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Employees of a store inside a mall at South Road Properties in Cebu scrambled for safety after part of the establishment collapsed during the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that jolted the province Tuesday night, September 30.

The quake killed dozens and injured more than 100 people in in Cebu City and northern Cebu, toppling buildings and leaving casualties and widespread damage. Rescue operations continue in affected areas.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reaffirmed in finality its decision to cancel the registration of the Duterte Youth Party-list, effectively leaving three seats in the 20th Congress up for grabs.

In its September 30 ruling made public on October 1, the Comelec en banc affirmed that Duterte Youth’s registration was invalid from the beginning for failing to publish its petition and hearing notice, a responsibility of the party-list rather than the poll body.

Beyond the jurisdictional requirement, the poll body also cited six grounds to cancel Duterte Youth’s registration.

Among these were ‘untruthful statements’ on its nominees’ eligibility and the mass withdrawal of nominees in 2019, which led chairperson Ronald Cardema to attempt a substitution despite being over the age limit to represent the youth.

Comelec called this ‘back-and-forth switching’ a ‘mockery’ in the election process.

The en banc also upheld the view that Duterte Youth failed to prove its genuine intent to represent the youth sector, adding that its calls for violence against groups it branded as subversive, including activists, went beyond political rhetoric.

The last two grounds cited by the poll body were violations of election rules and laws, particularly the National Youth Commission’s support for Duterte Youth. Cardema chaired the NYC Luzon Commission from 2017 to 2018 before being promoted to national chair later that year.

Comelec also explained that the ruling became immediately executory since the Supreme Court did not issue any temporary restraining order within 30 days of Duterte Youth’s receipt of the decision to deny the party-list’s motion for reconsideration.

Cardema, in a Facebook post, accused the poll body of accepting bribes to cancel the group’s claim to three House seats.

Duterte Youth’s canceled registration was borne out of a 2019 disqualification petition filed by four private individuals, with the Comelec eventually echoing their arguments in its 2025 decision.

The party-list, whose name stands for ‘Duty To Energize the Republic Through the Enlightenment of the Youth,’ has long aligned itself with the Duterte administration and family since it was founded in 2016.

In the 2025 party-list race, it received about 2.34 million votes, placing second and earning three seats under the Party-List System Act.

But with its final disqualification, the suspended proclamation was voided – and the three seats are now expected to go to party-lists that originally fell short of the cutoff.

Comelec Chair George Garcia said the three party-lists set to take over Duterte Youth’s seats will be proclaimed on Thursday, October 2.

Based on the party-list rankings, Abono, Ang Probinsiyano and Murang Kuryente could each secure one seat.

Considering the systematic plunder of public funds in flood control projects, it’s not surprising that corruption is also being unearthed in the construction of farm-to-market roads.

So far the amounts of the non-existent roads unearthed by the Department of Agriculture total only P75 million – a drop in the bucket compared to the billions and even trillions of pesos believed to have been lost to ‘ghost’ and substandard flood control projects undertaken in recent years by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the P75 million covers only two projects done in 2021 and 2023 – one in the Davao Region and another in Zamboanga City. The DA has vowed a deeper probe, which will likely uncover more questionable ‘farm-to-pocket’ roads.

While at it, the DA can expand its probe to cover other farm-related projects, including cartel-like operations to control the prices of certain commodities and farm support services such as drying and milling.

In its audit and pursuit of corrupt deals, the DA must heed lessons from the past and ensure that the guilty will face punishment.

Corruption in the farm sector is not new. In March 2004, Panfilo Lacson, already a senator, had exposed the diversion of P728 million in fertilizer funds, which he said went to the presidential election campaign of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The P728 million was distributed to congressional districts, several of which did not even have farmlands, Lacson said.

The accused mastermind of the scam, Jocelyn ‘Joc-joc’ Bolante, resigned as agriculture undersecretary and fled to the US in October 2005 before he could face a Senate probe. He was later deported back to the country, and cleared Arroyo. Former agriculture secretary Luis Lorenzo also fled the country.

They were all later acquitted, however, including one of the players, businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles, who would later be indicted in the bigger scam involving the congressional pork barrel.

Several lesser players, however, have been convicted in the fertilizer scam, with other cases still pending. So the ongoing audit of the DA could bear fruit in rendering justice.

As in the flood control scandal, however, the DA audit could lead probers to influential and wealthy people who benefited from non-existent or substandard farm-to-market roads. Such people can be expected to put up a strong legal defense to escape punishment. The DA must ensure that it is up to the challenge.

Reports claim that Zaldy Co ‘is shopping for a house in Europe.’ That can only mean he has no intention of returning to the Philippines ‘post-haste.’ Since he has resigned, is it time to take a shot at Blue, as in a Blue Notice with Interpol for the return of exs-congressman Zaldy Co?

I just saw a very timely and accurate proverb related to the Senate and congressional investigations now slowly but surely floating towards Malacañang and the executive department:

‘The accomplice of a thief is his own enemy; he is put under oath and dare not testify’ – Proverbs 29:24. In legal terms, they invoke the right against self-incrimination!

Last Monday evening, I chanced upon a video where a retired Marine officer suggested that we all get a patch of the Philippine flag and wear it red side up. As you all know, that simple act is a declaration of war against another nation, the government or a revolution.

That was what the retired Marine officer was suggesting in defiance of the subtle threats of politicians, officials of the Armed Forces, the PNP and talking heads in Malacañang. I have thought of doing the same thing on numerous occasions as an act of protest against political abuse and corruption.

In fact, I actually went a step further that evening by asking a couple of friends if any of their suppliers could produce such t-shirts and how much. In a matter of seconds someone immediately suggested ‘black shirts with the inverted Philippine flag.’

Then another asked, ‘How many, how soon and what sizes please.’ All I had to do was fill in the order and we would have the shirts in a matter of days.

But instead, I asked a friend to first check with a lawyer if it was against the law or illegal to don the Philippine flag red side up or not. Half an hour later, I received ‘mixed’ opinions and replies to the question.

One lawyer immediately said it was against the law. Another said the law prohibits using the flag as a ‘garment’ or actual clothing like a robe or cape. Ultimately, the answers depended on who you asked.

The historical commission has set rules, even about the positioning of a statue of Jose Rizal on the right side of the flagpole/flag and must be facing the front of government buildings.

Others view historical rules as ‘dated’ or irrelevant with current culture, especially to the millions that have seen flag-inspired uniforms and many Olympic athletes draped with a flag doing a victory lap.

A valuable lesson I am reminded of from all of this is not to rush out and make an order, instead sleep on it, pray for divine wisdom:

‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord and shun evil’ – Proverbs 3: 5-6

The answer came the next morning through an FB post of my friend Charmaine who posted a heart-shaped painting of the Philippine flag. One nation under God – marching behind one flag.

Instead of political colors, symbolism of rebellion, placards and titles of movements, use the Philippine flag to symbolize our unity and patriotism! That is exactly what my friends and I will do; ‘wear’ the flag closest to our hearts!

In a post from Heneralunacy ‘What kind of country have we become,’ the author stated: the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce, normally a late political responder, recently issued a strong statement asking for real structural reforms and accountability.

Yes, said chamber is very prudent and circumspect about issuing statements, especially concerning politics, governance and peace and order because business and industry view the chambers’ pulse very seriously.

Even when their community is under attack by kidnappers, extortionists or corrupt government officials, they respond with restraint, opting to address the problem calmly and strategically.

The fact that the FFCCCII has now issued a strongly worded statement about the current levels of corruption in the Philippines is a cause for concern, because it is no longer just their backyard or community concern, it is the entire country that has been affected by corruption.

Below is the FFCCCII statement:

An urgent call against corruption

Public statement by the FFCCCII

The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. urgently calls on the government, private sector and every citizen to resolutely confront the cancer of corruption eroding our nation’s foundation.

The Need for Systemic Reform – Prosecuting corrupt individuals is reactive. We must go further and dismantle the entire ecosystem that allows corruption to thrive. This requires sweeping systemic reforms built on radical transparency, efficiency and ruthless accountability.

Learn from Global Success – We need not reinvent the wheel. We must look to exemplary models in other jurisdictions where powerful, independent anti-corruption agencies have full autonomy to investigate and prosecute without fear or favor.

Corruption is a Crime Against the People – Corruption is not a victimless crime. It is a heinous betrayal that robs our most vulnerable citizens of essential services and a better life. It stifles innovation, repels investment and essentially destroys our nation and kills its people.

The time for half measures is over. Let us unite to build a system that rewards integrity and paves the way for a just and prosperous Philippines.

Security Bank Corp. has named seasoned Singaporean banker Victor Lee Meng Teck as its next president and CEO, marking a key leadership transition for the 74-year-old lender.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange yesterday, the bank said Lee would formally assume the top post in early January 2026, pending completion of his work permit, visa and other regulatory requirements.

He will succeed Sanjiv Vohra, who will continue to lead Security Bank until the transition and will thereafter serve as senior advisor to the board.

‘I’m honored to be entrusted with this responsibility,’ Lee said. ‘Security Bank has built a strong reputation for customer-centricity, innovation and its distinct BetterBanking experience.’

‘I look forward to working with Sanjiv, the Board and all employees to continue building on this foundation and delivering sustainable growth for our stakeholders,’ he added.

Lee brings over three decades of banking leadership across Asia. He previously served as CEO of CIMB Singapore and CEO of Growth Markets for CIMB Bank Berhad.

At CIMB Singapore, he ‘spearheaded a period of strong growth, doubling revenue and raising return on equity to nearly 20 percent,’ the bank said.

Vohra, who took the helm in 2019, just months before the onset of the global pandemic, steered the listed bank through a period of transformation that strengthened its digital capabilities and customer-first strategies.

‘Our journey over the past six years has been one of total transformation – reimagining Security Bank from front to back,’ Vohra said.

Security Bank chairman Cirilo Noel thanked Vohra for his ‘steady leadership during one of the most challenging periods in recent history,’ saying his vision has left the bank ‘stronger, more resilient and well-prepared for the future.’

Actress Nadine Lustre described taking part in the protest last September 21 against corruption as her responsibility as a Filipino.

In an interview with ABS-CBN during partnership of her and partner Christophe Bariou’s coconut milk brand Dehusk with local beverage brand Pickup Coffee, Nadine shared she had a wonderful experience attending the rally.

“I think it’s my responsibility being Filipino to be one with everyone else,” Nadine said, adding she went not as a celebrity or a public figure but as one of the people.

“Parang na-feel ko lahat nang nandoon sa Ortigas, ‘yung nandoon sa EDSA, I felt like I was part of everyone,” the actress also said.

She even shared being impressed with her “Call Me Mother” co-star Vice Ganda, who gave an impassioned speech during the rally, as well as other public figures who showed up.

“This time, we really have to fight, fight for our rights, fight for our country and for our fellow Filipinos,” Nadine continued. “It’s just so nice to see everyone to be out and fighting for the same thing, for the same cause.”

Nadine and Christophe’s Dehusk is a plant-based coconut milk brand, and its partnership with Pickup Coffee sees two proud local brands working hand in hand.

The collaboration introduces an exciting line of four new beverages that combine Dehusk’s plant-based coconut milk with Pickup’s bold and trendy flavors: Nadine’s Coco Mango Matcha, Ube Coconut Milk, Pickup Coco Latte, and Strawberry Coconut Milk.

Cebuano beauty queens Beatrice Luigi Gomez and Gazini Ganados and Cebu-based actress Kaye Abad called for prayers and assistance after the province was struck by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake last night.

Kaye, who is married to fellow celebrity and Cebuano Paul Jake Castillo, updated her fans that her family is safe from the earthquake.

‘To my friends who are asking kung kamusta kami, we are ok. Me and the kids are in Manila. My family in Cebu are ok,’ she said.

Kim Chiu shared a post with a groufie taken from a shooting in Cebu City.

‘Medyo blurred lang, may aftershock pa ata ‘tong phone ko sa lindol,’ Kim said.

Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados and Miss Universe Philippines 2021 Beatrice Luigi Gomez also shared their experience from the quake.

‘Watch out for aftershocks. Pag-amping intawn sa mga naa sa Cebu karon,” Beatrice said, reminding people to take care.

The Miss Universe Philippines Organization also extended its deepest sympathy and solidarity to the people of Cebu and the entire Visayas region affected by the earthquake.

‘Our hearts are with the communities, especially our Cebuano partners, delegates, and their families, who are navigating the aftermath of this natural disaster,’ the group said.

The country’s largest Catholic school network has a blunt message for its alumni implicated in the current corruption scandal in government projects: ‘Nakakahiya naman kayo.”

Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, president of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), shared this messaged during a press conference on Tuesday, September 30, the first day of the association’s annual national convention.

CEAP’s gathering this year, San Juan said, is itself a message to its “millions of alumni” amid the ongoing government probe over anomalous flood control projects: that the values instilled in classrooms must be lived out in public life.

“We have a lot of things to tell. Because I think holding this convention is a strong message to our students and to our millions of alumni in the Philippines,” San Juan said.

“Remember your school and the values we taught you. Live them out as consistently as possible,” the CEAP president said. “Fight for integrity in whatever profession you have chosen… fight for truth.”

The CEAP president urged alumni of its member schools – which number around 1,500 – to ‘rekindle your spirit’ and return to the values of ‘truth, decency, social justice, and social transformation’ that comprise the foundation of Catholic school education.

‘Nakakahiya naman kayo kung Catholic school graduate kayo tapos nagku-corrupt kayo, kasi you’re living lives contrary to the very essence of the values that we have taught you,’ San Juan said.

(It’s a shame if you’re a Catholic school graduate and then you are corrupt, because you’re living lives contrary to the very essence of the values that we have taught you.)

But he also stressed that the responsibility for forming ethical citizens goes beyond schools. “It takes the whole community, the schools as one part of that community to raise a child and to raise a student and a graduate,” he said.

At the same time, San Juan stressed that CEAP is ‘mighty proud’ of alumni who have remained honest and who continue to serve as doctors, lawyers, teachers, and government leaders, among others.

‘They are nation builders, they innovate, they are compassionate to the poor,’ he said, noting that many CEAP-trained teachers even help run the public school system.

Ethics ‘not optional’

CEAP leaders framed the corruption crisis as a failure of moral formation, not just governance.

The group’s executive director, Narcy Dionisio, warned against removing ethics subjects from the general education curriculum, saying such a move would undercut the fight against dishonesty in public life.

‘We’re talking about good people, initially, when they graduate from school. Then eventually, they turned into thieves,’ Dionisio said.

‘And that’s for the same reason why CEAP is currently opposing the removal of ethics in the general education curriculum. Ethics is not optional. It is essential,” he added.

A suggestion to remove ethics from the General Education curriculum in college was raised during a House basic education committee hearing in May, when lawmakers discussed the current redundancies between senior high school and tertiary education.

CEAP was one of several voices in the education sector to have aired their concern over the proposal, saying in a June statement that college students should continue to develop their “moral reasoning” beyond basic education.

‘Corruption is a process of death’

During the press conference, CEAP Vice President Fr. Wilmer Tria also shared a critique of how corruption is itself the “root” of the country’s learning crisis.

‘Actually, corruption is the very root of the educational crisis, both in the public and private education,’ Tria said. ‘Our failure to deliver quality education is rooted in corruption.’

He warned that society today is haunted by ‘ghosts’ of corruption – from ghost voters to ghost students, now to ghost flood control projects.

‘Our problem is our dead conscience. We don’t have a conscience. And the problem is we don’t have burial grounds for dead consciences. That’s why they keep haunting our society,’ Tria said.

CEAP previously issued a strong statement against the flood control corruption and participated in recent mobilizations for transparency and accountability, including the Trillion Peso March on September 21, where CBCP President Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David attended and delivered a speech at the rally.

Tria on Tuesday called on oversight bodies and courts to “act swiftly, impose real penalties, and make corruption cases public.”

He also specifically criticized the private nature of the hearings by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure, the body that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

“[We] are against the conduct of the ICI being done privately. It must be broadcasted,” Tria said.

The Department of Migrant Workers is working to confirm whether a Filipino seafarer was among crew members injured after a suspected Houthi attack on the Dutch-flagged cargo vessel Minervagracht in the Gulf of Aden.

Several crew members were hurt and evacuated following the attack, and a Filipino sailor may be among them, the DMW said in a statement Tuesday, September 30.

The agency is coordinating with the ship operator, employer, manning agencies, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, including Philippine consulates, to verify whether Filipinos were aboard the affected vessel.

If confirmed, the DMW says it will provide medical assistance and repatriation, if needed. It will also provide counseling and psychological support, and legal aid for the seafarer and family.

‘Para sa ating mga tripulante at kanilang pamilya: hindi po kayo nag-iisa (To our sailors and their families: you are not alone),’ the DMW statement said. ‘Kasama ninyo ang pamahalaan, kasama ninyo ang DMW (The government and DMW is with you.)

The DMW said it is strengthening protection for seafarers in high-risk areas like the Gulf of Aden

The department will release updates once details are confirmed.

Dangerous route. The Gulf of Aden connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea and sits between Yemen and Somalia, regions that have seen armed conflict and piracy for years.

Houthi rebels in Yemen have been launching missile and drone attacks on Israel and on ships in the Red Sea in retaliation for its assault on Gaza, saying these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians.

Filipinos make up over a quarter of seafarers globally. In 2024, at least half a million Filipino seafarers were deployed overseas.

It was almost a year ago that MREIT first talked about diversifying its portfolio with some retail assets, and while shareholders would obviously prefer to have had this deal completed in the first half of the year, late is better than never. Unfortunately for MREIT holders, nothing has changed. At its heart, this is just a press release that reiterates MREIT’s interest in acquiring retail assets. There’s no approved deal, and in fact, just more hype about MEG’s massive bag of commercial real estate and half-massive portfolio of mall assets. I’m not an MREIT shareholder, but if I were, I’d obviously prefer my management team to spend the REIT’s value on acquiring high-value mall assets as opposed to a massive batch of commercial office buildings amid the long-term decline of the commercial sector. MREIT shareholders are basically flat (excluding dividends) in terms of stock price action since that original announcement was made, far below its non-Villar office/mall combo rivals like AREIT (+8% since November 2024) and RCR (+26% since November 2024).