Category: Philippine Star

Besides hundreds of non-existent or ghost flood control projects, the nation is now learning about ‘haunted hospitals.’

Unlike the flood control projects, the government health centers are in existence. But only 200 of 600 health centers built under the health facilities enhancement program or HFEP of the Department of Health are reportedly functional as of this year.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa had described the HFEP as the department’s own version of the flood control mess. Herbosa disclosed this during the plenary debates at the House of Representatives on the P253-billion budget proposed by the DOH for 2026.

Launched in 2008, the HFEP is supposed to provide funds for government health facilities to enhance access of the poor to health care. At the outset, the program aimed to augment the number of barangay health stations, rural health units, district and provincial hospitals as well as medical specialty centers. But many of the facilities could not operate due to lack of health professionals and other personnel.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno noted that over P170 billion had been allocated in the past decade for DOH infrastructure and equipment requirements alone. Including funds for personnel and commodities, the amount rises to P400 billion.

Despite those billions and the existence of the hundreds of health facilities under the HFEP, the government found it necessary to launch separate healthcare programs such as those under the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situations.

AICS and other unconditional dole-outs received more official attention apparently because they politicized healthcare and other ayuda programs, with politicians allowed to endorse patients and use the programs for their self-promotion by taking personal credit for state-funded aid.

The HFEP highlights the waste of precious public funds when project implementation is not properly coordinated. If public funds will be spent to construct a health facility, there must be sufficient coordination and follow-through with local government units and other relevant agencies to ensure that there will be enough personnel to operate the facility. Otherwise the structure will become a white elephant that will deteriorate with the passage of time.

Staffing health facilities has been a problem for a long time in this country as nurses, doctors and other health professionals opt for higher pay abroad. The problem reached crisis proportions at the height of the COVID pandemic.

Poor people lacking access to health care bear the brunt of the problem, but ultimately, all taxpayers are hit, as billions in public funds go down the drain.

A former chairman and former treasurer of a barangay in Manila were sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for graft for allegedly demanding advance ‘commission’ from a supplier in exchange for a contract to supply various materials.

In a 48-page decision promulgated on Sept. 30, the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division upheld the ruling of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 39 finding Ephraim Maniquis and Regielyn Lauriaga, former chairman and treasurer, respectively, of Barangay 52, Zone 4 in Manila guilty of violating Section 3(b) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

‘The evidence established beyond reasonable doubt all the elements of violation of Section 3(b) of Republic Act 3019, as amended. Hence, conviction of accused-appellants is proper,’ the Sixth Division’s decision read, referring to the provision that ‘prohibits a public official from soliciting and accepting gifts, favor or percentage in connection with any government transaction in which the public official has the capacity to intervene.’

Maniquis and Lauriaga were sentenced to six years and one month to 10 years in prison and perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

The P73,320 they received from the private complainant was ordered ‘confiscated and forfeited in favor of the government.’

According to the case filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2015, Maniquis and Lauriaga demanded P73,320 from complainant Franco Espiritu, owner of FRCGE Trading, as their ‘advance share’ or commission in exchange for awarding to Espiritu’s firm a contract to provide the barangay various supplies and materials.

‘The Court finds the private complainant’s testimony clear and consistent, that he yielded to the amount requested by the accused-appellants despite the absence of details regarding the project and bidding because he relied on their assurance that he would emerge as the winning bidder in a transaction where both accused-appellants had the duty to intervene under the law,’ the Sixth Division ruling read in part.

Besides, the anti-graft court added, ‘the mere act of requesting, demanding or receiving a gift, share, present, percentage or benefit in connection with a contract or transaction that the public officer has to intervene is already punishable under law, regardless of whether or not the contract or transaction is perfected or consummated.’

Jose Rizal University was never given a chance in NCAA Season 101 after finishing 10th and dead last a season ago and undergoing a major revamp that saw it changing its former coach early in the year.

But armed with sheer guts and perseverance, the Bombers turned it around and slew the beast in the San Beda Lions, 67-66, on Friday to jump back into contention at the Mall of Asia Arena.

It was the second win for JRU in three starts, with its first coming at the expense of another big fish in Letran, 73-69, last week.

Allan Laurenaria came out of nowhere and delivered the game-winning shot in the dying seconds that hammered in the dagger straight into the hearts of the Lions, who absorbed their first defeat after two wins in a row.

‘This was a huge win for us because it gave us confidence,’ said JRU’s new mentor Nani Epondulan, who spent college ball on this same team he’s now coaching. ‘We’re small but our hearts are big,’ he added.

The result also forged a three-way logjam atop Group B among JRU, San Beda and College of St. Benilde.

It was a heartbreaking defeat for San Beda, which practically lost two important points in the clutch – the first when John Sajonia’s triple was reduced to a long-two after he was seen on a video replays stepping on the three-point line and the other when rookie Agjanti Miller’s second made foul shot was nullified due to lane violation.

Earlier, San Sebastian claimed its first win in three outings by outgunning Lyceum of the Philippines, 100-94.

The Pirates fell to 0-3.

The scores:

First Game

SSC-R 100 – Cuajao 25, Ricio 25, Dela Rama 15, Castor 12, Felebrico 8, Lumanag 6, Gabat 6, Nepacena 3, Velasco 0, Cabilla 0, Dimaunahan 0, Are 0.

LPU 94 – Barba 32, Moralejo 19, Villegas 15, Versoza 6, Daileg 6, Peñafiel 6, Abregana 6, Montaño 2, Casiño 2, Aurige 0, Aviles 0, Pallingayan 0, Dural 0, Gordon 0.

Quarterscores: 19-27; 41-50; 62-63; 75-75; 87-87 (OT); 100-94 (2OT)

Second Game

JRU 67 – Salvador 15, Lozano 13, Panapanaan 9, Argente 8, Garupil 7, Laurenaria 6, Herrera 5, Sarmiento 3, Castillo 1, Benitez 0, Peñaverde 0, Duque 0.

San Beda 66 – Sajonia 16, Miller 13, Lina 13, Etulle 8, Gonzales 6, Reyes 4, Celzo 2, Culdora 2, Puno 2, Estacio 0, Bonzalida 0, Calimag 0, Jalbuena 0, Vailoces 0, Songcuya 0.

Quarterscores: 19-16; 37-33; 55-46; 67-66

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has issued requests to internet service providers to block access to platforms that illegally stream Filipino films.

In a statement, the IPOPHL said a request was made for the blocking of 13 Freecine-related sites, including freecineplus.com, freecine.ph, freecineph.com, freecine.com.co and freecine.site, following a complaint from Viva Communications Inc. and its streaming service Vivamax.

According to Viva, Freecine has been offering and distributing copyrighted titles, including ‘Bedspace,’ ‘Dilig’ and ‘Room Service,’ through its mobile app without any license or authorization.

A request was also made to block access to Asyaminik (asyaminik.com), based on another complaint by Viva for the illegal distribution of titles ‘Chasing in the Wild,’ ‘Safe Skies Archer,’ ‘The Rain in España’ and ‘Avenues of the Diamond.’

The content is available for online streaming or downloading for offline viewing within the pages of Asyaminik without authorization from Viva.

IPOPHL Memorandum Circular 23-025 provides rules for swift action against online piracy in coordination with internet service providers.

The site-blocking requests coincide with the National Anti-Piracy Month.

‘IPOPHL’s ongoing anti-piracy drive signals our continued commitment to the protection of the intellectual property rights of the Philippine creative industries, which serve as a vital driver of our economy,’ acting IPOPHL director general Nathaniel Arevalo said.

‘We will continue to use every tool available, including site-blocking measures, to crack down on those who disrespect Filipino artists who pour their heart and soul into their creations but also ensure a safe and secure digital landscape that can showcase the works of the country,’ he also said.

To help the local creative industry succeed, he urged the public to stream and consume content only through legal means.

‘Every small deed makes a difference. Let us all defend the digital space in any way we can so legitimate creators can thrive,’ he said.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will start the voter registration for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on Oct. 20.

The registration, which will be conducted nationwide except in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), will run until May 18.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the voter registration for the barangay and SK elections in the BARMM will start on May 1 and will also end on May 18.

Garcia said the Comelec opted to start the voter registration for the barangay and SK polls in the Bangsamoro region after holding the first BARMM parliamentary election, which is scheduled in March.

He said conducting the registration simultaneously may create confusion among BARMM voters, who may think the activity is for the parliamentary elections.

The Comelec said it is expecting up to 1.4 million applicants during the seven-month registration period.

Almost three million prospective voters have submitted applications in the last national voter registration held from Aug. 1 to 10.

The barangay and SK elections will be conducted nationwide in December 2026.

After a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday, October 10, classes and government work in Davao City and other areas have been suspended.

‘In view of the recent earthquake and to give way to the conduct of rapid damage assessment of infrastructures and facilities, classes in all levels, public and private educational institutions, in Davao City are hereby suspended immediately,’ the city government of Davao said in a Facebook post.

Another advisory was issued saying that government office work in Davao City has been suspended until further notice.

‘Private offices and establishments are given the discretion to suspend work or adopt work-from-home arrangements, but are encouraged to do so for the safety and convenience of their employees,’ the local government unit said.

The City Government of Cotabato likewise announced that classes were also suspended in the city.

After the earthquake in Davao, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. has ordered the suspension of work at Cebu City Hall following the advisories on possible aftershocks.

Here is a running list of all the local government units and schools that have announced class suspensions:

Schools

Davao del Sur State College

Tamugan National High School

Polytechnic College of Davao del Sur

Localities

Davao City

Cotabato City

Koronadal City

Municipality of Maitum

Municipality of Malabuyog

Municipality of Albuera

Municipality of Mabini

Municipality of Santa Maria

Municipality of Sta. Cruz

Sultan Kudarat

Two main challenges facing the Philippines in achieving continued economic growth are climate risk and the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), according to economists at the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO).

During an online press briefing held yesterday by the AMRO on its ASEAN+3 Financial Stability Report (AFSR) 2025 and the ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook (AREO) October update, chief economist Dr. Dong He and lead economist Runchana Pongsaparn, retained their growth forecast for the Philippines at 5.6 percent this year, and 5.5 percent in 2026.

However, they explained that if their forecast materializes, growth would be on a downward trend from 2024’s GDP growth of 5.7 percent partly because of weaker exports, just like other countries in the region, where the impact of the new US tariffs will kick in toward the end of the year and next year.

Fortunately, though, the AMRO economists expressed optimism that consumption in the Philippines will continue to grow steadily, supported by the strong labor market, lower inflation and by the still robust remittances.

However, Pongsaparn noted that private investment and sentiment, and export performance are the ones that would probably post moderate growth because of the external uncertainty related to the US tariff adjustments.

In terms of the corruption scandal, she said, ‘I think we would have to see, to what extent it is actually going to affect the wider economy, because if the event is short-lived and then it does not severely affect the investment sentiment, then that could be contained, and may not affect the growth forecast materially. So, we still wait and see the overall impact.’

Dr. He, for his part, commented that after concluding AMRO’s consultation visit last month with the Philippines, ‘In terms of the macro level, I think the Philippines economy actually has been performing quite well. Growth has been steady. The issue is that there has been a downward shift in the growth trajectory as compared to pandemic levels. Pre-pandemic, the Philippine economy was growing much faster. So, the challenge, really, is while maintaining short term stability, how do we lift the medium term growth to higher levels?

‘And there, I think, the conclusion of the consultation is that, investment should really be much higher to underpin the productive capacity in the medium term. It’s both public spending and public investment, and private investment, that should prepare the Philippine economy for two major shocks that could arise going forward.’

The first shock, he cited, is climate risk. ‘The Philippines, because of its geography, is quite exposed to climate risks. So, infrastructure has to be strengthened, some of these issues with flooding have to do with the infrastructure not being able to deal with these shocks, and that, you know, can be strengthened much further.’

The second shock, he continued, has to do with the Philippines’ service oriented economy which ‘plays an important role in service exports. For example, business processes, call centers and all these for major global corporates, the Philippines provides very good services there. But looking in the age of AI, how do we upgrade these services? And so that would require also upscaling of the human resources’

Additionally, Dr. He highlighted the role of public and private investments which he said must also be addressed to ‘prepare the Philippines economy for these big challenges ahead.’

The AMRO AFSR and AREO update highlighted the region’s broad resilience in the face of heightened uncertainties driven by US trade policy shifts and geopolitical tensions.

Growth in the ASEAN+3 region is projected at 4.1 percent in 2025 and 3.8 percent in 2026, an upward revision from July’s forecast, supported by robust first-half performance and stronger-than-expected export momentum as market pressures have gradually eased since peaking in April following the announcement of the ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs.

‘While intra-regional trade and domestic demand have become increasingly important growth drivers across ASEAN+3, the region remains deeply connected to the global financial system and is therefore not insulated from global shocks,’ said Dr. He. ‘Overall, the region’s financial system remains resilient, although pockets of vulnerabilities persist.’

Export-oriented corporate sectors – particularly smaller firms with high exposure to US demand – may face pressures on profit margins amid shifting trade dynamics.

Despite these challenges, ASEAN+3 economies remain well-positioned to navigate global headwinds. Well-calibrated policy mixes and strong fundamentals – including robust banking systems, deepening financial markets, ample foreign reserves and available policy space – have provided critical buffers.

With inflation largely subdued and expectations well-anchored in most economies, central banks can maintain accommodative monetary policy to support growth.

At the same time, macroprudential tools, along with foreign exchange and capital flow management measures, offer additional safeguards to maintain financial stability and mitigate external spillovers.

However, AMRO underscores that support should be carefully targeted to vulnerable sectors and deployed prudently to preserve policy space amid elevated external uncertainty.

Beyond near-term risks, the region is undergoing deeper structural transitions. Most notably, the rapid digitalization of financial services presents opportunities for greater financial inclusion and efficiency, while also introducing new challenges to financial stability.

‘Digitalization of the banking sector is reshaping the market structure, offering new pathways for inclusion and efficiency,’ said Pongsaparn, even as she qualified, ‘But it also alters the nature and distribution of financial stability risks. Policymakers must adopt a multi-pronged strategy that promotes innovation while managing risks, calibrated to the maturity of each market segment.’

As ASEAN+3 manages near-term uncertainties, AMRO emphasizes the importance of reinforcing policy frameworks, improving transparency, and deepening domestic markets and buffers to mitigate spillover risks from external shocks.

Dr. He concluded: ‘With coordinated actions and deeper financial cooperation and integration, ASEAN+3 can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities, and emerge stronger, more connected and more resilient.’

Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. is not hitting the brakes on its gas investments, reaffirming a commitment to boosting the country’s indigenous power production.

‘We are definitely going all-in to generate more indigenous energy,’ Prime Energy president and CEO Donnabel Kuizon Cruz said at a recent energy forum.

Cruz highlighted the role of gas-fired power plants as a bridge fuel that facilitates the shift away from coal, while supporting the growing integration of renewable energy sources.

‘In this era of energy transition, where risks are real and opportunities are emerging across a shifting power map, our task is clear: to make our very own Filipino gas a bridge that unifies the industry and serves as a force for good for Filipinos,’ Cruz said.

Prime Energy is the operator of the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project, the country’s first and only indigenous gas field in offshore Palawan.

The company, along with its consortium partners Prime Oil and Gas Inc., UC38 LLC and PNOC Exploration Corp., has set aside $893 million to extend the Malampaya field’s production life.

The Malampaya Phase 4 (MP4) project, one of the country’s largest upstream energy investments in over a decade, involves drilling two new deepwater wells and a new exploration field in a bid to deliver a new gas supply next year.

‘Through the collective efforts of brave Filipinos, the runway has been set for a new era of exploration in the Philippines. MP4, the first project of an all-Filipino-led consortium, is the first step,’ Cruz said.

Beyond strengthening the country’s power supply, Cruz said the Malampaya field has emerged as a key revenue generator for the government.

Since 2001, the Malampaya project has generated around $13.9 billion in revenues for the government, according to Prime Energy.

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday evening – the strongest to hit the area since a magnitude 7.4 tremor rattled the region earlier in the day.

The quake was recorded at 7:12 p.m. and was felt across several parts of Mindanao, prompting a tsunami warning in nearby coastal provinces, according to state seismology agency PHIVOLCS.

The agency first reported the magnitude at 6.9 before revising it to 6.7.

Shaking felt across Mindanao. PHIVOLCS said Intensity IV shaking was felt in the cities of Davao and Bislig, and throughout Surigao del Sur. Instrumental intensities were also recorded in Magpet in Cotabato, Digos City in Davao Del Sur. Sta. Maria in Davao Occidental, Nabunturan in Davao de Oro, Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental, Malungon, Alabel in Sarangani, Tupi in South Cotabato, and Hinunangan in Southern Leyte.

Tsunami warning. Authorities are residents in coastal areas of Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Surigao del Norte to move to higher ground after PHIVOLCS issued a tsunami advisory.

The agency said forecast tsunami waves could arrive between 7:12 p.m. and 9:12 p.m.

Evacuation orders were issued in several towns as emergency response teams were deployed to monitor possible aftershocks and wave surges.

Casualties. At least one person was confirmed dead from the earlier magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck the Davao region on Friday morning, causing widespread panic and power interruptions.

Authorities said damage assessments are ongoing, with reports of collapsed structures and minor landslides still being verified.

It has been awhile since I’ve been invited to a tech launch, so I was very excited to attend the event of Huawei Philippines last week.

That night, they proudly introduced their latest lineup of innovative wearables, led by the highly anticipated Huawei Watch GT 6 Series. This new series combines cutting-edge technology, an industry-leading 21-day battery life, and advanced health and sports tracking features, all designed to empower Filipinos to train smarter, live healthier, and elevate their personal style.

They brought the Watch GT 6 Series to life through immersive experience zones that highlighted key scenarios like trail running, in-depth cycling performance metrics, and comprehensive health and fitness monitoring. Attendees explored how the devices seamlessly support active lifestyles through hands-on demonstrations.

A highlight of the launch was the feature of professional cyclist Mervin Corpuz, the celebrated MPTC Tour of Luzon Sprint King. Through a showcase of his training journey, the event demonstrated how the Watch GT 6 Series enhances his performance on the road, providing precise cycling metrics, reliable tracking, and advanced tools that support his demanding regimen.

Adding to the excitement, Huawei also showcased the Watch Ultimate 2 and the Watch D2, the latter set to receive new features such as Timed Blood Pressure Measurement through an upcoming OTA update, which will start on October 15, further expanding its versatile wearable ecosystem designed to complement diverse lifestyles.

The Watch GT 6 Series uses TruSense System 2.0 for more accurate tracking of sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and emotions. The GT 6 Pro adds a special heart health app that alerts you to irregular heartbeats and gives detailed ECG information.

For athletes and outdoor lovers, the Watch GT 6 Pro features a highly accurate positioning system, perfect for trail running, cycling, and hiking. Cyclists can also use new features that measure power and performance without extra devices.

Safety is improved with Fall Detection and altitude sickness alerts, helping keep users safe during activities. The watch also includes a smart coach to guide training and recovery.

In terms of design, the Watch GT 6 Series blends elegance with exceptional durability, built with aerospace-grade titanium alloy, sapphire glass, and a nanocrystal ceramic back. Its ultra-bright 1.47-inch AMOLED display with slimmer bezels delivers an immersive experience for both workouts and daily wear.

Users can easily switch straps for different looks and personalize their watch with animated stickers, pet dials, and five-second video watch faces.

The lighter, more compact Watch GT 6 features an ergonomic fluoroelastomer strap, while the Watch GT 6 Pro has an added 40m freediving-grade water resistance, making it perfect for everything from intense workouts to swimming and even formal occasions.

With its high-silicon stacked battery architecture, the Watch GT 6 Series lasts up to 21 days between charges, supporting the demanding lifestyles of athletes, explorers, and busy professionals.

Both the Watch GT 6 and Watch GT 6 Pro deliver smart connectivity designed for life on the go, supporting offline maps, music playback, Bluetooth calling, and smart notifications. With GCash Watch Pay now compatible with iOS as well as Android and HUAWEI devices, users can enjoy secure, effortless cashless transactions straight from their wrist, no matter which smartphone they use.

Empowering users to stay healthy, fit, and connected, the Watch GT 6 Series combines style, durability and smart features for today’s active lifestyles. It transitions seamlessly from workouts to everyday wear, reflecting Huawei’s commitment to innovation that enhances real life.

Aligned with Huawei’s global message, ‘Now Is Yours’, the series inspires everyone to take charge, express themselves, and live actively with technology that’s powerful, inclusive and inspiring.