Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Bea Gomez is heartbroken over the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino in several regions including her home province of Cebu, lamenting the billions of public funds that could have been used for flood control infrastructures.

Through her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, Nov. 4, the Cebuano beauty queen called for prayers for the typhoon victims, especially those in Cebu which was also previously struck by a strong earthquake.

Gomez showed the aftermath of the calamity, with houses, vehicles and residents submerged in floodwaters.

She then shared a Cebu Daily News report which details the billions-worth of flood control projects in Cebu.

‘Damages can occur during natural calamities but with this much budget, preventive measures could’ve been made,’ Gomez captioned her post.

‘Cebuanos prepared for this calamity, what else could have been done?’ she continued. ‘This is exactly why we demand for these kinds of projects because people can only do so much. The rest is up to the agencies responsible.’

Concluding her post, she exclaimed, ‘Pagkapait palandungon!’ (Napakapait isipin!) Gomez, who just recently got married, represented Cebu in her Miss Universe Philippines campaign in 2021, which she eventually won. She then went on to represent the country at the 70th edition of the Miss Universe that same year, finishing in the Top 5.

Celebs call for prayers

Other celebrities including Angel Locsin and Anne Curtis sent prayers for typhoon victims via their respective X pages.

‘Are we all thinking the same – is it just because of the rain, or because something could’ve been done to prevent it?’ Locsin said.

‘Hope authorities look into this as well so it doesn’t happen again. Wishing our kababayans a quick recovery and safer days ahead,’ she added.

Not another one ??Hoping everyone in Cebu is safe.Are we all thinking the same – is it just because of the rain, or because something could’ve been done to prevent it?Hope authorities look into this as well so it doesn’t happen again.Wishing our kababayans a quick recoveryActress-beauty queen Winwyn Marquez, meanwhile, aired her dismay over the prolonged investigations on the alleged anomalous flood control projects while calamities affect Filipino people.

‘May bagyo nanaman pero (There is a typhoon again but) no one is being held accountable pa din. Pag nagbaha nanaman (When the floods rise again), what will they say this time?’ she wrote via her Instagram Stories. ‘While everyone keeps pointing fingers over these so-called flood control projects, has anything actually been done to truly help?’ Typhoon Tino wreaked havoc in several regions in the country, with the flooding killing more than 50 and displacing hundreds of thousands of Filipinos.

As per Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Wednesday morning, Typhoon Tino made its seventh landfall in Batas Island, Palawan

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Wednesday expressed optimism that the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Konektadong Pinoy Act will result in billions of pesos worth of investments from telecommunications companies.

At a Palace briefing, Information and Communications Secretary Henry Aguda announced that the IRR of the law had been signed, and that new telco players had expressed their intent to enter the country in the coming years.

‘If the question is whether it increased, the answer is yes. But I won’t say for now. Maybe around six or seven,’ he responded when asked whether there had been any rise in the number of four potential telco players since the law’s implementation last September.

‘Maybe a normal telecom company invests when they expand every year. If my estimate is right, it reaches around a billion to 1.5 billion US dollars,’ he noted.

As of today, Aguda said the country has around 30,000 cell sites nationwide, representing 30 percent of the government’s target of 100,000 cell sites.

Meanwhile, 50 percent of the country are connected with fiber optic cables, he told reporters.

‘So if they [telco players] used to invest around one to 1.5 billion every year, I think that’s the minimum amount of investment that should come in,’ Aguda added.

The Konektadong Pinoy Act was signed into law on August 24 and it took effect on September 14, 2025.

Malacañang on Wednesday called for a necessary review of the more than 500 flood control projects in Cebu province, which was among the worst-devastated by Typhoon ‘Tino’ (international name: Kalmaegi).

President Marcos Jr. will also make another visit to Cebu to personally oversee the government’s response in the aftermath of the disaster that left the province, as well as other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao with trails of destruction.

Palace press officer Claire Castro said the President also shared the frustration and anger of Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro over the seeming uselessness of billions worth of flood control projects in the province.

‘That’s also the reason why President Marcos ordered an investigation [over flood control projects]. Budgets have been allocated for these, yet they seem to be not functioning at all,’ she told reporters. ‘So it’s understandable that if she’s angry, President Marcos feels the same way.’

Citing data from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Castro said there were 511 flood control projects in Cebu province from 2016 to 2025.

Of these 343 were done during the Duterte administration (two of the projects were terminated), while 168 were in the current Marcos administration (of which 55 were still ongoing).

According to Castro, all of the flood control projects, including those made under President Marcos, should be examined, but more so those completed under the Duterte administration, ‘since they should have been functioning by now.’

‘So, we must work together to identify and hold accountable those behind the irregularities in these flood control projects,’ she said.

‘If Governor Baricuatro has additional information, facts, or data that could help the government hold accountable those responsible, such input is welcome,’ Castro added.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday at the height of Tino’s devastation in the island province, Baricuatro said: ‘P26 billion of flood control funds for Cebu, yet we are flooded to the max.’

The governor described Cebu’s situation as ‘tragic,’ noting that Tino struck just over a month after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake killed 79 residents in Bogo City.

Of the 66 reported dead due to Tino as of Wednesday, 49 were from Cebu ‘fallen debris, landslides, and flooding.’

The death toll may still increase as 26 more were still missing, of which half were Cebu residents.

Castro also confirmed that President Marcos has a scheduled visit to Cebu province, but she declined to give more details, including the specific date and the localities he would inspect.

The president’s scheduled engagement would be the third time in about a month that he would visit Cebu province.

He first went to the province on Oct. 2, to lead the national government’s efforts in the aftermath of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake, and later on Oct. 17 to check on the situation of earthquake-affected residents and the progress of government assistance and recovery efforts.

President Marcos on Tuesday directed members of his Cabinet to visit the provinces hardest hit by Tino to personally assess the situation on the ground and to ensure that essential services, including water and electricity, are restored immediately.

‘The government is making sure that all necessary actions are taken to hasten the recovery of our affected countrymen,’ he said.

According to the president, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had prepositioned food packs and relief goods in the affected areas, which were ready for distribution.

He also directed the Department of Energy (DOE) and National Electrification Administration (NEA) to address reports of power outages in different areas.

A group of first-time athletes from various provincial high schools proved their mettle on the international stage, advancing to the Final Eight of the 2nd Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s U16 Championship.

Iran has long been a thorn in the side of Philippine volleyball.

Just last September, the Alas Pilipinas men’s team suffered a heartbreaking five-set loss to Iran in the FIVB Men’s World Championship. A potential game-winning block by Kim Malabunga was challenged and ruled a net touch, swinging the momentum to the Iranians and handing the hosts one of their most painful defeats in recent memory.

A week ago, the U18 girls’ squad also fell to Iran in the Asian Youth Games semifinals in Bahrain. Iran went on to capture the gold.

This time, however, it was the youngest Philippine team that flipped the script.

The Alas Pilipinas U16 women stunned Iran with a commanding 25-21, 25-22, 25-22 sweep on Sunday at Princess Sumaya Hall, securing a spot in the top eight of the tournament.

Coming off a tough four-set loss to defending champion Japan, team captain Xyz Rayco rallied the squad with a vow to win one for their ‘ates’ on the U18 team, which had settled for fourth in Bahrain. Rayco backed it up with 13 points, closing out the win with clutch attacks in the final two sets.

‘I’m so happy because it was such a tough loss for our U18 team,’ said the 14-year-old Rayco, who finished with nine kills, three blocks and an ace. ‘This is already national team-level competition. We all come from different schools, so to get a win like this means so much to us.’

Dedicated to OFWs

Setter Resty Jane Olaguir, who impressed even Japan’s coach during their opener, continued her steady play and dedicated the win to the Asian Youth Games squad, overseas Filipino workers who cheered them on, and fans back home.

‘We’re thankful to all the Filipino supporters, our coaches, and most especially to God,’ Olaguir said. ‘We just gave our best. We wanted to make up for our U18 team, and now we’ll do everything we can to reach the next round.’

The championship’s unique quarterfinal format divides the Final Eight into two groups. Alas joins Pool F alongside unbeaten Japan and Chinese Taipei, both of whom carry over wins against Thailand and the Philippines, respectively.

With 0-1 records, Alas and Thailand open their quarterfinal bids from behind. The young Filipinas face Chinese Taipei on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. (Manila time), then Thailand on Thursday at 4 p.m. at Prince Hamzah Sports Hall.

Only the top two teams from Pool F and Pool E-which includes China (1-0), Hong Kong (1-0), Korea (0-1) and Uzbekistan (0-1)-advance to the semifinals.

Despite being outsized by most of their opponents, Olaguir, the playmaker from Gracel Christian College Foundation in Taguig, said they’ll rely on skill and heart.

‘We’ll give our best and prove that even if we’re small, we can still play with great skill and heart,’ she said.

Coach Edwin Leyva reminded his team to stay confident as the stakes rise.

‘The other teams are really good, but they’re definitely beatable,’ Leyva said. ‘We just have to come up with the right game plan and strategies to outsmart their style of play.’

Cuban-Venezuelan pageant expert Osmel Sousa announced his departure from the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), although he clarified that it has nothing to do with the rising tension between its executives.

Sousa, who served as the MUO’s international adviser, confirmed that he will leave his post in a heartfelt letter on his Instagram page on Wednesday, Nov. 5, saying it wasn’t an easy decision to make.

‘I want to clarify and share with all of you that, since three weeks ago, after having fulfilled my mission in the Miss Universe pageant, I made the decision to resign from the position of adviser to the organization. This was not a decision taken lightly, but a step I felt necessary after reflecting on what I had achieved and what I want for the future,’ he said in Spanish.

‘While it is true that I decided to step aside, it is also true that now, more than ever, there is Osmel for a while,’ he continued.

Despite resigning from the MUO, Sousa said his ‘love and commitment’ to the global tilt will always ‘remain intact.’ However, it was being away from his home in Venezuela that made him reflect on what he wanted to do in life.

‘At this point in my life, I felt like I should have been surrounded by loved ones who have always been with me, supported and understood me, both in the good times and the difficult times. That’s why I made the decision to return to my homeland, that place that has always given me strength to move forward,’ he said.

Sousa further clarified that departing from his post is meant to be a ‘closure’ and that he doesn’t harbor negative feelings for MUO president Raul Rocha.

‘My departure from the organization is not marked by any kind of conflict, it was simply the closure of a cycle I had already fulfilled. I thank Mr. Raúl Rocha and Mrs. Paulina for their understanding and the opportunity provided, and I wish them all the best in future projects,’ he said.

A familiar name among fans, Sousa is considered one of the biggest pageant powerhouses, having served as the Miss Venezuela Organization from 1981 to 2018. He was also a judge and mentor of the talent contest Nuestra Belleza Latina from 2007 until 2016.

Sousa, who earned the nickname ‘El Zar de la Belleza,’ or The Czar of Beauty, in the Latina pageant scene, was one of the forces behind Venezuela winning seven Miss Universe crowns, six Miss World titles, and eight Miss International wins.

Some of the recent titleholders helmed under his tutelage include Miss Universe winners Gabriela Isler (2013), Stefania Fernandez (2009), Dayana Mendoza (2008) and Alicia Machado (1996); Miss World winners Ivian Sarcos (2011) and Jacqueline Aguilera (1995); and Miss International winners Mariem Velazco (2018), Edymar Martinez (2015) and Elizabeth Mosquera (2010).

The entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity following the widespread destruction caused by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi), which battered the province on Tuesday, November 4.

Governor Pamela Baricuatro issued Executive Order No. 68, Series of 2025, late Tuesday, declaring the state of calamity to allow the provincial government and local government units (LGUs) to mobilize emergency resources for rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations.

According to the order, Tino caused severe damage to infrastructure, government facilities, private establishments, and residential areas, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and the displacement of communities across Cebu.

The typhoon also disrupted basic services and posed ongoing threats to public safety, health, and security.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), in coordination with local disaster councils, confirmed the damage and recommended the declaration after assessments revealed widespread destruction and continuous risks to life and property.

Under the executive order, all provincial and local government offices are authorized to use their Quick Response Funds (QRF) and other appropriate funds for rescue, relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts, subject to auditing rules and regulations.

A price freeze and anti-profiteering measures were also implemented to prevent overpricing of basic necessities and prime commodities.

The Department of Trade and Industry and the Local Price Coordinating Council were directed to monitor prices and ensure the availability of essential goods during the emergency period.

The order mandates the Cebu PDRRMO to lead and coordinate rescue, relief, medical, and rehabilitation operations, and to mobilize necessary manpower and resources for immediate disaster response.

The state of calamity will remain in effect until lifted by the provincial government upon the recommendation of the PDRRMC

Neri Naig-Miranda spoke candidly about beauty standards and self-acceptance after she received online comments criticizing her appearance.

Naig shared through an Instagram post on Wednesday, Nov. 5, that she woke up to several notifications on her phone, some of which were remarks on how she looked.

‘Nagulat ako kasi ang dami palang comments. some of them were concerned about how I look. May nagsabi pa na, ‘Ano’ng nangyari kay Neri? Ang haggard niya .. tumanda itsura mo.’ The truth is. ang daming nangyari sa akin.. di ba? Hehe! At patuloy pa ring lumalaban sa trauma at depresyon,’ she wrote.

The former actress then reflected on her longstanding insecurities, saying she often heard people call her ‘pangit’ (ugly) or someone difficult ‘to make beautiful.’

‘Hindi ako pinanganak na maganda. Alam ko na yun.. at hindi rin ako nagpapaawa or fishing.. At matagal kong naging insecurity ‘yan nung bata pa ako. Growing up, lagi kong naririnig, ‘Ang pangit mo,’ or ‘Ang hirap mong pagandahin,” she shared.

‘Kahit nung nag-artista na ako, may mga tao na nagsasabi na nahihirapan raw akong ayusan kasi mukha daw akong probinsyana. Mukhang ukay-ukay mga damit ko. And you know what? Totoo naman,’ she added.

Despite the insecurities, Naig affirmed that she has now learned to embrace herself fully, including the ‘freckles, veins, uneven nose, and lips.’

‘This is my face. Walang botox, walang filter. only me,’ she stressed. ‘Dati, sobrang sakit marinig na ‘ang pangit mo.’ Pero habang tumatanda ka, you realize. So what if I’m not pretty? So what if I don’t look like everyone else on TV or social media? Because now, at 42, I’ve learned to love and accept this face.’

The 42-year-old entrepreneur ended her post urging her followers to ‘normalize’ looking real and human.

‘Let’s normalize seeing women without make-up. Let’s normalize looking real, looking tired, looking human. Because maybe. it’s in our most unfiltered moments that we actually look the most alive,’ she concluded.

Last year, Naig made headlines after she was arrested for 14 counts of syndicated estafa and securities violation. She was released following a court order on Dec. 4, and the charges against her were dismissed last Feb. 12.

Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser are in talks to reunite for a new installment of ‘The Mummy’ franchise, 26 years after the first film hit theaters.

Deadline reported on Tuesday, Nov. 4, that Universal Pictures is developing ‘The Mummy 4,’ with Weisz, who played Egyptologist Evelyn Carnahan, and Fraser, who portrayed adventurer Rick O’Connell, in discussions to return.

The outlet noted that directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett – collectively known as Radio Silence – will be at the helm. The pair is known for their work in the horror hits ‘Ready or Not’ and ‘Scream VI.’

The project is said to be a ‘legacy sequel’ that could pick up after ‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001), disregarding the events of ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’ (2008).

‘The Mummy’ franchise began with Stephen Sommers’ 1999 film, a modern reimagining of the 1932 Universal monster classic. The first film grossed over $418 million worldwide.

Its 2001 sequel, ‘The Mummy Returns,’ expanded the franchise’s mythology and earned more than $435 million globally. The third film, ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,’ released in 2008, earned $403 million.

Universal later attempted a reboot in 2017 starring Tom Cruise, which grossed $410 million worldwide but was widely regarded as a ‘commercial and critical disappointment.’

Meanwhile, Weisz was last seen in the 2021 Marvel film ‘Black Widow.’ She is expected to be seen next in the Netflix limited series ‘Vladimir.’

Fraser, on the other hand, recently experienced a major career resurgence after winning the 2023 Academy Award for Best Actor for the psychological drama film ‘The Whale.’

A family of nine who sought shelter in their home in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, was swept away by raging floodwaters at the height of Typhoon Tino on Tuesday night.

Seven members of the Espora family were later found buried under thick mud and large rocks, while two others remain missing as of press time.

According to Seth Bariga of the Canlaon Public Information Office (PIO), the family likely did not expect flash flooding in their area, which had never experienced such an event before.

‘During our rescue and retrieval operations, their neighbors told us that during the onslaught of the flash flood, the family tried to climb up to the roof of their house to avoid being swept away. But when they got on the roof, it suddenly collapsed,’ Bariga said.

The family’s home was located along the national road, with a river stream directly behind it. The stream, which had never overflowed in the past, burst its banks during the storm.

Rescue teams said the water overflowed from the stream and surged into the Esporas’ home. As the family struggled to escape the rising waters at the back of their house, another flash flood hit from the front, trapping them between two strong currents.

‘They were literally sandwiched by two powerful water currents,’ one rescuer said.

On November 5, retrieval teams recovered the bodies of the seven victims buried under mud and boulders. The fatalities were identified as Ruditha Espora, 60; Reyno Espora, 60; Thea Sandra Espora, 20; Lady Grace Espora; Amarath Espora, 3; Indigho Espora, 10 sand John Nathan Espora, 10

Search and rescue operations for the two remaining missing family members are still ongoing

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said on Wednesday that it is investigating the alleged death threat made by whistleblower Julie ‘Dondon’ Patidongan to a news reporter in relation to his coverage of the ‘missing sabungeros’ case.

PTFoMS said it has already reached out to News5 reporter Gary de Leon, who reported receiving death threats over his report of the case.

The incident was first brought to the attention of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, which has condemned the incident and warned that the issue underscores the continuing dangers faced by journalists in the Philippines.

Patidongan allegedly made the threat on October 27, when de Leon contacted him and his lawyers for a comment on a story he was preparing about the case.

According to PTFoMS, citing de Leon’s report, Patidongan accused the reporter of being ‘biased and paid,’ which de Leon has denied.

PTFoMS said it expects to receive further details of de Leon’s testimony once he formally submits his affidavit on the incident.