Category: Philippine Star

Cabangahan and Tolotolo completed a two-game sweep of their respective rivals to come out as champions in SK category of the 15th Mayor Teresa Alegado Cup Inter-Barangay Fiesta Basketball League in Consolacion, Cebu.

Jonel Colubio, a former varsity player of the Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges (CRMC) Mustangs who also had a stint with the Consolacion Sarok Weavers in the Pilipinas Super League (PSL), fired 26 points as Cabangahan knocked Casili out in decisive fashion, 85-69, to grab a breakthrough crown in SK Category A.

Colubio added nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals in an all-around performance that helped Cabangahan snatch its their first ever SK title in the history of Alegado Cup.

Adrian Panangin bagged 18 points, while Kervin Garcia chipped in 12 points for Cabangahan, which sustained its momentum after cruising to a 38-29 halftime lead en route to a 16-point trouncing of Casili.

Jatt Sabellana paced Casili with 19 points. Stephen Mondares had 17 points while Rezaan Gonzaga scored 10 in a losing effort.

On the other hand, Joshua Avila scattered 18 points, five rebounds and five assists as Tolotolo outclassed Polog, 77-67, to reign supreme in SK Category B.

Gabriel Yap and Christian Manto also played a key role for Tolotolo with 24 points in between them.

Tolotolo trailed by three, 21-24, at the end of the first period but never looked back after seizing the driver s seat, 43-40, at the break.

Kim Capangpangan, Mark Berse and Florence Alipan combined for 36 points but their efforts proved futile for Polog.

Leading fintech innovator in cross-border and local payments Aqwire has officially become the local company to process transactions via Google Pay and Apple Pay for cross-border payments in the Philippines.

This milestone comes just as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) cleared the use of such payment systems in the country, highlighting Aqwire’s readiness to bring global innovations to Filipino customers.

“This is not just a technological upgrade, it is a leap forward in reshaping how Filipinos access finance,” said Aqwire head Victor Lee in a statement.

“By acting swiftly after the BSP’s green light, we are giving millions of Filipinos, whether at home or overseas, the ability to transact securely and seamlessly using platforms they already trust.”

With this integration, customers can now pay via Google Pay and Apple Pay through the Aqwire Portal. Through secure tokenization technology, which replaces sensitive card details with encrypted digital identifiers, customers can now enjoy faster checkouts, fewer errors, and enhanced security.

This breakthrough offers merchants new opportunities to expand their reach and empowers consumers with more secure, convenient, and globally recognized payment options, bridging the gap between traditional finance and modern fintech.

We are familiar with that part of the gospel where 10 lepers approached Christ begging for healing, and they were healed, but only one of them had the fine detail of going back to Christ to thank him, which made Christ very happy, of course. (cfr. Lk 17, 11-19)

To be sure, Christ would not mind if he was not thanked for what he did to the 10 lepers. Christ, the very personification of love –a love lived in the context of our limitations and sinfulness–would just do things for others completely gratuitously, without expecting any return. He would gain nothing if he is thanked.

But what he would rather mind is when the recipients of his favors would not be thankful since they would sooner or later be spoiled by Christ’s goodness. To be thankful is meant more for the good of the recipient of God’s favors than for God himself.

Indeed, to be thankful to God can only deepen our spiritual connection and relationship with him. Knowing how easily we can be separated from God, it would be good if we are always thankful to him for whatever favor received from him, even if we consider them as small and ordinary, like being able to wake up in the morning from sleep.

To be thankful to God would also enable us to see life’s many blessings more clearly. We know very well that we always have the strong tendency to take these blessings for granted, and even going to the extent that God has the obligation to give us these blessings.

To be thankful to God also would foster humility and help us to acknowledge our abiding dependence on him. There is no doubt whatsoever that we always tend to think that we can simply be on our own. We only go to God when we find ourselves helpless in some difficult situations.

The duty to be thankful should also be done with the others, since this would strengthen our relationship with them. Let’s remember that we are meant always to be in relation with others. We should not simply be on our own since that would contradict the very nature of our humanity. Besides, when we are always thankful to others for whatever favor they give us, we would actually foster more positive interactions and a supportive environment. It would minimize our tendency to be judgmental of others, especially because we cannot deny that we will always have differences and even conflicts among ourselves.

In the end, the virtue of gratitude promotes greater well-being among ourselves and generates an atmosphere of positivity, especially these days when with all the confusing developments around, we are often tempted to fall into negative and critical thoughts.

Let’s hope that we can take this business of being thankful always seriously. Let’s not allow any opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to pass. And let’s see to it that we do it sincerely, coming from the heart, avoiding the pitfall of doing it mechanically.

For this, we need to train our heart to be truly thankful, quick to realize its basis and purpose. For sure, we would be making a very beautiful world if we manage to be consistently grateful. We would have an environment that is healthy and vibrant, quite immunized to the evils of this world.

We would know how to be at home with God and with others while we explore and navigate our now-complicated and challenging world!

The Bureau of Customs intercepted over 16 kilos of shabu worth P109.8 million at the Paircargo warehouse at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay on Monday, the BOC reported yesterday.

The shabu was included in consolidated packages declared as ‘e-commerce’ from Hanoi, Vietnam.

Physical examination of the shipment by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group led to the discovery of three styrofoam boxes containing 26 packages of shabu concealed alongside packs of coffee powder.

BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said the interception highlights the bureau’s vigilance in preventing drug syndicates from using legitimate trade channels for illicit operations.

The launching of Project:100 Cataract Surgical Mission at the Cebu City Hall has restored both sight and hope for dozens of Cebuanos.

Held under the City’s Hospitalization Assistance and Medicines Program (CHAMP), the initiative brought together civic and medical partners to provide free cataract surgeries and eyeglasses to underserved residents of Cebu City.

‘They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but they are also the windows to life itself,’ said Mayor Nestor Archival.

‘To see is not merely to look – it is to live fully,’ he added.

Project:100 screened 174 patients, of whom 88 qualified for cataract surgery-a near-complete fulfillment of the program’s 100-patient goal.

In addition, 84 individuals received free eyeglasses, each pair offering not just clearer vision but renewed confidence and hope.

Though 12 patients short of its original target, organizers said the spirit of Project:100 remains strong. Plans are already underway for a second wave in 2026 to help more Cebuanos regain their sight and dignity.

The activity was made possible through the collaboration of the Office of the Mayor, the Sangguniang Panglungsod, CHAMP, ACES Eye Referral Clinics, Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, CharityVision, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Leading the medical team was Dr. Victorio Naranjo Cajita, Cebu’s first vitreoretinal specialist and longtime volunteer surgeon. Alongside fellow doctors, Dr. Cajita paid a courtesy visit on Archival following the procedures, reaffirming the city’s commitment to inclusive healthcare.

Special recognition was given to Janis Redulla and Stephen Casio, Country Managers of Mabuhay Deseret Foundation, whose unwavering support made the mission possible.

The ACES Eye Referral Clinics team-Dr. Lorenz Robert Ong, Paolo Manuelle Cachin, Lorelie Camu, and Marie Christine Dospueblos Loremas-was also commended for their expertise and generosity.

Globally, cataract remains the leading cause of reversible blindness. Doctors explained that a single surgery-lasting just 10 to 30 minutes-can restore not only vision but also productivity and independence. For many patients, this mission marked the beginning of a new chapter.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through its humanitarian arm, has supported similar missions across the Philippines, echoing the same spirit of unity and service that defined Project:100.

CHAMP and its partner clinics will soon release advisories for follow-up assessments and future surgical schedules. Residents are encouraged to contact CHAMP or ACES Eye Referral Clinics for screening and eligibility.

‘As we move Cebu City forward,’ Archival said, ‘Project:100 reminds us that when communities unite with compassion and purpose, lives are changed, light is restored, and the world becomes a little clearer for everyone. Because when we help others see better, we see the world better too.’

On Friday morning many individuals found themselves with almost the same feeling that happened on September 30, 2025 when the quake struck Bogo City. However, at this time, it was in the daytime and the epicenter was located in Davao Oriental. As of this time, we are seeing photos of destruction and individual reports of death. The big picture is yet to be determined as the responders and the local government unit continue to scour the area for assessment.

Many are saying that this may be a message from a higher being or a sign. Elders believe that the quake is a natural occurrence caused by some mythical creature from below. The experts tell us that it is about the tectonic plates moving and that it is affecting our country which is above the Pacific Ring of Fire. Whatever it is, it is high time that we look at our preparedness and resiliency.

For instance, many universities are finding themselves in limbo on what to do now that aftershocks are sure to occur from time to time. Other local government units are also grappling with speed when it comes to response, and the word war on social media continues. The most affected are the residents awaiting the decisions of those who are in position, while their feelings of anxiety and fear continue. I wonder if we will ever see the day when there’s an automatic response to whatever disaster, without having to experience downtime or ‘dead air.’ The silence becomes deafening while their stomachs continue to sound in hunger.

Disasters have always been our constant reminder that nature moves of its own accord. Each time it strikes it exposes how unready we remain. We talk about ‘building back better’, but often, it is the same cycle of promises, relief operations, and temporary shelters. People rebuild homes out of necessity, not safety. Then, the next disaster comes, and the story repeats.

It makes one wonder how far we have gone learning from the past. We have faced Yolanda, Odette, and countless others. Each with lessons written in broken walls and lost lives. Still, every new tragedy brings the same chaos, confusion, and lack of coordination. It’s not that we don’t know what to do; it’s that we keep forgetting to do it before it’s too late.

Maybe what we need isn’t only preparedness in drills and paperwork but also preparedness of the heart and mind. We need leaders who can decide without waiting for orders, and citizens who act not just out of fear but out of care for others. The ground may shake, but our humanity shouldn’t waver.

If another quake reminds us of anything, it’s that life can change in seconds. The challenge is what we do in the minutes, hours, and days after because those moments define whether we truly rise, or simply endure.

To make heritage education more accessible to grassroots communities, the National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu (NMP-Cebu) has formally introduced its ‘Mobile Museum Boxes’ project to Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival during a courtesy visit at City Hall the other day.

Led by NMP-Cebu head Audrey Dawn Tomada, the team presented the initiative as part of its outreach efforts for Local Government Month 2025.

The Mobile Museum Boxes are curated traveling exhibitions designed to showcase Cebu City’s rich natural and cultural heritage – including endemic flora and fauna, historical artifacts, and cultural symbols that reflect the city’s identity.

These boxes are more than just displays; they are intended to serve as bridges between museums and communities. NMP-Cebu hopes that students and residents in far-flung barangays can experience the museum, even if they cannot visit it in person.

Mayor Archival welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm, emphasizing its potential to deepen heritage awareness among Cebuanos.

The visit also reinforced institutional ties between the Cebu City Government and NMP-Cebu, with both parties expressing their commitment to jointly promote, protect, and preserve Cebu’s cultural and natural assets.

In a social media post, NMP-Cebu extended its gratitude to the mayor: ‘Daghan kaayong salamat, Mayor Archival, sa mainiton nimong pagdawat sa National Museum Cebu diha sa imong buhatan.’

New Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has vowed to issue a memorandum restoring public access to the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) of public officials.

At a press briefing on his first day in office yesterday, Remulla said the memorandum, which he would be issuing tentatively by Wednesday next week, shall lay out the parameters on how the public, including members of media, can request for the SALNs of public officials.

‘The parameters have to be spelled out. There should be an undertaking from the requesting party, that first, the SALN will not be weaponized,’ Remulla said.

Asked if members of media can immediately request for the SALNs of public officials once the memorandum is released, the new ombudsman replied in the affirmative.

‘Yes. That should not be a problem. I know I’m opening a can of worms, but so be it,’ he said.

Asked if the SALNs of former public officials filed since 2016 can also be released to the public, particularly to members of media, Remulla said: ‘Why not? We are after public information here. When we talk about transparency, let’s go all the way.’

Specifically asked if his office would allow the release of the SALNs of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, Remulla said yes, adding that he himself would release his SALN.

As for releasing the SALN of President Marcos, Remulla said they have not talked about it, but he was earlier assured by the President of freedom to perform his work as an ombudsman.

Remulla, however, said that the SALNs to be released would be subject to redaction of sensitive information such as the signatures and address of the declarants ‘for security purposes.’

He added that if the requesting party is a member of media, the ombudsman might also ask to be furnished a copy of the published report about the SALN requested.

Remulla clarified that this was in no way meant to censor the media, but to gain information that the ombudsman can use in its investigations.

‘When you have that article and you discover facts, we want to know them, so we can start working with them. It’s more of information-sharing,’ he said.

The general provision of Section 8 of Republic Act (RA) 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees states that public officials and employees are mandated to timely file their SALNs as ‘the public has the right to know their assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests, including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.’

However, Section 8 (D) (a) of RA 6713 states that ‘it shall be unlawful for any person to obtain or use (SALN) for any purpose contrary to morals or public policy.’

Section 8 (D) (b) of RA 6713, meanwhile, states that it shall be unlawful for any person to obtain or use SALN ‘for commercial purpose other than by news and communications media for dissemination to the general public.’

For several years now, the media is left in the dark about the increase or decrease in wealth of top government officials after Remulla’s predecessor, former ombudsman Samuel Martires, issued Memorandum Circular No. 1 in 2020.

The controversial circular, which remains in effect to date, prohibits the release of SALNs under the custody of the ombudsman to the public, including members of media, unless the requester has a notarized letter of authority from the SALN declarant.

At the same press briefing, Remulla said the public can expect the first batch of cases in connection with the flood control project anomalies to be filed at the Sandiganbayan by November.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has obtained its sixth freeze order from the Court of Appeals as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.

In a statement, the AMLC said the appellate court issued the order yesterday, covering 39 bank accounts, four insurance policies and 59 real estate properties that include residential, commercial and agricultural assets.

ICI legal support

The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) has deployed an eight-member legal team to provide legal support to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) for a period of six months.

In a statement yesterday, the ICI said the PAO lawyers will report to the fact-finding body every Tuesday to Friday starting Oct. 14.

That day marks the scheduled appearances of former speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned lawmaker Elizaldy Co.

ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr. said partnering with PAO ensures the commission’s mandate of ‘ensuring good governance and equitable infrastructure development’ will be achieved as it continues to build its organization.

Up to 5,750 workers displaced by Super Typhoon Nando are being eyed for inclusion in an emergency employment program that will be provided by the Department of Labor and Employment.

The DOLE said displaced workers in Cagayan and Batanes are being considered for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers or TUPAD program.

‘The intervention will benefit workers from 13 coastal towns in Cagayan and six municipalities in Batanes. We will ensure that TUPAD reaches the most affected workers as quickly as possible,’ the DOLE said.

Beneficiaries will be tapped for short-term community works including clearing operations, and repair and rehabilitation efforts that will start this month.

The initiative intends to give workers immediate income while supporting recovery efforts in typhoon-hit areas.

To support more workers, the DOLE said preparations for a second tranche of emergency employment assistance is being undertaken.

Nando, the first super typhoon to enter the Philippines this year, caused serious damage to property and agriculture, particularly in Northern Luzon.

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has partnered with private sector partners to set up a state-of-the-art nursery and soils laboratory in Northern Negros as part of measures to boost productivity and support cane farmers.

The SRA said yesterday that the agency signed a joint memorandum of agreement with the Victorias Milling Co. Inc. (VMC), the Victorias Mill District Development Council and the Florencia Workers Association on Oct. 7 to put up a high-yielding variety nursery and soils laboratory in Victorias City.

The agency said the facility would serve as a regional hub for developing resilient, high-yield cane varieties and advancing soil management practices.

‘This is about mutual growth. When farmers succeed, so does the mill,’ SRA board member David Andrew Sanson said in a statement.

SRA administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the initiative will boost productivity and support farmers by providing access to scientific tools and knowledge previously concentrated at the agency’s main research center in La Carlota.

VMC president Linley Retirado expressed optimism that the partnership would revive the mill’s historical role in providing fertilizers, technical assistance and farm management guidance to planters that stopped in 1997.

The SRA said the nursery and lab are set to start operations this crop year, promoting the propagation of higher yielding cane varieties and offering scientific soil analysis to support evidence-based farming.

Edward Sarrosa, president of the Rural Sugar Planters Association, said the project was long awaited, and credited the SRA for extending services from La Granja to Northern Negros.

The SRA said the success of the facility would depend on close cooperation among public and private partners, local governments and farmers’ groups to ensure that research and resources directly address the needs of the community.