Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Since Sept. 21, the sisters of a religious congregation in Quezon City assemble outside their convent every Friday, turning their small corner of the metro into a weekly call for accountability.

Two months ago, as the Philippines marked the anniversary of the declaration of martial law with a massive protest against corruption, the Religious of the Good Shepherd (RGS), went out to the streets, as well.

A few days later, more religious congregations converged at their convent on Aurora Boulevard for the ‘Misa ng Bayan para sa Kapayapaan, Katarungan, at Hustisya sa mga Katiwalian at Malawakang Korupsyon.’

But what started as a simple gathering has become a steadfast call, with the community becoming an unyielding witness to the battle against corruption, refusing to let the demand for liability fade into silence.

Since then, the sisters have assembled every Friday with banners in hand and a strong resolve etched on their faces, renewing a vigil that started a few decades ago, when some of them were on EDSA to call for the ouster of a dictator.

For them, who once marched-and prayed-for the restoration of democracy, the fight against corruption did not end with the People Power revolution, as it is a constant and steadfast battle against those who rob the nation.

‘[We,] religious sisters, like any other Filipino, have a right to demand accountability and transparency from our government officials, as well as the responsibility to safeguard our democracy,’ the sisters told INQUIRER.net.

Especially for them and their partners in mission, corruption is non-negotiable. ‘It is in our identity and mission, as clearly articulated in our constitution as a congregation,’ they said.

‘Our commitment to reconciliation demands that we promote justice and peace in a world disturbed by sin and conflict. We collaborate to help bring about change in whatever condemns others to live a marginalized life.’

As estimated by the Department of Finance, corruption in flood control projects alone-those that are either incomplete or nonexistent-had cost the economy some P118.5 billion from 2023 to 2025, or the first few years.

‘Corruption has robbed the state , especially our youth and children of the future they deserve. Religious communities journey with people in the margins, who of all people, bear the brunt of corruption,’ the sisters said.

‘It is important for us to stand with them in this fight,’ they pointed out.

Sr. Marcia Mercado, RGS, a 94-year-old sister who regularly joins the protest every Friday, said ‘it is my personal commitment to respond to what God and the Church ask us to do.’

As she explained to INQUIRER.net, they want us to ‘awaken the consciousness of the people of the corruption that is in our government system, and make sure that the problem will not be white washed and justice prevail.’

‘We need to make enough noise to disturb the conscience of the abusers,’ she said, stressing the reason behind their ‘prayer and protest’ every week, where they demand that the corrupt be held to account.

Like on Sept. 21 and in the succeeding protests led by the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines in Manila and Quezon City over the last two months, the RGS sisters will once again walk through the streets on Nov. 30.

A Mass at the San Agustin Church will precede the 8 a.m.Baha sa Luneta 2.0 protest, while the one on EDSA, the Trillion Peso March, will start at 10 a.m. at the People Power Monument.

A heavy rainfall warning was issued for three provinces in Luzon Friday due to the effects of the shear line, according to the state weather bureau.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its early morning rainfall outlook that the shear line-or the boundary of the northeasterly and easterly winds-is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains to the following areas:

Cagayan

Apayao

Isabela

Pagasa said that the rainfall forecast for the provinces is from 50 to 100 millimeters, but it may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas.

‘Impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall,’ Pagasa said.

Pagasa also warned of possible flooding, especially in low-lying areas or near the coasts.

Meanwhile, 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall are also forecast to drench Cagayan and Apayao on Saturday, November 29.

As promised, Lindsey Vander Weide sent Petro Gazz back to the PVL Reinforced Conference finals.

Coming back after missing last year’s tournament, where the club was dethroned in the quarterfinals, Vander Weide fulfilled her vow to give the Angels another shot at the title by leading them past the eighth-seeded but hard-fighting Akari Chargers, 25-19, 25-17, 15-25, 22-25, 15-13, on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After 12 deadlocks in the fifth set, Vander Weide put the Angels ahead, 13-12, and then watched as Akari committed two costly miscues, allowing Petro Gazz to punch its ticket to a second championship appearance this year after ruling the All-Filipino Conference.

This will also be the Angels’ third Finals appearance in the last four Reinforced tournaments.

‘It’s been awesome. I said in the beginning, literally the first day I got here, I looked at Bang (Pineda) and I said, ‘let’s run it back,” said Vander Weide, who had 16 points to backstop Brooke Van Sickle’s all-around 23-point game on top of 18 excellent receptions and 13 digs.

Three years after her first stint here, the 2022 Best Import and Finals MVP said the tougher competition made the team’s feat even more fulfilling.

‘The level of volleyball, I would say, is higher than it was in 2022. Also, there are more teams, so you have to face a lot more teams to get here. I wouldn’t say it was an easy road for us,’ she said. ‘We were in the bottom half after the first part of the season, so that wasn’t a comfortable spot to have to play with top teams going into the playoffs.

‘But I think it made us better having to play with top teams going into playoffs, so there it is,’ Vander Weide added.

Despite the shaky start in the elimination round, the Angels won their last four games, including a four-set quarterfinal victory that dethroned powerhouse Creamline in their knockout duel, where Vander Weide played through a right ankle sprain.

‘I honestly would say I’m a pretty similar player. My mental toughness has been locked in for a while since I’ve been playing pro for how many years. And I’m just glad that I’m able to still play at a high level three years later. And it really helps when you have a really good team super locked in on the same focus. And it feels very similar to how it felt in 2022,’ said Vander Weide.

Petro Gazz may have a different set of players and coaches from Vander Weide’s last stint, but having the core members of 2022 and the All-Filipino champion team, led by Van Sickle, makes the Angels a more dangerous squad.

‘We have such good depth on our team and at the same time, such good experience. We have such experienced players on the bench. Like Myla coming in and scoring 26 points last game, just shows that we can take anybody off the bench and they can be a game changer,’ Vander Weide said. ‘I think that’s kind of the difference from 2022. We kind of had to rock with who we had then. Now we have so much depth that it just feels even better.’

Petro Gazz will face No. 2 ZUS Coffee in the Final on Sunday. The Thunderbelles swept PLDT, 25-22, 28-26, 25-22, in the second game.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara has turned over to the Department of Justice (DOJ) P110 million, a portion of the P300 million he received as kickbacks from flood control projects, to be restituted to the government.

Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, in a press conference, said the cash represents a portion of the P300 million kickbacks he received from the flood control projects.

‘This is a portion of the amount. Basically, the restitution amount is based on. we look at the averments, their statements on how these amounts accumulated from certain transactions. This P300 million is only for those particular cases,’ Vida said.

While Vida did not specify which cases he was referring to, he, however, said that some of the cases mentioned by Alcantara in his sworn statement include the complaints undergoing preliminary investigation before the DOJ for malversation, graft under Republic Act 3019, and Perjury.

These cases concern flood control projects in Balagtas and Pandi, Bulacan.

Restitution amount and basis

Vida explained that the total restitution amount of P300 million is based on transactions Alcantara admitted to through his sworn statements.

Then, a panel will evaluate the sworn statements.

‘We have a panel evaluating, di ba? Medyo so, simple lang po. Pag sinabi niya, nag-deliver ako ng ganito. Nag-deliver ako ng total ng 1 billion pesos. At dito po sa deliver ko ng 1 billion pesos, meron po akong kinita 2 percent. Kasama siya sa mga salisay niya. Inuuri namin yung salaysay, at doon po namin binabase ang computation,’ Vida explained.

(If the applicant states: I delivered a total of P1 billion, and I earned two percent kickbacks, the panel will total the kickbacks received from every transaction.)

For the remaining P190 million, Vida said, it should also be paid in cash.

The money turned over, he said, is considered ‘money unlawfully obtained by Engr. Henry Alcantra.’

‘This is recovery of the people’s money,’ Vida said.

From the DOJ, the money was turned over to the Bureau of the Treasury, where representatives from the Land Bank of the Philippines will help count and validate the bills to determine whether they are counterfeit.

‘Then, they will issue a certification that they received this particular amount and an official receipt,’ he said.

Condition for State Witness Status

‘Returning the money is a sign of good faith, proof of their desire to help the government,’ Vida said.

Alcantara is currently provisionally admitted to the Witness Protection Program (WPP), meaning he only receives government protection. Once fully admitted, he will be immuned from suit only in connection with the cases he testified on.

However, Vida said that restitution is only one factor in determining whether a person can become a state witness.

Under Republic Act 6981 or the Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Act, the final say on whether a person will become a state witness lies with the court.

The law states that the DOJ shall issue a certification that a certain person is admitted to the WPP, then the prosecutor shall file a petition in court for the person’s discharge.

‘The court shall order the discharge and exclusion of the said accused from the information,’ stated under the law.

Vida said the successful admission of a state witness hinges on their honesty and commitment to testify truthfully in court.

Vida said Alcantara is the first to turn over cash to the government. Previously, fellow Engr. Brice Hernandez and the Discaya couple turned over their luxury vehicles to the government.

Alcantara is the district engineer from Bulacan. He approved several flood control projects, including the P55 million reinforced concrete river wall in Barangay Piel, Baliwag, Bulacan.

Last September, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon dismissed Alcantara from service.

The Senate has recommended a 45-percent increase in the 2026 budget of the Aurora Pacific Economic and Freeport Zone (Apeco), earmarking P380 million for the government-owned and controlled corporation based in Casiguran, Aurora.

The amount is P119 million higher than the P262.46 million initially recommended by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), which is the same amount Apeco had received in 2024.

Apeco said the proposed budget increase reflected the ‘national government’s renewed trust and confidence in the agency’s reforms and strategic direction under its new leadership.’

The allocation remains subject to change as the Senate is still in the period of interpellations and will not accept amendments until Dec. 1.

Approval on third reading is expected by Dec. 9, with the bicameral conference committee targeted for the second week of December.

Projects

Apeco said it plans to use the additional funds to support three major projects.

Part of it will finance the Corporate Campus Development, a two-hectare space leading to Casiguran Cove.

The budget will also cover the second phase of rehabilitating JPEC buildings into beachfront villas. This project is expected to boost retail accommodations as part of tourism expansion at the ecozone.

A portion of the funds will likewise support the construction of the four-lane Apeco expressway, designed to connect its two industrial zones.

Both the JPEC and expressway projects broke ground in August.

‘These projects support Apeco’s long-term vision of building a thriving economic corridor in the Luzon’s eastern seaboard and inclusive growth for the people of Aurora,’ said Apeco president and CEO Gil Taway IV.

Taway added that the government must continue investing in infrastructure such as roads, airports and seaports to attract more investors and prepare northern Aurora for more tourists.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is getting flak again after its renewed insistence that a simple Christmas dinner or ‘Noche Buena’ can be had for P500, prompting three members of the House of Representatives to call for lowering food prices first.

In separate statements on Friday, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, Akbayan party-list Rep. Percival Cendaña, and ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio questioned the DTI on the basis for the prices of items needed for a Noche Buena, as they are far from reality.

According to Cendaña, spending only P500 for a Noche Buena is possible only if a person travels back in time. ‘That would suffice if you travel back in time. While people are drowning in high prices, such gimmicks are very insulting. It would be better if the government would certify as urgent the proposals for a P200 salary increase so that the workers would have something for their celebrations this Christmas.’

Tinio, on the other hand, said this suggestion from DTI is insulting, especially in light of corruption scandals that rocked the country this year.

‘How dare the DTI insult Filipino families with this outrageous claim that P500 is enough for Noche Buena? What kind of a Christmas is that-a few noodles, egg, and water? This is a slap in the face to every working Filipino struggling to make ends meet,’ he said.

‘While contractors and their co-conspirators in government are living a luxurious life using people’s money-billions in kickbacks from budget insertions-the same government is trying to trick people into doing budget-saving measures and to maximize their small salaries. This is the height of hypocrisy and cruelty,’ he added.

Both Ridon and Cendaña also stressed that this is not the first time DTI has come up with such an idea, with Ridon stressing that P500 cannot even buy a decent Filipino-style spaghetti.

‘From what planet will P500 for a Noche Buena be enough for Filipino families? This is not the first time that the DTI has insisted that P500 is enough for the Noche Buena of an ordinary family. They did this before, but the difference now is that DTI Secretary Cristina Roque herself said that this is enough,’ Ridon noted.

‘But we know how a true Noche Buena of the Filipino family’s table looks like: there’s spaghetti, cheese, and sometimes ham if there are enough savings for Christmas. But with the prices of goods now, even a simple spaghetti and cheese would not be covered by the P500 like the DTI Secretary proposes – especially if the food is not for one family only,’ he added.

Cendaña, on the other hand, noted that such a small amount for a Noche Buena may be for an imaginary family.

‘They have been saying since 2022 that P500 is enough for a decent Noche Buena for a family. Maybe DTI thinks that’s for an imaginary family who are on an OMAD (one meal a day) diet for the holiday season,’ Cendaña said.

In an interview with DZMM, Roque said that families can already buy ham, build a macaroni salad, and even cook spaghetti with P500.

This is not the first time DTI has made this suggestion. In December 2022, DTI said that P500 is enough to cover the costs that come with a Noche Buena-the traditional Christmas Eve dinner-for a family of five.

According to then Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo, consumers can choose cheaper and heavier variations of Noche Buena food items so that they would not spend much.

Castelo said back then that some food items have prices that do not vary much despite differences in net weight-meaning that heavier items are less expensive.

This, however, was branded as insensitive by many, considering the high prices of goods at that time. No less than Senator Imee Marcos said that P500 cannot buy a Noche Buena, but only a kilogram of onions, due to the spike in onion prices during that time.

Most local shares ended the trading week in the green amid investors’ fresh optimism on the possibility of the country securing a better credit rating despite the flood control mess.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) added 0.89 percent, or 53.11 points, to close at 6,022.24.

The broader All Shares Index also climbed 0.85 percent, or 30.23 points, to 3,568.34.

All major sectors booked gains on Friday, with the mining and oil leading the pack with a 4-percent jump.

Analysts said investor sentiment got boosted after SandP Global Ratings had affirmed the Philippines’ long-term credit rating at triple B plus (BBB+) with a positive outlook, seeing the anemic third-quarter economic growth print as temporary.

The credit watcher cited ongoing fiscal consolidation, stabilized debt levels and a robust external position as factors helping the country achieve the much-coveted ‘A’ credit rating.

Growth story seen intact

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the latest review showed that the growth trajectory of the local economy ‘remain(s) intact despite geopolitical risks, Trump factor, local political noises recently.’

‘The PSEi moved higher today, supported by a more positive tone as investors welcomed the reaffirmed confidence in the country’s credit standing,’ Luis Limlingan, head of sales at stock brokerage house Regina Capital Development Corp., added in a separate message.

However, Philstocks financial research manager Japhet Tantiangco said trading was ‘tepid’ with net value turnover at P5.19 billion.

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. was the top index gainer, jumping 4.56 percent to P15.60.

Alliance Global Group, meanwhile, was the main laggard, falling 2.63 percent to P7.03.

The index closed with 115 advancers, 68 decliners and 59 unchanged stocks.

The holiday season is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to welcome it than with a refreshing day on the fairway. The 7th Pinoy Golf Catalogue Golf Cup sets the tone for a meaningful and festive year-end celebration on November 29, 2025, Saturday, at the South Forbes Golf Club in Silang, Cavite.

This tournament brings together golf enthusiasts who enjoy friendly competition while supporting a worthy cause. With an entry fee of ?5,500, participants will receive green fee access, golf cart use, lunch, and a mulligan to make the game even more enjoyable.

Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your skills, spend time outdoors, or enjoy a day of camaraderie before the holiday rush, this tournament offers it all – from exciting prizes to the opportunity to support a meaningful cause, as part of the proceeds will benefit the Jesus is Alive Community.

Sponsored by: Cathayland, South Forbes Golf Club, Swiss-belResort Pecatu-Bali, Napoleon VSOP Brandy, Parikit Manila, Casino Filipino (Asia’s Friendliest), Makina Café, Maybank, Whirlpool, Fujidenzo, Tecnogas Technik, KandG Golf Apparel and Accessories, GO Hotels Manila Airport Road, 3 Strokes, Ideal Vision Center, KFK, Balai Palmera Pasalubong, USANA, Aqua Sweet Purified Water, and Home Beauties.

Media Partners: Inquirer.net, The Manila Times, Manila Standard, Experience Travel and Living, Manila Insight, Village Connect, Saksi Ngayon, Philippine Post, Rotary MediaTech, KBS-RMM News TV, and Usapang Kabayan.

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.