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Speaker Faustino Dy III has issued a memorandum reconstituting an eight-member panel tasked to review and push for the submission of the updated statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) of the 317 members of the House of Representatives.

Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez will head the SALN Review and Compliance Committee, pursuant to the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Government Officials and Employees.

The committee was tasked to ‘continue to perform its mandate as contained in House Memorandum Order 17-42 dated December 2016, and in the Rules of Procedure in the Filing, Review and Disclosure of, and Access to, the SALNs of House members and employees.

The reconstitution of the SALN Committee follows the Speaker’s statement last week that the House will review its rules on the public disclosure of members’ SALNs to ensure transparency and accountability.

Dy noted that lawmakers’ SALNs used to be open to public inspection and that Congress should consider returning to that practice.

So far, only nine congressmen have released copies of their 2025 SALN to the public.

Gatchalian declares P89.52 million net worth

Meanwhile, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian became the fourth senator to publicly release his SALN, where he declared P89.52 million in net worth in 2024.

It was a slight decrease from his 2020 net worth of P91.2 million, according to a summary of the SALN posted in the Senate website.

Gatchalian’s latest SALN was released yesterday as part of The STAR’s request for all 24 senators’ net worth declaration, after the ombudsman lifted restrictions on public access.

He declared two residential condominium units as his real properties, with a total acquisition cost of P40.2 million.

Gatchalian declared P49.3 million in personal properties, such as shares of stock, a P5.15 million motor vehicle and P38,062.79 cash in bank.

His shares of stock are in Win Shares, Iloilo Country Club Shares, Universal Leisure Club Shares, The Orchard Shares and Valley Golf Shares.

His total assets amount to P89.52 million. He did not declare any liabilities.

Gatchalian declared business interests as shareholder in the Gatchalian family firm Wellex Industries, Iloilo Country Club Shares, Universal Leisure Club Shares, The Orchard Shares and Valley Golf Shares.

His relatives in government, according to his SALN, are his brothers, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Valenzuela Mayor Weslie Gatchalian.

Other senators who have released their SALNs and disclosed their net worth upon reporters’ requests are Senate President Vicente Sotto III (P188.9 million) and Senators Risa Hontiveros (P18.986 million) and Robinhood Padilla (P244 million).

In another development, Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen urged members of the judiciary to speak out against corruption and avoid corrupt practices, saying there should be accountability in all offices under the Supreme Court.

Leonen said the SC launched various platforms, including integrity@judiciary.gov.ph to allow stakeholders to speak out against corruption, as part of its commitment to stamp out corruption in the judiciary.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters weathered a blistering third quarter storm by the Blackwater Bossing with a massive fourth quarter of their own to grab a 110-100 victory in their PBA Philippine Cup clash Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Painters lost an 18-point lead as they trailed by eight in the third quarter, but they recovered just in time to return to the win column.

Keith Datu powered the Painters with 20 points and eight rebounds, while Adrian Nocum and Jhonard Clarito backstopped with 17 and 16 markers, respectively.

Rain or Shine took an 18-point lead, 40-22, in the second quarter after a jumper by Nocum.

The double-digit advantage remained through the third quarter, as a split from the line by Gabe Norwood gave them a 60-48 lead.

But a 17-4 run capped by a triple by Richard Escoto gave the Bossing the edge, 65-64.

A Santi Santillan triple gave the upper hand back to Rain or Shine, 67-65, but Blackwater’s hot run continued as they went up by eight, 77-69, after a trey by Sedrick Barefield, the last points of the team’s 36 points in the quarter.

But the Painters found their rhythm anew in the final frame. After a jumper by Cliff Jopia made it a one-point game, 90-91, with 5:42 left, Rain or Shine unleashed a 10-1 run led by Nocum to grab a 101-91 advantage.

Consecutive shots by Christian David kept Blackwater alive, but finishing touches by Anton Asistio, Clarito and Nocum iced the game.

Gian Mamuyac chipped in 13 points, six rebounds and five assists for Rain or Shine.

Escoto spearheaded the Bossing with 20 points and four rebounds, while Jack Cruz-Dumont had 19 points. David and Barefield have 18 and 15 markers, respectively.

Romy Macalintal is known as an astute electoral lawyer. But not too many know that 50 years ago, when he was 28, RomyMac had an unexpected two-hour encounter with Muhammad Ali at the Manila Hilton Hotel on Sept. 22, 1975, a little more than a week before the historic ‘Thrilla In Manila’ at the Araneta Coliseum.

RomyMac has been invited to attend the gala dinner on the eve of the ‘Thrilla In Manila’ Golden Anniversary ‘Blow By Blow’ boxing card presented by Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao at the Novotel Hotel. Liza Elorde, who is organizing the gala dinner, said among the guests will be WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman, WBC vice president/head of the International Championship administration Mauro Betti, ‘Thrilla’ referee Carlos Padilla, Ali’s wife Lonnie, Ali’s daughter Rasheda and Ali’s former business manager Gene Kilroy. In the gala dinner program, RomyMac will make a four to five-minute power point presentation detailing what transpired in his meeting with Ali.

RomyMac was a second year UE law student when he ventured to the Manila Hilton Hotel carrying a scrapbook of Ali clippings. He only wanted Ali’s autograph on his scrapbook. But after showing the scrapbook to Ali’s lawyer Albert Griffin, he was asked to meet the champ at the Presidential Suite.

‘I was left alone with Ali,’ recounted RomyMac. ‘He stood up, extended his right hand and shook mine. He told me he deeply appreciated my collection. He explained it was the first time he’d seen a collection like this, done when he was just a struggling challenger, not just compiled because fans knew he was coming to town. He repeatedly used the word ‘authentic’ to describe my collection, a sincere appreciation for the effort I had made years before he reached his peak popularity.

‘When I requested for his autograph, he did not only give me one, he signed about seven of my clippings that he liked most. But the incredible experience didn’t end with the autographs. He invited me to see a movie with him. He personally set up an 8mm film projector with episodes from the Lee Marvin series ‘The Lawbreaker.’ We sat together on the carpet and watched about four installments. He mentioned he only watched crime movies and cartoons. What made the moment truly unforgettable was his kindness. Every so often, Ali would stand up, get juice, chocolates and biscuits and serve them to me, an act of humility that left me utterly stunned. That Sunday, I was the only fan Ali allowed to enter his dressing room at the Folk Arts Theater.

‘Ali passed away on June 3, 2016. Though he may remain a legend for the new generation, for me, he will always be real. That face-to-face meeting with him for two hours was truly one of a kind. That one-on-one encounter 50 years ago was and will always be the Greatest.’

For the host country, this couldn’t have unfolded any better.

Miguel Tabuena, the Philippines’ homegrown golf hero, delivered a masterclass Friday at the Sta. Elena Golf Club that electrified local fans and reignited hopes for a memorable finish.

Just a week after celebrating his 31st birthday, the diminutive yet dynamic shotmaker produced one of his finest rounds in recent memory – a near-flawless display of power, precision and poise that set the International Series Philippines ablaze.

And not to be outdone, Angelo Que produced his own moment of brilliance as dusk settled over the course, capping a blazing start with an equally fiery finish to card a superb 65 and catapult himself into joint fourth at 135 alongside four others.

Suddenly, the Philippines found itself not with just one, but two legitimate contenders in the thick of the title chase – a sight that ignited fresh hopes among the home crowd.

Coming off a steady but unspectacular 70, Que wasted no time announcing his intentions. The amiable Manila Southwoods pro, known for his fearless shot-making and unflappable demeanor, came out firing – birdieing four of the opening nine holes to rocket up the leaderboard. He carried that momentum into the back nine with another birdie on No. 10, shaking up the standings and reminding everyone why he remains one of the country’s most accomplished shotmakers.

A lone bogey, the result of a missed green midway through his round, briefly slowed his charge. But Que, drawing on the experience that has brought him three Asian Tour titles and two Philippine Golf Tour victories this year alone, refused to fade.

As the sun dipped low and shadows lengthened across the fairways, he closed out with a flourish worthy of the moment – three birdies in his last four holes, each one greeted with growing anticipation from the galleries that had begun to sense something special unfolding.

His late-round surge vaulted him into a share of fourth with Yosuke Asaji (66), Soomin Lee, Wang Wei-Hsuan, and Matthew Cheung (all 67s), just five strokes behind leader Sarit Suwannarut.

With Que now joining Tabuena near the top of the board, the host country suddenly boasts two aces within striking distance of the top prize – a scenario that could turn the weekend into a rousing showcase of local pride and resilience.

Trailing the Thai leader by five strokes, Tabuena teed off early, determined to make a move. Starting on the par-5 10th, the two-time Philippine Open champion quickly went to work – opening with a birdie, then adding fireworks to the morning with a spectacular hole-in-one on the par-3 14th that sent the gallery roaring.

Not done yet, he eagled the par-5 16th and closed the backnine with another birdie on the 18th, completing a sizzling six-under 30 on his first nine holes.

It was a breathtaking stretch that had almost every kind of scoring highlight possible in golf – a birdie, an ace, an eagle and another birdie – all in one stretch that turned Sta. Elena into his personal stage.

By the time he reached the turn, Tabuena was suddenly in the clubhouse lead at nine-under overall, his name atop the leaderboard sending a wave of excitement across the fairways and among Filipino fans following every shot.

He wasn’t finished. After a steady par on No. 1, Tabuena rolled in back-to-back birdies on the next two holes, momentarily threatening to pull away. Though the ‘law of averages’ caught up with him with a bogey on No. 4 and a cooling run of pars afterward, he still capped the round with an explosive 65 – a 35-30 masterpiece that showcased not just talent, but timing and temperament.

Statistically, it was not a perfect round – 11 fairways hit, 15 greens in regulation and 28 putts. But in golf, moments matter more than math, and Tabuena’s brilliance came exactly when it mattered most.

‘It’s not every day you make a hole-in-one, but I was glad I kept it together after that,’ said Tabuena, smiling as fans crowded the ropes. ‘That eagle on 16 was a perfect seven-wood – that’s a hole I know very well, and that’s my favorite pin position there. It was a green light all the way.’

His return to form couldn’t be better timed. Just a week removed from turning 31 and still fresh from a forced withdrawal at the SJM Macao Open due to a neck spasm, Tabuena showed no signs of rust. Instead, he looked energized – feeding off the home crowd and the familiarity of Sta. Elena, his home club.

‘There’s a lot of golf to be played,’ he said cautiously. ‘But it’s been six years since my last ace – and only my second in a competition. To have it happen here, in front of friends, family, and home fans, it means a lot.’

Even with Suwannarut regaining the overall lead at 14-under 130 after a fine 66, Tabuena’s 134 kept him within striking distance – just four shots back heading into the weekend.

Japan’s Kazuki Higa joined Tabuena at second after a 69.

And with two rounds left in this $2 million championship, the door remains wide open.

Former Masters champion and LIV Golf star Patrick Reed also surged into contention with a 66 to tie for ninth at 136 with Denzel Ieremia (67) of New Zealand and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar (69), while seven others, including former Major winner Charl Schwarzel (66), former Asian Tour No. 1 Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand (69) and former Philippine Open champion Stevel Lewton of England (63) posted identical 137s for a share of 12th.

Meanwhile, Justin Quiban rallied with a 68 to post a 138 total, good for a share of 19th place.

The other local hopefuls, however, struggled to keep pace and fell by the wayside.

Sean Ramos actually made a strong charge with a 68 for a 142 aggregate, but missed the cut by one.

Keanu Jahns settled for another 72 for a 144 total, while Carl Corpus stumbled with a 73 for a 145. Aidric Chan also turned in an even-par 72 for the same 145 aggregate.

Clyde Mondilla, who opened with an impressive 69, skied to a 77, also for a 146, while, Rupert Zaragosa and Enrico Gallardo finished with 149s after 75 and 76, respectively.

But the spotlight, unquestionably, belonged to the hometown favorites.

Tabuena and Que’s inspired performances didn’t just lift them up the leaderboard – it lit up the entire tournament. Even Dustin Johnson, Tabuena’s flightmate and former world No. 1, must’ve felt the heat as he stumbled to a 73 after an opening 67 to fall to joint 37th at 140, 10 shots off the pace.

For fans, though, this second round was a showcase for the two Pinoy aces – their stirring resurgence from morning to afternoon felt straight out of a movie script.

With their confidence surging and the crowd rallying behind them, the final two rounds promise to be a festival of Filipino pride and world-class golf. If Tabuena and Que can sustain their form, they won’t just be contending – they’ll be inspiring a new generation of local golfers who witnessed how brilliance, patience and heart can converge in a single unforgettable day at Sta. Elena.

For fans, though, this second round belonged to Tabuena – and his resurgence couldn’t be better scripted.

With his confidence surging and the crowd rallying behind him, the final two rounds promise to be a festival of Filipino pride and world-class golf. If Tabuena can sustain this form, he won’t just be contending – he’ll be inspiring a new generation of local golfers who witnessed how brilliance, patience and heart can converge in a single unforgettable day at Sta. Elena.

Despite denials from the Marcos administration, pork barrel is still alive and well in the 2026 national budget, according to members of the militant Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives.

‘There is no pork barrel in the budget. Patently false. Pork barrel exists through congressional ‘allocables’ for infrastructure, party-list allocations, and presidential pork in Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA) and Confidential and Intelligence Funds,’ Makabayan said in a statement.

The bloc said it is disingenuous for some officials and lawmakers to invoke the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund or PDAF.

‘While PDAF was struck down in 2013 for allowing lump-sum appropriations, today’s system of district allocations achieves the same result – district engineering offices receive equal amounts as if divided among lawmakers,’ Makabayan said.

‘This system enables lawmakers to nominate projects, influence biddings, choose contractors, and receive kickbacks. If there is no system like this, we will not go as far as this level of corruption,’ it added.

The Makabayan bloc includes Reps. Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers), Renee Louise Co (Kabataan) and Sarah Jane Elago (Gabriela women’s party).

In their joint statement, they assailed the House leadership for trying to hide P695.78 billion in pork barrel insertions consisting of ‘hard pork’ or infrastructure ‘allocables’ for lawakers’ pet projects and ‘soft pork’ for social welfare programs through which politicians can exercise patronage.

‘There is no pork in Unprogrammed Appropriations. Another falsehood. UA contains a dangerous backdoor through Special Provision No. 10, which gives DBM (Department of Budget and Management) wide latitude to realign funds within UA,’ Makabayan said.

‘While House leadership removed explicit infrastructure items, Special Provision No. 10 allows Malacañang to funnel money into infrastructure anyway,’ it added.

It also said Unprogrammed Appropriations give the President unchecked discretion, and thus are unconstitutional.

‘The Constitution provides for supplemental appropriations bills – a transparent process through Congress, not a presidential blank check,’ Makabayan said.

It also described as ‘myth’ the Marcos administration’s claim that the budget prioritizes agriculture, education and health.

‘While highlighting the P255 billion realignment from flood control, House leadership hides what else moved in the budget. There remains P174 billion for infrastructure projects lodged in the district engineering offices which are local centers of corruption and are concrete examples of ‘allocables.’ Based on our computation there are at least P230 million per congressman and P3.2 billion per senator of pork or ‘allocables,” the bloc said.

Makabayan also said that the claim that Unprogrammed Appropriations decreased in 2026 is misleading.

‘UA in 2025 NEP was P158 billion, which then ballooned to P243 billion during bicam. Malacañang proposed a smaller UA in the NEP to avoid scrutiny, then allowed this to be inflated during the during bicam when public attention wanes,’ it said.

Meanwhile, Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste is seeking a reduction of government spending as well as of taxes such as the value-added tax.

A 23-year-old male technician died instantly while his two co-workers remain in critical condition after an accidental electrocution while setting up a roadside solar street light in Barangay Libertad, Surallah, South Cotabato, on Thursday, October 23.

Employees of the Surallah Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and officials of the Police Regional Office-12 told reporters on Friday, October 24, that the fatality, identified only as Ian at the request of his family, and his two companions were electrocuted when the tip of a galvanized metal pipe they were setting up as a post for the solar street light hit a dangling high-tension power line of the South Cotabato Electric Cooperative.

Barangay officials and investigators from the Surallah municipal police said Ian died instantly, while his co-workers, Roberto, 51, and Rafael, 37, were badly injured.

The two, who sustained burns and contusions in different parts of their bodies, are now confined in a hospital undergoing extensive medical treatment.

The office of South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo has assured assistance to Ian’s family in Banga town, not far from Surallah, in facilitating his burial.

Before the concept of nepo babies shed a brighter light on political dynasties in the Philippines, Filipinos have long and remain fasincated with celebrity familes in local entertainment.

Some of the most popular local showbiz families are the Gutierrezes, the Eigenmanns and the Padillas.

Another is the Barretto family, headed by Estrella “Inday’ Barretto and her husband Miguel, who passed away in 2019.

Inday and Miguel are parents to the late Miguel Antonio or “Mito,” Michelle, Jose Joaquin or “JJ,” Geraldine or “Gia,” Gretchen, Marjorie and Claudine.

Many will be familiar with the latter three as actresses with some children who became personalities themselves.

Claudine dated her on-screen partner Rico Yan before his 2002 passing and married fellow actor Raymart Santiago until their marriage was annulled in 2013.

The two are biological parents to Santino, and Claudine later adopted kids Sabina, Quia and Noah.

Marjorie had her eldest daughter Dani with fellow actor Kier Legaspi, part of another celebrity family that includes the late Lito Legaspi, sibling Brando, and another brother Zoren (married to Carmina Villaroel, parent to twins Mavy and Cassy).

Dani, a content creator, is married to Xavi Panlilio and is a parent to Millie and Riley.

Marjorie was married to actor-politician Dennis Padilla from 1995 to 2009, during which they had children Julia, Claudia, and Leon, and had youngest daughter Erich with politician Enrico “Recom” Echiverri.

Julia is arguably one of the most well-known celebrities of her generation while Claudia – who is married to Basti Lorenzo – is a singer.

Gretchen has been in a relationship with common-law-partner and businessman Antonio “Tonyboy” Cojuangco Jr. of the famous Cojuangco clan for around 30 years.

The two are parents to Dominique, who is married to businessman Michael Hearn, and grandparents to Dominique’s daughter Penelope.

Other publicly known members of the Barretto family are Michelle son’s Cholo who is an actor and JJ’s daughter Nicole, who played a part in the infamous Barretto argument during Miguel’s wake and was allegedly linked to business tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang.

Filinvest City’s lush parks and scenic waterways are more than just beautiful landscapes-they form a quiet yet vital system that helps protect the city from flooding.

Recently, Filinvest City began dredging works at the Water Garden as part of its ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and maintain its natural waterways. The project is a regular part of the city’s long-term care program to keep its landscapes resilient and its environment in balance with the surrounding urban setting.

Dredging involves the careful removal of natural buildup along the riverbed to restore depth and support steady water movement. During dredging, the water level may appear lower or sections of the riverbed may be visible-an expected and temporary stage that allows teams to safely refresh the waterway. Once complete, the river returns to its normal level.

This process keeps waterways healthy and ensures they perform their essential functions throughout the year. It also prepares the system for the rainy season, when managing water flow becomes critical to the comfort and safety of those who live, work and visit the city.

The river flows toward Laguna de Bay, passing through Filinvest City where it is carefully integrated into the urban landscape. Within the city, the river passes through Filinvest City’s park system beginning at Creekside Park, a wetland designed to act as a natural buffer for overflow. Its soft, vegetated edges absorb and filter runoff before it continues downstream. This process not only prevents erosion but also creates a thriving habitat for birds and aquatic life, turning flood management into an ecological feature.

The flow continues to River Park supported by a series of dams and weirs that regulate water movement along its length, ensuring a smooth, controlled rhythm that benefits both the ecosystem and those who enjoy the open space.

The last park the river passes through is the Water Garden, located beside Festival Mall. The space was intentionally designed and widened to serve as a catch basin during heavy rains. It temporarily holds rainwater before releasing it gradually as levels recede, helping the city’s drainage systems work efficiently even during intense weather. Its water-adaptive design means that occasional flooding is not a disruption but part of how the space functions. When filled, the Water Garden transforms into a living showcase of harmony between art, engineering and nature-its sculptures and landscape elements designed to respond gracefully to rising water levels.

Together, Creekside Park, River Park, and the Water Garden form a continuous natural system within Filinvest City’s interconnected park network. Linking six major parks through green corridors and shaded walkways, this network strengthens both the city’s environmental resilience and its sense of community. The parks act as natural catchments that absorb rainwater, ease surface runoff and regulate the local microclimate while offering places for rest and recreation.

Through this design, Filinvest City demonstrates how modern development can work with nature rather than against it. Each park contributes to a larger vision: an urban environment where beauty and sustainability are inseparable. The dredging now underway at the Water Garden ensures that these natural systems continue to function effectively-keeping waterways clean, ecosystems thriving and communities safe.

By blending engineering with ecology, Filinvest City reveals what’s often unseen beneath its serene green spaces: a hidden flood control system quietly working to keep the city resilient and alive.

University of the Philippines continued its hot streak while Gardner College finally scored its breakthrough win in the PG Flex Invitational Tournament 2025 Quintana Cup on Thursday, October 23, at the Paco Arena in Manila.

Trumpeted as one of the next important pieces of the Diliman-based school, Veejay Pre tallied 14 points and 14 rebounds in another superb all-around game to help power the UP Maroons to an 88-55 shellacking of the San Sebastian College-Recoletos, a win that extended their win run to four in five games.

Meantime, Gardner caught Manila Central University in its worst form and romped to a surprise 74-54 win for its first win in five games of the preseason tournament.

Two-time UCAL champion Diliman College kept its winning streak going after downing Immaculada Concepcion College, 81-74, thanks to the 26-point explosion of Leonard Maraña.

Though former NCAA Finals MVP James Payosing was held to just seven points this time, he grabbed 10 rebounds and issued 8 assists to help the Maroons pad their lead to 49-28 at halftime break.

Deante Miles led the Maroons with 15 points while Elliot Dimaculangan, Rain Maga and LA Andres combined for 31 points in another show of force. Jew Hinoquin and Renz Bernardo paced the Stags with 17 and 10 points, respectively.

John Patrick Buena struck hardest for Gardner, logging in 22 points, six boards and four assists in almost 25 minutes of action while Khen Palaroan added 10 points.

Larana was ably supported by Solomon Kone (17 points and 12 rebounds) and Matthew Calilong (13) as the Diliman Blue Dragons improved their record to 3-2 in the event backed by Smart Sports, Crane, Topflite, Hapee Toothpaste, Gerry’s Grill, Spalding, Mighty Bond and Best Options.

The San Beda Red Lions continued to roll in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament, winning their third straight game after thrashing the Arellano Chiefs, 76-53, Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

San Beda thus rose to 5-1 in Group B play while Arellano dropped to 3-4.

Janti Miller growled loudly for the Red Lions, finishing with 20 points and seven rebounds on an efficient 6-of-12 shooting. Jomel Puno chipped in 10 markers and eight boards.

‘We knew not to take them lightly,’ Miller said after the game.

‘We came into practice locked in, came out, executed the game plan and won.’

The Chiefs were well within striking distance through the half, with San Beda holding a 37-31 lead.

But a 13-6 run capped by a jumper by Zedjay Etulle gave the Red Lions a 50-36 lead in the third quarter.

Anjord Cabotaje snapped the run with a triple, but San Beda’s run was too blistering to stop.

The lead grew to as much as 27 points, 74-47, after a trey by Rafael Jalbuena with 2:19 remaining in the game, as the Mendiola-based squad breezed through to the finish line.

Ismael Culdora chipped in nine points for the winning team while Etulle tallied eight.

T-Mc Ongotan paced Arellano with 14 points while Cabotaje added 10.