Category: Philippine Star

Victims of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that rocked Cebu can now avail themselves of free orthopedic treatment under PhilHealth’s ‘Z benefits’ package, the Department of Health (DOH) announced Saturday, October 4.

DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the expanded benefit was approved by the PhilHealth Board to help survivors who suffered fractures and other bone injuries after being hit or trapped by falling debris.

“‘Yung sa orthopedic Z benefit package kaya importante ‘yan dun sa gawi ng PhilHealth, kasi kunwari nabalian ang isang tao dahil nga dun sa lindol. Ang karaniwang ginagawa po ng mga orthopedic surgeons, naglalagay po ng mga tinatawag na implants. ‘Yan po ay mga bakal na kung tawagin nga po. Mahal po yan kaya nahihirapan ang ating mga kababayan,” Domingo said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

(The orthopedic Z benefit package is important under PhilHealth’s system because, for instance, if a person suffers a bone fracture due to the earthquake, orthopedic surgeons typically insert what are called implants, which are metal components used to stabilize broken bones. These implants are very expensive, which is why many Filipinos struggle to afford them.)

The new orthopedic Z package will allow patients to undergo surgery and receive implants at no cost, under a zero-balance billing policy.

‘Wala na po silang kailangang gastusin (They will no longer have to spend anything),’ Domingo said.

The DOH official clarified that the benefit will cover even patients confined in non-accredited private hospitals, as long as their injuries were caused by the earthquake or its aftershocks.

He also clarified that the benefit is retroactive to the date of the quake.

“Retroactive to the time of the incident kailan nag-lindol, kahit po kayo ay nadischarge at ngayon lang nag-approve, ‘wag kayong magalala sasaklawan ‘yung bill ninyo,” the DOH official said.

(It’s retroactive to the time of the earthquake. Even if you’ve already been discharged and the approval came only now, don’t worry, your hospital bill will still be covered.)

To fast-track implementation, the DOH said it has coordinated with hospitals across Cebu and will issue provisional accreditations where necessary.

The health department continues to operate under Code Blue Alert, the highest emergency status, while aftershocks persist in the province.

Domingo said the DOH maintains round-the-clock monitoring and has so far deployed 163 medical personnel to assist affected communities.

‘Every 24 hours, nagrereport at nag-aassess kung ilan ang nadeploy at kung saan pa kailangan,’ Domingo added.

(Every 24 hours, they report and assess how many personnel have been deployed and where else they are needed.)

In a separate interview on Saturday, Domingo said the DOH will deploy additional mental health and psychosocial support teams to Cebu on a rotational basis.

‘Mayroon tayong Mental Health and Psychosocial Service team na ide-deploy sa Cebu province para iyon ang mag-aasikaso doon sa mental health,’ he said.

(We have a Mental Health and Psychosocial Service team that will be deployed to Cebu province to take care of the mental health needs there.)

The earthquake killed at least 68 people, injured nearly 600 and displaced over 77,000 residents in hard-hit towns like Bogo City and Medellin.

Officials declared a state of calamity in Cebu province to unlock emergency funds and give local governments flexibility to hasten rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Following the suspension of the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Commission on Elections is recalling all poll paraphernalia that the Comelec has deployed in the BARMM.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body would undertake reverse logistics to retrieve all poll supplies including automated counting machines (ACMs) and official ballots that were supposed to be used for the BARMM elections on Oct. 13.

‘While we wait for the new districting law, we need to retrieve all the equipment that were earlier deployed in the BARMM,’ Garcia said. ‘We spent money in shipping them. Now we have to spend money again to have them returned.’

Garcia said it is important to take back all deployed election supplies and paraphernalia as there would be changes in the system including allocations.

‘The ACMs must be reconfigured and tested again. Even supplies such as indelible ink, batteries and ballots must be returned to the Comelec,’ he said.

Earlier, the Supreme Court declared the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 58 and BAA 77 as unconstitutional, effectively postponing the BARMM elections from October to March next year.

Meanwhile, the Comelec said it would start this month the printing of ballots for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections scheduled in November 2026.

Garcia said the early ballot printing for the barangay and SK elections would prevent conflict in the schedule once the National Printing Office needs to print ballots for the BARMM elections.

Two persons of interest who were caught on video using the credit cards of a Taguig businessman and his wife are under police custody, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said yesterday.

CIDG National Capital Region field unit chief Lt. Col. John Guiagui said the two, a man and a woman, surrendered after seeing their faces in news reports.

Guiagui did not name them, but said that the two were the subjects of a follow-up operation in Manila following the disappearance of the couple and their business partner in July.

He said the two used the credit cards of spouses Henry Angelo and Margie Pantollana at two malls in Quezon City and Cavite. The couple and business associate Richard Cadiz were last seen in a sport utility vehicle on July 6.

According to Guiagui, the two claimed they bought the credit cards from a man in Quezon City. The cards were used in the purchase of over 50 cell phone products from a coffee shop.

He said the CIDG is preparing charges for violation of Republic Act 8484 or the Access Devices Regulation Act.

‘I just don’t believe that the credit cards randomly landed in their hands,’ Guiagui said, adding that the CIDG is investigating the extent of their participation in the couple’s disappearance.

Initial investigation showed that the Pantollanas, along with Cadiz, left Bonifacio Global City in Taguig for a business transaction with a man identified only as Jeff.

Guiagui said Jeff had submitted a sworn statement to the CIDG. Jeff allegedly told investigators that he met the victims on July 6 at his condominium in Pasig.

Jeff claimed Henry became agitated when a person called him on his phone and that the couple and Cadiz left after their meeting – an allegation that the CIDG is also investigating.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said over national radio Friday, October 3, that the Department of Health (DOH) is next on the radar of anti-corruption crusaders, after uncovering alleged large-scale corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), particularly in flood control projects.

‘Not only DPWH – what’s happening in the DOH is getting close, too,’ he said, referring to mounting concerns over alleged irregularities in the health department following corruption complaints against Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and five other officials.

They were accused of misusing P44.6 million worth of government-procured psychiatric medicines, which were allegedly turned over to a private group without due process.

‘Si (DOH Secretary Ted) Herbosa, malapit na ‘yan,’ Magalong said.

Lawmakers have also flagged the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), citing unfinished or unusable health centers, with some described as ‘ghost’ facilities.

Others, meanwhile, remain non-operational due to a lack of personnel.

Magalong said the efforts of his group, Mayors for Good Governance, are not limited to infrastructure projects, stressing that public funds are also being wasted in other critical areas, including healthcare – a concern that directly affects ordinary Filipinos.

However, his actions have drawn criticism. Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon questioned Magalong’s own record, citing a P110-million tennis and parking facility project in Baguio linked to Discaya-owned St. Gerrard Construction. Ridon urged Magalong to also explain his involvement in the project.

Magalong, who resigned from the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) after questions over a possible conflict of interest, may need to present stronger evidence of alleged corruption in the DOH, similar to what he submitted against DPWH officials.

Before stepping down from his post as ICI adviser and investigator, Magalong had turned over documents and other evidence to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which helped jumpstart ongoing corruption probes.

The DOH has yet to issue a formal response to Magalong’s latest claims.

University of the Philippines fended off a late rally by National University to deal the Bulldogs their first loss, 66-59, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

The Fighting Maroons dropped a 22-2 bomb in the third and fourth quarters to erase a 13-point deficit and take full control of the contest, before NU’s comeback attempt came up short.

Francis Nnoruka paced the Diliman-based squad with 14 points and six rebounds, while Gani Stevens chipped in 10 markers and five boards. Harold Alarcon and Miguel Yniguez contributed eight points apiece.

UP trailed by 13, 34-47, in the third quarter after a deuce by Steve Nash Enriquez.

But the Maroons, off back-to-back 3-pointers by Yniguez, made it a one-point contest, 48-49, heading to the fourth quarter.

UP’s run continued in the final frame, taking a 56-49 lead with five minutes remaining.

A split from the line by PJ Palacielo finally ended the NU drought, but the UP continued as the Maroons took a 12-point lead late, 65-53, following a Reyland Torres jumper.

Jake Figueroa and Palacielo tried to mount a comeback with six straight points, but a Stevens split iced the game.

NU actually held an 11-point advantage in the first quarter, going up 17-6, before UP went ahead, 24-23, in the second frame.

The Bulldogs though regained their touch and erected the double-digit lead.

UP’s Rey Remogat tallied six points while shooting 2-of-9 from the field.

Enriquez paced NU with 16 point and four assists, while Gelo Santiago had 10 markers.

UP is now holding a 2-2 win-loss record, while NU dropped to 3-1.

Currently, Ateneo is the only remaining team without a defeat this season.

A government worker died while more than 500 people were left homeless in separate fire incidents in Samar, Davao and Cagayan de Oro recently.

Reynold Muñez, 30, an employee of the provincial government of Samar, was trapped in the fire that gutted his house in Barangay Canlapwas, Catbalogan City on Wednesday.

Muñez was reportedly trying to rescue his son, not knowing that his family had already evacuated.

The fire was reportedly caused by a faulty power connection.

In Davao City, more that 150 houses were destroyed in a fire that broke out in Barangay 21-C on Thursday.

The fire quickly spread to houses made of light materials.

No one was reported injured or killed in the incident that left more than 200 families homeless.

In Cagayan de Oro City, up to 121 people lost their homes in a fire that broke out in Barangay 17 on Thursday.

Affected families took shelter under a nearby bridge.

Every five minutes, someone in the Philippines loses their sight-not from rare or untreatable illnesses, but from conditions that can often be prevented or managed if detected early.

Cataracts, glaucoma and uncorrected refractive errors affect more than a million Filipinos, yet eye health continues to be underprioritized in the national health agenda.

According to the Philippine Eye Disease Study conducted in 2018, around 1.98% of Filipinos live with visual impairment, defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/18 in the better eye.

The percentage may seem small, but it represents lives profoundly affected: careers interrupted, children falling behind in school, older adults losing independence and families under strain.

Among the main causes of visual impairment in the country are retinal diseases such as diabetic macular edema (DME), neovascular or ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), and its subtype polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). These are complex conditions that require advanced diagnostics and long-term treatment, yet they remain under-recognized and undertreated. Cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors still account for a large portion of blindness, while glaucoma contributes significantly.

But the growing burden of retinal diseases highlights a deeper challenge: these conditions cannot simply be resolved through surgery or corrective lenses and they demand sustained access to innovative therapies.

The social and economic impact of vision loss extends well beyond the clinic. A recent Asia-Pacific (APAC) Vision Health Survey offers important insights into the lived experiences of Filipinos facing or fearing visual impairment.

More than half of respondents-50.5%-believe vision loss would cause financial hardship, the highest rate across eight Asian countries surveyed. Nearly three-quarters worry it would compromise their ability to perform daily tasks such as cooking or cleaning.

Caregivers are also heavily affected, with many reporting difficulty taking time off work or income loss due to family responsibilities. And among Filipinos with diabetes, 84.6% report vision-related symptoms-the highest rate in the region.

While these figures are concerning, they also signal an opportunity for action. New research is bringing greater attention to a lesser-known eye disease that disproportionately affects Asians: polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, or PCV.

In simple terms, PCV occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina, the part of the eye responsible for clear vision. These vessels can leak or bleed, causing sudden and often permanent vision loss. PCV is often grouped under ‘wet’ age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), but it behaves differently, requires specific diagnostic tests and may respond differently to treatment.

This condition is particularly relevant for the Philippines because of its prevalence in Asian populations. Around 60% of global PCV cases are found in Asia, yet most clinical trials and treatment guidelines have historically focused on Western populations. This gap has left many Asian patients underrepresented in evidence and practice.

In the Philippines, a recent local study titled ‘Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy features among Filipino eyes with neovascular AMD based on APOIS criteria’ found that 53.3% of eyes initially diagnosed with nAMD actually showed features consistent with PCV.

In other words, more than half of patients may be living with a subtype of disease that is frequently misdiagnosed, leading to treatment approaches that may not deliver the best results.

This is especially concerning in a country where access to eye care is uneven. Fewer than one in three Filipinos undergo an annual eye exam.

In rural areas, ophthalmologists and diagnostic equipment are limited. Public awareness of retinal diseases like PCV remains low, and advanced tests such as indocyanine green angiography-which are critical to confirm PCV-are often unaffordable.

Without targeted policies and better access, many Filipinos remain at risk of losing their vision unnecessarily.

There are, however, encouraging developments. At the EURETINA 2025 Congress in Paris, one-year results of the SALWEEN Phase IIIb/IV trial were presented, demonstrating sustained improvements for patients with PCV across Asia. Patients in the study achieved an average gain of +8.9 letters in vision, with more than half able to extend dosing intervals to five months.

These findings show that with the right therapies, lasting improvements are possible. On the policy front, progress has also been made.

This year, PhilHealth introduced an optometric benefit package for children aged 0 to 15 years old. Under PhilHealth Circular 2025-0002, vision assessments, refraction and prescription eyeglasses-including lenses and frames-are now covered.

This reform could significantly reduce childhood vision problems, particularly in underserved communities. PhilHealth also increased reimbursement rates for cataract surgery, now ranging from P20,200 to P80,900 depending on lens type. These reforms are meaningful steps toward strengthening the public eye care system.

Yet gaps remain. Addressing cataracts and providing eyeglasses are important, but they cover only part of the vision health landscape.

For conditions like PCV and diabetic eye disease, patients also need earlier detection, access to advanced diagnostic tools, and appropriate long-term treatment-all of which are still out of reach for many. Eye health should be more firmly integrated into national strategies on noncommunicable diseases, aging, and disability.

PhilHealth benefit packages must continue to expand, covering retinal imaging, anti-VEGF therapies, and other necessary interventions to help patients preserve their sight.

Policy reforms must also be supported by investments in infrastructure. Mobile eye clinics, barangay-level screenings and better-equipped rural health units can extend care to more communities. Training additional ophthalmic specialists and ensuring sustainable funding will also be critical.

Public awareness is another piece of the puzzle. Families need information about early warning signs, the importance of routine eye checkups, and where to seek care. Partnerships among government, private sector, and civil society can amplify education, prevention, and access through nationwide campaigns and local initiatives.

The convergence of new science and stronger policies provides a unique chance to make preventable blindness a problem of the past. But research and reforms must translate into real outcomes for real people. Vision is not a privilege; it is a basic need that shapes opportunity, dignity, and independence.

Every day without action is another day when a parent may lose the ability to provide for their family, or a grandparent may slip into dependency. Vision loss takes away not just sight, but quality of life for patients and for the families who support them.

The tools to change this reality already exist. The task now is to act with urgency, coordination, and commitment. So that every Filipino, regardless of age or income, has the chance to live fully with the gift of sight.

Following the flag-raising rites performed by personnel of the China Coast Guard (CCG) in the area, an official of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) maintained that the Philippines has sovereign rights over Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

In a post on his X account yesterday, PCG spokesman on West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues Commodore Jay Tarriela wrote: ‘The ceremonial flag-raising by China Coast Guard officers at Bajo de Masinloc underscores the continuing unlawful activities of the People’s Republic of China in the West Philippine Sea,’ referring to the Philippine traditional name of Panatag.

He cited the ‘unanimous 2016 Arbitral Award under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,’ which declared that ‘China had unlawfully interfered with the Philippines’ traditional fishing rights at the shoal’ and that ‘China’s claims of historic rights had no legal basis where they conflicted with UNCLOS.’

‘The Award further affirmed that Bajo de Masinloc is a rock under Article 121(3) of UNCLOS and, therefore, does not generate an exclusive economic zone of its own. Accordingly, the waters surrounding the shoal, beyond its 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, lie entirely within the Philippines’ EEZ, measured from Luzon’s baseline,’ he added.

Panatag Shoal is situated within the Philippines’ 200-nautical mile EEZ that also makes up the WPS.

Tarriela also dismissed China’s earlier declaration of making Panatag Shoal a ‘national nature reserve.’

He quoted the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that maintained ‘Beijing’s action ‘clearly infringes’ upon the Philippines’ rights and interests under international law, including UNCLOS and the 2016 Award.’

‘The DFA reiterated that Bajo de Masinloc is a longstanding and integral part of Philippine territory, over which the country exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction. Declarations of this nature are misleading and serve as pretexts for asserting control, rather than genuine efforts to conserve or protect the marine environment,’ he said.

Tarriela wrote his X post in response to another X post by Chinese state publication Global Times, which reported the flag-raising ceremony held by the CCG aboard its vessel Dahao while patrolling Panatag Shoal last Wednesday in line with China’s National Day.

‘We stand guard over these blue waters, assuring the nation of our unwavering commitment. Recently, CCG officers, who were conducting routine patrols on CCG vessel Dahao in the waters of Huangyan Dao national nature reserve in the South China Sea, held a solemn flag-raising ceremony on the frontlines of safeguarding China’s maritime territories,’ Global Times reported, referring to China’s name for Panatag Shoal.

National U shoots for the solo lead against struggling reigning champion UP in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball today at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Action sizzles at 4:30 p.m. for the main game of the twin-bill that also features Santo Tomas’ goal for a quick rebound after losing to NU when it meets winless UE at 2 p.m.

The Bulldogs share pole position with Ateneo at 3-0 in a massive turnaround for both squads after finishing at the bottom last season, potentially pushing them into an even better position midway through the first round.

And NU has all the confidence to do the feat, riding on two blowout wins against Far Eastern U, 84-68, and UE, 72-57, laced by a 76-69 comeback on Santo Tomas which beat top title contenders UP and La Salle.

”Yung character kasi, hindi na para kuwestiyunin ko sa mga players ko,’ said head coach Jeff Napa.

In 2018, Rex Wallen Tan of the Government-Academe Industry (GAIN) network declared that ‘while the consensus is that the Philippines is superior to its neighboring countries in terms of English proficiency, the advantage is greatly at risk with the improvement of English literacy in other countries such as Singapore and Thailand.’

This distressing news prompted Sen. Pia Cayetano to say that ‘just by looking at the data, the English proficiency of our college students is the same as Malaysian Grade 6 students and Japanese taxi drivers. Nakakahiya, nakakaawa tayo.’

For decades, English proficiency has been our primary advantage, fueling economic pillars that provide essential middle-income jobs and opening opportunities worldwide for our professionals. However, this advantage now faces a two-front challenge: aggressive educational reforms in neighboring countries and a persistent foundational skills gap at home.

The Billion-Dollar English Imperative

Our national economy’s growth engines are critically dependent on English-driven industries.

IT-BPM sector: The information technology and business process management industry is a powerhouse, closing 2024 with $38 billion in revenue and employing 1.82 million Filipinos.

OFW remittances: Remittances from overseas Filipino workers, a lifeline for millions, reached a record $38.34 billion in 2024, secured by Filipinos whose English skills make them globally sought after.

Digital economy: Up to 1.5 million Filipino online freelancers leverage their English abilities on international platforms, making the country a top global destination for digital work.

These sectors require a consistent supply of talent with high-level communication skills to continue thriving.

A new competitive landscape: The Asean race

While historically a leader in English, our ASEAN neighbors are rapidly closing the gap through deliberate national initiatives, which threaten our competitive edge and ability to attract high-value jobs.

It seems that we have grown complacent with our perceived advantage in English proficiency and cannot accept that other nationalities are catching up or have already surpassed us.

Malaysia’s National English Language Roadmap (CEFR B2 for College), Vietnam’s National English as a second language project (2025 to 2035) and Thailand’s mandatory adoption of the CEFR English language tests are prime examples of this strategic push. Beyond ASEAN, nations like Taiwan and Japan are also prioritizing English, intensifying the global competition for talent where English proficiency is the key battleground.

The foundational skills gap at home

This external pressure from our neighbors is compounded by a severe educational crisis at home. International assessments such as Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) showed in 2022 that over 75 percent of Filipino students are low performers in mathematics, science, reading and creative thinking. In 2022, compared to 81 countries, the Philippines ranks sixth lowest in both mathematics and reading, while it now ranks third lowest in science.

This foundational weakness persists throughout the educational system, leading to a shocking outcome that millions of Filipinos have finished high school despite being functionally illiterate.

A national response to a global threat

Recognizing this urgent threat in 2018, I met with the GAIN Network led by Lyceum University president Peter Laurel and Rex Wallen Tan to discuss this distressing issue.

We started laying the foundational groundwork to enhance the nation’s global competitiveness. The first crucial step was forming the Technical Working Group for the National Roadmap for Global Competitiveness in Communication Skills (TWG-NRGCCS) and providing a grant to fund the meetings with educational stakeholders.

While some sectors and universities wanted CHED to require the inclusion of mandatory English in the curriculum, I argued that this was not a language issue. Instead, we should view English proficiency as a strategic advantage for Filipino graduates, especially in fields such as engineering and technology, medicine and allied health, tourism management and teacher education. These are degree programs where our graduates are highly recognized and tend to practise their professions worldwide.

This TWG-NRGCCS was instrumental in rolling out a multi-pronged national strategy that includes:

Democratizing education: CHED provided a grant to develop free Open Educational Resources (OERs) covering CEFR proficiency levels A2 to B2, which are now publicly accessible on the IAS CHED YouTube channel. In parallel, TWG-NRGCCS members led by Rex Wallen Tan volunteered their expertise to help create the Duolingo ‘English for Tagalog Speakers’ course, which now provides free learning to more than one million users.

Standardizing proficiency: The TWG successfully oriented 94 percent of all state universities and colleges (SUCs) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), establishing a unified, international benchmark for language skills across the country.

Driving national adoption: The influence of this framework has expanded beyond higher education. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has now adopted the CEFR for all language programs under its National Language Skills Center (NLSC), ensuring a consistent standard for both academic and technical-vocational tracks.

A strategy for economic survival

This CHED-industry-academe collaboration is not merely educational upgrades; these are critical to our national economic survival. By elevating English proficiency, the Philippines can directly address the skills gap, reinforcing the very foundation upon which our most vital industries are built and sustained.

This initiative must now be rolled out to cover more universities nationwide and expand across academic disciplines.

Securing our economic future depends on winning this global competition.