Category: Philippine Star

The BPO Industry Employees’ Network (BIEN)-Cebu has filed a complaint before the Department of Labor and Employment-Regional Office 7 (DOLE-7) against 10 BPO companies in Cebu City, citing alleged violations of labor rights and occupational safety and health standards after the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

BIEN-Cebu-an independent group that promotes the rights and welfare of BPO workers-said it received multiple reports of companies adopting a ‘business-as-usual’ approach immediately after the September 30 quake.

According to the group, violations included forcing agents to return to take calls, offering double pay to resume work, threatening termination, and coercing workers to sign a memo prohibiting them from speaking about the incident on social media.

Additional complaints alleged that a pregnant employee was left unattended while evacuating from a high-rise building, and that exit doors were deliberately blocked, preventing swift evacuation.

With these reports, BIEN-Cebu strongly condemned what it described as ‘unacceptable’ labor practices.

‘Workers must have the right to ensure the safety of themselves and their families, especially during disasters. No employee should be forced to return onsite without proper safety clearance and building inspections,’ the group said.

‘Companies must not impose liability, sanctions, or administrative penalties on workers who refuse to work due to unsafe conditions,’ it added.

BIEN-Cebu also urged DOLE-7 to hold ‘reckless’ and ‘negligent’ employers accountable and uphold Republic Act 11058 or the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act of 2018.

In an interview, BIEN-Cebu spokesperson Kyle Enero confirmed that formal complaints had been filed Thursday morning against 10 BPO firms.

He said the group’s primary goal was to directly engage DOLE-7 regional director Atty. Roy Buenafe for immediate action on the ground complaints.

According to him, they identified at least 10 BPO firms with ‘potential violations of labor rights’ and occupational safety and health standards.

‘Kung diin in an emergency situation, instead nga ang mga employees, papaulion, parecoveron, gipugos og pabalik sa ilang mga offices under the premise nga ang mga private companies kuno ang mag decide as what have been instructed by the DOLE,’ said Enero.

After the quake, Enero said reports surfaced that at least 30 BPO companies forced their employees back to work. The 10 companies identified allegedly committed extreme cases, such as requiring agents to take calls during the tremor and barricading exits to prevent evacuation.

‘Pipila pud ani man gud, hisgotanan pud og giunsa pag uphold ang welfare sa employees amidst the disaster, i-prioritize unta ilang welfare over profit,’ he added.

Enero said these actions clearly violated OSH standards, though he withheld the names of the 10 companies pending talks with DOLE-7 to protect employees from possible sanctions.

This followed reports that some workers were threatened with penalties, allegedly backed by a signed document.

‘It wasn’t specified unsa nga sanctions but gipa sign sila og document nga di sila paistoryahon publicly sa social media kabahin sa nahitabo sa company,’ Enero said.

He further described the companies as a mix of ‘big players’ and smaller firms, with some reportedly based in IT Park. BIEN-Cebu is set to meet with Buenafe on Monday.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña also weighed in, saying the issue is ‘unacceptable’ if proven true.

‘I need to be sure of this, but if this is true, we will do more than just file a complaint at DOLE. I will personally contact every known local and overseas client that company has to tell them what kind of company they hired,’ Osmeña wrote on his social media page.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed 70 criminal complaints against dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo and members of her family for allegedly falsifying the documents of their property and businesses in Marilao, Bulacan.

Guo, her sister Shiela Leal, brother Seimen and her father’s partner Lin Wen Yi were charged with 30 counts of falsification of public documents for allegedly submitting false articles of incorporation, secretary’s certificate and the general information sheet for six companies.

According to the NBI, Guo and her family are incorporators of QJJ Group of Companies Inc., QSeed Genetics Inc., QJJ Meat Shop Inc., QJJ Slaughter House Inc., QJJ Smelting Plant Inc. and QJJ Embroidery Center Inc. These are all located in Barangay Patubig, Marilao, Bulacan.

The NBI said the Guos presented themselves as Filipino citizens in the articles of incorporation of these companies, despite evidence proving that they are Chinese nationals.

Overall, the NBI’s Bulacan South District Office filed 70 charges against the respondents, who figured prominently in the investigation into Philippine offshore gaming operators that facilitated crimes, including scams and human trafficking.

An additional four counts of falsification of public documents were filed against Guo and her relatives for supposed misrepresentations in the firms’ business, occupancy and building permits.

Another 30 counts of violation of the Anti-Dummy Law were filed against the respondents.

Guo is also facing six counts of falsification of public documents for allegedly falsifying the deed of sale and documentary stamp of a 4,636-square-meter property in Bulacan that she bought for P2 million on Oct. 5, 2010.

Cebu’s largest property developers and hospitality groups have moved to reassure the public and investors that their facilities remain structurally sound and operational after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake shook the province on September 30.

Mandani Bay, a major mixed-use development in Mandaue, said preliminary inspections showed no major damage to its estate. The company has commissioned an independent structural consultant to conduct a full audit ‘as a precaution,’ noting that operations continue uninterrupted.

BE Hotels and Resorts, which operates residential and hospitality projects across Cebu, including BE Residences and Mabuhay Towers, reported no structural damage and said engineering teams remain on site to carry out further safety checks.

Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI), one of the region’s largest listed developers, confirmed all its projects were unaffected.

‘No structural damages were found across our sites. All residents were promptly attended to, and monitoring protocols were carried out to ensure their safety and comfort,’ the company said, adding that inspections would continue across its portfolio.

Tourism establishments, a key pillar of Cebu’s economy, also reported limited impact.

Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark in Mactan said its facilities were cleared following an engineering review, while Bai Hotel Cebu confirmed its building was safe for occupancy after an initial evacuation.

Cebu Safari and Adventure Park in Carmen declared both facilities and guests safe.

Nustar Resort and Casino Cebu said inspections showed no injuries or casualties and emphasized guest safety as its ‘utmost priority.’ Its shopping complex, The Mall at Nustar, temporarily suspended operations on October 1 to allow comprehensive structural assessments. Management said repairs, if required, would follow ‘the highest safety standards.’

Maayo San Remigio, a resort in northern Cebu, opted to suspend operations temporarily pending a full structural review, citing guest safety as the primary concern.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco visited Cebu on October 1 and ordered the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority to conduct safety inspections of heritage churches in Daanbantayan, Bantayan, Tabogon and San Remigio, alongside major tourism establishments in Metro Cebu and northern parts of the province.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) also activated its 151-TOUR hotline to field inquiries from travellers.

Industry executives underscored that disaster preparedness and rapid response protocols remain central to Cebu’s property and tourism sectors, which account for a significant share of the province’s economic activity.

‘The well-being of residents, tenants and guests remains our top priority,’ Mandani Bay said, echoing a sentiment repeated across Cebu’s business community as the province seeks to balance immediate safety concerns with sustaining investor and tourist confidence.

Several areas in northern Luzon have been placed under Signal No. 3 on Friday morning, October 3, as Severe Tropical Storm Paolo further intensified while moving closer to northern Aurora and southern Isabela.

State weather bureau PAGASA said the storm was spotted 150 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, packing maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts of up to 125 kph.

Paolo is moving west-northwestward at 20 kph.

Storm-force winds extend outward up to 350 kilometers from the center. PAGASA warned that Paolo may reach typhoon category before making landfall later today.

Wind signals

Tropical cyclone warning signals have been raised in the following areas:

Signal No. 3

northern portion of Aurora (Dilasag, Casiguran, Dinalungan)

central and southern portions of Isabela (Dinapigue, San Mariano, San Guillermo, Echague, Jones, San Agustin, Cordon, City of Santiago, Ramon, San Isidro, Alicia, Angadanan, City of Cauayan, Benito Soliven, Naguilian, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Cabatuan, San Mateo, Aurora, San Manuel, Burgos, Gamu, Roxas, Palanan)

northern portion of Quirino (Maddela, Cabarroguis, Aglipay, Saguday, Diffun)

northern portion of Nueva Vizcaya (Diadi, Bagabag, Villaverde, Ambaguio, Quezon, Solano, Bayombong)

Mountain Province

Ifugao

southeastern portion of Abra (Tubo)

northern portion of Benguet (Mankayan, Buguias, Kabayan, Bakun, Kibungan, Atok, Kapangan)

central and southern portions of Ilocos Sur (Sugpon, Alilem, Cervantes, Suyo, Tagudin, Santa Cruz, Sigay, Quirino, Gregorio del Pilar, Salcedo, Santa Lucia, City of Candon, San Emilio, Galimuyod, Lidlidda, Banayoyo, Santiago, San Esteban, Burgos)

northern portion of La Union (Sudipen, Santol, Balaoan, Luna, Bangar, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, San Juan)

Winds of 89 to 117 kph are expected within 18 hours in these areas, posing moderate to significant threats to life and property.

Signal No. 2

central and southern portions of mainland Cagayan (Peñablanca, Tuguegarao City, Enrile, Solana, Iguig, Tuao, Piat, Rizal, Santo Niño, Alcala, Amulung)

rest of Isabela

rest of Quirino

rest of Nueva Vizcaya

central portion of Aurora (Dipaculao, Baler, Maria Aurora, San Luis)

northern portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan, Bongabon, San Jose City, Pantabangan, Rizal, Lupao)

central and southern portions of Apayao (Conner, Kabugao)

Kalinga

rest of Abra

rest of Benguet

central and southern portions of Ilocos Norte (Nueva Era, Badoc, Pinili, City of Batac, Paoay, Currimao, Banna, Laoag City, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Dingras, Solsona, Marcos, Bacarra, Piddig)

rest of Ilocos Sur

rest of La Union

northern portion of Pangasinan (San Fabian, Sison, Pozorrubio, Umingan, San Jacinto, Laoac, Binalonan, San Nicolas, Natividad, Tayug, San Manuel, Asingan, Santa Maria, San Quintin, Dagupan City, Mangaldan, Manaoag, Bolinao, Anda, Bani, City of Alaminos, Sual, Labrador, Lingayen, Binmaley, Calasiao, Mapandan, Santa Barbara, City of Urdaneta)

Residents under Signal No. 2 may experience minor to moderate impacts from winds of 62 to 88 kph within 24 hours.

Signal No. 1

rest of mainland Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

rest of Aurora

northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta) including Polillo Islands

Camarines Norte

northern portion of Camarines Sur (Siruma, Tinambac, Lagonoy, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Goa, San Jose, Presentacion)

Catanduanes

rest of Apayao

rest of Ilocos Norte

rest of Pangasinan

rest of Nueva Ecija

northern portion of Bulacan (Doña Remedios Trinidad, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, Norzagaray, San Rafael)

Tarlac

northeastern portion of Pampanga (Magalang, Arayat, Candaba, Mabalacat City)

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

Areas under Signal No. 1 could experience minimal to minor impacts from winds of 39 to 61 kph within 36 hours.

Severe winds

PAGASA warned Friday that the periphery of Severe Tropical Storm Paolo will bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas not currently under wind signals:

Friday, October 3: Batanes, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, Panay Island, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar

Saturday, October 4: Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Zambales and Bataan

The bureau said the worst-case scenario could reach Wind Signal No. 4 as Paolo may intensify into a typhoon before landfall.

Sea conditions

Gale warnings remain in effect over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboard of Central Luzon as Severe Tropical Storm Paolo continues to intensify.

PAGASA said sea travel is risky for all types and tonnage of vessels, and mariners should remain in port or seek safe harbor until winds and waves subside.

Very rough to very high seas: Up to 11 meters are expected over the seaboards of Isabela and northern Aurora. These waters may produce extremely hazardous conditions for large vessels and ships navigating near exposed areas.

High seas: Coastal waters may reach up to 6 meters along the eastern seaboard of mainland Cagayan, western seaboard of Ilocos Norte and seaboards of Ilocos Sur and La Union.

Moderately high seas: Up to 5 meters are expected over the remaining seaboards of mainland Cagayan, Ilocos Norte and Babuyan Islands.

Rough seas: Up to 4 meters are forecast over Batanes, remaining seaboards of Aurora and northern and eastern coasts of the Polillo Islands. Small boats and fishing vessels are strongly discouraged from venturing out.

Moderate seas: Up to 3.5 meters in northern Quezon and Camarines Norte, as well as the seaboards of Pangasinan. Up to 3 meters are expected along the northern seaboards of Catanduanes and Camarines Sur.

Moderate to slightly rough seas: Up to 2.5 meters in the eastern seaboards of mainland Quezon, Catanduanes, Rapu-Rapu Islands, Sorsogon, northern and eastern Northern Samar, and the western seaboards of Zambales and Bataan.

PAGASA warned that strong winds may enhance waves and swell heights in coastal and exposed areas, and sea conditions may worsen as Paolo approaches northern Luzon.

Track and intensity

Severe Tropical Storm Paolo is forecast to move west-northwestward and may make landfall over northern Aurora or southern Isabela Friday morning or around noon, PAGASA said.

The state weather bureau warned that heavy rainfall, strong winds and storm surge may still affect areas outside the projected landfall point and forecast cone.

After crossing Northern Luzon, Paolo is expected to emerge over the West Philippine Sea later Friday afternoon or evening and will continue west-northwestward until it exits the Philippine area of responsibility Saturday morning, October 4.

The Ascott Limited Philippines, in partnership with Grand Land-part of theGaisano Grand Group of Companies-is proud to announce the upcoming opening of Oakwood IT Park Grand Gateway Cebu, the first Oakwood-branded property outside Metro Manila.

Strategically located just steps away from the dynamic Cebu IT Park and the bustling enclaves of Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, Oakwood is set to become the largest property under Ascott’s management in the Philippines. Backed by the trust and vision of Gaisano Grand Group chairman Benito Gaisano, the project will feature 400 well-appointed rooms, modern upscale amenities and a variety of customizable function spaces to meet the evolving needs of Cebu’s vibrant MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) market.

Surrounded by industry leaders such as Concentrix, Office Partners 360, and Avant, the development is poised to serve a broad spectrum of corporate clients with Oakwood’s signature blend of personalized service and sophisticated hospitality. In addition to catering to business travelers, the property will also appeal to leisure guests, offering proximity to lifestyle attractions including the Sugbo Mercado food hub, Ayala Center Bloc for shopping and Park Social Bar for nightlife.

‘We are delighted to have joined hands with the Gaisano Grand Group and Grand Land to pioneer Oakwood here in Cebu,’ said Patrick Vaysse, country general manager of The Ascott Limited Philippines.

‘Oakwood IT Park Grand Gateway Cebu will serve as an excellent addition to our growing portfolio, joining lyf, Citadines and Somerset in the Queen City of the South.’

As The Ascott Limited continues to strengthen its presence across the Philippines, Oakwood IT Park Grand Gateway Cebu positions itself as a premier destination for those seeking refined, contemporary hospitality experiences-where business meets comfort at the heart of Cebu.

Vice President Sara Duterte’s attempt to set terms for attending the budget deliberations was swiftly rebuffed by the House, with some lawmakers proposing another year of budget cuts to her office.

The Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) budget deliberations were scheduled for September 30 but were postponed twice due to Duterte’s absence and the lack of an undersecretary-level representative.

The deliberation for the OVP’s 2026 budget was rescheduled for October 2, the final day of plenary debates – but neither Duterte nor any OVP official appeared.

This mirrored the earlier committee-level hearings for the OVP, where only an assistant secretary appeared. The budget hearing was postponed to allow Duterte to attend, which she eventually did – and alone.

But for the plenary debates, she was absent.

The House typically requires department heads or undersecretaries to be present for budget deliberations.

However, instead of appearing, Duterte chose to set conditions for her attendance. In a letter to the House appropriations committee dated September 30, she said she would only participate in the budget deliberations if two demands were met:

That President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. also attend the deliberations for his office’s proposed P27.3 billion budget

That the House produce a document from the committee on good government confirming that the immigration lookout bulletin orders (ILBOs) against seven of her staff members had been lifted.

The staff in question were the ones subpoenaed to the legislative probe into the alleged misuse of the OVP’s confidential and intelligence funds during the 19th Congress.

They include her chief of staff and Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez, Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio, Directors Rosalynne Sanchez, Sunshine Fajarda and Edward Fajarda, Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta and Chief Accountant Julieta Villadelrey.

Several minority lawmakers criticized Duterte’s ‘disrespect’ to the House and the Constitution after learning about the conditions she set.

Rep. Leila de Lima (ML Party-list), in a manifestation, sharply rebuked Duterte for skipping her budget deliberations while making time for the Senate’s plenary.

She mentioned Duterte’s presence on September 29, where she was seen applauding Sen. Chiz Escudero’s privilege speech, accusing former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of corruption.

De Lima pointed out the irony of how Duterte had no official reason to attend the Senate plenary, but she refused to face the House, where she is constitutionally required to defend her office’s budget.

‘If she can afford to be showing herself up to the Senate, including being there and applauding the former Senate president in his privilege speech, which is definitely not part of her mandate as vice president, why can’t she spare a few moments of her time attending to her official function as vice president to defend the budget of her office?’ she said.

The minority lawmaker said she would seek a cut in the OVP’s P902.89-million budget, noting she had first considered pushing for a zero allocation due to what she described as ‘very questionable’ actions.

‘But after some mulling and some reflections, and out of courtesy to the personnel and staff of the OVP, I’m just now thinking of moving for the decrease,’ De Lima said.

The OVP now faces another potential shortfall, the second in as many years, with lawmakers earlier cutting its 2025 request of P2.026 billion down to P733.2 million.

The House terminated the period of interpellations for the OVP’s 2026 budget given it was the last day for plenary debates in the chamber.

The Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats shoot for another victory as they tackle the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars in a rare Friday game of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 25 basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Wildcats outfoxed the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 72-65, in their previous match to snap a three-game losing spell.

Coach Felix ‘Donbel’ Belano, Jr. and his boys hope to make it back-to-back wins as they take on the listless Jaguars side at 6:45 p.m.

The Jaguars are smarting from two straight setbacks at the hands of the Benedicto College (BC) Cheetahs and the four-peat seeking University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers.

In the high school division, the CIT-U Baby Wildcats will battle against the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) at 5:15 p.m.

The Baby Wildcats tamed the UC Baby Webmasters in their season-opener while UCLM split their first two assignments, beating the USJ-R Baby Jaguars before falling prey to the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Blue Dragons just last Tuesday, September 30.

I need a break from writing about the most abominable corruption stories these past weeks. It has been depressing.

Instead, let me write about when Filipinos rose to the challenge of an international energy crisis and developed an indigenous energy source from scratch.

It was the mid-70s after the Arabs drastically reduced the amount of oil they sell to Western oil companies to protest Western support of Israel. The oil companies pro-rated the cut in supply among their customers in what they call ‘the equal misery formula.’

Bad for us. Our energy supply was almost totally dependent on Esso, Shell, Caltex and Getty. Only a bit of hydro was local.

We had to start a search for local energy sources in a hurry. The newly organized Ministry of Energy gathered geologists and other scientists from UP and other institutions with a mission to reduce our dependence on imported energy.

There was the predictable search for oil in Palawan and coal from Mindanao. Then there was Dr. Arturo Alcaraz who was toying around with a new energy source, harnessing heat from the earth. On April 12, 1967, an electric bulb was lit up by geothermal energy for the first time in Tiwi, Albay.

Geothermal energy sounded exotic but it wasn’t new. Union Oil of California was using geothermal energy in Sonoma County to produce electricity that was fed to the grid. We heard of their operation and contacted them.

When Fred Hartley, the chairman of Unocal heard about our interest to develop our geothermal resources, the autobiography of the late Energy Minister Ronnie Velasco quoted him saying: ‘Oh, I would like to talk to them. Those guys have fantastic geothermal potential, but they are not doing anything about it. They’re just sitting on it.’

The timing of the meeting couldn’t have been more propitious, Velasco recalled. With the oil supply shock as background, a deal was agreed to let Union Oil check out our geothermal resources. This complemented our independent efforts at PNOC to do the same.

Velasco wrote in his book that the contract between Unocal and Napocor on geothermal development was lopsided in favor of Unocal. That’s because they had the technology we needed in extracting the steam. Unocal worked on the Tiwi and Makiling Banahaw fields.

Eventually, the New Zealand government awarded a NZ$15 million geothermal technical assistance to help advance PNOC’s Tongonan, Leyte development. A NZ company, KRTA, which had extensive experience in geothermal energy, was named to help us.

By this time PNOC had organized an energy development subsidiary, PNOC EDC. With KRTA, we explored and developed the Leyte Tongonan field and the Palimpinon field in Negros Oriental. It was determined that both fields had enough resources to support commercial scale power plants.

For three decades (1980s-2010s), the Philippines was the second largest geothermal power producer worldwide, after the US.

In November 2007, PNOC EDC was privatized in a public bidding won by First Gen Corp. of the Lopez Group. EDC moved from the first three MW pilot plant in Tongonan to 1,150 MW by the time EDC was privatized.

As of April 2025, the total installed capacity for geothermal power plants stood at 1,987 megawatts. First Gen’s Energy Development Corp. (EDC) owns and operates 13 integrated geothermal power stations in Leyte, Bicol, Southern Negros and North Cotabato, with an installed capacity of 1,189.34 MW.

The potential geothermal capacity in the Philippines is estimated to be around 4,064 MW. With installed geothermal generating capacity at 1,987 MW, there could be around 2,000 MW more of geothermal potential that may be available for electricity production.

We have probably explored and developed as much of the easy-to-get resource we know we have. As of March 2025, the Philippines only has 122.22 MW of newly committed geothermal power projects.

We went from almost nothing to become the world’s second largest producer because the government prioritized investments in it. There was a special impost on gasoline and diesel retail prices that went into a Special Fund that financed our geothermal exploration and development.

Geothermal development is heavy on the front-end expense because wells must be drilled, the steam piped and the power plants built nearby.

Drilling costs are the single biggest expense in exploration. Drilling a single well can cost around $6 million to $8 million.

Not all wells drilled show the quality and quantity of steam that can be used in a commercial power plant. That risk may not be a problem with a government-owned entity like PNOC but the private sector needs incentives to do more.

The risk in geothermal development is mostly during the exploration stage. That’s why the government is looking at a de-risking mechanism to encourage private developers to invest in geothermal energy.

The DOE is estimating an initial $100 million (out of a total loan of $250 million) for the first tranche of the Geothermal Resource De-Risking Facility from the Asian Development Bank aimed at reducing investment risks in geothermal energy.

Once this financing package is put in place, this move may help spark investor interest for geothermal energy.

While the Philippines has already tapped about half of its geothermal potential, Indonesia still has around 90 percent untapped geothermal resources.

Because we have the technology and trained staff, First Gen established its Indonesian subsidiary, PT FirstGen Geothermal Indonesia, to bring its expertise from decades of geothermal experience to Indonesia.

Given the increasing importance of clean energy, developing more of our geothermal potential is needed. It is also the kind of baseload power source that will help make the RE transition smoother.

Geothermal 2.0 will do our country proud the way the first foray in geothermal did. It will show the world that Filipinos are really a lot better than the international picture of corrupt public officials is currently suggesting.

Pope Leo XIV has expressed his sympathies to the survivors of the Cebu earthquake, and offered prayers for those who died.

In an interview yesterday over Radyo Veritas, newly installed Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy said Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown called him to relay Leo’s message.

Leo visited Cebu three times when he was the prior general of the Augustinian Order.

As Fr. Robert Francis Prevost, the pontiff visited Cebu in 2004 to bless the Augustinian friary at the Santo Niño de Cebu Parish in Talisay City. He returned in 2008 to lead the blessing of the Santo Niño Spirituality Center. The following year, 2009, he celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

Radyo Veritas also reported that five churches under the Archdiocese of Cebu were damaged by the Sept. 30 magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, meanwhile, relayed his condolences to the families of earthquake victims.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya also conveyed his condolences in a message to Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.

The United Nations conveyed its sympathies and lauded authorities for their ‘swift response’ to the disaster.

Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prévot said he is ‘deeply saddened by the tragic earthquake in Cebu.’

Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Immigration of Australia, said his country stands ready to support the Philippine government address urgent humanitarian needs.

The United Arab Emirates Foreign Ministry extended condolences to the families of those killed and wished swift recovery to those hurt.

The Chinese embassy relayed its ‘deepest condolences to the victims, and our hearts go out to the families affected by the earthquake in Cebu.’

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also conveyed his sympathies to the families of earthquake victims.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, through its embassy, ‘conveys the sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Government and people of the friendly Republic of the Philippines over the devastation caused by Typhoon Opong, which has resulted in casualties and missing persons.’

President Marcos will ask lawmakers for emergency funds to help the communities affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that devastated Cebu.

Marcos yesterday visited the quake-hit areas to inspect damaged structures, oversee relief operations and provide aid to survivors.

He arrived in Bogo City near the epicenter of the Sept. 30 earthquake, conducted site visits, talked to some of the affected residents and attended a situation briefing by disaster management officials.

‘I will be going to the Congress, the House and the Senate, so they can provide emergency funds,’ the President said during a situation briefing at the Bogo City Hall.

‘The QRF of some agencies is about to be depleted. So we will release the. quick response fund we are using (so we can respond) immediately,’ he added.

Marcos noted that the country was hit by two successive strong cyclones Nando and Opong before it was struck by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake. He assured local governments that his administration would have the QRF released as quickly as possible.

The Office of the President donated about P200 million to affected local governments and hospitals to support their relief and medical efforts. Cebu City received P50 million financial aid, while Bogo City, San Remigio and Sogod got P20 million each. The towns of Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Medellin, Santa Fe, Tabogon and Tabuelan were given P10 million each. All hospitals under the health department will receive P20 million while provincial hospitals will be provided with P5 million each.

‘I assured all of our local executives that this is not a one-time aid… We will continue to monitor. We will continue to coordinate with the leaders, the local leadership to make sure that the rehabilitation will run smoothly,’ the President said.

Marcos also directed the budget department to release P150 million in Local Government Support Fund to the Cebu provincial government and P75 million each to the local governments of San Remigio, Bogo City and Medellin.

The administration will also give P10,000 cash assistance for those whose homes were damaged by the quake.

Overall, Marcos ordered the giving of more than P600 million assistance from his office and the budget department.

Before the situation briefing, Marcos visited the collapsed housing units at SM Cares Village in Barangay Polambato, the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish Church of St. Vicente Ferrer in Barangay Bungtod, the City of Bogo Science and Arts Academy in Barangay Cogon and the Cebu Provincial Hospital in Barangay Taytayan.

Tent city

Noting that the displaced residents remain fearful of returning to damaged buildings, Marcos directed agencies to set up a ‘tent city’ in Bogo City to provide temporary shelters to affected residents.

‘We are fast-tracking this so they can have shelter. Many are afraid to go back to buildings. They prefer to stay outdoors,’ the Chief Executive said.

‘That’s what they want, so we will follow that. So, that’s why our proposal is the tent city.’

The government intends to tap the Philippine Red Cross to deploy its medical field tents, which were used during the COVID-19 pandemic as staging and isolation wards. Marcos gave an assurance that there would be facilities and vital supplies like food, water and electricity at the site of the tent cities.

The energy department had also given assurance that the entire Bogo City in Cebu would be reenergized within the day, the President added.

The death toll from the magnitude 6.9 earthquake has reached 72, while the number of injured persons has climbed to 366 as of yesterday.

About 65,000 families in Cebu have been affected by the quake.

VP Sara visits Cebu

Vice President Sara Duterte is currently in Cebu to ‘extend her sympathies’ to those affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

Duterte visited the wake of one of the victims who died during the powerful quake. ‘We ask God to grant comfort to those who have lost loved ones, and to provide relief and strength for those holding their families together amid property loss and damage. May you find strength in one another, and may the legendary Visayan warmth and resilience shine through amidst this deep sorrow,’ Duterte said.

Duterte and President Marcos did not meet in Cebu where they both visited the province.

She arrived in Cebu on Wednesday afternoon to personally extend her sympathies to residents and meet with local officials, assuring them of sustained assistance from her office.

On Wednesday, the OVP Cebu satellite office distributed relief goods to the victims of the strong quake in San Remigio Sports Complex. The OVP distributed food packs, potable water, hygiene kits and other non-food essentials to affected families in Medellin, San Remigio, Bogo, Tabuelan and Tabogon.

Aid

The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday announced it will apply the zero-balance billing program to benefit those injured in the earthquake.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has ordered the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to shoulder the expenses of patients who were injured in the earthquake and admitted in private hospitals.

‘I already ordered the PCEO (president and chief executive officer) of PhilHealth to make possible coverage of the hospitalization of injured victims that were brought to private hospitals,’ Herbosa yesterday said in a radio interview. ‘I also wanted for private hospitals to help so I will just have PhilHealth take care of the patients that cannot be accommodated in public hospitals.’

According to Herbosa, to make this possible, they checked on a ‘similar issuance’ made during the time he was still undersecretary of the department. ‘We will have this modified for (the situation in) Bogo,’ he added.

Meanwhile, Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said three DOH hospitals in the province – the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, the Cebu South Medical Center and the Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital are fully functional.

The 72 victims who died in Tuesday night’s quake that struck Cebu don’t have to worry about burying their loved ones after the Department of Social Welfare and Development vowed to shoulder the burial expenses of their families.

‘The DSWD in Central Visayas is now accounting the number of casualties and their location. Our social workers will also talk to the concerned families to inform them that the DSWD will shoulder the burial expenses of their loved ones,’ spokesperson Irene Dumlao disclosed.

The assistant secretary of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group likewise said the department’s Field Office 7 – Central Visayas will also be providing P10,000 cash assistance to the families.

The DSWD has intensified its disaster response operations for families affected by the earthquake, according to Assistant Secretary Leo Quintilla, OIC of the DSWD’s National Resource and Logistics Management Bureau.

Quintilla said the department has ensured the delivery of food, water, shelter, and psychosocial services to quake-hit communities, while also preparing for early recovery interventions such as the emergency cash transfer program.

For its part, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has intensified relief efforts to provide quick assistance to quake victims.

PCSO general manager Mel Robles directed their branch offices and authorized agent corporations in the rapid delivery of donations such as food and other essential items to the Cebu provincial government on Wednesday.

Charitimba food packs are part of the initial relief efforts. Evaluation supply kits, including mosquito nets, plastic mats, blankets, slippers, flashlights, pillows, towels and other necessities, have also been airlifted via C-130 aircraft on Wednesday afternoon to support survivors.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines said it is ready to support the government-led response following the quake.

‘In times of crisis, children are among the most vulnerable. We remain committed to working with national and local authorities to ensure their safety, protection and access to essential services as they recover and rebuild after emergencies, including this earthquake and the recent and upcoming series of storms and typhoons,’ UNICEF said.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Manila city government sent help for relief efforts following the powerful earthquake that rocked the northern part of Cebu.

The MMDA deployed an 18-man contingent from the Public Safety Division and Road Emergency Group. The team would carry solar-powered water purifiers to provide clean water, life locators, battery-operated extrication equipment, trauma bags and various clearing tools, including chainsaws and dump trucks, according to MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.

Joining the team are K9 dogs ‘to assist in earthquake response and rescue operations (and) trained to locate people trapped under rubble or debris using their sense of smell,’ he said further.

For its part, the Manila city government would also send a ‘contingent of doctors and nurses, along with medical supplies and the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’ to Cebu, announced Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso. The team from Manila would ‘distribute relief goods, provide medical assistance and coordinate with local authorities for faster and more orderly response to the needs of affected residents.’

The Pasig City government will also send aid to Cebu, Mayor Vico Sotto said, adding that five teams will be deployed in areas in Cebu to assist in disaster response operations in areas heavily affected by the earthquake.

These are composed of search and rescue, mass disaster management, medical, psychosocial first aid and infrastructure audit teams.

Sotto said there are discussions with the city disaster risk reduction and management council for the approval of financial assistance for local government units that are under a state of calamity.

A total of 100 police personnel and firefighters from Negros Island have been dispatched to Cebu to assist in the ongoing search and rescue operations in areas devastated by the quake.

P/Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office- Negros Island Region, said 80 police personnel are trained in disaster response and emergency operations and comes fully equipped with the necessary rescue equipment. The Bureau of Fire Protection – Negros Island Region also dispatched 20 of its personnel to Bogo City.

A 19-man rescue and relief team mobilized by the Zamboanga City local government is scheduled arrive Thursday in quake-hit Bogo City in Cebu, to assist in the humanitarian mission.

Mayor Khymer Olaso dispatched the team with two rescue trucks transporting parts of the 1,000 sacks of rice, 1,000 boxes of canned goods, 1,000 jerry cans of water and two ambulances. The convoy of the rescue and relief team is expected to arrive in Cebu by 6 p.m. Thursday.

The Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao has also deployed two of its 44-meter vessels to provide additional support to the ongoing relief missions in Cebu province and affected areas in Visayas.