Category: Philippine Star

Gunmen killed a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman and wounded two others, including a policeman, in an ambush at a busy thoroughfare in this city at noon on Saturday, October 4.

Prince Mohaz Rafsanjanie Matanog, SK chairman of Barangay Poblacion 5 and a third-year engineering student at Cotabato City State University, died instantly from multiple gunshot wounds.

His relative, Muamar Salvador Matanog, was seriously wounded in the attack.

The two were aboard a red Toyota Raize and were reportedly on their way to an undisclosed location when gunmen opened fire at the intersection of Jose Lim Sr. Street and Sinsuat Avenue – just a short distance from Cotabato City Police Precinct 1.

Also injured was Patrolman Norsaiden Laguiali, who was on duty and had responded to the incident when he was shot by the suspects.

The gunmen fled on motorcycles before police reinforcements arrived.

Cotabato City police director Col. Jibin Bongacayao and Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, said investigators are coordinating with Matanog’s relatives and barangay officials to identify the assailants.

Police forensic teams recovered 92 empty bullet shells from the scene.

Unquestionably, this year has been marked with unforgiving catastrophes. Just this week, in fact, two unrelated tremors hit the country. First was in the Visayas (epicenter was in Bogo City, Cebu) at 9:59 PM on September 30, 2025 and in just a little over four hours, Taal Volcano erupted.

Though Taal Volcano’s eruption was a bit trivial, Bogo City, Cebu and its surrounding municipalities suffered horribly. At 6.9 magnitude, several structures collapsed and scores of lives never made it. Apart from these sad tales, more than five hundred were reported injured. Dejectedly, both happened while we are still trying to fend off the damages brought about by Typhoon Opong in other parts of the country.

Just like many tragedies in the past, however, the recent one also brought about the best character in most of us, generosity. While some sectors took some religious spins on these catastrophes, the fact remains that scientifically, natural tragedies do happen once in a while and depending on their strengths, may or may not bring about destruction to anyone. If it does happen, however, the weaker structures will suffer the most.

Notably, to some extent, nature has also conspired with well-meaning citizens, to do good as well, in unearthing potential anomalies. For instance, the tremor that hit the Visayas in 2013. To recall, as photos revealed, some kilometers of damaged concrete roads and bridges in Bohol didn’t have or have insufficient steel bars. Apparently, poorly built, these roads, bridges and structures were not able to withstand tremors of such magnitude. Thus, certainly, some unscrupulous people must have siphoned enough money and rendered the projects destruction-bound. The same is also true this week as some roads and bridges are rendered unusable.

With this in mind, as reconstruction begins in these badly hit areas, we have more reasons to worry. It is a known fact that politicians wield so much power especially in the countryside. Most of them are astute businessmen too. They are mostly into construction and other related businesses like hardware and sand and gravel. With the LGUs’ Bids and Awards Committees (BACs) under their total control and co-bidders downright cohorts, they’ll surely win, albeit, under cover of their distant relatives’ or close friends’ names. Consequently, undertaken projects, most likely, will be either overpriced or substandard.

Thus, absorptive capacity theory must come into play. Among others, there are salient points in this theory that we must all learn and, hopefully, adhere to. These are, ability to use funds, budget utilization and program implementation. So self-explanatory, isn’t it. However, there are lots of obstacles that hinder absorptive capacity. Among many, in our country’s situation, poor capacity, structural issues as well as efficiency and accountability stand out the most.

Our DPWH and LGU Engineering Departments have unequivocally shown these deficiencies in capacity and structural issues in their respective organizations. Absolutely, apart from nature’s wrath, the Senate and ICI hearings have also uncovered that. More importantly, even COA wasn’t able to adequately perform their role as guardian of the public funds. Explicitly, it is its mandate as granted by the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Its auditors are supposed to ‘examine, audit, and settle all government accounts and expenditures to ensure that public resources are used legally, efficiently, and for their intended purposes, preventing their misuse or misappropriation.’

On the other hand, a question on absorptive capacity is supposed to be dug deeply when such term was mentioned by Sen. Lacson in one of the hearings of the Senate’s Blue-Ribbon Committee. Remember the P51 billion infrastructure budget of the First District of Davao City in the last three years of Pres. Duterte’s presidency? Yes, it should have been given value. Why? If true, the local economy will be largely affected. Yes, infra development will boost the local economy as industries related to construction will rake in a lot. Sadly, however, there are other industries that might be getting the shorter end of the stick here too.

Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza and host-comedienne Melai Cantiveros-Francisco have chipped in P100,000 each to help victims of the recent earthquake that struck Cebu.

A 6.9 earthquake hit Cebu last September 30, with aftershocks the last couple of days, resulting in hundreds of injuries and several fatalities.

Save the Children Philippines shared online that Barbie, who has been an ambassador of the non-governmental organization since last year, donated the amount to aid in the group’s cause supporting urgent relief and children’s education.

The organization also posted a social card featuring a statement by Barbie, who said that “children have the right to protection and education, even in the most difficult circumstances.”

“I hope more people will come together to support the children of Northern Cebu, because they deserve to feel safe, cared for, and hopeful again,” Barbie added.

Both Barbie and Save the Children Philippines are still calling on the public to help children in need.

Bisaya content creator Randolph Valmoria, also known as Run Dolph Vibes, shared on Facebook that Melai had donated P100,000 to the fundraising they were a part of.

Randolph shared the message Melai sent them for transparency, and called on others doing fundraising to do the same and not be fooled by corrupt politicians.

The creator also thanked Melai for her humility and generosity, dating back to when Randolph was organizing relief operations during the pandemic.

The 21st edition of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is now underway, finding a new home this year at the Shangri-la Plaza mall in Mandaluyong.

With Cinemalaya’s main home the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) still in renovation, the renowned festival has been shifting locations the past couple years, setting up shop in the Philippine International Convention Center and Parañaque’s Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Shangri-la Plaza hosted the festival’s opening ceremony last October 3 ahead of 10 days of screenings, an honor it shares with select cinemas across Metro Manila including Gateway Cineplex and U.P. Town Center.

Actress-singer Julia Clarete, Directors Showcase Best Supporting Actress winner of Cinemalaya 2011 for “Bisperas,” hosted the ceremony which culminated in a screening of Indian film “Ha Lyngkha Bneng (The Elysian Field)” by Pradip Kurbah.

This year’s edition bears the theme “Layag sa Alon, Hangin, at Unos” which CCP president Kaye Tinga said reflects how festival entries “capture movements to moments in space and time.”

Deputy festival director Tess Rances noted in her speech that five of last year’s entries, led by Best film winner “Tumandok” and Special Jury Prize winner “Alipato at Muog,” received numerous accolades in different competitions.

“While millions of taxpayers are skimmed by politicians who are supposed to be in service of them, artists scrape the bottom of the pot to bring their ideas to life,” said Rances, taking a dig at lawmakers recenty tagged in corruption.

Rances urged the government to allocate funds for the arts, particularly for programs dedicated to film, “Laban po lahat ang korupsyon at suportahan ang sining.”

Veteran actress and Cinemalaya Foundation president Laurice Guillen, in formally opening this festival’s edition, noted in her own speech that 197 films by 165 filmmakers have been screened since Cinemalaya began back in 2005.

Echoing Rances’ words, Guillen recalled how National Artists Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal reflected Philippine society in their films during 1970s and 1980s.

Guillen said Bernal’s films, regardless of genre investigated the human condition and articulated such through his characters while noting that Brocka described the injustices of his time as “madness” and his characters “fought against all odds to bring sanity back in a world gone mad.”

“Every voice can bring hope, every voice that believes in the triumph of the human spirit is a spark that can bring change,” Guillen ended. “That is the challenge for the creative industry, for our filmmakers, and for Cinemalaya.”

The 21st Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival runs until Oct. 12, 2025.

Vietnam’s flag carrier is mounting a direct flight between Hanoi and Cebu, marking the first-ever connection in a corridor that shows growth potential for Southeast Asian airlines.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) yesterday announced it would soon host direct flights from Hanoi through Vietnam’s flag carrier, Vietnam Airlines.

‘For the first time ever, Cebu will soon be directly connected to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, via Vietnam Airlines,’ MCIA said in a social media post.

Vietnam Airlines will be testing the market starting Dec. 3, setting up thrice a week flights for the route. The airline is deploying an Airbus A321, which can seat at least 178 guests, for the four-hour flight.

Flight VN 643 operates every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, departing Hanoi at 10:50 p.m. and arriving in Cebu at 3:30 a.m. Flight VN 642 is scheduled every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, flying out of Cebu at 4:45 p.m. and landing in Hanoi at 7:35 p.m.

Right now, Vietnam Airlines flies daily to Manila from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, competing with domestic carriers Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) in that market.

However, Vietnam Airlines has no rival in the Hanoi-Cebu corridor, with both Cebu Pacific and PAL focused on the demand for Ho Chi Minh flights.

The two offer thrice-weekly flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh, acknowledging the growing desire of Filipinos to visit Vietnam, which is considered as the most budget-friendly destination in Southeast Asia currently.

Based on data from the Department of Tourism, Vietnam is becoming a preferred destination by thousands of Filipinos. Vietnam has received 237,157 Filipinos as of end-August, making it the ninth most visited overseas destination.

On the other hand, the Philippines welcomed just 23,237 Vietnamese during the period. Vietnam is 22nd on the list of countries with the most visitor arrivals into the Philippines.

Southeast Asia’s tourism giants Thailand and Malaysia are watching Vietnam, as it is fast becoming a travel magnet for its budget adventures, cultural heritage and natural sceneries.

Hanoi, for one, is gaining traction among tourists as the jump-off point for provincial attractions like Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa, and on its own the city is popular for its ancient temples and coffee community.

Severe Tropical Storm Paolo has exited the Philippine area of responsibility, the state weather bureau PAGASA said Saturday, October 4, as it continues moving west northwestward over the West Philippine Sea.

As of 4 a.m., Paolo was located 295 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 135 kph and a central pressure of 985 hPa.

The storm’s winds extend up to 430 kilometers from the center. It is moving west-northwestward at 20 kph.

Wind signals

PAGASA said the following areas remain under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1, which warns of strong winds of 39 to 61 kph that could cause minimal to minor damage:

western portion of Abra (Danglas, Bangued, Langiden, San Quintin, Pidigan, San Isidro, Pilar, Villaviciosa, Peñarrubia, Manabo, Luba, Tayum, La Paz, Lagayan, Tubo, Bucay, Dolores, San Juan, Lagangilang)

western portion of Benguet (Bakun, Kibungan, Kapangan, Sablan, Tuba, Mankayan, Tublay, La Trinidad, Baguio City)

southern portion of Ilocos Norte (Nueva Era, Banna, Badoc, Pinili, City of Batac, Paoay, Marcos, Currimao)

Ilocos Sur

La Union

western and central portions of Pangasinan (Bolinao, Bani, Agno, Burgos, Dasol, Mabini, Infanta, Bugallon, Labrador, Sual, City of Alaminos, Lingayen, Aguilar, Mangatarem, Urbiztondo, San Carlos City, Binmaley, Dagupan City, Calasiao, Basista, Bayambang, San Fabian, San Jacinto, Mangaldan, Mapandan, Santa Barbara, Malasiqui, Alcala, Bautista, Santo Tomas, Villasis, City of Urdaneta, Manaoag, Laoac, Pozorrubio, Sison)

northern portion of Zambales (Iba, Candelaria, Palauig, Santa Cruz, Masinloc)

PAGASA warned that minimal to minor impacts from strong winds are still possible in these areas. The outer rain bands of Paolo are also expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts in Batanes, northern Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Apayao, Zambales, and Bataan.

Storm surge, sea conditions

There is a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge, with peak heights of 1.0 to 2.0 meters expected along low-lying coastal areas in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan and Zambales.

Sea conditions remain moderate to rough, with waves up to 4 meters in the seaboards of mainland Cagayan, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union; up to 3.5 meters off Batanes and Pangasinan; and up to 2.5 meters in the seaboards of Isabela, northern Aurora and Zambales.

Small vessel operators are advised to avoid travel while conditions persist.

Track and intensity outlook

PAGASA said heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm surge may still occur in areas outside the landfall point and forecast cone.

Paolo is expected to re-intensify into a typhoon as it continues west-northwestward toward southern China later Saturday.

In an assembly dominated by male delegates, it’s once again uplifting to see women heads of state, foreign ministers and country representatives stand and speak at the iconic podium of the UN General Assembly. Our Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, took the honor of conveying at the world stage the Philippines’ national statement during the General Debate of the UN’s 80th General Assembly.

At a time when all is not quiet elsewhere in the world, including in our home front, our country’s top diplomat spoke about our values that are deeply embedded in the aspirations of the UN charter. The Philippines is, after all, one of the 51 founding members of the UN.

I watched our foreign affairs secretary’s speech through the UN live webcast. Like the messenger, the message serves as a wellspring of hope, particularly at a time when we are inundated with a deluge of polarizing ideas. Such messages enliven one’s patriotic spirit and provide us a compass of how we as citizens could participate in nation building.

Peace is at the core of SFA’s message. Yet paradoxically, peace is one of the most elusive quests for the 193 members of the UN. Because at every word uttered about peace, somewhere in the vicinity of the UN headquarters are groups of activists rallying for the end to wars. Within the halls of the GA, a good number of representatives of member-states walked out to support the creation of a Palestinian state.

Precisely why SFA Lazaro voiced a clarion call for peace. Referring to the ‘40,000 cases of violations against children in armed conflict,’ she lamented that this unprecedented record in 30 years ‘is unconscionable.’ I was haunted by painful images of children of war I see and read in the news every day.

I read a UNICEF report from January to June 2025 on the ‘State of Palestine’ that 1.7 million children need humanitarian assistance. From Oct. 7, 2023, there have been ‘over 50,000 children casualties, 17,000 killed and 34,000 injured’ in the Gaza Strip. UNICEF also reported that in the first half of 2025, more than half a million children (over 253,000 girls and 252,000 boys) were screened for acute malnutrition.

A New York Times investigative story on ‘The Trauma of Childhood in Gaza’ tells of a 12-year-old girl named Rahma, whose life has become one of hunger. Like thousands of children, she’s lucky to have one meal a day, consisting mainly of pasta and lentils. If given the choice between crayons and bread, she would choose bread. School for them is now a memory.

I wonder how leaders of countries at war feel about this reality. Are they not horrified? What has become of their sense of compassion?Or have they become so jaded to think of helpless children as mere statistics?

It was against the backdrop of the unthinkable consequences of war did SFA Lazaro reiterate our ‘covenant for peace.’As our country vies for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the period 2027 to 2028, our foreign secretary said that we anticipate the ‘solemn honor of serving this body.’ Should the Philippines’ candidature succeed, our SFA decisively articulated: ‘We recognize the weight of the responsibility of the Security Council. When it acts for the interest of humanity, it is a fulcrum of change, a force for good and a bastion of hope for populations trapped in hopeless situations.’

SFA Lazaro expounded on how middle-income countries like the Philippines play a crucial role in helping achieve the UN’s sustainable development goals, highlighting that ‘together, we are the fastest growing economies, the largest consumer markets and the top sources of human capital.’

As she spoke of where we stand in global developments, SFA Lazaro acknowledged the roles of people, economies and technologies. She hailed Filipino migrants as agents of growth and how our compatriots ‘support health systems, advance education and boost creative economies.’ She cited how, at the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being held in Manila recently, states and stakeholders affirmed readiness to do more for the ‘1.9 million seafarers as the backbone of maritime trade that accounts for 90 percent of global commerce.’

In addressing the world stage, SFA Lazaro was clad in a black dress (the color of strength) and a light blue blazer (the color of the UN) made from Philippine fabric. One could sense the gravity and sincerity of her message when she affirmed: ‘There is no alternative to the United Nations.’

The photos I have seen of SFA Lazaro – from the opening ceremony to the sidelines of the high-level week, remind me of subtle messages diplomats deliver either through symbolic fashion or accessories. Former US Secretary of State Madeline Albright was said to have used the expressive power of a piece of jewelry – the pin or brooch – to communicate a message during her diplomatic term.

From how I viewed them, the style and colors of SFA Lazaro’s suits and dresses exude both savoir-faire and indefatigability (I learned she attended at least 35 bilateral meetings, during which she was also complimented by her counterparts for her stylish outfits).

Toward the end of her address, SFA Lazaro tactfully said that amid threats of foreign encroachment, as a maritime country, we remain relentless in abiding by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) ‘as reinforced by the binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea.’

While our ships and boats are literally rocked and countries of the world face the promises and threats of AI, SFA Lazaro assured the international community, ‘we offer steady hands’ in Philippine missions and offices where we unwaveringly advance the goals of the UN. Then she took inspiration from General Carlos P. Romulo’s words at the First UNGA in 1946 – that our stake in the UN as a nation is one of ‘an identical destiny, of shared anxiety, of hope and endeavor.’

Regular fixtures in the playoffs last season, are Rain or Shine and Converge ripe for a deeper run and stronger finish this time?

That’s certainly what the two ‘dark horses’ are aiming for as the PBA Season 50 kicks off tomorrow with the Philippine Cup.

The Elasto Painters made it to the semifinals of the last four conferences, including all three tournaments of Season 49, but missed out on a ticket to the Last Dance each time. The FiberXers, for their part, reached the quarterfinals thrice last season but found themselves stranded in that stage.

‘In the last four conferences nakarating kami ng semifinals. Hindi lang kami maka break-break, hanggang semifinals lang. Parati naming nakakatapat na team ‘yung TNT, we can’t get over that hump. But we feel na itong conference na ito mas nakahanda kami,’ said ROS coach Yeng Guiao.

Aside from the added experience his young guns like Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito and Gian Mamuyac got from their Final Four appearances, what’s giving Guiao brighter hopes is the arrival of veteran Stanley Pringle.

‘I think what Stanley brings is he’s able to make players around him better and he can also mentor our younger guards. ‘Yung mga bata naming mga gwardya, maraming matututunan sa kanya,’ he said.

‘And then we have a closer. We have a lot of games I feel we could have won doon sa endgame or clutch situations. You need somebody like a Stanley Pringle to get you over and the other guys can learn from that. Maipasa niya ‘yan doon sa mga ibang kasama niya. So the future looks bright no for our team.’

Seasoned big man Beau Belga, who missed a good portion of the season-ending All-Filipino due to vertigo, is back to 100 percent fitness, providing experience and toughness to ROS.

Converge, now coached by Pampanga Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda, has been the busiest in the pre-season.

The squad arranged a trade with Phoenix to get the No. 2 pick in the rookie draft and use it for Juan Gomez de Liaño then re-signed vastly improved Schonny Winston and got veteran frontliner Rafi Reavis and rookie Kobe Monje on board to join forces with Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar and Alec Stockton.

‘Siyempre, sana umangat naman po ‘yung performance namin,’ said Pineda of their goal.

The debuting mentor downplayed talks tagging his souped-up crew as a strong contender.

‘Hindi po siguro. Hindi kami dapat bantayan nila, marami pong mas magagaling na teams. Nandoon po kami sa bottom and one good thing about that is nacha-challenge ‘yung mga bata ngayon dahil may ini-aim kami,’ he said.

SM City Santa Rosa IT Center is expected to boost Laguna’s standing as a preferred location for the IT-BPM sector, contributing to the expansion of investments outside Metro Manila, following its proclamation as an information technology economic zone.

SM Offices, a unit of integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings, has signed a registration agreement confirming the Presidential Proclamation of SM City Santa Rosa IT Center as an IT economic zone.

Proclamation 944, signed by President Marcos, officially designates a portion of SM City Santa Rosa as a special IT ecozone under PEZA.

SM Prime said the establishment of SM City Santa Rosa IT Center as an ecozone reinforces the shared goal of the company and PEZA to attract investments, generate employment and drive regional development across the country.

Accreditation as an IT ecozone under PEZA provides fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including income tax holidays, tax and duty exemptions, streamlined import-export procedures and access to special non-immigrant visas.

The designation likewise ensures modern infrastructure and efficient government services, creating a strategic edge for registered IT enterprises in the country.

‘This partnership with PEZA underscores our dedication to providing world-class spaces for the IT-BPM industry. Santa Rosa is strategically located with access to talent, infrastructure and lifestyle amenities that will support long-term growth for companies and employees alike,’ SM Offices head Alexis Ortiga said.

PEZA director general Tereso Panga, for his part, said the proclamation of SM City Santa Rosa as an IT center opens new doors for job creation and investment opportunities in the countryside.

‘PEZA stands ready to handhold locators seeking to set up operations in the Philippines as we advance our country’s role as one of the leading global IT-BPM hubs in Asia,’ Panga said.

SM Offices supports the IT-BPM industry through PEZA-accredited developments such as its E-Com Centers at the Mall of Asia Complex and SM North EDSA Towers in Quezon City.

SM Prime said the addition of SM City Santa Rosa IT Center extends SM Offices’ reach to provincial growth corridors.

The Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) has requested copies of the National Expenditure Program and General Appropriations Act for fiscal years 2023 to 2025 from the House of Representatives, as well as line items involving infrastructure projects with details of their proponents.

In a letter addressed to Speaker Faustino Dy III, the group of nearly 200 local chief executives advocating for clean governance said the request was done to make records involving taxpayers’ money more accessible to the public.

‘We make this request in the spirit of transparency in the use of public funds and to ensure that allocations reflect the true needs of communities,’ M4GG stated in its letter sent on Thursday night.

‘Having access to these records will help local governments and civil society track implementation, strengthen accountability and uphold public trust in our institutions,’ it added.

The letter was signed by the M4GG’s convenors: Joy Belmonte of Quezon City, Sitti Hataman of Isabela City, Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City and Vico Sotto of Pasig City.

Granting the request, the M4GG believes, would set a ‘strong example of open, participatory budgeting’ that prevents the misuse of public resources.

M4GG has exponentially grown since it was formed two years ago – struggling in the early days to recruit even one mayor weekly before 300 new members applied when the flood control scandal erupted.

In an interview with dzRH on Thursday, Magalong said the coalition would continue its crusade against corruption despite the presence of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

He said all documents gathered would be turned over to the fact-finding body. M4GG has an existing memorandum of understanding with the ICI.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has officially dropped resigned Ako Bicol party-list congressman Rizaldy Co from the roll of members.

Co decided to resign from his post amid allegations of ‘insertions’ in the current 2025 national budget and his supposed involvement in the flood control projects corruption scandal.

He is still out of the country.