Category: Philippine Star

Not to state the obvious but it is becoming obvious that government officials as well as state controlled social media accounts have been ordered to praise and promote the proposed Pax Silica AI data centers.

Aside from the usual suspects like the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Philippine embassy officials in Washington, Bangko Sentral Gov. Eli Remolona recently declared that the Pax Silica project AI and industrial hub in New Clark City may be our last chance at boosting the country’s exports and stop the peso from depreciating further.

Showing perfect timing, Tarlac provincial Governor Christian Yap joined the pro-Pax Silica choir, saying that such a project would generate jobs and boost the local economy. A number of business associations, for their part, have put up the ‘approach with caution’ sign while expressing conditional support.

In an ambush interview, DepDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan was quoted as saying, ‘The discussions on Pax Silica are still ongoing… Moving discussions pa ‘yan sa Pax Silica.’

‘We have to diversify the economy, and things like Pax Silica, to the extent that we’re able to attract investors that promote industrialization, value adding activities, economic activities.’

How on earth can such respected individuals and business organizations lend their reputation and anointing to a project that is still all talk and no facts and, worst of all, no public consultation?

I am presuming that this concerted and orchestrated chorale performance involving government officials and business groups is in response to the growing opposition to AI industrial hubs.

Perhaps the presumption is if the right people and business groups are seen as ‘supporting’ the proposed project, people will calm down. But here’s the thing – all these ‘product endorsers’ don’t have an actual product.

What they are talking about is the ‘potential’ to boost manufacturing and exports, ‘potential’ to generate jobs and boost local economies and the ‘potential’ to attract more investors. What kind of jobs will be available?

All of it is a ‘maybe,’ but mere ‘potential’ does not translate to actual investments of a projected $40 billion or generate thousands of jobs.

In an AI data industrial center, the jobs will be highly technical and specialized skills related to AI and data management will be needed. No vacancy for laborers, not even skilled labor. Only IT scientists!

Is the Pax Silica project a government-to-government agreement? Is it a US government investment, or is the US government and its officials simply using their seal of office to open the door for US businessmen, Trump campaign donors, in order to gain a one sided deal?

From whom and where will the investment funds come? What is the business model, where are the technical details and timeline of the project, what proof of concept has been shown and validated elsewhere?

What firm commitments and guarantees have been made and documented in terms of investments and job generation? What will be the legal framework and guarantees related to the projects and its proponents?

And in the event of legal/financial conflict, where on earth can the Philippine government plead and expect a fair outcome in an arrangement where US laws apply?

How many of these ‘product endorsers’ have actually looked into the negative side of the proposed project based on existing AI data centers in the US?

Have they done their due diligence on the environmental impact, health threats and displacement of communities, not to mention potential threats to national security?

Considering how Donald Trump keeps saying he will bring back jobs to America, why on earth would they invest billions of dollars and jobs in the Philippines? If they only needed the raw material, ‘why buy the cow when you just get a bottle of milk’ or raw materials.

With all the vast lands of the United States why not build the project inside US territory? And why is the proposed site way out of public view? ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ perhaps?

Speaking of public consultation, any person or company wishing to set up shop, construct a building, even a house, needs to present the plans to the affected or concerned residents and local officials.

Only after getting the approval of all parties will the barangay, city hall, etc. issue the necessary clearance and subsequent permits. In the case of the Pax Silica project, we are talking about multiple levels of impact that require consultation and clearance.

Before they work on agreements in Washington, common sense dictates that all concerned government agencies in the Philippines should first conduct tests, research and objectively determine if the project is beneficial and its environmental, social-community impact is manageable.

But here is the first sign of how deceptive AI data centers are. I learned that when ‘investors’ invade communities or states in the US, the first order of things is for people in charge to sign NDAs or non-disclosure agreements.

Government cannot be gung-ho in its approach. True to form, the BCDA lives up to its reputation of being ‘anti-people and anti-poor’ as they evict farmers from ancestral homes and established farmlands way ahead of negotiations between the US and the Philippines!

To be fair, the BCDA is at least offering loose change, unlike in Camp John Hay where retirees and investors were simply locked out and evicted from their homes.

No to Pax Silica! No to AI and industrial data centers!

Before guests even reach the reception desk, Kaban Hotel and Casino (Boracay) sets the tone for a different kind of arrival, one that begins not with check-in, but with a moment of pause.

At the heart of its main lobby now stands Paraw Sails Painting, a commissioned installation by contemporary Filipino visual artist Jo Balbarona, unveiled as the property’s signature artistic centerpiece.

The reveal was led by General Manager Sherwinne Cabalang, together with Abigael Teotico, owner of Galerie Stephanie, reinforcing KABAN’s commitment to integrating Filipino artistry into its evolving hospitality narrative.

Inspired by the iconic ‘paraw’, the traditional sailboat that has long defined Boracay’s coastal identity, the installation transforms folded sail-like forms into a sculptural composition that evokes wind, movement and the quiet rhythm of island life. It is both homage and reinterpretation, anchored in heritage, yet expressed through a distinctly contemporary visual language.

Balbarona, born in Hindang, Leyte in 1977, is known for her vibrant visual language that bridges abstraction, symbolism, and the delicate motif of origami cranes.

She initially studied Food Science and Technology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños before fully dedicating herself to art. Her practice was further shaped by training at the Art Students League of New York under abstract painter Ronnie Landfield, expanding her exploration of color, form, and emotional resonance. Her body of work often reflects themes of hope, healing, memory, and transformation, with the Japanese tradition of senbazuru (1,000 paper cranes) serving as a recurring symbol of aspiration and renewal. Over the years, she has exhibited in leading galleries including Galerie Joaquin, Galleria Nicolas, Galerie Raphael and Galerie Stephanie, and was recognized as a finalist in both the 2017 GSIS National Art Competition and the 2017 Metrobank Art and Design Excellence competition.

In Paraw Sails Origami, these sensibilities converge in a spatial experience that extends beyond visual appreciation. The work becomes a meditation on journey-of travelers arriving on the island, and of the island itself as it continues to evolve.

Miss Kimberly Wong, COO of KABAN, extends her message: ‘At KABAN, we believe our spaces should inspire. By placing Jo’s work at the heart of our lobby, we ensure that every guest who enters is greeted not only by hospitality, but by culture and story.’

More than a design statement, the installation reflects Kaban’s broader vision of hospitality as an immersive cultural encounter, where art is not an accessory, but an essential part of place-making. As the property moves closer to its opening, Paraw Sails Origami stands as both a visual landmark and a quiet invitation: to experience Boracay not only as a destination, but as a living narrative shaped by art, memory, and movement.

KABAN Boracay redefines arrival as art – hospitality shaped by emotion and culture, not just space.

The Philippines struggled to find its footing in demanding conditions Wednesday, surrendering its share of second place and slipping to third after the second round of the Nomura Cup at the Bayhood No. 9 International Golf Club in China.

Shin Suzuki battled to an even-par 72 while Jet Hernandez carded a 74, but the Philippines could muster only a two-day total of 288 in the three-to-play, two-to-count format. The result left the Filipinos tied for third with host China and Vietnam, 10 strokes behind a solid Hong Kong side.

Hong Kong produced a superb 138, built around Ethan Tian’s fiery 67 and Markus Lam’s 71, to move to 278 and seize a commanding six-stroke lead over Japan, which stood at 284 after a 142.

The Philippines, which shared second after the opening round, saw its hopes take another hit when Rolando Bregente struggled to a 75 and failed to count in the team total.

Bregente, who electrified the individual competition with a lead-grabbing 69 on Tuesday, was unable to reproduce that form. Starting on the back nine, he bogeyed No. 10 before answering with a birdie on the par-5 14th. He then settled into a string of pars but missed several birdie opportunities before his round unraveled on the par-3 fourth, where he suffered a costly triple bogey.

He closed with another run of pars for a 75 and a 144 aggregate, dropping from the individual lead to a share of fourth. He is now four strokes behind Tian, whose 67 vaulted him to the top of the leaderboard at 140.

Lam also strengthened Hong Kong’s grip on the competition with a steady 71 for 141, moving into second place individually. Japan’s Mao Matsuyama matched Lam’s 71 to reach 142 and take third.

Suzuki, meanwhile, showed flashes of the form the Philippines will need in the final two rounds. He made one birdie and one bogey on the back nine before matching that one-under, one-over pattern on the closing nine to finish at even-par round.

His 147 total left him tied for 14th, alongside Hernandez, who put in a two-over card. Hernandez made two birdies and two bogeys but was undone by a double bogey.

With two rounds still to play, the Philippines remains within striking distance of the chasing pack but faces a sizeable challenge in trying to overhaul Hong Kong.

The Filipinos will need more consistent scoring from Suzuki and Hernandez, while Bregente will look to bounce back from his costly second-round showing and rediscover the aggressive form that carried him to the individual lead on opening day.

The task is daunting, but with 36 holes remaining, the Philippines still has time to mount a comeback and revive its bid for the elusive Nomura Cup crown.

Four people were injured after a taxi went into a creek around 7:20 P.M. last Sunday, August 30, in Sitio Sudtunggan, Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

Police identified the taxi driver as Rudy Montes, a resident of Calajo-an, Minglanilla town. He was driving a black Toyota Innova carrying three passengers identified as Joffel Minardo, 42, of Cambinocot, Cebu City; Jinny Dice, 44, of Oslob, Cebu; and Reynel Buenavesta, 24. The three passengers were reportedly construction workers.

The Traffic Enforcement Unit of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office said the taxi was traveling toward Royal Oceancrest in Barangay Mactan when Montes attempted to make a right turn along a narrow road.

The vehicle reportedly went beyond the turn and fell about four meters into the creek.

Montes and the three passengers sustained injuries and were taken to the Lapu-Lapu City Hospital for treatment

Reigning UAAP champions University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern U capped an action-packed 2026 PTTF Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Challenge by claiming the Men’s and Women’s Division 1 titles, respectively, on Sunday at the Home Court at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

It was a 1-2 finish for the reigning six-peat men’s champions, with UST-1, featuring reigning UAAP MVP Abraham Antivo IV, multiple-time UAAP High School Boys’ MVP Jebb Datahan, and Season 86 Rookie of the Year Josh Manlapaz, taking the title over UST-2’s Josh Aguilar, Al-J Sanchez, Alvin Sevilla, and Aljay Villena.

On the women’s side, FEU-1 secured the championship in two matches, with Shy Gabisay and Christine Golez defeating Saint Benilde’s Zachi Chua and Gytha Valdez, 6-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-3, in the doubles match.

Last UAAP season’s MVP Chrishien Santillan earlier defeated her NCAA counterpart Jesmaine Tayag, 11-5, 11-5, 11-7, to put FEU on cusp of championship.

The two Tiger Paddlers squads dominated their respective Katipunan foes in the semifinals. UST-1 swept University of the Philippines-2 in two matches, 3-2 and 3-1, while UST-2 defeated UP-2 also in two matches, 3-0 and 3-1.

Team Philippines put itself in championship mix of the 31st Nomura Cup, as Rolando Bregente and Jet Hernandez combined for a two-under-par 142 aggregate to be tied with powerhouse Japan, just two shots behind surprise first-round leader Hong Kong China at Bayhood No. 9 Golf Club in Beijing, China.

Having the reputation to start out fast and shoot low, Bregente gunned down four birdies in shooting a three-under-par 69 and was left to rue Hernandez’ struggles on the greens on the way to a respectable 73, even as Shin Suzuki failed to count after firing a 75.

The Filipinos moved ahead of the leaderboard against traditional powers China, Australia, Thailand and defending champion Vietnam.

‘This only confirms the thoughts of the team that we really have a solid shot at winning this,’ the 24-year-old Bregente said in Filipino. His only bogey came on the 16th, when he three-putted from about 25 feet. ‘The greens are the main defense of the course, and I saw Jet (Hernandez) struggle with his putting.’

Jeffrey Shen and Markus Zachary Lam returned 70s to comprise the scoring for HK-China.

Call it divine intervention. This is how Sen. Panfilo Lacson sees the heavy rainfall and catastrophic floods that continue to inundate Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon.

The disaster, Lacson said, has rekindled public outrage over the flood control corruption scandal. He hopes that the outrage will be sustained.

Unlike in the 2025 wet season, today’s public anger is worsened by the thought that a year since the ‘mahiya naman kayo’ anti-corruption crackdown was launched and the government promised to fix defective flood control infrastructure, there’s not a lot to show for the promises.

Worse, flood control projects aren’t the only ones turning out to be defective. Over the weekend, two concrete bridges collapsed one after the other, forcing a long detour to enter Tarlac City.

Public works officials said supporting pillars of the Aquino and Agana bridges gave way from the force of the Tarlac River current. But the 25-year-old Aquino Bridge was reportedly retrofitted only three years ago. A portion of the Tarlac River Dike that was finished only last February also collapsed.

The Department of Public Works and Highways has just failed a test of the ‘new normal’ following the appearance of potholes in the newly rehabilitated EDSA after just a few days of heavy rain. In fact there are whispers about a new bagman emerging in the DPWH.

The promise of putting behind bars the big fish in the flood control and budgeting anomalies also faltered way back in Christmas 2025.

We’re now into the ‘ber’ months of 2026, and two incumbent senators plus Curlee and Sarah Discaya are in jail. But people are focused on the TOTGA – the ones that look like they’ll get away – led by the perceived whales in the ocean of corruption, former House appropriations committee chair Zaldy Co and former speaker Martin Romualdez.

An intriguing pattern has emerged, of people popping up to hurl damning stories against Romualdez, and then disappearing. Upon resurfacing, they recant their statements. Romualdez’s camp maintains that he has nothing to do with the recantations.

Former senator Bong Revilla, a veteran of plunder indictments, is suspected to be already one step closer to TOTGA status after he was granted bail by the Sandiganbayan based on insufficiency of evidence.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla lamented the propensity of the courts to grant bail even for normally non-bailable offenses such as plunder and malversation of public funds, not only to those undergoing trial, but even to those already convicted but awaiting final judgment on their appeals.

Apart from Revilla, another example is former police senior superintendent Rafael Dumlao III, who was allowed to post bail by Angeles City Regional Trial Court Judge Irin Zenaida Buan even after his conviction for the ransom kidnapping and grisly execution of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo inside Camp Crame.

Remulla may be reminded that among the beneficiaries of this liberal application of bail rules is President Marcos’ immortal mother herself, Imeldific.

Convicted of seven counts of graft (no plunder yet when the offenses were committed), Imeldific was allowed by the Sandiganbayan to post bail.

In the four years of the Marcos administration, the anti-graft court has also dismissed, mostly due to inordinate delay, the remaining wealth cases against the current ruling clan.

BBM has drawn flak for telling foreign correspondents recently that the cases were dismissed because it was not proven that the wealth was ill-gotten.

Historical revisionism worked for BBM in the 2022 elections. But this time, that tack is stoking public anger and distrust. And this time, his allies-turned-arch enemies in the UniTeam are among those disputing the false narrative.

You can discern the level of public anger in the reaction to BBM’s crooning love songs to his wife Liza on her recent birthday celebration, while people were drowning, getting electrocuted, falling into open drains, catching leptospirosis and seeing their properties destroyed in the floods.

Pinoys love singing and birthdays are big in our country. Under normal circumstances, that karaoke moment and the need even of presidents for family bonding and some me time would have been understandable. Some might have even been touched by the First Couple’s PDA.

But with everything coming apart around us, from bridges to the rule of law and public accountability, what comes to mind for many people at the sight of that video is, how come they are having fun while we’re drowning in misery?

Gov. Lilia Pineda and her son Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda of flood-submerged Pampanga were also called out after being spotted wearing pricey luxury brands while interacting with their flood-hit constituents.

Speaking to ‘Storycon’ on One News last Monday, Pineda apologized for hurting public sensitivities while pointing out that her family has some wealth. She said that she simply grabs any clothing at hand upon rising for the day’s work.

Whether the explanation will appease the critics remains to be seen.

Lacson is glad to see the anger and hopes it can be sustained until lasting reforms are in place.

Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David posted on Monday a similar message.

‘There comes a point when resilience becomes dangerous because it teaches us merely to endure,’ David said.

‘After every disaster, we are told to be resilient. This time, let us also be defiant,’ he declared. ‘Let us refuse to normalize preventable suffering. Let us demand answers. Let us demand accountability. And where the law allows it, let us act together as citizens to hold accountable those who fail in their duty to protect the public.’

Once the anger disappears and people become indifferent and resigned to the idea that corruption and the waste of public funds are normal, the nation is lost.

Justin Quiban makes his eagerly awaited return to the Philippine Golf Tour next week, beefing up an already stellar field bracing for a fierce showdown in the ICTSI Summit Point Championship unfolding September 8 at Summit Point Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas.

With a break in the regional tours giving him an opening, Quiban has opted to return to the PGT for the P2.5-million championship – not merely to add star power to the talent-laden cast, but with his sights firmly set on another victory.

He made a spectacular start to his PGT campaign this year, ruling the season-opening ICTSI Lakewood Championship in Cabanatuan City last March in dramatic fashion. He drained an eagle on the final hole to edge Korean Taewon Ha by one stroke, capping a memorable week highlighted by a course-record 10-under 62 in the opening round.

Quiban then shifted his focus to the regional circuits, where results have not always gone his way. But the stretch of competition has provided valuable opportunities to fine-tune his game, and he is hoping to bring the benefits of that experience to Summit Point.

His return, however, will hardly make the task any easier.

A crack field of established champions, rising young guns and foreign aces is also set to battle for the fifth leg of the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.-organized circuit, guaranteeing four days of high-level action at a venue making its return to the PGT calendar.

Summit Point last hosted the tour in 2017, when it staged the ICTSI Players Championship. Its return is expected to provide a stern test, adding another dimension to what promises to be a wide-open title chase.

Caliraya Springs leg winner and reigning Order of Merit champion Angelo Que is primed for another shot at the crown, with multi-titled campaigners Keanu Jahns, Tony Lascuña, Reymon Jaraula, Guido van der Valk and Zanieboy Gialon also in the mix.

Leading the charge of the younger generation are Sean Ramos, Aidric Chan, Russell Bautista, Jeffren Lumbo, Kristoffer Arevalo and Fil-Am Ivan Yabut.

The foreign contingent is headed by Ha, who came within a stroke of Quiban in the Lakewood finale, along with fellow Koreans Kim Tae Soo, Jisung Cheon and Lee Song. Japanese players Kashihara Hirotaka, Sena Shiraishi and Nagata Masaki are also listed in the early field.

Other players expected to contend are Fidel Concepcion, Michael Bibat, Ryan Monsalve, Gab Manotoc, Nilo Salahog, Gerald Rosales, James Ryan Lam, Rico Depilo, Jerson Balasabas, Ivan Monsalve, Ira Alido, Jonas Magcalayo and Jay Bayron.

The Summit Point battle comes after a two-month pause in the PGT calendar, with the last two legs held in July.

The extended break should leave the rest of the field both rested and hungry, with the pros given ample time to sharpen their games and prepare for the second half of the season. Several players also saw action in overseas tournaments during the hiatus, providing them with additional competition and another opportunity to test and refine their games.

The event likewise features the accompanying 54-hole, P1-million Ladies PGT, adding further interest to a busy week of championship golf.

Metro Pacific Water (MPW), a unit of Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp., is looking to invest P23 billion over the next five years to improve its water service portfolio in the Philippines and Vietnam.

The company said the investment would support its projects, including the development of new water sources, treatment and distribution infrastructure and network rehabilitation.

Other plans include the reduction of non-revenue water, the repair of pipelines and investments in technologies designed to improve the reliability and efficiency of water systems.

‘Water security is economic security, and this P23 billion investment is our commitment to building the infrastructure the next generation will depend on,’ MPW president and CEO Andrew Pangilinan said.

He added that MPW’s investment improves its ability to expand capacity and pursue new opportunities to create stronger regional water operations across Southeast Asia.

‘Our cross-country experience has allowed us to combine local operating experience with technologies and solutions that can be deployed across different markets,’ Pangilinan said.

The renewed investment comes as MPW marks its 15th year. Established in 2011, the company has expanded from being a water investment platform into a diversified water infrastructure and services company.

Its subsidiary Metro Pacific Water Solutions (MPWS) also supports the company’s expansion toward wastewater treatment, engineering and innovative water technology solutions. It has completed more than 700 projects for sewage treatment plants nationwide.

Total installed water production and treatment capacity reached 798 million liters per day, a 20-percent increase from 667 MLD last year.

The company said it has been deploying innovative modular treatment technologies, including brackish water reverse osmosis and seawater reverse osmosis systems, meant to augment supply in scarce areas and areas with poor raw water quality.

This allows MPW to develop additional sources faster while other longer-term infrastructure projects are being completed.

It currently serves about 221,000 households across Iloilo, Dumaguete and San Jose del Monte in Bulacan. It also operates as a bulk water supplier through joint venture partnerships with local water districts in Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro.

Its overseas operations include providing water to industrial zones in Nghe An, Vietnam’s largest province, through subsidiaries Tuan Loc Water Resources Investment Joint Stock Co. and Phu Ninh Water.

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro issued a strong warning against corruption, stressing that public funds belong to the people and must be used with purpose, prudence and accountability.

In her second State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Monday, Baricuatro said her administration would treat corruption not only as a legal issue to be addressed after an offense has been committed, but also as a problem within government systems that must be prevented at every stage of public spending.

‘Ang kuwarta sa gobyerno dili amo, Dili ako. Kuwarta kini sa katawhan. Busa, ang matag sentimo kinahanglan gamiton nga adunay katuyoan, kaalam ug tulubagon,’ said Baricuatro.

She made the statement as she outlined the provincial government’s push for transparency, public participation and mechanisms that would allow Cebuanos to examine how government decisions are made and how public funds are spent.

Baricuatro said efforts to rebuild public trust must include greater access to information and closer public scrutiny of government transactions.

‘The people have every right to know how decisions are made, how public funds are spent and how services are delivered,’ she said.

She cited the province’s Freedom of Information ordinance, digital project monitoring, live procurement, citizen participation and open records as among the measures that form part of her administration’s approach to governance.

For Baricuatro, transparency should not be reduced to publicity or statements from government officials. Trust, she said, must instead be demonstrated through actual government performance.

‘Trust is not demanded through publicity. It is earned through proof, protected by transparency and renewed every day through service,’ she said.

Baricuatro also emphasized the direct effect of corruption on ordinary Cebuanos, saying its consequences go beyond government documents, investigations or legal cases.

‘Corruption is a moral issue and has a human cost,’ she said, pointing to situations in which public funds are diverted, overpriced, wasted, manipulated or exchanged for personal favors.

She said the people ultimately bear the cost when government resources intended for public services are lost to corrupt practices.

‘It is the patient who finds no medicine. It is the child left in an unsafe classroom. It is the farmer who never receives the assistance listed under his name,’ Baricuatro said.

She also cited families affected by flooding who wait for interventions that were funded but not properly delivered, stressing that every corrupt transaction creates an ‘unseen victim.’

‘Every peso lost to corruption is a peso taken from a Cebuano who needed government to work,’ she said.

Accountability

Baricuatro said the provincial government would seek to address corruption before damage occurs by strengthening accountability throughout the government process.

She identified planning, budgeting, procurement, delivery, inspection, payment and public reporting as stages where safeguards against corruption must be applied.

The governor also reminded Capitol employees and officials that approving documents carries responsibility beyond simply affixing a signature.

‘To every Capitol employee and official: a signature is not a routine mark on paper. It is a declaration that you are willing to be accountable for what you approve,’ she said.

She likewise called on contractors and suppliers to comply with their obligations and ensure that public projects and services are delivered properly.

‘To every contractor and supplier: compete fairly, deliver completely and honor every peso entrusted to you,’ Baricuatro said.

Baricuatro also placed part of the responsibility for protecting public funds on the Cebuano public, urging citizens to remain involved in monitoring government work.

‘To the Cebuano people: continue asking questions. Request records. Examine our work. A government committed to integrity should never fear an informed and watchful public,’ she said.

She acknowledged that corruption cannot be eliminated through a single speech, executive order or administration, but said this should not prevent the provincial government from taking steps within its authority to curb the problem.

‘We will not pretend that corruption disappears through one speech, one executive order, or one administration. But neither will we allow this to do what we can to stop corruption,’ Baricuatro said.

She ended her warning with a broader statement on the purpose of public office, drawing a distinction between government service and personal gain.

‘Public office is not a business opportunity. Public money is not a private fund. Public trust is not a political entitlement,’ Baricuatro said.

‘Ang kapitolyo dili negosyo. Ang Kapitolyo Serbisyo,’ she added.

Baricuatro further stressed that government projects should not be measured solely by completion, saying a project loses its value if it comes at the expense of integrity.

‘No project is successful if it is completed at the cost of integrity,’ she said.

The governor warned that public service would lose its purpose if government positions became a means of enriching individuals. She said Cebu cannot claim to be a premier province if corruption continues to make its people poorer.