Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives on Thursday slammed a Senate resolution urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to place former President Rodrigo Duterte under house arrest, branding it as a ‘brazen, self-serving attempt’ to cover up his crimes.

In a joint statement, the bloc composed of ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Kabataan Rep. Renee Louise Co, and Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago urged the ICC to proceed with Duterte’ prosecution, as the resolution only proved that the former president continued to enjoy influence at the highest levels of government.

‘This is not a humanitarian gesture, but a brazen attempt to obstruct justice and protect a mass murderer responsible for thousands of extrajudicial killings,’ they said.

‘We reject the Senate’s claims of humanitarian concerns. The same senators who now plead for Duterte’s comfort showed no compassion for the thousands of victims of his brutal drug war – mostly urban poor and marginalized communities who were summarily executed,’ they added.

On Wednesday, the upper chamber voted 15-3-2 to adopt Senate Resolution No. 144, which argued that Duterte should undergo a medical examination to determine whether he was fit to withstand regular detention.

‘Should the medical findings prove that his detention will further worsen his medical condition, (the ICC should) allow the former president to be detained under house arrest,’ read the resolution, which was signed by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano.

The 80-year-old former president has been detained at the Scheveningen prison in The Hague since March as he awaits trial over charges of crimes against humanity.

His camp has claimed a myriad of medical issues ailing the former president – from cognitive impairment to supposedly being discovered unconscious on the floor of his room – as they try to get the ICC to stop its trial.

The Makabayan lawmakers are unconvinced, however, and noted that the ‘same senators who now plead for Duterte’s comfort showed no compassion for the thousands of victims of his brutal drug war – mostly urban poor and marginalized communities who were summarily executed.’

Specifically, they highlighted what they called the irony of one of the resolution’s sponsors: Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, Duterte’s former police chief and implementer of the war on drugs, who was named in ICC documents as a potential co-perpetrator in three counts of murder against the former president.

‘How can someone involved in a crime pass a resolution about it to his benefit? This only proves the Dutertes remain very powerful in the Philippines and that no justice can be achieved if he is tried here,’ Tinio said.

Echoed Co: ‘This is nothing more than a political maneuver designed to protect Duterte and his cohorts from facing the full weight of international justice. The Senate is more concerned with protecting a former president than delivering justice to thousands of victims of state-sponsored killings.’

Elago, meanwhile, described the measure as an ‘insult’ to families who lost loved ones in Duterte’s bloody campaign.

‘This is not about mercy, but about perpetuating impunity,’ she said.

The total number of reported deaths due to the strong Cebu earthquake increased to 72 on the second day of the temblor’s aftermath. The second day also saw the termination of search and rescue (SAR) operations, prompting authorities to shift its focus to relief and rehabilitation as residents complain of food and water shortage.

All of the fatalities as well as the 294 reported injuries are recorded in the Central Visayas region, while no missing have been recorded, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Due to the absence of reported missing individuals from local government units (LGUs), OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo said they are presumed as ‘accounted for.’

Search teams demobilized

Some private rescue teams are even informed of possible demobilization ‘unless they want to continue helping with relief or debris clearing’ due to lack of reported missing individuals, Castillo said.

OCD deputy administration Rafael Alejandro IV said authorities were scrambling to conduct its search and rescue within the first 24 hours after the earthquake, which occurred at 9:59 p.m on Tuesday.

Bogo City, the epicenter of the earthquake, bore the brunt of the temblor, with almost half of the total number fatalities-or around 30-being recorded from the area.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. went to this quake-stricken city to hold a situational briefing for the earthquake which damaged several heritage churches, billions worth of roads and bridges, hundreds of residential houses and hundreds of classrooms, while causing widespread power outages in the province.

During the briefing, an OCD official reported to Marcos that 597 damaged houses were damaged, with 501 tagged as ‘partially damaged’ and 96 deemed as ‘totally damaged.’

There are still nine impassable roads, five affected bridges, with 10 LGUs experiencing power interruptions, including three LGUs still experiencing telecommunication interruptions, according to the same OCD official.

The same OCD official also told Marcos that the SAR operations have already been terminated.

‘We need food’, ‘We need water’

Nevertheless, aftershocks still remain, which state seismologists said reached a total of 3,081 as of 5:00 p.m., compelling residents to sleep outside.

In Medellin town in northern Cebu, the lack of camping tents, and proper evacuation area left residents still apprehensive of aftershocks to sleep inside plastic bags to protect them from the rain.

Children carrying cardboards begging for food and drinking water were also spotted along the highway in Medellin town.

Residents in Tabuelan town were also reporting lack of food and drinking water, with some children carrying signs saying ‘WE NEED FOOD’ and ‘WE NEED WATER,’ as reported by Cebu Daily News.

Marcos said the government will provide tents with stations for relief goods, waters, and generator sets to 65,000 displaced families in the entire Cebu province.

Marcos seeks emergency funds

During the same briefing, the president also announced over P200 million aid package ‘donation’ for areas affected by the deadly Cebu province earthquake.

Marcos said P50 million will be for the Cebu provincial government, P20 million each for local government unit of Bogo City and towns of San Remigio and Sogod; P10 million each for municipalities of Medellin, Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Santa Fe, Tabogon, and Tabuelan.

Meanwhile, Marcos also said Department of Health-owned hospitals will receive P20 million and P5 million each for LGU-run hospitals affected by the earthquake.

The President also ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release a government support fund worth P150 million for Cebu and P75 million for San Remigio, Bogo, and Medellin.

‘This is only an initial release; we are contemplating further releases that will be in the pipeline,’ he said of the fund from the DBM.

Marcos also said he will be going to the House and the Senate to ask for allocation of emergency funds to replenish the government’s Quick Response Fund (QRF).

‘We will have it released as quickly as possible,’ Marcos said.

The QRF is a built-in standby fund for agencies that, once depleted, receives replenishment through the approval of the President or the DBM.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said on Wednesday he would look into the beheading of another Teduray leader in Datu Hoffer town of Maguindanao del Sur Tuesday night.

‘I will talk to the security sector first because I still don’t have the accurate information, but BARMM will (investigate) because we don’t want this thing to happen to our IP brothers,’ Macacua said when asked along the sidelines of the Mindanao Development Forum about the latest killing of non-Moro IPs in BARMM.

Nel Lupos, 60, a former village councilor of Barangay Mantao and a resident of Limpongo village, Datu Hoffer town of Maguindanao del Sur, was killed at around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, said Timuay Leticio Datuwata, head of the Timuay Justice and Governance, the indigenous political structure of the Teduray-Lambangian tribe.

‘He was alone inside his nipa hut in his farmland when several armed men forcibly entered and brutally killed him by beheading him,’ Datuwata said.

Lupos was the 102nd non-Moro IP leader killed in BARMM because of issues related to their ancestral land, according to Datuwata.

The brutal killing came after the government failed to arrest the perpetrators of the previous killings, including that of Baywan Angan, whose wife personally knew the identity of the killers but was also killed days after her husband’s murder.

Datuwata said that Angan’s killers, who already had pending warrants of arrest, were still allowed to roam free.

The killings also continued to happen despite the increased deployment of security personnel in the area after Teduray leaders presented their case before a series of hearings conducted by the congressional committee on indigenous peoples early this year, Datuwata added.

According to Datuwata, Lupos left his house in Mantao village and settled in Limpongo following the killing of Angan, also a village councilor, in Sitio Kukor on December 7 last year.

Lupos was the second non-Moro IP leader who became a victim of beheading in Maguindanao del Sur this year.

In February this year, the decomposing body of Fernando Promboy, 65, an elder of the Teduray-Lambangian tribe, was found beheaded days after he was reported missing in Datu Hoffer town.

Promboy and his family were forced to leave their home and settle in Datu Hofer’s Limpongo village in December 2024, also after the killing of Angan.

On April 29, 2023, or almost two years before Promboy was killed, Promboy’s cousin, Juanito, the IP mandatory representative in the Tuayan Mother barangay council, was killed, also due to a land dispute.

‘This unending violence targets tribesmen who refuse to give up their ancestral lands. When you resist, they kill you,’ Datuwata said, adding the same group of gunmen involved in previous attacks could be responsible.

Datuwata said he would no longer issue formal condemnations because of the government’s failure to do something to stop the attacks.

‘The more I speak out, the worse the killings become,’ he said. ‘We’re tired of this cycle of violence against us, but still, there’s no direct action from the government,’ he said.

A fire that broke out Wednesday evening in Barangay Canlapwas, Catbalogan City, Samar, claimed the life of a government worker and left more than 200 residents homeless, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported.

The blaze, which started around 5:30 p.m. in Purok 3, was traced to faulty electrical wiring that ignited the roofing of a house owned by Rizalda Magallanes. Made of light materials, the house quickly went up in flames, with the fire spreading rapidly to nearby residences, investigators said.

Firefighters from the Catbalogan City Fire Station, backed by fire volunteers, police personnel, and reinforcements from neighboring towns such as Paranas, battled the fire for nearly four hours. The incident, which was raised to second alarm, was declared under control at 7:20 p.m. and fully extinguished at around 9:23 p.m.

The blaze claimed the life of Reynold Muñez, 30, an employee of the Samar provincial capitol. According to authorities, Muñez ran back inside their burning house, believing his family was still trapped inside. His relatives, however, had already evacuated. His body was recovered after the fire was declared out.

BFP reported that 23 houses were destroyed while three others sustained partial damage. The incident displaced 50 families or about 208 individuals, with property losses initially estimated at P2 million.

The affected families are currently taking shelter at a church in the village and at their barangay hall.

The Catbalogan City government, under Mayor Dexter Uy, has extended relief assistance to the fire victims.

Sisters Vina Morales and Shaina Magdayao are heartbroken after seeing the extent of the damage caused by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck their hometown, Bogo City, Cebu.

Vina reposted photos of the damaged structures in the city – which was the epicenter of the earthquake – along with a call for prayers through her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

‘Lord, we lift up Cebu, especially my hometown Bogo, in this difficult time. Protect and comfort everyone affected by the earthquake. May healing, strength and safety cover all,’ she said in the caption.

Vina said another prayer for those affected by the calamity through a separate post.

‘Lord, we pray for everyone affected by the earthquake in Cebu. Cover them with Your protection and embrace them with Your love. Strengthen their hearts in this time of trial and grant them courage, resilience and hope. I lift up my hometown , keep everyone safe and surround them with Your comfort and peace. Amen,’ she wrote.

Shaina shared photos of the widespread destruction as well via her Instagram Stories, writing, ‘My dad’s hometown, Bogo,’ adding a crying face and folded hands emoji.

The powerful earthquake struck Cebu at 9:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30. As of Thursday morning, Oct. 2, the death toll has exceeded 60, while almost 300 people were reported injured and dozens feared missing. The province has been placed under a state of calamity.

Other celebrities also earlier called for prayers for the victims, among them Cebuanos Slater Young, Manilyn Reynes and Ellen Adarna. /ra

The Philippines may post a wider dollar deficit this year than earlier expected, as slowing global demand, weaker commodity prices and cooling domestic growth weigh on trade and tourism flows.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Friday that the country’s balance of payments (BOP) would likely swing to a $6.9-billion deficit in 2025, larger than its earlier $6.3-billion estimate.

The BOP, which tracks all foreign exchange inflows and outflows, has been largely negative this year. But it shifted to a surplus of $359 million in August, marking one of the few months when dollar inflows outpaced outflows.

Despite that reprieve, the central bank projected the overall position would stay in deficit through 2026, citing ‘sustained pressures on the current account.’ But the gap was forecast to narrow to $3.4 billion next year. Cushion

‘Infrastructure investments, potential trade diversion, and efforts to diversify export and import partners may help cushion external shocks,’ the BSP said.

‘However, structural constraints, such as logistical inefficiencies, skills mismatches, and elevated input costs, continue to weigh on export competitiveness,’ it added.

Fresh central bank estimates showed the current account balance-the broadest measure of trade because it includes investments-would post a deficit of $16.4 billion in 2025, equivalent to 3.3 percent of gross domestic product.

Broken down, goods exports were seen growing by 1 percent to $55.6 billion, while imports were seen rising by the same pace to $125.2 billion.

Services exports, meanwhile, would grow by 2 percent, a less optimistic outlook than the previous prediction of 6-percent growth. The downward revision was mainly due to slower growth of 1 percent seen for tourism receipts, from 10 percent before, amid ‘weakening inbound travel.’ Outsourcing outlook

The central bank retained its 5 percent growth outlook for outsourcing revenues but flagged risks from US ‘reshoring’ policies.

Overseas remittances are now projected to grow 3 percent, up slightly from an earlier 2.8 percent forecast, aided by strong labor demand abroad and steady use of formal transfer channels, even as a new US tax on remittances looms.

Jeongyeon of TWICE will be unable to participate in the group’s upcoming concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan this Saturday, Oct. 4, due to health reasons.

‘It is with deep regret that we inform you that TWICE member Jeongyeon will be unable to participate in the TWICE World Tour in Bulacan concert due to health reasons,’ JYP Entertainment wrote in a statement on Thursday, Oct. 2.

The talent agency noted that Jeongyeon’s absence was decided after careful consideration to prioritize the ‘artist’s health and recovery.’

‘We sincerely apologize to all the fans who have been waiting for this concert and are truly sorry to deliver such disappointing news. We are always grateful for the tremendous love and support you give to TWICE,’ continued the statement. This marked the second time for the Korean girl group to not have all members join a concert in the Philippines after member Chaeyoung was absent at the 2023 show due to health concerns as well.

The remaining eight members, Jihyo, Nayeon, Momo, Sana, Mina, Dahyun, Chaeyoung and Tzuyu, will perform at the Bulacan venue for the group’s ‘This Is for’ tour on Saturday.

TWICE, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, is also set to release a special album, ‘TEN: The Story Goes On,’ on Oct. 10, in addition to their ongoing tour.

The nation’s girl group is also set to release their 10th anniversary documentary film ‘TWICE: One in a Million’ in local cinemas on Oct. 20.

TWICE , which debuted in 2015, is known for their chart-topping hits ‘Fancy,’ ‘TT,’ ‘What Is Love?’ and ‘Feel Special,’ among others. /ra

Affordable stock prices – not necessarily any positive catalyst – enticed investors to buy shares on Thursday, setting the stage for the local bourse’s uphill climb.

By the end of the session, the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) added 0.23 percent or 13.73 points to close at 6,039.76.

Likewise, the broader All Shares Index gained 0.13 percent or 4.67 points to end at 3,659.29.

A total of 1.52 billion shares worth P5.56 billion changed hands, stock exchange data showed.

Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp., said the index’s slight gain was due to investors taking advantage of cheap stocks. This, especially after the bourse fell to a six-month low on Tuesday.

According to Limlingan, the PSEi remained relatively flat throughout the trading day, ‘as the lack of catalysts continues to weigh on market momentum.’ Active stocks

Only property firms ended in the red territory as Ayala Land Inc. lost 1.64 percent to P24 each. SM Prime Holdings Inc. declined by 2.18 percent to P22.40 per share.

International Container Terminal Services Inc. was the most actively traded stock, closing flat at P486. Others were BDO Unibank Inc., down 0.22 percent to P138; SM Investments Corp., up 2.03 percent to P755; Ayala Corp., up 0.91 percent to P486; and Jollibee Foods Corp., up 0.19 percent to P215 each. There were 95 losers against 89 gainers, while 65 companies were unchanged at closing, stock exchange data also showed. INQ

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended sea travel on Thursday morning in northern Quezon due to rough sea conditions brought about by Tropical Storm Paolo.

The PCG station in Real town announced the temporary suspension of voyages for all vessels and watercraft bound for the Polillo group of islands and General Nakar town, citing the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 and ‘the possible effects of the inclement weather.’

‘Further, all vessels are reminded to take precautionary measures and be extra vigilant in monitoring the movement of the typhoon if deemed to be affected by said weather disturbance,’ the PCG said in a public notice signed by Lt. Dawn Baterbonia, commander of PCG-Northern Quezon.

The PCG added that vessels ‘intending to take shelter shall be permitted, provided a written request is submitted and no passengers or cargo are on board.’

Voyages will only resume once weather and sea conditions improve, the PCG said.

The PCG Real station oversees the coastal towns of Infanta, General Nakar, and the Polillo group of islands in the Pacific Ocean, which include the municipalities of Polillo, Burdeos, Panukulan, Jomalig, and Patnanungan.

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (Pagasa) 5 a.m. update, Paolo was located 705 kilometers east of Infanta, Quezon.

Paolo was moving west-northwest at 20 km per hour (kph), with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gusts of up to 80 kph, Pagasa said.

The idea of leaving the majority bloc had crossed Sen. JV Ejercito’s mind as he expressed dismay over how the Senate seems to be losing its focus on the real culprits behind the anomalous flood control projects.

For now, Ejercito said he stays with the majority bloc.

‘As for me, everyone knows I just focus on work. But if you’re no longer happy, then what?’ he said in a Viber message, written in Filipino, on Thursday.

But in an earlier interview posted on social media, Ejercito admitted that he almost left the majority group because he feels that they are already burning down their own house.

‘To be honest, I seriously thought about leaving the majority. Because if this is the direction we’re headed, it’s like we’re burning down our own house. We’re neglecting our colleagues, and we’re forgetting who the real culprits are,’ he said in the interview.

Former and incumbent senators have been accused of receiving kickbacks from either ‘ghost’ or substandard flood control projects of the government.

The scandal has been the subject of separate investigations by the Senate blue ribbon committee, the House of Representatives infrastructure committee, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the blue ribbon panel, recently disclosed that almost all senators in the 19th Congress inserted P100 billion worth of items in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

‘We’re losing focus on the real perpetrators and those behind the chaos,’ Ejercito went on, still responding to queries on Viber.

‘It’s really sad and discouraging. Everything that’s happening is so frustrating – we can’t move forward anymore,’ he further lamented.

Worse, the senator feared that the issues hounding the Senate could ignite calls for its abolition through Charter change.

‘This might just be another People’s Initiative all over again – destroy the Senate so that through Charter change, it can be abolished entirely,’ he said.