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It was not an exposé but a script similar to that used by Duterte Diehard Supporters (DDS) and trolls on social media.

This was what Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez said about Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero’s speech at the Senate on Monday where the latter alleged that he was behind the ploy to divert public anger over the flood control mess to senators.

‘I listened to the privilege speech of Sen. Chiz Escudero. With respect, what we heard was not an exposé but a DDS script-the same recycled accusations we have long seen on troll pages and social media posts. Nothing new and no truth either,’ the former Speaker said in a statement released shortly after Escudero’s speech.

‘Instead of answering the serious questions he himself must face, Senator Escudero chose to deflect. He did not deny the allegations against him. He did not explain his own role in flood-control kickbacks. Instead of explaining, he just pointed fingers,’ Romualdez added.

‘Personal interest’

Romualdez, who stepped down as speaker on Sept. 17, said Escudero’s speech was not meant for the pursuit of accountability, but to ‘profess loyalty and service’ to Vice President Sara Duterte.

‘The truth is clear: Senator Escudero’s speech is not about accountability, but to push for his personal ambition,’ he said.

‘It was a performance designed to profess loyalty and service to Vice President Sara Duterte, and to position himself as her ally for 2028. His true line of service is not for the truth, but for a personal interest and political plans,’ he added.

Escudero accused Romualdez of orchestrating a ‘sarswela’-a local theater and opera show that evolved from the Spanish zarzuela-to distract the public.

Cooperation

Romualdez, meanwhile, assured the public that he will cooperate with investigations.

‘For my part, I will continue to cooperate with every impartial investigation. My record can withstand scrutiny. I don’t have anything to hide. As for Senator Escudero, kung tunay na pananagutan ang hanap, sa presinto na siya magpaliwanag (if he is seeking real accountability, he should explain in the proper forum),’ he said.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Marcos condemned government officials and contractors who allegedly earned kickbacks at the expense of people suffering from heavy flooding even during mild rain showers. This led to congressional investigations and the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to probe alleged corruption in flood control projects. Romualdez has not been linked to any of the top companies that cornered big-ticket projects. He denied allegations that he received kickbacks, calling them ‘false’ and ‘pure fiction.’

Two four-ball (best ball) matches from each division make up Day 1 of the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals, and fielding and team chemistry will be keys as the North battles South in a Ryder Cup-type of event that puts a fitting end to the JPGT season at windswept The Country Club in Laguna.

Stalwarts from the boys’ 7-10 division tee off from No. 1, while the girls’ open play at the 10th of the ultra-exclusive layout that remains to be one of the toughest tests of golf in the country.

There are only four members per team from each age-bracket, but captains will have to find the right blend of who to pair with whom as the first to 24.5 points wins the tournament.

After the first four groups, the boys’ and girls’ 11-14 and then the centerpiece 15-18 divisions tee off. Day 2 will be an alternate shot before the highly anticipated singles are held on Friday.

This event is a far departure from the usual junior championships that have been held, as only 48 of the best and brightest of the season will be teeing it up.

Bannering Team North are boys’ 15-18 standouts Patrick Tambalque and Zachary Villaroman; boys’ 11-14 contenders Zianbeau Edoc and Ryuji Suzuki; and 7-10 aces Zoji Edoc and Zach Guico. The South squad will lean on the likes of Alexis Nailga and Luciano Copok (15-18); Ralph Batican and Ken Guillermo (11-14); and Ethan Lago and Kvan Alburo (7-10).

There will be 48 total points up for grabs, and in the event of a 24-24 tie at the end of the Friday session, the champion will be determined by a blind draw from which age-group a sudden-death playoff will come from, with the squads then naming one player each.

The Finals serves as a formidable training ground for future stars of Philippine golf. Created by ICTSI in 2023, the JPGT is designed to build the complete golfer through a mix of stroke play, match play, and skills-based events.

There is also the newly launched ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour that aims to further strengthen the development pathway of the student-athlete by giving them a structured bridge to the professional game.

With two high-stakes matches scheduled in each of the three age categories (7-10, 11-14 and 15-18), the stage is set for an intense, drama-filled opener that could dictate the tone for the rest of this unprecedented Ryder Cup-style showdown.

Authorities arrested three alleged high-value drug targets and seized over P1 million worth of suspected ‘shabu’ (crystal meth) in separate buy-bust operations in Cavite and Laguna on Monday and Tuesday.

In a report, the Region 4A police said anti-narcotics operatives in Bacoor City, Cavite, apprehended suspects identified only as ‘Jerome’ and ‘Jonathan’ at around 2:40 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Molino 2. The two were caught after selling P500 worth of shabu to an undercover police officer.

During the arrest, operatives recovered four heat-sealed plastic sachets containing approximately 60 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P408,000, based on the Dangerous Drugs Board’s valuation.

Police identified both suspects as ‘high-value individuals’ (HVI) on their drug watch list – a classification reserved for financiers, traffickers, manufacturers, importers, or members of organized drug groups.

In a separate operation in Barangay Antipolo, Rizal, Laguna, police arrested another HVI suspect identified as ‘Jomar’ at 11:28 p.m. on Monday. He was found in possession of three plastic sachets containing about 100 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P680,000.

Authorities also seized the suspect’s mobile phone, which will be examined for possible drug-related communications or records.

Police in Cavite and Laguna are conducting further investigations to trace the source of the seized drugs.

All three suspects are currently in police custody and face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

Senator JV Ejercito was elected as the new Senate ethics committee chairperson.

This was announced by Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on the upper chamber’s floor on Tuesday.

According to Zubiri, Ejercito instructed the designation of Sen. Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan as the vice chairman of the committee.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros and Senator Erwin Tulfo are also named by Zubiri as members of the committee.

Prior to Ejercito’s election, Sen. Robin Padilla was being considered to be the next chairman of the committee, according to Sen. Joel Villanueva.

Hontiveros is facing a complaint lodged at the same committee for alleged disorderly behavior and ‘witness tampering.’

The complaint, filed before the Senate Secretary’s office by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio and two others, enumerates Hontiveros’ alleged offenses including the recantation of a witness in an inquiry led by Hontiveros about purported ‘abuses’ in the premises of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ founded by detained televangelist Apollo Quiboloy.

The ethics body will be responsible for ‘all matters relating to the conduct, rights, privileges, safety, dignity, integrity and reputation of the Senate and its members,’ according to the Senate website.

Sen. Mark Villar on Tuesday called for ‘well-thought-out, coordinated, and contextualized’ infrastructure projects that specifically respond to the needs of the Filipino people and the country.

During the hearing of the Senate committee on public works, which he chaired, Villar said the Philippines needs projects that promote connectivity, are people-centered, and are sustainable.

‘The past ‘Build, Build, Build’ program was an example of how impactful infrastructure projects are. It illustrates how high-impact projects promote overall development by stimulating economic growth, promoting tourism, and, most importantly, future-proofing our country,’ he said.

‘Ultimately, this Senate committee seeks to collaborate, complement, and cooperate with the national government agencies’ priority public works and legislative agenda,’ Villar added.

He urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to present its plans for people-centric, sustainable, and disaster-resilient infrastructure. ‘We sincerely want to have quality infrastructure that will truly last long and withstand natural disasters,’ he said.

Villar also asked the DPWH to provide the Senate panel with a concise but comprehensive and transparent briefing on the department’s current situation.

Likewise, he inquired about how the agency plans to respond to the people’s demands, ‘not just on basic infrastructure and flood control issues, but on the holistic infrastructure and public works agenda.’

Relief assistance in Western Visayas has reached more than P41.2 million as government agencies and local units mobilized to aid thousands of families displaced by Typhoon ‘Opong’ (international name: Bualoi) and the enhanced southwest monsoon that battered the region recently.

As of 5 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Western Visayas (DSWD-6) reported that 51,834 families – or 42 percent of the 122,368 households affected – have received food packs and non-food items.

Iloilo topped the list, with P13.3 million in aid reaching 5,428 of 17,924 affected families. Aklan followed with P9.4 million for 11,860 of 28,043 families; Antique received more than P7 million for 9,197 of 38,364 affected families; and Guimaras, also with over P7 million, assisted 6,549 of 8,326 affected families. Capiz, meanwhile, received P4.1 million for 5,428 of 17,924 affected families.

The DSWD said its teams have also started psychosocial interventions, focusing on children and families shaken by the storm’s devastation.

Western Visayas bore the brunt of both Opong and the intensified monsoon rains, which triggered floods and landslides in several provinces.

As of press time, more than half a million individuals across the region have been affected. At least 1,281 people remain in 13 evacuation centers, while 297 families – or 1,297 individuals – are being assisted outside designated shelters./coa

Rabin Angeles and Angela Muji have been confirmed as the lead stars of the Philippine adaptation of ‘The Werewolf Boy,’ based on the 2012 Korean film of the same name starring Song Joong-ki.

Angeles and Muji were announced as the lead stars of the upcoming film during the finale media con of their recently concluded show ‘Seducing Drake Palma’ on Monday, Sept. 29.

‘The news is out! Rabin Angeles and Angela Muji in ‘A WEREWOLF BOY!’ Now in production. Coming Soon Exclusively In Cinemas,’ the post read. A teaser of the upcoming film also showed Muji peering closer at Angeles, who somehow followed the stature of a dog.

Further details on possible changes to the storyline and premiere date are yet to be revealed.

In its original storyline, ‘A Werewolf Boy’ centers on Kim Sun-yi (Park Bo-young) who moved to the countryside with her mother and sister when she was a young adult. She then meets the handsome but feral Chul-soo (Song Joong-ki), whom she eventually tames and develops feelings for.

The onscreen partnership between Angeles and Muji gained traction after they worked together in ‘Seducing Drake Palma,’ a series adaptation of the hit Wattpad novel of the same name. It tells the story of Alys (Muji) attempting to catch the attention of her good looking but unapproachable classmate Drake Palma (Angeles). /edv

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson made a cryptic remark on Tuesday about an ‘overly vocal, boastful or aggressive’ person.

Lacson did not name names, but he used the pronoun ‘he,’ suggesting he was referring to a male individual.

‘There is a saying: ‘The loudest one in the room is the weakest’,’ Lacson said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

‘He is overly vocal, boastful, or aggressive so he can create an image of strength through noise,’ he also said.

The best way to deal with such a personality is ‘to ignore and make him stand on an empty platform,’ according to the senator.

Lacson chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, which saw him locking horns with former panel chair Rodante Marcoleta. He also listened to bombshell revelations implicating current and former senators in the flood control anomalies.

Lacson admitted the revelations made during the hearings pained him – a sentiment he expressed when asked to react on Sen. Francis Escudero’s Monday manifestation that senators are being made a ‘fall guy’ in flood control anomalies.

‘I would like to reiterate my previous and oft-repeated statement that we will go where the evidence leads us,’ the senator told reporters in a text message, adding that no senator is being ‘targeted’ and neither will anyone be ‘shielded or spared’ by the probe.

‘No matter how unpopular, even painful for me, to hear the names of my colleagues being implicated by resource persons, I will not be deterred,’ Lacson said.

During the Blue Ribbon committee hearing, Escudero and former Senators Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay were alleged by former Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Robert Bernardo to be involved in a purported scheme involving anomalous flood control projects.

All of them denied the allegations.

Aside from them, Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva were also the subject of a damning testimony by Brice Hernandez, a former assistant district engineer of DPWH-Bulacan, during a House infrastructure committee hearing.

Estrada and Villanueva refuted the allegations.

Hernandez alleged that Villanueva and Estrada maneuvered to allocate P600 million and P355 million for funding in Bulacan’s first district in exchange for an alleged 30-percent cut.

Over the weekend, Lacson disclosed that ‘almost all’ senators in the 19th Congress inserted at least P100 billion worth of items in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

Estrada, in thinly veiled allusion to Lacson’s revelation, on Monday said: ‘Since a senator has already mentioned that we have significant insertions, let’s allocate them to the Office of the Vice President so she can be a working vice president.’ /apl /atm

Biliran, Romblon and Oriental Mindoro were placed under a state of calamity on Monday amid widespread destruction in the three provinces caused by Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

The declaration by the these provinces brought to five the total number of local governments in a state of calamity in the aftermath of Opong, which lashed through parts of Luzon and the Visayas between Sept. 25 and Sept. 26.

On Saturday, the province of Masbate and Calbayog City in Samar also approved similar declarations to speed up release of local quick response funds needed for their recovery from the storm that had displaced thousands, destroyed infrastructure, farms, homes and schools, and left at least 14 people dead.

Biliran registered the highest number of fatalities at 10, on top of widespread damage to crops and vital facilities.

In total, Eastern Visayas recorded 12 deaths attributed to the typhoon, including two fatalities from Tagapul-an and Calbayog City, both in Samar.

The worst

Biliran Gov. Rogelio Espina described as ‘massive’ the destruction in the province caused by Opong.

‘This is the worst typhoon in years to hit Biliran, leaving massive destruction to both property and lives,’ Espina said in an interview with local reporters on Monday.

The governor appealed for national assistance, saying, ‘We hope President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other government agencies will notice our province and extend the necessary aid.’

The declaration of a state of calamity was approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) in a special session on Monday afternoon upon the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), which Espina chairs.

With the declaration, the provincial government down to the barangay (village) level can now access their calamity funds to support rehabilitation efforts.

Based on Espina’s report, the typhoon killed 10 people-four each from the towns of Maripipi and Kawayan and one each from Caibiran and Culaba.

Damage to crops, mostly rice, was estimated at over ?140 million, while damage to various infrastructures reached over ?1.26 billion.

About 62 classrooms were also damaged, while power and water supply have yet to be restored in several barangays.

‘Out of our 132 barangays, 43 currently have no water supply, and many remain without electricity,’ Espina said.

He urged residents to remain resilient.

‘Let us not lose heart. We will rise again,’ Espina said.

Romblon, Oriental Mindoro

In Romblon, the provincial board placed the entire province under a state of calamity on the recommendation of its Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) based on the extent of the damage it suffered, including the destruction of homes, infrastructure, livelihoods, and the loss of power and communications, the Romblon Provincial Information Office (PIO) said in a statement.

The Romblon PIO said more than 9,800 homes and other infrastructure were damaged or destroyed by the typhoon in the province.

In Oriental Mindoro, the declaration was made during the 13th regular session of the Provincial Board (PB, as announced by Vice Gov. Antonio ‘Jojo’ Perez Jr. in a Facebook post on Monday. Perez, the PB’s presiding officer, led the approval of the resolution, which aims to fast-track rehabilitation efforts, implement necessary emergency measures, and ensure the immediate distribution of aid to all affected families across the province.

Masbate rehab starts

Masbate province, meanwhile, has started the slow process of rehabilitation, with aid coming from its neighbors in the Bicol region – the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and Catanduanes – that have sent manpower, equipment and relief goods – to help in the cleanup and restoration of basic services on the island-province.

A team of linemen from the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative also arrived in the province on Monday, ‘rolling up their sleeves and helping us fix and restore our power lines,’ according to a Facebook post of the Masbate Electric Coop, Inc. Opong destroyed over 600 classrooms and affected some 30,000 students in Masbate, according to a report from Department of Education (DepEd) Bicol.

Classes in the province would be suspended for a week starting Monday, said a memorandum issued by Nelson Morales Jr., superintendent of the Masbate Schools Division. DepEd Bicol Director Gilbert Sadsad, in a private message on Sunday, said classes in Masbate would resume through asynchronous learning, adding the agency has yet to finalize the cost of the damage, as reports were still being validated.

In a separate message, DepEd Bicol information officer Mayflor Marie Jumamil said that based on initial rapid damage assessments, 43 schools were flooded and 11 others were hit by landslides.

At least 138 classrooms were rendered unusable, while 303 sustained major damage. Another 250 classrooms suffered minor damage.

Given the extent of the destruction, DepEd estimated it will need 564 temporary learning spaces to allow classes to resume.

‘If in-person classes resume, they may be held in makeshift classrooms. If there are still available and usable classrooms, a shifting schedule may be adopted,’ Jumamil said.

Across Bicol, over 200,000 learners were affected by storm-related class suspensions, Sadsad said. INQ

A truck driver’s license was revoked on September 23, after an individual atop the cargo of his vehicle fell and died on July 23 in San Miguel, Iloilo, the Land Transportation (LTO) Office.

According to the LTO, the 22-year-old victim was the helper of the truck driver who was ‘seated on bamboo poles loaded onto a truck when he slipped on the rain-soaked cargo, fell, and sustained fatal head injuries.’

Though taken to a hospital, the helper was declared dead on arrival, the LTO reported.

‘The presence of a passenger atop unsecured cargo constitutes a clear breach of safety protocols and reflects a failure to exercise control and diligence,’ LTO-6 Regional Director, lawyer Gaudioso P. Geduspan II said in the resolution.

In response to the show-cause order issued to the truck driver on July 28, he claimed that the cargo was secured and he advised the victim to ride on the passenger seat, but the victim ‘insisted on staying atop the load while allegedly recording a video.’

Still, the LTO held the driver liable for the helper’s safety, citing that drivers must ‘exercise reasonable caution,’ thus ruling the truck driver an improper person to operate a motor vehicle ‘at this time.’

Upon recommendation of the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit, the license revocation will last four years.

Furthermore, the driver’s license was placed on alarm and the driver was fined for reckless driving. /cb