Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The main stock index on Friday slid to the 5,700 level, its weakest finish in three years, amid a multibillion-peso corruption scandal that has gnawed on the economy.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) plunged by 1.31 percent, or 76.22 points, to close at 5,759.37.

The broader All Shares Index also fell 0.81 percent, or 28.86 points, to 3,514.57.

Despite the bloodbath, services, mining and oil still posted strong gains. The property sector, on the other hand, saw the biggest cut of 3.2 percent.

The poor performance of the local bourse came as amid an official report that the Philippine economy had expanded by just 4 percent in the July to September period, its slowest pace in four years. GDP woes

Ron Acoba, chief investment strategist at Trading Edge Consultancy, said that the PSEi was down as much as 1.8 percent in the day before closing to 1.31 percent.

‘The lower-than-expected 3Q GDP (gross domestic product) print reflected a confluence of several factors. First is the slowdown in government spending, which normally accounts for about 15 percent of GDP, due to the government’s corruption scandal, which has forced it to slow down project disbursement,’ he said in a message. Acoba said this has also led to ‘softer consumption’ amid the collapsing confidence of businesses and consumers.

The corruption mess covering flood-control projects triggered a series of congressional probes, linking the names of contractors and even government officials.

It was highlighted anew after several areas in the Visayas were submerged following a strong typhoon this week, further causing public uproar.

Other factors contributing to the weak finish included ‘slower net exports due to the tariffs implemented by the US back in April,’ the analyst added.

Acoba expects to see ‘pretty much the same as the above. for the succeeding quarters.’

Dovish call

‘Meaning, GDP will likely continue to slow. With this, the BSP is expected to step up its rate cuts, which would further put downward pressure on the peso against the US dollar, leading to more foreign capital outflows,’ he said.

‘The government fumbled its bag big time, and everyone now is suffering,’ Acoba added.

The first official trailer for Michael Jackson’s new biopic titled ‘Michael’ has arrived, giving fans an intimate look at Jaafar Jackson portraying his legendary uncle.

In the teaser released by Lionsgate on Thursday, Nov. 6, Jaafar is transported to the scale of his uncle’s stardom as he dons the King of Pop’s iconic aura and attire including the red leather jacket from the ‘Thriller’ era.

The 1-minute and 12-second trailer showcases Jaafar executing his uncle’s trademark moves, such as the moonwalk and glove pose, while performing for a stadium crowd.

The teaser flashes Michael’s transition from his childhood as part of the Jackson 5 to his status as a global solo star, featuring his successful solo shows and platinum-certified albums.

‘Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before,’ the synopsis reads. ‘This is where his story begins.’

Jaafar is the son of Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson, and the biopic marks his acting debut.

The film, which is directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter John Logan, is scheduled to be released on April 24, 2026.

It is produced by Graham King, known for bringing Freddie Mercury’s story to life through the award-winning hit ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ Aside from Jaafar, the film also features Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael, Colman Domingo as Michael’s father and manager Joe, Nia Long as Michael’s mother Katherine, Kat Graham as fellow Motown star Diana Ross, and Miles Teller as lawyer and manager John Branca.

Michael, who died of acute propofol intoxication in 2009, is known for his hits ‘Billie Jean,’ ‘Thriller,’ ‘Heal the World,’ ‘Rock with You,’ ‘Smooth Criminal,’ ‘Human Nature’ and ‘Man in the Mirror,’ among others.

Several local government units (LGU) have declared class suspensions for Monday, November 10, in anticipation of Severe Tropical Storm Uwan’s possible impact.

Among the areas that declared class suspensions as of Friday include San Manuel town in Isabela – one of the provinces expected to be directly hit by Uwan.

Classes in all levels, both public and private, have been suspended, along with work in the municipal hall except for those involved in frontline and vital emergency and rescue-related services.READ: Uwan slightly intensifies, Signal No. 1 now up in several provinces ‘In accordance with Executive Order No. 43, Series of 2025 issued by Mayor Faustino ‘Dondon’ U. Dy IV, all classes at all levels (in both public and private schools), as well as work in all government agencies and offices in the Municipality of San Manuel, Isabela, are suspended on Monday, November 10, 2025, due to the threat of Typhoon Uwan,’ San Manuel’s LGU said in a Facebook post written in Filipino.

‘Offices and agencies that provide frontline and vital services-such as rescue, safety, health, emergency response, and other essential services-will continue operations to ensure public safety,’ it added.

Other cities and municipalities have also declared suspensions for classes in all levels and government work:

Isabela:

Cauayan City

Aurora

Burgos, Isabela

Benito Soliven

Cabatuan

Cordon

Gamu

Ilagan (classes only, up to November 12 due to spread of communicable diseases)

Palanan

Quezon

Ramon

Reina Mercedes

San Agustin

Santiago City

Ilocos Norte (up to November 11)

La Union

Luna

San Fernando

Caba

Pangasinan

Rosales

Bulacan

Bocaue – November 10, 2025 (All levels, public and private)

Santa Maria – November 8-10, 2025 (All levels, public and private)

Guiguinto – November 10, 2025 (All levels, public and private)

Pandi – November 10, 2025 (All levels, public and private, alternate learning modality)

Angat – November 10, 2025 (All levels, public and private)

Calumpit – Novemer 8-10, 2025 (All levels, public and private)

Doña Remedios Trinidad – November 10, 2025 (All levels, public and private)

Balagtas – November 10, 2025 (All levels, public and private, alternate delivery mode)

Pampanga

Angeles City

Tarlac

Tarlac City

For Metro Manila, the following LGUs have also declared class suspension in all levels: Valenzuela City

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional office in the Cordillera Administrative Region also said that the following areas have declared class suspensions:

Baguio City: Work in ALL government offices (except those delivering essential and emergency services) and classes in ALL LEVELS (public and private schools) are suspended on November 10, 2025 (Monday), number coding scheme also suspended

Benguet

Sablan – Classes in all levels (public and private) are suspended on November 10-11, 2025, along with government work

Atok – Classes from preschool to senior high school, both in public and private schools, are suspended on November 10, 2025 (Monday)

Abra – Work and face-to-face classes in all levels (public and private schools) are suspended on November 10, 2025 (Monday)

Apayao

Calanasan – Work and classes in all levels (public and private schools) are suspended on November 10, 2025 (Monday), along with all tourism-related and scheduled activities

Kalinga

Tabuk City – Work and classes in all levels (public and private institutions) are suspended on November 10, 2025 (Monday)

Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that most areas in the country can expect a fair weather from Friday night to Saturday morning.

However, several areas would be under rainfall warnings from Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon – particularly Bicol Region provinces of Camarines Sur, Albay, and Catanduanes, which are all under a red rainfall warning.

A red rainfall warning means these areas would receive more than 200 millimeters (mm) of rain.

By Sunday afternoon to Monday afternoon, Perez said that the concentration of rains would be over Northern Luzon and some provinces in Central Luzon, particularly Aurora and Nueva Ecija.

The remaining provinces in Central Luzon, along with Metro Manila and Calabarzon, will be under an orange rainfall warning.

Uwan slightly intensified, now packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph. It is still outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), at 1,175 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas. It is moving west at a speed of 25 kph, and may enter the PAR between Friday night and early Saturday morning.

The Diocese of Cabanatuan on Thursday called for ‘justice and truth’ following the killing of a Catholic teacher in Laur, Nueva Ecija.

In a statement signed by Bishop Prudencio Andaya Jr., the diocese expressed its ‘profound sorrow over the tragic death’ of Mark Christian Malaca, a ‘devoted teacher’ at St. Stephen’s Academy in Laur, who was gunned down on Tuesday, Nov. 4. ‘As the Church firmly teaches that human life is sacred because it is created in the image and likeness of God, every act of violence against life is a grave offense against the Creator Himself,’ the statement read.

The diocese said Malaca’s passing was not only a loss to his family but also to the community he served.

The 39-year-old teacher was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants in Barangay San Juan.

According to initial reports, two suspects wearing black jackets, helmets, and face masks approached and shot the victim with an unknown caliber of firearm before fleeing east toward Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive for the killing.

‘As a Catholic teacher, Mr. Malaca participated in the noble mission of forming minds and hearts in truth and virtue. His death is therefore not only a family’s grief but also a loss to the moral fabric of our society,’ it added.

The Church called on authorities to conduct a swift, impartial, and transparent investigation into the killing.

‘Truth must come to light, and those responsible must be held accountable according to law,’ the diocese said.

At the same time, the faithful were urged to resist the temptation to respond with anger or vengeance.

‘Our prayer is that justice be guided by peace, compassion, and faith in the Lord who said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’ We entrust the pursuit of justice to the God of mercy, who alone can heal hearts and restore peace to our wounded society,’ the statement continued.

The diocese also asked for prayers for the slain teacher and his family. ‘Let us pray for the eternal repose of Mr. Mark Christian N. Malaca, for the consolation of his grieving family, and for the triumph of justice and truth in our land. May the light of Christ shine upon the darkness of violence, and may His peace reign in every heart,’ it said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that 499,360 individuals, or 141,423 families, were affected by Typhoon Tino across six provinces and 73 municipalities in Eastern Visayas.

According to the agency’s progress report issued on Thursday, at least 4,903 families or 16,936 individuals are currently staying in 98 open evacuation centers, while 82 families or 312 individuals are taking temporary shelter with friends or relatives.

The DSWD also recorded 2,892 damaged houses, of which 212 were destroyed and 2,680 were partially damaged. To date, the agency has distributed a total of P24.8 million worth of humanitarian assistance, including 42,155 family food boxes, 124 ready-to-eat food packs, and 1,767 non-food items to affected communities.

DSWD said that P110.7 million worth of relief resources remain available, composed of P3 million in standby funds and P107.7 million worth of food and non-food items ready for deployment.

The agency added that assessment and validation of damages and affected families are still ongoing in coordination with local government units.

Its director, Grace Subong, personally went to different typhoon-hit areas, like in Southern Leyte, which was placed under a state of calamity on Thursday following widespread devastation in the province in the aftermath of the typhoon.

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization (MUPH) has called on pageant fans and supporters to shift their focus toward celebrating the delegates of Miss Universe 2025, following the walkout incident at a pre-pageant event in Thailand.

‘We invite all pageant fans and supporters to focus on celebrating the Miss Universe 2025 delegates,’ the organization said in a statement on Thursday, Nov. 6. ‘While recent incidents have stirred strong emotions, responding with negativity or calls for cancellation only divides our community. We encourage understanding and positivity to uplift the women involved and strengthen the pageant.’

The statement comes after a confrontation involving Nawat Itsaragrisil, the national director of Miss Universe Thailand and who is part of the host committee leadership, and Fátima Bosch, representing Mexico.

Nawat publicly confronted Bosch at a recent sashing ceremony for allegedly refusing to participate in a promotional activity. Nawat’s remarks prompted Bosch and several other delegates to walk out of the venue, including reigning Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig.

MUPH then commended Miss Universe Organization (MUO) President Raul Rocha for ‘calling out’ Nawat for the public aggression he committed against Miss Mexico.

‘We commend MUO President Raul Rocha for his prompt and direct response to the recent issues. The Miss Universe Organization has taken the necessary steps to address the matter and ensure the pageant proceeds smoothly,’ MUPH said.

The local pageant organization also addressed remarks about racial stereotyping after Miss Universe 1996 Alicia Machado insulted Thailand and mocked Asian features amid her criticism of Nawat for lambasting a delegate.

‘We also hope the disparaging remarks about Thailand and racial stereotyping of Asians by a former Miss Universe will not happen again. Insults and slurs have no place in the Miss Universe community, which stands for compassion, education, and inclusion,’ MUPH said.

MUPH concluded its statement by reaffirming the pageant’s mission, including international unity and women’s empowerment.

‘Pageantry has the power to inspire, transform, and unite. Instead of toxicity, let us choose dialogue, understanding, and progress. Mistakes do not define the future; compassion, respect, empowerment, and understanding do,’ it read.

‘Let us carry forward the Miss Universe legacy – a platform for international unity, women’s empowerment, and breaking barriers to foster an inclusive society. We wish the great nation of Thailand success in hosting this year’s pageant. Mabuhay, Miss Universe!’ it concluded.

Pre-pageant events for this year’s Miss Universe are currently in full swing in Bangkok, ahead of the finals night on Nov. 21, where Ahtisa Manalo is vying to bring home the fifth Miss Universe crown for the Philippines.

Rain or Shine center Keith Datu has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury in Wednesday’s PBA Philippine Cup game against Phoenix.

The team said on Thursday that Datu was diagnosed with a ruptured right patellar tendon he suffered during the third quarter of the Elasto Painters’ 91-80 victory at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

He appeared to have gotten hurt after an awkward landing as he went for a basket, and had to be helped out by his teammates back to the bench.

WE’RE JUST FINDING WAYS

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao on the injuries of Keith Datu, Stanley Pringle, Caelan Tiongson and Luis Villegas after a 91-80 win over Phoenix.

Despite that, the Elasto Painters are on top of the PBA Philippine Cup standings at 5-1 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/cg5FXw31N2

– Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) November 6, 2025

‘You’ve shown so much fight every time you stepped on the court, and we know that same strength will carry you through this. We’re praying for your fast and full recovery, Keith, and we’ll be right here to support you every step of the way,’ the team said.

Datu had been dealing with injuries since being selected by Rain or Shine in the first round of the 2023 Rookie Draft, but it appeared that he was primed for a breakthrough season in the early goings of the All-Filipino tilt.

Against Phoenix, Datu had nine points and four rebounds before the injury.

His absence leaves Rain or Shine with another dilemma, as it has also played most of the conference sans veteran guard Stanley Pringle and Caelan Tiongson.

Despite that, Rain or Shine is holding top spot in the standings with a 5-1 win-loss slate.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) obtained its seventh freeze order from the Court of Appeals, bringing the total value of immobilized assets under the government’s sweeping investigation into alleged misuse of infrastructure funds beyond P6 billion.

The latest order covered 45 additional real estate properties and 81 vehicles, including high-end sports cars, SUVs, and luxury motorcycles, reportedly owned by former government officials, the council said in a statement on Wednesday.

As in previous cases, the AMLC did not disclose ownership details, locations, or other specifics of the frozen assets.

With the new court order, the AMLC had frozen a total of 2,129 assets: 1,671 bank accounts, 58 insurance policies, 244 motor vehicles, 144 real properties, and 12 e-wallet accounts.

The total value of locked assets has amounted to P6.3 billion, and officials expect the count to rise as more freeze orders are granted and new leads surface.

‘We continue to pursue every lead, secure every necessary order, and hold accountable those who misuse public funds,’ AMLC Executive Director Matthew David said in a statement.

Insurance, investments

When an account is frozen, all activities such as transfers, deposits, withdrawals, and even closures are halted.

Banks must then comb through their records to determine if the funds were tied to illicit activity, submitting their findings to the AMLC.

The freeze orders also covered insurance policies because they can serve as vehicles for concealing or moving illegal funds. Large-premium life insurance or investment-linked products, for instance, may be used to disguise illicit money.

The council would likewise pursue the offshore assets, including foreign bank accounts and real estate, of individuals accused of corruption in flood control projects.

But the directives could extend far beyond financial accounts, cars, and real estate, as the AMLC may also ask the court to freeze other personal holdings such as investments, jewelry, and even virtual assets if these are linked to the misuse of public funds.

Coordination

On Sept. 30, the AMLC signed a memorandum of agreement with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the body created by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to investigate corruption in flood control projects, for closer coordination, data sharing, and joint efforts to trace, preserve, and recover assets linked to illicit activity.

AMLC’s David had said the council was also working with the Office of the Ombudsman, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the National Bureau of Investigation as it pursues ‘a thorough and impartial inquiry.’

Meanwhile, officials of the ICI had said the forfeiture will be part of ‘civil and administrative remedies,’ including possible criminal charges to be filed against those implicated in fraudulent public works.

‘We assure the public that our efforts have not ceased,’ David said.

OPM icon Rey Valera continues to pass on his musical legacy to the next generation as he entrusts two of his creations to rising performers Isha Ponti and Andrea Gutierrez for their upcoming concert collaboration.

In a recent media conference, Ponti and Gutierrez shared that they will be performing one of Valera’s classics and a new composition at their concert, ‘The Next Ones,’ to be held on Dec. 13 at the Music Museum.

Gutierrez is set to debut her version of Valera’s beloved hit ‘Walang Kapalit.’ She is the first female artist personally chosen by the OPM singer to reinterpret the classic ballad, which has long been a staple in Filipino love song history.

‘Noong nalaman ko una akong babae magko-cover ng ‘Walang Kapalit,’ naisip ko totoo po ba? May trust po siya. Overwhelmed and thankful, binigyan niya ako ng hit song. I cried. Nung nag-record kami, nandoon siya, hands-on. Every line, tinutulungan ako,’ Gutierrez recalled.

(When I first found out that I am the first-ever girl to cover ‘Walang Kapalit,’ I thought, is it true? He trusts me. I was overwhelmed and thankful that he gave me a hit song. I cried. When we did the recording, he was there, he helped me with every line.)

Ponti, on the other hand, will perform for the first time an original song composed by Valera especially for her.

‘Noong sinabi na gagawan ko ng kanta, akala ko joke. Akala ko biruan. Tas bigla ako in-email . Nakita ko may lyrics na, may minus one, inaral ko agad,’ she shared. ‘Noong una, I thought it was a sad song, but the thing is, it is a graduation song. The pressure was building up. But super saya.’

(When he said he’d write a song for me, I thought it was a joke. I thought it was nothing serious. Then suddenly, I got an email. I saw that the lyrics were already there, there was a minus one, so I immediately studied it. At first, I thought it was a sad song, but the thing is, it is a graduation song. The pressure was building up. But it was super fun.)

Gutierrez and Ponti said that ‘The Next Ones’ concert is about them showcasing their talent as the new generation of singers while they pay tribute to music veterans including Valera, who will make an appearance as a guest performer.

Valera is a celebrated hitmaker behind such OPM classics as ‘Kahit Maputi Na ang Buhok Ko,’ ‘Pangako sa ‘Yo,’ and ‘Naaalala Ka.’

After the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) appeal, Sen. Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan on Thursday said he will push for a P100 million budget for a crucial survey that is used as the basis for the importation of basic foodstuffs like rice.

During an Oct. 22 joint committee hearing, Marisol Fallarme, PSA’s chief statistical specialist of crops statistics division, said that the House of Representatives did not approve their proposed P200 million to conduct a Survey of Food Demand on Agricultural Commodities.

‘While it is not P200 million, I think it’s around 100 million, we will put a budget for it,’ Pangilinan said in a joint press briefing at the Department of Agrarian Reform headquarters.

Pangilinan noted that Senate committee of finance chair Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian approved his proposed budget amendment to fund this important survey.

‘It is not an insertion but an open and public proposed amendment, and hopefully it gets approved so that this very important research gets funded,’ Pangilinan said.

Fallarme said the PSA proposed to conduct another survey on food demand, which was last conducted in 2015.

The general objective of the survey is to generate data on per capita consumption of rice, corn, and other agricultural food commodities, according to PSA.

‘That is the basis to know our countrymen’s consumption of vegetables, rice, meat, et cetera, so we could see if we are sufficient or insufficient; and if insufficient, that when we decide how much volume we would import,’ Pangilinan explained.

‘That is very basic and critical; that’s why we are wondering why it was not funded,’ the senator further said.

When it was first revealed, Pangilinan was shocked since this meant that food imports are not based on data.

But for the meantime, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued an executive order (EO) No. 102 extending the suspension of the importation of regular and well-milled rice until Dec. 31.

Pangilinan welcomed this, along with Marcos’ other executive orders seeking a floor price for palay (unhusked rice) and the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, of which he is the principal author.

Marcos has signed EO 100 series of 2025 to set a floor price for palay purchases, factoring in production costs, prevailing market prices, to provide a reasonable margin for farmers. Also signed by the president was EO 101 directing the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Act, which enables national and local government agencies to directly procure produce from farmers and fisherfolk without public bidding.

‘These two EOs go hand in hand,’ Pangilinan said. ‘EO 100 protects farmers from predatory pricing, while EO 101 ensures that the government becomes the farmers’ biggest and most reliable buyer.’