Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure expanding the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System, aimed at further strengthening its governance and management.

Republic Act No. 12310, signed on October 3, seeks to establish ‘strategically accessible PSHS campuses’ that can provide scholarship-based secondary education programs with special emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics for students with exceptional proficiency in science and mathematics.

The law will also consolidate existing and future campuses under a unified system of governance to ensure consistent quality standards, efficient operations, and the holistic development of students and school staff.

‘The PSHS System shall be composed of the existing PSHS campuses and the future campuses that shall be established pursuant to this Act,’ it read.

‘A new Philippine Science High School campus in the Negros Island Region shall also be established,’ it added.

The law also mandates the creation of a Board of Trustees headed by the Secretary of Science and Technology as ex officio chairperson, and the Secretary of Education as ex officio vice chairperson.

The PSHS System, meanwhile, shall be headed by an executive director who shall exercise academic and administrative supervision over all campuses.

He or she shall be appointed by the Board for a term of six years and may be reappointed for another six-year term.

A subsidiary of Lucio Tan-led MacroAsia Corp. has begun construction of a P2-billion water supply project in Iloilo.

New Earth Water System (NEWS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Boracay Tubi System Inc. (BTSI) is working on the project dubbed New Earth Iloilo Water Supply.

MacroAsia, through its unit MacroAsia Properties Development Corp., holds a majority interest in BTSI.

NEWS said on Tuesday that the project is designed to boost the potable water supply, given the population growth and rising economic activity in the province.

NEWS has water rights and permits to supply, treat and distribute potable water to Iloilo City and the towns of Sta. Barbara, Pavia, Oton, Leganes, Cabatuan, Maasin and San Miguel.

Phased development

The first phase of the project includes the development of a water treatment facility in Barangay Bongo, Pototan. This will have an initial capacity of 37.5 million liters per day (MLD). This may be expanded to as much as 50 MLD.

Water transmission lines and a distribution network of pipelines will also be built.

MacroAsia intends to complete the project in two years. It is expected to ease the current water supply woes in Iloilo.

‘Water is the lifeblood of Iloilo’s growth, and shortages must not become a barrier to progress,’ said Eduardo Luis Luy, chair of both NEWS and BTSI.

‘This facility will not only close the immediate supply gap, but will also provide Iloilo with resilient and sustainable water infrastructure for the future,’ Luy said.

Expansion plans

MacroAsia Properties Development has investments in economic zones and several water ventures outside Metro Manila.

The group’s core investments span aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; airline and institutional catering; ground handling; property development and leasing; and water utility services.

In the first half of 2025, the group reported a 15-percent growth in consolidated net income. This reached P771.10 million.

Consolidated revenues also jumped 9 percent to P4.81 billion. This was driven by stronger demand across aviation services, institutional food accounts and water concessions. INQ

Police arrested a farmer in San Manuel, Tarlac, late Tuesday afternoon for alleged possession of two handguns and 30 rounds of live ammunition.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) said the 55-year-old farmer was the subject of a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Luis Velasquez of the Paniqui, Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 105 for alleged violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

In a separate statement, the Tarlac police said the search, conducted around 5 p.m., led to the seizure of an Armscor 9mm pistol, a Colt .380-caliber pistol, four magazines, and 22 rounds of ammunition for the 9mm, as well as three magazines and eight rounds for the .380 pistol.

Authorities also confiscated a carbon dioxide-powered airgun along with a small CO2 tank.

Police said appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspect

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has lifted the import ban on poultry products from various countries recently declared free from bird flu.

In separate issuances, the DA said the risk of contamination from importing poultry from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Sweden and Kelantan and Malaysia’s Sabah states was ‘negligible.’

The DA lifted the import restriction as respective authorities from these countries informed the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) that all reported cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) had ended with resolved status and no additional outbreaks.

To recall, the agency imposed the moratorium on poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen originating from these areas.

Years-long ban

In 2005 and 2020, respectively, the DA barred the entry of poultry products from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and Slovenia.

Subsequently, in 2017 and 2018, the DA enforced the restriction on poultry imports from Kelantan and Sabah in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the DA implemented the temporary ban on poultry products from Sweden in March last year.

‘All import transactions of the above commodities shall be in accordance with existing rules and regulations of the [DA],’ the issuances stated.

‘Disruptive’ disease

HPAI is a highly contagious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild birds. This animal disease is considered one of the most economically disruptive animal diseases, particularly for the poultry sector.

‘Avian influenza is also a major concern for public health,’ the WOAH said, noting its devastating consequences for the poultry industry, farmers’ livelihoods, global trade and health of wild birds.

Only Sweden is a major supplier of imported meat among the above-mentioned countries.

In the January to August period, Sweden exported 2.79 million kilograms of pork, equivalent to a market share of less than 1 percent, data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) showed.

The BAI data said meat import arrivals had risen by 16.5 percent to 1.06 billion kg during the first eight months, about 400,000 kg short of last year’s 1.5 billion kg.

Government data also showed that pork, chicken and beef were the top meat imports of the Philippines.

Leading home improvement retailer MR.DIY Philippines has been honored for Job Creation in the Philippines at the ESGBusiness Awards held September 25 at The Westin Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The award celebrates the company’s outstanding contribution to building livelihoods in provinces where opportunities are needed most.

The winning entry highlighted MR.DIY’s efforts in Samar and Leyte-two provinces that were hardest hit by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Six years after the disaster, MR.DIY began expanding its footprint in the region and has since established 38 stores, generating over 300 full-time jobs for local residents and creating sustainable livelihoods that keep families together. ‘For MR.DIY, expansion is not just about opening stores-it’s about opening doors of opportunity,’ said Ms. Roselle Marisol Andaya, Chief Executive Officer of MR.DIY Philippines. ‘Every store we open is a commitment to empower families, strengthen communities, and bring progress closer to home.’

By hiring locally in close partnership with LGUs, MR.DIY has helped reduce the need for residents to migrate in search of work. Beyond direct employment, the company has stimulated indirect job creation through local contractors, transport providers, logistics partners, and mall vendors.

The entry of MR.DIY stores in smaller towns also spurs new markets, making affordable goods more accessible and encouraging other businesses to invest in the area.

To ensure sustainable growth, MR.DIY invests heavily in its people through its 4Es methodology (Education, Environment, Exposure, Experience) and Shift Supervision Leadership Track, providing employees with the training and opportunities they need to build lasting careers.

These initiatives reflect MR.DIY’s belief that it doesn’t just hire people-it develops them into confident team leaders and future supervisors.

This recognition from ESGBusiness underscores MR.DIY’s dedication to embedding social responsibility at the heart of its operations, proving that business growth and community empowerment can-and should-go hand in hand.

As a devoted family, we cherish the tradition of dining out to commemorate milestones that punctuate our lives- birthdays, anniversaries, work achievements, or simply being together. These occasions are more than just meals; they are opportunities for connection, laughter, and creating cherished memories around a table. It is within this context that I wish to bring to light a growing sentiment shared by countless families like ours: the heartfelt desire to include every member of our family in these celebrations, especially our beloved fur babies- Wade (shih tzu), Stella (corgi), and Luna (pug).

Every time we prepare to step out for one of these celebratory meals, we are faced with the familiar, difficult decision of leaving our furry companions behind. They are not merely pets; they are integral parts of our household. To leave them at home, alone, while we partake in family festivities, feels incomplete.

This predicament frequently leads to a less-than-ideal dining experience. Our conversations might be punctuated by glances at the clock or a subconscious urge to rush through our meal, all driven by the underlying concern for our fur babies back home. The thought of them waiting, perhaps missing us, often cuts short the very leisurely enjoyment these special occasions are meant to provide, diminishing the overall experience we seek to create.

In response to this recurring challenge-our family has-like many others-adapted our approach to dining out. These days, before making any reservation or plans, our first step is to scour online reviews and websites, searching for restaurants that welcome pets. We hope to find establishments that understand and cater to our need to bring our fur babies along, allowing us to enjoy a truly inclusive family outing without worry or guilt.

However, the reality of this search is often disappointing. This cultural shift in how we perceive and integrate pets into our lives calls for a corresponding evolution within the hospitality industry. Just as families seek restaurants that cater to children, offer diverse menus, or provide specific ambiance, there is a growing segment of the population seeking venues that extend their welcome to all family members, including the four-legged ones.

It is with this earnest conviction that I wish to share the collective wishes of many pet lovers and extend a heartfelt call to restaurants. We implore you to consider becoming more accommodating to pets and provide a designated space within your premises where our fur babies can comfortably join us. This is not merely a request for convenience; it is a plea for inclusion and understanding.

While I understand that such a change presents logistical considerations regarding hygiene, comfort, and potential disruptions, these challenges are certainly surmountable. Many successful pet-friendly establishments around the world have demonstrated that, with proper management, designated spaces can seamlessly integrate pets into the dining experience without compromising the comfort or enjoyment of other patrons.

Let us work together to create dining experiences that truly embody the spirit of family, allowing us to make cherished memories with all our loved ones. Opening your doors to our fur babies would not just be accommodating; it would be a profound gesture of understanding and welcome that would resonate deeply with many.

This year’s southwest monsoon or ‘habagat,’ season has officially ended, with the country transitioning to the northeast monsoon or ‘amihan,’ season, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Tuesday.

‘Recent observations indicate that the southwest monsoon (habagat) has been weakening during the past few weeks,’ it added in an advisory.

‘Forecast models also show this trend in the coming days. With these developments, the habagat season has officially ended. Likewise, this marks the termination of the rainy season over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas,’ it said.

Pagasa also observed a gradual change in the country’s weather pattern ‘due to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over East Asia and the southward migration of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ).’

It said that cloudy skies and rain were prevailing nationwide due to the combined effects of the northeasterly wind flow and the ITCZ.

Sen. Imee Marcos questioned the appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the new Ombudsman while Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa criticized his priorities.

‘Bonget, is it really Boying? Are you sure? Are you still OK? I’ve been saying since last year that plan A, which is People’s Initiative, is a failure, as well as plan B, which is impeachment. The Ombudsman is the plan C,’ Sen. Marcos said.

‘Right now, all I can think about is the safety of VP Sara. I think what we need is a People’s Ombudsman-one who is credible, trustworthy, and one who is not an accomplice of anybody,’ she added.

Remulla’s Ombudsman bid has been hounded by controversy after reports in August claimed he had been disqualified due to pending criminal and administrative complaints filed by Senator Marcos in connection with the March 11 arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Marcos also claimed on Facebook that Remulla would be appointed despite the Supreme Court’s clarification that there was no shortlist yet.

She said it was a ‘forced appointment of a person who is unqualified, has pending cases, and is tainted with injustice.’

Dela Rosa, meantime, said he has no problem with Remulla taking over the Office of the Ombudsman since it is the prerogative of the President. He, however, he said he finds it strange for Remulla to announce he will prioritize investigations into Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds.

‘With so many problems facing the country today, especially the problem on ghost flood control projects, why is his first order of the day already focused on VP Sara Duterte?’ Why not focus on the anomalous flood-control projects?,’ Dela Rosa said in an interview on True FM.

Malacañang expressed confidence on Wednesday that outgoing Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla will fulfill his mandate as ombudsman for the interest of the entire country, and not for just a select few – not even the Marcos administration’s political agenda.

‘His appointment as Ombudsman must be marked by transparency and accountability – that those who should be held accountable must indeed be held accountable. Ombudsman Remulla works for the entire nation, and not for any single sector or group of Filipinos,’ Palace press officer Claire Castro said in a briefing.

She brushed aside allegations that among the focuses of Remulla’s work as the new ombudsman was to investigate the alleged misuse of the confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte.

Critics claimed this could lead to her incarceration, or worse, her dismissal from public office, which would bar her from seeking the presidency in the 2028 elections.

‘Whatever needs to be investigated must be investigated – nothing should be ignored or brushed aside. Whatever the public has the right to know must be properly looked into by the ombudsman,’ Castro noted.

Malacañang maintained that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), and not the Office of the Ombudsman, should take the lead in investigating alleged anomalies in flood control projects and related infrastructure.

Castro dismissed calls to abolish the ICI just because Remulla was appointed as the next ombudsman. While Remulla was familiar with the flood control projects under scrutiny, Castro rejected the idea that the Ombudsman should single-handedly conduct the investigation, raising concerns about possible delays.

‘The ombudsman does not focus only on flood control projects. There are many cases that the Ombudsman needs to pay attention to. So, we do not see this as a reason to abolish or end the work of the ICI,’ she said.

Castro told critics: ‘Would they really want the ombudsman alone to handle all of this? How long would it take for a single case to be resolved that way? That’s why there truly needs to be an independent commission that will focus on the issue.’

She added that the work of the ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ) would be expedited once the ICI completed its document gathering and preliminary investigations into the anomalous flood control projects.

As the new ombudsman, Remulla yields considerable power. He is set to lead the constitutional body empowered by the 1987 Constitution to prosecute, suspend, fire, and even file criminal cases against erring government officials.

‘The administration remains firm in its commitment to fight corruption wherever it exists. As ombudsman, Remulla is expected to uphold transparency, strengthen anti-corruption measures, and ensure that justice is administered fairly and efficiently,’ Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez earlier said in a press briefing announcing his appointment.

‘There will be no sacred cows, no exemptions, and no excuses. Public office is a public trust, and those who betray it will be held accountable,’ he added.

Malacañang defended the President’s decision to pick Remulla despite concerns from critics of the administration – including presidential sister Sen. Imee Marcos – that he was too beholden to the President and would erode the credibility of the Office of the Ombudsman. ‘Secretary Remulla went through a very stringent process required under our Constitution. He was vetted by the JBC, and appointed by the President. I don’t believe that there is a basis to that concern,’ Gomez told reporters.

Tab Baldwin talked about the choice between discussing the first three quarters of basketball that Ateneo displayed against La Salle or that one quarter when everything went south.

‘We’ll do both in the confines of our dugout and in our next practice [and] in the video session,’ he said last Sunday after an 81-74 victory over La Salle in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

‘I think that the contrast between the first three [quarters] and the fourth is so stark that coaches often talk about opportunities to learn for their team and I don’t think anybody in our organization has gotten any doubts that we have a lot to learn from what happened in the fourth quarter.’

The Blue Eagles looked like they would cruise to a fourth straight victory in as many games but eventually had to gut out the victory.

‘That phrase just sticks in my throat to even say [after] you’re up . 33 or something like that, to say we pulled it out,’ Baldwin said. ‘I won’t sleep well Monday night, I’m sure, as we really start to reflect on this and prepare for UP.’

Ateneo plays University of the Philippines on Wednesday.

For the season, Ateneo has consistently started out strong, only to falter in the second half.

Even with the wild turnaround against La Salle in the final two periods and the strong finish in the Eagles’ victory over the Adamson Falcons, Ateneo’s plus-minus in each half goes from +9.2 in the first two quarters to -2.2 in the last two.

That might be the case for most teams, as efficiency reasonably always goes down as the game progresses because fatigue starts to creep in, but it might be doubly troubling for a squad that has relied heavily on its perimeter game this season.

Ateneo averages 76.5 points per game this season, No. 2 behind University of Santo Tomas, according to stats provided by Piong Ducanes and the UAAP Stats Group. The Eagles are drawing 38.5 points (50.3 percent) of that from the perimeter, anchored on a league-best makes (36) and percentage (34.6) from beyond the arc.

Poor paint job

Ateneo has struggled inside, ranking seventh in points in the paint at 23 in the game, which the Eagles try to make up at the stripe, where they are No. 2 at 15 made free throws per game.

So when the Eagles face the Maroons on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena after the 2 p.m. duel between the NU Bulldogs and the Adamson Falcons, the question will be if Baldwin’s squad can sustain their strong starts.

It’s a question made urgent by the fact that UP is one of the more physical defenses in the league, something that Baldwin made sure to point out.

‘We know that you piece is gonna it’s gonna be a rugged game,’ Baldwin said. But UP isn’t the only one playing solid defense. Ateneo is best at field goals allowed, yielding just 36.96 percent this season-No. 1 in the league. That’s a big turnaround from last season, where the Katipunan squad ranked last, allowing 41.4 percent. INQ