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Cup of Joe has joined the Filipino artists vying for nomination at the 2027 Grammys, submitting their song ‘Sandali’ as an entry to the Best Asian Pop Performance category.

‘A song about finding a little more time with the people who matter, ‘Sandali’ has been submitted for consideration at the 2027 GRAMMY Awards for Best Asian Pop Performance,’ the alternative rock band announced through its social media pages on Oct. 16.

The five-piece act also paid tribute to their fans, dubbed as Joewahs, for their continued support.

‘Mula sa mga awit na atin lang munang pinagsasaluhan, hanggang sa mga pangarap na unti-unti nating naaabot… Ang bawat hakbang ay mas nagiging makabuluhan dahil kasama namin kayo,’ the band added.

Several artists have earlier submitted entries for consideration at the 69th Grammy Awards. Among them were SB19, BINI, BenandBen, and Maymay Entrata.

The 2027 Grammys nominees will be announced on Nov. 16, three months ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled on Feb. 7, 2027.

The K-pop supergroup BTS and Stray Kids earlier withdrew from submitting their entry in the same Grammy category.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued rules on market making to improve liquidity and price discovery in the Philippine capital market, setting a P150-million minimum capital requirement for qualified trading participants.

SEC Memorandum Circular No. 28, Series of 2026, issued on Oct. 15, establishes eligibility requirements, trading obligations and safeguards for market makers.

Market-making involves simultaneously posting buying and selling prices, or two-way quotes, to ensure liquidity and maintain fair and orderly trading.

The rules cover equity and fixed income securities listed, traded or enrolled on exchanges under SEC jurisdiction.

Government securities under the Bureau of the Treasury’s primary dealer framework are excluded unless the SEC, in coordination with the treasury, expressly extends coverage.

‘We expect this framework to help reduce frictions in secondary-market trading, support more efficient price discovery, and foster a more competitive trading environment for both domestic and international investors,’ SEC Chair Francis Lim said.

To qualify, trading participants must have minimum unimpaired paid-up capital of P150 million, or a higher amount prescribed by the SEC. They must also demonstrate operational capacity and a satisfactory track record.

Accreditation or recognition will be handled by the relevant exchange under SEC oversight, without a separate commission-level process.

Each accredited firm must designate at least one specialist with three years of relevant securities trading or market-making experience, or equivalent qualifications.

For equities, market makers must maintain firm, executable two-sided quotations during an exchange-prescribed portion of the trading session.

Exceptions include system failures, market-wide disruptions and force majeure.

For fixed income securities, exchanges will set quoting parameters and determine whether quotations are firm, indicative or best-efforts, taking into account market conditions and each security’s characteristics and liquidity.

Exchanges must grant incentives, which may include reduced transaction fees, liquidity rebates and access to enhanced trading facilities.

Market makers must keep records of orders, trades, quotations and inventory positions available for inspection.

Japanese fashion is widely known for its unique blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and attention to detail. From minimalist designs and hype streetwear to stylish gyaru fashion, Japanese style often emphasizes individuality and personal expression.

Through Japan’s appreciation for craftsmanship and high-quality jeans, denim has become an important part of the country’s evolving fashion culture. From its early days to the present, denim has remained a go-to fashion staple for many.

In the bustling streets of Tokyo, Levi’s® continues to inspire, tell authentic stories, and remain culturally relevant to new generations, building on more than 170 years of heritage. The brand celebrated its partnership with ROSÉ through its Tokyo pop-up store, which was launched last September 15, 2026.

As one of Levi’s®’ largest markets in Asia, Japan has a strong cultural connection with denim, where quality and fashion are highly appreciated. This connection helped make Japan the latest destination for Levi’s®’ ‘For Every Original’ pop-up store.

Present at the event were Levi’s® Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Kenny Mitchell, together with Levi Strauss and Co. Historian Tracey Panek.

Levi’s® and Japan

Aside from being one of the largest consumers of Levi’s® in Asia, Japan and Levi’s® also share a strong connection that dates back to the years following World War II.

‘Many American soldiers after the war helped rebuild Tokyo, and they were wearing Levi’s®’ and a white T-shirt when they were doing it,’ Historian Tracey Panek said.

Levi’s® became more accessible in Japan in the 1960s, particularly through U.S. military bases such as Yokota near Tokyo. Some Japanese people acquired Levi’s® through military connections, including gifts from American service members and people stationed at the bases, particularly the iconic 501 collection.

Fast-forward to the present, and with this longstanding connection between the brand and the country, Levi’s® remains popular among younger generations. This time, however, the brand is embraced with a modern twist, with Japanese consumers bringing their own craftsmanship, attention to detail, and sense of self-expression to denim.

‘Japan has a unique way of repairing their Levi’s® . One of the ways they’ve done it is something called Sashiko stitching, which is real craftsmanship in itself. It’s kind of this vertical line, very even, and it looks very precise. I can tell when I’m looking often at a Japanese repaired garment because of that stitching.’

Sashiko stitching is a traditional Japanese running-stitch technique that transforms worn or repaired garments into pieces featuring intricate patterns and detailed craftsmanship. The technique has since become popular beyond Japan.

‘They [Japanese people] will customize to create something that’s uniquely theirs, absolutely,’ Panek added.

Levi’s® x ROSÉ Collection

On September 15, 2026, Levi’s® unveiled its Women’s Experience pop-up store in the heart of Tokyo, featuring its partnership with BLACKPINK member ROSÉ and her special collection with the brand.

During an interview at the Tokyo pop-up, Levi’s® Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Kenny Mitchell expressed his excitement about the launch and shared that the ‘For Every Original’ campaign was inspired by the brand’s partnership with ROSÉ.

‘ROSÉ in many ways represents a modern original to us. She is highly creative, she is passionate about her craft as a songwriter and as an artist, she has a deep love and affinity for fashion more broadly and specifically our brand. She’s always been a Levi’s fan herself. Those are some good ingredients for a good partner with Levi’s® ,’ Mitchell said.

Partnerships like the one with ROSÉ allow Levi’s® to connect with fashion consumers while strengthening the brand’s relevance among women across the region.

The partnership with ROSÉ is also helping drive interest in Levi’s® retail and digital channels while showcasing head-to-toe looks. It reflects how Levi’s® is using cultural influence to support its ambitions in Asia, deepen its connection with women, and expand the role of denim in fashion.

Celebrating Women at the ‘For Every Original’ Pop-up Store

The ‘For Every Original’ pop-up store brought together celebrities and representatives from across Asia. Representing the Philippines were celebrities Sarah Lahbati, Kylie Verzosa, and Kyline Alcantara, who took part in the event and showcased their own styles through Levi’s® denim looks.

‘What this pop-up shows me is that we have some of the most fashionable people in the world here in Asia,’ Mitchell said.

The pop-up showcases Levi’s®’ perspective on Asian women and their growing influence in fashion and denim culture.

Following previous pop-up store in Thailand, Levi’s® continues to explore what’s next for its growing Asian market, with plans to bring future pop-up experiences to other countries and connect with more women consumers across the region.

Claudine Barretto’s camp issued a cease-and-desist letter to showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin and her co-host Romel Chika over her alleged ‘untruthful, scandalous, and damaging’ remarks about the actress’ mental health and recent hospitalization.

During Fermin’s ‘Showbiz Now Na’ vlog on Oct. 17, she and Romel talked about the actress, citing Claudine’s recent social media posts showing herself at the hospital.

‘Si Claudine Barretto mismo ang naglabas sa kanyang IG na nasa hospital siya… pero walang sinabi kung anong dahilan ng kanyang confinement,’ Fermin said, then echoed apparent netizen comments saying, ‘Bakit? Ano nanaman ito? Panibago ba ito para mapag-usapan lang?’

‘Tapos after one day, lumabas ‘yung sa braso, so maraming nagsabi na nagpaliit lang, nagpa-lipo ng braso,’ she continued, also reading a message from an unnamed individual who supposedly advised Barretto to ‘refrain from posting about [her] sickness.’

Fermin further noted, ‘Sabagay, aminado naman siya na bipolar siya… na anytime, meron ‘yung pagsumpong.’

‘Alam ko kasi ‘pag naoospital si Claudine, si Gretchen ang sumasagot. Pero panghabang panahon ba si Gretchen ang sasagot ng kanyang hospitalization?’ Fermin added, referring to the eldest among the Barretto sisters.

Claudine belied Fermin’s statements through her Facebook page on Sunday, Oct 18.

‘I was diagnosed with PTSD, battered wife syndrome and anxiety attacks. Hindi po ako bipolar at may pera po ako,’ the actress stressed. ‘Ni piso walang binayaran ang Ate Gretchen ko. Never akong umasa sa Ate ko. Siya mismo nagsabi na never siya nagbigay ng tulong o pera sa akin.’

‘Get your facts right!’ Claudine said.

In a succeeding post, Claudine outright mentioned the columnist and said, ‘Cristy Fermin. LAWYER UP!’

She also shared the cease and desist letter from her legal counsel addressed to Fermin, which reads:

‘Dear Ms. Fermin and Mr. Villamor, we write on behalf of our client Claudine Barretto and in relation to the above-captioned subject matter. A recent video in your YouTube profile was uploaded regarding our client with remarks that are untruthful, scandalous, and damaging to our client’s reputation.

‘In this regard, we strongly emphasize that under existing laws and regulations, your acts enumerated above expose you to possible criminal and civil liabilities for damages, among other violations. Please be aware that our client is willing and ready to institute proceedings to protect her and her rights and will not hesitate to pursue all legal remedies which are available to her, should it become necessary.

‘Accordingly, on our client’s behalf, we hereby make a formal and final notice of demand that you CEASE AND DESIST from further harassing our client, and making untruthful, scandalous, and damaging remarks regarding her.

‘Failure to comply with our valid and lawful demands may subject you to liabilities which may or may not be presently available under the circumstances.

‘This demand is without waiver of any further grounds which you may have committed in violation of existing laws and regulations, and without prejudice to any rights our client may have under contract or law, against you.

‘Please consider this demand final beyond the ambit of any reconsideration. We trust that you will give this matter immediate and preferential attention to avoid costly and burdensome litigation. For your immediate compliance.’

In a separate statement to ‘Kalurks’ host DJ JhaiHo, Claudine said she is set to file a cyber libel complaint against Fermin before the National Bureau of Investigation on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Fermin addressed this in a statement to Bandera, saying, ‘Wow! Big words! Ipakukulong daw niya ako? Siguruhin niyang may merito ang kasong isasampa niya sa piskalya pa lang!’

The chair of a leading business group hopes the Senate would be able to conclude Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial before year-end, warning that prolonging the proceedings into 2027 could distract lawmakers from their legislative duties and scrutiny of the national budget.

Makati Business Club (MBC) chair Edgar Chua welcomed the prosecution’s decision to withdraw three of the four articles of impeachment, saying the move could expedite the trial without compromising fairness.

‘Personally, I think just focusing on one [article], the unexplained wealth, is good. Because otherwise, if you do it one by one, there’s no end,’ Chua said. ‘We want it completed as soon as possible, but in a fair way.’

The prosecution withdrew the three articles, saying it believed the defense had no evidence or witnesses to present on those charges and would instead seek to prolong the proceedings.

The Senate impeachment court accepted the withdrawal, leaving Article 2-which accuses Duterte of accumulating unexplained wealth not declared in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth-as the sole remaining charge.

The dropped articles involved the alleged misuse of P612.5-million confidential funds in the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, alleged bribery of Department of Education employees, and alleged grave threats against President Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Chua said narrowing the case could benefit both the prosecution and Duterte by simplifying the proceedings and allowing the Vice President to defend herself against the remaining allegations.

‘Now, if the Vice President can defend herself, then the better,’ he said. ‘In fact, I think the Vice President should welcome this [dropping of other articles] so the trial will be simpler. Perhaps she also wants this over with.’

The impeachment court is on a three-week recess to give senators time to deliberate on the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027. Hearings are scheduled to resume on Nov. 9 and continue through Nov. 23.

Quality of budget

The business leader said the Senate must give priority to the budget and other pressing legislative measures rather than allow the impeachment trial to extend into next year.

Citing analyses by the People’s Budget Coalition and Roundtable for Inclusive Development, he raised concerns that the proposed spending plan placed heavy emphasis on financial assistance or ‘ayuda,’ while providing insufficient increases for health, education, transportation and infrastructure.

Chua said the quality of the 2027 budget would be crucial to the economy for the remainder of the Marcos administration, particularly amid sluggish government spending. ‘What’s critical [to economic growth] is the 2027 budget. That’s why we should monitor the budget,’ he said.

In May, the MBC called for a ‘fair, impartial, and transparent’ impeachment trial, warning that both the proceedings and their outcome could have significant economic implications.

For more than three decades, Hotel Sogo has welcomed Filipinos looking for a clean, comfortable place to rest. For guests who have come to enjoy its food, a stay also means a familiar meal. Now, through a partnership with foodpanda, Sogo Food is reaching customers beyond the hotel’s doors.

The concept grew out of a recurring request from guests. Through Hotel Sogo’s Communication Center, many had been asking whether Sogo Food was available for delivery. These inquiries inspired the brand to make its meals accessible beyond a hotel stay.

By listening to its guests and responding to their needs, Hotel Sogo is giving those who crave its food-but are unable to check in-a way to enjoy their favorites. Whether at home or at work, customers can now order Sogo Food through foodpanda, subject to outlet and delivery availability.

Launched on September 28, 2026, at Hotel Sogo Santolan, the partnership makes Sogo Food available for delivery from six branches: LRT Monumento, EDSA Cubao, EDSA Guadalupe, Pasay Rotonda, Pasay Harrison and Santolan.

Whether customers are taking a lunch break at work or sharing dinner at home, the partnership offers a new way to enjoy the hotel’s dishes without booking a room.

Among the dishes highlighted by Hotel Sogo Corporate Marketing Head Ms. Sue Geminiano are pancit, crispy pata, half-fried chicken, the clubhouse sandwich and pakbet. These familiar choices bring the brand’s take on Filipino comfort food to customers orderingthrough the app.

Geminiano emphasized that the brand’s dining experience is an important part of its offering.

‘We are offering very good food, packed and served the way it should be for a five-star hotel,’ she said.

Through the partnership with foodpanda, she encouraged customers to experience Sogo Food beyond the hotel’s doors.

‘Order now via foodpanda, so you can see and taste what Hotel Sogo’s good food is, even if you are not inside the hotel,’ she added.

Customers can search for ‘Sogo Food’ on the foodpanda app to check available outlets and menu selections for their delivery location.

The initial launch covers six branches, with Hotel Sogo targeting expansion to all 52 of its branches nationwide before the end of 2026.

The Santolan celebration brought together representatives of both brands, guests and partners for an afternoon of food and activities.

For attending media, the launch offered a story shaped by customer demand: a familiar hotel brand was opening its food service to people beyond its rooms. Experiencing the dishes and activities firsthand gave attendees a closer look at what customers could expect, while hearing from both brands provided context on how guest feedback led to the collaboration.

The Sogo Speed Order Challenge put guests’ ordering skills to the test, while the Sogo Sarap Social Passport encouraged them to visit partner booths and complete social media activities. Participants collected rewards that included fresh produce and grocery items, giving the venue the atmosphere of a neighborhood market.

Chef Tatung also attended the launch, sharing his thoughts on making the hotel’s food available to a wider audience.

‘It’s such a convenience that the partnership with foodpanda allows the Sogo Food experience to be shared outside the hotel,’ Chef Tatung said.

His remarks highlighted a practical reason for customers to try Sogo Food through the app: the convenience of enjoying the hotel’s meals without having to book a stay.

For foodpanda, the collaboration opens another opportunity to connect customers with meals available in their communities. The partnership brings together Hotel Sogo’s response to guest requests and foodpanda’s delivery service, with a shared goal of making meals more accessible and bringing satisfaction to customers.

‘We’re looking forward to a very long, fruitful and successful partnership, and to delivering happiness to the Filipino public,’ said Mr. Andrew Hornshaw, Sales Manager of foodpanda.

While Mr. Andreu Sevillo, Regional Manager of foodpanda, also emphasized the convenience of delivery and the role of riders in bringing meals to customers.

The event was also attended by Ms. Mariel Quinto, Advertising and Promotions Manager of Hotel Sogo. Hosting the celebration was the Hotel Sogo Santolan team, led by Hotel Manager Mr. Melchor Borata and Sector Head Mr. Jose Rommel Guda.

Anghel Kape by Figaro Culinary Group, Inc., Mogu Mogu and Mister Pullman supported the celebration with giveaways for guests. Also lending its support was REJ Diamond Pharmaceutical Inc., with its brands Biofitea, Kankunis, Coffeetrim, Honeymoon Tea and Lee MF Rhino Herbal Tea.

For Hotel Sogo, the partnership extends a familiar part of the guest experience to a wider audience. Longtime customers can revisit their favorite dishes, while those who have never stayed at the hotel can try its food for the first time.

The next Sogo Food experience may begin at an office desk or around the family dinner table-with a meal ordered through foodpanda.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has expanded its fuel marking operations to 10 revenue regions, testing 189 fuel stations as of Oct. 13, 2026, as part of its intensified enforcement against illicit fuel trade and efforts to protect the country’s revenue base.

Of the stations subjected to field tests, 111 passed, and 78 failed, or 41.3 percent of all stations tested.

Affected pumps were sealed from 78 establishments, with 900,250.69 liters of fuel inventory associated with failed field tests.

The operations covered the following revenue regions:

No. 5 – Camanava and Bulacan

No. 6 – Manila and Palawan

No. 7A – Quezon City

No. 7B – East National Capital Region

No. 8A – Makati

No. 8B – South National Capital Region

No. 11 – Western Visayas

No. 12 – Negros Island

No. 13 – Central Visayas

No. 14 – Eastern Visayas

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said the bureau would continue tracing fuel sources identified in connection with failed station-level tests and conduct further verification, including testing at fuel depots.

He emphasized that identifying a fuel source linked to a failed station test does not, by itself, establish supplier non-compliance.

‘We will pursue these findings thoroughly, but we must also be fair in our enforcement. Any finding of non-compliance must be supported by proper verification,’ Mendoza said.

The operations form part of the BIR DARES reform agenda under Revenue Collection and Base Protection, which calls for stronger enforcement against illicit trade and other activities that erode the revenue base and place compliant businesses at a disadvantage.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed P553.89 million in financial assistance to 53,829 sugarcane farmers and farm workers affected by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation across Negros Island as of Oct. 16.

DSWD Regional Director Arwin Razo said Monday that the beneficiaries included 48,001 sugarcane farmers and 5,828 farm laborers whose livelihoods were affected by the infestation.

Negros Occidental received the bulk of the assistance, with P429.02 million distributed to 41,552 beneficiaries, comprising 40,266 farmers and 1,286 laborers across its legislative districts.

In Bacolod City, an additional P29.12 million was released to 2,820 beneficiaries, including 1,232 farmers and 1,588 laborers.

Negros Occidental’s fifth district recorded the highest payout at P155.59 million, benefiting 15,069 farmers. La Castellana accounted for 4,781 beneficiaries, while Himamaylan City had 3,549.

The sixth district followed with P137.07 million distributed to 13,276 farmers, including 6,675 in Kabankalan City.

The third district received P65.64 million for 6,357 beneficiaries, including 1,254 plantation laborers in Victorias City and 32 in Talisay City.

Other allocations in Negros Occidental included P23.73 million for 2,298 farmers in the first district; P25.24 million for 2,445 farmers in the second district; and P21.75 million for 2,107 farmers in the fourth district.

Meanwhile, Negros Oriental received P95.75 million in assistance for 9,457 beneficiaries, consisting of 6,503 farmers and 2,954 laborers.

The province’s first district accounted for the largest share, receiving P48.74 million for 4,814 beneficiaries.

Of this amount, P46.46 million went to Canlaon City, benefiting 1,635 farmers and all 2,954 laborers covered by the assistance program in Negros Oriental.

The second district received P41.28 million for 4,077 farmers, including 2,607 in Mabinay and 839 in Bais City.

The third district received P5.73 million for 566 farmers in Bayawan City and the municipalities of Basay, Dauin, Santa Catalina, Siaton and Zamboanguita.

The financial assistance is intended to ease the economic burden on sugarcane farmers and workers whose livelihoods and crop production have been affected by the RSSI infestation and other agricultural disruptions. Razo said the DSWD continues to coordinate with local authorities to facilitate the distribution of assistance to sugarcane-growing communities that have yet to receive aid.

Classes were not suspended at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) Grade School Department on Monday, but campus administrators, with the help of the police, elevated internal security protocols following circulating online threats of an alleged attack at the campus.

Lt. Col. Shellamie Chang, spokesperson for Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9), confirmed that operations at the university’s Kreutz Campus remained normal on Monday, but under stricter security measures.

Chang emphasized that police authorities are working closely with university officials for continuous threat verification and rapid response.

Following the police statement, school administrators reassured parents, guardians, and the public that initial evaluations conducted alongside law enforcement yielded no substantiated threat to the academic community.

However, in line with precautionary advisories and police coordination, AdZU Grade School stepped up its campus defenses, especially as the apprehension comes just two months after the August 18 shooting at its junior high school campus that left two students dead, including the shooter.

To safeguard students and personnel, safety protocols at the university’s Kreutz Campus have been tightly secured through strict access control, mandatory entry screening, metal detector checks, X-ray baggage inspections, and controlled access points across all entry gates.

Perimeter security has also been reinforced alongside an increased deployment of roving security guards across campus grounds to maintain constant vigilance.

The security response aligns with proactive measures initiated over the weekend by the AdZU Basic Education Unit under Vice President Jeffrey Jalani.

On Saturday, Oct. 17, officers from the Regional Civil Security Unit 9 (RCSU9) conducted an Active Shooting Response and Preparedness Session, sharing tactical police expertise on emergency preparedness, threat assessment, and immediate response protocols for academic settings.

For the Grade School Department, the PNP-led training served as an essential reorientation on emergency protocols, emphasizing critical threat evaluation, situational awareness, and sound decision-making under high-pressure scenarios.

Marking a broader institutional push toward emergency readiness, administrators, faculty, and staff from the Grade School Department were joined for the first time by representatives from the Senior High School Department in a unified effort to strengthen overall campus readiness.

The 1PWD Party-list on Monday filed a complaint-referral before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against the hosts and producers of the Machong Chismisan podcast following insensitive remarks directed at Kris Aquino’s firstborn son, Josh, who is on the autism spectrum.

1PWD Rep. JD Castro arrived at the NBI’s headquarters in Pasay City around 9:30 a.m. to file the complaint-referral before the bureau’s Cybercrime Division.

In an interview with reporters upon his arrival, Castro said the complaint-referral involves an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9442, which amends the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (Republic Act No. 7277).

Under the Republic Act No. 9442, mockery, discrimination and defamation against persons with disability is punishable by law.

Those who would be found guilty of this violation may face fines amounting to P50,000 to P100,000 and imprisonment of six months to two years for a first offense.

The copy of his complaint-referral showed that they also suggested the filing of an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

The hosts named are Tito P, also known as Tito Patrioto; Makoy Pare, also known as Showbiz Bro; Daniel Lawrence Vivar, also known as LV; RJ Carbonell, and John Paulo Mojica.

Castro also said that aside from the hosts, their complaint-referral also covered the producers of the Machong Chismisan, pointing out that they allowed the episode to be aired on social media.

‘The only disability in the world actually is a bad attitude. So hindi dapat ginagawa yan ng isang normal na tao,’ Castro said.

(The only disability in the world actually is a bad attitude. So a normal person shouldn’t do that.)

‘We take this very seriously at hindi po kami aatras – hindi kami mahina. At this time ipapakita namin na lumalaban ang mga person with disabilities,’ he pointed out.

(We take this very seriously, and we will not back down – we are not weak. And this time we will show that people with disabilities are fighting back.)

He also said they reached out to the Aquino family following the incident.

‘We respect that they released a statement na they will not pursue anymore. Pero sabi ko nga, we are not standing on behalf of Josh Aquino, but on the sector, as a community. Kasi paano yung mga taong walang kakayanan? Sinong magpo-protekta sa kanila?’ he said.

(We respect that they released a statement that they will not pursue anymore.

But as I said, we are not standing on behalf of Josh Aquino, but on the sector, as a community. What about the incompetent people? Who will protect them?)

Without explicitly mentioning the ‘Machong Chismisan’ podcast, Kris Aquino, in an Instagram post, earlier said, ‘There are people I should learn not to give oxygen to, in other words ignore and the issue dies a natural death.’

‘By never stating their names, or my feelings, they didn’t get the word war from me they were expecting,’ the actress said.

(By never stating their names, or my feelings, they didn’t get the word war from me they were expecting.)

Meanwhile, NBI Director Melvin Matibag earlier said the bureau has issued subpoenas against the five hosts, requiring them to appear before the bureau on Oct. 20.

The five male hosts of the podcast faced backlash after they made comments about Josh in their episode aired last Oct. 5, with one of them calling him ‘walang kwenta’ (useless). The hosts, on their social media page, later this Thursday issued a public apology, saying that ‘we take full accountability for our actions and behavior during the episode.’

‘We acknowledge that our conduct was inexcusable, deeply insensitive, and hurtful. We recognize the impact of our actions, and we do not wish to make excuses for the harm we have caused,’ the hosts said.