Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Senate on Friday rejected neophyte Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s attempt to directly confront Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla over the latter’s previous affirmation that the law can be bent.

During the Senate’s deliberations on the proposed 2026 budget of the Ombudsman, Marcoleta asked the chamber if its rules could be suspended so that Remulla could personally clarify or issue a public apology for his earlier statement.

This came after Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who was speaking on behalf of the Ombudsman as budget sponsor, said Remulla ‘intimated’ that he is very strict in not bending the law.

‘In fact, he also intimated that he will abide by the Supreme Court ruling as he believes that the rulings form part of the law and the rule of law is supreme,’ said Gatchalian.

This, however, did not sit well with Marcoleta, who maintained that abiding by that principle but acting otherwise is ‘different.’

‘You say you abide by the law strictly, but you say publicly that you can bend the law – how is that? Doesn’t the public need to be clarified on that matter? Our people might be confused by that statement. That’s why I am asking whether he can make a clarification or a public apology for saying that, and this will be good for the country,’ said Marcoleta.

Shortly after, the Senate’s deliberation was suspended, and the senators were seen in a huddle discussing Marcoleta’s request, but it was later denied.

In denying Marcoleta’s motion, Deputy Majority Leader Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the chamber has rarely given way to such a motion to suspend rules, especially during budget plenary deliberations.

‘I apologize that it may not be possible also this morning,’ said Hontiveros.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, meanwhile, asked if this means that the chamber is not entertaining Marcoleta’s motion, which Hontiveros affirmed.

‘We are not entertaining the motion, but the chairman remains fully capable of addressing the important issue raised by the good gentleman,’ said Hontiveros.

For his part, Gatchalian thanked Marcoleta for raising the question, saying that it now served as a platform and opportunity for Remulla to clarify his earlier affirmation.

‘There’s no intention to bend the law. That’s very clear. In fact, the Ombudsman’s principle is to follow the law and uphold the law because he believes that the rule of law is supreme,’ said Gatchalian, speaking Filipino.

‘Just so it’s clear, what he affirmed was a figure of speech, but there is no intention to really bend the law because what he intends to do is implement the law with integrity and justice,’ he emphasized.

The Philippines recorded its largest dollar surplus in eight months in October, as a seasonal rise in remittances and stronger earnings from business process outsourcing (BPO) firms helped offset the modest import-driven outflows.

The country’s balance of payments (BOP), which tracks all foreign exchange inflows and outflows, registered a surplus of $706 million, latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed. That was the biggest windfall since last February, when inflows beat outflows by $3.1 billion.

Even so, the 10-month BOP position remained in a deficit of $4.6 billion, about two-thirds of the central bank’s projection of a $6.9 billion shortfall for the year, equivalent to 1.4 percent of gross domestic product.

‘The October surplus reflects two things coming together at the same time: strong inflows from the national government’s external financing program and the usual lift from seasonal remittances and BPO receipts,’ said Robert Dan Roces, group economist at SM Investments Corp.

‘On top of that, import growth has softened, which naturally narrows the trade gap and helps the balance,’ he added.

John Paolo Rivera, a senior research fellow at the state-run Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), shared the same view.

‘This reflects stronger foreign exchange inflows and lighter outflows, driven mainly by seasonal remittances, higher receipts from services, such as BPO and tourism, and sustained foreign borrowings,’ he said.

‘Lower import spending, partly due to weaker domestic demand and lower global oil prices also helped narrow the trade gap, improving the overall external balance,’ he added.

Foreign exchange buffer

Overall, the BSP said last month’s BOP surplus translated to higher gross international reserves, which rose to $110. 2 billion.

The buffer funds- made up of foreign-denominated securities, foreign exchange, and other assets including gold-could cover 7.4 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income, way above global standards.

The GIR could also cover about 3.8 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity.

Looking ahead, Roces said the BOP should stay broadly stable, though he stressed that foreign exchange stability would still hinge on US rate cuts, oil prices, and how quickly exports recover.

‘The risk now is less about liquidity and more about sentiment – any flare-up in geopolitics or tariffs can easily swing the monthly numbers,’ he said.

For PIDS’ Rivera, a firmer recovery in spending, exports, and foreign direct investments would be critical in sustaining a healthier external position moving into 2026.

‘The BOP may stay modestly positive toward year-end as remittances peak and tourism receipts remain steady, but external risks like a strong US dollar, weak exports, and cautious investor sentiment may keep the surplus uneven in the coming months,’ he said.

Three men were buried in a landslide Thursday triggered by heavy rains from the northeast monsoon and shear line in Badduat, Kabugao, Apayao, Nov. 20, the Apayao local government reported in a follow-up advisory.

Two of the victims were recovered late in the afternoon and brought to the Kabugao town hall for documentation before being transferred to a funeral parlor, while authorities await their families.

The identities of the victims-including the one who remains missing-are being withheld pending notification of their relatives.

Kabugao Mayor Bensmar Ligwang earlier briefed members of the search-and-retrieval team, composed of disaster responders, soldiers, police, firefighters, and volunteers, before they proceeded to Badduat village.

However, continuing heavy rains forced rescuers to halt operations, delaying efforts to locate the third victim, who has yet to be found

Criss Cross survived the defending champion Cignal in a five-set thriller, 26-24, 22-25, 25-22, 24-26, 15-12, to cap a historic first Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference game held at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Three-time Conference and inaugural Season MVP Jude Garcia took matters into his own hands with a 28-point explosion off 22 kills, four blocks, and two aces.

‘I’m really happy because it’s my first time playing at Araneta. You usually only get to play here in the UAAP,’ said Garcia in Filipino.

‘I’m really thankful to Spikers’ Turf for bringing the league to the Big Dome. It’s a huge level-up for men’s volleyball in the Philippines. I hope the fans continue supporting us.’

Jaron Requinton also stepped up with 16 points, anchoring a 9-0 run from a 17-24 deficit in the first set that set the tone in asserting their mastery of Cignal. The King Crunchers beat the defending champion twice in the tournament.

Setter Adrian Villados had 30 excellent sets, seven digs, and three blocks including the game-winning rejection on Jau Umandal. Noel Kampton had nine points, while Nico Almendras, Popoy Colinares, and Gian Glorioso added six points each.

Criss Cross eyes its second win against Japan’s Kindai University on Saturday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City at 3 p.m.

Steven Rotter led the Super Spikers with 25 points off 22 kills and three blocks, while Umandal dropped 21 points.

Cignal tries to bounce back against University of Santo Tomas-Gameville, which upset them in the elimination round, also on Saturday at 5 p.m.

A 39-year-old man was arrested for supposedly blackmailing a 16-year-old girl with a video of him allegedly raping her in Quezon Province, the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) said on Friday.

The suspect – identified as ‘Noli,’ a helper for his family’s thrift shop in Tayabas City – was arrested in an entrapment operation last Wednesday night, ACG Director Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta said in an interview in Camp Crame.

The victim, a resident of Sariaya town, met the suspect on social media earlier last September, according to Asueta.

The suspect asked her to meet him at his apartment also in the same town on Sept. 15, promising to give her P200 and ‘other gifts,’ the ACG director explained.

‘When she entered the apartment, she was threatened and raped. The child did not know she was being videotaped,’ Asueta said, speaking Filipino.

‘She was told the suspect had a gun,’ he added, later noting that police did not recover a gun from the suspect.

The victim did not immediately report the incident to the authorities, Asueta also noted.

How was P200 and ‘other gifts’ enough to lure the victim to meet the suspect? Asueta said, ‘Alam mo naman ngayon ang mga kabataan, kahit maliit na ano, basta pwede nilang magamit. Baka may mga small items na gusto din niyang bilhin kaya sa P200. Naenganyo rin siya.’

(You know kids these days, even if it’s a small amount, they’ll go for it as long as they can use it. She might have also had small items she wanted to buy for P200. She was enticed.)

According to the ACG director, the suspect resurfaced last Tuesday, when he sent the video of the victim allegedly being raped to one of her friends.

‘The victim was being forced to go back to the apartment and have sex with him, otherwise he will further spread her video,’ Asueta said in Filipino.

The friend brought this to the victim’s attention, who then asked for her mother’s help and reported it to the police, prompting the entrapment operation, Asueta explained.

The suspect was taken into the custody of the Quezon Provincial Cyber Response Team.

Asueta said the suspect was subjected to inquest proceedings for violations of Republic Act No. 9995 or the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act; Article 286 of the Revised Penal Code or grave coercion.

The suspect was also subjected to inquest proceedings for violations of RA No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act; and RA No. 11930 or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children and Anti-Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Materials Act, Asueta noted.

The ACG director further said the ACG will also be lodging a case against the suspect for statutory rape through regular filing.

Meanwhile, according to Asueta, the victim was forwarded to the local social welfare office for assistance.

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) believes that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must also be held accountable for the massive anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

Marcos earlier on Friday said cases against his cousin, former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez, and former House appropriations committee chair and resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co in connection with alleged corruption were already underway.

‘As chief executive and incumbent resident of Malacañang, Marcos has to be made accountable for the blatant delivery of kickbacks inside the presidential palace,’ Bayan said in a statement later on Friday.

‘If it were genuinely pursuing accountability, the ICI would have followed not just the paper and money trail but also verified the delivery of stolen funds, packed in luggage and delivered via armored cars, to the president’s alter-egos,’ it added.

In a video posted on his social media last Friday, Co accused Marcos of ordering P100 billion in insertions for public works for kickbacks in the 2025 national budget.

Co further alleged that he and his staff delivered suitcases of money to Romualdez and to Malacañang.

‘Any recommendation to file corruption and plunder charges against top government officials without including the role of Pres. Marcos in the Malacañang kickback scandal is merely performative and intended to shield the president from prosecution,’ Bayan said.

On World Fisheries Day, fisherfolk and coastal residents from Zambales and Ilocos Sur trooped to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Quezon City, demanding accountability for what they described as the ‘continued corporate plunder’ of the country’s marine and aquatic resources through dredging and reclamation.

The protest, led by the group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA), targeted ongoing dredging operations in Zambales and Ilocos Sur, which are reportedly supplying materials for reclamation projects in Manila Bay. Residents from affected coastal communities joined the group in a street conference outside the DENR central office.

‘Hindi lamang ang direktang korapsyon ng kaban ng bayan ang dapat imbestigahan, dapat din panagutin ang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan tulad ng DENR, na walang-habas mag-apruba ng mga proyektong nagpapalala ng kalamidad tulad ng reklamasyon at dredging,’ said PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson Fernando Hicap.

(It’s not only the direct corruption of public funds that must be investigated-government agencies like the DENR must also be held accountable for indiscriminately approving projects that worsen disasters, such as reclamation and dredging.)

Hicap noted that 13 reclamation projects in Manila Bay have already been granted environmental permits by the DENR. He said these have fueled destructive dredging operations in nearby provinces, such as Zambales and Ilocos Sur, damaging coastal ecosystems and livelihoods.

Vulnerability, not development

The group stated that these extractive activities, combined with mining and corruption-ridden infrastructure projects, are eroding the climate resilience of coastal communities and increasing their vulnerability to disasters.

‘Dahil sa kapabayaan, kundi man lantarang pakikipagsabwatan ng DENR sa mga malalaking kumpanya, lubog ang mga komunidad ng mangingisda at bagsak ang kabuhayan dahil sa pagkasira ng mga pook-pangisdaan,’ Hicap added.

(Because of the negligence, if not outright collusion, of the DENR with large corporations, fishing communities are now submerged, and livelihoods have collapsed due to the destruction of traditional fishing grounds.)

He pointed to the DENR’s own cumulative impact assessment, which warned that reclamation in Manila Bay could lead to massive flooding, biodiversity loss, and a sharp decline in fishery resources.

‘Bagama’t may pag-aaral na inilabas ang DENR kaugnay sa pinsalang dulot ng reklamasyon, hindi naman ito ginamit para tuluyang ipatigil ang mga naturang proyekto,’ he said.

(Although the DENR has released a study on the damage caused by reclamation, it was not used to put a stop to these projects.)

Fast-tracked permits, lack of consultation

PAMALAKAYA urged a formal investigation into how large-scale, ‘destructive’ projects continue to be greenlit by the DENR-particularly those that manage to acquire environmental compliance certificates (ECCs), despite, they said, failing to meet basic legal requirements, such as public consultations.

‘Nararapat lang na imbestigahan kung bakit ang mga mapanirang proyekto tulad ng pagmimina at reklamasyon-kapwa nagpapalala ng pagbaha, ay napapahintulutan ng DENR na dapat ay nangangalaga ng kalikasan,’ said Hicap.

(It is only right to investigate why destructive projects like mining and reclamation, both of which worsen flooding, are being allowed by the DENR, which is supposed to protect the environment.)

The group has previously warned against the irreversible damage caused by dredging operations in Zambales, including the uprooting of coastal trees, the erosion of shorelines, and the displacement of local fisherfolk.

Earlier this month, residents also sought a dialogue with the DENR over these issues, citing worsening floods and destroyed coastal roads in the town of San Felipe.

Global day of protest

The demonstration coincided with World Fisheries Day, first celebrated on November 21, 1997, when the World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP)-a global fisherfolk organization in which PAMALAKAYA is a member-was formed in New Delhi, India.

The group vowed to continue mobilizing fisherfolk against environmentally destructive and corruption-tainted projects, especially those threatening small-scale fisheries-a lifeline for millions of Filipinos.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) reminded drivers and operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) that the 20-percent fare discount for students still applies even during holidays or class suspensions.

It issued the statement after it received complaints about PUV drivers who ignore Republic Act No. 11314.

‘The law is very clear about this. There must be a discount [for] students even during holidays for as long as they are enrolled [in school],’ LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said.

Section 4 of RA 11314 states that fare discounts ‘shall be available during the entire period while the student is enrolled, including weekends and holidays.’

‘We are reminding the operators and drivers again to strictly follow the law,’ said Mendoza. ‘So conduct yourselves properly, because if not, I will arrange the cases against you personally so that you will not just face fines, you will also lose your franchise.’

The LTFRB noted that drivers may have their licenses suspended for three months on top of being fined P1,000 for not honoring the fare discount.

Operators, on the other hand, may have their certificate of public convenience revoked and pay a maximum fine of P15,000 for the offense.

Mendoza urged students, as well as senior citizens and persons with disabilities, to file a complaint with the LTFRB if a PUV driver or operator does not give them a discount.

‘All you have to do is to properly document it and we will take care of the rest,’ he said.

After a dramatic start to the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, the coronation show tied the ends together for Thailand and Mexico with the latter’s delegate Fatima Bosch emerging as the winner of the most coveted crown.

At the end of the coronation ceremonies held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Bosch bested 119 beauty queens, including the Philippines’ Ahtisa Manalo.

Bosch, in a resplendent red cheongsam-looking gown with cape, received her crown from Victoria Kjær Theilvig, last year’s winner. She is the fourth Miss Universe winner from Mexico.

Andrea Meza, the country’s third titleholder, was a member of the selection committee. Miss Universe Organization Pres. Raul Rocha, who owns half of the organization, is from Mexico.

Settling for the first runner-up spot was Thai beauty queen Praveenar Singh, while Stephany Abasali of Venezuela was proclaimed second runner-up. Manalo and Cote d’Ivoire’s Olivia Yace respectively emerged as the third and fourth runners up.

Manalo is a seasoned pageant contestant who counts 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray as her Binibining Pilipinas batch mate. She competed at the 2018 Miss International pageant and finished second overall.

The coronation of the new queen marked the conclusion of a drama-filled edition of the international competition in Thailand, with tension between the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) and the Thai organizing team headed by Nawat Itsaragrisil overtaking the festivities.

Just days before the final competition, two selection committee members stepped away from jury duty. Omar Harfouch cited what he deemed were irregularities, while Claude Makelele cited ‘unforeseen personal reasons.’

Standing up to a ‘bully’ Bosch’s win served as a dramatic end for a 25-year-old at the center of the turbulent 74th staging of the popular beauty pageant in Bangkok who stood up to public bullying from one of the hosts.

The bad vibes at this year’s event sprang from a sharp-tongued scolding of the Mexican contestant, Bosch, which sparked a controversy marked by a walkout, feminist solidarity and a teary melodramatic apology from the local organizer who set it all off.

At the livestreamed sashing ceremony for virtually all 130 contestants on Nov. 4, Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil hectored Bosch for allegedly not following his guidelines for taking part in local promotional activities. He called security when she spoke up to defend herself.

Bosch walked out of the room, joined by several others in a show of solidarity, including Theilvig.

‘What your director did is not respectful: he called me dumb,’ an unbowed Bosch told Thai reporters. ‘If it takes away your dignity, you need to go.’

Rocha released a statement condemning Nawat’s conduct as ‘public aggression’ and ‘serious abuse.’

Even Mexico’s first woman president, Claudia Sheinbaum, piled on, saying at a news conference in her country’s capital that she wanted to give ‘recognition’ to Miss Mexico for voicing her disagreement in a ‘dignified’ way.

‘It seems to me that it is an example of how women should raise our voices,’ Sheinbaum said.

Sheinbaum recalled being told in the past a common phrase that ‘women look more beautiful when they keep quiet.’ ‘We women look more beautiful when we raise our voice and participate, because that has to do with the recognition of our rights,’ she said.

Nawat later made apologies for his actions, appearing both tearful and defiant at the same time. ‘If anyone (was) affected and not comfortable it happened, I am so sorry,’ he said in front of the contestants. He then turned to them and said ‘It’s past. OK? Are you happy?’

Bosch’s official Miss Universe biography says she studied fashion in Mexico and Italy and has focused on creating sustainable designs and working with discarded materials. It says she has volunteered with sick children, promoted environmental awareness, and engaged in supported migrants and mental health issues.

Shaky start

This year’s competition also saw a report that two judges had quit, with one of them suggesting that there was an element of rigging to the contest. The allegation was denied.

Separately, Thai police investigated the alleged illegal promotion of online casinos as part of the event’s publicity, a turn of events that may have been connected with the organizers’ feud.

Mishaps and controversies are not rare for the pageant. The 2021 event attracted criticism because it was held in Israel, to the dismay of supporters of the Palestinian cause.

An example of a minor misstep – literally – occurred Wednesday when Miss Universe Jamaica, Gabrielle Henry, fell off the stage during the evening gown competition. She was not badly hurt.

This is Thailand’s fourth time hosting the Miss Universe pageant. Next year, the competition will be held in Puerto Rico, which has hosted the international event in 1971, 2001, and 2002

After the temporary closure of several ‘lechon’ (roasted pig) stores in La Loma, Quezon City, when some of the pigs were found positive for African swine fever (ASF), the Department of Health (DOH) assured the public Thursday that the disease cannot be passed on to humans.

‘The ASF is a disease affecting pigs, not humans,’ the DOH said in a video message on its social media page. ‘Humans cannot be infected with ASF. It is still safe to eat the meat of pigs. Just make sure that the meat is thoroughly cooked before it is eaten.’

A Department of Agriculture (DA) official, on the other hand, said the ASF situation in La Loma remains an ‘isolated’ case. The cases were due to stock farm operators who violated standards set by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), which is under the DA, resulting in overcrowding and poor ventilation.

DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa, citing department data, noted the decline in cases, with only 121 barangays nationwide affected by ASF in the third quarter of the year.

Significantly lower

He pointed out that the figure was significantly lower than the 969 barangays affected during the same period in 2024, the highest ever to be recorded in the country.

De Mesa said that the BAI and the Quezon City government have agreed to address the situation, which led to the temporary closure of the 14 lechon shops.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration, African swine fever is a highly contagious and deadly swine disease that affects both farm-raised and wild pigs.

It said that feeding pigs with uncooked or improperly heated food waste that is contaminated with ASF can also result in the transmission of the virus.

The DOH noted the ‘huge effect’ of ASF on the businesses of lechon store owners in La Loma, which is dubbed the ‘lechon capital of the Philippines.’

‘Almost every pig that gets this illness dies. Pigs get ASF from other pigs with the disease or from contaminated food or items,’ it said.

Huge effect

The Quezon City government ordered the 14 lechon establishments temporarily closed last week after several pigs tested positive for the virus. It has since recommended the culling of affected animals to prevent the spread of the infectious disease.

‘We’re not allowed to sell [lechon],’ said Ramon Ferreros, one of the store owners. ‘There are many employees relying on us. If this [closure] lasts for one week, two weeks or more, [it will be] a huge loss for the lechon industry. It is sad, but we have to comply with the order because we need La Loma to be ASF-free.’

The DOH reported that the local government has already conducted disinfection activities in the area and also placed checkpoints to control the entry and exit of pigs within Quezon City.