Category: Philippine Star

The prosecution in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial has asked the Senate impeachment court to subpoena former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV to testify on allegations involving her unexplained wealth next week.

In a manifestation before the impeachment court released on Thursday, September 24, the prosecution sought Trillanes’ testimony in connection with Article II of the Articles of Impeachment.

Article II covers allegations involving Duterte’s unexplained wealth and her alleged receipt or acquisition of funds from persons or sources identified in evidence presented before the impeachment court.

The prosecution’s request comes as it presents evidence on Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth, including allegations previously raised by Trillanes.

P181.6 million alleged funds

Trillanes earlier testified before the House Committee on Justice during its impeachment proceedings against Duterte.

In April, he alleged that five members of the Duterte family, including Sara Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, received or encashed P181.6 million in checks allegedly from Davao drug lord Samuel “Sammy” Uy between 2011 and 2013.

The former senator made the allegation in a sworn affidavit presented during the House impeachment hearing on April 22. The House panel was also shown bank transaction records that Trillanes said supported his claim.

According to Trillanes, Sara Duterte received P22.3 million in three transactions, while Rodrigo Duterte was listed at P15.6 million.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte was listed at P51.5 million, while former Davao City mayor and now Rep. Paolo Duterte was listed at P38.8 million.

Honeylet Avanceña, Rodrigo Duterte’s common-law partner, and her daughter Veronica Duterte were listed at P53.2 million combined, according to Trillanes.

Trillanes said the transactions followed a similar pattern, with checks issued at regular intervals over about two years, often in identical or near-identical amounts.

Other witnesses

The prosecution said Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System division chief Rendell Sopeña is expected to return to the witness stand on Monday.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, the younger brother of Vice President Sara Duterte, has also been subpoenaed and could be presented as a witness on Monday or Tuesday.

Baste’s testimony is expected to focus on the Davao City government’s transactions with GenCorp Industries Inc., which secured 19 contracts with the city worth more than P33.2 million.

The vice president declared GenCorp as one of her business interests in her 2024 and 2025 SALNs.

Baste earlier said he and other Davao City officials were unaware of his sister’s interest in GenCorp. He also said neither Sara Duterte’s name nor the surname “Duterte” appeared in the company’s official documents submitted for its transactions with the city.

The impeachment trial will continue to hear evidence under Article II, which covers allegations involving Duterte’s wealth, SALN disclosures and alleged continued business interests while in office.

With so many decisions that go into planning a wedding, knowing which details are worth prioritizing can make all the difference.

From the little touches guests remember to the bigger decisions that shape the celebration, couples today are looking for ideas that feel intentional, personal, and worth the investment.

The 47th Wedding Expo Philippines by Themes and Motifs brings together verified and registered wedding businesses this September 26 and 27 at the SMX Convention Center in SM MOA. It gives soon-to-weds the opportunity to see, taste, compare and experience ideas before making those important wedding decisions.

Here are six wedding details worth considering this year:

1. A favor guests will use and won’t just leave behind

Wedding favors are more meaningful when they have a life beyond the celebration.

The Amenity Studio offers thoughtful gift sets that guests can actually enjoy and use after the wedding, making the traditional thank-you favor feel a little more worthwhile.

Good to know: Pleated Collection featuring two Hermès Eau d’Orange Verte Pleated Soap 50g start at P750 per set. Purchase 10 sets and enjoy 10% off or complimentary customization.

2. A sweet take on cocktail hour

An ice cream cart can bring that same social energy to dessert, creating a casual stop for guests to gather and enjoy a treat between the ceremony and reception.

Arce Dairy Ice Cream Cart offers couples a fun and interactive way to add another food moment to the celebration, with packages designed for groups of different sizes. The cart signage can also be customized to complement the wedding theme, making it not just a dessert stop, but another thoughtful detail within the celebration.

Good to know: Packages start at P8,000 for 50 guests.

3. More than just the wedding cake

The cake may be the centerpiece, but it doesn’t have to be the entire dessert story. Smaller pastries and sweets such as the decadent French macaron can add variety to the reception.

Dylan Patisserie offers more choices for couples building a dessert selection around their celebration-from the main cake to treats guests can enjoy throughout the reception.

4. Jewelry you’ll still love after the wedding

Some wedding details are meant to last far beyond the reception. Goldenhills Jewelry offers jewelry for meaningful milestones.

Seeing pieces in person at the expo gives couples the opportunity to discover styles and find something that feels right before making a decision.

Good to know: At Goldenhills Jewelry discover more options for the wedding day and other milestones to come.

5. A fun food experience beyond the usual reception menu

Sushi isn’t the first food that comes to mind when planning a traditional wedding reception, which is exactly what makes it an interesting addition.

Sushi MNL gives couples a way to introduce something fresh and unexpected to cocktail hour, grazing tables, or late-night dining-adding variety while creating another food moment guests can gather around and enjoy.

Turn your dessert or cocktail hour into something guests can wander over to and enjoy with a beautifully styled pastry station from The Croissanterie.

Featuring an assortment of sweet and savory croissants, the setup adds both visual appeal and something delicious for guests to discover, snack on, and share throughout the celebration.

6. Turn guest moments into keepsakes

Not every wedding memory has to be about the couple. Salamin Manila gives guests their own moment in front of the camera, turning the reception into a space where they can play, pose and create something together.

With an interactive mirror, personalized templates and instant prints, guests leave with a keepsake of a celebration they were part of-not just a photo of the couple.

Find the ideas that fit your celebration-and make them yours

The best wedding details are the ones guests can enjoy, experience and remember.

At the 47th Wedding Expo Philippines, couples can discover even more ideas through Clara Olé, the expo’s Official Food Lifestyle Partner, with an interactive experience featuring food sampling, games and culinary inspiration.

The Book to Win promotion and hourly raffle draws from participating exhibitors and partners add even more reasons to explore

Tropical Storm Queenie (international name: Surigae) maintained its strength as it moved northwestward over the Philippine Sea, PAGASA said Friday morning.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin on Friday, September 25, the state weather bureau said Queenie was carrying maximum sustained winds of 75 kilometers per hour near the center, with gusts of up to 90 kph.

It is moving northwestward at 20 kph.

The center of Queenie was estimated at 1,065 kilometers east of Extreme Northern Luzon.

Queenie is unlikely to directly affect the country’s land areas throughout the forecast period.

Strong winds, rainfall

No tropical cyclone wind signals have been raised so far.

PAGASA said heavy rainfall and severe winds may still be experienced in localities outside Queenie’s landfall point and forecast confidence cone.

It is not expected to directly affect the country throughout the forecast period.

PAGASA’s regional forecast for Southern Luzon said the area may experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms on Friday.

Sea conditions

PAGASA said coastal waters are expected to have wave heights of less than 2 meters over the next 24 hours.

Track, intensity

Queenie will generally move west-northwestward until Friday afternoon before moving northwestward on Saturday morning.

By Saturday afternoon, the tropical cyclone is forecast to decelerate as it begins to turn from northwestward to northeastward.

On the forecast track, the center of Queenie is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility between Sunday afternoon, September 27, and early Monday morning, September 28.

Outside the PAR, Queenie is forecast to accelerate as it heads northeast.

PAGASA said Queenie will gradually intensify while inside the PAR and may reach typhoon category by Sunday.

No podium finish for GIlas Pilipinas’ men’s 3×3 team.

The Philippines finished fourth in the Asian Games’ men’s 3×3 basketball tournament after falling to Iran, 21-10, Friday afternoon at the Kinjo Futo Station Square Venue in Japan.

Doy Dungo scored four points to lead the Philippines while Luis Pablo had three.

Mohammadbasir Momeni sparked Iran, outscoring Gilas with 12 points himself. He also had four rebounds. Mohammadmahdi Rahimi chipped in five for the bronze medalists to go with seven boards.

The two teams were tied early at 3-all early on.

Momeni started to wax hot, hitting backbreaking 2-pointers to push Iran ahead, 12-5.

Pablo and Dungo tried to tow the Philippines back to it, 8-12, but Momeni’s onslaught continued.

A Koji Buenaflor shot made it a four-point deficit anew, 10-14, but it was Gilas’ final point.

The Philippines could not buy a bucket, while Momeni and Rahimi teamed up to push Iran 20-10.

As if it was a cherry on top of the cake, Sarem Jafari slammed one in for the game-winning basket with 1:46 left.

Nic Cabanero had two points for the Philippines while Buenaflor just had one.

Jafari and Seyedmohammad Ghafari scored three and one, respectively.

Still, it was a run to remember for Gilas.

After an undefeated run through the semifinals, the Philippines dropped their final two games – first against finalist Korea, then to Iran.

This is the Philippines’ highest finish in men’s 3×3 basketball.

In recent months, the country has witnessed alarming incidents of violence within school premises, including mass shootings, stabbing incidents, and physical assaults against students and teachers, some even resulting in death. These unimaginable crimes have shattered the sense of safety that schools are supposed to provide.

For decades, the Department of Education had given less attention to mental health, school safety, and security issues in many public schools until the series of violent incidents made the headlines. The recent programs are classic reactive actions to prevent things from getting worse. Understanding the root causes of these violent acts is essential to developing effective solutions that can restore peace and security in educational institutions.

One significant root cause of school violence is the lack of adequate mental health support for students. Many young individuals struggle with untreated mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, often exacerbated by bullying or social isolation. Unfortunately, the cultural stigma surrounding mental health prevents many from seeking help, allowing problems to escalate unnoticed. In some cases, violent behavior may be a manifestation of these unresolved psychological struggles.

Another contributing factor is the easy access to weapons. Despite laws regulating firearms and knives, students sometimes manage to bring these dangerous items into schools due to insufficient security measures. The lack of metal detectors, security personnel, and surveillance cameras makes schools vulnerable to violent outbreaks.

Family and societal influences also play a crucial role. Students coming from dysfunctional families, where domestic violence or neglect occurs, may replicate violent behaviors learned at home. Moreover, poverty and social inequality can create stressful environments that fuel aggression. Exposure to violent media content further desensitizes students, normalizing aggression as a way to solve conflicts.

The school environment itself can contribute to these crimes if it lacks effective conflict resolution mechanisms and positive teacher-student relationships. Authoritarian or unsupportive teachers may unintentionally heighten tensions. Additionally, peer pressure and gang influence can compel students to engage in violent acts, further destabilizing the school community.

To address these complex issues, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Schools must implement comprehensive mental health programs, including counseling services and awareness campaigns to reduce stigma. Security measures such as metal detectors, surveillance cameras, and trained personnel should be enhanced to prevent weapons from entering school grounds. Furthermore, involving families and communities through education and support programs can help address the root causes of violence outside school.

Creating a positive school climate is vital. Schools should promote respectful relationships, implement anti-bullying and conflict-resolution programs, and empower students through leadership and peer-mediation initiatives. Lastly, strict enforcement of laws and clear protocols for handling violent incidents must be established and regularly reviewed.

The scourge of violence in Philippine schools is a multifaceted problem rooted in mental health issues, accessibility of weapons, family and societal factors, and school environment deficiencies. Only through coordinated efforts involving mental health support, improved security, community engagement, and policy reforms can schools become safe havens where students and teachers can thrive without fear.

After more than a year in a Philippine prison without charges, Mary Jane Veloso, who was previously put on death row in Indonesia, will finally be free.

This is after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an executive clemency for Veloso, giving her a clean slate.

‘Pinirmahan ko na ‘yung pardon niya kahapon,’ Marcos said in an ambush interview with reporters on Friday, September 25.

(I signed her pardon yesterday.)

Veloso is currently detained at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City after she returned to the Philippines on Dec. 18, 2024, from Indonesia.

Veloso was arrested in 2010 on drug trafficking charges. In 2015, following the surrender of her illegal recruiter in the Philippines, then-President Benigno Aquino III made a last-minute plea to Indonesian authorities to spare her life.

Granted a reprieve just hours before her scheduled execution by firing squad on April 29, 2015, the decision came so late that several print outlets mistakenly reported her death.

A condominium manager survived an ambush in Makati yesterday after two motorcycle-riding men opened fire at her sport utility vehicle (SUV).

According to a police report, the woman was traversing Chino Roces Avenue before 7 a.m. when two men on a motorcycle approached the SUV and fired at least nine gunshots.

Witnesses said one of the suspects was wearing the uniform of a ride-hailing company, but the vehicle had an unknown plate number.

The victim drove her car near a police outpost, prompting the suspects to flee.

Police said the victim suffered eight gunshots to the thigh. She was rushed to the Makati Medical Center for treatment.

Makati police chief Col. Pedro Alagano Jr. said the motive could be related to the victim’s work as a condominium manager.

‘We’re checking if she had received a complaint from residents,’ Alagano said. ‘We’re also checking if she had management issues and enemies outside of her work.’

Philippine National Police spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co said PNP personnel have launched a manhunt for the suspects.

As the Japanese proverb said, if you fall down seven times, you must stand up eight.

Following a stunning upset loss in the Singapore Tennis Open, Alex Eala is setting her sights on the Asian Games.

Eala, ranked 18th in the world, absorbed the toughest loss of her career on Thursday evening, falling against World No. 180 Tatiana Prozorova, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, in more than three hours of action.

The Filipina was seeded third in the tournament, but had an early exit from WTA 500 event.

After her match, Eala said that while she did everything she could on the court, she will need to focus on the learnings she had on the defeat.

‘Yeah, I think Tatiana played really well today. But, yeah, I think first, you just have to, like every loss, accept the fact that maybe she performed better today. And then, look at it, take the time to analyze, take the time to learn,’ she said.

The 21-year-old Filipina, who had a meteoric rise in the WTA rankings last year after having upset after upset in the Miami Open, said that the beauty of sports is the ‘constant evolution.’

‘I need to analyze and reconvene with my team and, you know, say, hey, we need to work on A, B, and C. And so I’ll work on it. And I think that’s the beauty of sports. That’s the beauty of tennis. It’s a constant, I guess, constant evolution. You’re always learning,’ she said.

‘And, yeah, in the end, you’re going to have days like this where you battle three hours and it just doesn’t go your way. So, yeah, I have to learn from it, but also not try to make it bigger than it needs to be.’

The Asian Games’ tennis tournament will kick off on Sunday.

Eala’s early exit will give her a few days’ rest before the Asiad.

‘It’s hard to see a loss as a blessing in disguise. I would have wanted to win today. I would have wanted to go further in the tournament. But whether it’s a blessing in disguise or not, it doesn’t matter at the present. What matters to me is learning from this loss and preparing for my next match.’

To strengthen intelligence and investigation against smuggling, the Bureau of Customs has implemented a reshuffle, replacing the chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services.

CIIS director Thomas Narcise was directed to swap positions with Jeoffrey Tacio, chief of the Commissioner Strategic Advisory Office, based on an order signed by BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno.

‘While former CIIS chief Narcise had delivered his tasks, I am now on the next phase of transforming the BOC. I need new commanders to direct our field movements,’ Nepomuceno said.

He said he is strengthening enforcement and intelligence leadership to sustain the momentum gained by the bureau in achieving its collection targets.

Nepomuceno said the BOC would embark on a more aggressive campaign against smuggling and for good governance.

BOC personnel will be barred from engaging in a brokerage business or any commercial interest that will place legitimate trade groups at a disadvantage, Nepomuceno said.

In December, some BOC officials and employees mentioned Narcise in a complaint sent to President Marcos.

The complainants urged Marcos to order an investigation into allegations of smuggling protection, corruption and abuse of authority occuring at the agency.

Nepomunceo said he has relieved some BOC officials and personnel at the port of Subic in connection with the reselling of condemned imported frozen chicken.

Five offices linked to a culinary school have been shut down over an alleged recruitment scheme that charged applicants as much as P420,000 for training and assistance in securing chef and cook jobs in Australia.

The Department of Migrant Workers on Friday, September 25, implemented a final closure order against Ausphin International Institute of Culinary Arts and Business Management and related operations in Baguio City, Pasig City and Mandaluyong City.

DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau head Rommel Abbang said the agency found that the company was allegedly recruiting chefs and cooks for jobs in Australia without the required recruitment license.

“We have closed down Ausphin businesses composed of three divisions after we received a report that they are doing recruitment activities for chefs and cooks with a promised salary of PHP200,000 to PHP250,000,” Abbang said during the Baguio operation, as reported by the Philippine News Agency.

Applicants without experience were allegedly asked to pay about P420,000, while those with experience were charged P95,000, according to the DMW.

DMW-Cordillera Regional Director Cheryl Daytec Yangot said the P420,000 payment included about P270,000 in tuition for a 12-month culinary program, plus additional fees for assistance in finding jobs in Australia.

The operation covered Ausphin’s culinary school, consultancy and recruitment businesses.

Abbang said the DMW conducted three surveillance operations before finding that the recruitment activities were being carried out without the required license.

All five offices were shut down simultaneously Friday.

‘They will not open again’

Ausphin International Institute-Culinary Arts and Business Management Inc. was incorporated on Nov. 16, 2017, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission certification displayed at the facility.

“This is a final closure order and they will not open again,” Abbang said.

The DMW will recommend that the Baguio City government cancel the school’s business permit and ask the SEC to cancel the company’s registration.

The agency will also file criminal complaints for alleged illegal recruitment against the company’s incorporators, officers and other individuals allegedly involved in the operations.

Yangot urged students who paid fees after being promised jobs in Australia to file complaints with the DMW.

“We are urging them to complain and we are assisting them to the fullest,” she said.

Yangot said DMW lawyers and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines would provide legal assistance in pursuing the cases.

She also urged Filipinos planning to work overseas to verify whether recruitment agencies are licensed and to carefully assess employment pathways offered to them.

“We have zero tolerance, so if you are conducting recruitment activities, please be mindful that you have to secure a license from DMW,” Abbang said.