Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Heavy to intense rain showers are forecast over Metro Manila and three provinces in Luzon on Saturday afternoon, the state weather bureau said.

In its thunderstorm advisory issued at 2:25 p.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the following areas are expected to experience heavy to intense rain showers with lightning and strong winds within the next two hours:

Metro Manila

Nueva Ecija

Tarlac

Zambales

The weather condition is already being experienced in the following areas, which may persist for two hours and may affect nearby areas:

Bulacan (San Ildefonso, Dona Remedios Trinidad, San Rafael, Angat, Pandi, Bustos, Baliuag, Santa Maria, Norzagaray)

Cavite (Kawit, Cavite City, Noveleta, General Trias, Imus, Dasmarinas, Tanza, Rosario, Trece Martires, Maragondon, Naic, Ternate, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Magallanes, Indang)

Bataan (Limay, Mariveles, Hermosa, Dinalupihan)

Batangas (Agoncillo, San Nicolas, Santa Teresita, Alitagtag, Nasugbu, Tuy, Calatagan, Lian, Balayan, Santo Tomas, Tanauan)

Pampanga (Lubao, Floridablanca, Sasmuan, Candaba, San Luis, Apalit, San Simon)

Laguna (Pila, Victoria, Los Banos, Bay, Calauan, Nagcarlan)

Quezon (Burdeos)

Rizal (Cardona, Binangonan)

‘All are advised to take precautionary measures against the impacts associated with these hazards, which include flash floods and landslides,’ Pagasa said.

The weather bureau earlier reported that even though Severe Tropical Storm Paolo (international name: Matmo) exited the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday morning, it still had a direct effect across Luzon.

Paolo was last located 440 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, packing a maximum sustained wind speed of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 135 kph. /mr

When people started raving about how the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament wasn’t going to be a two-school race anymore, it was Ateneo and host University of Santo Tomas that bolstered their argument.

Slowly, National University is begging to differ.

And in a season where several games have been decided by the finest of margins, the Bulldogs have fueled their 3-0 (win-loss) slate with dominating performances on both ends of the floor.

NU, anchored on a league-best percentage from the floor (43.8), is the second-best offensive team in the league (77.3 points per game) and is the best among the eight schools in defense, surrendering just 64.7 ppg-a testament to the grit that the team brings every ball game.

‘Their character-I don’t question that anymore,’ NU coach Jeff Napa said.

If there are any questions at all, they will come from defending champion University of the Philippines who are hoping to at least shut down at least half of NU’s two-way dominance, which the Bulldogs hope will carry them to a fourth straight victory.

The Maroons struggled to a 0-2 start in the season before finally getting their groove in a 92-75 rout of lowly University of the East.

‘Winning in this way helps us realize how important it is to play together,’ UP coach Goldwin Monteverde said. ‘It’s not just about talent. Quick decision-making and chemistry matter, too.’

But beating a winless team doesn’t quite pose the same challenge as trying to halt a juggernaut.

NU enters Saturday’s matchup against UP at University of Santo Tomas’ Quadricentennial Pavilion boasting the best net rating in the league at +12.7 points per game.

No team is within four points of that rating.

And NU is not just doing good on both ends of the court. The Bulldogs are great at turning stops into points.

Napa’s wards are leading the league in points scored off turnovers, averaging 19.3 per game. And despite being one of the worst three teams when it comes to protecting the leather, the Bulldogs have done a great job of running back on defense-surrendering just 7.7 points per game off their errors, best in the league.

That’s a +11.6 in turnover points-and again, no team is within four points of that. The Bulldogs take the court against the Maroons after the opening game between UST and UE, which starts at 2 p.m.

Lihangin Wind Energy Corp. (LWEC) will build point-to-point transmission facilities to directly connect its wind park in Northern Samar to the power grid.

LWEC secured on Thursday the Energy Regulatory Commission’s approval of its proposed project. That is, to develop its own point-to-point transmission facilities for its 206.25-megawatt San Isidro Wind Power Project in Northern Samar.

LWEC is a joint venture of Aboitiz Renewables Inc., Vivant Energy Corp. and Singapore-based Vena Energy.

The facilities would be linked to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ (NGCP) Calbayog substation. However, NGCP will operate and maintain these facilities.

LWEC said building the transmission assets was necessary to supply the grid system with added power.

Online by February 2026

The firm tapped Powerchina Philippines Corp. as its engineering, procurement and construction contractor for the said planned transmission facilities.

The wind park is designed to have 33 wind turbine generators, with commercial operation expected by February 2026.

‘LWEC is one with Department of Energy’s vision of boosting the generation of electricity from renewable sources and reducing the environmental impact brought by the use of traditional fossil fuels,’ it said in a separate document.

The group also said that the timely completion and operation of the wind project could jack up the Visayas’ electricity needs. The grid was placed under ‘yellow’ and ‘red’ alert ‘several times’ last year due to thin reserve margins.

In a yellow alert, the power supply can still meet demand, but it will serve as a warning that when a plant breaks down one way or another, it will result in brownouts.

A red alert, meanwhile, means that supply is no longer sufficient to meet demand. Brownouts could happen if demand is not managed. INQ

In an era when ‘anyone can post, react, or go viral,’ the printed word commanded the spotlight as the United Print and Multimedia Group (UPMG) held its third General Membership Meeting on Sept. 18.

With the theme ‘Credibility Advantage: How Print Builds Trust in a Digital World,’ the meeting held at Kingsford Hotel Manila gathered publishers, editors, advertisers, and industry leaders for a day of dialogue on how trusted journalism can guide audiences amid the information overload.

UPMG president Vivienne Motomal, the concurrent assistant vice president of the Journal Group of Publications, opened the program with a message that both underscored print media’s resilience and noted the challenges faced by the industry in upholding its standards. ‘It feels good to be gathered in this room with people who share a deep-seated belief in the power of the printed word,’ she said.

Motomal acknowledged the swift rise of digital media but stressed print’s enduring role: ‘In this chaos, what does the reader yearn for? They yearn for an anchor. A source they can trust. When a person holds a newspaper or a magazine in their hands, they are holding a tangible commitment to journalism.’

AI as next disruptor

Credibility remains the industry’s strongest currency, she said. ‘This is why, even in the digital age, our role is more critical than ever. The future is a credible hybrid where print and digital can work together to build a complete, trustworthy media ecosystem.’

In his keynote address, Lucien Dy Tioco, executive vice president of Philstar Media Group, traced the arc of media transformation, recalling how the once ‘traditional’ press now competes with algorithm-driven feeds.

‘Fast forward to the present time, we now live entirely different from how we were 15 years ago,’ he said, noting how people scroll for headlines, binge shows, and check influencers for tips without a second thought. But with these conveniences came serious consequences. ‘Technology has brought a more toxic conversation on social media, strong political biases that breed divisiveness, bigger and bolder online scams, and worse of all, fake news to help distort public opinion,’ he noted.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI), Dy Tioco added, is the next disruptor: ‘In just over a year, AI technology is quickly being applied in almost everything . We need to fight for our place now.’

But reaffirming the value of print, he said: ‘We write news with a journalistic edge. We curate news according to national importance. We create content to foster objectivity and calm. That is what the world needs right now. We need to exist because we fight for the truth.’

Safeguards vs fake news

The panel discussion that followed had Angel Guerrero, vice president of UPMG and publisher of Adobo Magazine as moderator, drawing more insights from Dy Tioco and Jack Jacinto, vice president for public and member relations of Pag-Ibig Fund.

Jacinto underscored the public sector’s reliance on credible media outlets: ‘Our organization knows this and values credibility, which is why we support print.’

The panelists highlighted the meticulous processes behind print-fact-checking, rigorous editorial process, and context-rich reporting-as essential safeguards against fake news.

Science of narrative

They also called on publishers to present a united front to policymakers, again emphasizing print’s permanence and credibility as irreplaceable strengths even as technology reshapes the means of distribution.

The morning open forum tackled AI verification tools and the expansion of media literacy programs, reinforcing UPMG’s shared values that uphold trustworthy content.

The afternoon session shifted the focus to the science of narrative. Von Cruz and Bernz Soriano from The Nerve, a Manila-based narrative intelligence and data-forensics firm, demonstrated how their technology goes beyond social listening to trace how both authentic stories and misinformation move through digital ecosystems. Their investigative platform maps influence networks and identifies the sources of viral falsehoods, insights that can help newsrooms and advocacy groups respond swiftly and accurately.

By showing how narrative forensics can complement traditional reporting, The Nerve presentation perfectly aligned with the meeting’s theme: combining data-driven innovation with journalism’s timeless commitment to credibility.

New members

Also presenting UPMG’s annual report, Motomal cited the group’s latest partnerships and achievements in the publishing sector. Two new member organizations – Simpol.ph and Philippine Graphic – were also officially inducted.

Festivities continued with raffle draws and a warm welcome from Jericho Feliciano, director of sales of Kingsford Hotel Manila, who commended UPMG’s dedication to responsible journalism. To formally close the event, Roda Zabat, UPMG auditor and The Manila Times vice president for sales and marketing, asserted that print, far from being obsolete, is instead evolving into a powerful hybrid with digital platforms. -CONTRIBUTED

Leaders of Agusan del Sur province hailed a local athlete for a recent triumph in the international arena, providing inspiration for aspiring ones to emulate.

In separate statements, House Representatives Adolph Edward Plaza and Alfel Bascug, and Governor Santiago Cane hoped that Elias Tabac’s glory at the 2025 Spartan Thailand Trifecta Series in Chiang Mai last Sept. 28 would attract more young people to embrace athletics.

Tabac, the pride of Barangay Calaitan in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, clinched a historic silver medal in Chiang Mai. Tabac, who represented the Philippines, placed second in the grueling Super 10K race, finishing behind the Italian champion. The Spartan series is regarded worldwide as one of the toughest endurance competitions, combining long-distance running with obstacle challenges.

He was earlier regarded as ‘Spartan King’ after conquering Leg 3 of the 2025 Spartan Philippines National Series on August 2 at The Trails, Nuvali in Laguna. The Agusan del Sur native is no stranger to international triumphs. In 2021, he conquered the World’s Highest Obstacle Course Race at the crater of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania-a feat verified by Guinness World Records. He completed the high-altitude event in one hour and 15 minutes.

At home, Tabac serves as athletics coach for Agusan del Sur, whose athletes dominated the 2025 Caraga Regional Athletic Games. They are now preparing for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, set to be hosted at the newly built Datu Lipus Makapandong Sports Complex in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Tabac dedicated his silver finish to his athletes and their families, while expressing gratitude for the support of Cane, Plaza, and Bascug.

A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman and his companion were gunned down in broad daylight on Saturday along Jose Lim Street, Barangay Poblacion 5 here.

Col. Jibin Bongcayao, the city police director, identified the victims as Prince Mohaz Rafsanjanie Matanog, youth council chair for Poblacion 5 in Cotabato City.

His brother, Muamar Salvador Matanog, who was with him during the attack, was seriously wounded and immediately rushed to a local hospital, where he later died. Police initial probe states that the victims were aboard a red Toyota Raize with plate number NFJ 8206 when they were fired upon by motorcycle-riding assailants.

Prince Mohaz sustained multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, causing his instant death.

The Police Station 1 immediately launched a hot pursuit operation, which led to a firefight with the suspects. One of the assailants was reportedly hit, while a patrolman was also wounded during the encounter. Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered around 94 fired bullets from the crime scene as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the Cotabato State University (CotSU) community is grieving for the death of Prince Mohaz, a third-year student of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. ‘This brutal and senseless act is an offense against peace, order, and the values of public service that our city stands for,’ Matabalao said.

He also offered a bounty of P500,00 for credible information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

Malacañang has declared a series of special non-working holidays in October and November in recognition of significant local events.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on September 30 signed Proclamations 1045, 1046, 1047, 1048, 1049, 1050, and 1051 to allow communities to honor their unique cultural heritage and historical milestones.

Under Proclamation 1045, October 9 is a special non-working holiday in San Isidro, Surigao del Norte to mark the municipality’s 66th founding anniversary.

LIST: 2026 regular holidays, special non-working days

Proclamation 1046 designates October 16 as a holiday in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur in celebration of the town’s 68th founding anniversary.

In Batac City, Ilocos Norte, October 20 has been declared a holiday through Proclamation 1047 to commemorate the 159th birth anniversary of local hero General Artemio Ricarte, a key figure during the Philippine Revolution and Philippine-American War.

Meanwhile, Dingle town in Iloilo will observe a holiday on October 28, as declared in Proclamation 1048, in remembrance of the Cry of Lincud – the first recorded revolt against Spanish rule in Iloilo and Panay.

Proclamation 1049 designates October 29 a special non-working holiday in Mati, Davao Oriental in celebration of the Sambuokan Festival, which honors the area’s history prior to its cityhood.

On October 30, residents of San Isidro, Davao del Norte, will celebrate the Sikwate Festival, as declared in Proclamation 1050.

Proclamation 1051 declares November 4 a special non-working holiday in Quezon province to commemorate the death anniversary of Apolinario dela Cruz, also known as Hermano Puli, a revered religious leader executed during the Spanish colonial era.

As the world observes World Animal Day on Saturday, October 4, FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe called on Filipinos to show greater compassion and responsibility toward animals, pointing out that the first step begins with a simple reminder: Do no harm.

‘On World Animal Day, we are reminded that compassion begins with the simplest act: to do no harm. The very least we can do for animals is to ensure they are treated with kindness, respect, and dignity,’ Poe said in his statement.

He warned that animals are too often the silent victims of cruelty, neglect, and exploitation, stressing that society has a moral duty to protect them. ‘Our duty as human beings is to protect them, care for them, and recognize that their well-being is closely tied to the kind of society we want to build,’ he added.

Poe also highlighted his legislative push for stronger protections through House Bill No. 1746, or the Revised Animal Welfare Act of 2025, which seeks to strengthen animal welfare laws, impose stricter penalties for cruelty, and promote responsible ownership and care.

‘If we strive for a more humane and compassionate Philippines, we must include in that vision the care and protection of creatures who cannot speak for themselves,’ he emphasized. ‘Let us never forget to rescue and safeguard our animals, for they too deserve protection and care in times of crisis,’ Poe reminded, noting that the Philippines has recently been struck by natural disasters.

The lawmaker has been actively supporting animal welfare initiatives. On September 28, 2025, Poe joined animal welfare advocates and pet owners in celebrating Mars Global Adoption Weekend, an annual event promoting pet adoption and responsible ownership.

Animal advocacy runs in the family, as his mother, former Senator Grace Poe, championed a Senate version of the Animal Welfare Bill during the 19th Congress.

The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (Famas) apologized for its earlier post that included false information on actress and humanitarian Rosa Rosal’s supposed death.

Famas had shared a tribute post dedicated to Rosal, 96, on its Facebook page on Friday, Oct. 4, but later removed it. The award-giving body then issued an apology, saying the information was false.

‘We sincerely apologize for an earlier post regarding the passing of Ms. Rosa Rosal,’ read the statement released via its Facebook page as well.

‘It has come to our attention that the information was false. Ms. Rosal remains with us, and we deeply regret any confusion or distress this may have caused her family, friends, and admirers,’ it continued.

Famas then underscored, ‘[We] value truth and integrity, and we will continue to be more vigilant in verifying information before releasing any public statement. We extend our heartfelt apologies to Ms. Rosal, her loved ones, and the public.’

Famas’ apology came after the family of Rosal dismissed claims that she had already died. The veteran actress’ family further noted that she is doing well. /ra

It seems like only yesterday, Creamline was the toast of women’s volleyball, with every available title in the Premier Volleyball League in its possession.

Now, the Cool Smashers set off looking to defend the only crown in their heads.

‘There’s no pressure,’ coach Sherwin Meneses said, days before the PVL opens its Reinforced Conference, where Creamline will defend its title with help from American spiker Courtney Schwan.

‘Creamline is a team that always embraces any kind of pressure, game by game. We’re fully focused on this one,’ Meneses added.

The Cool Smashers lost their All-Filipino Conference title after their drive for five was shattered by Petro Gazz. The 10-time PVL champion wasn’t even within sniffing distance of the PVL on Tour and Invitational crowns-both claimed by PLDT in sweeping fashion-and finished with a pair of bronze medals.

That puts a sense of urgency in Creamline’s defense of the Reinforced title.

Creamline will continue to miss eight-time Best Setter Jia De Guzman and Reinforced MVP Bernadeth Pons, who are both committed to Alas Pilipinas indoor and beach volleyball, respectively.

But Meneses is confident that his holdovers will continue to step up in the import-laden tournament, with Tots Carlos and Bea De Leon returning to action to support Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao, Jema Galanza, Kyle Negrito, Pangs Panaga and rookie Sheena Toring.

‘This conference, it’s really all about solid preparation,’ Meneses said. ‘Imports make up around 40 percent of a team’s success, it depends on how skilled and committed they are to helping the team. I think Creamline has an edge there because we’re used to playing in conferences with imports.’

‘But of course, like you said, other teams won’t go down without a fight. So we’re just staying ready for every game in this conference.’

Coming from a fruitful training camp in Thailand, Valdez and Gumabao are determined to reach the top anew.

‘We’ve been working hard preparing for this conference. . So, we’re really looking forward to having a better conference,’ said Valdez.

‘Every conference, Creamline is always super determined to become champions again. That’s always the goal,’ Gumabao said.

‘But the bigger goal for us is to stay safe and injury-free. Hopefully, all players stay healthy, and those who haven’t returned yet can come back soon. Of course, the championship is still the ultimate target. We’ll always fight until the very end.’

The Creamline veterans are also grateful to have Schwan, who has already brought a lot of ‘new things’ to the team even before the tournament starts on Tuesday next week at Ynares Center in Montalban. ‘Coco is such a good addition to our team. More than the experience she’s bringing to the team,’ said Valdez. ‘She’s very vocal, very straightforward. We’re able to actually adjust easier because of that personality of hers.’ INQ