Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Office of the Vice President (OVP) Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio will begin his testimony on Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds (CFs) on Tuesday, the 18th day of her impeachment trial.

Ortonio supposedly accompanied former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta in encashing a total of P500 million in CFs from LandBank Shaw Blvd., in increments of P125 million every quarter from the last quarter of 2022 until the third quarter of 2023.

According to Acosta, Ortonio assisted her in transporting P125 million in cash placed in four traveling bags in all four quarters.

In previous exhibits presented, Ortonio’s signature also appeared as a signatory to some of the OVP’s submissions in response to the Commission on Audit’s audit observation memorandum, which seeks additional documentation to support the proper use of CFs.

The House prosecution panel intends to have Ortonio declared a hostile witness, considering that he is Duterte’s subordinate.

Should the court rule Ortonio as hostile, the prosecution may ask leading questions during its examination.

The Senate impeachment court is also expected to rule on the online behavior of the counsels for both parties after it flagged public statements that discuss the merits of the proceedings.

Such statements are prohibited under the impeachment rules

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) will file a complaint with the National Police Commission against members of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) who allegedly accosted customs personnel destroying smuggled cigarettes seized in operations.

‘If our personnel are in the wrong, then we will find out,’ Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said on Monday. BOC personnel said they were overseeing the destruction of seized smuggled cigarettes at a condemnation facility in Bulacan on Aug. 19, when HPG members barged in and frisked them.

Nepomuceno vouched for his men, saying they were covered by a mission order signed by him and were just doing their job. The 13 PNP-HPG officers implicated in the incident have since been relieved pending an investigation.

The estimated value of illegal cigarettes and vape products confiscated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in 2026 so far has already quadrupled the value of those seized last year, according to data shared by the agency’s Enforcement and Security Services (ESS).

Customs personnel seized nearly P11.680 billion worth of cigarettes and vape products from January to July 2026, according to statistics shared by ESS acting director Noel Estanislao during a House of Representatives ways and means committee hearing on Tuesday.

The P11.680-billion figure so far in 2026 was 464.26 percent higher than the nearly P2.516 billion worth of cigarettes and vape products confiscated for the entirety of 2025.

Estanislao’s report also showed that the following estimated values of confiscated illegal cigarette and tobacco products were seized in these areas:

Port of Surigao – P2,192,840,000

Manila International Container Port – P2,104,882,000

Port of Zamboanga – P2,065,182,767.8

Port of Cebu – P1,831,380,000

Port of Limay – P465,488,750

Port of Davao – P411,174,779.64

Port of Manila – P327,916,279.06

Port of Clark – P275,000,000

Port of Batangas – P234,734,500

Port of Cagayan de Oro – P79,294,870

Port of San Fernando – P24,953,960

Ninoy Aquino International Airport – P12,870,000

Port of Subic – P235,317.5

Meanwhile, the following estimated values of apprehended illegal vape and electronic cigarette products were taken into BOC custody:

Manila International Container Port – P1,649,261,690

Port of Batangas – P4,431,287.7

Port of Cebu – P23,218.4

Port of Clark – P6,000

‘Rest assured, the products we confiscate never reach the market. We destroy the actual products,’ Estanislao explained.

The House ways and means committee held the hearing to discuss a Department of Finance proposal to unify all excise taxes on cigarette products and increase them to P72.93, with an annual indexation of 5 percent

Aeta community members began fencing parts of Mt. Bagang in San Marcelino on Sunday, claiming the area is part of their ancestral domain despite a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) finding that a private company’s forest plantation application does not overlap with any approved Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT).

The fencing was led by Aeta leader Trolie Romualdo, who said the community’s CADT is identified as CADT No. 280, contrary to information earlier provided by Zambales Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer Marife Castillo.

Castillo said the DENR’s verification, based on available references and data from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), showed that the Socialized Industrial Forest Management Agreement (Sifma) application of Philippine Ocean Business Corporation (POBC) did not encroach on any approved CADT.

She made the clarification in an Aug. 13 response to the Inquirer’s request for information.

POBC’s application for clearance to establish a tree plantation covers 51.88 hectares (ha) in Mt. Bagang along Barangay Sta. Fe.

Romualdo has maintained that the Aeta community considers Mt. Bagang part of its ancestral territory and has sought recognition of its claim.

The fencing came after two tree-growing activities were conducted in Mt. Bagang by the San Marcelino municipal government and private-sector partners, during which nearly 1,000 African talisay seedlings were planted.

Aeta leaders said they support reforestation efforts but questioned why the activities proceeded without prior consultation with the community, which they consider the owners of the ancestral domain.

Pending NCIP process

Castillo said POBC’s Sifma application had been endorsed to the NCIP Central Luzon office for evaluation and the issuance of the appropriate clearance or certification, as may be required under existing laws and regulations.

The endorsement was made through a DENR letter dated April 15, 2025, she said.

The DENR said the NCIP process was being undertaken pursuant to Republic Act No. 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997.

‘All applications for forestry tenure instruments are endorsed to the NCIP for evaluation and the issuance of the appropriate clearance or certification, as may be required,’ Castillo said.

Pending the issuance by the NCIP of a Certification Precondition stipulating that the free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) of the Aeta had been secured, or the release of a Certification of Non-Overlap or a Resolution of Non-Consent, the DENR said a Provisional Agreement may be issued to the applicant, subject to applicable rules and regulations.

The provisional agreement allows temporary improvements within the area covered by the application while the necessary requirements and evaluations are being completed.

San Marcelino Indigenous Peoples Mandatory representative Robert Dela Cruz earlier said POBC had undertaken an FPIC process for about six months in connection with its proposed project, but the process had not yet been completed.

The ancestral domain area identified by Indigenous leaders covers around 33,608 ha across the villages of Aglao, Buhawen, San Rafael and Sta. Fe. The Aeta communities in the area include the Ayta Ambala, Ayta Mag-Indi, and Ayta Zambal.

The Office of the Ombudsman asked the Sandiganbayan Third Division to inhibit one of its associate justices in the malversation case against former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr.

Prosecutors filed the motion to inhibit on Monday against Associate Justice Ronald Moreno, who voted to grant Revilla’s bail.

A member of the prosecutorial team on Tuesday said the Ombudsman’s Office of the Special Prosecutor filed the motion.

Third Division members voted 2-1, allowing Revilla to post P1 million bail for his provisional liberty.

Aside from Moreno, Associate Justice Fritz Bryn Delos Santos voted to grant Revilla’s bail.

Associate Justice Karl Miranda, chairperson of the Third Division, voted to deny Revilla’s bail.

Revilla faces a malversation of public funds case for allegedly conspiring in the illegal disbursement of P76.9 million for a purported ghost flood control project of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Bulacan’s Pandi town worth P92.8 million, supposedly in exchange for a 25-percent cut. He has repeatedly denied the accusation.

This is particularly relevant to millions of Filipino families whose finances are connected to overseas work. The Department of Migrant Workers recorded 1.58 million overseas Filipino workers and seafarers deployed as of June 2025, underscoring the scale of Filipinos whose livelihoods extend beyond the country.

For these families, managing money does not end when an OFW earns abroad. The value of that income can also depend on how it is converted into pesos and how much reaches the household. Changes in exchange rates can affect the amount received, making foreign exchange a practical consideration alongside saving, budgeting, and remittances.

Being financially prepared means understanding not only how much money is coming in and going out, but also how its value can change between currencies. For OFWs and their families, knowing how exchange rates work and making informed decisions about when and where to convert currency can help them get more value from money they have worked hard to earn.

‘Financial empowerment means giving Filipinos the knowledge and the right financial solutions to make better decisions at every stage of their financial journey. As more Filipinos earn and transact across borders, foreign exchange should become part of the conversation around managing money because it directly affects the value of their money,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Making those decisions is not always straightforward. Exchange rates move, currency needs differ, and the right choice can depend on whether money is being sent home, set aside for a trip, or used for an international transaction. This is where a trusted foreign exchange provider can make a difference.

As Xchange Xperts, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXchange offers access to foreign currencies, competitive exchange rates, and a nationwide network, making foreign exchange more accessible to Filipinos looking to make informed decisions about their money.

Adding to this convenience is Click and Collect, which allows customers to reserve their preferred foreign currency online and pick it up at a selected Cebuana Lhuillier branch. The service combines digital convenience with in-branch access, helping customers prepare their currency needs in advance.

The need extends beyond remittances. Filipinos traveling overseas also need to consider how much to convert, when to exchange pesos, and how currency movements can affect spending power. With 29.1 million international passengers passing through Philippine airports in 2025, foreign currency is becoming a familiar part of preparing for expenses abroad.

‘Foreign exchange can seem like a simple transaction, but for many Filipinos, it is connected to something much bigger, their livelihood, their family’s financial needs, their business, or their plans abroad. Our role is to make that decision easier to understand and more accessible so Filipinos can approach every currency exchange with greater confidence,’ said Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President of Cebuana Lhuillier.

The bigger shift is in how Filipinos think about financial preparedness. Saving, budgeting, and investing remain essential. But for people whose financial lives increasingly cross borders, understanding the value of money in different currencies belongs in the same conversation.

Ultimately, smarter money management means seeing the full picture and understanding what can influence money’s value. For Filipinos earning overseas, supporting families through remittances, or preparing for a trip abroad, foreign exchange is another financial consideration to navigate wisely, with the right knowledge and an Xchange Xpert by their side.

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) has signed an airport use agreement (AUA) with the Philippine Airlines (PAL), governing the flag carrier’s operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The agreement sets key performance indicators aimed at improving operational efficiency and aligning airline operations with the service levels NNIC itself is required to meet under its concession agreement with the government, the airport operator said in a news release Tuesday.

‘This agreement gives us a clearer framework for setting expectations, measuring performance and working together to maintain consistent service standards,’ NNIC President Ramon Ang said.

The consortium intends to use the AUA with PAL as the template for similar arrangements with other airlines operating at the country’s primary gateway.

By establishing common performance requirements and clearer accountability, the NNIC could better monitor service levels, and identify where operational problems occur and require corrective action when necessary.

The AUA governs PAL’s use of airport facilities and infrastructure and sets out the respective responsibilities of the airline and airport operator.

Its framework was designed to support more consistent performance across airport operations and improve coordination among the different parties involved in moving passengers, baggage and aircraft.

‘This is a positive development for both PAL and NNIC, and ultimately for our passengers. It supports the continuing modernization of NAIA and our collective goal of delivering a better airport experience,’ PAL Holdings President Lucio Tan III was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the NNIC said it is taking similar approach in its agreements with ground handling and other service providers, setting operating requirements for companies performing critical functions on behalf of airlines within the airport.

Taal Volcano in Batangas has shown signs of renewed unrest after recording 162 volcanic earthquakes over the past six days, according to data from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Taal recorded 34 volcanic earthquakes and one episode of volcanic tremor lasting 256 minutes in its latest bulletin on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The increase in seismic activity followed a series of elevated readings in recent days. Taal recorded 14 volcanic earthquakes on Aug. 20, followed by 46 on Aug. 21, 29 on Aug. 22, 19 on Aug. 23, and 20 on Aug. 24.

Phivolcs also recorded nine episodes of volcanic tremor over the six-day period.

From Aug. 16 to 19, Taal registered only single-digit numbers of volcanic seismic events each day.

Phivolcs explained that volcanic earthquakes are generated by magma-related processes beneath an active volcano, distinguishing them from tectonic earthquakes, which are caused by movements along faults.

Volcanic tremors, meanwhile, are continuous seismic signals characterized by low-frequency oscillations that typically last for more than a minute.

In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs also reported sulfur dioxide emissions of 271 metric tons, classified as ‘weak.’

No upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was observed in the main crater lake on Taal Volcano Island (TVI), which lies in the middle of Taal Lake. No volcanic smog, or ‘vog,’ was detected either.

Despite the continued seismic activity, Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating a low level of unrest.

Authorities reiterated that entry into TVI, designated as the volcano’s Permanent Danger Zone, remains strictly prohibited, particularly in the vicinity of the main crater and the Daang Kastila fissure.

Civil aviation authorities have also been advised to warn pilots against flying over TVI, as ash from a sudden eruption could pose a hazard to aircraft.

In the Philippines, the arrival of the ber months signals the unofficial beginning of the holiday season, and with it comes the excitement of dressing up for gatherings, discovering new beauty rituals, planning thoughtful gifts, and finding little luxuries worth indulging in.

With ‘Start the Ber Months in Style’ as its theme, Lazmall Luxury’s two-day campaign sets the tone for the festivities ahead, inviting shoppers to embrace the season early, indulge in considered discoveries, and find meaningful pieces for themselves and the people who matter most, all on LazMall.

With a curated selection of luxury and premium names, LazMall Luxury offers shoppers an elevated way to kick off the holiday season as it brings together premium names in one trusted destination,

making this the perfect occasion to discover, celebrate, and shop for what’s to come.

Need some ideas? Start your seasonal refresh with the staples and check out the timeless Lacoste Men’s Classic Fit Piqué Polo Shirt and Malbon Bennett Knit Polo Sweater, or add a stylish touch to your golf days with the Malbon Kodiak Performance Golf Bag.

For beauty finds, the right foundation base is a must. Pick up Bobbi Brown’s Vitamin Enriched Face Base+ primer for a hydrated, glowy, makeup-ready base.

If you prefer your skincare essentials with an extra touch of indulgence, Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Recovery Treatment Essence and Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, together with the Pure Color Gelee Glow Oil and the Glossy Pout Tinted Lip Oil, provide a regimen for skin that deserves a little more attention and pampering. Meanwhile, La Mer’s Rejuvenating Eye Cream and Refreshing Balance Collection bring an elevated touch to everyday self-care and recovery, perfect for slowing down before the holiday rush begins.

Other brands you can find on LazMall Luxury include Chloe, Songmont, Harman Kardon, Diageo, and Sasa Official Store, among others.

From coveted fashion and beauty pieces to lifestyle essentials and statement gifts, LazMall Luxury makes it easier for discerning shoppers to discover pieces that feel special, while shopping with the confidence that comes from authenticity and LazMall’s trusted brand experience.

Whether refreshing a personal wardrobe ahead of holiday gatherings, finding beauty must-haves for festive occasions, elevating the home for celebrations, or getting an early start on meaningful gifts, head on to LazMal Luxury on August 26 – 27 and welcome the season in style.

For more information, you can visit Lazada Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Pedestrians in Baguio City will soon be required to observe a ‘keep right’ rule when using two-way sidewalks, pedestrian lanes and other walkways.

This directive is under an amended anti-distracted walking ordinance approved by the City Council.

Jordan Habbiling, information officer of the Baguio City Council, said in an interview on Monday that the amended ordinance will take effect upon signing by the mayor and publication.

‘The City Council has approved on third and final reading the ordinance further amending the Anti-Distracted Walking Ordinance that impose a keep-right rule on two-way sidewalks, giving priority to walking pedestrians but with exemptions for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and during emergencies,’ Habbiling said.

Habbiling noted that this policy – Ordinance 77-2026 – also establishes that sidewalks shall primarily be used for pedestrians.

Other activities such as jogging, running and taking photos must give way to walking pedestrians and must not obstruct their movement, he added.

The ordinance also prohibits the use of mobile devices to text, read messages or make calls while crossing a pedestrian lane or street, or while traversing a sidewalk, when such use causes delays in the movement of other people.

A first offense carries a reprimand, while a second offense is punishable by 10 days of community service.

Under the new ‘keep right’ rule, pedestrians using two-way sidewalks, particularly those walking in groups, must stay on the right side and avoid occupying the opposite or incoming lane.

PWDs who require additional space to safely traverse sidewalks are exempted from the keep-right requirement.

The ordinance authorizes the Public Order and Safety Division, Baguio City Police Office, Traffic Management Unit, barangay tanods and other authorized enforcers to monitor and apprehend violators.

It also allows city-installed closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to be used as evidence of violations.

Habbiling said alleged violations recorded through CCTV may be contested through other video footage.

The measure is the latest amendment to Ordinance 49-2019, which established Baguio’s Anti-Distracted Walking Ordinance. The ordinance was first amended in 2023.