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The government is committed to cracking down on corruption and reducing red tape, which the United States cited as impediments to the Philippines’ efforts to attract foreign investments.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told The STAR yesterday that the government is committed to fighting corruption to clean up the system and restore public trust, acknowledging that recent corruption issues exposed in flood control projects undermine reforms aimed at boosting investor confidence.

In this light, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) sees the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure as a major step in uncovering the misuse of public funds and ensuring accountability.

The DTI is also doing its part to help build a government that the public can trust.

‘We believe that honest and transparent service is key to earning the trust of our people and our business community. That’s why we’re going digital, cutting red tape and making sure our processes are clear and fair,’ Roque said in a Viber message.

Roque’s comments were made following the release of the US Department of State’s 2025 Investment Climate Statement on the Philippines, which cited challenges faced in attracting foreign investments, as well as recent moves to improve the overall investment climate and promote economic growth.

According to the report, the Philippines’ efforts to attract foreign investments have been hampered by corruption, poor infrastructure, high power and logistics costs, regulatory inconsistencies and a cumbersome bureaucracy.

‘Corruption is a pervasive and long-standing problem in both the public and private sector,’ the report said.

It also highlighted the lack of progress in addressing corruption since 2019, with the Philippines placing 114th out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index.

In addition, the report said various organizations, including the World Economic Forum, have cited corruption among the top problematic factors for doing business in the Philippines, with the Bureau of Customs still considered as one of the most corrupt agencies.

‘The Philippines’ complex, slow, redundant and sometimes corrupt judicial system inhibits the timely and fair resolution of commercial disputes,’ the report said.

The traffic in major cities and congestion in the ports was also cited as barriers to doing business.

‘While the Philippine bureaucracy can be slow and opaque, the business environment has been better in special economic zones,’ the report said.

The report said recent reforms aimed at attracting new investors were also put in place, such as the CREATE MORE Act, which expanded incentives.

The law extended the period for tax exemptions up to 27 years, clarified value-added tax zero-rating rules and streamlined local tax policies.

American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines executive director Ebb Hinchliffe said in a Viber message that the US report reflects investors’ top concerns.

While investors are encouraged by recent reforms such as the CREATE MORE, Ease of Paying Taxes Law and the executive order on green lanes for streamlined processing of permits, he said businesses are pushing for other measures to strengthen the country’s investment climate.

‘We continue to advocate for structural reforms that promote transparency and business efficiency. These include the passage of the Freedom of Information Act, National Single Window System Act and amendments to the Bank Secrecy and Electric Power Industry Reform Acts,’ Hinchliffe said.

According to Hinchliffe, streamlining travel requirements for foreign tourists and reviewing Revenue Memorandum Circular 5-2024, which covers the tax treatment of cross-border services, are also critical steps to boost investor confidence and position the Philippines as a competitive destination for global investment.

‘Equally important is the consistent implementation of existing laws such as the Ease of Doing Business Act and CREATE MORE,’ he said.

Despite a quick turnaround and rain stoppages, Alex Eala is heading to the next round of the Suzhou WTA 125 tournament in China after outlasting Poland’s Katarzyna Kawa, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, in their rain-delayed match Tuesday.

Eala, who exited the Jingshan Tennis Open this weekend, just had a few days’ rest before heading to Suzhou.

Their match was likewise suspended twice due to rain.

But the World No. 58 tennister asserted her mastery over the 124th-ranked Kawa.

The first stoppage came in the first set, with the two players tied at 2-all.

When play resumed, the Filipina grabbed the first set, 6-3.

Kawa, though, tied things up in the second set despite another stoppage.

But in the third set, Eala took a slight separation, going up 3-1.

The 32-year-old from Poland, however, won the next three games to go up 4-3.

But Eala did not yield, winning four of the next five games to grab the victory.

Kawa banked on her receiving game, winning 51 points against Eala’s 44. The latter, however, won 51 service points to the former’s 42.

The Pole also committed 11 double faults, which basically offset her three service aces.

Eala will now take on Greet Minnen in the next round. The Belgian player, ranked 106th in the world, defeated hometown bet Han Shi earlier in the day.

The 20-year-old pride of the Philippines will try to win her second WTA 125 championship after her breakthrough title in Guadalajara earlier this month.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday described the alleged schemes of contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya as a ‘unique experience,’ describing the unprecedented scope of their operations in public works projects nationwide.

Remulla said the couple’s contracting practices stand out because they secured projects across the country, defying the usual ‘territoriality principle’ in government contracting.

‘Walang katulad na contractor itong mga Discaya. They’re a very unique one,’ Remulla told reporters on Sept. 29. (The Discayas are contractors unlike any other. They are very unique.)

Remulla explained that under standard practice, contractors typically operate within designated geographic areas. The Discayas, however, ‘hustled their way’ into projects nationwide, lending out their licenses across multiple territories.

Citing testimony from former Public Works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, Remulla said the couple’s projects often bypassed competitive bidding, in violation of the Philippine Competition Act, the Anti-Graft Law and other statutes.

Because of this, investigators are backtracking records from 2025 down to 2016 – the period when the couple allegedly ‘got big.’

‘They started contracting in 2007, but they were a struggling group at that time. But in 2016, they got big. That’s why we started zeroing in on how they got big,’ Remulla said.

‘Beyond imagination’

Remulla agreed with Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s earlier claim that the couple bagged at least P207 billion worth of projects but suggested the figure could be even higher.

‘I believe that. But probably it’s bigger,’ Remulla said.

Remulla said the scale of alleged corruption linked to the Discayas was ‘beyond imagination.’

The Discayas, who have testified in congressional probes, are currently considered protected witnesses. The DOJ is evaluating whether they qualify as state witnesses, which would grant them immunity from prosecution.

Remulla said lawmakers named by the couple, along with former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, will soon be invited by the DOJ to validate the information.

Billions in contracts. From 2022 to 2024, companies linked to the Discayas secured around 421 projects worth P31.04 billion, most of them flood-control works.

Their own firms accounted for P25.2 billion across 345 solo and joint projects, with affiliated companies raising the total contract value to more than P31 billion.

The operator of the country’s largest railway project will receive a uniform rate based on performance and may be granted a concession lasting up to 22.5 years, according to the Department of Transportation.

The DOTr has designated availability payments as the bid parameter for the P229-billion contract to manage the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), the country’s largest infrastructure investment to date.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the concessionaire may get up to 22.5 years of tenure, including partial operations, in running the NSCR.

‘The approved contract period is for the pre-operations, partial operations, (plus) 15 years of full operations, for a maximum 22.5 years. Extension was not part of the approved parameters, terms and conditions for the project,’ Lopez told The STAR.

In using availability payments as the bid parameter, the DOTr will be assessing what investments bidders can commit based on predetermined fees.

This means the concessionaire will get paid regularly not from fares collected from passengers, but from budget allocated to the DOTr.

Bangkok-based consultancy Mahanakorn Partners Group said public-private partnerships (PPPs) with availability payments compel concessionaires to perform better to receive compensation.

Since PPPs are long-term, Mahanakorn said availability payments also provide the government with a predictable schedule for its budgetary obligations.

This is different from the PPP model for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), the concession of which was awarded to the Light Rail Manila Corp.

LRMC recovers its investment capital for the operations and maintenance of the LRT-1 through passenger fares, which are scheduled to increase every two years.

However, this has caused legal troubles for the government, as it denied fare hikes filed by LRMC multiple times.

Prior to the recent fare adjustment in April, LRMC had piled up a deficit of P2.17 billion dating back to its first petition in 2016. Despite this, the operator has delivered on its commitments, including the ongoing extension works for the LRT-1.

China Bank Capital Corp. managing director Juan Paolo Colet expects foreign multinationals to vie for the operations and maintenance of the NSCR after the DOTr conducted roadshows in Singapore, Paris, Manila and Tokyo.

However, Colet warned that some investors may be discouraged to bid for a project as big as the NSCR in light of corruption scandals hounding public works, particularly flood control.

In August, President Marcos exposed that 15 contractors have bagged almost 20 percent, or P100 billion, of the P545 billion worth of flood control projects since 2022.

‘The long-term nature of this project means potential concessionaires would have to take a long view of our country, including our economic prospects and political dynamics. Hopefully, by the time the government launches its bidding, there would have been a clear resolution to the current corruption scandals,’ Colet told The STAR.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort underscored the importance of fair play in the concession. Given the length of the deal, bidders would prefer that rules are all set in stone and mechanisms are in place for dispute settlement.

‘It is important to not have changing rules in the middle of the game in view of the six-year term of presidents and their administrations,’ Ricafort told The STAR.

The NSCR, costing P873.6 billion and co-funded by Japan, will run for 147 kilometers across 35 stations in three regions, and it is expected to ferry 800,000 passengers daily once completed.

The future concessionaire of the NSCR will be tasked to operate and maintain its trains, stations and depot, including its interoperations with the Metro Manila Subway Project.

For over five decades, Pancake House has been part of Filipino life; a place where comfort food, warm smiles and familiar spaces come together to create memories that last.

In 1970, its very first store opened in Magallanes Theater in Makati, planting the roots of what would grow into a well-loved dining destination. Now, in 2025, Pancake House proudly reopens its Paseo de Magallanes branch that is refreshed and ready to welcome both loyal fans and new diners into its cozy embrace.

A familiar favorite, refreshed for today

The return of Pancake House Paseo de Magallanes feels like coming home to something beloved, but with a few delightful surprises.

The newly renovated branch preserves everything guests already cherish, while introducing thoughtful upgrades that fit today’s everyday routines.

Here’s what to expect:

A brand-new coffee nook, created in collaboration with Yardstick Coffee, serving expertly brewed cups that complement Pancake House’s sweet and savory staples.

A dedicated takeout window for quick and easy pick-ups, because comfort food should be within reach, even on your busiest days.

To make the experience even sweeter, Pancake House has teamed up with The Kind Cookie, offering grab-and-go treats that bring comfort into every bite. Same comfort, more ways to share

While the space has evolved, Pancake House’s promise remains the same: to serve the dishes that feel like home. Look forward to the core offerings: Pan Chicken, Golden Brown Waffles, Pancakes, Spaghetti and Best Taco in Town-the classic flavors that carry years of shared stories and happy moments.

Now, with more space to gather, a dedicated window for takeout and a cozy corner for coffee, there are even more ways to enjoy the comfort you know and love.

More than a meal

Dining out today is about more than just food. It’s about connection, experience and savoring familiar moments you’ll always come back to.

Pancake House Paseo de Magallanes embraces this shift by giving guests options that fit every kind of day: the spontaneous brunch with friends, the quick coffee catch-up, the family dinner, or the solo pick-me-up on the way home.

By blending its classic offerings with new touches of convenience, the brand proves that comfort is timeless and always worth coming back to.

As it reopens its doors in 2025, the Paseo de Magallanes branch stands as a symbol of both heritage and renewal. It’s the same Pancake House generations have loved, now made even more welcoming for the years ahead. The comfort spot you’ve been waiting for is finally back.

As multiple witnesses accused him of being a principal player in budget insertions and flood control anomalies, Elizaldy Co resigned from Congress yesterday.

All is not lost for his Ako Bicol party list, which will get to have someone else fill the seat he vacated in the House of Representatives.

Resignation was Co’s response to the order from new Speaker Faustino Dy III, to return to the Philippines by Sept. 29. Yesterday’s deadline lapsed with Co still a no-show, still maintaining his innocence, claiming threats to his safety and that of his family and decrying that he has been deprived of due process.

Dy said the resignation spared Co from facing the House ethics committee and likely expulsion from the chamber.

Now without government responsibilities, Co can focus on addressing the serious allegations against him, hurled at congressional hearings and before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

The ICI released yesterday its first major report on the flood control mess, recommending to the Office of the Ombudsman the filing of criminal and administrative complaints where applicable against Co, 12 officials and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways along with five officials of Sunwest Inc., the construction firm founded by Co that bagged a P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

Among the preliminary findings of the ICI was that ‘grossly substandard’ materials were used in the construction of a road dike along the Mag-asawang Tubig River in Naujan.

The ICI found ‘reasonable ground’ to recommend pursuing charges of graft, malversation, falsification of public documents and violations of the procurement law against Co and the others, apart from administrative cases.

If Co truly wants due process, the best way to get it is to come home and face the accusations against him. He has not adequately explained the reason for his absence since the joint opening of the current 20th Congress. He won’t even disclose where he is exactly, prompting the government to request the Interpol to monitor his movements under a blue notice.

Even with his resignation, Co has a responsibility to explain to the people what happened during the House deliberations on the 2024 and 2025 General Appropriations Act, when he chaired the appropriations committee.

His refusal to return home is tarnishing even his Ako Bicol party list, and inevitably former House speaker Martin Romualdez. Co’s prolonged stay outside the country is being seen as flight, which is usually associated with guilt.

Now that the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship is over, it’s time to assess if hosting the shebang was worth the estimated cost of over P2 billion, of which nearly P700 million came from government coffers. Bashing PNVF and Asian Volleyball Confederation president Tats Suzara during the recent competition served no purpose except to illustrate to the visiting 31 nations that participated in the games how disunited and fragmented the host country is. The brickbats should’ve come even before anyone thought of Manila staging the event so it could’ve been stopped. But once the bid was accepted, the only recourse was to throw support to the organizers in laying out the red carpet for the visitors, hoping their presence would redound to a positive impact on tourism.

But that’s not the end of the story. The time of reckoning has come. Suzara must be given a chance to explain if hosting justified the expense. There are quantifiable elements to consider but also qualitative factors that must be looked into. Private sponsors coughed up quite a sum to contribute to footing the bill. They don’t expect cash in return but surely, deserve some kind of compensation in terms of advertising mileage, goodwill or image-building. For the government, the return has to be measured in terms of economic impact and promoting the development of sport at the elite and grassroots levels. In the course of the competition, ticket prices were slashed first by 30% then by 50%. Tickets were also given away to stakeholders to fill up the venue.

Organizers should’ve anticipated the resistance to high ticket prices particularly as the men’s game isn’t as popular as the women’s. Fortunately, the Philippine men’s team created more than a ripple in the tournament, picking up its first-ever win at the world stage and falling a hairline short of crashing the Round of 16. Alas Pilipinas blew six match points in losing a five-setter to World No. 16 Iran, signifying its ascendancy. Iran went on to reach the quarterfinals. The Philippines finished No. 19 in the standings, outranking Asian powerhouses Japan, South Korea and China. Suzara called it ‘a first and historic (achievement) for us”. This wouldn’t have happened if the Philippines hadn’t taken an automatic slot to play as host.

When the Philippines hosted part of the group stage and the entire playoff phase of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the cost was over P2 billion, including $32 million that was paid to FIBA as a rights fee. But in the post-mortem, SBP president Al Panlilio said it created an economic impact of P17.8 billion, reeled in 1.5 billion cumulative viewers on TV and livestreams and delivered P1.9 billion worth of media value for Manila as host city. The event welcomed at least 10,000 tourists, 70% of whom mentioned they would recommend visiting the country to others and 77% remarked they would return. Additionally, fans were treated to a high level of basketball and witnessed some of the world’s greatest stars perform.

Suzara won’t shirk from the responsibility of accountability. He’s been involved in staging numerous big-time sporting events in the past, both here and abroad. Let’s wait for him to explain what went on at the FIVB Men’s World Championships and if hosting was worth the cost. In 2029, the Philippines will host the FIVB Women’s World Championships. Will that be worth the cost, too?

The National Collegiate Athletic Association hopes to pick up from where it left off last year as it ushers its 101st season on Wednesday, October 1, beginning with the centerpiece event of basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Teams that played in last year’s Final Four will have a rematch right away on opening day as defending men’s champion and host school Mapua battles Lyceum, and College of St. Benilde clashes with San Beda University.

The Cardinals-Pirates tussle is set at 2:30 p.m. followed by the Blazers-Red Lions match at 5 p.m.

An elaborate opening ceremony starting at 12 p.m. precedes the double-header, with performances to be provided by songstress Thea Astley, Hannah Precillas, Naya Ambi and Aicelle Santos.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio will serve as guest speaker when the country’s grand old collegiate league ushers its next 100 years.

‘Madaling tandaan. Season 101. And we’ll open on October 1. 10-1. So things like that. And with this year’s theme ‘Building Greatness,’ I’m sure for the past 100 years of NCAA, you’ve seen student-athletes rose to the elite level. So in the next 100 years in coordination with the PSC and member schools, we hope to sustain our contribution to the national training pool,’ said Jose Rizal University athletic director Paul Supan in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Emilio Aguinaldo College Vice President for Administration Dr. Lorenzo Lorenzo appeared with Supan in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Smart/PLDT, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

In line with the NCAA’s goal of providing the national training pool with potential members, Lorenzo said the collegiate league is introducing the Olympic sports of gymnastics, weightlifting, boxing, and golf in this year’s calendar of events.

All four sports will initially be demonstration in nature to be played in the second semester.

‘The NCAA and PSC ay nagkaroon ng partnership in terms of training and developing these grassroots athletes,’ said Lorenzo.

Supan said under NCAA rules a demo sport that has been played for three straight years can be elevated to regular status subject to certain conditions.

Weightlifting and gymnastics provided the three gold medals won by the country in the Olympics, including the breakthrough gold provided by lifter Hidilyn Diaz in the women’s 55 kg category. Incidentally, the 34-year-old Diaz is an alumnus of NCAA member school College of St. Benilde.

New format will also be adopted in the event of basketball, whose games will be played in the NCAAs original home at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

‘This is our home and most of us will acknowledge, dito talaga nagsimula ang NCAA,’ said Supan, noting the juniors basketball that kicks off on Thursday, October 2, will already be played at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium between Mapua-Lyceum and St. Benilde-San Beda.

‘The direction really is to eventually ensure that all of the games in the eliminations and semis, basically, were going back to our home base,’ added Lorenzo.

Other sports to be played at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila include taekwondo, swimming, lawn tennis, and hopefully, football, while track and field will be staged at PhilSports in Pasig.

With strategy and communication set to determine the outcome, the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals blasts off Wednesday, October 1, at The Country Club, featuring the best junior golfers from Luzon (North) and Visayas-Mindanao (South) in a Ryder Cup-style showdown.

In true team golf fashion, the finals mirror the recently concluded Team Europe vs Team USA duel in the Ryder Cup. The format includes Four-Ball (Best Ball) on Day 1, Foursomes (Alternate Shot) on Day 2, and Singles matches on the final day. With 48 of the country’s top juniors competing, this promises to be a pressure-packed battleground of skill and willpower.

Team North co-captain Ryan Tambalque laid down a simple but clear plan for Day 1’s Four-Ball format, where the boys’ 7-10 division opens play from the first tee, followed by the 11-14 and the 15-18 divisions. The girls’ teams start simultaneously on the 10th tee, ensuring action on both sides of the course.

The three-day event is open to the public, offering fans a unique opportunity to watch and support the next generation of professional golfers in action.

‘Keep the ball in the fairway and greens in regulation,’ Tambalque said, giving concise marching orders to his 24-player squad that emerged from a grueling seven-leg qualifying series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

However, Tambalque was quick to emphasize balance: ‘Let them enjoy the game. I’m confident in our players – lahat sila malalakas (they’re all strong), and they’ve been training independently. Whichever way we pair them, I know they’ll do their best.’

On the other side, Team South skipper Alfred Gaccion exuded quiet confidence. While he acknowledged the depth of Team North, he believes his squad holds the edge in talent, experience and resilience.

‘The opposing team is equally equipped, so we’re focusing on a balanced fielding of players. Fortunately, we have strong representatives in every age division,’ said Gaccion, who singled out the girls’ 15-18 division as a potential game-changer.

‘The 15-18 girls will definitely be on top,’ he added, referring to his powerhouse lineup of Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo.

Team North’s counterpart in the girls’ 15-18 division includes Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino and Chloe Rada.

While they lack the same level of regional dominance, Tambalque believes their chemistry could be the deciding factor.

‘This is a team event, and team play is the key to overcoming any disadvantage,’ said Gaccion. ‘Support for each other in Four-Ball and Foursomes will be the foundation.’

Though optimistic about an early lead, Gaccion knows the Singles matches will ultimately decide the championship.

‘Day 3 will be the game-changer. If we can take control early, it will boost the players’ confidence heading into the final round,’ he said.

Bonding could become a critical factor. Gaccion admitted his players come from different islands and haven’t had much time to train together.

‘We didn’t have the luxury of team practice or bonding. But this will be our own version of a ‘Team Europe’ style win – cohesive despite the distance,’ he said.

In contrast, Tambalque said Team North has developed camaraderie through regular tournaments and shared training.

‘We see each other almost every week, and even the parents have built rapport. That chemistry is a strength,’ said Tambalque.

Still, recent typhoons limited Team North’s full-team practices.

‘We weren’t able to train as a complete group, so we focused on division-specific practice sessions,’ added Tambalque.

Regardless of preparation, Gaccion and Tambalque believe their teams are ready and eager.

‘This is the first North vs South tournament of this kind, and the excitement is real – not just among the players but also the parents,’ said Tambalque.

The Four-Ball format rewards bold, aggressive play – with each player playing their own ball and the best score counting. Momentum shifts are common, setting the stage for fast starts and high drama.

On Day 2, the Foursomes format brings added pressure. Players alternate shots, making communication and trust paramount. A single misstep can doom a hole, while harmony can create upsets.

The Singles round on Day 3 pits players head-to-head, with each hole crucial in the race to collect points. With one point at stake per match, the first team to reach 24.5 points wins.

If the teams tie at 24-24, a sudden-death playoff will ensue. One age group will be drawn at random, and each captain must nominate a player to settle the match.

The complete rosters:

Team North

Zoji Edoc, Zach Guico, Asher Abad and Halo Pangilinan (boys’ 7-10)

Ronee Dungca, Mavis Espedido, Winter Serapio and Tyra Garingalao (girls’ 7-10)

Vito Sarines, Zianbeau Edoc, Ryuji Suzuki and Jacob Casuga (boys’ 11-14)

Twins Lisa and Mona Sarines, Kendra Garingalao and Alexie Gabi (girls’ 11-14)

Patrick Tambalque, Zachary Villaroman, Jose Carlos Taruc and Kristoffer Nadales (boys’ 15-18)

Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino and Chloe Rada (girls’ 15-18).

Team South

Ethan Lago, Lucas Revilleza, Kvan Alburo and James Rolida (boys’ 7-10)

Denise Mendoza, Soleil Molde, Claren Quiño and Francesca Geroy (girls’ 7-10)

Ralph Batican, Ken Guillermo, Jared Saban and Marcus Dueñas (boys’ 11-14)

Brittany Tamayo, Kimberly Baroquillo, Zuri Bagaloyos and Rafella Batican (girls’ 11-14)

Alexis Nailga, along with Luciano Copok, Mhark Fernando III and Eric Jeon (boys’ 15-18)

Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo (girls’ 15-18).

Protesters arrested during the September 21 rallies were beaten, extorted and denied medical care, the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers said Tuesday, September 30.

The group of lawyers – who last week personally visited the Manila police stations where detainees were held – flatly rejected the Philippine National Police’s assertion that detainees received proper treatment.

“These are all barefaced lies,” the NUPL said in a statement in reaction to the Philippine National Police’s remarks at a press conference yesterday, where it denied that detainees were tortured or maltreated during custody.

Some of the detainees’ open wounds from their arrest were left untreated after “volunteer doctors were barred from entering detention facilities,” the lawyers’ group said.

“Independent reports document detainees being beaten, extorted for money in exchange for ‘protection,’ and coerced into admissions of guilt,” the NUPL added.

Relatives of detainees waiting outside the police station were also turned away and denied information about their detained kin, the NUPL said.

On September 21, at least 216 individuals were arrested by police, including 91 minors, with the youngest being nine years old.

NUPL last week said it conducted visits to various police stations in Manila where the arrested individuals were held. During this visit, the 13 lawyers part of NUPL said they saw “widespread and systematic” abuse of detainees.

Many of the arrested, the group found out, were mere “bystanders” during the demonstrations and denied inflicting violence or damage to property.

On Tuesday, in its statement refuting the PNP’s claim, the NUPL cited the case of Edzel Santos, a person with disability who was reportedly beaten with a truncheon while a sack was placed over his head.

Santos continues to struggle with pain and trauma, breaking down when recounting the incident, and requires ongoing treatment, according to the group.

“To claim that children were treated with comfort and care while their parents stood outside begging for access is not merely implausible, it is insulting,” the statement said.

The PNP has said detainees were placed in air-conditioned rooms and provided with nutritious food, decent clothing, and medical care.

But the NUPL says the current situation of the detainees mirrors past police abuses. “This climate of impunity is grimly familiar and reminiscent of the Tokhang years, when blood ran in the streets even as authorities looked the public in the eye and denied what everyone could see,” it added.

The NUPL also said Manila Mayor Isko Moreno bears responsibility for the alleged abuses, noting that the Manila Police District falls under his operational supervision and control as local chief executive.

“When those functions result in violations of human rights, responsibility reaches his office as well,” the group said.

The NUPL called for the immediate release of all those it said were unlawfully arrested on September 21, urgent medical treatment for the injured, and a full independent inquiry into alleged torture and arbitrary detention.

The group said the police violated the Constitution’s prohibitions on arbitrary detention, torture, and cruel or degrading treatment, as well as domestic laws, including the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act and the Anti-Torture Act.

“The police have had every opportunity to prove otherwise: through transparency, open access to lawyers, families, and doctors, and full independent investigation. Instead, they have chosen denial and whitewash,” the statement said.

Minors released

The Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday also said it continues to monitor the welfare of 91 minors arrested during the protests.

Around 68 minors have been turned over to their parents, while non-Manila residents were brought to their respective local government units. The rest are temporarily housed in a youth facility awaiting pickup by their parents, the CHR said.

The CHR said it continues to investigate possible violations related to the protests, including the handling of minors.

The commission said citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and to express grievances, but acts of violence and destruction of property cannot be condoned as they endanger public safety.