Category: Philippine Star

Former Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla has officially been named the new Ombudsman, assuming one of the country’s most powerful anti-corruption posts amid a packed investigative docket.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Remulla on Tuesday, October 7, succeeding former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term expired in July. Remulla took his oath of office on Thursday, October 9.

Justice Undersecretary Fredderick Vida will serve as acting Justice Secretary in the meantime.

As Ombudsman, Remulla is expected to face and handle several high-profile cases:

1. Complaints filed against him

Even before assuming office, Remulla faces multiple complaints filed during his tenure as Justice secretary.

Acting Davao City Mayor Paolo Duterte lodged criminal and administrative complaints against Remulla and several officials over the handover of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court on March 11, 2025.

Separately, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio filed arbitrary detention charges against Remulla and National Bureau of Investigation Director Jaime Santiago for the arrest and detention of Cassandra Ong and Shiela Leal Guo, who were accused of involvement in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators’ illicit activities.

Under standard procedure, officials who are subjects of complaints are expected to inhibit themselves from proceedings related to their own cases.

2. Flood control fund scandal

Remulla will also inherit a major corruption probe into anomalous flood control projects.

On September 1, the Ombudsman created a special panel of prosecutors to investigate alleged irregularities in government infrastructure projects, in coordination with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the Department of Justice and both chambers of Congress.

By late September, the ICI had recommended filing graft, malversation and falsification charges against former Rep. Zaldy Co and several Department of Public Works and Highways officials.

3. Confidential funds investigation

The Ombudsman is also handling a contentious case involving Vice President Sara Duterte over the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds – P500 million from the Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million from the Department of Education between 2022 and 2024.

The probe stems from a recommendation by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability. In June, the Ombudsman directed Duterte and nine other officials to respond to the allegations.

4. Pandemic-time Pharmally scandal

Remulla also vowed to revisit the Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. controversy, one of the most prominent corruption cases to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said his office would reexamine findings and testimonies related to the alleged overpricing of medical supplies procured during the Duterte administration, as well as the accountability of officials linked to the transactions.

The case, which previously led to Senate hearings and criminal complaints, has remained largely unresolved since being referred to the Ombudsman in 2022.

Ombudsman’s scope

Under the Constitution and the Ombudsman Act of 1989, the Ombudsman serves as the government’s independent watchdog against corruption and abuse in public service.

The office has broad authority to investigate, prosecute, and discipline public officials – from rank-and-file employees to Cabinet members – when misconduct, negligence, or misuse of public funds is suspected.

The Ombudsman can:

Initiate investigations on its own or upon complaint;

Direct public officials to act on or cease improper conduct;

Recommend suspension, removal, or criminal prosecution of erring officials;

Access government documents and financial records;

Administer oaths, issue subpoenas, and hold individuals in contempt; and

Publicize findings when warranted, ensuring reports are balanced and factual.

The office also has authority to recover ill-gotten wealth acquired after Feb. 25, 1986-when the current president’s father was deposed as dictator through People Power Revolution.

The Ombudsman, notably, is also expected to push for reforms that eliminate inefficiency, red tape, and corruption across government agencies.

Remulla steps into an institution under intense public scrutiny and charged with investigating some of the most politically sensitive cases in government.

The office he now leads holds sweeping powers to seek accountability, but its credibility depends on whether he can wield those powers with impartiality.

During these dark times when the country is going through moral and social challenges, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula said people are called to act as saints and become ‘beacons of light.’

According to a CBCPNews post, Cardinal Advincula encouraged everyone to ‘normalize sainthood’ and make it part of their everyday life.

Advincula gave this message during the First National Postulation Conference held last Oct. 7 at the Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila, and the launching of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Office for the Postulation of the Causes of Saints.

He said that the conference held last Tuesday was timely and crucial amid the nation’s moral and social challenges.

‘It was when times were extremely dark that the Lord called saints to serve as beacons of light amid the decadence and despair,’ Advincula said. ‘We are saints in process, and the Lord is not finished with us yet.’

While not identifying specific moral and social challenges, the archbishop made the statement at the time when the country is going through a corruption scandal in government flood control projects.

Advincula also said holiness is not a privilege for only a few people but a call for all the baptized. ‘Let us normalize the idea of sainthood for all, especially among the young people. God did not call the perfect or the ideal – He looked at the heart and the potential,’ the prelate said.

Holiness, he said, is not measured by perfection or miracles but by love, humility and service.

‘The Lord is calling every one of us to be saints – to proclaim the light and joy of the Gospel in our homes, parishes, and communities,’ he added.

Not snap polls, but jail for plunderers

What the country needs is not a new election term but a prison term for the plunderers, CBCP president Kalookan’s Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David said amid calls for a snap election over mounting outrage against corruption in government flood control projects.

Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano suggested last Oct. 5 for all leaders – from the President Marcos to members of Congress – to resign and to hold a snap election.

In response, Cardinal David said that ‘Even if it (the government) fails us, we must not throw it away – it’s something we have built together. Let’s repair it, guard it, and make it work. Not through a coup, not through revolutionary government, not through military rule, not through snap elections.’

‘Let the rule of law work. What we need is not a new election term – but long prison terms for the plunderers,’ he added.

‘We’ve suddenly awakened to the truth that patronage politics and dynastic rule are the greatest plagues of our nation,’ he said.

But there is no simple remedy to the country’s woes because ‘even if all the corrupt officials were to die, they would just be replaced by others like them,’ he said.

‘We are all part of the problem; therefore, we must all be part of the solution. We must help dismantle this culture of corruption,’ he added.

Impeach Marcos?

During Wednesday’s plenary sessions, neophyte lawmaker Rep. Kiko Barzaga said he intends to file an impeachment complaint against President Marcos for alleged ‘betrayal of public trust.’

‘I am filing an impeachment complaint against President Marcos. Hopefully, Congress will remove him soon so we can start investigating those involved in flood control anomalies,’ the 27-year-old lawmaker said.

However, Barzaga only showed the document (Marcos impeachment suit) in his vlog, where he accused the Chief Executive of ‘betrayal of public trust.’

‘Welcome back to the crocodile farm. The crocodiles are absent again, they are in vacation,’ he said, smiling in his vlog as he showed a video of the chamber’s plenary hall. ‘And I have another surprise – the Marcos impeachment complaint! Ameow hehehe Bye Bye Marcos.’

The Cavite fourth district congressman has not filed any complaint yet before the office of House secretary general Cheloy Garafil.

Marcos Jr. too busy

President Marcos is too preoccupied with his responsibilities to pay attention to the effort of Barzaga to impeach him, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said filing an impeachment complaint is within the power of the House of Representatives, but the President is too busy to deal with such discussions.

‘At a time when the President is attending to a lot of things, these kinds of discussions are ignored. The President is busy helping our countrymen; many jobs are needed to uplift the Philippines, not to lower the dignity of the country,’ the Palace press officer said at a briefing.

Asked if Marcos is paying attention to Barzaga, Castro replied: ‘Just a smile.’

Castro said it is easy to make allegations, but the public should not believe in claims that are not backed by evidence.

Big Bad Wolf Books has returned to Metro Manila with its highly anticipated massive book sale at the Filinvest Tent, running from October 2 to 13. With more than two million titles on display, the event welcomes readers to dive into an endless world of stories and ideas spanning genres that inspire, entertain and enlighten.

At the Filinvest Tent, readers of all ages can dive into a world of selections from heartwarming novels and inspiring self-help books to creative reads and comforting stories-there’s truly something for everyone.

Celebrating stories with leaders

The event opened with warm words of celebration from Big Bad Wolf’s leaders and the presence of partners. Ley Almeda, country head of Big Bad Wolf Books Philippines, shared, ‘We’re truly grateful to see such strong support from the media and our partners as we open another chapter here in the South. Big Bad Wolf has always been about changing the world, one book at a time, and it’s inspiring to know that every sale brings us closer to more Filipino families discovering the joy of reading.’

Bernard Lee, business director of Big Bad Wolf Books Malaysia, echoed the excitement saying ‘It’s always a joy to bring the world’s biggest book sale to new communities, and we’re thrilled to share this experience with everyone here at Filinvest. With millions of books, incredible deals, we hope every visitor takes home not only great reads but also lasting memories.’

The opening ceremony was graced with the presence of distinguished guests who joined the ribbon-cutting to officially launch the sale:

Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines

Atty. Amorsolo Camara Jr., Director IV Office for International Cooperation Office and Government Relations

Mitch Dumlao, FVP and business unit head for Filinvest Malls

Denise Rae Lagayan, VP and head of corporate marketing, Filinvest Malls

Don Ubaldo, head of Filinvest Townships

Kristine Triviño, GM of Filinvest City Association Inc.

A world of stories to explore

Every shelf at the Big Bad Wolf Books sale features a wide variety of genres and authors. Whether you are looking for the latest bestsellers, motivational reads or hidden gems, this sale promises a treasure trove for every kind of reader.

Exciting prizes to win

Shopping at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale comes with rewards. For every P5,000 spent in a single receipt, customers get a raffle entry for a chance to win:

Minor prize: IKEA bookshelf with decals plus 100 books worth P300 each

Major prize: An iPad for the ultimate reading and digital experience

Grand prize: A 3-day staycation for 2

Submit your raffle entry with your receipt at the Raffle Booth in the Customer Service area. One winner per customer throughout the promo period. Winners will be announced on October 11 at 11:45 PM.

Don’t miss out on the Big Bad Wolf Books sale at Filinvest

Every shelf at the Big Bad Wolf Books sale is packed with choices to explore. Whether you’re searching for the latest bestsellers, motivational reads or rare finds, this sale promises a rich collection for every kind of reader.

Event details

Venue: The Filinvest Tent, Alabang

Dates: October 2 to 13, 2025

Sale Hours:

Friday-Sunday: 10 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Monday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Admission: Free

Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. is not hitting the brakes on its gas investments, reaffirming a commitment to boosting the country’s indigenous power production.

‘We are definitely going all-in to generate more indigenous energy,’ Prime Energy president and CEO Donnabel Kuizon Cruz said at a recent energy forum.

Cruz highlighted the role of gas-fired power plants as a bridge fuel that facilitates the shift away from coal, while supporting the growing integration of renewable energy sources.

‘In this era of energy transition, where risks are real and opportunities are emerging across a shifting power map, our task is clear: to make our very own Filipino gas a bridge that unifies the industry and serves as a force for good for Filipinos,’ Cruz said.

Prime Energy is the operator of the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project, the country’s first and only indigenous gas field in offshore Palawan.

The company, along with its consortium partners Prime Oil and Gas Inc., UC38 LLC and PNOC Exploration Corp., has set aside $893 million to extend the Malampaya field’s production life.

The Malampaya Phase 4 (MP4) project, one of the country’s largest upstream energy investments in over a decade, involves drilling two new deepwater wells and a new exploration field in a bid to deliver a new gas supply next year.

‘Through the collective efforts of brave Filipinos, the runway has been set for a new era of exploration in the Philippines. MP4, the first project of an all-Filipino-led consortium, is the first step,’ Cruz said.

Beyond strengthening the country’s power supply, Cruz said the Malampaya field has emerged as a key revenue generator for the government.

Since 2001, the Malampaya project has generated around $13.9 billion in revenues for the government, according to Prime Energy.

Besides hundreds of non-existent or ghost flood control projects, the nation is now learning about ‘haunted hospitals.’

Unlike the flood control projects, the government health centers are in existence. But only 200 of 600 health centers built under the health facilities enhancement program or HFEP of the Department of Health are reportedly functional as of this year.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa had described the HFEP as the department’s own version of the flood control mess. Herbosa disclosed this during the plenary debates at the House of Representatives on the P253-billion budget proposed by the DOH for 2026.

Launched in 2008, the HFEP is supposed to provide funds for government health facilities to enhance access of the poor to health care. At the outset, the program aimed to augment the number of barangay health stations, rural health units, district and provincial hospitals as well as medical specialty centers. But many of the facilities could not operate due to lack of health professionals and other personnel.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno noted that over P170 billion had been allocated in the past decade for DOH infrastructure and equipment requirements alone. Including funds for personnel and commodities, the amount rises to P400 billion.

Despite those billions and the existence of the hundreds of health facilities under the HFEP, the government found it necessary to launch separate healthcare programs such as those under the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations.

AICS and other unconditional dole-outs received more official attention apparently because they politicized healthcare and other ayuda programs, with politicians allowed to endorse patients and use the programs for their self-promotion by taking personal credit for state-funded aid.

The HFEP highlights the waste of precious public funds when project implementation is not properly coordinated. If public funds will be spent to construct a health facility, there must be sufficient coordination and follow-through with local government units and other relevant agencies to ensure that there will be enough personnel to operate the facility. Otherwise the structure will become a white elephant that will deteriorate with the passage of time.

Staffing health facilities has been a problem for a long time in this country as nurses, doctors and other health professionals opt for higher pay abroad. The problem reached crisis proportions at the height of the COVID pandemic.

Poor people lacking access to health care bear the brunt of the problem, but ultimately, all taxpayers are hit, as billions in public funds go down the drain.

A former chairman and former treasurer of a barangay in Manila were sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for graft for allegedly demanding advance ‘commission’ from a supplier in exchange for a contract to supply various materials.

In a 48-page decision promulgated on Sept. 30, the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division upheld the ruling of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 39 finding Ephraim Maniquis and Regielyn Lauriaga, former chairman and treasurer, respectively, of Barangay 52, Zone 4 in Manila guilty of violating Section 3(b) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

‘The evidence established beyond reasonable doubt all the elements of violation of Section 3(b) of Republic Act 3019, as amended. Hence, conviction of accused-appellants is proper,’ the Sixth Division’s decision read, referring to the provision that ‘prohibits a public official from soliciting and accepting gifts, favor or percentage in connection with any government transaction in which the public official has the capacity to intervene.’

Maniquis and Lauriaga were sentenced to six years and one month to 10 years in prison and perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

The P73,320 they received from the private complainant was ordered ‘confiscated and forfeited in favor of the government.’

According to the case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2015, Maniquis and Lauriaga demanded P73,320 from complainant Franco Espiritu, owner of FRCGE Trading, as their ‘advance share’ or commission in exchange for awarding to Espiritu’s firm a contract to provide the barangay various supplies and materials.

‘The Court finds the private complainant’s testimony clear and consistent, that he yielded to the amount requested by the accused-appellants despite the absence of details regarding the project and bidding because he relied on their assurance that he would emerge as the winning bidder in a transaction where both accused-appellants had the duty to intervene under the law,’ the Sixth Division ruling read in part.

Besides, the anti-graft court added, ‘the mere act of requesting, demanding or receiving a gift, share, present, percentage or benefit in connection with a contract or transaction that the public officer has to intervene is already punishable under law, regardless of whether or not the contract or transaction is perfected or consummated.’

Jose Rizal University was never given a chance in NCAA Season 101 after finishing 10th and dead last a season ago and undergoing a major revamp that saw it changing its former coach early in the year.

But armed with sheer guts and perseverance, the Bombers turned it around and slew the beast in the San Beda Lions, 67-66, on Friday to jump back into contention at the Mall of Asia Arena.

It was the second win for JRU in three starts, with its first coming at the expense of another big fish in Letran, 73-69, last week.

Allan Laurenaria came out of nowhere and delivered the game-winning shot in the dying seconds that hammered in the dagger straight into the hearts of the Lions, who absorbed their first defeat after two wins in a row.

‘This was a huge win for us because it gave us confidence,’ said JRU’s new mentor Nani Epondulan, who spent college ball on this same team he’s now coaching. ‘We’re small but our hearts are big,’ he added.

The result also forged a three-way logjam atop Group B among JRU, San Beda and College of St. Benilde.

It was a heartbreaking defeat for San Beda, which practically lost two important points in the clutch – the first when John Sajonia’s triple was reduced to a long-two after he was seen on a video replays stepping on the three-point line and the other when rookie Agjanti Miller’s second made foul shot was nullified due to lane violation.

Earlier, San Sebastian claimed its first win in three outings by outgunning Lyceum of the Philippines, 100-94.

The Pirates fell to 0-3.

The scores:

First Game

SSC-R 100 – Cuajao 25, Ricio 25, Dela Rama 15, Castor 12, Felebrico 8, Lumanag 6, Gabat 6, Nepacena 3, Velasco 0, Cabilla 0, Dimaunahan 0, Are 0.

LPU 94 – Barba 32, Moralejo 19, Villegas 15, Versoza 6, Daileg 6, Peñafiel 6, Abregana 6, Montaño 2, Casiño 2, Aurige 0, Aviles 0, Pallingayan 0, Dural 0, Gordon 0.

Quarterscores: 19-27; 41-50; 62-63; 75-75; 87-87 (OT); 100-94 (2OT)

Second Game

JRU 67 – Salvador 15, Lozano 13, Panapanaan 9, Argente 8, Garupil 7, Laurenaria 6, Herrera 5, Sarmiento 3, Castillo 1, Benitez 0, Peñaverde 0, Duque 0.

San Beda 66 – Sajonia 16, Miller 13, Lina 13, Etulle 8, Gonzales 6, Reyes 4, Celzo 2, Culdora 2, Puno 2, Estacio 0, Bonzalida 0, Calimag 0, Jalbuena 0, Vailoces 0, Songcuya 0.

Quarterscores: 19-16; 37-33; 55-46; 67-66

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has issued requests to internet service providers to block access to platforms that illegally stream Filipino films.

In a statement, the IPOPHL said a request was made for the blocking of 13 Freecine-related sites, including freecineplus.com, freecine.ph, freecineph.com, freecine.com.co and freecine.site, following a complaint from Viva Communications Inc. and its streaming service Vivamax.

According to Viva, Freecine has been offering and distributing copyrighted titles, including ‘Bedspace,’ ‘Dilig’ and ‘Room Service,’ through its mobile app without any license or authorization.

A request was also made to block access to Asyaminik (asyaminik.com), based on another complaint by Viva for the illegal distribution of titles ‘Chasing in the Wild,’ ‘Safe Skies Archer,’ ‘The Rain in España’ and ‘Avenues of the Diamond.’

The content is available for online streaming or downloading for offline viewing within the pages of Asyaminik without authorization from Viva.

IPOPHL Memorandum Circular 23-025 provides rules for swift action against online piracy in coordination with internet service providers.

The site-blocking requests coincide with the National Anti-Piracy Month.

‘IPOPHL’s ongoing anti-piracy drive signals our continued commitment to the protection of the intellectual property rights of the Philippine creative industries, which serve as a vital driver of our economy,’ acting IPOPHL director general Nathaniel Arevalo said.

‘We will continue to use every tool available, including site-blocking measures, to crack down on those who disrespect Filipino artists who pour their heart and soul into their creations but also ensure a safe and secure digital landscape that can showcase the works of the country,’ he also said.

To help the local creative industry succeed, he urged the public to stream and consume content only through legal means.

‘Every small deed makes a difference. Let us all defend the digital space in any way we can so legitimate creators can thrive,’ he said.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will start the voter registration for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on Oct. 20.

The registration, which will be conducted nationwide except in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), will run until May 18.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the voter registration for the barangay and SK elections in the BARMM will start on May 1 and will also end on May 18.

Garcia said the Comelec opted to start the voter registration for the barangay and SK polls in the Bangsamoro region after holding the first BARMM parliamentary election, which is scheduled in March.

He said conducting the registration simultaneously may create confusion among BARMM voters, who may think the activity is for the parliamentary elections.

The Comelec said it is expecting up to 1.4 million applicants during the seven-month registration period.

Almost three million prospective voters have submitted applications in the last national voter registration held from Aug. 1 to 10.

The barangay and SK elections will be conducted nationwide in December 2026.

After a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday, October 10, classes and government work in Davao City and other areas have been suspended.

‘In view of the recent earthquake and to give way to the conduct of rapid damage assessment of infrastructures and facilities, classes in all levels, public and private educational institutions, in Davao City are hereby suspended immediately,’ the city government of Davao said in a Facebook post.

Another advisory was issued saying that government office work in Davao City has been suspended until further notice.

‘Private offices and establishments are given the discretion to suspend work or adopt work-from-home arrangements, but are encouraged to do so for the safety and convenience of their employees,’ the local government unit said.

The City Government of Cotabato likewise announced that classes were also suspended in the city.

After the earthquake in Davao, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. has ordered the suspension of work at Cebu City Hall following the advisories on possible aftershocks.

Here is a running list of all the local government units and schools that have announced class suspensions:

Schools

Davao del Sur State College

Tamugan National High School

Polytechnic College of Davao del Sur

Localities

Davao City

Cotabato City

Koronadal City

Municipality of Maitum

Municipality of Malabuyog

Municipality of Albuera

Municipality of Mabini

Municipality of Santa Maria

Municipality of Sta. Cruz

Sultan Kudarat