Labor groups urge gov’t to improve quality of available jobs

Even though the country’s employment rate improved in August, the quality of available jobs remains poor, with Filipinos still enduring low wages and contractualization, two labor groups said on Thursday.

In separate statements, the Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro) and Labor Education and Research Network (LEARN) stressed the need to examine more ‘critically’ the labor force survey released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Wednesday.

‘The latest Labor Force Survey may show more Filipinos employed and joining the workforce, but beneath the surface lies a deeper crisis: job generation remains mediocre, and the quality of work continues to decline,’ Sentro said.

According to data from the PSA, the employment rate for August this year was estimated at 96.1 percent, higher than July’s 94.7 percent, and slightly above the recorded rate in August 2024, which was at 96 percent.

For Sentro, the increase in employment rate is ‘surprisingly positive’ given recent challenges, such as ‘trade turbulence, corruption-induced flooding, and a deepening political crisis,’ but he argued that this was due to the ‘resilience’ of Filipino workers, not because of the government.

Real measure

‘Workers’ resilience must not [be used as a ] substitute for state responsibility. The real measure of progress is not how many Filipinos have jobs-but how many have decent, secure, and meaningful work,’ Sentro said.

The group noted that underemployment, although down to 10.7 percent in August compared to 11.2 percent a year ago, ‘remains stubbornly high.’

It further said the decline in manufacturing jobs ‘exposes the country’s worsening deindustrialization’ as it urged the government to adopt a ‘clear industrial policy that rebuilds the country’s productive base, protects local industries, and promotes value-added manufacturing.’

For its part, LEARN said that although data from the survey shows an increase in jobs, comparing the current rates to those recorded last year ‘point to little to no significant change in the national situation.’

The group added that although youth employment rose to 88.3 percent, higher than the 88 percent recorded last year, the quality of available jobs remains ‘problematic.’ /cb

Lagos teacher remanded for allegedly defiling 13-year-old student

A 53-year-old Lagos teacher, Ayodeji Onoviran, was on Friday remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre for allegedly defiling a 13-year-old girl who was one of his students.

The defendant, a teacher, who resides at 13, Opare St., Orile Agege, Lagos, was arraigned before Ikeja Chief Magistrate Court for rape.

The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji told the court that the offence was committed on August 2024 at a secondary school in Ijeshatedo, Lagos.

The prosecutor said that a 13-year-old girl, was attending a summer lesson organised by the defendant when he defiled her.

The prosecutor said that the victim’s aunty saw the changes in her behaviour and upon an enquiry, she opened up on how the defendant raped her.

The offence, according to the prosecutor, contravene Section 261 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr L. A. Owolabi, who refused to take the defendant’s plea, ordered that he should be remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

Owolabi adjourned the case until Nov. 20, for the Director of Public prosecution’s(DPP) advice.

Ceasefire halts Gaza war as Palestinians flood back to ruins

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas took effect at noon local time on October 10, 2025, bringing an immediate halt to fighting for the first time since March and triggering the mass movement of displaced Palestinians returning to their homes in northern Gaza.

The ceasefire follows the Israeli government’s approval of the first phase of a U.S.-led peace plan and initiates a carefully sequenced process centered on the release of hostages and prisoners, a partial Israeli troop withdrawal, and a surge in humanitarian aid.

The activation of the ceasefire has set in motion a precise 72-hour timeline for the release of hostages and a significant withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The Israeli military stated it has pulled its forces back to new ‘updated deployment lines’ as outlined in the agreement.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the completion of this first phase of withdrawal. This new boundary, often referred to as the ‘yellow line’ in the U.S. plan, leaves the Israeli military in control of approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip.

With the ceasefire in effect, a 72-hour countdown has begun. Hamas is now required to release all remaining hostages held in Gaza by Monday at noon local time.

Of the 48 hostages still in captivity, 20 are believed to be alive, while 28 are deceased. The release is to be conducted ‘without any public ceremonies or media coverage’.

In exchange for the hostages, Israel has agreed to release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, many convicted of attacks on Israelis, and an additional 1,722 Gazans detained during the war.

An official list has been published by Israel, though it does not include high-profile prisoners like Marwan Barghouti. Concurrently, humanitarian aid is set to increase significantly, with up to 600 trucks of aid expected to enter Gaza daily.

The ceasefire prompted an immediate and emotional response from Gaza’s displaced population. Thousands of Palestinians, who had been ordered to flee south weeks ago, began the long journey on foot back to Gaza City and its surrounding areas.

Despite the bleak surroundings, the mood was jubilant. ‘The crowds are unbelievable,’ said Shamekh al-Dibs, who was returning with his family.

‘People are so happy, even if what they’re going back to is destruction’.

Many, like nursing student Mousa Rajab, were returning to see the condition of their homes for the first time.

‘We just want to see if our homes are still standing,’ he said, expressing a cautious hope that this ceasefire would be the last.

The Israeli military has permitted this movement along major roads but issued stern warnings for people to avoid areas where troops remain active, stating those zones are ‘extremely dangerous’.

Leaders on both sides and the international community have responded to the development, with U.S. President Donald Trump playing a central role.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a defiant address, stating that Hamas agreed to the deal only when it ‘felt the sword resting on its neck’.

He reiterated his core demands, asserting, ‘Hamas will be disarmed and Gaza will be demilitarized.’ He added a threat of renewed force, saying, ‘If this is achieved the easy way, so much the better. If not, it will be done the hard way’.

A senior Hamas official, Khalil al-Hayya, stated that the group received assurances from the U.S. and mediators that this agreement means the war ‘has ended completely’.

President Trump’s administration was heavily credited with brokering the deal. Netanyahu’s office publicly stated that Trump ‘deserves’ the Nobel Peace Prize, and a relative of a slain hostage said the president ‘deserves 48 Nobel Prizes’.

Trump is scheduled to visit Israel on Monday to address the Knesset, with thousands of officers being deployed for his security.

While the initial phase is underway, the broader U.S. peace plan outlines several challenging future steps.

The proposal calls for Gaza to be demilitarized and initially governed by a temporary committee of Palestinian technocrats, with governance eventually handed over to a reformed Palestinian Authority.

Hamas has historically refused to lay down its arms, and the extent of further Israeli troop withdrawals is vague, with the plan indicating subsequent pullbacks but no clear timeline for a full withdrawal.

Furthermore, the Israeli military has made it clear it is ‘well prepared to go back into combat’ if Hamas retains control.

For now, the ceasefire has brought a fragile hope to a region weary from two years of war, but the path to a lasting peace remains fraught with uncertainty.

Marcos aide: SEC chief quoted fake news on corruption loss

Special Adviser to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go on Thursday debunked the statement of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Francis Lim that P1.7 trillion in stock market value was wiped out in just three weeks due to the flood control scandal, saying the official was ‘quoting off a confirmed fake news post designed to catch attention and falsely sensationalize.’

During the 57th annual Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines Conference on Oct. 7, Lim claimed that P1.7 trillion in the value of companies listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) was erased from Aug. 11 to Aug. 29 amid mounting allegations of corruption of high-ranking officials in relation to government infrastructure projects.

‘Investors aren’t fleeing because of weak fundamentals; they’re fleeing because of weak integrity. It’s a stark reminder that corruption is a weapon of mass wealth destruction. When trust breaks down, capital dries up, and everyone-government, business, and the public-pays the price,’ he continued.

Market integrity

However, Go pointed out that the attributed source – SandP – had confirmed that the post being circulated as belonging to it was ‘fake news.’

‘The fact is, the drop wasn’t 12 percent. You may confirm this with the (PSE) or your favorite stockbroker,’ Go added.

An Inquirer Biz Buzz column on Sept. 5 already verified as bogus the viral post claiming that ‘Philippines’ Corruption Scandal Triggers P1.7 Trillion Market Meltdown,’ supposedly quoting SandP Global Market Intelligence.

SandP itself was quick to disown the post, which cites the ongoing corruption probe (likely over flood control projects) as spooking investors.

SandP is an American provider of financial research and analysis on stocks, bonds, and commodities to clients worldwide.

Its unit, SandP Global Ratings, is considered the biggest of the Big Three international credit-rating agencies, which also include Moody’s Ratings and Fitch Ratings.

In a statement issued late Thursday afternoon, Lim said the P1.7-trillion information, which ‘had been circulating within business circles and cited by some media outlets, was based on what I believed at the time to be a credible industry report.’

‘I have since learned that the report was fictitious. I deeply regret any confusion or concern that my statement may have caused. My sole intent was to underscore the vital importance of integrity in our markets and the devastating impact corruption can have on investor confidence,’ he said.

Inaccurate reading

Lim assured the public that the SEC remains firmly committed to promoting transparency, good governance, and investor protection.

‘Corruption is indeed a weapon of mass wealth destruction, and it is in this spirit that I appeal to all sectors to unite behind the Marcos administration’s strong campaign against corruption,’ he added.

A House lawmaker early on Thursday also called out Lim for making ‘bombastic statements based on wrong information.’

House infrastructure chair and Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon said Lim must explain the source of his claim, ‘as it does not accurately reflect current and historical conditions of the Philippine capital market.’

Ridon, a lawyer, said market data showed that the decline in the PSE index (PSEi), a benchmark barometer tracking the price movements of 30 frequently traded stocks, began months before the controversy.

On a six-month view (April 10 to Oct. 9), the PSEi had already reached 6,077.82 as early as April 11, 2025, he said.

‘Although a short recovery followed, the broader decline began after July 14, or two weeks before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. exposed the flood control corruption scandal in his State of the Nation Address,’ Ridon said.

He said Lim’s statement ‘appeared even less accurate’ when using a one-year view, noting that the index plunged from a high of 7,456.31 in October to 5,822.85 in April,’ or a 21.9-percent decline three months before the scandal.

These figures, Ridon said, showed that the ongoing corruption scandal ‘was a convenient but inaccurate explanation for the market’s weakness and for the broader slowdown in the economy.’

Separately, he told the Inquirer that regardless of the actual and fake data, ‘the weakening of the stock market is independent of the flood control corruption scandal.’

‘It may have compounded it, but it certainly is not the sole reason for the weakening stock market,’ Ridon noted. -With a report from Meg J. Adonis

Owner of Asaba controversial orphanage surrenders to NAPTIP

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), says Mr Christopher Nwoye, owner of Happy Home Orphanage, a controversial facility in Asaba, Delta, has surrendered to the agency.

This is contained in a statement by NAPTIP Press Officer, Mr Vincent Adekoye, on Thursday in Abuja.

NAPTIP had in a statement on Sept. 17 and 26, said that Nwoye was evading arrest.

Adekoye said that four other women from the state who were laying claim to some of the children rescued from the orphanage were currently being quizzed by the agency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suspect (Nwoye) was said to have accommodate in his orphanage, children allegedly stolen from Kano, Gombe and other state in the northern region.

The NAPTIP press officer said that more than 70 children were discovered in the orphanage during a raid by operatives of the agency in June.

He said that some of the children alleged to have been bought by the orphanage were rescued by the agency during the raid.

He revealed that among the 70 children found in the orphanage were 15 newborn babies, with eight of them rescued, and traced to be part of those allegedly stolen from Kano and Gombe

Speaking on the development, the Director-General of the agency, Hajia Binta Adamu-Bello, said that, since the suspect had surrendered himself to the agency, investigation would commence in earnest.

‘Mr Christopher Nwoye gave himself up today when he arrived at the Headquarters of NAPTIP, Abuja, in the company of his lawyer and women.

‘He had before now turned down all entreaties to report to the agency for investigations.

‘It is important to restate that the rescue operation by NAPTIP operatives at Happy Home Orphanage was not an abduction as the agency does not engage in such condemnable act.

‘The action was a lawful undertaking under the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, which empowers NAPTIP to investigate, rescue, and prosecute cases of trafficking, abduction, and related offences.

‘It is very important that Mr Nwoye is in our facility now in connection with the alleged stolen children that were traced to his orphanage and rescued by operatives of NAPTIP. His presence is crucial to the ongoing investigation.

‘It is also important for stakeholders, including the media to know that NAPTIP remains neutral in this matter,’ she said

According to her, the children are rescued and are in a protective shelter with the best care pending the conclusion of the investigation,’ she stressed.

The NAPTIP boss clarified that the children were not been forced to embrace another religion, and they would not be forced to do so.

Adamu-Bello said that the women who claimed ownership of the children and refused to respond to the agency’s invitation earlier, were also in the agency facility, and wer been interrogated to ascertain their claims

She added that the matter would be thoroughly investigated to uncover the truth, including the conduct of DNA, before a final decision would be taken on the parenthood of the children involved.

UI don Aguoru honoured at 6th International Conference on Japanese studies in Africa

Prof. Adedoyin Aguoru is an intellectual with a difference. She is not just a scholar dedicated to academic excellence; she puts her intellectual ideas into practice, thus not only bridging the gap between town and gown but also fostering bilateral relations between Japan and Africa.

Aside from her intellectual acumen, which has earned her a professorship at the University of Ibadan, where she teaches English, she has, for the past six years-among numerous achievements-promoted Japanese studies in Africa, as well as mutual understanding between Japan and Africa through the African Association for Japanese Studies (AAJS), which she founded in 2019. She is the current President of the association.

It is in light of these and her many other achievements that the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria conferred the Ambassador’s Commendation Award on Aguoru, who is also the Director, Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, at the University of Ibadan.

In a letter signed by Suzuki Hideo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Aguoru was given the award for her:

‘exceptional and unwavering contributions to promoting Japanese Studies in Africa and fostering mutual understanding between Japan and the African continent.’

Aguoru was presented with the award at the 6th Annual International Conference on Japanese Studies, held on 7 October 2025 at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan. The conference, which was organised by the AAJS, took place between 7th and 9th October 2025.

The theme of the conference was: ‘Japan-Africa Relations: New Horizons and Challenges’. Aside from the opening ceremony, there was also the Ambassador’s Commendation Dinner, during which the award was presented to the honouree.

It was three days of intellectual discourse, with plenary sessions held throughout, fostering bilateral relations between Japan and Africa, and opening educational opportunities for students and empowering youth.

The string of Japanese music playing in the background gave the atmosphere a cultural feel and highlighted the seriousness of AAJS members in strengthening relations between Japan and Africa.

Principal officers of the University of Ibadan who graced the event with their distinguished presence included:

Prof. Peter Olapegba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)

Prof. Juwon Arotiba, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Prof. Oluwayemisi Bamgbose, SAN, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnership)

Mr Ganiyu Oke Saliu, Registrar, University of Ibadan

Dr Mercy Iroaganachi, University Librarian

Prof. Olayinka Idowu, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, represented Dr Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu. Also present were Prof. Jide Owoeye, Proprietor and Chairman, Council of Lead City University, and Prof. Aderonke Baiyeroju, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), University of Ibadan.

The keynote speaker, Dr Adedayo Omotunde, presented his paper titled ‘The Strategic Leap: Applying Japan’s AI Playbook to Nigerian Productivity’ virtually.

Another notable highlight of the event was the inauguration of the AAJS Students’ Club, founded in 2025-a testament to Aguoru’s commitment to nurturing future generations of scholars and researchers.

There was also an exhibition of Japanese collections, facilitated by Aguoru through The Japan Foundation’s Read Japan Project, at the Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan.

In her acceptance speech, Aguoru expressed appreciation to the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria for honouring her with the award:

‘Your Excellency’s appreciation means a great deal to me, and I am grateful for the acknowledgment of my work,’ she noted.

‘This award is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the AAJS team, our partners, and the University of Ibadan community. I am proud to bring this award home to Nigeria, to the University of Ibadan, and to Oyo State-the intellectual capital of Nigeria-as the first recipient of this award in Africa.’

The university don also expressed gratitude to the management of the University of Ibadan, particularly the immediate past Vice-Chancellor and the current Vice-Chancellor, for their support and encouragement:

‘Your leadership has been instrumental in fostering an environment that promotes academic excellence and innovation.

‘I also wish to acknowledge the support of Lead City University, particularly the Proprietor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Jide Owoeye, who was my lecturer and supervisor during my Master’s in International Relations programme at Obafemi Awolowo University, and who introduced me to Japan through his seminal book, Japan’s Policy in Africa.

‘We are grateful for the opportunity to host two of our conferences at Lead City University at no cost to the association. LCU has enabled us to strengthen the AAJS platform,’ Aguoru maintained.

In his speech, His Excellency, Suzuki Hideo, Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, represented by the Deputy Head of Mission, Shin Honda, remarked that the Embassy of Japan has followed the work of AAJS with growing admiration.

‘In just a few short years, the association has emerged as a leading hub for academic dialogue and cultural understanding, promoting interdisciplinary scholarship linking Japan and Africa. To us at the Embassy, the AAJS is both a scholarly organisation and an important bridge between Africa and Japan.’

The Ambassador also noted that the Embassy of Japan has been proud to support AAJS activities in the past and continues to view the association as a key partner in strengthening Japan-Africa cooperation.

‘In particular, we highly respect your efforts to create African-led narratives on Japanese culture, society, history, and policy-not shaped by external perspectives but by the lived experiences and intellectual contributions of African scholars and institutions.’

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. K.O. Adebowale, congratulated Aguoru on receiving the prestigious Ambassador’s Commendation Award.

‘This recognition is a testament to her outstanding contributions to promoting Japanese Studies in Africa. Her dedication and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the association and fostering stronger ties between Japan and Africa.’

The Vice-Chancellor also commented on the theme of this year’s conference:

‘The theme of this year’s conference, Japan-Africa Relations: New Horizons and Challenges, is timely and relevant.

The sub-themes cover a wide range of topics, from the humanities and social sciences to economic partnerships and youth empowerment. I am confident that the discussions and presentations will provide valuable insights and recommendations for future collaborations,’ he maintained.

Ambassador Dr Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, who chaired the Commendation Award Dinner, paid glowing tribute to the award recipient:

‘Tonight, we gather to celebrate a remarkable individual, Prof. Adedoyin Aguoru, who has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to promoting Japanese Studies in Africa.

‘As President of the African Association for Japanese Studies, Professor Aguoru has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication. Her achievements are truly impressive.

‘Tonight, we celebrate Professor Aguoru’s remarkable accomplishments, and I extend my warmest congratulations to her. Her dedication to promoting Japanese Studies in Africa has made us all proud-at the University of Ibadan, in Nigeria, and across the African continent.

‘To the members of the African Association for Japanese Studies, I commend your tireless efforts. Your work has not gone unnoticed, and I am confident that your continued collaboration will yield even greater achievements,’ Awolowo-Dosunmu said.

In his keynote, titled ‘The Strategic Leap: Applying Japan’s AI Playbook to Nigerian Productivity’, Dr Adedayo Omotunde spoke about how Nigeria can leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive inclusive national development, using Japan’s Society 5.0 as a blueprint.

‘While many nations view AI as a means of economic or military supremacy, Japan’s approach is fundamentally different. It is not just a strategy-it is a national philosophy called Society 5.0.

‘Japan starts from a simple but profound question: What problem must we solve? For Japan, the problem was undeniable-a rapidly ageing population and a critically shrinking workforce. So, technology was not the goal; it was the solution to existential social challenges confronting the nation,’ Omotunde noted.

According to Omotunde: ‘We don’t have to start from scratch. We can learn from Japan’s Society 5.0-a human-centred vision where technology and humanity work together to solve real problems.’

He suggested that Nigeria must adapt Japan’s mindset, not copy it:

‘The recent launch of N-ATLaS, Nigeria’s own multilingual LLM, by His Excellency Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, shows how this philosophy can work in practice-a government-led step toward digital inclusion and language preservation. Now is the time to build on that momentum.’

Omotunde made the following recommendations: 1. Start with the problem, not the tech. 2. Empower government as an enabler: launch an NYSC Digital Corps to deploy STEM graduates on national AI projects. 3. Reward private investment: introduce AI Infrastructure Tax Credits to attract corporate funding for R and D and data centres. 4. Bet on our youth: equip them with digital skills and build AI tools that reflect our realities and languages.

‘Japan’s story shows that national transformation is never accidental-it is the result of vision, collaboration, and intent. Nigeria is taking its first steps. Now, we must build the ecosystem to sustain it,’ Omotunde concluded.

Still, the high point of the event was when Shin Honda, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria, representing Amb. Suzuki Hideo, presented the Ambassador’s Commendation Award to Aguoru. The award recipient also presented a gift to the Japanese Ambassador.

Then followed the photo sessions, and the toast, which was spiced up with scintillating Japanese music-marking the end of a day rich with intellectual discourse, cultural exchange, the strengthening of Japan-Nigeria relations, and the opening of educational opportunities for young scholars and researchers.

Mr Segun Orimakinde, Secretary of the African Association for Japanese Studies, delivered the vote of thanks.

Davao earthquake forces evacuation in malls, hotels in Cebu City

Occupants of hotels, big establishments, malls, and government and private offices in Cebu were also evacuated on Friday morning after the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m. was felt at Intensity 5 in the city.

At Radisson Blu, a five-star hotel at the North Reclamation area in downtown Cebu City, personnel assisted the guests in the evacuation process. The guests and occupants were given water and bread while waiting for the management to allow them to return inside the building.

Among those evacuated were shipping owners who were about to hold a general membership meeting for the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association.

After an hour, the management allowed the guests to return to the hotel after confirming that the facility had not sustained damage.

The evacuated shoppers and other occupants of SM City Cebu, which adjoins Radisson Blu, were also allowed to get back at the mall at about the same time./coa

Tiwa Savage breaks silence on underrated recognition

Nigerian singer and songwriter Tiwa Savage, has opened up about her impact on the Nigerian music industry.

The singer, while speaking with Toolz and Gbemi on the Offair show, stated that she is not given enough accolades in Nigeria.

Tiwa Savage, who has been regarded as the queen of Afrobeats by many, claimed that she deserves more accolades than she is currently getting.

‘Do you think you’ve gotten your flowers from the industry?,’ Toolz asked

‘No. I’m sorry, I don’t,’ she responded.

Remulla wants special division in Sandigan to try flood control cases

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said he wants a special division at the Sandiganbayan that will try all cases related to the alleged anomalies that plagued the flood control projects.

After his orientation in his new office, the Office of the Ombudsman, Remulla revealed he will be meeting with Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg next week to ask for a ‘continuous trial’ on the flood control projects-related cases and ensure no delays in trying these cases that he deemed as ‘complicated’ cases.

But Remulla stressed that he wants to iron things out first on the pending cases at the Ombudsman before making indictments against the involved personalities who are mostly high-ranking engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and contractors, including the most prominent one, Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya.

‘The style that I really prefer here is that when we file the case [at the Sandiganbayan], we are ready for trial,’ Remulla told reporters at his first press conference as the Ombudsman. ‘This is to ask for a continuous trial and that there won’t be any delays.’

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon had filed graft and malversation through falsification charges last month against the DPWH engineers and the contractors over the faulty projects in the first district engineering office in Bulacan.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), meanwhile, recommended the same charges, but including indirect bribery. Their recommendation also included charges to be filed against former and incumbent lawmakers embroiled in the controversy including former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr., resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, former Caloocan Rep. Mitzi Lim Cajayon-Uy, Sen. Francis Escudero, and former Sen. Nancy Binay, among others.

Remulla, the former justice secretary, said most of the cases recommended by the NBI will be adopted depending on its gravity and how fast it can be processed.

‘We will look at the way that we want the cases to appear when we file them because what we are looking for is the fastest process possible, what crimes we can charge against them,’ he said.

To streamline the process of the cases related to the flood control projects, Remulla said he will discuss with Econg and with the Supreme Court the possible creation of a special division that will try the cases.

‘But only if needed and our dialogue with the Sandiganbayan will be open for everyone’s ideas,’ Remulla said. /mr

Aubameyang hits four goals as Gabon edge Gambia in 7-goal thriller

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang produced a sensational four-goal performance as Gabon edged Gambia 4-3 in a dramatic 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier played at a neutral venue on Friday, 10 October 2025.

The clash, part of Round 9 of the African qualifiers, delivered a pulsating display of attacking football, with both sides trading goals in a seven-goal thriller that kept spectators on edge until the final whistle.

Gabon took an early lead in the 20th minute when Aubameyang converted from Denis Bouanga’s assist, but Yankuba Minteh levelled for Gambia just three minutes later after being teed up by Buba Gaye.

Gabon’s Mario Lemina was influential in midfield, and the Panthers regained the advantage in the 42nd minute as Aubameyang struck again, this time from Ladislas Mbaba’s pass.

Gambia, however, refused to back down. Jankuba Ceesay equalised in added time of the first half, and moments later, Alieu Sidibeh made it 2-2 before the break with a clinical finish assisted by Minteh.

The second half began explosively, with Sidibeh putting Gambia ahead 3-2 in the 47th minute from a Ceesay assist. But Aubameyang, showcasing his enduring class, completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute after combining with Guélor Kanga, levelling the score once more.

The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker then sealed Gabon’s victory in the 78th minute, slotting home his fourth goal of the match following a fine cross from Ebané Matouti.

Despite Gambia’s late pressure, Gabon held firm to claim a vital win that boosts their qualification hopes. Aubameyang’s match-winning display reaffirms his status as one of Africa’s most prolific forwards, while Gambia will rue missed chances and defensive lapses that cost them valuable points.

With this result, Gabon climb further up their qualifying group standings, keeping their World Cup dream alive in one of the most thrilling encounters of the African qualifiers so far.