Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The provincial government of Palawan has confirmed its first case of African swine fever (ASF) in Barangay Concepcion, Agutaya, and has rolled out strict containment measures to prevent the virus from spreading.

Laboratory tests by the Bureau of Animal Industry showed that 40 samples collected from the village tested positive for ASF.

Authorities immediately set up quarantine checkpoints across Agutaya to regulate the movement of people, animals and materials that may carry the virus.

The Provincial ASF Task Force convened on Sept. 25 and approved intensified response measures, including a three-day depopulation operation from Sept. 28 to Sept. 30 targeting remaining swine in the affected area to stop the chain of infection.

The Department of Agriculture in Mimaropa is supporting the provincial response by providing disinfectants, rapid test kits, technical guidance and standards for depopulation, indemnification, movement control, biosecurity and disease surveillance.

Active surveillance is ongoing in other parts of Agutaya to detect possible hidden cases through field investigations, sample collection and monitoring of unexplained illness or deaths among pigs.

The provincial government is also documenting losses among hog raisers.

Tim Cone has shifted his focus back on preparing Barangay Ginebra for the resumption of the PBA Governors’ Cup next week, with this coming after spending almost a month coaching Gilas Pilipinas to a home sweep of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers before the agony of missing out on a quarterfinals berth in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

‘It’s a smooth transition,’ Cone told the Inquirer. ‘It’s not a hard transition. We had a few days off afterwards. Obviously, the other teams are having a more consistent approach to their preparation.’

Cone steered Ginebra to its second tuneup before the PBA returns on Friday as the Gin Kings bowed to NLEX, 107-104, at San Miguel Corporation Sports Complex.

The facility has three courts being used by Ginebra, Magnolia and San Miguel Beer. At the same time, the Beermen were holding their regular practice session while the Hotshots had earlier played the Phoenix Fuel Masters in a 97-96 defeat.

Some of the Asian Games players were in the same place in San Miguel’s Jerrick Ahanmisi and Don Trollano, Magnolia’s Zavier Lucero, NLEX’s Robert Bolick and Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos.

Some of them made solid Asiad impressions amid the gloomy campaign, which may bode well for the Gilas pool in the future, if Cone and his staff decide to bring them on board for future windows-the two November games in Malaysia and two February matches in Cebu.

‘I mean, we’re going to keep an open mind on everything, on how we approach it, how we come up,’ Cone said. ‘But again, it’s more about continuity.’

Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III on Friday expressed support for stronger protection for sugarcane farmers as the House brought discussions on the proposed TUBO Act directly to farmers and industry stakeholders during LegisHear in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Speaking at the press briefing following the LegisHear townhall program, Dy said the consultation helps lawmakers understand the concerns of communities and strengthen proposed measures based on their experiences.

‘The proposed bill is a very important measure to protect our sugarcane farmers here in Negros,’ Dy said, adding that the measure could also benefit farmers in other parts of the country.

The speaker was referring to House Bill No. 9088, or the proposed Tunay na Ugnayan, Buhay, at Oportunidad sa Asukal (TUBO) Act, authored by Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. and Assistant Majority Leader Javier Miguel ‘Javi’ Benitez.

Senior Deputy Speaker and South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Ferdinand ‘Dinand’ Hernandez said Benitez’s presentation helped fellow lawmakers better understand the industry’s concerns and the proposed interventions.

‘LegisHear is not only about telling you what we are doing. Congressman Javi also explained the bill he filed in Congress, and we ourselves learned from his presentation,’ said Hernandez

‘Rest assured that the Speaker and the rest of us will look into this and help Javi fight for sugar farmers and other stakeholders,’ he added.

Dy stressed that public participation is essential to identifying where Congress must focus its attention.

‘That is why we are here today – because we want to make sure that no one is left behind when proposed bills or measures are being discussed, so that everyone has a chance to be heard,’ the speaker said.

Benitez had earlier presented the TUBO Act as a response to import shocks, falling farm prices and gaps in government support for the sugar industry. He said around 88,000 Filipinos farm sugarcane, with 84 percent cultivating less than five hectares, while about 700,000 people work in the industry and five to six million dependents rely on it.

‘Congress could have held this discussion in Manila. We held it here, near the mill and the cane fields, because this is where people know sugar best,’ Benitez said.

The bill proposes five major reforms: increased industry funding, safeguards governing sugar imports, a price-support mechanism, stronger accountability of sugar mills, and greater transparency in government decisions. Under the measure, annual industry funding would rise from P2 billion to P5 billion beginning in 2027, with 30 percent earmarked for farm-to-mill roads and irrigation and 20 percent for climate adaptation and resilience.

The bill also proposes an 18-month pause on commercial sugar imports upon effectivity, subject to an exception for verified shortages. After the pause, imports would be governed by supply data and prohibited during the first three months of the milling season. HB 9088 would likewise authorize government intervention when verified millgate prices fall below the certified cost of production. Government could purchase sugar at a support price and hold it as reserve, with small farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries given priority.

Residents in Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte voluntarily surrendered 11 high-powered firearms to the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade.

The weapons were collected by village officials of the town, in keeping with the government’s effort to siphon off loose firearms.

These were turned over on Saturday, Oct. 3, facilitated by the 1st Mechanized Battalion, led by Lt. Col. William G. Sabado, and the Talitay local government, headed by Mayor Sidik S. Amiril.

‘This is part of our continuing efforts, in partnership with local officials, to reduce the presence of loose firearms and maintain peace and security in Talitay,’ said Brig. Gen. Gremel B. Brual, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

He thanked the village officials of Talitay and other local stakeholders for their support to government efforts to reduce violence and promote peace and security.

Brual said the voluntary surrender of firearms demonstrated the importance of collective action between government agencies and communities in building safe, peaceful and orderly communities.

The brigade commander said it would continue to strengthen coordination with local governments, barangays and other sectors in support of initiatives promoting long-term peace, security and stability within its area of responsibility.

The campaign against loose firearms in Central Mindanao is rolled out alongside the decommissioning of Moro rebels and their weapons, in keeping with a 2014 peace deal.

GCash operator Mynt Inc. has set its initial public offering (IPO) price at P6.60 per share, 34 percent below its earlier ceiling of P10.

But does the lower price mean the company is now cheap?

Not necessarily. A stock’s price alone does not tell investors whether a company is inexpensive or a bargain.

When the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) approved Mynt’s IPO application in September, it allowed the company to offer about 8.03 billion primary and secondary common shares at a price of up to P10 each. The final price would only be determined after a process known as bookbuilding.

Bookbuilding allows a company and its underwriters to gauge investor demand before setting the IPO’s final price. Prospective investors indicate how many shares they may want to buy and the prices they are willing to pay.

This means P10 should not be treated as Mynt’s previous stock price. It was a maximum indicative price used before the final offer was set.

So does the P6.60 price mean investors did not want GCash shares?

Not necessarily. According to Mynt, its institutional bookbuilding process was oversubscribed multiple times, with participation from domestic and international institutional investors.

But strong demand doesn’t automatically make P6.60 a bargain. An IPO’s final price reflects factors such as valuation, investor demand, market conditions, and negotiations between the company and its underwriters.

So what is Mynt worth at P6.60?

This is where investors need to distinguish between the IPO size and the company’s overall value.

Mynt’s base offer consists of about 8.03 billion shares. At P6.60 each, the offer would generate about P53 billion. With an overallotment option of roughly 1.20 billion additional shares, the IPO could raise to about P60.9 billion, according to Mynt.

That P60.9 billion, however, is not Mynt’s total value. It represents the value of the shares being sold in the IPO.

PSE documents show that Mynt could have about 66.90 billion shares outstanding after the IPO. At P6.60 per share, that implies a post-IPO market capitalization of roughly P441.5 billion.

This is why a low share price does not necessarily mean a company is cheap.

Think of a P1,000 pizza. Cut it into 10 slices, and each slice is worth P100. Cut the same pizza into 100 slices, and each one is worth P10. The pizza itself hasn’t become cheaper-you have more, smaller pieces.

Stocks work much the same way. P6.60 tells investors the price of one share, but deciding whether Mynt is cheap or expensive requires looking at the company’s overall value and performance.

Is Mynt worth investing in?

The P6.60 offer price alone cannot answer that question. Investors should also look at Mynt’s earnings, growth prospects, and risks, including competition, regulation, cybersecurity, and consumer lending performance. They should also consider their own financial goals and risk tolerance.

Consunji-led Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) is cutting its workforce anew amid significant seawater inflows threatening its Acacia coal mine operations.

On Friday, it reported that the flow rate had already climbed to about 30,000 cubic meters per hour, massive inflows that could fill 12 Olympic-sized swimming pools every hour.

As the situation reduces its operations, particularly the stripping activities in the area, SMPC has decided to let go of 996 employees.

‘Managing these seawater inflows over the longer term requires substantial investment in pumping equipment, power systems and other infrastructure. Uncertainty surrounding the coal bid round complicates planning for these investments,’ it said.

‘Without adequate capital spending, the risk of flooding and losing access to Acacia’s remaining coal reserves increases,’ SMPC added.

SMPC said it was working closely with the Department of Energy on the operating challenges and longer-term options.

While this year’s target remains intact, the current woes at the Acacia mine site will affect 2027 coal production, the company said.

San Beda made easy work of San Sebastian in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament, 85-55, on Friday at San Juan Arena to barge back into the win column.

After a sorry one-point loss to Mapua earlier in the week, the Red Lions bounced back with a 30-point rout of the still-winless Golden Stags to improve to 3-2.

‘After that Mapua game, we just had to be confident in our game,’ said San Beda assistant coach Andre Santos.

‘We had to be present. Coach Yuri (Escueta) talked to us to relieve some pressure off our shoulders.’

Sean Aldous Torculas led San Beda to the win with 18 points, missing just two of his six shots from the field.

Jimuel Reyes added nine, while Jomel Puno, John Bonzalida and Dan Marcelo chipped in eight apiece.

Caesleyh Bacani led San Sebastian with 15 points in its fifth straight loss, while Nurben Muktimar added 11.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday led a walkthrough of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City as preparations continued for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Summits, scheduled for Nov. 16 to 18.

The Philippines is hosting the two summits this year, with Marcos serving as chair. The 48th Asean Summit concluded in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, in May.

The main venue for the 49th Asean Summit will be the PICC, while other events will be held at the nearby Coconut Palace and Conrad Manila. The International Media Center will be located at the World Trade Center, also in Pasay City.

Marcos led the reopening of the PICC in September 2025 after a five-month renovation ahead of its 50th anniversary and the country’s Asean hosting.

The renovation included the repair of marble tiles, repainting of ceilings, laser cleaning of concrete walls and restoration of furniture dating back to 1976.

The renovations also included new infinity waterfalls, modern lighting, and a 30-speaker audio system.

United States President Donald Trump is expected to attend the 49th Asean Summit, although his attendance has yet to be confirmed.

The Philippine Blu Girls will play for bronze in women’s softball of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 after closing out the preliminary round with a 9-3 win over Hong Kong on Friday.

Angelu Gabriel, Reyae Villamin and Roma Jane Cruz all homered as the Blu Girls ended the preliminaries in fourth spot with a 4-3 win-loss record and a chance to secure a podium finish.

Gabriel hit a solo homer in the top of the first, Villamin’s two-run shot highlighted a five-run second before Cruz hit one out of the park with a two-run round-tripper in the fifth.

By placing fourth, the Philippines set a date with Chinese-Taipei for bronze on Saturday at 10 a.m. Manila time.

It will be the Blu Girls’ second crack at placing third in the Asian Games, after falling short to the same Taiwanese side for bronze in the pandemic-delayed 2022 edition held three years ago.

The Philippines lost that game, 3-2, after a baserunning blunder in the final inning prevented the tying run from scoring.

Coach Ana Santiago’s squad will look to exact not only that loss, but their 10-1 setback last week at the early phase of the preliminaries.

The Philippines has never won a medal in softball.

Shifting from individual political attacks towards government transparency and comprehensive reforms has become more urgent in light of the ongoing oil crisis and worsening corruption that have taken an economic toll on the Philippines.

‘Corruption is more than a political issue. It’s a moral one. It’s the people who suffer from the misappropriation of public funds. This is the primary reason why our countrymen continue to be poor. The heavy crisis that citizens cannot be addressed for as long as their pockets are being dipped into,’ Legarda said in Filipino in a statement issued on Friday.

Citing recent data, Legarda said the Philippines’ governance transparency is in a steep decline, plummeting to 120th out of 182 countries in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index with a score of 32/100, which makes it among the worst in Southeast Asia.

‘Financial hemorrhaging’

‘These numbers manifest a painful reality resulting in a massive financial hemorrhaging,’ Legarda said.

She also cited a statement by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian that the economy lost an estimated ?2.75 trillion from the second quarter of 2025 to the second quarter of 2026 due to corruption and inflation, including actual economic losses and foregone opportunities.

‘When the loss to our economy has become this big, we can’t just talk about corruption whenever there’s a new scandal. We should continuously look for the weaknesses in our system, where the process can be abused, and how we can fix this before public funds are lost,’ Legarda said.

As she pointed out, these financial leakages are evident in the recent multibillion-peso flood control scandal, where billions of pesos in public spending have come under scrutiny over alleged ghost, substandard, and anomalous projects and contracts.

‘With the heaviness of the burden our countrymen are carrying, we cannot allow corruption to take more away from funds that should address all their needs. As the government, we should be the ones to take on the burden carried by the people and not be the reason to add to it,’ Legarda said.

Despite the people’s hardships, she pointed out, the Department of Finance (DOF) remained adamant in its refusal to suspend excise taxes on diesel and gasoline, citing fears of revenue erosion and a widening sovereign deficit.

She noted that Finance Secretary Frederick Go had insisted that the suspension of excise taxes on diesel and gasoline was not recommended, as this could result in an estimated P12 billion in monthly revenue losses, leading the government to again implement stopgap measures and targeted ayuda, instead of suspending diesel, which is largely used by the industry.

‘If we’re afraid to lose ?12 billion every month to tax relief, we should be more afraid of the trillions of pesos lost from the economy because of corruption and the harm it causes. We cannot be strict about collecting taxes from people while we continue to allow funds to get drained by corruption,’ Legarda said.

‘Tapat na Paglilingkod Act’

To address corruption, Legarda is championing Senate Bill No. 523, or the proposed Tapat na Paglilingkod Act.

According to her, this bill aims to transform how the government prevents, detects, and prosecutes graft by institutionalizing a proactive, whole-of-society approach.

The bill offers a complete solution by establishing the Anti-Corruption Mainstreaming Council (ACMC) and mandating a six-year National Anti-Corruption Mainstreaming Agenda.

Under this model, all government units must submit sworn annual Corruption Vulnerability Lists to identify and mitigate institutional risks before they escalate, with strict penalties, including automatic referral to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Commission on Audit, enforced for consecutive failures.

At the heart of the measure is an approach that remains relatively new in Philippine governance: treating anti-corruption as a concern that must be mainstreamed throughout the government.

‘We have many laws against corruption. We have also conducted many investigations and filed many cases all this time. But why does it [corruption] continue? Because if our system itself has loopholes, there will always be those who will take advantage,’ Legarda said.

‘That’s what the Tapat na Paglilingkod Act wants to change. Anti-corruption should not have a separate program. It should be embedded in the system of every agency – from planning to budget, up to procurement, hiring, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation,’ she added.

Mainstreaming

Legarda emphasized that mainstreaming would also require changing the culture surrounding corruption inside government.

‘Talking about corruption should not be embarrassing. An honest employee shouldn’t be worried because he has seen something wrong and wants to call it out. An institution should not consider as an enemy a person who asks if what we’re doing is right,’ she said.

‘It’s the corrupt who should be ashamed, not those with the courage to speak out. It’s those who steal from the public who should be afraid, not those who want to protect public funds,’ she added.

The bill also provides safeguards for whistleblowers and good-faith disclosures, regular integrity discussions within government offices, public transparency mechanisms, and the use of digital tools to detect corruption risks.