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Following the impact of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck off Cebu on September 30, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has called on government agencies and the private sector to ensure that assistance for members of vulnerable sectors is ‘well-considered, culturally sensitive, and timely.’

The CHR issued the statement on Friday amid the government’s distribution of aid to affected communities in the province.

‘The Commission calls on government agencies and the private sector involved in humanitarian efforts on the ground to ensure that responses for persons with disabilities, the sick, children and youth, the elderly, and the socio-economically disadvantaged are well-considered, culturally sensitive, and timely,’ it said.

‘Let us allow the human rights lens to guide our disaster relief for vulnerable groups in particular, so that we, as a society, can truly claim that we are keepers of even the less privileged,’ it added.

The CHR likewise pointed out the insufficiency of early warning systems and preparedness for vulnerable groups during disasters, noting that they are often ‘left behind to fend for themselves.’

The Commission emphasized that the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (UNGPID) ‘provide that persons displaced by natural disasters have the right to protection, assistance, and durable solutions that respect their dignity and human rights.’

It also noted that the UNGPID ‘assigns the State the primary duty to provide assistance during displacement and to ensure support through the stages of return, resettlement, and reintegration, in shared responsibility with other humanitarian actors.’

Moreover, the Commission extended its condolences to the families of those who died in the earthquake in Cebu and nearby provinces.

‘As we stand in solidarity with government agencies and civil society organizations in their gargantuan efforts of rescue and relief, we particularly support all relief and rehabilitation for vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, the sick, children and youth, the elderly, and the socio-economically disadvantaged,’ it said.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Thursday reported that it has already handed out millions worth of evacuation kits and relief goods to families impacted by Typhoon ‘Opong’ in Masbate, and the devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu. 6

Covering daily deliveries through C130 flights, and the Philippine Coast Guard vessel ‘Gabriela Silang,’ a larger wave of assistance is set to follow by land with a PCSO caravan scheduled to leave Manila Sunday morning on October 5, delivering further aid to both regions.

The caravan will transport substantial quantities of relief supplies to the affected provinces.

Among the resources being dispatched are 11 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) for Cebu, alongside five dump trucks from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) dedicated to carrying essential relief items.

To ensure a steady supply of aid, the convoy will also include at least five wing vans and one bus filled with crucial necessities for the families in need.

Masbate is currently under a state of calamity as it grapples with the aftermath of the typhoon, which has displaced thousands, destroyed homes, and severely impacted agricultural lands.

In Cebu, the magnitude 6.9 earthquake has left over 20,000 individuals displaced, with Bogo City, Medellin, and San Remigio among the most severely affected areas.

Thousands of residents remain in evacuation centers or have been forced to sleep outdoors due to ongoing aftershocks, highlighting the urgent need for immediate assistance.

‘We can not turn away from the suffering of our fellow Filipinos in Masbate and Cebu,’ stated PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles.

‘Our duty is clear: to respond and continue helping until aid reaches every corner of these communities.’

He added that they are committed to supporting those affected by these calamities.

‘Through these efforts, we uphold our principle of ‘Hindi Umuurong sa Pagtulong.’

The Philippine government awarded more than ?5.72 trillion in contracts from 2000 to 2021 across its top 10 procurement categories. An overwhelming ?4 trillion – or 81 percent – went to construction projects, yet floods continue to cripple communities nationwide.

This is according to an analysis of PhilGEPS procurement data by Dr. Rogelio Alicor Panao, INQUIRER Metrics data scientist and associate professor at the University of the Philippines.

‘Trillions have already sunk into concrete, yet the waters keep rising,’ Panao wrote. ‘[D]espite this torrent of spending, floods continue to paralyze communities, exposing how concrete often serves politics as much as public need.’

Construction dwarfs other spending

The data shows how construction has dominated government spending, dwarfing other vital sectors. Construction projects accounted for ?4.65 trillion, while an additional ?96.4 billion went to construction materials – together making up the vast bulk of procurement across two decades.

By comparison, Information Technology (?152.2 billion) ranked third in procurement, a figure that Panao noted ‘sits unusually high,’ reflecting both modernization efforts and ‘suspicions of overpriced, fragmented systems.’

Spending on health fell far behind. Drugs and medicines (?132.4 billion) and medical supplies and laboratory instruments (?74.2 billion) combined barely reached four percent of construction’s total.

The numbers, Panao explained, stress how ‘health spending, though vital, has struggled to compete with the politics of infrastructure,’ Panao said.

Other procurement categories included services (?125.3 billion), vehicles (?113.1 billion), lease and rental of property or building (?89.9 billion), and food stuff (?84.2 billion) – underscoring the heavy bias for physical infrastructure.

A recurring flood of spending

Despite the torrent of funds, floods remain one of the country’s most persistent and destructive disasters. The International Disaster Database earlier reported that storms and floods accounted for nearly two-thirds of all Philippine calamities from 2000 to 2024.

Panao warned that infrastructure-driven policies risk being ‘rich in contracts, poor in integrity’ if accountability and transparency are not strengthened.

The release of the PhilGEPS data comes as the Commission on Audit (COA) has filed a series of fraud audit reports on flood-control projects. Just in September, COA flagged multiple projects in Bulacan and Bicol as either nonexistent, duplicated, or built on mismatched sites – raising concerns over how billions in flood infrastructure are spent.

At the same time, public anger has mounted over revelations that just 15 contractors cornered more than ?100 billion worth of flood-control funds since 2022. Protesters have linked this concentration of spending to the ‘ghost projects’ scandal, which continues to fuel calls for accountability.

According to Panao, the figures show that even with trillions of pesos poured into construction projects, flooding has continued to affect communities nationwide. His analysis noted that this pattern reflects the limits of infrastructure spending when it comes to addressing recurring climate-related risks.

The Sandiganbayan has rejected for lack of merit the plea of Senator Jinggoy Estrada to dismiss the graft charges filed against him over his alleged misuse of P200 million in pork barrel funds in 2014.

The resolution means that his graft trial will push through even though the court had already acquitted him and convicted businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles for plunder over the same case, an argument he raised before the court.

In a 22-page resolution dated Oct. 1, the antigraft court’s Special Fifth Division said there was ‘no cogent reason’ to reverse its Mar. 26 resolution that denied Estrada’s demurrer to evidence because the senator was arguing for cases that differed substantially.

Estrada, in his motion for reconsideration cited by the Sandiganbayan, had argued that there should not be any prosecution for graft since he was already prosecuted for plunder based on the ‘same set of facts and the same set of transactions.’

His motion also took note of the ‘similarity’ between the two sets of indictments wherein the prosecution in both cases ‘presented essentially the same set of exhibits and the same set of witness testimonies to prove the same theory, albeit to prosecute separate sets of crimes.’

But the court rejected his argument, saying there was nothing in the Rules of Court or the laws that required the court to dismiss a separate graft case ‘on account of the charge being a predicate act in a prior case for plunder.’

Double jeopardy

‘The only reason to sustain such an argument would be if the same places the accused in double jeopardy, which is not the case herein, as shall be discussed by the court later,’ read the resolution signed by Associate Justice Zaldy Trespeses, the division chair; and Associate Justices Maryann Corpus-Mañalac and Maria Theresa Mendoza-Arcega.

The case stemmed from the claim of socialite Ruby Tuason, former social secretary to Estrada’s father, former President Joseph Estrada, that she personally delivered cash to the senator from Napoles, who has had numerous convictions for masterminding the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.

Senator Estrada is accused of receiving millions of pesos in kickbacks from Napoles, who connived with some lawmakers and government officials to divert billions of pesos of PDAF funds to nonexistent or flawed livelihood projects supposedly carried out by her nongovernment organizations.

The court also rejected Estrada’s argument that the prosecution failed to prove the element of scienter, or the intent or knowledge to commit wrongdoing, because he did not know of Napoles’s criminal scheme.

The Sandiganbayan noted that Tuason had testified that she informed him of Napoles’ scheme as early as 2004 and that she personally ‘delivered amounts to him on various occasions’ at the Senate and his residence.

September marked the last month for boat rides in Burnham Lake, the century-old centerpiece of the city’s premier public park, before the local government closed it on Wednesday to begin long-delayed upgrades put on hold for five years by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The closure has disappointed local families who spend weekends on the lake and left boat concessionaires unable to operate until summer next year.

Still, lawyer Rhenan Diwas, chief of the City Environment and Parks Management office, said the shutdown meant that the long-awaited redevelopment of the city was finally moving forward.

At a briefing on Wednesday, Diwas reiterated that Burnham Park was overdue for a makeover.

Boat docks began to be dismantled as early as Sept. 21, and on Sept. 30, a tilapia and carp fishing competition played out while concessionaires packed up.

Colonial roots

Designed in 1903 by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham for the American colonial government, Burnham Park was envisioned as the ‘lungs’ of the mountain city. Baguio, like the hill stations of British India, was developed as a cool refuge from the tropical heat.

As one of the country’s top tourist draws, Baguio was paired with Boracay in 2013 for a Malacañang-led redevelopment program. While Boracay closed for six months in 2018 for a massive overhaul of its drainage and waste systems, Baguio’s plans languished.

In 2019, a modern perspective of Burnham Park was drafted by architects Mylen Yaranon and the late Joseph Alabanza, along with the University of the Cordilleras, as part of a P480-million rehabilitation program under the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza).

But when the pandemic struck in 2020, funds were diverted to COVID-19 response, and Tieza-dependent on travel fees-was forced to rebuild its finances.

First phase

This year, the city was informed that the Burnham project was back on track. Tieza earmarked P100 million for the first phase, which covers new retaining walls, four 12-meter boat decks to serve nine concessionaires, lakeside benches and a new fountain.

Diwas said the plan also took into account the lake’s role as a natural spring,

Three more phases, each with P100 million in funding, will modernize the children’s playground, rose garden and skating rink. City officials are also weighing whether to remove two elephant statues that became fixtures of the children’s playground in the 1970s.

‘They don’t belong there,’ Diwas said, stressing that they have ‘sentimental and not historical value.’

Meanwhile, the Melvin Jones football ground is being lined up for a public-private partnership to elevate the playing field and install rainwater harvesting and underground parking facilities.

Council petition

Landscaping is ongoing at the Ibaloy garden beside the Orchidarium, funded by Sen. Robinhood Padilla, while other sections of the park like the Athletic Bowl have been upgraded through joint efforts of the city and national agencies.

Not everyone welcomed the closure. Four of the nine boat operators petitioned the city council on Monday to reschedule the project, citing losses during the peak tourism season.

‘September to February is the most crucial period for tourism-related businesses, which affects not just our livelihood but the city’s economy as a whole,’ said concessionaires Vevian Celso Vincoy, Anthony Agustin Balana, Germain Saroltimango and Osorio Celso.

They added: ‘This seasonal influx of tourists provides the income needed to sustain our families and provide for our financial obligations.’

But Diwas said delays would disrupt the timetable for the rest of the park’s modernization. He assured that concessionaires and their 119 workers would receive cash assistance during the shutdown.

Beyond Burnham Park, Tieza had supported Baguio’s bid for a $46-million (P2-billion) Asian Development Bank loan to rehabilitate the city’s wastewater system and a Japanese-built sewage treatment plant.

But that loan was later removed from the government’s priority list due to delays and is now ‘on 2026 standby (awaiting) further confirmation,’ said Jose Dado, Cordillera assistant regional director of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development.

Aiko Melendez confirmed that she and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Khonghun have ended their relationship after almost eight years together.

In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Friday, Oct. 3, Melendez said the decision was reached ‘after four months of reflection and careful consideration.’

‘Congressman Jay Khonghun and I, Councilor Aiko Melendez, have mutually decided to part ways and go our separate directions. This decision was not made lightly but comes from a place of respect and understanding of what is best for both of us at this time,’ she wrote.

Melendez, who serves as Quezon City 5th district councilor, clarified that no third party was involved in the breakup.

‘We want to make it clear that no third party was involved in this decision. We remain grateful for the memories we shared and for the support many of you have shown throughout our journey together,’ she said.

The actress, stressing that their priority is to focus on their public service roles, noted that the separation was mutual.

‘He in his continued public service, and I in mine, always guided by the values of respect, kindness, and dedication to the people we serve,’ she continued.

‘We ask for your understanding and privacy as we go through this transition. Thank you for your support and prayers,’ Melendez concluded.

The couple first went public with their relationship in 2018. Melendez had previously described Khonghun as her ‘answered prayer.’

Melendez was previously married to actor Jomari Yllana in 2000, but they separated after a year. They have a son named Andrei. Their marriage was annulled in 2005.

The same year, Melendez married Martin Jickain, with whom she has a daughter named Marthena.

There is nowhere to go but up for the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles after back-to-back playoff appearances, and the addition of Anna DeBeer is expected to strengthen their young but promising roster in the PVL Reinforced Conference starting Tuesday at Ynares Center in Montalban.

From being pushovers last year, ZUS Coffee became instant playoff contenders after drafting Thea Gagate and signing Jovelyn Gonzaga and other key players in Chinnie Arroyo, Chai Troncoso, and Kate Santiago to reach the quarterfinals of the 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference and PVL on Tour.

The 5-foot-11 DeBeer, who played for the University of Louisville in the US NCAA Division I and for Indy Ignite in the Major Volleyball League, brings additional firepower for coach Jerry Yee’s side. But Yee emphasized that the team will continue to lean on its locals in the import-laden conference. ‘We just want to keep improving, no steps back. That’s really what we’re watching closely-just progress,’ said Yee in Filipino. ‘Hopefully, we keep getting better. We’ll continue to depend more on our local players, especially our middles.’

Gagate returns to ZUS Coffee after the national team season with Alas Pilipinas, teaming up with No. 5 pick AC Miner, and Invitational Best Middle Blocker Riza Nogales.

‘She’s been training for a few weeks now. At first, she was slowly integrated, but she’s been able to catch up well so far.’

So far, Yee is pleased with the team’s progress with DeBeer connecting well with Gagate and Co.

‘Anna’s really kind, very simple, and still young-same age as most of our team. The team chemistry with her is good so far, and we’re hoping that translates into good games and strong connection on the court,’ he said.

The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP HPG) said it recorded over 56,000 traffic violations in September 2025.

In a statement on Friday, the PNP said its traffic unit caught 14,111 motorcycle riders for not wearing a helmet; 7,063 for not wearing a seatbelt; 187 for driving a car without an import commodity clearance sticker; and 34,681 for other traffic violations.

The HPG also conducted 17,353 operations from Sept. 1 to 30, 2025, resulting in the recovery of 94 vehicles and 37 motorcycles, the PNP added.

Police also said, during the same period, the HPG arrested 44 individuals for alleged carnapping.

While food and water remain urgent needs, victims of Thursday’s fire in Barangay 17 here are also appealing for housing materials so they can begin to rebuild their homes.

The blaze displaced 121 families, who are now staying in green tents set up under Marcos Bridge.

According to data from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), 78 houses were damaged in the fire.

Residents recalled the fire started around 12:50 p.m.

‘The police patrol arrived after about 10 minutes, then the firefighters followed,’ said Wendylyn Victoria, one of the displaced.

Victoria said two houses were initially engulfed, but the flames spread as the firetruck struggled with weak water pressure. By the time the supply was stabilized, five houses had already been consumed.

Now left with only what they managed to carry, residents say rebuilding will be the hardest part.

‘What we really need are materials to rebuild our houses,’ Victoria said. ‘Even if we can manage our daily needs, it’s the house that’s hardest to rebuild.’

Victoria, who has lived in Barangay 17 since 2003 with her mother, nieces, and nephews, said this was already the third fire in their area.

Asked if she had thought of moving, she replied: ‘If it’s just about safety, we’re eager to relocate.’

But relocation is not easy, she added, citing livelihood and children’s schooling.

‘Some of our neighbors moved to Mambuaya, but it’s hard to make a living there,’ she said, referring to a relocation site in Mambuaya village established by the city government.

Victoria works as a janitor at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center, a kilometer away, making their current location practical for her job.

Likewise, her nieces and nephews attend school in Barangay Consolacion, just a seven-minute walk from their home.

Already, civic groups have launched a fundraising drive to aid the fire victims. News organizations such as RMN News, i-FM, and Mindanao Gold Star Daily also called for donations./coa

Families displaced by the fire on Thursday, October 2, 2025, temporarily stay in tents, bringing with them salvaged belongings and essentials

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the government is studying ways to improve local milk production.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Farm Fresh Milk Plant at the Global Aseana Business Park 2 in San Simon, Pampanga, Marcos also said the government is coordinating with the private sector to provide support to farmers.

‘We are currently studying ways to increase local milk production and how to attract more investments in the dairy industry,’ he said in Filipino.

He added that the dairy plant would bring opportunities to farm workers and boost the health of children.

‘This will also provide opportunities for our farmers and farm workers here in the community to earn a livelihood,’ the president said in Filipino.

‘Apart from more efficient production, this will also offer a better future for our youth,’ he added.

During the event, Marcos led the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility and toured the production plant at Building 3.

He also inspected the mixing, pasteurization, bottle labeling, filling, and packaging areas.

Farm Fresh Milk, Inc. is the Philippine subsidiary of Farm Fresh Berhad, a Malaysian dairy company.

Its manufacturing operations in San Simon, Pampanga began in August last year, producing a range of milk, yogurt, and plant-based products./mcm