Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is making it easier for companies to tap the capital market, hoping that simpler and faster registration processes will encourage more businesses to raise funds from the investing public.

The corporate regulator has moved applications for public offerings fully online through the mandatory use of the Online Application for Registration Statements (OARS), while cutting processing timelines.

SEC Chair Francis Lim said the initiative was part of the Commission’s broader push to deepen the domestic capital market by lowering procedural hurdles for companies seeking funds for expansion.

‘By modernizing and simplifying our processes, we hope to encourage more businesses to view and enter the capital market as a viable option for their growth, in line with our agenda to further deepen and stimulate market activity in the country,’ Lim said.

The SEC on Aug. 24 issued Memorandum Circular No. 24, Series of 2026, mandating the use of OARS.

The web-based platform allows companies to electronically submit registration statements and other required filings containing information on their operations and securities being offered.

Except for issuances of debt securities, OARS accepts applications for direct public offerings, follow-on offerings, initial public offerings and first-tranche shelf registrations.

The platform also covers applications under specialized registration programs such as ‘Securing and Expanding Capital for Real Estate Non-Traditional Securities’ and ‘Securing and Expanding Capital for PowerGen Operators and Wholesale of Electricity and Retail Services.’

Applications filed through OARS will be processed within 40 days upon payment of the initial assessment fee.

The SEC may eventually expand the system.

A lawmaker warned on Sunday that ‘increasingly sophisticated’ social media algorithms are deliberately hooking users and exposing minors to age-inappropriate content amid growing concern about online child safety following rising cases of school violence.

‘The evolution of social media platforms’ powerful algorithms makes it more and more difficult for adolescents to avoid illicit content-even if that’s not what they were originally searching for,’ Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos said in a statement.

Social media platforms have been facing mounting global backlash over harmful content and the lack of safety features for users, particularly children.

Lawsuit vs Meta

In the United States, Facebook’s parent company Meta has agreed to pay around $17 billion to over a dozen states to settle a suit accusing it of creating addictive products that harmed young users.

In the Philippines, a series of violent incidents in schools, most recently two shootings separately carried out by students that left five other students dead and scores more wounded, has prompted authorities to look into the possible influence of violent online games and ‘groomers’ on the perpetrators.

‘If we know that these platforms can influence what our children see, think and eventually do, then government has a responsibility to make sure that influence does not become a gateway to exploitation, addiction or illegal drugs,’ Santos said.

He added that drug syndicates are also exploiting online platforms to reach potential victims.

‘They can exploit digital platforms, fake identities, private messaging and algorithm-driven content to reach potential victims, including young people,’ Santos said.

Last week, a Philippine delegation met in Singapore with Meta officials who pledged to work with the government to improve coordination and act on harmful content.

South Korean actor Lee Yong-joo, known for his roles in the hit drama ‘Princess Hours’ and tvN sitcom ‘Blue Tower,’ has died at 44.

According to South Korean media, Lee died on Saturday, Aug. 29 from a cardiac arrest. A close friend announced his death on social media.

‘My friend Lee Yong-joo passed away suddenly. The sudden news is still hard to believe,’ the friend wrote, asking fans and colleagues to remember Lee on his final journey.

Lee’s death has brought renewed attention to his previously disclosed heart condition. In 2013, while promoting ‘Blue Tower,’ the actor revealed that he had been exempted from mandatory military service after being diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick.

Lee said at the time that his mother had been hospitalized with the same condition. The actor was diagnosed with the disease after doctors advised members of his family to undergo medical examinations because of its potential hereditary nature.

Lee began his entertainment career as a model before making his acting debut with a minor role in the 2004 film ‘Doma Ahn Jung-geun.’ He later appeared in MBC’s ‘Hello, Francesca’ and ‘Princess Hours.’

In ‘Princess Hours’ (2006), Lee played Jang Kyung, a high school friend of Crown Prince Lee Shin, portrayed by Ju Ji-hoon.

He went on to appear in the comedy series ‘Unstoppable Marriage,’ the long-running ‘Rude Miss Young-ae’ franchise, ‘The Women’s Room,’ ‘Let’s Eat,’ ‘My Unfortunate Boyfriend,’ ‘Bad Detective’ and the military comedy series ‘New Recruit.’

Lee gained popularity through ‘Blue Tower,’ where he portrayed a new recruit despite having never served in the military. His lack of military experience became part of the story surrounding his casting.

Lee’s wake has been set up at Room 5 of the Bundang Jesaeng Hospital Funeral Hall in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

His funeral procession is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 31, with the burial to take place at the Seongnam City Funeral Culture Complex.

World number three Jessica Pegula conquered US Open first-round nerves to dispatch Elena-Gabriela Ruse on Sunday, kicking off the action on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Pegula broke Romania’s Ruse twice in each set on the way to a 6-3, 6-2 triumph, but it was less straightforward than the score indicated as the 32-year-old veteran felt the weight of playing first on the cavernous show court.

‘Oh yeah, I was so nervous today, always the first round of a slam,’ said Pegula, the 32-year-old who is the highest-ranked American in either the men’s or women’s draw in the final Grand Slam of the year.

‘It’s an amazing honor,’ she said of being given the first match on Ashe. ‘It’s an honor to hold that title, walking out onto Ashe opening day, first match, it’s amazing.’

Pegula is chasing her first Grand Slam title. She came closest with a runner-up finish to Aryna Sabalenka at the 2024 US Open, and she fell to the Belarusian in the semifinals last year.

Pegula saved the only break point she faced, but her nerves showed as she converted just two of her 14 break point chances in the opening set.

That was enough, and she was an efficient two-for-four on break opportunities in the second. She gave herself triple match point with a crisp forehand winner to the corner and after Ruse saved two with booming serves, she secured the win when the Romanian put a forehand into the net.

With the first round now spread over three days, Pegula was looking forward to a couple of days off with a confidence-boosting win under her belt.

‘I get to sit around the site and watch everybody else freak out for the next two days,’ she said.

As the Philippines marked National Press Freedom Day on Sunday, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) called for stronger safeguards for journalists, citing the country’s 114th ranking in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders.

In a statement, the CHR warned that press freedom in the Philippines continues to ‘face serious challenges.’

‘The lack of accountability for crimes against media workers perpetuates a dangerous cycle of impunity,’ it said as it urged the government to ensure swift justice for victims and their families.

The CHR added that Red-tagging, vilification and other forms of intimidation likewise pose threats to journalists and the public’s right to information.

It cited its National Inquiry on Red-tagging, which found that journalists are frequently targeted for critical reporting on government policies and programs.

The CHR also reiterated its recommendation for legislation that would specifically penalize Red-tagging, saying that it continues to strengthen mechanisms aimed at protecting media workers.

In April, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), an international nongovernment organization that advocates for press freedom, said the Philippines improved from 116th place in 2025 to 114th place this year, although it remains in the lower half of the press freedom index.

The index measures the degree of freedom enjoyed by journalists, news organizations and netizens in 180 countries and the efforts made by authorities to respect this freedom.

The RSF, however, noted that despite its extremely dynamic media landscape, the Philippines remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. It cited the Maguindanao massacre in 2009, which left 32 journalists and media workers dead.

The PTFoMS, on the other hand, said that ‘continuous vigilance and action’ is needed in defending press freedom amid threats.

While noting that its efforts have contributed to improved international press freedom rankings and stronger mechanisms for responding to threats against media, it also acknowledged that journalists continue to face challenges, including violence.

The task force called on the public to recognize the vital role of journalists in democracy.

‘Let us recommit to fostering an environment where truth prevails over disinformation and where laws protect rather than restrict press freedom,’ the PTFoMS said.

Decriminalizing libel

The CHR, meanwhile, reiterated its call to decriminalize libel and cyberlibel, saying journalists should work free from criminal prosecution and undue restrictions.

‘Beyond protection mechanisms, laws and policies must foster an environment where journalism can flourish without fear of criminalization or undue restriction,’ it said.

The CHR also warned of artificial intelligence and digital technologies being used to surveil journalists, expose sources, suppress dissent and spread disinformation.

At the same time, it urged the government to address impunity and create a safe civic environment free from censorship, intimidation and other threats.

‘When journalists are silenced, people lose information necessary to make informed decisions, participate meaningfully in public life, and hold institutions accountable,’ the CHR said.

Damage and losses to Zambales agriculture due to heavy rains and floods have reached P37.55 million, based on the latest data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office on Sunday (Aug. 30)

According to Rolex Estella, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, the tally is the accumulated losses from the habagat and tropical cyclones.

Rice accounted for the biggest share of the losses at P21.58 million with damages in 1,069.42 hectares of farmland affecting 1,267 farmers, based on the assessment of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

The municipality of Sta. Cruz recorded the highest rice losses at P11.38 million, followed by the towns of San Antonio with P2.8 million and Subic with P2.05 million.

High-value crops sustained P10.7 million in losses, affecting 358 farmers and 73.64 hectares.

Sta. Cruz also recorded the highest losses in high-value crops at P4.03 million, followed by the town of Botolan at P3.54 million and Subic at P1.69 million.

The assessment also included damage to agricultural facilities, irrigation systems and farm equipment.

Agricultural infrastructure sustained P1.21 million in damage, including a pig pen in Barangay Sta. Fe, San Marcelino, which was washed out and covered by mud.

Damage to agricultural machinery and equipment reached P1.55 million, including farm machinery in Sta. Fe, San Marcelino that was either washed away by floodwaters or buried under soil deposits.

A hand-held agricultural tractor in Barangay Bayto, Sta. Cruz, was also partially damaged.

The assessment also placed damage to a small water impounding project in Barangay Amungan, Iba, at P700,000 after its embankment slope and foundation were undermined.

Fisheries were also affected, with losses of P906,220 in capture fisheries and P796,065 in aquaculture.

Separately, the Provincial Veterinary Office reported the loss of 193 animals valued at P1.18 million.

The figures, said Estella, remain a progress report as assessment and validation of losses continue in affected areas.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zambales earlier declared the province under a state of calamity following the widespread flooding and damage caused by the successive episodes of heavy rains.

Under the Revised Penal Code, a person commits bigamy by contracting a second marriage during the existence of a valid first marriage. In earlier Supreme Court rulings, bigamy had two consequences for the offending spouses: (1) they cannot remarry, and if they do, (2) they cannot use the invalidity of the prior marriage as a defense unless they have secured a prior judicial declaration of its nullity.

Ramon Paul L. Hernando, en banc), the Supreme Court unanimously modified item (2), holding that a prior void ab initio (from the beginning) marriage is a valid defense even without a judicial declaration of its invalidity. Recently, the Court-in Lapira v. Fariscal (Feb. 26, 2026, per J Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, Third Division)-reiterated this change by acquitting a woman convicted of bigamy in the lower courts.

Let me briefly explain the facts in the recent decision. Imelda Lapira and Jimmy Fariscal married in a civil ceremony in 2001. In 2004, Imelda went to Japan ostensibly to work. Unfortunately, Jimmy lost communication with her and later discovered, to his disappointment, that his wife had married a Japanese national, Takahiko Sato, in 2000, before their marriage in 2001.

Charged with bigamy, Imelda claimed that her marriage to Sato was a ‘sham,’ allegedly arranged only to facilitate her entry into Japan. She maintained that no marriage ceremony took place and that she merely signed a blank paper at the instruction of ‘Jo’ who arranged her travel documents.

Nevertheless, the regional trial court convicted her of bigamy as there was no evidence that her marriage to Sato had been dissolved legally. The Court of Appeals affirmed, holding that she remained criminally liable since, per existing jurisprudence, her first marriage had not been judicially declared void prior to contracting her second marriage.

THE SUPREME COURT RULED with three significant aspects.

First, it held in Lapira, as it did in Pulido, that though Article 40 of the Family Code requires a court declaration of nullity for ‘purposes of remarriage,’ it did not prohibit the accused from collaterally attacking the validity of a prior void marriage.

Therefore, the accused in a prosecution for bigamy can freely raise the defense of a prior void ab initio marriage without first securing a court declaration. Imelda was acquitted because her prior marriage to Sato lacked the essential and/or formal requisites to a contract of marriage-like a valid marriage license and marital ceremony.

Second, citing settled jurisprudence, the Court in Lapira further clarified that a marriage certificate is ‘prima facie evidence of its contents’ and may be used to prove bigamy when the offending spouse appears in two marital certificates. However, such prima facie evidence may be rebutted by ‘substantial evidence.’

Thus, the prima facie validity of the marriage certificate of Imelda’s first marriage to Sato was effectively overthrown by the certification of the Local Civil Registrar, stating that it did not issue the certificate; in fact, no marriage license had been applied for. This rebuttal was sufficient to overcome the prima facie presumption and to justify the acquittal of the accused.

Third, the Lapira ruling adopts a liberal view on the civil aspects of marriage. It noted that the alleged first marriage of Imelda to Sato was nonexistent, and the subsequent marriage to Jimmy was solemnized in a civil ceremony. Because no sacramental union was celebrated, the Church had no reason to interfere. The acquittal of Lapira of bigamy was a purely civil action.

DRAWING FROM JUSTICE HERNANDO’S RULING in Pulido, Justice Caguioa in Lapira clarified that: first, a judicial declaration of nullity of a prior void marriage is no longer necessary to secure an acquittal in a prosecution for bigamy; second, the prima facie validity of the contents of a marriage certificate may be rebutted by a certification by the Local Civil Registrar that no marriage certificate was issued; and third, a prior declaration of nullity is nonetheless necessary to enable any of the erstwhile spouses to remarry.

These principles recognize that while our courts are duty-bound to defend the inviolability of marriage, they cannot-and should not-impose the heavy criminal penalties based on a marital bond that, from the very beginning, was nothing but a phantom. Indeed, our civil institutions cannot protect a covenant that never was.

These latest decisions do not transgress the constitutional protection of the sanctity of marriage as an ‘inviolable social institution.’ Likewise, they do not infringe upon the Catholic Church’s doctrine of marriage as a sacrament because the ecclesiastical aspects were untouched.

To conclude, the defense of a void ab initio marriage without prior court declaration balances our constitutional reverence for matrimony with the demands of criminal justice. Moreover, our jurisprudence harmonizes the strictures of temporal law with the rhythms of divine justice: guarding the sacred rings of a valid marriage, while freeing the innocent from the shackles of a void union.

Around 500 residents, farmers and fisherfolk in Bulacan on Monday waded through floodwaters to protest corruption in ‘flood-control projects.’

They are also opposing the reclamation initiative that reportedly ‘worsened’ the flooding in the province.

The flooding in Bulacan-known as one of the most flood-prone areas in the country-as well as in other provinces, is caused by the southwest monsoon, or ‘habagat,’ which is being enhanced by Tropical Depression Pilandok.

Led by the anti-corruption alliance Kilos Bulacan, members of the fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), the farmers’ group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), and the rural-based group Anakpawis marched through the City of Malolos to hold the protest on Monday.

Their action coincides with National Heroes’ Day.

According to KMP Chairperson Danilo Ramos, also a Malolos resident, the province’s residents ‘have long endured the repeated flooding caused by these useless, anomalous flood-control projects.’

‘While corrupt officials and big corporations plunder the public funds and our environment, ordinary people suffer,’ Ramos emphasized in a statement.

‘We demand justice in the form of genuine mitigation measures, accountability, and appropriate compensation for this systematic disaster that caused unmeasurable losses,’ he noted.

Meanwhile, Pamalakaya Vice Chairperson Ronnel Arambulo noted that the reclamation project, New Manila International Airport (NMIA), in Barangay Taliptip, Bulakan, Bulacan, has led to ‘critical risks of flooding and subsidence, threatening its long-term viability.’

Pamalakaya cited a study by the nongovernment organization Global Witness, which warns that ‘rising sea levels and storm surges could render the airport unusable within decades.’

The group also pointed out that the 2,500-hectare project displaced almost 1,000 fishing families in Barangay Taliptip and uprooted over 600 mangrove trees.

‘The protest launched by residents, farmers, and fishermen in Bulacan is timely. We once again call for justice and accountability for all those involved in the anomalous and botched flood control, as well as the widespread plunder of nature that is submerging communities,’ Arambulo remarked.

Echoing these sentiments, Anakpawis Coordinator Glo Fernandez urged the Bulacan provincial government to heed their constituents’ call for an ‘immediate solution’ against flooding.

‘It has been more than a year since the anomaly in flood control broke out. But until now, many sectors remain vulnerable to flooding,’ said Fernandez.

‘Both politicians involved in the anomalous flood control and the big corporations that destroyed the environment must be held accountable,’ she stressed.

Heavy rainfall is expected in 18 provinces in Luzon on Monday due to the southwest monsoon, or ‘habagat,’ which is being enhanced by Tropical Depression Pilandok, the state weather bureau reported.

Based on its 5 a.m. heavy rainfall outlook, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said heavy to intense rains, or around 100 to 200 millimeters (mm) of rainfall, is expected to drench the following areas this Monday:

Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Sur

La Union

Abra

Pangasinan

Benguet

Zambales

Bataan

Tarlac

Pampanga

‘Numerous flooding events are likely, especially in areas that are urbanized, low-lying, or near rivers. Landslide likely in moderate to highly susceptible areas,’ Pagasa said.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rains, or around 50 to 100 mm of rainfall, are expected over the following areas:

Batanes

Apayao

Kalinga

Ifugao

Mountain Province

Nueva Vizcaya

Nueva Ecija

Bulacan

Under this condition, localized flooding is possible mainly in urbanized, low-lying or riverside areas, and landslides may occur in highly susceptible areas.

‘Forecast rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas, the weather bureau said, noting that impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall

Pagasa advised the public disaster risk reduction and management offices in the mentioned areas to take all necessary measures ‘to protect life and property.’

In a separate weather advisory on Monday morning, Pagasa reported that Tropical Depression Pilandok had slightly intensified while moving almost stationary over the Philippine Sea east of extreme Northern Luzon.

The tropical depression is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has relieved a maintenance chief following reports of delayed response to calamities, as heavy rains continued to trigger flooding across Metro Manila and several other parts of Luzon.

In an Aug. 29 memorandum, Dizon ordered engineer Loreto Balena Jr. relieved as maintenance chief of the Las Piñas-Muntinlupa District Engineering Office.

Dizon cited Balena’s ‘unsatisfactory performance, lack of urgency, and delayed response to calamities’ as grounds for his removal.

Balena was directed to complete an inventory of his office’s properties, finish and sign pending documents and deliverables, and turn over official records and other papers.

Sen. JV Ejercito, meanwhile, urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to complete unfinished flood control projects before starting new ones, saying incomplete infrastructure could worsen the country’s vulnerability to flooding.

‘For practical reasons, we need to close the gaps so that mitigating or solving flood control would be effective,’ Ejercito, chair of the Senate finance committee, told DZBB on Sunday.

‘Close the gaps, complete the unfinished flood control projects. No new projects. Finish what needs to be finished,’ he added.Ejercito’s call came amid renewed scrutiny of the government’s multibillion-peso flood control program and concerns over unfinished or poorly implemented projects.

He also pushed for the proposed Masterplan for Infrastructure National Development, which he said would provide a long-term framework for infrastructure planning that would survive changes in administrations.

The proposed measure would integrate flood control with transportation, housing, water, energy, utilities and other major infrastructure, rather than allowing projects to be planned and implemented separately.

Ejercito said the government should prioritize the country’s 10 most flood-prone areas and use a 30- to 50-year framework to guide major infrastructure investments.

He said long-term planning could also strengthen accountability by giving projects clear objectives, timelines, and costs, and help prevent corruption by ensuring that projects form part of a coherent national plan.

Rain volume

The warnings came as Metro Manila was placed under a red rainfall warning by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) at 12:10 p.m. on Sunday.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the metropolis had 186 millimeters of rain in 23 hours from 9 a.m. on Saturday to 8 a.m. on Sunday, based on data from the Pagasa Science Garden Station in Quezon City. A millimeter of rain amounts to a liter of water on a flat area.

Serious flooding remained possible in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

The MMDA said it was deploying mobile pumps, clearing clogged drains and waterways, and dredging and removing debris and garbage from drainage inlets as part of its flood mitigation efforts.

Classrooms damaged

The prolonged rains have also taken a toll on schools.

The Department of Education said 9,869 classrooms had been damaged by the combined effects of the ‘habagat’ (southwest monsoon) and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, Neneng, and Obet.

Of the total, 5,731 classrooms sustained minor damage, 2,055 suffered major damage, and 2,083 were totally damaged, according to the latest DepEd situation report as of 8 a.m. Sunday.

Central Luzon had the highest number of affected classrooms and schools, with 3,732, followed by Region I with 2,746 and the Cordillera Administrative Region with 1,266.

DepEd estimated that P280 million would be needed for minor repairs, P1 billion for major repairs, and P5.2 billion for reconstruction.