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Sofia Andres recounted being overcome by fear and panic as she was at a filming set in Cebu when the 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck the island on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

The actress narrated her experience through her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

‘Been filming in Cebu when the earthquake struck yesterday. Terrified, and the panic of being away from family hit me so hard,’ she said. Despite her frightening experience, Andres said she attended a commitment in Dumaguete, where her restaurant business with her partner Daniel Miranda is located.

‘But today I’m in Dumaguete, supporting each other, working nonstop, building dreams together,’ she added. ‘Life must go on, and I just keep praying for the best.’ In a separate post on her page, Andres further reflected on how the tragedy was an apparent reminder ‘how fragile everything can be.’

‘When the [6.9] magnitude earthquake struck, I was terrified, the panic, the rush of fear, and the thought that I was away from Manila, away from my family. That feeling of distance in moments like this is something I’ll never forget,’ she lamented.

‘Still, here I am now in Dumaguete, showing up because life doesn’t stop. Hustling, working hard, pushing myself for the dreams I’ve committed to. It’s not easy being far but I know this journey is shaping me in ways I can’t yet see,’ she added. ‘Sometimes I wish I could just pause, but life keeps moving. All I can do is pray for strength, for safety, for peace in the middle of uncertainty. And I remind myself these sacrifices, these risks, this constant hustle it’s all for something bigger than me.’

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has secured its third and broadest freeze order yet under the ongoing flood control corruption probe, widening a crackdown that has now immobilized 1,813 assets worth nearly P3 billion.

In a statement, the AMLC said the Court of Appeals (CA) issued the Sept. 30 directive covering 836 bank accounts, 12 e-wallets, 24 insurance policies, 81 vehicles and 12 properties.

The order built on two earlier directives and marks the most extensive asset freeze since the inquiry began.

‘Disrupting financial channels’

In all, the appeals court has frozen 1,563 bank accounts, 54 insurance policies, 154 vehicles, 30 properties and 12 e-wallets-assets with an estimated value of P2.9 billion.

The AMLC said the figure is expected to increase as the probe deepens.

‘By freezing a wide range of assets-such as bank accounts, e-wallets, vehicles, and properties-the AMLC is disrupting the financial channels used in corrupt activities,’ said Matthew David, the council’s executive director.

‘Our goal is straightforward: prevent stolen public funds from being dissipated and misused, recover them for the National Government, and ensure that those involved in money laundering are held accountable,’ he added.

Lawmakers’ assets

Last week, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the AMLC was also preparing to block the assets of six individuals-including some lawmakers-being sued by the National Bureau of Investigation.

When a bank account is frozen, all activity-transfers, deposits, withdrawals and even account closures-comes to a halt. Banks are then required to comb through the accounts and review past transactions to determine whether they were used for illicit activity. Their findings are sent to the AMLC.

The freeze orders also covered insurance policies because they can serve as vehicles for concealing or moving illegal funds. For now, the AMLC is prioritizing such assets because they are easier to identify, locate and freeze.

Banks, personal properties

The directives may soon extend far beyond financial accounts, cars and real estate. David earlier said the council might also ask the CA to freeze personal properties-such as investments, jewelry and even virtual assets-if they are linked to the misuse of public funds.

He said the watchdog might also scrutinize banks after a congressional inquiry flagged large cash transactions linked to the flood control scandal, though he declined to confirm whether such a probe was already underway.

Children’s rights advocates on Wednesday renewed their call for a more independent investigation into the arrests of protesters during the Sept. 21 protests and even minors who were later determined as mere bystanders.

The Child Rights Network (CRN) said its member organizations have reported the conditions of the minors’ detention that they described as ‘unlawful.’

‘[H]owever.many of the children arrested were simply bystanders and were not paid to destroy property,’ the CRN said in a statement.

This was also in response to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remula’s claim that the minors arrested during the Sept. 21 protest were ‘paid to cause destruction,’ which prompted the CRN to urge the government to actually go after the adult perpetrators and leave the children to the mechanisms provided under the Juvenile Justice Law.

Remulla, in a statement on Sept. 23, said the incident in Mendiola was ‘not a legitimate’ protest, but insisted on the claim that it was an orchestrated act.

The CRN, however, also raised reports of physical violence against the children by state agents who arrested them, which they said was also raised to the group.

‘This underscores the need for an independent, thorough and impartial investigation to establish the truth and hold all those who committed violent acts against children accountable,’ the CRN said.

According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), there were 95 minors who were arrested during the Sept. 21 protests, along with 217 other individuals.

The DILG said that possible charges that may be filed against them are arson, destruction of property, inciting to sedition and sedition.

Remulla also claimed that there were reports of supposed plots by rioters to burn down Malacanang.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given the green light for the P5.2-million rental pool program of Damosa Land Inc., making it the first company to register under the new guidelines for real estate securities registration.

Damosa Land’s registration statement covered 100 certificates of participation in the condotel project of TRYP by Wyndham Samal in Davao del Norte province.

These are 94 standard class units at P50,000 each, four deluxe class units at P75,000 each and two suite class units at P100,000 each.

The project in Barangay Limao is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter of this year, with completion slated for the third quarter of 2028.

Rental pool arrangements

Under rental pool arrangements, buyers acquire units that are collectively managed by the developer or a third-party operator. In return, buyers receive a share of income earned from renting out the units.

This way, there will be no need to transfer ownership of the unit.

Under the SEC’s Memorandum Circular No. 12 Series of 2024, rental pool agreements are investment contracts and, therefore, securities that need to be registered with the commission before being offered to the public.

The memorandum covers investment contracts, certificates of participation, profit-sharing agreements and other forms of securities issued by real estate developers in relation to rental pool agreements, such as condotels.

Condotel

Analysts earlier warned that condotels, a portmanteau of the words ‘condominium’ and ‘hotel,’ may become pricier due to the new regulation.

According to them, property firms will have to go through the full process for registering securities and pay for associated SEC fees and other costs that may be passed on to buyers.

Still, they also recognized that buyers consider the potential returns high enough to take a risk and invest.

Consunji-led DMCI Homes and DoubleDragon Corp., through Hotel101, are among the developers currently offering rental pool arrangements.

Tropical Depression Paolo slightly intensified over the Philippine Sea, then state weather bureau reported Wednesday afternoon.

In its 5 p.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysics, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Paolo was last located around 665 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph, and gusts of up to 70 kph while moving west-northwest at 25 kph.

Pagasa raised a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal Number 1 over the northern portion of Catanduanes, particularly in Pandan, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, and Viga.

Pagasa also warned of minimal to minor impact from the strong winds Paolo is also set to bring ‘cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms’ over the following areas on Wednesday evening, Pagasa said.

Metro Manila

Bicol region

Isabela

Quirino

Nueva Vizcaya

Abra

Kalinga

Mountain Province

Ifugao

Benguet

Quezon

Aurora

Rizal

Bulacan

Nueva Ecija

Pagasa said that Paolo will make landfall in Isabela or northern Aurora on Friday.

It will, however, also trigger heavy rainfall and severe winds in localities outside of the landfall area.

P-pop powerhouse BINI looked ethereal in the first concept photos they posted for their new single ‘First Luv,’ set to be released on Oct. 2.

On Tuesday, the eight-piece girl group excited their fans, also called Blooms, with their charming and goddess-like concept photos.

In their group and individual images, the girls donned ruffled, corset-style pink clothing to exude a sense of romance and femininity as the song delves into the fairy tale-like feelings of having your first love.

The short teaser also showed the girl group members displayed like a vintage painting inside an art gallery.

‘First Luv’ is set to mark BINI’s new Tagalog release after three consecutive English singles: ‘Shagdi,’ ‘Blink Twice,’ and ‘Cherry on Top.’

In November, BINI will stage another show at the Philippine Arena, where they will perform new songs and mount new solo acts.

The award-winning girl group is also among the notable nominees in the inaugural Filipino Music Awards (FMA) to be held on Oct. 21.

BINI – composed of Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna, and Sheena – has also been recently announced as one of Coachella’s performers for the 2026 staging, making history as the first P-pop group and first Filipino act to grace the global music festival.

BINI, who debuted in June 2021 with the single ‘Born to Win,’ has emerged as one of the biggest P-pop groups today. They are known for their chart-topping hits ‘Pantropiko,’ ‘Salamin, Salamin,’ and ‘Lagi,’ among others. /edv

Fans of Janella Salvador and Marlo Mortel could not seem to contain their excitement as the former love team are gearing up for an upcoming TV series.

The pair, dubbed as MarNella, was in a tight embrace while at the filming set of an untitled project, as seen in the photo shared by production company Lowe Key Productions on its Facebook page on Tuesday, Sept. 30.

‘MarNella spotted behind-the-scenes of an upcoming TV series!’ the caption read.

Further details on the project were not immediately disclosed.

MarNella spotted behind-the-scenes of an upcoming TV series! The last time Marlo and Janella worked together on a TV series was 10 years ago (Oh My G!) who missed them? Salvador and Mortel first worked together as an onscreen tandem in the hit 2012 TV series ‘Be Careful with My Heart.’ After their teamup gained popularity, they headlined the 2025 series ‘Oh My G’ and also had stints in ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya’ and ‘Wansapanataym.’

The actors reunited in November 2024 and starred in the music video of Mortel’s single ‘Huling Ngiti.’

Also among the popular characters they portrayed are Juanito Alfonso and Carmela Montecarlos from the online novel ‘I Love You Since 1892.’ The actors’ faces were used as representations of the lead characters when the novel was turned into a paperback book. They, however, were not cast in the series adaption of the book. /edv

Tropical Depression (TD) Paolo is forecast to make landfall over Isabela or Northern Aurora on Friday, Oct. 3.

In its 11 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported the weather system’s position at 760 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes.

It was carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gusts of up to 55 km/h, moving westward at 25 km/h.

Paolo is expected to intensify over the Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm or typhoon category by Friday. It is less likely to affect weather conditions in the next 24 hours, although heavy rains are expected to begin on Friday.

According to Pagasa, no wind signal is currently hoisted, but Signal No. 1 may be raised over the eastern portions of Northern and Central Luzon in the afternoon or evening. Signal No. 3 is likely to be raised upon its passage.

Meanwhile, Pagasa also reported that at least nine tropical cyclones are expected to enter or develop within the PAR in the remaining months of 2025, with another 12 also projected between October 2025 and March 2026.

The forecast was released during Pagasa’s 188th Climate Outlook Forum. The 189th forum is set on October 29, where updated projections and climate advisories will be discussed

Who says everyday essentials have to come with everyday high prices? Not at MR.DIY! This September, the country’s favorite one-stop Familyhan store is turning the dial on savings with its first-ever DIYscounted Exclusives promo. Running from September 1-30, 2025, the promotion gives shoppers the chance to enjoy up to 50% off on a wide selection of home must-haves-making everyday living not just simple and joyful, but even more affordable. And here’s the best part: these aren’t just random finds. They’re from MR.DIY BRAND-the retailer’s very own private label, designed with Filipino families in mind. Directly sourced and produced to meet MR.DIY’s quality standards, these products deliver the perfect balance of value, affordability, and everyday convenience-all while staying true to the promise of ‘Always Low Prices.’

Top 5 Must-Buys You Can’t Miss

If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve rounded up five steals from this September”s DIYscounted Exclusives:

Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Stay hydrated on the go with a sleek, durable bottle perfect for school, work, or workouts.

MR.DIY Microfiber Cleaning Cloth – Say goodbye to dust and grime with these household cleaning heroes that make chores a breeze.

Multipurpose Storage Box with Lid – Declutter in style with spacious organizers ideal for keeping your Familyhan neat and tidy.

LED Bulb – Brighten up your home while saving energy-because good lighting doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Travel Neck Pillow – Comfort meets affordability, making this a must-buy for commuters, road trippers, and jet-setters.

With hundreds of items included in the promo, these five are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you’re stocking up on home basics, school supplies, or lifestyle accessories, MR.DIY BRAND has something for every member of the family.

Shop, Save, and Smile

The DIYscounted Exclusives promo is available in all participating MR.DIY stores nationwide. So the next time you step into MR.DIY, get ready to fill your basket with practical, high-quality finds-all at prices that will make you smile.

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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday said two supposed employees of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) were arrested over an alleged scheme to solicit a kickback from a corporation.

According to NBI Director Jaime Santiago, the two BIR employees tried to solicit a kickback from the taxes they claimed the corporation owed the government.

Santiago said the two first presented a letter of authority to assess the corporation they supposedly determined owed the bureau P36 million in taxes.

‘They lowered it to P6 million and later on it suddenly became P800,000,’ said Santiago in Filipino during a press conference.

‘But the agreement was that the government would only receive P200,000, while the remaining P600,000 would go to them,’ he added.

Asked if the BIR has confirmed that the two individuals were really its employees, the NBI agent in charge of the case only said both suspects did not deny that they were officers of the agency.

‘As a matter of fact, the entrapment occurred at the BIR office,’ the agent said, speaking in Filipino.