Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Maynard Ngu, the billionaire behind Cherry Mobile now linked to the anomalous flood control projects, has resigned from his post as independent director at Altus Property Ventures Inc.

In a regulatory filing on Tuesday, Altus said its board of directors had accepted Ngu’s resignation effective Monday, Sept. 29.

The company noted Ngu had resigned ‘due to personal reasons.’

His departure comes just days after former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo linked Ngu to the billion-peso flood control scandal.

According to Bernardo, he had allegedly funneled through Ngu P160 million of kickbacks supposedly meant for Sen. Francis Escudero.

Ngu, who is currently Malacañang’s special envoy to China for trade and investment, served as Altus’ independent director since 2019.

A Mandaluyong court has ordered the arrest of former police Col. Royina Garma and retired police officer Edilberto Leonardo on nonbailable charges of murder and frustrated murder in connection with the 2020 killing of former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

The warrant of arrest issued by the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court Branch 279 on Sept. 13 directed authorities to arrest Garma, Leonardo, as well as Jeremy Causapin, Santie Mendoza, and Nelson Mariano.

Barayuga, a former police brigadier general and a lawyer, was gunned down in broad daylight on July 30, 2020, by a motorcycle-riding gunman in Mandaluyong while on his way home. His driver survived the attack.

Alleged masterminds

Garma and Leonardo were tagged by Mendoza as the alleged masterminds behind the killing of Barayuga.

During House inquiries into extrajudicial killings and the bloody antinarcotics campaign of the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Mendoza, a member of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, testified that between October 2019 and July 2020, Leonardo-then chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Davao-contacted him several times about a ‘special operation’ targeting Barayuga, allegedly for his involvement in illegal drugs.

Mendoza said he understood ‘special operation’ to mean an order to kill and claimed Leonardo told him the directive came from Garma.

He added that he felt coerced into joining the plot because Garma and Leonardo had the strong backing of Duterte and were his seniors at the Philippine National Police Academy.

Both Garma and Leonardo denied Mendoza’s allegations, insisting they had never met him prior to his testimony at the House hearing.

In October 2024, the National Bureau of Investigation ordered the revival of the cold case into Barayuga’s July 2020 ambush-slay.

Potential witness

Garma, who was appointed general manager of the PCSO by Duterte following her retirement from police service, had separately revealed in the House hearings that the Duterte administration implemented a ‘Davao template’ reward system for police officers tasked to carry out killings in its signature ‘war on drugs.’

She was also implicated in the killing of three convicted Chinese drug lords at the Davao prison in 2016, when she was still in the police force.

She applied for asylum in the United States, but the application was denied, and she was deported earlier this month from Los Angeles.

Shortly after her deportation, she traveled to Malaysia to meet with representatives of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a potential witness in the crimes against humanity case against Duterte.

NBI chief Jaime Santiago told the Inquirer on Monday that Garma was still in Malaysia.

Department of Justice spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano IV said the government could now move to have her passport canceled, since ‘local processes have to take precedence.’ For his part, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said he believed the arrest warrant against Garma would not affect her possible testimony before the ICC. -with a report from Inquirer Research INQ

Modern smartphones have become everyday companions that fuel both entertainment and passion. From capturing daily vlogs to conquering late-night gaming marathons, the realme 15 Pro 5G offers an all-in-one experience for creators and players alike. With its slim design and stylish finishes in Velvet Green and Flowing Silver, it strikes a balance between performance and aesthetics, serving as both a pocket-sized studio and a dependable gaming partner that keeps pace with every story shared and every rank climbed.

A Sleek and Slim Studio in One’s Pocket

Content creators will find plenty to work with on the realme 15 Pro 5G. With its triple 50MP AI cameras with OIS, the device transforms ordinary scenes into professional-looking shots – whether it’s shooting a vlog, snapping photos for the ‘gram, or capturing travel getaways. Up front, the 50MP selfie camera records in 4K at 60fps, making it great for vlogs or livestreams.

To top it off, the Dual Video Mode allows creators to film with both the back and front cameras simultaneously, ideal for capturing action and real-time reactions in a single take.

In addition to the camera hardware mentioned above, the realme 15 Pro 5G features a suite of AI-powered tools that simplify content creation. AI Party Mode, specially tuned for night parties, allows you to add playful filters that match the vibe. AI Smart Remover 2.0 erases photobombers with a tap, and the AI Ultraclear Nightscape Algorithm ensures clear, vivid shots even in low-light conditions. Rounding it out is MagicGlow 2.0, a built-in lighting feature that allows users to adjust the brightness and tones of the lights on the back of the phone, enhancing skin tones and details in dim settings, making the phone a true pocket-sized studio.

A gaming partner built for long sessions

Beyond content creation, the realme 15 Pro 5G also doubles as a reliable gaming companion, built for players who spend hours climbing the rank ladder or grinding through highly competitive titles like Mobile Legends. Its expansive 6.8-inch 144Hz AMOLED display delivers crisp visuals and buttery-smooth gameplay, making every skill shot, ultimate, and team clash feel immersive. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4, the device maintains fluid performance even in high-stakes battles.

To maintain momentum, a 7,000 mm² vapor chamber cooling system prevents overheating during extended gaming sessions, while the massive 7,000mAh battery ensures marathon play without frequent charging breaks. And when it’s finally time to recharge, the 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging gets players back in action in no time. Whether it’s casual games or all-night ladder climbs, the realme 15 Pro 5G is built to handle the demands of intense mobile gaming.

From content creation to gaming, the realme 15 Pro 5G embodies the #LiveForReal campaign, providing fans with the tools to capture, create, and play anytime, anywhere. Fans eager to get their hands on the device can enjoy a Free TechLife Smart Band Fit worth P1,599 with every purchase of the brand-new realme 15 Pro 5G until October 5. It is now available at realme’s partner retailers nationwide.

Sen. Mark Villar on Tuesday called for ‘well-thought-out, coordinated, and contextualized’ infrastructure projects that specifically respond to the needs of the Filipino people and the country.

During the hearing of the Senate committee on public works, which he chaired, Villar said the Philippines needs projects that promote connectivity, are people-centered, and are sustainable.

‘The past ‘Build, Build, Build’ program was an example of how impactful infrastructure projects are. It illustrates how high-impact projects promote overall development by stimulating economic growth, promoting tourism, and, most importantly, future-proofing our country,’ he said.

‘Ultimately, this Senate committee seeks to collaborate, complement, and cooperate with the national government agencies’ priority public works and legislative agenda,’ Villar added.

He urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to present its plans for people-centric, sustainable, and disaster-resilient infrastructure. ‘We sincerely want to have quality infrastructure that will truly last long and withstand natural disasters,’ he said.

Villar also asked the DPWH to provide the Senate panel with a concise but comprehensive and transparent briefing on the department’s current situation.

Likewise, he inquired about how the agency plans to respond to the people’s demands, ‘not just on basic infrastructure and flood control issues, but on the holistic infrastructure and public works agenda.’

Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III attended the first full meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) for the 20th Congress held at Malacañan Palace, presided over by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., together with House Speaker Faustino ‘Bodjie’ Dy III and other officials.

The meeting tackled the alignment of priority bills of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Executive branch, alongside the adoption of the Common Legislative Agenda presented by Secretary Arsenio Balicasan, PhD of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDEV) and Head of the LEDAC Secretariat.

Discussions focused on improving healthcare and education, promoting inclusive agriculture and livelihood, strengthening the energy sector, and pursuing governance, digital, and financial reforms to spur economic growth and deliver efficient public service.

‘These priorities reflect our collective effort to ensure that policies are both responsive to the immediate needs of the people and consistent with our long-term development goals,’ Sotto said.

Other members of the Senate who were present included Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.

The LEDAC serves as the highest consultative and advisory body to the President on socio-economic development, strengthening coordination between the Executive and Legislative branches of government.

The specific bill ni SP included in the Common Legislative Agenda is the Freedom of Information Bill.

This bill provides for full public disclosure of all government records involving public interest, and upholds the constitutional right of people to information on matters of public concern.

Lee Dong-gun, a 45-year-old South Korean actor, was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a rare ailment, during his appearance on the latest episode of a popular TV show.

The Sunday episode of ‘My Little Old Boy,’ an SBS show following single celebrities who are past the age conventionally considered a prime marriage age, featured Lee visiting the hospital for severe symptoms in his eye.

He told the doctor that he had had repeated onset of the inflammation of the uveitis, a form of eye inflammation that affects the middle layer of eye tissues, for over a year, which the doctor said was odd.

The doctor suggested that the actor is possibly suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease characterized by the spine being less flexible and possibly causing some of the bones in the spine to fuse. The diagnosis was backed by severe inflammation in the sacroiliac joint, which showed up in the X-ray images.

Ankylosing spondylitis does not have a known cure, but the symptoms can be managed to improve physical functions and slow its progress. Treatment includes a combination of physical therapy, exercise, and medication, and the actor was told to manage his diet and refrain from alcohol and tobacco.

Varying data suggest that around 0.1 percent to 1.4 percent of the global population may have AS. As of 2023, 55,375people in South Korea were suffering from the disease, which accounted for a little more than 0.1 percent of the 51.7 million population in the country at the time.

About 28.2 percent of the AS patients were in their 40s, followed by 22 percent in their 30s, and 12.9 percent in their 20s. It was a lot more common among men (40,208) compared to women (15,167).

Lee, who blossomed as an actor after a failed singing career, shot to stardom via his role in the 2004 drama ‘Lovers in Paris.’ His career spans across film, TV, and musicals.

Former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co will be invited to the next hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation on the corruption behind anomalous flood control projects, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson.

Lacson said that while the Blue Ribbon Committee, which he chairs, was still awaiting some developments in the case before scheduling the next hearing, it would already send invitations to Romualdez and his colleagues.

He stressed that this should debunk the perception of some sectors that the Blue Ribbon Committee is targeting, favoring or even ‘protecting’ some personalities.

‘We are not covering up for anyone here,’ the senator said.

In the case of Romualdez, the invitation will be coursed through House Speaker Faustino Dy III, ‘in observation of the time-honored inter-parliamentary courtesy between the two houses of Congress.’

In Co’s case, Lacson said the invitation letter will be sent to his address.

‘Now we know he is abroad and will not show up. If that is the case, we will issue a subpoena, and then a show-cause order,’ Lacson said in an interview on NET25. ‘If the show-cause order is not satisfactory, we will cite him in contempt of the committee and issue a warrant for his arrest,’ he added.

There is something almost sacred about the way we care for ourselves when no one is watching. These moments are unfiltered and unperformed, rituals that ask for no applause and require no audience.

For me, the heart of it has always been the shower. When I say naked, I do not just mean without clothes. I mean stripped of the day’s weight. In the shower I am free. I am not performing beauty. I am experiencing it. A shower after heartbreak, a long night out, or even after a good cry is one of the quickest ways to feel like me again. It is therapy disguised as hygiene. Science agrees with what instinct already knows. Hot water soothes tense muscles, opens pores, and softens the skin so products are absorbed more effectively. It also releases endorphins, which explains why long showers can feel meditative.

Cold water tells a different story. Dermatologists say it tightens pores, reduces inflammation, and boosts circulation. Researchers have even found that it can trigger a natural dopamine rush. Whether I linger in heat or finish with an icy rinse, I step out, feeling changed.

Gestures of care

Then there are the products, which become their own quiet language. I have always preferred body wash. While bar soaps are timeless, they can strip natural oils and may harbor bacteria when left in humid spaces. Liquid cleansers tend to be more hygienic and hydrating, and for my dry skin, that makes a difference. But beyond utility, there is something indulgent about body wash. The creamy texture, the fragrance, the lather. It transforms a basic task into something almost luxurious. I also keep Aesop’s Geranium Leaf Body Scrub in my shower for when I want something more transformative, a polish that leaves me feeling renewed.

Lately, skincare has become an even deeper act of presence. What used to be a simple two-step routine has grown into something more layered. I now alternate between nine thoughtfully chosen products: hydrating serums, exfoliants, nourishing oils. I have grown especially fond of Good Molecules, but I also reach for the elegance of Clé de Peau. Occasionally, I borrow a little La Mer from my mother’s vanity.

Lately, skincare has become an even deeper act of presence. What used to be a simple two-step routine has grown into something more layered. I now alternate between nine thoughtfully chosen products: hydrating serums, exfoliants, nourishing oils.

It is not about luxury for the sake of it. It is about how it all feels. My skin, once perpetually dry, now feels cared for. Every step is a gesture of respect toward the body I live in.

I never go through these rituals in silence. Music fills the room as I take my time, giving each step its own rhythm. I even dance a little. A ‘dancey dance’ between serums and oils. It makes me smile. It reminds me that beauty does not always require a mirror. Sometimes it is just about feeling good where you are.

Well-being without tension

A few days ago, I stayed at The Westin Manila. I arrived open but exhausted, hoping for a pause I had not made time for. The experience was serene in the best way. It centered rest and invited reflection without demanding it.

On my first afternoon, I was welcomed at the Heavenly Spa, where a full-body massage unraveled the tension I have been holding for months. That massage, followed by sunset yoga on the top floor with the city glowing in streaks of gold, grounded me more than I expected. I embraced my body’s full range of motion, each stretch peeling back a deeper layer I had not realized I was holding. The next morning, I stayed in and gave my body what it asked for: rest. I eventually made my way to their Wellness Market, where I tried a scoop of King Kim’s sugar-free ice cream, which surprised me with its richness. I also picked up a pack of Earth Desserts’ tablea crisps, a healthy treat that I will be repurchasing. The entire space was designed to support well-being without overwhelming the senses, allowing me to be fully immersed in my own rhythm.

The privilege of inner peace

What I love about these rituals is how ordinary they are. They are not reserved for the wealthy or glamorous. They are available to anyone with water, a little soap, and a willingness to be present. Of course, I know not everyone has that access. A long shower, a massage, even stillness. These are all privileges. That awareness makes the rituals more meaningful. Whenever I enter the water or press serum into my skin, I try to treat it as a blessing.

It was my grandfather who taught me to think this way. He swore by his routine, long before I understood why. His skin carried proof of that. Even now, when I smooth on oil or layer something hydrating, I think of him. There is something beautiful in the idea that private acts of care can leave such visible legacies.

Sometimes, these rituals are what prepare us to meet the world with more intention. The way I oil my legs, brush my hair, or dry off with a fresh towel is not about vanity. It is about acknowledgement. I was here. I am still here. And I am worthy of care.

That weekend stay reminded me of that. It showed me that slowing down is not an indulgence. It is a form of listening. And what my body said back was simple: ‘Thank you.’

Because in the end, these small acts accumulate. They are not wasted minutes. They are not vanity. They are checkpoints. Tiny reminders that I am alive. That I am worth showing up for, even when no one else is watching.

Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier has once again elevated Filipino leadership on the global stage after personally earning three of the 2025 Globee® Awards for Innovation – Golden Bridge Awards®’ most prestigious honors: Executive Achievement of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Maverick of the Year.

These accolades celebrate outstanding leadership, a career defined by sustained innovation, and fearless, unconventional thinking that drives transformative results. They underscore Lhuillier’s visionary approach, the international impact of his work, and his ability to develop innovative products, including the groundbreaking Cebuana Lhuillier Gold Bar, which has redefined financial accessibility for millions.

‘Winning these Globee awards is not just a personal honor but also a recognition of the power of innovation to transform industries and communities,’ said Lhuillier. ‘It reaffirms my belief that we must always move forward, embrace change, and continue building solutions that create meaningful impact for people.’

In addition to his Globee® triumph, Jean Henri Lhuillier also emerged as a multi-awardee at the 2025 Stevie® Awards, where he was honored with Executive of the Year – Diversified Services, Achievement in Growth, Achievement in Management – Financial Services, and a Lifetime Achievement Award.

These recognitions from two of the world’s most prestigious award-giving bodies stand as a testament to Lhuillier’s visionary leadership and relentless push for innovation. Many of Cebuana Lhuillier’s groundbreaking initiatives are his own brainchild-including the KaNegosyo Center, a suite of inclusive insurance products, the Cebuana Lhuillier Gold Bar, and the Money Guro financial literacy program. Each of these has redefined financial accessibility, empowered communities, and set new benchmarks for inclusive growth in the Philippines.

Beyond business and financial inclusion, Jean Henri Lhuillier’s numerous achievements extend to advocacies in sports and education, reflecting a broader commitment to nation-building and community empowerment. He is also known as the longtime president of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) and Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP), where, under his two decades of leadership, the sport has been elevated to new heights-marked by historic international victories, strengthened grassroots programs, and the development of a solid infrastructure that nurtures athletes from beginner to elite levels. His consistent recognition across prestigious global award-giving bodies further affirms his place as one of the most dynamic and influential Filipino leaders of his generation.

With a rare combination of vision, innovation, and social purpose, Jean Henri Lhuillier continues to redefine leadership-not only driving success for Cebuana Lhuillier but also inspiring progress that resonates far beyond business, shaping industries, communities, and future generations.

‘True leadership is not only about results-it is about building a legacy, empowering others, and creating opportunities that will outlast us. Innovation and forward-thinking are at the heart of this vision. We must continue to push boundaries, explore new possibilities, and develop solutions that will shape the future for the next generation,’ Jean Henri Lhuillier concluded.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved 3,770 public works projects worth P214.4 billion from unprogrammed funds in 2023 and 2024, with majority going to ‘favored regions’ now being flagged for anomalous and ghost flood control projects.

This according to ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio, who said these findings directly contradicted Malacañang’s claims that the President had no role in infrastructure corruption issues.

‘To be able to fund nearly 4,000 projects from unprogrammed appropriations, the president would have had to approve them,’ he said during the plenary deliberations for the Department of Public Works and Highways’ proposed P881.3-billion budget for 2026.

He challenged Malacañang to explain the basis for the releases and to ‘stop washing its hands off the corruption allegations.’

Citing official data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) during the plenary deliberations for the Department of Public Highways’ (DPWH) 2026 budget, Tinio disclosed that the DPWH received P61.4 billion in unprogrammed funds in 2023 for 1,889 projects, and P153 billion in 2024 for 1,811 projects.

In 2023, the top regions that got the largest share in unprogrammed funds were: Central Luzon, with 283 projects worth P11.7 billion in total; Bicol with 138 projects worth P7.6 billion, and Central Visayas with 170 projects worth P7.2 billion. In 2024, Mimaropa got the lion’s share of unprogrammed funds with P29.4 billion for 201 projects, followed by Central Luzon again with P25 billion for 285 projects. Majority of the projects approved for these regions, Tinio added, were flood control projects.

‘These are interesting top three regions, as these are the ‘usual suspect’ regions now being mentioned in the flood control scandal now,’ Tinio noted, alluding to Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro provinces, which are now under scrutiny after officials discovered numerous ghost flood control projects there.

Several past and current lawmakers, particularly Senators Francis Escudero, Joel Villanueva, Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada, and Nancy Binay; and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, are accused of receiving billions in kickbacks from projects in Bulacan.

Co, meanwhile, was founder of Sunwest Inc., the firm that implemented an anomalous P289.5 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. He is now facing graft, malversation and falsification charges over the project.

Tinio, however, emphasized that the President could not separate himself from the issue as unprogrammed funds-or standby authorizations that can only be tapped when new revenue or loans materialize-were within the discretion of the executive.

He cited Section 35, Chapter 5, Book 6 of Executive Order No. 292, which states that expenditures from lump sum appropriations ‘shall be made in accordance with a special budget to be approved by the President.’

This is not the first time that Tinio or other lawmakers have criticized the ballooning amount of unprogrammed appropriations under the Marcos administration, especially since these are lump-sum allocations that have no line items in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

This, Tinio stressed, has made them essentially invisible to public scrutiny-as demonstrated by the fact that no flood control project funded by unprogrammed funds were included in Malacañang’s Sumbong sa Pangulo transparency website for flood control projects.

To be able to fund infrastructure projects in this budget line, the DPWH regional and district engineering offices would have to submit requests for funding, which would be vetted by the agency’s planning services office.

The DPWH then submits a special budget request for release of funds to the DBM, which is the delegated authority by the Office of the President.

The DPWH’s sponsoring lawmaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Romeo Momo Sr. said that the DPWH would soon release its own transparency server that would include these projects and possibly include the proponents of the project. /cb