Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons gave the Philippines a historic breakthrough, sweeping Slovenia’s Živa Javornik and Tajda Lovšin, 21-19, 21-9, in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge on Friday morning at Nuvali Sands Court in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

The victory marked the country’s first-ever win at the Challenge level of the Beach Pro Tour series.

‘We’re very grateful to win our first match in the Challenge level and we hope to sustain our run to advance further,’ said Rondina, who previously captured a Futures title with Jovelyn Gonzaga in 2022.

The FIVB’s Beach Pro Tour has five levels: Futures, Challenge, Elite 16, Finals, and the World Championships.

Rondina and Pons, who also beat the same Slovenian duo in a Budapest Futures event last month, advanced to the round of 24 for a shot at a round-of-16 berth against Switzerland’s Annique Niederhauser and Bentele later Friday.

‘We just have to believe that we can compete, and winning here for the first time has boosted our confidence,’ said Pons.

‘It’s a great privilege that our athletes are able to play and win at this level,’ added Alas Pilipinas head coach Joao ‘Kioday’ Simao Barbosa. ‘It shows we’re on the right path and need more exposure to events like this.’

Meanwhile, Kly Orillaneda and Gen Eslapor bowed to the United States’ Teegan Van Gunst and Piper Ferch, 19-21, 11-21, while Sonny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez fell to Japan’s Sakura Ito and Mayu Sawame, 18-21, 25-27.

The tournament runs until Sunday.

AIA Philippines has expanded its flagship wellness program, AIA Vitality, through a new partnership with Anytime Fitness, giving Vitality members access to exclusive discounts at all Anytime Fitness locations across the country. The announcement of this new partnership coincides with AIA Vitality’s 10th year in the country, and is just one of many enhancements AIA is launching to mark this milestone.

Through this partnership, AIA Vitality members enjoy an exclusive 15% discount on 12-month Anytime Fitness memberships and earn 100 Vitality Points per gym visit. These points contribute to unlocking higher membership tiers within the program, and can enable members to earn increased insurance coverage, as well as other rewards such as e-vouchers and partner offers, encouraging members to incorporate physical activity into daily routines and build lasting healthy habits.

AIA Philippines’ Rethink Healthy study, which surveyed over 1,000 Filipinos nationwide, found that while most respondents define health beyond physical, challenges like financial stress, lack of rest, and the challenge of sustaining healthy habits remain widespread. AIA Vitality helps close these gaps by guiding members toward a more holistic approach to wellness, encouraging small, consistent actions and rewarding healthier choices across physical, mental, financial and environmental well-being.

Melissa Henson, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Philippines, said, ‘The Rethink Healthy study confirmed that Filipinos want to be more active but face barriers in sustaining holistic wellness habits. This partnership with Anytime Fitness makes building healthy habits more accessible to our customers. In addition, their integration in our AIA Vitality program also makes visiting their gyms rewarding. Anytime Fitness’ nationwide presence and 24/7 accessibility perfectly complement AIA Vitality’s goal of integrating health into everyday life. As we mark a decade of AIA Vitality, we remain committed to evolving the program to meet the needs of our members and, more broadly, the Filipinos we serve.’

AIA Vitality is a science-backed wellness program that encourages members to make healthier choices by rewarding them with increased insurance coverage and other rewards. Members earn points for activities such as exercising, undergoing health checks, sleeping better and meeting nutrition goals.

Mark De Joya, COO of Inspire Brands Asia, the exclusive master franchisee for Anytime Fitness across Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam, emphasized the shared vision between the brands, ‘Anytime Fitness is proud to operate over 5,600 clubs worldwide, including almost 200 here in the Philippines. Less than 1% of people in the region currently have a fitness membership, which shows how much potential there is to make wellness accessible. Partnering with AIA Vitality allows us to take our purpose seriously at both a personal and community level, helping more Filipinos prioritize their health every day while creating meaningful impact together.’

By integrating Anytime Fitness into its health ecosystem and guided by Rethink Healthy insights, AIA Philippines positions AIA Vitality at the intersection of insurance, technology, and healthy lifestyle. The partnership directly addresses cost and access barriers, empowering more people to actively rethink what healthy means, and embrace a truly holistic, sustainable approach to well-being.

AIA Vitality also offers new ways for members to earn points and access health resources. Members can now earn points for reaching just 5,000 steps in a day, with higher activity levels translating to greater rewards. Members can earn more points by using the app’s face scan function to regularly monitor and record health measures such as pulse rate, blood pressure and stress level. New Vitality members can receive an eGift voucher for linking a fitness device or app with Vitality for the first time, and earning their first fitness points.

In addition, a new wellness hub within the AIA Vitality app serves as a dedicated resource center, offering expert videos, practical guides, and health tips to help members better understand their progress and maximize their wellness journey. The Hub is intended as an always-available companion, providing members with personalized support and actionable insights to make healthier living a daily habit.

For failure to prove that the contempt citation against him lacks legal basis, the Pasay City Regional Trial Court dismissed the habeas corpus case filed by detained government contractor Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya.

A writ of habeas corpus is a remedy applicable to cases of illegal confinement or detention where a person is deprived of his or her liberty or where the rightful custody of any person is withheld from the person entitled thereto.

Curlee and his wife, Cezarah or Sarah, were among the government contractors implicated in alleged irregularities and ‘ghost projects’ in multibillion-peso flood control programs.

The contempt order was issued after the Committee found that Curlee gave inconsistent statements on the absence of his wife, Sarah, during the hearing.

Curlee said his wife was absent because of a heart condition. However, a letter from his wife stated that she was absent because she needed to attend a meeting with their employees.

After the Senate cited him for contempt and ordered his detention, he filed a habeas corpus case, asking the court to compel the Senate to bring him before it, justify his detention, and order his immediate release.

But the Court recognized the Senate’s contempt power, saying it is ‘inherent in the exercise of its legislative functions.’

It added that Curlee failed to provide evidence that his detention lacked a legal basis.

‘Petitioner [Curlee] has not presented any exceptional circumstances to compel this Court to transgress well-defined rules of procedure,’ the court said, adding that Curlee failed to present evidence of his wife’s health condition during her absence at the Senate hearing last Sept. 18.

Neither bulls nor bears prevailed on Thursday as the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) barely moved. Investors took cover ahead of the busy earnings season.

By the end of the session, the benchmark index lost 0.007 percent, or 0.43 points, to close at 6,093.67. The PSEi was in the green territory nearly the entire session before selling pressure eventually won by the closing bell.

Meanwhile, the broader All Shares Index added 0.04 percent or 1.32 points to end at 3,672.2.

A total of 3.12 billion shares worth P9.82 billion changed hands, stock exchange data showed.

Luis Limlingan, head of sales at stock brokerage house Regina Capital Development Corp., said traders were ‘likely positioning themselves ahead of the earnings season.’

This, after Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) reported record-high nine-month earnings of P50.5 billion. That meant a 5.2-percent rise in profit as its top line grew.

At the same time, last-minute profit-taking also took over following the bourse’s three-session winning streak, said Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc.

Conglomerates did best

The sectors ended mixed, with services firms bleeding the most and the conglomerates seeing the steepest climb.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. emerged as the top-traded stock, losing 1.82 percent to close at P540 each. It was followed by BDO Unibank Inc., up 0.72 percent to P140; BPI, up 1.03 percent to P108; SM Investments Corp., up 0.95 percent to P742; and Puregold Price Club Inc., up 3.08 percent to P40.10 each.

Others were PLDT Inc., down 1.28 percent to P1,080; Philex Mining Corp., down 2.91 percent to P10; GT Capital Holdings Inc., down 2.1 percent to P582.50; Jollibee Foods Corp., flat at P219; and Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co., up 0.28 percent to P70.40 per share.

Gainers edged out losers, 108 to 92, while 58 companies closed flat, stock exchange data also showed.

The Manila South Cemetery (MSC) has announced its schedules and rules for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively.

Cemetery hours will be from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

Cleaning and painting of tombs will be allowed only until Oct. 26, while the last day for burials is Oct. 28. Burials will resume on Nov. 3.

All types of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, e-bikes, e-trikes, scooters, bicycles, and monocycles, are prohibited from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2.

To ensure an orderly and safe observance of Undas, the cemetery issued the following reminders:

Bring only the necessary items when visiting.

Sharp or dangerous objects, such as knives and firearms, are strictly prohibited.

Alcoholic beverages and loud music are not allowed.

Gambling or any form of betting, including playing cards or dice, is not permitted.

Keep an eye on children to prevent them from getting lost.

Volcanic earthquakes have continued to shake Taal Volcano in Batangas province for the past 12 days, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported Friday.

In its morning bulletin, Phivolcs stated the volcano recorded three volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours. These were accompanied by an ongoing volcanic tremor event that began at 2:47 p.m. Thursday.

However, Phivolcs explained that the tremor at the volcano, which has persisted for more than a day, is not a ’cause for concern.’ Phivolcs has been recording volcanic earthquakes at Taal Volcano since Oct. 6.

From Oct. 1 to Oct. 17, a total of 181 volcanic earthquakes and five tremor episodes were recorded. In comparison, Phivolcs documented 189 volcanic earthquakes and 129 tremors in September.

The four tremors occurred during phreatic and phreatomagmatic eruptions on Oct. 2.

Volcanic earthquakes are those ‘generated by magmatic processes or magma-related processes beneath or near an active volcano.’

Volcanic tremors, meanwhile, are ‘continuous seismic signals with regular or irregular sine wave appearance and low frequencies (0.5-5 Hz),’ the Phivolcs explained.

During the latest observation period, no upwelling of hot volcanic fluids was reported in the main crater lake of Taal Volcano Island (TVI), which sits at the center of Taal Lake.

No volcanic smog, or ‘vog,’ was also observed.

Phivolcs reiterated that Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, ‘which means that it is still in an abnormal condition and should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest or the threat of eruptive activity.’

Entry to the island, boating on Taal Lake, and flying aircraft near the volcano remain strictly prohibited, the agency stressed

The most wanted person in Laguna province, along with his associate, was arrested after a shootout with policemen that killed another cohort and a four-year-old child in Calamba City, Laguna, on Wednesday.

Col. Dennis de Guzman, Calamba City police chief, in his latest report on Friday, said that a certain ‘Regie,’ tagged as the most wanted person in Laguna and facing homicide charges, was eventually collared by police operatives in his safehouse in Barangay San Cristobal on Wednesday noon.

Earlier, the police team went to the hideout to serve a warrant for Regie’s arrest, and three armed men suddenly appeared, opened fire on the law enforcers, and an exchange of gunfire ensued.

The gunfire hit two police sergeants. One of them sustained a gunshot wound in his right shoulder, while the other one was shot in his right leg.

An alias, ‘Romar,’ Regie’s cohort, was killed during the encounter, while two others managed to escape.

An earlier report from Police Region 4A stated that a four-year-old child, ‘Akhi,’ was struck by a stray bullet and was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital.

Another bystander, a 52-year-old woman identified only as ‘Flor,’ was also hit and sustained a gunshot wound.

In a follow-up operation on Thursday in the same village at around 10 a.m., police cornered and arrested an alias ‘Lele,’ another of Regie’s cohorts who managed to escape on Wednesday.

In the report, De Guzman said the police recovered from Regie one caliber .45 pistol, two magazines containing fourteen 14 bullets, a holster, and a cellphone.

The law enforcers also gathered at the crime scene, an improvised magazine-fed shotgun, a .38 caliber revolver, and several rounds of ammunition.

De Guzman described Regie’s arrest as a ‘significant blow to criminal elements operating in Calamba City, tagging him as a ‘gun for hire.’

‘This serves as proof of the dedication and integrity of our police force in fulfilling their sworn duty. The fight continues for peace and order in our city,’ he noted./coa

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) said one of the challenges in fighting the harassment of media workers is the lack of formal cases filed against perpetrators.

PTFOMS Executive Director Jose Torres Jr. was in Camp Crame on Thursday to visit the Philippine National Police (PNP) Press Corps as part of a series of consultations on media welfare concerns.

Asked in an interview about challenges to fighting media harassment, Torres said, ‘Ang problema natin, maraming cases na hindi nag-file ang mga kasamahan natin sa media. Walang formal na filing ng kaso or hindi man lang naipaabot sa atin.’

(Our problem is that, in my cases, our friends in the media have not filed a complaint. There isn’t a formal filing of a case or we weren’t even notified of the incident.)

‘Minsan ay siguro ipinaubaya na lang dahil lumipas na. Or minsan, malaking issue din kasi yung pondo, yung mahirap yung financial. Kasi isipin nyo naman kung mag-file kayo ng kaso, kailangan niyo ng abogado, kailangan niyo ng mga papel,’ he added.

(Perhaps, they just let it be because time has passed. Or sometimes, funding is also a very big issue and their financial situation might not be good. If you file a case, you need a lawyer, you need documents.)

Torres cited data from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines showing that 199 journalists have been killed in the country since 1986. The PTFOMS executive director said he is making rounds among the country’s press corps as part of dialogues to formulate recommendations for legislation to protect media workers’ welfare.

He noted that among the recommendations being crafted so far were protections for freelancers as well as culturally sensitive training workshops.

Although Torres did not name a specific piece of legislation, House Bill No. 1985 or the proposed Media Workers’ Welfare Act aims to ensure that the sector receives a minimum wage, adequate benefits and regularization.

Sen. Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, during a press conference at the Senate on Thursday, October 16, made it clear that he has nothing to hide and is ready to face any investigation regarding allegations linking him to irregular infrastructure projects and to contractors such as the Discayas.

He emphasized the need to identify and hold accountable the real masterminds, calling on investigative bodies not to let the truth be diverted for political ends.

‘I welcome any investigation, let the facts speak for themselves. I have nothing to hide, I have nothing to fear because I did nothing wrong. I am not involved in any anomaly. My sworn duty is to serve the nation. And I will never waste the trust given to me by the people,’ the senator declared in Filipino.

Go made a call to the authorities to focus their investigation on the real masterminds.

‘To the DPWH, Ombudsman – target the mastermind. Who are the people behind this? We are waiting, the Filipino people are waiting for someone to be held accountable. but it seems like this is being pulled back further and further,’ he said.

He made it clear that he stands with the Filipino people in their clamor for accountability. ‘I am one with the Filipino people in this crusade against corruption. I am with you here, and we will not stop. Let’s not allow the truth to be diverted. Because there will be chaos if the truth is diverted. Focus on who needs to be focused on. Find who needs to be found – the real crocodiles, the real masterminds. why does it seem like this is being walked back now?’

Go categorically denied any personal or business ties with the Discayas, stressing that his name is being unfairly dragged into the issue.

‘With all due respect to the Ombudsman, we support all investigations and here’s what I can say – I do not know the Discayas. I do not know them personally,’ Go said.

‘In fact, during the Senate hearing a few months ago, I asked them – the Discayas. I asked, do you have a joint venture with CLTG? They said yes. Is it already completed? They answered yes. Is it already being used? Yes,’ he added.

He said that as a senator and member of the Senate blue ribbon committee, his interest was to ensure accountability if there were any irregularities.

‘If there are lapses or mistakes, if it’s anomalous or substandard, hold them accountable. I said before, I myself. I am willing to file a case. Let’s file cases against those who must be charged, even if they are my relatives. I’m willing to be the complainant if they are truly at fault. And if the Discayas are at fault, charge them. I don’t care. I want accountability,’ he said.

Go also called on the Discayas and other witnesses or contractors to always speak the truth.

‘And I’m urging the Discayas and all witnesses – please, just tell the truth. Don’t allow the issue to be diverted from the truth. The Filipino people will suffer. Let’s go straight to the truth. Just the truth – that’s all I ask from you. Let’s go straight to the truth,’ Go added.

The senator underscored that throughout his career, he has upheld the principle of delicadeza (a sense of propriety and ethical conduct) and has never interfered in any government transactions, especially those involving relatives. He also recalled how, during his time working with former Mayor and then President Rodrigo Duterte, he drew a clear line between public service and family businesses.

‘When he became mayor, I only asked one thing. I said, if my relatives enter into government transactions in city hall, I will resign. If they enter in Malacañang back then, I will resign. Because I observe delicadeza. I gave them a choice – if you enter, I will leave. That’s all I have to offer – I repeat, delicadeza,’ Go added.

Go pointed out that the issue involving the Discayas and construction projects has been repeatedly revived over the years, particularly during election seasons. He noted that the allegations do not prove any wrongdoing on his part and that he never benefited from such transactions, even emphasizing that individuals cannot choose who their family members are.

He also criticized attempts to link him to the controversy to obscure the real issues.

‘Don’t smear your dirt on me so you look clean. Don’t be like that,’ he said.

The senator reaffirmed his call for accountability for those who truly profited from anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects. He expressed support for the efforts of the Inter-Agency Committee on Infrastructure (ICI), concerned departments, and the Ombudsman to pursue the investigation.

‘My only request is to stick to the truth. Let the truth come out first. The truth, just the truth. Bring out the truth. That’s my request to the ICI, to Sec. Vince, and to everyone investigating. Let’s stay with the truth,’ Go said. ‘Let’s not go around in circles. Let’s not divert from the truth. Don’t fool the Filipino people. Let’s go straight to what must be targeted.’

The senator reiterated that he is not a contractor and has no involvement in any joint venture or infrastructure deal. He also acknowledged that his proximity to the former president and his position have made him a target of political attacks and name-dropping. He said some forces are working to distort the truth.

‘Expect that this won’t be the last. There are forces moving to spin the truth so those who must be held accountable will not be. It’s all there, it’s crystal clear. We’ve already investigated this in the Blue Ribbon Committee – a lot has come out. There are so many congressmen who are themselves contractors. I am far removed from that, what do I have to do with it?’ he said.

He repeated his warning against attempts to use this as a diversion.

‘That’s the trend now – they’ll smear you with mud so they look clean,’ he said.

In closing, the senator expressed confidence that the Filipino people can see through political noise and diversions.

He said, ‘But I trust the people to recognize the noise. I have stood by them through floods, fires, earthquakes, and a pandemic. I earned their trust not through words but through action. My service comes from love and compassion for the Filipino people. And I will never waste the trust you have given me. Let’s stand by the truth.’

The local government of General Luna, a town in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte province, implemented precautionary measures following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck off the town’s coast Friday morning.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the quake at 7:03 a.m. at a depth of 10 kilometers.

No tsunami warning has been issued, but local officials have taken precautionary steps to ensure the safety of residents.

Mayor Johnson Sajulga announced the suspension of classes at all levels until further notice. Inter-island travel, port operations, and all sea-related activities have also been halted as a safety precaution.

Residents living in coastal and low-lying areas are being instructed to evacuate to higher ground. Evacuation efforts are being coordinated with assistance prioritized for children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable individuals.

Work in government offices has been suspended, except for personnel involved in emergency response, healthcare, and relief operations. Private businesses have also been advised to suspend operations or adopt flexible work-from-home arrangements where possible.

Emergency response teams have been activated, including the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Municipal Health Office, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, and barangay officials.

The public is urged to remain calm, stay alert for official advisories, and refrain from spreading unverified information. Phivolcs has warned that aftershocks are expected and that some structural damage may occur./coa/abc