Category: Philippine Star

Here’s how things are looking so far, on this chilly morning of October in this scandal-filled nation of 115 million, magnified by the floods, traffic and an earthquake down south.

The House and Senate, once respectable institutions of decades past, are crumbling like a house of cards, with some of their members implicated in the flood control mess of kickbacks and corruption.

Its erstwhile leaders, ousted Senate president Chiz Escudero and resigned House Speaker Martin Romualdez, are trading barbs on who should be held liable for this grand loot, a verbal tussle that erupted after each one’s grand ambitions, meticulously crafted scripts and long-term political blueprints were, quite literally, washed away with the floods.

Now, it seems the question is not who else is guilty but who is the most guilty of them all.

Chiz, trying to salvage the repercussions of his alleged Cork-brewed deal, is pointing to the man he knows it to be – the presidential cousin himself – Martin Romualdez, who has also been implicated by other key players in this corruption scandal, but has yet to face any inquiry.

The mess has unraveled so grotesquely, it’s impossible for any tax paying citizen not to be shaken. Now we know why our economic managers had to resort to pulling funds from PhilHealth and PDIC because billions in much needed taxpayers’ money were being lost to kickbacks.

It seems there’s been a shadow government all along and President Marcos, perhaps too busy globetrotting, including watching an F1 race early into his term, was too oblivious not to know or care.

What emerged was more like a Rasputin-style government instead of a functioning Cabinet.

To salvage this monstrous crisis, which may soon spill over to the Palace gates, if it hasn’t happened yet, the President must send a signal to investigating authorities that there won’t be any sacred cows – whether they are political allies, friends or family, and that what must be done, must be done.

This is the only way forward if he really wants to clear the Marcos name. Otherwise, his administration will go down in history as a mere shadow of the first Marcos presidency – Kadiwa, Love Bus and corruption.

Bagong Pilipinas? Not really.

One ID to fight fraud

Remember those fake IDs used by the DPWH boys to gamble in Metro Manila’s casinos? No surprise here because it’s so easy to buy fake IDs in the Philippines.

To address this, we can have a centralized digital identification system. This ID could be easily cross-checked and verified by both public and private sectors, making it difficult for fraudsters to use fake or stolen identities.

Cross-sectoral information-sharing and the reporting of cases of fake ID use should be prioritized to better identify perpetrators.

In support of a centralized ID system that can act as both identifier and safeguard, the private and public sectors can benefit from (1) allowing the private sector to easily confirm the veracity of national IDs through automation, (2) providing a one-stop platform or channel to report fake IDs to the government and (3) and legal action against creators and distribution channels of these fake IDs.

Legal actions against fraudsters must also be taken. The PhilSys Act and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act specifically target criminals and organized groups that perpetrate money-muling, social engineering and other related fraudulent schemes.

We can aspire to have a seamless biometrics-enabled centralized digital identity system such as India’s Aadhaar card and Singapore’s National Registration Identity Card (NRIC).

The mandatory NIRC ensures that government and commercial transactions are done by the actual person, together with multi-factor authentication. India’s Aadhaar card is one’s proof of identity in India.

It is high time that Filipinos embrace digital identification to protect ourselves and to work toward a fairer digital world.

SEC urged to resolve Liberty Flours dispute

A boardroom battle at Liberty Flour Mills Inc. (LFM) has reached the corporate regulator.

In a Sept. 11, 2025 letter to Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Francis Lim, lawyers of Stella Uy and Sandra Uy, who both previously served as part of LFM management and its board of directors, requested for an investigation on ‘grossly disadvantageous related-party transactions’ in the listed firm.

The two clients raised concerns to LFM’s board regarding LFM’s receivables from distributor Parity Values Inc. (PVI) amounting to P804.7 million as of 2024. The board did not act on the matter, allegedly causing the receivables to balloon.

These concerns were raised during LFM’s annual stockholders’ meeting last Aug. 27, 2025.

William Ang, speaking for the board, said the payment terms of PVI, indeed, extend up to approximately 360 days.

There are also interlocking directors between LFM and PVI, namely, John Carlos Uy, Willy Ng and Mr. Ang. Mr. Ang also serves as LFM’s corporate secretary and PVI’s treasurer, as reflected in PVI’s 2024 General Information Sheet, according to the letter sent by Bernaldo Po Resto and Poblador law firm.

These overlapping roles raise serious issues of conflict of interest, the letter said. Thus, the clients urged Lim to investigate the matter.

LFM is led by siblings William Uy and John Carlos Uy. According to InsiderPH, Sandra is the daughter of William Uy while Stella is not identified as a relative of the controlling Uy family.

In the aftermath of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Northern Cebu on September 30, 2025, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has urged heritage caretakers to safeguard movable cultural assets even as rescue and relief operations continue.

While extending its deepest sympathies to communities affected by the disaster, the NHCP reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of Cebu and nearby provinces.

Chairperson Regalado Trota Jose Jr. acknowledged the loss of lives and the widespread damage to historic sites and structures, many of which he said serve as enduring symbols of Cebuano faith, identity, and shared memory.

The Commission expressed full support for the government’s immediate priority of saving lives and delivering aid but stressed that cultural heritage must also be protected during this critical period.

Through its Materials Research Conservation Division, the NHCP issued guidelines for caretakers, advising them not to enter damaged buildings without coordination and assurance that aftershocks have ceased. It also urged them to secure premises against unauthorized access, wear protective gear when assessing structural stability, and carefully document all damaged objects.

Movable heritage items should be retrieved with utmost care, wrapped in clean cloth or Japanese tissue, and stored in sturdy boxes. Fragments should be labeled and grouped for easier identification, while undamaged items may also be retrieved for safekeeping.

The Commission emphasized the urgency of retrieval to prevent further damage from aftershocks, weather, or theft. Recovered objects must be transferred to safe locations designated by heritage site administrators, with a quick inventory noting object names, measurements, materials, and observed damage. Restoration, it added, should be entrusted to professionals and skilled artisans.

The NHCP also cautioned the public against indiscriminate posting of photos of damaged heritage online, warning that such images may be exploited by looters or vandals.

Above all, it reiterated that personal safety is paramount, urging strict coordination with site administrators and experts before entering compromised structures.

In a day marked by razor-thin margins, wild swings and relentless pressure, Zach Villaroman and Jakob Taruc came through in the clutch, salvaging an all-square result in the final pairing to help Team North escape with a nerve-wracking 6 1/2-5 1/2 victory over Team South in Thursday’s Foursomes of the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals here.

The tightly contested matchup capped a rollercoaster Day 2 in this Ryder Cup-style event that showcases the country’s finest junior golfers. As the sun scorched the pristine fairways of The Country Club, both sides battled not only each other, but also the weight of expectations and the high-stakes format of alternate shot play.

With the team standings at 14-9 heading into the final match, South’s Eric Jeon and Mhark Fernando III looked poised to deliver a crucial point, taking a 1-up lead to the 18th. But on the challenging par-4 finishing hole, Fernando’s 3-iron approach into a stiff headwind found the pond, opening the door for Villaroman and Taruc to steal a half-point with a steady par. They delivered, reaching the green in two and two-putting to snatch the tie and hike Team North’s lead, 14 1/2-9 1/2.

The seesaw battle was emblematic of the day’s drama. While Team North built on its 8-4 Four-ball win from Tuesday to take early control, Team South mounted a fiery comeback, winning key matches late in the day. The tight finishes and bold recoveries made this the most dramatic installment yet in a Finals that continues to defy prediction.

Earlier in the day, North captured six of the first 11 matches, threatening to pull away. But South clawed back in the boys’ 7-10 division with a clean sweep, while also notching pivotal wins in the 11-14 and 15-18 categories. Ralph Batican and Marcus Dueñas exacted revenge on Vito Sarines and Ryuji Suzuki, 2-up, in boys’ 11-14, while Lucas Revilleza and James Rolida stormed back from behind to edge Halo Pangilinan and Asher Abad, 1-up. Ethan Lago and Kvan Alburo also repeated their dominance with a 2 and 1 victory over Zach Guico and Zoji Edoc in the youngest age category.

On the girls’ side, South’s 15-18 pairs flexed their experience and chemistry once more. Crista Miñoza and Precious Zaragosa cruised to a 3 and 2 victory, while Tashanah Balangauan and Mikela Guillermo secured a 4 and 3 rout – both building on their dominant Four-ball performances a day earlier.

Despite South’s late charge, Team North found strength in its younger divisions. The girls’ 7-10 duo of Winter Serapio and Ronee Dungca remained untouchable, dispatching Soleil Molde and Denise Mendoza in just two and a half hours with a commanding 7 and 6 victory. Minutes later, Mavis Espedido and Tyra Garingalao matched the feat against Claren Quiño and Francesca Geroy.

The back-to-back sweeps from Serapio-Dungca and Espedido-Garingalao – who also won convincingly on Day 1 – gave North critical breathing room heading into Friday’s singles.

‘While we considered the players’ personalities when drawing up pairings for team formats, I think we’ll now be focusing on confidence heading into the singles – specifically, who has the mental toughness to go up against the South,” said North captain Francis Talion, who acknowledged that the singles matches present an entirely different battlefield.

“Singles is a different kind of challenge, but the confidence boost we got from our Day 1 win will definitely help build momentum for our players. With that, I believe we can pull this off,” he added.

North also benefited from new pairings in the girls’ 11-14 division, where Mona Sarines and Alexie Gabi edged out Brittany Tamayo and Kimberly Baroquillo, 1-up, and Lisa Sarines and Kendra Garingalao cruised to a 5 and 4 win over Rafella Batican and Zuri Bagaloyos.

In other boys’ matches, Zianbeau Edoc and Jacob Casuga held off Jared Saban and Ken Guillermo, 2-up, in 11-14 division, while Patrick Tambalque and Kristoffer Nadales outclassed Alexis Nailga and Armand Copok, 4 and 3, in the premier category.

With a five-point advantage after two days, North heads into Friday’s 24-match singles finale with a sturdy cushion. But both sides know all too well that the singles format is an entirely different arena – one that tests not only skill, but nerve, resilience and mental fortitude.

‘Confidence is key,’ said Talion. ‘We’ll look at who’s mentally strong, who has the heart for this fight. The matchups will matter a lot, but what we saw in Day 1 gave us belief that we can finish this strong.’

Still, Talion remains grounded: ‘I always remind the team to respect the South.’

South captain Alfred Gaccion, on the other hand, remains hopeful and upbeat despite the deficit.

‘We played much better today compared to Day 1. The players were able to adjust to both their partners and the course, and they complemented each other’s games well. That really helped boost team morale. We’re expecting a strong showing tomorrow, as it’s their opportunity to bounce back from any miscues over the past two days. Based on how they played today, I’m confident their morale is high and they’re ready,’ said Gaccion.

Both sides largely stuck with their original Four-ball rosters, making only minimal adjustments – Team North reshuffled its tandems in the girls’ 11-14 division, while Team South made changes in the girls’ 7-10 category. The tweaks, however, made little difference.

‘We weren’t really surprised by the minor changes. South has been consistent with its pairings and clearly trusts the formula it used on Day 1, so we expected only a few adjustments,’ said Talion.

For Gaccion, the tweaks were simply to make a few adjustments. ‘We were quite happy with the result. Although we didn’t fully achieve the goal we were aiming for, we’re still satisfied with the outcome,’ he said.

At 5:07 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, the Philippines’ three most notable political icons inaugurated the new Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos and former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, 95 and in a wheel chair, cut the ceremonial ribbon at the lobby of the renovated PICC, Asia’s first and grandest international convention center in 1976.

With the vision of the inimitable Imelda and the design of National Artist Leandro Locsin, PICC was built in record time of 23 months by DM Consunji and AG and P for only P100 million. PICC in 1976 signaled to the world that the Philippines was ready for business.

This year, PICC’s renovation took only six months and under budget, thanks to First Lady Liza Marcos, says President Marcos Jr.

In 2025, a year before PICC’s 50th anniversary, PICC’s reopening again signals to the world it is ready for business, under the second Marcos president, BBM.

Coincidentally, Marcos Jr. has engineered the largest housecleaning ever undertaken in the Philippines by any president. BBM is the first whistleblower leader in recorded history. ‘It takes balls to do that,’ deadpans DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, today his chief housecleaner.

No president, prime minister, autocrat, despot or democrat has ever taken the initiative to tell his people that his house has been invaded by thieves (in cahoots with insiders) and that he needs help badly.

The P1-trillion flood control scam or flood-gate is the single biggest act of corruption in our history. It has no precedent – in amount, in number of participants, in the assembly-line execution of the thievery, in the syndicated symphony of stealing and the outrageous greed and impunity.

PICC was, for a number of decades, the star of Asia’s then nascent MICE business – Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. Take note: the Philippines had scored an unheard of 8.8 percent GDP growth in 1973 and repeated that same 8.8 percent in 1976 – the year PICC opened for business.

In the 1970s, says RTVM, president Ferdinand and first lady Imelda sought to place the nation on the world stage through culture, architecture and global dialogue. PICC was more than a building. It was the symbol of a nation’s ambition. It was the most modern convention center in Asia, ‘a milestone that declared to the world the Philippines is ready to lead.’

Not surprisingly, BBM was teary eyed and effusive at PICC’s reopening Tuesday.

‘As we look ahead, we recognize the PICC as a symbol of Filipino resilience and creativity,’ he enthused.

BBM thanked mom Imelda, ‘the guiding light, the inspiration, the – well, she’s not the architect but she was the one who put everything together.’

He thanked First Lady Liza, ‘who again has inherited [applause] the tradition of very quick construction projects that actually come in under budget. So, that is always something important to her Ilocano husband.’

When he and Liza toured the new PICC, BBM reminded her: ‘My mother doesn’t need a tour. She invented this.’

The President told his select inaugural guests: ‘As we open the newly renovated Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), we are revisiting a chapter of our nation’s history. We are gathered in a place where history was written, lives were celebrated, where the future will once again be shaped. Every brick, every beam, every hall of this building carries with it nearly five decades of stories.’

BBM said ‘within these halls, the world’s eyes turned to the Philippines as we hosted the Miss Universe pageant in 1994. The leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN gathered in 2017 to build the future of our region.’

‘But what makes the PICC truly special is not only the big moments that made the headlines. It is also the smaller, more personal moments – the ones that never made it to the front page but stayed forever in the hearts of the people. How many parents shed tears of joy as they watched their children receive their diplomas here? How many young professionals stood tall on this stage to swear their oaths, carrying with them both pride and responsibility?’

‘How many artists poured their hearts out in music, in dance, in painting and performances within these walls – only to find that the audience gave them something greater in return: appreciation, encouragement, love even?’

‘And how many couples have begun their journey together, as husbands and wives, while friends and family filled this place with laughter, and tears of joy? These are the memories that give life to PICC. These are the stories that turn a hall of concrete into a home of the Filipino spirit,’ related the President.

On its 50th in 2026, PICC hosts the ASEAN Summit.

Meanwhile, I texted Bangko Sentral Eli Remolona, chairman of the PICC board, to confirm with him the cost of the PICC renovation. No answer.

Was Gov Eli too busy wondering why corrupt senators and congressmen, DPWH engineers and contractors could withdraw billions in a week seamlessly, with gay abandon, from our lovely banking system while we, mortals, have to be interviewed by our bank branch manager on rare occasions we withdraw P500,000?

Has BSP been too lazy or too complicit in allowing the P1-trillion flood-gate, without the Anti-Money Laundering Council raising a whimper?

It would take a whole day for a bank branch to handle a withdrawal of P25 million. So if you withdraw P500 million, how many days would a bank branch take to count that money?

BSP is AMLC chair. Eli worked for 14 years in New York and also taught there. New York is the hotbed of the mafia for whom the $10,000-threshold or limit for moving cash was designed by anti-money launderers.

An investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on anomalies in infrastructure projects will include former public works chief and now Sen. Mark Villar, his senator-sister Camille as well as their mother, Cynthia – a former senator – specifically over P18.5 billion in infrastructure contracts in Las Piñas bagged by a close relative.

‘They’re related interests. They have the same interest – it’s one relationship, one family, first degree of consanguinity, to the fourth degree of consanguinity or even third degree. From senator to the contractor is third degree,’ DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.

He said Mark Villar will be the focus of the DOJ probe on the P18.5 billion worth of projects awarded to a contractor who is his first cousin.

‘That’s prohibited interest,’ Remulla said.

He said the contracts bagged by the senator’s first cousin were for flood control, buildings and road projects.

The DOJ chief said the investigation will cover the period when Mark served as DPWH secretary during the Duterte administration and when he is already a lawmaker.

Remulla made it clear that the investigation on the Villar family is just one of the 67 cases being looked into by Congress.

Invitations to the Villars and to other people, he said, will come later as authorities work to ‘build up everything.’

Remulla said the DOJ continues its case build-up on lawmakers, private contractors and DPWH officials implicated in alleged anomalous infrastructure projects.

‘We have to do it. Bid-rigging happens everywhere. Impunity of corruption, kasi wala na nga nahuhuli (because nobody gets arrested),’ he said.

Two Filipino seafarers were injured when Houthi rebels attacked a Dutch-flagged cargo vessel in the Red Sea, the Department of Migrant Workers confirmed yesterday.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said the victims are undergoing treatment.

Cacdac said 10 other Filipino crewmembers of Minervagcht are safe.

The 12 seafarers are set to be repatriated this weekend, Cacdac said.

Based on news reports, a missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels set the cargo vessel on fire.

Following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted Cebu on Tuesday night, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies to immediately mobilize resources for relief and rescue operations in affected areas.

Marcos is expected to arrive in Bogo City today, October 2, 2025, two days after the destructive earthquake. The President will be inspecting and have a briefing of the situation in the aftermath of the quake.

Vice President Sara Duterte however arrived in Medellin last night and was seen talking to Medellin Mayor Edwin Salimbangon and some constituents. Duterte said to the constituents that she will be staying in Cebu until today.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) initially recorded the quake at magnitude 6.7 before upgrading it to 6.9. The tremor struck at 9:59 p.m. on September 30, with its epicenter located 21 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, Cebu.

Health, relief operations

The Department of Health (DOH) quickly assessed its personnel closest to the epicenter. Staff from the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) and Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) were accounted for and had started deploying medical teams to Bogo City and nearby areas.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, mobilized its Quick Response Teams and prepositioned family food packs (FFPs). The Visayas Disaster Response Center in Mandaue City continues to produce FFPs daily to replenish stockpiles.

‘The Department has enough stockpiles of food and non-food relief supplies as well as standby funds to augment the resources of the affected LGUs. Our Quick Response Teams are already activated, and they are already on the ground to support the needs of the affected families,’ Gatchalian assured.

DSWD vehicles, complete with a mobile kitchen, command center, water tankers, and filtration systems have been dispatched to northern Cebu.

The Philippine Coast Guard also loaded 1,000 Ready-to-Eat Food packs onto MV Sindangan bound for Bogo City.

Church response

Cebu Archbishop Alberto ‘Abet’ Uy called on the faithful to offer both prayers and concrete acts of solidarity. Visiting the quake-damaged shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, Uy expressed gratitude that no lives were lost in the area but urged compassion for communities that suffered fatalities.

‘As your bishop, I appeal to everyone to work together for the safety and well-being of the earthquake survivors,’ Uy said in a message posted on his Facebook page.

The Archbishop also encouraged parishes across the Archdiocese of Cebu to heed the call of priests and parish moderators to organize fund-raising drives and in-kind assistance for affected communities.

He suggested initiatives such as an ‘Adopt-a-Parish’ program, where unaffected parishes can extend support to those badly hit by the disaster.

Archdiocesan Chancellor Msgr. Renato Beltran added that all parishes in northern Cebu have been instructed to suspend Masses inside churches until structural inspections are completed. A helpdesk will be set up to assist parishes requiring technical evaluations.

Government interventions

The Office of the Vice President (OVP), through VP Sara Duterte’s Cebu Satellite Office, activated its Disaster Operations Center for immediate mobilization of relief goods.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) directed agencies to use their Quick Response Funds (QRF), while the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) reported an available balance of ?8.008 billion for emergency relief and rehabilitation.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Energy (DOE) both enforced a 60-day price freeze in Cebu, covering basic necessities, LPG, and kerosene, to prevent profiteering and protect affected families.

Meanwhile, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the Visayas Grid on yellow alert as several power plants went offline after the quake.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded employers in Central Visayas to follow labor advisories, allowing suspension of work during calamities without sanctions for employees who cannot report due to imminent danger.

The National Irrigation Administration-7 (NIA-7) has mobilized inspection teams to check the safety of irrigation infrastructure across Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental.

Regional Manager Engr. Eusebio S. Villamanto said project engineers and field personnel were dispatched to assess dams, canals, and distribution systems serving thousands of farmers. NIA offices were also inspected to ensure safe working conditions.

The move is part of NIA-7’s disaster response strategy to detect hazards, safeguard communities, and sustain agricultural productivity despite the calamity.

Cultural Heritage at risk

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) expressed concern over heritage structures damaged by the quake and is coordinating with the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission for Cultural Heritage and other agencies to craft emergency conservation protocols.

Red Cross on the ground

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)-Cebu Chapter deployed four ambulances, two food trucks, two payloaders, an emergency response unit, an assessment team, cadaver bags, and five Swiss tents to Bogo City.

‘Our priority is to ensure that there is a functional command center on the ground to coordinate rescue, medical response, and relief distribution,’ said PRC-Cebu administrator Atty. Vera G. De Jesus-Patel.

She added that an Incident Command Post was set up in a tent since their branch office at the Bogo City Hall compound sustained damage.

Phivolcs issues primer

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has issued a primer on the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck northern Cebu on September 30, warning residents of aftershocks and related hazards.

The quake hit at 9:59 p.m. with its epicenter 19 km northeast of Bogo City at a shallow depth of 5 km. As of Wednesday morning, 722 aftershocks up to magnitude 4.8 had been recorded.

PHIVOLCS, in a press statement, said the strongest shaking, Intensity VII (Destructive), was reported in Bogo City, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, and Tabuelan. PHIVOLCS said poorly built structures may collapse, and landslides, liquefaction, and ground fissures are possible.

PHIVOLCS noted Cebu’s history of damaging quakes, including the 2012 Negros (M6.9) and 2013 Bohol (M7.2) earthquakes. It added that hazards such as landslides, rockfalls, sinkholes, and flooding remain possible.

A tsunami information was raised and later lifted, while monitoring of nearby volcanoes continues. The agency stressed the quake was tectonic, not volcanic.

PHIVOLCS urged residents to stay vigilant, avoid damaged structures, prepare for aftershocks, and rely only on official advisories. A Quick Response Team has been deployed to Cebu for hazard assessment and public information.

Actor John Estrada expressed support for his daughter Kaila as rumors continues to go around that she is now seeing her “Incognito” co-star Daniel Padilla.

Speculations about Kaila and Daniel being an item swirled after the two were spotted in public a number of times, and showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz even claimed the actors were now dating but would leave it to them to confirm the news.

While neither Kaila nor Daniel has addressed the rumors, John told entertainment journalist and friend Dolly Anne Carvajal that he trusts Kaila’s judgment and smarts.

“Kaila is an adult… wala s’yang ginagawang masama. I’m very confident that whatever she decides to do in her life, pinag-isipan na n’ya lahat ‘yan,” John said about his daughter with ex-wife Janice de Belen.

John further pointed out that it was not his story to tell, and it would be up to Kaila to answer questions about her being linked to Daniel.

“All I do is to let her know and feel that she will always have my support and that I trust her and I will always be here for her and her siblings,” John ended.

Apart from Kaila, John and Janice are also parents to Inah, Moira and Yuan. He also has a daughter, Samantha, with Priscilla Meireles.

Many have even joked that Kaila’s name was similar to Daniel’s mother, Karla Estrada.

Daniel was previously in an 11-year relationship with former love team partner Kathryn Bernardo, who is now reportedly dating Lucena Mayor Mark Alcala.

The role of trade fairs in providing tangible opportunities for growth for entrepreneurs took center stage in the recent Taiwan Expo 2025 at the SMX Convention Center.

Organized by the Taiwan International Trade Administration (TITA) and Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the three-day event drew strong participation from both Taiwanese exhibitors and Philippine businesses, underscoring Taiwan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties through technology, sustainability and innovation.

The event drew more than 10,000 visitors and buyers, and generated $53.4 million worth of business opportunities, highlighting its strong draw among both business leaders and consumers. Organizers emphasized that the Expo was more than a showcase; it was a gateway for B2B engagement.

Organizers added that business-matching sessions were fully booked, connecting Filipino entrepreneurs with Taiwanese manufacturers, suppliers and innovators eager to establish distributorships and joint ventures.

With over 145 exhibitors spanning healthcare, green technology, agritech and ICT, the Expo provided a comprehensive snapshot of Taiwan’s capabilities. Each pavilion – from the Healthcare Pavilion to the Smart Technology and Intelligent Lifestyle Showcase – was designed not just to display products but to position Taiwanese companies as strategic partners for Philippine enterprises seeking growth in high-demand sectors.

The opening ceremony featured key figures such as Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, TAITRA Chairman James Huang and MECO Director Wilson Tecson, all of whom reinforced the importance of cooperation.

While the Expo’s backbone was business, organizers successfully widened its audience. Known artists and performer such Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, was invited as celebrity guest under the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion, provided significant media traction. Her participation in activities such as the ‘Gimme Five Parade’ and meet-and-greet sessions boosted foot traffic and public engagement, drawing lifestyle media attention to an otherwise trade-centered event.

From a trade perspective, the success of Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines lies in three measurable outcomes:

Strong B2B traction – Exhibitors and Filipino companies engaged in concrete discussions on distributorships, partnerships, and knowledge exchange.

Expanded visibility – The mix of business sessions and celebrity-driven activities ensured that Taiwanese brands reached both industry leaders and consumers.

Strengthened positioning – Taiwan reinforced its role not only as a technology provider but as a long-term partner in the Philippines’ sustainable and digital transformation.

As the Philippines accelerates its focus on digitalization, renewable energy, and healthcare innovation, Taiwanese companies are well-positioned to play a key role.

The Expo’s success suggests that collaborations initiated at SMX will extend beyond the exhibition floor, translating into contracts, investments and shared growth.

In the words of TITA and TAITRA, the organizer of the event, Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines was ‘not the end, but the beginning of stronger cooperation.’

Judging by the turnout, the engagements, and the buzz it generated, the business community seems to agree.

At least 72 people were reported dead in Cebu after a deadly 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the province, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Thursday, October 2.

The earthquake struck on Monday night, causing extensive damage to local infrastructure and leaving many casualties. The entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity, with several localities also declaring the same. The NDRRMC said that 53 cities and municipalities have declared a state of calamity.

Data from the NDRRMC showed that 72 people have died, while 294 were injured.

A total of 170,959 people have been affected, with 20,000 displaced.

The NDRRMC recorded at least two incidents of landslides and two collapsed structures. There was also a reported structural fire.

Almost 600 houses have been damaged, as well as 87 other infrastructure.

The province continues to be shaken by aftershocks. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Teresito Bacolcol told GMA that they have recorded around 2,329 aftershocks as of 4:00 a.m.

The magnitudes of the aftershocks have reached as high as magnitude 5.

Phivolcs warned the public of possible landslides and falling objects when they go out.

‘In case of another strongly felt earthquake, it is recommended that people protect themselves by doing the ‘drop, cover, and hold.’ In homes and offices, heavy furniture and appliances should be strapped to the walls, and hanging objects securely fastened to avoid causing injuries,’ the agency said in a statement.