Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

A vessel struck a portion of the Navotas Navigational Gate early Tuesday morning, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported.

According to the MMDA, the F/V Monalinda 98 was being assisted by two tugboats when it ‘scraped the top portion’ of the navigational gate.

The gate’s plant engineer Flocy Ismael approved a vessel passage from 1 a.m to 2 a.m on Tuesday, but the vessel arrived at 5:43 a.m, the incident report read.

The vessel’s draft was declared to be only 1.6 meters, but actually measures 3.9 meters, which was unsafe for crossing the gate, the MMDA said.

Initial investigation showed that the gate sustained hairline cracks following the incident, and another comprehensive assessment will be done.

On Wednesday afternoon, MMDA Chairman Don Artes and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco inspected the floodgate.

Artes said that the gate remains operational, but the MMDA will study the possibility of building an additional gate to serve as backup.

The MMDA will form a technical working group to assess the current navigation and safety protocols for vessels.

Meanwhile, Tiangco asked the owners of the vessel involved to submit a written explanation regarding the incident.

Both Artes and Tiangco reassured that continuous inspections of the gate will be made to ensure safety.

The floodgate is a barrier that stops the flow of water from Manila Bay into the Navotas and Malabon river.

Parts of the navigational gate have previously been damaged and repaired twice since July 2024, and continues to be a key infrastructure to prevent floods in Navotas City.

Pinky Amador threw shade at radio host Anthony Taberna after visiting his restaurant to buy ‘fake news,’ following his claims that Senator Risa Hontiveros, too, made insertions or amendments to the 2025 national budget.

On her social media pages, the screen veteran drew laughs among her followers when she shared a video of her visit at one of Taberna’s restaurant branches, in which she could be seen walking toward the store’s cake shelf where a variety of goodies are displayed.

Amador then told the person taking the video, ‘Bibili sana ako ng fake news.’ (I was planning to buy fake news.)

The camera then panned to the restaurant’s signboard before focusing again on Amador who flashed a smile and a V hand sign.

She added in the caption, ‘Ingat po tayong lahat sa mga papapakin natin. Maging mapanuri sa mga balita, iwasan ang pagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon.’

(Let us all be careful with what we consume. Be critical of the news and avoid spreading false information.)

While Amador did not expound on her remark, it noticeably came after Taberna claimed on his radio program that Hontiveros made insertions in the 2025 budget. Taberna made the claims amid the corruption allegations now hounding other members of the Senate.

Taberna later on claimed in his program there was ‘nothing wrong’ with amendment insertion, unless a lawmaker received a kickback for pipelined projects.

Hontiveros vehemently denied making insertions, saying she even opposed the passage of the controversial 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). As part of the minority, she and former Sen. Koko Pimentel were the only ones who did not sign the national budget.

Amador’s video has so far garnered over 46,000 Facebook reactions and more than 4,400 comments-most of them were from netizens who apparently approved of the actress’ remark.

Taberna has yet to respond to Amador’s post. He has limited commenting on his platforms.

You don’t see many sapphic love stories in Philippine cinema. That’s exactly why ‘Open Endings’ matters, said Leanne Mamonong, who plays one of the film’s leads.

One of Cinemalaya 2025’s standout entries, ‘Open Endings’ is about four queer women, all exes turned friends, whose bond is tested when one of them makes a life-changing decision. Leanne plays Mihan, while Janella Salvador is Charlie, Jasmine Curtis-Smith is Hannah, and Klea Pineda is Kit.

‘The simplest explanation is that it’s about friendship,’ said Jasmine. ‘But how simple it is, that’s how complicated it also gets.’

Leanne echoed that sentiment, saying representation was what drew her to the project. ‘We can handpick only a few sapphic films in Philippine cinema,’ she said. ‘It’s important that we keep telling these stories – and that’s the part we play in this film.’

And yes, as the title suggests, there are no neat bows here. ‘You have to watch it to know why it’s titled that way,’ teased Klea. Janella added: ‘It lives up to its title.’

Each actress brings her own brand of truth to the story. Leanne describes Mihan as someone who’s not exactly closeted, but ‘very careful about how she presents herself because she wants to protect her loved ones.’ Her character’s commitment issues, she hinted, add emotional weight to the film. Jasmine’s Hannah is ‘the mother of the group,’ the glue that keeps everyone together. ‘She’s the one with a sense of reason, and also the source of conflict,’ she said.

Klea’s Kit, meanwhile, is the lovable chaos. ‘She’s the loudest, the most makulit, the kind of friend you always have around,’ she said.

Janella’s Charlie is ‘fiery, chaotic, messy,’ she described. ‘She’s got a lot going on, but she’s so fun to be around.’

While ‘Open Endings’ brims with witty banter and hugot-worthy lines, its emotional core runs deep, said Jasmine. ‘For me, the most challenging was the second-to-the-last scene with Leanne,’ she shared. ‘I won’t spoil what it is, but our hearts and minds went to such a deep place. We pulled it off, and we’re very proud.’

Janella also pushed boundaries, literally. ‘There’s one scene that I did for the first time in my entire career,’ she revealed. ‘It wasn’t difficult, but I got really nervous.’

For Klea, who recently came out publicly, this project hits close to home. ‘You’ll see a different Klea Pineda in this movie,’ she said. ‘I enjoyed almost all of my scenes. You’ll understand why when you watch it.’

The cast’s chemistry is another highlight. ‘Even though we didn’t have a lot of time together before shooting, we clicked instantly,’ Jasmine said shortly before the film’s gala screening recently. ‘That doesn’t always happen on the first go, but we gelled – and it shows on screen.’

Behind the camera, directors Nigel Santos and writer Keavey Reyes built what the actresses describe as a ‘safe space.’

‘Sobrang appreciate namin sila kung paano nila kami inalagaan sa set,’ said Klea.

‘They deserve their flowers,’ added Janella. ‘You rarely get a really well-written, well-directed sapphic film. This was made with so much love.’

Jasmine agreed. ‘We even had an acting workshop, a SOGIE workshop, and an intimacy coordinator,’ she said. ‘We really felt protected, and we felt well protected on the set.’

The 2025 Cinemalaya runs until Oct. 12.

Moderate to heavy rain with lightning and strong winds is expected over parts of Quezon and Batangas on Wednesday morning, according to the state weather bureau.

In its 6:50 a.m. advisory, Pagasa’s National Capital Region wing reported that thunderstorms are expected within the next two hours in Quezon province, including the towns of Mauban, Perez, Polillo, Real, Sampaloc, Lucban, Tiaong, San Antonio, Dolores, Tayabas, Candelaria, and Sariaya.

In Batangas, the affected areas are Santo Tomas, Lipa, Tanauan, Malvar, Balete, and Mataasnakahoy.

The agency said similar conditions are being experienced in San Pablo, Nagcarlan, and Rizal in Laguna and may persist for two hours, affecting nearby areas.

In a separate weather forecast, Pagasa reported that rains will continue across the Philippines as the Intertropical Convergence Zone, northeasterly wind flow, and localized thunderstorms persist on Wednesday.

Flash floods swept through three barangays in this interior town of Bukidnon on Tuesday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of dozens of families.

Videos circulating on social media showed floodwaters submerging large bamboo trees and carrying debris along the Mulita River in Barangay Concepcion.

The strong water current also affected nearby areas, including Barangay Adtuyon. Worst-hit by the floods was Barangay Poblacion, where over a hundred residents sought refuge at the local gymnasium, now serving as an evacuation center.

According to Ian Cagalitan of the Bukidnon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), at least 25 households, or 174 individuals, are currently staying at the evacuation center in Barangay Poblacion, with the number expected to rise.

Cagalitan added that the Mulita River has reached the red or critical level, prompting authorities to carry out forced evacuations in flood-prone areas.

Justine Navarro, weather specialist at the state weather bureau’s station in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, said in a phone interview that Pangantucan experienced moderate to heavy rainfall lasting nearly three hours on Tuesday afternoon.

Several areas across Bukidnon were also affected by continuous rains brought by the Intertropical Convergence Zone, according to the state weather bureau’s advisory issued that day.

As of posting time, no casualties or injuries have been reported. The Bukidnon PDRRMO said monitoring continues as response and relief operations remain ongoing./coa

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is pursuing the offshore assets – including foreign bank accounts, real estate, and personal properties- of individuals accused of corruption in flood control projects, expanding a crackdown that has so far frozen about P4.2 billion in suspected ill-gotten wealth.

Matthew David, the council’s executive director, told DZBB radio on Monday that the AMLC was working with its foreign counterparts to trace any financial transactions or property holdings abroad linked to the accused.

He added that the watchdog may ask authorities in other jurisdictions to initiate civil forfeiture proceedings, allowing any recovered assets to be repatriated to the Philippine government.

‘All assets related to corruption are covered by our financial investigation. And that includes the foreign assets of the respondents that they acquired offshore,’ David said.

Bank accounts

On Oct. 3, the Court of Appeals granted the AMLC’s request to freeze 57 bank accounts, 10 real properties, and nine vehicles of individuals linked to corruption in government-funded flood protection projects.

The move brought the total assets frozen in the investigation to 1,889 – covering 1,620 bank accounts, 54 insurance policies, 163 vehicles, 40 properties, and 12 e-wallets. The AMLC said the crackdown also netted virtual currencies and unit investment trust funds, underscoring the breadth of financial holdings tied to the alleged scheme.

The value of frozen assets, according to the AMLC, is expected to rise as the inquiry deepens.

Illicit activity

When a bank account is frozen, all activity-transfers, deposits, withdrawals, and even account closures – will be suspended. Banks are then required to comb through the accounts and review past transactions to determine whether they were used for illicit activity. Their findings are sent to the AMLC.

The freeze orders also covered insurance policies because these can serve as vehicles for concealing or moving illegal funds. For now, the AMLC is prioritizing such assets because these are easier to identify, locate, and freeze.

David earlier said the council might also scrutinize banks after a congressional inquiry flagged large cash transactions linked to the flood control scandal.

‘[Bank] supervisors are covered persons. We can initiate examination or compliance checking against the banks, including their employees,’ David told the same radio interview yesterday.

‘We can initiate enforcement action or file administrative cases against the banks or against the employee. We can also file a criminal case of money laundering,’ he added.

A critically injured Filipino seafarer died following the September 29 attack by Houthi rebels on MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden, according to Department on Migrant Workers (DMW) chief Hans Cacdac.

Cacdac confirmed the development in a tweet on Tuesday, extending sympathies to the family of the deceased.

‘We convey the sad news of the passing of the Filseafarer critically injured during the Sept 29 attack on the MV Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden,’ said Cacdac.

‘Our deepest sympathies to his family. Per the president’s directive, we are providing them with full support and assistance,’ he added.

The DMW earlier reported that two of the 12 Filipino seafarers aboard the vessel were injured from the attack, one with minor injuries and another with ‘serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The Gulf of Aden is deemed as a high-risk area, which is located along the Indian Ocean, bordering Yemen and Somalia. The gulf is also considered a vital route for maritime trade. /gsg

PJ Lhuillier Inc. (PJLI), the parent company of Cebuana Lhuillier, the country’s leading microfinance services provider, has been recognized with two prestigious distinctions at the Inspire to Excel: Investors in People Philippines Awards 2025, affirming its strong commitment to building a people-first workplace. The company was named Winner for Diversity and Inclusion and Runner-up for Wellbeing, showcasing its dedication to creating an empowering and supportive environment for its 12,000 employees nationwide.

The Investors in People Awards celebrate organizations that excel in valuing and developing their workforce. For PJLI, these recognitions highlight the success of its inclusive culture and holistic employee programs, underscoring that a thriving company begins with thriving people.

PJLI’s wellbeing strategy takes a comprehensive approach, focusing on five key dimensions: Physical, Spiritual, Financial, Mental, and Social. The company likens its role to that of a ‘tender gardener,’ nurturing employees to flourish both personally and professionally. What set PJLI apart was its shift from conversation to action-translating initiatives into measurable outcomes such as improved efficiency under pressure, stronger employee engagement, and higher satisfaction levels.

Its win in Diversity and Inclusion (DandI) reflects a holistic, evolving strategy championed by President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, who has consistently led with a vision that celebrates individuality. ‘As a company deeply rooted in service, we recognize that our greatest strength lies in our people,’ said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of PJ Lhuillier Inc. and Cebuana Lhuillier. ‘These awards reaffirm our belief that by fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowering culture, we not only build stronger teams but also create a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve.’

The company highlighted inspiring employee stories and initiatives like the Tatak Cebuana Influencers campaign while advancing progressive policy reforms. Notably, PJLI’s Policy on Nepotism and HMO Dependents program extends to diverse family structures. One senior manager movingly shared that the health coverage policy made him feel ‘seen, valued, and respected’-a testament to how policies can create a genuine sense of belonging.

Beyond the workplace, PJLI promotes DandI into the communities it serves through initiatives under its Kanegosyo Centers and Alternative Learning System (ALS) Programs, directly empowering marginalized Filipinos.

Jo-Ann Tacorda, First Vice President and Group Head for Corporate Services, added: ‘Our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing goes beyond compliance or recognition. It’s about making sure every Cebuana Lhuillier employee feels valued and supported. These honors from Investors in People Philippines validate the work we’ve done, but more importantly, they inspire us to keep pushing forward in building a workplace where everyone can truly thrive.’

As Maria Veronica ‘Baby’ Valientes, Human Resource Development Division Head, shared in her acceptance speech: ‘Winning doesn’t just mean we join the parades and post it online. It means embedding our DandI commitment in our policies, hiring practices, the way we address people, and how we live every day recognizing people’s diverse backgrounds.’

These recognitions affirm PJLI’s philosophy that the ultimate measure of success lies in the wellbeing and empowerment of its people. By embedding inclusivity into policies, embracing holistic employee care, and nurturing purpose-driven initiatives, PJLI continues to build not just a successful company, but a legacy of resilience, empowerment, and true, lasting value.

Maynilad Water Services Inc. inched closer toward its P45.8-billion initial public offering (IPO) this month after obtaining the approval of the Philippine Stock Exchange.

The operator of the local bourse said in an advisory on Monday that Maynilad would offer up to 2.3 billion shares for as much as P20 each.

The final offer price will be set on Oct. 20, while the offer period will be from Oct. 23 to Oct. 29.

The concessionaire will list under the ticker ‘MYNLD’ on Nov. 7, more than a year ahead of its January 2027 deadline with the government.

Multilateral institutions

Earlier, Maynilad president and CEO Ramoncito Fernandez said they would cut their maximum offer price to P15 per share in consideration of their cornerstone investment agreement with International Finance Corp. (IFC) and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

These multilateral institutions were considering investing $245 million into the company’s IPO, but only if the offer price did not exceed P15.

Apart from IFC and ADB, the United Kingdom government is also pledging its support for Maynilad’s IPO.

UK investment

In its Oct. 3 preliminary prospectus, Maynilad said it now had a cornerstone investment agreement with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, through its Mobilizing Capital Through Listed Products program.

This is the same agency that pitched in $12.5 million into the IPO of Edgar Saavedra-led Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. last year, allowing the company to raise P5.3 billion from its stock market debut.

Since then, the UK government has committed to boosting trade and investment flows to the Philippines, particularly looking at sustainability-related projects.

For its part, Maynilad recently received the Philippines’ first Green Equity label, which would allow it to attract more investors by tagging its shares as ‘green’ prior to its offer.

At the same time, asset management firm Robeco Switzerland Ltd. is also participating as a cornerstone investor for an investment size of up to $20 million.

Others are Maybank Asset Management Singapore Pte. Ltd., Maven Investment Partners Ltd.-Hong Kong Branch, Abrdn Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and QRT Master Fund SPC-Torus Fund SP.

Domestic cornerstone investors include BDO Capital, BPI Asset Management and Trust Corp., Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. and Security Banking Corp.-Trust and Asset Management Group. INQ

How much has the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), a unit of San Miguel Corp., accomplished for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport so far?

SMC president and CEO Ramon S. Ang said the NNIC has surpassed all expectations since the company took over NAIA for the purpose of modernization and facilities upgrade a little more than a year ago.

‘It is a demanding task to operate an airport the size and scale of NAIA,’ Ang observed. ‘Thanks to the dedication of our people on the front lines and behind the scenes, the airport is now running more flights and serving more passengers, all in safety and on time,’ he said.

Since the Sept. 14, 2024, takeover, NNIC has upgraded the capability of the airport.

The international gateway handled 283,771 flights that brought in 51.7 million passengers, 2.9 million more than the numbers recorded in the same period the previous year, all under the private operator’s management.

Remittance to gov’t

Over that one-year period, NNIC has remitted more than P52 billion to the government, including the P30-billion payment made upfront. It is also turning over 82 percent of the airport’s revenues to the government.

That means the government will get what it usually earns from NAIA – or even more as the operation expands and becomes more efficient – with no need to appropriate public funds to pay for the cost of the upgrade.

Of the P72 billion that NNIC commits for the modernization project, P3.5 billion has been spent for the purpose so far. But even then, Ang said NNIC has already rolled out a new facial recognition system powered by Collins Aerospace, allowing travelers to check in, drop bags, clear security and board flights using just their face.

The aircraft parking stands have been reconfigured, the taxiway improved and abandoned aircraft removed to free up valuable space for smoother operations. The immediate result: the airport has been able to add new domestic and international routes with 47 airline partners.

More facilities

Inside the terminals, passengers are seeing 11,820 new chairs, 2,500 baggage trolleys, 21 new air-conditioning units and chillers, and Wi-Fi upgraded from 1G to 10G. All escalators, walkalators and elevators are now working like clockwork.

For the convenience of passengers, NNIC is renovating six restrooms, while 10 new ones are set for construction.

The San Miguel conglomerate has ordered 34 new boarding bridges. They will be installed as soon as they arrive.

The transportation system between terminals has improved with a fleet of 20 new shuttle buses, capable of serving half a million travelers. Behind the scenes, baggage handling was streamlined to process 51.3 million bags, keeping pace with the passenger surge without the long queues NAIA has been known for once.

OFW lounge

Ang takes inordinate pride in the OFW Lounge, which he ordered constructed at Terminal 3, immediately after the NNIC takeover. The well-appointed room provides departing and arriving overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with food, Wi-Fi connection, shower rooms, or just a place to hang out and relax, all for free.

The OFW Lounge has so far served nearly half a million Filipino overseas workers. A second lounge is under construction at Terminal 1.

By December, 60 new immigration eGates will become operational, making departures and arrivals faster.

While hard at work within, NNIC is clearing 266,463 tons of waste and silt from surrounding waterways to protect the airport from floods.

For sustainability of the ecosystem, NNIC is introducing a Tenant Environmental Handbook, which requires ban on single-use plastics ban, water conservation, composting and energy efficiency.

Moreover, the San Miguel subsidiary has begun embracing global standards, pursuing ISO certifications in quality, environment and safety, the company statement said