Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Leaders of Agusan del Sur province hailed a local athlete for a recent triumph in the international arena, providing inspiration for aspiring ones to emulate.

In separate statements, House Representatives Adolph Edward Plaza and Alfel Bascug, and Governor Santiago Cane hoped that Elias Tabac’s glory at the 2025 Spartan Thailand Trifecta Series in Chiang Mai last Sept. 28 would attract more young people to embrace athletics.

Tabac, the pride of Barangay Calaitan in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, clinched a historic silver medal in Chiang Mai. Tabac, who represented the Philippines, placed second in the grueling Super 10K race, finishing behind the Italian champion. The Spartan series is regarded worldwide as one of the toughest endurance competitions, combining long-distance running with obstacle challenges.

He was earlier regarded as ‘Spartan King’ after conquering Leg 3 of the 2025 Spartan Philippines National Series on August 2 at The Trails, Nuvali in Laguna. The Agusan del Sur native is no stranger to international triumphs. In 2021, he conquered the World’s Highest Obstacle Course Race at the crater of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania-a feat verified by Guinness World Records. He completed the high-altitude event in one hour and 15 minutes.

At home, Tabac serves as athletics coach for Agusan del Sur, whose athletes dominated the 2025 Caraga Regional Athletic Games. They are now preparing for the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, set to be hosted at the newly built Datu Lipus Makapandong Sports Complex in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Tabac dedicated his silver finish to his athletes and their families, while expressing gratitude for the support of Cane, Plaza, and Bascug.

A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman and his companion were gunned down in broad daylight on Saturday along Jose Lim Street, Barangay Poblacion 5 here.

Col. Jibin Bongcayao, the city police director, identified the victims as Prince Mohaz Rafsanjanie Matanog, youth council chair for Poblacion 5 in Cotabato City.

His brother, Muamar Salvador Matanog, who was with him during the attack, was seriously wounded and immediately rushed to a local hospital, where he later died. Police initial probe states that the victims were aboard a red Toyota Raize with plate number NFJ 8206 when they were fired upon by motorcycle-riding assailants.

Prince Mohaz sustained multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, causing his instant death.

The Police Station 1 immediately launched a hot pursuit operation, which led to a firefight with the suspects. One of the assailants was reportedly hit, while a patrolman was also wounded during the encounter. Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered around 94 fired bullets from the crime scene as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, the Cotabato State University (CotSU) community is grieving for the death of Prince Mohaz, a third-year student of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. ‘This brutal and senseless act is an offense against peace, order, and the values of public service that our city stands for,’ Matabalao said.

He also offered a bounty of P500,00 for credible information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.

Malacañang has declared a series of special non-working holidays in October and November in recognition of significant local events.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on September 30 signed Proclamations 1045, 1046, 1047, 1048, 1049, 1050, and 1051 to allow communities to honor their unique cultural heritage and historical milestones.

Under Proclamation 1045, October 9 is a special non-working holiday in San Isidro, Surigao del Norte to mark the municipality’s 66th founding anniversary.

LIST: 2026 regular holidays, special non-working days

Proclamation 1046 designates October 16 as a holiday in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur in celebration of the town’s 68th founding anniversary.

In Batac City, Ilocos Norte, October 20 has been declared a holiday through Proclamation 1047 to commemorate the 159th birth anniversary of local hero General Artemio Ricarte, a key figure during the Philippine Revolution and Philippine-American War.

Meanwhile, Dingle town in Iloilo will observe a holiday on October 28, as declared in Proclamation 1048, in remembrance of the Cry of Lincud – the first recorded revolt against Spanish rule in Iloilo and Panay.

Proclamation 1049 designates October 29 a special non-working holiday in Mati, Davao Oriental in celebration of the Sambuokan Festival, which honors the area’s history prior to its cityhood.

On October 30, residents of San Isidro, Davao del Norte, will celebrate the Sikwate Festival, as declared in Proclamation 1050.

Proclamation 1051 declares November 4 a special non-working holiday in Quezon province to commemorate the death anniversary of Apolinario dela Cruz, also known as Hermano Puli, a revered religious leader executed during the Spanish colonial era.

As the world observes World Animal Day on Saturday, October 4, FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe called on Filipinos to show greater compassion and responsibility toward animals, pointing out that the first step begins with a simple reminder: Do no harm.

‘On World Animal Day, we are reminded that compassion begins with the simplest act: to do no harm. The very least we can do for animals is to ensure they are treated with kindness, respect, and dignity,’ Poe said in his statement.

He warned that animals are too often the silent victims of cruelty, neglect, and exploitation, stressing that society has a moral duty to protect them. ‘Our duty as human beings is to protect them, care for them, and recognize that their well-being is closely tied to the kind of society we want to build,’ he added.

Poe also highlighted his legislative push for stronger protections through House Bill No. 1746, or the Revised Animal Welfare Act of 2025, which seeks to strengthen animal welfare laws, impose stricter penalties for cruelty, and promote responsible ownership and care.

‘If we strive for a more humane and compassionate Philippines, we must include in that vision the care and protection of creatures who cannot speak for themselves,’ he emphasized. ‘Let us never forget to rescue and safeguard our animals, for they too deserve protection and care in times of crisis,’ Poe reminded, noting that the Philippines has recently been struck by natural disasters.

The lawmaker has been actively supporting animal welfare initiatives. On September 28, 2025, Poe joined animal welfare advocates and pet owners in celebrating Mars Global Adoption Weekend, an annual event promoting pet adoption and responsible ownership.

Animal advocacy runs in the family, as his mother, former Senator Grace Poe, championed a Senate version of the Animal Welfare Bill during the 19th Congress.

The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (Famas) apologized for its earlier post that included false information on actress and humanitarian Rosa Rosal’s supposed death.

Famas had shared a tribute post dedicated to Rosal, 96, on its Facebook page on Friday, Oct. 4, but later removed it. The award-giving body then issued an apology, saying the information was false.

‘We sincerely apologize for an earlier post regarding the passing of Ms. Rosa Rosal,’ read the statement released via its Facebook page as well.

‘It has come to our attention that the information was false. Ms. Rosal remains with us, and we deeply regret any confusion or distress this may have caused her family, friends, and admirers,’ it continued.

Famas then underscored, ‘[We] value truth and integrity, and we will continue to be more vigilant in verifying information before releasing any public statement. We extend our heartfelt apologies to Ms. Rosal, her loved ones, and the public.’

Famas’ apology came after the family of Rosal dismissed claims that she had already died. The veteran actress’ family further noted that she is doing well. /ra

It seems like only yesterday, Creamline was the toast of women’s volleyball, with every available title in the Premier Volleyball League in its possession.

Now, the Cool Smashers set off looking to defend the only crown in their heads.

‘There’s no pressure,’ coach Sherwin Meneses said, days before the PVL opens its Reinforced Conference, where Creamline will defend its title with help from American spiker Courtney Schwan.

‘Creamline is a team that always embraces any kind of pressure, game by game. We’re fully focused on this one,’ Meneses added.

The Cool Smashers lost their All-Filipino Conference title after their drive for five was shattered by Petro Gazz. The 10-time PVL champion wasn’t even within sniffing distance of the PVL on Tour and Invitational crowns-both claimed by PLDT in sweeping fashion-and finished with a pair of bronze medals.

That puts a sense of urgency in Creamline’s defense of the Reinforced title.

Creamline will continue to miss eight-time Best Setter Jia De Guzman and Reinforced MVP Bernadeth Pons, who are both committed to Alas Pilipinas indoor and beach volleyball, respectively.

But Meneses is confident that his holdovers will continue to step up in the import-laden tournament, with Tots Carlos and Bea De Leon returning to action to support Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao, Jema Galanza, Kyle Negrito, Pangs Panaga and rookie Sheena Toring.

‘This conference, it’s really all about solid preparation,’ Meneses said. ‘Imports make up around 40 percent of a team’s success, it depends on how skilled and committed they are to helping the team. I think Creamline has an edge there because we’re used to playing in conferences with imports.’

‘But of course, like you said, other teams won’t go down without a fight. So we’re just staying ready for every game in this conference.’

Coming from a fruitful training camp in Thailand, Valdez and Gumabao are determined to reach the top anew.

‘We’ve been working hard preparing for this conference. . So, we’re really looking forward to having a better conference,’ said Valdez.

‘Every conference, Creamline is always super determined to become champions again. That’s always the goal,’ Gumabao said.

‘But the bigger goal for us is to stay safe and injury-free. Hopefully, all players stay healthy, and those who haven’t returned yet can come back soon. Of course, the championship is still the ultimate target. We’ll always fight until the very end.’

The Creamline veterans are also grateful to have Schwan, who has already brought a lot of ‘new things’ to the team even before the tournament starts on Tuesday next week at Ynares Center in Montalban. ‘Coco is such a good addition to our team. More than the experience she’s bringing to the team,’ said Valdez. ‘She’s very vocal, very straightforward. We’re able to actually adjust easier because of that personality of hers.’ INQ

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon continued to expose the wealth amassed by Pacifico ‘Curlee’ and Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya, the contractor couple who have drawn much flak in the ongoing investigation into graft-tainted infrastructure projects.

Sarcastically describing them as ‘champions’ in securing government contracts, Dizon on Friday noted that companies owned by the Discayas had managed to secure projects worth almost P78 billion since 2016, or the start of the Duterte administration.

The couple were in the first group of contractors and public works officials sued last month by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at the Office of the Ombudsman for graft and malversation of public funds.

The Department of Justice, however, later admitted the Discayas to the Witness Protection Program, citing the need for their cooperation in building up more cases.

Referred to PCC

Dizon drew attention to the couple on Friday as the DPWH formally asked another agency-the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC)-to have the Discayas and other contractors investigated further, this time for allegedly rigging public biddings.

According to Dizon, DPWH records showed that the Discaya-owned companies got a total of 1,214 flood control projects from 2016 to this year, all worth P77.934 billion.

‘The Discayas are the champions here,’ Dizon said at a press conference. ‘We are prioritizing the contractors that we slapped with criminal charges. I don’t want to discuss anything about the other contractors since their cases are yet to be filed, but definitely the Discayas are the champions here.’

From 2023 to 2025, he said, their companies were in the ‘Top 2 or 3’ in terms of contracts won.

Citing records from the Land Registration Authority, Dizon said the Discayas also accumulated 18 properties with an estimated market value of P1 billion.

Penalties

He said the couple had actually admitted engaging in rigged biddings in their testimonies before the Senate blue ribbon committee.

Dizon said they could face penalties of up to ‘P300 billion’ from the PCC.

Aside from the Discayas, the DPWH chief referred to the commission several other cases of alleged bidding manipulation.

Recovering people’s money

‘Unlike the previous cases wherein the PCC would do a case buildup and gather evidence by themselves, we believe this would make it easier for them [to act on the case],’ Dizon said. ‘It is important for us to hold (the contractors) accountable and for them to return the money of our taxpayers.’

Dizon said the DPWH had also written to different surety and insurance companies to recover surety bonds amounting to P89 million for flood control projects in Bulacan province that were found to be substandard.

The Negros Island Region (NIR) has deployed policemen, soldiers, firefighters, and local government teams to Cebu province to augment search and rescue (SAR) operations following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Tuesday night.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the death toll was placed at 68 as of Friday morning.

The initial deployment of 80 NIR policemen began on Wednesday. The contingent included 41 officers from the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and 39 from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office.

Police Regional Office-NIR director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said the policemen will remain in Cebu for ‘an initial duration of one to two weeks to support search and rescue missions, evacuation efforts, and humanitarian operations.’

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-NIR also deployed a specialized 20-member rescue force, which includes four firefighters from Bacolod City.

Philippine Army and Philippine Coast Guard personnel from the NIR have also been sent to assist in the operations.

In a parallel effort, local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental are mobilizing their technical teams and aid.

Irene Bel Ploteña, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), confirmed that the Talisay City Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) team was the first LGU unit deployed by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD).

Ploteña said only CSSR teams that are fully trained and equipped are being sent.

The PDRRMO and CSSR teams from the cities of Sagay, Sipalay, Bago, Cadiz, San Carlos, and Silay are currently on standby, awaiting deployment orders from the OCD, Ploteña said.

An Escalante City team traveled to Tabuelan, Cebu, on Thursday to deliver potable water and rice, along with a water tanker and a mobile kitchen, she said.

Sagay City will lend its Aquacube water purification system to Bogo, Cebu, Ploteña added.

Negros Occidental LGU teams continue to remain on standby to assist in other earthquake-hit areas as directed by the Office of Civil Defense.

Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, and other LGUs are also sending financial aid./coa

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Friday said it would go after the people behind ‘malicious’ claims online that the fact-finding body has tapped an anti-crime nongovernment organization in its probe into the massive corruption in government contracts for public works.

In a statement on Friday, the ICI said that the reports claiming that it has sought the help of Task Force Kasanag International, supposedly led by a certain John Chong, that have been making rounds on social media are misleading, ‘entirely untrue’ and are meant to ‘undermine’ the commission.

‘The ICI has not authorized, deputized, or engaged Task Force Kasanag International, or any group led by Mr. John Chiong, in any capacity related to its investigations,’ it said, stressing the ‘impartiality and professionalism’ the ICI observes in its work.

The investigating body, led by former Supreme Court Justice Andres Reyes, Jr., said it would ask the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to find out the people responsible for the disinformation so that it could recommend the filing of appropriate criminal charges against them.

The ICI has been conducting closed-door hearings with key personalities to explain what went down in the budget process in previous years that could point to how massive funding for infrastructure, especially flood control, went to the pockets of colluding lawmakers, contractors and government officials.

On Thursday, the ICI formally called in Sen. Mark Villar to appear in the next ICI hearing on Oct. 7. ICI executive director Brian Hosaka has also said that former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualde and resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizady Co, whose names have been dragged into the anomaly, would also be summoned to the hearings.

The Sandiganbayan has rejected for lack of merit the plea of Senator Jinggoy Estrada to dismiss the graft charges filed against him over his alleged misuse of P200 million in pork barrel funds in 2014.

The resolution means that his graft trial will push through even though the court had already acquitted him and convicted businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles for plunder over the same case, an argument he raised before the court.

In a 22-page resolution dated Oct. 1, the antigraft court’s Special Fifth Division said there was ‘no cogent reason’ to reverse its Mar. 26 resolution that denied Estrada’s demurrer to evidence because the senator was arguing for cases that differed substantially.

Estrada, in his motion for reconsideration cited by the Sandiganbayan, had argued that there should not be any prosecution for graft since he was already prosecuted for plunder based on the ‘same set of facts and the same set of transactions.’

His motion also took note of the ‘similarity’ between the two sets of indictments wherein the prosecution in both cases ‘presented essentially the same set of exhibits and the same set of witness testimonies to prove the same theory, albeit to prosecute separate sets of crimes.’

But the court rejected his argument, saying there was nothing in the Rules of Court or the laws that required the court to dismiss a separate graft case ‘on account of the charge being a predicate act in a prior case for plunder.’

Double jeopardy

‘The only reason to sustain such an argument would be if the same places the accused in double jeopardy, which is not the case herein, as shall be discussed by the court later,’ read the resolution signed by Associate Justice Zaldy Trespeses, the division chair; and Associate Justices Maryann Corpus-Mañalac and Maria Theresa Mendoza-Arcega.

The case stemmed from the claim of socialite Ruby Tuason, former social secretary to Estrada’s father, former President Joseph Estrada, that she personally delivered cash to the senator from Napoles, who has had numerous convictions for masterminding the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

Senator Estrada is accused of receiving millions of pesos in kickbacks from Napoles, who connived with some lawmakers and government officials to divert billions of pesos of PDAF funds to nonexistent or flawed livelihood projects supposedly carried out by her nongovernment organizations.

The court also rejected Estrada’s argument that the prosecution failed to prove the element of scienter, or the intent or knowledge to commit wrongdoing, because he did not know of Napoles’s criminal scheme.

The Sandiganbayan noted that Tuason had testified that she informed him of Napoles’ scheme as early as 2004 and that she personally ‘delivered amounts to him on various occasions’ at the Senate and his residence.