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Local executives in Central Mindanao and Bangsamoro regional officials on Wednesday, October 22, praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for reappointing the governor of Cotabato province as chairperson of the Regional Development Council 12 until 2028.

Officials from the Department of Economy, Planning and Development 12 (DEPDev 12), formerly known as the National Economic Development 12, told reporters that Marcos signed the reappointment of Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño Mendoza as chairperson of the Regional Development Council 12 (RDC 12) for the term 2025 to 2028 on October 16.

Local government officials in Cotabato, one of the four provinces in Region 12, and in the eight newly-established Bangsamoro towns in the province, have expressed their gratitude to Marcos for granting Mendoza the presidential approval to lead the non-political RDC 12 until 2028.

‘For that, we are grateful to President Marcos,’ Mayor Rolando Sacdalan of Midsayap, touted as the most progressive town in Cotabato province, said.

Cotabato province has 17 towns and 45 barangays in its capital, Kidapawan City. There are 63 predominantly-Moro barangays in the province that were grouped into eight towns last year via separate enabling measures by the 80-seat parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

BARMM’s labor and employment minister, Muslimin Sema, who is chairman of the central committee of the Moro National Liberation Front, and the chief minister of the Bangsamoro region, Abdulrauf Macacua, separately told reporters that they will continue to support Mendoza’s leadership in the RDC 12.

‘The Mendoza-led RDC 12 does not cover the Bangsamoro region, but it focuses a lot on the welfare of the Moro communities in municipalities and cities in Administrative Region 12. She deserves our commitment to help her achieve the community welfare goals of the RDC-12,’ Sema said on Wednesday.

DEPDev 12 officials said they still have no idea who Marcos will appoint as vice chairperson of RDC 12 for the term 2025 to 2028.

The regional director of DEPDev 12 functions as ex-officio vice chairperson of the council, according to DEPDev 12 officials in its regional office in Koronadal City, the capital of South Cotabato.

Macacua, the highest-ranking member of the 80-seat Bangsamoro regional parliament, expressed their satisfaction with Mendoza’s continued tenure as RDC 12 chairperson.

‘She is a non-Moro but is a staunch supporter of the national government’s Mindanao peace process covering Moro communities in Southern Mindanao,’ Macacua, chief of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, said.

South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. told reporters via text message that he is thankful to Marcos for allowing Mendoza to lead the RDC 12 until 2028.

Municipal officials in the eight Bangsamoro towns in Cotabato province had posted on Facebook their assurance to help Mendoza push the regional peace and security initiatives of the RDC-12 forward.

Malacañang on Wednesday likened a private citizen’s letter urging an investigation into First Lady Liza Marcos to a nuisance candidacy, calling the claim baseless and hearsay.

At a Palace press briefing on October 22, Presidential Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration views the letter from John Santander. Santander on Tuesday asked the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to probe the First Lady’s alleged links to businessman Maynard Ngu.

The Palace dismissed this as unserious and lacking factual basis.

‘He is like a nuisance candidate, that he was just given money to buy vinegar and he just happened to give the letter of sentiment to the ICI,’ Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said at a press briefing on Wednesday, October 22, in Filipino.

Santander’s letter alleged ties between Marcos and Ngu, who has been accused of acting as an alleged “bagman” for Sen. Chiz Escudero, though no evidence or documentation was presented.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure, created to investigate alleged anomalies in flood control and public works projects, would review whether there are grounds to follow up on the claim.

Castro, however, stressed that Santander offered no technical allegations and cited no clear sources or personal knowledge, which renders his claims hearsay.

She added that the First Lady would not comment on the matter.

The Philippines’ Crystal Cariño and Nicole Tabucol missed out on a potential shot at a gold medal after succumbing to Thailand’s Phatrawan Simawong and Chiratchayaphon Kenkhunthod, 2-0, in the teqball semifinals of the 3rd Asian Youth Games at the Exhibition World Bahrain Wednesday.

The Filipina pair, however, will have a chance at a bronze in the sport that’s a mix of sepak takraw and table tennis if they beat host Bahrain’s Rawan Abdulaziz and Fatima Albanna in the girls’ doubles event Thursday.

Alas Pilipinas likewise suffered its first defeat in girls’ volleyball at the hands of regional powerhouse Thailand, 25-21, 25-18, 25-14, at the Hall B of the Isa Sports City.

It was the first defeat for the Nationals in two outings.

Despite it, the country, represented by National University bracketed at Group D, made it to the classification phase for the teams that finished in the top eight from the four groups.

Action though intensifies starting today in golf, mixed martial arts, muay, taekwondo and triathlon where the country has bets with a legitimate shot at a podium finish, possibly a gold.

One of the country’s entries with the best chance at a gold is John Brix Ramiscal, a world championship gold winner in Abu Dhabi last month in the junior 16-17 male category.

The Philippines is hoping to add to the first gold captured by Kram Airam Carpio in pencak silat a few days back and possibly surpass its two-gold, three-silver haul last edition in Nanjing, China 12 years ago.

‘We can win more because our lineup is strong and we can pull surprises in golf, weightlifting, athletics, muay and boxing,’ said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, who attended Wednesday’s Olympic Council of Asia meeting at the Art Hotel and Resort here.

Tolentino, part of the OCA board, said gold winners should take home a bounty for their feats.

The government, by law, is mandated to hand gold winners in Asian-level events done at least biennially and participated in by a minimum of 25 countries with an incentive worth P500,000.

‘The Philippine Sports Commission and the POC should give incentives. If The Palace sees that we gave them, there’s a big chance they will give too,’ he added.

House Speaker Bojie Dy may hold one of the most powerful positions in government, but his latest statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) shows a declared net worth of just P74.019 million – far from what some might expect.

The returning lawmaker, who was only elected speaker in September after Rep. Martin Romualdez stepped down, released on Wednesday, October 22, a copy of the SALN he submitted to the House of Representatives in July.

Dy’s SALN shows 12 agricultural properties and four residential lots and homes worth P32.53 million under his name. Twelve of these were bought in the 1990s to early 2000s, while the remaining four were inheritedWhile his real estate portfolio is modest, the newly elected speaker listed over P25.18 million in cash and P29.6 million in investments, bringing his personal assets to about three times the value of his properties, which stood at P88.62 million. This included his five vehicles valued at P11.34 million.

Combining his real estate and personal assets, his total wealth amounts to P121.144 million. After accounting for liabilities of P47.124 million, his net worth stands at P74.019 million.

Beyond assets, public officials must disclose their business interests. Dy reported ties to four firms, which include two where he is a partner and two where he holds shares.

What particularly stands out in Dy’s disclosures, however, is the number of relatives he has in public office. While his political dynasty was known to include at least six members, the full list shows 16, including a nephew who is the Philippine ambassador to Switzerland.

In a statement, Dy said releasing his SALN was part of his commitment to transparency, as public clamor grew for lawmakers to bare their wealth amid corruption allegations involving infrastructure kickbacks.

Some time in September, he told reporters he would release a copy of his SALN, saying if he needed to do so, he would.

Earlier wealth disclosures

Several other lawmakers have also disclosed their SALNs even before the Ombudsman lifted the earlier restrictions imposed under the Duterte administration. These include the Makabayan bloc, Akbayan Party-list, ML Paryt-list, Kamanggagawa Party-list, Rep. Kiko Barzaga and Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

Experts, however, warned that politicians can still hide some wealth from their SALNs. In a radio interview, Mon Abrea, chief tax advisor at Asian Consulting Group and former Bureau of Internal Revenue official, said some assets might not be under a public official’s name or kept in banks, and could instead be listed under their children, spouses or cousins.

Abrea said this helps explain why the public often sees a disconnect between what officials declare on paper and their actual lifestyle.

House panel to review SALNs

Dy also announced reconstituting the House’s SALN Review and Compliance Committee in compliance with Republic Act 6713. Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez was appointed as the committee’s chairperson, while Rep. Lorenz Defensor and Rep. Miro Quimbo were designated as vice chairpersons.

Members of the committee include Rep. Bong Teves Jr., Rep. Maria Cristina Angeles, Rep. Wilfirdo Enverga, Rep. Angelo Barba and Rep. Arlene Bag-ao.

The committee will be supported by senior officials from the Legal Affairs, Legislative Operations, and Administrative Departments; the Office of the Secretary General; the Committee on Rules; and the Records Management Service, as well as a representative from the Office of the Speaker.

Dy said that reviving the committee reinforces the House’s commitment to earlier memorandums, ensuring the proper filing, review, disclosure, and public access to SALNs in the lower chamber.

“Kung kinakailangan, syempre, lead by example tayo,” he said in a radio interview on Monday. (If needed, of course, we’ll lead by example.)

Chanelle Avaricio is no longer looking back.

Armed with a hot start, steely focus and the painful memory of a missed opportunity just last week, Avaricio roared into a commanding lead at the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic – and this time, she’s intent on finishing what she started.

Determined to atone for her late-round meltdown at Del Monte, where a five-shot lead dissolved into a heartbreaking playoff loss to Sarah Ababa, Avaricio delivered a masterclass in course management and clutch execution at the demanding Apo Golf and Country Club here on Wednesday.

She fired a superb four-under-par 68, punctuated by an eagle-2 on the very first hole, to break away from the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour field with a whopping eight-shot lead at the halfway mark.

‘My short game really carried me today – especially the putting,’ said Avaricio, whose four-under 140 total kept her safely ahead of Princess Superal, who pooled a 148 after a 73.

‘But I think more than anything, it was my mindset. I came in with a purpose this week. What happened at Del Monte… I didn’t want to feel that way again.’

Despite holding a commanding lead, Avaricio isn’t taking anything for granted – especially after struggling to close out strongly at Del Monte.

‘No changes, but I’ll play my best and hope for the best,’ said Avaricio, who dominated the Forest Hills leg last June.

She was on the verge of replicating that performance at Del Monte but faltered down the stretch, losing her rhythm and composure. Still, she’s taking the setback in stride and remains confident heading into the final round.

‘It’s the same situation as last week. I know I have a good chance, but anything can happen. All I can do is focus on playing well tomorrow,’ she added.

For Avaricio, playing well goes beyond just keeping her drives in the fairway.

‘It’s all about shot placement – starting off the tee, hitting more greens in regulation, and hopefully sinking those putts,’ she said.

The 2025 season has seen flashes of brilliance from Avaricio, but her stunning collapse at Del Monte – where she surrendered a five-shot advantage on the back nine and lost to Ababa in sudden death – had the potential to derail her confidence. Instead, it fueled her resolve.

Avaricio wasted no time setting the tone at Apo. On the par-4 opening hole, she ripped a solid drive down the fairway before pulling out her trusted 50-degree wedge from 100 yards. She watched as the ball tracked the flag and disappeared into the cup for a spectacular eagle-2 – a shot that seemed to exorcise the ghosts of last week.

I hit it straight, and it went in,” she recalled.

She followed it up with a birdie on the par-3 No. 4 and, despite a bogey on the next hole, stayed steady through the treacherous middle stretch of the course. She later added birdies on Nos. 14 and 17 to complete a clinical 34-34 round – one that left the rest of the field reeling.

While Avaricio surged, others struggled to keep pace. Local favorite Mafy Singson, who had started the day just a stroke of Avaricio, stumbled badly with a shocking 79 that dropped her 12 shots back at 152.

Superal emerged as the closest challenger after a one-over card, but her 148 aggregate still leaves her trailing by a daunting margin.

Florence Bisera (71), Rev Alcantara (74), Chihiro Ikeda (74) and Daniella Uy (75) matched 149s – already nine strokes adrift. Ababa, last week’s surprise winner, recovered with a 74 after a first-round 78 but is still 12 shots behind at 152, alongside Singson.

With a lead this commanding, talk of a potential runaway win is inevitable – especially given the way Avaricio is striking the ball and navigating Apo’s tight layout and undulating greens. But she knows better than to get ahead of herself.

‘Golf has a way of humbling you quickly,’ she said with a wry smile. ‘I’m happy with where I’m at, but nothing’s done until the last putt drops. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way.’

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Far Eastern University dealt Ateneo its fourth straight loss, 75-68, to start the second round of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on a high note Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Jorrick Bautista salvaged the Tamaraws with back-to-back triples in the final minute, ensuring no repeat of history after faltering in an 86-83 overtime defeat to the same team in the first round.

It’s the second straight win for FEU to climb to 3-5 for a fighting chance to the Final Four as the Blue Eagles’ free fall continued to 4-4 at fifth place after an unbeaten start. Adamson, at 3-4, sits between the two squads, in the race to the top.

‘We had a meeting with Jorick and Janrey and talked about the expectations that I know are high and can sometimes be unfair, but they’re so talented and therefore needed to lead by example,’ said coach Sean Chambers.

‘These last two games, they have been like what I’ve envisioned-being the best two guards in the league.’

Bautista fired eight of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, none bigger than the dagger triple in the last 27 seconds to give Tamaraws a 73-68 cushion.

Kirby Mongcopa chalked up 16 points and nine rebounds, Mo Konateh had 15 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks, while Janrey Pasaol added the same output with 13 assists, five rebounds and two steals to quarterback the Tamaraws’ onslaught.

FEU, on the heels of a 95-76 domination of the winless UE to end the first round in style, picked up from where it left off and went toe-to-toe with the Blue Eagles all duel long.

No team managed to build a double-digit lead until FEU’s late-game avalanche, turning a 63-67 deficit capped by Bautista’s triple in the 1:19 mark for a sudden 70-67 lead.

Dom Escobar split his charities the next possession, rolling the red carpet for Bautista’s another long bomb off Pasaol’s play as Konateh iced the deal with two freebies for the final count.

Escobar and Waki Espina led Ateneo with 15 and 12 points, respectively, but to no avail.

Ace floor general Bahay bled for just three points in his return from a shoulder injury he suffered in their 98-89 triple overtime loss to University of Santo Tomas at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Nigerian anchor Divine Adili still sat out owing to back injury, adding to the piling woes of the Blue Eagles now outside the top four after a torrid start in the first round atop of the standings.

In women’s basketball, vengeful UST (7-0) completed a first-round wipeout with a 75-61 win over University of the Philippines (2-5).

Brigette Santos fired 26 points to spearhead the Growling Tigresses’ first sweep since 2011, shoring up their redemption tour after losing to the throne to the National University Bulldogs in Season 87.

The scores:

FEU (75) – Bautista 20, Mongcopa 16, Pasaol 15, Konateh 15, Ona 4, Salangsang 3, Felipe 2, Owens 0, Montemayor 0, Macapagal 0, Jones 0.

Ateneo (68) – Escobar 15, Espina 12, Tuano 9, Lazo 8, Espinosa 6, Fjellvang 5, Ladi 4, Lazaro 4, Bahay 3, Bongo 2, Ong 0.

Quarterscores: 17-20, 37-37, 55-54, 75-68

Reigning champion University of the Philippines withstood National University’s late-game rally to score a repeat win, 78-74, and gain solo third place in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Fighting Maroons relinquished a 22-4 start but flaunted their championship pedigree and defensive claws when it mattered most to improve to 5-3 at the start of the crucial second round.

Harold Alarcon uncorked a season-high 24 points, including 11 in the payoff period, as UP quickly recovered from a 72-69 loss to rival La Salle last weekend that snapped its four-game winning run following a 0-2 start.

Alarcon drained UP’s last four points – all on freebies – after NU closed in on to within 70-74 in the last 15 seconds on Jake Figueroa’s own free throws. He drew ample coverage from Rey Remogat and Reyland Torres with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Gani Stevens chipped in seven markers while Terrence Fortea and Jacob Bayla added six each for the Fighting Maroons, now one game behind the University Santo Tomas Growling Tigers (5-2) for the coveted second seed and twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four.

‘Our defense was able to hold up until the end,’ said deputy mentor Christian Luanzon. ‘Malaking bagay ‘yung strong start namin, which has been rare for us the whole year as well as our ability to sustain.’

UP entered the match as the lone team to have beaten NU in the first round, 66-59, behind a stellar finishing kick from 13 points down in the second half.

But the Fighting Maroons nearly had a taste of their own medicine, getting swallowed by NU’s fiery uprising from a lead as big as 18 before Alarcon came to the rescue.

The Diliman-based hoopers, on a 22-4 start, held a 41-29 at the turn with the Bulldogs knocking on their doors multiple times in the second half, first at 55-57, and the closest at 66-69, in the last two minutes.

Figueroa stamped an all-around brilliance again with 18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, a steal and two blocks, while Paul Francisco (13) and PJ Palacielo (11) had their numbers for NU, which still remained at No. 1 at 6-2.

Earlier, Jorick Bautista exploded for 20 points including back-to-back triples in the final minute as Far Eastern University dealt Ateneo its fourth straight loss, 75-68.

It’s the second straight win for FEU to climb to 3-5 for a fighting chance to the Final Four as the Blue Eagles’ free fall continued to 4-4 at fifth place after an unbeaten start. Adamson, at 3-4, sits between the two squads, in the race to the top.

Dom Escobar and Waki Espina led with 15 and 12 points, respectively, for Ateneo but to no avail despite the return of ace floor general Jared Bahay, who bled for three points, from a shoulder injury.

In women’s basketball, vengeful Santo Tomas (7-0) completed a first-round wipeout with a 75-61 win over University of the Philippines (2-5).

Brigette Santos fired 26 points to spearhead the Growling Tigresses’ first sweep since 2011, shoring up their redemption tour after losing to the throne to the National U Bulldogs in Season 87.

The scores:

First Game

FEU 75 – Bautista 20, Mongcopa 16, Pasaol 15, Konateh 15, Ona 4, Salangsang 3, Felipe 2, Owens 0, Montemayor 0, Macapagal 0, Jones 0.

Ateneo 68 – Escobar 15, Espina 12, Tuano 9, Lazo 8, Espinosa 6, Fjellvang 5, Ladi 4, Lazaro 4, Bahay 3, Bongo 2, Ong 0.

Quarterscores: 17-20, 37-37, 55-54, 75-68

Second Game

UP 78 – Alarcon 24, Remogat 11, Torres 10, Stevens 7, Fortea 6, Bayla 6, Nnoruka 5, Abadiano 4, Palanca 3, Belmonte 2, Alter 0, Yniguez 0.

NU 74 – Figueroa 18, Francisco 13, Palacielo 11, Parks 7, Manansala 6, John 5, Santiago 4, Garcia 4, Padrones 4, Enriquez 2, Dela Cruz 0, Reyes 0, Solomon 0.

Quarterscores: 22-6, 41-29, 56-50, 78-74

Rep. Kiko Barzaga is no longer part of the Philippine Army’s Reserve Force after being found to have committed military violations deemed “grave offenses.”

Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala confirmed on Wednesday, October 22, that Barzaga has been delisted from the AFP, barring him from wearing the uniform or joining the regular or reserve forces in the future.

Barzaga was reportedly removed following September 21 social media posts in which he donned a military uniform and appeared to hint at sedition backed by the military. The lawmaker has been actively posting on his social media accounts, calling for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s resignation.

“We do not condone violations of military regulations, regardless of status or position, as part of our duty to preserve the professionalism and credibility of the organization,” Dema-ala said in a statement.

The army, however, clarified that the administrative action against Barzaga “does not reflect” on his personal character as a lawmaker.

“While we regret the necessity of this action, the Philippine Army upholds its commitment to discipline, integrity, and accountability,” Dema-ala said.

Enlisted only this year. Barzaga, who held a rank of private, was only enlisted in January. He served as a member of the National Capital Region Regional Defense Group Reserve Command before his delistment.

The lawmaker faces an ethics complaint after the National Unity Party, his former party, cited violent or lewd content and ostentatious displays of wealth as misconduct.

American magazine National Geographic included the Philippine capital Manila in its “Best of the World 2026” list, highlighting its diverse culinary scene.

A writeup by food and travel journalist-chef Lisa Futterman notes the country’s trading history and focus on local ingredients as integral parts of Philippines food culture, also referencing the upcoming debut of the Michelin Guide here.

Manila itself was highlighted as a melting pot of Spanish, Chinese and Malay influences, with the Tutuban Night Market getting a mention as well as the Salcedo Community Market held in Makati on weekends.

Futterman mentioned local delicacies like Fish Ball and Turon, citing restaurant specialties such as Manam’s Crispy Pancit Palabok and New Po Heng Lumpia House’s Spring Rolls with meat, veggies, peanuts, and seaweed.

Makati-based restaurants Toyo Eatery’s modern menu and “kamayan feast” as well as Kondwi’s array of creative cocktails were commended, as were the 11 paella varieties of Spanish-inspired Alba.

Ho-land and Eng Bee Tin bakeries, which Futterman noted had branches in the world’s oldest Chinatown Binondo, were further endorsed for their Hopia, Tikoy, and Moon Cakes.