Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla challenged former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife to return to the Philippines and take a polygraph test amid allegations linking them to alleged cash deliveries to the Duterte family.

‘The lie detector test is not admissible in court. But I’m asking the Velasco couple to come home and take the same test. We’ll see who’s telling the truth,’ said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief at an ambush interview after an event at Pasay City on Thursday.

Remulla said they are in Niseko, Japan, adding that they have a residence there.

‘They have a house there, the most exclusive vacation spot in the entire Japan. It’s expensive there in Niseko, only rich people go there,’ he added.

National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag said the Bureau of Immigration had confirmed that Velasco departed for Nagoya, Japan, on Aug. 30.

‘Latest is Niseko,’ Remulla told the Inquirer upon clarification of Velasco’s location.

On Wednesday, former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. took a lie detector test at the NBI in connection with his affidavit alleging that he delivered suitcases, called ‘maleta,’ containing cash to some members of the Duterte family.

Gracioso alleged that he delivered cash in several batches to Vice President Sara Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte beginning in 2018, allegedly on Velasco’s instructions.

Velasco, through his spokesperson, denied the allegation, describing Gracioso’s cash delivery claim as fabricated.

The Philippine National Police earlier confirmed that Gracioso was dismissed effective Sept 11 due to an administrative case.

‘Gracioso has a tainted past. That’s why he was dismissed. But even a broken clock is right twice a day,’ said Remulla in mixed English and Filipino.

Remulla said the polygraph indicated that Gracioso was telling the truth when asked about delivering the bags.

‘But the polygraph is not admissible in court. Still, I dare the Velasco couple to come and take the same polygraph so we can see who is really telling the truth,’ he added. /

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte shifts to a full-day schedule Thursday as the Senate impeachment court moves to speed up proceedings before taking a break for the 2027 national budget deliberations. The court will hear the case from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays until Oct. 15, with the prosecution expected to present witnesses on Duterte’s alleged hidden wealth, including former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura, and a Davao property registrar

Juliana Candelaria scored a silver medal for the Philippines on the opening day of the taekwondo competitions in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 on Thursday.

The 18-year-old Candelaria placed second in the women’s individual poomsae final with a score of 9.1300, behind South Korea’s Jung Haeun, who won gold with 9.3100.

Thailand’s Thitaree Kaewolanwasu and Japan’s Yuiko Niwa got the bronze medal.

Poomsae is the non-combat discipline of taekwondo.

Candelaria was the first to see action for the Philippine taekwondo team, which also has athletes competing in the kyorugi events.

Fellow Filipino Jeus Yape, meanwhile, also qualified for the gold medal round of the men’s individual poomsae.

Candelaria’s silver is the second for Team Philippines on Thursday after Amaya Cojuangco in the women’s compound archery.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is assessing the sworn statement of former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., applying the legal principle of the ‘totality of circumstances’ in ensuring that any prospective criminal charges or witness protection coverage will hold up under judicial scrutiny.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the DOJ received Gracioso’s affidavit from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) late last week.

Vida explained that the NBI and the DOJ are conducting a parallel review of the affidavit so that, if it reaches the court, it can withstand scrutiny

‘The NBI has its mandate as investigators,’ Vida explained.

‘For us at the DOJ, the lens we use is twofold: whether the individual qualifies for our protection program, and whether the testimony satisfies all legal elements required to build a solid criminal case that can withstand cross-examination in court.’

Gracioso, a former aide of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco alleged that he personally delivered suitcases full of cash to Vice President Sara Duterte between 2018 and 2020.

Aside from the vice president, he also identified other political figures. The money allegedly originated from projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Addressing queries about the witness’ background and potential credibility issues, such as possible involvement in illegal activities, Vida said such background is not uncommon among key witnesses.

‘In our experience, people involved in these schemes aren’t always clean-they may have participated in the wrongdoings, acted as bagmen, or been part of bribery arrangements,’ Vida said.

‘All of these factor into our evaluation, alongside the person’s motivation and the overall factual setting.’

Vida stressed that the DOJ is actively verifying material points of the statement against open-source reports and external corroboration, noting that some public information supports the claims while other aspects remain disputed.

‘We don’t want to file weak cases,’ Vida emphasized.

‘The goal is to ensure that whatever case is brought forward will stand the test of a judge and survive rigorous cross-examination,’ Vida added.

After speaking his ‘truth’ on his past relationship with Jennylyn Mercado and their son Jazz, Patrick Garcia received support from his wife, Nikka Martinez, who described him as a ‘good man.’

Martinez expressed her love for the actor through her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, Sept. 29. On the same day, Garcia’s tell-all interview with Ogie Diaz was shared on the latter’s YouTube channel.

‘I won in this life. I fell in love with a good man and I’ll never stop being grateful for that,’ the quote card shared by Martinez read. ‘A self-made man. A hardworking man. A gentle man and safe man. A man who takes care of me in all the ways that matter.’

Martinez also made mention of Garcia’s Instagram handle and wrote, ‘Lavyew (love you).’

In his interview, Garcia denied the nearly two-decade-old claim that he abandoned Mercado while she was pregnant with their son Jazz. He claimed it was the actress who did not want him to be involved in the pregnancy, saying she refused his efforts to support her and that she cut off their communication at the time.

Garcia also revealed that he has not spent time and provided financially for Jazz since 2017 because Mercado has supposedly been unresponsive to his messages.

Garcia further noted during the interview that his decision to finally speak up was prompted by Michelle, his eldest daughter with Martinez, who convinced him to do so because of the continued bashing toward him and their family.

Mercado’s management agency, Aguila Entertainment, said the actress will not comment on Garcia’s statements. It nonetheless relayed Mercado’s appeal to stop the bashing toward the actor’s family. In a separate post, her manager Becky Aguila, speaking as her ‘second mom,’ told Garcia that he will never get her respect.

Meanwhile, Mercado’s actor husband Dennis Trillo responded to Garcia, ‘Hindi ako pabor sa bashing, pero salamat at naalala mo si Jazz dahil na -ash ang anak mo. Spread love not hate.’

The local government of San Jose in Occidental Mindoro has launched a donation drive to protect the endangered tamaraw, a wild buffalo endemic to Mindoro.

The ‘Piso Para sa Tamaraw’ campaign was launched by the municipal government through its Municipal Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office (MTCAO) and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

The campaign coincides with the observance of Tamaraw Conservation Month this October.

This initiative encourages individuals, families, students, workers and community groups to contribute whatever amount they can for the project.

The organizers emphasize that even small donations can support collective conservation efforts.

The observance of Tamaraw Conservation Month is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 273, series of 2002, which established the annual celebration to promote awareness and protection of the species.

The tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) is found only on Mindoro island.

The endangered animal is considered as one of the Philippines’ important wildlife conservation priorities.

The San Jose municipal government is urging residents to take part in safeguarding the species and in preserving the province’s natural heritage for future generations

On Day 32 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial Thursday, lead public prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro announced that the prosecution has decided not to present former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV as a witness.

Trillanes later confirmed on social media that he had personally asked Luistro to withdraw his name, saying the move would relieve the prosecution panel of the pressure it is going through. He added that he would hold a press conference on Friday, Oct. 2, to reveal the contents of the testimony he would have delivered before the court.

Also during Thursday’s session, the defense and prosecution clashed over the confidentiality provisions of the Anti-Money Laundering Act ahead of the scheduled testimony of AMLC Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura.

Lead defense counsel Sheila Sison requested that Buenaventura’s appearance be moved to Monday to give the defense time to prepare for the documents to be presented alongside his testimony, and also raised an objection concerning the absolute confidentiality of AMLC records.

The impeachment court granted the deferment, pushing Buenaventura’s testimony to Monday.

The court also granted the prosecution’s request to subpoena representatives of banks, insurance companies, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, with BIR witnesses scheduled for Oct. 5 and bank and insurance representatives for Oct. 6.

Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo, meanwhile, scolded the prosecution for fielding witnesses he said were unnecessary to the trial, urging them to be more strategic in their witness selection.

Meanwhile, outside the court, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., through Palace press officer Claire Castro, said he respects the Supreme Court’s decision dismissing the petitions against the voting threshold ruling.

The air quality in some parts of Metro Manila remained ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ levels on Thursday, Oct. 1, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

The DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) said that high PM2.5 levels, which refer to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter,were recorded in present in Caloocan City (University of the East), Mandaluyong City, Navotas City, Paranaque City, Pasay City, San Juan City and Valenzuela City.

The observed transboundary haze, according to DENR-EMB, may be linked to ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Air quality index in affected areas ranges from 101 to 150, which indicates that exposure may pose risks to children, the elderly, pregnant women, and vulnerable individuals with health conditions.

The agency advised the public, especially those sensitive to air pollution, to limit outdoor exposure in affected areas and wear an N95 or equivalent mask when going to areas with noticeable haze.

‘Stay updated through official advisories and air quality information from the DENR-EMB and other concerned government agencies,’ the DENR-EMB said in an advisory

Around 1,216 young men and women passed this year’s Philippine Military Academy entrance examinations, the military school announced on Thursday.

They make up 4.78 percent of the 25,452 qualified applicants who took exams in 48 testing centers from July to September 2026, said Navy Lt. Commdr Jermaine B Dacanay, acting chief of the PMA Public Affairs Office.

The number of passing applicants in 2026 was lower than the 5.28 percent passing rate in 2025, Dacanay said. ‘This year, PMA received 36,596 online applications,’ he said.

‘All 1,216 passers will undergo a comprehensive and rigorous selection process to determine who will compose the incoming PMA Class of 2031, tentatively set to convene in May 2027,’ Dacanay said.

They will go through a ‘meticulous’ screening phase from October this year to April 2027, ‘which includes a Complete Physical Examination, Medical Assessment, and Neuropsychiatric Evaluation’ to ensure that ‘only the most qualified-physically fit, mentally prepared, and morally grounded-will earn the privilege of becoming part of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines and the honor of setting foot on the hallowed grounds of the Academy, ‘ Dacanay said. INQ

Tying for highest-ranking examinee were Jillian Alexis Chan Lapada of the Philippine Science High School in Baguio, and Gabriel James Valdez of the Philippine Science High School in Ilocos Sur.

They were followed by Francesca Marinella Estacio Aquino of Saint Pedro Poveda College in Quezon City and Zeke Marcus Esperancilla Macadat of Cainta Catholic College in Cainta, Rizal, who tied for second place.

The top three is Justyn Carlo Barsalote Apilat of Precious International School of Davao in Davao City. John Matt Rivas Amaza of Philippine Science High School in Koronadal and Art Dominic Nasdoman Gubiaon of Philippine Science High School in Cagayan Valley both placed fourth.

Ranked fifth was James Kieffer Bullecer Taglinao of Xavier University Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro, followed by sixth placer John Benedict Padernilla Porras of Philippine Science High School Main Campus, seventh placer Paul Nathan Lorenzo Santiago also of Philippine Science High School Main Campus, and eighth placer Kurt Rafael Balai Calingacion of Highway Hills Integrated School in Mandaluyong City.

Ranked ninth was Sofia Venize Carasi Barola of Philippine Science High School in Baguio City, with the 10th place shared by Philip Arthur Tabang Acidre of Philippine Science High School in Leyte, Bai Zharean Jathiya Sinsuat Ante of Albert Einstein School, Inc. in Cotabato City, and Tyron Beltran Liquigan of Philippine Science High School in Cagayan Valley.

These top performers exemplify the Academy’s vision: to attract and select the best and brightest through a stringent and merit-based recruitment system,’ PMA said in a statement

The Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee (BARSc) of the House of Representatives on Thursday approved an additional over P8 billion in amendments to the funding of the education sector for 2027.

The BARSc began its deliberations on the proposed amendments to the P7.2-trillion House budget bill on Thursday. The subcommittee, composed of select lawmakers from major political parties and the minority bloc, is tasked to discuss amendments expected to be introduced by lawmakers before being voted on the floor for second reading.

House committee on appropriations chairperson Rep. Mikaela Suansing introduced P1,952,000,000 worth of amendments to six line items under the Department of Education (DepEd). The agency received over P916 billion allocation under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

The biggest chunk of the amount was allotted to the additional budget for the basic education facilities program worth P952 million. Suansing said that as this will fund additional classrooms, the House of Representatives will exercise its oversight functions to ensure that the construction of classrooms will not be delayed.

Suansing also presented P500 million worth of additional allocation for DepEd’s school safety and security program. She noted that Education Secretary Sonny Angara requested P800 million in funding as it was not allocated any funding under the 2027 NEP amid the growing concerns of school violence across the country.

The chairperson then proposed for P350 million funding for DepEd’s Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, noting that the initiative got no funding under the 2027 NEP.

She also proposed additional funding for the Special Needs Education Program, Indigenous People Education Program, and the Madrasah Education Program worth P75 million, P25 million, and P50 million, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Tertiary Education Subsidy and Tulong Dunong Program under the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) received P3,868,865,000 in amendments as proposed by Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez.

Hernandez proposed P2,102,475,000 and P1,766,390,000 for the Tertiary Education Subsidy and Tulong Dunong Program, respectively. He noted that the Tulong Dunong Program received no funding under the 2027 NEP.

The committee also approved P360 million worth of amendments under three line items to the budget of the University of the Philippines System.

Deputy Speaker Janette Garin proposed the allocation of P70 million for the UP Center for Education and Development in its Diliman campus, noting that it received no allocation under the 2027 NEP.

FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list Rep. Brian Poe then introduced the allocation of an additional P250 million for the funding of Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards). Project NOAH which was defunded in 2017, was the country’s flagship disaster risk reduction and management program.

Poe also presented the allocation of P15 million for the UP Diliman Institute of Mathematics, as he shared that it got no funding under the 2027 NEP. It has been recognized by the CHEd as a Center of Excellence since 1998.

Samar Rep. Stephen James Tan also proposed the inclusion of P456,000,000 for the locally funded projects of various state universities across the country.

Lastly, Ilocos Sur Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan introduced P1,435,910,000 worth of amendments to two line items under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Training for Work Scholarship and Special Training for Employment Program received P966,650,000 and P469,260,000, respectively.

All motions made for the amendments of these items received no objections from the members of the subcommittee.

With a total of P8,072,775,000 amended allocation proposed for the education cluster, Suansing underscored the national government’s responsibility to provide sufficient funding to sustain programs under the sector.

‘We have repeatedly said, on the part of the House of Representatives, to make sure that the education cluster gets the biggest budgetary share in our budget,’ Suansing said.

The Article XIV, Section 5(5) of the 1987 Constitution mandates the government to give the highest budgetary priority to the education sector and ensure that teachers will receive sufficient remuneration and other means of job satisfaction.