Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) said ‘justice will not be delayed’ amid its investigation into the flood control anomalies.

ICI Chair Andres Reyes gave this guarantee after the commission on Wednesday recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman that criminal and administrative cases be filed against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. Joel Villanueva, resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co, and three individuals linked to suspected ‘ghost’ flood control projects.

‘Justice will not be delayed this time. This is our promise to our countrymen,’ Reyes said in his speech after filing the referral of the charges to the Ombudsman.

‘We will continue to investigate, follow the evidence, and pursue charges to the very last man involved,’ he emphasized.

‘Those found responsible will face the consequences and be held accountable under the rule of law,’ Andres pointed out.

‘With this filing, we remain true to our commitment to the Filipino people. No one will be spared in this fight against corruption. To aspiring criminals: Crime will not and does not pay!’ he added.

The commission also recommended the filing of charges against Former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, and former Caloocan Second District Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy.

Reyes said the ICI included the six officials in its referral after receiving the affidavits and corroborating evidence from former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara, and former DPWH Bulacan Assistant District Engineers Brice Ericson Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza.

One hundred fifty nine public utility bus drivers tested negative for illegal drugs while a motorcyclist tested positive in a random drug test at the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Wednesday, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

The DOTr, in a statement said that the motorcyclist voluntarily submitted to a drug test amidst its random testing at the PITX, in line with its preparation for the Undas break.

The DOTr said the Land Transportation Office (LTO) confiscated the license of the driver while awaiting the results of the confirmatory test of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the license of the motorcyclist will be automatically canceled if he tests positive again in the PDEA confirmatory test.

‘Random drug testing to be policy’

According to Lopez, the random drug testing conducted on Wednesday is aimed at ensuring the security and safety of ‘Undas’ season passengers.

Lopez said the DOTr will implement the random drug testing as a policy in various places, not only during Holy Week, Undas, and Christmas.’This random drug testing is important for long haul trips like those to Naga and other provinces. It is also important for drivers to have a relief partner so they can rest after long drives,’ said. Lopez.

Lopez likewise ordered the LTFRB, LTO, and Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation to apprehend bus drivers who deviate from the PITX lane to avoid random drug testing.

Wilcon successfully opened its doors to residents, professionals, and DIYers in Barangay San Martin, Bacnotan, La Union on October 24. The long-standing retail business brings home-building solutions closer to the community offering a wide array of home improvement and construction supplies that were previously harder to access in the area.

Wilcon’s SEVP and COO, Ms. Rosemarie Bosch-Ong graced the opening program together with LGUs representatives. Bosch-Ong extends a heartfelt promise of community growth and adaptability in ever-changing markets, as a new Wilcon finds its home in La Union. ‘We refuse to remain stagnant in our success. Our company and our clients continue to grow together, to find better and more dynamic products that cater to every need imaginable in the mind’s eye of the Filipino builder. We welcome changing tastes and needs and respond to these immediately. No builder’s dream will remain at a standstill. You imagine it. We will find ways to make these dreams a reality.’ Bacnotan is a first-class municipality with 47 barangays. These figures point to a community with home improvement and construction needs. It is the second big-box store of Wilcon in La Union following the success of the store in Bauang. Many residents in Bacnotan and its neighboring municipalities often travel to distant towns to get materials and home-needs. With Wilcon now locally present, that travel burden lessens.

Wilcon’s mission is to provide quality building and home improvement solutions to Filipino homeowners, and communities. With this new branch, it aims to reach local areas that have difficulty accessing a full range of building needs.

Through its staple services such as expert product consultation, multiple delivery options, and after-sales support, Wilcon will support homeowners and professionals in Bacnotan. The store also intends to host community engagement events, inviting local residents, especially the professionals, and aspiring ones to learn building practices, cost-saving tips, and sustainable techniques.

Bacnotan’s municipal charter describes the town as ‘a premier honey producer, agri-industrial and tourism hub with environment-friendly, innovative and resilient citizenry.’ In that spirit, Wilcon’s presence aligns with the local vision: providing resources that help communities build homes, livelihood facilities, and public infrastructure more steadily and sustainably.

Wilcon likewise sees this branch as one of many steps in its vision: to bring home solutions closer to every Filipino household. The company’s mission emphasizes not just selling products but enabling construction, renovation, and building dreams in communities that have been underserved. It hopes that through having a local branch, the cost, time, and uncertainty of construction and home repair projects will decrease.

Wilcon Depot brings in a wide variety of products from both local and international brands names trusted by professionals and households alike. Among them are Heim, Alphalux, Rubi, Grohe, Kohler, Pozzi, Franke, Hills, and P.Tech. But what truly anchors the store is the experience it offers. Shoppers can explore curated showrooms, consult at the Design Hub, compare styles at the Tile Studio, or find support at the ABCDE Lounge-an area specifically designed for architects, builders, contractors, designers, and engineers.

Let this store be one resource you rely on as you build or improve your home and community. Wilcon Depot Bacnotan is now open daily from 8:00am to 7:00pm. Visit the store at San Martin, Bacmotan, La Union, or explore products online via shop.wilcon.com.ph.

The Special Action Force (SAF) arrested an alleged Dawlah Islamiyah bombmaker in Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday night, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

According to a police report sent to reporters on Wednesday, personnel from the 83rd and 85th Special Action Companies of the Rapid Deployment Battalion and the Police Regional Office – Soccsksargen the allarrested the alleged bombmaker in Barangay Ligao, Palimbang town.

The suspect was arrested through warrants for multiple attempted murder, destructive arson, and violation of Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act issued Oct. 4, 2021, issued by Hon. Annabelle Piang of the Regional Trial Court Branch 13 in Cotabato City.

‘The operation resulted in the arrest of the subject and seizure of one improvised explosive device,’ the police report said.

Both the arrested suspect and the confiscated improvised explosive device were taken into custody at the Palimbang Municipal Police Station.

‘The PNP is also further strengthening cooperation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies in the campaign against high-value targets from big threat groups, especially in Mindanao,’ Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement also on Wednesday.

Traders continued to take advantage of cheaper stocks on Wednesday, allowing the bourse to end with a marginal gain.

By the closing bell, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) added 0.18 percent, or 10.61 points, to end at 5,963.77.

Likewise, the broader All Shares Index climbed by 0.44 percent, or 15.70 points, to close at 3,605.21.

A total of 690.95 million shares worth P6.5 billion changed hands, stock exchange data showed.

Luis Limlingan, head of sales at stock brokerage house Regina Capital Development Corp., said bargain hunting was the primary reason behind the index’s climb.

At the same time, he noted that the peso’s return to the 58 level against the US dollar added to investor optimism.

Active stocks

Ayala Land Inc. was the most actively traded stock as it shed 2.66 percent to P20.15 each.

It was followed by: International Container Terminal Services Inc., down 1.57 percent to P531.50; BDO Unibank Inc., up 0.52 percent to P135.20; Bank of the Philippine Islands, up 0.58 percent to P104.60; and Ayala Corp., up 1.49 percent to P462.80 each.

Others were Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., up 0.29 percent to P69; Jollibee Foods Corp., up 0.73 percent to P219.60; Manila Water co. Inc., up 3.17 percent to P35.80; SM Prime Holdings Inc., down 0.87 percent to P22.70; and PLDT Inc., up 0.18 percent to P1,112 each.

Gainers outnumbered losers, 110 to 74, while 61 companies closed flat, stock exchange data also showed.

The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno or Quiapo Church in Manila unveiled the logo and primary theme of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9, 2026.

According to the church, the theme for Nazareno 2026 will be: ‘Dapat Siyang Tumaas at Ako nama’y Bumaba’ (John 3:30).

The Quiapo Church said this theme, along with the logo, reflects three core values, namely, ‘praise, humility and faith.’

‘Each element shows how we must exalt Christ-not only during the Traslacion-but in our daily lives – through faith and humility,’ the church explained in Filipino in a statement.

The church urged devotees to stay tuned to its official social media pages for announcements and updates on preparations for Nazareno 2026, and be wary of misinformation or unofficial sources.

The annual Feast of the Black Nazarene draws hundreds of thousands-if not millions-of devotees who fill the streets of Manila in an unwavering display of faith.

In 2025, an estimated 8.12 million devotees took part in the rites.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Tuesday it has the support of manufacturers to keep prices of basic goods unchanged until the end of this year, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive.

‘This follows assurances from manufacturers, conveyed through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), committing to keep prices stable in response to the President’s directive to prevent any hikes through year-end,’ the DTI said in a statement on Tuesday.

In a separate statement also on Tuesday, the DTI said it continues coordinating with manufacturers and retailers to maintain the current suggested retail prices (SRPs).

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said in a radio interview with dzBB that the President has directed the DTI not to authorize any price increases in basic necessities and prime commodities until end-2025 while ensuring the quality of these items.

Malacañang press officer Claire Castro earlier announced that Marcos directed the DTI to hold off price hikes on basic commodities ahead of the Christmas season, particularly imported rice and other food products.

The order applies to canned sardines, canned meats, all kinds of milk, various products of instant coffee, bottled water, instant noodles, bread, salt, soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, candles, and other manufactured basic commodities.

‘According to DTI Secretary Cristina Roque, all stakeholders have cooperated with the government to ensure that no price increases will occur in markets, especially with the upcoming holiday season,’ Castro said. Monitoring teams

The DTI also said it is deploying monitoring teams nationwide to ensure ‘no unreasonable price increase’ would be imposed in public markets and supermarkets.

Roque previously made the assurance during a market visit on Friday, saying that industry players are cooperating ‘to give the consumers the price[s] that they deserve.’

The DTI released the last updated SRP bulletin on basic necessities and prime commodities in February, which reflected different price hikes in 77 out of 191 commodities.

Agencies such as the DTI are mandated to issue SRPs to guide consumers as well as producers, manufacturers, traders, dealers, sellers, and retailers, as mandated by Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act.

However, they are not required to comply with the SRPs since these are voluntary and only serve as a reference for consumers and businesses alike. ‘If the prevailing price of any basic necessity is excessive or unreasonable, the implementing agency may recommend to the President the imposition of a price ceiling for the sale of the basic necessity at a price other than its prevailing price,’ the law reads.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will immediately act on a Manila judge’s order to further investigate the ‘falsified’ sworn statement of Senate witness Orly Guteza as soon as it receives a copy of the decision, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said on Wednesday.

‘We have not seen it. I heard in the news that the court had declared that the document or the notarization was falsified. But as to what the instructions of the court are specifically for the department to do, we have not received them yet,’ Fadullon said in a press briefing.

DOJ spokesperson Raphael Niccolo Martinez noted that complaints have to be filed first with the prosecution before it can start probing into the matter.

‘And then afterward, if we find that sufficient proof exists meeting the quantum of evidence under the law, then we file it with the courts,’ Martinez said.

Guteza, the former Marine sergeant who claimed that he delivered suitcases packed with public works project kickbacks to certain lawmakers, was found liable for his sworn statement that contained the forged signature of notary public Petchie Rose Espera.

According to an Oct. 24 order by Executive Judge Carolina Icasiano-Sison of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 18, the office had referred the falsification incident to the DOJ for further investigation and the filing of proper charges against Guteza.

The judge said the DOJ’s action against Guteza may cover other persons who ‘actively participated in (the) falsification.’

Guteza appeared on Sept. 25 at the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on flood control project anomalies.

He was allowed to read his affidavit for the record after being presented to the body by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who said the witness was referred to him by former congressman Mike Defensor.

According to Fadullon, the court order that declared the affidavit falsified only meant that the document cannot be used or deemed binding by another party.

‘As far as Guteza is concerned, if what he’s saying is ‘this is my statement,’ that doesn’t change whether or not it was notarized. Because the truth or veracity of the statement is different from its being binding on him and on third parties,’ the prosecutor general said.

Security Bank Corp. has raised P21 billion from the debt market, marking its largest bond issuance in history.

The bank led by tycoon Frederick Dy on Wednesday told the exchange the issuance went ‘well above’ its initial target of P5 billion.

The bonds, which are due in 2030, carry a fixed rate of 6 percent per annum.

Proceeds will be used to diversify Security Bank’s funding sources and support lending activities.

‘We’re grateful for the market’s confidence,’ Security Bank executive vice president Jim Yap said in a statement.

‘This successful issuance reaffirms investor trust in our strategy and strengthens our ability to fund growth while delivering on our BetterBanking promise.’

The Philippine peso reached a new weakest level on Tuesday, closing at 59.13 against the US dollar, which the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said may have been partly due to the controversy over infrastructure-related corruption.

The central bank said the financial markets have been concerned about the possibility that Philippine economic growth would lessen as a result of the controversy.

Aside from that, the local currency may have been depreciating because of expectations that the BSP will further reduce its benchmark interest rate.

According to Michael Ricafort, chief economist at the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., the peso has depreciated by 2.3 percent against the American currency since the start of this year.

Ricafort said this puts the peso in a group with the Indonesian rupiah and Indian rupee. So far this year, these two currencies have weakened against the US dollar by 2.9 percent and 3 percent, respectively.

Governance standards

The previous weakest exchange rate for the peso and US dollar was at 59:$1, which was recorded on Dec. 19, 2024.

On Tuesday’s intra-day trading, the peso slid to as low as 59.20 against the greenback.

Ricafort said that better local governance standards, including anticorruption measures on government spending on infrastructure – as well as other fiscal reform measures – could help improve the currency exchange rate in favor of the peso.

Déjà vu?

This has been seen ‘in a similar precedent 10 to 15 years ago when the policy priority was anti-corruption reforms and further improving governance standards,’ the economist said. He was referring to a period when Benigno Aquino III was president.

Ricafort said factors that might offset the recent depreciation of peso include the upcoming seasonal increase of remittance inflows from overseas Filipinos, as well as the initial public offering of Maynilad Water Services Inc.

Maynilad’s stock market debut has gained commitments from the International Finance Corp. and the Asian Development Bank. They are expected to invest a combined $245 million in Maynilad.

Moving forward, the BSP’s spot market interventions and efforts to smooth the volatility are seen to affect the local currency.

Still, the central bank maintained that it leaves market forces to determine the exchange rate.

‘We continue to maintain robust reserves,’ the BSP said in a statement. ‘When we do participate in the market, it is largely to dampen inflationary swings in the exchange rate over time rather than to prevent day-to-day volatility.’