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Employees of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Northern Cebu whose livelihood have been disrupted by the recent calamity will receive emergency assistance through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

DOLE-7 regional director Roy Buenafe said the agency has allocated P11 million for the program, which is expected to benefit over a thousand displaced workers in Northern Cebu.

He said several workers lost their daily wages after operations in their workplaces were suspended, with some employers unable to provide compensation due to financial or personal difficulties.

‘To ensure that affected workers will not be left without income, we will provide them with TUPAD. For the first 10 days, they will receive minimum wage of P540 daily or a total of P5,400,’ he said.

Under the scheme, displaced employees will be tasked with clearing debris, cleaning workplaces, and assisting in community rehabilitation to make business operations viable again.

DOLE said it is coordinating with local governments, which have better knowledge of affected enterprises and workers.

‘Our priority is to assist disrupted and displaced workers immediately,’ Buenafe added.

Employers were also reminded that they cannot compel employees to report for work if there is imminent danger to their safety. ‘Absences under such conditions cannot be a ground for suspension or termination,’ DOLE said.

The labor department further urged affected workers to register with DOLE personnel deployed in the field so assistance can be extended as quickly as possible.

‘We need businesses to come back so people can sustain their livelihood, but in the meantime, we will ensure that no worker is left behind,’ Buenafe said.

The TUPAD program provides emergency employment and livelihood opportunities to those who have lost their jobs or sources of income due to crises.

The business community is becoming highly skeptical about the viability of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) created by President Marcos to look into the massive corruption in flood control projects.

In fact, the business sector has expressed the belief that the ICI probe may be doomed from the start, with a nebulous goal, funding, manpower and legal authority to mete punishment on those it is supposed to investigate.

As Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro had previously said, the ICI is merely a fact-finding body that is not supposed to mete punishment on any person who does not attend the hearings of the commission.

Sources in the business community point out that the scope of the investigation by the ICI is a logistical nightmare alone in hiring clerical staff, investigators, lawyers and competent assessors to help collect, check, verify documents and records, and then to compile and safeguard all testimonies, documents and paperwork submitted and gathered by the commission on the numerous flood projects that involves several government agencies.

The investigation, business observers note, could very well cover at least 10 years, and would therefore take even more time to validate and check.

While they are glad that former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson is part of the ICI, sources say that he was only prevailed upon by President Marcos to join the commission, even as he had previously rejected a return to government.

Singson’s corruption-free stint at the DPWH during the term of former president Benigno Aquino III has earned him the respect of international financial and aid organizations.

In fact, in a recent Asian Development Bank infrastructure seminar, just before the ICI was formed to investigate the corruption in flood control projects, Singson had told members of the media who attended the event about his strict and business approach to dealing with legislators and contractors who visited his office.

According to Singson, ‘Unlike others, I never offer my visitors anything to eat or drink when they come, because I do not want them to become comfortable or too friendly and stay longer than needed.’

Singson preferred to keep a formal and arms length approach in all his government dealings.

Perhaps, this approach in the conduct of the ICI hearings is being followed, much to the dislike and suspicion of some observers, since a public hearing allows for some theatrics by some of the legislators and witnesses.

The coverage of the investigation, sources said, is so extensive, and to synthesize all of the findings would itself be a humongous undertaking that may not be credibly completed in just a couple of months.

There is likewise no set timetable for the ICI to complete its work, leaving suspicion and causing frustration that the whole exercise is just a ploy to string the public along until the people get tired and bored, and decide to move on to the next political brouhaha.

The recent resignation of Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong is also being met with dismay by the business sector, which heightens their suspicion about the ability of the ICI to complete its task.

In the meantime, the stock market continues to tank while the economic managers continue to wax optimistic, and the political pot continues to be stirred by talks of military dissatisfaction.

Businessmen admit that the corruption probe has had a ‘chilling effect’ on business and the construction sector, which has a multiplier effect on the economy, has slowed down.

Fortunately, local and international economists remain optimistic that while the Philippine growth scenario will not be as robust as originally projected at the start of this year, it will remain in a slightly lower growth scenario even with the risks it faces.

The ADB, just this week, affirmed a resilient growth outlook for the country while acknowledging some uncertainties from global trade and investment policies and continued and heightened geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East and from the Russian-Ukraine war.

In a briefing, ADB country director for the Philippines Andrew Jeffries acknowledged that ‘Though these uncertainties pose increased risk, we see strong domestic demand anchoring growth, with sustained investments and an accommodative monetary policy supporting the economy’s expansion.’

The ADB forecasts inflation to ease this year, slowing to 1.8 percent before rising to three percent next year. It notes though that adverse weather conditions and climate shocks could put pressure on commodity prices.

Other downside risks to the growth outlook, the ADB cited, are external headwinds from heightened uncertainty, further shifts in global economic policies, and rising trade barriers that could affect market sentiment and hinder economic growth.

One factor it highlighted could be the fragility of China’s property market ‘that could weaken growth in the rest of the region.’

Sustained government investments, including for social services, are seen boosting domestic demand, the report said. Business sentiment remained positive, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ Q2 2025 survey, though softer amid external headwinds.

Consumer outlook stayed optimistic for 2026. This bodes well for private consumption growth, which is partly supported by steady inflow of remittances from overseas Filipinos.

The government, the ADB noted, aims to maintain infrastructure spending at five to six percent of gross domestic product, or GDP, over the medium term.

The recently signed Accelerated and Reformed Right-of-Way Act is expected to streamline land acquisition process for government and public-private partnership projects, which will help speed up infrastructure investments.

The new law, the ADB said, would benefit the government’s flagship projects, including the ADB-financed Malolos-Clark Railway Project and the South Commuter Railway project that would will link Metro Manila to northern and southern provinces in the Luzon region; and the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge Project that will connect the province of Cavite to Bataan and shorten travel time between the two provinces.

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan will get an increase in their monthly minimum wage, the Department of Migrant Workers announced yesterday.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said thousands of OFWs in Taiwan would receive higher salaries starting January 2026.

The government of Taiwan has approved a monthly minimum wage of NT$29,500 and NT$196 per hour, Cacdac said.

‘This is a victory for all workers in Taiwan, including OFWs and their families,’ Cacdac said.

Independent commissions have long promised to fight corruption in the Philippines. They are born with strong words and public hope, then die quietly when political winds shift. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure now carries that burden. Supporters say we should ‘let it do its job.’ True, but the real test is whether its work ends in convictions, not press conferences.

History paints a bleak picture. Former president Elpidio Quirino formed the Integrity Board in 1950, which could receive complaints only with Malacañang’s blessing and budget. Former president Ramon Magsaysay’s Presidential Complaints and Action Commission in 1953 energized citizens but lacked prosecutors. Former president Carlos P. Garcia’s Presidential Committee on Administration Performance Efficiency in the late 1950s conducted audits, not graft prosecutions. Former president Diosdado Macapagal’s Presidential Anti-Graft Committee in 1962 vanished with the next administration. Even Congress’ Office of the Citizens’ Counselor under Republic Act No. 6028 in 1969 – an ombudsman-type office – was never implemented. Different names, same fate: short-lived, dependent, disposable.

Only institutions built into the Constitution endured. In 1986, former president Corazon Aquino and the framers of the 1987 Constitution gave the ombudsman fiscal autonomy and its own Office of the Special Prosecutor. That is why major graft cases that reached judgment passed through the ombudsman and the courts, not ad hoc commissions. The lesson is blunt: presidential executive orders stir attention, but courts deliver accountability.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure through Executive Order No. 94. Its mandate covers substandard and ghost infrastructure projects of the last decade. It can subpoena records, hold hearings and submit reports to the President. On paper, the powers look broad. In practice, the design is fragile. Funding still comes from Malacañang. Subpoenas duces tecum need resort to courts for enforcement and contempt citations. Criminal cases still pass through the ombudsman or the Department of Justice (DOJ) before trial. The Sandiganbayan remains the court of jurisdiction. Unless the Commission is welded into this pipeline, it risks becoming another intake layer, not a producer of convictions and eventual imprisonments.

Telling the public to ‘let the commission do its job’ should mean more than patience. It should mean removing obstacles that doomed past bodies. Witnesses must be compelled, not invited. Records must be produced, not requested. Investigations must result in cases filed, not reports shelved. Anything less, and history repeats itself.

Neutrality is critical. The Supreme Court in 2010 struck down former president Benigno Aquino III’s Philippine Truth Commission for targeting a single administration. That ruling was a warning: selective scope kills credibility and invites failure of prosecution. The new Commission cannot afford to look partisan. Its reach must cover all administrations and contractors, with conflict-of-interest rules and independent audits of its members.

If the Commission wants to succeed, it needs fixes now. A memorandum of understanding with the ombudsman and the DOJ would force integration: joint teams, shared evidence rooms and strict deadlines and timelines from referral to filing. A statutory upgrade would secure subpoena power, budget and tenure. Dashboards showing how many cases were referred, information filed and convictions won would keep it accountable. Without these, it risks becoming another short-lived Malacañang creation.

Investigators must also watch where corruption starts: the bidding table. Republic Act 12009, the New Government Procurement Act of 2024, requires disclosure of beneficial ownership, standard bidding forms and budget alignment. Yet it has become common practice to subvert these rules through loopholes or selective enforcement. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport concession is a cautionary tale of a different but related kind. Several petitions before the Supreme Court question how the deal secured rushed approvals, ignored statutory guardrails and approved steep fee hikes despite subverting extant laws. The challenge is how to stop this cycle before it undermines every new reform.

The verdict from history is harsh. Executive-created bodies have been loud but brittle. They were easy to set up, easier to ignore and easiest to dismantle. Unless the new Commission is legally insulated, hardwired into the ombudsman and the DOJ and judged by the convictions and incarcerations it secures, it will follow the same curve.

The Filipino people now cry for convictions and imprisonments of those found guilty of plunder (under Republic Act 7080) and forfeiture of unlawfully acquired properties and taxpayers’ monies (under Republic Act 1379), among other relevant laws, after expeditious and public trials by special courts assigned by the Supreme Court to try those indicted. They do not need another body that fades with the headlines. They need concrete results that stand in court. That is the real job the Commission must do.

The Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats shoot for another victory as they tackle the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars in a rare Friday game of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 25 basketball tournament at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Wildcats outfoxed the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 72-65, in their previous match to snap a three-game losing spell.

Coach Felix ‘Donbel’ Belano, Jr. and his boys hope to make it back-to-back wins as they take on the listless Jaguars side at 6:45 p.m.

The Jaguars are smarting from two straight setbacks at the hands of the Benedicto College (BC) Cheetahs and the four-peat seeking University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers.

In the high school division, the CIT-U Baby Wildcats will battle against the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) at 5:15 p.m.

The Baby Wildcats tamed the UC Baby Webmasters in their season-opener while UCLM split their first two assignments, beating the USJ-R Baby Jaguars before falling prey to the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Blue Dragons just last Tuesday, September 30.

No, I am not talking about the death penalty when I speak of the penalty of death, but rather what it does to one’s soul, the spiritual decay and separation from God. This, however, casts no fear on those who must continue to bear the consequences for their actions in stealing from the people, the very same ones they swore to protect.

Then, to add to all the challenges that the country continues to face as we see more revelations about flood control, Cebu is hit by a massive magnitude 6.9 earthquake with at least 69 people killed and dozens of others injured. The province of Cebu is now under a state of calamity and thousands spent the night on the streets due to repeated aftershocks. It has also been reported that about 800,000 residents are without electricity weeks after Typhoon Opong and the most recent earthquake. Many residents are also reported to have no access to clean water after the back-to-back typhoons.

Most of the victims of the quake come from Bogo, which is said to be the place closest to the epicenter, with body bags lined on the streets and people being treated in tent hospitals. Not to mention the cracked roads and broken bridges that are making it difficult to get help to people fast. This is truly a tragedy and we are in it for the long haul.

Difficult as it may be to say, this is the real problem that we must set our sights on yet, despite all of our pains, there are those who choose to focus on matters that do absolutely nothing for our countrymen except to keep us divided or distracted from the bigger issues caused by greed and corruption that are literally killing our nation.

So what’s next for us? We are at a point in our history when our leaders and our people need to be united to fight for our country, regardless of color, because divisive factions do nothing for our nation’s future and progress. There is no room for more strife and conflict when the battle is clear – we need to fight against corruption and we can only do this together if we want to have a better Philippines. How many more communities or school buildings need to be destroyed by the wickedness of corrupt government officials and their supporters in order for us to decide on what we should do to collectively rebuild this country?

The time is now as we are drowning in the multiple schemes of corruption that have been created as acceptable and systemic. Multiple corrupt practices, as Mayor Benjamin Magalong explained, that is going on inside the House of Representatives point to its former leadership, where corruption is linked to the very top level of its ranks. Change starts from the top but sometimes, corruption can also come from the top as well. This is the hard and bitter truth that all of us must be brave enough to express so that we can all make the very idea of corruption extremely nauseating and revolting to people and make them fully appreciate and support good governance.

I don’t think we all completely understand how difficult it is for us to build our country on good governance, considering that corruption is so deeply entrenched in our society. Former US president Woodrow Wilson said: ‘If you want to make enemies, change something.’ Anyone of us who is involved in trying to make a change would likely agree with this statement because change does not come easy, as we have to unite in working against habits and behaviors that have been formed over a long period of time, and doing this involves people.

But first and foremost, in order for us to achieve this change, we must be compelling in our commitment to communicate the need for change so that more people will understand what the problem is and why this problem can no longer continue to persist. Corruption hurts everyone and erodes the trust we have in public servants who are supposed to act in our best interest.

At this juncture, we are facing one catastrophe after another and the question is, how much more can we handle and how prepared are we to endure potential challenges yet to come? In the aftermath of the Cebu earthquake, we are finding out that while the Philippines lacks the resources of Japan, a country that has achieved the world’s most sophisticated earthquake response and mitigation system, addressing the gaps we face in building safety standards and structural integrity of building structures, including taking earthquake drills and go bag reminders seriously, Filipinos can respond bravely and more quickly during crisis situations. This is why we need to act and tune in to the multiple scenarios that are happening in order for us to be part of the solution.

In the time of Noah, God saw how the wickedness of people became so pervasive that their hearts were filled with only evil. The sin of omission is disobedience to God’s plan for all of mankind, as this is a clear neglect of what is good because, by failing to help the very same people we promise to protect and serve, we actively participate in the process that is indifferent to the people’s right to a dignified life. What has happened to our countrymen is nothing less than evil and the consequences of this, as the Bible says, is death, the kind that is worse than any form of death penalty.

While some countries do sentence their corrupt officials to death, this has not stopped, even just by example, all those who have robbed and raped us. While this does not frighten them, perhaps we can take comfort knowing that the law of the Lord will give us the justice we deserve. The penalty of death represents all that we need to express in order to put an end to greed, apathy, corruption and love for power. The change is within our grasp and this is where we must place our firm resolve.

The use of temporary and improvised license plates will be prohibited beginning Nov. 1, the Land Transportation Office said yesterday.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the ban would be enforced as the agency cleared the backlog of license plates for motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles.

‘For those who have not yet claimed their license plates, we advise them to do so to avoid any inconvenience once the policy is implemented,’ he said.

Mendoza said motorists should no longer use improvised or temporary plates since there is no more backlog.

Under Joint Administrative Order 2014-001, violators face a fine of P5,000 and confiscation of the temporary or improvised license plates.

Motorists using such plates will not be accepted for registration renewal.

Mendoza, however, clarified that improvised plates may still be allowed if these are properly authorized by the LTO office that processed a request for a duplicate plate.

The much-awaited completion of asphalt works at the Ayala Heights diversion road in Barangay Pung-ol Sibugay has finally been realized, providing safer and better passage for commuters heading to Cebu City’s mountain barangays and those traversing the Transcentral Highway.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed the development in a public advisory issued yesterday, expressing gratitude to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and contractor WTG for fulfilling their commitment to complete the project.

‘Good news to all our commuters traveling to the mountain barangays and those passing through the Transcentral Highway! The Ayala Heights Diversion Road has already been asphalted, providing safe and smooth access to the public,’ Archival announced.

Archival also highlighted what cooperation can do.

‘This is a clear example of how cooperation and action truly bring service to the public. Padayon ta sa kaluwasan ug kalambuan,’ he added.

He personally inspected the site following weeks of delay that prompted the Cebu City Government to issue an ultimatum to the contractor.

Archival had warned that the city would take over the project if work did not proceed immediately.

The swift completion of the asphalt overlay is seen as a direct result of the city’s firm stance on contractor accountability.

Archival reiterated the importance of timely infrastructure delivery, noting that delays not only inconvenience commuters but also hinder the city’s broader mobility goals.

The Ayala Heights diversion road serves as a vital alternate route for upland barangays, helping decongest traffic and improving access to interior communities.

Its completion marks a significant step in enhancing road safety and connectivity in the area.

Team Jotun swept Boysen in their best-of-three finals series with a 95-86 victory in Game 2 to successfully defend their crown in the Cebu Architects Basketball Club (CABC) 7th Corporate Cup at the Game Changer Sports Facility along Hernan Cortes Street in Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City recently.

Chester Hinagdanan sizzled with 23 points, two rebounds, five assists, and three steals to power Jotun to back-to-back titles.

Not to be outdone, Philip Alegado tossed in 19 points and six rebounds while Dex Caadan tallied 14 markers with seven rebounds and four assists for Jotun, which finished the tournament with a perfect 12-0 record.

Jotun actually suffered an offensive meltdown after establishing a huge 22-point lead, 69-47, late in the third quarter, enabling Boysen to pull within just four points, 71-75, early in the final period.

But Jotun held their ground against a tough endgame challenge by Boysen to breeze through a rousing nine-point triumph.

Kim Rebosura paced Boysen with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Carlos Baltar and Alfredo Sanchez combined for 29 points while Joseph Cabigas scored 11 in a losing effort.

The Philippines had a total of 30 national winners for the 2025 Asian Academy Creative Awards, with recipients including Dingdong Dantes, Dennis Trillo and action series “Incognito.”

Half of the national winners were projects by GMA Network including “Pepito Manaloto – The Story Continues” (Best Comedy Program), “Stars on the Floor” (Best Music/Dance Program), “The Voice Kids” (Best Adaptation of an Existing Format, Non-Scripted) and “Beauty Empire” director of photography Jay Abello (Best Cinematography, Fiction).

GMA also dominated the documentary division as “Lost Sabungeros” won the One-Off category, “I Juander: History for Sale” won the History category and “Reporter’s Notebook: Asia’s Scam Cities” won the Series category.

Dennis won Best Lead Actor for his role in “Green Bones” while the movie’s writers Anj Atienza and National Artist Ricky Lee won Best Screenplay.

Dingdong won Best Entertainment Host as the face of “Family Feud Philippines” while Anjo Baraquel and Julie Anne San Jose’s track “Gemini” for “Slay” won Best Theme Song/Title Theme.

Other GMA winners were the “Inside the Crocodile Cage” episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” for Best Infotainment Program, the “YOLO sa Antique” episode of “Biyahe ni Drew” for Best Lifestyle Program, “Eleksyonaryo: The Dapat Totoo Digital Exclusives” for Best Short Form (Scripted) and “DigiDokyu: The Rice God of the Cordillera” for Best Short Form (Non-Scripted).

ABS-CBN meanwhile won four awards: “Incognito” for Best Drama Series, “Saving Grace” for Best Adaptation of an Existing Format (Scripted), “How to Spot a Red Flag” for Best Original Production by a Streamer (Fiction) shared with Viu and the “The Silent House (Maguad Family Story)” episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” for Best Single Drama/Telemovie/Anthology Episode.

Other high-profile national winners were “Untold” star Jodi Sta. Maria for Best Lead Actress, “The Kingdom” star Piolo Pascual for Best Supporting Actor, “The Caretakers” star Dimples Romana for Best Supporting Actress, “Isang Himala” for Best Feature Film and its filmmaker Pepe Diokno for Best Director (Fiction).

Completing the Philippine winners were the third season of “Sing Galing” for Best Non-Scripted Entertainment, Gretchen Ho of “Morning Matters” for Best Factual Presenter, “Money Talks with Cathy Yang” for Best News Program, “Merry ang Vibes ng Pasko” for Best General Entertainment Program, “Ready, Set, Read!” for Best Children’s Program, and “JSM Travel and Tours” for Best Promo/Trailer.

Dennis is in good company as fellow category winners include Korean star Park Bo-gum for “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” Taiwanese F4 star Vic Chou for “The World Between Us: After the Flames and Australia’s Jacob Elordi for “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” while Piolo was accompanied by Australia-based actor Hugo Weaving for “How To Make Gravy.”

Jodi’s fellow winners are Oscar-winning “Disclaimer” star Cate Blanchett and “Pachinko” star Kim Min-ha, both of whom also won at the recent Seoul International Drama Awards. Min-ha’s co-star and another Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung won in Dimples’ category.

Other notable Korean winners are “When Life Gives You Tangerines” as Best Drama Series, “Culinary Class Wars” for Best Non-Scripted Entertainment and the 2024 MAMA Awards for Best General Entertainment Program.

All national winners will be invited to a conference, red carpet, and Grand Awards Gala taking place in Singapore this December 3 and 4.