Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-Wong) has left 1,198,039 individuals or 330,792 families affected across 11 regions, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Monday.

In its 12 p.m. report, the NDRRMC stated that of the nearly 1.2 million people affected, 68 percent, or 822,355 people, equivalent to 228,097 families, are from the Bicol Region.

The second most affected region in terms of population is Central Luzon with 158,697 individuals or 44,998 families affected, followed by Caraga in Mindanao with 99,109 persons or 22,018 families affected.

According to the NDRRMC, the affected population in the remaining eight regions is as follows:

Mimaropa: 33,075 people / 8,499 families

Eastern Visayas: 31,451 people / 10,114 families

Western Visayas: 26,989 people / 8,970 families

Calabarzon: 14,703 people / 4,685 families

Northern Mindanao: 4,882 people / 1,112 families

Zamboanga Peninsula: 4,018 people / 1,235 families

Cagayan Valley: 2,652 people / 966 families

Metro Manila: 108 people / 98 families

Among those affected, 61 percent or 730,956 persons are displaced – 523,383 of which are dispersed across 8,901 evacuation centers, while 207,573 were served outside of evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC also reported that 174 areas in seven regions remain flooded.

Of the 174 flooded areas, 167 are in Bicol Region, five are in Western Visayas, and two are in Northern Mindanao.

Two landslides were also reported in Bicol Region, and there was one landslide in Central Luzon.

Bicol Region also suffered from 13 storm surges, while Central Luzon had two, the NDRRMC continued.

In terms of infrastructure, the NDRRMC reported 125 impassable roads, and 29 impassable bridges. Bicol region has the largest number of impassable roads at 102, while Cagayan Valley has the most number of impassable bridges at 14.

A total of 1,085 houses were also damaged during the typhoon – 996 of these are partially damaged, and 89 are totally damaged.

Zamboanga Peninsula had the most number of damaged houses, with 952 partially damaged, and 75 totally damaged, the NDRRMC continued.

Furthermore, 168 cities and municipalities in seven regions are experiencing power interruptions – 81 areas are in Bicol Region, followed by 74 areas in Calabarzon, then six areas in Mimaropa, three in Central Luzon, two in Ilocos Region, and one each in Western Visayas and Caraga.

Meanwhile, 17 areas between Calabarzon and Bicol Region have no water supply. Nine areas are in Calabarzon, while the remaining six are in Bicol Region.

Twenty cities and municipalities in Bicol Region are also suffering from non-operational communication lines.

After the controversial walkout of some candidates at the opening of the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand, reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig appeared to be missing some of the scheduled events arranged by the Thai hosting committee.

Theilvig hasn’t been seen in pre-pageant activities since the controversial walkout of some candidates when she accompanied Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch after the latter was publicly berated by Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Universe’s VP for Asiana, at a sashing ceremony.

In Theilvig’s absence, Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Tiglao was thrusted in the spotlight, seemingly stepping in upon instruction from Nawat, who is the founder of the MGI organization, at the same time the head of the Thailand hosting committee for Miss Universe’s 74th edition.

Incidentally, Nawat is also the franchise holder of Miss Universe Thailand that is tasked with mounting the promotions and pre-pageant activities leading to the coronation ceremony of the global tilt this Nov. 21.

Tiglao became the co-host during a gala dinner for Thailand’s sponsors during a pre-pageant event held in Phuket, and even posed for pictures with Nawat during the presentation of Miss Universe candidates.

In support of Victoria

Miss Universe 2025 Iraq 2025 Hanin Al Qoreishy was among those who are missing Theilvig’s presence in these events.

In her Instagram, Al Qoreishy expressed her support for Theilvig who seemed sidelined by the recent turn of events at arguably the world’s most prestigious pageant event, while throwing shade at the MGI organization amid the power struggle within the MUO.

‘I stand in full support of the Miss Universe Organization and our reigning queen, Victoria. The Miss Universe platform has always represented authenticity, empowerment, and unity – values that we, as delegates deeply honor,’ Qoreishy wrote in her statement.

‘This is Miss Universe, not MGI, and we wish to preserve the integrity and independence of this historic organization,’ she continued.

The Iraqi beauty queen claimed that ‘every delegate’ dreamt of an opportunity to interact with Theilvig throughout the pre-pageant activities.

‘In recent days, we have been saddened that our Queen, Victoria, has not been able to join us at several official functions due to circumstances beyond the Miss Universe Organization’s control,’ she said. ‘Every delegate here has dreamt of sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with her – to be inspired, guided, and celebrated by the woman who carries the Miss Universe crown.’

Al Qoreishy urged Theilvig and MUO to appear at the global tilt’s events, saying it is a move toward ‘transparency and sisterhood.’

‘With the utmost respect for everyone involved, we urge the presence of Victoria and the Miss Universe Organization among their delegates, so that we may continue this journey in the true spirit of transparency, collaboration, and sisterhood,’ she said.

To end her statement, Qoreishy said the recent string of drama unfolding at the 74th Miss Universe has been ‘discouraging’ for her. As a result, she decided to ‘limit [her] content’ in support of Theilvig.

‘I am personally discouraged by the current situation and will be limiting our content until our Queen is able to be beside us – as she rightfully should be. This is not an act of protest, but of respect for the Miss Universe legacy and the values it stands for,’ she said.

Will she or will she not?

After the walkout, Theilvig was interviewed, saying what Nawat did to the Mexican delegate was ‘beyond disrespectful,’ and that it’s nothing that she as a person would tolerate. ‘That’s why l’m taking my call and I’m going,’ she said.

Apart from showing support for Bosch, Theilvig has yet to address the ongoing power struggle within the MUO, as of this writing. Reports quoting MGI executive Teresa Yuphayao Chaivisut said the Danish beauty queen was just holed up in her hotel room and refused to attend to her commitments in Phuket.

Her recent post, however, showed her roaming around Thailand with no clarification on whether she would participate in the pre-pageant activities or not.

Theilvig is set to crown her successor at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nothaburi, Thailand, on November 21.

The Philippines is being represented by Ahtisa Manalo, who is out to win the country’s fifth Miss Universe crown, last bagged by Catriona Gray in 2018, also in Thailand

It’s full steam ahead for the ASR (Ascott Star Rewards) Caravan 2025, one of the biggest annual events of The Ascott Limited Philippines, the globally recognized serviced residence and hospitality brand. This year’s ASR Caravan, titled ‘Horizons Express,’ takes guests through the different offerings of Ascott properties across the country, featuring exclusive rates, exciting deals, and more. The two-day event happens on November 8 and 9 at GH Mall in Greenhills, San Juan City. Every year, the ASR Caravan highlights ASR, Ascott’s loyalty membership program that rewards members with exclusive discounts and points for every stay they book. This year’s event serves as an extension of Ascott Philippines’ 25th anniversary celebrations and ‘Horizons’ campaign. The ASR Caravan 2025 is also set to be the perfect opportunity to sign up as an ASR member to access a world of benefits, from enjoying member rates for year-round savings to having welcome vouchers and complimentary services, among others.

Visitors to the ASR Caravan 2025 can also get special discounts on Ascott properties in Metro Manila and other exciting destinations like Bacolod, Iloilo, and Cebu, including soon-to-open developments in other parts of the country. There will be lots of gift vouchers available as well for rooms, dining, and events at different Ascott brands. Prices of the vouchers start as low as Php 2,500, perfect for getaways and staycations or as thoughtful gifts this holiday season.

During the event, each Ascott property will be represented by a carriage that forms part of the ‘Horizons Express’ train, presenting their own activities and special offers to excite guests. Attendees can also explore the different activities at the venue with Cubby, the ultimate travel buddy of an Ascott guest. There’s Cafe Cubby with a coffee station and a Cubby Claw Machine that features token prizes from Ascott’s partner brands. Tons of exciting prizes will also be given away, including 10,000 miles from KrisFlyer and travel essentials from The Travel Club. Also in store are relaxation gift certificates from Skalp Head Spa, signature hand and arm massage from Pili Ani, and unlimited membership at Perigon, a rhythmic indoor cycling studio. All guests will be treated to free coffee from Breville and a refreshing drink from Nutrifizz, the official soda partner of The Ascott Limited Philippines’ ASR caravan.

Aside from these exciting festivities, the ASR Caravan 2025 will also kick off Ascott’s holiday celebrations. On November 8, Ascott will host a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, featuring the company’s executives, employees, partners, and members of the media. The tree will be adorned with Ascott’s limited-edition 25th-anniversary Cubby plushies, all designed to spread holiday cheer. Guests can purchase on-site a Cubby plushie that they can hang on the tree with a tag that bears their name. Each purchase will then be matched by Ascott with a Cubby plushie donation to its partner beneficiary, SOS Children’s Villages Philippines. The non-government organization has provided care to children in need in the Philippines since 1967.

Then, on November 9, ASR Caravan 2025 closes out on a high note with a special performance by international artist Greyson Chance. Ascott has also prepared a special meet-and-greet for 50 guests with the American singer-songwriter, who produced hits such as ‘Good as Gold’ and ‘Waiting Outside the Lines.’

Ascott’s brand partners for ASR Caravan 2025 are Singapore Airlines, The Travel Club, Breville, Pacific Synergy Food and Beverage Corp., Nurifizz, Pili Ani, Benibana Beauty Hub, Skalp Head Spa, Perigon, BRAND, and Simula Wellness Retreat. Media partners include Hospitality News, The Manila Times, Manila Bulletin, WhenInManila.com, CHiNOY TV, Asian Dragon Magazine, Daily Tribune, BusinessMirror, and Trend Hotspot.

Join the ASR Caravan 2025 from November 8 to 9, 10 am to 10 pm, at the South Wing Atrium of GH Mall in Greenhills. ASR members are free to join the event, while non-members will have to sign up for the Discover ASR program and start their exciting and rewarding journeys.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced the suspension of the implementation of the number coding scheme on Monday, November 10 due to Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong).

‘The implementation of the expanded number coding scheme is suspended tomorrow, November 10, 2025, due to the threat of Typhoon Uwan,’ the MMDA said in a Facebook advisory on Sunday.

Normally, the number coding scheme is in effect during rush hours, or from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Metro Manila remains under yellow rainfall warning, indicating that flooding is possible in flood-prone areas, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

As of 5:00 a.m., Pagasa said Metro Manila remains under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2.

Uwan weakened as it crossed Luzon’s landmass while moving west-northwest at 25 kilometers per hour (kph), packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kph and gustiness of 230 kph, according to state meteorologists.

Two deaths and two injuries were reported due to Uwan, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Monday reported that it confiscated P98.2 million worth of evidence and arrested 1,311 suspects during its October 2025 operations.

The seized evidence included liquified petroleum products, vape products, drugs, and gmelina and mahogany lumbers that allegedly did not meet standards set by regulations, violated trademark laws, or were smuggled, the CIDG noted in a statement.

The police unit further noted that the 1,311 arrested suspects included four most wanted persons at the national level, 177 at the regional level, and 130 at the provincial level.

It added that the arrests also included 14 foreigners, 13 alleged members of communist terrorist groups, an alleged member of a local terrorist group, and an alleged member of a criminal group.

Furthermore, the CIDG stated that it also confiscated 182 firearms through 48 search warrant operations and 52 buy-bust operations in October 2025.

The seized firearms included 165 small firearms, 17 light weapons, 11 fragmentation hand grenades, two 40mm high explosive grenades, a rifle grenade, and a land mine explosive.

The CIDG additionally noted that it filed 179 criminal complaints against the arrested suspects before the National Prosecution Service in October 2025.

Deaths in Negros Oriental rose to 21 as more bodies were retrieved during the retrieval operation Sunday, Nov. 9.

The 20 deaths are victims of a flashflood in Canlaon, while one died in Vallehermoso.

Meanwhile, 7 are still missing, but authorities said they are expecting more reports to missing individuals as communication is back.

Many families outside Canlaon are now reporting that their family members have been missing since the onslaught of the typhoon.

As residents of Canlaon City continue to recover from the devastation left by Typhoon Tino – which cost many their homes and even loved ones – they now brace for another threat: Typhoon Uwan.

According to PAGASA, Canlaon City has been placed under Signal No. 1, with winds already reported to be stronger than those experienced during Typhoon Tino.

Pritz, a resident living near the river in Barangay Panubigan, said that every rainfall now fills them with fear.

‘It’s very traumatic. We’re always monitoring the river in case another flash flood happens. Our neighbors are scared, too, so people here have become very vigilant,’ he told Inquirer in an interview on Sunday.

Pritz and his family survived the floods brought by Typhoon Tino and are now hoping that no similar disaster will strike again.

‘Some have already gone to evacuation centers, while others are staying with relatives or friends in houses with second floors,’ he added.

Meanwhile, the local government of Canlaon has urged residents living near rivers and highways-particularly in areas affected by the previous flash floods-to evacuate as early as possible.

‘Let’s all remain alert, especially those living near creeks and rivers. I know everyone is tired, but we must continue to help one another,’ Mayor Batchuk Cardenas wrote in a Facebook post

Weather disruptions failed to dampen San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc.’s (SMFB) profit in the first nine months, with the group recording an 11-percent gain.

The company said Monday its consolidated net income grew to P33.7 billion, fueled by the robust operations of its food, beer, and spirits segments.

Consolidated revenues also slightly went up by 4 percent to P302.9 billion.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization stood at P58.4 billion, 13 percent higher than a year ago.

‘Our performance shows the effectiveness of our strategy to grow across multiple segments and markets,’ SMFB chair Ramon Ang said in a statement.

Growth driver

‘We will continue to strengthen our supply chain, improve productivity, and expand capacity to capture more opportunities and deliver long-term value for our consumers and shareholders,’ he said.

Its food businesses remained the growth driver with P143.5 billion in revenues, up 7 percent, as the firm saw higher demand for dairy and coffee, poultry, and prepared and packaged food.

The growth of San Miguel Brewery, meanwhile, was ‘steady’ with P110.7 billion in revenues.

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. likewise saw a 7-percent increase in revenues, hitting P48.7 billion.

The Marikina River remained at a normal level early Monday morning despite a heavy rainfall warning over Metro Manila due to Super Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong).

As of 12:30 a.m., the Marikina Public Information Office said in a Facebook advisory that the river’s level was at 14.2 meters. The first alarm is raised once the river reaches 15 meters.

Authorities may enforce a forced evacuation only when the water level hits the third alarm or 18 meters.

Metro Manila remains under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 due to Uwan, meaning the region may experience storm-force winds within 18 hours.

The capital region is also under an orange rainfall warning, with 100 to 200 millimeters of rain expected, indicating possible flooding.

As of 11 p.m., Uwan’s center was last spotted in the vicinity of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 230 kph. The Marikina River has long been on the watch list of waterways prone to overflowing.

A water level of 21.5 meters-the highest ever recorded-was reached during Typhoon Ondoy in 2009, according to Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro.

Marikina bore the brunt of Ondoy, which claimed more than 700 lives in Metro Manila and nearby regions on September 26, 2009.

Puregold Price Club Inc. saw its earnings in the first three quarters rise by 5.6 percent amid sustained topline growth.

In a disclosure Monday, the Tycoon Lucio Co-led retailer said its consolidated net income reached P7.3 billion, up from the previous P6.9 billion.

Consolidated revenues also climbed 10.6 percent to P168 billion from P152 billion, after recording robust sales growth and stronger traffic.

It ended September with 772 stores across the country, with the bulk, or 673, are Puregold stores.

Early this month, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced a plan to cap interest rates and other fees charged by lending and financing companies, particularly online lending apps (OLAs) that have proliferated and are easily accessible on social media, as part of government efforts to help tens of thousands of Filipinos victimized and trapped in debt caused by predatory lending practices.

‘The number of borrowers struggling under excessive interest rates has continued to grow in recent years, as certain entities exploit the accessibility of [OLAs] to trap our fellow kababayans in cycles of debt,’ lamented SEC Chair Francis Lim.

High interest rates are at the root of the harassment problems now plaguing the online lending space. A study by Digido Finance Corp. released last January showed that the local online lending sector expanded by 28 percent yearly from 2013 to 2023, with the growth fueled by Gen Z, the so-called first ‘digital natives’ who grew up with the internet, smartphones and social media. It noted that the total number of OLA downloads soared by 56.4 percent to 73.5 million in 2024, but this growth was accompanied by an increase in online violations by lenders against the borrowers.

Last July, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) reported that the majority of the 156,000 complaints the police receive a month were from victims who complained of harassment after using OLAs.

Low-income Filipinos

According to PAOCC Executive Director Gilbert Cruz, victims are often low-income Filipinos who turned to OLAs for emergency cash to meet payments for rent, tuition, and even medical bills. But instead of receiving help, the exorbitant interest rate of as much as 40 percent a month led many borrowers to deal with repeated intimidation and abuse, with online lenders illegally using personal information such as photos, contacts, and online profiles to shame them.

OLAs also resort to messaging coworkers and relatives with obscene or defamatory messages. Artificial intelligence or AI is also being used to put borrowers in lewd videos that are sent to their friends and officemates. Cruz warned that the psychological toll has become alarming, forcing some to resign from their jobs and others ending up with mental illnesses. Authorities also noted that some OLAs have used forged court orders to pressure borrowers into paying.

Addressing the harassment problem will need the participation of several government agencies. The PAOCC, for its part, must intensify its crackdown not only on illegal OLAs, but also on their third-party collectors who do the dirty job. They must be charged for violations of the privacy act and other pertinent laws.

Keyboard warriors

Last September, Cruz reported that about 300 cases were filed in the past two months at the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Anti-Cybercrime Group as well as the National Bureau of Investigation against OLAs’ abusive keyboard warriors, who get a certain percentage for every collection made.

The SEC must also review further its proposed interest rate cap. Under its proposed rules, the ceiling on interest rates and other fees will apply to unsecured loans with a maximum amount of P20,000 and terms of no more than six months. However, the plan is to limit the nominal interest rate at 6 percent a month and the effective interest rate, including all other costs and fees, at 10 percent a month. These rates remain well above the interest on traditional loans from banks and credit card companies.

For Congress, lawmakers need to act on proposed bills seeking to investigate or regulate OLAs that have remained stuck at the committee on banks and financial intermediaries.

Prospective borrowers, for their part, must first verify a lending company’s legitimacy by checking the SEC’s official list of registered entities before engaging their services.

Cycle of debt

Harassment victims, meanwhile, must bring their cases to the PAOCC’s one-stop shop for complainants. The one-stop shop was launched in June this year at its main office in Pasay City to handle complaints of victims of abusive online lending applications in collaboration with the Department of Justice for free legal assistance, the PNP, SEC, and the National Telecommunications Commission. The National Privacy Commission, meanwhile, will handle complaints related to the misuse of personal data by OLAs, particularly the shaming of borrowers or disclosure of personal information.

There is no stopping people without access to formal credit from tapping these OLAs because wages have long failed to cope with the rise in the prices of essential goods and services. However, they have to be extra careful even before clicking on their mobile phones a lending app with a tempting offer. The government can only do so much to protect and help them. They have to do the heavy lifting if they are to avoid being trapped in a cycle of debt from predatory lenders.