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There are some tennis fans who wonder why top players who complain about how crowded the sport’s calendar is would add an in-season exhibition like the Six Kings Slam, which starts Wednesday in Saudi Arabia, to their schedule.

Taylor Fritz can think of millions of reasons. Well, 6 million, to be precise.

‘I’d love for them to show me a tournament where you can go play three matches – well, for the top two seeds, two matches – and potentially make $6 million,’ Fritz said, his arms crossed during a video interview from Riyadh on Tuesday. ‘I’d love to hear that from them.’

Well, then.

Fritz is one of six men scheduled to participate in the second edition of the Six Kings Slam. That includes Jannik Sinner, who is back after walking away with the check for that top prize a year ago in Saudi Arabia – more than any real tournament offers to the champion. The US Open’s recent $5 million payout to the women’s and men’s singles winners set the Grand Slam record.

This event is part of the kingdom’s recent big steps into tennis – and vice versa – including the WTA Finals in Riyadh, the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah and the Public Investment Fund’s sponsorship of the tours’ rankings. Hall of Famers Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova have been among the critics of the sport’s ties to Saudi Arabia because of concerns about LGBTQ+ and women’s rights there.

For the Six Kings Slam, each player is guaranteed an appearance fee of reportedly $1.5 million; the last one standing gets a bonus that brings his total to four times that for the matches being shown live on Netflix.

‘The money is nothing we’re trying to hide. We know how much is at stake here, and it would be a lie if I told you it wasn’t a motivation,’ said Sinner, who won the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year and was the runner-up to rival Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open and US Open. ‘Every player here will try to win as many matches as possible. It’s like any other exhibition – except here there is a bit more motivation.’

Sinner quit playing during his most recent match, 1 1/2 weeks ago at the Shanghai Masters, because of severe leg cramps. But he said Tuesday he’s fine.

‘I recovered. We took a few days off to rest and now we’re ready for the rest of the season,’ said Sinner, who noted he has not decided whether to try to help Italy win a third consecutive Davis Cup title next month. ‘Mentally I’m in good shape . and will give 100%.’

He meets Stefano Tsitsipas on Day 1, when Fritz will face Alexander Zverev. The Fritz-Zverev winner takes on Alcaraz on Thursday, and the Sinner-Tsitsipas winner goes up against Novak Djokovic. After taking Friday off, the semifinal winners will play each other Saturday to close things.

Djokovic owns a men’s-record 24 Grand Slam trophies, Alcaraz has six, and Sinner has four; each also has been ranked No. 1.

Fritz was the runner-up to Sinner at the 2024 US Open. Zverev is a three-time major finalist, including losses to Sinner at this year’s Australian Open and Alcaraz at last year’s French Open. Tsitsipas was twice the runner-up to Djokovic at Slams.

Another goal, another record for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 40-year-old Ronaldo became the player with most goals in World Cup qualifiers after scoring twice for Portugal in its 2-2 draw with Hungary on Tuesday.

His first goal – from close range in the 22nd minute – was Ronaldo’s 40th in a World Cup qualifying match, breaking a tie with former Guatemala player Carlos Ruiz.

The Al-Nassr striker then added a second in first-half stoppage time to extend his record to 41 goals in the 50 World Cup qualifiers he has played.

Ronaldo now has a record-extending 143 goals in men’s internationals.

He left the field in the 78th minute with the score at 2-1 and Hungary equalized in stoppage time through Dominik Szoboszlai, preventing Portugal from clinching a spot in the World Cup with two group games to spare.

Portugal still leads Group F by five points ahead of second-place Hungary.

Anthony Edwards devoted much of his previous two offseasons to the US national team for the World Cup and the Olympics, coming off intense runs through the NBA playoffs with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

As valuable as those experiences were for his flourishing career, the time Edwards had for his own training this past summer was instrumental toward his desired development into a true MVP candidate on a legitimate title contender.

‘I feel like I was able to actually work on my game,’ he said.

For all he’s done on the court over his first five seasons in the league, Edwards is still a 24-year-old with plenty of room to improve. As Timberwolves player development coach Chris Hines has told him often, ‘Greatness is boring,’ a maxim seemingly tailor-made for Edwards.

‘There was a lot of boring days in the gym, just working on one-dribble pull-ups,’ he said. ‘But I think it benefits me.’

In the annual preseason survey of NBA general managers, Edwards was the runaway winner in voting for the best shooting guard in the league with a 70% share. But that doesn’t mean he’s the most complete player at that star-studded position.

‘I think he became really addicted to the film room this offseason. His work ethic has always been great, but this summer has been a whole other level,’ president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said. ‘I think he’s really focused on how to be more effective late in games, not just for himself but for others. His body is in unbelievable shape. It’s pretty impressive to see how quickly he has matured, not just as a player, but as a professional with his approach. He’s going to have another great year.’

The first part of his game the Wolves want advanced is on defense, where Jaden McDaniels typically plays the primary role of guarding the opponent’s top scorer. Edwards, never lacking for confidence, believes he can give McDaniels a break here and there by doing the same.

‘As the head of the snake, sometimes you’ve just got to take those matchups, just to show people I can play defense too,’ Edwards said. ‘We can’t make Jaden guard the best player every night. Some nights he’s got to get the ‘B’ player, let me get the ‘A’ player. And like I said, it’s going to get me in better shape, man. It’s about trying to push myself so I can get in better shape around February and March, heading into the playoffs.’

Edwards looks leaner than he did last season, evidence of his summer conditioning in renewed pursuit of two-way stardom. He committed to getting more sleep, too, the key to physical recovery and refreshment.

‘We’re trying to get back to the number one defense in the league, and I know it starts with me, especially my pressure on the ball. I can’t guard one game and not guard the next game because we’re playing, you know, somebody who’s not up to par,’ Edwards said. ‘I’ve got to be ready every night, and I’m going to take pride in that. I told my teammates to hold me accountable, coaches included.’

At the team dinner the night before the first official practice, point guard Mike Conley led a discussion of what steps the Wolves must take on the floor and in their minds to get over the conference-final hump.

‘What’s our goal? Are we coming here to put on a show, perform? Or are we trying to win a championship? What are we doing? And the consensus is, we’re trying to win a championship,’ Conley said. ‘Ant, if you want to win a championship, we expect you to guard like you’re a top-five perimeter defender in the league, which we believe you are.’

Coach Chris Finch, asked on Tuesday for an assessment of Edwards’ buy-in to the goal of even better defense than the Wolves displayed last season, said he has ‘no doubt’ that his best player is serious about it.

‘We’ve talked a lot about consistency and the consistency of habit as one of the areas of improvement no matter what it pertains to. Ant has got to measure up here. We might do different things with matchups that put him in more high-leverage situations, which we know he can do and he enjoys,’ Finch said. ‘It’s an NBA mantra that if you do so much on offense, you’re allowed to not play defense. The best teams don’t do that. They do what’s necessary as much as they possibly can.’

Being that ‘every-night’ player

There are plenty of finer points of playing offense that Edwards can elevate, too. He worked hard on ballhandling during the summer, a skill he acknowledged has often been skipped because of the discomfort certain drills can create on his lower back. That ought to help improve his performance in the clutch-time situations that frequently hampered the Wolves last season.

Another way he can more consistently beat double-teams is to not allow the opponents get to that point by pushing the pace and running in transition more often. Recognizing ways to keep the offense better spaced in the half-court, too, can only help. Sometimes, players as talented as Edwards also simply need to find new ways to stay motivated during the regular season.

‘Try to get a career high in points,’ Edwards said without hesitation when asked at the team’s media day how he can stay more engaged. ‘I think that’s what I’m going to try to do.’

However he does, it doesn’t matter much to the Wolves.

‘Just continue to be that every-night player at a high level that we know he can be, which is what you need to do if you want to be an MVP in this league,’ Finch said. ‘I certainly think he’s got the DNA for it, and he just has to really fully embrace it.’

THE prevalence of natural disasters has significantly increased in recent decades, leading to substantial liabilities for damaged infrastructure, injuries and mental health issues. According to disaster epidemiology in 2025, climate-induced hazards like floods, storms and extreme heat are raising mortality rates, morbidity and economic losses, with countries like the Philippines facing the highest disaster risk.

For over two decades, the Philippines has experienced frequent storms and floods, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all disasters from 2000 to 2024. The International Disaster Database (EM-DAT) reports 201 storms and 109 floods, significantly more than other disasters like volcanic activity (18), epidemics (11) and earthquakes (25). The country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, particularly tropical storms and earthquakes, due to its location in the ‘Ring of Fire,’ remains a concern. Despite this experience, anticipation and response strategies have not improved, leading to frustration.

Corruption significantly undermines the country’s ability to prepare for and respond to disasters. Many provinces affected by typhoons are among the poorest, and while improved infrastructure could mitigate these impacts, overlooked building codes and misused public funds hinder necessary investments. This not only prevents vital resources from reaching those in need but also highlights the struggles facing these communities.

Corruption extends beyond government to the private sector, including banking. Recent media reports indicate a rise in fraud and corruption risks within the banking and financial services industry. Cases of mortgage fraud, insider trading and kickbacks reflect systemic issues, with employees often collaborating with external parties, increasing the likelihood of unnoticed fraudulent activities.

Exploring regulatory responses and embracing a historic development

REGULATORY bodies are increasingly focusing on fighting corruption across various sectors, not just banking. However, challenges remain due to complex financial transactions and evolving financial crimes.

Dr. Donald Patrick L. Lim from the Blockchain Council of the Philippines, along with Secretaries Henry Rhoel R. Aguda and Vince B. Dizon, launched the ‘Integrity Chain,’ a blockchain platform for transparency in national infrastructure projects. This initiative received support on September 30, 2025, at an event attended by over 50 organizations, including the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP).

In my recent ‘chikahan’ with our PCEO after the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in Davao, he uttered: ‘Judith, inaalog na tayo ng Panginoon.’ (Judith, the Lord is shaking us.) More Filipinos from the poorest socioeconomic bracket believe that calamities are God’s ways of punishing people for their evil ways, a survey by Pulse Asia Research Inc. revealed.

A rallying cry for moral action!

CHURCH leaders advocate that instead of perceiving hardships as divine curses, Filipinos should see accountability as a sacred duty. Cardinal José Advincula emphasizes that public demands for transparency and justice are ‘manifestations of the people’s collective moral conviction’ and an obligation to suppress evil in society.

Transcending divine retribution

EXAMINING the consequences of corruption through human responsibility enables citizens to drive meaningful change. Encouraged actions include:

Civic engagement: Vote wisely, participate in local oversight, and support independent watchdogs to promote accountability.

Institutional reform: Advocate for transparent procurement, support open-data initiatives and strengthen anti-corruption bodies to foster integrity and trust.

Spiritual resilience: We can nurture hope by coming together for community prayers, providing ethical leadership training and building grassroots solidarity. In unity, we can uplift each other and foster a spirit of resilience during challenging times.

AFTER weeks of intense ‘collabanan’ and breathtaking performances, the stage is set for the ultimate showdown as GMA Network’s original celebrity dance reality competition, Stars on the Floor, gears up for its grand finale. Viewers can look forward to the most personal and powerful performances yet, as each Dance Star Duo showcases a routine they’ve conceptualized together-guided by their chosen Star Choreographer.

Hosted by Alden Richards, Stars on the Floor takes viewers on a deeply personal journey of the Dance Star Duos, alongside The Dance Authorities-Marian Rivera, Pokwang, and Master Coach Jay. Week after week, this dynamic panel of judges not only chose the Top Two Dance Star Duos who will battle it out, but also uplifted the performers with powerful words of encouragement and expert guidance.

What started as a collaboration between celebrity and digital dancers has evolved into a powerful movement-uniting different personalities, making waves with different dance styles, and building lasting partnerships-lifting the dance community to a whole new level. Now, they are ready to deliver performances that reflect their growth as individuals, partners, and as a group.

With emotions running high and physical limits pushed to the edge, the Dance Star Duos-‘The Phenomenal Millennials’ Rodjun Cruz and Dasuri Choi, ‘The Power Twin Towers’ Faith Da Silva and Zeus Collins, ‘The Global Pinoy Dance Stars’ Thea Astley and Joshua Decena, ‘The Gen Z Dance Idols’ VXON’s Patrick and Kakai Almeda, and ‘The Dream Star Duo’ Glaiza de Castro and JM Yrreverre-will battle it out for a spot in the Final Dance-Off. Only two pairs will remain for the chance to impress the the judges and the entire Dance Universe, and ultimately prove they deserve the crown and the P1.5 million cash prize-P500,000 of which goes to their chosen charity.

Stars on the Floor: The Final Dance Battle airs on October 18, 7:15 pm, after Pepito Manaloto on GMA and via livestream on GMA Kapuso Stream and Adventure Taste Moments YouTube Channel.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday threatened to relocate World Cup matches set to be played next year in suburban Boston, after suggesting that parts of the city had been ‘taken over’ by unrest.

Foxborough, Massachusetts, home to the NFL’s New England Patriots and about 30 miles from Boston, is set to stage matches as the U.S. cohosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. Trump was asked about Boston’s mayor, Michelle Wu, a Democrat whom he called ‘intelligent’ but ‘radical left.’

‘We could take them away,’ Trump said of the World Cup games. ‘I love the people of Boston and I know the games are sold out. But your mayor is not good.’

He suggested ‘they’re taking over parts of Boston’ without offering details, but added ‘we could get them back in about two seconds.’

The Trump administration has already deployed National Guard troops to Washington and Memphis, and efforts to do so in Chicago and Portland, Oregon, have sparked legal fights.

Wu’s office did not react directly to Trump’s threat, issuing a statement that read, ‘Boston is honored and excited to host World Cup matches, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to our beautiful city, the cradle of liberty and city of champions.’

Trump’s comments came during his meeting with Argentina President Javier Milei and it wasn’t immediately clear what he was referring to by parts of Boston having been seized. Earlier this month, however, there were multiple arrests in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest that turned violent on Boston Common. Four police officers were injured.

Trump has previously suggested he could declare cities ‘not safe’ for the 104-game soccer tournament and alter a detailed hosting plan that FIFA confirmed in 2022. It includes games at NFL stadiums near New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

World Cup host sites aren’t up to Trump. The 11 U.S. cities – plus three in Mexico and two in Canada – are contracted with FIFA, which would face significant logistical and legal issues to make changes in the eight months before the June 11 kickoff.

‘It’s FIFA’s tournament, FIFA’s jurisdiction, FIFA makes those decisions,’ the soccer body’s vice president Victor Montagliani said earlier this month at a sports business conference in London.

Trump nonetheless said, ‘If somebody is doing a bad job, and if I feel there’s unsafe conditions, I would call Gianni – the head of FIFA who’s phenomenal – and I would say, ‘Let’s move into another location’ and they would do that.’

The president meant FIFA head Gianni Infantino, a close ally. Trump said Infantino ‘wouldn’t love to do it, but he’d do it very easily.’

Changing the landscape of Philippine healthcare, mWell, the digital healthcare arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), has partnered with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to explore the integration of healthcare services into the government’s eGov PH App.

This landmark collaboration aims to create the country’s first national digital health integration within a government platform, enabling millions of Filipinos to gain direct access to doctors, health records, and essential services.

‘This partnership will be foundational in providing every Filipino their right to quality care,’ said mWell Chairman and MPIC Chairman, President, and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan. ‘Healthcare is always among the top concerns of our countrymen. Together with government, we will close the healthcare gap and uplift quality of life in every community, and across every generation.’

DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda emphasized the significance of the collaboration. ‘This partnership with mWell is a critical step in building a digitally connected nation where every Filipino has access to quality healthcare. By integrating these essential services into our eGov PH App, we are not only advancing the government’s Digital Philippines agenda but also making good on our promise to bring health services directly to our people, no matter where they are.’

Chaye Cabal-Revilla, President and CEO of mWell and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer of MPIC, underscored the transformational opportunity. ‘The future of healthcare is now. This partnership brings together the country’s greatest minds and the biggest hearts committed to make the Philippines a global leader in digital health. By working closely with the DICT, we are creating a digital healthcare network where government, providers, and patients are united by technology and compassion. It means a mother in a remote barangay can consult a doctor without leaving her community. It means young people can seek mind health support with dignity and privacy. It means families can keep their medical history safe for a lifetime. This is the promise of digital health that provides accessible, affordable, and inclusive care for all.’

The ceremonial signing was held at the mWell Primary Care Facility (PCF), the country’s first AI-powered clinic and mWell’s experience center for digital health. Powered by mWell’s Clinic Management System (CMS), PCF integrates mWell’s technologies, including the Health ID and AI-powered Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Aside from serving patients, PCF demonstrates how mWell’s solutions can empower both public and private health providers in support of Universal Health Care.

Supporting a Digital Philippines and Universal Health Coverage

The recent launch of the Philippines’ first digital Health ID through mWell goes beyond digitization. It establishes interoperable healthcare infrastructure that supports Universal Health Care goals and aligns with the government’s Digital Philippines agenda, including health programs such as the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP).

As part of the partnership, mWell and DICT are working towards integrating the mWell Health ID into the eGov PH App, which already has 18 million registered users. This planned integration positions mWell as the health engine behind DICT’s eGov platform, advancing a shared mission to make quality healthcare accessible to all Filipinos.

Through this collaboration, eGov PH users are envisioned to gain access to thousands of primary care doctors and specialists as well as mind health experts. mWell’s digital Health ID secures lifetime personal health records for individuals and families, while one-tap booking makes consultations more convenient.

Gerb Inajada, Chief Technology Officer of mWell said, ‘Our goal is simple: to remove the friction between patients, doctors, and government by making healthcare services seamlessly accessible through a single, trusted digital gateway. This integration ensures that every Filipino, wherever they are, can have access to care without borders.’

(L-R) Ms. Chaye Cabal- Revilla, President and CEO of mWell and Chief Finance, Risk, and Sustainability Officer of MPIC, Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan, mWell Chairman and MPIC Chairman, President and CEO, Mr. Henry Aguda, Secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Mr. Luis Miguel Planas, Assistant Secretary, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Building a sustainable and future-ready healthcare ecosystem

With the acquisition and integration of KonsultaMD, mWell has become the Philippines’ leading digital health platform. Through the mWell app, patients can consult virtually with doctors 24/7, receive e-prescriptions and lab referrals, and share their records with healthcare providers as needed.

Since the beginning of First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos’ Lab for All initiative, mWell has been providing telemedicine services to various communities nationwide. At the same time, mWell has been working with DICT to reach geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, deploying the mWell OnTheGo Clinic-In-A-Bag to remote barangays, bedridden patients, Indigenous Peoples, and soldiers in conflict zones.

To complement these services, mWell introduced drone medicine delivery to isolated islands and launched BangkaHealth, which brings telemedicine to houses on stilts in Sulu via small boats. The collaboration aims to bring healthcare services to more communities and build a truly connected nation, ensuring that digital health reaches an even broader population.

THE Philippines will resume issuing electronic visas (eVisas) to Chinese nationals in November 2025, a year after suspending the service due to system and vetting issues during its pilot phase.

The Philippine Embassy in Beijing confirmed that the eVisa system will be relaunched across its consular offices in Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, and Xiamen.

The platform will allow qualified applicants residing in Mainland China and its Special Administrative Regions to apply online for short-term visits to the Philippines.

‘This initiative will make travel more convenient for Chinese nationals visiting the Philippines for tourism or business,’ said Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz.

The eVisa will be valid for a non-extendable stay of up to 14 days, with entry permitted only through Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila and Mactan-Cebu International Airport.

The relaunch follows the abrupt suspension of the eVisa system in November 2023, just three months after its pilot.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cited system reliability and payment processing limitations as key reasons for halting the rollout. At the time, the platform only accepted cash, debit, and credit cards-excluding dominant mobile payment options in China such as Alipay and WeChat Pay.

The suspension had ripple effects across the tourism sector. In a September 2025 budget hearing, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco told lawmakers that the DFA’s cancellation of the eVisa program-originally projected to issue up to 2 million visas annually-was a major factor in the country’s failure to meet its 2024 target of 7.7 million foreign arrivals.

Only 5.95 million tourists visited the Philippines that year, a 28.3% drop from the 2019 peak.

To address technical and payment issues, the DFA has partnered with VFS Global and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to improve platform stability and service delivery.

Ambassador FlorCruz signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Kishen Singh, VFS Global CEO for Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Mongolia, to formalize the collaboration.

Applicants seeking longer stays or those not eligible for the eVisa may continue to apply for conventional visas through Visa Application Centers in Beijing, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

FlorCruz emphasized that the eVisa relaunch aligns with broader diplomatic efforts to deepen bilateral ties.

‘This comes at an opportune time,’ he said, referencing the Joint Consular Consultations held in July 2025 between the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting underscored the importance of people-to-people exchange, a key theme as the Philippines commemorates 50 years of diplomatic relations with China.

Originally piloted in Manila in 2023, the eVisa system is expected to enhance consular efficiency and improve public service delivery. With China remaining one of the region’s top sources of tourists, the renewed program aims to facilitate travel and strengthen bilateral engagement.

IN a country constantly challenged by the forces of nature – three typhoons and eight earthquakes just weeks into the year’s final quarter-one steadfast source of hope and action shines through: the Philippine Red Cross (PRC). Their response to the devastating doublet earthquakes in Davao Oriental and surrounding provinces is a masterclass in humanitarian mobilization, a testament to an organization that truly ‘never sleeps’. Yet, woven into this narrative of tireless service is a poignant thread of profound loss, reminding us that heroism often comes with a deeply personal cost.

The sheer scale and efficiency of the PRC’s response are staggering. Within hours, Chairman Richard J. Gordon led the deployment of dozens of staff and volunteers, activating a network of hundreds more across Mindanao. They established first aid stations, deployed ambulances, treated hundreds of injured individuals, augmented critical blood supplies, and set up emergency medical tents. Recognizing that disaster relief extends beyond immediate medical needs, they served thousands of hot meals, provided clean water by the tens of thousands of liters, and offered essential psychosocial support, including safe spaces for traumatized children and psychological first aid.

The logistical backbone-moving food trucks, deploying specialized Emergency Response Units with 6×6 trucks-underscores a commitment to reach even the ‘most far-flung communities,’ as Chairman Gordon vowed. This is not mere rhetoric; it’s action witnessed on the ground, coordinated meticulously with local governments and partners to ensure aid is timely and effective.

However, amidst this whirlwind of vital activity, the PRC family paused to mourn. The deaths of Red Cross volunteers Jose Ian R. Ho and Millard Masing, a 21-year veteran of their Emergency Response Unit, cast a somber shadow over their recent triumphs. Chairman Gordon and Secretary General Gwen Pang’s heartfelt tributes paint a picture of extraordinary, yet humble, Red Cross volunteers. Jose Ian and Millard were not figures seeking accolades; they were the quiet guardians, the ‘real-life Supermen’ to their colleagues, present at virtually every major disaster response. They served, as Pang noted, not for recognition, but because they simply couldn’t bear the thought of not being there to help. Their lives embodied the very essence of the Red Cross principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

The loss of Jose Ian and Millard serves as a profound and heart-wrenching reminder. The figures-283 treated, 3,983 meals served, 28,144 liters of water distributed-represent countless acts of courage and compassion performed by individuals like them. They are the volunteers and staff who leave their families, brave treacherous conditions, and pour their hearts into alleviating suffering, often with no college degree but armed with an immeasurable ‘heart for service and for humanity.’ Their service is not without risk, nor is it without profound personal sacrifice.

The PRC’s unwavering commitment, operational excellence, and ability to mobilize under immense pressure are nothing short of heroic. Red Cross volunteers like Jose Ian and Millard provide lifelines for millions in their darkest hours. They are the quiet strength, the ‘keepers of life’s flow,’ who form the beating heart of the PRC. Their dedication, often unseen and unsung, is the foundation upon which effective humanitarian response is built. They remind us that true heroism lies in selfless service, in showing up relentlessly for Filipinos in need.

As the PRC rightly signals they are ‘gearing up for a greater workload,’ still reeling from recent disasters and no doubt facing more, let the legacy of Jose Ian and Millard galvanize us. Their spirit of unwavering service must inspire continued support. Chairman Gordon’s call, ‘Help us help more,’ is not just a request for donations (crucial as they are, via PRC hotline #143). It is an invitation to recognize, value, and stand behind the extraordinary individuals who wear the Red Cross emblem. They never sleep, they never falter, and sometimes, they pay the ultimate price. Supporting the PRC is honoring their courage and ensuring that Jose Ian’s and Millard’s light, and the light of all who serve, continues to shine brightly in the face of darkness. The unbroken spirit of the Philippine Red Cross endures, fueled by the memory and the example of heroes like Jose Ian and Millard.

British Lord Acton’s warning-‘All power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely’-should haunt us not as a quaint proverb but as a precise diagnosis of governance. The more authority we vest in a single hand, the more likely the ruthless, not the honorable, will rise to wield it. Power, by its very nature, attracts those most willing to use it without hesitation. The temptation of command, unrestrained by accountability, wants a certain kind of person-one drawn to domination than to duty.

Many cling to the comforting myth that tyranny is a matter of bad actors, not flawed systems. If only ‘good people’ were in charge, the machinery might hum benevolently. But Friedrich Hayek demolished that illusion in his book The Road to Serfdom. Systems built on concentrated, unchecked control will always reward those willing to abandon moral restraint. The good may aspire to lead, but they pause when ‘getting things done’ demands a sacrifice of conscience. The ruthless do not. History, from ancient empires to modern democracies, is crowded with those who confused efficiency for virtue.

The regime that demands total control inevitably cancels out those restrained by conscience and moral compass. Leadership in such systems becomes a survival test measured not in ideals but obedience. Those reluctant to trample adversaries fall away; those untroubled by principle march forward. Step by step, integrity becomes disqualifying. In the end, the ‘worst’ prevail not by conspiracy but by a form of natural selection-one that favors the unprincipled over the upright.

It often begins innocently-or so it seems. In every crisis, democracy stumbles. People grow impatient with debate, with gridlock, with the frustrating pace of compromise. The call rises for a ‘strong hand’ to cut through inefficiency. But what we call ‘strength’ is often the absence of accountability. Authority consolidated is authority unanswerable. Power concentrated is power free to destroy. Once citizens learn to trade liberty for order, the exchange rarely reverses.

‘Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.’-Benjamin Franklin.

In the Philippine context, this danger feels familiar. Filipinos value harmony over dissent, personality over institutions, loyalty over structure. In families, these traits are a source of warmth; in politics, they corrode. When obedience is rewarded and dissent is punished, those most comfortable commanding and then demanding loyalty rise naturally to have the power. The same instinct that makes us avoid confrontation at home makes us tolerate it in government.

Across every organization-political, corporate, or civic-the same pressure operates. The person who bends rules, silences critics, or cuts corners advances faster than the one who insists on fairness. Over time, the culture shifts: compliance replaces competence, loyalty replaces merit, and truth bends to convenience. The result is not always a dramatic dictatorship but a quiet moral rot, disguised as efficiency. Corruption begins not with the theft but with the justification-‘Sometimes you have to bend the law to be able to please the people.’

That is how the worst people occupy the top rungs-not because they are the smartest or most visionary, but because they are the least burdened by restraint. Power whispers, ‘You can fix everything if only people obey.’ Yet obedience without accountability never yields justice; it breeds bureaucracy, fear, and the slow suffocation of principle. Freedom rarely dies in a coup; it withers through fatigue and compromise, until the public forgets it ever had a choice.

Between totalitarianism and authoritarianism lies a crucial difference. Authoritarianism seeks control over politics; totalitarianism seeks control over life itself. The former craves order; the latter demands worship. Both thrive where people stop asking questions.

We are not helpless. Decentralization, transparency, institutional checks, and a stubborn respect for liberty are not luxuries; they are safeguards. Democracy’s chaos is not a weakness but an armor. The disorder that frustrates us is what repels tyranny. Freedom’s defense requires endurance, skepticism, and the courage to speak when silence feels safer. The moment we decide that efficiency matters more than liberty, we extend an open invitation to those least troubled by moral limits.

The worst get on top not because we cannot stop them, but because we invite them. The antidote is simple but demanding and difficult: distribute power, question authority, and never mistake order for justice. Freedom survives not by luck but by vigilance-and by citizens brave enough to say no when power asks for just a little more.