Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

In August 2024, President Marcos signed Executive Order (EO) No. 64, which mandates a four-tranche salary increase for civilian government workers to be implemented every January from 2024 to 2027.

This raised the salary of teachers as compared to the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) of 2019.

Under the first tranche, the entry-level Teacher I (SG 11, Step 1) saw an increase from P27,000 to P28,512, while Teacher II (SG 12, Step 1) increased from P27,608 to P30,705 monthly and Teacher III (SG 12, Step 1) from P29,798 to P32,870.

The monthly salary for Master Teacher I (SG 19, Step 1) increased from P46,725 to P49,015, while Master Teacher II (SG 20, Step 1) and Master Teacher III (SG 21, Step 1) saw an adjustment from P51,357 to P53,873 and P51,357 to 60,157, respectively.

The highest teaching rank, Master Teacher IV-SG 21, Step 1-rose from P63,997 to P67,005.

By the final tranche in 2027, public school teachers’ salaries are projected to range from around P33,000 for Teacher I to nearly P84,000 for the Master Teacher IV rank, depending on step increments.

For private school teachers, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced in August 2025 an increase in the Teachers’ Salary Subsidy (TSS) from P18,000 to P24,000 annually, starting School Year 2025-2026.

The TSS is a component of the Gastpe program, created under the Republic Act No. 8545, or the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act.

MANILA, Philippines-San Beda turned back rival Letran, 68-58, to stay unbeaten in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at San Juan Arena.

The Red Lions followed up their opening-day win over College of St. Benilde for a 2-0 start in Group B.

‘There’s really no extra motivation, but every time you play Letran, you know they’re a strong team you have to prepare for,’ said coach Yuri Escueta.

‘I even look at them as an all-star team, so I tip my hat off to my guys for playing defense and sticking to our targets.’

Agjanti Miller impressed in his first San Beda-Letran duel with 22 points and five rebounds, while Bryan Sajonia stepped up in Yukien Andrada’s absence with 11 points.

Jonathan Manalili paced the Knights with 13 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals, while Deo Cuajao added 10 as Letran fell to 0-2.

What’s the best way to demystify the stock market for the next generation of Filipinos? Maybe gamification is the way to go.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) will launch next year a stock trading game for college students, aiming to jumpstart investor interest in schools and encourage participation in the local bourse.

PSE president and CEO Ramon Monzon tells the Inquirer in a chance interview on the sidelines of the Philippine Tax Academy Convention that they will first offer the training program at the De la Salle College of Saint Benilde and the Ateneo de Manila University in the first quarter of 2026 Both schools are currently offering PSE’s Certified Securities Specialist course. This is a 124-hour, 14-module education program on financial and securities market theories, valuation techniques and analysis, investment portfolio management and ‘real-world’ applications of financial principles.

PSE Academy

Participants in the stock trading game will be given virtual money to ‘invest’ in stocks using actual market data, according to Monzon. They will access the game through a website developed by PSE Academy, the market education platform of the local bourse.

Every three, six and 12 months, the PSE will reward the student with the highest portfolio, Monzon explains. He did not elaborate on the specific prize to be given.

For OFWs too

‘We’re testing it on our employees . it’s really a stock investing competition,’ he says. Eventually, the game will be offered to Filipinos abroad.

‘We want schools, OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) to have the real-life experience of trading,’ Monzon added.

This comes amid a challenging time for the stock market, which recently suffered some heavy bleeding because of corruption allegations involving high-ranking government officials.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) has so far tumbled by 6.74 percent to 6,108.86 on Friday from 6,550.39 at the beginning of the year. It also dipped to a six-month low by the end of September, erasing its recent gains brought by improving macroeconomic conditions.

Confidence

While analysts were initially optimistic, the current political environment has not been promising for the index.

Monzon himself tells reporters that only ‘very positive results’ from the government’s investigation into anomalous flood control projects could revive the market.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was with the Milwaukee Bucks in practice for the first time this season Saturday, after missing the first few days of training camp while he remained in his native Greece recovering from COVID-19.

Antetokounmpo participated in non-contact work only, Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. Antetokounmpo arrived in Miami on Friday. The Bucks held media day on Monday – Antetokounmpo took part remotely – and started camp in Milwaukee on Tuesday, then flew to Miami on Thursday for a few days of workouts at Florida International University in advance of their preseason opener against the Heat on Monday.

‘I think it took a toll on my body. I’m not feeling 100% yet physically,’ Antetokounmpo said of dealing with the illness. ‘Just taking it day by day, getting back in shape. I was able to do some 5-on-0, run up and down a little bit. Tomorrow I’ll be a little better. I’ve got like 18 days until the first game so I think I’ll be fine.’ Antetokounmpo, who turns 31 in December, is entering his 13th season, all with Milwaukee. He’s a nine-time All-Star, an NBA champion, a two-time MVP, an NBA Finals MVP and he’s one of only two players who have averaged at least 30 points a game in each of the last three seasons. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder is the other.

Not having Antetokounmpo for some camp might turn out to be advantageous in at least one capacity, Rivers said. The Bucks basically know what he brings to the table. Working out without him lets the Bucks see what might happen in the minutes where he isn’t in the lineup.

‘The key to our team every year is the minutes when Giannis is off the floor,’ Rivers said. ‘So, we’ve been working on that. And so maybe that’ll help us in the long run.’

Oscar Reyes, a veteran in the Philippine power sector who led the growth of major firms, died at the age of 79.

The local energy sector is grieving the loss of Reyes, whose decades-long service helped shape the growth of the market.

The country’s biggest power distributor, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), highlights Reyes’ ‘steadfast and humble leadership’ in driving efforts to expand electricity access to every home, even beyond the group’s franchise area. Reyes served as Meralco’s president and chief executive officer from 2012 to 2019.

Maximizing value

‘With strategic foresight and prudence, he guided Meralco, laid the groundwork for modernization while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational integrity and execution excellence,’ Meralco says.

‘True to his philosophy of sweating the assets, he maximized value for customers and stakeholders alike,’ it adds.

Shell Pilipinas likewise expresses its grief, saying Reyes will be remembered for his ‘lasting impact through his visionary leadership.’

He was the country chair of Shell companies in the Philippines and president of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. from 1997 to 2001.

‘We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May we honor his remarkable legacy and be inspired by the life he lived,’ the firm says.

Ateneo

Before Reyes’ death, he also served on the board of several companies.

Reyes received his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the Ateneo de Manila University. He also had a diploma in business administration and a certificate in export promotion from the Waterloo Lutheran University and a master’s degree in business administration program from the Ateneo Graduate School of Business.

Far Eastern University finally barged into the win column at the expense of Adamson, 64-58, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday.

Mo Konateh dominated in the paint to power the Tamaraws with a monster double-double of 18 points and 21 rebounds, while Kirby Mongcopa added 15 points. Janrey Pasaol turned in another all-around performance with 13 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals.

This time, though, his efforts didn’t go to waste as the Tamaraws chalked up their first victory after a 0-3 start.

‘I only got this kind of confidence from him (coach Sean Chambers) throughout my career,’ Pasaol said in Filipino at Mall of Asia Arena. ‘I’ve been trying to repay his trust in our practices so it’s good that I got to do it in the game,’ he added.

Monty Montebon was the sole double-digit scorer for the Falcons, who slid to 1-3, with 14 points that went with seven rebounds.

The University of the Philippines and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. hatched a three-year strategic partnership to prepare Filipino students for leadership in an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven global economy.

‘Today, we witness not merely a ceremony but a symphony: the convergence of two great institutions united in purpose and committed to our nation’s digital future,’ says UP president Angelo Jimenez. ‘This alliance stands at the threshold of transformation where academic aspiration meets industrial innovation, where scholarly pursuit embraces technological achievement.’

The agreement establishes collaboration frameworks across critical technology domains, including AI and machine learning, cloud computing infrastructure, cybersecurity, smart manufacturing and digital business transformation.

The partnership is seen to directly benefit UP students, especially students in the AI program, computer science, computer engineering, electronics engineering and business administration programs.

‘This collaboration represents more than skills development. It’s about creating a sustainable pipeline of Filipino technology leaders,’ says Dennis Anthony Uy, Converge CEO and cofounder. ‘Through strategic partnerships like this, we can ensure that Filipino talent not only competes globally but drives innovation domestically.’

Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda hails the partnership as a transformative tool to improve absorptive capacity for various digitalization programs of the government, as well to foster innovation.

Three-phase approach

The partnership begins with exploratory initiatives and deepens integration by 2026.

Phase One launches the ‘Future Forward Management Trainee Program,’ a nine-month pilot targeting graduating students with intensive training in AI, product development and digital technology. This aims to address the critical gap between academic learning and industry application that has long challenged higher education.

It also leverages the strategic relationships of Converge with technology leaders, providing UP students access to best practices that align with global benchmarks in digitalization and competitiveness. This is while maintaining strong foundations in Filipino values and innovation.

Beyond traditional boundaries

Beyond conventional internship models, the partnership introduces innovative collaboration mechanisms, including student competitions and hackathons focused on AI-driven solutions, campus speaker series featuring industry leaders, speed mentoring programs and codeveloped curricula integrating AI with business applications.

The long-term vision includes establishing a ‘Converge Innovation Lab @ UP’-a dedicated space for research, prototyping and real-world AI applications to serve as a model for industry-academia collaboration.

Peter Sy, UP vice president for digital transformation, says, ‘We’re not just preparing students for existing jobs-we’re empowering them to create new industries and solutions.’

Addressing national digital competitiveness

The agreement includes provisions for exploring social responsibility programs that will extend opportunities to underserved but high-potential students, ensuring that digital transformation benefits Filipinos from all backgrounds.

Faculty-industry exchange programs will enable UP professors to gain industry insights while providing Converge access to cutting-edge research and academic perspectives, creating an enriching two-way knowledge flow.

The agreement includes annual review mechanisms and extension possibilities.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, Cayetano said: ‘What if we all just resign and allow a snap election from the president, vice president, senate, and congress, with one important addition – no incumbent from the above can run for one election cycle.’

Cayetano suggested this while stating that Filipinos ‘have lost trust in government and government officials.’ He even affirmed this, saying ‘politicians are suspects.’

The senator also stated that public officials shouldn’t be afraid of stepping down.

‘If we truly serve them, then starting over shouldn’t scare us. Because real change starts with radical honesty – and the courage to admit when it’s time to step aside,’ Cayetano continued. A series of anti-corruption protests has ensued since the beginning of September due to the revelations that several government officials are allegedly involved in the supposed flood-control project anomalies.

‘National government has its bureaucracy and will continue to run. Governors, mayors and barangay chairpersons are generally trusted and will be in place,’ Cayetano added.

‘No drama, no excuses, no recycling. Just a clean slate for the Filipino people. A turning point leading to renewal and revival. Instead of People Power. Sacrifice from People’s Servants!’ he said.

Among the government officials accused in the flood-control controversy are executives from government agencies, members of the House and the Senate.

Amidst these conversations, several changes in the legislative branch have also occurred.

Former Senate President Francis Escudero was replaced by Senator Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III, shortly after Escudero was accused of allegedly receiving ‘kickbacks’ from the government-funded flood-control projects.

Later, Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez stepped down after being linked to the same controversies, stating that he did not want to stain the name of the president, and was shortly replaced by Isabela 6th District Representative Faustino ‘Bojie’ De Guzman Dy III.

Former Ako-Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co also resigned from the Congress after being tagged as the ‘mastermind’ behind the substandard or ‘ghost’ flood-control projects. Among the executive departments, the secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Manuel ‘Manny’ Bonoan resigned in the middle of the investigations into the government agency.

Maynilad Water Services Inc. has secured the support of the United Kingdom for its upcoming stock market debut, signaling strong demand for what would be the country’s largest-and last-initial public offering (IPO) this year.

In its preliminary prospectus dated Oct. 3, Maynilad said it now had a cornerstone investment agreement with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office through its Mobilising Capital Through Listed Products (Mobilist) program. The concessionaire clarified, however, that the participation of Mobilist as a cornerstone investor would be finalized only if the IPO price does not exceed P15 per share.

This also goes for International Finance Corp. and Asian Development Bank, both of which are considering investing $100 million and $145 million, respectively.

The Mobilist program is an initiative by the British Investment Partnership that aims to support infrastructure development and green transition in Southeast Asia.

Last year, it chipped in $12.5 million into the IPO of Edgar Saavedra-led Citicore Renewable Energy Corp.

Since then, the UK government has committed to boost trade and investment flows to the Philippines, particularly looking at sustainability-related projects.

For its part, Maynilad recently received the Philippines’ first Green Equity label, which would allow it to attract more investors by tagging its shares as ‘green’ prior to its offer.

‘We are proud to reach this point in Maynilad’s story,’ Maynilad president Ramoncito Fernandez said in a statement on Sunday night.

‘Our journey has always been guided by a clear mission-to deliver safe, sustainable and reliable water and wastewater services to our customers,’ he added. ‘The submission of our preliminary prospectus marks another step in that mission, as we open the door for broader public participation while continuing to comply with all regulatory processes.’

Apart from Mobilist, asset management firm Robeco Switzerland Ltd. is also participating as a cornerstone investor for an investment size of up to $20 million.

Others are Maybank Asset Management Singapore Pte. Ltd., Maven Investment Partners Ltd. – Hong Kong Branch, abrdn Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and QRT Master Fund SPC – Torus Fund SP.

Maynilad plans to raise up to P34.33 billion from its IPO. The offer period is scheduled from Oct. 23 to Oct. 29, with listing on the main board of the Philippine Stock Exchange set on Nov. 7.

The final price will be determined on Oct. 20.Maynilad, whose service area covers the West Zone of the Greater Metro Manila area, also recently confirmed it was ‘looking’ at a potential buyout of the Villar group’s PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp.

The families left behind by eight victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs vowed on Saturday not to be cowed into silence or abandon their long struggle for justice.

But during the inurnment rites of the 11th batch of victims whose remains were placed at the Dambana ng Paghilom (Shrine of Healing) in Caloocan City, the families chose to honor them not as victims, but as people who may have been flawed but loved by many.

They were Adrian Romero, 18; Darwin Dacillo, 24; Regie Boy Jaranilla, 24; Ronnel Obenita, 30; Vicente Rufino, 24; Alex Bigonte, Jr., 47; Marlon Ballonico, 50; and Artemio Lusadio, 61.

They are part of Program Paghilom, started by Father Flaviano ‘Flavie’ Villanueva, who seeks to exhume victims of extrajudicial killings (EJK), have the bodies autopsied before they are finally cremated, so their loved ones can finally mourn for them at their final resting place. Diorenda Ballonico, the sibling of Marlon, who was gunned down by men in a motorcycle in 2020, said: ‘We will not allow him to be just a name in a long list of [deaths] soon to be forgotten. We will not stop calling for the truth. We will not stop looking for justice, not only for my brother but for all of us who are victims of this violence.’

‘We lost him without a trial, without an opportunity to explain, without respect for his character. This is the reality of EJK victims. A system that kills not just the person, but also the family and the hope for justice and trust in the system that should be protecting us,’ she said.

Nimfa, a sister of Alex who was shot dead multiple times in 2020 by unidentified men who barged into his house, said she has been finding it difficult to adjust to the loss of her closest sibling.

Her only partner

‘He was my only partner in taking care of one of our siblings who is a PWD (person with disability). He was actually the one who did most of the work,’ she said in an interview, breaking into tears.

She could not accept that he was not given his day in court. ‘I wish they just followed the law [and gave him due process].’

The partner of Darwin Dacillo, a victim at the height of the drug war in 2016, said she was enraged by the developments in Duterte’s murder charges in the ICC.

‘It’s like they come up with stories just to delay the hearings,’ she told the Inquirer.

A dozen armed men who were said to be police officers broke into their house and chased Dacillo, who hid in the gap of their ceiling. The killers then shot him dead in various parts of his body and tortured him after, peeling his tattoo off, strangling him with a belt and beating him up.

Dacillo was with Romero, who was only a teenager when they were gunned by alleged police officers the day after Christmas. Romero’s mother said that his son begged for his life, but the next day, he found out that his son was already dead.

Jaranilla, another victim, was picking vegetables from their backyard in the wee hours of May 4, 2020, in Caloocan City, when masked men came up to him to shoot him. He tried to jump off a nearby river, but the bullet still caught his body.

Rufino, who was held in Quezon City Jail on drug charges before he was freed due to lack of evidence, was not exonerated in the eyes of the killers. Unidentified men still went after him and gunned him down in his house in January 2020.

Also in the same month, policemen, who were with a barangay watchman, stormed the house of Obenita and ruthlessly killed him and two others.

More than 100 urns

An elderly, Lusadio was playing chess when he was killed by a gunshot by unknown suspects. He was rushed to the hospital, but he died 10 days later due to gunshot wounds in his liver, diaphragm and stomach.

More than 100 urns of EJK victims, many of whom died by gunshot wounds either by police or unidentified armed men, under the program are now kept at the shrine in La Loma Catholic Cemetery.

Despite the pain and grief that the families are reeling from, Villanueva reminded them that they gained a family in Program Paghilom. He also urged them to continue the fight not only for their loved ones, but for the country.