Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Majority of the around 150 flood control projects in Ilocos Norte were secured by the companies of contractor-couple Pacifico and Sarah Discaya, according to Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) special adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr.

On Thursday, Azurin and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar inspected four flood control sites in Ilocos Norte, the home province of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In an interview with reporters, Azurin said the approximately 150 flood control projects in Ilocos Norte amounted to around P9 billion.

‘Apparently, yung sabi ng mga engineers natin dito is majority dito ay Discaya. So, iba-ibang company [ng mga Discaya],’ he said.

(Apparently, what our engineers here say is that the majority are under the Discayas, different companies of the Discayas.)

According to Azurin, all of the projects they inspected in Nueva Era town were secured by the Discaya couple.

‘Lahat ng project na inikot natin dito ay Discaya,’ the ICI special adviser said.

(All the projects we looked at here are handled by Discaya firms.)

Meanwhile, when asked why the Discayas secured the majority of flood control projects in Ilocos Norte, Bisnar replied, ‘Hindi pa po natin masabi.’ (We can’t say right now.)

‘Kasi ang tanging basis po natin sa ngayon ay yung mga records na nasa database po ng central office at yung mga records ng ating regional and district offices,’ Bisnar explained.

(Because the only basis we have right now is the records in the central office database and the records of our regional and district offices.)

‘Kung bakit sila ang nanalo sa bidding ay hindi po natin masabi sa ngayon,’ he added.

(We can’t say right now why they won the bidding.)

Bisnar said the flood control projects in the province were implemented by various levels of the DPWH, ranging from the district to regional offices.

The ICI and DPWH officials noted that they would continue their investigation into the flood control projects in Ilocos Norte and other parts of the country.

Earlier, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the Discayas were among the first to be held accountable over the flood control scandal, specifically due to irregularities in five projects in Bulacan.

The province of Bohol has delivered a second round of aid to Cebu, reaffirming its commitment to support communities recovering from Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi).

This newest assistance includes P5 million in financial help and two wing vans containing relief supplies.

Governor Aris Aumentado on Friday led the turnover of P1 million each to Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas, Consolacion Mayor Nene Alegado, Compostela Mayor Felijur Quiño, and Danao City Vice Mayor Ivy Durano. Liloan’s allocation was accepted by a representative from its Treasurer’s Office.

Friday’s assistance follows Bohol’s initial P5-million donation to Cebu on Oct. 6 for towns in northern Cebu affected by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

Aumentado emphasized that mutual aid is a core value shared by both provinces.

‘We really need to help each other because there are only two provinces left in Region 7. Cooperation is truly important,’ he said.

The governor also recalled how Cebu was among the first to extend assistance when Bohol was struck by the 2013 earthquake and found itself in urgent need of help.

Provincial administrator Ace Durano witnessed the turnover and expressed Cebu’s gratitude.

‘(Cebu) Governor Pam (Baricuatro) is deeply grateful to Bohol. Your support is a tremendous help to the affected families,’ he said.

As part of the relief effort, Bohol also gathered donations that filled two wing vans with rice, clothing, hygiene kits, and other essentials.

The Bohol Provincial Health Office reinforced the mission by deploying a 10-member nursing team to Danao City that will be conducting psychosocial first aid and trauma assessments in DOH-identified evacuation centers throughout the weekend.

As of November 6, the total deaths in Cebu province due to Typhoon Tino rose to 108 based on the latest data from the Emergency Operations Center. There were 63 people reported missing

Amid the recent calamities and the public uproar against corruption, Ellen Adarna expressed her dismay over some of her friends and family members who are supposedly associated with ‘corrupt politicians and contractors’ in Cebu.

The actress voiced her sentiment through her Instagram Stories last Monday, Nov. 10, while sharing how the recent typhoon Tino took the lives of over 40 infants across the country.

‘Question. Since I have a handful of friends/family who are associated with corrupt politicians and contractors, how many of us still turn a blind eye to corruption because it’s ‘family’ or ‘friends’?’ she asked.

Further addressing them, Adarna continued, ‘Have you taken a stand and cut ties [with] these individuals/families? Or do we just keep pretending like nothing’s wrong. laughing, beso [here and there] and showing up to their extravagant million-peso parties when invited?’

Adarna lamented how some of them even join Filipinos demanding accountability but would still show up in gatherings organized by corrupt figures.

‘Cebu is so small we know who the corrupt ones are. Cut ties with these [mo***********]!’ she urged.

She further noted how these alleged politicians would silence those going against them by making their businesses harder.

‘Quiet power. Loud control,’ she added.

Prior to Adarna, celebrities, including Regine Velasquez, Angel Locsin, Romnick Sarmenta, as well as netizens criticized those in position amid the massive damage and numerous casualties caused by the floods brought by the recent strong typhoons.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla warned parents not to let their children join ‘gangsta’ groups that could incite chaos during the three-day rally led by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), which begins Sunday.

‘Sa mga magulang, sana paalalahanan ninyo ang inyong mga anak na huwag sumama sa mga ‘geng-geng at ‘gangsta.’ Lahat ng magpakita ng balak manggulo ay pagtutuunan namin ng buong bigat ng batas,’ Remulla said in a statement Friday.

(To parents, please remind your children not to join the ‘geng-geng’ or the ‘gangsta’ groups. All who show plans to sow chaos will be dealt with the full force of the law.)

‘Kami po sa DILG ay nakikiisa sa mungkahi ng Iglesia ni Cristo sa kanilang panawagan. Para sa katotohanan, pananagutan at hustisya ang tinig at sigaw ng bawat Pilipino. Bahagi ng aming katungkulan ang siguraduhin ang kapayapaan sa mga kaganapan,’ Remulla added.

(We at the DILG are one with the Iglesia ni Cristo’s advocacies and calls. The voice and battlecry of every Filipino is for truth, accountability, and justice. Part of our duty is to ensure the peace and order of the events.)

Remulla had previously issued a warning against protesters gathering without a permit at Mendiola or any area surrounding Malacañang Palace.

The stern caution came after violence that erupted at the foot of Ayala Bridge and the Mendiola area during the anti-corruption rallies last Sept. 21.

The riots were sparked by persons who donned black clothing and masks, flashed gang signs, and waved a flag with the Jolly Rancher symbol from the anime One Piece, as they hurled projectiles at authorities.

The police arrested around 200 individuals, and at least two were reportedly killed during the ensuing violence, prompting human rights groups to condemn the police for not exercising ‘maximum tolerance.’

‘Ang kalayaan para sa matiwasay na pagpupulong para iparamdam ang damdamin ay nakasaad sa ating Saligang Batas. Ang manggulo at manakit ay hindi kasama doon,’ Remulla pointed out.

(The freedom to peacefully gather to express grievances is enshrined in our Constitution. To cause chaos and harm is not included.)

The three-day rally by the INC was mounted at Luneta Park in Manila to call for government transparency and accountability.

The United People’s Initiative, a coalition of retired military officials, will also mount a simultaneous rally at the People Power Monument in Quezon City.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), an attached agency of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, previously said it would deploy 16,433 police officers to various protest sites as well as key government installations, including Malacañang, the Senate, the House, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

The protests stemmed from alleged anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

Ayala Corp.’s net income for the nine months ending in September, which includes one-off items from the revaluation of AC Ventures, jumped by 36 percent to P46.3 billion.

In a disclosure on Thursday, the country’s oldest conglomerate said this was mainly due to net one-off gains from the revaluation of AC Ventures, which holds Ayala’s direct stake in Mynt.

In particular, a remeasurement gain was booked because of the Mitsubishi group’s subscription to a 50-percent stake in AC Ventures. The Japanese firm effectively acquired an indirect ownership in Mynt.

Also, Ayala said its core net income in the first three quarters was almost unchanged at P36.6 billion, as weighed down by the sluggish performances of its power and telecommunications units.

Continued confidence

‘While GDP (gross domestic product) growth has slowed somewhat, our core businesses remain steady and our portfolio businesses continue to improve,’ Ayala CEO Cezar Consing said.

‘Our recently announced initiatives in retail, Makro and Spinneys, signify continued confidence in the long-term growth trend of the Philippine economy,’ Consing said.

Bank of the Philippine Islands remained the group’s top growth engine. Its profit edged up by 5 percent to P50.5 billion on the expansion of its loan portfolio.

The bank’s revenues also jumped by 13.2 percent to P142.3 billion on higher net interest income.

The real estate business under Ayala Land saw earnings rise one percent to P21.4 billion. This was thanks to steady property development revenues, coupled with improvements in its leasing and hospitality business.

Globe Telecom

During those nine months, the property unit spent about P65.5 billion. Of this, 40 percent invested in residential projects.

Telco giant Globe Telecom, meanwhile, saw a 12-percent drop in its core net income. This settled at P15.5 billion due to weaker gross service revenues and higher depreciation and interest expenses.

ACEN, its listed energy arm, likewise recorded a decline in core profit, hitting P4.3 billion, down 18 percent from a year ago. This, to the firm taking a hit from cheaper spot market prices and the temporary shutdown of its wind facilities in Ilocos Norte.

Considering a one-off loss linked to its wind farms in Vietnam, ACEN’s earnings plunged 78 percent to P1.8 billion.

Meanwhile, AC Health cut its losses from P417 million to just P9 million. This followed a better result from its provider business, as well as gains from the sale of KMD shares.

There is something comforting about knowing you can give your skin a boost without doing anything drastic. Non-invasive treatments have become that happy middle ground between a full facial and something more transformative. They are the quiet achievers of self-care, promising a little lift here, a bit of tightening there, and the kind of glow that comes from a well-rested week.

I went through three different treatments this year, each with a unique purpose but united by the same goal. Not to change how I looked, but to maintain what I had. To keep my skin firm and bright in a way that felt natural. What surprised me most was how each clinic offered an experience that felt distinct both technically and emotionally.

Ultherapy Prime at Avignon Clinic

The first one was Ultherapy Prime at Avignon Clinic in Alabang, a treatment that uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin from within. The clinic itself looked like a small hotel, clean and calm, with nurses who made you feel at ease the moment you walked in.

I had booked it for May 30, but the machine broke mid-session, so they asked me to return the next day to finish. Technical difficulties happen, and I appreciated that they were transparent and quick to find a solution.

The procedure focused on my lower face, my jawline, and my cheeks. I was curious about whether it could sharpen some of my features for better angles when someone takes a photograph from a little too low. The zaps felt quick and precise, a slight pulse of warmth each time. It was painless but oddly energizing, as if my skin were being woken up from a nap.

In the following weeks, my face felt slightly numb and tingly, which is normal for some people. The result appeared slowly but clearly. My jawline looked more defined and lifted. One session was enough to make me believe in the quiet power of ultrasound. If you are someone who likes long-term improvement without repeat visits, this is worth trying. I would be happy to do this one again.

A few months later, I went for something new: NuEra Tight at The Aivee Clinic in Vertis North. Unlike ultrasound, this treatment uses radiofrequency, specifically FocalRF Technology, to target body areas that need tightening or contouring. I chose my arms, a spot that has always been stubborn to tone, no matter how much I work out.

The sensation felt like a warm massage, comforting and rhythmic. There was no pain, no redness, and no downtime. Still, it is not a one-time miracle. The best results come from several sessions, ideally spaced two weeks apart. It’s an investment in both time and consistency. For me, it felt more like a treat than a commitment. The clinic leaned more clinical than cozy, and while the procedure worked as promised, I realized this was the kind of treatment better suited to people who love regular maintenance.

It was effective in principle, but not necessarily my go-to if I wanted something instantly rewarding.

NeuroGlow at The Belo Medical Group

Then came my latest treatment, which quietly reminded me how much service matters. The Belo Medical Group in Trinoma offers a facial called NeuroGlow, designed for acne-prone, oily, and sensitive skin. It aims to restore balance and radiance without harsh peels or irritation.

The session included gentle exfoliation and precise clearing of clogged pores, which I appreciated, since my skin tends to hold on to a few stubborn ones from time to time. What made the experience memorable, though, was how thoughtfully it was handled. Dr. Xandrie was kind and reassuring, explaining every step clearly. My aesthetician, Maricar, knew exactly what she was doing and had the kind of confident calm that instantly puts you at ease. She checked in often, made sure I was comfortable, and shared small insights about my skin that felt personal rather than scripted.

I left feeling fresh and genuinely happy, both because my skin looked cleaner and because the whole experience felt sincere. It is rare to walk into a clinic and sense warmth that feels real, but I did that day. The staff energy at Belo made the facial feel less like a treatment and more like an act of care.

It’s all about feeling good in your own skin

It reminded me that in beauty, people matter as much as technology. Machines can lift, tighten, or resurface, but the warmth of a good nurse or aesthetician turns a treatment into an experience. At Avignon, I felt safe and comfortable. At Aivee, I appreciated the convenience and the treatment’s effectiveness, even if the overall experience felt more functional than personal. At Belo, I felt happy. That emotional difference says a lot about what makes us return to a place.

These treatments are not about fixing flaws. They are about giving yourself a boost when you want one. Ultherapy Prime is for those who like visible results after one session. NuEra Tight suits those who enjoy the rhythm of routine and gradual progress. Belo NeuroGlow is for anyone who wants a gentle reset that leaves the skin balanced and refreshed. They left me with a powerful reminder that, much like brushing your teeth, consistency over time provides the best results.

Aging, for me, has become less about resisting time and more about staying curious. Non-invasive treatments make that curiosity accessible. They let you experiment safely, learn what works for you, and appreciate how small changes can uplift both your skin and your mood. Whether you want to lift, tighten, or simply take an hour to feel pampered, there is something out there that fits your pace and comfort.

I’ve realized that beauty is not about finding fixes but about learning to embrace your own skin. Sometimes that means upgrading your skincare routine. Other times it means trying a treatment that feels right for you.

But ultimately, what matters is feeling good in your own skin and knowing that taking care of yourself is never something to feel guilty about.

It feels like just yesterday we were all collectively mourning the loss of a genuine pop culture titan. Yet, here we are, facing another November 12th, marking the anniversary of the day Stan ‘The Man’ Lee left this mortal coil back in 2018 at the age of 95. It’s a somber day, but one that demands a celebration of his truly monumental life and legacy. November 12, regardless of what part of the world you live in, will forever be celebrated for the life, the glory, and the legacy that Stan Lee has bestowed upon all of us who are part of the comic book community, industry, fandom, pop culture, and entertainment.

For many of us, especially longtime comic book readers and collectors, Stan Lee wasn’t just some guy in a credit panel, or the lovable old man making those all-too-brief, but always welcome, cameo appearances in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films. He was the architect of our modern mythology, the co-creator (alongside artistic giants like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko) of the flawed, relatable heroes who taught us about responsibility, empathy, and the sheer wonder of the human spirit. Stan Lee gave us a reason to explore our creativity, to tap into our own resourcefulness when very few or no one would.

Stan Lee saw more than an opening to create a comic book company that would break the mould, but he realized early on that the world needed to read and see his brand of superheroes. He had the foresight to come to terms that for the comic book industry to continue on past WW2, there had to be the needed changes made in the storytelling, the character designs and how comic books were published for them to reach more people, make them more accessible and accepted by the general public who may not be fans of comic book at first but would most likely be after reading and seeing the superheroes he invented and co-invented alongside Jack Kirby.

Think about it. Before Stan Lee, superheroes were often one-dimensional, nearly perfect beings. Stan, in his infinite wisdom, decided to make them human. Spider-Man was a perpetually worried teenager with money problems and self-doubt; the Hulk was a troubled soul grappling with inner demons; the X-Men were outcasts fighting for a world that hated and feared them. These were characters we could see ourselves in, characters who made us feel less alone in our own struggles.

His impact is immeasurable. Stan Lee is in the same league as Walt Disney, as individuals whose creations are known the world over, and almost every single living human being in the free world knows of them. The vast, interconnected Marvel Cinematic Universe that dominates global cinema today is a direct result of his originality, vision, and creativity. From Marvel’s First Family in The Fantastic Four and the Avengers to Daredevil and Iron Man, the sheer scope of his co-creations is staggering.

But beyond the comic book characters, it was his infectious enthusiasm, his genuine love for the fans, and that iconic catchphrase, ‘Excelsior!’ that truly set him apart. He fostered a community, making fans feel like friends and part of a grand, shared adventure. He was a unifier, a motivator, and a special human being unlike any other.

Seven years on, the world still feels his impact. His stories, characters, and spirit live on, inspiring new generations of dreamers and creators. Anytime there are brand-new Marvel comic book titles released, we think of him, and anytime there are new movies from the MCU, we still wonder if he will have a cameo. The impression, the imprint, and the memory are there forever.

So today, let’s raise a glass, watch our favorite Stan Lee cameo, crack open a classic comic, and remember the man who gave us heroes who were just as flawed and complex as we are.

Thank you, Stan Lee. For everything. Excelsior!

Former Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo implicated a new mix of senators, former senators, and a sitting secretary in the flood control mess, alleging that the individuals likewise received kickbacks from DPWH projects.

In a supplemental affidavit he presented during the Senate panel on blue ribbon’s probe into anomalous flood control projects on Friday, Bernardo came clean and enumerated one by one the people involved in the scandal.

Bernardo reiterated what he had already disclosed in the previous hearings, naming the following among individuals who received commitments from DPWH projects: Bong Revilla, Nancy Binay, Chiz Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Zaldy Co, Mitch Cajayon Uy, Rida Robes, Manuel Bonoan, and Cathy Cabral.

He then added new names, particularly ex-Sen. Grace Poe, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, and incumbent Sen. Mark Villar.

Mark Villar

As for Villar, Bernardo presumed that a relative of the senator supposedly received commitments from DPWH projects when the latter was still head of the agency. But there was no direct link or instance mentioned that could implicate both Villar and the said relative in the issue.

In 2016, Bernardo disclosed that he was appointed as Assistant Secretary of DPWH during the term of the then DPWH Sec. Villar.

‘While I was Assistant Secretary for Operations, I was introduced to Carlo Aguilar, a cousin of Sec. Mark Villar,’ said Bernardo.

At this point, Bernardo said that Usec. Cabral was already in service when he became an assistant secretary.

‘As undersecretary for planning service, Usec. Cabral was working closely with Sec. Mark Villar for the allocation, listing, and budgeting of all the DPWH infrastructure projects,’ he said.

With this, he alleged that Villar supposedly received commitments from DPWH projects when the latter was still head of the agency.

‘The funding of all projects was cleared through Usec. Cabral for approval by Sec. Villar. From time to time, Usec. Cabral would ask me to submit [a] detailed list of projects regarding lump sum fund allocations of DPWH which she sometimes approves herself or forwards to Sec. Villar for approval,’ said Bernardo.

‘Among others, these include EDSA and other major road project applications, maintenance of creeks and waterways. The commission for these approved projects was 10 percent and divided as follows: 50 percent to Carlo Aguilar, presumably for Sec. Mark Villar; 25 percent for Usec Cabral; and 25 percent for myself,’ he added.

Grace Poe

Among the other individuals he mentioned was a former Senate staffer, revealing in his bombshell exposé that former Sen. Grace Poe supposedly received 20 percent commitment from DPWH projects.

‘Sometime, 3rd quarter of 2024. a staff of Sen. Grace Poe requested Sec. Bonoan through me if Sen. Grace Poe can be accommodated in the DPWH NEP. Sec. Bonoan told me there is a P500 million for Sen. Poe and instructed me to ask the senator for a list of projects,’ said Bernardo.

According to Bernardo, JY Dela Rosa told him to coordinate the matter with Mrs. Patron, a contractor, and was later told by Mrs. Patron to prepare the list.

‘Upon my instructions, Enge. Gerard Opulencia submitted a consolidated list of the following projects: one in Laguna and three in [the] National Capital Region,’ said Bernardo.

Sonny Angara

Bernardo then noted that, thereafter, the list of projects was included in the National Expenditure Program by DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoan through Usec. Cathy Cabral.

‘Later on, the said projects appeared in the GAA for 2025. There was a 20 percent commitment for Sen. Grace Poe. Mrs Patron, a contractor, collected the commitment for Sen. Grace Poe at Diamond Hotel from one of my aides,’ said Bernardo.

Sonny Angara and Undersecretary Usec. Trygve L. Olaivar

Bernardo also reiterated his allegation against Education Undersecretary Usec. Trygve L. Olaivar who allegedly received deliveries for then-Senator Sonny Angara.

‘Aside from the details I had earlier mentioned in my affidavit dated September 25, Usec. Trygve and I also had transactions concerning Sen. Angara between 2019 and 2024, where Usec. Trygve received deliveries representing 12 percent of the project of Sen. Angara when he was chairman of finance,’ said Bernardo.

Olaivar has already denied Bernardo’s allegation.

But as he had previously mentioned, Bernardo said Usec. Olaivar and he discussed the Unprogrammed Appropriations supposedly for the Office of the Executive Secretary.

‘Thereafter, DPWH received a Special Allotment Release Order which included projects worth PP2.85 billion. The Contract IDs for the projects worth PP2.85 billion covered by the said SARO can be secured from the records of the DPWH Regional Office for Region III and the Ist District Engineering Office of Bulacan,’ said Bernardo.

Moreover, he said that in the Unprogrammed Allocation for 2025, there could have been an additional P12 billion more or less, but he is still verifying it at the moment.

Bong Revilla

Bernardo said he has a close and friendly relationship with former Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, explaining that they frequently meet in important social gatherings.

‘Senator Revilla later on became a godparent of two of my daughters, while I became a godparent to one of his children,’ he said.

Because of his close relationship with Revilla, Bernardo said the lawmaker asked for his assistance on several matters.

‘Sometime in the third quarter of 2024, Revilla and I met, where he asked for a list of projects for funding ostensibly to help him in his national campaign. When Senator Revilla asked about the percentage of the commitment, I suggested either 20 percent or 25 percent, to which Senator Revilla said: 25 percent,’ Bernardo recalled.

Soon thereafter, the former DPWH Undersecretary said he personally asked District Engineer Henry Alcantara and District Engineer, but later Regional Director for NCR, Engr. Gerard Opulencia to prepare a list of projects.

‘I had the list of projects totaling P1.5 billion submitted by Engr. Henry and Engr. Gerard consolidated in one sheet of paper and gave the same to Senator Revilla in the third quarter of 2024,’ said Bernardo.

‘Sometime in the last quarter of 2024, Engr. Alcantara collected the 25 percent commitment of about P125 million and informed me that the same was ready for turnover through Engr. Gerard Opulencia,’ he detailed.

Bernardo said he was told by Opulencia that the 25 percent commitment was already loaded into his vehicle.

‘After receipt of the 25 percent commitment, which was packed in six cardboard boxes, each containing at least P20 million, and one paper bag containing P5 million, l called up Senator Revilla to inform him that the same is ready to be turned over to him,’ said Bernardo.

It was December 2024 when he went to Revilla’s residence in Cavite.

‘While the boxes were being unloaded, Senator Revilla and I talked for about 20 to 25 minutes. I asked him: Sen, bakit hindi ka nangangampanya?’ Senalor Bong replied: Okay naman pare, maganda results ng survey. Relax muna,’ said Bernardo.

He then noted that before the start of the campaign period for national elective positions, he also directed one of his aides to deliver another commitment amounting to P250 million to the residence of Senator Revilla at the White House compound, Aguinaldo Highway, Bacoor, Cavite.

Nancy Binay

Bernardo, during the hearing, likewise implicated former Sen. Nancy Binay, reiterating his previous expose.

According to him, Binay’s aide, whom he identified as Carleen Yap-Villa, is the one who transacted with him regarding the lawmaker’s projects and commitment.

‘Sometime during the third to fourth quarter of 2022, Carleen requested on behalf of Sen. Binay for a list of projects worth around P1.882billion with 12 percent commitment,’ said Bernardo.

With this, Bernardo said he received 3 percent of the P1.882 billion.

But sometime in the last quarter of 2023, Carleen again asked Sen. Binay for a list of projects for inclusion and funding under the 2024 GAA, which Bernardo said he provided with the help of Opulencia and Alcantara.

‘The total list of projects initially amounted to P2.5 billion, but this was reduced to P1.672 billion,’ said Bernardo.

‘Apparently, some individual (or group) offered Senator Binay a higher amount of commitment of 15 percent instead of the previous 12 percent with a promise that the commitment would be released much earlier,’ he added.

However, Bernardo said sometime later in December 2023, Carleen called him and requested a P50 million advance for Senator Binay’s use for the holiday season because the individual (or group) was unable to deliver on their promise.

Thereafter, Bernardo said he was told by Carleen that the senator is now expecting 15 percent commitment instead of 12 percent.

Jinggoy Estrada

Similar to his story about Revilla, Bernardo said he also has a close relationship with Estrada.

‘Sometime in 2023, Sen. Jinggoy requested Sec. Bonoan, through me, for projects worth P500 million. Sec. Bonoan agreed to give P450million for the DPWH NCR Building, which Usec. Cathy Cabral included in the NEP for 2024 with an 18 percent commitment for Sen. Jinggoy,’ said Bernardo.

Later on, sometime in the first quarter of 2025, Bernardo said Sen. Estrada once again asked him to get a 25 percent commitment for other DPWH projects.

‘Alcantara then delivered to me the 25 percent commitment, approximately P213 million, which I delivered to Sen. Jinggoy at the Artiaga Building in San Juan City,’ said Bernardo.

Chiz Escudero

Lastly, Bernardo reiterated his previous exposé that former Senate President Chiz Escudero received kickbacks from government projects.

‘When Senator Chiz Escudero became Senate President in 2024, Maynard Ngu approached me and asked for a list of projects for Escudero,’ said Bernardo.

Maynard Ngu is a tech-billionaire who eventually became a government envoy. He later became implicated in the mess after it came out that he donated P30 million to Escudero for the latter’s election campaign.

According to Bernardo, the complete list of projects for Escudero is worth P1.4 billion with 20 percent commitment.

‘Sometime early 2025, I made the first delivery of P160 million for Senator Chiz Escudero at the Cherry Mobile building of Maynard Ngu in Apacible St., Manila,’ said Bernardo.

‘Thereafter, early 2025, 1 made the second delivery of P120 million for Escudero also at the Cherry Mobile building of Maynard Ngu,’ he added.

Angara, Revilla, Estrada, and Escudero have all denied Bernardo’s allegation. Others have yet to issue a statement.

Angara simply said he rejects any insinuation made today that he was involved in anomalous projects.

‘In my 21 years in government, we have never been involved in corruption,’ said Angara.

Revilla’s camp, meanwhile, said Bernardo’s testimony should be taken with a grain of salt.

‘There is an inherent danger in giving credence to the allegations of someone who has long undermined the law. Allowing a perpetrator to recast himself as a truth-teller does not strengthen our justice system; it compromises it,’ said Revilla’s spokesperson, Atty. Maria Carissa Guinto.

Guinto said Bernardo’s bombshell testimony sends a message that one can commit crimes, betray the public trust, and later manipulate the legal process in exchange for immunity or favor.

‘This development is disappointing but not surprising. Once again, Mr. Revilla is being subjected to political persecution by forces harboring ill will against him. He categorically denies all allegations against him,’ said Guinto.

‘These are outright fabrications intended to malign his reputation and to divert the attention of the public from the real culprits. Mr. Revilla will answer these accusations in the proper forum, where the truth is established through evidence rather than a persecution by publicity,’ she added.

Estrada, for his part, denied all allegations made against him.

‘The claim that I supposedly received a percentage from these projects is baseless, reckless, and unsupported by any credible evidence whatsoever,’ said Estrada.

‘I have always acted with integrity as a legislator, and I remain committed to transparency and accountability in all my public duties. I will pursue every available legal remedy against those who persist in spreading false, defamatory, and malicious statements,’ he added.

Estrada underscored that the truth cannot be bent and in the end, it will always come out.

Lastly, Escudero-similar to what was stated by his present and former colleagues-said that the allegations against him are not new and have been denied and refuted before.

‘There is no direct evidence presented in the testimony of Bernardo linking Senator Chiz to any criminal act. Speculations and insinuations are not evidence. These are at best hearsay, lack basis, and are self-serving statements that will not stand in any court of law,’ said Escudero.

‘We believe that these allegations are merely designed to besmirch and destroy Senator Chiz’s reputation, as well as that of the Senate. We are confident that the facts and evidence will vindicate Senator Chiz, show that these allegations against him are malicious and baseless, and prove that he is innocent,’ he said.

English singer Adele is set to make her acting debut in an upcoming film scheduled for release in late 2026.

American media outlet Deadline reported on Nov 12 that the 37-year-old will be starring in ‘Cry to Heaven,’ directed by American fashion designer and filmmaker Tom Ford.

In addition to Adele, it will also feature actors such as Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Paul Bettany, Owen Cooper and Thandiwe Newton.

Sources told Deadline that Ford, 64, has written the screenplay and will also produce the film through his production company Fade to Black.

Set in 18th-century Italy, ‘Cry to Heaven’ follows the paths of two unlikely collaborators – a Venetian noble and a maestro castrato from Calabria, both trying to succeed in the world of the opera.

The movie is in pre-production in London and Rome, with principal photography scheduled to begin in January 2026. It is set for a release in late 2026.

‘Cry to Heaven’ is an adaptation of the 1982 novel of the same name by American author Anne Rice, who died in 2021 at the age of 80.

Rice is best known for writing the book series ‘The Vampire Chronicles’ (1976 to 2018), with the first novel, 1976’s ‘Interview with the Vampire,’ adapted into a 1994 hit film starring American actors Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.

Adele, whose last name is Adkins, is one of the world’s best-selling music artistes and is famous for songs such as ‘Rolling in the Deep’ (2010), ‘Skyfall’ (2012) and ‘Hello’ (2015).

The Grammy and Oscar winner told her fans and the media in 2024 that she would be taking an indefinite hiatus from music after her Las Vegas residency ended in November 2024.

Ford made his directorial debut with the romantic drama ‘A Single Man’ (2009) and followed up with the neo-noir psychological thriller ‘Nocturnal Animals’ (2016).

Deadline reported that he had been targeting ‘Cry To Heaven’ as his next film since 2024, but wanted to secure the right cast before confirming a start date.

It will also mark Ford’s on-screen reunion with Firth and Hoult, who starred in ‘A Single Man,’ and Taylor-Johnson, who featured in ‘Nocturnal Animals.’

Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co claimed that he was instructed to stay out of the country on orders of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., adding that he was promised he would be well taken care of.

Co, in a video statement sent to reporters on Friday – after months of silence over the 2025 budget mess and the flood control issue – said he was set to return to the Philippines after his medical checkup abroad but was asked by then House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to remain overseas, which he said were Marcos’ directives.

‘To every Filipino, I know your anger toward me is strong right now. I also understand why, especially with so much at stake. But before you judge, allow me to explain the full truth,’ Co said in a video, speaking in Filipino.

‘I stayed silent for a long time because I was given a direct order: ‘do not return to the Philippines and just stay quiet.’ I left on July 19, 2025 for my medical check-up, planning to return after the President’s SONA. But as I was about to come back, former Speaker Martin Romualdez called me and said to stay out of the country, and that I would be well taken care of as instructed by the President,’ he added in Filipino.

Co said he initially believed the promise, but he is now speaking out because he feels he is being made a scapegoat.

‘I used to believe them, which is why I did not return. I kept my mouth shut and complied. But what I didn’t know was that what they meant by ‘we will take care of you’ was that I would be used as a scapegoat in their anti-corruption campaign. They made me the poster boy of their own lies,’ he said in the video, while reading this message written in Filipino.

‘Now, I will no longer stay silent; I will reveal the whole truth. There are receipts, evidence, and names,’ he added in Filipino.

Co is facing several allegations regarding the 2025 national budget and the infrastructure project scandal.

At one of the Senate blue ribbon committee hearings, contractor couple Curlee Discaya and Sarah Discaya named several lawmakers – including Co – who allegedly asked for and received kickbacks from infrastructure projects after their firms were able to secure government contracts.

Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez, former officials of the Bulacan first district engineering office, also implicated Co and other lawmakers in the alleged kickback scheme for infrastructure projects.

Aside from this, Co has been called out for Sunwest Corporation, which he co-founded, eventually becoming one of the top 15 contractors for flood control projects.

Co disputed these allegations, saying he will respond to them in the proper forum.

INQUIRER has reached out to Malacañang for a response but has yet to receive one as of posting time.