Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co on Sunday claimed that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez threatened to kill him if he ‘talked’ about his involvement in the flood control scam or even returned to the country.

Co made the allegation in the third part of his video statement, saying Romualdez threatened him as early as March 2025 during a supposed meeting.

‘As early as March 2025, the speaker hinted to me in our meeting that he will shoot me if I talk,’ Co said in Filipino.

Co further claimed that Romualdez warned he would also be killed if he returned to the Philippines.

‘After telling me in a phone call, ‘don’t come home, he will take care of you,’ Speaker Martin called again and said it would be dangerous for me to go home,’ he said in Filipino.

‘Because they may hire someone to do a rubout on me or hire the police to kill me while in jail,’ he added.

Kickbacks actually total P56 billion

Meanwhile, in the same video statement, Co said the total kickbacks he received from anomalous infrastructure projects actually amounted to P56 billion-not P21 billion, as previously claimed by Department of Public Works and Highways engineers.

‘The real figure is P56 billion, and all that money went to President [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.] and Martin Romualdez,’ Co said in Filipino.

He said he would reveal further details in the coming days, but did not explain why he was releasing his statement in parts.

INQUIRER has already reached out to Romualdez’s camp for their comments on Co’s allegations.

Co apologized to the public, including his family, saying he was only following orders.

‘I repeat: I did not keep any of the money. It just passed through me to be delivered to Speaker Martin Romualdez and President Marcos,’ he said in Filipino.

Policemen arrested a Korean and two Filipino women in a raid on an alleged crypto-trafficking establishment in Barangay Sta. Teresita, Angeles City, on November 12, police said in a report Sunday, Nov. 16.

The Police Regional Office in Central Luzon 3 (PRO3) said the Korean – identified only as ‘Lim,’ the operator of Wonso BPO Services Inc. located at the Knoll BPO Services building – was arrested during the serving of a search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 58 here.

‘The warrant covered violations of R.A. (Republic Act) 9208 (Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act) in relation to R.A. 10175 (Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012),’ the PRO3 said.

It said the company was allegedly ‘an illegal crypto-trafficking hub operating under the guise of a business process outsourcing company.’

A Filipino manager identified only as ‘Jane,’ and a secretary identified as ‘Gie,’ were also arrested during the operation conducted jointly by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the PRO3 and other agencies.

An alias ‘Park,’ another Korean operator, was able to elude arrest.

The PRO3 said several workers, including two minors, were rescued during the raid.

‘Authorities determined that the establishment was allegedly involved in illegal cryptocurrency farming and online exploitation, luring recruits with supposed call center jobs but subjecting them instead to deceptive and exploitative digital labor,’ it added.

During the raid, police officers seized 133 computer sets, 44 mobile phones, and internet gadgets and accessories, like modems and routers.

The PRO3 director, Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., said well-coordinated efforts from the involved law enforcement units and concerned agencies led to the successful tracking and dismantling of the alleged crypto-trafficking company.

Crypto-trafficking is the term used for criminal activities that combine human trafficking or trafficking of illicit goods or products with the use of cryptocurrencies for payment, money laundering or to lure potential scam victims.

AB Capital Securities Inc. appointed equities research expert Corrine Hazel Tañedo as president and CEO effective Nov. 1.

This follows the retirement of long-serving predecessor and industry veteran, Lamberto Santos.

Tañedo was head of research and part of the Credit Suisse Securities team that moved over to AB Capital when its Swiss parent, Credit Suisse AG, was acquired by UBS AG in 2022. She has two decades of equities experience, including 10 years with CLSA Securities Philippines.

‘We look forward to working with Hazel,’ said Miguel Aboitiz, chair of the board.

‘She brings to the table not just experience but also energy and resourcefulness, which will be invaluable in these trying times for the industry.’

AB Capital Securities is a 75-25 partnership between AB Capital and Investment Corp. and Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc. Through its G-Stocks online trading platform, the firm has over 1.6 million stockbroking accounts, the largest of any stockbroker. INQ

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received kickbacks equal to a quarter of the P100 billion in insertions for public works he allegedly ordered in the 2025 national budget, according to former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co, who said that he personally delivered suitcases of cash to Malacañang.

In the second installment of what could be described as the resigned congressman’s efforts to come clean about his role in the corruption-tainted multibillion-peso flood control projects of the government, Co said he never received any money from the budget insertions for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

‘All the insertions went to our President and to Speaker Martin Romualdez,’ Co said in his ‘Part 2’ video that was uploaded on social media on Saturday.

‘I, my staff [and] my security personally delivered this to President Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez’s house in North Forbes Park, South Forbes Park, and up to Malacañang itself,’ he said.

Co said he had asked the DPWH how much in ‘SOP’ (standard operating procedure) – slang for kickback or bribe – should be given to the Office of the President. He said he was told that it was ’25 percent.’

‘In total, P25 billion went to Bongbong Marcos,’ Co said, without mentioning Romualdez’s purported share.

In his ‘Part 1’ video on Friday, Co said that he was told by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in late 2024, ahead of the congressional bicameral conference for the proposed 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), that the President wanted P100 billion inserted for public works-for flood control and other infrastructure.

He said this was confirmed by Romualdez, who has since stepped down as Speaker, and Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, the presidential legislative liaison officer of Malacañang.

In Saturday’s video, Co did not say how many bags they delivered separately to Romualdez and to the president, and when.

He showed more than a dozen pictures of suitcases, each with a caption indicating the purported total amounts contained that were supposed to have been delivered to the President and Romualdez. They were grouped according to amounts and dates of deliveries.

Captions for at least two groups of suitcases indicated that each group totaled ‘1 B’ (believed to mean P1 billion). They were supposed to be delivered on Oct. 2, 2024, and on June 3, 2024, to a certain ‘RR.’

One picture showing the latest scheduled delivery (10 suitcases) was for May 29, 2025.

The caption for the earliest group of suitcases showed they were for delivery on Jan. 8, 2024.

Co, who has been abroad since July, did not explain why kickbacks were paid so early in 2024, when the National Expenditure Program (NEP), on which the 2025 national budget would be based, had not even been presented to Congress. This was also months before the alleged P100-billion insertions were made.

Romualdez: ‘Conscience clear’

The president, who was visiting typhoon-damaged communities in La Castellana town in Negros Occidental province on Saturday, refused to respond to Co’s allegations.

‘If you want to talk about the storm, let’s talk about that. I don’t want to even dignify what he’s saying,’ Marcos told reporters who asked for his comment on Co’s video statements.

The president left without entertaining any other questions.

Romualdez stepped down as Speaker amid the flood control corruption scandal last month that triggered House and Senate inquiries.

In a statement on Saturday, the ex-Speaker rejected Co’s allegations and said that his conscience ‘remains clear.’

‘Throughout this inquiry, no public official, contractor, or witness has pointed to any wrongdoing on my part,’ he said.

The Leyte congressman declined to respond to Co’s latest accusations as these were ‘not made under oath and do not hold water in the court of law.’

Romualdez reiterated his trust in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the Department of Justice, and the Office of the Ombudsman to objectively evaluate evidence of any wrongdoing.

He added that he was ready to cooperate with any lawful investigation and expressed confidence that the truth would emerge through the proper institutions.

Co, who had been chair of the House appropriations committee since 2022, resigned from the post in January this year for health reasons.

Acting Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez on Saturday dismissed Co’s allegations as a bad script and again challenged the resigned Ako Bicol party-list representative to return to the Philippines and swear to his allegations for legal value.

‘Come home, sign these under oath and face the music,’ Gomez said in a Viber message to reporters.

The communications office chief reiterated that Co’s allegations were baseless.

‘We may begin to sound like a broken record. What he is saying is a bunch of hearsay,’ Gomez said.

On Friday, Gomez said Co’s claims were just ‘wild accusations’ and ‘pure hearsay.’

‘The script wasn’t rewritten for the second video even though the first had landed in the gutter,’ he said to reporters on Saturday.

Castro: About those bags

For her part, Malacañang press officer Claire Castro said Co was lying and engaging in ‘propaganda’ against the president and that the former congressman’s ‘sin against the people is growing’ after he himself admitted that he made insertions in the budget.

‘He can no longer deny that he has betrayed the people by making insertions only to be stolen,’ she said in a video statement.

Castro noted that the president himself was angered when he could no longer recognize the NEP that his administration submitted to Congress and was moved to veto P194 billion in line items from the proposed 2025 GAA, which is more than the P100-billion alleged insertions.

She also called attention to the pictures of bags allegedly containing cash presented by Co dated January, May, June, August, and October, all in 2024 and all before the November 2024 start of the bicameral conference.

‘So how could his people allegedly deliver the suitcases in January, May, June, August, and October 2024 if the Bicam Conference for Budget 2025 had not yet started?’ she said.

‘Where did he get the money during those months of 2024 if the alleged deliveries will come from Budget 2025? Only the suitcases were shown. Where is the money he is talking about?’ she added.

Despite having ‘no faith’ in the Office of the Ombudsman, Co challenged Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to investigate both Marcos and Romualdez, ‘if he was truly serious about his promise’ to sweep away everyone involved in the flood control scandal.

Fraternity brothers

He noted that the former speaker was Remulla’s fraternity brother in the Upsilon Sigma Phi at the University of the Philippines.

‘He must now prove his pronouncement that he will investigate his fraternity brod and his friend Speaker Martin Romualdez if he were to truly perform his duties,’ Co said.

‘He must also investigate President Bongbong Marcos. Just like BBM said during the Sona, ‘Let’s do it right,’ and ‘have some shame,’ isn’t that right?’ he added.

Co also urged the Senate to investigate the alleged P100-billion budget insertion.

‘I know that Ombudsman Remulla would not take up my challenge, but the Senate is doing a good job in investigating and I believe that because of them, the truth will come out,’ Co said.

Co has been implicated in the flood control corruption scandal through Sunwest Inc., a construction company he had cofounded. He said that he had divested from the company, but he and his family are believed to retain beneficial interest in it.

Earlier, Remulla said his office may file a case in the Sandiganbayan, possibly next week, against Co and other individuals in the P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, for alleged substandard construction and overpayment.

Abusive behavior can take place even in the most unlikely places.

A few years ago, at a holiday-themed school event for my daughter, it happened to me. I was going around doing my Christmas shopping when I bumped into an elderly former colleague.

The atmosphere was festive and everyone was warmly greeting one another, so imagine my shock when after I greeted him, he started alluding to me-unprovoked, unwarranted and totally off-topic, as a woman of ill repute.

He went on to make jokes about this to my other coparents, who gave him funny looks, hoping he would understand that his behavior was off-putting. However, despite how offensive he was, nobody, myself included, had the courage to actually tell him to stop.

If this elderly colleague could have the audacity to behave the way he did in person, in the presence of children and school teachers, shielded by the privilege afforded by his age and status as a member of a prominent family, imagine how emboldened similar personalities could be, cloaked in the anonymity afforded by the digital spaces and online platforms.

The world is witnessing an alarming rise in the use of technology and online platforms to target individuals on the basis of gender. Technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) refers to acts of abuse or harassment that are committed, assisted or amplified through digital technologies.

These can take the form of image-based abuse, ‘sextortion’, cyberstalking, online sexual harassment, doxing and other kinds of digital intimidation that seek to shame, silence or control.

Underreporting is the norm

TFGBV is rooted in gender inequality and discrimination, often intersecting with other forms of bias based on race, sexual orientation or gender identity. While it disproportionately affects women and girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals and others who challenge traditional power structures are also frequent targets.

These attacks transcend physical boundaries, spilling into homes, schools and workplaces, and can escalate into offline violence, forming part of a broader continuum of gender-based abuse.

Beyond just personal harm, TFGBV undermines rights, safety and participation with lasting mental, social and economic consequences for individuals, their families and communities.

In Philippine workplaces, this includes online harassment, cyberstalking, sharing of private images and gossip on digital platforms. Underreporting is the norm due to stigma and fear of retaliation.

On the bright side, workplaces looking to create safer spaces for their employees can look to a supportive policy environment:

Safe Spaces Act (Republic Act No. 11313) penalizes gender-based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces and online platforms, including workplace cyber harassment.

Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act (RA 9262) covers psychological abuse through digital means.

Data Privacy Act (RA 10173) protects personal data and sanctions unauthorized sharing of private images.

However, despite the enactment of these public policies, many companies still lack specific digital gender-based violence-related clauses in their antiharassment policies. Consequently, human resource (HR) departments are not ready to handle TFGBV complaints.

TFGBV can occur on personal and professional platforms, and its impact on the workplace is significant. Globally, the United Nations Population Fund reported that around 60 percent of women have experienced online violence in the form of hate speech, inappropriate content or sextortion.

Inaction on the part of companies is unacceptable: like the offensive tito at my daughter’s school, silence and inaction only serve to embolden perpetrators.

Rampant abuse

As such, it is important that protocols to respond to digital harassment be clearly and intentionally embedded in HR systems. Productive, innovative workers can only thrive in spaces that offer them physical and psychological safety.

It is important, therefore, for employers to:

Integrate TFGBV definitions into antiharassment policies;

Provide employees with anonymous reporting channels and ensure that these result in informed, appropriate and consistent action;

Conduct regular and mandatory digital ethics and consent training for all levels of employees; and

Regularly audit use of internal digital tools, channels and platforms for potential abuse.

Policymakers can support these initiatives by strengthening the enforcement of RA 11313, specifically its coverage of workplace TFGBV. They can also push for Department of Labor and Employment-issued guidelines on TFGBV reporting in private companies.

Perpetrators of abusive behavior hide behind privilege and anonymity. They thrive on the inability of victims and bystanders to challenge their behavior and in environments that allow their behavior to go unchecked.

To this day, I regret being unable to stand up for myself on that day in my daughter’s school: I often replay the incident in my head with me calling out the offensive behavior and being supported-loudly-by my coparents and teaching staff.

As my experience clearly shows-subtle cues and a supposedly safe environment do nothing to deter abusive behavior. Communities and organizations must be unequivocal about their stand against this type of violence and provide clear repercussions for transgressors.

Then and only then can we create and sustain spaces that are safe, inclusive and productive

Uncooperative weather and the ‘unwanted’ presence of police rankled the first leg of the three-day rally of Christian sect Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) at Quirino Grandstand on Sunday, organized to protest what they said was a lack of transparency in the anti-corruption investigation.

INC officials, citing the peaceful nature of their protest, also raised concern over the presence of armed police inside the ‘perimeter’ of the rally – that is, within the Quirino Grandstand.

Despite these hitches, the grounds of the grandstand and Luneta Park became a sea of white, with participants wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the words ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability.’

The INC crowd reached 650,000 during the program proper, according to the Manila Public Information Office.

Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, the highest-ranking INC elective official in the country, also served as the keynote speaker during the event’s program proper.

Marcoleta reiterated his grievances over delays in the enrollment of contractor couple Cezarah and Pacifico Discaya into the government’s witness protection program.

‘Some took the initiative, even though they knew that it would be a sacrifice because their lives would be in danger,’ Marcoleta said in his speech. ‘I am referring to the Discaya couple.’

Companies founded by the Discayas secured P31-billion worth of government flood control contracts under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from 2022 to 2025, according to records obtained by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism.

Mr. Discaya also accused 17 personalities of allegedly soliciting money from them after they won a government project bid.

Marcoleta also defended the credibility of retired marine official Orly Guteza, who served as a former security aide to former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co.

Introduced by Marcoleta during the hearing, Guteza claimed that he delivered suitcases of cash to the homes of former lawmaker Zaldy Co. and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez in his sworn testimony. Both lawmakers vehemently denied this.

However, Co later said in his social media address that he and his staff ‘personally delivered’ suitcases of money to Romualdez’s residences and to Malacañang, adding that there were ‘receipts, evidence and names’ tied to the transactions.

Suitcases became the symbol of this major corruption scandal, and one INC member caught the attention of other protesters for bringing a suitcase to the rally, in apparent reference to its role in laundering bundles of cash.

Aside from such gestures, INC protesters also brought placards airing their frustrations with the outcome, or lack thereof, of the ongoing corruption probe.

Police General Anthony Aberin, regional director of the National Capital Region Police Office, ordered police to stay outside the rally’s perimeter.

Aberin denied having ordered police presence within the area, adding that their presence appeared unintentional.

‘I did not give such an order; I, myself, am an Iglesia ni Cristo,’ Aberin said in an interview with INC-owned network Net 25.

He added that the police are exercising maximum tolerance regarding such protest actions.

Ahead of the INC rally, which ends Tuesday, police personnel also installed barricades topped with razor wire on main roads leading to Malacañang Palace, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was monitoring the situation.

Vice President Sara Duterte said Marcos should be jailed over the flood control anomalies, insisting on the role he played in signing the annual budget despite such questions.

Marcos’ camp took exception to Duterte’s remarks, saying that corruption in the DPWH was also rampant during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the vice president’s father.

The INC, known for voting as a bloc that politicians eagerly woo during elections, endorsed the Marcos-Duterte tandem in the 2022 elections.

More than 3,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families gathered at The Tent in Villar City for the 14th OFW and Family Summit on November 14.

The annual event, organized by the Villar Foundation, honors and empowers Filipino migrant workers.

Leading the event were members of the Villar family-former Senate President Manny Villar, former Senator Cynthia Villar, Senators Mark and Camille Villar, and Vistaland President Paolo Villar-who welcomed participants and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the welfare and aspirations of OFWs and their families.

In his speech, Manny Villar expressed gratitude to OFWs, recalling how their housing business began with a seafarer as their very first client. ‘Our livelihood is indebted to the OFWs,’ he said.

‘This 14th Summit is a good reminder that our work for our new heroes continues,’ said Senator Mark Villar, highlighting his support for migrant workers through legislation such as the Left Behind Household of Migrant Workers Act, OFW Hospital Act, and OFW Financial Literacy Enhancement Act.

Camille Villar reaffirmed her commitment to championing policies that protect and advance the welfare and interests of OFWs and their families.

This year’s summit featured talks, panel discussions, and interactive booths on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, reintegration programs, and government support for migrant workers.

Partner agencies-including DMW, OWWA, DOJ, TESDA, Pag-IBIG Fund, DTI, and various private companies-offered on-site consultations and assistance.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac also attended the event, demonstrating his consistent support and regular participation in the Summit.

The summit also provided participants a dedicated avenue to share their sentiments, concerns, and suggestions directly with participating government agencies, giving OFWs and their families an opportunity to be heard and engage meaningfully with officials who can address their needs.

A major highlight of the event was the raffle draws, where participants had the chance to win home appliances, livelihood packages, and motorcycles.

The most anticipated prize, a brand-new Camella house and lot, was awarded to Margarita Calsado of Las Piñas, an OFW for 14 years in Oman. She tearfully expressed her gratitude as her long-awaited dream of owning a home finally came true.

Now in its 14th year, the summit continues to provide a comprehensive platform for OFWs seeking guidance, support, and pathways toward financial stability and reintegration. The event underscores the Villar family’s long-standing commitment to uplifting Filipino migrant workers and strengthening the bonds of OFW families across generations

Iñigo Pascual has been confirmed to lead the Philippine adaptation of ‘The Good Doctor,’ which will premiere on TV5 in 2026.

CreaZion Studios and MediaQuest confirmed the ‘The Good Doctor’s’ Philippine adaptation in a press statement which is based on the 2013 K-drama of the same title.

Pascual will star as Dong, the titular ‘The Good Doctor’ diagnosed with Savant syndrome, whose ‘exceptional instincts and compassion’ which sets him apart from his peers.

‘Inigo Pascual stars as Dong, a young doctor with savant syndrome whose exceptional instincts and compassion set him apart. His journey is a story of resilience, empathy, and the uniquely Filipino capacity for hope,’ the statement said.

Joining Pascual in ‘The Good Doctor’ is Gabby Padilla.

Details about the drama’s storyline and other characters are yet to be announced.

According to CreaZion CEO RJ Agustin, the series is a ‘powerful story’ that ‘sparks meaningful conversations about mental health,’ which is why it remains timely for viewers.

”The Good Doctor’ is a powerful story of how Filipinos continue to instill hope, even in today’s complex socio-political climate. We believe this adaptation will not only resonate emotionally, but also spark meaningful conversations about public health and the systems that shape it,’ he said.

The original 2013 K-drama starred Joo Won as the title character, as well as Moon Chae-won, Joo Sang-wook, Kim Min-seo, and Chun Ho-jin.

Due to its success, ‘The Good Doctor’ was also adapted in the US, Turkey, Japan, and Hong Kong.

Necrological services for former Senate President and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile will be held on Nov. 19, with a morning ceremony at the Senate in Pasay City and an afternoon service at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Cagayan Economic Zone Authority Administrator and CEO Katrina Ponce Enrile shared the schedule in a brief interview with reporters at her father’s wake in Makati.

Enrile’s casket will remain at the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters overnight. He served as defense chief starting February 9, 1970, and played a key role in implementing martial law during the rule of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

He later withdrew his support and became one of the central figures in the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution, which ultimately forced the Marcoses into exile.

According to Katrina, the casket will return to 2307 Morado Street, Dasmariñas Village, Makati City, on Nov. 20, though public viewing will resume only on Nov. 21.

He will then be transferred to Libingan ng mga Bayani on Nov. 22 for his burial.

Enrile passed away at 101 on Nov. 13 after being hospitalized for pneumonia.

The Cebu Coliseum holds a lot of memories for Meralco coach Luigi Trillo, going back to the days when he was an assistant coach for the Cebu Gems in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association almost three decades ago.

‘We made the Finals and lost to Manila. That [team had coach] Louie Alas and Alex Compton while we had hometown hero, Dondon Hontiveros,’ he said.

‘I stayed here for almost a year. That Manila team was tough. That was a solid team,’ he added, showing a low-quality video that resembled a media relic to the press through his phone.

The Gems lost to the Manila Metrostars back in 1999, with the clincher held at Cebu Coliseum.

Twenty-six years later, Trillo created a better memory-and he had a lot of help.

Led by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the Bolts notched a second straight victory after trashing the Macau Black Bears, 92-74, at Cebu Coliseum late Saturday.

Providing highlight-reel points, Hollis-Jefferson led a strong second quarter by Meralco, which took a 10-point lead at the break that it used as a cushion the rest of the way.

‘Rondae is one of the fiercest competitors I ever played against. He’s the same every time. He approaches the game in the same way,’ teammate Chris Newsome said. ‘He motivates the guys around him, he makes his teammates go harder. Whenever you feel like you can’t anymore, RHJ is someone who will motivate you.’

The Hollis-Jefferson show, and the victory, was exactly what Trillo wanted as he was looking to put on a show for the Cebuanos, who badly needed one if only to distract them from a recent string of tragedies.

‘We’re playing for something more than just us. We’re playing for a crowd that was struck by typhoons and an earthquake,’ Trillo said before the game.

‘We’re coming in for a good cause. We have to earn the respect of the crowd because it also has a good cause.’

And while things were far different from the last time he set foot inside the city’s historic coliseum, other things remained unchanged.

‘Well, now [the coliseum is] air-conditioned. Before it was hot. The fans were some of the loudest, though. I have fond, fond memories of this place,’ he said.

‘I’ve been saying, if not Manila, Cebu would be a nice home base for us.’

The Gems stint wasn’t Trillo’s only brush with passionate basketball fans from the south.

Back in 2013, Trillo and the Bolts faced off against Talk N’ Text (TNT’s former name) in the same venue during the Philippine Cup