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As you may well know by now, the federal government is currently on shutdown since Wednesday. There has been no clear indication from either side whether it is willing to drop its well-entrenched demands or even ready to enter into a compromise. No one knows when this shutdown will end, not even the leaders of either parties. So what happens when the shutdown continues to drag for several more days or even weeks?

As far as immigration services are concerned, it depends which agency we are referring to. For USCIS, services remain undisrupted. It is a fee-based agency which means that its operations are funded from the fees it generates. So applications and petitions are still accepted, processed, and decided as normally as it does. So you can still continue to submit your applications and petitions, attend appointments, interviews, and naturalization ceremonies.

What about immigration arrests? These are being handled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Unfortunately, rounding up undocumented immigrants will continue as these are deemed essential law enforcement work. You will still see rampant deportation operations across the country bolstered by the fact that the agency also received a huge boost in funding from the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill.

The immigration courts remain open but may have limited workload as it may only hear those who are in detention. However, because ICE operations still continue, immigration courts remain open so as to accommodate the hearing of cases that ICE officers filed.

The US Customs and Border Protection remain open as their services are deemed essential. CBP also received additional funding with the One Big Beautiful Bill so the additional money hedges whatever impact the shutdown has on its operations. It is and will continue to remain in operation.

Consulate interviews and appointments still continue as normal. Just make sure you check with the local consulate if there are any changes. But like USCIS, the US Department of State functions such as visa issuance and consular services rely on fees to keep its operation going, so there should be no disruptions expected for their operations

In all cases, check with the specific agency involved to see if there are any closures, limitations, or restrictions most especially as the shutdown drags on.

I would be remiss if I do not convey my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who passed away as victims of the tragic earthquake. I am saddened to see the hardships and difficulties that our fellow Cebuanos are facing. These are trying times for the Cebuano community but we are a people of faith and steely resolve. Santo Niño has got our back and the shared unity, charity, and resiliency of all Cebuanos will help us rise from the rubble. We have endured far worse calamities and disasters and emerged far better and stronger. There is no reason we cannot do it again this time.

The day after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake shook Cebu, leaving destruction, injuries and deaths in its wake, the Senate, voting 15-3 and two abstentions, passed a resolution calling for the house arrest of International Criminal Court (ICC) prisoner Rodrigo Duterte, citing ‘humanitarian grounds.’ How compassionate of them. Their sense of humanity for the architect of the bloody drug war seems far more urgent than for the Filipinos reeling from an actual natural disaster.

Leading this display of moral piety was none other than Bible-quoting Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. Hallelujah! Always ready to act as the ambassador of Jesus Christ, he asserted that ‘humanitarian treatment and due process are essential to justice.’ How Godly cute of Alan Peter. This is coming from the same man who denied the existence of Duterte’s extrajudicial killings before the United Nations when he was secretary of foreign affairs, with the gusto of a militant Holocaust denier and flat-earther. This is also the senator who rationalized corruption as long as there is ‘repentance.’ If Alan Peter can’t get his brother, the ‘good Cayetano,’ Lino, to buy into his ‘holiness,’ perhaps he should keep his preaching to himself.

The resolution came after impeached Vice President Sara Duterte accused the ICC of inhumanely treating her father. Depending on the day, Digong is either frail, collapsing on the floor, battling early dementia or, if we are to believe Senator Bato dela Rosa’s latest melodrama, simply wants to go home and eat monggo. Shedding monggo tears to win sympathy? Such claims might sound plausible if Duterte were detained in Guantanamo Bay or some North Korean dungeon. But in the Netherlands, renowned for human rights and excellent health care? Please. Sara’s assertion, like a fat penguin, doesn’t fly. And why should people believe her? Just six months ago, she was quoting her father, likening his ICC detention quarters to those of a hotel.

So what is the most compassionate thing we can do for Digong? Let him stay exactly where he is. After all, the ICC facility is among the most humane in the world. And frankly, far kinder than our jails and the graves where thousands of his EJK victims now lie.

The resolution, of course, has absolutely no legal bearing on the work of the ICC. The ICC exists precisely as the court of last resort for people victimized by crimes against humanity and betrayed by their countries’ institutions. It is built to resist pressure from outside forces, especially from those it is currently trying. If anything, the Senate resolution only reinforced the argument for keeping Duterte in the ICC. It showed that he still influences Philippine politics, even from a detention cell in The Hague.

However, politically, the resolution did reveal one thing: the Senate remains the happy hunting ground for the Dutertes, even if their hardliners have slipped to the minority. The majority bloc led by Senate President Tito Sotto is proving to be challenging.

It also exposed the weaknesses of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. The resolution seemed like a barometer. Many senators are unimpressed with how Marcos has handled the flood control issue, with some getting ready to take their bets on the return of the Dutertes in 2028. This is not just about the ICC; this is a preview of the coming presidential race.

Senator Chiz Escudero had his own moment in the spotlight. Prior to the drama involving Duterte, the ousted Senate president took the podium and claimed that the corruption allegations against him were all part of a script by former House speaker Martin Romualdez, who had also lost his leadership post after being caught up in the same scandal. Romualdez shot back at Escudero, calling his speech a ‘DDS script.’

Yet, what made Escudero’s performance stand out was not only the sheer contradictions of his lines but whom he seemed to be most anxious to please in the audience – Sara Duterte, who was sitting in the Senate VIP gallery. Some said that Chiz’s performance felt less like a speech and more like an audition for Sara’s running mate in 2028.

‘Why me?’ Escudero whined before reminding his accusers that when you point a finger at someone, three fingers point back at you. Is this the best argument he has? If anything, this is no defense at all. It’s more like an admission. Like a man caught urinating on a wall, only to complain that he shouldn’t be singled out because others relieved themselves on the same spot.

Then came Chiz’s pompous statement: ‘I can defend myself, but who will defend our institution?’ Really? He wants a reminder as to how the Senate lost its credibility under his short and chaotic leadership? First, he shelved Sara’s impeachment. Second, his P30-million donation from a contractor. Third, his alleged multi-billion budget insertions. Fourth, the Marcoleta-led flood control probe, where his contractor-friend, Senate allies and the Dutertes were untouched. Finally, the botched and hurried plan to turn the Discaya couple into state witnesses. He doesn’t need to worry about defending the Senate. The damage under his watch already did that.

This week gave us two lousy scripts: the ICC’s ‘inhumane treatment’ of Digong and Chiz’s non-defense defense. Different scripts, same teleserye – the endless squabbling of dynasties, where the people are reduced to extras.

It’s time to rip up their scripts, unmask the real villains and celebrate our true heroes, leading to 2028: former Justice Antonio Carpio, Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno, Rep. Leila de Lima, Heidi Mendoza, Cielo Magno and Mayor Vico Sotto, to name a few.

We follow our own script now. It’s time to write our story, our history, our destiny.

Malacañang has declared special non-working days in four towns, two cities and a province to allow residents to participate in local celebrations such as founding anniversaries, festivals and historic events.

Proclamation 1045 declared Oct. 9 a special non-working day in San Isidro, Surigao del Norte,which will celebrate its 66th founding anniversary.

Proclamation 1046 declared Oct. 16 a holiday in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur for the celebration of the town’s 68th Foundation Day.

Oct. 20 will be a special non-working day in Batac City in Ilocos Norte as provided under Proclamation 1047 to mark the 159th birth anniversary of Gen. Artemio Ricarte.

Proclamation 1048 declared Oct. 28 a special non-working day in Dingle, Iloilo for the commemoration of the Cry of Lincud, the first declaration of revolution against Spain in Iloilo and Panay Island.

Proclamation 1049 declared Oct. 29 a special non-working day in Mati City in Davao Oriental for the Sambuokan Festival.

Oct. 30 will be a special non-working holiday in San Isidro, Davao del Norte as provided under Proclamation 1050 for the celebration of the Sikwate Festival.

Proclamation 1051 declared Nov. 4 a special non-working day in Quezon province to commemorate the death anniversary of national hero Apolinario dela Cruz, also known as Hermano Puli.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said that he is considering stepping down as the chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

In a statement sent to reporters on Sunday, October 5, Lacson explained that he is contemplating resigning from the committee due to expressions of disappointment from some colleagues regarding its handling of the investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects.

“Since all chairpersons of the Senate committees are elected by our peers, I serve at the pleasure of my colleagues, particularly the members of the majority,’ Lacson’s statement read.

‘Rightly or wrongly, when quite a number of them have expressed disappointment over how I’m handling the flood control project anomalies, I thought it’s time for me to step aside in favor of another member who they think can handle the committee better,” he added.

In a DZBB interview, Lacson said he is preparing his resignation letter and may “formally manifest it in plenary when the Senate resumes its session.”

On October 4, Lacson announced that the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the alleged anomalous flood control projects had been canceled.

Lacson said he had initially scheduled a hearing for Wednesday, October 8, at the request of Sen. JV Ejercito, specifically to summon former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Mimaropa regional director Gerald Pacanan.

Pacanan was one of ten DPWH officials who had received a show-cause order from DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon regarding their alleged lavish lifestyles and involvement in substandard projects.

However, due to the unavailability of necessary documents and conflicts with other hearings, Lacson said they canceled the probe until further notice.

He explained that, to maximize the discussions, he had checked with the Department of Justice regarding the availability of the supposed “tell-all” affidavits of the Discaya couple.

Furthermore, he contacted the Office of the Executive Judge of the Manila Regional Trial Court to verify whether they had concluded their investigation into possible violations involving the notarized document concerning Orly Guteza, former security consultant Rep. Zaldy Co (Ako Bicol Partylist), and Lawyer Petchie Espera.

Following a missile attack by Houthi rebels on the Netherlands-registered marine vessel in the Gulf of Aden, ten Filipino crew members were successfully repatriated on Saturday, October 4, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

In an update on Sunday, October 5, the DMW said the ten Filipino crew members of MV Minervagracht arrived on October 4 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac personally met the repatriated seafarers, who arrived aboard Air France Flight No. 224, ensuring they immediately received government support.

‘Sisiguruhin namin ang maayos na delivery ng inyong mga benepisyo at karapatan. Bukod dito, nag-aalok din ang pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng DMW ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan, kabilang ang physical at mental health support at psychosocial counseling, upang madagdagan ang tulong na ibinibigay ng inyong licensed manning agency,’ Cacdac said.

(We will ensure the proper delivery of your benefits and entitlements. Furthermore, the government, through the DMW, also offers health services, including physical and mental health support and psychosocial counseling, to supplement the aid provided by your licensed manning agency.)

In addition to health and mental wellness support, the seafarers received financial aid collaboratively provided by the DMW, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as well as training vouchers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The repatriation was facilitated through the collaborative work of the Philippine Embassy in Ankara, the Philippine Consulate General in Istanbul, Migrant Workers Offices, and the licensed manning agency and its local agent in Istanbul.

MV Minervagracht was at sea when it came under attack 120 nautical miles southeast of Yemen’s port city of Aden on September 29.

According to reports, the vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile and subsequently caught fire.

Reports also said rescuers successfully saved the ship’s 19 crew members, who included Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino and Sri Lankan nationals.

In the systematic theft of public funds, practically all government services suffer.

Those trillions in tax money estimated to have gone down the corruption drain could have expanded public health coverage. Health professionals could have been provided higher pay, preventing them from seeking greener pastures overseas. There could be fewer children growing up physically and mentally stunted due to lack of food and proper nutrients.

Several billions could have built roads maintained by the government and needing no payment of stiff tolls, particularly within traffic-choked Mega Manila. Farm support services including post-harvest and cold chain facilities as well as farm-to-market roads could have been implemented.

Public safety could have been boosted and minimum credible defense capability achieved.

And yes, greater investment in education and innovation could have been made. There would be no backlog of 165,000 classrooms, a teacher shortage of at least 30,000, and a continuing inadequacy of practically all supplies and facilities including clean water in the public school system.

Last Friday, teachers across the country walked out of their classes to protest against the corruption on a grand scale that is now being laid bare. The walkout was staged ahead of World Teachers’ Day today.

The global theme of this special day, co-convened by UNESCO, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the International Labor Organization and Education International, is ‘recasting teaching as a collaborative profession.’

In the Philippines, however, because of recent developments, the focus of the special day inevitably is on corruption and its pernicious impact on education.

Seeing those massive piles of cash stolen from the people, which supposedly went to the kickbacks of crooked public officials, hearing public works engineers blowing millions in casinos, and watching contractors flaunting ill-gotten wealth have triggered widespread public outrage.

The still unfolding scandal over corruption in the budget process and flood control is giving the nation a clearer picture of the quality of political representation in this country.

Making informed choices in elections is critical in good governance and strong democratic institutions. For the younger generations, making informed choices will depend a great deal on the quality of education, in which teachers obviously play a critical role. Greater investment in education, including teachers’ welfare, is one of the best foils against corruption.

The government has waived the auction requirement for the Philippines’ first commercially developed nuclear power plant (NPP), allowing it to directly forge supply deals with distribution utilities (DUs).

In a landmark move, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin signed a department circular establishing a comprehensive framework for the integration of nuclear energy into the country’s power generation mix.

Under the circular, DUs are required to ensure a ready market for the available capacity of the pioneer nuclear power plant (NPP), which will be exempt from the conduct of a competitive selection process (CSP).

The CSP is a government-mandated bidding mechanism that requires DUs and electric cooperatives (ECs) to procure their power supply from generation companies offering the most cost-effective rates.

Consumer group National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms Inc. (Nasecore), however, expressed ‘grave concern’ on the CSP exemption of the pioneer NPP.

‘This provision is blatantly contrary to law and jurisprudence,’ Nasecore president Pete Ilagan said in a statement sent to The STAR, saying the move violates the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and the Supreme Court rulings on CSP.

By allowing the power supply procurement without a CSP, Ilagan said the Department of Energy would ‘effectively (deny) consumers their legal right to least-cost power and undermine the regulatory safeguards that EPIRA established.’

Nasecore also warned that implementing the provision could lock consumers into costly long-term contracts and weaken transparency and public trust in the energy sector.

For the power supply contracts, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is mandated to establish a minimum 25-year term starting from the pioneer NPP’s commercial operation, with an option to extend for another 25 years.

‘Consumers deserve a power supply that is safe, lawful, affordable and procured through open and transparent bidding – not imposed by executive fiat,’ Ilagan said, urging Congress and the Judiciary to strike down the provision.

Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan, meanwhile, told The STAR the least-cost principle for nuclear integration could still be maintained even in the absence of competitive bidding.

‘Our (circular) provides that the ERC has to determine and promulgate a rate determination mechanism that will ensure viability of nuclear power generation, especially the pioneer project that may be contracted by DUs/ECs,’ Marasigan said.

‘The price-setting rules and guidelines will also consider the consumers,’ he said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has received two air quality monitoring units from the Republic of Korea as part of the Clean Air for Sustainable ASEAN (CASA) Project.

The turnover coincided with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and Seoul National University (SNU), formalizing South Korea’s technical assistance to the country.

The ASEAN funds the CASA Project and will run from 2025 to 2026.

The two air quality monitoring units will be deployed in Pasay City and Quezon City to measure key pollutants such as PM2.5 and ozone.

These stations will expand the EMB’s air quality monitoring network and provide real-time data to support national and regional environmental programs.

According to the DENR, the upgraded monitoring capacity will help formulate targeted interventions to address air pollution sources, particularly in densely populated urban centers.

The agreement was signed by DENR Assistant Secretary Jacqueline Caancan and SNU Graduate School of Public Health Professor Kiyoung Lee.

‘By bringing together scientific research and international teamwork, the CASA Project will create better data and monitoring systems, laying the groundwork for smarter, evidence-based policies,’ Caancan said.

Longtime Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) President Engr. Jerry B. Maratas and his colleagues from the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP)-Disaster Mitigation Preparedness and Response (DMPR) team extended assistance through their line of work to the earthquake-hit areas in northern Cebu.

Maratas, who heads the oldest existing chess organization outside of Manila for 12 years now, made up the first wave of volunteer civil and structural engineers who responded to the appeal of Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival for safety inspection and rapid assessments of buildings and public facilities across the City of Bogo and its neighboring towns that were rattled by the powerful tremor last September 30.

Maratas, a recognized specialist in structural engineering by the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) and a Life Member of ASEP, was joined by engineers Edzel Abastar, Joseph Abellar, Don Acaylar, John Agrabio, Rodolfo Chua, Pedro Adonis Compendio, Ariel de la Cruz, Ramon Gitamondoc, Randy Gopaoco, Wallace Lestano, Mike Manlangit, Joel Paragatos, James Quidilla, Godfrey Ruiz, Leonor Salazar, and Charlon Sollano in lending their expertise to the affected communities.

The founding CEO of Jemar Engineering Services and Celjem Construction and Development Corporation and his colleagues documented the damaged structures and conducted rapid visual screening, initial safety tagging, and referrals for detailed evaluation, prioritizing hospitals, schools, bridges, churches, government offices, and other high-occupancy sites in the service of those in need at this challenging time.-

Severe Tropical Storm Paolo has exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) and is now moving west-northwestward across the South China Sea, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported yesterday.

As of 5 p.m. on Oct. 4, Paolo packed maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph while moving at 25 kph toward the west-northwest.

PAGASA said the storm may intensify into a typhoon before making landfall over southern China.

No tropical cyclone wind signal is in effect in any part of the country, as Paolo is already far from the Philippine landmass.

However, its circulation continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing cloudy skies with scattered rains and possible localized flooding over Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Zambales and Bataan.

The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, is expected to experience generally fair weather with warm mornings and isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

From today until midweek, most parts of Luzon are forecast to have fair weather with partly cloudy skies and isolated thunderstorms. No significant weather system is expected to bring heavy rains during this period.

In the Visayas and Mindanao, warm and humid mornings are expected from Monday to Wednesday, with chances of rainshowers or thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening.

By Tuesday, the southwest monsoon may bring cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms over Palawan, the Visayas and parts of Mindanao.