Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

‘I did not know the Discayas and that was the first and only time outside of the blue ribbon committee hearings that I met them.’

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson issued the statement Wednesday, addressing the circulating image of him with the controversial contractor couple Cezarah ‘Sarah’ and Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya.

According to Lacson, the photo was taken ‘sometime in the last week of April,’ near the end of the 90-day campaign period for the 2025 midterm elections, when Fred Villaroman, a campaign supporter from Davao City and son of the late Police Brigadier Francisco Villaroman, visited Lacson’s Taguig City office to invite him to a grand rally in Mindanao. Villaroman was accompanied by the Discayas’ son, Pacifico Felizario Discaya II, Lacson said, adding that he declined the invitation.

‘The young Discaya was a nominee of a party-list group-Ako Pinoy or Ako’y Pinoy-vying for a seat in Congress. They were later joined by Mr. and Mrs. Discaya. Anyway, I begged off-first, out of respect for my friend Senate President Tito Sotto whose nephew, Mayor Vico Sotto, was running against Mrs. Discaya for the mayorship of Pasig City,’ said Lacson.

‘And second, there were other party-list groups who were including my name in their sample ballots, and I thought it was not a smart political decision to join a rally of any party-list group,’ he added.

Lacson emphasized that he did not know the Discayas, and that event was the ‘first and only time’ outside the blue ribbon panel’s hearing that he met them.

‘That meeting took around 15-20 minutes, but not before that group photo was taken. I hope this clarifies whatever insinuations are being attached to this said photograph,’ said Lacson.

Lacson’s clarification followed a Facebook repost of the photo by Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga, who called for an investigation.

The Discayas were among the key resource persons invited by the blue ribbon to shed light on the alleged collusion among contractors, lawmakers, and officials.

Earlier, Curlee first named House members and government officials he alleged received kickbacks tied to public works projects

The country’s balance of payments (BOP) is seen to swing to a deficit this year and remain in the red next year as global uncertainties and new US tariffs curb trade and investment flows.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the current account shortfall is expected to stay at around 3 percent of GDP in 2025 and 2026.

‘These reflect a widening trade-in-goods gap, subdued services receipts and restrained capital inflows amid global uncertainty and shifting trade policies,’ the BSP said in a statement on Wednesday.

The current account, a key component of the BOP, records a nation’s transactions with the rest of the world, particularly its net trade in goods and services.

‘Goods exports and imports are anticipated to remain sluggish, shaped by softening global demand, easing commodity prices, and tempered domestic growth momentum,’ it said.

Tariff stings

In August, the Philippines recorded its narrowest trade deficit in six months in August, but the improvement masked new signs of weakness as higher American tariffs began to weigh on exports to the United States.

Philippine exports grew by 4.6 percent to $7.1 billion, the weakest pace of expansion in eight months. Exports to the US fell by 11.2 percent, although this was offset by higher demand from other trading partners like Hong Kong (+26.4 percent) and Japan (+4.7 percent).

‘Infrastructure investments, potential trade diversion and efforts to diversify export and import partners may help cushion external shocks. However, structural constraints, such as logistical inefficiencies, skills mismatches and elevated input costs, continue to weigh on export competitiveness,’ the BSP added.

In 2024, the BOP position recorded a surplus of $609 million, shrinking from the $3.7-billion surplus in the previous year. /dda

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured victims of Typhoon Opong in Masbate province that the government would support them until they can fully recover.

Speaking at Nursery Elementary School in Masbate City, Marcos personally extended his sympathies and led the distribution of relief goods to affected families.

‘The government is here to help. We will provide all your needs, especially those of displaced families. Food packs will be continuously distributed, and hygiene kits will be given to prevent the spread of illness,’ Marcos said in his speech.

The President said the Department of Health (DOH) has been deployed to monitor the health of evacuees, while mobile kitchen trucks have been stationed in the area to provide hot meals.

In addition to food assistance, the government will also provide P10,000 in cash aid to affected families to help them purchase medicine and other needs for infants.

‘Don’t worry, the government will continue to support you even after you leave the evacuation centers,’ Marcos said.

He also announced that First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos had donated water purifying machines to ensure clean drinking water in the community.

To address communication needs in the aftermath of the disaster, Marcos said the government had sent generator sets and Starlink internet terminals to the affected areas.

The Department of Education (DepEd), he added, is already working on the repair and reconstruction of damaged classrooms.

Before ending his visit, Mr. Marcos called on residents not to hesitate in seeking help from local and national agencies.

‘Do not hesitate to speak up if you have any needs. Tell the DSWD, the provincial or municipal government. Whatever you need, we will provide. With a little patience and prayer, we will recover. We are here to support you,’ Marcos stressed./coa

New Phoenix coach Willy Wilson admitted that the role is something that will take time for him to get accustomed to.

‘It’s something that I’m growing into. It’s still something that I’m adjusting to,’ Wilson said during the recent PBA Media Day. ‘As far as how long before I become comfortable, I really don’t know.’

Tapped by Fuel Masters to call the shots for the upcoming PBA 50th season, Wilson has been harping on being ‘collaborative’ and sticking with mostly the things being implemented by his predecessor Jamike Jarin, who is now the team’s consultant.

But he and Phoenix have goals of improving from the past four conferences of missing the playoffs, including all three in Season 49, with a youth-laden lineup and anchored by Jason Perkins, one of the league’s best forwards.

While he tries to do that, the former PBA veteran and La Salle product will take slow steps before getting a sense of getting used to the demanding role of calling the shots and managing a PBA team.

‘I don’t know how long it took for other coaches and other head coaches to be comfortable with the position,’ he said. ‘But I’m not really looking down the road, I’m just looking at the next step right in front of me, and trying to be the best at taking that step.’

Aside from Perkins, the Fuel Masters have sophomore forward Kai Ballungay, third-year mainstays Tyler Tio, Kenneth Tuffin and Ricci Rivero while big man Dave Ando enters his rookie season.

Phoenix still has veterans in RJ Jazul and RR Garcia to provide leadership.

The Fuel Masters posted a victory over NLEX, lost to Magnolia and blew a big lead before settling for a draw with NorthPort during the preseason.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed his sympathy for the families of those who died in the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu.

He also said that government agencies are on the ground giving aid to those in need.

In a statement, Marcos said: ‘I wholeheartedly extend my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones, and I include in my prayers the safety of the injured and all those affected by the earthquake.’

‘Our cabinet secretaries are already in the affected areas to provide assistance and assess the damage caused by the earthquake and its aftershocks,’ the president also said.

According to Marcos, the Department of Public Works and Highways is making sure that the roads in the province are safe for travel, while the Department of Energy is working to restore power supply in affected communities.

The Department of Health, meanwhile, is deploying additional personnel to provide medical assistance, he said.

Moreover, the Department of Social Welfare and Development is distributing relief goods and other essentials to the victims, he added.

‘The BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) is assisting in search and rescue operations, while the PNP (Philippine National Police) is focused on maintaining order and supporting rescue efforts,’ Marcos said.

‘The OCD (Office of Civil Defense) and the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) are leading the coordination of all agencies to ensure a swift and orderly response,’ he noted.

‘I urge everyone to remain vigilant and heed the advisories of your local government. Together, we will help our fellow citizens overcome this challenge and rebuild the affected communities,’ he further added.

Still assessing the damage

Meanwhile, in a chance interview in Masbate City, Marcos said the government is still assessing the damage caused by the quake.

‘We’re still assessing the damage there. The earthquake was very strong,’ he said.

‘So we’re assessing the damage, we’re assessing the needs,’ Marcos added.

The entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity following the earthquake, which caused widespread destruction and left 36 people confirmed dead.

From this, 27 deaths were reported in Bogo City, the epicenter of the 6.9-magnitude temblor that struck at 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

Slater Young, Manilyn Reynes and Ellen Adarna expressed concern for their fellow Cebuanos who have been affected by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the island on Tuesday. Sept. 30.

The entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity amid the widespread destruction and rising death toll. The epicenter of the earthquake was in Bogo City, which recorded the most number of fatalities.

Young, who is based in Cebu, assured those checking up on them that his family is safe and extended his prayers to those affected by the calamity.

‘Thank you for the messages and well-wishes. The family is all okay from the quake last night,’ he said via his Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Oct. 1. ‘Praying for our fellow Cebuanos and everyone else affected from the quake.’ Reynes shared her prayer written in Cebuano via her Instagram Stories.

‘Dear God, palihug, tabangi intawon ang tanan. Daghang salamat,’ she said. (Dear God, please help everyone. Thank you very much.) Cebuano actress Adarna, for her part, reposted a social media card showing the aftermath of the earthquake in Cebu and appealing for prayers. The Office of Civil Defense said on Wednesday morning that ‘as high as 60 individuals were reported to have perished in this earthquake.’ /edv

Eight construction groups, including Consunji-led DMCI and EEI Corp., submitted financial bids for a land approach component of the $3.91-billion Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) project.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) opened their financial bids on Tuesday, which was livestreamed as part of the agency’s way to regain the public trust and promote transparency amid corruption issues hounding infrastructure projects.

The bids for the Contract Package 1 (CP1) were from Beijing Urban Construction Group Co. Ltd., DM Consunji Inc., China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., Sino Road and Bridge Group Co. Ltd., EEI-PMI joint venture, POSCO EandC-Sta. Clara joint venture, China Wu Yi Co. Ltd./Fujian Road and Bridge Construction Group Co. Ltd. (consortium), and the joint venture of Hunan Road and Bridge Construction Group Ltd. and China Civil Engineering Construction Corp.

CP1 covers the construction of the Bataan Land Approach, with an approved budget of P7.25 billion.

The package includes the trumpet interchange that connects the BCIB with Roman Highway, Roman Interchange Bridge, Alas-Asin Main Bridge, Alas-Asin Overpass Bridge, Mt. View Overpass Bridge, Mt. View Waterway Bridge, and the Bataan Land Viaduct.

Envisioned to be the ‘longest water-spanning bridge’ in the country, it is a flagship infrastructure project under the Marcos administration.

Late in 2023, the Department of Finance said the project had secured financing of up to $2.11 billion. It will be built using low-carbon technologies and construction materials, it previously said.

The remaining funding would come from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the Philippine government.

Once finished, the project will cut travel time between the two provinces to 45 minutes from five hours.

DPWH officials earlier said the project may be completed by 2030.

The recent debut of an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated ‘actress’ dubbed Tilly Norwood, and its producer’s boasts of interest from studio executives, sparked a backlash on Tuesday, Sept. 30, from the SAG-Aftra actors union, condemning the replacement of human performers with ‘synthetics.’

The Hollywood buzz around Norwood, introduced on Sept. 27 at a film industry conference in Zurich, and the union’s scathing reaction to it reflected the dread many in the creative community feel about the intersection of AI and show business.

The official Norwood launch consisted of a 20-second appearance of the photo-real character – a 20-something fictional ingenue bearing no particular resemblance to any real celebrity – in a brief video parody about making an AI-generated television show.

Dutch actor-producer Eline Van der Velden, whose London-based AI production studio Particle6 created Norwood, said during her presentation at the Zurich Summit the project was starting to turn heads.

After months of facing boardroom scepticism, talent agents were starting to tell her: ‘We need to do something with you guys,’ Hollywood trade paper Variety quoted Van der Velden as saying. She said an announcement of a first-of-its-kind talent agency deal was a few months away, Variety reported.

Concerns about Hollywood actors and writers being exploited, and even supplanted, by AI-generated scripts and performers was a major issue in SAG-Aftra’s most recent round of contract talks with studios and streaming services.

Computer-generated imagery is nothing new to the film and TV industry, and AI-enhanced software has more recently emerged in various effects such as ‘de-aging’ technology allowing actors to portray younger versions of themselves.

The ability to convincingly replicate a feature-length human film performance with AI stand-ins is still seen as far off.

‘Very real emotions’

Nevertheless, the prospect of talent agents suddenly showing interest in AI-created figures stirred a swift denunciation from SAG-Aftra, representing 160,000 actors, announcers, recording artistes, stunt performers and other talent.

Creativity is, and should remain, human-centered,’ the union said in a statement. ‘The union is opposed to the replacement of human performers by synthetics.’

The parody video, which first appeared in July, actually comprises 16 AI-generated characters in all. But Norwood – a winsome figure with shoulder-length brown hair, brown eyes, a British accent and her own social media profile – was the star.

A separate Facebook post attributed to the character exclaims: ‘I may be AI-generated, but I’m feeling very real emotions right now. I am so excited for what’s coming next!’

SAG-Aftra officials were not amused.

‘To be clear, ‘Tilly Norwood’ is not an actor,’ the union said in its statement. ‘It’s a character generated by a computer program that was trained on the work of countless professional performers – without permission or compensation.’

Van der Velden sought to assuage such concerns in an Instagram message, saying Norwood ‘is not a replacement for a human being, but a creative work – a piece of art. Like many forms of art before her, she sparks conversation, and that in itself shows the power of creativity.’

Van der Velden was more provocative in an interview in July with the publication Broadcast International, which quoted her as saying: ‘We want Tilly to be the next Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman, that’s the aim of what we’re doing.’

Not everyone is convinced Norwood packs such potential. Yves Bergquist, director of AI in media at the University of Southern California’s Entertainment Technology Center, called the hoopla ‘nonsense.’

‘There is a lot of very understandable nervousness and fear out there about talent being replaced,’ he said.

But judging from his own daily interactions with Hollywood executives, Bergquist said there was zero interest from ‘serious people’ in developing entirely synthetic characters.

‘Scarlett Johansson has a fan base. Scarlett Johansson is a person,’ he said. /ra

Three teams are still unbeaten in Season 88 of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament, and none of them has made more heads turn than University of Santo Tomas.

After bringing down two heavyweights in the young tournament, the Growling Tigers will be facing another formidable program and another undefeated side in National U on Wednesday, with both looking for a share of the lead at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.

But for Santo Tomas, this game is more than just staying on track. It’s a way to further validate how far they have gone from an average team last season to one of the most feared here-something that wasn’t the case in the previous decade, maybe even longer.

‘For me and the team, we are happy because we have made the Santo Tomas community happy,’ coach Pido Jarencio told the Inquirer over the phone on the eve of their 4:30 p.m. collision with the equally rejuvenated Bulldogs. ‘What we promise is to keep laying everything on the floor for them (community) and give them something to keep celebrating.’

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have also been on a tear with a healthy roster. And that is something that coach Jeff Napa believes will be crucial for them to again go deep this season, along with another thing that’s purely mental.

‘No. 1 for us is consistency,’ Napa said in Filipino. ‘Day in and day out, our approach has to be all about effort-how much we put in and how we sustain that effort every single day.

Containing Akowe

‘We need to be ready, and most importantly, we need to stay healthy if we want to achieve our goals,’ Napa went on.

Collins Akowe comes into the game with averages of 24.5 points and 18 rebounds, and the Santo Tomas rookie will be up against his high school alma mater for the first time with National U having Omar John trying to take care of the burly, 6-foot-10 Tiger.

Forthsky Padrigao opened his collegiate farewell tour with a bang against La Salle in a 93-83 win over the weekend, as he continues to quarterback the Santo Tomas offense that has Nic Cabañero as one of its top guns.

Padrigao, Cabañero and Akowe formed a three-sided battering ram that took down the Archers as Santo Tomas has beaten the champions and finalists of the last two years.

Meanwhile, the Green Archers seek to pick themselves up from that loss when they battle Far Eastern in the 2 p.m. game of a heavy six-game sked that will also have the women’s teams of Santo Tomas and National U squaring off at 7 p.m. in their first collision since the Lady Bulldogs won the title last year.

New Lady Bulldogs coach DA Olan will be facing his first acid test in the seasoned Haydee Ong and the Tigresses.

‘For me, it’s not really feasible to bring in a new system,’ Olan said after their 89-64 rout of Far Eastern last week. ‘Considering I got my knowledge of the game from (resigned) coach Aris (Dimaunahan), It’s gonna be the same concepts and principles.

Sofia Andres recounted being overcome by fear and panic as she was at a filming set in Cebu when the 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the island on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

The actress narrated her experience through her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

‘Been filming in Cebu when the earthquake struck yesterday. Terrified, and the panic of being away from family hit me so hard,’ she said. Despite her frightening experience, Andres said she attended a commitment in Dumaguete, where her restaurant business with her partner Daniel Miranda is located.

‘But today I’m in Dumaguete, supporting each other, working nonstop, building dreams together,’ she added. ‘Life must go on, and I just keep praying for the best.’ In a separate post on her page, Andres further reflected on how the tragedy was an apparent reminder ‘how fragile everything can be.’

‘When the [6.9] magnitude earthquake struck, I was terrified, the panic, the rush of fear, and the thought that I was away from Manila, away from my family. That feeling of distance in moments like this is something I’ll never forget,’ she lamented.

‘Still, here I am now in Dumaguete, showing up because life doesn’t stop. Hustling, working hard, pushing myself for the dreams I’ve committed to. It’s not easy being far but I know this journey is shaping me in ways I can’t yet see,’ she added. ‘Sometimes I wish I could just pause, but life keeps moving. All I can do is pray for strength, for safety, for peace in the middle of uncertainty. And I remind myself these sacrifices, these risks, this constant hustle it’s all for something bigger than me.’