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AS transparency should not end with the disclosure of Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), a House leader urged the immediate passage of the long-delayed Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, which has been pending in Congress for nearly three decades.

Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos, an assistant majority leader, made a statement after the Office of the Ombudsman vowed to restore public access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of government officials.

Santos said both initiatives are key to strengthening transparency, accountability, and public trust in the government.

‘Transparency should not stop with the disclosure of SALNs,’ Santos said. ‘The people have the right to access information about how their government operates and how public funds are spent. The FOI bill will empower citizens to hold their leaders accountable.’

Pending in Congress for over three decades, the FOI bill institutionalizes the people’s constitutional right to access information on matters of public concern. It mandates all government agencies to release records, contracts, and transactions upon request, subject to reasonable exceptions.

Santos emphasized that the FOI bill would complement the Ombudsman’s move to reopen access to SALNs, creating a more comprehensive framework for transparency and integrity in public service.

Earlier, the Las Piñas lawmaker also called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to enforce a strict ‘one-strike policy’ against personnel involved in corruption or irregularities. He said decisive action is necessary to regain public trust and ensure that infrastructure funds are properly spent.

He said swift, decisive action is needed to restore public trust and ensure infrastructure funds are spent properly.

‘Restoring public access to SALNs is a major victory for transparency, but it should only be the beginning,’ Santos added. ‘We must go further by enacting the FOI law so that transparency becomes the rule, not the exception.’

He also urged his fellow lawmakers to prioritize the measure in this 20th Congress.

The current proposed FOI bill in the House, House Bill 2897, is authored by Reps. Edgar R. Erice of Caloocan, Adrian Michael A. Amatong of Zamboanga del Norte, Arlene J. Bag-ao of Dinagat Islands, Jaime R. Fresnedi of Muntinlupa, Cielo B. Lagman of Albay, Alfonso V. Umali Jr. of Oriental Mindoro, and Leila de Lima of Mamamayang Liberal.

In the Senate, the counterpart FOI bill has been filed by Sen. Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan. Senate President Vicente Sotto III also refiled an FOI bill (‘People’s Freedom of Information Act of 2025’) as well.

‘It’s time to deliver on a promise that has been delayed for far too long,’ Santos said. ‘Passing the FOI Bill will show that this Congress is serious about good governance and the people’s right to know.’

The original author of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill in Congress is the late Rep. Ernesto ‘Ernie’ Ruffa of Bulacan, who first filed it in the 8th Congress (1987-1992) following the ratification of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

The FOI Bill was intended to operationalize Article III, Section 7 of the Constitution, which guarantees the people’s right to information on matters of public concern.

Since then, several versions have been refiled in every Congress-among the more prominent later authors and champions were Rep. Lorenzo ‘Erin’ Tañada III (Quezon)-principal author and long-time FOI advocate during the 14th and 15th Congresses by Party-list Reps. Walden Bello of Akbayan, and Teodoro Casiño and Neri Colmenares of Bayan Muna-co-authors and vocal supporters during the Aquino administration.

Seeking redemption after a string of lackluster finishes, Michael Bibat fired a bogey-free 65 to seize the first-round lead in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Del Monte Championship on Tuesday in Bukidnon.

Bibat, yet to win since ruling Eagle Ridge in 2022, came up with nines of 31-34 in hot, humid conditions for a one-stroke lead over Elee Bisera and Ha Taewon.

‘I didn’t expect to shoot this low, but we played cautiously and avoided bogeys,’ said Bibat, who credited his precision off the tee, sharp irons, and hot putter. ‘The goal was to lessen the mistakes-hit the fairways and greens-then be aggressive with the putter. I gave myself so many chances to make birdies.’

Despite the strong start, Bibat remained grounded: ‘Just don’t get ahead of myself in the next three rounds.’

Starting on No. 10, Bibat birdied two early holes, then caught fire on the front with four more, including three straight from No. 4. Birdie on the par-5 ninth nudged him past Bisera by one.

Bisera posted a 66, birdieing three of his last five holes to briefly tie Bibat before the latter’s closing birdie.

‘My target was to shoot even-par, but everything just clicked, from driving to my short game. But my putting was especially on point,’ said Bisera, who birdied four straight from No. 8, dropped one on 13, then bounced back with birdies on 14, 16, and 18.

Ha threatened to steal the spotlight with a stunning 29 on the back nine, setting a new tournament record with five birdies and an eagle-surpassing Clyde Mondilla’s previous mark of 31. But bogeys on Nos. 3 and 5 stalled his momentum, and he settled for a 67, tying Ryan Monsalve and Chon Koo Kang for third.

‘I had a feeling I would play well because I hit my best score just recently,’ said Ha, referring to a nine-under practice round at Pradera Verde. ‘Today, my putting was better than usual-that’s why I shot a 29 on the back nine.’

‘The front nine was tougher, and my putter didn’t hold up,’ he added.

Monsalve bounced back from an early bogey on No. 2 with six birdies in his last 13 holes, including all four par-5s.

‘After that bogey on No. 2, I just focused on taking advantage of the scorable holes,’ he said. A clutch par-save on No. 10 and a solid tee shot on the tough par-3 12th helped him stay on track.

Kang also carded a 67, recovering from bogey-double bogey on Nos. 12 and 13 with three birdies in his final five holes.

Keanu Jahns struggled early but surged late with back-to-back eagles on Nos. 6 and 9, plus a birdie in between, finishing at 68. He shares sixth spot with Jay Bayron, Jhonnel Ababa, Reymon Jaraula, and Negros Occidental leg winner Rupert Zaragoza, who rebounded from a bogey on No. 1 with five birdies in his last 11 holes.

With just three shots separating the top 10-and 10 more players at 69-the title race remains wide open.

At three-under were Del Monte legend Frankie Miñoza, Ramil Bisera, Francis Morilla, Mars Pucay, Fidel Concepcion, Arnold Villacencio, Dino Villanueva, Kuresh Samadoni, American Collin Wheeler, and Japanese contender Yudai Nakakuki.

MINIMUM wage earners in Central Luzon will receive a P50 to P80 daily pay increase by the end of October, the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) announced on Tuesday.

Under Wage Order RBIII-26, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) approved a P50 increase for workers in the non-agriculture, agriculture, and retail and service sectors in Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

The hike will be released in two tranches-P20 upon effectivity and another P30 on April 16.

With this adjustment, the daily minimum wage for non-agriculture workers in these provinces will rise from P550 to P600, while those in the agriculture sector will see their pay increase from P520 to P570.

Workers in the retail and service sector, meanwhile, will receive a higher rate of P540 to P590 per day.

In Aurora province, non-agriculture and agriculture workers will each receive a P60 increase bringing their new daily wages to P560 and P545, respectively.

Those in the retail and service sector will receive the biggest adjustment, with an P80 increase that will raise their pay from P435 to P515 per day.

The RTWPB said the adjustment was based on prevailing regional conditions, including the rise in the Consumer Price Index from 131.1 in October 2024 to 132.6 in August 2025.

The board also cited the 2023 poverty threshold in Region III, pegged by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) at P528 for a family of five, and the region’s 6.5-percent economic growth in 2023 to 2024.

‘The Board deemed it just to increase the daily minimum wage, considering the need to restore the purchasing power of the workers’ wages; to progressively close the minimum wage-poverty threshold gap in the region; and to ensure equitable distribution of the fruits of economic growth between workers and employers,’ the RTWPB-III said.

Aside from private sector workers, domestic workers (kasambahays) in Central Luzon will also benefit from a P500 monthly increase, bringing the new minimum wage for kasambahays to P6,500.

The new rate covers all domestic workers, whether they live in or outside their employers’ homes, including househelp, nannies (yayas), cooks, gardeners, and laundry workers.

Both wage orders will take effect on October 30.

The Philippines and Brunei forged an agreement that would strengthen cooperation in agriculture and fisheries and boost trade.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism outlines collaboration on research, exchange of expertise, and market access promotion between the neighboring countries.

According to the DA, the MOU would take effect once both parties confirm compliance with their respective domestic procedures through diplomatic channels.

The agreement also comes at a time when bilateral trade tips in favor of Brunei, which had a $224 million trade surplus in 2024.

Under the MOU, areas of cooperation include livestock and poultry development, disease prevention, high-yield crop technologies, and downstream processing in agriculture and fisheries.

The DA noted that capacity-building efforts, such as joint training, technical visits, and the sharing of publications, studies, and technical data were also underscored in the MOU.

Both nations also committed to facilitating agrifood investment and trade through information sharing, especially in sanitary and phytosanitary standards and market access requirements.

The MOU also provides a framework for policy coordination and knowledge exchange, according to the agency.

The agreement employs mechanisms for protecting intellectual property, handling research outcomes, and maintaining confidentiality of shared information.

‘This agreement reflects the shared goals of the Philippines and Brunei, good neighbors in Southest Asia, to strengthen agri-fisheries systems and enhance food security through collaboration, innovation, and responsible development,’ Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

Both nations recognized that the MOU highlights long-standing diplomatic and economic ties, while laying the groundwork for mutually beneficial cooperation in the face of regional and global food system challenges.

As local government units in some areas call for a ‘pause’ from face-to-face schooling amid serial disasters and spreading viral infections, can the ‘break’ be used to check the structural integrity of schools?

This question was raised on Tuesday after the Department of Education (DepEd) gave an initial assessment of how much it would cost to repair and rebuilds public schools damaged by recent earthquakes in the south: P4 billion.

Senator Bam Aquino questioned whether public schools can withstand strong earthquakes, and will file a resolution seeking to assess the readiness of public school buildings across the country in the event of strong earthquakes, following recent tremors in various areas.

It’s important to know how ready and structurally strong our schools are when severe earthquakes strike, for the students, teachers, parents and people who work in schools,’ said Aquino, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, speaking mostly in Filipino.

Aquino emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and structural integrity of school buildings, especially after the admission of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez that all infrastructure projects in Bulacan from 2019 to the present were substandard, including classrooms.

‘Kapag ang pondo sa mga paaralan ay kinurakot at binudol, pinapahamak ang mga estudyante sa bagyo at lindol. Huwag nating isugal ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan Mas mabuting matiyak ang kahandaan at kaligtasan ng ating mga school building laban sa mga pagyanig,’ he stressed.

[If funds meant for schoolbuildings are stolen and shortcuts used, students are put at risk from storms and quakes. Let’s not gamble with the lives of our people. It’s better to make sure that school buildings are ready for disasters]. Aquino added that he will push for an additional budget for the inspection and assessment of public school buildings to ensure their structural integrity.

Aside from examining the structural soundness and safety of public school buildings, Aquino said his planned probe will also look into the extent of the damage caused by recent earthquakes and the measures being implemented by concerned agencies to ensure that affected schools can safely resume classes.

The inquiry will also tackle measures to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in schools, including regular safety inspections, the regular conduct of earthquake drills and evacuation protocols, and the placement of earthquake emergency kits.

‘Ang ating mga paaralan ay dapat maging ligtas na kanlungan sa oras ng sakuna, hindi karagdagang panganib. Panahon na para tiyaking matatag at handa ang ating mga estudyante at mga guro sakaling tumama ang malakas na lindol,’ he pointed out.

[Our schools should be havens for safety in times of disasters, not additional sources of danger. It’s time to make sure they stay strong for our learners and teachers in case a strong quake strikes.]

AN additional P5 billion has been approved for release to sustain the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which continues to support Filipinos in need.

The budget allocation is expected to benefit around 411,188 Filipinos for the remainder of the year.

The P5-billion allocations aim to address the budget deficiency under the ‘Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Difficult Circumstances’ component of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Under the AICS program, beneficiaries may receive financial assistance for medical, burial, transportation, education, food, and other essential needs during times of crisis.

The approved allotment and corresponding Notice of Cash Allocation are chargeable against the Fiscal Year 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

The Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman justified the latest release for the AICS program as highlighting the importance of unprogrammed appropriations.

Pangandaman added that unprogrammed appropriations serve as fiscal buffers, enabling the government to respond swiftly to humanitarian needs and emergencies.

According to the DBM, unprogrammed funds are duly authorized and approved by Congress under the GAA.

‘Unprogrammed appropriations are not discretionary or secret funds,’ the budget secretary said.

‘These funds can only be accessed when there are excess or windfall revenues, new revenue measures, or valid loan agreements for foreign-assisted projects,’ Pangandaman added.

Additionally, the budget chief emphasized that the DBM has no authority to introduce ‘insertions’ into the national budget, noting that such changes typically occur only during Congress deliberations.

She also reiterated that under the Constitution, Congress retains the ‘power of the purse.’

Pangandaman said unprogrammed appropriations allow the government to support priority programs such as social protection, agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure while maintaining fiscal discipline.

She cited previous instances when the government utilized unprogrammed funds, including during the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2024, when such appropriations supported projects in social welfare, agriculture, and national defense modernization.

Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Ralph M. Recto acknowledged that unprogrammed funds play a vital role in emergency response but must remain limited and carefully justified.

‘Frankly speaking, the unprogrammed funds shouldn’t be that big,’ Recto told reporters last Tuesday.

The finance chief said safeguards must be implemented to prevent abuse of such funds, like listing them as a line item as much as possible.

‘Disasters can’t all be programmed because you never know when they will happen, that’s why they fall under unprogrammed funds,’ the finance secretary said in Filipino.

He also noted there is no fixed rule governing the ideal size of unprogrammed appropriations.

‘We used to set it at 5 percent before. But 5 percent is too big for the national government,’ Recto explained.

A local film organization announced Sunday that it will continue its P1-million grant for each full-length feature film finalist in next year’s Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival.

‘Cinemalaya is not just a festival of film, it serves as a platform and a compass that guides the direction of Filipino cinema,’ said Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chair Jose Javier Reyes during the 21st Cinemalaya awarding ceremony held at Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.

Reyes said that aside from the financial assistance for full-length film finalists, the agency will also provide P100,000 to short film finalists in next year’s competition.

‘In the past 10 days, we’ve seen the unique types of films that should give direction for our future,’ he added.

Reyes also shared that the FDCP is working to connect Filipino filmmakers with international markets by facilitating participation in major global film festivals, including the Hong Kong International Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, and Busan International Film Festival.

‘To all aspiring filmmakers, please continue,’ Reyes said, emphasizing that storytellers play a vital role in shaping the nation’s cultural identity and inspiring future generations of creatives.

Meanwhile, Cinemalaya Foundation Inc. President Laurice Guillen announced that the festival’s reach will soon extend beyond its annual 10-day run.

‘We plan on bringing back the winning short and long films from 2005 to the present in a monthly film screening,’ she said.

Guillen also shared that the call for entries for Cinemalaya 2027 will open soon, while the 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival is set to open on the first Friday of August next year.

‘We look forward to seeing you again-ready to discover new voices, new perspectives, and new stories to inspire us all,’ she added.

The 10 full-length finalists for Cinemalaya 2026 are:

a.ni.mal by Dustin Celestino

2 Valid IDs by Ma-an L. Asuncion-Dagnalan and Abet Pagdagdagan Raz

Dangeom by Paul Sta. Ana

Ganggang by JL Burgos

Kamay ni Bathala by Mark Duane Angos

Mag-iina by Gian Carlo Abrahan and Guelan Luarca

May Buntot ang mga ‘Yan by Alpha Habon

Status: Rejected by Vahn Leinard Pascual

Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam by David R. Corpuz

Tirik by May-i Padilla

While the probe of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is still ongoing, the call to hold corrupt officials and contractors accountable emerges as the dominant national sentiment with a clear majority of Filipinos expresses outrage and frustration over corruption in government infrastructure

projects, particularly those involving flood control, based on the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) Survey of OCTA Research focused on Probe on Corruption in Government Infrastructure Projects.

The survey conducted from September 25 to 30, 2025, using face-to-face interviews, also showed that 8 in 10 Filipinos support President Ferdinand Marcos decision to expose corruption, viewing it as a necessary step toward restoring public trust.

The top five outcomes that adult Filipinos hope to achieve from the investigation of ICI, tasked to investigate flood control corruption within the last 10 years are:

Holding corrupt officials and contractors accountable (68 percent)

Recovery of lost or misused public funds (58 percent)

Imprisonment of those proven guilty (58 percent)

Ensuring efficient implementation of quality flood control projects (41 percent)

Strengthening transparency and monitoring of government infrastructure projects (34 percent)

Support is strongest in the National Capital Region with 85 percent and among Class ABC (82 percent), underscoring a broad and urgent public demand for justice and institutional accountability.

The recovery of lost or misused public funds ranks second, alongside the imprisonment of those proven guilty-both viewed as critical steps to restore public trust in government, according to the survey with 1,200 male and female probability respondents aged 18 and above. This survey has a ±3 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level.

Support for fund recovery is a majority sentiment across most groups, except in Mindanao (49 percent) and Class E (43 percent), where it is slightly lower.

Meanwhile, imprisonment for offenders garners consistent majority backing across demographics, indicating the public’s strong desire for punitive consequences against corruption.

Likewise, Filipinos expect concrete reforms, including the efficient implementation of quality flood control projects and enhanced transparency and monitoring systems to prevent future misuse of funds.

‘Taken together, these findings reveal a clear and uncompromising public mandate: Filipinos demand not only the exposure of wrongdoing but also decisive action, justice, and longterm reform to safeguard the integrity of public institutions and infrastructure programs,’ the survey said.

Strong national support for greater transparency and accountability

An overwhelming 83 percent of adult Filipinos expressed agreement with Marcos’ decision to publicly expose corruption in government flood control projects, even if it may have political consequences for him. This reflects strong national support for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds.

Only 3 percent disagreed, while 13 percent remained ambivalent on the issue.

Across major geographical areas, support for the President’s stance is highest in the National Capital Region (91 percent), followed closely by Balance Luzon (90 percent). Agreement is somewhat lower in the Visayas (64 percent) and Mindanao (78 percent), where ambivalence is more pronounced, reaching 24 percent and 16 percent, respectively.

Taken together, these results, according to the survey, indicates a strong reservoir of public goodwill and trust for the President’s decision to confront corruption head-on. ‘The findings suggest that sustained transparency and follow-through on reforms could further strengthen public confidence in government integrity and leadership.’

Outrage towards corruption

Most adult Filipinos or 60 percent reported feeling anger or outrage when they think about corruption in government, particularly in projects such as flood control initiatives.

This strong emotional response highlights the public’s continued frustration over the misuse of public funds in infrastructure programs and may suggest declining confidence in the integrity of public institutions.

Meanwhile, 30 percent expressed fear or anxiety, reflecting concern about the impact of corruption on government performance and service delivery. Another 9 percent reported feelings of sadness or disappointment.

Across major geographical areas, anger or outrage remains the dominant emotion, though it

is somewhat lower in Mindanao (46 percent) compared to the Visayas (63 percent), Balance Luzon (64 percent), and NCR (59 percent).

Across age groups, the majority of adult Filipinos expressed anger or outrage over corruption in government projects-an emotion especially pronounced among younger Filipinos, particularly Gen Z and millennials.

In contrast, this sentiment is slightly lower at 44 percent among those aged 65 to 74.

Feelings of fear or anxiety range from 18 percent among those aged 55-64 to 45 percent among those aged 65-74.

Meanwhile, sadness or sorrow varies between 2 percent and 14 percent, lowest among the youngest group (18-24) and peaking among respondents aged 55-64 and 75 and above.

‘Overall, the findings highlight a strong emotional mandate for reform, with the public expressing both moral outrage and deep apprehension toward corruption in government projects-signaling a growing demand for accountability, transparency, and decisive government action.’

Infinidad Events Management is delighted to announce ‘Himig at Tinig Para Kay Inang Maria’ (Hymn and Voice for Mother Mary), a sacred musical event honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. This concert celebrates her profound role in the Catholic faith and the spiritual life of the Filipino people.

The concert is scheduled for October 25, 2025, at the Filinvest Tent, Alabang, Muntinlupa. It promises to be a profound spiritual journey, designed to uplift spirits and inspire hope through sacred performances that demonstrate communal gratitude.

October is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary, making this a particularly significant time to host ‘Himig at Tinig Para Kay Inang Maria.’ This event taps into the deep Marian piety characteristic of Filipino Catholicism, serving as a collective act of veneration and celebrating her enduring legacy as a guide and intercessor.

The concert will feature a diverse lineup of talented Filipino musicians and singers, including Ms. Angeline Quinto, Frenchie Dy, brothers Rannie and Lance Raymundo, who will unite their voices for this inspiring cause. The program will include a captivating selection of sacred songs and contemporary hymns, covering various musical styles from traditional Marian hymns to modern Christian music, ensuring an uplifting experience for all attendees. Each performance will be a powerful homage to Mary’s significant role as the Mother of God.

Beyond inspiring hope, ‘Himig at Tinig Para Kay Inang Maria’ serves a greater purpose: proceeds from the concert will support elderly and unwell priests who have dedicated their lives to serving their faith and community. Beneficiaries include 17 priests from Cardinal Sin’s Welcome Home in Manila, 20 individuals from the Missionaries of the Poor, 10 priests from CICM Home Sweet Home in Baguio City, and 18 priests from St. Joseph Seniorate in Batangas.

Infinidad Events Management, a full-service events management firm established in 2007, is overseeing the grand production, ensuring the highest quality and professionalism for this sacred event.

Through this benefit concert, which venerates the Blessed Virgin Mary as a central figure in the Catholic Church, religious communities will share in faith, find comfort, and give back to the religious leaders and servers who have guided and safeguarded their faith throughout the years.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) extends its warmest congratulations to BusinessMirror as it celebrates its 20th founding anniversary.

Since its inception, BusinessMirror has firmly established itself as one of the country’s most respected sources of business news and in-depth reporting-championing not only economic insight but also shedding light on pressing social, political, and human interest stories. Your publication’s commitment to delivering credible and timely journalism has served the Filipino people well, fostering a more informed and engaged society.

On behalf of the Philippine Red Cross, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for BusinessMirror’s support in promoting our humanitarian initiatives. Your platform has played a vital role in amplifying our efforts to alleviate human suffering, especially during times of national emergencies and crises.

The visibility and awareness you have helped generate have made a tangible impact in reaching those most in need.

As you mark this significant milestone, we salute your steadfast dedication to journalism and public service. May BusinessMirror continue to thrive and inspire, and may your team of journalists remain unwavering in their mission to report the truth with fairness, courage, and integrity.

Mabuhay kayo, and cheers to many more years of excellence in journalism!