Category: Philippine Star

The worst social cancer is currently plaguing the whole nation. The people are losing trust and confidence in the government and institutions. And the people are impervious to what matters most at these critical times. If unabated, this could be the beginning of the nation’s end.

Many people don’t take government institutions seriously anymore. There’s no more genuine respect for authority because people see government officials as oppressors and exploiters. Taxpayers are no longer motivated to pay properly and on time because they’re convinced taxes are being stolen by the officials.

Gone are the days when members of Congress were truly honorable, men and women we can be truly proud of, who served the nation well and never stole a peso from the public coffers. Our senators today are “tinimbang, ngunit kulang”. And our congressmen are “tinimbang ngunit sobra”.

People today don’t respect legislators anymore. We cannot blame them for losing their trust and confidence in Congress because the men and women in the august halls of both the Senate and the House don’t inspire respect anymore.

Gone are the days when our women solons were exemplars of brilliance and integrity, in the likes of Geronima Pecson (the first female senator who was an educator), Tecla San Andres Ziga (the first woman Bar topnotcher), Pacita Madrigal Warns, Maria Kalaw Katigbak, Eva Estrada Kalaw, Helena Benitez, Magnolia Antonino, Letecia Ramos Shahani, Santanina Rasul, Nikki Coseteng, Loren Legarda, and the greatest of them all, Miriam Defensor Santiago. Today, we have family dynasties in the Senate, siblings coming from the same families monopolizing powers and protecting their family business empires.

During the golden era of Claro M. Recto and Lorenzo Tañada, you could not become a senator if you were not a highly-competent lawyer, a Bar topnotcher, or a famous Law dean, professor, or author of law books because you are supposed to make laws. Today, you can be a senator even if you were convicted and imprisoned for serious crimes and even incarcerated, having been accused of plunder and other high crimes. You can be a senator today even if you were only a high school student as long as you are an actor or you represent a well-entrenched family dynasty with a lot of campaign funds contributed allegedly by your favorite public work contractors.

The standards for electing public officials have gone down to the level of the dogs (with apologies to the dogs), and members of Congress are being insulted, defamed, and ridiculed in the social media as crocodiles (with due respect to the crocodiles). During my younger years, whenever a senator or congressman would enter a room, we all stood up and bowed our heads. Today, the effigies of senators and even presidents are burned and trapos are being seen as burdens to the people instead of being models for excellence and integrity. People don’t respect politicians anymore, and yet, on election day, they still vote for them in exchange for a few pesos and cans of cheap sardines.

The social cancer of the whole nation is reaching its terminal stage. Both those who govern and those who are governed are no longer imbued with a sense of nationalism and patriotism like the spirit that animated Rizal, Bonifacio, and Mabini. We have no more sense of dignity and pride like that sense which characterized Don Sergio Osmeña and Manuel Quezon. We don’t respect authorities anymore like the times of Carlos P. Romulo and Camilo Osias. We are a people with such malignant social cancer that the slightest touch would exacerbate the pains and anguish in our hearts and the woundedness of our souls.

The Philippines is a very sick nation with a people beset by a terminal cancer of distrust and a tumor of indifference. We no longer have respect, no more trust, and soon not even a feeling of shame. Ours is a nation that has lost our soul. Only a surgical operation, through another peaceful revolution may have the opportunity to save us all from total perdition. If the people don’t seize the day, I am afraid that the retired generals may take the law into their own hands. It is better that the people should opt for a bloodless transition.

And may that happen very soon, of course, within the framework of law and order, upholding bloodlessly and peacefully the sovereignty of the people over the government. That will be the day.

Veteran journalist, poet and culture writer Pablo Tariman has died after battling several illnesses. He was 76 years old.

Tariman passed away yesterday, October 9, at around 1 p.m. according to ABS-CBN, which received the news from his wife Merlita Lorena-Tariman through family friend and fellow writer Elizabeth Lolarga.

More colleagues confirmed Tariman’s passing on social media, including photojournalist Arnold Jumpay, as well as Tariman’s grandson Emmanuel Acosta.

A benefit concert was just held last month for the writer, who was suffering from tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension and liver complications, among other illnesses.

Leading the tributes for Tariman was another good friend Cecile Licad, whom Tariman covered many times over the years.

“He is one of the Philippines’ truly great writers, poets… [he] dedicated his life passionately to writing for the arts, music, films, and culture,” Licad said. “A very intuitive and sensitive person. He will sorely be missed by many, many people he had inspired.”

Licad added that her upcoming concert in Catanduanes, where Tariman was born, will be dedicated to him.

Tariman was a staple of the arts and culture scene in the Philippines, writing for notable publications like the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Vera Files.

Some of the many artists he wrote about were Lea Salonga, Peque Gallaga, Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, Nonoy Froilan, John Lloyd Cruz, and National Artists Nora Aunor, Ishmael Bernal, Lino Brocka and Ricky Lee.

More recent releases were 2020’s “Ode to Frontliners,” “Love, Life and Loss – Poems During the Pandemic” from 2022, “Encounters in the Arts” earlier this year, and a number pieces done in honor of his deceased daughter Kerima.

As one of the spearheads of San Miguel’s bench mob, Don Trollano’s effort has paid off, with the 33-year-old forward to be recognized as Mr. Quality Minutes in the PBA Press Corps 31st Annual Awards Night on Oct. 13 at the Novotel Manila.

Sharing the spotlight with Trollano during the gala night are members of the All-Rookie Team in Rookie of the Year winner RJ Abarrientos of Barangay Ginebra, Sedrick Barefield (Blackwater), Caelan Tiongson (Rain or Shine), Kai Ballungay (Phoenix), and the duo of Jordan Heading (TNT/Converge) and Justine Baltazar (Converge).

Home Credit Philippines, the country’s leading consumer finance company, is excited for its exclusive pre-order offers for the highly anticipated generation of iPhones-iPhone Air, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max.

From October 9 to 16, customers can secure their new iPhones and enjoy 0% interest for up to 24 months through Home Credit, making it its best offers to date.

Affordable daily installment rates:

iPhone Air – for as low as P76/day

iPhone 17 – for as low as P61/day

iPhone 17 Pro – for as low as P83/day

iPhone 17 Pro Max – for as low as P90/day

Why choose Home Credit?

Fast approval with just 1 valid ID

0% interest for up to 24 months

Pre-order made easy and accessible in all major Apple resellers nationwide

Home Credit Philippines continues to make premium devices more attainable for Filipinos. With its quick approvals and flexible installment plans, owning or upgrading to the latest generation iPhone has never been easier.

‘We’re honored to once again be part of bringing the latest generation of iPhones to the Filipinos.’ said Puneet Suneja, chief sales officer of Home Credit Philippines. ‘Filipinos have always had a strong affinity for iPhones, and we’re excited to continue making ownership easier and more affordable than ever.’

Customers can browse available units and store locations via Shoppingmall.ph, then proceed with pre-ordering at their preferred store.

Download the Home Credit App on Google Play or App Store for quick pre-approval or speak to a Home Credit sales representative at any partner store.

PhilWeb and WEB [link] announced on Oct. 9, 2025 that its principal shareholder, Gregorio Araneta Inc., has agreed to sell its controlling 57% stake to two domestic holding firms for a total of P1.8 billion, or P2.17 per share. In a disclosure, WEB said the deal covers 829.6 million common shares to be acquired by Nexora Holdings Inc.-led by WEB president Edgar Brian Ng-and Velora Holdings Inc. The announcement prompted a one-hour trading halt on WEB shares, with the company noting that the transaction, which will trigger a mandatory tender offer to all remaining shareholders, could affect its public float and raise its foreign ownership level from 4.90% to 40%.

MB bottom-line: I’m not sure what to make of WEB, and I don’t think this transaction has changed much. Mr. Ng has paid the iron price to acquire the company that employs him, and Greggy ‘Scarf Guy’ Araneta gets to ride off into the sunset with a big payout. I don’t understand why Durterte went so far out of his way to mess with WEB in the first place, and that uncertainty is already disqualifying (for me) from a long-term investor’s perspective. Maybe there’s a lot of potential here, maybe Mr. Ng will backdoor in something interesting, or maybe WEB’s just going to float on doing a whole pile of not much just as it has since Mr. Araneta pocketed it after the Duterte smash-and-grab.

Makati police arrested five men who posed as employees of Maynilad and entered a manhole to steal underground telecommunications wires.

Roving police caught the men entering the manhole along Kalayaan Avenue in Barangay Olympia at past 1 a.m. on Thursday. The men wore Maynilad uniforms and were equipped with tools to cut wires.

The men did not immediately emerge from the manhole until police entered it themselves.

The suspects had cut 200 meters of wires, weighing two tons, before police arrived at the scene.

Had authorities not apprehended them, the wires would have been loaded onto a delivery truck and sold to fences, police said.

‘We have received (information about) an incident like this a few days ago, so we monitored this group and caught them in the act of cutting and stealing the underground wires,’ Col. Reycon Garduque, Makati police officer-in-charge, told reporters.

The suspects said they only committed the crime out of poverty due to their low wages as construction workers.

In a statement, Maynilad said none of the five men had official ties to the West Zone water concessionaire.

‘We strongly condemn the unauthorized use of the Maynilad name, uniforms and signage in connection with any illegal act,’ the firm said yesterday.

Maynilad reminded customers that legitimate employees and contractors use company-issued IDs, uniforms and vehicles bearing the concessionaire’s logo.

There have been only 13 of 504 inductees in the International Boxing Hall of Fame from Asia and the list includes four Filipinos. The percentage of Filipinos is less than one percent despite the proliferation of outstanding fighters, promoters and managers.

The enshrined Filipinos are Flash Elorde (inducted in 1993), Pancho Villa (1994), Papa Sarreal (2005) and Manny Pacquiao (2025). Three Filipinos who deserve to be inducted are former world middleweight champion Ceferino Garcia, ‘Thrilla In Manila’ referee Carlos (Sonny) Padilla and referee Bruce McTavish.

Garcia turned pro in 1923 and compiled a record of 120-30-14 with 76 KOs up to 1945. He died in 1981 at 74. The oldest of six children, Garcia was born in Biliran and finished first grade before taking to the streets to do odd jobs. He learned to use the bolo hacking stalks in sugar cane fields, built up muscle as a blacksmith, worked in a bakery and took on all comers in streetfights. Garcia became a full-time prizefighter and was brought to California by his manager Jes Cortez in 1932. He failed in two bids to win the world welterweight crown, losing decisions to Hall of Famers Barney Ross and Henry Armstrong then finally ascended the throne in the middleweight division, stopping another Hall of Famer Fred Apostoli in the seventh round in New York City in 1939.

Garcia was one of only six fighters to hold Armstrong to a standoff and was the first man to floor World War II hero Ross to whom he lost three decisions. In their first encounter, Garcia decked Ross twice in one round, employing his dreaded ‘bolo’ punch. In the book ‘Barney Ross: The Life of a Jewish Fighter,’ author Douglas Century recounted how Garcia was close to scoring a KO. ‘Ross stumbled back to his corner and in at least one telling of the tale, Art Winch struck a match, holding the flame to Barney’s bare back to get the fighter to respond to the standard questions,’ wrote Century. ”What round is it?’ Barney stared mutely into his spit pail. ‘End of the first,’ he said at long last. ‘Barn, it’s the fifth.’ Fighting on street instinct and sheer muscle memory, Barney hung in for a decision but his face and body were battered.’

No Filipino fighter has won more bouts than Garcia who made his first title defense at the open-air Rizal Football Stadium before over 40,000 fans who witnessed his 13th round KO of Glen Lee in 1939 with Jack Dempsey as referee. President Manuel Quezon was at ringside and sat beside Garcia’s mother Pascuala Pieras. How could the Hall of Fame ignore the only Filipino world middleweight titlist ever, the man who dethroned a Hall of Famer, held Hammerin’ Hank to a draw and floored another Hall of Famer twice in the first fight of a trilogy?

Padilla, 91, worked nearly 70 world title fights in a career that spanned almost 40 years. In 1975, he was the third man in the ring with Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at the Araneta Coliseum. His performance in the ‘Thrilla In Manila’ led to world-wide acclaim and he wound up with big-ticket assignments involving legends like Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Mike Tyson and Pacquiao. Surely, he deserves a place in the Hall of Fame.

Lastly, McTavish logged over 150 world title bouts and was named WBC Referee of the Year thrice. For over 14 years, he was the main lecturer in referee seminars at the WBC Convention. His assignments brought him all over the world, including Siberia and the Klong Perm Central Prison for Women in Bangkok. He worked Pacquiao’s last appearance in Manila against Oscar Larios in 2006. McTavish passed away last July at 84.

Florence Bisera heads into the ICTSI Del Monte Championship unfolding Tuesday, October 14, brimming with confidence, riding a wave of momentum and a game trending steadily upward.

Fresh off a sensational back-to-back performance last month – a dramatic come-from-behind win in Negros Occidental followed by a breakthrough international triumph in Thailand – the rising Davaoeña star has emerged as one of the hottest names on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

Yet, despite her recent surge, the reigning Match Play champion remains grounded, adopting a measured approach despite being the player to beat this week.

Her humility belies a lethal combination of form, confidence and competitive fire – one that has caught the attention of the entire field.

With a P1-million purse and another shot at glory at stake, Bisera steps into the Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon as a marked player, the centerpiece of a compact and determined field.

Bisera’s recent string of victories has not only elevated her status but also raised the stakes. Her dramatic finish in Negros Occidental showcased her ability to handle pressure, while her overseas win in Thailand proved she could rise to the occasion beyond home turf – a critical milestone for any player with aspirations for the global stage.

A win at Del Monte would solidify her standing as the new force in Philippine women’s golf and mark her third consecutive title, a feat that would underscore her readiness to dominate the tour.

But standing in her way is a loaded cast of elite challengers.

Chief among them is Daniella Uy, the reigning Del Monte champion and LPGA of Taiwan campaigner, who’s eager to bounce back after a lukewarm finish in Negros. A return to a familiar venue could be just what she needs to reignite her game and defend her crown.

Joining the fray are other proven winners: Chanelle Avaricio, Mafy Singson, Sarah Ababa, Chihiro Ikeda and Harmie Constantino – each one capable of delivering a title-worthy performance.

Marvi Monsalve, making her LPGT comeback, is another name to watch, along with young gun Tiffany Lee, looking to recapture her form from a brilliant pro debut at Splendido Taal.

Local knowledge could also come into play, with Bukidnon natives Martina Miñoza, Velinda Castil, Pamela Mariano, and amateur Zero Plete expected to leverage their familiarity with the demanding mountain-top course.

Also seeking their moment in the spotlight in the 54-hole tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. are Kayla Nocum, Angela Mangana, Leslie Icoy, Rev Alcantara, Gretchen Villacencio, Apple Fudolin, Kristine Fleetwood, Korean Eunhua Nam and Eva Miñoza.

Still, focus will be on Bisera, whose poise and grit have begun to set her apart. With each round, she continues to mature not just as a competitor, but as a potential face of LPGT. If she keeps her current trajectory, the spotlight won’t just be local – it could very well extend to the regional and international stage.

For now, though, all eyes are on Del Monte – and whether Bisera can complete her hat trick.

An American fugitive has been arrested by agents of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Jordan, Guimaras.

Boyd Monte Murray, 64, was reportedly found in possession of several identification cards bearing different names, according to Rendel Ryan Sy, chief of the BI fugitive search unit.

Murray reportedly failed to present a valid passport or immigration documents. He was arrested in Barangay Rizal on Sept. 30, with the help of the Philippine Navy.

The arrest stemmed from information provided by the United States embassy that Murray has a pending arrest warrant for theft issued by the King County Superior Court in Seattle, Washington in December 1994.

The suspect is reportedly facing multiple charges in several US states, including possession of stolen vehicles, larceny and other felony offenses. His US passport has reportedly been revoked by the US Department of State.

The BI is reviewing Murray’s record of stay in the Philippines after complaints from the community and posts on social media revealed the suspect’s alleged criminal history, including prior convictions for fraud, theft and burglary.

The suspect allegedly engaged in repulsive online behavior, including posting lewd remarks on social media accounts of underage girls.

True to its mission of championing the well-being of its people, Mynt, the parent company of leading finance super app GCash, is enhancing its medical and financial support for its employees-reflecting a deep commitment to compassion and holistic care.

As part of its Alagang GCash program and to further strengthen its health and wellness campaign, this partnership with AC Health aims to ensure that GCash Kabarkadas receive comprehensive cancer care, supporting them throughout their entire treatment journey.

The Healthway Medical Network will also provide essential support for the program by offering a range of preventive care and treatment services to employees, including vaccinations and health screenings at their facilities.

Developed to redefine employee support, the Alagang GCash program provides holistic care to its workforce. It aims to address every aspect of well-being-financial, physical, mental, emotional and familial-and set a new benchmark for employee benefits in the Philippine digital finance sector.

‘What we’re doing is we’re making our benefits better, especially for cancer care, so that we’re more worry-free. It’s our attempt to tell you that you’re not alone when these things happen,’ said Martha Sazon, president and CEO of Mynt.

“At Mynt, we believe that caring for our people means supporting every part of their well-being-from health to financial security, and even emotional resilience. Through Alagang GCash and our partnership with AC Health, we want our employees to feel that they are never alone in their journey, especially during life’s most difficult battles,” Mynt chief people officer Robert Gonzales added.

The event brought together the Mynt leadership team and its partners to solidify its commitment through the Working with Cancer Pledge-from the cancer care standee to the ribbon pins worn proudly by its employees.

The Working with Cancer Pledge rallies companies and organizations around the world to erase the stigma of cancer and create an environment where employees impacted by cancer feel supported in the workplace.

The new comprehensive cancer care benefit of Mynt includes a reimbursable allowance for cancer prevention and screening, building on the existing coverage for annual medical check-ups, vaccines and wellness.

In addition, the company will now cover any remaining cancer-related treatment and hospitalization expenses for employees that exceed their current HMO and critical illness benefits.

Employees diagnosed with cancer will also be granted an additional 60 paid leaves, while those with dependents who are battling this serious illness will be entitled to an additional 30 paid leaves so they can take care of them. These are in addition to their annual vacation leaves, sick leaves and paid time off.

As part of its holistic approach to care, Mynt will provide access to a psychologist specialized in supporting cancer patients and employees with loved ones facing a cancer diagnosis, helping them navigate the emotional challenges and strengthen their mental well-being.

Mynt will also assign a case manager who can conduct home visits, as needed, to help patients with their recovery. Additionally, employees will have access to a pool of caregivers, if needed.

Employees diagnosed with terminal cancer may claim up to 100% of their life insurance benefit during their treatment journey.

Through Alagang GCash, the company underscores its commitment to holistic employee wellness, ensuring that every Kabarkada is supported not just at work but in their overall health and well-being.