Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Global pageant observers named Emma Tiglao as a major contender for the 2025 Miss Grand International crown, placing the Philippine bet on the top spots of their frontrunners lists.

Missosology, an established beauty pageant platform that analyzes contestants, named Tiglao as its Top 2 hot pick, as per the list released on its social media pages on Saturday, Oct. 18. Tiglao follows Spain’s Aitana Jimenez who got the first spot.

Venezuela’s Nariman Battikha, Czech Republic’s Markéta Mörwicková, and Ghana’s Faith Maria Porter respectively placed third, fourth and fifth on the lineup.

Also included are delegates from Mexico, Thailand, Guatemala, Tanzania, France, Indonesia, Kosovo, Ecuador, United Kingdom, Martinique, Canada, Belgium, Japan, Zambia and Australia

Aside from its Top 20 list, Missosology named Sweden, Brazil, Laos, Italy, Denmark and South Africa bets as the ‘bubbling up’ contenders.

‘It all comes down to the essential 6 B’s: Beauty, Brains, Body, Business, Behaviour, and Big Performance. These qualities collide as we unveil our top contenders for the crown!’ the platform said.

Meanwhile, Tiglao secured the top spot of the leaderboard of another pageant platform, Sash Factor.

Rounding up the ‘Alpha Five’ were Venezuela’s Battikha, Indonesia’s Vina Sitorus, Guatemala’s Ana Lendl, and Ghana’s Faith Maria Porter.

Other delegates who made it to to Sash Factor’s Top 30 picks are from Czech Republic, Mexico, United Kingdom, Thailand, Brazil, France, Tanzania, Ecuador, Dominican Republic, Peru, Spain, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Martinique, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Australia, Paraguay, USA, Panama, Japan, Guyana and Jamaica.

Tiglao is set to compete against 75 candidates for the title at the coronation night that will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday, Oct. 18.

The Philippines rests on the volatile edges of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Here, the Earth’s restlessness is constant. Structural integrity is a matter of foresight, discipline, and respect for natural forces. Every structure must be envisioned as a shelter and a safeguard in a country where tremors frequently ripple beneath our feet. Knowing the ground beneath

The National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP) and the National Building Code (PD 1096) require a comprehensive geotechnical investigation before construction.

This study determines soil type, bearing capacity, groundwater conditions, and liquefaction potential. Weak alluvial soils in Metro Manila and nearby provinces can amplify ground motion during earthquakes.

Projects built near known faults, such as the West Valley Fault, must follow setback regulations enforced by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to minimize risk.

Pile foundations, mat slabs, and properly tied grade beams help distribute loads evenly and resist differential settlement. Neglecting this relationship between soil and structure invites future distress and failure. Designing for the inevitable

The NSCP treats earthquakes as unavoidable and designs accordingly. Buildings should sustain damage during strong events but must preserve life safety and avoid collapse.

The code prescribes lateral load requirements based on seismic zones, site classes, and building importance. Stricter load and drift limitations apply for critical facilities such as hospitals, schools, and high-occupancy buildings.

Performance-based seismic design evaluates how a structure behaves under different levels of shaking rather than relying only on simplified static methods. This approach allows designers to aim for specific performance goals, such as immediate occupancy, life safety, or controlled repairability. The craft of structural detailing

Ductility, or the capacity to deform without collapse, depends on reinforcement quality, bar spacing, confinement, and anchorage.

Capacity design principles require beams to yield before columns, allowing the building to dissipate energy through controlled deformation rather than brittle failure. Adequate lap lengths, proper hooks, and closely spaced ties in columns preserve stability even under cyclic loads.

Connections between structural members must efficiently transfer forces. Beam-column joints, slab-wall interfaces, and foundation ties should be detailed clearly and precisely. Each connection tests the builder’s craftsmanship and adherence to the engineer’s intent. Integrating systems and safety

Cladding, ceilings, and mechanical systems can become hazards if inadequately anchored. Nonstructural failures have caused injuries in past earthquakes, even when the main frames survived.

Philippine seismic instrumentation guidelines require tall buildings over 50 meters to install accelerographs. These sensors record real-time movements, providing valuable data for engineers to evaluate and improve designs.

Construction supervision, material testing, and strict inspection protocols prevent deviations that could compromise safety. The use of certified materials, correct concrete curing, and regular evaluation of workmanship maintains the integrity envisioned during design. The developer’s mandate

Developers must demand early collaboration between architects, engineers, and geotechnical experts. They must allow the budget for rigorous analysis, accurate testing, and professional supervision. Cutting corners in these stages invites costly retrofits and potential tragedy.

Structures that may expand vertically or change in use should be designed with reserve strength and accessible points for reinforcement. Monitoring and maintenance programs preserve structural health throughout a building’s life.uring by design

A well-conceived structure should sway, absorb, and settle back gracefully when the ground moves. True resilience in Philippine architecture promises that the Earth may tremble, yet the people within remain safe.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has permanently revoked the license of a UV Express driver who plowed into 14 motorbikes along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Friday, killing a motorist.

LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao on Saturday signed the perpetual license disqualification of the driver, who was identified as Ruel Dela Cerna, 51.

Earlier, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez emphasized that the agency will ensure that the UV Express driver will ‘never be able to drive again.’

‘The President has repeatedly said that our roads and motorists must be safe from such irresponsible and abusive drivers,’ Lopez said in Filipino.

‘We at the DOTr extend our heartfelt condolences to one of the victims who has passed away,’ he added.

According to the DOTr, the investigation of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and LTO found that the UV Express driver named Ruel Flores Dela Cerna used an illegal drug on Thursday evening, hours before the incident took place.

The QCPD on Friday said the driver ‘lost control of his vehicle.’

Thirteen other motorists reportedly suffered injuries from the incident, aside from the victim who died.

The UV Express driver is already under the Quezon City Police District’s custody and facing multiple charges, the DOTr said.

Lopez instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to strictly implement Department Order 2025-008, which requires public transport operators to subject their drivers to mandatory drug testing, and expedite the completion of its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

The LTFRB was also directed to look into possible compensation of victims through the insurance company of UV Express, which is a public utility vehicle.

The stage is set for another grand spectacle as the Miss Grand International 2025 pageant officially opened on Saturday, Oct. 18 in Bangkok, Thailand, with 77 candidates vying for the coveted crown.

The high-energy opening number showcased the candidates in metallic outfits. Reigning Filipino queen Christine Juliane ‘CJ’ Opiaza led the performance with her amazing dancing skills. She executed a daring hanging stunt mid routine.

Representing the Philippines this year is Emma Tiglao, who aims to achieve a back-to-back victory for the Philippines following Opiaza’s ascent to the throne last year.

For the 13th edition of Miss Grand International, Tiglao was among the finalists for Country’s Power of the Year, where she is currently leading as of the last tally.

The 30-year-old TV host also secured a spot in the Top 10 for Miss Popular Vote and in the Top 20 for Best National Costume for this year’s Miss Grand.

Tiglao has been competing in beauty pageants since 2012. She was the Philippines representative in Miss Intercontinental 2019, where she finished in the Top 20.

The first cut of tonight’s competition will see 20 delegates advance to the semifinal round, which also include the announcement of the delegate who will top the online poll for ‘Country’s Power of the Year.’

Emma Tiglao spoke about corruption and compassion during her Top 10 speech at the Miss Grand International 2025 pageant on Saturday night in Bangkok, Thailand.

In her spiel, Tiglao highlighted the corruption in the Philippines amid succeeding earthquakes that continue to hit different parts of the country.

‘As a journalist, my heart aches for my country drowned by corruption, for the lives lost to earthquakes and typhoons. And for journalists like Mariam Abu Daga from Gaza, who died for truth,’ she said.

The Philippine bet emphasized the need for love and compassion amid violence and war.

‘We are not born in fear, but to hope, to love, and to live in peace. Peace begins when parents teach children with compassion, leaders embody humility, youth find their purpose. And when we live with empathy and kindness, let love be the grandest voice to peace,’ she concluded her spiel.

Tiglao was earlier named one of the Country’s Power of the Year.

Reigning Filipino queen CJ Opiaza is set to crown her successor at the end of the night.

Some Philippine leaders are currently embroiled in corruption charges amid the multibillion peso flood control projects that have not been delivered, earning outrage from citizens.

Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco on Friday questioned why the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has still not canceled the passport of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, even alleging that the agency seems to be defending him and standing as his ‘lawyer.’

Tiangco said this at a press briefing on Friday, after meeting with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure amid the commission’s investigation on the alleged anomalies in infrastructure projects across the country.

The lawmaker underscored that the DFA has the power to cancel the passport of Co.

‘They have the power to cancel the passport. Now, what I don’t understand is why it seems like DFA or other government officials are still defending Zaldy Co on why the passport can’t be canceled? Cancel it, then let his lawyer question the cancellation in court,’ Tiangco said.

On Oct. 9, the DFA said that based on the New Philippine Passport Act, it ‘may cancel a Philippine passport only upon the issuance of a court order when the holder is a fugitive from justice or convicted of a criminal offense; or when there is proof that a passport was acquired fraudulently, tampered with, or issued erroneously.’

Following a process

Meanwhile, Tiangco mentioned that, according to Republic Act No. 11983, or the New Philippine Passport Act, Section 4, one of the grounds for the cancellation of a passport is ‘national security.’

Meanwhile, following Tiangco’s statement this Friday, the DFA released a statement, maintaining its stance that ‘there is a process for cancellation of passports.’ The agency also reiterated its previous statement that, based on the New Philippine Passport Act, it may cancel a Philippine passport ‘only upon the issuance of a court order when the holder is a fugitive from justice or convicted of a criminal offense; or when there is proof that a passport was acquired fraudulently, tampered with, or issued erroneously.’

Co is currently being sought for his alleged involvement in anomalous infrastructure projects across the country, specifically for the supposed irregularities in flood control projects linked to his company, Sunwest Inc.

They don’t have to say it out loud. I’ve learned to recognize the silence. Every time a professor mentions ‘Isis,’ ‘Abu Sayyaf,’ or ‘al-Qaeda,’ I can feel the glances, the subtle shift in energy-the microscopic judgment in the air. The moment they know I’m Muslim, the perception shifts. Suddenly, I’m no longer pragmatic, realistic, or grounded. All the rapport I’ve built, all the ideas I’ve articulated in class, gone. Replaced by a whisper that echoes louder than words: terrorist.

It doesn’t matter that I’m defending myself. That I spend my days reading, writing, advocating not just for Muslims, but for all marginalized people. That my Islam is rooted in gentleness, discipline, humility, and peace. It doesn’t matter that Islamic civilization once nourished science, mathematics, and philosophy, foundations now falsely claimed as Western.

Once they find out I’m Muslim, the stains settle in: I must be uncivilized. I must be too political, don’t believe in science, secretly sympathize with violence. If I speak of self-determination, I must be justifying terrorism.

But we are a product of survival. I carry the blood of the Cordillera and the struggles of Mindanao. I come from peoples who’ve resisted erasure, first by colonizers, now by their own countrymen. I am Muslim not because I reject the nation, but because I reject the lie that this nation has treated us equally. I speak not to provoke guilt but because silence is a privilege reserved for those shielded from the violence of history.

At a national student congress in Baguio, I was initially excited to be in the mountains of my Igorot ancestry, but soon felt the weight of my identity in a non-Muslim space. I skipped meals out of caution, unsure if the food was halal, until the cafeteria staff began directing me to a separate table ‘for Muslims.’ At first, it seemed accommodating, but as I was repeatedly moved away from peers, the kindness began to feel like quiet segregation.

The final dinner confirmed it: the halal food was deliberately placed to keep us apart. What seemed like courtesy masked discomfort with our presence. The staff said, ‘The halal food was just placed there so you’d stay in that corner.’ Another said, ‘Maybe you should sit, then we won’t have any problem.’

We were being herded. Not with slurs or shouts, but with invisible lines as if our presence was an inconvenience. It wasn’t just about food. It was about being seen as less than Filipino. About being made to feel like a threat in the archipelago where my people bled, farmed, and prayed long before a republic ever existed.

Then a professor once said, ‘There were no religious persecutions in the Philippines, unlike in Myanmar. Here it’s just political.’

Do I need to remind non-Muslims that innocent Muslims were massacred solely because they were stereotyped as sympathizers of Muslim separatists, or accused of being separatists themselves just because they were Muslims? And don’t get me started on why Muslim separatists formed in the first place. It’s because we were treated as second-class citizens. We were betrayed, displaced, and silenced, and no one cared to listen. Jabidah, Palimbang, Manlili, Malisbong, Tacub massacres where innocent Muslims were killed, tortured, even during Ramadan, even in mosques. Tell me again that religion had nothing to do with it.

Why must we always explain ourselves? Condemn attacks we didn’t commit? But when the state bombs our towns, displaces our families, violates our rights, no one else has to answer.

We’re told to say ‘Not all Muslims’ just to be seen as human. But who ever says ‘Not all Christians’ when atrocities are committed in the name of the cross? Who says ‘Not all Filipinos’ when injustice is carried out by the state?

This is the double standard: our prayers are threats, our identities suspect, our resistance criminal, our rights treated as favors.

When we ask for halal food, we’re ‘demanding special treatment.’ When we ask for prayer spaces, we’re ‘imposing religion.’ When we advocate for autonomy, we’re ‘separatists.’ When we reclaim land, we’re called ‘terrorists.’

But what do you call a state that burned Muslim villages? That exploited Igorot lands? That erase our memory with textbooks and someone else’s history? Is that not terror? And still, we’re told faith was never part of the struggle. But history says otherwise. Muslim separatists didn’t emerge from a vacuum. They rose from betrayal. From a republic that only recognizes us if we delude ourselves, erase our pain, and stay quiet.

They reduce us. They stereotype us. And when we speak, we’re called divisive. But I will not apologize for being Muslim, Igorot, and unafraid. And if speaking the truth makes me ‘extreme,’ then maybe the real extremism is the centuries-long silence imposed on our pain.

The Philippines, represented by Emma Tiglao, made it to the final round of voting for this year’s Miss Grand International Country’s Power of the Year award.

The Philippines, which has never won the accolade in the history of Miss Grand International, is joined by Myanmar, Paraguay and Thailand as finalists, as per the announcement on the pageant’s official Instagram page on Friday, Oct. 17.

The voting mechanics are also included in the post.

The four contenders emerged after three rounds of elimination. The first round determined the Top 20 candidates with the most votes, who were then separated into four groups for the second round. The third round saw 8 finalists, composed of the top two delegates from each group.

The candidate who will win the Country’s Power of the Year award will automatically secure a spot in the pageant’s overall Top 20 finalists.

Tiglao is among the 76 candidates vying to inherit the crown from Filipino beauty queen Christine Juliane ‘CJ’ Opiaza, who assumed the position of the 2024 titleholder after India’s Rachel Gupta stepped down.

The 2025 Miss Grand International finals night will be held at the MGI Hall in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday night, Oct. 18.

The Akbayan bloc in the House of Representatives has filed a bill that would allow intersex Filipinos to change their names and gender markers in official documents without going through costly and time-consuming court proceedings.

Akbayan Reps. Perci Cendaña, Chel Diokno and Dadah Ismula authored House Bill No. 5474, which seeks to amend Republic Act Nos. 9048 and 10172 to authorize city or municipal civil registrars and consuls general to correct the sex and first name of intersex persons in the civil registry without the need for a judicial order.

The measure draws inspiration from the 2008 Supreme Court ruling in Republic of the Philippines v. Jennifer Cagandahan (G.R. No. 166676), which recognized the right of an intersex individual to amend the sex marker in their civil registry to reflect their lived identity.

‘Under the current law, intersex Filipinos have to go through the eye of a needle just to change their name and sex in legal documents. Why must they go through the courts when it can be done at the municipal level?’ Cendaña said in a statement on Thursday.

‘Intersex Filipinos deserve to be recognized under the law. They should have the right to live in alignment with their identities without the tedious and expensive process of hiring a lawyer, proving themselves before a court, and waiting indefinitely for a ruling,’ he added.

No need for litigation

According to the Intersex Society of North America, intersex is a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t fit the typical definitions of female or male.

For example, a person might be born appearing to be female on the outside, but having mostly male-typical anatomy on the inside. HB 5474 aims to make government processes more inclusive by providing a straightforward and administrative pathway for intersex people to correct their documents without having to litigate their identities.

Under the proposed measure, intersex individuals of legal age may file a verified petition before the local civil registrar or consul general to correct the entry for sex and/or first name in their birth record.

The petition must be supported by a medical certificate from a licensed physician confirming the presence of intersex traits and other relevant documents.

Once approved, a new certificate of live birth shall be issued reflecting the petitioner’s correct sex and name. The bill also includes a confidentiality clause, ensuring that all records related to the correction remain private in accordance with the Data Privacy Act.

Tropical Storm Ramil (international name: Fengshen) may make landfall in Catanduanes on Saturday afternoon or evening, while Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 is raised over four areas in Luzon, the state weather bureau said.

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that Ramil had slowed while moving west-northwest over the waters off East Sorsogon.

The storm was located about 260 kilometers east of Juban, Sorsogon, with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts up to 80 kph. It was advancing west-northwest at 15 kph.

Pagasa said Ramil is forecast to move generally west-northward toward Central Luzon.

‘On the forecast track, the center of Ramil may make landfall or pass close to Catanduanes this afternoon or evening,’ it added.

The agency noted that Ramil will continue west-northwestward, passing near Vinzons, Camarines Norte, and the Polillo Islands on Sunday morning.

‘By tomorrow morning or afternoon, Ramil will turn northwestward and may make another landfall over Aurora or Isabela,’ it added.

The storm is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Monday morning.

Meanwhile, TCWS No. 2 has been raised over the following areas:

Camarines Norte

Catanduanes

Northern portion of Camarines Sur (Tinambac, Siruma, Goa, San Jose, Lagonoy, Garchitorena, Caramoan, Presentacion)

Polillo Islands

TCWS No. 1 was up in the following areas:

Luzon

Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

Isabela

Quirino

Nueva Vizcaya

Apayao

Abra

Kalinga

Mountain Province

Ifugao

Benguet

Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Sur

La Union

Pangasinan

Aurora

Nueva Ecija

Eastern portion of Bulacan (Doña Remedios Trinidad, Norzagaray, San Miguel, San Ildefonso, San Rafael, Angat)

Eastern portion of Tarlac (Camiling, San Clemente, Santa Ignacia, Paniqui, Moncada, San Manuel, Anao, Ramos, Pura, Victoria, Tarlac City, La Paz, Concepcion, Gerona)

Eastern portion of Pampanga (Magalang, Arayat, Candaba)

Northern and eastern portions of Quezon (Tagkawayan, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Atimonan, Padre Burgos, Unisan, Gumaca, Plaridel, Agdangan, Pagbilao, Mauban, Calauag, Guinayangan, Lopez, Pitogo, Macalelon, General Luna, Catanauan, San Narciso, Buenavista, San Francisco, San Andres, Mulanay, General Nakar, Infanta, Real, Sampaloc)

Camarines Norte

Rest of Camarines Sur

Albay

Sorsogon

Burias Island

Ticao Island

Visayas

Northern Samar

Northern portion of Eastern Samar (San Policarpio, Arteche, Oras, Dolores, Maslog, Jipapad, Taft, Can-Avid)

Northern portion of Samar (Matuguinao, San Jose de Buan, Calbayog City, Gandara, Santa Margarita, Pagsanghan, San Jorge)

Pagasa said the trough and outer rainbands of Ramil, along with the easterlies-or winds coming from the Pacific Ocean-will bring gale-force gusts to the following areas not under any wind signals:

Saturday: Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), Metro Manila, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Marinduque, Mindoro Provinces, Masbate

Sunday: Calabarzon, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, Eastern Samar