Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

National University’s Gelo Santiago will be out of action for five games as he serves out his suspension in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

Santiago was slapped with the stiff sanction after his ejection for a disqualifying foul on Sunday in NU’s 66-50 win over Ateneo.

‘Santiago struck Espina on the back of the head with his right forearm while Espina was in a prone position, which resulted in his disqualification,’ the league wrote in a statement.

‘After a review, the UAAP Season 88 Basketball Commissioner’s Office deemed Santiago’s conduct unsportsmanlike and considered the act dangerous.’

At the 8:50 mark of the third period, Santiago figured in a scramble with Blue Eagles guard Wacky Espina.

On their way down, though, the NU swingman was seen swinging his elbow to Espina’s nape.

With the length of the suspension, Santiago would be missing the rest of the elimination’s second round.

Currently, National U remains at the top of the league ladder with a 7-2 record. The Bulldogs take on La Salle on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena without Santiago.

Civil society organizations faced the Senate panel on finance on Tuesday to discuss transparency and accountability measures aimed at strengthening the country’s budget process.

During the hearing, which was presided over by panel head Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Roundtable For Inclusive Development co-convenor Adolfo Jose Montesa said that based on their analysis, the house-approved General Appropriations Bill has three ‘malignant cancer growths.’

He particularly identified these growths as various types of pork: Soft pork, hard pork and the shadow budget.

‘The first tumor that we wanted to discuss – the first cancerous tumor – is what we call ‘soft pork,’ which hides behind programs we refer to as ayuda or assistance,’ said Montesa.

‘These are considered pork because instead of guaranteeing people’s rights, these programs have turned citizens into clients, and politicians into gatekeepers,’ he noted.

He then explained that based on their analysis, the indignities of soft pork allocations have persisted through P156 billion-worth of insertions across the past four budgets since 2022.

‘Combined funds allocated to these programs account for almost P70 billion worth of increase or insertions from the NEP to the House version of the GAB in 2026,’ said Montesa.

‘Although these programs are seemingly designed for assistance and relief, they actually push Filipinos to beg for their rights to health, education and public aid – and often, these come with a price,’ he added.

These ayuda programs are not only ‘entrenched patronage politics,’ Montesa said. ‘These programs have also come at the expense of the rules-based and rights-based social protection programs such as PhilHealth and 4Ps.’

‘The second tumor is what we call ‘hard pork.’ These are the economic and political rents captured in infrastructure programs by political and contractor networks,’ he identified.

‘So the problem with infrastructure insertions is not necessarily in the roads, the buildings or irrigation projects per se, but that these allocations have become detached from the more transparent science-based and people-centered planning that we should expect,’ he told lawmakers.

Lastly, the last ‘cancerous tumor’ in the budget is the shadow budget, Montesa said.

He explained that these are the unprogrammed appropriations which used to be on standby authorization utilized only when revenues exceed targets.

‘Before 2022, the value of the UA (unprogrammed appropriations) did not reach P250 billion, and there were even zero insertions in it. But since 2022, we have observed that the UA has ballooned into billions of pesos – and so have the insertions into it,’ observed Montesa.

‘Over the last four budgets, congressional insertions into the UA alone have totaled P1.1 trillion, which is why we called it a shadow budget,’ he explained.

With this, he proposed the following actions:

Remove the P256 billion in port and patronage programs in the House version of the budget.

Remove the whole P243 billion unprogrammed appropriations.

Hold all those involved accountable to regain the public’s trust.

Open bicam and meet with civil society groups to create an Open Budget Transparency server.

‘The evidence is clear – our country, or rather our budget, has cancer. And with each day that the illness is not directly confronted, the stages of our cancer only worsen,’ laments Montesa.

His recommendations were backed by People’s Budget Coalition co-convenor Kenneth Isaiah Abante, who noted the need for a science-based and multi-sectoral representation in the budget preparation stage.

But when it comes to budget legislation, Abante said that one of the most important reforms is to stop the abusive practice of secret insertions, especially in the bicam.

‘The public needs to know how much was inserted into the budget and who made those insertions,’ he said.

‘We would like to commend the Senate for passing a concurrent resolution that opens up this process. However, it is equally important to have an open budget transparency server where the media and civil society can easily report these insertions,’ he emphasized.

Mayor Raffy Alipio Andaya has temporarily suspended visits to the Manjuyod White Sandbar after the collapse of the Lagoon dike at the URC-SURE Bais Distillery caused water discoloration in the coastal area.

The mayor issued an executive order on Monday, stating the Lagoon Dike at URC-SURE Bais Distillery failed due to earthquake-induced cracks and continuous heavy rainfall.

The collapse released wastewater effluent into nearby waterways, causing water discoloration that affects the coastal waters and marine environment of Manjuyod, including the vicinity of the White Sandbar, he said in his order.

Andaya emphasized that the contamination poses potential health and environmental hazards, necessitating immediate preventive action to ensure the safety of visitors, residents, and stakeholders.

The Municipal Government of Manjuyod deemed it necessary to halt tourism activities at the sandbar until competent authorities can properly assess and clear the situation, he said.

The mayor’s order includes: Temporary Suspension of Visitor Acceptance Effective immediately, the acceptance of visitors and all tourism-related activities at the Manjuyod White Sandbar are temporarily suspended until further notice. Coordination With Relevant Agencies The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Tourism Office, and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) are directed to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other concerned agencies for immediate water quality testing, assessment, and monitoring. Public Information and Enforcement

The Municipal Tourism Office, in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, Barangay Alangilanan, and concerned coastal barangays, will ensure the public and tour operators are properly informed and that access to the affected area is restricted during the closure.

Tourism operations at the Manjuyod White Sandbar will resume only upon clearance and recommendation from the concerned regulatory and environmental agencies, confirming the area is safe and free from contamination, the mayor said

A reward of P500,000 is being offered for information that will lead to the arrest of three suspects who allegedly shot a police officer dead, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) announced on Tuesday.

Police Capt. Joel Deiparine and Executive Master Sgt. Artchel Tero of the CIDG were trailing the suspects in Sitio Balaw, Barangay Sudlon 2 in Cebu City as part of an investigation into loose firearms when the shootout occurred.

Deiparine was killed, while Tero was wounded on his upper lip, CIDG public information chief Maj. Helen dela Cruz said in a press briefing in Camp Crame.

‘A total of P500,000 monetary reward will be given for individuals who can give information leading to the location and capture of the at-large suspects,’ dela Cruz said.

‘The reward was given by the local government unit of Cebu City, regional director of Police Regional Office 7, and an anonymous person,’ she added.

Dela Cruz also said Deiparine was posthumously awarded the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Philippine National Police Heroism Medal) and his family was given financial assistance through the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund, Inc.

The CIDG public information chief only identified the three suspects as members of an alleged gun-for-hire group, and said the police have yet to determine how big the group was and for how long it was operating.

With the resignation of telecommunications veteran Anastacio ‘Boy’ Martirez from Smart Communications effective Oct. 21, of course, the next question is who will replace him as chief operating officer?

Biz Buzz has it on good authority that Jane Jimenez-Basas, current MediaQuest and Cignal TV president and CEO, is all set to make the move to the wireless arm of the PLDT Group.

Initially, she had expressed her intention to accept the Smart post only if she could also remain as head of MediaQuest, which is home to traditional and digital media brands including Cignal, TV5, The Philippine Star and Businessworld.

But considering that she will definitely have too much on her plate if she keeps both pressure-cooker jobs, she had to make a choice and Smart won, apparently much to the relief of PLDT chair Manuel V. Pangilinan.

However, Biz Buzz sources said she agreed only after being given carte blanche authority to pick her successor.

So who’s stepping into her shoes? It’s most likely MediaQuest first vice president Sienna Olaso, sources said. -Tina Arceo-Dumlao

Naia ready for ‘Undas’ 2025

It’s expected to be a busy season, but San Miguel Corp.-led New Naia Infra Corp. (NNIC) is ready to meet the All Saint’s Day traffic surge.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) operator aims to employ extra safety measures and provide passenger assistance amid one of the busiest travel seasons. Its ‘Operation Undas’ will run from Oct. 25 to Nov. 3 this year.

‘Undas is one of the busiest travel periods for the airport, and we are fully prepared to manage the expected surge. We have deployed additional personnel, strengthened coordination with partner agencies, and activated passenger assistance counters to make travel smoother and safer for everyone,’ said NNIC president Ramon S. Ang.

For added security, Philippine National Police Special Operations and K-9 units are positioned at airport terminals. Passengers may also visit Oplan Assistance Counters for queries about directions, general inquires and lost-and-found concerns.

Naia is currently in its second year of private management by NNIC.

Under its wings, NNIC reported that Naia’s on-time performance has reached a record-high 92.29 percent since its first year of operations. Consequently, Naia saw an increase of 4 percent in the number of passengers from the previous management.

NNIC also reported paying P57 billion and upfront payment of P30 billion to the government under the 82.16-percent revenue sharing deal.

To date, NNIC has spent P3.25 billion for the airport upgrades, as part of the P72-billion, five year capital expenditure plan. -Nami D. Padilla INQ

Alex Eala advanced to the Round of 16 of the Hong Kong Open after Katie Boulter of the United Kingdom retired due to injury midway through the second set, 6-4, 2-1, on Tuesday evening.

The Filipino tennis ace broke her string of early exits in recent Women’s Tennis Association tournaments but wished Boulter well after their match ended prematurely when she led the second set, 2-1. ‘I’m a little out of words. I think this time of the year is a tough moment for a lot of players physically and mentally, being the end of the season,’ said Eala. ‘I hope that Katie can take this time to recover and just look back at her season proudly.’ The 20-year-old Eala broke a 4-4 tie in the first set, dominating the ninth game and sealing the opener in an extended 10th game. Currently ranked No. 51 in the world, Eala took down a three-time WTA Tour champion who once reached a career-high ranking of No. 29. Eala will face Canada’s Victoria Mboko in the Round of 16 on Thursday. Mboko earlier defeated Talia Gibson, 6(2)-7, 6-1, 6-4.

The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate recently suffered frustrating exits in the Wuhan Open qualifiers and the early rounds of the Japan Women’s Open and Guangzhou Open.

Eala, who made headlines with a dream semifinal run at the Miami Open and claimed her first WTA title at the Guadalajara 125 Open, hopes to finish her season strong in Hong Kong.

On Monday, Eala and partner Hao-Ching Chan of Chinese Taipei were eliminated from the doubles draw after bowing to Kamilla Rakhimova of Russia and Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus, 6-3, 1-6, 7-10.

The parent firm of popular e-wallet GCash has received the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its stock split transaction – seen to be a prelude to a stock market debut.

In a regulatory filing on Tuesday, Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. said the number of common shares of Globe Fintech Innovations Inc., or Mynt, was raised to 71.66 billion from 2.15 billion previously.

Its authorized capital stock remains at P2.15 billion, as the par value was cut to P0.03 per share from P1.

Analysts see this transaction as a way to increase interest in GCash’s much-anticipated stock market debut, which has yet to be finalized, since the split would make its shares more affordable for investors.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to freeze until the end of the year the prices of basic goods, as the peak of the Christmas season nears.

Malacañang press officer Claire Castro made the announcement on Monday at the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

‘Before departing for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday, Marcos ordered the DTI to ensure strict monitoring and implementation of the maximum suggested retail prices, particularly for imported rice and other food products,’ she said.

The price freeze also 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.

The president also directed the agency to coordinate with manufacturers in helping maintain current prices of basic goods and prevent unnecessary price hikes during the holidays.

‘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.

‘Undas’ monitoring

Before Marcos’ order, Roque had already said on Friday, ‘There will be no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities until the end of the year.’

She said industry players are cooperating ‘to give the consumers the price[s] that they deserve.’

‘This is good news because everybody is working together to be able to give the best prices for the consumers,’ she told reporters during the agency’s price and supply monitoring of flowers and candles in Manila, ahead of ‘Undas’ or annual visits to cemeteries during All Saints’ Day, when these products are sold at exorbitant prices.

Voluntary

The DTI last updated the suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin on basic necessities and prime commodities in February, which showed that 77 out of a total of 191 commodities had varying price increases.

According to the Price Act (Republic Act No. 7581), agencies such as the DTI are mandated to issue SRPs to guide consumers as well as producers, manufacturers, traders, dealers, sellers, and retailers. They are not, however, required to adhere to the SRP since these are voluntary in nature.

Factors that DTI takes into consideration in imposing price ceilings include the average prices of basic goods in the last three months before the new SRPs are set and the available supply of these goods.

‘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 states.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson maintains that the Senate has no jurisdiction over the ethics complaint filed against Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero and a similar case that may be lodged against another colleague.

Lawyer Marvin Aceron filed the complaint against Escudero early this month. It stems from the P30 million campaign contribution he allegedly received from a contractor friend during the May 2022 elections.

Lacson raised the possibility that the Office of the Ombudsman may recommend a similar complaint against Sen. Joel Villanueva regarding his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam when he was representative of the Cibac party-list.

However, he noted that the alleged offenses committed by Escudero and Villanueva happened before their election to the Senate.

‘The jurisdiction of the Senate committee on ethics does not cover offenses allegedly committed by the members of the Senate before being elected as senators,’ Lacson explained in a Viber message on Tuesday.

‘Both Sens. Escudero and Villanueva were not sitting senators when the alleged violations were committed. Hence, they may raise a jurisdictional issue at the proper time, unless the said rule has been amended,’ he added.

He also said he could attest to this rule in the Senate, as he was also slapped with an ethics case during his first term as senator in 2001.

At that time, Lacson said he ‘was subjected to all forms of harassment, including fabricated and fictitious bank accounts, illegal drugs, and other trumped-up charges’ while he was still police chief.

‘When we read the rules, we discovered such a provision, which I invoked, and thereafter, the ethics complaint was dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction,’ he explained.

Lacson first talked about the matter when asked in OnePH’s interview on Monday about the aborted plan of the Office of the Ombudsman to seek Villanueva’s dismissal.

In the interview, Lacson explained that members of Congress are not covered by the Ombudsman’s suspension or dismissal orders.

If at all, Lacson said, the Ombudsman may recommend to Congress to initiate an ethics case against its member.

‘But then again, in the case of Senator Villanueva, we also have rules in our Senate ethics committee stating that its jurisdiction only covers offenses allegedly committed while we are serving as senators,’ he said.

Lacson said the same is true in the case of Escudero, who was still governor of Sorsogon when he accepted the campaign donation from a private contractor.

The filing of criminal cases against erring members of Congress, however, is a different matter, he also stressed.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson underwent an eye surgery while the Senate is on its break.

In a text message to the Inquirer on Tuesday, Lacson shared that the eye surgery was for a cornea transplant.

A cornea transplant is most often used to restore vision to a person with a damaged cornea. A cornea transplant also can relieve pain or other symptoms associated with cornea diseases.

According to Lacson, the surgery was conducted on October 14.

‘[I’m] still healing. Sutures and all,’ he said.

The Senate, meanwhile, will resume its sessions on November 10.

Lacson earlier said the Senate panel on blue ribbon’s inquiry into anomalies surrounding government infrastructure projects will resume on November 14 if he is reelected as its chair.