Category: Philippine Star

The drivers and operators’ group Manibela has expressed support to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) public transport modernization program.

According to Manibela president Mar Valbuena, the LTFRB has shown openness and accountability when it consulted operators and transport cooperatives as part of efforts to make the modernization program more inclusive.

Valbuena criticized some groups for asking LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III to resign over alleged ‘irregularities’ in the agency.

‘The reason some groups are asking Guadiz to resign is because some of their demands were not granted,’ Valbuena said.

Earlier, the LTFRB reaffirmed its commitment to fully implement the program, assuring stakeholders that reforms in the sector remain a top priority.

Guadiz said the LTFRB continues to exert all efforts to ensure that the transition to a modernized transport system proceeds without interruption.

He added that the agency has been working closely with government financing institutions to aid operators of modernized jeepney fleets meet their loan obligations under the program.

On Aug. 8, 2025, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy alert, announcing it will no longer use the ‘Dates for Filing’ chart in calculating a child’s age under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA-age). Instead, it will return to its previous practice and use the ‘Dates for Filing’ chart for all Adjustment of Status applications filed on or after Aug. 15, 2025.

Applicants may still use the Dates for Filing chart when determining when an adjustment application can be filed with USCIS. This new policy only affects the CSPA age calculation.

By way of background, a child’s CSPA age is calculated by subtracting the number of days a petition was ‘pending’ from the applicant’s age on the date a visa becomes available. A visa is considered available on the latter of (1) petition approval or (2) the date a visa became available in the Visa Bulletin.

However, the monthly visa bulletin has two charts concerning visa availability: the dates for filing chart and the final action dates chart. Since 2023, USCIS has calculated a child’s age based on whether a visa was available (or the priority date was current) on the dates for filing chart, which was more advantageous to children, as a priority date became current much sooner than on the final action dates chart. Under this new policy change, the date a visa becomes available will be based on the Final Action Dates.

This could also create a problem or dilemma because a child in the US could file for adjustment of status based on the dates for filing chart, but that is no guarantee they would eventually be CSPA eligible, as they must then wait for the priority date to become current in the final action dates chart in order to determine if they can benefit from the CSPA. If they do, everything is fine. But if they filed for adjustment of status using the date for filing chart, and it is later determined that they aged out under the final action dates chart, their adjustment will be denied. With a denial, it’s possible that under the Trump administration, a notice to appear (NTA) could be issued.

In all honesty, this new policy (which is actually a return to the policy that had been in effect since 2002) will now treat children within the US (seeking the adjustment) and children outside the US (who are consular processing) the same way. This is because since 2023, USCIS had been using the date for filing chart, whereas the embassy had always relied on the final action dates chart. As a result, a child could be refused a visa if consular processing, but that very same child would be CSPA eligible if adjusting status. Therefore, a child’s CSPA eligibility depended on whether they were within or outside the US. In fact, I have had some consultations dealing with children who aged out in the US embassy in Manila. However, had they been in the US adjusting status (and using the date for filing chart), their green card would have been approved.

Also, be aware there is the additional CSPA requirement that the child must ‘seek to acquire’ a visa within one year of visa availability. This could be accomplished by submitting their adjustment of status or DS-260 within one year of visa availability. In other words, even with the child’s age calculated to be under 21 using the final action dates chart, the child has a one-year deadline to apply for their visa, or they lose CSPA benefits.

If you have any questions or issues about CSPA eligibility, you should consult with an attorney, who can evaluate your situation and assist in determining if your child qualifies.

Malacañang has declared special non-working days in four towns, two cities and a province to allow residents to participate in local celebrations such as founding anniversaries, festivals and historic events.

Proclamation 1045 declared Oct. 9 a special non-working day in San Isidro, Surigao del Norte,which will celebrate its 66th founding anniversary.

Proclamation 1046 declared Oct. 16 a holiday in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur for the celebration of the town’s 68th Foundation Day.

Oct. 20 will be a special non-working day in Batac City in Ilocos Norte as provided under Proclamation 1047 to mark the 159th birth anniversary of Gen. Artemio Ricarte.

Proclamation 1048 declared Oct. 28 a special non-working day in Dingle, Iloilo for the commemoration of the Cry of Lincud, the first declaration of revolution against Spain in Iloilo and Panay Island.

Proclamation 1049 declared Oct. 29 a special non-working day in Mati City in Davao Oriental for the Sambuokan Festival.

Oct. 30 will be a special non-working holiday in San Isidro, Davao del Norte as provided under Proclamation 1050 for the celebration of the Sikwate Festival.

Proclamation 1051 declared Nov. 4 a special non-working day in Quezon province to commemorate the death anniversary of national hero Apolinario dela Cruz, also known as Hermano Puli.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on the faithful to join a National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance in light of the calamities and corruption that continue to plague the nation.

In a letter to dioceses, CBCP president and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David announced that the observance will be launched on Tuesday, Oct. 7, coinciding with the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.

‘In the spirit of the prophetic exhortation of Baruch, which is a prayer of national confession and contrition, and in the context of the calamities that continue to afflict our land, we call for a National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance to be launched on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary,’ David said.

Prayers will be held in all parish churches, chapels and homes starting Tuesday and every succeeding Sunday leading up to the Feast of Christ the King on Nov. 23, as part of a sustained supplication for mercy and renewal.

‘This act of national contrition is also a step in our journey of synodality – walking together as God’s people, listening to the Spirit and to one another, in humility and hope,’ he said. ‘As we mark this pilgrimage year of hope, we cling to the promise of the Apostle Paul: ‘Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”

David urged the faithful to pray ‘with contrite hearts and steadfast trust, through the intercession of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary,’ for national healing and renewal.

The CBCP also released the official prayer titled ‘A National Cry for Mercy and Renewal,’ which implores God to hear the voices of the people ‘as we walk in the valley of darkness.’

It likens the Filipino people to ‘a stray sheep that has fallen from the cliff, clinging desperately to a brittle branch, crying out for rescue.’

LA Tenorio’s head coaching era has started off triumphantly.

The Magnolia Hotshots welcomed Tenorio and the 50th season of the PBA with a bang after fending off Barangay Ginebra in a wire-to-wire affair, 80-73, in the Philippine Cup opener Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Zavier Lucero powered the Hotshots with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals. Jerom Lastimosa and the comebacking Javi Gomez-de Liano chipped in 14 markers apiece.

‘It was really hard, first of all, emotionally. I have to battle and really challenge my mind that it’s not about me and Coach Tim [Cone], it’s about Magnolia versus Ginebra. But, I just want to thank the players and my coaching staff. I really want to credit them, because they really guided me,’ Tenorio told reporters after the game.

‘Alam nila na mahirap especially in this kind of atmosphere. For the players, they were really ready going to this game, I really appreciate their effort, their fight, their focus coming to this game,’ he added.

The Hotshots erected a 15-point advantage, 63-48, with 10:10 remaining after a James Laput jumper.

But a 9-0 run, built by a layup by Japeth Aguilar, a 4-pointer by Jeremiah Gray and a 3-pointer by newly crowned Rookie of the Year RJ Abarrientos, sliced the deficit to six, 57-63, with 8:38 left.

However, huge shots by Lucero, Gomez-de Liano, Mark Barroca and Jerom Lastimosa kept the Gin Kings at bay.

The game was still within reach after a jumper by Stephen Holt that put them within striking distance, 69-78. Misses and turnovers by Ginebra, however, made it difficult for them as the clock melted.

Magnolia started the game waxing hot with 10 unanswered points, pumping the advantage to 14, 21-7, after a layup by Lucero.

But Ginebra was able to tow itself to within two points, 24-26, but could not tie or take the lead.

Rome dela Rosa chipped in 12 points for the Hotshots.

Holt had an all-around game for Ginebra, finishing with 16 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and a steal. Gray added 13 markers, while Troy Rosario and Abarrientos tallied 12 and 11, respectively.

Investigation on massive corruption should expand from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the Department of Health (DOH), Mayor Benjamin Magalong said on Friday.

‘Not only DPWH – what’s happening in DOH is getting close, too,’ Magalong said after corruption complaints were filed against Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and five other officials, specifically for misusing P44.6 million worth of government-bought psychiatric medicines, allegedly given to a private group.

‘Si Herboza, malapit na yan,’ he said in radio interview.

Lawmakers have also flagged DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP).

Many health centers supposedly built under the program turned out to be unfinished or unusable, and some were even described as ‘ghost’ facilities.

Lack of staff has made many of them non-operational. Magalong is part of Mayors for Good Governance.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, however, questioned Magalong’s own record, citing his P110-million Baguio tennis and parking facility project linked to Discaya-owned St. Gerrard Construction.

Magalong, who resigned from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure on ‘conflict of interest’ concerns, may need to present more solid proof of corruption in the DOH, as he did in the case of the DPWH, according to his detractors.

Even before his shortlived stint as ICI adviser and investigator, he claimed to have already submitted documents and other pieces of evidence to President Marcos to back up his allegations against officials linked to anomalies in flood control projects.

President Marcos joked about lawmakers ‘getting fat’ as he greeted a chef-turned-congresswoman during an event in Pampanga on Friday.

‘Our latest, newly elected congresswoman, Congresswoman Florabel, is the one feeding the entire House of Representatives now, so our congressmen are getting fat,’ Marcos said, referring to Nanay Party-list Rep. Florabel Yatco.

Marcos made the joke at the inauguration of the Farm Fresh Milk plant in San Simon, Pampanga, amid a flood control corruption scandal implicating several lawmakers and other public officials.

Yatco is the owner of the Florabel Group of Restaurants, which includes Florabel, El Corazon, Crisostomo and Sisa’s Secret.

During the distribution of carabaos and farm equipment to Aeta communities, the President reminded the beneficiaries that the help they receive comes from taxpayers.

‘I tell those who receive little benefits who express their gratitude to us, ‘Don’t thank us because this is really our job. It’s your money, so we’re just giving it back to you’,’ he said.

Among those present at the inauguration were Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda, Farm Fresh Milk founder and chief executive officer Loi Tuan Ee, Farm Fresh Milk Inc. Philippines CEO Shawn Pu and other officials.

The day after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook Cebu, leaving destruction, injuries and deaths in its wake, the Senate, voting 15-3 and two abstentions, passed a resolution calling for the house arrest of International Criminal Court (ICC) prisoner Rodrigo Duterte, citing ‘humanitarian grounds.’ How compassionate of them. Their sense of humanity for the architect of the bloody drug war seems far more urgent than for the Filipinos reeling from an actual natural disaster.

Leading this display of moral piety was none other than Bible-quoting Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. Hallelujah! Always ready to act as the ambassador of Jesus Christ, he asserted that ‘humanitarian treatment and due process are essential to justice.’ How Godly cute of Alan Peter. This is coming from the same man who denied the existence of Duterte’s extrajudicial killings before the United Nations when he was secretary of foreign affairs, with the gusto of a militant Holocaust denier and flat-earther. This is also the senator who rationalized corruption as long as there is ‘repentance.’ If Alan Peter can’t get his brother, the ‘good Cayetano,’ Lino, to buy into his ‘holiness,’ perhaps he should keep his preaching to himself.

The resolution came after impeached Vice President Sara Duterte accused the ICC of inhumanely treating her father. Depending on the day, Digong is either frail, collapsing on the floor, battling early dementia or, if we are to believe Senator Bato dela Rosa’s latest melodrama, simply wants to go home and eat monggo. Shedding monggo tears to win sympathy? Such claims might sound plausible if Duterte were detained in Guantanamo Bay or some North Korean dungeon. But in the Netherlands, renowned for human rights and excellent health care? Please. Sara’s assertion, like a fat penguin, doesn’t fly. And why should people believe her? Just six months ago, she was quoting her father, likening his ICC detention quarters to those of a hotel.

So what is the most compassionate thing we can do for Digong? Let him stay exactly where he is. After all, the ICC facility is among the most humane in the world. And frankly, far kinder than our jails and the graves where thousands of his EJK victims now lie.

The resolution, of course, has absolutely no legal bearing on the work of the ICC. The ICC exists precisely as the court of last resort for people victimized by crimes against humanity and betrayed by their countries’ institutions. It is built to resist pressure from outside forces, especially from those it is currently trying. If anything, the Senate resolution only reinforced the argument for keeping Duterte in the ICC. It showed that he still influences Philippine politics, even from a detention cell in The Hague.

However, politically, the resolution did reveal one thing: the Senate remains the happy hunting ground for the Dutertes, even if their hardliners have slipped to the minority. The majority bloc led by Senate President Tito Sotto is proving to be challenging.

It also exposed the weaknesses of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. The resolution seemed like a barometer. Many senators are unimpressed with how Marcos has handled the flood control issue, with some getting ready to take their bets on the return of the Dutertes in 2028. This is not just about the ICC; this is a preview of the coming presidential race.

Senator Chiz Escudero had his own moment in the spotlight. Prior to the drama involving Duterte, the ousted Senate president took the podium and claimed that the corruption allegations against him were all part of a script by former House speaker Martin Romualdez, who had also lost his leadership post after being caught up in the same scandal. Romualdez shot back at Escudero, calling his speech a ‘DDS script.’

Yet, what made Escudero’s performance stand out was not only the sheer contradictions of his lines but whom he seemed to be most anxious to please in the audience – Sara Duterte, who was sitting in the Senate VIP gallery. Some said that Chiz’s performance felt less like a speech and more like an audition for Sara’s running mate in 2028.

‘Why me?’ Escudero whined before reminding his accusers that when you point a finger at someone, three fingers point back at you. Is this the best argument he has? If anything, this is no defense at all. It’s more like an admission. Like a man caught urinating on a wall, only to complain that he shouldn’t be singled out because others relieved themselves on the same spot.

Then came Chiz’s pompous statement: ‘I can defend myself, but who will defend our institution?’ Really? He wants a reminder as to how the Senate lost its credibility under his short and chaotic leadership? First, he shelved Sara’s impeachment. Second, his P30-million donation from a contractor. Third, his alleged multi-billion budget insertions. Fourth, the Marcoleta-led flood control probe, where his contractor-friend, Senate allies and the Dutertes were untouched. Finally, the botched and hurried plan to turn the Discaya couple into state witnesses. He doesn’t need to worry about defending the Senate. The damage under his watch already did that.

This week gave us two lousy scripts: the ICC’s ‘inhumane treatment’ of Digong and Chiz’s non-defense defense. Different scripts, same teleserye – the endless squabbling of dynasties, where the people are reduced to extras.

It’s time to rip up their scripts, unmask the real villains and celebrate our true heroes, leading to 2028: former Justice Antonio Carpio, Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno, Rep. Leila de Lima, Heidi Mendoza, Cielo Magno and Mayor Vico Sotto, to name a few.

We follow our own script now. It’s time to write our story, our history, our destiny.

The private sector is set to conduct a review of regulatory processes in the country to help address the longstanding issue of red tape.

The review is being spearheaded by the Philippines – Ease of Doing Business Foundation Inc. (EASE PH), which serves as the private sector convenor of the Buklod Bayani Coalition composed of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), Department of the Interior and Local Government and business groups including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. and Employers Confederation of the Philippines.

EASE PH president Roberto Alvarez Jr. told reporters during the initiative’s launch that the private sector is undertaking the review to simplify processes for securing permits and clearances.

Alvarez said the initiative would also support ARTA’s ongoing review of processes.

While the ARTA is undertaking a review focusing on certain sectors, he said the agency has limited manpower.

The review will involve working with industry organizations in all sectors including real estate, mining, telecommunications and energy.

After the review, Alvarez said the private sector would come up with recommendations to be presented to the government agencies and local government units involved, as well as the ARTA and President Marcos.

‘Many of the steps are unnecessary. Some of these were placed by the government before. Maybe two presidents or three presidents ago. It’s no longer necessary. So, we will tell them to remove that,’ he said.

Apart from simplifying and reducing the number of steps, he said the initiative is expected to help curb corruption.

‘When they know they will get caught or they know they can be seen, they will hesitate to do it. If they know they can get away with it, many people will just do it, right? But now, if they think that somebody’s looking at them, then it’s going to be harder,’ he said.

While the initiative may not eradicate corruption, he said it may make it harder for such to take place as the process for doing business becomes easier.

Board of Investments chief investments specialist Lubin De Vera Jr. said the Ease of Doing Business – Anti-Red Tape Advisory Council has passed a resolution recognizing EASE PH as the convener of private sector participation in the review of regulatory processes, acknowledging the crucial role the sector plays in advancing reforms.

‘Businesses, both domestic and foreign, still encounter regulatory complexities, delays and inefficiencies,’ De Vera said, noting that it can take up to 75 days for local firms and more than 100 days for foreign firms just to complete registration.

These numbers are above global averages and those seen in other Southeast Asian countries.

‘If we are serious about making the Philippines an investment destination of choice, these delays must be addressed directly and decisively,’ De Vera said.

Alvarez said the initiative would also be presented during the PCCI’s Philippine Business Conference later this month to increase awareness and get more sectors involved.

Ateneo continues to roll in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

In front of 17,185 fans, the Blue Eagles thwarted a furious rally by archrivals La Salle Green Archers to grab a wire-to-wire, 81-74 victory in their first meeting of the season Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

La Salle sliced a 33-point lead to single digit late, but its fightback came a little too late against an Ateneo side that banked on defense to build a mountain of an upperhand.

The troika Kymani Ladi, Dom Escobar and Shawn Tuano had 15 markers apiece for Ateneo. Joshua Lazaro chipped in nine points.

The Green Archers trailed by as big as 33 points, 68-35, after a pair of free throws by Ian Espinosa toward the end of the third period.

But a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Doy Dungo made it a 30 point deficit, 38-68, heading to the fourth quarter.

This sparked the Taft-based squad, who slowly nipped the disadvantage to 11, 57-68, after a split from the line by Vhoris Marasigan.

An and-one play by Shawn Tuano, though, snapped the run and push Ateneo’s lead to 14, 71-57.

However, La Salle already had more pep in their step, as they inched to within single digits, 66-75, with 1:43 to go following a pair of free throws by Mike Phillips.

A Phillips putback made it a five point game, 72-77, with 30.4 seconds remaining.

But finishing touches by Tuano and Andrew Bongo iced the game.

Leading by just three at the end of the first quarter, 14-11, Ateneo soared over the Taft-based squad with a 22-8 second frame to grab a 36-19 lead.

The onslaught did not stop there, as Blue Eagles took a lead as big as 33 points, before La Salle’s searing run.

Mike Phillips stood tall for the Green Archers with 17 points, 20 rebounds and six assists. Kean Baclaan produced his best game for La Salle thus far with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Jacob Cortez had 10.

Ateneo thus remained unbeaten through four games this season. It has equaled its win total from last season, when it with a 4-10 win-loss record.

La Salle dropped to 2-2, tied with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.