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The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has slapped a temporary ban on molasses imports to stabilize domestic stocks and prop up millsite prices.

The SRA issued Molasses Order (MO) 1 following the surge in shipments of imported molasses and the spike in the local output of the raw sugar byproduct.

Molasses imports for crop year 2024-2025 jumped to 853,285 metric tons (MT) as of end-August, 28 percent higher than the average annual shipments in the three previous crop years.

Local production of the sugar byproduct also rose by 21 percent to 1.18 million metric tons (MMT) in the reference period from 975,934 MT last year. This resulted in a domestic millsite stock balance of 303,961 MT.

The SRA noted that the millsite price of domestic molasses also plunged by 30 percent year-on-year to P12,000 per MT as of August 24.

‘Farmers, planters, sugar mills, and other stakeholders have expressed grave concerns on the issues of the stock balance of domestic molasses as well as the marked decrease in its millsite prices,’ MO 1 read.

‘There is, likewise, a concern on the apparent discrepancy between the volume of locally produced molasses used as feedstock by bioethanol producers and the corresponding volume of the products resulting therefrom.’

As such, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona told the BusinessMirror that the agency needs to verify that the feedstock used for bioethanol was local.

Under the Biofuels Act of 2006 or Republic Act (RA) 9367, all liquid fuels for motors and engines sold in the country should be blended with locally-sourced biofuels components.

‘There is thus a need to impose a moratorium on the importation of molasses, and to revisit and review the policies and practices on the same, if only to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship between the local production and the importation of molasses.’

The MO stipulated that the temporary ban on molasses imports will remain in effect until December 31, 2025 unless otherwise shortened or extended by the agency.

During the period of the ban, the SRA said it would not accept applications for import clearance of molasses.

However, all pending applications filed with the agency before the MO are deemed exempted. Imported shipments of molasses already in transit or covered by a purchase order as of the effectivity of the MO are also not included in the ban.

The SRA noted that imported molasses arriving in the country after November 30 would be covered by the MO and would not be issued import clearances.

Any violation of the provision under the order would be a ground for the revocation or non-renewal of the SRA registration of the molasses importer, it added.

AT least 62 people were killed and 201 were injured in the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit northern Cebu on Tuesday night, the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said.

‘We have confirmed the death of 62, and we are still verifying reports coming. We have a report that says 201 persons were injured,’ Patricia Vasaya, monitoring officer at PDRRMO, said.

Many of the victims were rushed to the Bogo City Hospital, which recorded 30 deaths as of 2 p.m.

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) said rescue, retrieval and relief operations are on-going, with the hope of saving lives. Tuesday night’s temblor is the strongest earthquake that hit Northern Cebu in history.

Owing to the Magnitude 6.9 earthquake, the provincial government of Cebu declared a state of calamity. In line with this, a price ceiling on agricultural commodities is in effect, as mandated by Republic Act 7581 or ‘The Price Act.’

Among those killed were rescuers deployed by the Coast Guard (PCG).

Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, Apprentice Seaman (ASN) Jujay Mahusay, and ASN Ert Cart Dacunes, were killed following the collapse of the San Remegio Sports Complex in San Remegio, Cebu, during the earthquake.

DSWD sends relief items

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday reported that more than 27,000 families across 42 barangays have been affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday.

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the number of affected families is expected to rise as assessments continue as he assured Cebuanos that their immediate needs, including food and water, will be promptly addressed.

‘While there is much work to be done for recovery, President Marcos instructed us to prioritize the immediate needs of affected families. Relief efforts will focus first on what they need now,’ he said during his rounds in Bogo City, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Fresh from overseeing relief operations in Masbate, which was also recently struck by Typhoon Opong, the DSWD chief supervised the distribution of family food packs (FFPs), marking the agency’s initial wave of assistance for quake victims. Boxes of FFPs were immediately dispatched to Bogo City, with additional aid expected to support ongoing relief operations. Ready-to-eat food (Rtef) boxes, containing meals requiring minimal preparation, are also set to be distributed.

The DSWD currently maintains a stockpile of over 300,000 FFPs at the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City. In addition to food aid, the Department will deploy disaster response vehicles and equipment, including mobile command centers, mobile kitchens, water treatment units, and tanker trucks.

‘All of these will arrive by 6:00 p.m. Wednesday,’ Gatchalian said.

In terms of cash assistance, Gatchalian assured the provincial local government of Cebu that the DSWD’s Field Office 7-Central Visayas will provide cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. Benefits under AICS include medical assistance to the injured locals and burial assistance for families who lost their loved ones from the powerful quake.

The department is also preparing psychosocial interventions to help the affected families and individuals deal with the trauma caused by the late Tuesday night earthquake.

For the recovery phase, the DSWD chief said the agency will provide emergency cash assistance (ECT) as soon as the clean list of beneficiaries is provided by the concerned local governments (LGU).

‘These cash transfers allow families to prioritize their own needs, whether it’s rebuilding homes or restoring livelihoods,’ Gatchalian explained.

Gatchalian has instructed all DSWD Field Offices to be on standby and their personnel ready to be deployed to augment the manpower and resources of Field Office-Central Visayas.

The department also said it will provide burial assistance to families of those who died as a result of the earthquake.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said the agency’s field office in Central Visayas will also provide P10,000 cash assistance to the families who lost their loved ones.

First in history

THE earthquake occurred at exactly 9:59 p.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. The epicenter of the Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake, with a depth of five kilometers, was traced in Bogo City, Cebu.

It generated an Intensity VII ground-shaking event in the City of Bogo, and the towns of Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio and Tabuelan, while Intensity VI was also in Murcia, Negros Occidental; as well as Bantayan, Borbon, Catmon and Sogod, also in Cebu province.

John Deximo, Senior Science Specialist at Phivolcs, said the agency will deploy a quick response team to conduct an assessment of the damage caused by the earthquake. He said the strong earthquake, which was triggered by movements in a local offshore fault, is a first in Cebu.

‘This [earthquake] is a first in northern Cebu. We are calling it the Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake. This is the first time that a strong earthquake was recorded in northern Cebu. We are still gathering information. From what we see in the social media posts, we have moderate to heavy damage in structures, buildings and infrastructure, so we will deploy immediate QRT from our team to assess local governments,’ Deximo, a seismologist, said.

He said outside Cebu, the event is expected to affect other provinces in Central Visayas, and other nearby provinces in Luzon and Mindanao.

‘We will have to assess the damage and will refine the reported intensities,’ he said.

Deximo said the QRT will be deployed within the day, and they are expected to assess the damage in buildings, roads, bridges, and investigate geohazards such as liquefaction and landslides, and come up with recommendations for possible evacuation and putting up of an evacuation center where affected communities will be safe.

The Phivolcs Earthquake Information on the Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake reported that Intensity V was felt in Cataingan, Esperanza, and Pio V. Corpuz, in Masbate; City of Cadiz, Hinigaran, Moises Padilla, City of San Carlos, San Enrique, City of Sipalay and Toboso Negros Occidental; Dauis, City of Tagbilaran, and Talibon, in Bohol; Alcoy, Argao, Asturias, Carmen, Compostela, Consolacion, Dalaguete, Danao City, Liloan, Oslob, Samboan, San Fernando, and Santander, in Cebu; Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City,

Almeria, Biliran, Cabucgayan, Caibiran, Culaba, Kawayan, Maripipi, and Naval in Biliran; Abuyog, Alangalang, Albuera, Babatngon, Barugo, Bato, City of Baybay, Burauen, Calubian, Capoocan, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan, Isabel, Jaro, Javier, Julita, Kananga, La Paz, Leyte, Macarthur, Matag-Ob, Matalom, Mayorga, Merida, Palo, Palompon, Pastrana, San Isidro, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Tabango, Tabontabon, Tanauan, Tolosa, Tunga, and Villaba, Leyte; Ormoc City and Tacloban City.

The earthquake was also strongly felt in areas as far as Albay, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, and Camiguin province.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (NDRRMC) also reported three related incidents in Central Luzon, including a landslide, a structural fire, and the collapse of infrastructure.

So far, 22 damaged infrastructures have been recorded, including one road section and five bridge sections.

The NDRRMC said eight cities and towns experienced power interruption.

At least 46 cities and towns in Central Visayas have already cancelled classes, while four cities and municipalities declared work suspension because of the earthquake.

President Marcos ordered concerned government agencies to deploy immediate aid and emergency funds in the areas in the island province.

Hours after the quake hit, Social Welfare Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian, Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque flew to the province to coordinate government support, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

Marcos also directed the Department of Health (DOH) to check the status of the personnel of the medical facilities, which are near the affected areas so they can assist the quake victims.

‘Doctors, nurses, and staff of the DOH Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center [VSMMC] and the DOH Cebu South Medical Center [CSMC] have reported back on their safety. They are now deploying medical teams to nearby areas, especially in Bogo City itself,’ PCO said.

PCO said the Department of the Interior and Local Government has also mobilized personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the National Police (PNP) to help search and rescue operations as well as to prevent looting and maintain order.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has P379 million in standby funds and has 2.4 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned nationwide which can be tapped to provide relief to the affected areas.

Of the food packs, 300,000 are spread all over Cebu and ready for immediate distribution, Gatchalian said.

For its part, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the agencies which are responding to the recent disaster may use their Quick Response Funds (QRF) to provide urgent relief and recovery initiatives.

It noted that agencies may seek replenishment from the DBM once their QRF balance has been reduced to at least 50 percent.

The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed medical teams to Bogo City, Cebu following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Tuesday night.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that the first batch of the emergency response team came from Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City.

In addition, the DOH Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) on Wednesday has also deployed medical teams not only in Bogo City but in nearby areas.

The DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs-regional offices) in Central and Eastern Visayas have reported back and are now coordinating with their regional counterparts of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Herbosa said.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized its ambulances from Cebu, Bogo, and Masbate to assist those affected by the earthquake.

The PRC said that its volunteers continue to respond on the scene to provide essential medical care.a

THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday announced a price freeze on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene in Cebu following the earthquake on Tuesday night.

The price freeze will be implemented for 60 days to ensure price stability. This move, added the DOE, is meant to protect households from undue economic burden and guarantee the continued availability of essential fuel products that are critical in cooking, lighting, and other immediate recovery needs.

‘Stability of fuel prices and availability of supply are vital in times of disaster. The Department is working closely with all partners to make sure that families and frontliners have access to the essential energy resources they need during relief and recovery operations,’ Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

The DOE, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local governments, will be conducting inspections to prevent overpricing and profiteering during this critical period. Violators face heavy penalties under the law.

The DOE also assures that there is sufficient supply of petroleum products in the province and that distribution channels are being closely coordinated with oil companies and local authorities to ensure uninterrupted access to consumers, particularly in evacuation centers and hardest-hit communities.

Price freeze on basic goods

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has implemented a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in the entire province of Cebu following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province on September 30.

‘We recognize the heavy toll this disaster has brought to families. Beyond enforcing the price freeze, our priority is to ensure that prices and supplies are affordable and stable,’ Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said in a statement on Wednesday.

Currently, DTI said its monitoring teams in field offices have been deployed to ‘actively’ inspect markets, verify prices, and guarantee an ‘adequate and continuous’ supply of these basic goods in all affected communities.

Roque said the department will be ‘vigilant’ in making sure that consumers are protected from undue price increases.

DTI said the automatic price freeze immediately took effect upon the declaration of a State of Calamity by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Resolution 1985, Series of 2025).

Visayas grid on yellow alert

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on Wednesday placed the Visayas grid on yellow alert until midnight after 27 power plants, with 1,444 megawatts (MW) of total capacity, went on forced outage owing to the 6.9-magnuitude earthquake that struck Cebu.

A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement. The Visayas grid’s available capacity stood at 1,888 MW as against a peak demand of 1,839MW. The alert is in effect from 1p.m. to 9 p.m.

The grid operator also reported 16 more power plants that have been unavailable even prior to the incident, while one other is running on derated capacity.

In all, a total of 1654.7 MW was shaved off from the grid as of Wednesday noon.

The Luzon and Mindanao grids, meanwhile, are under normal condition.

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (Mgen), the power generation arm of Meralco, said its thermal plants in the Visayas-Cebu Energy Development Corporation (CEDC) and Toledo Power Company (TPC)-tripped as a safety precaution during the seismic event.

CEDC, which has a net saleable capacity of 219.7 MW, and TPC, with a net saleable capacity of 73 MW, were promptly inspected by technical teams.

Earlier in the day, MGen said two units of CEDC and one unit of TPC have already been safely restarted and synchronized to the grid, while the remaining unit is undergoing inspection and will be brought back online progressively.

As of press time, MGen said ‘all CEDC units and TPC unit are already synced to the grid.’

Mgen said it is closely coordinating with the Department of Energy, NGCP, and local authorities to support system stability and help meet the power needs of Cebu and the Visayas grid.

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said there are 24 electric cooperatives (ECs) across 10 provinces in four regions that reported power interruptions caused by the earthquake.

It said that restoration efforts are ongoing for 844,428 affected consumer connections.

Meanwhile, the DOE, in coordination with the NGCP, power generation companies, and ECs, mobilized sector-wide efforts to immediately secure power supply to hospitals, water stations, and other lifeline facilities.

The DOE said that as of 9:00 a.m., significant progress has been reported in the Visayas, with 214 out of 309 affected towns (69.26 percent) already energized. The status across ECs, however, remains varied as 15 are operating normally; four are experiencing partial power interruptions and five continue to face total power interruptions. The DOE said restoration efforts are actively underway to bring electricity back to 844,428 consumer connections.

Meanwhile, Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines has suspended the market operations in the Visayas grid beginning 10:05 p.m. of September 30.

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday said two of the five accused in the killing of Philippine Charity Sweeptakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga in 2020 have already surrendered following the issuance of an arrest warrant against them by a local court.

The accused were identified as former police officers Santie Mendoza, and Nelson Mariano.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the two expressed their intention to surrender upon learning that an arrest warrant has been issued against them by the Branch 279 of the Regional Trial Court in Mandaluyong on Monday.

On September 29, 2025, Mariano voluntarily surrendered to the NBI-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-OTCD) while Mendoza voluntarily surrendered on September 30 to NBI agents who flew to Bacolod City to implement the arrest warrant.

It can be recalled that Mendoza and Mariano confessed their involvement in the Baruyaga murder case during the House Quad Committee hearing conducted on September 27, 2024.

They implicated former PCSO general manager Royina Garma, former National Police Commission (Napolcom) Chairman Edilberto Leonardo and police officer Jeremy Causapin in the crime.

This led to the filing of murder and frustrated murder charges against them.

Barayuga, a retired police officer who was then PCSO Board Secretary, and his driver were shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen while traversing the intersection of Calbayog and Malinaw Streets in Mandaluyong City on July 30, 2020.

Barayuga died at the scene, while his driver sustained gunshot injuries.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Department of Justice (DOJ) will seek the cancellation of Garma’s passport.

Remulla added that he would ask Santiago to check on the possibility of requesting a red notice from the Interpol to hasten Garma’s return to the country.

He said Garma and her co-accused will be considered as fugitives if they will not surrender to authorities despite the issuance of the arrest warrant against them.

It can be recalled that Garma was allowed to leave for Malaysia a day after returning to the country from Los Angeles, California, last September 6 following the denial of her application for political asylum.

Garma left as a tourist for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, according to the Bureau of Immigration, on September 7.

Garma was allowed to leave the country after the BI was able to verify that there was no hold departure order (HDO) or warrant of arrest issued against her.

Remulla later on disclosed that Garma has agreed to testify for the prosecution in connection with the crimes against humanity filed in the International Criminal Court against former President Rodrigo Duterte for his bloody anti-illegal drug war.

He said Garma left for Malaysia to meet with ICC representatives in preparation for her testimony.

THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) celebrates its 50th season with a classic Barangay Ginebra San Miguel-Magnolia showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

And to also celebrate the golden anniversary of Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league, the PBA welcomed Pureblends to the family during the pre-season press conference on Wednesday at the Shangrila Fort.

‘We are very happy that we’re accepted by the PBA, we waited for a long time and the timing is great because it’s in the PBA’s 50th anniversary,’ Pureblends team governor Emil Tiu said. ‘We will learn from here and we are to compete.’

Pureblends took over NorthPort’s franchise with the team carrying the brand Titan Ultra-a food supplement for men-and the players as the Giant Risers.

They will debut against the Meralco Bolts on October 8 at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

Former Terrafirma coach Johnedel Cardel will handle the team composed of Cade Flores, Calvin Abueva, Joshua Munzon, Fran Yu, Damie Cuntapay, James Kwekuteye, Jeo Ambohot, rookies Chris Koon and 6-foot-9 Mario Barasi.

Jerrick Balanza and Von Pessumal are also part of the Titan Ultra roster that reportedly bought the Batang Pier franchise for P90 million-lock, stock and barrel.

‘I must admit that we are still a young team, but we have a complete lineup,’ Tiu said. ‘We will give the strong teams a good fight. We will fight.’

League treasurer Atty. Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix Super LPG said Titan Ultra complied with all the requirements to get the nod of the board.

Terrafirma also named Alfredo ‘Pido’ Jarencio as its representative to the board replacing Bobby Rosales.

Ginebra-Magnolia game where LA Tenorio will make his debut as playing-coach of the Chicken Timplados is set at 7:30 p.m.

The PBA will be holding a Fans Day on Saturday at the Green Gate of Smart Araneta Coliseum to be followed by a celebration and concert at the Meralco Theater with the pro league’s past and present members.

The average price of nickel could inch up to $15,400 per metric ton (MT) this year on the back of stable demand and a weakening dollar, according to a research firm.

BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, recently adjusted upward its nickel price forecast from $15,000 per MT. Indonesia’s policies, however, remain a downside risk.

‘We now hold a more optimistic outlook for [the second half of] 2025 than previously, with prices set to hold firm for the remainder of the year,’ BMI said. ‘[This will be] underpinned by Fed optimism and persistent policy-driven turbulence in Indonesia, alongside broadly stable demand conditions.’

‘That said, we remain cautious as Indonesia’s ongoing capacity additions are a key headwind that continues to skew risks to our outlook to the downside.’

Despite lowering this year’s global nickel demand growth forecast due to softer global growth and heightened trade risks, the research firm expects the market to remain solid, a development that is expected to benefit Philippine nickel exporters.

‘Demand is expected to remain solid, underpinned by expanding stainless steel output and the rise in electric vehicles (EVs), led by leading global consumer Mainland China.’

Meanwhile, BMI said nickel quotations could continue to face downward pressure beyond 2025, ‘seeing more moderate growth than previously anticipated due to the continued surge in Indonesian nickel production.’

In particular, the research firm lowered its projection for the average price of nickel in 2029 to $18,000 per MT, from its initial outlook of $21,500 per MT as the market remains oversupplied.

‘Recent nickel smelter curtailments and suspensions outside Indonesia underscore the long-term nature of these market pressures.’

BMI also noted that Indonesia presents the ‘greatest source of uncertainty’ for the refined nickel market in the longer term.

‘Ultimately, the pace at which the country is able to ramp up refined nickel production capacity will determine how well supplied the global market is in the coming decade,’ the BMI said.

‘Simultaneously, evolving battery chemistries introduce another layer of uncertainty, potentially reshaping nickel demand patterns in the clean energy sector.’

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has backed a proposal to extend the amnesty program for former rebels until 2028 due to the sheer number of pending applicants.

Based on the latest data from the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), there are currently 4,269 people as of 19 September 2025, 4,269 former rebel0, who have applied for the amnesty program which is set to lapse on March 13 of 2026.

‘Then, we got an information from the Task Force Balik-Loob wherein they informed us that they have a total of 50,000 potential applicants and we have the remaining six months to receive the applications,’ National Amnesty Commission Chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento said in a press briefing in Malacañang last Wednesday.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Director Ernesto C. Torres Jr. said the proposal is now under review.

‘Its approval [is] held in abeyance pending further review of the Office of the President, so that this status on that,’ Torres said.

Armamento hopes to extend the amnesty program for two years or until 13 March 2028 with the support of Congress.

‘The reason for that is that when a proclamation for amnesty is issued by the President, we have to ask congress for concurrence. So, if we want that-we only ask one more time from Congress so that it will be too much of an effort from the part of the National Amnesty Commission,’ she said. The NAC has recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos the granting of amnesty to only 9 former rebels.

In a statement, the Office the Presidential Adviser of the Peace Process announced that Marcos has approved the recommendation of the NAC, which covered eight former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and one former member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The slow pace of the approval of the amnesty applicants was due to the large number of NAC members, who must sign the certificate of amnesty including the secretaries of Justice, Interior and Local Government, National Defense as well as the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process.

Most of the said NAC members conduct their own review and vetting process for the applicants. This results in an approval process which can take from a week to as long to two months.

Marcos authorized the granting of amnesty to members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), CPP-NPA-NDF, MILF, and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) through four proclamations, which he issued in 2023. (Samuel Medenilla)

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has intensified relief efforts to provide quick assistance to the victims of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu and nearby provinces Tuesday night.

Acting on orders of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., PCSO General Manager Mel Robles has directed their branch offices and authorized agent corporations (AACs) to rapidly deliver essential help and aid to affected communities.

AACs Piona Trading and Supply Corp., and King Dragon Gaming and Amusement Corporation were among the first to respond, delivering donations such as food and other essential items to the Cebu Provincial Government on Wednesday.

Additional AAC donations were already en route to Cebu, with more in the pipeline from other partners.

Charitimba food packs are part of the initial relief efforts.

Evaluation supply kits, including mosquito nets, plastic mats, blankets, slippers, flashlights, pillows, towels, and other necessities, have been airlifted via C-130 aircraft Wednesday afternoon to support survivors.

GM Mel Robles stated: ‘Our thoughts are with our kababayans in Cebu and the surrounding areas. PCSO is closely monitoring the situation and will extend further assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected’.

He continued: ‘We are working tirelessly to bring comfort during these challenging times.’

He added the spirit of bayanihan is alive in their efforts.

He also encouraged everyone to remain resilient and united, knowing that help is on the way.

PCSO remains committed to a holistic response that goes beyond medical assistance, encompassing comprehensive relief efforts to support disaster-stricken communities.

According to the latest reports from the Office of Civil Defense, the earthquake has resulted in 63 fatalities and over 150 injuries.

GM Robles vowed the PCSO will continue to coordinate with relevant authorities to support ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.

With the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) expected to issue multiple complaints and recommendations, a lawmaker has called on the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fast-track the appointment of the next Ombudsman, a post left vacant since the retirement of Samuel Martires in July.

House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila M. De Lima issued the call following the recommendation of the ICI to the Ombudsman for the filing of criminal and administrative charges against former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co and 17 others over the alleged P290-million flood control project anomaly in Oriental Mindoro.

‘In light of massive issues of corruption our country faces today, there is an urgent need for the appointment of the regular Ombudsman, as the agency will certainly receive many complaints and recommendations from the ICI,’ De Lima said.

‘Given the widespread collusion and the number of lawmakers and government officials implicated in these anomalous flood control projects, the Office of the Ombudsman needs a regular appointee who can fully focus on the growing number of cases,’ she added.

During the House plenary deliberations on the proposed 2026 budget of the Office of the Ombudsman on September 24, De Lima stressed the need for the agency to act promptly, be more transparent, and be more receptive to complaints of graft and corruption.

‘As the ICI investigation progresses, it is expected to recommend additional complaints to the Office of the Ombudsman. With other corruption cases, this will certainly keep their office busy-underscoring the urgent need for an ombudsman to lead the process,’ the lawmaker reiterated.

De Lima also pressed the Office of the Ombudsman to address the unnecessary and unfortunate dismissal of cases due to inordinate delays in fulfilling its mandate under the Constitution.

‘As the country’s Tanodbayan, the Ombudsman should champion the government’s anti-corruption efforts. It must be swift, serious, and fair in filing solid cases against erring public officials who plunder the nation’s wealth,’ De Lima said.

‘The appointment of a new Ombudsman should no longer be delayed. It is crucial to ensure accountability, advance pending cases, and deliver long-overdue justice to the Filipino people,’ she said.

THE Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) formally signed a partnership agreement to strengthen leadership capabilities, foster innovation, and accelerate organizational growth within the state-run postal service.

The agreement was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Makati City, attended by officials from both institutions.

Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Maximo C. Sta. Maria III, himself an AIM alumnus, described the collaboration as a vital step in preparing the agency for the demands of modern public service.

‘For many years, PHLPost has connected families, supported trade, and served communities nationwide. As the world evolves, so must we,’ Sta. Maria said.

‘This partnership with AIM is an investment in our people-helping us deliver reliable services, adopt best practices, and transform PHLPost into a future-ready institution.’

Under the partnership, PHLPost managers and executives will undergo specialized training beginning with a Supply Chain Management Program. The course is designed to equip leaders with critical skills in planning, sourcing, inventory management, logistics, and risk management-capabilities that are increasingly essential as postal services adapt to digitalization and e-commerce growth.

AIM Business Development Senior Manager Joan Vidal said the program was tailored to address the evolving needs of the postal service. She added that the partnership paves the way for more customized training initiatives aimed at strengthening PHLPost’s competitiveness and long-term relevance.

Meanwhile, AIM School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning Program Head Jose Raphael Ibarra highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration.

‘We are proud to partner with PHLPost in this journey of modernization. Together, we can empower leaders, strengthen institutions, and create lasting impact through innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for national development,’ Ibarra said.

The initiative forms part of PHLPost’s broader modernization agenda, which includes digital transformation, improved delivery systems, and stronger employee engagement programs. By investing in leadership development, PHLPost seeks to reinforce its role as a vital service provider-connecting Filipinos through communication, commerce, and community service.