Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Students in storm-prone regions such as Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, and Ilocos missed up to 44 percent of scheduled school days in the first quarter of School Year 2023-2024, according to new data from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).

In the Cordillera Administrative Region, students lost 35 out of 80 school days, meaning nearly one out of every two scheduled days was spent out of class. Cagayan Valley (33 days lost) and the Ilocos Region (31 days lost) posted similar figures, compressing what should have been a full quarter of instruction into just over a month.

Metro Manila also experienced significant disruption, with 20 school days lost due to weather-related class suspensions – equivalent to one in every four days.

At the other end of the spectrum, Mindanao and Visayas regions reported minimal disruptions. Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and SOCCSKSARGEN each lost only three days out of 80, while the Davao Region lost five days. ‘The country is hemorrhaging learning time as storms and policy collide,’ said Dr. Rogelio Alicor Panao, INQUIRER Metrics data scientist and associate professor at the University of the Philippines, in his analysis of the dataset.

‘What began as a precaution has calcified into habit: when a typhoon threatens, schools close whether or not damage occurs, and there is no clear plan to reclaim lost days,’ he added.

Panao noted that continued class suspensions-particularly in regions hit hardest by storms-could weaken students’ mastery of basic skills, widen learning gaps, and normalize the idea among children that schooling is optional during the rainy season.

In response to the growing challenge, the Department of Education (DepEd) last July highlighted the rollout of Learning and Service Continuity Plans (LSCPs) in all public schools.

These include alternative delivery modes (ADMs) such as online classes, self-learning modules, and activity sheets, along with protocols for storing learning devices and training teachers for rapid shifts in instruction.

These efforts are part of DepEd Order No. 022, s. 2024, which revised class suspension guidelines and directed schools to update LSCPs regularly as part of emergency preparedness.

Despite these measures, EDCOM 2 data indicates that many regions-particularly in northern Luzon-remain especially vulnerable to extended academic stoppages.

Without stronger implementation of existing policies, improved infrastructure, and more robust recovery mechanisms, education experts warn that repeated weather disruptions may continue to reduce classroom contact time in the most affected areas.

‘Without swift flood-control action and aggressive catch-up programs,’ Panao warned, ‘the next storm will not only inundate streets-it will wash away the nation’s fragile promise of education.’

I was stunned by the headlines in American media this Monday morning, the breaking news being a multi-pronged attack on a Mormon (Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) church.

It was Sunday morning in Michigan, with worshippers inside the church. A gunman crashed his vehicle into the church, set the church on fire, then began shooting, killing at least four people and wounding another eight. The gunman was killed in the exchange of fire with the police.

Mass shootings in schools have become all too common in the United States, but places of worship are increasingly vulnerable as well-churches, synagogues, mosques.

The attacks on schools and places of worship create more anxiety about the situation in the US, reflecting an epidemic of bloody and deadly violence triggered by differences in beliefs, religious and secular. The attacks on places of worship are more specific, reflecting a polarized nation, now driven by hatred.

The news from Michigan got me thinking about our own situation. We have had attacks on mosques and churches, mainly in Mindanao. As far as I can remember, we have not had shootings in schools, but let’s not forget that schools have been attacked by military and paramilitary units in Mindanao, almost all involving schools put up for lumads (indigenous peoples of Mindanao), and which have been Red-tagged as institutions for communist indoctrination. The government attacks have resulted in many of the lumad schools being closed down, with an estimated 10,000 students now deprived of schooling. (These schools are put up by religious groups, mainly Catholic, and students are scholars.)

Just last week, I attended the inauguration of a commemorative photo exhibit at Adamson University about the lumad, part of a larger archiving project that documents how the schools were established and how they evolved.

After the inauguration, I talked with some young faculty, and the conversation shifted to the Sept. 21 rally against corruption in the Department of Public Works and Highways, focusing on one contingent of youth who were not with organized rallyists. Violence broke out mainly around Mendiola as police went after this group. At least two were killed in the attacks by the police.

Thinking of the attacks in the US and in the Philippines, I thought about how, in the 1970s, during martial law, systems were put in place among activist groups to protect rallyists. I remember the briefings by ‘veteran’ activists: observing a buddy system from start until finish, even accompanying others back to dorms and homes; following instructions from marshals (e.g., ‘dapa!’ meaning to crouch or squat, and the most serious, ‘takbo! (run!).’

First-aid teams were also in place, many of them medical and nursing students (and an occasional stray veterinary student). The activists also had networks in place with the hospitals and sympathetic hospital staff. Under martial law, any bullet wound had to be reported to the police or the Armed Forces, so hospital admissions had to be discreet.

There was a respite in the government’s violence after martial law, but under former President Rodrigo Duterte, violence resumed: beatings, illegal detention, disappearances. And now, under President Marcos, we see another surge in violence, like what we saw last Sept. 21, with corruption now drawing protesters of all ages.

Through all these years-more than 60 years if you think of the repressive responses even during democratic interludes-we never really tapped the concept of sanctuaries, which was strong in Europe and goes back to the Middle Ages. Both churches and universities offered sanctuaries for people being persecuted for daring to express dissent. These included political as well as religious protesters, for example, Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation leaders. Being within a church building or a university campus assured safety, if not one’s life.

Informally, university officials like me (as University of the Philippines Diliman chancellor), argued for sanctuary in the name of academic freedom. The lumad students who needed to continue their schooling were among those offered sanctuary, not just in UP but also in religious universities.

We now live in troubled times throughout the world, and we, in the Philippines, should think of ways to put up more sanctuaries, sacred spaces, safe spaces. Goodness, if we have sanctuaries for birds and threatened animals, then all the more we need them for our youth, and more. It’s not just sanctuaries but disaster preparedness of a different kind. Over the weekend, I talked with a grandmother in her 60s, not your usual street protester, who proudly related her Sept. 21 experience, and how she was planning to buy foldable seats to share with other senior citizens!

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the reopening of the newly renovated Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

The reopening is also ahead of the PICC’s 50th anniversary and the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in 2026.

As we open the newly renovated Philippine International Convention Center, we are revisiting a chapter of our nation’s history. We are gathered in a place where history was written, lives were celebrated, and where the future will once again be shaped,’ Marcos said.

‘Every brick, every beam, every hall of this building carries with it nearly five decades of stories,’ he added.

The First Couple was guided on a tour of the repaired and refurbished facilities of the PICC.

Among its notable new works are the repair of marble tiles in the lobby, repainting of the ceiling, laser cleaning of concrete walls, and restoration of pieces of furniture that date back to 1976.

‘The damaged tiles were all replaced, then all the new marble slabs were restored,’ PICC General Manager Nicolette Ann P. Cruz told reporters in an interview. ‘And now, it is what you see ngayon; there is just the right amount of shine, polish, reflection, and grandeur. It’s not enough para maging hazard,’ she also said.

The lawn was also restored to its original 1976 design, with 3,068 restored shining droplights that will welcome visitors in the lobby.

One of the major changes in the PICC was the revival of the courtyard’s original pebble wash flooring, the restoration of ponds, and improved landscaping.

There are also new infinity waterfalls, modern lighting, and a 30-speaker audio system.

The PICC is owned by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Constructed in 1976, the PICC is Asia’s first international convention center, famous for showcasing Filipino culture and excellence in every event it brings to life. It was designed by renowned Filipino National Artist, Leandro V. Locsin and is home to works of Filipino painters and sculptors.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) extension office here warned the public against the operation of investment venture ‘Infin8 Success Global’ in Soccsksargen region (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City).

According to the SEC Koronadal, an entity named ‘INFIN8 Success Global, INFIN8 Success-Global Health and Beauty Products Trading,’ operated by a certain Jerson Saballa, has been enticing the public to invest their money in its scheme with the promise of high monetary rewards or profits.

The SEC said the company maintained a physical office and conducted operations online through the webpage i8sucess.com and other digital platforms, where it enticed the public to be part of its business through what appeared to be a binary-like marketing scheme or recruitment-driven model, a structure commonly associated with illegal or unauthorized investment schemes that are inherently unsustainable and detrimental to the public.

‘[Based on] our records, INFIN8 Success Global/INFIN8 Success-Global Health and Beauty Products Trading is not a registered as a corporation and has no secondary license or authority to solicit investment from the public,’ the SEC Koronadal said in a public statement.

The SEC Koronadal explained that the mere registration of a corporation did not grant it the authority to solicit investments from the public.

Stop

It issued the advisory to urge the public to exercise extreme caution in dealing with entities that offer or promise earnings that appeared ‘too good to be true.’

The SEC advised the public not to invest in these schemes; and for those who have already done so, to stop.

It warned that any entity found soliciting investments without such a license, along with all individuals involved in its promotions, shall be subject to corresponding administrative, civil and criminal penalties under the law.

In 2016, a huge number of ‘investors,’ including those from Koronadal and South Cotabato, fell victims to the infamous ‘Kapa’ (Kabus Padatuon/Enrich the Poor) investment scheme, losing millions of pesos. The Kapa-Community Ministry International, founded by Pastor Joel Apolinario became one of the biggest investment fraud scandals in Philippine history.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday urged government officials to strengthen integrity and credibility in public service.

Speaking to newly elected and appointed officials of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines in a ceremony in Malacañan Palace, Marcos stressed that ‘unscrupulous abuse of power and greed must come to an end.’

‘Many Filipinos are frustrated by the layer upon layer of issues that plague them every day,’ Marcos said in Filipino.

‘Our people are exhausted, they are disappointed, and they are angry. And as I have said before, their rage is valid. It is born from years of frustration at a government characterized by systemic dysfunction and unfulfilled promises,’ he added.

The President also called on leaders to ‘confront’ the anger of the public and be humbled enough to provide concrete solutions to the nation’s problems.

‘Let us not dismiss their anger. Let us confront it. Let us be humbled and provide concrete solutions. Alam naman natin ang mga mali, kaya dapat nating itama,’ President Marcos said.

Marcos also underscored his administration’s commitment to eradicating entrenched corruption, implementing useful reforms, and delivering an honest and accountable government.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council secured a third freeze order against individuals tied to flood control controversy, building on two earlier directives and collectively paralyzing 1,563 bank accounts, 54 insurance policies, 154 vehicles, 30 properties and 12 e-wallets.

The third order, granted by the Court of Appeals on Sept. 30, covered 836 bank accounts, 12 e-wallets, 24 insurance policies, 81 motor vehicles and 12 real estate properties, marking the most extensive asset freeze since the probe began.

‘By freezing a wide range of assets-such as bank accounts, e-wallets, vehicles, and properties-the AMLC is disrupting the financial channels used in corrupt activities,’ said AMLC Executive Director Matthew M. David.

‘Our goal is straightforward: prevent stolen public funds from being dissipated and misused, recover them for the National Government, and ensure that those involved in money laundering are held accountable,’ David added.

Former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez was also receiving kickbacks from illegal gambling apart from flood control projects, Vice President Sara Duterte claimed on Monday.

‘It’s not only flood control. Martin Romualdez is also receiving money from illegal gambling,’ she told reporters after she faced the Senate finance subcommittee, which deliberated on the proposed 2026 budget of the Office of the Vice President. The panel swiftly approved the P902.895-million budget in less than an hour.

At the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on Sept. 25, Orly Regala Guteza, who said he used to be one of the security personnel for Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, testified that he delivered suitcases full of cash to the homes of his boss and Romualdez. The money was supposedly their cut from flood control projects.

According to Duterte, she was not surprised by the talks of cash deliveries to Romualdez.

‘It’s not odd for Martin Romualdez because he was already involved in heavy luggages [sic] regarding the Okada case. If you remember it correctly, there is a case in the state of Delaware in the US in which he was named [.] as allegedly receiving cash stashed in luggage,’ Duterte further said.

She was referring to claims that the former House speaker was allegedly bribed by the management of Okada Manila to influence local courts amid a courtroom battle.

Reacting to the allegations, Romualdez maintained that he never accepted anything from illegal gambling.

Pure fiction

‘I heard the accusations. I will directly say this: it is not true that I received anything from illegal gambling. These stories about ‘suitcases of cash’ are pure fiction. A figment of their imagination. It’s easy to point fingers-but the truth is that they cannot prove it. Until today, there is no evidence shown-only hearsay evidence being repeated by people,’ he said in a statement.

‘With the Okada/Delaware issue, it is clear: I am not part of it, I was not investigated, and I am not an accused in the case. I have no involvement in that case, which is a fight between two businesses. It is being resurrected to destroy my reputation,’ Romualdez said.

According to him, it is saddening that the Vice President herself, who has been accused of the improper use of hundreds of millions of pesos worth of confidential funds, is now spreading lies.

‘There is no turning back here.’

This was what the lawyer of Pacifico ‘Curlee’ and Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya said after the contractor couple attended the hearing of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) in connection with the flood control anomalies on Tuesday, September 30.

The Discaya couple separately arrived at the ICI office in Taguig City on Tuesday morning at around 9 a.m. to attend the investigation, which lasted until around 2:30 p.m.

The contractor couple refused to give any statement to the media. Instead, their lawyer, Atty. Cornelio Samaniego III, was the one who answered questions in an ambush interview.

According to Samaniego, just like before the Department of Justice, the Discayas also told everything to the commission during its proceeding on Tuesday.

‘About money, about the particular persons mentioned in the affidavit, what the transaction is, what the history is.. we were ‘tell-all’ [during the probe],’ the counsel said.

‘There is no turning back here,’ he emphasized.

When asked for the names that the Discayas mentioned at the ICI hearing, Samaniego refused to answer, saying instead that ‘it’s already in the affidavit.’

He said the Discaya couple decided to reveal everything they know on the flood control anomalies after flood survivors and environmental groups threw mud and rocks, and wrote ‘magnanakaw’ (thief) and ‘ikulong’ (jail them), on the gates of their residence in Pasig City earlier in September.

The Discayas are currently under investigation for alleged involvement in anomalies in flood control projects. /apl

Philippine National Bank’s (PNB) move to let go of its Bahrain operations and dissolve two of its units would allow it to cut costs and focus on expanding its core business, according to an analyst.

Ron Acoba, chief investment strategist at Trading Edge Consultancy, told the Inquirer that PNB could still serve its Middle East market. This is mainly overseas Filipino workers sending money home through a correspondent bank.

This, he said, would be more cost effective for the banking arm of the Lucio Tan Group.

PNB on Monday said in a regulatory filing its board of directors had approved plans to shutter its PNB Bahrain Representative Office, although this is still subject to regulatory approval.

PNB currently operates across 17 countries in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. However, it recently noted that it was facing stiff competition from banks and nonbanks in these locations.

‘To maintain its market position in the industry, the bank offers diverse products and services, invests in technology, leverages on the synergies with the Lucio Tan Group of Companies and builds on relationships with the bank’s other key customers,’ PNB said in its annual report.

Consumer lending

At the same time, PNB’s board has decided to dissolve the bank’s consumer finance and enterprise services sectors.

‘[This] will allow [PNB] to focus on expanding its consumer lending business,’ Acoba said in a text message.

In the first semester, PNB benefited from higher demand for loans, resulting in a 22-percent surge in earnings to P12.5 billion.

Its net interest income had climbed by 7 percent to P25.8 billion.

Loans and investment securities grew by 5 percent and 11 percent, respectively.

To stand out among their competitors, PNB president and CEO Edwin Bautista earlier said they were looking to ‘unlock new revenue streams’ to boost the bank’s net income through exploring the use of technology, such as data science and artificial intelligence, in its businesses.

The Senate on Tuesday blasted the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for undertaking road projects before settling right-of-way (ROW) issues, which could waste billions of pesos in taxpayers’ money.

Sen. Erwin Tulfo, during the organizational meeting of the DPWH and other government agencies, also said that right-of-way issues are the usual cause for the delay in carrying on the country’s infrastructure projects.

‘Why do we start projects even if the ROW issues have not yet been resolved. when there are properties that may be affected by the project because of ROW issues? These issues should have already been addressed since we have the funds to settle this. But how come this is becoming the reason for projects to stop because of the fact that there are complainants? Shouldn’t we talk to the affected people or pay whoever the owners of these properties first?’ asked Tulfo.

DPWH Assistant Secretary Constante Llanes Jr. explained that among the implementation challenges in addressing ROW issues include the delays arising from limited ROW budget allocation, opposition from affected lot owners, and absentee and corporate land-ownership issues.

He said there were also deficiencies in claimant documentation, pending permits, expropriation proceedings, utility line obstructions and the resettlement of informal settlers.

Llanes said he strongly agrees with Tulfo that the ROW issues should be addressed first to prevent delays in infrastructure projects.

‘We strongly agree with what you mentioned, Mr. Chair, particularly for foreign-assisted projects, that is actually the principle. In fact, these are the requirements of the foreign funding institutions, Mr. Chair, that you have to come up with a resettlement action plan,’ he said.

‘For example, you have to compute everything and identify the payables before you proceed with the project and that’s a requirement, a matter of requirement. So all of this has to be taken care of and cleared first. But if we lack enough funds to pay these affected people, the properties, even the structures.that could be a reason for delay,’ he explained. /das