Category: Philippine Star

Pope Leo XIV expressed his heartfelt closeness to the Filipino people, offering prayers for those most impacted by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu.

‘I express my closeness to the beloved Filipino people, and in particular, I pray for those who have been most harshly affected by the consequences of the earthquake,’ Leo said in a message delivered in Itaian after the Jubilee Mass at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Sunday, October 5 (Manila time).

‘Let us remain united and solidary in our trust in God and in the intercession of His Mother in every danger,’ he added.

Leo first extended his sympathies to the victims of the Cebu earthquake on October 2, according to Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy, who said the message was conveyed through Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown.

It can be recalled that Leo, also known as Robert Prevost, visited the Philippines several times when he was still the superior general of the Augustinians.

According to CBCP News, Leo has visited Cebu five times.

Meanwhile, the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recorded a death toll of 71 and 559 injuries due to the powerful earthquake that struck on September 30.

In response, Uy, whom Leo appointed as the archdiocese’s prelate, ordered an assessment of the structural integrity of the churches.

I really like this move if we zoom out: the Zobel Family is detaching itself from legacy brands, and refocusing its efforts on a new brand with proven growth prospects in BYD. That sounds great as a headline, but I’m curious about how the transition will work under the hood, at the ground level. The nine dealerships under ACMobility will be turned over to new management very quickly, but how quickly will they be able to spin up the new BYD dealerships? Are they going to put the BYD dealerships in the same locations as the old Honda dealerships? It doesn’t sound like it. Will the new locations be good? How long will it take to get those up and running?

The government shutdown in the US is a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and the blood spatter will probably prevent us from learning key details about the American economy in a timely fashion. But that’s only an added layer of complexity for the BSP, which has had to endure unprecedented levels of abnormality from the US since the Trump takeover of the government closed in January. Consensus appears to be that the recent storms (and the apprehension of further storms) will cause the BSP to leave interest rates unchanged should those events cause disruptions in the supply chain for various food items, leading to price increases due to scarcity. Banks are loving it. People are drowning, literally and figuratively.

An outpouring of support has flooded Northern Cebu after the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake, but the sheer volume of donations transported to affected areas is creating a new crisis: crippling traffic gridlock, and increasing threat of geological instability.

Due to the heavy traffic going to Northern Cebu, the Cebu Provincial Government, together with the Danao City Government, is urging all donors and volunteer groups to deliver their donations through the established donation hub in Danao City instead of going directly to the affected areas.

This hub was established to help decongest the roads, consolidate all donations, and ensure a faster and more organized distribution of aid to the areas affected by the earthquake. Vehicles heading north were also urged to turn back and drop off their donations in Danao City instead.

Over the weekend, travel to the affected areas took up to 10 hours, further delaying the delivery of relief assistance.

As aid continues to arrive in large volumes to northern Cebu, Liza Socorro Manzano, a retired chief geologist from the Lands Geological Survey Division of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau’s central office, has raised concerns. She warned that the increasing weight of vehicles on the already fragile roads could lead to collapses and sinkhole formations.

Manzano’s concerns are amplified by the caution she made earlier about post-quake sinkholes, making her latest warning particularly urgent.

Hours before the hub was established in Danao City, the Cebu Provincial Government reported that donors had begun to drop off relief goods and essential items at the Provincial Donation Hub. This hub, located at the City Boardwalk near the port serving the Camotes route, aims to decongest roads, streamline distribution, and speed up delivery of aid to quake-hit towns.

However, the influx of donations resulted in hours-long traffic jams, hindering the delivery of aid to those who need it most and potentially weakening compromised road structures.

Manzano explained in brief via social media that the weight of these heavy vehicles is causing subsidence, where the ground compacts and sinks.

“Ang trak trak na donasyon paingon sa Northern Cebu dako kaayo na katabang, pero makabalaka kay modugang sa peligro ug disgrasya … Ang mga dalan kay apil man sa naapektuhan sa linog ug naay posibilidad na mahugno,” Manzano cautioned, suggesting alternative transport ways, such as via air or RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessels to alleviate pressure on roadways.

She stressed the importance of prioritizing access for emergency responders and geologists assessing the ongoing risks.

The Capitol assured the public that the initiative aims to dispel concerns about donations being left idle. Items received at the provincial hub in Danao will be promptly loaded onto dump trucks and container vans for immediate delivery to the affected towns.

The Capitol said that using the large-capacity vehicles makes the operation more practical and efficient, capable in transporting far more goods than private cars. They added that this also eases the burden on individuals who might otherwise face long, traffic-congested trips to personally deliver their donations.

Authorities are urging donors to coordinate through official drop-off points, noting that the influx of private vehicles traveling north has caused heavy traffic, which in turn hampers relief and emergency operations.

Donations may also be dropped off at the Capitol Warehouse on M. Velez Street and the Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu Gym (General Maxilom Avenue Campus), as well as through other government offices and reputable organizations with established logistical capacity.

‘In this way, we keep roads clear for essential services, and ready to respond to emergencies especially that aftershocks are still felt causing landslides and road collapses,’ the Capitol said.

Capitol Public Information Office head Ainjeliz dela Torre-Orong assured the public that all relief goods delivered to the Provincial Hub in Danao City are immediately loaded onto trucks and dispatched to the affected towns. ‘It is the same situation and assurance for the relief dropped off at the Capitol Warehouse,’ she said.

However, she said that those who may be hesitant to entrust their donations to the government can instead coordinate with trusted non-government organizations (NGOs) or established private groups such as the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Philippine Red Cross, Junior Chamber International (JCI), Lions Club International, Rotary International, Eagles Club, and the Council of Evangelical Churches.

Orong emphasized that while the generosity of donors is deeply appreciated and encouraged, the province is appealing for a more strategic and coordinated approach to ensure that well-intentioned efforts do not unintentionally cause further challenges.

Through a centralized system, she said, traffic congestion can be reduced, resources can be maximized, and assistance can be delivered more efficiently to those who need it most.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Central Visayas, under Regional Director Joel Erestain, is also pleading for a more organized approach to donation distribution.

Erestain is urging donors to coordinate with local government units or the Incident Management Team (IMT) in Bogo City to manage the flow of traffic and ensure aid reaches safely to all affected communities.

The Regional Incident Management Team (RIMT) has issued a public advisory emphasizing the need for coordination.

“For an organized distribution of relief goods and to reach the areas most in need, we encourage the public to coordinate with the local government units affected, or directly coordinate with the Incident Management Team (IMT),” the advisory states, highlighting the strain the uncoordinated influx is placing on local infrastructure.

Erestain also warned against spontaneous roadside distributions, which exacerbate traffic congestion and create potential safety hazards.

“Nakikiusap tayo. May nakikita ako na mga truck, biglang titigil sa gitna ng daan–namimigay. Sana ayusin na lang natin… Delikado ‘yan,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a structured and safe distribution system.

For those seeking to coordinate donation efforts and help alleviate the traffic crisis, the IMT can be reached at 0926-327-6397.

DSWD FOOD PACKS DISTRIBUTION

The Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 Field has distributed a total of 158,150 family food packs (FFPs) as of 4 am yesterday (October 5) to assist quake-affected families.

The relief packs were distributed to the hardest-hit areas in northern Cebu, covering the municipalities of Bantayan, Borbon, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, San Remigio, Santa Fe, Sogod, Tabogon, and Tabuelan, as well as the City of Bogo.

Each family food pack contains two three-kilograms of vacuum-sealed rice, four cans of corned beef, four cans of tuna, two cans of sardines, and sachets of coffee and chocolate malt drink. These provisions are designed to supply the basic food needs of a family for two to three days while awaiting further assistance or recovery.

Nicasio Armamento, a farmer from Borbon, Cebu, said the family food packs he received are a big help, even if only a temporary relief to their situation.

DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, in a statement, said the immediate distribution of food packs demonstrates the department’s commitment to respond to the urgent needs of earthquake-affected families and to augment the efforts of the affected LGUs.

‘Our priority is to ensure that no family goes hungry during this difficult time. The deployment of food packs to Cebu communities is part of our intensified relief efforts as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,’ said Lucero

The food packs were prepositioned at the Visayas Disaster Response Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City, which continues to produce additional relief goods daily to sustain the needs of affected families.

In situations where cooking is not possible, such as during evacuations or in areas with limited access to fuel or water, DSWD also provides ready-to-eat food boxes to ensure that immediate nourishment is available to displaced families.

Meanwhile, DSWD-7 has activated its Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to coordinate closely with LGUs and ensure the smooth and efficient delivery of assistance to affected communities.

Aside from relief distribution, the DSWD has assured families of continued resource augmentation, including non-food items, financial assistance, and psychosocial support, as part of its comprehensive disaster response.

‘We stand with the people of Cebu as they recover from the devastation of the earthquake. The Department will continue to work closely with LGUs to ensure that timely assistance reaches every affected family,’ Lucero added. –

Following their safe return to the country, 10 Filipino seafarers who were attacked by Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden will receive assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said the government would assist the Filipino crewmembers of the Dutch-flagged cargo ship Minervagratch in finding new jobs.

Cacdac assured the seafarers that they will receive their mandated benefits and entitlements under their employment contracts.

The government will also offer medical services and psychological counseling to the seafarers, he said.

Upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Saturday, the government provided financial and training vouchers to the seafarers.

After an overwhelming turnout for blood donation drives, medical authorities and volunteers are now urgently appealing for human milk donors to support infants most vulnerable in the ongoing crisis following the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Northern Cebu.Over the course of two days, October 2 and 3, more than 1,100 individuals responded to the call for blood, resulting in 860 units collected at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) alone.

These donations are being distributed free of charge to patients in need, in line with the Department of Health’s Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) policy.

Additional mobile blood drives organized by the DOH Subnational Blood Center for Visayas yielded another 475 units across multiple sites, including the DOH CVCHD, Zuellig Pharma Corp., WCE Balamban, and community centers in Basak-Pardo and Talisay.

A separate campaign gathered 173 more units, bringing the total to more than 1,500 units of blood collected in just three days.

The response was so strong that VSMMC announced adjustments to its blood collection schedule to manage resources and ensure optimal use.

Walk-in donors on October 3 were accepted only until 4:00 p.m., with later slots reserved for pre-registered donors.

The next blood donation activities are scheduled for October 11 and 18, with donor processing from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

With the blood supply stabilized, attention has now turned to the nutritional needs of infants-particularly those under six months old-who face heightened risks due to disrupted access to clean water and safe feeding alternatives.

Health officials said that breastfeeding remains the safest and most reliable source of nourishment in emergencies and are urging lactating mothers to consider donating breastmilk.

In an advisory issued by VSMMC, the hospital emphasized that formula milk donations are discouraged because of the increased risk of infection from diarrhea, pneumonia, and other illnesses when clean water is unavailable.

Instead, the public is encouraged to provide cooked meals and ready-to-eat food to support families and sustain lactating mothers.

For mothers who are able, the appeal is clear: donate breastmilk and help save lives.

The VSMMC Human Milk Bank Unit is accepting donations daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Interested donors may contact the following numbers for coordination: 0929-560-1087 (Human Milk Bank Unit), 0927-872-4132 (Nurse Erin), 0933-865-0904 (Nurse Anna), and 0947-643-8520 (VSMMC Breastfeeding Support Group).

The shift from blood to breastmilk underscores the evolving nature of Cebu’s disaster response-one rooted not only in emergency care but also in long-term recovery and community solidarity.

From students and senior citizens to health workers and volunteers, the outpouring of support has revealed a deep reservoir of compassion and resilience.

As VSMMC puts it, ‘Rebuilding begins not only with bricks and plans, but with the fierce, human kindness that binds us.’

Golden start for Magnolia’s reboot under LA Tenorio.

As past and present stars celebrated the PBA’s half decade of basketball tradition, the Hotshots hit the ground running in the Season 50 Philippine Cup, beating Barangay Ginebra, 80-73, last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was Tenorio’s anticipated coaching debut and his new charges deemed it best to mark it with a first win at the expense of his old team and long-time maestro, Tim Cone.

Tenorio, who won seven championships as a player and later playing-assistant for Cone at Ginebra, gave props to his troops for rising to the challenge to get it done in this emotional Manila Clasico opening-night tussle.

‘It’s not about me and coach Tim, it’s about the players of Magnolia and Ginebra,’ he said in his first appearance at the post-game presscon for victorious coaches.

‘I just want to thank the players and my coaching staff, they really guided me kasi alam nila mahirap, especially with the kind of atmosphere tonight. The players were really ready for this game. I really appreciate their effort, their focus. I guess they really want to give this first win sa akin,’ he added.

Zav Lucero dropped 17 points to go with seven rebounds, four assists, four steals and one shot block in leading Magnolia’s charge. Jerom Lastimosa and debuting Javi Gomez de Liano fired 14 apiece as Rome dela Rosa added nine.

The Hotshots unleashed a blistering 10-0 opening salvo to set the tone for the wire-to-wire conquest. They seized big leads that reached as high as 15, at 63-48, then kept the Gin Kings at bay with clutch counters throughout.

Motorists should brace for a nearly P1 per liter price hike for diesel starting Tuesday, October 7, marking the seventh consecutive week of increases for diesel and kerosene.

Oil firms announced a modest price hike of P0.20 per liter for gasoline and kerosene, and a P0.80 per liter increase for diesel.

The announcements were made in separate advisories on Monday, October 6, by Shell Pilipinas, Seaoil, CleanFuel, PetroGazz and Caltex.

According to the Department of Energy’s Oil Industry Management Bureau (DOE-OIMB), the latest round of price hikes follows the new US sanctions on Iranian firms and networks tied to the country’s missile and military aircraft production, in response to Iran’s nuclear program.

The agency, however, noted that it had been anticipating mixed price adjustments, as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+), including Russia, announced an increase in oil production for November.

Fuel prices shifted last week, with diesel and kerosene rising by P0.90 per liter, and gasoline falling by P0.20. The volatility stemmed from US threats of heavy tariffs on European nations if they continued to purchase oil from Russia.

The European Union, however, has been considering imposing an import ban on Russian liquefied natural gas and sanctions on shadow fleet vessels amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

According to the DOE’s price monitoring, the prevailing retail fuel prices in Metro Manila gas stations from September 30 to October 6 are as follows:

Gasoline (RON97/100) – P63.36

Gasoline (RON95) – P57

Gasoline (RON91) – P53.80

Diesel – P57.80

Diesel Plus – P59

Kerosene – P77.11

This week’s price hike pushed total increases for the year to P17.85 per liter for diesel, P5.65 for kerosene, the highest levels recorded so far in 2025. Gasoline, meanwhile, posted a year-to-date increase of P14.90 per liter.

From the start, the parting seemed inevitable.

As Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson took the helm of the Blue Ribbon committee, people thought it was only a matter of time before the panel’s probe on flood control and budgeting anomalies would lead to the doorsteps of the Senate itself.

Yesterday, amid reported grumblings from colleagues about the direction taken by the Blue Ribbon probe, and accusations that he was shielding congressmen led by resigned speaker Martin Romualdez and Zaldy Co from blame, Lacson announced his resignation from the committee.

His resignation comes on the heels of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong quitting the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. Magalong resigned after being told that he was merely an adviser and not an investigator of the ICI in the flood control mess, and amid insinuations that he and the Baguio government had dealings with controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya.

Considering the role of lawmakers in the budget process, and their possible involvement in crooked deals with contractors and public works officials, Congress can in fact allow the ICI to take over the flood control probe.

But with the ICI refusing to open even portions of its hearings to the public, the Blue Ribbon sessions led by Lacson have helped enlighten the nation about the modes and extent of the thievery that has become institutionalized in government.

The flood control mess is also not the only issue covered by the oversight functions of the Blue Ribbon. Whoever replaces Lacson must be deemed credible, impartial and competent in conducting a congressional probe.

Lacson has vowed to continue his crusade against corruption. He can continue delivering privilege speeches backed by efficient investigation, similar to the bombshell that he dropped on substandard and ghost flood control projects in Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro.

The Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman can also pick up where the Blue Ribbon left off. Nothing stops the ombudsman and the DOJ, which has supervision over the national prosecution service and the National Bureau of Investigation, from initiating probes into criminal activities involving trillions of pesos in public funds. This is part of their mandate, which they can carry out even without waiting for recommendations from the ICI.

What people want is transparency in uncovering the corruption, speedy and impartial prosecution, swift punishment of crooks, and reforms to prevent their repeat.

Even outside the Blue Ribbon, Lacson can still contribute to this effort. His short-lived stint in the Blue Ribbon shows what happens when someone disrupts business as usual in the old boys’ club at the Senate.

World Chess Olympiad veteran Idel Datu delivered a vintage performance and topped the inaugural Daily Fantasy Chess Grand Prix held on lichess.org over the weekend.

The 53-year-old Datu won his first six games including the sixth and penultimate-round upset over Grandmaster Darwin Laylo before splitting the point with Homer Cunanan in the final round to rule the one-day event with 6.5 points.

Cunanan finished second with six points while Laylo wound up third with 5.5 points while earning 48, 47 and 46 grand prix points, respectively, of this first of a 10-leg series.

The top 100 players after 10 stages will then qualify to the grand finale set January 11 next year.

Ronald Dableo, who is rating points away from breaching the 2500-mark and snaring the GM title, wound up at No. 4 with five points while FIDE Masters Noel dela Cruz and Arden Reyes, Mark Gerald Reyes, Eric Mordido, Stephen Manzanero, Jr. and Jake Tumaliuan rounding out the top 10.

Greenfield District Chess Club is organizing the event and is supported by Daily Fantasy, a sports fantasy app that emphasizes the importance of strategy in every battle.

Registration is free and participants only need to sign up with Daily Fantasy and use the code CHESS100.