Category: Philippine Star

Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste has urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to cancel or reprice P1.6 trillion worth of infrastructure projects to save P400 billion that could be redirected to health and education programs.

Leviste made the proposal as Congress wrapped up deliberations on the 2026 national budget, citing alleged irregularities in several DPWH projects, including a recently terminated P95.99-million flood control contract in Lemery, Batangas.

DPWH Regional Office IV-A ended the Omnicon Builders contract on June 9, due to a change in government policy on the implementation of flood control-related projects. The contractor would not be paid since the project had not yet begun.

In August, Leviste and the Lemery local government unit raised issues over the project’s lack of coordination, missing permits and deviations from the town’s flood control master plan.

They later found that the project’s sheet piles, supposed to be 12 meters long, measured only six meters. After the audit, the contractor reportedly abandoned the site.

‘After all the hearings and protests against corruption in DPWH, we must remember there are over P1-trillion ongoing projects and another P600 billion in upcoming projects that DPWH can still do something about,’ Leviste said.

‘DPWH is continuing to spend on overpriced projects every day, losing over P1 billion per day or P30 billion per month, and it is within DPWH’s power to stop these losses now,’ he added.

Leviste said DPWH contracts allow for ‘Termination for Convenience’ if a project becomes ‘economically, financially or technically impractical and/or unnecessary, such as, but not limited to, fortuitous events or changes in law and national government policies,’ without any penalty to the government.

He added that contracts may also be ended through ‘Termination for Unlawful Acts’ if contractors commit ‘corrupt, fraudulent, collusive and coercive practices; draw up or use forged documents; use adulterated materials, means or methods or engage in production contrary to rules of science or the trade.’

DPWH could invoke either clause, citing testimony from former DPWH officials Roberto Bernardo and Brice Hernandez, who claimed that ‘almost 100 percent’ of DPWH bids are rigged and that projects often end up substandard due to alleged 25 to 30 percent kickbacks paid out to secure contracts.

He also reiterated his call for DPWH to recompute its detailed unit price analysis (DUPA) to lower approved unit prices for future projects.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon had previously committed to reviewing the DUPA and agreed it could be reduced by ‘at least 10 percent,’ with some estimates suggesting even larger decreases.

Citing the Lemery flood control project as an example, Leviste said Dizon could apply the same principles to the more than P1 trillion worth of ongoing DPWH projects for 2025 and P600 billion planned for 2026.

He estimated that reducing costs by an average of 25 percent could yield P400 billion in savings from the P1.6 trillion total.

Teachers’ walkout

Meanwhile, the Department of Education said it respects the nationwide protest action of teachers after thousands walked out of classes on Friday to denounce corruption and government neglect in the education sector.

DepEd Media Relations Office chief Dennis Legaspi recognized yesterday the validity of the teachers’ grievances.

‘We are in continuous dialogue with teacher representatives to address these concerns collaboratively. Rest assured, the DepEd leadership is not only listening but is committed to taking meaningful action,’ he said. – Bella Cariaso

Following a missile attack by Houthi rebels on the Netherlands-registered marine vessel in the Gulf of Aden, ten Filipino crew members were successfully repatriated on Saturday, October 4, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

In an update on Sunday, October 5, the DMW said the ten Filipino crew members of MV Minervagracht arrived on October 4 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac personally met the repatriated seafarers, who arrived aboard Air France Flight No. 224, ensuring they immediately received government support.

‘Sisiguruhin namin ang maayos na delivery ng inyong mga benepisyo at karapatan. Bukod dito, nag-aalok din ang pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng DMW ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan, kabilang ang physical at mental health support at psychosocial counseling, upang madagdagan ang tulong na ibinibigay ng inyong licensed manning agency,’ Cacdac said.

(We will ensure the proper delivery of your benefits and entitlements. Furthermore, the government, through the DMW, also offers health services, including physical and mental health support and psychosocial counseling, to supplement the aid provided by your licensed manning agency.)

In addition to health and mental wellness support, the seafarers received financial aid collaboratively provided by the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as well as training vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The repatriation was facilitated through the collaborative work of the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, Migrant Workers Offices, and the licensed manning agency and its local agent in Istanbul.

MV Minervagracht was at sea when it came under attack 120 nautical miles southeast of Yemen’s port city of Aden on September 29.

According to reports, the vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile and subsequently caught fire.

Reports also said rescuers successfully saved the ship’s 19 crew members, who included Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino and Sri Lankan nationals.

San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo looms large as the PBA fetes the best individual performances in the Season 49 Leo Awards today at Novotel Manila Araneta Center.

Fajardo is hunting for a record-extending ninth MVP, making a strong case for the coveted accolade by logging a leading 42.1 average statistical points and copping Best Player of the Conference in both the Philippine Cup and Governors’ Cup.

NLEX’ Robert Bolick, No. 2 in stats with 36.7 SPs, and Arvin Tolentino, the Commissioner’s Cup BPC winner who ranked third in stats with 35.3 SPs, are challenging JMF’s bid in the 3 p.m. ceremonies.

‘Hindi ko actually iniisip (going for MVP No. 9) pero syempre isang karangalan pag nakuha natin,’ said the Kraken, who is on the hunt for his third straight since coming back from a shin injury that sidelined him in 2020.

‘Sino ba mag-aakala, hindi ba? Hindi talaga ako mahilig sa basketball (growing up) tapos ngayon, ‘pag palarin, makaka-nine-time MVP ako, hindi ba? Hindi natin talaga masasabi ‘yung buhay kasi ano lang ako dati tapos ngayon ang dami ko na na-achieve, ang layo na narating ko sa basketball. So thankful ako kay God sa mga blessings na binibigay niya sa akin at sa mga blessings na parating.’

Aside from a spot in the Mythical First Team, the 6-foot-10 gentle giant is also in contention for the center position in the All-Defensive Team.

Meanwhile, Blackwater’s Sedrick Barefield, Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos, Rain or Shine’s Caelan Tiongson, Phoenix’ Kai Ballungay and Meralco CJ Cansino are contesting the Rookie of the Year honors.

Magnolia’s Zav Lucero, Titan’s Joshua Munzon, ROS’ Adrian Nocum, Terrafirma’s Louie Sangalang and Converge’s Schonny Winston are disputing the Most Improved Player plum while Meralco’s Aaron Black, Ginebra’s Stephen Holt and Scottie Thompson, SMB’s Marcio Lassiter, ROS’ Gian Mamuyac, Meralco’s Bong Quinto and Phoenix’ Tyler Tio are vying for the Sportsmanship Award.

The mayor of Cotabato City has offered a P500,000 bounty for the gunmen behind the fatal ambush of a Sangguniang Kabataan chairman and his brother in a busy commercial hub on Saturday, October 4.

Mayor Bruce Matabalao, chairman of the Cotabato City Peace and Order Council, confirmed on Sunday, October 5, that he has allocated a P500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the gunmen behind the ambush that killed Mohaz Salvador Matanog, SK chairman of Barangay Poblacion 5, and his brother Muamar.

Matanog, an engineering student at Cotabato City State University, died instantly from multiple gunshot wounds. His brother, who was severely wounded, died hours later at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center in the uptown area of Cotabato City.

The Matanog siblings were in a red Toyota Raize on their way somewhere when gunmen attacked them at the intersection of Jose Lim Sr. Street and Sinsuat Avenue, near Cotabato City Police Precinct 1.

Their assailants had also shot and wounded an on-duty policeman who responded to the incident, Patrolman Norsaiden Laguiali, before they escaped using getaway motorcycles.

Matabalao and Brig. Gen. Jaysen De Guzman, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, separately condemned the incident, which triggered panic as gunshots echoed through the area where the Matanogs were ambushed, surrounded by commercial establishments and banks.

De Guzman told reporters that Col. Jibin Bongcayao, director of the Cotabato City Police Office, is personally overseeing the investigation into the atrocity, with support from Matabalao’s office and local barangay leaders.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has extended the deadline for the filing of tax returns, payments of taxes and submission of required documents in Cebu after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the province on Tuesday night.

The BIR said the deadline extension covers all statutory tax obligations falling within this month, to provide taxpayers sufficient time to comply.

Submission of reports, attachments and other documents mandated by the tax agency under its existing revenue issuances is also extended.

The extension also applies to consolidated return of all transactions based on the reconciled data of stockbrokers from Sept. 16 to 30, as well as submission of engagement letters, renewals or subsequent agreements for financial audit.

Submission of all transcript sheets of official registry books used by dealers, manufacturers and importers of alcohol, tobacco, petroleum products, non-essential goods, sweetened beverages, mineral products and automobiles is also extended.

Revenue district offices covered by the deadline extension are the cities of Mandaue, Cebu, including the north and south areas, and Talisay as well as the large taxpayers’ division of Cebu.

The extension also applies to the filing of excise tax returns for cosmetic procedures with a monthly summary of procedures performed, as well as monthly remittance of value-added tax.

This World Teachers’ Day brings to mind the wonderful teachers that I have met – individuals who have transformed lives through their dedication and service. As I deepen my engagement in the Philippines, I am reminded of the enduring Australia-Philippines partnership on education, and our joint commitment to supporting teachers as key contributors to sustainable development and the future of our nations.

For more than three decades, education has been a central pillar of Australia’s development assistance to the Philippines. Australia’s support for education has evolved over that time – from an initial focus on building physical classrooms and teacher training, to supporting curriculum design and national policies and reforms, including Kindergarten to Grade 12 reforms. Now, as Strategic Partners, our development assistance is focused on partnerships and an exchange of knowledge, as we address shared challenges. While the nature of our support has changed over the years, Australia has consistently been a champion for teachers.

In my recent conversation with Secretary of Education Sonny Angara, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Kiko Benitez and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, I recognized a strong convergence of priorities. There is a unified vision to ensure education is adaptive and aligned with the evolving demands of the labor market.

Australia is closely collaborating with the Philippines on a new program to enhance senior high school education. Our new investment, Education Quality for Inclusive Prosperity (EQUIP), will support economic development by helping ensure school leavers have the skills they will need for the job market. EQUIP aims to contribute to professional development for teachers, guidance counselors and school leaders. It will also help students to develop technical skills through industry exposure, work immersion programs and by gaining nationally recognized qualifications.

This commitment to education extends across the archipelago, including Muslim Mindanao. Through the Education Pathways to Peace in Mindanao, Australia is supporting the Philippines’ long-standing peacebuilding efforts by improving the delivery of quality education. I hold in high regard the vital role teachers play in advancing peace through education and I am eager to listen to their stories when I visit the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The personal connections nurtured through our education partnership is a key part of the bilateral relationship between Australia and the Philippines. Today, over 25,000 Filipino students are studying in Australia, making the Philippines the sixth largest source of international students. Filipino students have greatly enriched Australia’s community.

Through the Australia Awards program alone, more than 4,500 Filipino scholars have graduated since 2004 – many are now leading in various fields, including education. These alumni are driving progress across the Philippines, forming one of the region’s most vibrant networks. As living bridges between Australia and the Philippines, they bring values of innovation and inclusion to their work, creating lasting impact. Their achievements reflect the dedication of teachers who first sparked curiosity and helped shape the leaders of this generation and the next. I hope to meet more of them throughout my time in the Philippines.

To ensure Filipino students have the best possible experience in Australia and receive a world class education, Australia is introducing reforms. These reforms respond to misuse of the student visa system and seek to strengthen regulations for education providers and students in an effort to ensure the integrity and sustainability of a system that has long welcomed global learners. Filipino students are a vital part of this story and continue to be warmly received. Australia upholds a strong commitment to provide secure and supportive learning environment. Through this sustained relationship, Australia stands alongside the Philippines in advancing human capital development.

Education remains a cornerstone of the Australia-Philippines partnership, reflecting collective goals for inclusive growth and regional resilience. As we mark the final day of Teachers’ Month in the Philippines, we honor the teachers whose unwavering service enriches societies and fosters cross-cultural understanding. We also celebrate how education continues to deepen the long-established relationship between Australia and the Philippines. From classrooms in Mindanao to lecture halls in Canberra, teachers contribute to peace, stability and prosperity. I look forward to expanding these partnerships during my time in the Philippines, learning from Filipino teachers and witnessing how our shared commitment to education drives cooperation across both nations and the region.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said that he is considering stepping down as the chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

In a statement sent to reporters on Sunday, October 5, Lacson explained that he is contemplating resigning from the committee due to expressions of disappointment from some colleagues regarding its handling of the investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects.

“Since all chairpersons of the Senate committees are elected by our peers, I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues, particularly the members of the majority,’ Lacson’s statement read.

‘Rightly or wrongly, when quite a number of them have expressed disappointment over how I’m handling the flood control project anomalies, I thought it’s time for me to step aside in favor of another member who they think can handle the committee better,” he added.

In a DZBB interview, Lacson said he is preparing his resignation letter and may “formally manifest it in plenary when the Senate resumes its session.”

On October 4, Lacson announced that the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the alleged anomalous flood control projects had been canceled.

Lacson said he had initially scheduled a hearing for Wednesday, October 8, at the request of Sen. JV Ejercito, specifically to summon former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Mimaropa regional director Gerald Pacanan.

Pacanan was one of ten DPWH officials who had received a show-cause order from DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon regarding their alleged lavish lifestyles and involvement in substandard projects.

However, due to the unavailability of necessary documents and conflicts with other hearings, Lacson said they canceled the probe until further notice.

He explained that, to maximize the discussions, he had checked with the Department of Justice regarding the availability of the supposed “tell-all” affidavits of the Discaya couple.

Furthermore, he contacted the Office of the Executive Judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court to verify whether they had concluded their investigation into possible violations involving the notarized document concerning Orly Guteza, former security consultant Rep. Zaldy Co (Ako Bicol Partylist), and Lawyer Petchie Espera.

Will People Power Begin on Nov. 30?

The anger on the revelations about the substandard and ghost projects of the floor control programs has reached another level. It is turning out to be a total fight against corruption. The last few weeks have revealed that substandard and ghost projects are not limited to flood control but include other public works projects like farm to market roads, bridges, school buildings, health centers and even a personal project of First Lady Liza Marcos which was supposed to be a building in Intramuros meant for the film industry.

There are now reports emerging about graft and corruption in the Department of Education, Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture.

I recently received a letter from someone who has been closely following events regarding the substandard and ghost projects of the government. The letter contains a few proposals on how the fight against corruption should continue.

Here is the letter:

‘The public should continue to press all the three branches of government for major reforms. As for the executive branch, particularly for hard infrastructure projects, the corruption should be plugged by first addressing whether these are the right projects specified in the NEP (National Expenditure Program) and GAA (General Appropriations Act).’

I am sure the writer meant that the executive branch should ensure that there are no insertions and illegal amendments to the NEP and GAA.

‘Second, did the implementing agency or office conduct a truly competitive public bidding to determine the right cost?

‘In order to ensure the right quality, did the agency with independent entities inspect the progress and completion of the project as to compliance with the project specifications?

‘There is also the need to change the measure of an agency’s performance based on financial disbursements as the principal metric of an agency’s performance needs to be changed.

‘The role of the COA (Commission on Audit) needs to be changed to pre-audit and not just post-audit.

‘As to Congress, the influence of legislators over the implementing office – district engineers – has to be addressed.’

The most difficult reform is to determine how the implementing agency will be forced to conduct a truly competitive bidding process. There must be a way to ensure that the bidding is truly made public.

In the past, there have been different ways that have been attempted to remove the influence of legislators – senators, congressmen, local government officials – over the implementing office. During the term of President Noynoy Aquino, it was felt that the removal of the pork barrel system achieved this objective. However, recent events have shown that the removal of the pork barrel system simply led to another means of graft and corruption due to the undue influence of legislators over the entire process.

Moving on to another topic, I want to express again my strongest appeal to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to listen to the public clamor for the hearings to be made public. In the last couple of weeks, in every gathering that I have attended, I have heard constant speculation relating to what is happening in the hearings. There are even supposed leaks going around and all of this is not healthy for this whole process.

There must be a way of addressing this need of the public to know what is going on. The hearings could take months or even more than a year before a final report is released to the public. If the ICI does not want the public to know what is going on, this could lead to a frustrated public that will look for solutions on the streets, rather than the courts of law.

Perhaps a reasonable compromise could be found that will satisfy the need for the public to have access to what is going on and the desire of the ICI to maintain confidentiality until all information has been thoroughly verified. This is a very serious challenge that the ICI should address or face possible consequences.

The issue of graft and corruption has become a worldwide phenomenon today. It has caused violence in the streets, especially by the youth sector in Nepal and in Indonesia. The most recent countries where this is now happening are Morocco and Tunisia. In Nepal, the president had to resign and was immediately replaced.

The ICI should feel that they have a tremendous responsibility to ensure that public frustration does not begin with the public becoming frustrated and losing total trust in the integrity of the ICI. If this happens, the next step will be a resort to people power or even worse, to violence or a coup d’etat.

On Nov. 30, there will be a second Trillion Peso March. Hopefully, there will only be a single united rally, unlike the Sept. 21 rallies which were held separately.

It may sound like a cliché, but the Philippines is truly at a crossroads today. Perhaps the direction of our future may be decided long before the 2028 elections.

Miguel Tabuena rattled off five straight birdies on the back nine to shoot a sizzling 65 and salvage a share of 11th place in the Jakarta International Championship, won by Australian Wade Ormsby in a sudden-death playoff on Sunday in Indonesia.

Tabuena, who dropped to a tie for 51st after back-to-back 71s at the par-70 Damai Indah Golf PIK course, struggled early despite opening with a birdie on the par-5 first. He settled for a string of pars and dropped a shot on the par-3 seventh for a 35.

But the two-time Philippine Open champion mounted a spirited comeback in the last nine holes, his birdie on No. 10 igniting a five-hole tear that vaulted him up the leaderboard. He closed with four straight pars to post a 30 and a five-under round, ending with a total of eight-under 272 – for a share of 11th alongside seven others.

That was just four strokes off the winning mark of 268 set by Ormsby and Zimbabwe’s Scott Vincent, who both carded closing 69s. Ormsby eventually clinched the title with a routine par on the first playoff hole – the par-4 18th – where Vincent faltered after finding water on his approach.

Tabuena’s strong finish is expected to boost his confidence ahead of the upcoming Asian Tour event in Macau in two weeks.

Meanwhile, fellow Filipino Sean Ramos, who climbed to joint 14th after a gritty third-round 68, couldn’t maintain his momentum. Despite carding four birdies, he offset them with four bogeys for an even-par 70, dropping him to a tie for 19th at 273 – still a commendable showing in this International Series event.

Justin Quiban closed with a 69 to finish tied for 66th at 281.

Ormsby and Vincent, tied with India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar after 54 holes, battled neck-and-neck all day. Ormsby took an early edge with birdies on the second and fourth, while Vincent responded with a birdie at the seventh after birdying the first hole. Both bogeyed the ninth and made the turn with matching 34s.

Vincent pulled ahead with a birdie on 13, but bogeyed the 16th after missing the green, opening the door for a playoff.

Bhullar, who had birdied the first hole, stumbled with three bogeys on the front nine. He fought back with birdies on the 11th and 14th, but his round unraveled late with two double bogeys in the last four holes, finishing with a 74 and a tie for 19th alongside Ramos.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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