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The Supreme Court (SC) is launching an inventory of all infrastructure projects within the judiciary that may have been contracted to or undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Acting Chief Justice Marvic Leonen said this in a message to newly appointed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla during a speech before administering his oath of office on Thursday, October 9.

Leonen said that the Supreme Court en banc has agreed to create a working committee to inventory judiciary projects that are possibly tied to DPWH projects, if there are any.

“Already we are installing the reforms needed not only to digitally transform, but to ensure integrity also within our ranks. We have a public email address integrity@judiciary.gov.ph that we have made available to all stakeholders including litigants as their avenue to inform us even confidentially of any corruption within our ranks,” Leonen said.

“The Court en banc has also agreed to create a working committee to inventory any and all projects within the judiciary that might have been contracted to and undertaken by the DPWH if any, and to report soonest to the Chief Justice as their status,” he added.

Leonen, however, did not mention any specific projects.

On Thursday, Remulla took his oath of office before Leonen at the Supreme Court.

He succeeds former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term expired on July 27.

Remulla’s former office, the Department of Justice (DOJ), along with other agencies such as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, is probing government officials and contractors over alleged corruption in flood control projects.

The DOJ is currently evaluating several contractors and district engineers on their eligibility to be possible state witnesses.

Ayala-led ACEN Corp. is injecting an additional P1.9 billion in fresh funds into its subsidiary operating a large-scale solar farm in Cagayan.

In a stock exchange filing yesterday, the company announced its subscription to 419,690 redeemable preferred shares of Natures Renewable Development Corp. (Naredco) for P4,527.16 apiece.

Naredco, a joint venture between ACEN and Cleantech Renewable Energy 4 Corp., owns the 133.46-megawatt-peak (MWp) Cagayan Solar Power Plant, which started commercial operations in October 2024.

ACEN said the capital infusion would provide Naredco with funds to ‘service its loans and operating expenses.’

‘The consideration for the subscription is a straight cash payment to be made upon signing of the relevant agreements,’ it said.

In a 60:40 split, ACEN and Cleantech established Naredco in 2022 to develop, own and operate a solar facility and transmission line project in the municipality of Lal-lo in Cagayan.

As previously disclosed, the solar farm was expected to generate 188 gigawatt-hours of clean power annually, enough to power 75,000 households and displace over 112,000 metric tons of carbon emissions.

The project was likewise envisioned to reinforce the Luzon grid’s power supply amid growing demand.

At present, ACEN has a solar portfolio of at least 1,400 MW in the Philippines, spanning operational and under-construction projects.

As part of its net zero commitment, the company aims to achieve 100 percent renewable energy generation this year.

Earlier this year, the Zobel family’s listed energy platform fully divested its remaining diesel assets in Bulacan, La Union and Zambales.

In October the Philippines celebrates the National Indigenous Peoples Month following Presidential Proclamation No 1906. This is an occasion to honor and acknowledge the heritage, resilience and contributions of the country’s indigenous communities.

For the European Union, this celebration is deeply meaningful, especially in a country like in the Philippines where indigenous peoples constitute an important part of the population. It is a moment to reaffirm our commitment to respect, protect and safeguard the rights and well-being of the indigenous peoples. Our values are anchored on human dignity, cultural diversity and sustainable development.

Since I came to the country more than a year ago, I am honored to have met with some of the country’s indigenous leaders. Last July, for example, I was acquainted with the tribal leaders from Upi, Maguindanao del Norte and officials from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs who will take charge of a common project supported by the EU, the ‘School of Living Tradition.’ This school envisions itself to be a learning hub where living masters can pass on their knowledge and culture to the younger generation and, at the same time, promote unity and social cohesion within the community.

The indigenous peoples relayed to me their challenges, ranging from protection of their ancestral domain to the need for more livelihood and education. The EU has listened. The issues of the indigenous peoples and other vulnerable populations form an integral part of the human rights policy of the European Union.

I have had also the unique privilege to meet young indigenous leaders working hard to develop vibrant shade-grown cacao and coffee businesses in Mindanao. These indigenous farmers showed us how to integrate modern practices while preserving the knowledge and expertise on sustainable agro-forestry passed on through generations. Their approach directly benefits ecosystems and maintains biodiversity while regulating water and the climate. Indigenous practices are rooted in long-standing traditional knowledge. As such, they help sustain local ecosystems and human well-being. When we talk about sustainable agriculture, the new generation of indigenous farmers is at the forefront of our minds. After all, indigenous farmers hold the key to sustainable agriculture in the country. That is why our Mindanao Peace and Development Program supports the capacities of agricultural cooperatives, including those of indigenous cultural communities, to develop conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting investments for increased agricultural productivity. The program also improves infrastructure so that rural populations in Mindanao, including indigenous communities, can better access services.

At the same time, the challenges of the indigenous peoples remain and displacement exacerbated due to natural hazards as well. Many are displaced from their ancestral domains and some suffer from lack of access to basic services. Nevertheless, there are positive steps forward.

The journey may not be easy. Nevertheless, our continuing dialogue with the indigenous peoples is a very good step to ensure that their voices are heard, respected and are given the chance to identify both issues and actions for their own development.

This Partnership for Peace and Development in Mindanao is a new program that will consolidate and sustain the peace gains, increase resiliency and reduce sources of conflict and instability, not only in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao but in the whole of Mindanao. This new program follows the successful conclusion of our Support to Bangsamoro Transition initiative. Both have been designed to strengthen the capacities of the indigenous peoples as well as women, children, youth and internally displaced persons.

Another good illustration of empowering the indigenous peoples is reflected in our initiative to enhance capacities of environmental human rights defenders in South Cotabato, Zamboanga del Norte, Antique and Zambales implemented by the Balay Rehabilitation Center. We have witnessed how the Subanon indigenous peoples in Zamboanga del Notre have been empowered to push for a ‘no permit, no mining’ policy in their respective communities, considering the grave environmental and human rights issues they are dealing with. Community consultation is now adopted as a best standard practice.

In the north, another EU project is implemented by the Cordillera Women’s Education and Research Center, to help amplify the voices of the indigenous peoples in the region, especially the women and youth, to advance their decades-old yearning for full autonomy.

The EU stands with the indigenous peoples in the Philippines and in the world. The protection of indigenous rights is not a peripheral issue but part of our core engagement. The wisdom of the indigenous peoples is something that we want to preserve. Supporting their rights means respecting their self-determination. With this in mind, we are also engaging in a constructive dialogue with the Philippine government, as part of our broader cooperation on human rights, because the rights and well-being of indigenous peoples are the responsibility of all. True progress respects diversity and protects dignity.

Let us sustain the celebration of the heritage and wisdom of indigenous communities even beyond National Indigenous Month this October.

Genuine dialogue, rooted in respect for culture, is the genuine bond that should exist between indigenous peoples and the global society. This is not a one-off action. Protecting our indigenous peoples, our partners, is an investment in a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Hard launch by Titan Ultra.

Heralding their arrival in the PBA on the strongest terms possible, the Calvin Abueva-spearheaded Giant Risers zapped Meralco, 100-96, in an early Season 50 Philippine Cup upset at the Ynares Center-Antipolo yesterday.

Abueva, fully embracing a lead role in the league’s newest ballclub, banged in a new career-high of 41 points, making 16 of them a telling 31-18 salvo that enabled Titan to create separation in the third, 76-63.

The Bolts tried to steal it with a furious fourth-quarter fightback but the Giant Risers held tough and banked on Abueva’s hustle, Joshua Munzon’s clutch free-throw shooting and Jeo Ambohot’s putback to ice it.

‘Excited kami maglaro ng first game and binuhos namin talaga lahat para para makuha ito,’ said the 37-year-old Abueva, who eclipsed his old personal best score of 31 which he posted back in the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup while still with Alaska.

‘Bata ‘yung kasama ko so kailangan kong i-push ‘yung sarili ko at least para makasabay,’ added ‘The Beast’ who also had seven rebounds.

It was actually a jittery start for Abueva and Co. as they fired blanks in the opening minutes of the game, allowing the Bolts to race to 11-0.

NLEX bucked the absence of top gun Robert Bolick and took down defending champion San Miguel Beer, 85-84, to complete a night of reversals.

With Bolick on bereavement following the death of his father, the Road Warriors leaned on Brandon Ramirez (16), Jonnel Policarpio (16) and JB Bahio (12-12) to wipe out a 13-point deficit and snatch the W from SMB.

‘We dedicate this game to Berto. Medyo may motivation factor kami in today’s game,’ said coach Jong Uichico.

Quezon City representatives Arjo Atayde, Patrick Michael Vargas, Marivic Co-Pilar and Marvin Rillo are among those named in the Independent Commission for Infrastructure’s request for Immigration Lookout Bulletin Orders.

The request letter from ICI chair Justice Andres Reyes Jr., sent to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday, October 8, is considered a major development in the investigation into irregularities in public works projects and infrastructure funds. The DOJ has since signed the order, directing immigration authorities to issue the bulletin.

The ICI is seeking to have domestic or foreign travel of more than two dozen current and former officials monitored, in effect alerting authorities should they leave the country and attempt to evade cooperation in the probe.

Atayde, an actor-turned-politician first elected in 2022, had issued a denial weeks earlier, after his name surfaced during Senate hearings in September on projects linked to controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya.

Responding to a photo that surfaced on social media showing him with the Discayas in September, he wrote that he “has never dealt with” the contractor couple and had ‘never used [his] position for personal gain.’

Vargas (5th District), Co-Pilar (6th District) and Rillo (former 4th District representative) were also included in the ICI’s list but have yet to comment on the ILBO request.

Two weeks after Atayde issued his denial, however, the Discayas claimed at a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on September 18 that they would deliver paper bags of cash to officials in Quezon City. The couple also implicated Atayde and his congress colleagues Vargas and Co-Pilar in the sworn affidavit.

Ghost, duplicate projects in QC

The inclusion of Quezon City lawmakers comes amid findings that since 2022, it hosted more than DPWH-funded flood control projects valued at some P17 billion. Many are either substandard, duplicated or missing altogether. Of this, only two were coordinated with the city government and not aligned with the city’s drainage master plan.

There, investigators have also flagged “ghost” projects, or works that are recorded on paper but have no tangible build on the ground. There were also mismatches in project data. In one instance, flood control works at multiple locations were awarded to different contractors yet bearing identical bid amounts, a pattern suggestive of collusion or bid rigging.

Mayor Joy Belmonte earlier this week confirmed that Quezon City had revoked the business permits of Discaya-linked companies and terminated four ongoing projects after the contractors failed to justify their compliance with city requirements.

Other NCR officials named

Other Metro Manila politicians in the ILBO list include:

Rep. Roman Romulo (Pasig), who had issued a statement in September that the Discayas’ allegations against him are “not true.” He is an ally of Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, who first exposed the Discayas’ schemes after Sarah sought to replace him as mayor in the 2025 mid-term elections.

Rep. Marcy Teodoro (Marikina); and

Makati Mayor Nancy Binay, who transitioned from the Senate to local government in May. She had also denied any involvement in the alleged kickback schemes.

The ILBO request also covers high-ranking figures such as Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte, former House speaker), Sens. Chiz Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva and former Sen. Bong Revilla Jr.

Several DPWH district engineers and Commission on Audit officials would also be on the Bureau of Immigration’s lookout bulletin.

Reyes, chair of the investigating unit, said the lookout order is “of utmost necessity to hold those liable accountable to the Filipino people.”

Alfamart Philippines, the minimart chain of the SM Group, has commenced its franchising program to provide micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) the opportunity to grow alongside its nationwide expansion.

Alfamart’s pilot started in Laguna with two franchise-owned stores.

Harvey Ong, chief operating officer of Alfamart Philippines, said the decision to open the business for franchising reflects the SM Group’s commitment to inclusive growth and entrepreneurship.

‘By allowing tenants to evolve into franchisees, Alfamart is enabling MSMEs to scale alongside its own expansion, strengthening local communities and livelihoods,’ Ong said.

Alfamart has expanded to 2,337 stores nationwide as of end-September.

The SM Group earlier said it is planning to add at least 200 new Alfamart stores in Luzon this year.

Part of SM’s retail food business, Alfamart blends the convenience of a neighborhood store with the breadth of a supermarket.

SM said such format is gaining strong traction across Southeast Asia, particularly among families and communities that value accessibility and affordability.

Alfamart Philippines is a joint venture between SM and Alfamart, one of the leading retailers with more than 21,000 mini-marts in Indonesia.

Alfamart inaugurated its first store in the country in June 2014.

The minimart chain offers a wide assortment of products catering to daily needs including a selection of basic groceries, SM Bonus products, fresh and frozen goods, snacks and personal care items at reasonable prices.

Alfamart has successfully expanded across 11 provinces, including Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Pangasinan and Zambales. It also has presence in 15 cities in Metro Manila.

United States President Donald Trump has nominated Lee Lipton, a Florida restaurateur and longtime friend, as the next United States ambassador to the Philippines, breaking with tradition by selecting a political ally over a career diplomat for one of Washington’s most critical posts in Asia.

The White House sent Lipton’s nomination to the Senate on October 8. The 67-year-old businessman, a member of Trump’s exclusive and lavish Mar-a-Lago club, currently serves as interim US Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States-his first diplomatic role.

Trump’s pick of an ally with little diplomatic experience follows a familiar pattern from both his presidencies: appointing political loyalists to high-level roles, while sidelining the State Department’s career corps.

Business background, diplomatic novice

A political outsider with no prior experience in Asia, Lipton has spent over 25 years building his career in the private sector.

His State Department biography says he spent more than 25 years in apparel licensing and later moved into hospitality. “His landmark restaurants remain among the highest-volume establishments in Palm Beach County, FL,” the profile read.

At the Organization of American States, Lipton oversees staff operations and coordinates US initiatives addressing regional challenges such as the security crisis in Haiti and efforts to counter Chinese Communist Party influence in America.

The US State Department profile describes Lipton as bringing a ‘business-to-business perspective’ to diplomacy and a “results-driven mindset and a strategic approach, shaped by decades of entrepreneurial leadership.”

Key post at pivotal time

If confirmed, Lipton will take over the Manila mission at a moment of deepening U.S.-Philippine defense ties and renewed tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been pressing its territorial claims with increasing force.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth chose the Philippines for his first overseas trip in March, where he also pledged to ramp up deterrence against Chinese aggression.

As ambassador, Lipton would be expected to sustain momentum behind the two countries’ more than seven-decade-old mutual defense treaty-one of the cornerstones of America’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

Lipton’s nomination requires Senate confirmation, a process that includes committee hearings before a full vote. If approved, he will succeed career diplomat MaryKay Carlson, who has served as Washington’s top envoy in Manila since July 2022.

Unemployment in the country declined in August as jobs lost due to typhoons in the previous month were recovered, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Preliminary results of the Labor Force Survey released by the PSA yesterday showed that the unemployment rate dropped to 3.9 percent in August from the previous month’s 5.3 percent and four percent in the same month last year.

This translated to 2.03 million jobless Filipinos in August, down from the previous month’s 2.59 million and 2.07 million in August 2024.

In a press conference, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the typhoons that hit the country in July affected employment in industries, particularly agriculture, retail trade and construction.

He said these sectors have since recovered. ‘So in a way, the job losses in July seem temporary.’

Leonardo Lanzona Jr., economics professor at the Ateneo de Manila University said in an email that the slight increase in factory output in August may have also contributed to the lower unemployment.

‘This reversed the negative factory output observed in July. This could have resulted in more jobs which decreased the unemployment,’ he said.

Malacañang attributed the latest labor force survey results to the government’s job generation efforts.

‘The government and the President did not stop working to uplift the lives of Filipinos. We have ongoing job fairs to bring employment opportunities closer to our countrymen,’ Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing.

‘This shows that the President really cares about the welfare of each one,’ she added.

Meanwhile, the country’s employment rate rose to 96.1 percent in August from the previous month’s 94.7 percent and 96 percent in the same month last year.

There were 50.10 million employed Filipinos in August, up from 46.05 million in the previous month and 49.15 million in the same month last year.

Job quality also improved as the underemployment rate went down to 10.7 percent in August from the previous month’s 14.8 percent and 11.2 percent in the same month in 2024.

This was equivalent to 5.38 million underemployed Filipinos or those who want an additional job or longer work hours in August, lower than the prior month’s 6.80 million and 5.48 million in the same month last year.

Sub-sectors which saw the biggest month-on-month increase in employment were the agriculture and forestry (1.35 million); wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (1.30 million); construction (672,000); other service activities (399,000) and fishing and aquaculture (346,000).

On the other hand, those with the largest month-on-month drop in jobs in August were human health and social work activities (-105,000); mining and quarrying (-103,000); professional, scientific and technical activities (-102,000); manufacturing (-70,000) and education (-54,000).

Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan welcomed the developments in the labor market, noting that efforts to expand employment opportunities are paying off.

‘These positive labor market indicators reflect our collective effort to sustain economic growth while ensuring that more Filipinos benefit from it. We are working to generate not just jobs, but quality jobs that will raise incomes, reduce underemployment and improve the overall well-being of our people,’ he said.

As the holidays draw near, Lanzona said orders for various seasonal items have started to pile up, which may lead to high level of production and employment for the rest of the Christmas season.

The DEPDev said it aims to build on the positive labor market developments by promoting the policies and strategies under the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan 2025-2034, aimed at generating higher quality jobs.

‘Guided by the TPB Plan, we aim to support the transformation of the labor force toward higher-paying and more productive jobs by attracting investments, developing a competitive and skills-ready workforce and strengthening labor market governance to effectively respond to evolving conditions,’ Balisacan said.

Amid global headwinds, domestic challenges and climate risks, he said there is a need to protect vulnerable workers and enhance labor market resilience.

‘We aim to enhance resilience in sectors vulnerable to disruptions, such as retail trade and agriculture, by prioritizing improvements in logistics, infrastructure, digitalization and workforce development, particularly among micro, small and medium enterprises,’ he said.

‘The government is also ramping up investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and proactive measures, alongside timely emergency employment programs to support workers affected by disruptions,’ he said.

Spain-based Filipino entrepreneur and content creator Ramon Natcher is set to bring his very own perfume brand to the Philippines after launching it in Spain.

A bold entry into the luxury perfume market, Ramon Éxito was born from a single idea: that success has a scent, one that lingers, captivates, and tells a story before words are even said.

With refined notes of citrus, warm amber, and rare woods, the fragrance is designed for the confident, the accomplished, and the unapologetically aspirational.

For Natcher, the brand is more than just a product, it is a reflection of his belief that success is multi-sensory.

“Fragrance is deeply personal. It is an extension of who you are and the legacy you want to leave behind,” Natcher said in a statement.

Natcher’s entrepreneurial journey began at just 17 when he ventured into a small food cart business. His ambition soon took him abroad to Dubai, where he worked and later explored the jewelry industry.

The economic downturn in 2018 led him back to the Philippines, where he opened several restaurants. However, the pandemic forced him to close those ventures, and it was during this challenging time that his path toward hair growth product Trinoxteride began.

As the breadwinner of his family, Natcher faced financial strain that eventually took a toll on his health, leading to alopecia.

He began researching hair growth treatments and, seeing the gap for effective yet affordable options, created Trinoxteride.

Natcher openly admits he has no formal business degree. Instead, his growth came from failures, persistence, and real-world lessons.

Traveling also gave him a global outlook, allowing him to see trends, innovate, and adapt. He believes adaptability is the most important quality an entrepreneur can have.

“Traditional ways of doing business don’t always work anymore. You need to be open to change,” he said.

For him, growth as a person is just as important as business achievements. He challenges the idea that people should never change. Instead, he believes change is necessary, as long as it is for the better.

His definition of success has also evolved over time. Once tied to luxury possessions, he now values three things above all: health, meaningful relationships, and freedom.

“You can have all the money in the world, but without health or the freedom to live on your own terms, it’s meaningless,” he said.

The country’s rice tariff collections this year may settle at a little over P13 billion, down by 60 percent on an annual basis, if the government’s temporary import ban will last until the end of December.

Industry sources said that the Bureau of Customs (BOC) would no longer be able to collect a single tariff from the commodity as the temporary rice import suspension, which took effect last Sept. 15, has been extended until Dec. 31.

Given this situation, the rice tariffs collected by the BOC from January to September will be the final count of collections for 2025.

The BOC was still able to collect tariffs from imported rice in September since there were shipments that were allowed to enter the country from Sept. 1 to 14.

The BOC collected P13.2 billion from rice imports during the nine-month period, based on its preliminary figures. This represents a 52.3-percent drop from the P27.7 billion rice tariff collected from January to September last year.

In 2024, the BOC collected a record-high P34.2 billion from rice imports.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier announced that the government would extend the rice import ban, which was initially scheduled to last for only two months. The government will allow rice imports in January 2026 before implementing another import ban by February 2026 as local harvest begins again.

Finance Undersecretary Karlo Adriano estimated that the government would lose between P1.4 billion and P2 billion in revenues for every month of rice import suspension.

This means that the government may lose as much as P6 billion in the fourth quarter. Last year, the BOC collected P6.5 billion in rice tariffs from October to December.

Despite the plunge in rice tariff collections, the rice competitiveness enhancement fund (RCEF), which seeks to modernize and develop the local rice industry, will still have a guaranteed budget of P30 billion next year pursuant to existing laws. Primarily, the RCEF sources its budget from earmarked rice tariff collections.

The guaranteed budget for RCEF was increased to P30 billion from P10 billion, following the review of the first six years of implementation of the program and tariff collection performance of BOC.

However, in the event that rice tariff collections fall short of P30 billion, the remainder shall be sourced from the budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The 2026 National Expenditures Program has already set aside P30 billion for RCEF next year, which is parked in the budget of the Office of the Secretary of the DA.

Even before the rice import suspension, the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) of the House of Representatives has already flagged falling rice tariffs this year due to the implementation of the record-low tariff rate of 15 percent.

The CPBRD pointed out that doubling the first semester rice tariff collections will only amount to P20 billion, still short of the P30 billion RCEF appropriation.

Sourcing the shortfall in rice tariff collections from the DA budget would result in RCEF ‘competing’ with the allocation for the regular programs and projects of the department, according to CPBRD.

Experts have earlier warned that the projected shortfall in the rice tariff collections this year may further strain the government’s already limited fiscal space, potentially increasing its reliance on borrowings next year to sustain rice programs.

‘With the huge increase of the RCEF, the budget for rice relative to other commodities will further widen,’ the CPBRD said.

‘The budget of the DA has been described as rice-centric where a proportionately large proportion of funds is allocated to rice production, often at the expense of other important agricultural subsectors like high-value crops and poultry and livestock,’ the CPBRD added.