Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The low-pressure area inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) developed into Tropical Depression Pilandok on Sunday morning, state meteorologists said.

As of 10 a.m., Pilandok was last spotted 1,225 kilometers east of extreme northern Luzon, moving west northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Pilandok has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph, and gusts of up to 55 kph, Pagasa added.

But the state weather bureau noted that the cyclone is ‘less likely to make landfall over the country and will remain far from the Philippine landmass.’

It also noted that Pilandok is expected to be a ‘short-lived’ tropical cyclone and is likely to weaken over the Philippine Sea by Tuesday, Sept. 1.

From today, Pilandok is forecast to move west-northwestward until Monday, Aug. 31.

Then its movement will shift northwestward to north northwestward until it dissipates, Pagasa said.

Actress Gee Canlas accused her estranged husband, actor Archie Alemania, of physically assaulting her during their marriage, including allegedly breaking two of her ribs and strangling her twice.

Canlas made the allegations in an interview with Ogie Diaz uploaded on YouTube on Saturday, Aug. 29, where she responded to Alemania’s recent interview about their separation.

Canlas said she watched Alemania’s interview and wanted to correct some of his statements and provide context about their relationship.

Addressing Alemania’s claim that he felt he was being provoked during their arguments even as he tried to remain quiet, Canlas recalled an incident where she said the actor became violent toward her.

‘Everything I say in this interview is backed with evidence […] He wanted me to talk. He was forcing me to agree with him about something […] He got a tumbler and he went to hit me on the side of my head behind the ear. Tumunog ‘yung skull ko,’ she recalled.

Canlas also recalled another fight that she said resulted in her sustaining two fractured ribs and eventually prompted them to stay at her parents’ house.

‘The reason we ended up staying at my parents house is because he broke my ribs. Two fractured ribs. I wrapped my whole body around him to stop him from leaving. He pushed me then pinuruhan niya ako, punch na parang boxing. Nawala ‘yung hininga ko. The next thing I know nagising ako sa kama na naka curl up, parang hipon,’ she said.

According to Canlas, the incident happened at their old house. She said her therapist advised her to leave the environment because of the trauma, which led to them staying at her parents’ home.

Canlas also disputed Alemania’s characterization of her as someone who was constantly nagging, saying their arguments stemmed from a lack of communication because he would allegedly walk away instead of discussing and resolving their problems.

She said Alemania told her mother about the incident involving her ribs, but instead of apologizing, he allegedly tried to justify his actions.

‘Blame the daughter for something that he did. And in spite of that, my mom mediated pa for us,’ Canlas said, adding that her father did not know about her fractured ribs because she was protecting Alemania.

Later in the interview, Canlas recalled another alleged incident of physical abuse, saying Alemania strangled her twice during their marriage.

‘He ended up strangling me. In the course of our marriage, he did that twice,’ she said. ‘When it was good, it was good. When it was bad, it was bad.’

Canlas also said Alemania would give her the silent treatment after their fights, with some instances allegedly lasting for months.

‘The whole time na di kami nag-uusap, dadaan-daanan ako niyan, lasing, uuwi 5 am, so ‘yung sinasabi niyang walking on eggshells saan,’ she said, adding that her parents did not intervene in their problems despite the couple living under the same roof.

Canlas also addressed Alemania’s earlier statement quoting the Bible: ‘Husbands love your wives. Wives submit to your husbands.’

She said marriage should be a ‘give and take’ process but cautioned against what she described as ‘blind submission.’

‘But there’s also such a thing as blind submission. Hindi ka pwede magsubmit kung feeling mo hindi best interest nung tao, ‘yung kapakanan ng pamilya mo […] There is no trust. There is no respect,’ she said.

The actress likewise disputed Alemania’s description of himself as a ‘dakila’ or devoted husband, bringing up an alleged instance of infidelity that she said she discovered after leaving him.

‘What if I tell you I have proof that you were sleeping with someone the time that we’re together,’ she said, adding that she did not want to disclose the nature of the alleged proof at the moment.

Canlas also said she chose to remain with Alemania amid his legal issues involving singer-actress Rita Daniela, who accused him of making unwanted sexual advances toward her.

‘I decided to stay with him, with the legal issues that he has, in hopes na makita niya ‘yung loyalty and devotion ko sa kaniya. Masalvage pa ‘yung marriage namin kahit papaano,’ she said.

Canlas said she eventually realized she needed to end the relationship after she surprised Alemania on his birthday, only for them to end up fighting again.

‘I remember in my head. So be it. I’m done. I felt like I could no longer do anything to make him happy,’ she said.

The actress also said she had to sell her wedding and engagement rings to help provide for her family while Alemania was struggling financially amid his legal case.

Canlas said she and Alemania were undergoing marriage counseling before she learned about Daniela’s complaint. She said she had also been waiting for Alemania to come clean about something after he was fired from the television series ‘Widows’ War.’

‘So when we were working on our marriage, he was trying to cover up a lie at the same time. Tapos nung nalaman ko na, he cups my face, and tells me, ‘I need you to be strong. I need you to be brave,’ Bakit hindi sorry? Instead of apologizing, inutusan pa ako maging strong,’ she recalled.

‘He never said sorry for what happened. He never said sorry to my parents. Both of my parents are pastors,’ she added.

Canlas said she confronted Alemania about what happened with Daniela, but he denied it. The actor continued to deny the allegations in his recent interview.

‘Doon sa interview niyo, important bang sabihin na naging babaero ka for people to believe na hindi ka nang mamanyak. I’ll never know what happened in that car, silang dalawa lang nakakaalam non,’ she said.

In October 2025, Alemania was found guilty of acts of lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code in connection with the complaint filed by Daniela.

Despite her experiences, Canlas said she remains hopeful about finding love again. Asked if she still loves Alemania, she replied, ‘No. I think I love myself now.’

‘Hindi ‘yung nangyari sakin ang magiging story ko. That’s just a chapter. There are better days ahead, including someone,’ she added.

Canlas also said she is not currently open to co-parenting with Alemania.

‘In what world would I want to co-parent with someone, who doesn’t respect me in the very least. How can I expect him to create a safe environment for our son,’ she said.

Sept. 3, 2006

The National Historical Institute installed a national historical landmark in the Cuartel of Imus in Cavite to commemorate the ‘Labanan sa Imus.’ On Sept. 1, 1896, the forces of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and Col. Jose Tagle attacked the friars and guardia civils who had taken refuge in the Casa Hacienda. The following day, revolutionaries led by Tagle launched another attack while Aguinaldo and his men were fighting in Bacoor. Finally, on Sept. 3, 1896, additional Spanish forces under Gen. Ernesto de Aguirre were defeated. Aguirre’s sable de mando fell during this battle and was captured by the revolutionaries. This victory served as an inspiration to the revolutionaries as they fought for independence.

Sept. 3, 2022

Calaca was converted from a municipality into a component city of Batangas through a plebiscite, which ratified Republic Act No. 11544, signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte on May 26, 2021. Once a barrio of Balayan situated on the left bank of the Bolbok River, Calaca was established as a town on May 10, 1835. Prior to its conversion to a city, it was already emerging as one of the fastest-growing local economies in Calabarzon and was known as the ‘Power Town in South Luzon.’ Today, Calaca is a third-class city with a population of 92,281, as of the 2024 Census.

Sept. 4, 2025

The provincial government of La Union and the Baguionas Farmers and Coffee Growers Association (BFCGA) signed a deed of donation for La Union’s first coffee processing facility located in Barangay Libbo, Bagulin. The 78-square-meter facility was funded P2.9 million under Republic Act No. 7171, or the Support for Virginia Tobacco Farmers Act. Construction began on November 18, 2024, and was completed on May 29, 2025. The facility is now operated by BFCGA, whose members are mostly robusta coffee farmers from the indigenous peoples community. Its 33 farmer-members collectively cultivate 30.55 hectares and yield about 400 kilograms of green coffee cherries annually. They supply coffee beans to popular establishments in the surfing town of San Juan.

This week’s festival

Siargao Food and Wine Festival (Aug. 26 to Aug. 31)

The Siargao Food and Wine Festival is the country’s first community-led, island-wide culinary festival that’s taking place in Siargao, Surigao del Norte. In partnership with the Department of Tourism, the festival carries the theme, ‘Building a Better Island, One Bite at a Time.’ It celebrates the people, produce and traditions that shape the island’s food culture through collaborative dining experiences, workshops, markets and community gatherings. The six-day festival offers a series of immersive experiences, including a gala opening on Aug. 26, Ocean Day on Aug. 27, Coconut Day on Aug. 28, Producer Day on Aug. 29 and Community Day on Aug. 30. It will culminate on Aug. 31 with a closing celebration and recognition.

Hadang Festival (Sept. 1 to Sept. 8)

The Hadang Festival is celebrated in Calbayog City, Samar. The festival is named after ‘Hadang,’ which is an ancient ritual dance offering to spirits for blessings such as a good harvest, healing or protection from violence. In 2025, it was declared as the city’s official festival through Ordinance No. 2025-27-658. The ordinance also formally ended the use of the Sarakiki Festival, which had previously been hyphenated with Hadang. This year’s celebration includes a beauty pageant, ‘Hinadang nga Bulawan, ‘Uyag Kinahimat-an,’ Hadang ritual street dancing competition and grand showdown, concert, fiesta carnival and culminates with the town fiesta on Sept. 8.

Incumbent Dasmariñas City Mayor Jennifer ‘Jenny’ Barzaga has been proclaimed as the new congressional representative of Cavite’s fourth district, replacing her son, who was expelled for his unruly behavior by the House of Representatives on June 2, 2026.

Barzaga won by a landslide, garnering 201,893 votes out of the 258,371 ballots cast during Saturday’s special elections.

At second was former vice mayor Raul Rex Rosario Mangubat, who received only 30,373 votes; followed by former councilor Jacinto Frani Jr. with 24,350; Marvin Dupal-ag with 1,184; and Leysander Ordenes with 561.

The total number of votes cast, meanwhile, reflected a voter turnout of 57.75 percent.

With Barzaga’s victory effectively keeping the congressional seat within the family, the Barzagas’ political dominance in Dasmariñas will also continue, extending the dynasty’s hold over the city to nearly three decades since Elpidio ‘Pidi’ Barzaga Jr. first became mayor in 1998.

Based on partial and unofficial votes as early as 8:30 p.m., Barzaga already led the special congressional race by a significant margin, placing first at 185,668 votes. The nearest rival was former vice mayor Raul Rex Rosario Mangubat, who, at this point, only garnered 23,208 votes.

Mangubat also eventually conceded based on the partial results alone, congratulating Barzaga on her win and expressing thanks to his supporters.

Andy Roddick was playing fellow legend Roger Federer in a special fan event as a drum-up to the US Open when he looked at the stands and saw Alex Eala sitting there.

‘I saw [you] and I said [to myself], ‘If I had her groundstrokes, I would win this set,” Roddick told Eala during a live recording of his popular podcast, ‘Served.’

Eala, laughing, shot back: ‘If I had your serve, I would win [a lot].’

The exchange between the rising star from the Philippines and the well-loved American legend was a snapshot of how comfortable Eala has grown with her skyrocketing fame-and how expertly she’s been navigating through it despite her relative youth.

‘[E]verything that has been coming my way is continuously uncharted territory for me. So, I’m experiencing a lot of things for the first time,’ Eala told Roddick during the show. ‘And … it’s been a journey to learn my relationship with the fame, … the exposure. I understand the importance of what I represent, who I represent, what values I carry on court [and] the culture I carry on court. But at the same time, it was important for me to understand that it’s the culture that’s important, and it’s what I represent that’s important, and it’s not so much just me as an individual.’

‘I think a reason also why I have such a big following is because people see themselves in me. So, I’m representing those people, and it’s not really just me on the stage.’

Her comfort level and her maturity when it comes to handling that fame will be important as she kicks off her US Open bid on Monday, when she battles Mary Stoiana (11 p.m., Manila time).

Eala has kept herself busy in the days leading to that matchup, playing mixed doubles with Felix Auger-Aliassime and then headlining another US Open fan-favorite event, the Stars of the Open exhibition. All her appearances, even during the Roddick podcast, proved the strength of her drawing power.

And in New York, that power will get amplified. The US Open site in the Flushing Meadows is about a 15- to 20-minute train ride from Woodside, which has a strong Filipino presence. Queens itself is home to a huge number of immigrants from the Philippines, guaranteeing jam-packed arenas for Eala’s matches.

That kind of spotlight heat could make a normal 21-year-old wilt.

But time and again, Eala has proven she is no ordinary 21-year-old.

‘I think I’ve experienced so much growth in the past year and so many milestones in my career,’ the world No. 18 said during the pretournament press conference. ‘I think there are so many lessons in particular in terms of … work ethic, obviously being in this environment a lot more.’

And while people have recognized the things she has done for tennis, not just for the Philippines but for the sport in general with the new audiences she has been drawing in, Eala brushed off the suggestion.

‘[E]very single WTA player and every single ATP player has contributed to the world of tennis and its history just by being here and by putting in the work every single day,’ Eala said. ‘So although there are certain things like the media and the things that you mentioned that make me stand out, I think that I’m a drop in the ocean when it comes to these things. And the more I’m on tour, the more I learn about the history. Of course, this year, having had the pleasure to play doubles twice with Venus, I’ve learned a lot about her mentality on court, but also things about how she championed equal prize money with her sister and things like that.’

‘And maybe the regular player on tour who’s not so exposed [in] the media, what they’ve had to work towards and what they’ve had to work through to get to where they are now is so inspiring in itself. So there are so many stories behind the scenes that you might not even realize. So that really keeps me humble.’

‘It keeps me motivated to work harder and … stay among these incredible people.’

A group of health advocates urges lawmakers to impose a tax of P80 or higher on vape products, saying that current government proposals are insufficient to prevent access and addiction.

In a statement, lead convenor Jaime Galvez Tan of the Health Philippines Alliance (HPA) said: ‘The proliferation of these products has accelerated the early onset of chronic heart and lung diseases among our youth.’

‘Allowing young people to develop chronic health conditions early in life guarantees staggering medical costs for our healthcare system down the line. Hence, taxing these products at P80 or higher is an indispensable preventive health measure,’ said Tan, former health secretary.

Unified tax

The group noted that the Department of Finance and the Department of Health had earlier proposed a unified tax of P72.93 by 2027 for cigarettes, heated tobacco products and vape products.

But it argued this tax rate ‘remains insufficient to curb access and prevent addiction,’ adding that ‘weak tax rates endanger Filipino youth and place a heavy burden on our healthcare system.’

HealthJustice Philippines, a member group of the alliance, also rejected a proposal to lower taxes on vapes to P15 per milliliter, describing it as ‘a veiled attempt of the tobacco and vape industry to introduce more addictive products to our youth and hook them to long-term addiction.’

‘We cannot allow lower tax rates that enable more addictive substances, like nicotine salt vapes, to proliferate in the market,’ said lawyer Benedict Nisperos, legal consultant of HealthJustice Philippines.

He said eight countries of the 11-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations have already imposed a total ban on vape products, while the Philippines ‘continues to allow the sale of these addicting and health harming products.’

‘Predatory marketing’

‘Slashing tax rates further, paired with an already lenient Vape Regulation Law [or Republic Act No. 11900], effectively invites more predatory marketing aimed straight at young Filipinos,’ Nisperos said.

In an earlier statement, the House committee on ways and means said it is studying proposals to adopt a unified excise tax rate for salt nicotine and freebase nicotine products, with the goal of addressing disparities that may influence consumer behavior and cause market distortions.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez had proposed a unified excise tax of P15 per milliliter during a hearing on Aug. 25.

He noted the importance of setting a rate that raises revenue without driving consumers toward illicit products

In the forests of Calanasan, Apayao, scientists may have uncovered new clues to the province’s still largely undocumented biodiversity.

A herpetofaunal survey conducted from Aug. 13 to 19 recorded at least 15 species of amphibians and reptiles, including three Platymantis specimens that may belong to species not yet described by science, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR).

The finding remains preliminary.

DENR-CAR said the specimens must undergo further taxonomic examination before specialists can confirm their identities.

The survey was conducted by the University of Santo Tomas-Herpetological Research Collection and Kyoto University in partnership with the Philippine Eagle Foundation and the DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Calanasan.

Herpetology experts Dr. Arvin Diesmos and Emerson Sy also joined the fieldwork.

Researchers explored selected forest habitats in Calanasan and documented snakes, geckos, skinks, frogs and other amphibians and reptiles.

Among the records, the three Platymantis specimens stood out because of physical characteristics that may distinguish them from known species.

RELATED STORY: Philippine duck, golden-crowned flying fox spotted in Masbate

If further studies confirm that they are distinct, the specimens could eventually be recognized as species previously unknown to science.

Dorothy Joy C. Cayaba, officer in charge of CENRO Calanasan, said the findings underscored the need to pair scientific research with habitat protection.

‘The documentation of at least 15 herpetofaunal species, including specimens that may potentially be new to science, demonstrates how much more there is to discover in our forests,’ Cayaba said.

‘More importantly, these findings remind us that biodiversity research must go hand in hand with habitat protection,’ she added.

DENR-CAR said biodiversity surveys provide baseline information on the species present in an ecosystem and how they are distributed, helping guide conservation planning and habitat management.

The activity forms part of continuing biodiversity documentation in the Apayao Lowland Forest Key Biodiversity Area and the wider yApayaos Biosphere Reserve.

Succeeding surveys are expected to expand Apayao’s species inventory and strengthen the scientific basis for long-term conservation efforts

For now, the three Platymantis specimens remain unconfirmed. But their discovery suggests that Apayao’s forests may still hold species science has yet to name.

The Film Academy of the Philippines announced that eight films have been shortlisted as contenders to become the Philippines’ official entry to the 2027 Oscars Best International Feature Film category.

The agency revealed on Friday, Aug. 28, the list of films, which includes Carl Joseph E. Papa’s ’58th,’ Jade Castro’s ‘All the Things I Leave You (Patawid),’ Rafael Manuel’s ‘Filipiñana,’ Sigrid Andrea P. Bernardo’s ‘I’mPerfect,’ Raymond Red’s ‘Manila’s Finest,’ Jerrold Tarog’s ‘Quezon,’ Lawrence Fajardo’s ‘Silenced Nights’ and Jun Robles Lana’s ‘Sisa.’

‘The films this year offer a spectrum of views of the Filipino experience. They look at our history, the issues we continue to face, and the ways Filipinos deal with questions of power, identity, love, freedom, and survival,’ said Film Academy of the Philippines Director-General Paolo Villaluna.

‘Each one has its own voice and approach, showcasing our cinematic merit and any of them has the potential to connect with audiences beyond the Philippines. Whichever film we send to the Oscars will carry a Filipino story that we can be proud of,’ he added.

The selection process will be headed by a National Selection Committee composed of Filipino film industry experts.

The chosen film will be announced during the opening ceremony of the Philippine Film Industry Month on Sept. 4.

Tycoon Lance Gokongwei has taken the helm of PhilWeb Corp. after investing P2.02 billion in the the listed gaming technology firm, which is ramping up its artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure for the regulated digital gaming sector.

In a disclosure on Friday, PhilWeb said Gokongwei had acquired 159.53 million common shares at P8 each on Aug. 27 under a previously executed share purchase agreement.

The transaction was worth about P1.28 billion and brought Gokongwei’s direct holdings to 159.53 million shares. Including preferred shares, the tycoon’s stake in PhilWeb stood at 15 percent.

PhilWeb said Gokongwei’s recent strategic equity investment totaled P2.02 billion.

The purchase comes as Gokongwei assumes the chairmanship of PhilWeb, completing a governance restructuring that followed his appointment to the board in July.

His entry also comes as PhilWeb accelerates the rollout of its enterprise AI layer, part of its push to become an institutional-grade digital gaming solutions provider.

The company said its immediate priorities include real-time operational monitoring, algorithmic risk management, regulatory compliance automation, anti-fraud detection and data-driven customer lifecycle optimization.

‘This transition marks a critical inflection point for our capitalization and operational scale,’ Gokongwei said.

He added that PhilWeb aims to deploy institutional-grade, AI-powered infrastructure to set a new operational standard for security and compliance across the regulated digital ecosystem.

PhilWeb president Brian Ng said Gokongwei’s leadership would provide the governance needed for the company’s next phase of expansion, particularly as it develops infrastructure for integrated casino resorts and global platform providers.

PhilWeb said its AI-driven technology currently supports an ecosystem that includes Okada Manila, Hann Casino, Newport World Resorts, Nustar Resort and Casino, FBM Philippines and PT Gaming.

Several ferry trips were canceled on Saturday, Aug. 29, due to rough sea conditions brought by the effects of the southwest monsoon, or habagat, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) announced.

In an advisory, the PPA provided the following Port Management Office (PMO) with cancelled ferry trips, as of 8 a.m.:

Bicol PMO

TMO Camarines: Starhorse Shipping Lines, Inc., San Pascual, Masbate to Pasacao, Camarines Sur (vice versa)

Masbate PMO

Montenegro Shipping lines Inc. (all fast craft): Masbate City – Pilar, Sorsogon

Island Shipping Corp: Cawayan, Masbate – Hagnaya, Cebu

MB Maribel: Claveria, Masbate – Pio Duran, Albay

Mindoro PMO

Port of Puerto Galera: MV City of Bacolod (12:30 p.m.), Puerto Galera to Batangas

Port of Abra De Ilog: MV Isla Simara, Abra De Ilog to Batangas

Port of San Jose: MV Bunso Ferry 2, San Jose to Coron

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reported that moderate to rough sea conditions may affect Luzon due to the southwest monsoon.