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The Quezon City’s Department of Sanitation and Cleanup Works conducted cleanup operations at the Bagbag Cemetery and Novaliches Public Cemetery on Monday, Nov. 2, as people continued to visit the graves of their departed loved ones on All Souls’ Day.

In a Facebook post, the local government said the cleanup drive aims to keep the cemeteries clean and orderly for visitors paying their respects to their departed loved ones.

Thousands of people flocked to the two cemeteries on Sunday, Nov. 1, for this year’s Undas observance. However, authorities said visitors continued to visit the burial grounds on Monday.

The local government also reminded cemeterygoers to refrain from littering and leaving their waste in public spaces.

‘Always dispose of your trash properly in designated waste bins or garbage containers,’ it said.

A contractor friend once explained to me how the standard operating procedure system works. Before a government project even begins, a percentage of the contract price may already be committed to people who helped facilitate it. He described a system where 20 to 30 percent can go to commissions and kickbacks.

Imagine a P1-billion infrastructure allocation. At 20 percent, that’s P200 million potentially diverted before a single road is completed. Not every project is corrupt, but we would be foolish to pretend this arrangement doesn’t warrant serious investigation.

What bothers me even more is how this money can find its way back into politics.

Elections are expensive. Politicians need campaign funds. Contractors want government projects. And when both sides depend on each other, we create a vicious cycle that rewards corruption and keeps the same political machinery in power.

The irony is that campaign donations are already legal in the Philippines. Individuals and qualified domestic corporations can contribute, subject to restrictions. Government contractors are prohibited from doing so. Yet we continue to hear allegations of money changing hands through intermediaries and undisclosed arrangements.

Meanwhile, our election laws still limit most congressional candidates to spending just P3 per registered voter. Does anyone seriously believe a candidate can run a credible campaign today on that amount?

We have practically built a system where the rules are disconnected from reality, while the temptation to cheat is enormous.

I believe we should allow candidates to raise legitimate campaign funds openly, subject to reasonable donation limits. Update the spending ceiling to a realistic P30 per registered voter. Encourage ordinary citizens to contribute, even just P100-P500, so candidates need not depend entirely on wealthy political financiers.

But every peso must be accounted for. Require dedicated campaign accounts; publish contributions and expenditures within 48 hours; identify corporate donors and their beneficial owners; cross-check donor records against government contractors and procurement awards; and impose serious penalties on those who disguise kickbacks as political contributions.

We already have much of the technology and legal infrastructure to do this. What we lack is the political will to connect the systems and enforce the rules.

This is why I am proposing a political finance integrity and anti-kickback act. It will not eliminate greed or corruption overnight, but it can make legitimate campaign financing easier and public accountability much stronger.

If politicians need money to get elected, let them ask the people for support. Stop making taxpayers finance their reelection through overpriced government projects.

We should demand this reform before the next election.

A lone ticket holder won the ?15 million MegaLotto 6/45 jackpot on Monday, November 2, 2026, according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

No player bagged the Grand Lotto 6/55 jackpot.

Mega Lotto 6/45 draw result: 11-02-26-07-44-05 Jackpot prize: 15 million

Grand Lotto 6/55 draw result: 45-43-07-53-25-48 Jackpot prize: ?326.05 million

Minor games

The PCSO also released the results of the 4D, 3D and 2D Lotto draws for Nov. 2.

4D Lotto: 1-1-8-3 – ?33,142 prize; 26 winners.

3D Lotto (2 p.m.): 9-8-2 – ?4,500 prize; 121 winners.

3D Lotto (5 p.m.): 5-8-4 – ?4,500 prize; 94 winners.

3D Lotto (9 p.m.): 2-5-7 – ?4,500 prize; 533 winners.

2D Lotto (2 p.m.): 19-05 – ?4,000 prize; 361 winners.

2D Lotto (5 p.m.): 19-07 – ?4,000 prize; 163 winners.

2D Lotto (9 p.m.): 05-19 – ?4,000 prize; 527 winners.

Draw schedule

Grand Lotto 6/55 draws are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, while MegaLotto 6/45 draws take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has called for sustained efforts to resolve attacks on journalists and hold perpetrators accountable, as the Philippines joined other nations in observing the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists on Monday, Nov. 2.

In a statement on Monday, the PTFOMS stressed that arrests alone are not enough to end impunity for crimes against media workers.

‘Ending impunity means ensuring that attacks against journalists are not ignored, that cases are not forgotten, and that victims and their families can have confidence that justice remains within reach,’ said Undersecretary Jose Torres Jr., executive director of PTFOMS, as quoted in a press release.

‘An arrest is an important step, but our collective responsibility does not end there. Cases must be diligently pursued, with full respect for due process and the independence of the courts,’ he said.

The PTFOMS commended the Philippine National Police (PNP) for the arrest of a suspect in the ambush of radio broadcaster and station manager Jay Lavapiez.

The suspect, known by the alias ‘Doming,’ was arrested on Oct. 30 in Barangay Poblacion, Tapaz, Capiz.

He was allegedly involved in the ambush of Lavapiez last June 22. At around 5:40 a.m. of that day, Lavapiez was driving along the national highway in Barangay Cagay, Roxas City, on his way to host his program at Baskog Radyo when two men on a motorcycle blocked his path and fired four shots from a 9mm pistol at the driver’s side.

Lavapiez managed to evade the attack by maneuvering his vehicle into a roadside gutter and escaped unharmed.

‘We thank the PNP, particularly PRO6 under PBGen Tuaño and the operating units, for their persistence and coordinated work in bringing the suspect before the courts,’ Torres said.

‘No single institution can end impunity on its own. We need sustained cooperation among law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, the judiciary, media organizations, civil society, and the public,’ he added.

Torres also appealed to those with credible information to come forward through the proper authorities and help secure justice for slain media practitioners and those who have survived attacks.

‘When journalists are safe, societies are better informed. When crimes against them are properly investigated, and those responsible are held accountable, the rule of law is strengthened,’ Torres said.

‘We owe victims and their families sustained action-not only on this day of remembrance and solidarity, but for as long as the pursuit of justice requires,’ he added.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed Nov. 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists through Resolution 68/163, adopted on Dec. 18, 2013.

The date commemorates the killing of French journalists Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, who were murdered in Mali on Nov. 2, 2013, while on assignment for Radio France Internationale. The PTFOMS said the observance draws attention to the failure to bring perpetrators of crimes against journalists to justice. It also serves as a reminder for governments to take measures to prevent violence against journalists, ensure accountability through impartial, speedy, and effective investigations, and bring perpetrators to justice.

At least 18 people, including elderly cemetery visitors, received medical assistance during the observance of Undas, or All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, in Iloilo City.

In a situational report released at 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) said medical teams deployed to cemeteries attended to patients aged 23 to 84.

Among them was an 81-year-old woman who reportedly lost consciousness for about 30 seconds while visiting Christ the King Memorial Park in Jaro district.

Emergency responders checked her vital signs, stabilized her condition and administered first aid, according to the report.

A 72-year-old woman also complained of chest pain at the La Paz Old Cemetery, where responders checked her blood pressure and conducted a physical assessment.

Another 70-year-old woman experienced lower back and hip pain after slipping at the Molo Public Cemetery.

The report did not indicate whether any of the patients required hospitalization.

Other medical complaints included dizziness, headaches, elevated blood sugar, and minor injuries.

A 54-year-old woman at the Molo Public Cemetery was attended to for hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, while a 52-year-old woman experienced dizziness at the La Paz Old Cemetery.

A 58-year-old woman also sought assistance for dizziness at the Jaro Public Cemetery.

Three men, aged 23, 28 and 40, received treatment for lacerations, including injuries to the forehead and left foot.

Several other cemetery visitors underwent blood pressure checks and physical assessments.

The City Health Office, Philippine Red Cross-Iloilo Chapter, volunteer emergency medical teams and other response groups provided medical assistance.

The Philippine Red Cross established six first-aid stations in different cemeteries, while the City Health Office deployed medical teams and positioned ambulances for possible patient transport.

Medical assistance desks were also set up at the Tanza and Molo public cemeteries.

The EOC report showed that the City Health Office attended to six patients, the Philippine Red Cross to five, and the La Paz National High School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management team to three.

Other patients were assisted by volunteer emergency response groups.

The city government maintained a blue alert status during the observance, requiring emergency response personnel and participating agencies to remain on heightened readiness.

Authorities had anticipated between 250,000 and 350,000 residents and travelers visiting cemeteries and passing through transport terminals and seaports during the extended holiday period.

Volleyball Never Stops (VNS) has been the longest tenured club in the Spikers’ Turf’s 10 years, with the league being an avenue for the Filipino men’s volleyball players after college.

The team has been giving opportunities to grassroots players to play. But besides the young athletes getting a chance, the squad is also a home for veteran players.

Jau Umandal took a break from playing for six months after Cignal’s disbandment last year, but when he found an opportunity with VNS, he found a new purpose this Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.

‘I’m happy because I get to expand my experience and share it with the younger players,’ said Umandal in Filipino after pouring in 18 points in VNS’ 30-28, 25-20, 25-21 win over the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

‘[My young teammates] still have a lot to learn, but their hard work is evident,’ he went on. ‘They’re showing that even at a young age, they can keep up with the veterans.’

Ex-MVP, National

The former Spikers’ Turf MVP and national team member had admitted losing his passion for the game six months ago after his previous club took a leave of absence despite being the most successful team in the league.

But VNS lit the fire under him and inspired him to be a good role model to the grassroots players, including 16-year-old setter Howard Guerra.

‘I think it comes down to willingness. When I stopped playing, I also lost some of the passion and dedication I had for the sport,’ said Umandal. ‘Then one day, I realized that I used to be just like these young players-someone who dreamed, took chances and tried to make it.’

‘That brought back the joy of playing. I’m happy to be back on the court, and I’m grateful to coach Ralph [Ocampo] for giving me this opportunity,’ he said. ‘He told me that if I wasn’t doing anything, I could play for their team. I’m really thankful that I got the chance to be part of his system.’ The 28-year-old outside spiker has immediately taken over the leading scorer’s role for the Griffins with his average of 18.2 points per game in their first four matches.

More than his impact on the team, Ocampo is grateful for the former University of Santo Tomas star’s teachings the young players are absorbing.

Knowledge to share

‘Jau has been a huge help, not just to our team but to the entire organization,’ Ocampo said. ‘We currently have 33 young players, and they’re very inspired to have him around.’

‘I told him that even though he had stopped playing volleyball for six months, he came back with so much knowledge to share and gave the young players the confidence to believe they can compete with the veterans.’

With the help of his veteran spiker Umandal, Ocampo has more fuel to continue the VNS program of honing the next volleyball superstars in the country and giving the young players enough confidence and skill set to go up against the club players in the Spikers’ Turf.

The city council is seeking a detailed accounting of Camp John Hay’s business tax collections and the city’s estimated P225-million claim for unpaid rentals and revenue shares from the property.

In a statement Sunday (Nov. 1), the city council discussed the matter during its recent regular session, when Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr. asked City Treasurer Alex Cabarrubias why revenues from Camp John Hay locators were not separately reflected in the city’s revenue presentation.

Cabarrubias explained that business taxes paid by Camp John Hay locators were already included in the city’s overall business tax collections. He agreed to extract the figures and submit a separate report to the council.

The discussion also covered the city’s pending claim of approximately P225 million in unpaid rentals dating back to 2014.

Cabarrubias clarified that the amount was separate from the P1.4-billion figure involving former developer Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo).

City Accountant Fredda Jimenez said the city had insufficient basis to recognize the P225-million claim as a receivable but could disclose it in the notes to its financial statements. She also agreed to provide supporting reports to the council.

Cabarrubias further reported that collections from businesses in special economic zones had reached around P213 million as of Sept. 30, 2026, based on their income tax returns.

Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan also asked whether Camp John Hay locators had started paying business permit fees following the Supreme Court decision involving the property. Cabarrubias confirmed that the city resumed collecting payments from locators last year.

He said some businesses had requested until December to settle their business taxes because of the amounts involved, with written agreements allowing them additional time to pay. The City Treasurer’s Office had also issued demand letters following the Supreme Court decision.

Councilor Jose Molintas raised concerns over locators that had left Camp John Hay without settling their obligations. He said the council would invite representatives of the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to a future session to discuss the matter.

The P225-million claim forms part of the city’s longstanding demand for compliance with Conditionalities 9 and 10 of City Council Resolution 362-1994, which provide for the city’s share from gross income and lease rentals generated within the John Hay Special Economic Zone. In November 2025, Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the City Legal Office was preparing a complaint against BCDA over the alleged non-implementation of the 19 conditionalities imposed by the city in 1994.

Philippine manufacturers are left with no choice but to put expansion plans on hold as they face a delicate balancing act between raising prices to offset mounting costs and preserving consumer demand, according to the country’s umbrella group of producers.

Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) chair Elizabeth Lee said manufacturers were grappling with the peso’s depreciation, which has driven up the cost of imported raw materials, alongside higher operating expenses stemming from the Middle East crisis and growing diplomatic tensions with China, a major source of production inputs.

Lee said these mounting pressures have prompted manufacturers to defer expansion plans and focus instead on sustaining their existing operations in the country.

‘In terms of expansion, that will have to be shelved for now,’ Lee told reporters last week. ‘It doesn’t mean [that there will be no more additional investments], but they will have to be shelved for now.’

Among manufacturers’ biggest concerns is the peso’s depreciation, with the local currency sliding past 64 against the US dollar last week, prompting President Marcos to urge Filipinos not to ‘panic.’

Already, Lee said some manufacturers were using an exchange-rate assumption of P65 to the dollar to prepare for further currency volatility following the peso’s series of record lows.

Manufacturers are also renegotiating supplier contracts and hedging their foreign exchange exposure to manage rising costs.

But Lee warned that passing these increases directly to consumers would be difficult, particularly as household purchasing power remains under pressure.

Business sentiment improved slightly in September, though companies remained pessimistic as stubbornly high inflation, a weakening peso and geopolitical tensions continued to weigh on confidence, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

A nationwide survey of 515 companies showed the business confidence index rose to -8.4 percent from -10.9 percent in August. The negative reading, however, meant pessimists still outnumbered optimists.

Businesses cited persistent inflation, the peso’s depreciation, the prolonged conflict in the Middle East and weather-related disruptions to operations as reasons for their downbeat outlook.

Their expectation of future inflation also worsened. Companies now expect price growth to hit 5.7 percent over the next 12 months, up from their previous forecast of 5.4 percent.

Firms anticipating faster price increases pointed to continued oil price hikes, uncertainty over the outcome of the US-Iran conflict and further weakness in the peso.

The survey comes as the BSP steps up its fight against inflation. In October, the central bank surprised markets with a jumbo 50-basis-point interest rate increase, bringing its benchmark policy rate to 5.5 percent.

BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. cited risks from elevated oil prices, potentially sharp wage increases and food supply disruptions linked to the ongoing El Niño episode.

The central bank expects inflation to average 6.1 percent this year, well above its 3-percent target. It also raised its inflation forecast for 2027 to 6 percent from 5.4 percent, although it expects price growth to ease to 3.3 percent in 2028.

Despite the tighter monetary policy, businesses expect their overall cash position to improve, with fewer firms anticipating financial constraints. Access to credit, however, is expected to remain tight.

Hiring plans also became more cautious, as the share of companies intending to increase their workforce over the next 12 months declined. By contrast, more firms in the industry sector said they planned to expand operations.

Looking ahead, businesses were less optimistic about the near-term outlook. The confidence index for the next three months fell to 20.9 percent from 24.6 percent in the previous survey, reflecting diminished expectations for business conditions.

Ayala Corp.’s efforts to cut losses and tighten capital spending are gaining traction, with improving results from its newer businesses strengthening its turnaround prospects, according to conglomerate analyst Klark Gaba.

In a research note, Gaba said changes under president and CEO Cezar ‘Bong’ Consing had eliminated P3 billion in recurring portfolio losses through the disposal of nonperforming assets.

Since taking the helm in late 2022, Consing has also brought in operating partners for AC Health and AC Logistics, reduced parent company headcount by 50 and raised P20 billion in fresh equity through Mitsubishi Corp’s investment.

AC Health, AC Logistics and AC Mobility remain unprofitable, but narrowing losses and operational changes point to improving prospects, Gaba said.

AC Logistics’ net loss narrowed to P167 million in the first half of 2026, with its net margin improving to negative 8 percent.

The subsidiary recorded a P1.9-billion loss and a negative 48-percent margin for full-year 2025.

At AC Health, provider group revenues grew by 32 percent as patient volumes and average spending increased.

Professional fees included in revenues nearly doubled to P700 million, which Gaba viewed as an indication of greater physician activity.

Expansion-related costs, however, weighed on profitability.

AC Mobility sold 25,048 vehicles across its brands in the first half, up 25 percent year-on-year, supported by its BYD partnership.

The peso’s weakness pressured margins, although its negative margin narrowed to 0.18 percent from 1.49 percent in 2024.

Gaba said the charging station rollout should support longer-term profitability.

Ayala has also moderated capital infusions. Annual investments averaged P17.8 billion in 2023 to 2025, down from P18.6 billion in 2018 to 2022.

Capital infusions as a proportion of dividends received fell to 91 percent from 123 percent across the same periods, reflecting a more disciplined allocation of resources, Gaba said.

A dedicated portfolio management team now assesses businesses against their cost of capital, operating targets and return measures, including return on equity, return on invested capital and total shareholder return.