Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will expand the livestreaming of the bidding process of projects in a bid to promote transparency.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon on Tuesday said that the agency would post all livestream links on its social media pages for the public to access.

While all biddings at the central and regional offices are already livestreamed, Dizon said the policy would now cover the district offices.

The ongoing probe of anomalous flood control projects has so far uncovered either ‘ghost’ or substandard undertakings emanating from the district office level.

As Dizon lifted the suspension of procurement activities for locally funded projects under the agency, a memorandum order dated September 16 provided preliminary measures that must be followed during the bidding process, which included livestreaming.

Dizon added that the DPWH would initiate this process during the procurement phase for the multimillion-dollar Bataan-Cavite interlink bridge project.

‘If the DPWH [personnel] will be the only ones monitoring this, there might not be enough scrutiny. If we can do something for the public to be aware of this and keep an eye on the projects of DPWH, I think monitoring will be strengthened and corruption in the past will not happen again,’ Dizon stressed.

New undersecretaries

At the same time, President Marcos has appointed five new undersecretaries of the DPWH.

Taking their oath administered by Dizon on Sept. 29 were: Arrey Perez, undersecretary for operations in charge of convergence projects and technical services; Arthur Bisnar for regional operations; Charles Calima Jr. for special concerns; Ricardo Bernabe III for the Office of the Secretary; and Samuel Rufino Turgano for legal services.

The DPWH also signed on Tuesday a partnership agreement with the Blockchain Council of the Philippines (BCP) to boost transparency and accountability in national infrastructure projects.

The DPWH and BCP committed to launch Integrity Chain, a blockchain-powered platform which aims to provide a real-time public dashboard that tracks progress on infrastructure projects, such as bidding, planning and awarding.

The DPWH said the platform also allows the public to scrutinize the projects and report anomalies and tampering of records.

Dizon said its pilot implementation would begin with the foreign-assisted projects, as their funding and documents were already vetted by multilateral and international organizations.

Dizon said he expected ‘greater transparency’ now that the agency had partnered with the private sector on the use of blockchain technology.

ICI-AMLC cooperation

Meanwhile, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) signed on Tuesday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for cooperation in the ongoing investigation of alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

The pact was signed by retired Supreme Court Associate Justice and ICI Chair Andres Reyes Jr. and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. as chair of the AMLC.

Representatives of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Insurance Commission, both AMLC members, likewise took part in the signing.

Unprogrammed funds

‘As you may know, the ICI is still very young. We have been in existence for only 15 days, with just four lawyer-volunteers carrying the weight of a tall task. Yet despite our size, our mandate is broad: to investigate irregularities, demand accountability, and restore integrity in public infrastructure. This is why the assistance of the AMLC is both timely and indispensable,’ Reyes noted.

In Congress, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio on Tuesday urged Malacañang to ‘stop washing its hands off the corruption allegations’ relating to infrastructure projects implemented under President Marcos’ watch.

Tinio noted that the majority of the projects funded under unprogrammed appropriations (UA) in 2023 and 2024 went to ‘favored regions’ now being flagged for anomalous and ghost flood control projects.

‘It is only the President’s discretion that determines how UA (funds) are used,’ he said.

Citing official data from the Department of Budget and Management, Tinio disclosed that the DPWH received P61.4 billion in unprogrammed funds in 2023 for 1,889 projects and P153 billion in 2024 for 1,811 projects.

This means that, in these two years alone, the President approved 3,770 public works projects worth P214.4 billion from unprogrammed funds.

In 2023, the top regions that got the largest share in UA were: Central Luzon, with 283 projects worth P11.7 billion; Bicol with 138 projects worth P7.6 billion; and Central Visayas with 170 projects worth P7.2 billion.

In 2024, Mimaropa got the lion’s share of UA with P29.4 billion for 201 projects, followed by Central Luzon again with P25 billion for 285 projects, and then Metro Manila with P16 billion for 181 projects.

At least a third of these funds for both years went to flood control projects.

Zsa Zsa Padilla donated ready-to-eat food packs to victims of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu which struck on Tuesday night, Sept. 30.

Photos of Padilla at the provincial relief center were shared on Cebu Province’s Facebook page on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

‘Zsa Zsa Padilla dropped by the Capitol command center this afternoon to turn over ready-to-eat food packs and bottled water for families affected by the 6.9 magnitude earthquake,’ read the caption.

The province’s local government added that the veteran actress’ donation shows ‘solidarity with the Cebuano people during difficult times and hardships.’

It was not immediately known if Padilla was already in Cebu when the earthquake happened or if she flew in to offer help.

However, in the comments section of her posts, netizens are reminding the actress-singer to take care during her taping amid the incident.

Padilla also took to her Instagram page to ask for more donations, including food, water and tents, for the affected individuals.

‘Please help Cebu. Let’s pray for Cebu,’ read her post alongside the art cards about the donation.

As of this writing, the death toll in Cebu has climbed to 61. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing. The Cebu provincial government has also called for medical volunteers.

Meanwhile, Slater Young, Manilyn Reynes and Ellen Adarna expressed concern for their fellow Cebuanos affected by the earthquake.

Heart Evangelista also extended her prayers for the Cebu victims as well as for those in surrounding areas. /ra

So many people have come to be aware of the ongoing Miss Asia Pacific International here because of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that jolted one of the pageant’s events. And the delegates recalled the moments that happened that fateful evening.

The Philippine-based international pageant was holding its gala night at the ballroom of Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City on Sept. 30, to raise funds for Operation Smile. But the massive tremor with the epicenter traced to Bogo City north of the province disrupted the festivities.

Videos from the event showed Australia’s Deborah Madriaga among the last ladies walking down the runway, exhibiting a calmer demeanor than the others.

‘I’ve never experienced an earthquake, so that was the first time. Growing up, I was into a lot of action movies and stuff, so seeing all of that, it was just natural instinct for me, firstly being calm, and then also looking for my sisters as well,’ she told Inquirer Entertainment.

‘I saw Belgium jump off, so I followed her, and I saw Brazil onstage, so I ran to her. And the crown also jumped in front of me. So I was like, this is real, this is actually happening. The first thing I thought was get the girls to safety,’ she shared.

Reigning queen Janelis Leyba, the finale model of the show, was seen in videos taking her crown off her head and dropping it on the floor. ‘After it all calmed down, that’s when I picked it up and that’s when I gave it back to our leaders. I panicked. I felt so bad for Janelis, like she was so scared. I wish that I could be there for her. She ran off,’ Madriaga said.

The Philippines’ Anita Rose Gomez also said it was her first time experiencing an earthquake. ‘I was just about to get off the stage when it happened. And I just felt that I’m dizzy. I’m not so sure what’s happening, and I just saw people running around me,’ she said.

‘And I saw Miss Taiwan, she’s so shocked, and she cannot move. I grabbed her hands and I told her to go with me under the table. I just kept on praying, that everything will be okay after the earthquake,’ Gomez continued.

‘Kudos to Radisson Hotel, and of course the Miss Asia Pacific International, the staff, they were so calm and prepared, and they made sure that everything was okay, that everything was fine. And I just want to take this opportunity to say to everybody that we are all well taken care of,’ the Zambaleña beauty said. Gomez said she saw online the extent of devastation that the earthquake caused, even claiming lives. ‘I just want everyone to pray, hold on to our faith. And of course, let’s help one another. Let’s look out for one another. And at the same time, let’s help Cebu recoup from what happened last night,’ she said.

Cambodia’s Mealyann Nita Saing shared that she had also experienced a quake while in Bangkok, Thailand doing modeling a few years back. She recalled this incident with people who took cover under the same table as hers during the commotion.

Gomez, meanwhile, said her experience taught her to be quick on her feet. ‘Have the presence of mind that we need. At the same time, don’t panic. It’s something that is instilled in me, that in times of problems, in times of catastrophes, you have to be more relaxed, composed,’ she said.

The earthquake has prompted the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant to cancel the press presentation at the provincial capital scheduled on the day after the earthquake struck. It has also released a statement of solidarity with Cebuanos affected by the tremor.

‘Pageantry is not only about celebrating grace, talent, and advocacy-it is also about embodying the true essence of service,’ the pageant organization said, adding that the candidates will devote their time and influence for relief and fundraising events and initiatives, awareness and empowerment, and solidarity events and programs.

The Miss Asia Pacific International delegates have volunteered in the packing of relief goods at the Cebu Province Warehouse on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 1. The call to action was made the last minute, and the ladies readily heeded it. Miss Asia Pacific International President Eva Patalinjug-Lim said all the other activities scheduled for the ladies around the province have been cancelled, but the coronation night will push through on Oct. 8 at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given the green light for the P5.2-million rental pool program of Damosa Land Inc., making it the first company to register under the new guidelines for real estate securities registration.

Damosa Land’s registration statement covered 100 certificates of participation in the condotel project of TRYP by Wyndham Samal in Davao del Norte province.

These are 94 standard class units at P50,000 each, four deluxe class units at P75,000 each and two suite class units at P100,000 each.

The project in Barangay Limao is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of this year, with completion slated for the third quarter of 2028.

Rental pool arrangements

Under rental pool arrangements, buyers acquire units that are collectively managed by the developer or a third-party operator. In return, buyers receive a share of income earned from renting out the units.

This way, there will be no need to transfer ownership of the unit.

Under the SEC’s Memorandum Circular No. 12 Series of 2024, rental pool agreements are investment contracts and, therefore, securities that need to be registered with the commission before being offered to the public.

The memorandum covers investment contracts, certificates of participation, profit-sharing agreements and other forms of securities issued by real estate developers in relation to rental pool agreements, such as condotels.

Condotel

Analysts earlier warned that condotels, a portmanteau of the words ‘condominium’ and ‘hotel,’ may become pricier due to the new regulation.

According to them, property firms will have to go through the full process for registering securities and pay for associated SEC fees and other costs that may be passed on to buyers.

Still, they also recognized that buyers consider the potential returns high enough to take a risk and invest.

Consunji-led DMCI Homes and DoubleDragon Corp., through Hotel101, are among the developers currently offering rental pool arrangements.

Factory activity in the Philippines slipped into contraction in September, underscoring a rare postpandemic setback for the country’s manufacturers.

The Purchasing Managers’ Index, a widely tracked gauge of manufacturing health, fell to 49.9 last month from 50.8 in August, SandP Global said on Wednesday.

A reading below 50 signals a decline in activity.

The drop was ‘highly unusual’ in the sector’s post-pandemic trajectory, SandP noted, citing a renewed-though modest-fall in new orders.

Sales slipped for the first time in half a year, as firms pointed to weaker demand and fewer customers. /dda

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has directed its field office in Central Visayas to increase its coordination with local government units (LGUs) following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck off the coast of Cebu on Tuesday night, resulting in at least 26 deaths.

‘Our disaster quick response teams (QRTs) at the Central and Field Offices are on alert and have already reached out to the LGUs to assist the affected families,’ DSWD chief Rex Gatchalian said in a statement on Wednesday morning.

‘We know that our fellow Filipinos who had been affected are in need of urgent assistance,’ the secretary added.

He likewise said that food and non-food relief supplies are already on standby for distribution to the affected LGUs.

To date, Gatchalian disclosed that the agency maintains P379 million in standby funds and has 2.4 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) for affected communities.

‘Yesterday, we were already on alert as we are preparing for an approaching low-pressure area that may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility. And disaster operations for ‘Opong’ are still ongoing, so our DSWD QRTs have already been on high alert,’ he noted.

‘We will ensure that all hands are on deck to help with the victims of the earthquake,’ he added.

DSWD Field Offices are also monitoring areas affected by the earthquake with the coordination of their LGUs for possible assistance.

Based on reports, the quake had damaged heritage churches and other structures and knocked out power in parts of the central Philippines.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) initially measured the quake at magnitude 6.7 before upgrading it to 6.9.

It occurred at 9:59 p.m., with the epicenter located 21 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, Cebu, at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers. The U.S. Geological Survey initially recorded a magnitude 7.0 before revising it downward.

Authorities on Wednesday said the death toll has risen to at least 26, with more fatalities feared as rescue operations continue.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) instructed local government units (LGUs) affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that shook several areas of Cebu province to ensure the continuity of their services.

The quake struck 19 kilometers northeast of Bogo City in Cebu province on Tuesday night.

‘LGUs are reminded to activate their contingency and public service continuity plans, conduct resource inventories, preposition emergency supplies, and coordinate with neighboring LGUs, national government agencies, and the private sector for humanitarian support,’ the DILG said in a statement on Wednesday morning.

The department also asked affected LGUs to evacuate communities and suspend small-scale mining operations in high-risk areas.

‘LGUs must ensure the structural safety of evacuation centers and public buildings, and utilize open spaces as temporary shelters where needed,’ the DILG stressed.

In a subsequent statement on Wednesday, the DILG announced that it had ordered its attached agencies, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine National Police, to assist in the rescue efforts.

‘The DILG extends its sympathies to the families of those who died due to the earthquake in Cebu last night. We also pray for the quick recovery of the strength and health of the wounded.’

At least 26 were reported dead and 147 were reported injured due to the earthquake as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s latest situational report.

No casualties in Central Visayas jails – BJMP

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – Central Visayas (BJMP 7) reported that there were no casualties among persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in jails across the region following the earthquake.

‘All persons deprived of liberty and personnel are safe and accounted for,’ the BJMP 7 said in a statement on Wednesday.

The jail bureau, however, did report that detainees and staff at its facilities in Bogo City and Medellin town were briefly evacuated before returning after confirming their safety.

Minor cracks were seen in both the Bogo City and Medellin jails, prompting the BJMP 7 to raise a red alert status over the two units.

‘The jails immediately activated Oplan Lindol, mobilized standby generators and solar lights, and placed all facilities under close monitoring,’ the BJMP explained./cb

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed to Cebu one of its largest ships carrying doctors, nurses, and emergency equipment to aid victims of the deadly earthquake that struck northern part of the province on Tuesday.

The BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) was scheduled to sail from Manila on Wednesday afternoon to deliver medical teams and relief supplies to communities hardest hit by the magnitude 6.9 quake, the PCG said.

In a statement, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan said portable water desalinators would also be sent to northern Cebu to help hospitals and evacuation centers whose water systems were damaged by the quake.

‘Rest assured that the PCG will respond fast and right in support of the whole-of-nation action for the recovery of the affected communities,’ Gavan said.

Moreover, additional Coast Guard assets are being mobilized from other regions.

The Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao is sending two 44-meter vessels, while Northeastern Mindanao is dispatching another to augment ongoing operations in Central Visayas. Search-and-rescue K9 units are also being deployed: a team of seven handlers with six working dogs boarded a Philippine Air Force C-130 for Cebu City on Wednesday morning, while other SAR personnel are arriving from Cagayan de Oro and Ormoc.

3 Coast Guard members dead

The Coast Guard also confirmed that three of its members, Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, Apprentice Seaman Jujay Mahusay, and Apprentice Seaman Er Cart Dacunes, died when the San Remigio Sports Complex where they were staying in collapsed during the quake. Support teams have been dispatched to assist their families.

‘We extend our sincere condolences to the families of our fallen personnel. Their dedication to the service and camaraderie with our fellow uniformed men and women will always be remembered. The PCG stands in full solidarity with their loved ones and will ensure that they receive the utmost support,’ PCG Commandant Gavan said.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Wednesday that the earthquake left ‘as high as 60’ people dead across northern Cebu. The council, however, cautioned that the numbers remain subject to validation as reports continue to arrive from the ground.

The NDRRMC said assessments of damaged infrastructure are also ongoing as search and rescue operations continue

Being part of an industry that rarely slows down, Regine Tolentino and Aubrey Miles shared that, at this point in their careers, they have already learned the value of stepping away from the spotlight to recharge, especially now that they are both dedicated mothers and wives to their families.

Tolentino, who is a self-confessed workaholic, admitted she often has to be reminded by her children to take a break.

‘My kids keep me grounded. I can sometimes feel the need to move around and accomplish something, but they’re the ones who remind me to slow down and relax,’ she said in a statement sent to Inquirer Entertainment.

Tolentino noted that downtime for her usually means staying home with family, as she described herself as a ‘staycationer’ who enjoys recharging in her own space.

‘Sometimes my kids pamper me with food and rest, so they really help me find balance,’ she said, sharing the name of a rental penthouse in Makati that she and her family like to stay in from time to time.

Tolentino, who rose to fame as a TV host and performer, is now a mother of three. She gave birth to her third daughter via C-section at age 41 in the middle of a pandemic.

Meanwhile, Miles admitted that while she and her family enjoy staying at home, they also like stepping out for occasional getaways once in a while.

‘Every now and then, it’s so refreshing to step away from our usual routine to reset and refocus. We love our home, of course, but sometimes it’s just nice to be outside-and give the kids something a little different too,’ Miles shared.

Miles is married to actor Troy Montero. They share two children, Rocket and Hunter. The actress also has another son named Maurice from a previous relationship.

In 2022, the celebrity couple revealed that their daughter Rocket was diagnosed with autism. Earlier this year, the pair shared that Rocket underwent stem cell therapy and was able to achieve great progress after months of treatment for her condition.

Miles last appeared in the TV series ‘Shining Inheritance’ and ‘Sins of the Father.’ /ra

Every December, it feels like the calendar speeds up. Work deadlines bleed into gift shopping lists, the group chats never stop buzzing, and suddenly, the season that is supposed to be about warmth and togetherness feels more like another race against time.

For many of us, the holidays can feel like they have lost that glowing magic of Christmas past-when decorating the tree was a family affair, when twinkling lights filled us with awe, and when the simple act of being home felt like the season’s greatest gift.

This year, there is a way to bring that magic back. SM Home’s 2025 Magic of Christmas collection is all about recapturing the charm, joy, and love that make the holidays worth slowing down for. With six distinct themes, the collection offers more than just décor. It is an invitation to create moments that feel like home again, where every ornament tells a story and every detail brings a spark of wonder.

Here is a closer look at the curated themes that promise to transform your space and remind you of what makes the holidays truly special.

Golden elegance for the luxe decorator

Gold has a way of transforming a room, catching light like candle flames flickering against polished glass. Golden elegance channels that same radiance with rich hues of gold and brown paired with ornaments that glow against warm tones.

The look comes alive when textures are layered-think glossy baubles set against matte finishes, sequined details, or velvety accents. Oversized bows and poinsettia ornaments break up the metallic palette with sculptural dimension, while a Christmas village glowing on a console or gilded lanterns at the table extend the shimmer across the room. It is a style that turns any gathering into an occasion where evenings are remembered for their sparkle, laughter, and charm.

Design tip: Balance shine with texture. Mix metallic ornaments with matte and fabric finishes, then anchor the space with statement accents like poinsettias, bows, or lanterns for depth.

Enchanted Christmas for the dreamer

There is something undeniably magical about a tree dressed in rich reds, velvety purples, and sparkling jewel tones. Enchanted Christmas is a theme that feels plucked from a storybook, where butterflies alight on branches, crystal berries catch the light, and ornaments shimmer like treasures from a forgotten kingdom.

Butterfly ornaments can add an ethereal touch as they appear to flutter through the tree, while plush characters such as a sitting reindeer, a snowman, or even Santa lend depth and a touch of whimsy when tucked into unexpected corners. Layering these elements transforms the space into a fantasy landscape where every glance reveals something new.

Design tip: Build a jewel-toned base, then layer butterflies and plush characters to create movement and dimension.

Whimsical holidays for the playful family

Pastel pinks and powder blues bring a sugar-spun charm to the season in a look that feels straight out of a storybook. This theme revels in childhood nostalgia with candy house ornaments, scoops of ice cream, pastel nutcrackers, cake slices, and oversized candy canes tucked among the branches.

Let the magic continue around the room with blush and powder blue wreaths softening the walls, gingerbread villages brightening tabletops, and pastel figurines scattered across shelves and consoles to create an immersive, confectionery wonderland.

Design tip: Work with scale and texture to keep the look dynamic by using oversized candy ornaments, paired with smaller frosted baubles. These bring rhythm, while velvet ribbons, plush wreaths, and cushioned throws anchor the palette with warmth.

Crystal wonderland for the modern cool

Cool, crystalline, and endlessly elegant, crystal wonderland captures the essence of winter with a palette of silvers, frosted whites, and icy blues. Ornaments look as though carved from ice itself, with faceted baubles, shimmering icicles, and delicate snowflakes sparkling like frozen lace.

Let the theme extend seamlessly across the home with metallic garlands along mantels, mirrored votives casting a frosty glow, and crystal figurines perched like treasures in plain sight. Layering glass, silver, and translucent accents creates a cohesive, luminous look that feels sleek and sophisticated-a modern take on a white Christmas.

Design tip: Play with reflection and light. Pair frosted ornaments with high-shine silver pieces to add dimension, and weave in snowflake details at different scales for a cohesive winter motif.

Bear-y Merry Christmas for the young at heart

Sometimes, Christmas is all about nostalgia and pure charm, and nothing captures it quite like teddy bears in every size and color. This theme layers classic reds, greens, and whites with bear ornaments tucked into sleighs, hanging from ribbons, or peeking out from branches. Plush bears perched on tabletops, nestled into wreaths, or arranged around gathering spaces create a whimsical, storybook-like atmosphere, inviting everyone to step into a world of festive imagination.

Enhance the tale by pairing them with equally enchanting accents such as a vintage-style television village, a classic train table centerpiece, or miniature cottages dotted across mantels. Together, these pieces transform the home into a living Christmas story, where every corner sparks memory, wonder, and the delight of holiday magic.

Design tip: Cluster teddy bear ornaments for impact, then layer in nostalgic accents like a train table, village scene, or even vintage-inspired wreaths to amplify the storybook feel.

Festive holiday for the timeless traditionalist

Nothing says Christmas like the classics-deep reds, forest greens, and the familiar cast of Santa, snowmen, and gingerbread men. Festive holiday embraces the timeless symbols of the season, filling the home with layers of tradition and warmth.

Garland-draped banisters, stockings by the mantel, and tabletop vignettes glowing with Santa figurines and gingerbread houses make the space both nostalgic and celebratory. It is a style that honors rituals, colors, and icons that never go out of season.

Design tip: Let Santa, snowmen, and gingerbread men take center stage, then frame them with classic red-and-green accents and cozy knit textures for contrast.

Discover the full Magic of Christmas collection, where every piece goes beyond décor to bring warmth, wonder, and festive charm into your home. From enchanting ornaments to storybook-inspired accents, browse a curated selection that invites you to create moments that are truly magical this holiday season. Available at SM Home in the SM Store.