Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

A weak ash explosion occurred from the Mayon Volcano summit crater on Thursday morning which generated a grayish plume, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs showed video footage of the event that was recorded at 9 a.m.

‘This event generated a grayish plume that rose 500 [meters] before drifting east-northeast as recorded by the Calbayog Observation Station (VMCB) RasPi Camera and Mayon Volcano Observatory – Ligñon Hill (VMLH) IP camera,’ it wrote in a Facebook post.

Meanwhile, based on its 24-hour monitoring, Phivolcs said that the volcano recorded 26 volcanic earthquakes. Its crater remains visible to the naked eye.

The volcano also released 5,937 tons of sulfur dioxide on Wednesday, which was slightly higher than 5,052 tons of sulfur dioxide recorded on Tuesday.

The volcano remains under Alert Level 2, which signifies decreased unrest. Phivolcs still prohibits entry into the six-kilometer radius of the permanent danger zone and flying any aircraft close to the volcano.

The bureau also warns nearby communities of possible hazards such as sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions, rockfalls or landslides, and lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

The volcano’s status was lowered from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 2 last August 5, after being placed under Alert Level 3 last January 6 due to its increasing seismic activities.

The driver of a fuel tanker involved in a vehicular incident that resulted in the deaths of three individuals on Aug. 25 has been released and is no longer facing charges, police said.

Police Captain Cyrus Taliman, Puerto Princesa City Police Station 2 commander, said they released the driver from custody after the 18-hour reglementary period had lapsed.

The fuel tanker was traveling along the national highway in Barangay Tiniguiban here when it collided with a Honda Click motorcycle carrying three people at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday.

The victims, identified as Carl Assie Abajo from San Vicente town, Princess Lara Padon and Dominic Ladica, both from Araceli town, died on the spot.

Earlier reports stated that the unnamed driver, who voluntarily surrendered to authorities after the incident, would be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and damage to property.

Taliman said the families of the victims and the driver had already talked with a lawyer on Wednesday morning for a settlement.

He also said they were able to acquire video footage of the incident from the fuel tanker’s dashcam, clearly showing that the motorcycle overshot its side of the road and collided with the tanker.

He explained that the footage showed that although the motorcycle was traveling fast, the driver was not racing with another motorcycle.

‘Based on the footage, there was another motorcycle ahead, but its headlights blinked, indicating that the driver signalled to the tanker driver. After a few seconds, the motorcycle collided, so we cannot conclude that they were racing,’ Taliman said.

He also confirmed that, based on statements from relatives, the three came from a birthday party. He, however, explained that the cause of death cannot be determined because the result of the post-mortem examination has not yet been released. He added that the families also waived autopsy on the victims’ bodies

Lawmakers have asked Vice President Sara Duterte how she was able to conclude that the prosecution has failed to present any evidence in her impeachment trial, despite the proceedings having gone on for eight weeks, while she has been absent.

In an ambush interview on the sidelines of Duterte’s trial on Wednesday, public prosecutor and Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said that if Duterte had attended some of the hearings, she would have seen the magnitude of evidence presented by the prosecution.

‘Maybe if our vice president had shown up to her trial from the start, she would know the state of the evidence laid down by the prosecution,’ Ridon told reporters.

‘And I think it is very important to remind (the public) that it has been weeks, I think this is the eighth week of the trial, but the vice president chose not to show up to this trial,’ he added.

In a separate press briefing, Deputy Speaker Jefferson Khonghun said that Duterte’s statements will be a good test of how the Senate Impeachment Court will implement Rule 18, the sub judice rule, which bars comments and disclosures on the merits of the case.

‘It doesn’t look good that the presiding officer is reading the ruling on sub judice and then the vice president is discussing the case. She has not attended her trial, and yet she chooses to say a lot of things outside,’ he added.

On Wednesday morning, while her trial was ongoing, Duterte released a statement calling out the prosecution and some members of the impeachment court.

Duterte said that the prosecution has been relying on ‘theatrics’ and ‘insults,’ while saying that a senator-judge called a witness ‘stupid.’

She also claimed that the prosecution has been fishing for evidence in an attempt to ‘legitimize the two impeachment complaints,’ which she said were ‘filed without a shred of evidence.’

When asked whether he thinks Duterte will follow Rule 18, Khonghun said ‘no.’

‘Ever since, she has not behaved well. You saw how she acted outside the court, so we do not expect the vice president to follow the court’s orders. She hasn’t even shown up yet,’ he added.

Earlier, prosecution spokesperson and impeachment adviser Robert Ace Barbers said that they would seek clarification from the impeachment court on the matter.

Eventually, House lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro asked Escudero if she could make a manifestation on the matter. Escudero stopped Luistro, saying that he was well on his way to addressing the matter.

Escudero said that since Duterte’s statements were made while the ruling was being discussed, they fell under the principle of prospectivity. However, he asked the defense panel, particularly lead defense lawyer Sheila Sison, to remind her client about the matter.

Lawmakers have previously called out Duterte’s absence from the trial. On Aug. 3, Ridon questioned why she could travel abroad but not attend the trial.

Duterte is not required to attend the trial, as she is represented by her counsel. However, last August 17, Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. – one of the endorsers of the fourth impeachment complaint – said Duterte should show up and answer the allegations herself, instead of having her staff face tough questions from the parties and senator-judges.

According to Abante, if Duterte can attend the proceedings for her perjury charge against ex-aide Ramil Madriaga and the arraignment of her brother Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte for his grave threats case, the vice president should also make time for the impeachment court and not let staffers alone be grilled.

MPower, the retail electricity supplier of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), will provide power to Big Ben Group’s manufacturing plants in Pulilan, Bulacan, to support the concrete manufacturer’s operations and improve energy management and efficiency.

The companies said the agreement aims to ensure reliable, cost-efficient electricity while strengthening business continuity.

Big Ben Group produces ready-mix concrete for various projects and relies on a consistent electricity supply for continuous operations.

Meanwhile. Big Ben Chairman Pacifico Eusebio Jr. said reliable and cost-efficient energy is important to the company’s competitiveness as it continues its operations.

‘Energy reliability and cost efficiency are fundamental to how we operate and compete. We cannot promise excellence to our clients if we do not secure excellence in our own operations. Partnering with a trusted provider like MPower strengthens the foundation of our business and supports our long-term vision for growth and resilience,’ Eusebio said.

In addition, the partnership will focus on energy management and operational efficiency, with MPower providing electricity and energy-related expertise to support Big Ben Group’s business continuity.

Sustainable and reliable power supply

For his part, MPower Senior Vice President and Head Redel Domingo said the company aims to provide the energy solutions and expertise needed to improve operational performance. ‘By ensuring a stable and reliable power supply, we help create the conditions for businesses to focus on what they do best and continue creating value for their customers and communities,’ he added.

Likewise, Big Ben Group Director Benjamin Eusebio highlighted sustainability’s role in the company’s operations and long-term planning. ‘Sustainability has to be embedded in how we operate and plan for the future. Partnering with MPower allows us to improve our energy management while supporting our long-term business and sustainability goals,’ he added.

Moreover, the partnership comes as MPower serves eligible customers in the competitive retail electricity market by allowing them to choose their power provider.

The power retailer enhances customer choice with affordable electricity and flexible energy solutions for more efficient business operations.

Amid the constant thinning of power reserves in the Visayas region that leads to frequent brownouts since May, renewable energy plants are set to rise in Northern Samar and Negros Occidental provinces, raising hopes this could help ease the situation when these are completed.

In Northern Samar, a 200-megawatt (MW) wind power project is nearing construction phase, with its developer working with local governments on permits, site development and a proposed port facility to support it.

Representatives from Vivant Renewable Energy Corp. (VREC) recently met with Victoria Mayor Joey Ardales to discuss the latest developments in the Northern Samar Wind Project, which will cover parts of Victoria and the neighboring towns of Lavezares, Allen and Rosario.

The project plans to install wind turbines in coastal and mountainous areas of the four towns, with VREC partnering with global turbine manufacturer Envision Energy.

About 36 percent of the planned 200-MW capacity has already been covered by power off-take contracts under the government’s Green Energy Auction Program, according to a project information presented during the briefing.

VREC, the renewable-energy arm of Cebu-based Vivant Energy Corp., is targeting completion of construction and grid integration by 2028, subject to the completion of regulatory, technical and other development requirements.

Once operational, the wind farm is expected to generate about 695 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually, equivalent to the power needs of more than 190,000 households.

Geothermal source

Engineer Jary Evangelista of VREC said the project was projected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 487,000 metric tons each year, supporting Northern Samar’s efforts to expand renewable energy investments and reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation.

In Negros Occidental, a 5.6-MW binary power plant in Mailum, Bago City, is expected to be operational by 2027, according to Erwin Magallanes, head of corporate relations of First Gen’s Energy Development Corp. (EDC).

The plant is being built on the former site of the Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant. The 5.6-MW binary power plant, which will tap into the area’s geothermal resource, is capable of supplying electricity to approximately 100,000 households, Magallanes said.

According to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, the Visayas region posted an all-time peak demand of 2,779.37 MW on May 14 this year. To meet the region’s surging electricity needs, the grid imports 200 MW from Luzon and 450 MW from Mindanao, mostly from coal-fed capacities that are currently on extended maintenance outage.

A 20-year-old man who was swept away by a strong current while crossing a river to gather vegetables was found dead.

The Philippine Coast Guard in Zambales confirmed on Thursday that Jasper Rosales, a resident of Sitio Dinuron, Barangay Burgos here, was found along the shoreline of Barangay San Miguel at around 1:10 p.m. on Wednesday.

His immediate family positively identified the remains.

Rosales went missing at around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday after he and his 32-year-old cousin, Darwin Milo, reportedly crossed Pamatawan River in Sitio Maligaya, Barangay Burgos, to gather vegetables.

The strong current dragged the men along the river, but Milo survived.

The recovered remains of Rosales were turned over to his family and concerned authorities for proper disposition and further investigation, according to the PCG.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, by the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) during its 58th Commencement Exercises on Thursday.

The award recognized Marcos’ efforts to advance economic development, improve access to education, strengthen public health services, and promote social equity.

‘Today, I stand before you, humbled as the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila confers upon me the degree of Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa-its highest honorary degree,’ the president said in his speech delivered at the Philippine International Convention Center Plenary Hall.

‘This recognition affirms a principle that my administration shares with the PLM – that education must remain a pathway to opportunity, a catalyst for progress, and a cornerstone of nation-building,’ he noted.

Marcos also received a memento from the university-a miniature replica of PLM’s seated statue of Dr. Jose Rizal.

According to him, the said PLM holds a special place in his family, as First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos once taught at its College of Law.

Moreover, he said the government remains committed to making tertiary education accessible to vulnerable sectors through the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

‘We are ensuring that more students from disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors receive support through free college education and technical-vocational education and training programs,’ Marcos said.

The Free Higher Education program has benefited 2.62 million students, while scholarship and financial assistance programs, such as the Tertiary Education Subsidy and the Tulong Dunong Program, continue to provide support, the president remarked.

‘Every Filipino who completes higher education or training represents far more than a diploma or a certificate earned,’ the president said.

‘This achievement gives someone a fairer chance to succeed, brings a family closer to a better future, equips a worker with the knowledge and skills for greater opportunities,’ Marcos added.

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Manila Office invites Filipinos to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations between the Philippines and Japan through the ‘Arigathanks Japan! Photo Contest.’

The contest highlights the beauty, culture, and memorable experiences that have made Japan a favorite destination among Filipino travelers. Through photography and storytelling, participants are encouraged to share meaningful moments from their journeys and showcase the special connections they have formed with Japan.

To mark 70 years of friendship between the Philippines and Japan, the contest will award 70 exciting prizes, giving participants the opportunity to share their Japan travel memories while competing for memorable rewards. Entries will be evaluated based on their creativity, storytelling, and ability to capture unique experiences in Japan. The grand prize winner will receive a roundtrip flight to Tokyo, inspiring even more travelers to discover the many wonders Japan has to offer.

Entries will be accepted from August 3 to September 30, 2026.

Winners will be announced through the official social media channels of JNTO Manila.

For complete contest mechanics and details, visit: https://arigathanksjapan.jnto.go.jp/

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is Japan’s official tourism organization, dedicated to promoting Japan as a premier travel destination and strengthening tourism exchange through information, marketing, and partnership initiatives around the world.

Join the celebration, share your love for Japan, and be part of this milestone year honoring 70 years of Philippines-Japan friendship!

Consumers in the Visayas may face another wave of brownouts on Thursday, as the grid operator placed the region under red alert amid persistent tight electricity supply.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said the red alert status would be in effect from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The grid will also be under a yellow alert from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A yellow alert indicates that available power reserves are thinning, meaning any unexpected plant outage could trigger service interruptions. A red alert indicates that supply cannot meet demand, heightening the chances of rotational brownouts unless people manage their consumption.

For the past days the NGCP has placed the Visayas under a series of power alerts, as some large coal plants remain offline, worsened by the limited imports from Mindanao.

On Wednesday, the NGCP said it implemented manual load dropping (MLD) in Bohol and Panay. MLD is a controlled and temporary power interruption in selected areas that helps maintain grid stability. The utility typically uses it to prevent a total blackout when supply is insufficient or demand surges

A low pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) early Thursday and may develop into a tropical depression within the next 48 hours, according to the state weather bureau.

In the 5 a.m. weather forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, weather specialist Leanne Loreto said that the LPA entered the country around 2 a.m. It was last estimated 1,030 kilometers east of Northern Luzon as of 3 a.m.

‘Posibleng maging bagyo itong LPA within the next 48 hours at kung maging bagyo dahil nasa loob na ito ng PAR, tatawagin itong Pilandok,’ Loreto said.

(This LPA may become a tropical depression within the next 48 hours and if it becomes one because it is already inside PAR, it will be named Pilandok.)

Loreto said that while it has a low chance of making landfall in any parts of the country once it becomes a tropical depression, it will enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat starting Friday until Tuesday next week.

‘Sa nakikita natin, in the next few days, mas lalakas pa yung habagat habang kumikilos pa west-northwestward itong LPA kaya magiging maulan sa Luzon maging sa western section ng Visayas in the next 4-5 days,’ Loreto added.

(From what we can see, in the next few days, the habagat will strengthen as the LPA moves west-northwestward, that’s why we expect rains over Luzon and western section of Visayas in the next 4-5 days.)

Meanwhile, Loreto shared that the habagat will continue to affect Luzon and the western section of Visayas on Thursday. She noted that the former tropical cyclone Obet still enhances the habagat as it moves towards mainland China.

She added that cloudy skies are expected over the western part of Luzon while there is a high chance of scattered rainshowers over Batanes, Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Batangas, and Mindoro.

The eastern section of Luzon will experience hot weather with chances of thunderstorm activities in the afternoon and evening.

Western Visayas will also see a high chance of rains and overcast skies while hot and humid weather will prevail over the rest of Visayas and Mindanao.

Temperature forecast for the following areas:

Metro Manila: 26°C to 32°C

Baguio: 18°C to 22°C

Laoag: 26°C to 32°C

Tagaytay: 22°C to 30°C

Tuguegarao: 26°C to 34°C

Legazpi: 27°C to 33°C

Kalayaan Islands: 26°C to 31°C

Puerto Princesa: 25°C to 32°C

Iloilo: 25°C to 32°C

Cebu: 27°C to 33°C

Tacloban: 27°C to 33°C

Cagayan de Oro: 26°C to 33°C

Davao: 26°C to 33°C

Zamboanga: 25°C to 34°C