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Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has refused to provide any statement after attending the hearing of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on the flood control anomalies investigation.

Bernardo was exiting the ICI building in Taguig City at around 12:40 p.m. this Wednesday with his counsel, when the media tried to get his comment about the ICI hearing he had just attended. undersecretary In his testimony before the Senate blue ribbon committee last week, Bernardo alleged that Escudero, as well as former Senators Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay, received kickbacks from allocations for projects of the DPWH.

He also tagged Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who recently resigned as a member of the House of Representatives, on the anomaly.

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday said over 200 classrooms were damaged by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck off Cebu.

Based on a situation report, DepEd said it has so far received 54 initial reports involving the earthquake, covering 2,220 learners and 97 teaching and non-teaching personnel.

The reports showed that 198 classrooms suffered minor damage, 26 classrooms with major damage, while 34 classrooms were totally damaged by the earthquake.

Meanwhile, six water, sanitation and hygiene facilities were also damaged.

DepEd said the reports covered 11 School Division Offices, particularly, Canlaon City, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Iloilo, Bohol, Carcar City, Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City, Toledo City, and Bonogan City.

On the other hand, no injuries among learners were reported.

The magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck off Cebu on Tuesday night, according to state seismologists.

The Office of the Civil Defense said as many as 60 individuals reportedly died due to the strong quake.

Voting 15 affirmative, 3 negative, and two abstentions, the Senate adopted on Wednesday a resolution requesting the International Criminal Court (ICC) to place former President Rodrigo Duterte under house arrest for humanitarian reasons.

Proposed Senate Resolution No. 144, signed by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, emphasized that in view of the advanced age and deteriorating health of Duterte, the ICC should designate a physician or medical doctor to examine the former President and ascertain that he is fit to withstand regular detention – and should the medical findings prove that his detention will further worsen his medical condition, allow the former president to be detained under house arrest.

‘Such house arrest, or a similar appropriate arrangement, will be subject to conditions restricting liberty to be imposed by the ICC, presenting no risk to the integrity of the ongoing trial,’ the resolution reads.

In the same measure, the senators argued that the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights provided that all persons deprived of their liberty shall be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity o fthe human person.

‘The Rules of Procedure and Evidence of the ICC allows persons being tried there in interim release, subject to conditions restricting liberty, including staying at a particular address, not contacting directly or indirectly victims or witnesses, and responding when summoned b y an authority o r qualified person designated b y the ICC,’ it adds.

Meanwhile, in his sponsorship speech, Cayetano said the wheels of justice are already moving at present – may it be in the country or the ICC.

‘It is not against the tenet of human rights to allow any person, especially a former president, to be under house arrest or to be under a country supervised under ICI, especially in the condition of president Duterte who is 80 years old,’ said Cayetano.

Zubiri, for his part, said his personal stand on the issue does not have anything to do with politics. He said it is only based on his point of view as a son to a father who is now 85 years old and ailing.

Aside from Zubiri and Cayetano, the other senators who voted in favor of the resolution were Imee Marcos, Robinhood Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher ‘Bong’ Go, Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Erwin Tulfo, JV Ejercito, Panfilo Lacson and Mark Villar.

Those who opposed the resolution were Senators Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan.

Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III and Sen. Raffy Tulfo abstained.

‘I am faced with two equally important issues affecting life and liberty,’ Sotto said.

‘To afford PRRD with the optimal condition of his detention that will be beneficial for his physical and mental health, while taking into consideration the plight of the families who are seeking justice for the alleged crimes against humanity. I am supportive of any efforts to bring home PRRD and to uplift his well-being during this crucial time,’ the Senate president said.

‘However, my choice or decision, in conscience, in my conscience, might even help in further dividing the nation. Therefore, I register an abstention,’ Sotto explained.

In explaining his vote, Sotto said he faced two equally important issues affecting life and liberty.

‘To afford [former president Duterte] with the optimal condition of his detention that will be beneficial for his physical and mental health, while taking into consideration the plight of the families who are seeking justice for the alleged crimes against humanity,’ said Sotto.

The Senate president said he is supportive of any efforts to bring home the ex-chief executive and ‘uplift his well-being during this crucial time.’

He, however, noted that his choice ‘in [his] conscience might even help in further dividing the nation.’

This, according to Sotto, is why he abstained.

Meanwhile, Hontiveros – who was among the three senators who voted against the measure – emphasized that there are no indications that the ICC is neglecting the health and well-being of the people in their custody.

She then proceeded to emphasize that the drug war’s atrocities are not mere hallucinations.

Suspected shabu (crystal meth) valued at P3.84 million was confiscated and one individual was arrested by authorities in an operation in Taguig City early Wednesday morning, the Southern Police District (SPD) said.

The drug bust took place along Diamond Street in Barangay Pembo, according to a statement from the SPD.

Authorities recovered seven pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets allegedly containing shabu weighing 565.6 grams.

‘The arrested suspect was identified as alias ‘Rowel,’ a 26-year-old male resident of the barangay,’ the SPD said.

The confiscated drugs were turned over to the SPD Forensic Unit for laboratory examination.

The arrested suspect is detained at the Taguig City Police Station, facing charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act.

Petro Gazz has appointed Gary and Lisa Van Sickle-parents of reigning All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle, to lead the team in the upcoming 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.

Gary takes over as head coach, replacing interim mentor Brian Esquibel, while Lisa will serve as assistant coach. Esquibel had guided the Angels following the departure of Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara during the PVL On Tour. The club announced the news on Tuesday night, describing the appointment as the start of a ‘new era’ under the Van Sickles.

‘They nurtured greatness at home, now they bring that same passion to the sidelines to guide our team to greater heights,’ the team said in the announcement.

Gary previously played for the University of Hawai’i from 1988 to 1990, while Lisa suited up for Hawaii Pacific University.

Environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition has called for a stop to the sale of lipstick products reportedly contaminated with lead and their removal from the market, in time for the International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week this October.

EcoWaste made the call on Wednesday as the nation marks the Consumer Welfare Month, while the lead poisoning prevention week will occur from October 19 to 25.

The group’s statement also followed the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) issuance of six advisories warning the public against the purchase and use of imported Qianxiu lipsticks that are illegally being sold without the required authorization.

Among the Qianxiu Lipstciks flagged by the FDA are Hello Kitty #07 (pink canister), #06 (black canister), #03 (black canister), #11 (pink canister), #10 (pink canister) and #02 (black canister) through Advisory Numbers No. 2025-0927, 2025-0928, 2025-0929, 2025-0946, 2025-0947 and 2025-0948.

‘Sold for P35 each or three for P100, the Qianxiu lipsticks were found laden with up to 43,640 parts per million (ppm) of lead, way above the 20 ppm limit for lead as a heavy metal contaminant under the Asean Cosmetic Directive (ACD),’ EcoWaste said in a statement on Wednesday.

‘We urge consumers not to use Qianxiu and other unauthorized lipsticks from dubious sources and with unknown composition as they may contain banned ingredients like lead, which is a well-documented neurological and reproductive toxicant. We further urge government regulators to have these toxic lipsticks removed from the market,’ said EcoWaste National Coordinator Aileen Lucero.

Based on the X-Ray fluorescence screening it conducted, the group found that Qianxiu #02, #03, and #06 (black canisters) contained 17,690 ppm, 43,640 ppm, and 31,520 ppm of lead, respectively. Moreover, Qianxiu #07, #10, and #11 (pink canisters) contained 13,610 ppm, 27,390 ppm, and 9,640 ppm of lead, respectively.

The group revealed that Qianxiu lipsticks were among the products it reported to the agency last March for containing ‘high levels of lead.’

EcoWaste added that Qianxiu lipstick has no certificate notification, which means that the products under this brand are being sold without the necessary quality and safety assessment by the FDA.

The group noted that this violates the Republic Act No. 9711 or the FDA Act of 2009.

‘The science indicates there is no safe level of lead exposure. Lead is a neurotoxicant and can be dangerous even at small doses. Medical experts are clear that any level of lead exposure is unhealthy,’ EcoWaste said, quoting a report from the US-based advocacy group.

It warned that lead is a known endocrine-disrupting chemical and can cause hormonal changes among women, menstrual irregularities, reduced fertility, and a host of other health problems that may also affect unborn babies.

Vice President Sara Duterte is in Cebu until October 2 to visit communities affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that hit the province, her office announced Wednesday night. ‘Vice President Sara Z. Duterte is currently in Cebu province to extend her sympathies to those affected by the earthquake,’ the Office of the Vice President (OVP) said in an advisory.

The OVP said Duterte will remain in Cebu until Thursday to visit the areas affected by the tremor.

In a separate video statement, Duterte offered her condolences to the families affected by the quake, urging them not to lose faith despite the hardship they experienced.

‘I know that the pain you feel and the hardships you now face are beyond measure. Yet, in the midst of the destruction left by this tragedy in your families and communities, may you never lose faith and hope,’ Duterte said in Bisaya.

‘May you become sources of strength, kindness, and inspiration to all,’ she added.

She then extended her prayers to the communities in Cebu and nearby provinces, hoping for their safety and enduring resilience amid the continued aftershocks being experienced in the area.

‘May you find strength in one another, and may the legendary Visayan warmth and resilience shine through amidst this deep sorrow,’ she said.

Duterte went to Cebu after she ordered the OVP’s satellite offices to provide assistance to those affected by the earthquake.

Her trip also coincides with the House of Representatives’ plenary debates for the OVP’s proposed budget for 2026, which was postponed for the second time until Thursday after she – or an official of the appropriate level – failed to appear before the plenary. House Deputy Majority Leader Arnan Panaligan earlier said that tomorrow is the last chance for the OVP to defend its proposed budget as Thursday is the House’s last day for its plenary debates.

The recent corruption scandal reminded me of the parallel struggles faced by experts and scientists in navigating our research system. In 2024, I wrote a letter (see ‘Access to resources still a problem for researchers’ 1/23/24) describing the challenges of research governance and administration in the Philippines. Sadly, nearly two years later, little has changed.

Many researchers still encounter rules and processes in procurement, hiring, contracting, and financial management that are often complex, inconsistent, or unclear. Sometimes, even small, legitimate expenses are hard to process or reimburse. In a few cases, expenses may be disallowed based on subjective interpretations of unwritten rules rather than clearly written guidelines. These situations contribute to delays in project implementation and discourage some researchers from pursuing their studies.

This results in a system where our experts and researchers, despite their commitment and resourcefulness, spend more time untangling administrative hurdles than advancing knowledge, and improving practice. While these rules are intended to safeguard public funds and ensure accountability, we dare to ask: Are these mechanisms still relevant, effective, and fit for today’s research landscape?

I call on our research leaders, managers, and national agencies, such as the Department of Health and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, to discuss and address these systemic barriers. I believe it is time to review and rationalize procurement, accounting, HR, and audit rules so that they may continue to protect public funds while enabling researchers to fulfill their work to improve people’s lives.

MANILA, Philippines-La Salle survived a furious fourth-quarter rally to edge Far Eastern University, 74-72, and return to the win column of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Green Archers dodged a late-game bullet when FEU’s Jorick Bautista missed a wide-open layup with seven seconds left that could have tied the game. La Salle then ran down the clock to seal the victory.

Coming off a tough loss to University of Santo Tomas, La Salle improved to 2-1 for solo fourth place ahead of their rivalry clash with Ateneo on Sunday. ‘Coming off a loss, you really want to win. We had stretches where we played really well, but in the UAAP, you can’t expect easy wins. FEU came back strong,’ said La Salle deputy coach Caloy Garcia.

La Salle led by as many as 13 points heading into the fourth, 64-51, but saw its cushion quickly evaporate. FEU stormed back behind Mo Konateh, Janrey Pasaol, Bautista, and Jedric Daa, cutting the deficit to one, 69-70, with 2:25 left. But Mason Amos and Doy Dungo answered with clutch baskets to push La Salle ahead, 74-69. Bautista buried a triple to make it 72-74 with under a minute to play, before missing the game-tying attempt in the final seconds.

Dungo, a former UST Tiger Cub, led La Salle with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting in place of the injured Kean Baclaan (ankle sprain).?’I just stepped up because we were short on players. I stayed composed and ready,’ said Dungo.

Amos added 14 points, four assists, and three rebounds, while Jacob Cortez also had 14 points. EJ Gollena contributed 13 points and eight rebounds. Mike Phillips, though limited to six points, hauled down 13 boards and dished out nine assists.

FEU dropped to 0-3, joining University of the East at the bottom of the standings. Pasaol paced the Tamaraws with 25 points, while Konateh had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Mongcopa added 13 points and Bautista finished with 10.

FEU faces Adamson next on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The country’s balance of payments (BOP) is seen to swing to a deficit this year and remain in the red next year as global uncertainties and new US tariffs curb trade and investment flows.

According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the current account shortfall is expected to stay at around 3 percent of GDP in 2025 and 2026.

‘These reflect a widening trade-in-goods gap, subdued services receipts and restrained capital inflows amid global uncertainty and shifting trade policies,’ the BSP said in a statement on Wednesday.

The current account, a key component of the BOP, records a nation’s transactions with the rest of the world, particularly its net trade in goods and services.

‘Goods exports and imports are anticipated to remain sluggish, shaped by softening global demand, easing commodity prices, and tempered domestic growth momentum,’ it said.

Tariff stings

In August, the Philippines recorded its narrowest trade deficit in six months in August, but the improvement masked new signs of weakness as higher American tariffs began to weigh on exports to the United States.

Philippine exports grew by 4.6 percent to $7.1 billion, the weakest pace of expansion in eight months. Exports to the US fell by 11.2 percent, although this was offset by higher demand from other trading partners like Hong Kong (+26.4 percent) and Japan (+4.7 percent).

‘Infrastructure investments, potential trade diversion and efforts to diversify export and import partners may help cushion external shocks. However, structural constraints, such as logistical inefficiencies, skills mismatches and elevated input costs, continue to weigh on export competitiveness,’ the BSP added.

In 2024, the BOP position recorded a surplus of $609 million, shrinking from the $3.7-billion surplus in the previous year. /dda