Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Supreme Court has ordered a five-day suspension of work in select courts in Iloilo City, Cebu City, Bogo City, and Roxas City from October 6 to 10 to allow structural and electrical engineers to inspect the Halls of Justice following last week’s 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Under OCA Circular No. 291-2025, issued on October 4 by Court Administrator Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta, the suspension covers all first- and second-level courts in the affected areas. Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen authorized the measure after the tremor damaged parts of Cebu province and was felt across the Visayas.

During the suspension, courts will remain available on an on-call basis for urgent judicial action such as bail applications, release orders, petitions for habeas corpus, and marriage solemnization. Judges were also encouraged to conduct videoconferencing for time-sensitive proceedings such as arraignments and pre-trials to prevent delays. Executive and presiding judges were instructed to find alternative hearing venues and coordinate with their respective regional court managers.

Although Iloilo did not sustain major physical destruction reports comparable to Cebu, the knock-on effects-power outages, infrastructure stress, and concern over structural integrity-appear to have motivated precautionary action from the judiciary to protect court personnel and litigants.

The suspension of court work allows structural and electrical engineers to assess the safety of court buildings in Iloilo and other affected jurisdictions before normal operations resume. As of now, no reports have surfaced of major damage to court buildings in Iloilo City directly attributable to the quake. But the judicial branch’s move reflects a more conservative posture in response to regional seismic risk and the potential for latent structural vulnerabilities.

The September 30 earthquake killed at least 70 people, mostly in northern Cebu, and injured hundreds, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Hospitals in Cebu City were forced to evacuate patients to open grounds, while widespread brownouts hit Iloilo City shortly after the tremor struck. INQ

More legal experts and human rights groups have banded together to oppose the Senate resolution that seeks house arrest for former President Rodrigo Duterte while he faces charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Among the signatories of the joint statement released on Friday are the Philippine Coalition for the ICC, Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates, In Defense of Human Rights and Dignity (iDefend), Ateneo Human Rights Center, Center for International Law, Philippine Human Rights Information Center, Movement Against Disinformation, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, Coalition against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific, Sentro ng Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, Medical Action Group, Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance, Alyansa para sa Karapatang Pantao, IDEALS, Network against Killings in the Philippines, Free Legal Assistance Group, Union of Peoples’ Lawyers Mindanao, and Balay Rehabilitation Center.

No basis

Among the legal experts who also signed the statement were Rep. Leila de Lima, dean Jose Mari Tirol, dean Manuel Quibod, professor Cirilo Yuro, Jr.; and lawyers Roel Dapiton, Larry Firmeza, Kchyrziahshayne Dinopol, Alyanna Cortum, Alfredo Arungayan III, Nestor Moreno, Cynthia Ng, Fitz Macalalag, John Maghopoy, and Ricardo Escanlar of the University of San Agustin College of Law.

In their statement, the groups stressed that the tribunal based in The Hague, the Netherlands is ‘insulated’ from the ‘special arrangements’ that the Senate is requesting for Duterte, who is detained at the ICC facility at the Scheveningen prison.

‘Independent of political pressure, the court operates in accordance with the Rome Statute and will determine the terms of Duterte’s detention and any interim release under articles 58 (1) and 60 (2),’ they said, referring to the provisions for the issuance of summons as well as initial proceedings in the ICC.

The group stressed that the house arrest request has no basis since Duterte, as an ICC detainee, is subject to regular health monitoring and evaluation based on international standards.

‘Principled course’

‘This includes frequent and unannounced monitoring and evaluation by the International Committee of the Red Cross, which in turn follows the framework of the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules),’ they said.

The groups urged the Philippine government to instead take a ‘principled course’ that vows to cooperate with international institutions, and pressed the Senate to ‘desist from political overtures that compromise the safety and dignity of victims.’

ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah told Filipino reporters on Thursday that the tribunal cannot ‘speculate’ on the outcome of Duterte’s request for temporary liberty, and that it is up to the Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) I judges ‘to make a decision on this matter.’

For its part, Hustisya, a group made up of families and relatives of extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations, said the Senate resolution only aims to ‘shield power.’

‘It spits on the memory of the thousands of Filipinos slaughtered in Duterte’s so-called war on drugs and war against dissent, the poor dragged from their homes, the fathers executed in front of their children, the mothers and sisters who still grieve, the families who continue to search for answers,’ the group said in a statement on Thursday.

‘Instead of accountability, the Senate has chosen denial,’ it added.

For Cristina Palay, secretary general of Karapatan, the Senate resolution only proved that the upper chamber is ‘packed with Duterte lackeys and apologists.’ ‘This is a Senate bereft of integrity,’ she said.

Heavy traffic is expected around the Philippine Arena in Bulacan as K-pop group TWICE stages its ‘This Is For The World’ tour on Saturday, October 4.

According to the advisory released by the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the event is scheduled from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. They advised motorists to load their RFID accounts and plan trips ahead of time.

NLEX advised concert attendees to use Ciudad de Victoria exit while motorists bound for Bocaue or Santa Maria are urged to take alternate routes via Marilao, Bocaue, or Tambubong exits.

Traffic personnel will be deployed along NLEX to assist and manage vehicle flow.

TWICE, formed in 2015 by JYP Entertainment, is a nine-member South Korean girl group. They last performed in the Philippines on Sept. 23 at the same venue. /das

Cebu Oversea Hardware Company Inc. (Cohci) unveiled its flagship retail hub in Cavite on Friday. The company seeks to capitalize on the expanding home improvement and construction market in Southern Luzon.

The family-owned enterprise said its latest facility is strategically positioned to provide mid-to-premium products to homeowners, builders and contractors at competitive prices.

‘Cavite’s rapid urbanization and infrastructure growth make it an ideal location for this expansion,’ Cohci CEO Michael Co said in a statement on Friday.

Cohci did not disclose the investment cost of the facility, which is situated along Centennial Road in Kawit. The store currently employs 60 workers and is expected to help stimulate local economic activity. It intends to meet the growing demand in construction and home improvement.

The 5,847 square meter facility offers a wide range of products, including tiles, sanitary wares, plumbing and kitchen fixtures. There are also lighting and electrical supplies, hand and power tools, hardware, paints, wood and flooring materials and home furniture.

For DIYers and pros

Cohci said the firm’s Cavite branch combines a do-it-yourself style shopping concept with a curated showroom. This enables Cohci to serve both consumers and professionals in construction, design and property development.

‘By merging DIY shopping with an elevated showroom experience, we’re giving customers the convenience of a one-stop shop, along with the inspiration they need for their projects,’ said Ferdinand Co, chief operating officer of Modern Trade-Manila at Cohci.

According to Cohci, the latest store reflects their commitment to innovation and expansion.

The brothers Co Tiong and Co King Ting in 1952 founded Cohci in 1952. It started as a general merchandise store and has become a diversified group of businesses.

To date, the company is branching out to big box DIY stores, malls and aquaculture. /rwd

Continuing her Asian swing, Alex Eala is set to compete in the 2025 Wuhan Open qualifiers in China.

Seeded fifth in the qualifying draw of the prestigious event, Eala faces Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima in the opening round on Saturday, no earlier than 5:30 p.m.

Eala is ranked No. 58 in the world, while the 24-year-old Uchijima sits at No. 92.

The Wuhan Open is the final WTA 1000 tournament of the 2025 calendar. It offers eight qualifier spots in the 56-player singles draw.

Eala flew to Wuhan immediately after her quarterfinal exit in the Suzhou Open WTA 125 on Friday.

In her second tournament in Asia, Eala played all three matches in Suzhou in grueling three-setters-including a round-of-16 duel that lasted more than three hours.

‘Some crazy matches this week. Back to the drawing board with a bit more experience and a lot of sweat lost,’ Eala wrote in an Instagram post.

She also competed in the Jingshan Tennis Open late last month.

The Wuhan Open marks Eala’s return to a WTA 1000 event since the Canadian Open last July.

Seventeen days after the deadly flash floods that struck this city on the night of September 17, families and friends continue to offer prayers for the two people who remain missing.

One of the missing, Dina Consolacion, 48, of Purok 13, Poblacion, was found floating near Busco Bridge in Barangay Butong, Quezon, on the morning of October 4. Her body, already in an advanced state of decomposition, was discovered by residents and later confirmed by authorities.

The discovery raised the death toll to six. Previously confirmed fatalities were Jaya Taña, 27; King Winston Adran, 13; Larry Labay, 53; Princess Kyarah Dacoycoy, 17; and Deejay Ark Taña Viña, 4. Search and retrieval operations led by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) continue for the two remaining missing individuals – Johnny Borbon, 63, and Andrea Vistal, 2.

CDRRMO chief June Ray Valero said responders would sustain the search until the city government issues an official directive on when to conclude operations.

Families of the missing have accepted the painful reality of their loved ones’ fate, offering prayers amid the devastation caused by the sudden cloudburst. The flash floods destroyed millions worth of property, livestock, infrastructure, and agricultural crops, and left hundreds of families displaced.

Valero added that relocation efforts are underway for affected residents still staying at the city gymnasium, which serves as the main evacuation center.

The city government plans to transfer displaced families once the subdivision plan and construction of housing units at the relocation site in Barangay Pinatilan are completed.

University of Santo Tomas stretched its unbeaten run to three games after a 99-42 rout of the University of the East in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament Saturday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Growling Tigresses took control early, pouring in 25 points in the first quarter while holding the Lady Warriors to just five to set up the 57-point blowout. UST now sits alone atop the standings at 3-0.

Coach Haydee Ong credited her team’s focus and discipline, especially after UE’s close overtime loss to the University of the Philippines last week.

‘We’re happy that our game plan was followed,’ Ong said. ‘At the start of the season, I told my team that we need to focus on individual and team defense. We want our opponents to perform below their average every time we face them.’

UST dominated both ends, forcing 32 turnovers that led to 30 points off UE miscues, while also tallying 28 steals. Nigerian center Oma Onianwa continued her solid play with 17 points and six rebounds in just 19 minutes. Kent Pastrana had 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Breana Pineda added 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting.

Karylle Sierba also chipped in 11 points as Ong rotated all 15 active players, except guard Eka Soriano, who sat out with an ankle injury.

UE dropped to 0-3, extending its losing streak to 13 games dating back to last season. Ivy Yañez led the Lady Warriors with 12 points, while former UST high school standout Rachel Lacayanga scored 10.

Both teams return to action next Saturday at the newly renovated Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym-the first women’s division game there since Season 82.

From Mexico City to Manila, the United Kingdom to the United States, Taylor Swift fans hooted, sobbed happy tears and danced their way through the pop star’s latest album release, ‘The Life of a Showgirl.’

Swift’s 12th studio offering dropped Friday, and her Swifties were more than ready for it. Many were dripping in the color orange to usher in her latest era at gatherings around the world. Some closed their eyes to take in the fresh dozen tracks amid the chaotic crowds around them.

José María Bastida, a writer, rocked an orange sequin tuxedo jacket at a watch party in a Mexico City restaurant serving Swift-themed cocktails, including a tequila heavy ‘Ophelia’s Juice’ and a liquored up ‘Showgirl Slushy.’

‘I feel like it’s super experimental,’ he said of the album, ‘because it’s supposed to bring a lot of new stuff and we haven’t seen that more sexy side of Taylor Swift.’

Fans snatch up ‘Showgirl’ in all its variants

In Los Angeles, the fervent lined up at midnight at a Target to snap up the new music on vinyl and CD. Maria-Elena Garcia rented a hotel room and drove in from Santa Barbara. ‘I like a lot of her values and like we have a lot similar values. For example, cats,’ she said.

In theaters, Swift is schooling AMC on how to treat her fans. The theater chain has granted special permission for moviegoers to sing and dance their way through screenings of ‘The Official Release Party of a Showgirl,’ in select theaters for the weekend only. The film is screening around the world. Added bonus: No trailers beforehand.

Fiona Cela, 11, in London woke up at 4:30 a.m. to listen to the album. She then headed out with her mother to the studios of Global’s Capital radio, hoping for a glimpse of Swift as she gave an interview there. On her agenda after that: school.

‘Taylor as a person is just super kind and loving,’ she said, her wrists stacked with Swift-themed friendship bracelets. ‘Her music is so inspiring.’

Swifties celebrate at a special pub

At the Black Dog pub in London, thought to be the location for Swift’s song ‘Black Dog’ from her last album, vacationing American Natalie Richmond, 43, showed up to mark the occasion. Her two Swiftie daughters woke her up extra early to listen to the album.

‘We actually lived in Nashville early on so we’ve been following her ever since she began,’ Richmond said. ‘She’s relatable. She’s the person that everybody wants to be friends with. We all listen to her music and think I’d love to go out and hang out with her.’

Longtime Swiftie Helen Brabant-Bleakley showed up at the Black Dog to mark her 30th birthday, wearing a teal sash with gold lettering that read: ‘The Life of a Birthday Girl.’

‘My good friend Taylor Swift gave me the best present ever by dropping a new album,’ she said, noting she’s already picked a couple of favorite cuts from the album: ‘Father Figure’ and ‘Elizabeth Taylor.’

Drag queens lip-sync Swift as hundreds cheer

A Manila mall went full Swift with a drag show, games, raffles and performers. Hundreds of screaming fans dressed in showgirl gear braved rain to celebrate at an outdoor amphitheater.

Among them was Cyril Aviguetero, 18. With a red showgirl head piece complementing his outfit, he was most excited about Track 7, ‘Actually Romantic.’ Asked why, he mused: ‘I’m not sure, but I’m also trying to find what’s actually romantic in my life,’ he said.

Other Swift events were held around the Philippines.

Kansas City’s Union Station was lit up in orange and teal in celebration. Musician Chloe Rose entertained Swift fans with four hours of covers at a spot there ahead of the release as the crowd made friendship bracelets and sipped on themed cocktails.

Number balloons for ’12’ floated around as Rose sang and played guitar and keyboards. Fan Tara Pickarell showed up but chose solitude to later take in the new work. ‘I have to be in my own space to listen to it. I need my own little bubble.’

Pickarell is happy the album is pop heavy.

‘I do like her slower songs, but I’m excited to get back to like 1989 ‘Reputation’ vibes,’ she said.

Showgirl pop-up draws lines for photos with props

In New York, hundreds of fans lined up to walk through a three-day Spotify pop-up offering five showgirl-themed rooms. They took photos with feathery boas and other props.

‘I feel like there’s so few moments like this where you actually get to connect with other fans,’ said Ali Meehan. ‘Like we all kind of listen in our rooms, alone in our houses.’

This time around, Swift includes abundant nods to fiancé Travis Kelce amid the glitz, glamour and Las Vegas lechery of it all. This Swift isn’t waiting in the wings, and she’s definitely not holed up alone.

‘This is so different from the last album, but in a really good way,’ said Hannah Zuckerbraun, a fan in a Swift T-shirt among Target-goers in Los Angeles. ‘Like, it’s a lot happier sounding. I feel like it’s perfect and upbeat.’

Through her outreach initiative Aiahdvocacy, Aiah Arceta of P-pop girl group BINI started a donation drive and has already raised more than P440,000 for her fellow Cebuanos who were affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

The initiative earlier shared a call for donations through its Instagram page on Thursday, Oct. 2

‘In light of the recent earthquake in Cebu, we are opening our donation channels to provide direct assistance to the victims,’ it said. ‘Together, let us extend help and compassion in these trying times.’

It noted that monetary donations will be accepted until Sunday, Oct. 5.

Arceta, through her Instagram Stories on Friday, Oct. 3, gave an update on the fundraising by sharing the art card from the outreach initiative. She also expressed her gratitude to those who extended help.

‘Funds raised as of Oct. 3, 2025, 3:45 p.m.: P444,232.87,’ it said. ‘Proceeds will go directly to initiatives supporting our countrymen affected by the earthquake in Cebu. A transparency report will be published on our social media accounts after our relief operations.’

Arceta captioned the post, ‘Thank you to everyone who sent their donations!’ In a separate post, she gave an update on the goods that they will be giving out.

‘We now have four different groups of volunteers working simultaneously to gather all the needed supplies for repacking. Working together as one!’ she said, adding blue heart emoji.

Arceta also reportedly pledged a part of the sales of her cap brand to help Cebuanos in need. Aside from Arceta, several other celebrities including Kim Chiu and Zsa Zsa Padilla have also extended help to earthquake victims through donations. /ra

The Filipino musical film ‘Song of the Fireflies’ will have separate screenings at the Soho International Film Festival and the Newport Beach Film Festival in the United States.

The movie is competing under the World Feature Film category at the Soho Film Fest in New York. It is set to be screened on Oct. 11.

‘We’re very excited and thankful to be part of this year’s Soho International Film Festival,’ said film director King Palisoc. ‘We hope the audience gets to experience the magic in the film the same way we did while making it.’

The ‘Song of the Fireflies’ will also be showcased at the Newport Beach Film Festival in Orange County, California, on Oct. 22, as part of the International Spotlight official selection.

Among those who will be attending the screenings is cast member and producer Rachel Alejandro.

‘We invite the Filipino community in New York, New Jersey and Southern California to come out and support ‘Song of the Fireflies’ which celebrates Filipino excellence in singing and music,’ she said.

‘Truly, music and singing are our ‘Pinoy Superpowers’ as proven by the back-to-back wins of Sofronio Vasquez III in ‘The Voice’ and Jessica Sanchez in ‘America’s Got Talent,’ she added.

Just last May, the film was recognized at the 58th WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival where it was given the Platinum Remi Award. It won big as well at the 2025 Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) in March, clinching five accolades.

The movie is also one of the seven Filipino films that vied to represent the country in the Oscars.

Aside from Alejandro, other cast members include Morrisette Amon, Noel Comia Jr. and Krystal Brimner. The ‘Song of the Fireflies’ also has scheduled local screenings on Oct. 11, 12, 17 and 18 at the Ayala Museum. /ra