Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Amid all the controversies being faced by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), Lupita Jones, Miss Universe 1999, couldn’t help but be impressed with the way the Miss International pageant remained classy all these years.

Jones, Mexico’s first-ever Miss Universe titleholder, was the national director of the Miss Mexico pageant that fields candidates to Miss Universe, until 2023 when she locked horns with MUO over certain policies changes. She is currently the national director of the Miss International Mexico..

But between the two major global pageants, she said Miss International stands out for its emphasis on international culture.

‘I love the Miss International pageant because they really focus on culture, how the candidates can share their countries’ cultures,’ Jones told Inquirer Entertainment.

The Mexican beauty queen granted an interview at the sidelines of the 63rd Miss International pageant’s preliminary evaluation in Yokohama, Japan, on Nov. 24, but begged off from answering questions about Miss Universe.

Her country posted its fourth Miss Universe victory in Thailand on Nov. 21, in a scandal-plagued competition that has birthed controversies all throughout, even after Fatima Bosch’s proclamation as the new queen.

Jones has also publicly declared her disapproval of the current management of the MUO, and how the pageant has been run lately.

In discussing the Miss International pageant, she cited how the delegates also get immersed in Japanese culture through the different visits to different places in the country.

Jones also shared that another thing that she loves about the Miss International pageant as a national director is the organization’s focus on the delegates’ wellbeing by imposing a ‘minimum body index,’ the only competition she knows has one.

‘That means a lot to me, because that means that they take care of the health of the girls, and not push them just to put their health at risk. And that’s what I love about Miss International,’ she said.

When asked about the qualities that she finds in Miss International winners, Jones said she observed that the queens possess classic beauty, very elegant and very articulate in her speech.

She also encouraged the public to follow the pageant. ‘This is the season for beauty pageants, so enjoy! Miss International is one of the classy pageants that we still have. Just support your favorite, and wish the best for the winner,’ Jones said.

Mexico is represented by Natalia Garibay in this year’s Miss International pageant, hoping to post her country’s third win at the final gala in Tokyo, Japan, on Nov. 27.

Eighty delegates from different countries and territories around the world are competing to succeed reigning queen Thanh Thuy. Binibining Pilipinas Myrna Esguerra is representing the Philippines and is on a mission to obtain the country’s seventh crown.

While the improvement in the education sector’s budget for next year is a welcome development, this remains ‘far below’ the required resources to repair the ‘collapsing’ education system, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said on Wednesday.

ACT Chair Ruby Bernardo commended the increase in the education budget, but said the figures do not guarantee that this could immediately solve the education crisis in the Philippines.

‘Historic does not mean sufficient,’ Bernardo said in a statement. ‘Although it is the biggest allocation in history, it still has to meet the minimum requirements to solve all the shortcomings and significant problems faced by our education system.’

Most senators backed the P1.044-trillion budget for the Department of Education (DepEd), with the agency marking it as a ‘historic’ increase on their end and hoping to utilize the funds to construct more classrooms.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara was also hopeful that the DepEd’s lion’s share for the 2026 annual budget would also help them in addressing the recommendations raised by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2).

For Bernardo, however, the 2026 budget would still fall short of the international standard of at least 6 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.

She also pointed out that the recent earthquakes and typhoons have also left thousands of classrooms either destroyed or damaged, displacing learners and teachers.

‘The shortcomings are just getting worse with the recent calamities that hit our country. Data from the DepEd itself showed that more than 14,000 classrooms either suffered heavy amounts of damage and destruction because of the typhoons, flooding and earthquakes,’ Bernardo said.

Shortages in teachers, learning resources, support personnel and safe learning spaces are also faced by the education sector, which Bernardo said cannot be solved by any ‘single budget increase,’ if without a long-term and structural approach from the government.

Rampant corruption is also a factor, according to her, stressing that it will also contribute to the growing problems faced by the education system, as well as social services.

‘We must protect this additional budget nevertheless, from any possible anomalies and corruption that can worsen our education crisis,’ Bernardo said. /mr

A Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) enforcer was wounded after a driver allegedly shot him during an anti-colorum operation in Muntinlupa City on Wednesday morning, a police report from the Southern Police District (SPD) said.

The incident occurred after the enforcer flagged a van suspected to be colorum (operating without a license) along Filinvest Exit in Barangay Ayala-Alabang, according to the police report.

‘As the vehicle stopped, the suspect requested that he be allowed to drop off his passengers first because two elderly passengers were feeling dizzy. The enforcer agreed and temporarily boarded the said van,’ the police report explained.

‘Upon reaching the above-mentioned place, the driver suddenly pulled out a firearm, which resulted in a struggle between him and the victim. During the scuffle, the suspect accidentally pulled the trigger of the gun that resulted in the suspect ‘s and victim’s wounds to their thighs,’ it added.

Both the suspect and the victim were taken to the Ospital ng Muntinlupa for treatment.

The police report said authorities recovered the caliber .45 pistol allegedly used in the incident and the suspect will be subjected to inquest proceedings for frustrated homicide. /mr

The appointment of two economic experts to even greater positions of influence is heartening. Secretary Frederick Go, who is now secretary of finance, takes on his new assignment with solid credentials and formidable experience both in the private and public sectors. His most recent post was special assistant to the President for investments and economic affairs, an office tasked to harmonize, coordinate, complement, and synergize efforts to address, among others, inflation, food security, and the increasing prices of commodities to improve the economy and the quality of life of Filipinos.

At the same time, former Sen. and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto’s designation as executive secretary could only be positive for the country. He can help ensure a steadier political and economic landscape given his history of championing economic reform and job creation. We are even more hopeful that the economy is in capable hands despite its current troubles.

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According to the recent PricewaterhouseCoopers Philippines and Management Association of the Philippines survey, an overwhelming 91 percent of CEOs believe that the country is falling short in addressing corruption.

This is not just a governance concern. It is an economic concern, a competitiveness concern, and ultimately a national development concern. Corruption weakens institutions, raises the cost of doing business, and pushes investors toward safer environments. It blurs accountability and creates uncertainty. It keeps our people from enjoying the inclusive growth they deserve.

In the Stratbase Institute’s Pilipinas Conference held last week, the direct link between governance and economic growth was one of two major issues discussed among representatives from the government, the private sector, the diplomatic community, and civil society. For a decade now, the Pilipinas Conference has gathered leaders from government, business, civil society, and the international community.

Stratbase will continue this work for as long as it is needed. We will keep providing a platform where ideas are tested, where data guides decision-making, and where collaboration drives action. We do this because we believe the Philippines can choose a better direction, and because we know that reform is possible when citizens and institutions move with purpose.

The conversation was made even more timely and urgent because of the current political scandal engulfing the government. What started as an exhortation by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his State of the Nation Address last July has now developed into a massive and yet still-unfolding crisis that has exposed how widespread and deep corruption is in the country. The plunder of taxpayer money is also not limited to flood-control projects alone; nor is it confined to any one geographic area or any single political administration.

For too long, governance and economic growth have been treated as separate conversations. In truth, they cannot be separated. Good governance drives economic confidence. Economic confidence drives jobs, innovation, and opportunity. When governance fails, people pay the price. And the cycle repeats.

Despite the temptation to give in to despair, we choose to imagine a different future. A future where transparency is the norm. Where public institutions earn trust. Where investors find stability in rules, not personalities. Where citizens, especially the youth, understand that their voices shape the kind of country they inherit.

We are not blind to the uncertainty that governance challenges create. Yet we also see something important. More Filipinos are demanding accountability. More sectors are speaking plainly about the kind of leadership our future requires. This is a sign of democratic resilience, not decline.

And throughout these shifts, the private sector has remained a steady partner in pushing for reforms, investing in communities, and believing in the long-term potential of the Philippines. Their commitment is indispensable to national progress.

During the conference, no less than the Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, acknowledged that economic security begins with honest, transparent, and accountable governance as he emphasized that strengthening transparency today means securing economic transparency tomorrow.

For his part, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon shared the three goals of the Marcos administration’s fight against corruption. First, those responsible must be held accountable. Second, whatever was taken from the people must be returned. Third, there must be genuine reform.

Ultimately, only tangible results, and certainly not mere rhetoric, would indicate just how serious the government is in pursuing anticorruption measures. From these, investors will take the cue as they gauge whether the Philippines is truly a good place in which to put their capital.

The potential of Filipinos and of the economy is undeniable. If we get governance right, growth follows. If we ignore it, the cost will be carried by generations

Filipinos are fending off scam attempts almost every other day, with adults targeted 239 times a year on average as digital fraud surges across the country, according to a new report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) in collaboration with Mastercard and Whoscall.

The study found that adults lost an average of P11,896 over 12 months, with most scams coming through text messages, which affected 75 percent of victims, followed by messaging apps at 50 percent and social media platforms such as Facebook and Telegram at 50 percent.

In turn, about 23 percent of households cut spending, another 23 percent reported heightened family tensions, and 20 percent had to take on additional debt.

GASA said the findings highlighted a ‘growing fraud landscape,’ with scammers increasingly able to clone profiles, fabricate engagement metrics and mimic verified pages to appear legitimate.

‘When nearly one in three Filipinos loses money to a scam, it’s not just a digital safety issue. It’s a household stability issue. People are cutting back on daily needs, doubting the tools they rely on, and carrying the emotional weight long after the scam is over,’ Brian Hanley, GASA Asia Pacific director, said.

Millennials lost the most money, averaging over P14,000 each, while Gen Z consumers were the least confident in spotting scams.

In terms of exposure, 76 percent of the Silent Generation, those preceding the baby boomers and 72 percent of suburban residents reported encountering scams.

Still, only 73 percent of the survey participants reported the scam incidents, which GASA said points to the ‘weaknesses in the country’s consumer protection and reporting systems.’

‘Although most victims attempt to report scams, many find the process ineffective. 40% admitted they did not know who to contact, while a third found the reporting system too complicated,’ the report read.

‘Just 11% of those who lost money were able to recover it, highlighting systemic weaknesses in consumer protection.’

Perpetual threat

According to GASA, combating scams should be a priority among banks, digital platforms, telecom operators and regulators.

Zooming out, President Marcos, in July 2024, signed Republic Act No. 12010, or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas having the authority to draft and implement guidelines.

‘As scams grow more sophisticated, they are no longer isolated incidents-they are a perpetual digital threat, inflicting both financial loss and social trauma,’ Jason Crasto, Country Manager of Mastercard Philippines, said.

‘Protecting Filipinos requires systemic cooperation between industries and government to restore trust in the digital economy,’ he added. INQ

Are they so destructive that they can blow up corruption by year-end?

After the ‘super lolo’ and ‘triangulo’ of past Christmas and New Year’s Eve revelries, now come ‘Curlee and Sarah Discaya,’ ‘Zaldy Co,’ ‘Senator Imee,’ ‘Tino,’ and ‘Uwan’-the latest set of firecrackers that factories here are reportedly churning out for the holiday season.

But police in Bulacan province aren’t taking any chances. They have intensified the crackdown on illegal firecracker manufacturers, particularly those producing dangerously potent explosives with catchy names.

‘Whatever they call these firecrackers, they remain illegal. Manufacturers will be arrested, charged, and their products [will be] confiscated and destroyed,’ Bulacan police director Col. Angel Garcillano told the Inquirer.

Garcillano has ordered all police chiefs in the province to seize illegal firecrackers ahead of the holiday season.

Key figures in flood mess

Citing reports that reached his office, he said factories were concocting firecrackers after central figures in the flood control mess, such as the Discaya couple and Co, and controversial presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos, as well as powerful storms Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) and Uwan (Fung-wong) that devastated parts of the country and killed more than 200 people. And then of course, there’s ‘Lolong,’ after the world’s largest crocodile in captivity.

The Discayas and Co have been identified as among the top 15 contractors who bagged P30 billion in flood control projects in the past three years. Co, who resigned as Ako Bicol party list representative, is facing an arrest warrant from the Sandiganbayan, along with 17 others, for their alleged involvement in an anomalous flood control project in Mindoro.

Senator Marcos was recently in the spotlight after she claimed in a Nov. 17 rally of the Iglesia Ni Cristo in Manila that her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and their son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, were using drugs. Malacañang denied her allegations.

Republic Act No. 7183 bans fireworks containing more than 0.2 grams, or roughly one-third teaspoon, of explosive chemicals. Most illegally manufactured products in Bulacan far exceed this limit.

In Norzagaray, police chief Col. Ismael Gauna recently filed charges against Dale Mark Valenzuela and Rickmar Aguinaldo of Tondo, Manila, after their unlicensed firecracker factory exploded last month, killing a worker and a child.

Last year, police turned over to Gov. Daniel Fernando and the Philippine National Police illegal firecrackers named after Typhoon ‘Cristine’ (2024), Supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’ (2013), Typhoon ‘Ulysses’ (2020), along with long-banned items such as ‘Bin Laden’ and ‘Kabasi.’

Warning

‘We do not let illegal manufacturers slip through. We strictly implement the law. I urge our manufacturers not to engage in illegal production, because they will be apprehended,’ Fernando said.

For decades, makers have branded illicit products after popular personalities-politicians, athletes, actors, and controversial figures-to boost sales as New Year’s Eve approaches. Among those frequently seized are ‘Goodbye Chismosa,’ ‘Tuna,’ ‘Piccolo,’ and others

The Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded 6,883 cases of violence against women and children (VAWC) from Aug. 26 to Nov. 25, highlighting the scale of the problem as the country observes the annual 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women.

According to the PNP’s Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC), the highest number of incidents involved the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 (RA 9262), with 2,144 cases, followed by 1,658 cases under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA 7610)

Citing the WCPC report, the PNP said that of the total cases, 6,614 or 96 percent were cleared, while 3,974 cases or 58 percent were solved. Only 269 cases, or about 4 percent, remain under investigation.

PNP acting chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the campaign aligns with the PNP’s mission of service and protection.

‘The PNP is committed to preventing violence, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable,’ Nartatez said in a statement on Wednesday.

He added that the WCPC provides trauma-informed assistance, coordinates with local governments, and ensures accessible reporting mechanisms.

PNP Public Information Office chief Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño also called for public action.

‘Ending violence against women is not only the duty of the police – it is the responsibility of all Filipinos,’ he said.

The PNP said it is also intensifying preventive measures, including gender-sensitivity training for personnel, community policing programs and advocacy initiatives to empower women and children.

The 18-day campaign, observed from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12, is led by the Philippine Commission on Women and supported by the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and Their Children. /mr

The ongoing flood control probe could reach over 10 percent of the House of Representatives, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, after they received fresh recommendations to charge former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and seven other lawmakers of graft and other charges.

Remulla made the pronouncement in a brief press conference after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) submitted its referral to the anti-graft body.

‘Many will be affected. More than 10 percent of its members would be affected at the very least. Membership of the House,’ the Ombudsman disclosed.

‘But this is only low-hanging fruit. If this is eight, there will be around 12 to 15 more that have a conflict of interest. This will be painful, as I’ve said before; this entails a lot of sacrifice,’ he said.

Officials from the DPWH and ICI delivered boxes of their findings to the anti-graft body on Wednesday afternoon. The referral covers 1,300 infrastructure projects from 2016 to 2024.

Below is the list of seven active lawmakers named in the agencies’ joint referral report:

Construction Workers Solidarity party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola

Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. James Ang Jr.

Pusong Pinoy party-list Rep. Jernie Nisay

Bulacan 2nd District Rep. Augustina Pancho

Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Joseph Lara

Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Matugas

Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel Rivera

In an earlier briefing, ICI chair Andres Reyes said Co and other lawmakers ‘appeared to have violated the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and the Anti-Graft and Graft Practices, among others.’

This is the second joint referral DPWH and ICI submitted before the Ombudsman. Their first joint referral involves Co and former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, recommending the filing of plunder, graft, and direct bribery charges against them. /cb

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) have submitted their recommendation to file graft and other charges against former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and seven House of Representatives lawmakers in connection with alleged anomalous infrastructure projects from 2016 to 2024.

Officials from the DPWH and ICI delivered boxes of their findings to the anti-graft body on Wednesday afternoon. The referral covers 1,300 infrastructure projects during the said period.

Below is the list of seven active lawmakers named in the agencies’ joint referral report:

Construction Workers Solidarity party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola

Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. James Ang Jr.

Pusong Pinoy party-list Rep. Jernie Nisay

Bulacan 2nd District Rep. Augustina Pancho

Cagayan 3rd District Rep. Joseph Lara

Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Matugas

Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Noel Rivera

In an earlier briefing, ICI chair Andres Reyes said Co and other lawmakers ‘appeared to have violated the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and the Anti-Graft and Graft Practices, among others.’

This is the second joint referral DPWH and ICI submitted before the Ombudsman.

Their first joint referral involves Co and former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, recommending the filing of plunder, graft, and direct bribery charges against them.

According to DPWH chief Vince Dizon, the joint referral includes contracts involving Sunwest Inc. and Hi-Tone Construction from 2016 to 2025, covering projects worth roughly P100 billion (P67 billion for Sunwest and P32 billion for Hi-Tone). The referral also contains the sworn testimonies of retired Sgt. Orly Guteza in relation to Romualdez and Co. /cb

After the tumultuous ending of Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand, the 2025 Miss International pageants is set to hold its own final gala on Thursday, Nov. 27.

Binibining Pilipinas Myrna Esguerra, who represented the province of Abra during the national tilt, will carry the country’s flag in the pageant. She is on a mission to post the country’s seventh Miss International victory.

Here’s what we need to know about this pageant:

Where to watch the Miss International 2025

The 63rd Miss International beauty pageant will hold its final gala at the Yoyogi National Stadium’s 2nd Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday evening, Nov. 27.

The ceremonies will start at 6 P.M. in Japan, or 5 P.M. in the Philippines, and will be streamed on the Miss International pageant’s official YouTube channel.

Who are the frontrunners

Eighty delegates from different countries and territories around the world are competing for the crown currently held by Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy, Vietnam’s first-ever Miss International winner.

Of the 80 ladies, a few of them may be considered hot picks. Among them are Catalina Duque of Colombia, Serena Darder of the Netherlands, Natalia Garibay of Mexico, Roosh Sindhu of India, Eunice Rivadeneira of Ecuador, Melliza Xaviera Putri Yulian of Indonesia, and Esguerra of the Philippines.

Who are the hosts

Venezuela’s ninth Miss International winner Andrea Rubio, who was crowned in the same venue in 2023, returns to the pageant this year as host, and will be joined by 2019 Miss International Japan Momi Okada, and Max Powers.

The organizers of the Miss International Beauty Pageant has tapped a Filipino team to mount the 2025 final gala, Aika Events and Productions Co., which has been staging the Binibining Pilipinas Grand Coronation Night for three straight years.

Program flow

Of the 80 delegates, 20 will move on to the semifinals, and three of those who will advance are the top vote-getters from the three regional categories on the official Miss International mobile app powered by Choicely.

Stephen Diaz, the Filipino Executive Director of the Miss International pageant, earlier confirmed that for the first time ever, the pageant will see two ladies remaining, awaiting the proclamation of the new queen.

New theme song

Diaz also said the 2025 competition will be different from the ones staged before, with a Filipino production team mounting the final gala.

‘New format.new production team.new concept! Brand new Miss International for this year and beyond!’ he posted on social media months ago. The pageant will also debut a new theme song, he added.

The organizers have not disclosed who will be the performer for the coronation night