Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Ibaloy community of Baguio has opposed a government application for a special land patent covering untitled portions of the nearly 600-hectare Camp John Hay reservation, arguing that it overlaps with officially recognized ancestral lands, including their only ancestral domain.

About 100 Ibaloy families submitted a resolution of objection to President Marcos and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Oct. 28, seeking the suspension of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) patent application, the Inquirer learned on Wednesday.

The patent filing was confirmed by BCDA lawyers during the city council’s session on Monday. They said BCDA was open to further talks with the local government to resolve legal, financial, and policy conflicts, including overlapping land claims within the former American rest-and-recreation base.

BCDA lawyer Christian Duldulao and John Hay Management Corp. (JHMC) legal officer Marie Ellen Cabuhat said the application had been elevated to Malacañang for the President’s approval. Cabuhat confirmed that BCDA had sought Mr. Marcos’ endorsement.

But Ibaloy community leaders in Baguio said they were never consulted about the patent application, which they only learned about after it was mentioned in the 2023 JHMC President’s Report.

No consent?

That report indicated the pending application covers 476 ha of the forested reservation-measured as 570 ha in Republic Act No. 7227 (Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992) but 625 ha under Republic Act No. 11689 (revised Baguio City Charter), a discrepancy disputed by local officials.

The application divides the area into two sections: 258.76 ha without certificates of ancestral land title (CALTs), and 237.67 ha that overlap with issued CALTs and the certificate of ancestral domain title (CADT) of the Ibaloy community in Barangay Happy Hallow.

Among the resolution’s signatories were incumbent Councilor Maximo Edwin, who serves as the city council’s Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representative; former Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr.; retired Philippine Military Academy instructor Andrew Carantes; and former Mayor Jose Baluda of Tuba, Benguet.

Records show that BCDA previously petitioned the courts to invalidate 37 ancestral land titles within Camp John Hay, claiming these were issued without its consent as administrator. The Supreme Court, citing Section 78 of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (Ipra), has also ruled in several cases that Baguio is exempt from Ipra coverage.

However, Councilor Paolo Salvosa, a lawyer, noted that unless the Happy Hallow CADT and other CALTs are voided by a court, they remain valid and must be honored by BCDA.

The 1909 US Supreme Court ruling that recognized Ibaloy leader Mateo Cariño’s ‘native title’-which became the legal foundation for indigenous land rights in the Philippines-also involved what is now Camp John Hay.

Unfulfilled commitments

In their resolution, the Ibaloy families accused the government of ‘hostility’ toward indigenous land claims, describing BCDA’s patent move as a ‘coordinated effort to thwart’ their right to recover ancestral territory. They called the proposed patent a ‘grave injustice’ and an ‘unlawful appropriation of ancestral lands without due process,’ stressing that the DENR itself recognized such properties before Ipra’s enactment in 1997.

The city council noted that several barangays included in the patent should have been segregated from Camp John Hay’s territory under past agreements.

Baguio and BCDA have long had a strained relationship over unfulfilled commitments after the state agency took back Camp John Hay from developer Robert John Sobrepeña’s firm early this year, ending a decadelong legal battle.

The Supreme Court had reinstated a 2015 arbitral ruling voiding the Camp John Hay lease retroactive to 1996, ordering the BCDA to reimburse Camp John Hay Development Corp. P1.4 billion in rent while retaining ownership of all built structures.

However, several conditions set by the city council of Baguio in 1994 (Resolution No. 362, s. 1994) for endorsing the Camp John Hay master plan remains unresolved-including recognition of Ibaloy land rights and the segregation of 14 barangays.

To date, only Barangay Scout Barrio has been formally segregated, though its public facilities remain under BCDA control.

Resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co is not returning home soon to face the allegations over his role in the budget insertions and kickbacks from allegedly anomalous flood control projects.

Co’s lawyer, Ruy Rondain, said at a media briefing on Wednesday at the Midas Hotel and Casino in Pasay City, that the former lawmaker wanted to personally respond to the issues but could not do so at this time because of security concerns.

‘Representative Co would have wanted to be here himself to answer your questions. Unfortunately, there are credible and serious threats to his life. He has a general fear of being shot-whether by a vigilante or a political enemy he doesn’t even know,’ Rondain noted.

The only time Co would consider returning to the Philippines is when ‘the threat to his life [has] abated,’ he added. ‘We’ll see him as soon as the fear of violence against him abates. So, I don’t know. Might be next week, might be January. I don’t know.’

As of now, Rondain said coming home is not an option for his client because of the ‘serious threats to his life.’

‘Half of the country wants to throw him in jail and throw away the key. The other half wants to string him up by the nearest tree. Would you come home under those circumstances? I wouldn’t recommend that he come home,’ Rondain said.

Co was linked to alleged irregularities in the P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

In its first interim report, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) urged the Office of the Ombudsman to determine the appropriate charges to be filed against 18 public officials, including Co. A month later, the commission recommended criminal and administrative charges against Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, Co, and three others in connection with suspected ‘ghost’ flood control projects.

The recommendations stemmed from an alleged kickback scheme, based on sworn affidavits and corroborating evidence from former Department of Public Works and Highways engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza.

Addressing questions about Co’s whereabouts, Rondain said he does not know where the former lawmaker is now.

‘Let me get ahead of the inevitable question: I don’t know where he is. I never asked, because it’s not relevant to his defense,’ Rondain said. ‘And frankly, I didn’t want to be in a position where I’d have to lie to anyone if I were asked that question. So no, I don’t know where he is.’

He disclosed that the last information he received about Co’s whereabouts was that he was in Boston, sometime between September and October, for medical reasons.

Rondain said he was able to speak with Co ‘last night,’ but could not say where he has been staying overseas.

‘And I don’t want to lie to you. I’m telling you honestly that I don’t know because I never asked him. Again, because that knowledge is not relevant to me at this time,’ he said.

‘I’m not saying that he was in Boston last night when I talked to him,’ he quickly clarified.

When he resigned as congressman on Sept. 29, Co also cited ‘grave and imminent threat.’

He sought clearance to fly to the United States only in August, but he never showed up at any of the sessions since the 20th Congress opened in July. Hearsay

Rondain, who also served as counsel for former Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo in his tax cases, also dismissed as ‘hearsay and speculation’ the ongoing probe into the purported massive corruption in public infrastructure projects that implicated Co in the various kickback schemes.

For him, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla had already ‘prejudged’ the possible cases against Co and that there is ‘no tactical benefit’ to filing a counteraffidavit in the Office of the Ombudsman.

Net worth

This, however, was refuted by Brian Hosaka, executive director of the ICI.

All the recommendations for the filing of charges that the fact-finding panel had so far filed were ‘on the basis of the testimonies and on the basis of the evidence given to us’ and testimonies from personalities who themselves admitted involvement, Hosaka said.

The ICI has recommended the filing of plunder, bribery, and corruption charges against Co and five other officials for allegedly being part of a multimillion-peso kickback scheme behind public works projects.

Rondain also pointed out that Co had a net worth of P4.1 billion in 2019, the year he was elected to the House. The lawyer did not show a copy of Co’s 2019 statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth but said he was willing to provide one.

In true silver anniversary flair, the Miss Earth 2025 coronation night opened its stage with the reigning titleholders introducing this year’s eco-warrior beauties.

The 25th edition of the global tilt, held at The Cove in Okada Manila, in Parañaque City on Wednesday, November 5, kicked off with the elemental court opening the pageant through a VTR, with the candidates taking the stage in their sparkly silver mini dresses.

Reigning Miss Earth titleholder Jessica Lane of Australia and elemental titleholders Hrafnhildur Haraldsdottir of Iceland (Air) and Bea Millan-Windorski of USA (Water) stepped to the center of the stage to kick off the routine. However, Miss Earth Fire 2024 Niva Antezana of Peru was absent from the ceremony.

Before the opening performance, the candidates – while wearing their respective national costumes – were introduced through a VTR.

The Miss Earth coronation night started at 6:50 p.m. and is currently streaming on the Miss Earth 2025 YouTube channel.

Joy Barcoma is hoping to win the Philippines’ fifth Miss Earth crown after Karla Henry, Jamie Herrell, Angelia Ong, and Karen Ibasco.

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) aims to make communication accessible to passengers stepping foot into their international destination with the launch of its eSIM service.

In partnership with travel eSIM provider Kolet, PAL passengers will gain immediate mobile data access upon activation. They will be entitled to 1GB of complimentary mobile data valid for two days.

With the launch of myPAL eSIM initiative, PAL seeks to eliminate passengers’ struggle with using physical SIM cards. The carrier also aims to help them avoid expensive mobile roaming costs.

Passengers can redeem complimentary data in two ways – either through the PAL Kolet co-branded website (Kolet – Next-gen eSIM) and the Kolet mobile application – using promo code FLYPAL.

Top-up plans available

The application also allows function to top up and avail of regional and global load subscription once free data has been fully consumed. The data plans are typically valid for up to 30 days.

‘The introduction of myPAL eSIM aligns with our vision of providing a complete and digitally empowered travel experience,’ said PAL vice president for revenue management Christoph Gaertner.

‘We are proud to offer our passengers a solution that not only simplifies connectivity but also enhances their overall journey with Philippine Airlines,’ Gaertner added.

Former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co reported a net worth of P4.1 billion in 2019-the year he was elected to the House of Representatives-according to his lawyer, Ruy Rondain.

Rondain disclosed this during a press conference Wednesday, arguing that Co had accumulated such wealth even before joining Congress.

‘I can answer that P4.1 billion in 2019. I did some research and who’s a richer senator you know? Mark Villar declared an asset a net worth of P1.4 billion. His mother, Cynthia, declared in 2020 a net worth of P3.8 billion. Next is Manny Pacquiao, P3.1 billion,’ the lawyer enumerated.

‘So, in 2020, when Rep. Co joined Congress in 2019, he was already richer than Cynthia Villar or Manny Pacquiao. Just to keep it in context,’ he added.

The lawyer did not show a copy of Co’s 2019 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) but said he was willing to provide one.

When asked about Co’s latest SALN, Rondain only provided an estimate, stating that it had increased by approximately P900 million, bringing the total to roughly P5 billion.

He, however, added that he had only ‘read it somewhere.’

Rondain also explained he only has Co’s 2019 SALN, as it is the only document relevant to the corruption allegations against his client.

Co came under scrutiny after his name was linked to alleged irregularities in the P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

In its first interim report, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) urged the Office of the Ombudsman to determine the appropriate charges to be filed against 18 public officials, including the former lawmaker.

A month later, the commission recommended criminal and administrative charges against Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, Co, and three others in connection with suspected ‘ghost’ flood control projects.

The recommendations stemmed from an alleged kickback scheme, based on sworn affidavits and corroborating evidence from former Department of Public Works and Highways engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza.

Dianne Medina received an early birthday gift after she and her husband Rodjun Cruz acquired a new property for their house rental business.

The actress-businesswoman shared their new investment through her Instagram page on Monday, Nov. 3, showing her, Cruz, their two children Joaquin and Isabella all smiles while standing in front of the property.

The house, which is located in Quezon City, is now up for rent, as per Medina.

‘Early birthday gift from our Lord Jesus Christ!’ said the celebrity mom who turned 39 on Wednesday, Nov. 5. ‘Thank You, Lord Jesus, for all the blessings!’

Addressing Cruz, Medina continued, ‘Teamwork makes the Dream work! Let’s work harder! More and more work, in Jesus’ name! Looking forward to our next investment, all for God’s glory.’

Medina also regarded her grandparents as her inspiration as to why she started her real estate business, saying she hopes to be like them and follow their success.

Medina and Cruz started their house rental business in 2022, showing at the time their property in Parañaque City.

Aside from this, the couple also acquired land investments for Joaquin, 5, and Isabella, 1

Megaworld Corp. continued booking significant gains as its core businesses saw a 14-percent growth in the first nine months of 2025.

The Andrew Tan-led real estate developer said its earnings in the January to September period reached P17.9 billion from a year ago’s P15.69 billion.

Net income attributable to the parent company also jumped by 16 percent to P15.93 billion from P13.73 billion.

‘Our year-to-date performance continues to reflect the strength of our recurring income portfolio and the sustained demand across our residential and hotel offerings,’ Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, president of Megaworld Corp., said in a statement on Tuesday.

‘Even as we navigate mixed market conditions, we remain focused on delivering long-term value through innovation, operational efficiency and township-led growth,’ she added.

Revenue drivers

Consolidated revenues also improved by 7.75 percent to P64.41 billion from P59.78 billion.

The property giant said real estate sales continued to be the main contributor to its top line, accounting for 62.48 percent of the total.

The firm said revenues from this business rose by 6.33 percent to P40.24 billion from P37.85 billion. Megaworld logged healthy demand for housing not just in the capital region, but also in key provincial areas.

Leasing revenues, meanwhile, kept their double-digit growth, jumping by 14.7 percent to P16.24 billion.

Office leasing booked a 15.6-percent growth to P11.14 billion from P9.63 billion.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls also pitched in P5.1 billion, 12.7 percent higher than a year ago’s P4.52 billion, as the segment witnessed stronger foot traffic and tenant expansion.

Hotel revenues likewise saw a 13-percent rise, reaching P4.13 billion from P3.64 billion.

Expenses

Costs and expenses, on the other hand, increased by 5.4 percent to P46.48 billion.

Currently, Megaworld has 36 township developments across the country and a land bank covering around 7,000 hectares. INQ

Around 1.4 million households, mostly residing in the Visayas, experienced power interruptions on Wednesday due to heavy rains and winds brought by Typhoon Tino.

This is according to data from the National Electrification Administration and National Power Corp., Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said during a virtual briefing.

The official said they were still waiting for more information from private distribution utilities.

The DOE, however, could not provide an estimate on how soon electricity services could be restored.

‘We’re asking the public, especially those who were badly affected, to please wait until the roads are cleared for our personnel or linemen to restore the power lines,’ DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said.

Government data as of Wednesday afternoon showed that 66 had died dead, with 26 more missing.

The Cebu province, in particular, was hardly hit, as it suffered widespread flooding and property destruction.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached offices to avoid ‘lavish’ year-end parties in ‘solidarity with victims of successive calamities.’

In a memorandum issued last October 30 and publicized on Wednesday, Lopez noted that year-end gatherings foster office morale and unity between members of agencies.

Meanwhile, he also said that the gatherings ‘entail the use of government funds and the time and effort of the offices involved in the preparation.’

‘In recent months, many fellow Filipinos from several regions of the country have been severely affected by natural calamities, including earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and volcanic eruptions,’ Lopez said.

‘It is deemed prudent and sensitive to forego large-scale celebrations this year,’ he added.

Lopez said the directive came following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to keep Christmas and year-end gatherings simple.

Recently, different parts of the country were hit by calamities, such as earthquakes in Cebu and Davao Oriental, and cyclones, such as Typhoon Tino, which has already killed 66 individuals in Cebu and other parts of Visayas.

Nearly 1,000 houses in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, were either destroyed or damaged after Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) battered the town early this week.

Based on a report from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC), chaired by Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan, 126 houses were destroyed while 818 others sustained damage.

The hardest-hit areas were the island barangays of Cagusuan, Casuguran, and Culasi, located in the historic Homonhon Island, where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan first landed in 1521.

In Cagusuan, 21 houses were reported totally destroyed while 203 others suffered partial damage. Casuguran recorded 98 homes completely flattened, while Culasi saw 237 houses partially damaged as strong winds and heavy rains pummeled the town from midnight on Monday until early Tuesday.

Mayor Gonzales-Kwan said most of the affected houses were made of light materials such as nipa shingles and bamboo, which easily gave way to the typhoon’s intensity.

Following the damage assessment, the Guiuan municipal council placed the entire town under a state of calamity on Tuesday to allow the release of emergency funds for immediate relief and recovery efforts.

The local government, with support from the provincial government of Eastern Samar under Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone, has started distributing housing materials to families who lost their homes.

Despite the widespread destruction, the mayor said no casualties or missing persons were reported. However, seven individuals sustained minor injuries, according to the Rural Health Unit.

She added that no major roads or bridges were damaged, allowing relief operations to reach affected communities quickly.

During the height of Typhoon Tino, authorities carried out preemptive evacuations, moving 2,579 families or 9,083 individuals to safer areas to avoid casualties.

‘While the extent of damage to homes is significant, we are thankful that no lives were lost,’ Mayor Gonzales-Kwan said, adding that the local government remains focused on helping residents rebuild