Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Transport group Manibela has opposed the call by its co-transport group, the Magnificent 7, for Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chair Teofilo Gaudiz III to resign from his post.

Magnificent 7 earlier said that Guadiz must step down from the LTFRB’s top post, emphasizing that he did not do better to implement the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

Manibela, in an earlier Facebook post, reacted to the said appeal, saying in Filipino: ‘We are with Guadiz.’ It then criticized Magnificent 7 for allegedly only slamming the LTRFB chair now that they did not get what they personally wanted.

Explaining their remark in support of Guadiz, Manibela chair Mar Valbuena said in an interview with INQUIRER that they do not support the call for the LTFRB chair to resign simply because he is set to push the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP).

‘We support humane modernization that leaves no one behind and does not include units made in China, and will not be included in consolidation as long as they are single franchise owners,’ Valbuena said, adding that they expect Guadiz to implement the PTMP that way.

Ongoing dialogue

He noted that Manibela is currently in ongoing dialogue with the LTFRB and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) regarding their calls to reinstate their franchises and provide provisional authority for jeepneys.

‘Your call is so that we can better serve the people, the passengers,’ he said.

The Manibela chair also mentioned that their dialogue with the transportation agencies started in April this year, under the leadership of former DOTr chief and now Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon.

‘We are in the middle of the dialogue between the DOTr and LTFRB,’ Valbuena said.

‘If everything is replaced again, it will be difficult because the conversation that started now is back to zero, at least we are being heard,’ he emphasized. ‘If they fail us, we’ll back at streets.’

Valbuena pointed out that, as their dialogue is still in progress, they decided to trust Guadiz and hope that their calls will be granted in the end.

But, according to him, if the LTFRB chair also fails them after the series of talks, the transport group will return to the street, as they themselves will call for his resignation.

‘We need to test to see if they are sincere. And if the day comes when we can only hope, we will go back to the streets and once again call for the resignation of everyone in the agency,’ said Valbuena.

Local bank lending grew at its slowest pace in nine months in August, the first month higher American tariffs took effect, as business appetite for credit weakened, particularly among exporters squeezed by faltering global trade.

Outstanding loans from big lenders, excluding their short-term placements with the central bank, grew by 11.2 percent from a year ago to P13.62 trillion, latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

That marked the weakest expansion since November 2024, when loan growth was 11.1 percent. Month on month, lending was nearly flat, edging up just 0.4 percent.

Dissecting the BSP’s report, business loans, which accounted for 84.6 percent of large banks’ total loan book, expanded by 9.9 percent to P11.51 trillion. This was also the softest clip in nine months or since last November’s 9.8 percent.

Credit to manufacturers, the fourth-largest borrower group at nearly 9 percent of the total, shrank for a fourth consecutive month, dropping 5.5 percent after a 6.3 percent decline in July.

Tariffs take effect

Leonardo Lanzona, an economist at the Ateneo De Manila University, said Filipino exporters continued to feel the strain from global trade uncertainties-a pain that may have been felt by other business sectors, too.

Latest government data showed export receipts grew by 4.6 percent to $7.1 billion in August, the weakest pace of expansion in eight months. Notably, outbound shipments to the US-which imposed a 19 percent tariff on Filipino goods beginning Aug. 1-tumbled by 11.2 percent.

‘To some extent, the decline in the manufacturing activity affected the loans. This, in turn, resulted from the diminished level of exports, which largely dominate manufacturing,’ Lanzona said.

‘While much of the activity in the economy comes from services, even this sector is linked to manufacturing. The point is that we cannot ignore the export sector despite the fact that its value added is low as sectors are interdependent on one another,’ he added.

Households

On the consumer side, loans remained robust after growing by 23.9 percent, a tad faster than the preceding month’s 23.6 percent. This was driven by credit cards, motor vehicle loans and salary-based borrowings.

Looking ahead, retail lending could help underpin credit growth in the coming months as holiday spending picks up, said Reinielle Matt Erece, an economist at Oikonomia Advisory and Research Inc.

‘We may see a rebound in spending activity come the holiday season, and may result in faster lending activity,’ Erece said.

There is nowhere to go but up for the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles after back-to-back playoff appearances, and the addition of Anna DeBeer is expected to strengthen their young but promising roster in the PVL Reinforced Conference starting Tuesday at Ynares Center in Montalban.

From being pushovers last year, ZUS Coffee became instant playoff contenders after drafting Thea Gagate and signing Jovelyn Gonzaga and other key players in Chinnie Arroyo, Chai Troncoso, and Kate Santiago to reach the quarterfinals of the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference and PVL on Tour.

The 5-foot-11 DeBeer, who played for the University of Louisville in the US NCAA Division I and for Indy Ignite in the Major Volleyball League, brings additional firepower for coach Jerry Yee’s side. But Yee emphasized that the team will continue to lean on its locals in the import-laden conference. ‘We just want to keep improving, no steps back. That’s really what we’re watching closely-just progress,’ said Yee in Filipino. ‘Hopefully, we keep getting better. We’ll continue to depend more on our local players, especially our middles.’

Gagate returns to ZUS Coffee after the national team season with Alas Pilipinas, teaming up with No. 5 pick AC Miner, and Invitational Best Middle Blocker Riza Nogales.

‘She’s been training for a few weeks now. At first, she was slowly integrated, but she’s been able to catch up well so far.’

So far, Yee is pleased with the team’s progress with DeBeer connecting well with Gagate and Co.

‘Anna’s really kind, very simple, and still young-same age as most of our team. The team chemistry with her is good so far, and we’re hoping that translates into good games and strong connection on the court,’ he said.

The Philippines’ Emma Mary Tiglao has been making quite an impression at the kickoff of the 2025 Miss Grand International pageant taking place in Thailand.

The Kapampangan pageant veteran is showing that she is serious in claiming the title from reigning queen Christine Juliane ‘CJ’ Opiaza, the first Filipina to receive the Miss Grand International title.

At the welcome ceremony of this year’s edition of the international pageant, the TV host appeared in a crystal-embellished gown with prominent shoulder details and illusion bodice, crafted by Filipino designer Chico Estiva.

It was during last year’s welcome ceremony that Opiaza left an indelible impression among pageant fans and earned her status as a frontrunner in the competition.

Tiglao delivered her introduction with her signature hand movements, such antics encouraged in the Miss Grand International pageant. Punctuating her execution with a melodious exclamation of ‘the Philippines,’ she then navigated the stage with the precision expected of a seasoned beauty queen.

From the moment she left the Philippines, and upon arriving in Thailand, Tiglao had made it known that she is not playing games, showing two different looks that harken to both Filipino and Thai styles.

She came to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in a gold-hued mini dress with solihiya-patterned accents and floral details. And when she landed in Bangkok, she slipped into a gold, Thai-inspired, two-piece ensemble with a cape that draped from her left shoulder. Both creations were also from Estiva.

And when she showed up for the exclusive dinner for the lucky 10 delegates who topped the voting for the pre-arrival favorites, Tiglao revealed her quirky side with a campy Leo Almodal red mini coat dress with silver accents and a matching fascinator.

During the ‘sashing ceremony,’ a program where the delegates receive their official sashes bearing the names of their respective countries from the reigning queen, Tiglao wowed the fans with her white ensemble.

In a midriff-baring number by designer Jaysuhn Castillo of La Rosa Studio, the Filipino queen appeared in a voluminous white veil, that she later pulled back to transform it into arm accents.

The Miss Grand International pageant is known for the participants’ outrageous gimmicks, whether in their wardrobe or routine, that seem to entertain many fans of beauty contests.

Tiglao is hoping to inherit the Miss Grand International title from Opiaza and post a second consecutive win for the Philippines. The final competition will be held at the MGI Hall in Bangkok on Oct. 18.

In the PVL Reinforced Conference, the second time around isn’t just sweeter-it’s hungrier.

Bella Belen calls it her ‘2.0 version.’

The former UAAP MVP and top pick for Capital1 makes her pro debut on Tuesday at Ynares Center Montalban, ready to take on the next chapter of her already decorated career.

‘I’d say I’m still the same Bella,’ she said, ‘but more aggressive now. I know I’ll learn a lot from the veterans, but I also want to show what I can do.’

It will be the second time a heavy load will be put on Belen’s shoulders, after carrying the National University program on her shoulders in college. But she’s clear-eyed about the step up in competition.

‘There’s pressure, but I take that as a privilege,’ said Belen, who was part of the young core that led Alas Pilipinas to podium finishes internationally. ‘It just means I have the opportunity to prove what I can do for the team.’

With Ukrainian spiker Oleksandra Bytsenko and coach Jorge Souza de Brito backing her, Belen leads a young Solar Spikers squad hoping to disrupt the balance of power.

Petro Gazz’s Lindsey Vander Weide knows what it’s like to reach the summit-and wants another shot. The 2022 Best Import and Finals MVP returns to the PVL after stints in Puerto Rico and the US, now reuniting with former college teammate and current MVP Brooke Van Sickle. ‘I always wanted to come back,’ she said. ‘The timing was finally right.’

Vander Weide and Van Sickle formed a fearsome duo at Oregon. Now, they’re aiming to run it back-this time in red and white.

‘Brooke’s a huge arm. I’m a big arm. We did a lot of big things in college, and I know we can do it again,’ said Vander Weide.

Van Sickle has her own second act-this time with her parents on the sidelines. Dad Gary is now Petro Gazz head coach, mom Lisa the assistant. ‘It’s amazing to have them here,’ Brooke said. ‘We separate being family from being coach and player. Once we step on the court, it’s all business.’

And then there’s Marlee Smith of Choco Mucho, who promises a more passionate return after a brief but electric appearance last May as a reinforcement for a Thai squad that played here. ‘You’ll see a more compassionate, committed Marlee this time,’ she said. ‘I want to leave a bigger impact.’

Former Las Piñas-Muntinlupa district engineer Isabelo Baleros was arrested for multiple counts of estafa, Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Anthony Santos said on Friday.

Santos, in a statement, said that Baleros – whom he previously accused of involvement in questionable transactions, including a supposed transfer of funds for flood control projects – was nabbed inside the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office at the Port Area in Manila.

The arrest order, Santos relayed, was issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 22 Presiding Judge Tammy Ann Reyes Mendillo, under Criminal Case No. R-MNL-25-07000-CR.

Baleros was previously dismissed by former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan due to allegations raised by Santos over the supposed diversion of P450 million in infrastructure projects intended for Las Piñas.

‘This is the tip of the iceberg. If DPWH really wants to prove it is serious about reforms, they must not only fire, but also jail these officials,’ Santos stressed.

‘The P450 million stolen from Las Piñas is not just a number-it’s the people’s hard-earned money. We will not let this go unanswered,’ he further emphasized.

Santos said Baleros was detained at the Baseco Police Station 13 since Thursday, and was able to post a P48,000 bail.

Early August, Santos said that Baleros asked that funds for several projects in Las Piñas be transferred from his district office to the DPWH’s regional office in the National Capital Region, without first consulting local officials.

The move was supposedly approved by Public Works Assistant Secretary Loreta Malaluan and confirmed by then Secretary Manuel Bonoan, amid lack of prior consultation with the Office of the Mayor, the Office of the Congressional Representative, the City Engineering Office, or the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

‘This is a glaring act of bypassing local governance. How can you move hundreds of millions of pesos without informing the elected officials of the city? This reeks of backroom maneuvering,’ Santos said last August 4.

Aside from this, Santos also questioned whether there was visible progress or even initial work on different projects, like the C5 Diversion Road project and other 27 projects listed under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, worth P450 million.

Santos reiterated these observations during the hearing of the House of Representatives’ committee on public accounts, which Bonoan attended.

According to Santos, the P450 million funds were transferred.

INQUIRER then sent messages DPWH officials, including Bonoan himself, to ask for their side of the story, but he has not replied as of posting time.

However, during the committee hearing, Bonoan said he understands Santos’ frustration, adding that he will consider the suggestions made.

‘I fully understand the frustration of the good congressman, and yes, Your Honor, we’ll certainly seriously consider all those proposals, and look into those projects that are now being implemented as you mentioned,’ Bonoan had said.

Allegations surrounding Baleros prompted Santos to suggest that the DPWH adopt a one-strike policy – similar to the one enforced by the Philippine National Police against erring police officers – in terms of reprimanding corrupt engineers.

According to Santos, such a move is necessary at this time to ensure that infrastructure projects are built properly, amid concerns that flood control projects may have been exploited by corrupt politicians, government officials and contractors.

Infrastructure projects, particularly those involving flood control, are being scrutinized right now by different bodies including the House, in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona).

During his Sona, Marcos condemned government officials and contractors who allegedly earned kickbacks from flood control projects, saying that they should be ashamed of themselves.

Marcos’ condemnation came after Senator Panfilo Lacson warned that half of the country’s almost P2 trillion funds from 2011 for flood control projects may have been lost already – necessitating a thorough review of the projects.

Lacson’s warning was prompted by heavy floodings experienced in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces due to three successive cyclones that hit the country and intensified the southwest monsoon.

As of now, several officials of the DPWH have been removed due to the alleged kickback scheme, while Bonoan himself tendered his courtesy resignation.

Both the House and the Senate also paused their investigation on the flood control issue as several lawmakers were accused of involvement in the kickback operations. /apl

Journalist Mav Gonzales has tied the knot with her boyfriend Matthew Valeña in an intimate civil ceremony in Seattle in the United States.

Gonzales gave a glimpse of their special day held at the municipal court of Seattle, through her Instagram page on Thursday, Oct. 2.

‘A tiny wedding ceremony and an intimate reception with a handful of loved ones,’ she said in the caption. ‘Even the sun shone when it was forecasted to rain. IT WAS THE PERFECT DAY.’

She also spoke about her gratitude to and Valeña’s families, wedding suppliers and to God.

‘Those close to me know I wanted to get married at 35, but I didn’t really count on it,’ she said. ‘Well, I did end up marrying exactly when I wanted. God is never late.’

Gonzales and Valeña announced their engagement last June.

Work in government offices in San Narciso town was suspended Friday afternoon as nonstop rains from Typhoon Paolo continued to batter the province.

In its advisory, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) said the suspension took effect at 3 p.m. and covers all government workers, except for essential offices that must remain open.

‘This is for the safety and welfare of our employees. Let us continue to stay alert and take necessary precautions,’ the MDRRMO stated.

Zambales has been experiencing heavy rains since Friday morning, prompting Pagasa to raise a red rainfall warning. The advisory is issued when heavy downpour – about 30 millimeters per hour – is expected or observed to persist for at least two hours.

Meanwhile, the northern towns of Sta. Cruz, Candelaria, Masinloc, and Palauig were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2, while the rest of Zambales remained under Signal No. 1

A magnitude 5.1 aftershock struck northern Cebu, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Friday, October 3.

In its Facebook update, Phivolcs said the aftershock occurred at 5:39 a.m., with a magnitude of 5.1, located 18 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, Cebu, at a depth of 10 km.

The quake was felt with varying intensities across northern Cebu and nearby areas:

Intensity IV (moderately strong)

City of Bogo, Cebu

Villaba, Leyte

Tabango, Leyte

San Isidro, Leyte

This level is generally felt by people indoors and some outdoors, often causing windows to rattle and hanging objects to sway slightly.

Intensity III (weak)

Tabuelan, Cebu

Calubian, Leyte

Palompon, Leyte

This level is slightly weaker, but the tremor remains noticeable and may cause dizziness or nausea in some people.

Intensity II (slightly felt)

Argao, Cebu

This level is barely perceptible, usually felt only by a few people at rest indoors.

Instrumental intensities were also detected in other areas, particularly:

Intensity III

City of Cebu

Hilongos, Leyte

Ormoc City, Leyte

Intensity II

Kawayan, Biliran

Talibon, Bohol

Danao, Cebu

Asturias, Cebu

Lapu-lapu City, Cebu

Talisay, Cebu

Abuyog, Leyte

Leyte, Leyte

Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

The aftershock follows the magnitude 6.9 offshore earthquake that struck Cebu on Sept. 30. As of 4 a.m., Phivolcs reported 3,685 aftershocks. /mcm

The best way to honor teachers amid the upcoming National Teachers’ Day celebrations is to push for additional incentives and secure jobs for Filipino educators, Quezon City Representative Patrick Michael Vargas said on Friday.

Vargas, in a statement, said that lawmakers can address two problems hounding the education sector today-teachers leaving their jobs due to low pay and widespread job insecurity-by backing two measures that he filed.

The lawmaker was referring to House Bill (HB) No. 5085, the proposed Distant Public School Teachers Incentive Bill, and House Bill (HB) No. 5083, the proposed Plantilla Positions for Volunteer Teachers Bill, both of which were filed on Thursday.

HB No. 5085 seeks monthly allowances for teachers assigned in far-flung or remote schools, recognizing the hardships of travel, isolation and resource scarcity. Meanwhile, HB No. HB No. 5083 proposes the creation of permanent plantilla positions for volunteer teachers who have served at least five continuous years, provided they meet qualifications and civil service requirements.

‘Learning outcomes are a function of resources and facilities. When teaching personnel are short and employment is not just a bureaucratic concern-they affect students, communities, and the morale of our teachers,’ Vargas said.

‘When we lose over 30,000 teaching-related personnel in a year or when volunteer teachers remain on the margins despite years of service, it’s a failure of policy and gratitude,’ he added.

According to Vargas, between 2022 and 2023, the number of public school personnel dropped by around 38,000, including teachers, teaching-related, and non-teaching staff.

Similarly, the Department of Education reported that for the 2025-2026 school year, more than 150,000 teaching positions remain either unfilled or temporarily covered by volunteers and contractual hires.

Vargas asked his colleagues in the House of Representatives to support the measures as the country gears to celebrate the National Teacher’s Day on October 5, noting that such policies put teachers at the heart of education reform.

‘Our country may be faced with current anomalies, but this should not deter us from addressing perennial concerns that have stagnated the country’s growth, such as its poor learning outcomes,’ he added.