Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson raised the possibility that Cavite Fourth District Rep. Kiko Barzaga may have been ‘exploited by some parties’ to push their ‘self-seeking agenda’ and undermine the blue ribbon panel’s investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

Lacson, in a post on X on Friday, said he is sympathizing with the congressman’s mother, Dasmariñas City Mayor Jenny Barzaga.

The senator said that while it was the younger Barzaga who posted a month-old photo of him with the Discaya couple last Oct. 1, he could not have done that without someone providing him with that photo.

‘I feel for our dear friend, Mayor Jenny Barzaga. As the mayor of Dasmariñas City, she must have her hands full serving her constituents. The last thing she needs is the evil-mindedness of people who use her son Kiko’s mental state to advance their self-seeking political agenda,’ Lacson said in a post on X.

Lacson previously debunked insinuations about the photo with the Discayas, saying it was taken during the campaign period-way before the start of the investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

He explained that a supporter from Davao City accompanied the Discayas to invite him to a political rally, but he emphasized that he declined the invitation.

The senator believes that the posting of the photo was likely ‘meant to discredit the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee,’ which is investigating the flood control scandal.

Meanwhile, the Discayas are among the key resource speakers of the blue ribbon’s hearing on anomalous flood control projects.

It was the Discaya patriarch-Pacifico ‘Curlee’-who first named congressmen and government officials who were allegedly receiving kickbacks from anomalous government biddings. /apl

A resolution expressing condolences to the families who lost their loved ones after a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the northeastern portion of Cebu province last Tuesday has been adopted by the House of Representatives.

During the session on Thursday, which lapsed into early Friday morning, House Resolution (HR) No. 325 authored by Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos Jr., and Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan was adopted via viva voce (communicated orally rather than in written form).

‘Whereas, the House of Representatives extends its heartfelt condolences and profound empathy to the families and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy, and stands in unwavering solidarity with the Province of Cebu and all other stricken communities in their time of great need and collective recovery,’ HR No. 325 said.

‘Resolved, further, that the Members of the House of Representatives collectively and individually rise up to meet the challenges of relief and rehabilitation in the earthquake-stricken areas for the purpose of providing any form of assistance to the earthquake victims,’ it added.

Late Tuesday night, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck waters northeast of Bogo City, Cebu, damaging heritage churches and other structures, and knocking out power in parts of the central Philippines.

Latest reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) showed that the death toll from the Cebu earthquake is at 68.

Initially, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) measured the quake at magnitude 6.7 before upgrading it to a 6.9. The movement was tectonic in nature, and was recorded at a shallow depth of five kilometers below the ground.

Phivolcs then warned of a possible ‘minor sea-level disturbance’ and urged residents of Leyte, Cebu and Biliran to stay away from the coast. The warning was eventually lifted.

Previously, Dy assured the public that the House leadership is also discussing with district representatives how assistance can be provided for residents in quake-stricken areas. Dy also said the House extends its sympathies to families who lost their loved ones.

‘We are currently conducting coordination talks with agencies and local government units to ensure that the assistance needed would be immediately provided, particularly quick medical service and basic needs for areas hard hit by the earthquake,’ Dy said.

‘We are currently coordinating with the representatives of affected districts to support their goal of bringing help to their constituents,’ he added.

At least 129 families or 393 individuals were evacuated from their homes as Typhoon Paolo battered this province on Friday (Oct. 3)

According to Rolex Estella, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDDRMC), the evacuees are residents from low-lying areas or near riverbanks who left their homes during the pre-emptive evacuation.

The evacuees are from the seven towns in the province (San Antonio, San Narciso, Cabangan, Botolan, Iba, Palauig and Masinloc) who are now taking shelter in respective evacuation centers of their towns.

Estella said the said figures were recorded as of 6 p.m and they are still awaiting reports from other affected towns in the province

House of Representatives Secretary General Cheloy Garafil has been formally directed to drop former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co from the roll, after his resignation was brought to the plenary.

During the House’s session on Thursday, which lapsed to early Friday morning, Assistant Majority Leader and Sultan Kudarat 2nd District Rep. Bella Vanessa Suansing moved to take up additional reference of business.

After reading House Resolution No. 326 which expresses the House’s condolences to victims of the Cebu earthquake, Garafil then said that there is a letter from Co about his resignation.

‘Communication dated September 29, 2025, from Honorable Elizaldy S. Co, Representative of Ako Bicol party-list, addressed to the House of Representatives, regarding resignation letter-reply to the 22 September 2025 letter-complaint,’ Garafil read.

After Suansing said that the House committee on rules has received the letter, Deputy Speaker Janette Garin, who was presiding over the session directed Garafil to drop Co from the roll.

‘In view of the resignation of Representative Elizaldy S. Co, the Secretary General is hereby directed to drop Representative Co from the roll of members of the House of Representatives. So ruled,’ Garin said.

Last Monday, Co said on his Facebook page that he is stepping down from his post with a heavy heart, attaching copies of his letter to Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III. Later on, Co’s office confirmed that the beleaguered lawmaker has relinquished his seat in the 20th Congress.

According to Co, he is leaving the House due to the threat to his and his family’s life, and the alleged denial to accord him due process.

Co said the party-list will inform the House who will replace him to fill one of the two seats allocated for the group.

Co is currently out of the country for what he said was a health procedure in the United States.

However, Dy last September 18 officially revoked Co’s travel clearance, asking him to come home within 10 days to answer allegations linking him to questionable budget insertions and contractors doing public works projects. Co is currently facing a myriad of issues regarding the 2025 national budget and the infrastructure project scandal. At the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing, contractor-couple Pacifico and Sarah Discaya named several lawmakers who allegedly asked for and received kickbacks from infrastructure projects, after their firms were able to bag government contracts.

Pacifico also claimed that lawmakers asked for a 25 percent cut for Co and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Both Co and Romualdez denied the accusations.

Last Tuesday, Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez, former officials of the Bulacan first district engineering office tagged Co and other lawmakers as allegedly involved in the kickbacks scheme for infrastructure projects. Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco meanwhile accused Co, as former chairperson of the House committee on appropriations, of masterminding insertions and realignments in the 2025 national budget, bulk of which supposedly went to flood control.

It was also Tiangco who filed an ethics complaint against the former Ako Bicol solon.

Co was also criticized because company with ties to him figured as one of the top 15 contractors for flood control projects. Co disputed these allegations, saying that he will answer these at the proper forum.

Nani Epondulan may be new to the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball coaches’ circle, but he knows one win proves little.

But opening the season on a high note never hurts, as Jose Rizal University scored a 73-69 victory over Letran at San Juan Arena on Friday.

NCAA SCHEDULE: Season 101 men’s basketball tournament

‘This is just our first game so there are barely any scouting reports,’ said the newly minted coach.

Epondulan marked his rite of passage with a win at the expense of one of the league’s traditional juggernauts, giving JRU an early boost after finishing with a league-worst 4-14 record last season.

It also helped JRU’s cause that main gunner Justin Lozano caught fire to keep the Knights at bay.

‘I knew his capabilities from day one,’ Epondulan said of Lozano. ‘I saw that he’ll click in my system. The good thing with him is he can shoot the long bombs which worked to our advantage.’

Lozano finished with a game-high 17 points built on three buckets from beyond the arc.

Backstopping Lozano on JRU’s offense was Sean Salvador, who finished with 10 points for the squad’s first win.

The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP HPG) said it recorded over 56,000 traffic violations in September 2025.

In a statement on Friday, the PNP said its traffic unit caught 14,111 motorcycle riders for not wearing a helmet; 7,063 for not wearing a seatbelt; 187 for driving a car without an import commodity clearance sticker; and 34,681 for other traffic violations.

The HPG also conducted 17,353 operations from Sept. 1 to 30, 2025, resulting in the recovery of 94 vehicles and 37 motorcycles, the PNP added.

Police also said, during the same period, the HPG arrested 44 individuals for alleged carnapping.

The leading digital entertainment platform in the Philippines announced a fun-filled and entertaining night of electrifying music, exciting prizes, and Filipino charity as it presents the BingoPlus X International Series Music Festival.

With the theme ‘Swing for Filipino Sports Dream’, BingoPlus is set to turn up the beat on October 25 at the Aseana City Concert Grounds in Parañaque, delivering a memorable, world-class sports and entertainment experience for Filipinos. EDM hitmaker Alan Walker headlines the festival, joined by Pinoy pride Apl.De.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, and iconic Filipino bands including Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Urbandub, Sandwich, and Lily. Pumping up the crowd are DJs Arthur Tan, Hoest, and DJ Kiara, with high-energy performances from world champion dance crews A-Team and UPeepz. The event will be hosted by Anjo Pertierra and Shaira Diaz.

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A powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off northern Cebu on September 30, toppling homes, damaging bridges and roads, and leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured across the central Philippines. The quake sent residents rushing out of their homes as buildings shook violently.

The tremor, tectonic in origin, registered a highest instrumental intensity of VII in Cebu City and parts of Leyte. Authorities have since reported extensive damage across 89 cities and municipalities. More than 80,000 families, or over 366,000 people, have been affected, with thousands forced into evacuation centers as aftershocks continue.

Affected residents took to the streets, writing messages on pavements and holding up makeshift signs pleading for food, water, and other basic necessities. Families reported having little to no access to supplies, electricity, or clean water, forcing them to appeal directly to passing motorists and authorities for help.

Fifty-three localities have been placed under a state of calamity, as officials scramble to restore power, clear debris from blocked roads, and assess the structural safety of thousands of homes. Initial reports list seven road sections and 11 bridges affected, while more than 5,000 houses in Region 7 sustained varying levels of damage.

The powerful quake was felt as far as Quezon Province, Zamboanga del Norte, Samar and Antique.

Overview

Date and Time: September 30, 2025, 9:59 p.m.

Magnitude: 6.9

Epicenter: 19 km northeast of Bogo City, Cebu

Depth: 5 km (shallow, tectonic origin)

Instrumental Intensity: VII (Cebu City, parts of Leyte)

What triggered the quake?

Phivolcs said the quake was likely caused by a dormant fault line in northern Cebu that had not produced a major rupture in more than 400 years.

Chief seismologist Winchelle Sevilla explained that while the area occasionally experiences minor tremors, the long inactivity of the fault allowed tectonic stress to build up, making the recent quake unusually strong.

Sevilla stressed that dormant faults, though quiet for centuries, can still unleash powerful and destructive earthquakes, highlighting the need for constant monitoring and disaster preparedness.

Aftershocks and ongoing risk

PHIVOLCS cautioned that aftershocks may persist for weeks to a month following the Sept. 30 magnitude 6.9 quake in Cebu. These are normal occurrences after a major seismic event as the earth’s crust adjusts to the movement along the fault.

Seismology chief Winchelle Sevilla explained that while aftershocks generally weaken over time, some can still be strong enough to be felt and cause additional damage, particularly to already weakened structures. In some cases, stronger aftershocks can strike even months after the main quake.

10 most deadly quakes in the Philippines

How to donate

Geneva Cruz stood with hundreds of Smokey Mountain residents in Manila to oppose the government’s planned waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration project in the area.

Cruz, who rose to fame as part of the 1990s quartet Smokey Mountain – named after the former dumpsite – recently joined more than 500 urban poor residents during the Day of Action Against Incineration at San Pablo Apostol Parish in Tondo.

‘The people of Smokey Mountain have struggled with the impacts of poverty and environmental injustice, now facing job losses, forced evictions, and reprisals from proponents of the WTE project,’ she earlier wrote on social media.

The singer performed a medley of Smokey Mountain hits – ‘Kailan,’ ‘Paraiso’ and ‘Better World’ – inside the parish covered court on Sept. 30 as she later joined residents’ protest chants.

The P26-billion WTE facility, backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is envisioned as a solution to the country’s waste and flooding problems. However, environmental groups and residents warn the project threatens livelihoods and health.

‘WTE incinerators generate hazardous emissions and threaten the livelihoods of wastepickers who have always been at the forefront of cleaning Manila’s waste through recycling,’ said Shey Levite of EcoWaste Coalition, a co-organizer of the event.

Fr. Allan Ferdinand Dizon, FdCC, who led the parish Mass, stressed that the displacement of families in Smokey Mountain runs counter to the dignity of the poor.

Other groups, such as 350 Pilipinas, the Philippine National Waste Workers Alliance and Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap, echoed concerns over health risks, corruption and forced evictions tied to the project.

The event concluded with the launch of the Manila Anti-Incinerator Alliance (MAIA), a new coalition of community groups pledging sustained action against the planned facility.

The groups are planning larger actions against the WTE project until the President and other relevant agencies sit down with them in meaningful consultation.

The National Environment Agency defines WTE as ‘waste treatment technologies that convert waste into energy by using heat, most commonly incineration.’ It is often criticized for its harmful air pollution.

Perpetual Help newcomer Patrick Sleat made his presence known right away in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament.

In his debut, Sleat powered the Altas to an opening game win at the expense of San Sebastian, 67-54, at San Juan Arena on Friday. While his emotions were all over the place, he still managed to do a little bit of everything in his with 10 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal in 21 minutes of action.

‘I was so excited I even slept early last night because I couldn’t wait,’ said Sleat, who went four of six from the field.

‘Maybe in the next game, though, I’ll try to control my emotions so I can be more composed inside the court,’ he added.

Adjusting with Perpetual Help has been smooth for Sleat. After all, he and coach Olsen Racela have already shared the hardwood with the Far Eastern University before.

But playing on the big stage like the NCAA could still rattle the best of them.

‘The atmosphere earlier shocked me because it didn’t sink in for me that I’m already playing in the NCAA now,’ he said.

Still, Sleat managed to shut down the noise and push the Altas to the win column of Group A along with Mapua, which notched a win over Lyceum on Wednesday.