Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Tropical Storm Pilandok (international name: Krovanh) exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) early Thursday morning and is not expected to directly affect the country, according to the state weather bureau.

In the 5 a.m. weather forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), weather specialist Leanne Loreto said that Pilandok exited the PAR as of 4:30 a.m.

It was last estimated 1,030 kilometers east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon as of 4 a.m. It maintained its strength as it was still carrying a maximum wind speed of 75 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 90 kph.

‘Less likely na papasok ito sa PAR ulit at hindi na rin makakaapekto sa panahon,’ Loreto said.

(It is less likely to re-enter the PAR and this will not affect the weather conditions.)

Meanwhile, Loreto said that the southwest monsoon or habagat will continue to prevail in parts of Luzon on Thursday.

She noted that habagat will bring significant rainfall (50 to 100 millimeters) over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro on Thursday.

She added that Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, the rest of Cordillera Administrative Region, the rest of Central Luzon, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna, and Oriental Mindoro will experience scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms due to habagat.

On the other hand, Visayas and Mindanao will see hot and humid weather conditions with low chances of rainshowers.

Gale warning was also raised in Batanes and Western Babuyan Islands.

Face-to-face classes from preschool to Grade 12 in Baguio City and Benguet province have been suspended on Thursday, as heavy rains and strong wind pound their communities.

Acting Baguio City Mayor Faustino Olowan announced the suspension in anticipation of poor weather conditions that have affected the mountain city for weeks.

Olowan said authorities would issue further announcements on early Thursday morning depending on the prevailing weather and local conditions.

In Benguet, Governor Melchor Diclas ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes from preschool to senior high school, including classes for Alternative Learning System (ALS) enrollees, in both public and private schools across the province through Executive Order No. 2026-68.

Schools were encouraged to implement appropriate learning continuity measures to make up for the disruption.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) placed Baguio City and Benguet under a yellow rainfall warning until the afternoon of Sept. 3.

Singapore-based OCBC Bank slashed its growth outlook for the Philippines this year, saying domestic demand remains the ‘principal drag’ due to higher inflation and weak government spending.

In a note, the OCBC Group Research said gross domestic product (GDP) may grow 3.2 percent year-on-year in 2026, down from its previous projection of 3.8 percent.

If the forecast holds, this year’s expansion would mark a slowdown from the 4.4-percent growth in 2025. The estimate also falls short of the Marcos administration’s downwardly revised growth target of 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent.

OCBC expects inflation to average 5.8 percent this year, above the central bank’s 3-percent target, as price gains could remain above the 6-percent level for the rest of 2026 due to ‘broadening price pressures and potentially second-round effects.’

Stubbornly high inflation, combined with weak fiscal support from the government, could weigh on household consumption, which historically accounted for about 70 percent of GDP, the bank said.

‘Domestic demand remains the principal drag, from higher inflation and limited fiscal support,’ OCBC said.

The slowdown was already evident in the first half, when the economy expanded by just 2.6 percent. Growth was weighed down by the fallout from the Middle East conflict, which hit an economy still recovering from a confidence shock linked to a major corruption scandal.

Hawkish cycle

To combat inflation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has delivered three quarter-point rate hikes since April, bringing the policy rate to 5 percent.

BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said the August rate hike was a ‘preemptive’ response to emerging risks from a severe El Niño episode and possible wage hikes.

On the growth side, Remolona said local economic fundamentals ‘appear to be intact over the medium term’, adding that a recovery in government spending could help stimulate activity in the second half of the year.

Looking ahead, OCBC said the BSP may deliver two more quarter-point rate

The foreign bank also expects economic growth to rebound to 4.6 percent next year

An alleged bomb threat was reported at National University-Mall of Asia (NU-MOA) in Pasay City, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Thursday.

In a spot report, the NCRPO said it received the report at around 7:50 a.m. Thursday, while the alleged bomb threat was posted on NU-MOA’s Facebook page at around 11:26 p.m. Wednesday.

The police noted that a personnel of the Safety Office of NU MOA received information through Facebook Messenger regarding an alleged bomb threat posted on NU MOA’s Facebook page. It was then relayed to a customer relations representative of MAAX Building in MOA who reported the alleged threat to the Police Sub-Station 10 on Wednesday morning.

Police officers then went to the university to verify the alleged threat.

‘The Pasay EOD/K9 Unit, BFP [Bureau of Fire Protection] Pasay, and the Investigation Section of the Pasay City Police Station were immediately notified and coordinated for appropriate response and assessment. Likewise, investigators from the Investigation and Detective Management Section (IDMS) of this police station were also informed and immediately conducted the necessary investigation,’ the NCRPO said.

Meanwhile, the NU MOA announced that its morning classes on Thursday will be held through its remote learning modes instead of onsite while on-site classes and examinations ‘are expected to resume’ starting 1 p.m.

The university has not issued a statement regarding the alleged incident as of this posting time

Air quality in Iloilo City remained a health concern early Thursday as fine particulate pollution reached a level classified as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ amid haze affecting parts of the Philippines.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 6 said its Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station at the Garden of Love in Barangay Nabitasan, La Paz district, recorded a PM2.5 rolling 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) average of 150 as of 5 a.m.

The reading falls under the ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ category, prompting the agency to advise children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with existing respiratory or heart conditions to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities.

Sensitive individuals were also advised to reduce their exposure to outdoor air whenever possible.

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller. Because of their extremely small size, these particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs and pose greater health risks, particularly to people with underlying medical conditions.

DENR-EMB Region 6 has been closely monitoring air quality in the Metro Iloilo airshed as haze continues to affect several areas of the country.

The agency said the haze may be associated with smoke and transboundary haze from ongoing wildfires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

The results from other ambient air monitoring stations will be released once available.

DENR-EMB Region 6 said monitoring across the Metro Iloilo airshed would continue while haze conditions persist, with updated readings to be posted through its official channels for public guidance.

The latest reading underscores continued concern over air quality in Iloilo after authorities stepped up monitoring this week amid reports of haze affecting Western Visayas and other parts of the country.

The San Jose Water District in Dinagat Islands has suspended its entire water supply operation after a large fire swept through a watershed area and reached facilities serving communities in three towns.

The shutdown came as the province recorded a dangerous heat index of 45 degrees Celsius at noon on Thursday, raising concerns over residents’ access to water amid extreme heat.

The water district said the fire began around 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 29, in Sitio Palo Doce, Barangay Doña Helen in Basilisa town. It spread rapidly by 3 p.m. the following day.

The blaze eventually reached the pumping station in Sitio Manoligao, Barangay Del Pilar in Cagdianao, and moved toward the upper portion of the watershed in Barangay Cuarinta, San Jose.

The fire remained active in parts of the watershed as of Thursday, said the water district.

Clearing operations, a rapid damage assessment, and needs analysis were underway to determine the condition of the water facilities and the extent of the damage.

‘Water supply operations will resume once the status of our facilities is declared safe and secure,’ the water district management said in an advisory.

Repair and restoration work will begin immediately after the assessment, it added.

The shutdown comes as residents contend with dangerous heat.

At noon Thursday, the air temperature reached 34°C, with a dew point of 27°C, producing a heat index of 45°C-classified as ‘danger.’

Under such conditions, prolonged exposure or physical activity may cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.

Residents were advised to drink plenty of water, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, wear light-colored clothing, use umbrellas, and limit strenuous activities during midday and afternoon. They were also advised to avoid alcoholic drinks.

The water district appealed for patience and cooperation, acknowledging that the shutdown would worsen the existing water shortage

Our priority is public safety and the restoration of water supply service at the earliest possible time,’ it said.

Asia Rose Simpson delivered Filipino flair on the 2026 Miss World stage with a quick glimpse of the folk dance ‘Pandanggo sa Ilaw’ during the pageant’s ‘Dances of the World’ showcase.

The 18-year-old youth advocate appeared in a pink ‘Traje de Mestiza’ by designer Renel Suarez, complete with a floral headdress and ‘candles’ in her hands and on her head.

Simpson and the rest the 110 delegates each had their own moments on stage at the April 2 Square in Nha Trang, Vietnam, for the ‘Hello Vietnam, Hello World show held on Wednesday evening, Sept. 2.

The ladies were presented in four batches, according to their continental groupings, with the Asia and Oceania group closing the show.

‘Dances of the World’ used to be incorporated in the coronation show, with only a few delegates getting solo spots while the rest of the delegates danced with them in the background, all in their traditional attires.

But as in the previous staging in India, the Miss World Organization mounted a separate show to showcase the dances from the different countries, and all the delegates had their solo spots.

‘Simpson embodies the timeless elegance of Pandanggo sa Ilaw, a cherished Filipino dance where light, movement, and tradition come together in perfect harmony,’ the Miss World Philippines Organization posted on social media, sharing photos of the delegate in her ‘traje.’

Simpson has taken huge strides in her quest for the ‘blue crown.’ She had already secured her spot in the Top 40 for winning the ‘Head-to-Head’ Challenge for the Asia and Oceania group.

She also garnered placements in the Top Model and Sports Challenges, in Beauty with a Purpose, and even placed third in the Talent contest.

Simpson hopes to become the second Filipino woman to win the Miss World title, 13 years since Megan Young scored the Philippines’ first-ever victory in the international pageant in 2013.

The Miss World pageant is holding its 73rd edition this year to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The new queen will be crowned on Sept. 5, also in Nha Trang.

Another portion of the tail dike in Minalin, Pampanga collapsed early Thursday morning due to the strong river current.

Minalin Mayor Philip Siojo Naguit said part of the San Fernando-Sto. Tomas-Minalin Tail Dike at Barangay San Nicolas is now impassable to all three-wheel and four-wheel vehicles.

In a social media post, the mayor also said only residents on motorcycles who are buying necessities are allowed to pass along the partially damaged tail dike road.

Naguit said the collapsed portion is about 60 meters away from the section of the tail dike at Barangay Sta. Catalina that was breached by raging currents on August 30.

The Sta. Catalina portion of the tail dike is currently being reinforced by the Department of Public Works and Highways to mitigate flooding in affected villages.

Meanwhile, Naguit appealed to boat owners and helmsmen fetching passengers in deeply flooded areas of his town to be more considerate in charging fees.

‘I am making a sincere appeal to boat operators. I know I cannot regulate your rates, but we are in a time when our fellow citizens are struggling financially. I hope you will not raise your charges. I understand you are working to earn a living, but please do not take advantage of the situation,’ he said in the vernacular. The mayor did not reveal how much the fees are being contested.

Several Minalin residents who commented on the post lauded the mayor’s appeal.

‘Thank you for pointing out the boat fare. It is so expensive. I hope no one takes advantage of the situation because it is heartbreaking to see those who cannot afford the fare forced to wade and walk through the dirty water,’ a Minalin resident said.

Senate majority leader Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri on Thursday cleared the air on his statement expressing exhaustion for working 12 hours a day.

His remark came amid the coinciding schedules of the second regular session, the budget hearings and the impeachment trial in the Senate.

When the impeachment court was discussing its potential schedule for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte in consideration of the chamber’s urgent legislative work, Zubiri had said he was ‘very tired,’ having to go to the Senate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. almost daily.

His pronouncement was met with scrutiny from netizens who pointed out that his exhaustion does not compare to lower to middle-class earners who work the same hours for less income.

Some said that it is part of a lawmaker’s job to work long hours when necessary.

‘It doesn’t matter if I’m tired. We will do our job as senators and impeachment court judges. If we have to work 24/7, we will do it 24/7,’ Zubiri said in a media briefing.

The senator also explained that he was being ‘honest’ about his condition at that time.

‘I just mentioned my present condition at that time, because it was very difficult to juggle the three very important activities of the Senate,’ he explained.

‘It was the first time that there was an impeachment, a budget and a legislative session,’ he said.

In a social media statement, Zubiri further explained that his message was primarily on the schedule of all their present duties.

‘This was my only point yesterday: Time must be maximized for the impeachment trial, regular session and budget season because these are important,’ he said.

‘The goal: To finish these three properly, on time, and still be sane,’ he added.

Since July 29, the Senate has been holding impeachment proceedings and plenary sessions every Mondays to Wednesdays.

With budget hearings now at play, the Senate approved the temporary suspension of rules to allow the finance panel’s budget hearings to simultaneously be held during plenary sessions after the impeachment trials from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m

The door is now open for Bennie Boatwright to possibly make his Gilas Pilipinas debut sometime later this year after a bill for his naturalization lapsed into law.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. neither signed nor vetoed the bill after Aug. 31, thus paving the way for Boatwright to possibly suit up in the fifth window of the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers in November.

Boatwright, however, will have to process his Philippine passport and take an Oath of Allegiance before his citizenship becomes official, thus ruling out any chance of reinforcing Gilas for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Nonetheless, Gilas coach Tim Cone is thrilled that Boatwright could soon get his chance at joining the team.

‘Bennie is a great guy and will be a great representative for the country. We’re happy he finally received his papers,’ Cone said.

The 6-foot-10 became a candidate for naturalization in 2024, shortly after reinforcing San Miguel Beer to that year’s PBA Commissioner’s Cup title.

But the process took longer, largely due to an injury, before getting the nod of both the House of Representatives and the Senate a few months ago.

With Boatwright’s impending Gilas stint, the team will soon have an additional option at the naturalized player spot, especially now with Justin Brownlee nursing an injury that kept him out of the recent Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers window.