Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Magnolia will once again take a crack at breaking its tie with the defunct Alaska franchise for third on the all-time list of victories when it battles Blackwater on Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Hotshots are currently even with the fabled Aces at 993 wins, per the league’s chief statistician Fidel Mangonon, trailing only their sister teams, San Miguel Beermen and Barangay Ginebra.

Their first opportunities fell short the previous Friday when Magnolia absorbed a 94-92 loss to San Miguel at Ynares Center Montalban in Rodriguez, Rizal. The Hotshots next chance was supposed to be last Sunday against TNT, but it was postponed due to Super Typhoon Uwan.

Alaska sold its franchise to Converge in 2022 after 36 years in the league, highlighted by 14 championships including a rare Grand Slam in 1996.

Magnolia has been in the league since 1988, carrying the familiar Purefoods banner. San Miguel Corporation became the team owner following the acquisition of the food company from Ayala Corporation in 2001.

The team has been known as Magnolia since the 2017-18 season.

A win over the Bossing will also put the Hotshots within six shy of joining their fellow SMC teams with at least 1,000 victories.

San Miguel, the last charter member of the league, has 1,489 wins while Ginebra has 1,165 compiled since its inaugural year in 1979.

A distant fourth is TNT with 788 victories since its entry in 1990 as Pepsi

The Quezon City government has issued a temporary closure orders against 14 ‘lechon’ (roasted pigs) establishments in La Loma after several pigs in their stores tested positive for African Swine Fever (ASF).The report is an outcome of inspections by city veterinarians and the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

The discovery prompted the local government to recommend the culling of affected animals to prevent the spread of the disease, as stated in a press release on Thursday afternoon.

‘The Quezon City BLPD issued a temporary closure order to 14 lechon establishments on Wednesday night, following the recommendation of the Bureau of Animal Industry, City Veterinary Department and City Health Department,’ the Quezon City government said.

‘The city government said ASF cases remain isolated in the area and pose no threat to other markets in the city. The ASF virus cannot be transmitted to humans,’ it added.

According to the Quezon City government, it has begun disinfecting the affected areas in La Loma and it has also installed checkpoints to control the delivery of pigs entering the market.

Additionally, the local government stated that it has conducted a dialogue with the store owners on health and business operations, ensuring public safety.

Quezon City government likewise called on the public to cooperate and remain vigilant ‘to ensure the safety, cleanliness and well-being of all consumers.’

Juan Ponce Enrile, one of the country’s longest-serving and most controversial legal and political figures, has died at the age of 101.

Enrile, who had been serving until his death as chief legal counsel of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., died at 4:21 p.m. on Thursday, according to his daughter, Katrina Ponce Enrile.

Born on Feb. 14, 1924, Enrile was the country’s oldest active public official with his career spanning over several administrations – making him one of the country’s longest-lived legal luminaries.

Before his career in politics, Enrile earned his Bachelor of Laws in 1953 from the University of the Philippines, where he graduated cum laude, and his Master of Laws from Harvard Law School in 1955.

Enrile’s mark in politics began during the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who took office as president in 1965. Since then, Enrile became sort of a protege to Marcos Sr.

He first served as a commissioner of the Bureau of Customs in Marcos Sr.’s administration, then later as undersecretary and acting secretary of the Department of Finance, and, eventually, as justice secretary.

It was during his tenure as defense minister from Feb. 9, 1970, onwards, when Enrile really began gaining prominence – and controversy. He played a key role and was known as one of the architects in the implementation of martial law during Marcos Sr.’s administration, which lasted for 20 years.

Yet in a dramatic turn of events, Enrile later withdrew his support from Marcos Sr. and became one of the key figures in the 1986 Edsa People Power revolution that drove the Marcoses out of the country.

After 1986, Enrile transitioned to a new role as a lawmaker, where he later rose to become the 21st Senate president of the country.

Almost as if by fate, Enrile’s life ended while in the service of another Marcos, this time the son. This final post as chief legal counsel for the president marked a fitting coda to what has practically been a constant presence in the country’s politics since the Marcoses rose to power.

The Philippines ranked third globally among countries with the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB), with an incidence rate of 500 new cases per 100,000 population in 2024, based on a new global report by the World Health Organization (WHO) released on Wednesday.

According to the WHO Global Tuberculosis report 2025, there were 10.7 million people globally who developed TB last year, of which 8.3 million were considered as newly diagnosed, with deaths reaching 1.23 million.

WHO said 67 percent of all TB cases in the world were recorded in just eight countries, considered as having the highest burden of the disease. Ranking first was India, which accounts for 25 percent of all TB cases worldwide, with second being Indonesia at 10 percent.

The Philippines ranked third, accounting for 6.8 percent of TB cases in the world, with the fourth being China (6.5 percent), followed by Pakistan (6.3 percent), Nigeria (4.8 percent), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (3.9 percent) and Bangladesh (3.6 percent).

‘TB is caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is spread when people who are sick with TB expel bacteria into the air (e.g. by coughing),’ said WHO.

‘Of the total number of people who develop TB disease each year, about 90 percent are adults, with more cases among men than women. The disease typically affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can affect other sites as well,’ it added.

When it comes to the TB incidence rate, WHO said that globally, there were 131 new cases per 100,000 population last year. In the Philippines, however, the TB incidence rate was much higher at 500 new cases per 100,000 population.

This placed the country under category 1, classified as ‘severely endemic,’ in the WHO report, alongside nations such as Lesotho, Kiribati and Papua New Guinea, which all had incidence rates equal to or higher than 500 new cases per 100,000 population.

These four countries accounted for 8.8 percent of worldwide TB cases, WHO noted.

According to WHO, the Philippines’ TB incidence rate in 2024 had risen by around 5 percent compared to the rate in 2015, with the same increase recorded in 36 other countries.

Without treatment, WHO said death from TB would be likely. However, it noted that 90 percent of people with TB can be cured with proper treatment, which includes the use of anti-TB drugs over the course of four to six months.

‘The number of people acquiring infection and developing the disease (and, in turn, the number of deaths caused by TB) can also be reduced through multisectoral action to address broader determinants of TB, such as poverty, undernutrition, HIV infection, smoking and diabetes,’ said WHO.

The report also found that the Philippines was among the 30 countries with a high burden of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-associated TB. According to WHO, people with HIV are about 16 times more likely to develop TB, with the disease being the leading cause of death for those with HIV.

The Philippines was also included in the countries with the highest burden of multidrug resistant or rifampicin-resistant TB (MRR/RR-TB), accounting for 7.1 percent of the global number of people who have developed the condition, ranking just below India (32 percent) and China (7.1 percent).

People develop drug resistance when medicines for TB are used inappropriately, such as when health-care providers give incorrect prescriptions or patients stop their treatment prematurely, or due to poor quality drugs.

WHO also pointed out that there are ‘sizeable gaps’ when it comes to diagnosing TB, noting the difference between the estimated number of people who develop the disease each year and the number of people who were newly diagnosed and officially reported to have the disease.

It said that the ‘global gap’ between the estimated TB incidence and the reported number of people newly diagnosed with the disease last year was mostly due to 10 countries, including the Philippines, which account for 63 percent of the global gap.

The top five countries, representing 40 percent of the global gap, were Indonesia (at 10 percent), India (8.8 percent), the Philippines (7.5 percent), Pakistan (7.2 percent) and China (6.9 percent).

For WHO, these countries must pay particular importance to efforts in increasing levels of case detection and treatment for TB.

In a statement also on Wednesday, the Department of Health (DOH) said it is intensifying its TB elimination efforts, with plans to screen 12 million Filipinos by next year. The agency added that it has allocated P4.2 billion for its TB program in its proposed 2026 budget.

The DOH said it has also rolled out a shorter Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment regimen and case investigation, which has also been expanded to cover drug-resistant TB cases.

‘We are already using an innovative treatment for drug-resistant TB, that cuts the treatment from two years to only six months with a higher treatment success rate,’ Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a statement.

NewJeans’ Minji, Hanni, and Danielle announced their plans to come back to ADOR, however, the Korean music label said it is still verifying their ‘intent to return.’

In a statement via Law Firm Seong on Wednesday, Nov. 12, Minji, Hanni, and Danielle said they decided to return to the label after a ‘careful discussion.’ They also clarified that there was a delay in their announcement due to one member currently being in Antarctica.

‘Recently, we decided on our return to ADOR after careful discussion. This was relayed late as one member is currently in Antarctica, but as ADOR is not responding at the moment, we are inevitably announcing this through a separate statement. We will continue greeting you with sincere music and performances. Thank you,’ they said.

However, ADOR said, ‘We are checking on the truth of Minji, Hanni, and Danielle’s intent to return’ in response to the NewJeans members.

Minji, Hanni, and Danielle’s statement came hours after the music label confirmed that Haeri and Hyein are returning to the label.

‘Haerin and Hyein of NewJeans have decided to continue their activities with ADOR,’ the agency began. After thoughtful consideration with their respective families and thorough discussions with ADOR, the two members have decided to respect the court’s latest ruling and adhere to their exclusive contract with the label,’ the agency said.

The NewJeans members’ return to ADOR happened weeks after the Seoul Central District Court ruled that their exclusive contracts are deemed valid, meaning that they are still signed with the label amid their legal battle.

While the quintet said they will appeal the court’s decision, it remains unclear whether they would push through, as the five of them are planning to return to ADOR.

NewJeans – composed of Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein – debuted in July 2022 with the single ‘Attention.’ Their debut was considered revolutionary at the time as the single and music video was suddenly released with no concept photos, teasers, and a highlight medley.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is recommending to the Office of the Ombudsman to file administrative cases anew against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, including former chief Manuel Bonoan, due to irregularities in a P74 million flood control project in Hagonoy, Bulacan.

In a statement on Thursday, ICI Chair Andres Reyes said the commission is asking the Ombudsman to assess potential violations of the code of conduct and ethical standards on the part of Bonoan and other former DPWH officials, including former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo and former DPWH Usec. Maria Cabral.

The commission has also referred to the Ombudsman to assess whether the following individuals may have violated the anti-graft, malversation, and other laws:

Former DPWH Bulacan First District Engineer Henry Alcantara

Former DPWH Bulacan first district assistant engineer Brice Hernandez

Engr. Ernesto Galang

Engr. Jolo Mari V. Tayao

Engr. John Michael Ramos

Engr. Lemuel Ephraim Roque

Darcy Kimel D. Respecio, the owner of Darcy and Anna Builders and Trading, which was the contractor of the project, was also included in the list of the recommended individuals for the filing of graft and malversation cases.

According to Reyes, the flood control project implemented by the Bulacan first district engineering office involves a riverbank protection structure in Brgy. Carillo in Hagonoy. It was contracted in 2024 with an exact contract cost of P74,111,970.05.

Meanwhile, Reyes said that based on the Commission on Audit report, no structure was found at the location of the bid plans.

This is the third time the ICI recommended an administrative case against Bonoan and other former DPWH officials.

The former DPWH chief was also recommended to be among the respondents in administrative charges on ICI’s third and fourth referrals on November 4 and 6 over potential anomalies in a P72-million flood control project in Plaridel, Bulacan, and a P95-million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan, respectively.

Bonoan left for the United States on Tuesday afternoon, the Bureau of Immigration earlier confirmed.

After the report circulated, ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka said the commission will continue to investigate and make referrals to the Ombudsman against individuals who may be responsible for the infrastructure anomalies, ‘regardless of their whereabouts.’

Beijing-The two fundamentals of energy security are stability in supply and demand and affordable prices. A sharp decline in supply or a sudden increase in demand can push up energy prices, triggering inflation and disrupting economic growth. The oil shocks of the 1970s, which led to stagflation in Western economies, are a reminder of the impact of energy prices on international politics and economics.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) economies have traditionally been net importers of energy. But this changed when the United States reemerged as a major fossil fuel producer and exporter in 2019. The Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre reports that the share of net energy imports in Asia-Pacific’s total supply dropped from around 12 percent in 2000 to approximately 3 percent in 2022.

The US’ return as a net energy exporter in 2019 has had far-reaching consequences. Energy trade was a key component of the 2020 China-US phase-one trade deal. Many regional economies may now source their energy imports from within the Apec, thus reducing their reliance on supplies from the Middle East while enhancing resilience and price stability.

Recognizing this shift, Apec has intensified efforts to deepen regional energy cooperation. The 2025 Apec Energy Ministerial Meeting reaffirmed commitments to knowledge sharing, capacity building, and regional interconnectivity-from subsea power cables and storage networks to improving energy efficiency. These efforts aim to ensure regional energy security and economic resilience, thereby advancing the Apec’s Energy Security Initiative.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is emerging as a new driver for advancing energy cooperation. The Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju in the Republic of Korea has put AI at the center of discussions, while energy ministers have emphasized the need to integrate AI innovation into energy systems to improve safety and efficiency.

AI’s growth has increased electricity consumption and pushed up prices. Data from the US Energy Information Administration show that the average retail electricity price rose to 14.38 cents per kilowatt-hour in July, an increase of about 3 cents since early 2022. This 26-percent surge in three years is more than the cumulative rise in electricity prices in the past two decades. Residential electricity saw the steepest rise, followed by commercial and industrial electricity.

The price differential is an opportunity for integrating AI in the energy system to enhance efficiency. AI-driven technologies can develop virtual power plants, perform predictive maintenance, and run smart power grids that smooth demand peaks and optimize energy distribution.

For Apec economies, the potential is enormous. The region accounts for 37 percent of the world’s population and 61 percent of global gross domestic product. According to the Asia Pacific Energy Research Centre, in 2022, Apec economies accounted for 56 percent of the world’s energy demand, 58 percent of global supply, and 68 percent of the total electricity generated on the planet. The way Apec manages its energy transition will significantly influence the global energy landscape. With their strengths in high technology, many Apec economies are well-placed to lead the application of AI in the energy sector.

The use of AI in manufacturing can also contribute to energy security. In 2011, Apec economies pledged to reduce their aggregate energy intensity by 45 percent by 2035 from 2005 levels. By 2022, energy intensity had already fallen by 28 percent, and the 45 percent reduction target could be met ahead of schedule by 2032.

AI’s potential can also be harnessed for the development of renewables. In 2010, renewable energy accounted for 6 percent of the total energy generated in the region. Apec had set a goal of doubling this share by 2030. By 2022, the share of renewable energy had already risen to 11 percent.

The 32nd Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting also placed special emphasis on the development of AI. Besides, the Apec Artificial Intelligence Initiative (2026 to 2030) also proposed encouraging AI development and adoption by leveraging energy and efficient technologies and fostering resilient AI infrastructure investment.

Although there is immense potential in cooperation in AI, the competition between China and the US-the two leading AI powers-has intensified. If both countries can put their competition aside and cooperate in the energy sector by applying advanced AI technologies to energy development, they can significantly boost energy efficiency and enhance regional energy security. By working together on AI-driven energy solutions, China and the US could set a benchmark for sustainable, high-tech energy collaboration that benefits the entire Asia-Pacific region. China Daily/Asia News Network

Zhong Feiteng is a professor at the School of International Politics and Economics, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer is a member of the Asia News Network, an alliance of 22 media titles in the region.

Angel Locsin asked for understanding from the public as she disclosed that her stepson Joaquin Arce is ‘completely deaf’ in one ear, which causes him to often talk loudly or to not immediately respond.

The veteran actress revealed this through her X page on Wednesday, Nov. 12, while expressing admiration for Joaquin for being a mediator among his fellow ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ housemates.

Locsin’s post shows photos from when Joaquin was in a conversation with Reich Alim and Iñigo Jose to discuss the two’s concerns about each other’s demeanor.

‘I don’t usually comment, but seeing Joaquin grow from a little boy into someone who helps, listens, and keeps the peace at home makes me proud,’ Locsin said in the caption.

‘If he ever talks a bit loud or doesn’t respond, please forgive him – our son is completely deaf in his right ear,’ she further noted.

Netizens then praised Locsin for speaking up about Joaquin’s condition, underscoring the actress’ dedication to support her stepson.

I don’t usually comment, but seeing Joaquin grow from a little boy into someone who helps, listens, and keeps the peace at home makes me proud If he ever talks a bit loud or doesn’t respond, please forgive him – our son is completely deaf in his right ear. https://t.co/d8KvqAK5qV

Joaquin is the son of Locsin’s husband Neil Arce from a previous relationship.

The actress, who broke her social media hiatus earlier this year, has been supportive of the young celebrity, saying she wants to work with him in the future.

Nicole Cordoves will be bringing years of pageant experience as the new pageant director of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global (MMCG).

Her appointment was confirmed by the organization in a press statement, and joining her is Binibining Pilipinas alum Cassandra Chan, who was appointed as assistant pageant director and pageant manager of the Chinoy-led pageant.

Cordoves said her new position is an opportunity to apply what she has learned through the years as a beauty queen.

‘Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global is where tradition meets tomorrow – a platform that honors our heritage and empowers a new generation to lead with pride. This chapter is also about paying forward what I’ve learned in pageantry, alongside CHiNOY TV, shaping a space where culture, purpose, and representation meet,’ she said.

Cordoves’ first foray into the MMCG started in 2014 when she competed at the Miss Chinatown pageant and won.

Two years later, she joined the Binibining Pilipinas 2016 tilt where she bagged the Binibining Pilipinas – Grand International title. After representing the Philippines in the Thai-based pageant, she brought home the first runner-up title.

Since then, Cordoves has been a host of the Binibining Pilipinas from 2017 to its recent edition last June.

The activities for the upcoming edition of the Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global pageant will kick off in January 2026 and will cap off with the coronation of winners on Feb. 10 at the Araneta Coliseum.

A group of business process outsourcing (BPO) employees on Thursday urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to enforce measures that will ensure the rights of BPO workers to safe labor conditions amid calamities and other hazards.

BIEN (BPO Industry Employees Network) Philippines made this statement after it formally requested the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to conduct labor inspection and investigate 98 BPO companies for possible violation of the law on occupational safety and DOLE’s guidelines on work suspension during inclement weather.

BIEN Philippines said that the network received many reports of many BPO employees who claimed that they were forced to work onsite despite ‘widespread flooding,’ ‘high-risk travel conditions,’ and power interruptions, and those who skipped work were issued a ‘notice to explain.’

In response, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma ordered the concerned regional offices to invite firms to explain the allegations and inspection of companies being complained about ‘to ensure the safety of the workers.’ Aside from this, the network and the DOLE held a dialogue on Wednesday to discuss the concerns raised on unsafe work practices and recommendations to resolve them.

With this, BIEN Philippines urged Marcos ‘to match DOLE’s investigation with decisive national action.’ It said that the government must be proactive in ensuring the upholding of labor rights of BPO employees.

‘The President must back measures that strengthen disaster and safety protocols, guarantee hazard pay during calamities, and end the corporate impunity that endangers BPO workers,’ BIEN Philippines said in a Facebook post.

The group also called on the DOLE to guarantee that its inspection will cover all affected companies and will include workers’ representatives.

In response to IBPAP

In the same statement, the BIEN Philippines slammed the remarks of the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) that its members are prioritizing the safety and welfare of their employees amid Uwan.

IBPAP came to defense after BIEN Philippines reported that 98 companies allegedly forced their workers to work despite the harsh weather conditions. The IBPAP, which counts over 400 member companies in the IT and BPO industries, said that the industry had to continue its operations for its international clients.

‘IBPAP member companies continued operations as their global clients expected from them, doing much more than ‘business as usual’ for their employees,’ IBPAP said in a separate statement.

‘Management discretion always placed primacy on the health and safety of their employees and went beyond standard company processes and practices under normal conditions,’ IBPAP added.

With this, BIEN Philippines asserted that many BPO employees were forced to work under unsafe labor conditions and were made to choose between risking their safety and losing incentives.

‘This is not ‘business continuity.’ It is the normalization of exploitation in the name of ‘client expectations,” BIEN Philippines said.

‘IBPAP’s invocation of ‘management discretion’ exposes the fundamental problem in the industry. Companies treat worker safety as optional, not guaranteed,’ BIEN added.