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An investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on anomalies in infrastructure projects will include former public works chief and now Sen. Mark Villar, his senator-sister Camille as well as their mother, Cynthia – a former senator – specifically over P18.5 billion in infrastructure contracts in Las Piñas bagged by a close relative.

‘They’re related interests. They have the same interest – it’s one relationship, one family, first degree of consanguinity, to the fourth degree of consanguinity or even third degree. From senator to the contractor is third degree,’ DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.

He said Mark Villar will be the focus of the DOJ probe on the P18.5 billion worth of projects awarded to a contractor who is his first cousin.

‘That’s prohibited interest,’ Remulla said.

He said the contracts bagged by the senator’s first cousin were for flood control, buildings and road projects.

The DOJ chief said the investigation will cover the period when Mark served as DPWH secretary during the Duterte administration and when he is already a lawmaker.

Remulla made it clear that the investigation on the Villar family is just one of the 67 cases being looked into by Congress.

Invitations to the Villars and to other people, he said, will come later as authorities work to ‘build up everything.’

Remulla said the DOJ continues its case build-up on lawmakers, private contractors and DPWH officials implicated in alleged anomalous infrastructure projects.

‘We have to do it. Bid-rigging happens everywhere. Impunity of corruption, kasi wala na nga nahuhuli (because nobody gets arrested),’ he said.

MP Promotions and Araneta City yesterday celebrated the 50th anniversary of the epic ‘Thrilla in Manila,’ regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxing fight ever, leading up to a loaded fight card on Oct. 29.

MP Promotions, led by eight-division world champion and International Boxing Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao, and Irene Jose, COO of Uniprom, the entertainment arm of Araneta City, unveiled an exhibit featuring memorabilia from the unforgettable world title fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at the Araneta Coliseum – then considered as one of the world’s largest indoor arenas.

The world stood still on Oct. 1, 1975 as the title fight between Ali and Frazier was watched by a live audience of more than 20,000 and over a billion on TV and pay-per-view across the globe.

On Oct. 29, the Philippines will commemorate that one-of-a-kind battle with a card including Ali’s grandson Nico Ali Walsh.

Walsh will clash against Thailand’s Patumpong Saengarun in a middleweight undercard bout while WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem stakes his belt against No. 2 contender Siyakholwa Kuse of South Africa in the main event. Other Filipino stars like Eumir Marcial, Marlon Tapales and Carl Jammes Martin are also in the super card featuring 11 fights so far.

VIPs, including the families of Ali and Frazier and current world champions, have also been invited to grace the event.

‘We honor the moment that forever changed the Philippine sporting landscape and global culture. The world stood still in what became one of the most iconic battles in boxing history. It was more than just a fight. It was poetry in motion. Two giants of the sport stepped into the ring not as opponents but as symbols of pride, determination and will to win,’ said Jose.

Despite the dangers posed by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake, some BPO companies in Cebu allegedly forced employees to return to work, even threatening them with dismissal if they refused.

The BPO Industry Employees’ Network (BIEN) in Cebu said on Thursday, October 2, that hundreds of agents from at least 10 business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in Cebu reported labor rights and occupational safety and health violations.

‘Agents were also being forced to report to work, despite their pleas to focus on their safety and their families during this crisis,’ the organization said in a statement.

Other cases reported to BIEN Cebu include BPO agents receiving notices to explain (NTEs) or unpaid days after prioritizing urgent personal needs in the aftermath of the earthquake.

Workers also raised concerns over retaliatory actions, including the removal of attendance incentives, loss of benefits, and other punitive measures such as sanctions and suspensions.

With no regard for employees safety, some BPO firms allegedly blocked their offices’ emergency exits when their agents returned to the production floor after the earthquake, despite warnings of aftershocks.

When they were required to evacuate, a pregnant woman was reportedly not even given any assistance going down flights of stairs.

No safety clearance

Some BPOs also purportedly failed to provide any memorandum or clearance ensuring the safety of its employees when ordered back to work.

While some reportedly offered double pay to agents who returned to work, BIEN Cebu stressed that such incentives failed to address critical safety concerns.

Workers also pointed to the absence of support measures such as transportation assistance, psychological debriefing, or medical aid for those affected by the quake.

In some cases, BPO agents were required to sign memos prohibiting them from discussing their working conditions on social media.

Criticism of government oversight

BIEN Cebu said the mounting complaints and labor violations reflects the government’s lack of oversight over BPO companies and issues of deregulation.

‘The government as well showed its prioritization of corporate interest over employee well-being in their decision to not declare imminent danger, instead passing the decision of how to handle the emergency situation to private companies,’ the organization said.

The group added that if the government can suspend classes to keep students safe after possible school damage, private companies like BPOs should also be required to get building inspections before workers return.

‘The only recourse of BPO workers is to engage in ‘BPO Hopping’ jumping from one company to another in search of ‘better compensated’ and ‘less toxic work cultures,’ only to find out that these issues are industry-wide,’ BIEN Cebu said.

Planned complaints. BIEN Cebu plans to file labor violation complaints before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Central Visayas.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Tommy Osmeña also offered personal assistance by sharing his contact number, encouraging people to send in detailed complaints.

He said the city would not only file formal reports but also inform BPO clients about the conduct of the companies they’ve hired.

The deadly earthquake already claimed 72 lives and left hundreds injured as multiple buildings collapsed. According to Phivolcs, more than 2,000 aftershocks have been recorded, with additional tremors expected in the coming weeks.

Malaysia has officially launched its Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, a major bid to capture the global tourism market by showcasing the nation’s rich cultural diversity and promising unique experiences.

The campaign, themed “Malaysia Truly Asia’ and ‘Surreal Experiences’ was unveiled with a grand ceremony at Encore Melaka on Saturday, September 27.

Officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the high-profile launch signals the nation’s ambitious tourism goals.

The campaign targets attracting 35.6 million international visitors and generating RM147.1 billion in revenue by 2026.

In his address to thousands of locals and over 150 United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN WTO) delegates, the Prime Minister emphasized the campaign’s role in elevating Malaysia’s global standing as a premier and sustainable tourist destination.

The strategy will focus on elevating Malaysia’s global standing by emphasizing sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, immersive cultural and heritage experiences, sustainable nature and adventure tourism and leveraging digital innovation.

Moreover, Anwar emphasized Malaysia’s diversity as an asset that should be showcased to the world.

“Malaysia is a multiracial and multi-religious country, with Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans and others,” he said. “I, as a Malaysian, am very proud to show that this country is unique; even though Islam is the federal religion, it still celebrates the diversity of other cultures and religions,” he added.

Spotlight on Melaka

The historic city of Melaka, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was chosen as the key venue for the launch festivities. The selection aligns with Malaysia’s role as the host for the 2025 World Tourism Day and World Tourism Conference, both of which emphasize the theme of ‘sustainable tourism and transformation.’

Historically, Melaka was a major maritime crossroads, shaped by influences from the Malay Sultanate, Chinese traders and later, European colonial powers. This multicultural past is still evident today in the city’s distinct architecture and heritage.

Leveraging this unique identity, the state has set its own ambitious target of drawing 16.5 million tourists with a projected revenue of RM23.48 billion as part of the nationwide VM2026 campaign.

The VM2026 launch in Melaka saw a massive artistic showcase, highlighted by a series of cultural performances and a record-breaking performance where over 3,000 youths in traditional attire performed the Zapin dance, earning a spot in the Malaysia Book of Records.

The celebration’s centerpiece was a spectacular 1,000-drone light show that lit up the Klebang sky over the Straits of Malacca, complemented by an International Kite Festival and a festival celebrating the traditional game of Konda Kondi.

Adding historical depth to the event, an exclusive exhibition on Enrique de Malacca, the local interpreter in Magellan’s fleet, featured rare 16th-century documents that underscore the region’s deep connection to world history.

This focus on a local historical figure directly ang spotlighting Melaka are both aligned with Prime Minister Anwar’s message on the importance of re-examining the nation’s past.

In a post on the social media platform X, he stated that the VM2026 campaign was more than just about tourism.

‘Visit Malaysia Year 2026 is a celebration of tourism attractions, and also an effort to revive the grand pages of history, by re-etching the history of nationhood that was not pointed at and determined through the lens of fierce imperialism. ‘

A pregnant woman gave birth on the sidewalk outside the Cebu City Fire Station after the Cebu City Medical Center evacuated its patients in the wake of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit the province on Tuesday night

Obstetrician-gynecologist Dr. Queen Grasya and her team assisted the mother, who was due for delivery, in the middle of the evacuation.

Despite the chaotic circumstances, the childbirth was successful.

‘This is my second time assisting a delivery on the road. Truly, one of my unforgettable experiences of 2025,’ Grasya said in a social media post.

The Province of Cebu has been officially declared under a state of calamity, following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck offshore northeast of Cebu Island on the evening of September 30.

The declaration was made during an emergency online session of the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan, which was presided over by Vice Governor Glenn Soco yesterday (October 1).

‘This declaration is necessary to give our provincial government the ability to respond quickly and effectively,’ Soco said. ‘It allows us to mobilize resources, extend immediate assistance to affected families, and implement rehabilitation measures as we begin our recovery.’

The session was held virtually, as board members remained in their respective districts to assist constituents and monitor the situation.

The Cebu Provincial Legislative building is currently undergoing a structural safety inspection to ensure the welfare of employees and officials.

Placing the Province of Cebu under a state of calamity was meant to expedite resource mobilization and rehabilitation. As the situation continues to evolve, national and local agencies remain committed to ensuring the safety, recovery, and resilience of affected communities.

According to the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), the earthquake occurred at 9:59 PM Philippine Standard Time, was tectonic in origin, with the epicenter approximately 19 kilometers northeast of Bogo City, at a shallow depth of 5 kilometers.

The earthquake was generated by movement along a previously unmapped offshore fault segment, not the inland Bogo Fault. Ground shaking was felt across Cebu and neighboring provinces.

PHIVOLCS recorded Intensity VII (destructive) in Bogo City, and the towns of Daanbantayan, Medellin, Tabuelan, and San Remigio. The agency continues to monitor seismic activity and urges the public to remain alert for possible aftershocks.

PHIVOLCS initially issued a tsunami advisory, which was later lifted after no significant sea level changes were observed. But it confirmed that this is the strongest earthquake ever recorded in Cebu Province.

Cebu lies within a seismically active region influenced by multiple fault systems, including the Bogo Fault, Daanbantayan Lineament, and the broader Cebu Fault System.

Vice Governor Soco joined Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro later in the day in some of the affected areas in northern Cebu to oversee relief operations, and they called on residents to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and consult municipal engineers before re-entering damaged structures.

Soco said: ‘Declaring a State of Calamity is not just a legal measure. It is a commitment that your provincial government is working tirelessly to safeguard the welfare of every Cebuano during this difficult time. Together, we will rise from this challenge stronger and more united.’

Baricuatro conducted an aerial inspection and described the damage to roads, bridges, and other infrastructure as ‘devastating.’

Collapsed bridges, cracked highways, and ruined homes were reported across towns. Even government facilities in Bogo City, including the City Hall, bus terminal, and port, sustained severe damage.

Power supply was also disrupted. Transformer explosions in Asturias triggered widespread blackouts, while the Visayas Grid Authority raised a yellow alert on Wednesday morning.

In total, 27 power plants tripped, causing the loss of 1,444.1 megawatts, while 16 plants were offline and one was operating at reduced capacity. This left at least 1,654.7 megawatts unavailable in the Visayas grid, though Luzon and Mindanao grids remained stable.

Telecommunications were cut off in Bogo City, Daanbantayan, and San Remigio towns, making rescue coordination more difficult. Transportation was also affected, with at least 52 passengers stranded in the towns of Carmen and Consolacion after roadblocks and port closures.

Religious and cultural landmarks were not spared. The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan collapsed, the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish and the Capelinha de Fatima Replica all in San Remigio, were destroyed or suffered structural damage.

The Hagnaya Port in San Remigion temporarily suspended operations due to quake-related damage, halting passenger and cargo movement in northern Cebu.

In addition to public structures, numerous private homes also collapsed or sustained heavy cracks, forcing residents to seek shelter in evacuation centers.

Relief efforts began immediately, with the provincial government deploying rescue teams, medical staff, and food supplies to hardest-hit areas.

Government help

As Cebu Province continues to reel from the mag-6.9 earthquake, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte extended their respective messages of sympathy and support, while national agencies mobilize a coordinated response across Central Visayas.

President Marcos expressed deep condolences to families who lost their loved ones and offered prayers for the safety and recovery of the injured. He assured the public that Cabinet officials are already on the ground to assess damage and deliver aid.

The President urged all residents to remain alert and follow advisories from their local governments, emphasizing that the nation will rebuild together.

The Department of Public Works and Highways is inspecting roads and bridges, the Department of Energy is working to restore power, the Department of Health has deployed additional medical personnel to hospitals, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development is distributing food and essential relief.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is assisting in search and rescue operations, while the Philippine National Police is maintaining order, and supporting rescue efforts.

The Department of National Defense, led by Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, also called for the unified and coordinated response efforts among national government agencies, uniformed personnel, and local disaster risk reduction and management offices to extend rapid disaster response in areas heavily affected by the earthquake.

Teodoro has instructed the Office of Civil Defense-Region 7 to lead the regional coordination efforts and provide situational updates for the immediate deployment of the necessary assistance to affected localities in northern Cebu.

On the other hand, Vice President Sara Duterte, through the Office of the Vice President, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the people of Cebu and Leyte.

She offered prayers for the peace of those who perished, healing for the injured, and strength for communities facing the aftermath of the disaster. She expressed hope that affected families will find courage, faith, and resilience in this time of hardship.

The OVP also delivered assistance through its satellite offices in Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Eastern Visayas, Panay, and Negros Islands.

On the ground, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa ordered the continuous deployment of emergency medical teams from Cebu City to Bogo City.

The first batch from Don Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center included general surgeons, emergency medicine doctors, and orthopedic specialists, while a second batch was sent to Cebu Provincial Hospital early yesterday morning.

As of press time, Central Visayas is under Code White Alert, activating the DOH Operations Center and Health Emergency Response Teams with medicines and equipment ready for deployment.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government-Region 7 (DILG-7) activated its Emergency Operations Center and mobilized regional and provincial focal officers.

Local government units have been urged to convene their disaster councils, conduct rapid damage assessments, and evacuate high-risk communities. Structural safety inspections are underway, and contingency plans are being activated to ensure continuity of public service.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced it will shoulder burial expenses and provide P10,000 cash aid to families of those who perished while conducting damage and needs assessments in Bogo City. DSWD maintains P379 million in standby funds and P2.4 million family food packs nationwide.

In coordination with the Office of Civil Defense, national agencies have deployed assets to northern Cebu. The Philippine Coast Guard, led by RADM Agapito B. Bibat, dispatched BRP Sindangan carrying Disaster Response Group teams, medical personnel, SAR dogs, and food packs. BRP Teresa Magbanua also transported 36 medical personnel from Manila to Bogo City.

The Philippine Air Force, through Tactical Operations Wing Central, mobilized a C-130 aircraft and Black Hawk helicopters for rapid damage assessments and airlift operations.

The Philippine Army’s 53rd Engineer Brigade deployed 158 troops, ambulances, and mission-essential equipment.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco also requested urgent assistance for Cebu while coordinating with DOT regional directors and gateway authorities to ensure the welfare of affected communities, tourists, and tourism frontliners.

Inspection teams of TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority) have been deployed to assess damage to heritage churches in Daanbantayan, Bantayan, Tabogon, and San Remigio, as well as key tourism establishments in Cebu City and northern Cebu.

The DOT issued a public advisory urging travelers to confirm the status of destinations before traveling, as several sites may be closed for safety inspections. Tourists are reminded to remain alert for aftershocks and follow official bulletins from PHIVOLCS and NDRRMC.

Two minor eruptions were detected at Taal Volcano in Batangas shortly after midnight yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the eruptions had nothing to do with the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu approximately three hours earlier.

The eruptions generated ash plumes, but did not affect surrounding communities.

State volcanologists said the first eruption, described as phreatic or steam-driven, occurred between 12:57 a.m. and 1:02 a.m. The second, a stronger phreatomagmatic eruption, occurred from 2:02 a.m. to 2:15 a.m.

Phivolcs said the second eruption was recorded by a thermal camera installed at the Taal Volcano Observatory and by an IP camera at the Main Crater Observation Station.

‘A steam-driven eruption occurs when water came into contact with hot rocks, generating an explosion,’ Paolo Reniva, resident volcanologist at the Taal Volcano Observatory in Barangay Buco, Talisay town, said.

Meanwhile, a phreatomagmatic eruption occurs when magma comes into contact with water, causing explosions that eject steam, ash and volcanic debris. Such activity may produce plumes higher than the ones generated by a phreatic or steam-driven event.

Alert Level 1 or low-level unrest remained hoisted over Taal Volcano.

Entry into the Taal Volcano Island is strictly prohibited and residents in nearby areas have been advised to prepare and heed authorities during emergencies.

Three members of family died while another was injured in a fire that gutted the victims’ property in Tarlac City on Tuesday.

Lloyd Paglingayen, his wife April Marie, 39, and their daughter Naarah Olivia, 7, died at the scene of the incident that occurred at past 3 a.m. in Barangay San Sebastian.

Another member of the family, James Olive, 14, was rushed to the Tarlac Provincial Hospital for treatment of burns and other injuries.

Probers said James managed to escape from the blaze while his relatives were trapped in the house.

Arson probers have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

The agriculture industry in Negros Occidental has incurred up to P6.3 million in damage due to the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

Data from the office of the provincial agriculturist showed that as of Tuesday, up to 259 hectares of rice fields in 39 barangays were damaged and 351 farmers were displaced by floodwaters.

Authorities estimated the amounts of damage to crops at P6.12 million, fishery at P182,250 and livestock at P21,261.

Opong affected 12 households in Valladolid town as well as in the cities of Bago and La Carlota.

The office of the provincial veterinarian said that livestock raisers evacuated 36 heads of animals to a rescue center in Moises Padilla before Opong struck.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) and other preparations for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body has ordered all election officials nationwide to terminate preparations for the barangay and SK elections as the law resetting the electoral exercises to Nov. 2 next year has become effective.

‘Up to now, no temporary restraining order has been issued by the Supreme Court regarding the resetting of the barangay and SK elections,’ Garcia said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay yesterday. ‘In the meantime, the law stopping the conduct of the elections on Dec. 1 has become effective and there is no point to proceed with the filing of COCs.’

The filing of COCs for the barangay and SK elections was supposed to start yesterday.

The Comelec, Garcia said, would come up with a new calendar of activities for the holding of the electoral exercises next year. He said the poll body waited until yesterday for the high tribunal’s action on a petition questioning the law that reset the elections.

He said procurement of necessary election materials for the barangay and SK elections would proceed. Only the filing of COCs, observance of election and campaign periods have been terminated.

The Comelec has spent P2 billion of the P11.5-billion budget allocated for the barangay and SK elections, Garcia said, noting that Congress has allotted an additional P7.46 million to the remaining P9.5-billion budget to be used for the election next year.