Category: Philippine Star

Sen. Chiz Escudero’s troubles continue to mount after being slapped with an ethics complaint over a P30-million campaign donation from government contractor Lawrence Lubiano in 2022.

Marvin Aceron, a private lawyer, filed the case before the Senate Committee on Ethics, which is chaired by Sen. JV Ejercito. In Aceron’s 21-page complaint, he said that Lubiano’s firm, Centerways Construction and Development Inc., had more contracts after Escudero’s win in the 2022 elections.

Aceron said that there were 112 contracts worth P16.67 billion under Sorsogon’s 1st and 2nd Districts from 2021 to 2025. Prior to Lubiano’s donation, the firm only had 12 contracts worth P720 million.

Lubiano’s contracts following his donation to Escudero amounted to around P15.9 billion.

‘The sheer number, aggregate value, and geographic concentration of these projects, coinciding with the P30-million donation, underscore the appearance of impropriety and raise serious doubts about the independence of public procurement from political influence,’ Aceron wrote in the complaint.

Lubiano also has a majority stake in Metroways Health Care and Medical System Inc., which is another firm that won government contracts in Bicol, Aceron said.

The complaint has six grounds:

Conduct unbecoming a member of the Senate (disorderly behavior)

Conflict of interest / improper influence

Election Law public policy and prohibited sources (Omnibus Election Code)

Integrity of public procurement

Financial opacity, serial restatements, and the alter ego doctrine

The full complaint can be read here.

Martin again?

Escudero has slammed the complaint filed against him, again blaming former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

‘This is just part of the harassment from his minions. This isn’t about ethics. This is political retribution. This complaint is still part of their script and a desperate smokescreen. I will expose it for the politically motivated sham that it is,’ Escudero said in a statement to the media, without directly addressing the contents of the complaint.

The former leaders of Congress have already traded verbal barbs. Escudero has accused Romualdez of corruption, while Romualdez said that the former Senate president is following a Diehard Duterte Supporter script.

Both lawmakers have been implicated in the flood control corruption mess, where billions of pesos are suspected to have been lost in kickback schemes.

Motorists and residents can now pass through Osmeña Highway safely following the completion of a roadway lighting project initiated by the Manila city government in partnership with San Miguel Corp.

Mayor Isko Moreno thanked SMC chairman Ramon Ang for funding the project amounting to P20.8 million as part of the company’s social responsibility program.

The 1,162 high-powered LED tunnel lights along Osmeña Highway were switched on yesterday.

The lighting system, featuring 2,400-lumen LED fixtures, was installed beneath the Skyway Stage 3 covering 32 barangays in Districts 5 and 6.

‘People can now travel in the area more safely, without fear of accidents and street crimes such as snatching,’ Moreno said.

He asked the barangay officials to help maintain the street lights and make sure these would not be stolen.

Manila Osmeña Highway Motorists and residents can now pass through Osmeña Highway safely following the completion of a roadway lighting project initiated by the Manila city government in partnership with San Miguel Corp.

Mayor Isko Moreno thanked SMC chairman Ramon Ang for funding the project amounting to P20.8 million as part of the company’s social responsibility program.

The 1,162 high-powered LED tunnel lights along Osmeña Highway were switched on yesterday.

The lighting system, featuring 2,400-lumen LED fixtures, was installed beneath the Skyway Stage 3 covering 32 barangays in Districts 5 and 6.

‘People can now travel in the area more safely, without fear of accidents and street crimes such as snatching,’ Moreno said.

He asked the barangay officials to help maintain the street lights and make sure these would not be stolen.

The PBA will take a 40-day recess during the Governors’ Cup next year to give way to the Asian Games in Nagoya on Sept. 19-Oct. 4 with Commissioner Willie Marcial laying the groundwork to hold a pocket tournament involving foreign teams while on break.

Nothing is final at the moment except that the Governors’ Cup, featuring imports with a height limit of 6-6, will start July 10. There is interest among teams from Hong Kong, Macau and Indonesia to play in the PBA and an option is to bring them over for the pocket tournament. The break will cover at least two weeks of preparation and the actual competition in Nagoya with coach Tim Cone out to retain Gilas’ championship.

It will be an extended 50th season for PBA as FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying windows are scheduled on Nov. 27-Dec. 1 this year, Feb. 26-March 2, July 2-6, Aug. 27-31 and Nov. 26-30 next year. While PBA will take a break for the Asian Games, it will not interrupt the schedule for the coming SEA Games in Bangkok. PBA’s 50th anniversary season could stretch to at least 15 months.

In the coming Philippine Cup, the quarterfinals will be on Dec. 21-28. The top four elimination placers gain a twice-to-beat advantage over the next four finishers in the quarterfinals where the pairings are 1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6 and 4 vs 5. There will be no playoff for eighth spot. The same format will be used in the Commissioner’s Cup where the 66-game eliminations are scheduled on March 11-May 13 next year. The Philippine and Commissioner’s Cups will feature a best-of-seven semifinals and finals. The Governors’ Cup will roll out a best-of-five semifinals and best-of-seven finals. The All-Star Weekend will be on March 6-8 in Candon, Ilocos Sur.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said the first conference will hold games at Ynares Center in Antipolo and Montalban with several dates at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and MOA booked during the Christmas holidays, Ninoy Aquino Stadium earmarked for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup on Nov. 21-Dec. 7 and PhilSports Arena undergoing renovation.

Members of the Home Mutual Development Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund, who were affected by the recent disaster in the Cebu region may now borrow a calamity loan worth up to 90 percent of their total savings, including employer contributions and dividends.

Pag-IBIG vice president of the public and member relations group, Jack Jacinto Jr., said they are also assessing the condition of houses owned by members with existing housing loans, noting that those damaged homes may receive assistance through the lending insurance tied to their housing credit.

‘There are two things here, which are our Pag-IBIG calamity loan, that is in cash and applied for by the members. And the insurance for housing loan borrowers to cover the damage, especially those affected by the earthquakes,’ he said.

Repayment for the Pag-IBIG calamity loan will commence three months after its release and be fully repaid over a period of up to three years, a measure designed to provide members with sufficient time to recover from disaster-related losses, according to Jacinto.

Calamity loan applications can be filed online, providing members with convenient access to financial assistance without the need for in-person transactions.

Jacinto said that members with existing loans may still borrow under the program, although the loanable amount will be adjusted based on their outstanding balance.

‘Members may still apply for a loan, but the amount will be deducted based on what their savings can cover. Whatever their savings can still accommodate will be the amount that can be lent,’ he said.

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake jolted Cebu at 9:59 p.m. on Tuesday. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the epicenter is east of Bogo City at a 10-kilometer depth.

Maynilad Water Services [MYNLD pre-IPO] [link] reduced the maximum price for its initial public offering to P15 per share, from P20 previously, after securing commitments from two cornerstone investors: the International Finance Corp. (IFC) of the World Bank Group and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The adjustment trimmed the value of MYNLD’s maiden share sale to P34.33 billion, from P45.8 billion before. Ramoncito Fernandez, company president, said IFC and ADB pledged to invest up to $245 million combined at as much as P15 per share. Fernandez added there were other cornerstone investors but declined to give details. MYNLD, which pushed back its target listing date to ‘not later than’ Nov. 7, 2025 from 31 Oct. 31, 2025, will announce its final offer price on Oct. 20, 2025.

MB bottom-line: IFC and ADB have an appetite for infrastructure plays that is not turned off by the sour taste of political risk. They aren’t on a three-to-seven year private equity timeline to deliver results. They’re not (generally) accountable to limited partners in the way that a private fund would be if a ‘prestige’ investment like this went back and lost the fund money. This price drop affirms my suspicion that market players are looking at this as a potentially ‘heavy’ offering. Bad timing (the market sucks, government is distracted). Weak story (it’s limping to market in order to comply with its concession agreement). I guess the silver lining is that MYNLD could pick up the Villar Family’s bulk water assets, but their recent quotes in response to that opportunity didn’t inspire confidence in MYNLD’s strategic approach to post-IPO growth. MYNLD might be a good investment for some under certain circumstances, but given what I know, I’m just not impressed with the risk/reward of what’s on offer, even at the new price.

The vivo V series is one of those smartphone series you don’t realize has grown so much until you look back.

It feels like yesterday when we were handling the vivo V30, impressed by its balance of style and camera prowess for its price. Fast forward to today-after a few generations and a couple iterations-vivo has quietly and consistently sharpened its focus.

With the arrival of the new vivo V60, that evolution feels it is at its current best form.

The V60 makes two bold claims: it’s a “Portrait Master” with its ZEISS co-engineered cameras, and an endurance champion with its 6,500mAh BlueVolt battery. So, on a recent work trip to Malaysia, I decided to put the new vivo V60 to the ultimate test. And the demanding coverage felt like the perfect trial ground.

After days of constant shooting, navigating and staying connected, the V60 didn’t just prove its claims; it demonstrated its strengths.

A battery and build made for the real world

The first and most impactful feature in a real-world scenario like a trip is the battery.

The V60’s 6,500mAh cell is a true game-changer. My days in Malaysia were long, often starting early and ending late. The phone was in constant use-for my non-stop snapping of photos, navigating maps, browsing and communication. Yet, I consistently ended each day with a comfortable power reserve, never once having to reach for a power bank.

The level of endurance removes the “battery anxiety” that so often dictates how we use our devices, especially when traveling.

When a top-up was finally needed, the 90W FlashCharge proved its worth, taking the battery from near-empty to over 60% in just 30 minutes-fast enough for a quick charge during a coffee break before heading out again.

Equally important was the phone’s durability. The IP68 and IP69 ratings for dust and water resistance offered genuine peace of mind, especially when it suddenly rains in the afternoon.

Knowing the phone could handle an unexpected downpour meant I could focus on the moment, not on scrambling to protect my device. It’s a practical feature that underscores the V60’s reliability as a daily driver.

Mastering portraits and distance with ZEISS

The camera and photography capabilities are something that the V series has continuously delivered well. This continues in the vivo V60.

Still co-engineered with ZEISS, the centerpiece of the V60 is its camera system, which truly shines for portrait shots, travel landscapes or even just simple point-and-shoot snaps.

The ZEISS Multifocal Portrait system was a particular standout. Being able to switch between classic focal lengths-23mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and up to 100mm-gives you so much creative power. It’s like having a virtual kit of five professional prime lenses in your pocket, each with a distinct character.

I found this incredibly useful for taking portraits of subjects I was too shy to get close to, as it still allowed me to get crisp and clear street portraits even from a distance.

The V60’s 50 MP ZEISS Super Telephoto Camera, complete with OIS, was another highlight that I particularly appreciated when I used the phone for event coverage.

Imagine snapping photos of speakers delivering a speech or performers on stage from afar, with unpredictable lighting that’s entirely out of your control. The dedicated Telephoto Stage Mode was invaluable in these situations; its “Stage Style” setting helped ensure subjects didn’t get washed out, delivering clear shots even from the back row.

Also making a welcome return is the upgraded Aura Light. It remains a fantastic tool for low-light situations, providing a soft, even illumination that’s perfect for food shots and portraits.

It also avoids the harsh, washed-out look of a traditional flash, making your photos look more natural and professionally lit.

AI features both useful and fun

Beyond the hardware, vivo has integrated a powerful suite of post-production tools called the “AI Image Studio” directly into the phone. During my trip, I had fun trying out AI-powered features.

AI Erase 3.0 feature was a lifesaver for removing an accidental photobomber from an otherwise perfect shot with just a few taps. I also tested the AI Four-Seasons Portrait mode, which transported me to different seasons in just one location.

Other AI features that I feel would be highly useful are the Image Expander, which can come in handy for those times you frame a shot too tightly, as well as the AI Magic Move that lets you reposition a subject within a photo after it’s been taken.

vivo V60: Made to capture, built to last

The vivo V60 zeroes in on two of the most critical needs of today’s content-savvy user: a truly professional-grade portrait camera and a battery that simply refuses to quit.

Inside, it’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon S7 Gen 4 chipset paired with up to 16GB of RAM. I can say this is very capable mid-range processor to deliver a smooth and responsive experience for daily use-social media, streaming videos and some multi-tasking in between apps.

In this aspect, the vivo vV60 is capable and pretty smooth as you’d expect it to be-more than sufficient for most users would actually need.

Looks-wise? It doesn’t disappoint either. The color Berry Purple is a sexy color that anyone can pull off. Plus, it feels sleek and comfortable in the hand, you wouldn’t think a tough battery is inside. Additionally, the 6.77-inch AMOLED display is sharp and vibrant, with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Now, all these, plus a ZEISS-powered system that puts a studio in your pocket and a massive 6,500mAh BlueVolt battery, the V60 is a specialist that excels where it matters most. It’s a compelling companion for travel and photography, and for any user whose primary concerns are portraits and long battery life.

For anyone who lives life through their camera lens, the vivo V60 is a worthy pick. The vivo V60 is now available in the Philippines with a starting price of P28,999.

The use of temporary and improvised license plates will be prohibited beginning Nov. 1, the Land Transportation Office said yesterday.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the ban would be enforced as the agency cleared the backlog of license plates for motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles.

‘For those who have not yet claimed their license plates, we advise them to do so to avoid any inconvenience once the policy is implemented,’ he said.

Mendoza said motorists should no longer use improvised or temporary plates since there is no more backlog.

Under Joint Administrative Order 2014-001, violators face a fine of P5,000 and confiscation of the temporary or improvised license plates.

Motorists using such plates will not be accepted for registration renewal.

Mendoza, however, clarified that improvised plates may still be allowed if these are properly authorized by the LTO office that processed a request for a duplicate plate.

The University of the Philippines-Mindanao and its student council are pushing for higher funding for the UP system as they expressed alarm over budgetary cuts in the education sector, particularly in UP-Mindanao.

In a joint statement, UP-Mindanao and the student council noted that for the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), only P25.82 billion was approved for the UP system.

The figure was way below the P46.85 billion proposed by the UP Board of Regents, they said.

‘This P21 billion deficit serves as a major threat to the development of the university and compromises basic student services as well as the welfare of constituents across UP campuses,’ UP-Mindanao and the student council said.

The budget allotted for UP-Mindanao is among the lowest in the UP system, they said, noting a long-standing struggle for adequate resources since the university was established.

For the 2025 budget in infrastructure development, the university was allocated a mere P25.9 million, a sharp drop from P140 million allotted last year.

Based on the 2026 NEP released by the Department of Budget and Management, only P16.18 million was approved for UP-Mindanao.

The state university and the student council said the drastic reduction in the proposed budget would hinder institutional development.

UP-Mindanao said the budget cuts have resulted in inadequate student services, insufficient campus amenities, and lack of personnel, classrooms and organization areas as well as constrained research capabilities.

‘While the university and the system’s Board of Regents remain committed to the ‘Road to 5,000 Students’ project and expanding access to quality education for more Mindanao youth, the sharp decline in funding poses a significant barrier to achieving such goals,’ the state university said. ‘The misprioritization of funding is a clear manifestation of the state’s neglect of the education sector.’

Seventeen people were injured when their jeepney fell off a cliff in this town on Wednesday afternoon.

Initial investigation showed the vehicle was traveling in Barangay Pinagsakayan when it figured in the accident at around 2 p.m.

Probers said the jeepney’s brakes malfunctioned as the driver was negotiating a winding portion of the road.

All injured victims including the driver were taken to different hospitals for treatment.

What a difference a round makes.

Bianca Pagdanganan looked poised for a weekend stint after opening with a solid 69 at the Lotte Championship, but a disastrous second round 77 dashed her hopes of a strong finish in the $3-million event at the Hoakalei Country Club in Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii.

The power-hitting Filipina was in strong contention after 18 holes, sitting tied for 25th and carrying momentum into the second round. She even opened with a birdie on the first hole to underline her intentions. Despite a bogey on the par-5 No. 5, she bounced back with another birdie on the 10th to stay at two-under overall through 15 holes.

But disaster struck on the par-4 16th.

Pagdanganan holed out with a rare quadruple bogey – an 8 – that derailed her round and effectively ended her weekend hopes. She settled for pars on the final two holes to post a back-nine 41 and a 77 overall, finishing with a two-round total of 146 – three strokes short of the 143 cutline.

It was another missed opportunity for Pagdanganan, who has been eyeing a strong performance after several early exits this season. Her second-round stats reflected her struggles – she hit eight fairways and reached 13 greens in regulation, but her putting faltered. After needing just 28 putts in the first round, she struggled with 34 on Friday.

Two-time US Women’s Open champion Yuka Saso also bowed out early, carding an 81 to finish at 158.

Meanwhile, Jessica Porvasnik surged to the top of the leaderboard with a scorching 65, overtaking Japan’s Akie Iwai. Porvasnik heads into the weekend at 12-under 132, holding a slim lead in the tightly contested tournament.