes after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that a close relative of journalist Gretchen Ho was denied foreign exchange service at an Oslo airport on Oct. 6. The incident reportedly stemmed from the use of an outdated list that still included the Philippines under the FATF gray list.

The DFA said it has reached out to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway to clarify the matter.

The AMLC, however, said it ‘has not received similar reports of outdated references being used abroad.’ It added that the country’s delisting was ‘disseminated through news coverage, foreign governmental regulatory bulletins, foreign financial institutions’ mechanisms and Philippine embassy or trade channels.’

Among the various initiatives it implemented to ensure continued compliance with FATF standards is the conduct of the third National Risk Assessment, a multi-agency initiative led by the AMLC that evaluates the country’s exposure to money laundering, terrorism financing and proliferation financing risks. The results will help shape targeted mitigation strategies.

The AMLC also cited ongoing work to strengthen its supervisory framework, including updates to enforcement manuals and guidelines to align with FATF recommendations and improve regulatory oversight.

In addition, the council said it continues to enhance inter-agency cooperation by working closely with law enforcement bodies to ensure a ‘whole-of-nation approach’ in investigating and prosecuting financial crimes.

On the legislative front, the AMLC said amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001 are being pursued to address emerging threats and maintain alignment with evolving FATF standards.

The Philippines was first placed under the FATF’s increased monitoring list, or gray list, in June 2021 for deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing systems.

Its removal in February marked the culmination of years of reform efforts by the AMLC, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and other key agencies.

In refusing to grant the request for the interim release of former president Rodrigo Duterte, now being held in The Hague for accusations of crimes against humanity, the International Criminal Court (ICC) said that among other things it was statements made by his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte Carpio, that influenced their decision.

The ICC cited Carpio’s July 19 speech that brought up the idea of breaking her father out of detention. The ICC also said Carpio has repeatedly made statements to ‘delegitimize’ the proceedings against her father.

The ICC also said because Carpio said her father wants to be returned to Davao City if he is released, this was something they couldn’t allow for fear of his exerting undue influence on the witnesses of his case, or the resumption of the killings he is accused of as mayor of Davao City.

This is a case of the vice president shooting her own foot. Had she been more circumspect of the things she said before, there was the chance that the request for her father’s release could have been granted.

We understand that her emotions ran high because of what happened to her father and that to stay silent in the face of what they perceive to be an injustice would be impossible, but as a public official she should have been able to temper her statements in a way that would not be interpreted as her threatening to free her father if he was ever detained here.

But that’s in the past now. It would appear that Carpio may have learned from this recent experience. When asked to comment on the ICC’s decision, she declined, saying it wasn’t appropriate for her to comment right now while the biggest current issue is the earthquakes happening in different parts of the country.

There may yet be hope for her becoming someone who tempers her words, the mark of competent leaders.

On the other hand, her brother, acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, doesn’t seem to have learned anything.