Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

University of Santo Tomas coach Pido Jarencio was officially listed as team governor of Terrafirma for the PBA’s 50th season, which starts this weekend.

Jarencio’s name was listed on the team’s official roster carrying the said capacity after serving as team manager of NorthPort for the last few seasons. The PBA legend has been rumored to join the Dyip for weeks, and was tightlipped when he was asked by The Inquirer after the UAAP Season 88 press conference.

He had different roles during his time with NorthPort, first as a coach before he switched roles with Bonnie Tan in 2023.

Several NorthPort officials left while the Batang Pier were in the process of being purchased by Pureblends Corporation, with team governor Erick Arejola now with Magnolia as assistant team manager.

Waiyip Chong, NorthPort’s assistant team manager, now serves as Terrafirma’s team manager while Jeff Napa and Jarencio’s son Jared is now part of Ronald Tubid’s coaching staff.

Terrafirma enters the season with a bevy of new players after failed bids to sell the franchise to Starhorse and the Zamboanga Valientes.

The Dyip selected 6-foot-9 Geo Chiu as the No. 1 overall pick in the Rookie Draft, but will only be available after his MPBL campaign with the Abra Weavers.

Classes are suspended in several areas of Cebu on Wednesday, October 1, following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake Tuesday night.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the earthquake’s epicenter was located 21 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, Cebu, at a depth of 5 kilometers. The tectonic quake occurred at 9:59 p.m Classes are suspended in the following:

Lapu-Lapu City: all levels, public and private schools

Carcar City: face-to-face classes in public schools; secondary schools, Carcar City College

San Fernando: all levels, public and private schools

Cebu City: all levels

Alegria: all levels

Mandaue City: all levels, public and private schools

Talisay City: public elementary and secondary schools

Tabogon: all levels, public and private schools

Bogo City: all levels, public and private schools

Minglanilla: all levels, public and private schools

Consolacion: face-to-face classes; pre-school to college

Barili: all levels

Liloan: all levels, public and private (including work) Phivolcs also said aftershocks and damage to properties are expected./mcm

When it comes to training, consistency is everything. Fitness isn’t built overnight-it takes weeks, or even months, of putting in the work. But the trick is to stay active every day, while still knowing when to rest. And that balance is what makes progress stick.

The challenge? Travel. Being away from home can easily throw us off our rhythm. But with a little planning, you don’t have to lose momentum. Here are some ways to stay fit, even when you’re out of town.

Being away from home can easily throw us off our rhythm. But with a little planning, you don’t have to lose momentum.

Time your trips around training

One smart move is to use travel as your built-in recovery week. After pushing your body with consistent workouts, we all need days of unloading to bounce back stronger. So if you can, plan your trips during these lighter phases. More experienced athletes sometimes push harder before traveling, then scale back while away-just doing light cardio or bodyweight movements to maintain baseline fitness.But if that’s not your style, no problem. The key is adjusting your mindset and routine, so you keep moving, even if it’s not your usual setup.

Bodyweight workouts

Don’t underestimate bodyweight training-it’s not ‘just for beginners.’ You can break a serious sweat with no equipment at all. YouTube is full of solid routines, but here’s a simple one you can try:

Circuit training (minimal rest between moves, one to two minutes of rest between rounds):

Push-ups (as many as possible)

Chair dips (12 to 15 reps)

Lunges (alternating, as many as possible)

Squats (15 to 20 reps)

Spiderman plank (15 to 20 reps per side)

V-ups (15 to 20 reps)

Plank (as long as you can)

Run it out

Running is the ultimate travel workout-simple, effective, and you can do it almost anywhere. Just pack your shoes and a weather-appropriate outfit. But before you head out, check if the area is safe for running or ask locals where it’s best to go.

Sample session:

15-minute warm-up jog

6 reps of four minutes of running, then one minute of walking

20-minute steady jog or brisk walk

5-minute cool down Try yoga

When I first tried yoga, I thought it would be easy. Big mistake. Fifteen minutes in, I was sweaty, shaking, and way out of my comfort zone. That’s the beauty of yoga-it challenges strength, flexibility, balance, breathing, and focus all at once. Perfect for travel since you don’t need much space.

Walk more (skip the cab)

Travel is the perfect excuse to walk more. Instead of always booking a cab, try taking public transport or just exploring on foot. Not only do you burn calories and log steps, but you also get to experience the city more authentically. Depending on your destination, safety and convenience may vary, so do your research. But even five to 10 kilometers of walking a day adds up fast.

Pro tip: Wear comfy sneakers, carry extra shirts, and don’t be shy about using Google Maps if you get lost.

Final thoughts: It’s not about being perfect

No matter where you’re headed, keep in mind that trips can double as both rest and movement opportunities. Mix in recovery (stretching, yoga, or even breathwork), adjust your routines, and remember, fitness isn’t about being perfect. We train so we can enjoy life more, not to let workouts control us.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to decide on Wednesday whether it will postpone the first Bangsamoro parliamentary polls following the suspension of preparations for the elections.

During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on Wednesday, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia shared this development, noting that the seven-person Comelec en banc will hold its session to decide on this matter.

‘Maybe later in the afternoon, the Commission on Elections will have a decision whether to postpone [the elections] or not,’ Garcia said.

The Comelec suspended the preparations for the elections, starting September 17, in compliance with the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court to the poll body and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority from implementing Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 77, the law that redistributes the seven seats originally allocated to Sulu province.

Garcia earlier said the poll body was eyeing the postponement of the Bangsamoro elections on the recommendation of its Project Management Office and law department, in the absence of a clear law guiding the distribution of parliamentary districts in the region.

Garcia also shared that the poll body received position papers from all stakeholders, with many of them recommending the postponement of the elections.

Garcia noted that the pendency of the case of the BAA No. 77 before the Supreme Court and the TRO will be the basis of their decision on the postponement.

However, Garcia said the poll body is not blaming the Supreme Court for the status of the cases in relation to the elections filed before the high court.

He added that the Comelec could invoke the poll body’s powers to postpone the elections under Section 5 of the Omnibus Election Code.

The provision states that the Comelec shall postpone the elections ‘for any serious cause such as violence, terrorism, loss or destruction of election paraphernalia or records, force majeure, and other analogous causes of such a nature that the holding of a free, orderly and honest election should become impossible in any political subdivision.’ /cb

Ayala Corp. has signed a deal to bring another grocery format to the Philippines, this time United Arab Emirates-based Spinneys, which will likewise mark its debut in Asia.

Under the partnership, Ayala will hold a 60-percent stake, while Spinneys will own the remaining 40 percent, Spinneys said in a press statement issued in Dubai dated Sept. 30.

The partnership marks Spinneys’ first venture outside of the Gulf area.

The company said this was ‘aligned with its strategy to broaden its geographic footprint by entering structurally attractive high-growth markets.’

The collaboration is also seen to signify Ayala’s growing stake in the retail sector, as it continues to bring more international brands to the Philippine market.

New chapter

Just recently, Ayala signed a deal to bring warehouse club Makro to the country.

‘Spinneys’ expansion into Southeast Asia marks an exciting new chapter for us. The Philippines offers significant long-term growth potential, with strong economic fundamentals, a growing affluent population, and increasing demand for high-quality offerings,’ said Sunil Kumar, CEO at Spinneys.

‘With a growing middle and upper-income population, the Philippines is seeing a clear shift in consumer expectations creating a strong opportunity for a modern, premium retail offering like ours. Our partnership with Ayala combines its deep local knowledge with our operational expertise, providing a strong foundation to grow in a measured way. As we enter this next phase, we’re delighted to be bringing our highquality and fresh offering to a new region,’ Kumar added.

Ayala president and CEO Cezar Consing said the country’s oldest conglomerate was honored to be the first partner of Spinneys as it ventures outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Trade with GCC

‘We hope this investment will catalyze trade and investment between the Philippines and the GCC. At Ayala, we take pride in partnering with some of the world’s leading companies and working alongside them to bring world-class products and services to the Philippines,’ he added.

Retail holding firm Spinneys Holding 1961 has been operating in the UAE since 1961. It became a publicly-listed company in 2024.

Based on its 2024 annual report, it had at least 80 stores in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Revenues last year stood at AED 3.2 billion ($870 million) while net profit amounted to AED 290 million ($78.95 million).

Its core focus is food, with more than 85 percent of retail revenues generated from food products. Within the food segment, it focuses on ‘fresh’ food, which makes up more than 63 percent of total retail revenues.

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck late Tuesday night in Cebu, causing power outages in Tagbilaran, Bohol and sending residents fleeing into the streets.

The quake occurred at 9:59 p.m., with a depth of 10 kilometers and an epicenter 17 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, Cebu, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In Barangay Booy, residents rushed out of their homes. ‘I ran for fear,’ said John Rey, who was watching television when the quake hit.

Business Process Outsourcing employees evacuated Alta Citta, while some nurses and patients at Gov. Celestino Gallares Medical Center were also forced to leave hospital buildings over safety concerns.

It was still raining past 10:30 p.m.

Phivolcs reported Intensity III in San Fernando, Cebu, and Intensity II in Laoang, Northern Samar. Instrumental Intensity VI was recorded in Cebu City and Villaba, Leyte.

Authorities have yet to report casualties or major damage as assessments continue.

Phivolcs also warned that aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days, urging the public to remain alert and follow safety protocols

Authorities say at least 69 individuals reportedly died due to the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted Cebu on Tuesday evening, Sept. 30.

The quake damaged several heritage churches, houses and schools, while causing widespread power outages in the region.

ICI to subpoena Romualdez, Co, Villar as it probes into flood control scams

Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co and Senator Mark Villar are set to be subpoenaed by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to attend its investigation on the flood control anomalies.

ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said this in an ambush interview on Wednesday.

NBI to Interpol: Help us bring back Garma

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday said it would seek the assistance of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to compel former Police Col. Royina Garma to return to the country and face charges of murder and frustrated murder over the 2020 killing of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Wesley Barayuga.

According to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, the investigating team has already reached out to Interpol agents in the country, who would relay the matter to counterparts in Malaysia, where Garma is presumed to have been staying since leaving the Philippines on Sept. 7.

Lacson: Photo with Discayas taken during midterm poll campaign

‘I did not know the Discayas and that was the first and only time outside of the blue ribbon committee hearings that I met them.’

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson issued the statement Wednesday, addressing the circulating image of him with the controversial contractor couple Cezarah ‘Sarah’ and Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya.

The Bureau of Customs BOC may auction 13 luxury cars owned by the Discaya couple if they fail to prove the legitimacy of the purchases, according to BOC Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno on Wednesday.

Pacifico ‘Curlee’ and Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya have been linked to anomalous flood control projects.

In a previous Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on the flood control mess, Sarah admitted to owning 28 luxury vehicles.

The luxury cars are inside the compound of the BOC after the agency issued a warrant of seizure and detention covering the 13 vehicles after finding sufficient grounds for seizure due to improper documentation of purchases.

‘It means that it is a formal process where the cars will be forfeited and will become properties of the government if they fail to prove for one last time that they have proper documentation and payments,’ Nepomuceno told reporters in an interview. Nepomuceno said that the Discayas, Pacifico and Sarah, will be given an opportunity to prove the legitimacy of importation and documentation.

He said that hearings will start on October 9.

Nepomuceno gave three options once the vehicles are forfeited: auction; complete destruction of the vehicles; and donation to other agencies.

He, however, said that the agency will neither destroy the vehicles nor donate to other agencies.

‘These can be auctioned. We will ensure that once we do it, the auction will be transparent and the bidding will be competitive so the money collected from it will be used for programs of the government,’ Nepomuceno said.

He noted that all of the 13 vehicles may be sold at around P220 million in total.

He also explained that of the 13 cars, the seven cars were found to have no import entry records and certificate of payments (COP):

Toyota Tundra

Toyota Sequoia

Rolls Royce Cullinan

Mercedes-Benz AMG G83 AMG SUV

Mercedes-Benz G 500

Lincoln Navigator 2021

Bentley Bentayga

Meanwhile, the remaining six vehicles have import entry records but dubious COPs or no payment documentations at all:

Lincoln Navigator 2024

GMC Yukon Denali

Cadillac Escalade 2021

Maserati Levante Modena

GMC Yukon XL Denale

Cadillac Escalade ESV Last September 10, the BOC announced that as part of its initial investigation, eight cars were classified as smuggled for having no import entry records and COP while another seven had import entry documents but no payment certificates.

Nepomuceno previously announced that if the Discayas fail to prove the legitimacy of the purchases, the agency would issue a warrant of seizure and detention.

‘They complied with providing documents but when we looked at those, we were not convinced that the documents were proper,’ they said.

Nepomuceno also said that upon validation, two of the 15 cars initially found to have missing documents have been proven to have legitimate papers.

The BOC previously secured 30 luxury vehicles of the family to undergo verification of importation records and assessment of duties and taxes.

Nepomuceno also shared that 17 of these cars were purchased from car dealers with good track records of documentation and payment.

However, he said that they will still undergo post-audit clearance.

Who are the BOC personnel responsible for this?

Nepomuceno said that the BOC issued show cause orders to more than 10 of its personnel to explain how the cars entered ports under their authority.

‘At this point, it’s still a show cause order. If it elevates into a case, then we will have the opportunity to disclose. At this point, we are protecting their privacy once we find out that their explanations may be accurate,’ he said.

‘Avatar: The Way of Water,’ the sequel to the 2009 film ‘Avatar,’ is returning to Philippine theaters for a limited theatrical release starting on Oct. 1.

The James Cameron-helmed film will be screened in the Philippines for a ‘one-week special engagement’ on Oct. 1, while it will hit international theaters two days later, according to a press statement.

‘Avatar: The Way of Water,’ which originally premiered in 2022, follows Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and their family more than a decade after the events of the first film.

While Jake is already the chief of the Omatikaya clan, he and his family move to the Metkayina clan, the eastern side of their home planet Pandora – as it faces another colonization threat.

The film grossed over $2.3 billion and it bagged the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. It is currently the third-highest grossing movie worldwide.

Joining Worthington and Saldaña are Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Cliff Curtis, Kate Winslet, Britain Dalton, Jamie Flatters, Trinity Jo-Li Bliss, Bailey Bass, and Jack Champion. /edv

It seems even the Department of Health (DOH) has its own ‘flood control version’ after the agency revealed that most of the health centers built under its health facilities enhancement program (HFEP) remained idle due to a lack of personnel.

During the House plenary debates on the DOH’s proposed P253-billion budget for 2026, Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno questioned why only 200 out of the 600 health centers built under the HFEP were functional as of 2025.

He noted that this was despite the allocation of more than P170 billion for its infrastructure and equipment in the past decade.

The figure rises to P400 billion if its funding for commodities and human resources are included.

‘Is the reason why the secretary of health described the HFEP as the flood control version of the DOH, was because only a few, according to him, of the health centers are actually functioning?’ he asked.

Diokno was referring to Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa’s comment at the committee-level briefings for the DOH budget, where he likened their travails over the HFEP-which aims to improve delivery of basic, essential and specialized health services-to the DPWH’s own troubled flood control program.

Lack of personnel

Budget sponsor and Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia clarified, however, that the HFEP had no ‘ghost health facilities.’

‘They exist, but because of the lack of personnel and health-care professionals who could run them, they are not functioning,’ he explained.

He added that the DOH had entered into memorandums of agreement with local governments ‘in good faith,’ expecting them to provide personnel for the facilities they requested.

‘Probably some of our LGUs (local government units) lacked the funds to hire doctors and midwives, which is beyond the jurisdiction of the secretary,’ Garcia said, pointing out that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) may need to step in since it oversees LGUs.

‘But they are there waiting to be activated and hopefully we can assign personnel to them so they could provide services to our countrymen,’ Garcia said.

Denial of service

Diokno challenged the DOH to address the persistent problems in the program implementation as its inefficiencies deny poor Filipino families of essential health services.

‘They’re already at a disadvantage because of high prices of food, lack of jobs. If the HFEP is a failure, they would also be at a disadvantage in terms of health,’ he lamented.

Launched in 2008, the HFEP is a banner program under the DOH that aims to ensure that the poor and marginalized sectors of society have access to appropriate health facilities.

Specifically, it provides funding assistance for infrastructure and equipment of government health facilities nationwide, including barangay health stations, rural health units, district and provincial hospitals, and specialty centers.

In a 2017 performance audit, the Commission on Audit (COA) had already flagged deficiencies in HFEP implementation, including problems with procurement of equipment not aligned with the actual needs; undistributed equipment at DOH regional offices; and the construction of health stations on ineligible and nonworkable project sites.

Catch-up plan

Diokno noted that it had been seven years since the findings but only now was the DOH enforcing stricter controls.

The Philippine Institute for Development Studies, in a 2025 study, likewise found inequities in the HFEP’s grant distribution, with some LGUs receiving funds despite not being among those most in need.

To address gaps, the DOH said it had launched a ‘catch-up plan’ in the second half of 2025 by revising HFEP guidelines to expand implementation modes, and opening 55 Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service centers nationwide to temporarily provide primary care while idle facilities await personnel.

Priority project

Data from the DOH’s National Health Facilities Registry show that as of March 2025, the country has 41,963 health facilities.

Of these, 1,338 are hospitals, 630 are infirmaries, 2,674 are rural health units (RHUs), 26,239 are barangay health stations (BHS), and 11,082 are other health-related facilities.

According to the HFEP Management Office, of the total BHS, RHUs and hospitals, the HFEP-funded infrastructure accounted for 8.6 percent, 2.6 percent and 31.5 percent, respectively.

The report of the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department of the House of Representatives, released in July 2025, showed that the HFEP has also recently funded the establishment of super health centers (SHCs) to help decongest hospitals and expand access to outpatient services.

SHCs are larger than traditional RHUs and serve as intermediate facilities that offer a wide range of services. The rollout of SHCs has gained momentum, with allocations made for 307 centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023.

The HFEP was assigned as a separate line item in the General Appropriations Act starting in 2007, highlighting its significance as a priority initiative of the DOH in line with broader health sector reforms.