Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The supposed P120 million ‘token of gratitude’ received by state witness and ex-Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co is just ‘one percent’ of the total amount of alleged kickbacks the former lawmaker received from infrastructure projects nationwide.

Bernardo made this revelation as he took the witness stand before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division on Wednesday where Co and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials face graft case stemming from an allegedly substandard Oriental Mindoro road dike project worth P289.4 million.

This amount was tackled when Bernardo sought to revise the initial P100 million amount ‘balato’ that is stated in his written judicial affidavit submitted to the court.

‘With my deep recollection, it’s P120 million within three years,’ Bernardo said of the alleged ‘token of gratitude’ from Co.

Of this amount, Bernardo said he recalls receiving from Co P45 million in 2023, P50 million in 2024, and P25 million in 2025.

According to Bernardo, this ‘one percent’ figure is part of the alleged ’25 percent commitment’ allotted for Co in every DPWH project.

Bernardo said aside from him, Henry Alcantara, a state witness and former district engineer of Bulacan, also received ‘one percent’ from Co as ‘token of gratitude: stemming from the same ’25 percent commitment.’

The exact amount of this alleged kickback for Co was not mentioned by Bernardo.

Co was also the chairperson of the powerful House committee on appropriations before his resignation as a party-list representative in September last year amid the widespread public outrage on the multibillion flood control corruption scandal.

The former lawmaker could not participate in the trial after he flew out of the country and declared by the Sixth Division as a fugitive from justice.

A respondent declared as a fugitive from justice could no longer participate in the proceedings and could not seek any judicial relief unless they surrender voluntarily.

The Sugar Council welcomed Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines’ (CCEAP) assurance that it would use sugar produced in Negros but called on the company to expand its commitment to locally sourced sugar nationwide.

‘We welcome Coca-Cola’s commitment to use 100 percent locally produced premium refined sugar in Negros, but we appeal to CCEAP to expand that commitment to Filipino sugar sourced throughout the country,’ the group said in a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

The council, composed of the Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations (CONFED), the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP) and the Panay Federation of Sugarcane Farmers (PANAYFED), was responding to a CCEAP statement issued on Oct. 5.

‘In fact, this explicitly reinforces the core argument we raised in our September 23, 2026, joint appeal that the use of locally sourced raw materials in manufacturing directly supports Filipino sugar farmers, millers, refiners, industrial workers, transporters and agricultural communities,’ the council said.

While CCEAP has highlighted its nearly eight-decade history in Bacolod, Filipino sugarcane farmers and laborers need a broader national picture to assess the health and security of their livelihoods, the council said.

It noted that CCEAP’s recent statement focused heavily on its Bacolod operations but did not disclose the actual volume of sugar it uses.

More importantly, the council said the company had yet to answer a question it previously raised: How does the importation of 16.98 million liters of finished Coca-Cola products from Indonesia affect domestic production and demand for locally refined sugar?

As the country’s largest industrial buyer of locally produced sugar, CCEAP’s sourcing decisions have a significant impact on the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos, the council said.

‘During Crop Year 2025-2026, our sugarcane farmers already suffered billions of pesos in foregone revenue due to the over-importation of refined sugar-leaving them without vital capital to combat rising fuel costs, skyrocketing fertilizer prices and devastating red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestations,’ it said.

The council added that importing finished products shuts out both domestic sugar and local labor from the production process.

‘To move forward in a spirit of genuine partnership and to give Filipino stakeholders a complete picture of the market, we call on CCEAP to prioritize Filipino sugar not only in Negros but throughout the country,’ the council said.

With roughly three months left, preparations for the Sinulog Festival 2027 are officially underway.

For next year’s festivities, however, contingents and other participants should expect austerity measures as organizers adapt to economic challenges.

Registration for major competitions such as the Ritual Showdown, Grand Parade, and Puppeteers is now open, Elmer ‘Jojo’ Labella, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), announced.

Registrations are expected to close Nov. 30 or Dec. 1 this year.

Austerity measures

During the OpenLine Media Forum, Labella also revealed changes to manage the budget for the country’s largest and grandest festival.

These include tighter competition rules, a minor parade route adjustment, and possibly suspending minor events as they prepare for rising operating costs and economic pressures.

‘We are anticipating that these are hard times because of the rising cost of fuel … [which has] affected the operating expenses for Sinulog,’ Labella said.

Despite the expected increases, subsidies and prizes for participating groups will remain at last year’s levels.

‘As to the assistance, prizes, subsidies and everything, it will actually be the same as last year,’ said Labella.

Other changes

On the other hand, SFI unveiled new additions for next year’s festival such as an on-the-spot painting competition, which SFI is developing with the Cultural and Historical Affairs Office.

‘We will have a new event this year … for 2027, an on-the-spot painting competition because we always want to have something [new] for the year,’ Labella said.

Organizers are also planning a minor adjustment to the parade route to help ease congestion.

The parade will generally follow the existing route, with plans to extend a portion near the buffer zone along N. Bacalso Avenue, specifically in front of Asian College Technology (ACT), Labella said.

‘Same route, but of course, we will likely extend it a bit… just to decongest,’ he said in a mix of Cebuano and English.

SFI will also enforce stricter technical requirements for floats.

Organizers plan to inspect floats for compliance with the prescribed height and width limits before the festival.

‘What we will do now is we will actually ask those making floats that probably there will be an inspection as to the height and width, as dimensions that have been prescribed by the guidelines,’ Labella said.

Stage performances will continue to prohibit special lighting effects.

Only general wash lighting will be allowed during evening performances to keep a level playing field, he said.

Mandatory workshop for choreographers

To improve performance quality, SFI will hold a workshop Oct. 17 and 18 in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Labella said attendance will be mandatory for choreographers handling participating contingents in Sinulog 2027.

‘We will have a workshop … We are working on it so that it will be a must for choreographers who will be handling contingents for 2027,’ he said.

La Salle defeated Ateneo, 83-76, in the 100th game of their storied UAAP men’s basketball rivalry at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night.

The Green Archers’ victory evened the rivalry series at 50-50 and pulled them level with the Blue Eagles at 3-2 in the Season 89 standings.

‘We really discussed how important this is for everyone, so we just toughed it out,’ said La Salle coach Topex Robinson.

‘We did something we committed to and we said whatever happens, we have to stick with what we prepared for.’ La Salle held a slim 72-70 lead in the fourth quarter before unloading an 11-2 rally, capped by a triple from Jacob Cortez with 2:16 remaining for an 83-72 lead.

Cortez scored eight of his total 12 points in the payoff period to carry the Green Archers, with five assists, three rebounds and a steal.

Joaquin Tovera and JC Macalalag turned in 15 points a piece to give La Salle its second straight win.

Shawn Tuano scored 17 while Jared Bahay had 14 in the loss that snapped Ateneo’s two-game winning streak.

The Blue Eagles’ prized rookie Kieffer Alas, meanwhile, struggled with only five points on a 2-for-11 shooting night.

TNT drew big performances from the returning Calvin Oftana and new import Nick Hornsby in blowing out Terrafirma, 116-92, on Wednesday in the resumption of the 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Oftana fired 31 points in his first game back with the team while Hornbsy added 26 to power the Tropang 5G into a crucial win that boosted their chances of securing a quarterfinals berth as one of the top four teams in Group A.

The Tropang 5G improved to 5-4, sharing third place with the Converge FiberXers. The victory also allowed them to further separate themselves from the Dyip in the top four.

Terrafirma fell to 3-6 for fifth place in the group.

His performance came after Oftana saw action for Gilas Pilipinas in its failed defense of the gold in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Oftana didn’t see action in the first phase of the conference due to multiple injuries sustained last conference.

Hornsby, meanwhile, took the place of Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson, but will serve as a permanent import amid the impending return of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

Maverick Ahanmisi finished with 27 points for Terrafirma in the loss.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued several proclamations declaring special non-working days in nine localities in October to allow residents to participate in local celebrations and historical commemorations.

Proclamation No. 1466 declared Oct. 12 a special non-working day in Talisay, Batangas, in commemoration of the Battle of Batangas.

Proclamation No. 1468 declared Oct. 9 a special non-working day in San Isidro, Surigao del Norte, for its 67th founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1469 declared Oct. 16 a special non-working day in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur, for the town’s 69th founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1470 declared Oct. 20 a special non-working day in Batac, Ilocos Norte, for the 160th birth anniversary of Gen. Artemio Ricarte.

Proclamation No. 1471 declared Oct. 21 a special non-working day in Sibutu, Tawi-Tawi, for its founding anniversary.

Proclamation No. 1472 declared Oct. 23 a special non-working day in Angeles City for the Tigtigan Terakan Keng Dalan Festival.

Proclamation No. 1473 declared Oct. 23 a special non-working day in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, for the observance of Aldaw Ti Wayawaya-lli A Narvacan.

Proclamation No. 1474 declared Oct. 28 a special non-working day in Dingle, Iloilo, for the commemoration of the Cry of Lincud, which was the first declaration of revolution against Spain in Iloilo province and Panay.

Proclamation No. 1475 declared Oct. 29 a special non-working day in Mati City, Davao Oriental, for the Sambuokan Festival.

Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto signed the proclamations by authority of Marcos.

More bank representatives on Wednesday are set to testify on the financial records of Vice President Sara Duterte, as the impeachment court tackles her alleged unexplained wealth.

The following bank representatives are expected to present Duterte and her spouse, Atty. Manases Carpio’s records:

Asian United Bank

Davao Toril Branch Manager Arcy James Gonzales

Davao Tagum Branch Manager Edeli Umayam

Ortigas Ave. Greenhills Branch Manager Jerilee Mae C. Sanidad

Philippine Savings Bank

Branch Operations Department Head Irene Joy Ishida

Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank)

Anti-Money Laundering Division Head Atty Niña Feren Aguilar

Security Bank

Branch Banking Group Head Leslie Cham

Bank of the Philippine Islands

Central Manila Branches Division Head Marwin Galvez

Philippine National Bank

Davao San Pedro CM Recto Branch Manager Julius Parian

BDO Unibank, Inc.

Branch Banking Group, Branch Regulatory Support Senior AVP Mario Cirilo De Mesa Jr.

Consumer Banking Group Vice President Merian Manoguid

Trust and Investment Group Senior Vice President Patricia Lei Alvarillo

After the banks, the first insurance company representative, FWD Life Insurance Corporation Chief Legal and Compliance Officer Atty. Juan Sotero Roman will take the stand.

On Tuesday, the prosecution counsel Atty. James Alih offered that the bank representatives will testify on at least 30 bank accounts of Duterte and Carpio across eight banks from 2022 to 2025.

Alih said that the banks of the two would have a total ending balance of over P190 million pesos undeclared in the vice president’s statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth.

Later that day, Landbank of the Philippines R. Magsaysay Branch Manager Raquel dela Cerna testified that Carpio has an active bank account with the branch ending in account number 2370.

She testified that the year-end balances of Carpio from 2022 to 2025 were: P505,517.35; P953,681.42; P115,824.20; and P1,358,373.07, respectively.

The Oriental Mindoro provincial government has recommended a price range of P180 to P192 per kilogram for live hogs as it seeks to provide a reference for transactions among hog raisers, traders and other industry stakeholders.

The recommended price was outlined in Executive Order No. 58, series of 2026, which also covers a recommended retail price for pork in the province.

The provincial government said the recommendation followed consultations with hog raisers, traders, vendors and consumers, as well as a price and cost monitoring system established on Sept. 16 under the Provincial Veterinarian’s Office (ProVet).

The monitoring system would be enforced by representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Statistics Authority, National Meat Inspection Service and municipal and city agricultural and veterinary offices.

The consultations were held on Sept. 1 and 25, following an earlier Aug. 5 discussion among the provincial government, hog industry representatives and consumers.

Based on the consultations, the estimated cost of raising a hog was placed at P14,027.93 per head, covering expenses for labor, piglets, feeds, medicines and other production requirements.

The provincial government also used an average landed price of P135 per kilogram for a live hog weighing about 90 kilograms as a reference in estimating the costs and income of traders.

Based on production costs, stakeholder consultations and prevailing market conditions, the provincial government arrived at the recommended farmgate price.

Provincial officials clarified that the recommended price range is not a mandatory fixed profit margin, floor price or compulsory selling price.

It does not prevent buyers and sellers from agreeing on a different price based on the actual conditions of their transaction and the market, the provincial government said.

The price recommendation is intended to serve as a benchmark for the province’s hog industry while taking into account production costs and prevailing market conditions.

Eastern Samar provincial government and local government units are stepping up preparations for El Niño, with water security, agriculture, public health, and fire prevention among their major concerns.

While the province is still assessing potential impacts, officials are already implementing measures as weather forecasts indicate drier conditions in the coming months.

One local government taking early action is the municipality of Llorente, where officials are scouting potential watershed areas that could provide additional sources of potable water for the community.

The initiative, led by the municipal government under Mayor Christine Cardona, involves the Office of the Municipal Engineer, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Health Office (MHO), and the Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council).

The search for additional water sources is intended not only to address possible water shortages during El Niño but also to lay the groundwork for longer-term projects to protect and sustain the municipality’s water resources, the LGU said.

The initiative comes as the provincial government and other LGUs in Eastern Samar strengthen their preparedness for the expected effects of prolonged below-normal rainfall.

During the 3rd Quarter Meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Sept. 30, Pagasa weather station Borongan Chief Ricardo Galupe reported that Eastern Samar is experiencing dry spell conditions from June to September, with drought conditions projected from October through March.

He also said El Niño is expected to persist until the end of 2026 and possibly strengthen.

The outlook has prompted the provincial disaster council to push for early, coordinated measures as below-normal rainfall could affect water availability, agriculture, livelihoods, public health, and other essential services.

‘We prepare not because we want it to happen, but to prepare for it when it happens,’ Vice Governor Maricar Sison-Goteesan said during the meeting, which she led as representative of Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Officer Engr. Thomas Campomanes said the provincial government, through the PDRRMO, is taking an all-hands-on-deck approach in preparing for possible El Niño impacts.

Campomanes said the PDRRM office is gathering data from various government agencies and provincial offices to identify vulnerable areas and sectors and determine the preparedness measures that need to be undertaken.

He said the information would help the provincial government assess possible effects on key sectors and ensure that interventions are based on the actual needs and resources of affected communities.

Galupe’s presentation indicated that warmer-than-normal temperatures and drier conditions could increase the risks of heat-related illnesses, water shortages, and agricultural losses.

Under Pagasa’s classification, an area may be considered to be experiencing drought when rainfall remains below normal for three consecutive months.

In Eastern Samar, generally classified as a very wet province, rainfall may still occur during a drought period, but at levels lower than what is normally expected.

Despite this clarification, local officials are being urged to prepare for the possible consequences of prolonged dry conditions, particularly on water supplies.

The PDRRMC stressed that early preparation, data-driven planning, and sustained coordination among the provincial government, LGUs, national agencies, and communities will be critical in reducing potential impacts of El Niño on Eastern Samar.

Besides water security, agriculture is another major concern as farmers could face reduced water availability and possible crop losses.

Agriculture stakeholders are being encouraged to adjust planting calendars, choose crops suited to anticipated weather conditions, prepare farm infrastructure, and consider crop insurance to reduce potential losses from prolonged dry periods.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Eastern Samar has also raised concerns about the increased risk of wildland, grass, and forest fires as vegetation becomes drier.

The BFP is coordinating with LGUs and barangays on fire prevention measures, including campaigns against indiscriminate burning, kaingin, and other forms of open burning.

It is also promoting vegetation management to reduce combustible materials that could fuel fires during the dry months.

The agency reported that it has been providing water rationing and community support in areas affected by temporary water shortages while also proposing measures to improve fire protection coverage and response time.

State witness and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo on Wednesday arrived at the Sandiganbayan to testify in the graft case of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

Co’s graft case in the Fifth Division stemmed from the P289.4-million worth Sunwest project in Oriental Mindoro’s Naujan town under DPWH Region IV-B which prosecutors said was found to have serious structural deficiencies.

In March, Bernardo already testified in Co’s malversation case before the Sixth Division stemming from the same Naujan project.

At that time, Bernardo said he allegedly received P130 million ‘balato’ from Co, of which, P30 million was coursed through the DPWH IV-B office.

Co, alleged to be a beneficial owner of Sunwest, was also the chairperson of the powerful House committee on appropriations before his resignation as a party-list representative in September last year amid the widespread public outrage on the multibillion flood control corruption scandal.

The former lawmaker could not participate in the trial as he was earlier declared by the Sixth Division as a fugitive from justice.

A respondent declared as a fugitive from justice could no longer participate in the proceedings and could not seek any judicial relief unless they surrender voluntarily.