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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is moving to forfeit the assets of personalities implicated in anomalous flood control projects, Secretary Vince Dizon said yesterday.

Dizon is set to meet today at around 10 a.m. with officials of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to discuss the filing of civil forfeiture cases.

‘This will be our second meeting to discuss when to file civil forfeiture cases against those involved so the process can begin,’ Dizon told reporters in Filipino.

Asked about reports that three air assets owned by former Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co were flown out of the country, Dizon said there was no issue since the aircraft were already covered by a freeze order.

‘They cannot be sold regardless of their location and will now be subject to future forfeiture cases,’ he said.

Co earlier resigned as a lawmaker after being identified as a key figure in the flood control scandal.

Internal probe launched

As part of his broader reform efforts, Dizon has also created an Internal Investigation Committee (IIC) in the DPWH to root out widespread and institutionalized corruption within the agency.

In a department order issued Oct. 29, Dizon said the formation of the IIC complies with President Marcos’ directive to cleanse the DPWH and uphold integrity and accountability in public service.

Dizon appointed Undersecretaries Ricardo Bernabe III and Nicasio Conti as chair and vice chair of the committee, respectively.

The IIC is authorized to conduct internal investigations – motu proprio or upon administrative complaint – against DPWH officials and employees.

It may issue subpoenas, take sworn statements, inspect project sites, and obtain records and information from any DPWH office.

‘For this purpose, and if necessary, to also coordinate with other government agencies and law enforcement bodies to obtain any information in the process of its investigation,’ Dizon decreed.

The committee is also tasked to recommend or initiate administrative, preventive, or disciplinary actions against erring officials and employees based on its findings.

‘All proceedings, statements, and reports of the IIC shall be treated as strictly confidential. All concerned offices and personnel are likewise directed to extend their full cooperation and support to the Committee,’ said Dizon.

Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) saw its consolidated net income jump by 32 percent to P8.2 billion from January to September, driven by higher lending activity and robust fee income performance.

The listed bank attributed the profit growth to a 13-percent expansion in gross customer loans and a 25-percent jump in fee-based income.

Net interest income also rose by 32 percent to P40.8 billion, supported by an 86-basis-point improvement in net interest margin to 4.68 percent. This translated to a 6.94 percent return on equity and a 0.84 percent return on assets.

RCBC said the increase in net interest income was fueled by the expansion in higher-yielding consumer loans, which surged by 33 percent year-on-year and now make up 46 percent of the bank’s total loan portfolio.

Credit card and personal loan receivables also jumped by 38 percent, while auto and housing loans combined grew by 29 percent.

The bank said the sustained momentum in consumer lending was supported by its use of data science and digital channels to attract new clients, while leveraging its existing customer base.

Fee income also climbed by 24 percent to P7.8 billion, boosted by loan-related transactions, credit card fees and bancassurance activities.

RCBC president and CEO Reginaldo Cariaso said the bank’s improving financial results reflect its disciplined execution and data-driven approach.

‘Our continued momentum in the consumer segment affirms that our deliberate approach anchored on data-driven decisions, prudent risk management, and collaboration across businesses continues to drive sustainable growth for the bank,’ Cariaso said.

As of end-September, RCBC’s total assets reached P1.31 trillion, backed by total deposits of P997 billion and a current account-savings account ratio of 50.4 percent.

The bank also strengthened its funding base with the issuance of P12.2 billion in sustainability bonds in July, taking advantage of an easing interest rate environment. RCBC’s total equity stood at P148.68 billion, with a common equity tier 1 ratio of 13.27 percent and a capital adequacy ratio of 14.15 percent, both above regulatory requirements.

RCBC operates 470 branches, 1,505 automated teller machines and 6,389 ATM Go terminals nationwide.

All 24 senators have finally made their statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) public amid widespread calls for transparency sparked by outrage over irregularities in flood control projects.

Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Duterte allies Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Imee Marcos and Rodante Marcoleta comprised the last batch to disclose their SALNs, as they allowed the Office of the Senate Secretary to release copies of the documents to anyone requesting for one.

With the latest disclosures, Sen. Mark Villar – a scion of one of the richest families in the country – has emerged as the wealthiest senator with a net worth of P1.2 billion, followed by Sen. Raffy Tulfo with P1.05 billion. Sen. Francis Escudero is the ‘poorest’ senator with P18.8 million net worth.

Marcos declared P164.9-million net worth with no liabilities, having several real properties either inherited or purchased totaling P74.2 million. She indicated that these do not include expected inheritance or ‘inchoate share’ from the estate of her late father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., much of which is being contested in court.

She listed business interests in the Marcos Presidential Center Inc., Imelda R. Marcos Collection Inc., IPROD Inc., Creative Media and Film Society of the Philippines Inc. and Amigos Familiares Y Socios Inc.

Marcos also disclosed 10 relatives in government, including her brother, President Marcos; nephew, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos; sons, Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc and Laoag City Mayor Fernando Martin Manotoc; cousins Michael Keon, former speaker Martin Romualdez and Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez; cousin by affinity Rep. Yedda Romualdez; another cousin Angelo Barba and cousin by affinity Cecille Carmen Marcos.

Cayetano declared P109-million net worth, having two real properties worth P12.9 million and personal properties worth P97.7 million. He also declared being an incorporator of Philippine Art Nation Inc.

Dela Rosa, meanwhile, declared P32.2 million in net worth, with total assets of P61.3 million and liabilities of P29 million. He is the senator with the most number of relatives in government.

Marcoleta made his SALN public Tuesday night, declaring P51.9-million net worth. He has P11 million worth of real properties and P69 million worth of personal assets, offset by P28.4 million in liabilities. He reported no business interests.

He also declared six relatives in government, including his son Sagip party-list Rep. Paolo Marcoleta and several others working in his office at the Senate.

In celebrating the Golden Anniversary of the ‘Thrilla In Manila,’ Manny Pacquiao made sure relatives of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier came to town and there would be a heavyweight fight on the Smart Araneta Coliseum card that was held yesterday.

MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons got his marching orders and waved his magic wand. Ali’s wife Lonnie and Frazier’s son Joe Jr. were among the celebrity guests at the ‘Thrilla’ Gala Dinner in the Novotel Grand Ballroom last Tuesday. On the Araneta card, Russian Georgiy Yunovidov took on South African Chris Thompson in a heavyweight eight-rounder.

Gibbons said he chanced upon Frazier in Chicago and secured his commitment to attend the celebration. Frazier would’ve come with his wife but she’s expecting their child so couldn’t travel. He’s often mistaken to be former pro boxer Joe Frazier Jr., a name his brother Hector took to honor their father.

‘I promote boxing events and I’m a spiritual counsellor,’ said Frazier. ‘I wasn’t born when the ‘Thrilla’ happened but my dad often talked about it. He never liked to fly but made an exception to travel to Manila. My father loved the Filipino people. I’d like to come back, see more of the country and learn about the culture.’

Lonnie, 68, was married to Ali from 1986 until his death in 2016. She was Ali’s fourth wife after Sonji Roi, Belinda Boyd and Veronica Porche. One of Ali’s four children with Belinda, Rasheda, also came for the celebration. Rasheda has a twin sister Jamillah and her son Nico Walsh, a middleweight boxer, was on yesterday’s card.

‘I’m amazed that there’s an Ali Mall named after Muhammad,’ she said. ‘I’ve driven past it. After 50 years, Ali Mall still exists and it’s a lasting tribute. Whenever Muhammad talked about the ‘Thrilla,’ he would always mention the warmth of the Filipino people. Muhammad was a people person. I remember him sharing potato chips with Charley Rose, the talk show host who sat in front of us during the NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden in 1999.’

Another foreign guest Gene Kilroy, 85, flew in to witness the festivities. Kilroy was a pall bearer at the funeral of Ali’s parents and his aunt Coretta. He was at Araneta when the ‘Thrilla’ took place and said an idea to ‘ice’ Ali probably won the fight.

‘It was like 150 degrees in the venue, steaming hot,’ said Kilroy. ‘So I gave this little kid a 100 dollar bill to get me a bucket of ice. The guy next to me said I’d never see him again. But the kid came back with a pack of ice which I gave to Ali’s cornerman Angelo Dundee before the fight. Angelo rubbed the ice all over his body and it cooled him. I think if the ice went to Frazier instead, he could’ve won.’ Kilroy served as Ali’s business manager from 1966 to 1981 and described their relationship as a genuine friendship.

Newly crowned World Boxing Council international middleweight champion Eumir Marcial admitted he thought he would be losing when his slugfest with Venezuelan Eddy Colmenares went to the decision.

Marcial came back from being knocked down twice against Colmenares to get the majority decision victory early Thursday morning at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Filipino Olympic bronze medalist was sent to the canvas in the third and 10th rounds, but he managed to grab the victory after a judge scored it 94-94 and two others had him winning 95-93.

After the match, Marcial admitted he thought he would be losing.

‘Yes po. Opo. Nakabahan po ako kasi sobrang malaking score po yun pag na-knockdown. And noong [third] round, noong na-knockdown po ako, bigla ko napaisip eh na parang matatalo ako sa laban. Pero dahil po sa lahat ng mga Pilipino nandito, naririnig ko po yung coaches ko, yung corner ko,’ he told reporters.

‘Sila po yung nagbigay ng lakas sa akin. Ma-knockdown po sa [third] round, hindi po yun basta-basta. Ang hirap maka-adjust noon sa buong round. Sabi ko ano pa yung maibubuga niya. Inisip ko kung sa fourth round, mas lalakas siya. Hindi ko alam eh,’ he added.

After getting knocked down early, Marcial recovered and unleashed barrage of punches after barrage of punches. He was able to hit his opponent with power punches, but Colmenares would not go down.

And in the 10th round, the Filipino hit the floor anew after a left-and-right combination from the Venezuelan.

The judges, however, saw the match differently, giving the victory to the two-time Olympian.

‘Sinunod ko lang yung payo ng corner ko na puntos lang. Mas magaling ka dyan. Gamitin lang natin yung puntos. So yun yung ginawa namin. Yun yung naging strategy namin para makuha itong belt,’ he said.

After the match, there were already talks for a rematch.

Would he be open to it?

‘Kung yun yung hiling ng mga tao, kung yun yung ang gagawin ni Sir Manny, why not? Napasaya natin yung mga tao. Gusto ko ibalik yung dito. Thrilla in Manila II, itong stadium noong 50 years ago. Alam ko, grabe hiyawan ang mga tao,’ he said.

‘Itong gabi, I hope na napasaya ko yung mga kababayan natin. Naparamdam ko kung ano yung Thrilla in Manila noong 50 years ago.’

Marcial thus rose to a 7-0 win-loss record, while Colmenares dropped to 11-3-1 (win-loss-draw).

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday denounced corruption claims made by Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga.

Described as a ‘crazy cat’ and an ‘annoying dog’ by Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Barzaga called for the PCG’s abolition, saying the agency would spark the third world war in the West Philippine Sea.

‘The PCG’s presence in the WPS is not an act of provocation,’ PCG spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said. ‘Our patrols and operations prevent the normalization of China’s illegal activities, protect our fishermen from harassment and expose violations of international norms.’

Barzaga has aligned himself with the Dutertes, who are seen to have a pro-China stance.

A dialogue with Barzaga and all stakeholders in Congress would ‘clarify misconceptions and strengthen cooperation toward maritime security and safety,’ PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said.

Barzaga, who has been delisted from the Army reserve force, accused the PCG of being ‘one of the most corrupt’ agencies for giving high ranks to Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon.

Romualdez and Gadon are ranked auxiliary vice admiral and rear admiral, respectively, in the PCG reserve force.

Cayabyab explained that auxiliary members are ‘not active-duty PCG officers and their honorary ranks do not confer authority or compensation.’

Pinoys trust PCG – OCTA

Meanwhile, an OCTA Research survey has found that most Filipinos are satisfied with the PCG’s performance and highly trust the agency.

Seventy-five percent of the respondents are satisfied with the PCG’s performance and 71 percent trust the PCG, according to the Sept. 25 to 30 poll.

OCTA released the survey after Barzaga called for the abolition of the PCG.

The University of Asia and the Pacific said students and parents can expect classes and campus operations to continue even if its faculty and staff unions push through with a strike next week.

In a statement sent to Philstar.com on Wednesday, October 29, the university confirmed that the UA and P Union of Faculty Members (UA and PUFM) and the UA and P Union of Allied Employees (UA and PUAE) submitted their strike vote to the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) on October 24. This will be followed by a seven-day cooling-off period, “which means the earliest possible date for a strike is November 1, 2025.”

The two unions in total are composed of 14 faculty members and 44 administrative staff, the UA and P management said.

‘The University’s priority remains clear: to protect the continuity of learning and the stability and welfare of the UA and P community,’ the statement read. ‘Contingency measures are in place to sustain normal operations and ensure that the academic progress of our students will not be disrupted.’

The university management said UA and P has ‘engaged in good-faith negotiations’ throughout collective bargaining talks and accepted most of the unions’ non-economic proposals, including some with financial impact. It added that the school had made ‘substantial counteroffers within our financial capacity.’

The university said it ‘values the contributions of every member of the community’ and described its compensation and benefits package as ‘fair and equitable.’ The benefits cited include free education for employees’ dependents, continuing education opportunities, comprehensive leave privileges, and reduced teaching loads for faculty.

UA and P said it ‘cannot accept demands that would compromise the university’s financial sustainability or its long-term mission,’ maintaining that its decisions are guided by ‘fairness, prudence, and commitment to quality education.’

This comes nearly a week after the two UA and P unions announced that nearly 90% of their members voted to strike following months of deadlocked negotiations. The unions said management had not presented any new counteroffer during a mediation meeting on October 24, prompting them to file the strike vote report with the NCMB.

Earlier, the unions said UA and P’s last proposal included converting free meals into a P6,600 annual cash allowance and implementing a 1 to 2 percent salary increase spread over three years – an offer they said was inadequate given the rising cost of living. The university, for its part, has maintained that salaries are already above industry standards and that personnel costs consume a large share of its tuition revenue.

In August, management told Philstar.com that personnel expenses already account for 74 percent of UA and P’s tuition income, higher than the 52 percent benchmark it cited from other private universities.

Both faculty and staff unions said the planned strike is a ‘last resort’ after years of stagnant pay and repeated delays in negotiations. The UA and PUFM represents rank-and-file teaching staff, while the UA and PUAE covers administrative and non-teaching employees.

Both unions have yet to announce a specific date for the strike.

Celebrities gave horror a new look at a recent Halloween party in Makati hosted by Opulence Ball creators Raymond Gutierrez and Ash Rye.

Raymond and his twin brother Richard both went with half-and-half looks that were dapper on one side but fashionably grotesque on the other, while their sister Ruffa channeled Morticia Addams from “The Addams Family.”

Kyline Alcantara took a page from the Gutierrez twins’ book going as the Batman villain Two-Face, while Michelle Dee went as a jester, similar to another antagonist, Harley Quinn.

Love team pair Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin went with contrasting mummy-inspired looks in neutral colors, while Jameson Blake dressed up as a fallen angel, complete with wings, in a black ensemble.

In similar dark colors were Kylie Verzosa, Darren Espanto, Jillian Ward, Zeinab Harake, Christi McGarry, and Karina Bautista in gothic looks.

“Drag Race Philippines” alumna Marina Summers, Vinas DeLuxe, Khianna, Myx Chanel, and Arizona Brandy also came to slay.

Arizona pulled out her “Happy Face-tival” runway look from “Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale,” while fellow drag queen Shewarma went camp by impersonating embattled contractor Sarah Discaya.

Clear standouts from the evening were Andrea Brillantes as a black cat and Barbie Imperial as a siren, committing to full body transformations.

Here’s a rundown of several “New Nocturnals” looks:

In a bid to curb corruption, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, October 30, ordered several government agencies to lower construction costs for classrooms, hospitals, and other infrastructure projects.

Marcos, who is headed to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit, told his Cabinet secretaries that the government must be cleansed of corruption. Only a transparent government can build a fair economy, he said.

Building on a prior order to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to cut construction costs by 50%, Marcos said the Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and other agencies must adopt the same measure.

Several legislators have raised concerns over the inflated costs of classrooms and farm-to-market roads, linking the overpricing to alleged corruption schemes.

The controversy surrounding the DPWH’s flood control projects revealed that some officials had allegedly padded project costs to make room for kickbacks.

In response, Marcos has ordered a reduction in project costs for farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, classrooms, and hospitals.

‘The savings we secure will go where they matter most: To programs that uplift families, support livelihoods, and strengthen communities. Because when our people grow in capability and confidence, the nation grows with them,’ Marcos said.

‘A government that honors public trust. A nation that stands firm on integrity. This is our promise. And real change for every Filipino today and all generations to come,’ he added.

The Marcos administration is in the midst of what has been described as the largest corruption scandal of the decade, with billions of pesos allegedly siphoned from the country’s coffers.

Several high-ranking officials have already been implicated in the controversy, including senators, members of the House of Representatives, an undersecretary, and others.

The Running Man, starring Glen Powell and directed by Edgar Wright, based on Stephen King’s novel, is opening soon in Philippine cinemas. Read on for reasons not to miss The Running Man, only in cinemas starting November 12:

1. The Running Man is based on a novel by Stephen King

First published under King’s pseudonym Richard Bachman in 1982, The Running Man is an action-packed thriller set in a then near-future dystopian America (2025!) where the economy is in ruins, violence has become a way of life, and power is held by the very greedy, wealthy few.

Just like in the source material, this year’s film adaptation, which King co-executive produces, The Running Man tells the story of Ben Richards (Powell), a working-class father desperate to save his sick daughter and is then forced to join the top-rated show on television, The Running Man, a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins, with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward. But Ben’s defiance, instincts, and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite – and a threat to the entire system.

2. Edgar Wright, whose filmography includes the well-loved Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Shaun of the Dead, and Baby Driver, directed and co-wrote The Running Man movie

As a fan of Stephen King and of the novel itself, Wright made it a mission for his adaptation to be as faithful to the novel as possible. At the recent New York Comic Con, Wright joked that filming a faithful movie adaptation, where main protagonist Ben Richards plays the world’s deadliest game of hide-and-seek, running from city to city to escape his hunters, was exhausting.

‘But I’m proud of it,’ he said. ‘It’s an expansive movie that was ambitious.’

Wright also got the highest stamp of approval he could possibly get as a fan himself – from Stephen King. Shared Wright, ‘In an email [Stephen King] said, ‘It’s more faithful to the book to keep the fans happy, but different enough to keep me on my toes and excited.”

3. Glen Powell leads his first action movie

And how! Ben Richards is a very angry man. But in the hands of Powell, Ben is angry but funny and relatable. In terms of action, Powell learned from quite a roster of action heroes. He was part of the ensemble cast of The Expendables 3, starring alongside Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, Dolph Lundgren and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who played Ben Richards himself in the 1987 movie adaptation of The Running Man.

And when it comes to action scenes with a lot of running, Powell learned from the best: his Top Gun: Maverick co-star Tom Cruise. During a fun red carpet moment with his Running Man co-stars, Wright and Cruise at Cinema Con in April, Powell said, ‘I will say that all of my running technique did come straight from Tom.’

4. Josh Brolin and his fellow bad guys are villains having a lot of fun

Brolin has famously played a villain before, but in The Running Man, his ruthless Network producer Dan Killian is so charming it’s not surprising that he was able to convince Ben to sign up – though begrudgingly and rather angrily – for the very dangerous Running Man game. And he’s not the only one. As the host and main visual for the Network’s games, Colman Domingo’s Bobby Thompson is the very definition of showmanship. And then there’s Lee Pace’s McCone, the masked muscle, lead hunter and executioner who seems to always be one step ahead of Ben.

5. Michael Cera and William H. Macy play brief but very memorable roles

Their screen times are brief but William H. Macy and Michael Cera (who previously worked with Wright in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) play characters that are essential to Ben Richards’s survival and could potentially be fan favorites.

6. A near-future dystopian world that is both fascinating and familiar

In the film, there are fascinating futuristic aspects in the world inhabited by Richards and Killian but it’s all still rooted in today’s reality, making the movie feel familiar, relatable and relevant. The Running Man movie is not set in any specific time in the future, but Wright describes it as retro-futuristic, ‘a feeling like it’s both in the future and in the ’80s as well, in the spirit of the book.’