Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck off Bogo City, Cebu, late Tuesday night was felt across Eastern Visayas, sending thousands of residents into the streets and causing structural damage in several provinces.

The quake, which occurred at 9:59 p.m., lasted several seconds and triggered panic among residents in Tacloban City and surrounding areas.

‘I thought I was just dreaming,’ recalled Sharon Gatmaitan, a Tacloban resident who was visibly shaken after the tremor.

In Naval, Biliran, power was cut after the Biliran Electric Cooperative shut down its substation as a precaution. The cooperative said electricity will be restored once facilities are declared safe and stable.

The quake also disrupted a basketball game at the Naval gym, where hundreds of spectators rushed outside in panic. Mayor Gretchen Espina confirmed that a portion of the gym’s ceiling was damaged. The local engineering office has been tasked with assessing the facility’s structural integrity.

In Leyte town, a landslide occurred in Sitio Tabengue, Barangay Wague, rendering the area impassable. The municipal disaster risk reduction and management office also reported cracks in a bridge in Barangay Consuegra, raising safety concerns.

In Ormoc City, Leyte, patients at Ormoc Doctors Hospital were evacuated as a precaution. Students attending a school program at the city’s superdome also rushed out when parts of the structure reportedly collapsed.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that the earthquake caused the Leyte, Samar, and part of the Bohol grid to separate from the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid. NGCP confirmed damage at its Daanbantayan Substation in northern Cebu, near the epicenter, and said four 230-kilovolt transmission lines in the Visayas tripped.

‘Aerial and foot inspections, as well as restoration work, will be in full swing as soon as the situation allows, as there are still aftershocks in the area,’ NGCP said in a statement shortly after the quake.

Authorities are continuing to assess the extent of the damage while monitoring for possible aftershocks. /mcm

The entire province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity following the strong earthquake that struck the island late Tuesday night, which caused widespread destruction and a death toll now confirmed to be at 36.

The Cebu Provincial Information Office said that 36 fatalities have been recorded as of 7 a.m. Wednesday, of whom 27 were reported in Bogo City, the epicenter of the 6.9 magnitude quake that struck at 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

In an emergency online session early Wednesday presided over by Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Soco, the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously approved the state of calamity declaration to enable a faster and more efficient response to the growing needs on the ground.

‘This declaration is necessary to give our provincial government the ability to respond quickly and effectively. It allows us to mobilize resources, extend immediate assistance to affected families, and implement rehabilitation measures as we begin our recovery,’ Soco said in an official statement.

The Provincial Board members attended the session on Wednesday morning remotely, as many are stationed in their respective districts to monitor the situation and assist constituents

The Philippine National Police (PNP) tasked the Police Regional Office Central Visayas (PRO 7) to activate its Disaster Incident Management Task Group.

‘[Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.] further instructed PRO7 to provide real-time updates to the National Headquarters, particularly on the extent of damage, affected communities, and the operational response being undertaken on the ground,’ the law enforcement agency said in a statement on Wednesday morning.

‘Additional resources from the National Headquarters and nearby regions are on standby to reinforce PRO 7 in safeguarding communities and restoring normalcy at the soonest possible time,’ the PNP added.

This came after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Cebu on Tuesday night.

At least 26 people were reported killed and 147 were reported injured as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Classes and work at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol have been suspended following a strong Cebu earthquake that also jolted the city on Tuesday night.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas ordered the suspension of classes at all levels, both public and private, effective Wednesday, October 1, 2025, to allow for safety inspections of schools and other structures.

In a statement, the mayor said the City Engineer’s Office, Office of the Building Official, and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office will conduct thorough assessments of school facilities and public buildings.

‘Safety remains our top priority, and we urge everyone to remain vigilant and cooperative as we continue to monitor the situation,’ she said.

Work at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol is also suspended on Wednesday to allow the Provincial Engineers Office and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to carry out a full structural integrity assessment of the Capitol building in Iloilo City.

Authorities urged employees and the public to prioritize safety and remain alert for possible aftershocks

The Department of Health (DOH) is seeking to expand the implementation of its zero balance billing program as it seeks to address the inadequate number of beds and provincial government hospitals in the country.

‘The DOH is proposing for a new line item in the GAA (General Appropriations Act), which we will call ‘Zero Balance Billing support for Level 2 and Level 3 LGU (local government unit) hospitals,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said on Wednesday.

Herbosa said during the hearing of the Senate committee on finance regarding the 2026 proposed budget of the DOH that he had sent a letter to finance committee chair Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian regarding the proposal.

‘This is so [the zero balance billing policy] will not just be for DOH hospitals. It would be very helpful if this is funded,’ Herbosa explained.

According to him, the fund will be used to support local government units that currently have no DOH hospital in their area, as well as lower-class municipalities that may not have a lot of budget to implement the zero balance billing policy.

He also explained that the DOH is focusing on Level 2 and Level 3 LGU hospitals as these handle more serious cases compared to Level 1 facilities. Under the zero balance billing policy of the government, patients no longer have to pay any fees when admitted to the basic or ward accommodation of the 83 DOH-run hospitals in the country.

Herbosa, however, said in the same hearing that these DOH hospitals are currently located in only 42 provinces, with 40 others lacking such a facility.

This means that some Filipinos would have to travel to another city or municipality just to avail of the zero balance billing.

Herbosa also pointed out in an earlier hearing that the country’s bed-to-population ratio as of 2024 was at 1.005 beds per population of 1,000, which was lower than the ideal 1.5 per 1,000.

Gatchalian noted during the hearing on Wednesday that ‘because of the zero balance billing, we have had unintended consequences, one of which is the bed occupancy rate.’

In his presentation, Gatchalian pointed out that based on 2024 data from the DOH, the average annual bed occupancy rate of hospitals in Metro Manila was at 96.83 percent, while for regional hospitals and other health facilities, the bed occupancy rate was at 151.29 percent.

This was higher than the recorded rates in 2023, which was 78.47 percent for Metro Manila hospitals and 115.68 percent for regional hospitals and other health facilities. ‘We can see that we have a lot of hospitals that are overcapacity. The same with regional hospitals,’ Gatchalian said.

‘In other words, with the zero balance billing, we will see this type of scenario moving forward.’

Based on his presentation, several Metro Manila hospitals had an average bed occupancy rate higher than 100 percent in 2024. This includes Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Santa Cruz, Manila, which was at 169.74 percent; Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, with 150.17 percent; and Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, also in Santa Cruz, with 120.34 percent.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and other airports in Visayas did not incur damage after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake hit Cebu on Tuesday evening, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap).

In its latest situational report, Caap stated that the MCIA is continuing normal operations, as its runway inspection revealed no damage.

At 10:40 p.m. on Tuesday, or less than an hour after the quake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces at 9:59 p.m., passengers were evacuated from the MCIA terminal but were later allowed to enter the passenger terminal building after inspection and assessment.

According to Caap, the MCIA’s tower cab equipment and tower structure sustained no damage from the tremor.

Caap, meanwhile, reported a commercial power outage at the airport.

The aviation authority likewise said Calbayog Airport, Hilongos Airport, Maasin Airport, Ormoc Airport, and Tacloban Airport in Eastern Visayas ‘did not incur damages’ per initial inspection and assessment.

As for the Bacolod-Silay airport, Caap said runway inspection is in progress.

‘PAL (Philippine Airlines) and Cebu Pacific flights from Manila were temporarily held for landing while runway inspection is ongoing. Safely landed after they were given safe-to-land clearance,’ said Caap

Fans of Janella Salvador and Marlo Mortel could not seem to contain their excitement as the former love team are gearing up for an upcoming TV series.

The pair, dubbed as MarNella, was in a tight embrace while at the filming set of an untitled project, as seen in the photo shared by production company Lowe Key Productions on its Facebook page on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

‘MarNella spotted behind-the-scenes of an upcoming TV series!’ the caption read.

Further details on the project were not immediately disclosed.

MarNella spotted behind-the-scenes of an upcoming TV series! The last time Marlo and Janella worked together on a TV series was 10 years ago (Oh My G!) who missed them? Salvador and Mortel first worked together as an onscreen tandem in the hit 2012 TV series ‘Be Careful with My Heart.’ After their teamup gained popularity, they headlined the 2025 series ‘Oh My G’ and also had stints in ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ and ‘Wansapanataym.’

The actors reunited in November 2024 and starred in the music video of Mortel’s single ‘Huling Ngiti.’

Also among the popular characters they portrayed are Juanito Alfonso and Carmela Montecarlos from the online novel ‘I Love You Since 1892.’ The actors’ faces were used as representations of the lead characters when the novel was turned into a paperback book. They, however, were not cast in the series adaption of the book. /edv

It may look like a huge win, but coach Yuri Escueta thinks San Beda’s first victory in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament wasn’t a statement.

Escueta downplayed the victory even though it came at the expense of last season’s runner-up, College of St. Benilde, 96-85.

‘I have to give it to my players but this is still a long season,’ he said after their opener on Wednesday.

‘One win doesn’t bring you to the playoffs, one loss doesn’t end your season but this is a welcoming win for us. A very important win for our team’s confidence.’

The Red Lions began their young season with a 1-0 record thanks to Bryan Sajonia, who finished with 16 points and three steals.

Helping Sajonia on offense were Agjanti Miller, Jimuel Reyes and Yukien Andrada, who finished with 16, 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Justine Sanchez paced St. Benilde with a game-high 24 points. Reigning MVP Allen Liwag finished with a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds in a losing effort.

Escueta’s point about the grind ahead was underscored by San Beda’s next matchup: a rivalry clash against Letran on Sunday at San Juan Arena.

The plenary debates on the Office of the Vice President (OVP) proposed 2026 budget has been reset again as no undersecretary-level official showed up at the House of Representatives – with the chamber giving the office one last chance to appear on Thursday.

During the plenary session on Wednesday, Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan asked whether Vice President Sara Duterte is present to defend the agency’s proposed allocation for 2026.

Deputy Speaker Yevgeny Emano asked Deputy Majority Leader and Mindoro 1st District Rep. Arnan Panaligan to respond to Libanan’s question.

‘Mr. Speaker, according to our agenda for today, the next agency in the agenda is the Office of the Vice President. May we know if the Vice President is present, Mr. Speaker?’ Libanan asked. ‘Mr. Speaker, we have been informed that the Vice President is not present, but sent the following officials of the Office of the Vice President, namely Assistant Secretary Lemuel, the OIC chief-of-staff; Atty. Rosalynne Sanchez, director for admin and financial services; and Mr. Norman Baloro, director for operations,’ Panaligan replied.

After this response from the Deputy Majority Leader, Libanan asked if the requirement of the House is to have either the head of agency or the second-in-command – an undersecretary-level official – assist the budget sponsor in defending the proposed budget.

In response, Panaligan said that plenary debates on the OVP budget was actually scheduled for Tuesday, but it was rescheduled to Wednesday because of the same issue.

Panaligan noted that OVP will have one final chance to appear on Thursday – the last day of debates before the House moves to make amendments on the floor.

‘Mr. Speaker, is it not the requirement of this House, is that for the heads of agencies (to) be personally present as what happened during our previous deliberations, and in this case, we need the presence of the Vice President?’ Libanan asked again.

‘That is correct Mr. Speaker, the rules of the House requires the presence of heads of agencies in the consideration of their budget [.] Mr. Speaker for the record, today is the second time that the proposed budget of the OVP was put in our agenda. Yesterday, the proposed budget of the OVP was even number one in the agenda, but only the same officials mentioned earlier were present,’ Panaligan said.

This is not the first time that the OVP sent an official that is not of an undersecretary level. Last September 12, at the initial budget hearing before the House committee on appropriations, the panel was forced to reschedule the discussions as Ortonio was the highest-ranked official that Duterte sent.

Budget sponsor and Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez said that Vice President Duterte will eventually show up on September 16 – a promise that she fulfilled. During the committee hearing, both the Minority and the Majority accorded parliamentary courtesy to Duterte, sparing her from questions by the panel’s members.

Duterte however waived the parliamentary courtesy given, answering some questions from the Minority solons.

With Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia set to open the PBA’s 50th season this Sunday, fans are left to wonder if LA Tenorio will pull double duty as player and coach in his Hotshots debut.

But Magnolia team governor Jason Webb said he and Tenorio plan to discuss things in the coming days, though he admitted the possibility of the former Ginebra guard calling the shots on the sidelines and manning the backcourt at the same time is remote. ‘It’s something that LA and I have not discussed yet,’ Webb told Inquirer after the league’s press conference at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City on Wednesday.

‘But I think if you’re looking at the probabilities, I think there’s a greater probability that he’ll be starting in the injured reserve. He started practice late because he was so busy training the boys.’

The Hotshots have until noon Saturday, the eve of the ‘Manila Clasico’ to decide if Tenorio will place himself in the active roster.

Otherwise, Tenorio will put his focus on trying to outcoach Cone and open his tenure on a winning note.

‘It’s exciting,’ Webb said. ‘I’m not sure for the Ginebra fans if it’s exciting for them or not. It’s their first time seeing LA without a red jersey. But we’ll have a final decision come Saturday afternoon, Saturday noon.’

The PBA decided to place the Ginebra-Magnolia encounter to add spice to the start of its landmark golden season.

Tenorio was appointed to replace Chito Victolero as Magnolia coach in late July, but Magnolia had to go through the proper procedure to make sure he could also play for the Hotshots as well.

Webb said Tenorio was placed by Ginebra on the unrestricted free agent with the right to receive salary before moving to Magnolia when no other team expressed interest in acquiring the veteran after five days.