Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

As Typhoon Tino threatens to batter Western Visayas, one family in Sitio Agkaningay, Barangay Bilao, Sapian town in Capiz has built a sulakob – a makeshift underground shelter – to protect themselves from the incoming storm.

Photos of the bamboo-reinforced trench were shared on the Facebook page of digital creator Dennis Ofalla Alambra, showing the unnamed family’s improvised refuge built amid banana and coconut trees. The sulakob, covered with wooden planks and a tarp, serves as a small underground bunker designed to shield them from strong winds, flying debris, and potential landslides.

In Hiligaynon, ‘sulakob’ comes from the word lakob, meaning ‘to cover’ or ‘to shield.’ Such hand-built shelters are traditional forms of protection in rural communities during intense storms or times of danger.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (Pagasa), Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi) may get stronger as it crosses the Visayas, bringing destructive winds and heavy rains that could trigger flooding and storm surges. More than 2.3 million residents across the region have been placed under heightened alert.

In Capiz, still reeling from flash floods brought by Typhoon Ramil in October, the Sapian family’s sulakob has become a symbol of resilience and resourcefulness – a grassroots expression of survival in the face of worsening storms.

House of Representatives Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III is looking at approving a bill strengthening the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) by November 17, Bulacan 6th District Rep. Salvador Pleyto said.

Pleyto in an interview at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday said that there are ongoing discussions about a bill seeking to institutionalize the ICI – particularly the proposal filed by lawmakers from the House minority bloc, like Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, Akbayan Reps. Chel Diokno, Percival Cendaña, and Dadah Kiram Ismula, along with Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice.

According to Pleyto, chairperson of the House committee on government reorganization, they are looking to wrap up panel discussions on the proposed measure so that by November 13, it will be up for consideration on second reading.

‘The Speaker would surely ask that this bill be certified as urgent. The good thing here is that, I think this will be passed because the Senate President [Vicente Sotto III] himself has filed a bill [.] after this, we have a timeline here, by [November] 17, the Speaker wants this sent to the Senate,’ Pleyto said, speaking in Filipino.

‘By [November] 17, that’s why we will bring it to the plenary session probably after [November] 13 so it can be considered for second reading, then for third reading so that we can send it to the Senate immediately, that’s our time flow,’ he added.

Pleyto said his committee conducted a briefing as Dy instructed him to hasten discussions on the Minority lawmakers’ bill, so that the ICI will be given more powers to conduct investigations on the flood control mess.

‘We called for a hearing because the instruction of the Speaker is to hasten discussions on these bill filed by Congresswoman Leila de Lima, together with Congressman Chel Diokno and 12 others,’ Pleyto said in Filipino.

‘These are briefings of the agencies like the DOJ (Department of Justice), Ombudsman, AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council), ICI [.] DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government). And these are aimed at strengthening and putting more teeth into ICI. We know that they do not have contempt powers, they cannot issue subpoena, we will also give them the power to issue hold departure orders,’ he added.

The Minority solons announced last September 15 that they have filed House Bill (HB) No. 4453, which would give greater powers to an independent commission – despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. already creating the ICI.

Under HB No. 4453 or the proposed Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption Act of 2025, the powers and functions of the commission are laid out – some of which, lawmakers said, are not available under Executive Order (EO) No. 94 which created the ICI.

Cendaña said back then that while they appreciate Marcos and Malacañang’s efforts, the President can show his sincerity and commitment to the fight for accountability if he certifies the bill as urgent.

Erice, meanwhile, said that two of the powers they seek to provide ICI is the ability to cite uncooperative individuals for contempt, and the power to summon documents that may be in the hands of other investigating bodies.

De Lima on the other hand explained that EO No. 94 can be terminated easily through a sitting president’s discretion – unlike the law that HB No. 4453 seeks. According to de Lima, there is a ‘sunset provision’ in EO No. 94, which states the ‘ICI shall be rendered functus officio upon the accomplishment of the purposes for which it was created or unless sooner dissolved by the President.’

Section 3 of HB No. 4453 meanwhile sets a two-year period of existence for the independent commission, which may be extended through legislation.

Marcos last September 11 formalized the creation of the ICI, to check corruption in flood control projects and other public works over the years, or from 2013 up to the present.

Despite the initiative, there have been concerns about the ICI’s procedures. Earlier, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio said a congressional investigation on possible corruption surrounding farm-to-market roads is necessary, since there are pending issues about ICI’s transparency efforts.

Tinio in an interview was asked why he and the rest of the Makabayan bloc filed House Resolution No. 421 – a call on the House of Representatives to check on the alleged overpricing of farm-to-market roads – when such issues can be left to the ICI, the same body doing the flood control probe.

Tinio in response said it is good that all avenues for investigation will be exhausted, noting that the House and the Senate’s separate investigations on the flood control issues yielded good results. Also, the ACT Teachers solon said the ICI has yet to resolve calls for livestreaming of the hearings.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday said its regional office in Eastern Visayas is already on full alert amid the expected landfall of Typhoon Tino in Eastern Visayas.

The DSWD said its Eastern Visayas office has already activated its quick response team to continuously monitor Tino and coordinate with local government units that need assistance.

‘[This is] to ensure the prompt response to our fellow citizens who may be affected,’ the DSWD said in Filipino in an issued statement.

Relief items have also already been prepared, with 134,531 food packs already prepositioned as of 9 a.m.

A total of 20,664 non-food items, 18,473 ready-to-eat boxes and 4,950 water bottles are now also ready for distribution should it be needed.

Tino was last spotted 285 kilometers east southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and is expected to make its initial landfall over the vicinity of the southern portion of Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, or Dinagat Islands by Monday night at the earliest.

With this, Tropical Cyclone Signal No. 3 has already been raised over six areas in Visayas and two areas in Mindanao.

Kris Aquino assured her followers that she won’t be a snob when it comes to entertaining photo requests; however, she reminded that alcohol and a yellow mask will be prepared by her nurse due to health concerns.

Aquino opened up about the topic of photo requests on her Instagram page on Saturday, Nov. 1, while hinting that she plans to move to her new home within the month.

‘I need my wheelchair, no sun exposure, I bathe seated, yet my checklist on November 13 will have all I need. If you see someone in a colorful mask, an orange wheelchair, shopping for groceries and toilet paper, that’s me. Hindi ako snob. My nurse will have ethyl alcohol and a yellow mask if you want a picture,’ she said.

The Queen of All Media has stepped back from her showbiz commitments since 2016 amid her battle with her autoimmune diseases. At present, she has 11 as of last count, five of which were considered life-threatening, according to her, which is why precaution against infection is important.

She has recently been spotted out at the birthday celebration of her good friend, Michael Leyva, with what appeared to be a compression bandage on her left arm.

Settling in Tarlac?

Without mentioning their hometown in Tarlac outright, she recalled how her brother, the late former President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III, also ‘gets the least light’ in his room, and she hoped that he had all the light that he wanted in heaven.

‘Noy, your beloved room gets the least light, in heaven hindi pikon diba? The 2 boys [and] I will sleep there. Your face and your ‘Behave Kristina, Joshy, Bimb!’ We miss you,’ she said.

Aquino also praised how Tarlac has progressed since her last visit, and she got excited about the possibility of staying here much longer.

‘Our mom had already died and I remember taking so many rides with Alvin (her personal assistant) all over the [Philippines] I am no economist, but nasabi ko kay Alvin prosperous and obviously maganda ang trabaho ni mayor at lalo na ni [governor],’ she said, noting that seeing banks with ATM machines, gasoline stations, restaurants, hospitals, car dealerships, and other establishments is proof.

‘Lastly, I would tease alvin, mag-impaki na sya ng maleta namin, mag check ng possible schools for Bimb, SPED therapy for kuya, and maghanap ng bahay to rent for us to feel if this is home because nakita ko, may SandR!’ she said.

The vibrant laughter of Filipino children often masks a deeper, unseen burden-the heavy toll exacted by corruption in government. While public discourse frequently frames corruption as an economic or political problem, its most insidious consequence festers in the developing minds and spirits of our youth. These ‘unseen scars’ manifest as profound psychological and social damage, quietly eroding the very foundation of our nation’s future. It is imperative that we, as a society, confront this hidden crisis with the urgency it demands.

Corruption siphons away public funds for vital services, distorts justice, and undermines meritocracy. These actions are not abstract; they have tangible, devastating ripple effects that impact the environment in which our children grow. When resources meant for schools, hospitals, and social welfare programs are diverted into private pockets, it is the most vulnerable among us-our children-who pay the ultimate price.

Consider the direct deprivation: inadequate classrooms, scarcity of textbooks, and underpaid teachers in public schools. Children are denied the quality education that could lift them out of poverty, instilling a sense of inherent disadvantage. Similarly, the pilfering of health-care budgets means fewer medicines, dilapidated clinics, and insufficient medical personnel, leaving countless young Filipinos susceptible to preventable diseases and chronic health issues.

Children witness the stark disparities-the ostentatious wealth of the corrupt juxtaposed with the pervasive struggle of honest citizens. This observation can sow seeds of cynicism and hopelessness, making them question the fairness of the world and their ability to succeed through legitimate means. The dream of a better life, often sustained by hope, is eroded by the reality of pervasive graft.

The constant struggle faced by parents to make ends meet, a struggle often exacerbated by corrupt practices that stifle economic opportunities, casts a long shadow over the household. Children absorb this chronic stress and anxiety from their primary caregivers, internalizing a sense of insecurity and fear for the future. This emotional burden can manifest as behavioral problems, depression, or a pervasive feeling of powerlessness.

The pervasive presence of corruption chips away at the essential trust required for a functional society. Children learn to distrust authority figures, institutions, and even the concept of justice itself. When they see integrity go unrewarded and dishonesty flourish, their moral compass can become skewed, making it difficult for them to differentiate right from wrong in a world that seems to celebrate the latter.

Corruption serves as a primary engine of social inequality and persistent poverty. It ensures that opportunities remain concentrated among a select few, while the majority, especially the young, are denied their fundamental rights to a prosperous future. This perpetuates a vicious cycle, where children are robbed of the tools they need to break free from the constraints of their circumstances tomorrow.

We cannot afford to remain complacent. The psychological and social scars inflicted by corruption on Filipino children are not mere statistics; they represent a stolen future, a diminished potential, and a moral failing that will haunt generations. Our collective responsibility is to champion transparency, demand accountability, and participate in the fight against corruption, not just for economic prosperity, but for the very soul and future of our nation.

Let us recognize these ‘unseen scars’: a direct assault on the innocence and potential of our youth. Only by dismantling the corrupt systems that perpetuate this harm can we truly heal these wounds and build a society where every child has the opportunity to thrive, free from the shadow of unbridled greed and injustice.

There’s a high risk of life-threatening storm surge to occur in the southern part of Luzon, Visayas, and the northern part of Mindanao in the next 48 hours due to Severe Tropical Storm Tino, internationally known as Kalmaegi, state meteorologists warned on Monday morning.

More than 3 meters of storm surge may be anticipated at the low-lying coastal areas of the following provinces, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa):

Dinagat Islands: Basilisa, Cagdianao, Dinagat, Libjo, Loreto, San Jose, Tubajon

Eastern Samar: Balangiga, Balangkayan, General Macarthur, Giporlos, Guiuan, Hernanin, Lawaan, Llorente, Maydolong, Mercedes, Quinapondan, Salcedo

Leyte: Abuyog, Dulag, Javier, MacArthur, Mayorga, Palo, Tacloban City, Tanauan, Tolosa

Samar: Basey, Marabut

Surigao del Norte: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, Socorro

Those areas may experience ‘significant damage to communities, coastal/marine infrastructures,’ and possible river flooding.

Additionally, 2.1 to 3 meters of rising sea water may also occur at the low-lying coastal areas of the following:

rest of coastal areas in Eastern Samar: Arteche, Can-avid, Borongan, Dolores, Oras, San Julian, San Policarpo, Sulat, Taft

Northern Samar: Gamay, Lapinig, Biri, Bobon, Catarman, Laoang, Mapanas, Mondragon, Palapag, Pambujan, San Roque

Southern Leyte: Anahawan, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Liloan, Pintuyan. Saint Bernard, San Francisco, San Juan, San Ricardo, Silago

Surigao del Norte: Bacuag, Claver, Gigaquit, Placer, Surigao City, Tagana-an

Those areas may get some ‘moderate to significant’ damage, as well as flooding, Pagasa said.

Also forecast is 1 to 2 meters of a storm surge, which may bring ‘minimal to moderate’ damage to the low-lying coastal areas of the provinces listed below:

Agusan del Norte

Aklan

Antique

Biliran

Bohol

Camiguin

Cebu

Guimaras

Iloilo

Leyte

Masbate

Misamis Oriental

Negros Occidental

Negros Oriental

the rest of Northern Samar

Oriental Mindoro

Occidental Mindoro

Palawan

Romblon

Samar

Siquijor

Sorsogon

Southern Leyte

Surigao del Norte

Surigao del Sur

Pagasa advised the public in the areas listed to cancel all marine and coastal activities and to move to higher ground.

Tino is expected to make landfall in Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, or the Dinagat Islands on Tuesday midnight or early morning, Pagasa reported.

Pagasa also said that Tino is forecast to intensify into a typhoon in the next 12 hours.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday urged local government units (LGUs) to implement evacuations for residents who might be affected by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) ahead of the cyclone’s landfall.

Tino is forecast to move westward and make landfall over Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte or Dinagat Islands on either Monday night or Tuesday early morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

‘The DILG urges all LGUs, especially those in vulnerable areas, to ensure that minimum critical preparedness actions are already in place, including the evacuation of residents not later than today,’ the department said in a statement.

‘Likewise, local disaster risk reduction and management councils must be convened to conduct pre-disaster risk assessment meetings, closely monitor river water levels, and enforce the no-sailing policy, prohibiting sea travel and small-scale fishing when gale warnings are issued,’ it added.

Tino was last spotted 235 kilometers (km) east-southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar as of 1 p.m. on Nov. 3, Pagasa noted.

The typhoon was packing maximum sustained winds of up to 120 km per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 150 kph while moving westward at 25 kph.

Ahtisa Manalo has found one familiar face when she set foot in Thailand for the 74th Miss Universe pageant – recently-crowned Miss Grand International Emma Tiglao.

The two Filipino queens met at the Chatrium Hotel and Residence Riverside Bangkok on Sunday, Nov. 2, where the Miss Universe delegates are staying for the initial leg of this year’s pageant edition.

The Miss Grand International Ltd. Co. is organizing the Miss Universe pageant’s staging in Thailand, and Tiglao was part of the team that welcomed the ladies. She will be involved in other activities as well. Manalo, who is representing the Philippines in the Miss Universe pageant, flashed a gleeful smile at Tiglao upon seeing her, and the two were filmed having a tight embrace, while Miss Grand International Pres. Nawat Itsaragrisil looked on.

Tiglao also got to be with Miss Universe Victoria Kjær Theilvig. ‘Such an honor to witness the arrival of the Miss Universe candidates with the reigning Miss Universe,’ she said.

There was a time when such a scenario was highly unlikely to have happened, especially because Itsaragrisil had challenged the Miss Universe pageant’s position as one of the leading international competitions.

But earlier this year, he snagged the Miss Universe Thailand franchise from TPN Global Co., the country’s former licensee.

Itsaragrisil’s company secured a five-year contract to conduct a search for Thailand’s Miss Universe delegate for five years for a staggering THB130 million (roughly P309 million).

Later, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) announced that Thailand’s hosting of the 74th competition would be handled by Itsaragrisil’s Miss Grand International Ltd.

This got many pageant fans excited because Miss Grand International has been known for its glossy production, with massive stages and huge LED panels.

But the MUO and Itsaragrisil are seemingly locked in conflict now, after the organization issued a statement that said his online poll on the Miss Universe Thailand page is ‘not authorized.’

The organization added: ‘All official communications, announcements, and voting initiatives from the Miss Universe Organization are published exclusively through verified channels.’

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific signed a damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air, allowing the use of the latter’s fleet for the anticipated passenger hike amid peak travel season.

On Oct. 30, Cebu Pacific announced the partnership with the international airline, which will cover the lending of two Airbus 320 CEO aircraft from Bulgaria Air.

The wide-bodied jets have a 180-seating capacity. They will fly four domestic routes from Manila-going to Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro-during the Christmas and New Year holiday season.

Under the terms of the lease agreement, Bulgaria Air will provide aircraft, pilots, maintenance and insurance.

Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific is mandated to deploy its own cabin crew. ‘We are continuously exploring ways to expand our fleet and ensure operational resilience,’ said Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer Xander Lao.

Lao added, ‘Our damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air will allow us to meet strong travel demand from December 2025 to January 2026.’

‘This collaboration is yet another testament to the high level of trust and professionalism that our team delivers in the implementation of international leasing projects,’ said Hristo Todorov, Bulgarian Airways Group chair of the management board.

Bulgaria Air flies short- and medium-haul aircraft to destinations in Europe and the Middle East. -NAMI D. PADILLA

Handbag lovers, get excited: Christy Ng, Southeast Asia’s cult-loved brand for modern shoes and bags, has finally arrived in Manila. The brand celebrated the grand opening of its first Philippine store at SM Megamall.

From Kuala Lumpur to Manila, Christy Ng has always been more than a label: it’s a style essential. Known for sleek shoes, versatile bags, and designs that elevate any look, the brand blends craftsmanship and contemporary design to create pieces that feel both aspirational and attainable, made to walk with women through every milestone.

EMBODYING THE CHRISTY NG SPIRIT

The launch kicked off with an exclusive store preview attended by Christy Ng herself alongside key partners, media, and style enthusiasts.

‘Bringing Christy Ng to Manila was a logical step for my brand,’ said Christy Ng. ‘We’ve always believed in creating pieces that empower women to express themselves confidently: and the Filipina embodies that spirit so effortlessly. We’re honored to finally walk with her on her journey.’

Guests explored the brand’s elegant, minimalist store, reflecting its signature aesthetic of clean lines and timeless sophistication. The celebration buzzed with Christy x Christi music sets by DJ Christi McGarry, CN Signature Mocktails, an interactive CN Lookup Photobooth, and a playful CN Charm Vending Machine that delighted guests with exclusive bag charms.

Christy Ng herself was also present throughout the event, warmly engaging with guests and sharing her stories.

To celebrate its official store opening last October 28, Christy Ng also treated early shoppers to exclusive giveaways for the first 100 customers and a special First Customer Prize-a warm welcome to the brand’s growing Filipino community.

DISCERNING AND DESIGN DRIVEN

With its successful Manila debut, Christy Ng cements its place as a brand for those who value enduring style and thoughtful craftsmanship. More than a store opening, it was a celebration of Southeast Asian creativity: timeless, refined, and quietly confident.

The best-kept secret in fashion has officially landed. Welcome to Christy Ng, Manila.

Christy Ng is located at Level 2 (Building A) SM Megamall. To learn more, follow the brand on Instagram and TikTok.