Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Authorities tried to serve arrest warrants against three Sunwest Corporation executives at a Pasay City hotel Friday, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

In an interview with reporters after the operation, CIDG National Capital Region (NCR) Director Lt. Col. John Guiagui identified the targets as Sunwest Board of Directors members Consuelo Aldon, Noel Cao and Anthony Ngo.

‘Based on the information that we received yesterday, dito itinago and dito sila nag-cover as one of the employees,’ Guiagui said.

(Based on the information that we received yesterday, they were hiding here and posing as employees.)

‘Unfortunately, wala sila dito. But, again, hindi dito nagtatapos yung ating paghahanap.’ he noted.

(Unfortunately, they’re not here. But, again, our search does not end here.)

According to the CIDG NCR chief, over 100 police and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel were deployed for the attempt to serve the warrant.

Asked whether the number of personnel deployed was justified, Guiagui maintained, ‘It’s not overkill. Unang-una, ilan ito (Floors of the hotel)? Ten floors. So, we have to do it in an orderly manner and fast. Inisa-isa namin yun, yung kitchen at yung housekeeping. Inisa-isa namin lahat ng personnel doon.’

(It’s not overkill. How many floors does the hotel have? Ten floors. So, we have to do it in an orderly manner and fast. We’re checking them one by one, the kitchen, the housekeeping. We checked all the personnel one by one.)

He then addressed the at-large suspects’ ‘Sumuko na lang kayo because magkapagtago man kayo ng isa o dalawang araw, but, in the long run, mahahanap at mahahanap kayo.’

(Just surrender because you may be able to hide for a day or two, but, in the long run, we will find you.)

‘Yung mga lahat na nagkakandong, nagtatago sa mga fugitives na ito, it’s much better you cooperate with the law enforcers kasi, ‘pag nakuha namin yan within sa iyong control, kakasuhan ka namin,’ he added.

(To all who may be harboring them, hiding these fugitives, it’s much better that you cooperate with the law enforcers because, when we get them in your control, we will file a case against you.)

Aldon, Cao and Ngo are among 16 accused of graft and malversation in connection with an allegedly anomalous P289.5-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro, including former House appropriations chair and resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co.

Sunwest is a construction firm linked to Co.

The other Sunwest officials accused are its president Aderma Alcazar and its treasurer Cesar Buenaventura, whose last known locations are in New Zealand and the United States, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the issuance of the arrest warrants against the 16 accused last Nov. 21.

Co has since denied the accusations against him and instead pointed to Marcos as the mastermind behind the alleged corruption.

Nine of the 16 accused have already been taken into government custody earlier this week to face the cases before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan.

‘America’s Got Talent’ Season 20 champion Jessica Sanchez appears to be gearing up for her return to the music scene, just over a month after she gave birth to her first child Eliana Mae.

The Filipino-American singer shared her music plans as well as an update on motherhood, through her Instagram page on Friday, Nov. 28.

‘[Six] weeks postpartum. My heart is so full,’ she said. ‘These weeks have changed me in ways I can’t explain.’

‘Overwhelming love, healing, late nights, and moments I’ll never forget. I’m beyond grateful for my little family and for all of your support,’ she added.

Sanchez then expressed her excitement while hinting at the project she is currently working on.

‘I’m excited to be step back into the music, into my purpose, and into everything we’ve been building. The album is on the way. And I’m ready,’ she declared. ‘Thank you Jesus.’

Further details on the album have yet to be announced as of this writing.

Sanchez gave birth to Eliana last Oct. 13, just over two weeks after she won the reality competition ‘America’s Got Talent.’

Sanchez is set to come to the Philippines in December for a New Year’s countdown event in Pasay.

The recent multibillion-peso corruption scandal involving flood control projects is taking its toll on the Philippine economy. In the third quarter of 2025, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by only 4 percent, the lowest since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This brings the country’s average GDP growth to 5.0 percent for the first three quarters, well below the adjusted government target range of 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent. The GDP would have to grow by 7 percent or more in the fourth quarter to achieve the lower end of this target. Quite a challenging task.

The sluggish economic growth was driven by the 26-percent contraction in government construction. In the third quarter of this year, infrastructure spending fell by 31 percent as public works projects nationwide are being reviewed thoroughly for irregularities.

Government infrastructure spending is likely to fall further as more projects will be investigated in the next few months. This could drag down the country’s growth possibly up to the first half of 2026.

In response, the Department of Budget and Management programmed P1.31 trillion for disbursement in the fourth quarter to boost economic growth. However, given the poor capacity of government agencies including the Department of Public Works and Highways to implement projects, this will probably fall short. For instance, as of October 2025, the DPWH only completed 22 classrooms out of its target of 1,700.

Infrastructure development is crucial to the country’s growth. For 2026, it is projected to reach P1.6 trillion, equivalent to 5.1 percent of the country’s GDP. Hence, the Philippines cannot afford to put its infrastructure drive on hold-it remains as the country’s Achilles’ heel.

The government must encourage the private sector to participate more actively in infrastructure development not only for transport projects, but also for classrooms, rural health facilities, and agricultural postharvest facilities.

But this will not be easy. The recent corruption scandal has badly damaged public confidence in government, and the political and economic outlook over the next few months remains uncertain. Private firms would be hesitant to do business with the government under these conditions. So how then can we encourage the private sector to take part?

First is rebuilding trust. The administration must show that it is serious in cleaning up its ranks. That means holding corrupt officials accountable, ensuring cases move quickly, and strengthening transparency in the budget process.

Next is to address bottlenecks in public-private partnerships. Despite the passage of the PPP Code, challenges remain. According to the Asian Development Bank, these include low absorptive capacity of implementing agencies, delays at the local level due to permits and real property tax issues, right-of-way acquisition, and political interference in rate setting and adjustment. Funding for the payment of ROW should remain in the national budget to avoid delays.

These issues could be addressed by the Private Sector Advisory Council on Infrastructure and Regional Development Councils. Both should regularly convene and communicate the results of their discussion in improving the PPP process. This will help integrate private sector insights into national and regional planning.

While infrastructure development is primarily the responsibility of the government under normal circumstances, today’s situation is different. The government’s fiscal space is under strain, additional borrowing is unsustainable, and governance and systemic issues within DPWH are still being resolved.

Greater private sector involvement could help ease some of these pressures. This could free up some funds that can be rechanneled to health and education. It would support the goal of keeping our fiscal house in order by bringing down the country’s deficit to GDP ratio to 3 percent and debt-to-GDP ratio below 60 percent.

The private sector has better technology and technical expertise to deliver quality projects. Some private firms, particularly conglomerates and publicly listed companies, also tend to uphold higher standards of governance and are sensitive to reputational risks.

The government can further boost growth by attracting firms to invest in the country, particularly in economic zones. Ecozones such as those under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority are well managed and insulated from red tape. These ecozones provide certainty and stability for investors in this current environment.

In recent years, Congress passed key reforms such as the CREATE MORE law, mining fiscal regime, Ease of Paying Taxes, and liberalization laws to open key sectors to foreign participation. But the challenge is always in execution. What is good on paper must be reflected in actual implementation.

In light of the corruption scandal that has undermined public trust, the government must be proactive in creating an environment conducive to private sector participation in the economy. The government needs the private sector now more than ever.

The busiest time of the year is here. If Santa has his elves to help him with his Christmas preps, we turn to coffee while adulting through all the season’s merrymaking and gift shopping. Nespresso, maker of premium coffee machines and capsules, is making it easier-and more affordable-for us to get that caffeine boost whenever we need it.

The pioneer in coffee capsule technology is introducing the Inissia Starter Plan, a subscription program particularly designed especially for coffee lovers. It features Nespresso’s compact, lightweight and user-friendly single-serve coffee machine that is ideal for beginners-just fill in the water tank with fresh, clean water, pop in the capsule of your choice and wait for a few minutes for your steaming mug of brew.

Perfect gift for coffee stans

With this membership subscription, you can enjoy cafe-style, high-quality coffee right at home-at a budget-friendly price. It’s the perfect party partner especially if you’re entertaining family and friends at home during the holidays. It also makes a great Christmas present for your bae or favorite bestie who cannot go a day without coffee.

For only P2,250 per month, the 12-month Inissia Starter Plan provides you with everything you need for your full-bodied coffee ritual: a Nespresso Inissia machine and monthly credits so you can take your pick among Nespresso’s extensive selection of Original coffee blends. The monthly plan ensures your premium cup of Nespresso for a full year, right from the comfort of your kitchen.

The Nespresso Inissia is a popular choice for those seeking an espresso machine that’s lightweight and easy to use. It is compact enough that it can fit even in the smallest of coffee nooks. Its fast heat-up time and automatic volume control promises the perfect pour exactly when you need a good cup to wake you up-all with just one touch of a button.

Now on shelves near you

Once you subscribe to the Inissia Starter Plan, you become a Nespresso Club member. Those who will buy at a Nespresso store will get their Inissia machine and coffee sleeves straightaway. Those who will choose to shop online will have their machine and coffee delivered to their doorstep free of charge. The Inissia Starter Plan is available nationwide in all Nespresso boutiques, pop-up stores and on Nespresso’s official website, nespresso.ph.

Five Original Coffee sleeves come with the Inissia Starter Plan. The special subscription plan lets you own your Inissia machine for just P3,000, or P250 per month-that’s P6,500 in savings compared to the machine’s retail price of P9,500.

Keep your caffeine game strong

Subscribers also receive a monthly credit of P2,000 in their Nespresso account. This can be used to purchase Nespresso Original coffee blends and accessories at nespresso.ph. You can dive deep into Nespresso’s diverse flavors and coffee recipes and enjoy an authentic espresso experience to the fullest.

Before the 12-month plan ends, members will be given the option to renew their subscription. While the renewal does not come with a new machine, loyal subscribers will receive 5% bonus credits in their Nespresso Club Member e-wallet, allowing them to carry on with their unforgettable coffee journey.

Your everyday caffeine boost, sorted

With the Inissia Starter Plan, Nespresso intends to make premium coffee more convenient and affordable for coffee lovers. It’s more economical than heading out to a coffeehouse chain where you would have to pay a couple hundred pesos for a cup of brew. It also allows you to discover new flavors and try out recipes-such as the popular Sea Salt Latte, Iced Pistachio Coffee and classic Hot Cappuccino-without the hassle of individual purchases. Best of all, it fills your home with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee-perfect especially for the festive holidays.

Get your Inissia Starter Plan at any Nespresso boutique or pop-up store near you or online at nespresso.ph. Available for up to 12 months installment with BDO, BPI, Metrobank and HSBC credit cards. For more information, visit nespresso.ph.

South Korea’s pop music community on Thursday, Nov. 27, made donations to support rescue efforts and victims of a large-scale fire at an apartment complex in Hong Kong.

SM Entertainment said it will donate 1 million Hong Kong dollars (US$128,000) to the Hong Kong Red Cross to aid firefighting, rescue and daily commodity support.

Girl group aespa said they will contribute HK$500,000.

‘We express our deepest sorrow regarding this heartbreaking news,’ aespa said through their official Weibo account. ‘We hope this small contribution can help, and we pray for everyone’s safety.’

Boy band Riize also pledged a donation of HK$250,000, expressing hope that their contribution will support rescue operations and follow-up assistance.

Hong Kong authorities said the fire at Wang Fuk Court, which started on Wednesday, killed at least 55 people, with approximately 280 still unaccounted for. (via Yonhap)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said its deployment of over 15,000 police officers was not meant to intimidate rally participants of the second Trillion Peso March this Sunday.

The PNP previously said it was deploying police officers to the expected protest sites at the People Power Monument as well as the areas surrounding Malacañang, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, and other key locations in Metro Manila.

‘The deployment is not about intimidation; it’s about readiness. We expect [a] large number of crowds in multiple activity areas, so our personnel on the ground should be quick in responding to emergencies and even any violation of the law,’ acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement on Friday.

‘Let me be clear that law enforcement presence does not mean aggressive action. The order for maximum tolerance still remains,’ he added.

The PNP previously said only the organizers of the Trillion Peso March have secured a permit for the mass action at White Plains Avenue near the People Power Monument from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The PNP also said it expects a crowd of around 300,000 at the protest, but it is unclear how the PNP arrived at this estimate.

‘Possible infiltration attempts’

In the statement, Nartatez further said the PNP is monitoring for ‘possible infiltration attempts by groups seeking to cause unrest, similar to what happened during the September 21 rally in Manila.’

‘May ganitong considerations lagi sa malalaking gatherings. Naka-focus ang intelligence monitoring natin sa potential agitators. Rest assured, we are coordinating closely with other agencies to prevent any attempt to hijack the peaceful intent of the rally,’ Nartatez explained.

(There are always these kinds of considerations in mass gatherings. Our intelligence monitoring is focused on potential agitators.)

The violence during the Sept. 21 rally prompted police to arrest over 200 individuals, including two minors. Two people also reportedly died during the ensuing violence.

Human rights groups condemned the police for supposedly failing to exercise maximum tolerance.

Nartatez previously vowed ‘maximum tolerance’ for ‘peaceful’ demonstrators and ‘zero tolerance’ for violence.

Both iterations of the Trillion Peso March are among a series of protest actions stemming from allegations of corruption in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

Myrna Esguerra ended her pageant journey with a 4th runner-up finish at the Miss International 2025 finals, earning praises from fellow Filipino beauty queens Emma Tiglao, Catriona Gray and Joy Barcoma.

During the coronation night in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, Nov. 27. Catalina Duque of Colombia was crowned Miss International 2025, followed by Yollanda Chimbarami of Zimbabwe, Paola Guzmán Sanchez of Bolivia and Melliza Xaviera Yulian of Indonesia.

Tiglao, who was recently crowned Miss Grand International 2025, celebrated Esguerra’s win and praised her dedication and effort to compete in the global event.

‘Congratulations, baby girl Myrna Esguerra. We are so proud of you. I’ve seen your dedication, your passion, and the heart you poured into this competition. You didn’t just show up, you shined,’ Tiglao wrote, calling Esguerra’s finish ‘only the beginning.’

Esguerra earlier told Inquirer Entertainment that Tiglao’s recent win in Miss Grand International inspired her to do better in her journey at this year’s Miss International.

Gray also expressed pride in Esguerra’s win. ‘Congratulations, Queen Myrna Esguerra. Thank you for raising our flag,’ the Miss Universe 2018 wrote on her Instagram story. Meanwhile, Miss Earth Philippines 2024 Barcoma likewise congratulated Esguerra, writing on social media, ‘Congratulations, Myrna, and to your 95 siblings!!!’ a reference to the latter’s answer in the question-and-answer portion of Miss International 2025, where she discussed the global sisterhood she experienced in the pageant.

Esguerra brought the Philippines back to the Top 5 of Miss International pageant. Before her, Nicole Borromeo was third runner-up in the 2023 edition. But in 2024 Philippine bet Angelica Lopez failed to land in the top 20.

Sen. Robin Padilla’s chief of staff, Atty. Rudolf Philip Jurado, rejected Friday allegations of a violation of the anti-wiretapping law against the senator, dismissing the charge as speculative and lacking basis.

Jurado was reacting to a remark made by Atty. Barry Gutierrez, who earlier said that Padilla could be charged for violating the Anti-Wiretapping Law if proven that the audio recording he presented at the Senate’s marathon plenary debates was made without consent.

The audio recording in question was presented by Padilla during the chamber’s deliberation on the 2026 budget of the Presidential Communications Office.

It allegedly involved Palace Press Officer Claire Castro talking to a paid troll.

‘At this point, the authenticity of the recording, the identities of the persons allegedly involved, and the manner by which the audio was obtained have not been established through any formal investigation. In the absence of verified facts, there is no reasonable basis to conclude that the audio constitutes an intercepted communication within the meaning of the Anti-Wiretapping Law,’ said Jurado.

‘Without proof that an actual private conversation was unlawfully intercepted by any person, any allegation of a wiretapping offense remains speculative,’ he added.

Jurado likewise emphasized that senators and congressmen are afforded parliamentary immunity, enabling them to debate, deliberate, and legislate ‘without fear of retaliation or legal consequences for statements made or actions taken in the course of their official duties.’

Gutierrez, in an interview DZMM Thursday, said an ethics complaint could also be filed against Padilla in addition to a criminal complaint.

‘Wala namang total immunity sa persecution ng mga senador at mga kongresista. Ang mayroon lang sila ay limited parliamentary immunity,’ he said.

(There is no total immunity from prosecution for senators and congressmen. What they have is only limited parliamentary immunity.)

Across the globe, fraudulent activity has surged over the past decade, and the Philippines has not been spared. The nation’s rapid digitalisation, burgeoning economy, and increased reliance on online banking have made it an economic success story while simultaneously rendering it vulnerable to malicious actors.

In 2024, cases of identity fraud in the Philippines increased by 121%, sparking widespread concern among financial institutions, fintech companies, and regulatory bodies alike. Despite significant efforts to tackle this escalating menace, including the recent enactment of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) and the implementation of Circular 1140 by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the issue remains far from resolved.

For institutions to effectively counter this evolving threat, innovative solutions and enhanced global collaboration in fraud management practices are imperative. But first, it’s important to understand how fraud has become such a complex and challenging problem in the Philippines.

Why Fraud is on the Rise

The Philippines’ digital transformation, while fostering economic growth and financial inclusion, has also revealed significant vulnerabilities in its financial ecosystem. The rapid adoption of digital payments, driven by fintech apps, mobile banking, and online retail, has created opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit weak security systems. Many financial institutions and businesses have struggled to keep pace with the dual demands of innovation and robust cybersecurity, leaving gaps that fraudsters readily target. Compounding the issue is the limited public awareness of online security practices, making individuals more susceptible to phishing scams, social engineering, and identity theft.

Adding to the challenge is the growing sophistication of fraud tactics, including the use of artificial intelligence and automation to bypass detection systems. Fraud has become industrialized, with ‘fraud-as-a-service’ platforms offering ready-made tools and stolen identities to aspiring cybercriminals. The Philippines has also emerged as a hub for online scammers, home to around 15,000 individuals operating schemes that target victims globally. These issues are exacerbated by weak enforcement mechanisms and the complexities of prosecuting cross-border cybercrimes. Combined with the rapid shift to digital platforms during the pandemic, which exposed untested systems to new threats, these factors have contributed to the alarming rise in fraudulent activity. Addressing this growing menace requires a concerted effort across financial institutions, regulators, and consumers to strengthen cybersecurity and promote awareness.

Regulatory Action is a Step in the Right Direction

The BSP’s Circular 1140, part of a broader effort to strengthen financial security, has brought stricter fraud management requirements for institutions operating in the Philippines. This directive mandates stronger customer verification processes, improved monitoring systems and real-time fraud detection measures. Furthermore, the circular aligns with the country’s commitment to international best practices, ensuring financial institutions remain resilient against emerging threats.

While this initiative is a positive step forward, fraud continues to surge as scammers rapidly adapt, leveraging advanced technologies to exploit vulnerabilities in financial systems. This highlights the critical need for financial institutions to move beyond mere compliance, embracing proactive and comprehensive strategies to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated fraudsters.

Improving Fraud Management Systems

One of the most effective ways to combat the rise in fraud is for financial institutions to collaborate with global fintech companies. These partnerships provide access to advanced technologies and specialized expertise in enterprise fraud management, empowering local institutions to strengthen the protection of their customers and assets. Notable solutions in this space include:

Tokenisation of payments

Payment tokenisation transforms sensitive card details into a unique and randomised sequence known as a token. The characters used have no relationship to the original data so it can’t be decrypted by a fraudster and even if it is stolen it has no inherent value. During a transaction, the token is transmitted through the payment network in place of exploitable card information, effectively eliminating the risk of fraud associated with exposed payment details.

The emergence of AI-driven solutions

Next generation fraud management solutions leverage the power of artificial intelligence to analyse complex behavioural patterns in fraud schemes. These solutions process vast amounts of data from multiple sources, including international and regional vendor databases, customer transaction records and inventory logs, to uncover subtle and hidden relationships that might otherwise go undetected.

Biometric and Multi-Factor Authentication

Biometric verification, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, is becoming increasingly prevalent in fraud prevention. These technologies offer a higher level of security than traditional passwords, which are often susceptible to theft or misuse. When combined with multi-factor authentication (MFA), they create an additional layer of defense, making it much harder for fraudsters to access accounts or authorise fraudulent transactions.

Advanced identity verification

Building robust identity verification systems is essential to reducing identity fraud. Advanced solutions incorporate a combination of AI, biometrics and document verification to authenticate users quickly and securely. These systems not only enhance security but also improve the customer experience by streamlining the onboarding process and reducing friction.

Building Resilience through Innovation

Fighting fraud in the Philippines is a continuous battle that demands both vigilance and innovation. Institutions need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy, integrating advanced technologies while partnering with global experts to outsmart fraudsters. While the BSP’s Circular 1140 lays a solid foundation, financial institutions and fintech companies still have the chance to gain a competitive advantage by embracing next-generation fraud management solutions.

By utilising tools such as tokenisation, AI-driven platforms, and biometric verification, the financial sector can establish a more resilient ecosystem. Coupled with a robust regulatory framework and strengthened public-private partnerships, these measures will enable the Philippines to confront fraud challenges head-on, bolstering trust and security in its burgeoning digital economy.

The country’s trade deficit narrowed by more than a third in October as exports posted a double-digit growth while imports contracted, latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed. According to the PSA, the country’s trade gap shrank by 34.2 percent year-on-year to $3.83 billion

Driving the narrower gap was a 19.4-percent jump in exports to $7.39 billion, up from $6.19 billion a year earlier.

Imports, meanwhile, fell 6.5 percent to $11.22 billion from $12.01 billion.