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People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao is stepping back into the ring-no, not to take on another famous boxer.

This time, Pacquiao, secretary and lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. are teaming up to fight poverty among the country’s farmers and fishers.

Pacquiao and Tiu Laurel recently met to discuss strengthening government support for disadvantaged communities and address the challenges affecting the livelihood of those depending on agriculture and fisheries.

‘We discussed how we can provide sustainable livelihoods for the poor, especially our farmers. Irrigation is one of the things we talked about,’ Pacquiao said.

‘We’re so happy to have Sec. Manny as part of the Cabinet,’ Tiu Laurel said, adding that the partnership would focus on helping farmers, fisherfolk and livestock raisers by improving government interventions.

Under the partnership, Tiu Laurel would help bring Department of Agriculture (DA) programs closer to poor communities.

Pacquiao, for his part, would join the agriculture chief in field activities, including livestock distribution.

Let’s see if this partnership can score a win for the government in its long-standing fight against poverty. -Jordeene B. Lagare

From helipad to party scene

The property market may be anemic right now, but there’s one subsegment where supply can’t seem to cope with demand.

We’re talking about venues for galas, birthdays, weddings and other formal receptions-the kind that caters to the affluent market. Apparently, there’s not enough supply of hotel ballrooms and event spaces that can satiate the discerning crowd.

Property giant SM Prime Holdings, for instance, had to give up its ballroom slot for its 2026 annual stockholders meeting at flagship hotel Conrad Manila along Manila Bay in favor of a big client. The meeting was instead held at the nearby Lanson Place.

To unlock more revenues from its existing structure, Conrad converted its roof deck, previously used exclusively as a helipad, into an upscale events area called Dewey. It’s named in honor of George Dewey, the United States Navy commander who had defeated the Spanish squadron at the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898 during the Spanish-American War.

So how much will it cost to throw an intimate corporate event or bespoke social celebration at Conrad accented with a ‘refined rooftop ambience with sweeping bay views?’ Rates start at P800,000 to rent this Instaworthy venue for 170 guests.

But for crazy rich Asians who still wish to arrive in style-descend via chopper against the backdrop of Manila Bay’s panoramic sunset-it’s still possible. After all, Dewey will have flexible indoor and al fresco spaces.

We gather that this reimagined helipad/premier rooftop venue will enter the party scene soon. -Doris Dumlao-Abadilla

BPI shows up, BDO speaks first

Even in banking’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatter, showing up and getting the first word are two different contests.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and BDO Unibank split those bragging rights in local banking answers tested for PRecious Communications’ AI Authority Index.

BPI appeared most widely across consumer, business and trust questions, showing up in 73 percent, 96 percent and 92 percent of answers, respectively.

BDO, meanwhile, topped first mentions across all four tested question groups. It was named first in 75 percent of business banking answers and 64 percent of trust answers. Its consumer banking figure was 31 percent.

That means counting appearances tells only part of the story. Placement-and what the answer actually says-matters, too.

The study does not rank bank quality, safety or financial performance, either.

Bragging rights, perhaps. A chatbot’s seal of approval? That would be reading too much into the answer. -Emmanuel John B. Abris

Pinoys won’t let go of cash

Filipino shoppers may be filling their online carts, but merchants could lose the sale at checkout.

The culprit? A missing payment option.

Among shoppers who abandoned an online purchase in the past three months, 41 percent said their preferred payment method wasn’t available, according to Xendit’s Ecommerce Payments Momentum Report 2026.

‘If people can’t find the option they use, or don’t trust the checkout, they leave,’ Xendit president Nazim Ali said.

Still, cash remains hard to dislodge. Cash-on-delivery option accounted for about 23 percent of Philippine e-commerce value in Xendit’s data-the highest among six Southeast Asian markets covered.

A stubborn 12 percent of respondents said nothing would persuade them to switch.

Digital alternatives are gaining ground, though. QR Ph and InstaPay payments rose 198 percent in the 15 months to April 2026, compared with just 3 percent growth for e-wallet payments.

For merchants, the lesson is simple: Getting shoppers to spend also means accepting the wallet-or cash-they actually use. -Emmanuel John B. Abris

Landbank’s checkups go digital

More than 12,000 Land Bank of the Philippines employees will have digital access to medical appointments and follow-up consultations under a partnership between KonsultaMD and Healthway Medical Network.

The program covers the state-run bank’s workforce across more than 600 locations nationwide.

Through the KonsultaMD app, employees can schedule their annual medical examinations and consult doctors afterward to understand their results and determine what to do next.

The service also includes round-the-clock access to licensed general practitioners and mental health consultations beyond the annual checkup.

‘Healthcare should not begin and end with an annual medical examination,’ said Florence Pacia, KonsultaMD’s head of B2B. ‘Together with Healthway Medical Network, KonsultaMD is helping Landbank employees go from getting checked to understanding their results and knowing what to do next.’

Holiday travel is exciting, but even the best-planned family trip can be disrupted by a delayed flight, a cancelled booking, missing baggage, lost travel documents, or an unexpected card transaction. During peak travel periods, these inconveniences can quickly affect schedules, budgets, and family time.

That is why travel protection should be treated as an essential part of every travel checklist.

Introducing Travel 360 from Etiqa Philippines

To help travelers prepare for more than just the expected, Etiqa Philippines introduces Travel 360, a comprehensive travel insurance product designed for individuals and families. It brings together broader travel inconvenience benefits, digital capabilities, medical and emergency assistance, and lifestyle-oriented protection in one comprehensive travel solution. COVID-19 coverage is now included as part of the plan, so travelers no longer need to purchase or pay for it separately.

Travel 360 is part of Etiqa’s regional strategic initiative to bring products and capabilities across its markets, combining Etiqa’s regional expertise with local understanding to meet the evolving needs of Filipino travelers.

‘Travel should bring families closer and create lasting memories, not leave them feeling unprepared when plans change. With Travel 360, we are combining Etiqa’s understanding of Filipino families with the strength, expertise, and capabilities of our regional network. Our goal is to give travelers more confidence to enjoy the journey, knowing they have broader protection for the people and experiences that matter most.’

-Anthony Lou M. BernabePresident and CEO, Etiqa Philippines

Travel inconvenience protection that responds to real journeys

Travel 360 expands protection for common travel inconveniences, including trip cancellation and baggage delay, as well as fraudulent card usage and loss of travel documents. These benefits help families manage the practical and financial impact of disruptions, whether they are planning winter city adventures in Japan, shopping in South Korea, European holidays, or cross-city itineraries in the USA.

It also offers automatic flight information and delay notifications via SMS, giving travelers timely updates so they can spend less time monitoring disruptions and more time focusing on what to do next. This is especially helpful for travelers coordinating children, senior parents, luggage, transfers, and hotel arrangements.

‘Humanizing insurance means creating protection around people’s real lives. Travel 360 brings this to life by making travel protection more relevant, inclusive, and reassuring for families.’

-Gladys PascualHead of Strategy and Transformation, Etiqa Philippines

Designed for the whole family, including senior parents

Family holidays are increasingly multi-generational, with parents, children, and grandparents traveling together to reconnect, celebrate milestones, or create new memories. Etiqa’s Travel 360 supports this reality by extending eligibility to senior travelers up to 80 years old. This broader age coverage makes travel planning more inclusive.

Lifestyle protection that travels with you

Travel 360 goes beyond traditional travel concerns by recognizing that modern travelers bring their lifestyles with them. Unique protections reflect practical concerns travelers may leave behind or carry with them, from arranging care for a pet at home to protecting golf-related plans, addressing women-specific needs, or safeguarding home contents while the family is away.

Add Etiqa Travel 360 to the family checklist

A well-prepared holiday starts with having the essentials in place before leaving home. Along with the usual travel preparations, families can consider adding protection to their travel must-haves.

A simple family travel checklist:

· Passports, visas, tickets, and confirmed accommodation

· Medicines, prescriptions, and essential health information

· Emergency contacts, roaming access, and local payment options

· Copies of important documents stored separately

· Etiqa’s Travel 360 protection that covers inconveniences, emergencies, and the family’s lifestyle needs. Visit Etiqa.com.ph to find out more.

The best family holidays are remembered for shared meals, new places, and time together, not for the disruptions along the way. By combining automatic flight information and claims notifications, expanded travel inconvenience benefits, lifestyle protections, and coverage for senior travelers up to age 80, Etiqa Travel 360 helps families prepare more completely for holiday journeys around the world.

Because while no one can predict every delay or inconvenience, families can make protection part of the plan before the trip begins.

Singapore-based Vena Energy is keen on expanding its renewable energy footprint in the Philippines by adding another 2.6 gigawatts-peak (GWp) of capacity, backed by planned investments of as much as P245 billion, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

According to the trade department, Vena Energy currently operates 0.9 GWp of renewable energy capacity in the Philippines, including solar facilities in Ilocos Norte and Negros Occidental.

Another 1.3 GWp is under construction, while a further 1.3 GWp is under contract, bringing its combined development portfolio to approximately 2.6 GWp.

These developments are expected to be bolstered by Vena Energy’s plan to invest P245 billion more in the Philippines, the DTI said.

It did not provide a breakdown of the amount.

President Marcos, in an earlier announcement, said Vena Energy plans to develop an additional 1.29 gigawatts of capacity, supported by a P52-billion equity infusion over the next two years.

These plans were presented to Mr. Marcos on Oct. 11 during his visit to Singapore, the DTI said.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said the expansion would help meet growing electricity demand from industries while strengthening the country’s clean energy supply.

‘Reliable and competitive power infrastructure is vital for scaling industries and growing investments,’ Roque said.

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the projects would support efforts to improve energy security and lower electricity costs.

Currently, only about a quarter of the Philippines’ electricity supply are from renewable energy sources, which include solar power, wind power and geothermal energy.

The government targets raising that share to 50 percent by 2040.

Vena Energy has operated in the Philippines since 2014 and is participating in the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program. Discussions with Mr. Marcos also covered the company’s broader renewable energy and battery storage pipeline, faster project development and measures to streamline grid integration.

More than 2,000 electric vehicles could pass through the Subic Bay Freeport a month, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) anticipates, as demand for electric vehicles in the country rises.

In a statement on Monday, the SBMA said the projection follows the recent arrival of 100 vehicles, 80 hybrid and 20 fully electric, in what the agency described as the first delivery of a major electric vehicle brand to the Freeport.

The SBMA declined to identify the vehicle brand.

The shipment will be distributed to the consignee’s accredited dealerships in the coming weeks. The consignee plans to increase shipments to more than 500 units weekly, with projected revenue of P6.8 million per month, according to the SBMA.

‘With its strategic location, well-established port infrastructure, and Freeport designation, Subic Bay provides significant opportunities for businesses involved in importing, exporting, distributing, and handling electric vehicles and related components,’ said Ronnie Yambao, SBMA senior deputy administrator for operations and logistics.

The agency said Subic’s location in Central Luzon makes it accessible to major commercial centers, industrial zones, and transportation networks across the country.

Its port and logistics facilities can support international shipments of electric passenger cars, commercial vehicles, electric motorcycles and EV components.

For importers and distributors, the port offers cargo handling, warehousing, freight forwarding, and customs brokerage services to facilitate the transfer of vehicles from overseas manufacturers to Philippine markets, the SBMA said.

The agency also cited opportunities in storage, inspection, inventory management, and distribution of EVs, as well as the supply of electric vans, utility vehicles, and buses for commercial fleets.

Subic could also support the EV components and battery industry by moving charging equipment, replacement parts, and battery-related products, subject to applicable transport and safety regulations.

‘Another significant opportunity lies in re-export and regional logistics, by exploring avenues to consolidate and transfer eligible vehicle shipments to other markets, in compliance with customs and trade regulations,’ Yambao said.

The anticipated increase in shipments comes as electrified vehicles account for a growing share of the Philippine automotive market.

Citing Department of Energy data, the SBMA said 66,685 electric vehicles were sold nationwide from January to August 2026, accounting for 24.7 percent of vehicle sales during the period, up from 12 percent in 2025 and 4 percent in 2024.

SBMA said 29,649 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, 20,716 hybrid electric vehicles and 16,320 battery electric vehicles were purchased during that period.

The SBMA attributed the industry’s growth to the national government’s push for a shift from conventional fuel-powered vehicles to electric mobility, as well as rising fuel costs amid geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East. Public transportation is also shifting toward electric mobility. Within the Subic Bay Freeport, the SBMA has deployed electric buses for public transportation and installed five to six major public and private EV charging stations as part of its commitment to carbon neutrality.

The city government has allocated P3.35 million to support farmers and mitigate the impact of El Niño.

Teodosia Jaraba, acting head of the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAG), said they extended P2.35 million in assistance to farmers affected by the dry spell and P1 million to mitigate the impact of the projected ‘super’ El Niño expected to hit late in 2026 until early 2027.

She said that 16 out of the city’s 44 barangays were affected by heat and water shortages between July and mid-September 2026, affecting crops such as corn, rice, banana, and vegetables, as well as livestock.

The office has also prepared farm tools, knapsack sprayers, mulching materials, compost and other organic fertilizers to help farmers sustain crop production, Jaraba said.

She noted the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office allocated P1 million for El Niño mitigation measures.

The CAG continues to monitor and assess areas, with the dry spell expected to persist into the first quarter of 2027, she said.

The office is also coordinating with national government agencies, other city offices, barangays, farmers’ organizations and development partners to validate and document reports of agricultural damage and ensure that assistance reaches affected farmers.

The installation of the Philippine Military Academy’s first female Commandant of Cadets on Saturday, Oct.17, was a reunion of many of the pioneering women who were the country’s very first female cadets, and the men, now part of the military brass, who welcomed them to the Corps of Cadets in 1993.

In a ceremonial turnover rite with top military officials from Kalasag-Lahi Class of 1997, Army Colonel and Brigadier General-designate Leah Lorenzo-Santiago assumed the top job at the PMA Headquarters Tactics Group and commandant of cadets, giving her control over all cadet training activities.

Santiago was Kalasag Lahi’s top third-performing cadet and a summa cum laude when the academy’s first seven female graduates, collectively dubbed the ‘Magnificent Seven,’ were commissioned by the late President Fidel V. Ramos as the military’s first academy-trained female junior officers at their commencement exercise.

The seven included Navy Captain Marissa Arlene Andres-Martinez, director of the Fleet Maritime Warfare Center and current Navy spokesperson, and bemedalled Army Col. Maria Victoria Blancaflor-Agoncillo, a tank commander who now leads the Regional Community Defense Group at the National Capital Region, who showed up at the event.

Santiago said four of the pioneers could not make it to the ceremony because of their jobs and family obligations: Air Force Col. Ma. Consuelo Nunag-Castillo, a combat pilot and Deputy Wing Commander of the 250th

Presidential Airlift Wing, and Arlene Orejana-Trillanes, Sheryl Uy-Cabasan, and Aireen Somera-Reyes, who left military service. Orejana was the first to join the PMA Corps of Professors and is married to outspoken former Senator Antonio Trillanes.

Lt. Gen. Michael Logico, PMA superintendent, acknowledged the importance of the reception given to Santiago’s appointment to the premier military school.

‘We must understand the journey that brought Leah here 33 years ago,’ Logico said, because the 1990s ‘was a different time, because of the different culture.’

‘And there were many mixed thoughts about accepting women into the PMA, but it was an idea whose time has come,’ said the superintendent. Women were officially incorporated in the premier military academy with the passage of Republic Act No. 7192 (the Women in Development and Nation Building Act) in 1992.

Logico said the first female cadets formally joined PMA in the year he and members of Maalab Class of 1993 graduated, earning the distinction as the last ‘all-male class’ of the Academy.

Six of the original roster of the first female cadets attended the ceremony.

Santiago said all of these women ‘faced expectations, overcame obstacles, and carried the responsibility of breaking barriers and proving that we belonged.’

‘Our journey was not always easy, but we endured and grew stronger together,’ she added before launching with a roll call of the nine other women cadets: Ann Brynhilde Andres-Arribas, Crista Marie Baguio, Maria Filipina Rodriguez, Amor Matanguihan-Curaming, Alexandra Noble-Quinto, Nona Helena Junio-Pasaol, Aurora Fontanilla, Rica Cajucom-Ombos, Eleine Faith Teodoro and Sheila De Leon.

Santiago also honored her male classmates for providing the women cadets with ‘support and understanding (which) helped make our journey more bearable and meaningful.’ Eleven attended the event with ranks ranging from commodore to colonel.

Also in attendance was retired Army General and former Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu. Santiago said Cimatu’s principal advice during combat operations in Mindanao was to promise him ‘to stay alive.’

Santiago said: ‘My journey was far from easy, and it certainly did not follow a straight line. After graduation, I faced one of the most difficult and life-changing moments of my life. I figured in a vehicular accident and was found unresponsive. My mother was even informed that I had not survived. In that moment, I saw what seemed to be a light at the end of a tunnel. I ran toward it as fast as I could.’

‘Coming from Charlie Company, I would like to believe that the speed and endurance I had developed helped me make it through that tunnel. And here I am today, standing before you, alive and given another opportunity to serve,’ she said.

Government troops recovered a squad automatic rifle, an improvised explosive device (IED), and ammunition following a brief armed encounter with suspected remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Capotuan, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on Sunday, the military said.

The 8th Infantry Division (8ID), based in Catbalogan City, Samar, reported that the encounter occurred early Sunday morning as government troops were conducting a joint focused military operation against an armed group believed to be remnants of the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee Emporium.

The firefight lasted several minutes before the armed group withdrew toward a mountainous area, leaving behind the firearm, explosive device, ammunition, and other war materials, according to the military.

Brig. Gen. Carmelito Pangatungan, commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade based in Catarman, Northern Samar, said the operation was to protect residents from possible harassment and threats from the armed group.

‘Our troops acted promptly to protect the people of Las Navas. We are thankful to the residents who continue to trust and cooperate with us. Peace is only possible when the community and the Army work hand in hand,’ Pangatungan said in a statement.

He said the military would sustain its operations against remaining members of the armed group, urging them to surrender or face the consequences of their involvement in the armed conflict.

Following the encounter, Las Navas Mayor John Philbert Tan renewed his call for members of the armed movement to lay down their weapons and return to the government fold.

In an official statement, Tan said the local government would continue its operations to encourage remaining members of the group to surrender, adding that those not yet apprehended still have the chance to return to civilian life.

‘I once again call on our fellow citizens who are still involved in the armed movement to lay down your arms and return to the fold of the government,’ Tan said.

He urged those wishing to surrender to approach their respective barangay captains, barangay local government units or his office for guidance and assistance in returning to civilian life.

Tan also assured residents in affected areas that their safety remained the local government’s top priority.

He said the municipal government would continue coordinating with the military, police, and barangay officials to maintain peace and security and assist residents affected by the incident.

The mayor likewise appealed to the public to remain calm, follow official advisories, rely on legitimate sources of information, and refrain from spreading unverified reports.

Meanwhile, the 8ID encouraged members of the armed group who wished to surrender to avail themselves of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other government initiatives designed to help former rebels and their families rebuild their lives.

These programs provide eligible beneficiaries with assistance such as livelihood support, housing aid, and educational opportunities to facilitate their reintegration into their communities. The military said it would continue working with local government units and residents to address the remaining armed threat and promote peace, stability, and development in Eastern Visayas.

Customers who pre-ordered the vivo V80 Lite can claim their devices in vivo stores nationwide, where customers lined up on October 17 to get their hands on the Guinness World Records-holding smartphone.

With the device now available for purchase, Filipinos can consider three practical reasons to own it: extended battery life, battery technology designed for demanding conditions, and durability for everyday use.

Priced starting at Php 24,999, the vivo V80 Lite arrives as the Philippines prepares for the effects of a strong El Niño event and continued hot weather. Its features address everyday concerns for users who spend long hours outdoors, commute daily, or need their phones to remain powered through interruptions to their routines.

A large battery for days when power is uncertain

The Department of Energy and climate scientists have warned that the ongoing El Niño event could put additional pressure on the country’s energy supply. The phenomenon is expected to peak between October and December 2026 and may persist into the first half of 2027, raising concerns about possible power disruptions.

The vivo V80 Lite features a 10,000mAh BlueVolt battery tested to last more than a day under specified usage conditions. Its reverse-charging capability can also supply power to compatible devices, including other phones and mini fans, offering an additional source of power when outlets are unavailable.

For commuters, outdoor workers, and households managing potential interruptions to electricity, a larger battery can help keep essential mobile functions available for longer without frequent charging.

Battery technology built for demanding temperatures

Extreme heat during Super El Niño is another consideration for Filipinos who rely on their phones throughout the day. Heat can affect battery performance and long-term battery health, making battery design an important factor for people who regularly use their devices outdoors.

The vivo V80 Lite uses a second-generation semi-solid electrolyte battery designed to support stable, reliable endurance in demanding conditions. This can be particularly relevant for people who use navigation, messaging, mobile payments, and other essential applications while traveling or working outside.

While no battery is immune to the effects of extreme temperatures, the technology provides an additional consideration for users choosing a phone for daily use in a hot climate.

Durability for everyday wear and tear

Beyond battery life, the vivo V80 Lite has undergone military-grade durability testing, alongside tests for drops, dust, water, scratches, and wear. These tests provide a basis for evaluating how the device is designed to withstand common challenges associated with daily handling and outdoor use.

For users who regularly commute, travel between locations, or carry their phones throughout demanding workdays, durability can help reduce concerns about routine exposure to everyday hazards. As with any smartphone, however, test results do not mean the device is indestructible, and users should follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines.

‘The vivo V80 Lite was developed with the realities of everyday life in mind, especially for Filipinos who depend on their phones from the start of the day until they get home. With its large battery, heat-focused battery technology, and tested durability, we want to give consumers practical features they can consider when choosing their next device,’ said Liu Lu, vivo Philippines Brand Marketing Director.

Customers who have yet to purchase the vivo V80 Lite can visit their nearest vivo physical store or shop through the vivo e-store and vivo Store app. The smartphone starts at Php 24,999.

Salmon Group, a digital-focused lender, is launching new lending products nationwide and scaling its existing lending business after securing $140 million in fresh financing.

In a statement, Salmon said the proceeds will fund scaling its Salmon Credit Line and in-store lending businesses, as well as rolling out motorcycle and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) lending.

Spice Expeditions, WashU and Moore provided $90 million of the $140 million in financing, while the company raised the remaining $50 million through a bond issuance.

‘We are doubling down on the opportunity in the Philippines as we believe deeply in its scale and in the importance of focus to deliver a differentiated execution. This financing lets us do more: extend banking and credit access to more Filipinos, roll out new products, and keep raising the bar for the financial services industry in the country,’ Pavel Fedorov, co-founder of Salmon, said.

What made the Duterte administration’s so-called ‘war on drugs’ so lethally effective that it ended up with 6,000 Filipinos dead according to official police records, and perhaps up to 30,000 according to independent human rights watchdogs?

The chief factor, of course, was that it was greenlighted, encouraged, and backstopped from the top. Rodrigo Duterte was a public official with decades of experience in government who certainly knew his Constitution and its centerpiece Bill of Rights-but as he himself declared, ‘I don’t care about human rights.’ His extremist philosophy about law and order-that ‘addicts,’ petty criminals, and other eyesores of society could be put to death for the betterment of all-became state policy when he piloted it as mayor of Davao City and then made it his administration’s flagship domestic program after becoming president in 2016.

Another crucial plank of the program was its executioners. Duterte had a loyal henchman in his first police chief, the now-fugitive Sen. Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, who unquestioningly implemented the deadly contempt of his boss toward drug suspects, the majority of them coming from impoverished communities.

Extraordinary number

Under Dela Rosa were the foot soldiers who took to heart Duterte’s assurances that he had their back in case of legal troubles, and that the most efficient way to handle suspects was to make them resist arrest (the infamous ‘nanlaban’) so police had the excuse to shoot them down.

Following one of the deadliest episodes of the drug war when 32 people were summarily killed in various raids across Bulacan in one day in August 2017, Duterte chillingly intoned: ‘That was good. If we could kill another 32 every day, then maybe we can reduce what ails this country.’

Duterte bankrolled his rhetoric with vast sums of taxpayer money, and not just through official means by way of publicly allocated budgets for police operations, intelligence work, firearms, and logistics. Even at the beginning of the drug crackdown, speculation was widespread that some form of reward system for the killings had been put in place for the police. That would explain the extraordinary number of suspects killed, with state forces seemingly in a race to rack up the highest tally of drug targets ‘neutralized’ (Dela Rosa’s term).

More powerful posts

A police officer recalled in a recent story in this paper that, in a meeting in 2018 between key police officials in Northern Mindanao and Dela Rosa, the then-police chief ‘was so mad that there were only a few drug suspects killed in anti-drug operations.’

It would take Congress’ sweeping hearings on the drug war in 2024 under the Marcos administration to help unravel the sordid inner architecture of Duterte’s legacy policy. The House Quad Committee publicly confirmed-from testimony by the likes of retired colonel Royina Garma and Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido-the existence of a reward and quota system. Cash payouts for killing drug suspects-modeled after the ‘Davao template’-ranged from P20,000 to P1 million per target, supplemented by local official funds and operational ‘tips.’

But more than the cash incentives for killing hapless Filipinos, many police officers got something else cushier and more rewarding-promotions and assignments to more powerful posts. Mass extrajudicial killings (EJKs) were in effect the stepping stone for some law enforcers to secure higher posts and advance their careers.

The Philippine Truth and Reconciliation Commission, launched in May this year by civil society groups to create an independent comprehensive record of the drug war killings, has asked the Marcos administration to launch an inquiry into police commanders whose high EJK counts under their jurisdiction were instead rewarded by the Duterte administration with higher positions.

Lack of accountability

There was Lito Patay, for instance-his name a macabre commentary on his record-the head of the Batasan police station in Quezon City when its officers killed 108 people in drug operations between July 2016 and June 2017. Just months later, he was named chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Central Luzon.

‘Any inquiry must look at promotions as closely as it looks at cash payments,’ urged Dr. Christopher Magno, the Truth Commission’s executive director. ‘No police officer should gain in any way from the blood of people killed outside the law.’

The Marcos administration would do well to consider that call. Even as Duterte is now in The Hague, on trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity for his drug war, and Dela Rosa is on the run from an ICC warrant, many police officers involved in EJKs have yet to be brought to justice, except for a tiny fraction such as the officers convicted in the Kian delos Santos case. After proper inquiry, stripping the worst of them of lofty posts earned from murdering their fellow Filipinos should go some way toward rectifying that reprehensible lack of accountability.