Category: Philippine Star

Newly-appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that he will lift the restriction on public access to government officials’ Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).

In a press briefing on his first day in office on Friday, October 10, Remulla said that he may issue a memorandum on Wednesday, October 15, on the lifting of the restriction on SALNs.

‘Public information yan, hinahanap natin. We’re talking transparency, let’s go all the way,’ Remulla said. (That is public information; we are seeking it out. We’re talking transparency, so let’s go all the way.)

‘Pati kami, kasama kami diyan,’ he added. (Even us included.)

However, echoing his pronouncement after his oath-taking on October 9, he said that there is information that may be redacted, which he referred to as ‘privacy matters.’

Remulla also plans to expand the scope of investigations by crowdsourcing citizen-generated information for lifestyle checks and complaints.

He said the office is moving away from sole reliance on dedicated fact-finding teams, choosing instead to incorporate direct input from the public through an open communication channel.

Access to the SALN was severely restricted during the tenure of former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, as per Memorandum Circular No. 1, Series of 2020.

This policy effectively barred the public and the media from obtaining copies of a SALN unless they first secured a notarized letter of authority from the official who filed it.

A writer cleverly described mischievous monkeys in a Chinese horoscope saying, ‘While they may not all be thieves; they are all liars.’

In the same manner, I would not accuse all senators and members of congress as Cong. Tractors or Kurakot/Corrupt. But I might venture to say they are all addicted to political power and the influence.

It has become ‘a family business,’ a dynastic corporation and public funding source for their private enterprise. In addition, legislators have been given or grabbed power to harass, harangue, threaten or hold any person in contempt.

They use their power to meddle in the business of the executive department and to influence the appointment of prosecutors, judges, justices as well as senior government officials.

Legislators also get paid ridiculous sums of money for salaries, etc. They even get to appoint their ‘next of kin’ as confidential staff, have drivers and bodyguards and be called ‘Your Honor’ on demand!

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s call for ‘everyone’ to resign and have snap elections reflects how entrenched and hopeless the present set of legislators and officials of the executive are. Instead of a snap election, let’s change the Constitution.

Perhaps Sen. Alan Peter also sees the writing on the wall and believes that the fastest way to show sincere change is for the elected to resign. Try telling that to a chain smoker, an alcoholic or a drug addict.

Smokers and alcoholics don’t quit unless there is a serious medical event such as stroke, heart attack, lung or liver cancer or pulmonary disease. In some rare cases, they stop because someone in the house is pregnant or sick.

In the case of drug addicts, it’s worse. They are willing to do serious harm to their bodies, resort to crime to fund their drug habit and often end up causing harm or endangering their family members and neighbors.

As far as political power, money and influence go, I would say that with the exception of a few saints, most of our legislators, the judiciary and the executive would clinically qualify as power addicts, especially members of Congress.

How else can we explain their shameless efforts in establishing political dynasties, horse trading with so-called political opponents that are in actuality nothing more than a game of musical chairs?

Last but not least, similar to drug addicts, some political addicts in Congress were, or are, willing to kill opponents and terrorize a congressional district.

For the recommended treatment protocol, ‘Dr. Beltran’ suggests:

#1 Totally eradicate or remove the party-list system in Congress. The greatest damage in the fund diversion/insertions in the ghost flood control projects involved party-list representatives.

Each party-list group allegedly gets an annual appropriation of P150 million from DPWH, even without a physical congressional district.

The party-list system has been turned into an alternative mechanism to perpetuate political dynasties where the wife, son, daughter or in-law of a legislator turns Congress into a family picnic for funds and power.

Remove all 63 party-list groups and we solve some of the headaches as well as the problems.

#2 Reduce the functions and powers of Congress and limit these to plain and simple legislation or lawmaking. Bring back the original design and intent to their ‘power of the purse’ and limit it to check and balance.

If we take away their power to insert, reduce or relocate or allocate funds, if we deny them the power and influence to appoint government officials in their district or region, we neutralize all the deal making.

#3 Require all applicants/candidates for legislator to undergo courses related to crafting laws, public administration and ethics.

#4 Remove the function of Senate and Congressional investigation, particularly the weaponized contempt powers. Limit that authority to the DOJ, NBI, PNP, AFP, COA and ombudsman.

#5 All legislation should be based on established, professional research and surveys done over 12 months at least, fact checked and consulted with concerned offices of the judiciary and executive department.

#6 Rationalize the benefits and compensation of members of Congress and the Senate in comparison to private sector executive compensation. Remove all incidental perks such as security detail, vehicles and the like.

#7 Strictly enforce an anti-dynasty bill down to the third generation as well as extended family or in-laws. Only one member of a family should be allowed to hold office at a time.

#8 Require all candidates for legislative office to undergo a thorough drug test every six months and a psych evaluation test mid-term. If the PNP and the LTO can require such tests for applicants, then the same should apply to would-be members of Congress, even the executive department.

#9 Last but not least, all applicants should have a certificate of integrity attesting them to be the husband or wife of only one spouse, absolutely free and clear of any complaints regarding acts of violence or abandonment of family, whether physical, financial or psychological.

I make these suggestions that can be accomplished legally or by force of public clamor and pressure, in order to make being a member of Congress or the Senate challenging, unprofitable and unattractive.

If it is unprofitable, unimpressive and less persuasive, politicians will not invest hundreds of millions in campaign expenditures because they can’t get or steal the money back.

The Office of the Ombudsman has directed former Cebu governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia to respond within 10 days to a formal complaint accusing her of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and violations of government procurement laws.

The directive, dated September 25, 2025, stems from a sworn complaint filed by Aileen R. Donal, a concerned citizen and taxpayer.

Although Garcia is no longer the sitting governor-having lost her re-election bid during the May midterm polls-she is required to submit a counter-affidavit and supporting documents to the Ombudsman’s Central Records Division in Quezon City, with proof that a copy has been furnished to the complainant.

The Ombudsman’s order, signed by Officer-in-Charge Leilani P. Tagulao-Marquez of the PIAB-D, instructs Garcia to respond and provide evidence to counter the allegations, within 10 days.

‘Respondent’s failure to file her counter-affidavit and countervailing evidence, with proof of service to the complainants within the aforesaid period, shall be deemed as waiver, and the preliminary investigation shall proceed according to existing rules of procedure,’ the order states.

Water Supply Contract

The complaint, a copy of which was furnished to The Freeman, centers on the 2013 Bulk Water Supply Contract between the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) and Cebu Manila Water Development (CMWD), a joint venture involving the Province of Cebu.

Under the contract, CMWD undertook to supply and deliver water to MCWD at a minimum volume of 18,000 cubic meters per day for the first year, and 35,000 cubic meters daily for the second year onward, at a fixed rate of ?24.59 per cubic meter for 20 years, or until 2033.

In 2023, CMWD wrote to the MCWD a notice of termination of the contract. This was deferred twice though, on 18 November and then 30 November, but the contract was ultimately pre-terminated on 1 December that year.

In pre-terminating the contract, CMWD cited ‘unabated expenses incurred due to fortuitous and unforeseen events’ that cannot be addressed by ‘an inflexible pricing formula.’

However, Donal alleges that the termination was actually prompted by pressure from Garcia, who had publicly criticized the deal as disadvantageous to the province.

The complaint claims Garcia used her position to influence CMWD’s decision, despite the contract not meeting the legal grounds for termination under the Civil Code and procurement regulations.

Donal further argues that Garcia’s actions triggered a chain of events that led MCWD to enter into an emergency contract with Manila Water Philippine Ventures Inc. (MWPVI), at rates more than double the original price-ranging from ?58.00 to ?64.96 per cubic meter. The new arrangement could cost MCWD an additional ?3.59 billion over 10 years.

The complaint also questions the legality of the emergency procurement deal between MCWD and the Province of Cebu. It alleges that Garcia misrepresented the province’s ability to supply bulk water, even though it had to purchase the water from CMWD.

This arrangement, according to Donal, amounts to subcontracting-a practice prohibited under government procurement rules.

Donal cites a resolution from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu authorizing Garcia to buy water from CMWD and sell it to MCWD. The resolution itself reportedly acknowledges that the province does not have direct access to bulk water, contradicting Garcia’s certification that it did.

The complaint concludes that Garcia’s actions placed MCWD in a financially precarious position, resulting in higher water rates for consumers and potentially paving the way for privatization or bankruptcy.

Garcia’s side

When The Freeman sought Garcia’s side, she initially referred inquiries to her legal counsel, Atty. Jong Sepulveda. Later, Garcia furnished a press statement from her legal team.

‘We firmly maintain that the Complaint filed is based on incomplete facts, misplaced assumptions, and hollow conclusions,’ reads the statement.

It added that the complaint accordingly presents a selective version of events that disregards the broader context and the legal and administrative realities surrounding the matter.

‘Garcia as per her legal team acted well within her authority, discretion, and official prerogatives-and when required, with the approval/authority from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and was always guided by her duty to safeguard and advance the best interests of the Province.

‘We are confident that, once the full facts and circumstances are fairly and objectively evaluated, it will be evident that no wrongdoing or abuse of authority was committed. Respondent remains steadfast in her commitment to truth, integrity, competence, and the defense of actions taken in the best interest of the Province of Cebu,’ conclude the GGG Legal Team, Atty. RjQ Sepulveda.

A family of 12 in Gibitngil, Medellin is reportedly suffering from mental distress following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu on September 30.

The Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Medellin, together with a medical team from Manila, has conducted Psychological First Aid (PFA) to prevent the affected family members from committing suicide.

According to the Medellin Municipal Police Station, they received a call from Gibitngil Barangay Captain Monina Monato, who sought help after several members of a Christian church showed signs of severe mental distress.

Police Major Manuel Cabanlit, chief of the Medellin Police, said they immediately responded along with personnel from the local government unit and the Municipal Social Welfare and Services Office (MSWSO).

Upon their arrival, the 12 family members-including an eight-year-old child and a pregnant woman-were reportedly unable to communicate properly and were poised to commit suicide.

Rene Barro, president of the religious group to which the family belongs, told police that the members had stopped eating since October 1, 2025, due to trauma from the earthquake.

Authorities also reported that the family threw food packs into the sea, and some members had expressed suicidal thoughts.

‘Ang katong father kuno ni-try (suicide) gyud, murag naa siyay samad gamay sa liog pero gamay ra kaayo unya nadala dayon sa DRRMO sa ospital pero ang other members sa family daw kay mo-estorya kuno sila nga mag suicide sila,’ said Cabanlit.

(The father reportedly attempted suicide. He had a small wound on his neck, but it was very minor. He was immediately brought by the DRRMO to the hospital. However, other family members were saying they would also take their own lives.)

Janice Sumalinog of the MSWSO said that a team from the RHU and the visiting Manila medical team provided psychological first aid to the family.

The head of the family remains confined in the hospital for treatment. When asked if the family had any pre-existing problems, Sumalinog said they had not received any such reports.

Those identified with mental distress have already been given medication.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairman Francis Lim cited ‘fake news’ when he remarked about the supposed trillion-peso wipeout in stock market value due to the corruption controversy, Malacañang said yesterday, as it claimed that business confidence in the country remains ‘solid.’

In a speech before financial executives last Wednesday, Lim said the flood control project mess has ‘shaken public confidence’ and has wiped out an ‘extraordinary’ P1.7 trillion in market value of publicly listed firms in just three weeks despite rising corporate earnings.’

Lim has apologized for the confusion.

‘The information, which had been circulating within business circles and cited by some media outlets, was based on what I believed at the time to be a credible industry report. I have since learned that the report was fictitious,’ Lim said in a statement yesterday.

‘I deeply regret any confusion or concern that my statement may have caused. My sole intent was to underscore the vital importance of integrity in our markets and the devastating impact corruption can have on investor confidence,’ Lim said.

There were also reports stating that the total value of companies listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) dropped by 12 percent from P14.3 trillion to P12.6 trillion from Aug. 11 to 29.

Speaking to Palace reporters yesterday, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go said multiple sources have confirmed that the claim about the stock market value wipeout was false.

‘Unfortunately, the Securities and Exchange Commission chairman was quoting a confirmed fake news socmed (social media) post designed to catch attention and falsely sensationalize,’ Go said.

‘The attributed source confirmed that the fake news did not come from them,’ he added, referring to S and P Global Market Intelligence, which was quoted by the debunked social media post.

According to Go, the drop in the total value of PSE-listed firms from Aug. 11 to 29 was not 12 percent, but 1.58 percent.

‘(With regard to the) All Shares Index in our Philippine stock market of 282 companies, the drop was only 1.5 percent. And in terms of the market cap, which is the clickbait number of that fake socmed post, the drop is only 1.4 percent,’ he said.

‘So, these are easily verifiable. You can confirm this later with the PSE, the Philippine Stock Exchange, or any stockbroker. They know these. All these details are public knowledge.’

Go said the Philippines has not lost any investment pledge despite the flood control issue. He revealed that the approval of the first beneficiary of the CREATE MORE Act – an investment from a Korean semiconductor company of over $1 billion – would be transmitted to the Office of the President this week.

‘I don’t think anybody has pulled out. I think sometimes when there is unpredictability in the environment, people might temporarily think about their investment projects. But we’re quite confident that when this is all resolved, they will all come back. So, they have not pulled out… They will continue with their projects,’ Go said.

According to Go, the business community is ‘very appreciative’ of President Marcos’ effort to address corruption.

‘I think the business confidence is still solid. I think you can see that from multiple sources of information. But, of course, there is this short-term challenge that we have to overcome, primarily because of the negativity in our news or in our social media news feeds,’ the investment czar said.

‘So, I think it will really help our country if we start moving on from this, focusing on the reforms and the corrective measures that will be done to address these issues that we have uncovered. And by doing that, I think the rebound will be stronger.’

Asked to react to the US State Department’s report stating that corruption remains a major barrier to investment in the Philippines, Go said the ‘swiftness and decisiveness’ of the President show the government’s resolve to address the problem.

‘I believe the negativity is overblown. This investigation will be good for the country long-term because it will address and correct the wrong practices. The effect of this is that the budget – and we already see it now – will be more efficiently spent and allocated on more productive programs which will benefit the country and our people,’ he said.

Foreign business chambers have long lamented corruption and red tape in the country, Go added.

At the same press briefing, Go said the proposal of Sen. Erwin Tulfo to implement a month-long income tax holiday to provide relief to the public in the face of the corruption issue requires a thorough study.

‘This is quite a big matter and I think it’s best to give the DOF (Department of Finance) and the DBM (Department of Budget and Management) time to carefully study this proposal,’ he said.

A powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck offshore of Davao Oriental on Friday, October 10, at 9:43 a.m., prompting the issuance of a tsunami warning for affected coastal areas.

Phivolcs said the earthquake’s epicenter was located at coordinates 7.09°N, 127.09°E, approximately 44 kilometers northeast of Manay town in Davao Oriental. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers beneath the seabed.

The agency initially reported the earthquake as magnitude 7.6, but later revised this in a subsequent bulletin to be 7.5, before it was again revised to 7.4.

Intensity. The earthquake was strongly felt across multiple provinces, with Intensity V shaking reported in Davao City and Intensity IV in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur.

Instrumental readings recorded Intensity V tremors in several areas including Hinunangan in Southern Leyte, Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental, Nabunturan in Davao de Oro, Davao City, Santa Maria in Davao Occidental, Kidapawan City in Cotabato, and multiple municipalities in Sarangani and South Cotabato provinces.

Intensity IV shaking was recorded across a wider area spanning Cebu City, parts of Eastern Samar and Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao del Sur, Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

Tsunami warning. A tsunami warning has also been issued by Phivolcs to coastal communities regarding potential tsunami waves.

Phivolcs is warning of destructive tsunami waves with life-threatening heights. Based on local tsunami scenario databases, affected areas are expected to experience wave heights of more than one meter above normal tides, with potentially higher waves in enclosed bays and straits.

The first tsunami waves were forecasted to arrive between 9:43 a.m. and 11:43 a.m. and these waves may continue for hours.

Residents in coastal areas of the following provinces are strongly advised to move further inland or to elevated areas:

Eastern Samar

Southern Leyte

Leyte

Dinagat Islands

Surigao del Norte

Surigao del Sur

Davao Oriental

Boat owners in harbors, estuaries, or shallow coastal waters of these provinces should secure their vessels and move away from the waterfront immediately. Boats already at sea are advised to stay offshore in deep waters until further notice.

Back like he never left.

After missing significant time last season, Rey Nambatac showcased his brilliance anew as he helped the TNT Tropang 5G blast the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 93-78, in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup matchup Friday at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal.

Nambatac, who missed a few months in last season’s All-Filipino Cup, finished with 22 points, six rebounds and three assists for TNT in 30 minutes of play.

The guard out of Letran said he was ‘very excited’ to play once again.

‘Parang four months mahigit yata akong hindi nakapaglaro e. So, siyempre, ito talaga yung pinaghahandaan ko,’ he told reporters after the game.

He bared that he was really out of shape, but thanked his teammates for stepping up.

‘Good thing naman, yung mga teammates ko, huge shout out to all my teammates kasi talagang pinush hard nila ako noong training camp namin. And to be honest, wala talaga ako. Out of shape ako Nahirapan ako noong una,’ he stated.

‘But then again, nagkaroon ako ng opportunity na makarecover. Makuha ko yung rhythm ko, yung timing ko. And ayun nga, ito, unti-unting nagbunga.’

After a close encounter in the first half, TNT started to pull away in the third quarter.

The Tropang 5G led by one, 45-44, early in the third frame before Nambatac scored seven points in his team’s 8-2 run as TNT grabbed a 54-46 lead.

While the Fuel Masters were able to pull themselves closer, the Tropang 5G’s hot offense was just too much to handle as they broke the game wide open in the fourth period. The latter took a 16-point lead, 81-65, after a split from Nambatac.

Ricci Rivero tried to will the Fuel Masters back into it, but a 3-pointer by Kelly Williams slammed the door shut on any comeback attempt.

Calvin Oftana backstopped Nambatac with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Simon Enciso and newcomer Kevin Ferrer had 12 markers apiece.

Tyler Tio and Jason Perkins powered Phoenix with 12 points apiece while Kai Ballungay added 11 markers for the Fuel Masters, who were held to 40.8% shooting and were forced to commit 14 turnovers.

‘There were stretches na masakit sa mata yung offense namin. But, as always, we relied on our defense. Okay lang if we’re not making our shots or if our offense is not as smooth as we want it to be, but as long as we can make stops, that’s the most important element of our gameplan,’ TNT head coach Chot Reyes said.

TNT will be back in action next Saturday against Converge, while Phoenix will return to play on October 22 against the NLEX Road Warriors.

Invoking the late Nelson Mandela’s concern for the elderly, the oldest member of the House of Representatives has decried the ‘digital and social exclusion’ of Filipino senior citizens from government services.

‘In this age of digital transformation, many elderly Filipinos are left behind,’ 83-year-old Rep. Salvador Pleyto Sr. of Bulacan’s 6th district lamented in a privilege speech on Wednesday.

Pleyto cited as example the ‘online’ transactions imposed by government financing institutions, like the Social Security System for about 23 million private sector workers and the Government Service Insurance System for 1.6 million government employees.

‘Without assistance, many senior citizens are unable to access these services, cutting them off from opportunities and benefits that are rightfully theirs,’ Pleyto said.

He pointed out that members have to make sure that they have phones with Wi-Fi and have downloaded the apps of the agencies before they can receive their ‘reduced pension.’

‘But how about the seniors who live in far-flung and very remote areas in the country that do not have cellular phones and can’t even get any Wi-Fi signal? Will this stop their pension? Or do they still have to go on a long trip to the provinces and cities if only to get their pension?’ he asked.

Reminding House members of Mandela’s resentment of discrimination, Pleyto quoted the late African leader: ‘A society that does not value its older people denies its roots and endangers its future.’

The Elderly Filipino Week was observed in the country from Oct. 1 to 7.

‘Their hands once toiled to feed the younger generation, their wisdom continues to guide, and their sacrifices made us what we are today,’ Pleyto said as he appealed to fellow lawmakers to act decisively to improve the welfare of senior citizens.

Describing many of the elderly as ‘living their twilight years in poverty, illness and neglect,’ Pleyto pressed for stronger social protection and medical support for senior citizens, noting four key challenges they face: poverty, lack of access to healthcare, social neglect and digital exclusion.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) proudly announces the highly anticipated return of the Student PR Congress and Grand Prix, setting the stage for the next generation of communicators to create purpose-driven change. This year’s event calls on students to break through boundaries with the theme, “Unmuted: Live, Loud and Limitless PR.”

The Congress is the PRSP’s commitment to fulfilling its mission: to nurture and develop a new generation of PR practitioners equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world. By focusing on shifting and emerging technologies and trends the PRSP aims to cultivate professionals who can wield public relations as a tool for creating meaningful, positive impact in society. The “Unmuted” theme embodies this goal, encouraging students to utilize every available platform-live interactions, digital channels and innovative storytelling-to make their voices and campaigns impactful and boundless.

“It is truly inspiring to witness the growing interest in public relations among schools, particularly through initiatives like our PR caravans. These programs are vital in fulfilling our mission to nurture the next generation of PR professionals, providing them with invaluable insights into a dynamic and impactful career, said Steve Michael Moore, Student PR Congress chairman and PRSP officer.

The centerpiece of the event, the Student PR Grand Prix, is a high-stakes, real-world competition. Student teams from across the nation will receive an actual campaign brief from a leading organization and must develop and present a comprehensive PR strategy to a panel of award-winning industry leaders.

The competition mechanics challenge students’ strategic thinking, creativity, and execution skills under a tight deadline. Judging criteria will focus on quality of research, creativity of the big idea, feasibility of proposed executions, clarity of metrics and the actual pitch presentation. Top teams will vie for the coveted Grand Prix title, recognition from the country’s most respected PR professionals, and exciting cash prizes and professional opportunities.

The Student PR Congress and Grand Prix will take place on November 6-7, 2025 at De la Salle College of St. Benilde in Manila This event is a critical networking opportunity, bringing together students, academics, and industry veterans for a day of learning, inspiration, and competition.

Student teams are invited to review the Grand Prix full campaign mechanics here and then your attendance to the Student PR Congress register here,

Diamond Star Maricel Soriano advised the Filipino youth to take care of their parents while they are still around.

During the media conference of her upcoming movie “Meet, Greet and Bye,” Maricel recalled a moment where she was greeted by millennials in a mall.

“Minsan marami akong nakakasalubong na mga bagets, mga babae naka-mini skirt sila, naka-bag sila at babatiin ako, nilalapitan ko, ‘alam ba ng mga magulang ninyo kung nasaan kayo ngayon? So, siyempre tumigil ang mga laughter, di ba? Seryoso sila bigla,” she shared.

The actress recalled telling them the importance of letting parents know of their whereabouts, “Kasi siyempre aandap-andap ang kalooban niyan, hindi alam kung sino ang kasama n’yo, nasaan kayo, at ano ang mga nangyayari sa inyo.”

Maricel also asked younger generations not to disregard their mothers in particular.

“Huwag n’yo naman dedmahin ang mga nanay n’yo. Isa lang naman ang hinihingi [nila] ibigay n’yo na,” Maricel said. “Sabi ko pa, alam ninyo darating ang panahon tatanda rin kayo magkakaroon kayo ng anak, magkakaroon kayo ng pamilya, gusto n’yo ba kung ano ang ginagawa ninyo ngayon ay gawin din sa inyo? Di ba hindi?”

She reiterated her plea not to snub or abandon one’s parents, instead take every effort to share one’s love for them.

“Walang magulang na nag-iisip ng pangit sa mga anak nila,” Maricel ended.

A family’s story of love, laughter, togetherness, and pain is poised to captivate audiences and tug hearts in the upcoming film “Meet, Greet and Bye” beginning November 12.

The film follows the heartwarming journey of the Facundo family led by Mama Baby (Maricel), who is diagnosed with cancer but refuses to undergo chemotherapy after losing hope of getting better.

Her four children, Tupe (Piolo Pascual), Brad (Joshua Garcia), Leo (Juan Karlos Labajo), and Geri (Belle Mariano) try to find and push for alternative treatment before time runs out for Mama Baby.