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The irony would be funny if it were not so expensive. In August 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered a freeze on between P60 billion and P80 billion in infrastructure funds, blaming ‘inconsistencies’ and congressional insertions that did not match the Philippine Development Plan. The same administration wrote, passed, and signed that budget-and now says it cannot trust it. You could call that accountability. Or you could call it theater.

The Department of Finance estimates that corruption in flood-control projects may have cost the economy up to P118.5 billion between 2023 and 2025. Other sources suggest the figure could be higher once climate-related schemes are included. These are not numbers on a government chart. They are roads that crumble after one rainy season, bridges that exist only on paper, and barangays that flood because the concrete was replaced with air.

The President’s approval rating dropped to 33 percent in September from 42 percent in June. Investors pay attention to such numbers. Confidence is not a moral concept-it is money in motion. When half the country believes that people in power are stealing from them, investment stops moving.

Brazil learned this lesson in 2014. Its anti-corruption drive toppled presidents and tycoons. The economy froze. South Africa’s Zondo Commission went the other way- lots of talk, little punishment-and business merely stumbled. The Philippines now stands between those two roads: punish corruption and risk short-term pain, or pretend to fix it and let the rot spread quietly.

Foreign lenders are already voting with their wallets. In September 2025, South Korea suspended a $503 million infrastructure loan to the Philippines over corruption concerns. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index fell for seven straight sessions, losing 1.5 percent and hitting a five-month low. In less than three weeks, P1.7 trillion-or around US$30 billion-in market value evaporated. That is not panic. That is investors deciding their money deserves a more honest zip code.

Even the luxury sector will feel the hit. When China began its anti-graft campaign in 2012, demand for expensive watches and liquor collapsed. Suddenly, showing off became bad form. Filipino contractors and political patrons flashing designer brands online while their towns sink may soon learn the same lesson. In a corruption scandal, Instagram becomes evidence.

The danger now is overreaction. Governments that cannot fix corruption often try to shock it out of existence. Nigeria and India both attempted demonetization to expose hidden cash. Neither succeeded. Both broke small business and consumer confidence. The Philippines, where most commerce still happens in cash, would only make the same mistake faster.

The Asian Development Bank still projects GDP growth of 5.6 percent this year and 5.7 percent in 2026. Those estimates were made before the scandal burst open. Government economists already expect slower growth in the second half of 2025, citing the freeze on public works. Contractors are delaying bids. Suppliers are holding back deliveries. It is not recession; it is hesitation. But hesitation is poison to momentum.

Thirty-four of the country’s biggest business groups have urged the President to address what they call a ‘historic, massive, and unprecedented corruption scandal.’ When the business community starts using the language of national security briefings, something is very wrong.

Public debt is still below 60 percent of GDP, giving some fiscal breathing room. But the current-account deficit hovers around 4 percent of GDP, and the peso remains fragile. The risk is not bankruptcy. The risk is disbelief. Once investors lose faith in credibility, spreadsheets cannot win it back.

Senate inquiries suggest that up to 60 percent of flood-control funds may have disappeared into corruption. Off-the-books fees and side payments mean that real projects receive less than 40 percent of their budget. That is not inefficiency. That is organized looting with receipts.

The Philippines cannot afford both massive corruption and the crackdown to cure it. The economy will bleed either way. The only choice is whether to take the pain now for long-term reform, or keep pretending that envelopes of cash delivered to politicians are ‘business as usual.’

Progress will not be measured in GDP tables or market charts. It will be measured when the next monsoon hits-and we see whether those flood-control projects exist in concrete or only in congressional imagination. Until then, the numbers look fine on paper. But so do ghost bridges.

Typhoon Tino (International code name Kalmaegi) maintains its strength and is bringing life-threatening conditions to the Camotes Islands, the weather bureau reported.

Tino, the 20th severe weather disturbance to affect the country, has moved away from Mindanao as it approaches Cebu, which is still reeling from the impact of the magnitude 6.9 offshore earthquake that devastated Bago City and nearby towns last September 30.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said in its Situational Report on Tuesday that Tino has claimed its first fatality.

Because of the inclement weather, a total of 75,591 persons from MIMAROPA, Region 6, Region 7, Region 8, and CARAGA were pre-emptively evacuated. The NDRRMC said so far, Tino has affected 17,124 families or 59,918 persons in 371 barangays across 59 cities and towns in 14 provinces, mostly from the Visayas.

In its 5 a.m. On Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issued a Tropical Cyclone Bulletin, stating that a combination of strong winds and heavy rainfall is threatening many areas in the Visayas.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 is up in the western and southern portion of Leyte, including Mahaplag, Abuyog, City of Baybay, Inopacan, Hilongos, Hindang, Bato, Matalom, Javier, Macarthur, La Paz, Mayorga, Burauen, Isabel, Merida, Albuera, Dulag, Julita, Palompon; the northern and central portions of Cebu namely Lapu-Lapu City, Cordova, Mandaue City, Cebu City, Balamban, Asturias, Danao City, Compostela, Liloan, Consolacion, Borbon, Carmen, Tuburan, Catmon, Sogod, Tabuelan, Tabogon, San Remigio, City of Bogo, Toledo City, City of Talisay, Minglanilla, Medellin, Daanbantayan) including Camotes Islands and Bantayan Islands.

Also under TCWS No. 4 are areas in the northeastern portion of Bohol, namely, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Getafe, Trinidad, Ubay, Bien Unido, Talibon; the northernmost portion of Negros Oriental (Vallehermoso, Canlaon City); the northern portion of Negros Occidental (San Carlos City, Salvador Benedicto, Calatrava, Toboso, City of Escalante, Sagay City, Cadiz City, Manapla, City of Victorias, Enrique B. Magalona, Silay City, City of Talisay, Bacolod City, Murcia, Bago City, Pulupandan, Valladolid, La Carlota City, San Enrique, Pontevedra, La Castellana); Guimaras, the central; and southern portions of Iloilo (Calinog, New Lucena, Maasin, Oton, Concepcion, Pavia, Dueñas, Barotac Nuevo, Guimbal, Ajuy, Iloilo City, Tigbauan, Anilao, San Miguel, Leon, Mina, Santa Barbara, Barotac Viejo, Leganes, Dingle, Zarraga, Bingawan, Cabatuan, Alimodian, Dumangas, San Joaquin, San Rafael, San Enrique, Badiangan, Banate, City of Passi, Pototan, Lambunao, Lemery, Tubungan, Igbaras, Janiuay, Miagao, San Dionisio, Sara), and the southern portion of Antique (Valderrama, Patnongon, San Remigio, Sibalom, Belison, San Jose, Hamtic, Tobias Fornier, Anini-Y, Bugasong)

PAGASA said significant to severe impacts from typhoon-force winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 4.

Meanwhile, TCWS No. 3 is hoisted over Cuyo Island in Luzon and other parts of the Visayas.

Moderate to significant impacts from storm-force winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No 3.

In its Weather Advisory issued at 5 a.m., PAGASA said Negros Occidental, Antique, Aklan,

Iloilo, Guimaras, and Capiz are forecast to experience heavy rain or over 200 mm of rain throughout Tuesday, while moderate to heavy rainfall is also threatening Palawan, Cebu, Northern Samar, Oriental Mindoro, Sorsogon, Biliran, Samar, Bohol, Camiguin,

Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Romblon, Masbate, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Norte. The inclement weather is attributed to the typhoon-induced rain and Shear Line weather conditions affecting the Visayas.

According to PAGASA, there is a high risk of life-threatening and damaging storm surge with peak heights exceeding 3 meters within the next 36 hours over the low-lying or exposed coastal communities of Masbate, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin.

Because of the inclement weather and threats affecting coastal areas, mariners of small seacrafts, including all types of motorbancas, were advised not to venture out to sea in the next 24 hours.

Tino continues to move westward at 25 km/h and is packing maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 205 km/h

PAGASA said heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone.

Tino has passed close to the Camotes Islands and is forecast to traverse the Visayas and northern Palawan until it emerges over the West Philippine Sea by Wednesday morning, before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

According to PAGASA, due to interaction with the terrain, Tino may slightly weaken while crossing Visayas. However, it is expected to remain at typhoon category throughout its passage over the country.

Vivant received the Three-Golden Arrow recognition for Corporate Governance from The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) at the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) Golden Arrow Awards 2025.

The prestigious accolade presented annually by the ICD recognizes publicly listed companies that set the highest standards in key governance areas including equitable treatment of shareholders, stakeholder relations, transparency, accountability through disclosure of material information, and ethical business practices.

‘This recognition inspires us to continuously raise the bar. At Vivant, we aim to consistently elevate our standards and deliver on our commitment to excellence to sustain the Company’s success and create long-term value for our stakeholders, ‘said Maila G. de Castro, Vivant Corporation Corporate Secretary.

This recognition marks Vivant’s fourth consecutive distinction in the Golden Arrow Awards, reflecting its consistent advancement in corporate governance. The company first received the 1-Golden Arrow Award in 2021, followed by the 2-Golden Arrow Award in both 2022 and 2023, and now the 3-Golden Arrow Award in 2024. This progression demonstrates Vivant is steadfast in continuously enhancing governance practices and promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership across the organization.

The ICD confers the Golden Arrow Award to companies that achieve a score of at least 75 points in the ACGS Assessment. Being recognized with a Golden Arrow Award means that the company exhibited observable conformance with the Philippine Code of Corporate Governance and internationally recommended corporate governance practices as espoused by the ACGS.

Beyond governance, Vivant has earned other prestigious accolades, including certification as a Great Place to Work for 2023-2024 and 2025-2026, the HR Asia Award for Best Employer Brand in 2025, and the Asia CEO Award in 2025. These honors highlight Vivant’s commitment not only to governance leadership but also to cultivating a workplace culture that empowers and inspires.

Typhoon Tino (international code name Kalmaegi) maintains its strength as it passes through Central Philippines, bringing life-threatening conditions along its path on Tuesday, the weather bureau said.

The 20th severe weather disturbance to affect the Philippines, Tino, wrought havoc in the Visayas. A combination of typhoon-force winds, heavy rainfall it induced, and the prevailing Northeast Monsoon and Shear Line caused severe flooding.

In Cebu, Tino wrought havoc as streets turned into raging rivers. Motor vehicles were swept by raging floodwater on top of another, a scenario last seen after super typhoon Yolanda left a path of death and destruction in 2013.

The Office of the Civil Defense said it is verifying 3 reported deaths attributed to the typhoon.

Signal No. 4 up Visayas, Luzon’s Calamian and Cuyo Islands

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said as of 5 p.m., Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 is hoisted over the Calamian and Cuyo Islands in Luzon, and the central and southern portions of Antique (Patnongon, Sibalom, Valderrama, Hamtic, San Jose, Bugasong, Anini-Y, San Remigio, Belison, Tobias Fornier, Laua-An), the central and southern portions of Iloilo (Calinog, New Lucena, Maasin, Oton, Pavia, Dueñas, Barotac Nuevo, Guimbal, Iloilo City, Tigbauan, San Miguel, Leon, Mina, Santa Barbara, Leganes, Dingle, Zarraga, Bingawan, Cabatuan, Alimodian, Dumangas, San Joaquin, Badiangan, Pototan, Lambunao, Tubungan, Igbaras, Janiuay, Miagao), and Guimaras in the Visayas.

Meanwhile, Signal No. 3 was still up in the northernmost portion of mainland Palawan (El Nido, Taytay, Dumaran, Araceli) in Luzon; and the rest of Antique including Caluya Islands, Aklan, Capiz, the rest of Iloilo, the northern and central portions of Negros Occidental (Hinigaran, Moises Padilla, Isabela, Binalbagan, City of Himamaylan, San Carlos City, Calatrava, City of Escalante, Sagay City, Toboso, Salvador Benedicto, La Carlota City, Cadiz City, Bago City, Enrique B. Magalona, Valladolid, San Enrique, Bacolod City, La Castellana, Murcia, Silay City, Pulupandan, City of Victorias, City of Talisay, Pontevedra, Manapla), and the northern portion of Negros Oriental (City of Guihulngan, La Libertad, Jimalalud, Canlaon City, Vallehermoso) in the Visayas.

Significant to severe impacts from typhoon-force winds are possible within any of the areas under Wind Signal No. 4.

Heavy rainfall outlook issued by the weather bureau indicated that many areas in the affected regions in Luzon and Visayas are prone to flooding and rain-induced landslides.

PNP response team on standby

Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Tuesday placed police regional offices near the projected path of Typhoon ‘Tino’ on standby for immediate deployment to ensure that aid will be quickly provided to communities that might be affected by the severe weather event.

In a statement, Nartatez said this proactive measure aims to prevent loss of life and secure vulnerable areas ahead of the storm’s landfall.

‘I have directed police regional offices to be on standby in case there is a need for additional reinforcements in areas that will be severely hit and affected by Typhoon ‘Tino’, he added.

Nartatez also reminded police officers to help in the evacuation measures being enforced by local government units, especially for those residing in coastal areas.

‘I have also tasked our personnel to ensure that preemptive evacuation measures are enforced to ensure the safety of our kababayan,’ he added.

Nartatez also emphasized the need for cooperation in preemptive measures as he reminded officers of their crucial role in safeguarding the public.

He also appealed to the public to heed the advice of local officials and monitor weather updates from government agencies and trusted sources.

NDRRMC: 1 dead, 75K people preemptively evacuated

In its 12 p.m. Situational Report on the effect of Typhoon Tino, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Tuesday, that Tino has claimed its first fatality.

Because of the inclement weather, a total of 77,347 persons from MIMAROPA, Region 6, Region 7, Region 8, and CARAGA were preemptively evacuated. The violent winds, heavy rainfall, and coastal inundation have so far displaced 168,553 persons.

The NDRRMC said a total of 1,628 evacuation centers are currently attending to the needs of the evacuees.

So far, the inclement weather has affected a total of 57,867 families in 1,137 barangays in 116 cities and towns, mostly in the Visayas.

Coastal hazards

Furthermore the surge of the Northeast Monsoon, shear line, and the trough of Tino will also bring strong to gale-force gusts over the following areas not under Wind Signal, including Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and Davao Oriental.

The same threats are to be experienced in Luzon, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Central Visayas, Biliran, Leyte, and Zamboanga Peninsula on Wednesday, and the Ilocos Region, Batanes, Cagayan, including Babuyan Islands, most of Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA on Thursday.

Because of the inclement weather, the weather bureau said there is a high risk of life-threatening and damaging storm surge with peak heights exceeding 3 meters within the next 24 hours over the low-lying or exposed coastal communities of Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Western Visayas, Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental.

Tino was last seen in the vicinity of Patnongon, Antique, and is moving slowly at 15 km/h. It is packing maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h near the center and gustiness up to 180 km/h.PAGASA said heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone.

Tino is forecast to pass through the Sulu Sea and will traverse the northern Palawan area by tomorrow morning. It is expected to emerge over the West Philippine Sea tomorrow morning and may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by tomorrow evening or early morning of Thursday. According to PAGASA, Tino is forecast to steadily re-intensify over the next days and may reach its peak intensity while over the West Philippine Sea.

Century Properties Group’s PHirst Park Homes Inc. (PPHI) is poised to take significant steps to help address the country’s housing backlog, with the planned implementation of newly awarded housing contracts covering 13,150 new units before the end of 2025. These new units will be built across nine project locations nationwide, representing a total value of P8.39 billion. This strategic move underscores PPHI’s unwavering commitment to meet the increasing demand for affordable yet high-quality homes for our valued Filipino first-home buyers.

To ensure timely delivery and maintain construction efficiency, the projects have been awarded to PPHI’s in-house construction arm, PHirst Build, alongside long-standing partner Megawide Construction Corp. (MCC).

The 13,150 new units consist of PPHI’s Economic, Affordable, and Mid-Income Home Models. PHirst Build will handle the construction of 6,326 units in several Luzon locations, including the newly launched PHirst Park Homes Sto. Tomas and PHirst Park Homes Magalang East. Meanwhile, Megawide will deliver 5,824 precast housing units valued across five projects located in key growth areas such as Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas. Additionally, 1,000 more units are currently in the contract awarding stage and are expected to complete this year’s development plan.

As of the end of 2024, the company had already awarded 29,306 units to dedicated construction firms since its founding in 2017. This upcoming batch of homes will significantly expand PHirst’s portfolio, increasing its total housing stock to 42,456 units.

Delivering on its promise of accessible housing

PPHI’s rapid growth reflects the company’s successful track record in the housing sector. By the first half of 2025, more than 15,000 units have been completed, with projections indicating that this number could rise to approximately 18,000 units by year’s end.

Additionally, PPHI reported that over 10,000 units have been turned over to buyers within the same period, with expectations to reach over 14,000 by the end of 2025. These figures show PPHI’s continued commitment to timely delivery and high-quality project execution.

‘Our initiatives, through innovative construction methods and strategic partnerships with contractors and suppliers, represent a strong continuation of our mission to provide affordable housing solutions­­-making quality homes more accessible to Filipino families and helping elevate their communities,’ said Engr. Roy C. Lachica, Vice President for Technical Operations Division of PPHI. ‘These also help us to continue our expansion into more locations nationwide as the company responds to the country’s growing demand for housing.’

Boosting capabilities with partnership and efficient technologies

PPHI’s expansion is made possible through strong partnerships and collaboration. Together, PHirst Build and Megawide implement a strategic and innovative construction approach, which allows PHirst to offer practical and scalable solutions. Leveraging on advanced Precast and Cast-In-Place (CIP) Building systems, this partnership allows for faster and sustainable construction, greater efficiency, and consistent quality across all developments.

Further strengthening this partnership is PHirst Build’s continuous growth. Established in 2022, PHirst Build has since overseen the construction of over 12,000 units across various developments nationwide, representing about 31 percent of the total PHirst housing portfolio. The rapid scale-up highlights the in-house team’s significant impact on project execution and operational capability.

With a clear focus on speed, scale, transportability, and quality, PPHI is setting new benchmarks in residential development. Its synergy with Megawide and the growing capacity of PHirst Build ensure that the company can continue addressing the housing demand while elevating the standard of Filipino living.

About PHirst Park Homes Inc.

PHirst Park Homes Inc. is dedicated to providing quality, affordable housing solutions to meet the growing demands of the Philippine real estate market. Through innovative construction methods and strong partnerships, PPHI strives to make homeownership accessible for all Filipinos while actively contributing to community development.

The PHirst CoreCurrently, PHirst operates in 31 active projects across Luzon and Visayas, with developments in key locations in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon Province, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, and Bacolod City (Negros Occidental). Carrying its brand pillars, 4Cs-Complete Homes, Conceptive Amenities, Connected Essentials, and Convenient Selling and Buying Experience-Hirst has built a solid reputation for creating thoughtfully designed homes that cater to the needs of the modern Filipino family. With every development, PHirst remains committed to building not just homes, but vibrant communities where families can Dwell, Create, and Thrive.

PHirst is a subsidiary and the first-home business segment of Century Properties Group. For more information on PHirst’s developments, upcoming projects and additional offerings, visit www.century-phirst.com or following PHirst on social media.

KATHLYN BUGNA picked up right where she left off as she swept two titles to match Athena Liwag’s twin victories in the Puerto Princesa National Junior Tennis Championships at the Karawatan-La Paragua Sports Complex in Puerto Princesa City last weekend.

Bugna-who took a well-deserved break after dominating various legs of the Palawan Pawnshop junior circuit in Pasig, Iloilo, Bacolod, Roxas, Kalibo, Lapu-Lapu and Cebu-marked her return by capturing the girls’ 16- and 18-and-under singles crowns.

The La Carlota City-Batang Onay ace overpowered Liwag, 6-1, 6-2, in the 16-and-under finals before routing top seed Claire Casiller, 6-1, 6-2, to claim the 18-and-under trophy in the weeklong tournament which is part of Palawan Pawnshop’s nationwide junior tennis circuit led by president and CEO Bobby Castro.

Registration is ongoing for the Mayor Edwin Olivarez National Open Tennis Championships slated November 6 to 23 at the Olivarez Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque.

Liwag, meanwhile, got the better of Bugna in the 14-and-under division, taking a 1-0 (ret.) win following a dominant 6-2, 6-0 triumph over Maria Calingasan in the 12-and-under finals.

The rising Olongapo City standout thus matched Bugna’s two-title haul to share MVP honors.

In the boys’ division, Lipa City’s Rafa Monte de Ramos also shone with victories in both the 16-and-under and 18-and-under categories-he prevailed over Aljhon Rombawa via a 1-0 (ret.) then blasted Nicholas Andal, 6-2, 6-1, in the centerpiece division of the tournament sanctioned by Philippine Tennis Association and supported by Dunlop, Universal Tennis and ICON Golf and Sports.

Balanga’s (Bataan) Cristiano Calingasan ruled the boys’ 14-and-under division with a 6-1, 2-0 (ret.) victory over Enzo Masaga, while Quezon City’s Francis Angeles outlasted Diezel Lerit, 7-5, 6-3, to clinch the 12-and-under crown.

Angeles completed a ‘twinkill’ after also bagging the 10-and-under unisex title with a 4-2, 4-1 win over Matias Aguilera.

Bugna and Liwag added doubles titles to their tallies-Bugna with Sofia Aguilera for the girls’ 18-and-under crown, and Liwag with Teresinha Calingasan to rule the 16-and-under event. Jeffrey Morales Jr. and Kyle Teodisio captured the boys’ 14-and-under doubles plum, while Cristiano Calingasan and Troan Vytiaco took the 18-and-under title.

In the men’s side, Sebastian Santos trounced Mingoy Calingasan, 8-2, to claim the singles championship before partnering with Andre Santos for an 8-4 victory over Monte de Ramos and Rombawa in the men’s doubles finals. Santos also teamed up with Rodel Ubay to bag the pro-am doubles crown.

Other winners were Legends (40-and-above): Anthony Josue and Paul Navarro; Legends (50-and-above): Nelvie Funtilon and Roger Ventura; Classified Men’s Doubles (Class B): Rhett Anas and Roger Ventura; Class C: Jaime Fernandez and Neribert Rausa; Class D: Michael Dela Torre and Oliver Dela Torre; and Classified Mixed Doubles: Mera Jopida and Raul Bacosa.

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) expects the country’s palay harvest to reach a record 20.2 million metric tons (MMT) this year.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the projection is based on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) report of 9.08 MMT production in the first semester and an additional 3.8 million MMT in the third quarter.

‘With another 7.5 MMT expected in the fourth quarter, total output could range between 20.2 and 20.5 MMT depending on the impact of typhoons,’ de Mesa said.

‘The highest harvest recorded was in 2023 at 20.06 million metric tons of palay. So with conservative estimates, this will become another record harvest for us this year, again, at 20.2 million metric tons,’ de Mesa said during a press briefing on Tuesday.

He also assured that even with the import ban, the country’s rice supply will remain stable.

He said total rice inventory by year-end could reach about 18 MMT, with around 3.4 MMT left as ending stock-enough to cover 89 days of national consumption into early next year.

‘Even with the import ban until December, we still have enough supply which will last up to another-almost three months hanggang next year,’ he added.

In a statement on Monday, the DA said President Marcos approved the extension of the rice import ban until December, citing its ‘little impact’ on retail prices and overall supply.

Malacañang has yet to release the enabling executive order.

De Mesa said the import ban has started to lift farmgate prices, which previously ranged between P8 and P10 per kilo before the ban but have since climbed to P14 to P17, with some areas reporting prices as high as P20 per kilo.

He added that prices for freshly harvested palay are now expected to reach around P17 per kilo, while dry and clean palay could fetch from P21 to P23 per kilo, helping farmers recover their production costs, which average P13 to P14 per kilo.

‘We’re also expecting that if the import ban is really extended and continues until December, farmgate prices will keep rising,’ he said.

Rice prices, meanwhile, have remained steady despite the import restrictions.

According to De Mesa, premium rice continues to retail at P50 per kilo, well-milled rice at P40, and regular-milled rice at P38.

‘Our rice prices have remained really stable despite the import ban, which shows that it has had a good effect on prices in the market,’ he added.

De Mesa also said that rice imports are expected to resume by January, as both January and February are considered lean months when no major harvests are expected.

However, he noted the government may still consider keeping the restrictions if local production remains strong.

‘We’ll have to look into it. It’s still possible that the import ban could continue if the harvest remains good, so that we can again protect farmgate prices. But for now, what’s important is that we have stable supply and prices,’ he also said.

THE proposed Halal Town in Quiapo, Manila, may help boost tourism and livelihood in the capital, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.

On Monday, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman met with Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ M. Domagoso to discuss the project, which seeks to promote the halal industry and support Muslim-friendly enterprises through the redevelopment of the city’s historic district.

The initiative is being prepared ahead of the country’s hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit next year.

‘It’s good for our tourism prospects, trade, jobs, and livelihood, among others. Rest assured that if there’s anything needed for the Halal Town, we are ready to listen and provide the necessary funding to make this project a reality,’ Pangandaman said.

The DBM and the city government have yet to determine the total funding requirement for the project, but Pangandaman said possible sources include the agency’s Local Government Support Fund.

‘We at the DBM will just wait for the details and the proper costing of the project,’ she added.

For his part, Domagoso said the project’s benefits would extend beyond Manila once it begins attracting more visitors.

‘Some of the goods sold here actually come from Mindanao, so this is significant in such a way.what we used to call the underground economy.will now be placed in the right perspective,’ he said.

He also cited the city’s previous food hub projects-such as Tondo’s Ugbo and Sampaloc’s Fusion Alley-as examples of how community-based ventures can expand once given visibility and government support.

‘If you do the math, the probability of the community gaining economically is very high. That’s the national government’s investment,’ Domagoso added.

While no timeline has been finalized, he and Pangandaman said the project is envisioned to serve as a shared cultural space for both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors once completed.

‘By the time-maybe when the Asean Summit takes place-since most Asean countries have significant Islamic populations.the First Lady hopes there will be places to visit. This is a perfect area for Muslims to go to, while Catholics can also visit. Then there’s exchange,’ Pangandaman said. Among the Asean members with sizeable Muslim populations are Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

The Halal Town is among the 10 ‘legacy projects’ identified by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in the capital ahead of the Asean Summit 2026.

Other projects involve infrastructure repairs, traffic management, and livelihood support initiatives tied to the city’s Asean Summit preparations.

THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday filed its third report with the Office of the Ombudsman, recommending the prosecution of eight engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and several private individuals who were allegedly responsible for the P72.3 million ghost flood control project in Plaridel, Bulacan.

In its 18-page report signed by the ICI chairperson, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes, the commission identified the alleged culprits as DPWH engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Ericson Hernandez, Ernesto Galang, Jaypee Mendoza, John Michael Ramos, Irene Ontingco, Joshua Roxas and Bernando Villafuerte.

The ICI also named the officers of construction firm Topnotch Catalyst Builders led by Eumir Villanueva as among those who should be held accountable for the missing flood control project.

The said individuals, according to the ICI, may be held liable for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Malversation and Falsification provisions of the Revised Penal Code, Government Procurement Reform Act and Presidential Decree 1759 which penalizes contractors and subcontractors who violate any provisions of contracts involving public works projects of the government, and public officials who allow such violations.

The ICI said Alcanara approved the disbursements of payments to Topnotch for a non-existent project while it was Hernandez who recommended the release of payment to the construction company.

On the other hand, Galang, Mendoza, Ramos, Ontingco and Roxas consented to the release and processing of payment to Topnotch despite the absence of any construction.

The ICI said Villanueva, together with the officers and members of Topnotch board, made it appear that the project was completed in accordance with the plans.

‘These falsification indicate that the scheme was intended to enable the release and receipt of government funds without the completion of any actual work,’ the report stated.

Aside from possible criminal charges, the ICI also recommended the filing of administrative charges for grave misconduct, gross dishonesty conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service under Republic Act No. 6713 or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for public Officials and Employees against former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, former undersecretary for operations Roberto Bernardo, former undersecretary for planning and public-private partnership Maria Catalina Cabral and the eight engineers.

The ICI said Bonoan and the other respondents ‘appears to have failed to implement existing policies and duties necessary to ensure the proper implementation of the project.’

‘Their acts and omissions indicate a failure to exercise the required diligence and oversight expected of public officers entrusted with the administration of public funds, thereby resulting in evident injury to the government,’ the report stated.

‘Hence, the deliberate failure of the concerned public officials to fulfill their duties clearly warrants the filing of appropriate administrative charges,’ it added.

The subject ghost flood control project implemented by the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office through Topnotch involves the construction of a river bank protection structure at Bagong Silang, Purok 4, Plaridel, Bulacan.

The ICI observed that this deviation was not supported by sufficient documentary evidence to justify or authorize such relocation.

‘The results of the COA technical inspection, together with the available records, clearly establish that the project was never constructed at the designated location in the Approved Bid Plans, thus, not implemented, despite the unwarranted release and full payment of the contract cost by the DPWH to Topnotch,’ the ICI said.

At a press briefing, Reyes said the ICI is planning to hire more lawyers and investigators that would increase its work efficiency and output.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the new report would undergo fact-finding investigation prior to the conduct of a preliminary investigation.

‘The documents we have to evaluate to see if they are lacking materials so that if we do a preliminary investigation the information we pass on to the accused will be complete. It’s hard to build up a case when you are conducting an investigation,’ Remulla explained.

Remulla said the two referrals earlier submitted by the ICI to the Ombudsman are now undergoing preliminary investigation.

‘Ombudsman eyes Romualdez negligence’

FORMER Speaker Martin Romualdez may be held liable for gross inexcusable negligence for backing the appointment of resigned Party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co of Ako Bicol as head of the Appropriation committee which was responsible for coming out with 2025 budget which has been tagged as the ‘most-corrupt’ budget in Philippine history.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla made the pronouncement at a press briefing on Tuesday, noting that the same administrative offense was recommended by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to be filed against former Public Works Secretary (DPWH) Manuel Bonoan and several other high-ranking officials for their alleged failure to exercise due diligence in ensuring the proper implementation of the agency’s projects.

Remulla explained that it was Co who worked with some senators in coming out with the final version of the budget which included insertions and diversions.

As the leader of the House, Remulla hinted that Romualdez failed to ensure that Co’s actions were aboveboard.

‘If fingers do not point to the former Speaker, as the leader of the House, he was responsible for the appointment of Zaldy Co, although Zaldy Co was elected on the floor, everybody knows that he was the Speaker’s choice, that’s why we have to hold him accountable for that,’ Remulla said.

‘It’s a novel theory. I know we are crossing the boundary of a normal legal theory, but we have to stretch it a bit because the whole government machinery and the Filipino people suffered damages due to the acts of Zaldy Co and if there is nothing criminal about it, then it’s negligence at least,’ he added.

Remulla said investigators are looking into all the testimonies given during the Senate Blue-Ribbon committee’s investigation into the flood control scandal in putting up a case for gross inexcusable negligence against Romualdez.

He added that the Ombudsman is also trying to locate former marine sergeant Orly Regala Guteza who earlier testified before the Senate that Romualdez and Co received kickbacks from flood control projects.

New task force to probe Villars

REMULLA also disclosed that a new task force will be created to look into flood control and other infrastructure projects in Bacoor, Cavite and Las Piñas that allegedly gave unwarranted benefits to the Villar family.

‘We may be putting up a new task force for the river drive and for the flood control of Las Piñas- Bacoor area because the lands that benefited from these projects are there. They are the landowners that benefitted from that. So, we have to look at that also. We will be forming a new task force for that, just for Villar itself.

Remulla was referring to the multi-billion peso 11-kilometer Zapote River Drive project and other improvements extending to boundaries of Bacoor properties.

The Ombudsman said it is known among the residents that the Villar family owns the said land.

‘You saw the river wall. You’ll ask who paid for the project, the government or them? It’s that simple. So we’ll determine that later on when we look at the project’s costing and what happened there,’ Remulla said.

‘I think it should be something that should have been done a long time ago,’ he added.

During his term as justice secretary, Remulla said the Department of Justice will be looking into the alleged ‘prohibited interest’ of the Villar family in the estimated P18.5 billion infrastructure projects in Las Piñas City.

Remulla said the investigation is necessary following a news report that a close relative owns a construction firm that undertook several infrastructure projects, including flood-control projects, in the city.

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) launched a package of interventions to boost the local banana industry which remains to be battered by plant diseases and trade challenges.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. called for stronger collaboration between the government and the private sector to fight the spread of Panama disease and restore competitiveness in global markets.

Tiu Laurel said the spread of Fusarium wilt tropical race 4, commonly known as Panama disease, was the industry’s most urgent threat.

He added that the disease has affected around 15,500 hectares in the Davao Region, which places at risk the Cavendish variety that serves as the backbone of Philippine banana exports.

‘The DA is firmly committed to supporting our banana farmers and exporters in addressing this challenge,’ Tiu Laurel said at the 32nd Joint General Assembly of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) and the Banana Export Industry Foundation (BEIF).

Under the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) for 2025, the DA said it will distribute 106,000 banana planting materials for farm expansion and rejuvenation, along with 120,000 units of organic fertilizer to improve soil health.

It added that deploying over 215,000 biological control agents such as Trichoderma to protect plant health and reduce postharvest losses.

Meanwhile, Tiu Laurel also acknowledged the growing challenges of bananas in international trade.

He noted that Vietnam has overtaken the Philippines as China’s top banana supplier, while Philippine shipments to Japan continue to face higher tariffs than those from Vietnam, Mexico, and Peru.

‘Unless these inequities are addressed, our market share will remain at risk,’ Tiu Laurel warned, as he urged continued negotiations in the upcoming review of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

He also stressed the need for research on disease tolerance, breeding strategies, and new technologies such as gene editing to secure the industry’s long-term viability.

‘With unity, science, and sound trade policy, the Philippine banana industry will not only recover but thrive,’ Tiu Laurel said.

The Philippines held a six-year streak as the world’s second-largest exporter of bananas before it slipped to third place in 2023 after being dislodged by Guatemala. It maintained the same spot last year.