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The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) is being asked to investigate alleged safety violations by business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in Cebu after workers reported being forced back to their offices right after the Sept. 30 earthquake.

The call was made by a lawmaker on Thursday as an organization of BPO workers filed a formal complaint at a regional Dole office over the matter.

In a statement, Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña urged Dole to look into possible violations of the Labor Code and the occupational safety and health law and to impose sanctions on erring companies, which he did not name.

‘Gross insensitivity’

‘By law, workers have the right not to return to work when there is a fear for their safety and life,’ Cendaña said. ‘Dole should investigate this incident and, if possible, see if this is an isolated case or [if] it’s also being experienced by employees in other BPO companies.’

Cebu province was rocked by a magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Tuesday, leaving at least 72 dead and hundreds injured.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the quake has affected 170,959 people, or 47,221 families, while 53 cities and municipalities have been placed under a state of calamity.

Cendaña cited social media reports that some BPO employees were ordered to return to work minutes after evacuating, with threats of being marked absent without official leave if they refused.

Others, meanwhile, claimed that the emergency exits of their offices were blocked.

The Akbayan lawmaker denounced it as ‘gross insensitivity . to force your employees to return to work just a few minutes after a massive earthquake.’

‘In such situations, they should have prioritized the lives of their employees and not what their companies would earn that day,’ he added.

Cendaña’s contention is bolstered by the announcement of a network of BPO employees that they were pressing charges against 30 call center firms based in Cebu province for labor and occupational safety violations.

BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN)-Cebu filed the complaint with the Dole-RO7 on Thursday.

‘Blatant disregard’

‘BIEN-Cebu rejects this ‘business-as-usual’ approach of BPO companies and government neglect during this time of crisis. We call on all BPO workers to unite and fight back against this blatant disregard of workers’ rights,’ the group’s spokesperson, John Kyle Enero, said in a statement.

According to the group, they have received more than a hundred reports of agents being forced to report to work, despite their pleas to be allowed to ensure their safety and that of their families for just two days.

Among these were agents who were allegedly forced back onto the production floor or, as in one company, faced blocked emergency exits.

Others reported that they were offered double pay to continue working after the earthquake, disregarding safety concerns.

Retaliatory actions

In another company, employees were ordered to resume work immediately after the quake, with some returning as early as 30 minutes post-event, without any safety memorandum or clearance.

BIEN-Cebu said it has received multiple reports of employees who decided not to report for work being met with notices to explain, administrative sanctions, and loss of attendance incentives and benefits, among many retaliatory actions.

There were also reports of verbal threats and companies downplaying the workers’ concerns.

Safety report

Employees who went home after the Sept. 30 earthquake were marked as unpaid, lost attendance bonuses, and were suspended from work. Workers who did not return the following day were marked as unauthorized absences.

Some employees were also forced to sign memos prohibiting them from speaking about the situation on social media.

The group urged Dole to investigate the allegations and hold negligent employers accountable under Republic Act No. 11058, or the Occupational Safety and Health Standards law, and related labor issuances.

BIEN-Cebu also criticized the government for not declaring imminent danger in workplaces in the province, instead passing the decision on how to handle the emergency to private companies.

‘This decision not only affects BPO workers at large but also thousands of families and loved ones,’ Enero said.

‘If the government can suspend classes due to the need to inspect school buildings, they should also rightfully require BPO companies and their building administrators to provide a detailed inspection and safety report to ensure that resumption of work does not threaten worker safety,’ he added.

Mayor’s call

Meanwhile, Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña urged employees who experienced workplace abuse to submit a report to him by texting him at 0917-3299999 and providing all the details of the incident.

He assured complainants that they should not fear retribution from their employers, as he would be the only one reading their text messages.

‘I need to be sure that this is true, but if this is true, we will do more than just file a complaint at Dole,’ he said in his official Facebook account.

‘I will personally contact every known local and overseas client that company has to tell them what kind of company they hired. We will hit them where it hurts,’ Osmeña said.

Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers,through its family-focused insurance program PamilyaCare Plus, recently extended a ?2 million benefit to Elsie, a freelance businesswoman who is navigating a time of personal loss.

The awarding was held at the CLH Malibay 1 branch as part of the company’s Kumustahan Initiative, which ensures that beneficiaries are personally assisted and supported during the claims process. For Elsie, the financial support meant more than just numbers on a check-it was a lifeline that would help secure her child’s education and her family’s future after the untimely passing of her husband in a work-related accident.

Grateful for the assistance, Elsie encouraged others to see insurance as a vital part of family preparedness. Her own experience, she said, proved how having the right protection in place can ease the weight of tragedy by providing both financial relief and peace of mind.

Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier, emphasized the company’s commitment to standing with clients in moments like this. ‘This moment reflects the very purpose of PamilyaCare Plus-to be there when our clients need us most. We provide not just financial support, but compassion and the reassurance that they are not alone,’ he said.

PamilyaCare Plus is Cebuana Lhuillier insurance Broker’s flagship insurance product, created to give Filipino families a safety net during emergencies, accidents, or unexpected loss. It provides comprehensive coverage and a client-centered claims process designed to deliver timely financial assistance. Complementing this is the Kumustahan Initiative, a program that goes beyond a standard payout by offering personalized care, empathy, and guidance to beneficiaries as they navigate difficult times.

By extending meaningful assistance in moments like Elsie’s, Cebuana Lhuillier Insurance Brokers reaffirms its mission of empowering Filipino families through accessible, reliable, and compassionate financial services.

Thirty years ago, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story introduced audiences to the unforgettable friendship between Woody and Buzz Lightyear, forever changing the animation industry as the first computer-animated feature film and capturing hearts across generations. To commemorate this milestone anniversary, the Levi’s® brand has collaborated with Disney and Pixar to create a limited collection that celebrates the Western frontier spirit behind Woody’s character and the adventurous heart of the Toy Story films. The new Levi’s® x Toy Story 30th Anniversary collection is inspired by beloved characters and moments into wearable art, blending Western authenticity with the whimsical magic of Andy’s toy box.

For men, the collection offers the standout Levi’s® x Toy Story All Over Print Vest with quilted zip construction with contrast black interior lining. The back features a large Disney and Pixar’s Jessie and Woody riding Bullseye graphic with kangaroo pockets and flour sack print fabric throughout. The Levi’s® x Toy Story Type III Trucker features patch and repair detailing using printed pocketing fabric and massive Woody Saddleman graphic on the back with ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ stitching. The Levi’s® x Toy Story

Western Shacket reimagines the Western shirt with full zip front and streetwear sensibility, crafted from midweight indigo denim with sawtooth pocket flaps and mother-of-pearl snaps.

Men’s bottoms include the Loose Jean with matching patch details, and the Carpenter Jean in flour sack print. All bottoms feature custom pocket bags with Andy’s handwriting and Saddleman graphics. Each pair features authentic Western construction details including reinforced stress points and contrast stitching that echoes the craftsmanship of frontier workwear. The custom Andy’s handwriting pocket bags pay homage to the film’s story ,while the Saddleman graphics serve as collectible Easter eggs.

The women’s offerings emphasise Jessie’s spirited independence through empowering silhouettes and authentic Western detail. The standout Levi’s® x Toy Story Type II Jacket is offered in rinse indigo with Western silhouette, ‘Yodelayheehoo’ chain stitch embroidery, and ecru collar contrast. Meanwhile the Ribcage Bell transforms the popular silhouette with Western smile pockets, cow print waistband, and ‘Howdy’ embroidery.

Graphic tees capture key characters and moments: the Boxy Tee featuring Disney and Pixar’s Woody riding Bullseye in black, and the group Boxy Tee with an Alien in cowboy hat in white. The blue vintage wash Long Sleeve Tee features a Woody-Buzz back graphic with ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me.’ The chocolate brown Hoodie showcases the Woody Saddleman lockup on the back.

Accessories round out the expansive collection. The denim Logo Hat features Toy Story lockup and embossed Pixar ball clasp, while the All Over Print Tote combines denim and flour sack canvas with exterior arcuate detailing. The 3-Pack Bandana set includes yellow with Woody Saddleman, red with Buzz Lightyear, and white with Jessie designs.

Throughout the collection, variable patches featuring Disney and Pixar’s Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Rex, and Aliens add collectible value, allowing fans to showcase their favourite characters while building personal connections that mirror the bond between toys and owners in the films.

The Levi’s® x Toy Story 30th Anniversary collection will be exclusively available from 3 October 10:00am to 4 October 9:59am for early access on levi.com.ph and from 4 October, available in-store at Levi’s® Okada Manila, Shangri-La Plaza, Robinsons Manila, SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, and levi.com.ph.

The few holdouts who prefer the paper edition of the Inquirer over the digital version are romantics who like the smell of paper, the smudge of ink on their fingers. While there is a tactile pleasure in reading a newspaper, I prefer digital in my research because I am allergic to book dust. Digital formats can magnify, allowing me to read without my glasses, and it can zoom in to focus on details. Scrolling is faster, more so if a scanned document has optical character recognition. Simply type out a keyword, and everything you need from the text is highlighted.

I have been on the trail of Santiago Artiaga, educated at the University of Michigan and a prewar Manila city engineer, who was later appointed mayor of Davao. City engineers don’t usually make the news these days, unless they are corrupt or a building they approved has collapsed. Artiaga may have lived in the past, but his many trials are issues we see and endure in the present. Artiaga’s misfortune was being earnest; he proposed construction projects that would benefit the greater number but inconvenience a minority who conspired to thwart him. When he proposed to widen streets for the public good, it required a portion of private or commercial land. Lawyers grilled him at public hearings and wore him out in litigation.

City councilors could also create problems; one proposed elevating streets to address flooding. This was in 1931, and the streets chosen were Dapitan and Dimasalang (in the Sampaloc district whose street names made reference to Rizal’s life and works), Trabajo (in a district with street names that reflected Filipino values), Cavite (hotbed of the Philippine Revolution), and finally Washington (hero of the US colonial government). Artiaga opposed the plan because it would prejudice thousands of citizens. Flooding was in the news then and now.

On Aug. 14, 1931, the headline of the Spanish-language newspaper ‘La Vanguardia’ screamed: ‘LA INUNDACION EN ESTA CIUDAD SE EXTIENDE (The flood in this city [Manila] spreads).’ The issue carried photos of flooding from different parts of the city: Escolta, Herran, Jones Bridge, Dasmariñas, etc., where floods were knee-deep. Help was needed in Tondo, and the train service in Luzon was suspended. Former Sen. Sotero Baluyut proposed a great national project against flooding. Baluyut’s plan included the building of dams to contain overflow from rivers. Dams could also channel water for agricultural, commercial, and industrial use. They were talking of a flood control master plan in 1931. We are still talking about it in 2025!

Artiaga was in the news for a sensational trial that eventually acquitted him on the charge of accepting a bribe of P600. Peanuts compared to the billions stolen by crooks in the Department of Public Works and Highways these days. The evidence against Artiaga was an envelope with typewritten text that reads ‘Contiene P600 (contains P600),’ and across it the engineer’s disputed signature. Prosecution rested on the expert opinion of Lieutenant (Lt.) Edwin Andrews, handwriting expert of the Philippine Constabulary. A photo of Andrews in Washington, with Bert C. Farrar, examiner of questioned documents for the US Federal government, was published in the newspapers to bolster his reputation. Artiaga hired the anthropologist H. Otley Beyer of the University of the Philippines, who, on the side, provided expert advice on disputed handwriting to Philippine courts. Beyer maintained that the signature on the bribe envelope was forged. The prosecution argued that Andrews was an impartial expert, while Beyer, who was commissioned by the defendant, was biased.

Beyer’s typed analysis made a dig at the prosecution expert as follows:

‘I may state further that I considered Lt. Andrews a well-trained young man whose qualification to give testimony in handwriting cases need not be questioned. He is, however, still rather young, and perhaps lacks a little of the caution which many years of experience develops in one who handles a large number of these cases. It is quite possible to make mistakes where a single signature-especially a penciled one is involved, as I have myself learned by experience on various occasions.’

I had always known Beyer as an anthropologist and prehistorian, so it was a surprise to find a whole box in the National Library of Australia containing his notes and certifications on forged signatures. I did not know he was a court-recognized handwriting expert, and practiced this sideline until the University of the Philippines got wind of it and forbade him from appearing in court. Beyer’s examination was thorough, commenting on paper, ink, hand pressure, and the distinct ways a person crossed their t’s or dotted their i’s, etc. Comparing questionable signatures with authentic ones, he used both his naked eye and a microscope. It was not the court cases I was interested in. I hoped that this box would contain Beyer’s notes on the disputed Rizal retraction document. Beyer certified the document and signature to be authentic. If Beyer’s case file is hiding in Canberra, I must go back to find it.

With talks of a possible budget cut for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for fiscal year 2026, netizens and observers cannot help but recall the time when former Vice President Leni Robredo was able to effectively carry out her mandate despite a small allocation.

So how did Robredo, who was in OVP from 2016 to 2022, steer her office and even attract private sector engagement through those tumultuous years?

Integrity and credibility may be a factor, Deputy Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said on Friday.

‘During the time of former Vice President Leni Robredo, she was resourceful (with the budget). I think it also goes with the integrity and credibility of the person right?’ Adiong said, when discussing with reporters the possible budget cut on the current OVP, under Vice President Sara Duterte.

‘Vice President Leni Robredo (maximized that) because the trust rating of some of the NGOs (non government organizations) and CSOs (civil society organizations) and private sectors are so high to a point that they are willing to co-operate and assist the office, so that the plans and programs of her office before as vice president will be implemented properly,’ he added.

OVP’s budget under Robredo – which was crafted during the time of Duterte’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte – suffered several cuts, with National Expenditures Program (NEP) versions not breaching the P1 billion mark.

According to the Department of Budget and Management’s Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing for fiscal year 2023, OVP in 2021 proposed a budget of P945.4 million for Robredo’s last year in office. It was then slashed down to P713.4 million under the 2022 NEP – prompting lawmakers to ask that it be increased to at least P1 billion.

Fulfilling mandate

Robredo, several times while she was vice president, noted that a low budget would not hinder her office from fulfilling its mandate.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Robredo and OVP partnered with the private sector to deliver key services – like free bus rides for frontline workers, hot meals, quarantine facilities, mobile testing centers, and a telemedicine platform, which became an important part of triage.

In contrast, Duterte’s OVP received P2.305 billion in 2023 under the NEP – an amount which several lawmakers noted has never been given to Robredo.

In 2024, during discussions for the 2025 budget, OVP was originally allocated a P2.037 billion budget, but lawmakers from the House decided to cut this down to just P733 million due to Duterte’s behavior at hearings – skipping discussions and refusing to answer lawmakers’ questions directly – and revelations that some of its programs suffered from low budget utilization.

While Duterte showed up at the committee hearing on the OVP’s proposed budget, the Vice President and her officials skipped plenary debates. On Thursday, no OVP official appeared to assist budget sponsor and Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez, prompting lawmakers from the Minority bloc to call for the cut on the OVP’s proposed allocation.

House rules call for the head of agency or an undersecretary-level official to be present and assist the budget sponsor.

Instead of showing up, Duterte said she will appear only if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself appears to defend the Office of the President budget, or if lookout bulletins issued against several OVP staffers are lifted.

Retain P700-M allocation

OVP is asking for a P902.8 million budget under the 2026 NEP – slightly larger than the P744.1 million given in 2025. However, if it were up to Adiong, the P700-plus million allocation for 2025 should be retained after Duterte skipped plenary debates again.

‘I think it’s an open-ended discussion, because first of all, her non-attendance actually brought out many sentiments from the members as to why she can’t, up to now, show up at the plenary. So naturally, talagang the issue on the reduction of our budget with definite results,’ Adiong said.

‘So the budget that we had approved is P700 (million), if I’m not mistaken, P700 million. The proposal now is P900 (million). But the proposal, the one that we had approved is I guess 700 million. So I would go with 700 million,’ he added.

According to Adiong – who was the OVP’s budget sponsor in 2024 – Duterte could have defended the increase in their budget if she or an undersecretary just showed up.

‘I believe the increase of P200 million would (be) on the consultancy piece, at saka ‘yong mga additional supplies. So sayang nga lang kasi hindi siya pumunta, you could have at least defended that and explained to the plenary and convinced the members why she needed that P200 (million plus increase. Unfortunately, no explanation at all. That’s why, sa amin, my working draft would still be on the P700 (million),’ he added.

This P700 million will still be higher than ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio’s proposal to significantly reduce OVP’s budget from P902 million to just P198 million.

SM is the latest group to operate an economic zone in Santa Rosa, Laguna, cementing the enclave’s position as a strategic information technology (IT) hub outside the National Capital Region.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. signed a registration agreement with Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) declaring SM City Santa Rosa IT Center as a new IT economic zone, with a projected investment of P714 million.

The 12,092 square meter property is expected to generate around 1,000 new jobs for Filipinos, Peza said in a statement on Thursday.

‘Beyond its scale, this landmark development cements Santa Rosa, Laguna’s reputation as a strategic Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) location outside Metro Manila, fueling countryside development and inclusive economic growth,’ the agency added.

Job creation

Peza Director General Tereso Panga said this development, made by President Marcos through Proclamation No. 944, paves the way for more investments and quality jobs in the Calabarzon region.

‘With world-class infrastructure, a deep pool of highly skilled talent and competitive incentives, the Philippines has consistently proven to be the partner of choice for global investors in the IT-BPM industry,’ Panga said.

The proclamation grants fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. These include income tax holidays, tax and duty exemptions, streamlined import-export procedures and access to special non-immigrant visas.

Being better than the last time is the bare minimum for Kevin Alas as he aims to play a bigger role for NLEX in the season-opening PBA Philippine Cup.

The 2024-25 campaign was a period of adjustment for Alas, who was coming off a third ACL injury. Now fully healthy, he is eager to do more, especially with the Road Warriors having come so close to a semifinals berth in last year’s Philippine Cup.

‘I told myself that I should not have any excuses from hereon not to play at a better level,’ Alas said.

Alas suited up in 23 games for NLEX last season, averaging 7.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 18 minutes per game as he gradually worked his way back.

Not only was he regaining his rhythm after breaking his left knee in 2023, but NLEX was also adjusting to its first season under nine-time champion coach Jong Uichico.

Under Uichico, the Road Warriors reached the quarterfinals of the Philippine Cup with a twice-to-beat advantage, only to lose to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

NLEX is hell bent on atoning for that quarterfinals exit, which it hopes will coincide with Alas getting his groove back.

‘I’m putting pressure on myself [in getting my form back], if not, maybe close,’ Alas said. ‘But I guess the modest goal is to be better than my last conference and be better each day.’

Several flights were canceled on Friday, October 3, due to the severe weather caused by Severe Tropical Storm Paolo, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) reported.

In its advisory to reporters, Caap said the following flights had been canceled as of 7:30 a.m. on Friday:

Cebu Pacific Air

5J 504 – Manila – Tuguegarao (153 passengers affected)

5J 505 – Tuguegarao – Manila (100 affected passengers)

5J 506 – Manila – Tuguegarao (106 affected passengers)

5J 507 – Tuguegarao – Manila (101 affected passengers)

5J 508 – Manila – Tuguegarao (88 affected passengers)

5J 509 – Tuguegarao – Manila (96 affected passengers)

5J 196 – Manila – Cauayan (120 affected passengers)

5J 197 – Cauayan – Manila (122 affected passengers)

Philippine Airlines

PR 2014 – Manila – Tuguegarao (117 affected passengers)

PR 2015 – Tuguegarao – Manila (119 affected passengers)

PR 2018 – Manila – Cauayan (75 affected passengers)

PR 2019 – Cauayan – Manila (86 affected passengers)

PR 2196 – Manila – Laoag (115 affected passengers)

PR 2197 – Laoag – Manila (116 affected passengers)

PR 2198 – Manila – Laoag (118 affected passengers)

PR 2199 – Laoag – Manila (76 affected passengers)

‘Passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines for real-time updates, rebooking options, or refund procedures,’ Caap said.

The aviation authority added that it will continue ‘to closely monitor weather developments and is in active coordination with airline operators and airport authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the traveling public.’

According to the 5 a.m. update from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Paolo has intensified while moving toward northern Aurora and southern Isabela.

As a result, 10 areas in Northern Luzon were placed under Signal No. 3, while several others remain under Signal Nos. 2 and 1./mcm

Journalist Mav Gonzales has tied the knot with her boyfriend Matthew Valeña in an intimate civil ceremony in Seattle in the United States.

Gonzales gave a glimpse of their special day held at the municipal court of Seattle, through her Instagram page on Thursday, Oct. 2.

‘A tiny wedding ceremony and an intimate reception with a handful of loved ones,’ she said in the caption. ‘Even the sun shone when it was forecasted to rain. IT WAS THE PERFECT DAY.’

She also spoke about her gratitude to and Valeña’s families, wedding suppliers and to God.

‘Those close to me know I wanted to get married at 35, but I didn’t really count on it,’ she said. ‘Well, I did end up marrying exactly when I wanted. God is never late.’

Gonzales and Valeña announced their engagement last June.

Perpetual Help newcomer Patrick Sleat made his presence known right away in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament.

In his debut, Sleat powered the Altas to an opening game win at the expense of San Sebastian, 67-54, at San Juan Arena on Friday. While his emotions were all over the place, he still managed to do a little bit of everything in his with 10 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal in 21 minutes of action.

‘I was so excited I even slept early last night because I couldn’t wait,’ said Sleat, who went four of six from the field.

‘Maybe in the next game, though, I’ll try to control my emotions so I can be more composed inside the court,’ he added.

Adjusting with Perpetual Help has been smooth for Sleat. After all, he and coach Olsen Racela have already shared the hardwood with the Far Eastern University before.

But playing on the big stage like the NCAA could still rattle the best of them.

‘The atmosphere earlier shocked me because it didn’t sink in for me that I’m already playing in the NCAA now,’ he said.

Still, Sleat managed to shut down the noise and push the Altas to the win column of Group A along with Mapua, which notched a win over Lyceum on Wednesday.