Category: Philippine Star

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro turned over P68 million in financial assistance to the Municipality of Cordova during the 27th Dinagat Festival celebration on Sunday, August 9.

The assistance included P50 million for the construction of the Cordova hospital, P14.69 million for the rehabilitation and concreting of the Datay-Buangsong Road, and additional funding for other municipal projects and initiatives.

Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan said construction of the hospital is expected to start this year, with the facility targeted to open by the third quarter of 2027.

Baricuatro also gave an additional P1 million for the Dinagat Festival competition prizes, increasing the total prize money for the winning contingents.

The grand champion’s prize was raised from P100,000 to P400,000, while the first runner-up will receive P300,000, up from the previous P70,000. The second runner-up’s prize increased from P50,000 to P200,000.

The four consolation prize winners will each receive P60,000, up from the previous P10,000.

Baricuatro congratulated the participating contingents, choreographers, and organizers for their performances and thanked Cordova residents for welcoming her to the celebration in honor of the municipality’s patron saint, Señor San Roque.

She also commended Suan for his leadership and thanked the Cordova local government for its continued partnership with the provincial government.

Suan, meanwhile, thanked Baricuatro for her presence and for spending time in Cordova to watch the seven contingents that participated in the festival.

‘Dili lang ang imong pagbisita, kundili ang imong gihatag nga taas nga oras nga pagtuyok kanamo karon diri,’ Suan said.

In the competition, PxD Dance Ensemble emerged as the major winner in the 27th Dinagat Festival, taking the Grand Champion titles in both the Grand Ritual Showdown and Streetdancing.

PxD also won Best Choreography and Best Andas.

Ibabao Performing Arts placed first runner-up in both the Grand Ritual Showdown and Streetdancing and also won Best in Costume, while Tribu La Isla Catarcion was second runner-up in both competitions.

In the Audio Van competition, Bangsan Cultural Ensemble was named Grand Champion, followed by Ibabao Performing Arts as first runner-up and Tribu Galegria as second runner-up.

Ariela Rose Menguito, representing Barangays Pilipog and Dapitan, was crowned Dinagat Festival Queen. Micah Discaller of Barangay Ibabao was first runner-up, while Jenny Cabido of Barangays Day-as and Buagsong was second runner-up.

Menguito also won Best in Production Number, Best Solo Performer, and Best in Group Performance. Cabido won Best in Festival Costume.

Alexis Joan Inoc of Barangays Bangbang and San Miguel was named Miss Photogenic, while Juarme Jordan of Barangays Gabi and Alegria received the Netizens’ Choice Award.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson expects the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to soon issue cease-and-desist orders against ongoing slope protection and flood control projects in Taguig, following the discovery of 32 allegedly anomalous projects in the known political bailiwick of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

Lacson met with PRA and DPWH officials to discuss the need to seize in favor of the government an allegedly illegal 84-hectare reclaimed land in Taguig in the guise of flood control and slope protection projects without the necessary environmental permits.

‘All reclaimed areas that did not apply and secure permits from PRA are subject to forfeiture in favor of the national government. There is no distinction, whether those reclaimed areas belong to the LGU of Taguig or are titled under private individuals or corporate entities,’ Lacson said.

Cayetano’s denials on his Facebook Live of any involvement and anomaly are contradicted by the validated pieces of evidence he has on hand, Lacson said.

‘In sum, Senator Cayetano’s denials on his FB Live postings all run counter to the facts as established so far, not only by my team, but validated by PRA and DPWH and Laguna Lake Development Authority in their earlier statements,’ Lacson said.

The Office of the Ombudsman will soon issue subpoenas for its fact-finding investigation after Lacson turned over all his proof of flood control anomalies in Taguig, according to the senator.

Among the alleged anomalies he uncovered were overlapping slope protection spans along Taguig river allegedly to siphon kickbacks, repeated use of photos to show proof of completion in progress billings and insertions in the 2025 national budget under Cayetano and his sister Sen. Pia Cayetano.?Lacson also accused Cayetano of harassing PRA officials by holding their budget hostage during Senate deliberations should they oppose the Taguig reclamation works.

Cayetano defends reclamation

Cayetano, the Senate minority leader, has denied all allegations of wrongdoing in several Facebook Live sessions, accusing Lacson of using his position to target his critics and play partisan politics.

Cayetano said the reclamation projects were needed to ‘protect the lake.’

While he has yet to address Lacson’s latest allegations, Cayetano’s office issued a statement yesterday saying his emergency response team on Sunday delivered hot meals and drinks to residents of Parañaque, Cavite and Las Piñas affected by the flooding caused by the monsoon rains.

Cayetano said his relief operations continued yesterday in Taytay, Tanay and Rodriguez in Rizal, as well as in Bacoor City, General Trias and Naic in Cavite.

Meanwhile, the PRA denied claims that Cayetano attempted to block its investigation into the alleged unauthorized reclamation in the Taguig side of Laguna Lake.?

‘We were not ordered to stop, because the investigation of our agency is independent. There was no order to stop the probe from any senator,’ PRA general manager Joseph Literal told The STAR.?

‘The probe started earlier than the case (investigation) by Sen. Panfilo Lacson. It is parallel, because our inspection started due to complaints on garbage and reclamation,’ Literal added.?

Proceeding to its forfeiture process, the PRA said it has summoned Taguig officials over the flagged unauthorized reclamation of more than 40 hectares in the area.?

Literal said they initially monitored a small reclamation in the area, amounting to six parcels. However, the latest drone shots found the unregulated reclamation area has stretched further.

The PRA said the proposed projects in the reclaimed sites also include medium-rise and other improvements in the area.?

The official expressed concern about the household waste that gets mixed with the soil or filling materials.?

The PRA also flagged the sheet piles, measuring about 120 meters from the edge of C6 Road, that have become a revetment wall of the ongoing filling up of the roadside. ?Literal said the project was implemented by the DPWH probably because it came from the General Appropriations Act.?

However, he clarified that the southern portion of the project was funded by the local government of Taguig.?

‘It’s government-funded, but it’s not the infrastructure project of DPWH. They have funding, like assistance to the local government,’ Literal explained.?

The PRA has been seeking valid documents of the local government since the last quarter of 2025.

If the Taguig government fails to submit the required documents, the PRA may issue a cease-and-desist order as a preliminary action toward forfeiture.?The ownership of the reclamation areas will be transferred to the national government once it is forfeited, PRA said.

Pokémon Game On!, an initiative to make Pokémon Battles even more fun and accessible for anyone looking for a new challenge, was announced across Asia on August 7.

The announcement comes alongside the kick-off of the 2026-27 Pokémon Asia Championship Series, as well as the start of registration for the Premier Ball League.

Pokémon initiative rolls out across Asia

The Pokémon Game On! initiative has been announced across Asia-in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

The initiative aims to make Pokémon Battles even more fun and accessible for anyone looking for a new challenge, through the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) and other Pokémon activities.

To make official Pokémon tournaments and events more accessible to all players, a Pokémon TCG event map has been created to help beginners, casual players and competitive players find the best events for their player profile, as well as a brief explanation of each event. Future Pokémon events and competitions-beginning with the 2026-27 Pokémon Asia Championship Series-will feature posters, decorations and even special prizes with the Pokémon Game On! logo.

Distribution of promo cards stars on September 1 at participating Pokémon Trading Card Game Gyms.

‘Game on!’ will also be the new call signaling the start of a match.

Whether you are a newcomer looking to try your hand at Pokémon battles or an experienced veteran aiming to hone their skills and become a champion, Pokémon Game On! has something to offer for players of all levels and ages.

Join one of our many events to bring Pokémon battles closer to you, more fun for all.

Promo cards will be available to participants of eligible events held at Pokémon Trading Card Game Gyms.*

2026-27 Pokémon series kicks off

The 2026-27 Pokémon Asia Championship Series will officially start on September 1 in seven participating regions: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.

This competitive circuit will crown the champions who will then get to represent their region in the once-a-year Pokémon World Championships.

The 2026-27 Pokémon Asia Championship Series features four types of tournaments of increasing scale: Great Ball League, Ultra Ball League, Premier Ball League and Master Ball League.

Each of those four event types has its own distinctive characteristics, appealing to players of all levels of experience, from beginners to veterans.

2026-27 Pokémon Asia Championship Series features two categories of competition: the TCG Category-where players compete playing the Trading Card Game-and the VGC Category, which has participants battle in the Pokémon Champions game.

A majority of Filipinos believe it is still too early to determine the verdict in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to a survey conducted by the OCTA Research group.

Results of the July 4 to 11 survey found that 55 percent of the respondents prefer to see the evidence presented at trial first before deciding on a verdict.

The respondents were asked for the specific action they think the Senate impeachment court should take in relation to the trial.

Seventeen percent said the senator-judges should vote to convict, while 21 percent favored acquittal. Another seven percent were undecided.

‘The current 55 percent evidence-first figure, together with the seven percent who remain undecided, may show that this support for the trial process has carried through into the trial itself: nearly two in three Filipinos have not yet settled on a verdict this early in the proceedings,’ OCTA said.

‘Rather than reflecting confusion or disengagement, this is consistent with a broader Filipino disposition toward due process – a preference to let the trial process run its course, and to treat conviction or acquittal as something that must be earned through evidence rather than assumed at the outset,’ it added.

A German multinational technology provider cried foul over calls among congressmen for its blacklisting by the Philippine government, saying that it has fully complied with its contractual obligations for the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) and warning that ongoing legal disputes should be left to the courts to decide.

In a four-page official statement issued on Wednesday, August 5, Dermalog Identification Systems GmbH addressed allegations raised during recent House committee hearings regarding alleged delays, source code retention, and missing database components.

Dermalog said that on May 11, 2026, it filed a Petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and Injunction before a local court to stop the Land Transportation Office (LTO) from pursuing unilateral termination proceedings against the company.

“In light of the ongoing judicial process, Dermalog believes that public statements concerning sanctions or blacklisting should be viewed in the context of matters that have not yet been finally determined by the courts,” the company said, adding it would refrain from commenting on sub-judice matters while actively pursuing its legal rights.

Addressing allegations that it held hostage key components of the multi-billion-peso transport platform as well as the source code needed to operate the system, Dermalog maintained that the LTO has always held full possession and operational control over the LTMS database.

“Any suggestion that Dermalog has withheld the database is therefore incorrect,” the contractor said, challenging the transport agency to formally identify any specific database element it claims is missing.

On the issue of the system’s source code, Dermalog clarified that it never refused turnover, pointing out that the contract explicitly schedules the code transfer upon completion of the contractual term and fulfillment of stipulated conditions.

The tech firm also pointed out that the LTO formally accepted the LTMS in 2021 after finding it fully compliant with the original Terms of Reference.

It noted that several “deficiencies” publicly highlighted by lawmakers were actually uncontracted features later requested by the LTO, which Dermalog subsequently built and integrated.

It attributed implementation delays to factors beyond its control, citing the COVID-19 pandemic, LTO’s varying regional office readiness, legacy data migration bottlenecks, and repeated user acceptance testing beyond the original framework.

Dermalog further warned of potential cybersecurity risks after the LTO cut off the firm’s technical access to the LTMS production environment following the expiration of its maintenance agreement.

According to the contractor, the lack of access renders it unable to execute critical lifecycle maintenance, apply security patches, or perform routine vulnerability management.

“Cybersecurity is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process. The protection of critical national digital infrastructure depends on continuous maintenance and timely security updates,” the company stated, stressing that it remains open to constructive dialogue.

The LTMS currently serves as the national digital backbone for land transportation, processing roughly 120,000 revenue transactions daily and housing the biometric data of over 32 million driver’s license holders and 24 million registered motor vehicles nationwide.

The proposal to raise the annual income tax exemption threshold to P350,000 is set to move to the next stage of the legislative process.

This comes after House Bill No. 10345, filed by Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos (Ilocos Norte), was approved by the House committee on ways and means on Monday, August 10.

The proposed measure seeks to raise the ceiling for tax-free annual income from the current P250,000 under existing laws to P350,000 by amending Section 24 of the National Internal Revenue Code.

This is also in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement during his recent State of the Nation Address about granting tax relief to the middle class.

It passed the House panel along with another measure, House Bill No. 10346, which seeks to exempt micro and small businesses from the 2% minimum corporate income tax.

The next stage would be the filing of committee reports, followed by the bills being sent to the committee on rules to be calendared for second reading, during which they would be subjected to full House deliberation, amendments and voting.

More take-home pay

According to the House committee’s press release, the proposal would give low- and middle-income workers larger take-home pay.

Under the proposed legislation, workers earning less than P350,000 per year will not be required to pay annual income tax to the government.

This means no more withholding tax deductions from the salaries of those who earn P29,000 or less per month.

House committee chairperson Miro Quimbo (Marikina 2nd district) said the measure is part of the broader effort to ensure that the tax system aligns with the ‘realities’ faced by workers and their families.

‘If incomes have not kept up with the rising cost of living, then we have to make sure that taxation does not further erode their purchasing power,’ Quimbo said.

‘Most balanced’

Several measures seeking to raise the income tax exemption threshold to different amounts have been filed, but Quimbo said P350,000 is the ‘most balanced’ amount to ensure the sustainability of government resources while providing relief to taxpayers.

‘Mayroong ibang proposal, P600,000, may proposal pa nga na isang milyon. Pero nakita natin na masyadong mabigat ‘yung magiging pinsala sa bottomline ng ating collection,’ Quimbo said.

(There are other proposals, P600,000 [threshold], even P1 million. But we saw that it would have too much of an impact on the bottomline of our collection)

The lawmaker stressed that tax funds government programs and services for the public, and raising the exemption threshold could actually result in larger revenue losses.

This could mean, Quimbo claims, more benefits for the upper-middle class and the rich.

‘Bukod sa ang bigat ng magiging revenue loss o mawawala, sa tingin natin ang makikinabang dito ay kakaunti na lang,’ Quimbo said. ‘Na sa totoo lang, upper-middle class at mas mayaman.’

(Aside from larger revenue loss, we think [higher tax exemption threshold] could only benefit the few…who are actually upper-middle class and richer.)

A Philippine dance team won gold in the Advanced Division of the inaugural SOAR Street Dance Championships World Finals in Manchester, United Kingdom.

Legit Status Varsity, an all-Filipino street dance and hip-hop team, took the World Championship title at the competition held from August 7 to 9 at the BEC Arena in Manchester.

The gold was the team’s first international championship title.

Legit Status Varsity also placed second in the Megacrew Division, giving the Philippines a gold and silver finish at the competition.

The team is made up of young dancers from different cities and backgrounds who compete in street dance competitions.

Legit Status was founded in 2009 under the artistic direction of coach Vimi Rivera. It has since competed in local and international competitions.

The group won the MegaCrew Division at the Hip Hop International World Championships in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2023 and 2025.

Legit Status Varsity also previously won bronze in the JV MegaCrew Division at the same competition.

The team’s latest finish comes as Filipino dance crews continue to compete in international street dance competitions.

For Legit Status Varsity, the Manchester competition added two more international podium finishes to its record, including its first gold medal.

As the enhanced southwest monsoon continues to inundate communities, Sen. Francis Pangilinan is demanding a full accounting of public funds poured into flood control projects and the immediate development of a comprehensive national flood management plan.

Heavy rains over the past week have submerged several parts of Metro Manila and nearby provinces, displacing thousands and paralyzing classes, work and transportation.

Pangilinan called for a complete inventory of projects detailing their locations, costs, contractors, implementation status and actual results on the ground.

To solve the crisis, Pangilinan pushed for a science-based, preventive and long-term national flood management plan that accounts for climate change, rather than disjointed local band-aid solutions.

‘Far from over’

Public furor over the flood control mess will not go anytime soon due to the perennial problem of flooding worsened by corruption, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said yesterday.

‘After a heavy downpour leaves flooded streets and yards, people will not be short on words in cursing politicians, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and contractors unless – and this is probably – genuine retribution and restitution become the order of the day no matter who were involved,’ Lacson posted on X.

Blacklisted contractors

Blacklisting erring contractors in the flood control controversy has started bearing fruit as key infrastructure projects are on the right track, Presidential Legislative Officer Joey Salceda said.

Citing the DPWH’s quarterly physical report of operations, Salceda said infrastructure reforms are showing impressive results in several key project-completion indicators.

‘The President has addressed procurement, contractor performance and project monitoring. We must now address the financing side. The government cannot clean up the contractor pool and then leave legitimate contractors without sufficient working capital,’ he noted.

Salceda proposed expanding the Development Bank of the Philippines’ infrastructure contractor support program and Landbank’s contractor-financing facilities.

PhilGuarantee coverage can be expanded to allow government and private banks to share the credit risk of lending to qualified contractors, Salceda said.

Periodic floods

Recurring floods in the Philippines reveal not just an engineering problem, but also governance, environmental and civic issues, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines said

Flagging the shortness of people’s political memory, CEAP pointed out that ‘public outrage over alleged corruption can be intense during a flood or investigation, yet during elections, the same personalities, political families, networks or allies may return to power.’

For many Filipino professionals, accepting a job abroad marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that promises career growth, higher earning potential and the opportunity to build a more secure future.

But while an overseas role can significantly increase one’s income, financial success is not determined by salary alone. It depends on the decisions made long before the first paycheck arrives and what happens after.

Relocating overseas comes with a range of upfront expenses, from airfare and housing deposits to relocation costs and everyday living expenses in an unfamiliar country. Without a clear financial plan, even professionals with competitive salaries may find themselves spending more than expected during their first few months abroad.

“An overseas career is one of the biggest financial milestones a Filipino professional can make,” said Metrobank. “While higher income creates new opportunities, long-term financial success depends on having a clear financial plan before you leave and the discipline to stay committed to it while you’re abroad.”

For Filipino professionals preparing for an international career, Metrobank shares seven practical financial moves to help maximize every opportunity from Day 1:

1. Look beyond your salary and understand your true cost of relocation

A higher salary can be attractive, but it should always be evaluated alongside the cost of living in your destination country.

Housing lease, taxes, transportation, insurance, healthcare, utilities and everyday expenses all affect how much of your income you’ll be able to save or invest.

Understanding these costs before relocating allows professionals to create realistic budgets and avoid unnecessary financial stress during their first few months abroad.

2. Organize your finances before you leave

Relocating overseas doesn’t mean leaving your financial responsibilities behind.

Before you leave, make sure you can continue to access your accounts, pay bills and manage your finances remotely through secure digital banking services. Automating essential transactions where appropriate also helps minimize disruptions while you settle into your new role abroad.

Taking these steps before relocating minimizes disruptions and gives you one less thing to worry about as you adjust to a new country and workplace.

3. Build a relocation fund alongside your emergency fund

Many professionals prepare for emergencies, but fewer plan for the unexpected costs that come with starting life overseas.

Rental deposits, temporary accommodation costs, furniture purchases, transportation expenses and administrative requirements can quickly add up during your first few weeks abroad.

Aside from maintaining an emergency fund worth at least three to six months of living expenses, consider setting aside a separate relocation fund to cover these transition costs without affecting your long-term savings.

4. Make your first paycheck count

Receiving your first overseas salary can feel rewarding after months of preparation, but it also presents an opportunity to start managing your hard-earned money smartly.

Rather than increasing spending immediately, prioritize essential living expenses, build your emergency savings, continue investing and allocate funds toward your long-term goals before expanding discretionary spending.

“The first paycheck often sets the tone for everything that follows. That is why professionals who establish disciplined financial habits early on are better positioned to maximize the opportunities that working overseas provides,” Metrobank said.

5. Set your family’s expectations early

Supporting loved ones back home remains a priority for many overseas Filipinos. But sustainable remittance planning goes beyond sending money on a fixed date every month.

Agree on a realistic amount with your family, taking into account your living expenses, savings goals and financial commitments abroad. Consider transaction fees, exchange rates, and the convenience of your chosen remittance channel to ensure that more of your hard-earned money reaches its intended purpose.

It can also be helpful to maintain a separate savings account in the Philippines dedicated to long-term goals such as buying a home, funding future investments or preparing for your return.

Choosing a secure and reliable remittance partner is just as important as deciding how much to send. Through MetroRemit, Metrobank’s money remittance app, the Bank enables overseas Filipinos in key markets to send money directly to the Metrobank accounts of their beneficiaries or through its over 11,000 cash pickup partners in the country, making it easier to support loved ones while keeping remittances aligned with long-term financial goals.

6. Continue building your savings fund while you’re abroad

Working overseas shouldn’t put long-term financial goals on hold.

Whether you’re investing regularly, saving for your first property, building retirement funds or setting aside capital for a future business, consistency matters more than timing.

The earlier you begin, the more time your money has to grow alongside your overseas career.

7. Define what success looks like before you leave

Every overseas assignment should support a larger life goal.

For some, that means buying a home. For others, it is funding a child’s education, building an investment portfolio, or returning to the Philippines with greater financial security.

“Many Filipino professionals relocate abroad to create better opportunities, not only for their families, but also for themselves and having a clear financial plan ensures that every paycheck moves them closer to the future they envision,” Metrobank said.

Working overseas is about more than earning a bigger paycheck. It’s about turning years of sacrifice into lasting financial security through intentional decisions and consistent financial habits.

Whether it is sending money home, managing day-to-day finances, growing savings, or investing for the future, Metrobank supports Filipinos abroad through MetroRemit, digital banking, savings and investment solutions, and its international and domestic presence.

The future of Philippine rowing looked even brighter with the addition of three young foreign-based talents to the national team under Belarusian coach Aliaksandra Tsekhanovich.

The rowers, born overseas to Filipino parents, graced Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) media room in Manila.

They are Ross Llaneta from New Zealand, 15; Enzo Santos from the United States, 17; and Jesu Matteo Manalo from Canada, 17. They have been training in the country for three weeks.

‘We have our targets and we’re working hard. They are improving every day, every row. We all dream big together – one dream,’ said the Belarusian coach.

They are being groomed for the Asian Under-19 Championships to be held in India from December 1-7, and underwent rigid training at the La Mesa Dam and were quartered at Philsports in Pasig. They will leave on August 16 and return to their home base.

‘But we will track their performances through GPS,’ said national team coach Maricon Fornea, referring to the satellite-based technology for on-water performance monitoring.

‘We have yet to determine the other members of the team to the Asian Championships,’ added Fornea in the forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and the country’s 24/7sports app ArenaPlus.

PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio aired high hopes on the latest additions to the national team, referring to them as ‘future Olympians and part of the future of Philippine rowing.’

Manalo vowed to ‘give my best’ for the Philippines, a sentiment that was echoed by Santos and Llaneta who promised to ‘make the country proud.’

‘Our search for rowing talents continues,’ added Gregorio, who last June celebrated the country’s impressive showing (three golds and one silver) in the Asian Rowing Beach Sprint Championships in Pattaya, Thailand.

Emman Pillar bagged the gold in the Under-16 Coastal men’s solo and the coastal men’s double skulls with Kyle Olano while Ayonna Huerto and Khayzie Caviltes struck gold in the Under-19 women’s doubles skulls.

Matt Jugadora pocketed the silver in the Under-19 coastal men’s solo.

‘These are stunning, positive developments for Philippine rowing,’ added Gregorio, who was president of the Philippine Rowing Association before he became PSC chairman in July last year.