Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on alleged flood control anomalies set for next week has been cancelled, the committee’s chair and Sen. Ping Lacson confirmed Saturday.

In a Viber message, Lacson said he already informed Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III of the cancellation ‘until further notice.’

According to Lacson, he initially scheduled a hearing on Wednesday, October 8, upon the request of Sen. JV Ejercito to summon former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Mimaropa regional director Gerald Pacanan.

Pacanan was included in 10 DPWH officials who received a show-cause order from Secretary Vince Dizon to explain their reported lavish lifestyle and involvement in substandard projects.

‘To maximize the discussions, I checked with the DOJ if the supposed ‘tell-all’ affidavit/s of the Discayas were already available. Corollary to that, I also checked with the office of the executive judge of Manila RTC if they have concluded the investigation on the possible violations of the notarized document involving TSgt Guteza and Atty Espera,’ Lacson likewise said in the message.

The senator said both of the affidavits and the notarized document would not be ready within a week.

‘Having been informed that both would not be ready within one week, not to mention that the BRC hearing will conflict with the budget and CA hearings, I informed SP Sotto of the cancellation until further notice,’ said Lacson. /mr

The Department of Health (DOH) opened its two-day ‘PinaSigla: Isang Flex para sa Masiglang Pilipinas!’ health fair at Burnham Green in Luneta on Saturday, October 4.

The national event aims to bring healthcare and wellness closer to Filipinos by offering free health services, interactive learning, and disease prevention activities.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa led the launch, joined by Assistant Secretary Albert Francis Domingo and Health Promotion Bureau Director Maria Kristina Marasigan.

‘Today and tomorrow, we have booths here that you can visit,’ said Herbosa.

Among the highlights are free consultation services on-site, such as medical check-ups, vaccinations, lab screenings, and HIV testing. Nutrition and mental health counseling are also available.

Participants can also join interactive activities such as Zumba dances and Health Circ8 Challenge – a circuit of eight zones focusing on nutrition, physical activity, mental health, reproductive health, immunization, and more.

Practical demonstrations on road safety, handwashing, stress management, disaster preparedness and family planning are also being held on-site.

The fair runs until Sunday, Oct. 5, with programs starting at 8 a.m. /das

Net satisfaction in President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos (PBBM) turned slightly positive in June, from being slightly negative, for the first time in his term, the previous April-see ‘Second Quarter 2025 Social Weather Survey: Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s net satisfaction rating rises to +10 in June 2025 from -10 in April 2025’ (www.sws.org.ph, 9/30/25), which has all the numbers cited here.

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll asking for public satisfaction with an official uses the phrase ‘nasisiyahan sa paggawa ng kanyang tungkulin’ (satisfied with the performance in her or his function), with answer-choices of very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, somewhat dissatisfied, or very dissatisfied. The net score is the sum of the favorable, minus the sum of the unfavorable, answers.

Net +10 is the lower end of the 20-point band that SWS calls ‘moderate,’ and -10 is the upper end of the 20-point band called ‘poor.’ Any single-digit score is ‘neutral,’ whether positive or negative, since it’s statistically similar to zero. Thus, PBBM got one ‘poor’ grade on his scoresheet before the middle of his term, and recovered from it quickly.

The history of satisfaction ratings. For comparison, the lowest net satisfaction score of former President Corazon Aquino was +7, in November 1990 and April 1992. Former President Fidel Ramos had a +1 in October 1995 and a +2 in December 1995. Former President Joseph Estrada had a +5 in December 1999 and March 2000, and a +9 in December 2000. Those three presidents never scored negatively in the SWS surveys. (In the case of former President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., I recall a net satisfaction score of +15 in 1985, by an SWS-precursor. I know nothing for any earlier president.)

Our singularly unpopular president was Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who had her first negative score in November 2003, at -3. Her next negative score was a -6 in October 2004; it was never positive again, up to June 2010. Her net satisfaction quarterly averages in each year were: -25 in 2005, -16 in 2006, -9 in 2007, -33 in 2008, -35 in 2009, and -7 in 2010. The SWS term is ‘bad’ for scores of -30 to -49; it is ‘very bad’ for -50 to -69, which happened to her twice, the worst being a -53 in March 2010.

On the other hand, the lowest net satisfaction score of Benigno Aquino III was +11 (March 2015), while the lowest score of Rodrigo Duterte was +48 (September 2017). It is noteworthy that Duterte was personally very popular, while at the same time his (a) deadly and indiscriminate ‘war on drugs’ and (b) friendly attitude towards China were very unpopular.

The average net satisfaction scores for the aggregate of SWS surveys under the past presidents are: Corazon Aquino +35, Ramos +38, Estrada +33, Arroyo -7, Aquino III +45, and Duterte +62. The running average for Marcos Jr. is a ‘good’ +32, as of June 2025.

‘Trust ratings’ are different. An SWS trust rating uses the word pagtitiwala (trust), and pertains to an individual simply as a person, not as a functionary responsible for doing something for the Filipino people. A trust rating, rather than a satisfaction rating, is appropriate for checking the popularity of foreign officials, the Pope, businessmen, entertainment personalities, and the like.

But SWS does obtain trust ratings of politicians, from time to time, upon request. For instance, in the media release, ‘SWS confirms the June 2025 survey items sponsored by the Stratbase Group on public trust in the Philippines’ top officials’ (www.sws.org.ph, 7/15/25) one can find the following:

This shows that public trust in PBBM as a person also rebounded from May to June, like his net satisfaction score. However, it appears that public trust in him (as well as in his cousin Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez) is not as adequate as trust in Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Francis Escudero. I wonder if this is worrisome to some politicians.

Metro Manila and some nearby provinces are expected to experience cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Saturday morning, October 4.

In its latest 24-hour weather forecast, Pagasa reported that Metro Manila will also experience moderate winds blowing from the south to southeast, with Manila Bay waters expected to be moderate.

Similarly, Laoag City, Baguio City, Clark Zone, Olongapo, Tagaytay City, and Lipa can expect the same weather conditions. Subic Bay’s coastal waters will also be moderate.

In other parts of the country, partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with rain showers and thunderstorms might be experienced in Legazpi City, Puerto Princesa City, Kalayaan Group of Islands, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Metro Cebu, Tacloban City, Cagayan de Oro City, Valencia City, Metro Davao, Zamboanga City, and Tuguegarao City.

Meanwhile, the rainfall warning over Bataan and Zambales due to severe tropical storm Paolo is now terminated.

In a separate advisory, Pagasa said that threats of storm surge over the Philippine coastal areas have ceased as Paolo’s maximum winds moved farther offshore. However, wind-driven waves may still affect low-lying coastal communities.

Paolo has exited the Philippine area of responsibility as of Saturday morning, but Pagasa reported that they are monitoring a new low-pressure area that has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression outside of PAR within the next 24 hours. /das

As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) enters its second season with a four-point line, commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the arc is here to stay-at least for the foreseeable future.

‘I think it will stay forever,’ Marcial said, before backtracking: ‘As long as I’m commissioner, the four-point line will be used.’

The 2024-25 season served as a trial run for the innovation and the results are in: PBA teams attempted 2,298 shots from the four-point area, converting 554 for a 24.1 percent success rate across three conferences. TNT won both import-laden titles while San Miguel Beer clinched the Philippine Cup.

TNT ranked last in four-point shooting (17.9 percent, 32-of-179), while San Miguel shot above the league average by hitting 65-of-258 (25.2 percent).

Magnolia made the most of the rule tweak, hitting a league-best 32.4 percent (83-of-256), thanks largely to snipers Paul Lee, Peter Alfaro, and Jerrick Ahanmisi. Lee led all locals with 31 makes, while Ahanmisi-who recently signed a one-year deal with Terrafirma-followed with 28. Alfaro, meanwhile, led the league in efficiency at 57.1 percent (8-of-14).

Blackwater was second overall in percentage, making 67-of-233 (28.8 percent), driven by import George King’s 42 makes on 123 attempts. Phoenix (28.3 percent), Meralco (26.6), and Terrafirma (25.5) rounded out the top five.

Below San Miguel in efficiency were NLEX (23.3 percent), NorthPort (19.3), Converge (19.1), Rain or Shine (18.3) and Barangay Ginebra (18.2).

Marcial noted that Fiba had requested data on the four-point line’s use, though it’s unclear whether basketball’s global body was satisfied or if other leagues are seriously considering the idea.

While the rule has produced dramatic moments-most notably a pair of four-point game-winners by import Scotty Hopson in the Governors’ Cup-it still divides opinion. Some teams use it opportunistically or out of desperation.

But when the 2025-26 season opens on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum with a clash between rivals Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia, the arc will be there.

Marcial often compares the four-point argument to the debate on who was the best actor to portray James Bond on the silver screen. ‘There are people who like it, there are people who don’t,’ Marcial said.

House members on Friday threatened to slash the proposed P902.8-million budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) after Vice President Sara Duterte skipped, for the second year in a row, the plenary deliberations on the matter.

Adding to the acrimony was a letter Duterte wrote to the House appropriations committee saying she would attend the budget hearings on two conditions.

First is for President Marcos to also personally defend the proposed P27.3-billion budget for the Office of the President.

Second is for the House committee on good government to confirm that the Department of Justice (DOJ) had already lifted its lookout bulletin orders on her staff. The committee was the same body that looked last year into Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds.

‘Barest minimum’

Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez, a member of the appropriations committee said the panel decided not to reply to Duterte’s letter, while other lawmakers scoffed at her demands.

‘Enough is enough, enough of her brattiness,’ Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima said.

‘If she can afford to show up in the Senate and applaud the former Senate President in his privilege speech, which is definitely not part of her mandate as the Vice President, why can’t she spare a few moments of her time attending the official function as Vice President to defend the budget of her office?’ De Lima said.

She was referring to the speech delivered by Sen. Francis Escudero on Oct 1, which railed against former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice said Duterte was already being unreasonable, warning that the House would further reduce her budget ‘at the proper time.’

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio also served notice that the OVP budget might be brought down ‘to its barest minimum.’

‘Such a waste’

It was actually the Department of Budget and Management that raised the proposed OVP budget to P902.8 million, after the OVP submitted a lower request of P733 million, that same amount it got last year.

Tinio also drew attention to Duterte’s recent trips abroad. ‘She keeps saying that she spent for these trips out of her own pocket, but she herself admitted that because she is the Vice President, it is the Filipino people paying for the travel expenses of her staff and security detail,’ he said.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, vice chair of the appropriations panel, said it was ‘such a waste that [Duterte] didn]t go because she could have at least defended and explained to the plenary why she needed that increase.’

Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon told reporters ‘The Vice President is not in a position to make demands [which show] . her lack of respect for the budget process.’

On Thursday night, the House voted in plenary to terminate deliberations on the OVP budget. This means any changes must now be made during the period of amendments, which starts next week up to Oct. 13.

Since she broke her ties with Marcos beginning with her resignation as education secretary in June last year, Duterte’s proposed budget for her office became drastically reduced by the appropriations committee then headed by Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co.

In a better time, such as the start of the Marcos administration, she could propose a much higher budget-like the P2.3 billion which Co approved in 2022.

But last year, the Vice President was left with her current budget of P733 million after Co-who would soon be embroiled in the corruption scandal over flood control projects-slashed the OVP’s budget by more than P1 billion. He even reminded Duterte’s staff that funds allotted to her office were ‘the people’s money.’

About three months after confirming the breakup of her three-year relationship with Katrice Kierulf, Klea Pineda declared that she has moved on and has been getting better by the day.

Pineda opened up about this in an interview on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ on Friday, Oct. 3. The actress visited the show along with Jasmin Curtis-Smith to promote their upcoming queer film ‘Open Endings.’

‘This is about love, heartbreak and exes. Have you moved on, Klea?’ show host Abunda asked.

Pineda initially laughed off how the host smoothly injected the topic into their conversation, then answered, ‘Have I moved on? I think yeah. Paunti-unti (little by little).’

Pineda, however, admitted that her recovery process has not been linear. ‘May mga pasulpot-sulpot na feeling. Normal naman ‘yon after ng breakup pero I think nagiging better naman ako every day.’

(I still feel things here and there. It’s normal after a breakup, but I think I have been getting better every day.)

Further speaking about her relationship with her ex-girlfriend, the actress said they are not enemies but are also not friends.

‘We’ll get there,’ Pineda continued, expressing hopes to rebuild her friendship with Kierulf. ‘Sa ngayon, masyado pa kasi sigurong fresh.’ (For now, it’s still fresh.)

‘Sa ngayon, siguro wala pang reason para mag-connect kami ulit and nire-respeto ko rin ‘yung healing process niya,’ she added. (Maybe there is no reason for us to reconnect at the moment, and I also respect her healing process.)

During the interview, Pineda also intrigued the host when she was asked during the Fast Talk segment about her thoughts on having a relationship with a co-star.

‘Why not?’ she said.

Abunda later asked Pineda about Janella Salvador, her other co-star in ‘Open Endings’ who is being romantically linked to her and is also being accused as the supposed third party in her split with Kierulf.

‘I think nadamay lang naman ‘yung pangalan ni Janella kasi nga magkasama kami sa film,’ Pineda spoke in defense of her fellow actress. ‘Maraming rason kung bakit kami naghiwalay ni Katrice pero labas si Janella do’n. Walang third party.’

(I think Janella only got involved because we were working together in a film. There are a lot of reasons why Katrice and I broke up, but Janella is not one of those. There is no third party.)

Pineda and Curtis-Smith then expressed their admiration for Salvador, nodding in agreement with the show host’s remarks about the celebrity mom being ‘blooming.’

Then asked if Salvador is the type she would fall in love with, Pineda replied, ‘Why not? Walang reason na hindi magugustuhan si Janella.’ (There’s no reason to not like Janella.)

Both Pineda and Salvador have remained mum on the real score between them. /ra

The passing of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament Speaker Pangalian Balindong is a ‘tremendous loss’ for the people of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), according to a top presidential aide.

Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo described Balindong as a ‘pillar of the Bangsamoro government’ whose contributions are ‘deeply etched in the history of the region.’

Lagdameo pointed out that the Speaker’s commitment to peace and the welfare of the Bangsamoro people should guide current and future regional leaders. ‘Speaker Balindong’s efforts and legacy must not only be honored but also carried forward by those in leadership. His vision for peace, reform, and development in the Bangsamoro should continue to inspire governance in Barmm,’ Lagdameo said in a statement.

He added that the reforms and initiatives championed by the late Speaker in the Bangsamoro Parliament are foundational to the region’s current peace and progress.

Balindong, who died on October 2 at age 85, left behind a long legacy of public service. He represented Lanao del Sur in Congress, first from 1995 to 1998, and then from 2007 to 2016, and served as a member of the BTA Parliament from 2019 until his death.

He was also a prominent advocate for the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the landmark legislation that established the Barmm.

Lola Amour, BINI and Dionela are among the artists who earned the most nominations at the 38th Awit Awards, with the ‘Raining in Manila’ hitmakers leading with five nods, including the coveted Song of the Year and Album of the Year.

Trailing behind the funk-pop band are BINI and Dionela, who tied with four nominations. Other artists recognized by the award-giving body, the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), are SunKissed Lola, SB19 and BenandBen, to name a few.

Further details on the 38th edition of the Awit Awards’ awarding ceremony are yet to be announced.

Here is the full list of nominees:

Record of the Year

‘Nene’ by SunKissed Lola

‘Heartache Generation’ by Ena Mori

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Love Is’ by The Ridleys

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

Album of the Year

‘Talaarawan’ by BINI

‘Olaholah’ by SunKissed Lola

‘The Traveller Across Dimensions’ by BenandBen

‘Alegorya’ by Munimuni

‘Superpower’ by Zild

‘Lola Amour’ by Lola Amour

Song of the Year

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Ikot’ by Over October

‘Misteryoso’ by Cup of Joe

‘Pagbigyan’ by Sugarcane

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

Best Collaboration

”Pag Ang Puso ang Nagsabi’ by JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano

‘Ligaw na Bullet’ by Denise Laurel and Skusta Clee

”Di Ko Kasalanan’ by Demi and GinsandMelodies

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Within’ by Ladine Roxas and Kris Lawrence

‘Sa Kahapon’ by Dilaw and Janine Berdin

Best Performance by a New Group Artist

‘Aminin’ by Naiba

‘Hi, Tita’ by Sala

‘Bituin’ by Letters from June

‘Walang Humpay’ by 12th Street

‘Alak’ by Karilyo

Best Performance by a New Solo Artist

‘Alintana’ by Muninn

‘Panggap’ by Plume

‘Sickreet’ by Ryannah J

”Di Maipagkakaila’ by Ia

‘Kahit ‘Di Ako Ang Gusto Mo’ by Patricia Heart

‘Seryoso’ by Lottie Bie

Best Performance by a Group Artist

‘Triumph’ by BenandBen

‘Tayo Na Lang’ by Nobita

‘Lampara’ by Press Hit Play

‘One Sided Love’ by G22

‘Sige, Sayaw!’ by Dear Dahlia

‘Nilalang’ by Dilaw

Best Performance by a Solo Artist

‘ATM’ by Ice Seguerra

‘I’ll Be Somebody You Want’ by Jolianne

‘Pauwi Na ‘Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)’ by Dwta

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Alas Dos Na!!!’ by Janine Berdin

‘Fake Faces’ by Felip

‘Umaycan’ by Noel Cabangon

Best RandB Recording

‘Tango’ by Jarlo Base

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Call Me What You Want’ by Elise Huang

‘Fighting for You’ by Thyro Alfaro and JP Bacallan

Best Jazz Recording

‘Superfunk’ by GundamFunk

‘Get It Right’ by Nicole Asensio and Solo .Cal

‘Careless Fools’ by Debonair District and Jacques Dufourt

‘Remedios Circle’ by Alvin Cornista, Chuck Stevens, Abe Lagrimas Jr., Tim Lyddon and Dave Harder

‘What Is It All About?’ by Nicole Asensio and Solo .Cal

Best Rap/Hip-hop Recording

‘Subomoto (Hev Abi remix)’ by Zae and Hev Abi

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9

‘Utang Clan’ by Gloc-9

‘Ako Lang ‘To’ by XYVRL

‘Marikit sa Dilim’ by Juan Caoile, Kyleswish and Jawz

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

‘Salamin, Salamin’ by BINI

‘Tension’ by Peyton

‘Eksena’ by YARA

‘Come Over’ by Pop Money Worldwide, Carrot Mayor, SHNTI and Aunt Robert

‘Hilo’ by Paul Pablo

Best Traditional/Contemporary Folk Recording

‘ATM’ by Ice Seguerra

‘Ito Lamang’ by Project: Romeo

‘You’ll Never Feel Alone Again’ by Earl Generao

‘Nandiyan Pa Ba?’ by 6cyclemind and Gloc-9

‘Huling Liham’ by Paham and Dwta

Best World Music Recording

‘Sarung Banggi’ by Overheat and Camsur Made

‘You Did It’ by KAIA

‘Chinese Restaurant’ by Nicole Adeya

‘Careless Fools’ by Debonair District and Jacques Dufourt

‘Sabado’ by SinoSikat?

‘100 Mensahe’ by Dan Gil and Marga Jayy

Best Alternative Recording

‘Homeostasis’ by Barbie Almalbis

‘A Gentle Reminder to Rest’ by Amateurish

‘Bulaklak sa Buwan’ by Ely Buendia

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

‘Wala Nang Saysay’ by Meds

Best Rock/Metal Recording

‘Orange’ by Amateurish

‘The Risk’ by Faspitch

‘Bawal Lumingon’ by CHNDTR

‘Dahas’ by Kjwan

‘Pano’ by Caren Tevanny

‘Dragon’ by Mayonnaise

Best Pop Recording

‘Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo’ by Itchyworms

‘Dilaw’ by Maki

‘Toyo’ by KZ Tandingan

‘Yoko Na’ by Josh Cullen and Al James

‘Hoodie’ by Dionela and Alisson Shore

Best Ballad Recording

‘Ethereal’ by Pappel

‘Lagi’ by Ica Frias

‘Kasing Kasing’ by Juan Karlos and Kyle Echarri

‘Medyo Ako’ by Juan Karlos and Moira Dela Torre

‘Ihilak Lang Na’ by Morissette

”Di Ko Masabi’ by Stell

Best Instrumental Recording

‘Nang Buo Kong Buhay’ by Jay Gomez and Yvette Parcom

‘SuperFunk’ by Gundam Funk

‘See You on the Other Side’ by Lustbass and RJ Pineda

‘Good Nights’ by Lustbass

‘Remedios Circle’ by Alvin Cornista, Chuck Stevens, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., Tim Lyddon and Dave Harder

Best Inspirational Recording

‘Beautiful Day’ by The Company

‘Little World Changer’ by Belle Mariano

‘Ningas ng Pag-Asa’ by Jamie Rivera and 92AD

‘Dahil Sa’Yo’ by Viola Natividad

‘Face of God’ by December Avenue

Best Novelty Recording

‘Da Coconut Nut (DJ Sandy Remix)’ by Giani Sarita and DJ Sandy

‘Walang Label’ by Eugene Layug

‘Wala Akong Pake’ by Johan Kyle and ANNUHBAE

‘Art Song’ by Pinkmen

‘Atras Abante’ by Introvert Fiesta and Aji

Best Recording by a Child or for Children

‘Ang Init Init’ by Imogen

‘The Phonics Song’ by Teacher Cleo

‘Tadhana (Easy Lang)’ by Giani Sarita

‘Jesus, Best Friend’ by Ateneo Boys Choir

‘Nasa Palad Mo’ by Ateneo Boys Choir featuring Marcel Roy S. Navarro and Generoso R. Maquirang IV

Best Original Soundtrack

‘lyo’ from ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ by Darren Espanto

‘Maskara’ from ‘Lavender Fields’ by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez

‘Ulit Ulit’ from ‘Pamilya Sagrado’ by Regine Velasquez

‘Uuwian’ from ‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?’ by BGYO

‘Sa Akin Siya’ from ‘Asawa ng Asawa Ko’ by Crystal Paras and Jeniffer Maravilla

‘Nagbago ang Daigdig’ from ‘My Guardian Alien’ by Zephanie

‘Aabutin ang Tadhana’ from ‘Chasing in the Wild’ by Hyacinth Callado

Best Christmas Recording

‘Hesus Aming Hari’ by Jonathan Manalo, John Roa, EJ De Perio, Vee Jay Dela Calzada, Diwa, Hazel Faith, Shekinah Gram, Viola Natividad, Caleb Santos, Jacob Sean Bacal, Naomi, Jessi Ferrer, Elizabeth Clemente and Ezekiel Clemente

‘Ganito ang Pasko’ by Sparkle Singers

‘Weather with You’ by Lucas Pison, Chezka

‘Noche Buena’ by Jan Roberts

‘Paskong Mag-Isa’ by Debonair District

Best Regional Recording

‘Kasing Kasing’ by Juan Karlos and Kyle Echarri

‘Ihilak Lang Na’ by Morissette

‘Ang Paghuwat’ by Morissette and Ferdinand Aragon

‘Umaycan’ by Noel Cabangon

‘Buhi’ by Ferdinand Aragon

‘Dili Na Lang’ by Jolianne

‘Panata’ by Tothapi

Music Video of the Year

‘Salamin, Salamin’ by BINI; produced by Roxy Liquigan, Carlo L. Katigbak and Carlos Jorge Reyes; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Namumula’ by Maki; produced by Jonathan Bacala; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Cherry on Top’ by BINI; produced by Roxy Liquigan, Carlo L. Katigbak and Carlos Jorge Reyes; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9; produced by 1032 Lab and lana Cris Forbes; directed by Alanshiii and XY Pintoy

‘Tagpi-tagping Piraso’ by Ely Buendia; produced by August Lyle Espino, Cedric Hornedo, Lemuel Francia and Geoffrey Collera; directed by August Lyle Espino

Best Cover Art

‘Patibong’ by Gracenote; RJ Villanueva and Darwin Hernandez

‘The Traveller across Dimensions’ by BenandBen; Jether Dane Guadalupe, Katrina Urmatam and Puppeteer Studios

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9; Louis Duran and IC Forbes

‘I’m Okay’ by Moira Dela Torre; Equinox Manila Productions, Moira Dela Torre, Jason Maxx and Artu Nepomuceno

‘Misteryoso’ by Cup of Joe; Nica Angeles and Gian Bernardino

Best Remix Recording

‘Welcome to My World’ by Jonathan Manalo and Theo Martel

‘Love Is the Answer’ by Jonathan Manalo, Moy Ortiz and The Company

‘small town (crwn’s crying in the parking lot edit)’ by crwn

‘different. (kenyama remix)’ by kenyama

‘WHITE ROOM (Reimagined ver.)’ by ena mori

Best Musical Arrangement

‘Nobya’ by Franz Sacro and Choi Padilla

‘Bittersweet’ by Ashlee Mickaela Factor and Alyssa Janine Cruz

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

‘Get It Right’ by Gabe Dandan

‘Umaycan’ by Kahlil Refuerzo

Best Engineered Recording

‘Pahinga’ by Nikhil Armanani

‘Nobya’ by Carlo Jay Cruz

‘Pauwi Na’ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)’ by Brian Lotho

‘Segundo, Siguro’ by Axel Fernandez

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Rene Serna

Senior health advocates on Thursday called on local government units (LGUs) to protect high-risk groups like the elderly against influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), emphasizing that delayed vaccination could lead to severe and costly flu complications. This, after the Quezon City government reported that the ILIs have surpassed the epidemic threshold, with 152 cases reported from Aug. 31 to Sept. 13. The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. also reported a 10-percent increase in patient admissions, noting that hospitals are ‘mostly full’ as the rainy season intensifies. Bayan Bakuna lead convenor Mikaella Jeleene Salinas Asoy said vaccine allocations from the national government remain uncertain. According to health experts, seniors face the highest risk of severe flu complications, including pneumonia and heart attacks. Hospitalization costs for such can range from P10,000 to P30,000. Household transmission rates can reach 13 to 32 percent, with flu spreading aggressively among school-age children. Older persons who live with or help care for grandchildren who may unknowingly bring the virus home become at a greater risk. ‘The reported spike in cases highlights the urgent need for preventive measures,’ Asoy said. ‘Vaccination remains the most proven, cost-effective way to protect the elderly population,’ she added. She urged families to accompany their elderly loved ones to barangay health centers and inquire about vaccine availability. She noted that such community demand can help LGUs prioritize vaccination programs and ensure that seniors are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.