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Two Customs brokers will be detained for refusing to identify suspects involved in smuggling operations in Cebu.

Cited in contempt by the Senate agriculture panel on Monday, brokers Lujin Tenero and Brenda de Sagun will be detained at the Senate or the Pasay City Jail.

Tenero and De Sagun are linked to consumer goods trading companies operating at Subic ports.

Inconsistencies in their testimonies prompted Sen. Francis Pangilinan, chair of the Senate agriculture, food and agrarian reform committee, to cite them in contempt.

Senators are probing Tenero and De Sagun for P40 million and P59 million worth of smuggled agricultural products, respectively.

Pangilinan and Sen. JV Ejercito urged the brokers to reveal details and apply as state witnesses.

Economic sabotage through agricultural smuggling is punishable by life in prison, they stressed.

At the inquiry, Tenero claimed that a certain ‘Carlos’ approached him to facilitate container imports.

‘All we are asking for is Mr. Carlos’ last name. And you refuse to answer. You are hereby cited in contempt of this committee,’ Pangilinan said.

Tenero recalled meeting Carlos at the Subic pier, where he signed documents for four containers as part of his broker duties.

He said he trusted Carlos as an authorized representative.

De Sagun, for her part, clarified that she had lent her client’s license to facilitate the import of goods, but denied knowing ‘Mr. Vicente,’ the person who allegedly rented it.

Several containers escorted by personnel of the Bureau of Customs were left unattended at a warehouse, raising questions about procedural lapses, Agriculture Undersecretary Carlos Carag and BOC officials said earlier.

Emilio Aguinaldo College made key stops in the crunch as it repulsed Jose Rizal University, 68-65, yesterday for its first victory in NCAA Season 101 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

It was a fitting bounce-back victory for the Generals after faltering and going down to a 74-63 loss to the St. Benilde Blazers on Saturday.

‘Our goal is to be in the top two,’ said EAC coach Jerson Cabiltes of their goal in Group B in the elims phase. ‘This win kept us on track in reaching our short-term goal.’

The Generals played tough on defense in the stretch and denied the Bombers of what could’ve been a second straight win and a place at the helm after opening the season with a shock 73-69 triumph over the Letran Knights Friday.

Earlier, Arellano U also bounced back from a loss with an 82-66 win over San Sebastian. The Stags stumbled to 0-2.

The Philippine manufacturing sector rebounded in August, with output returning to positive territory, driven by the performance of the food and metals sectors.

Preliminary data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) yesterday showed that the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) for manufacturing posted a 1.4-percent increment in August from a 1.8-percent contraction in July.

VoPI growth in August was also slightly faster than the 1.3-percent uptick in the same month last year.

The PSA said the uptrend was primarily due to food products, which accelerated by 20.2 percent in August from the previous month’s 11.4 percent.

Basic metals, which registered a slower decline of 9.6 percent in August from 26.8 percent in the previous month, also contributed to the latest VoPI growth.

Another major driver of the VoPI growth was machinery and equipment, which posted a 6.7-percent increase in August from a 3.1-percent contraction in July.

Of the remaining 19 industry divisions, nine posted positive VoPI growth in August. These are: transport equipment; electrical equipment; tobacco products; other non-metallic mineral products; other manufacturing and repair and installation of machinery and equipment; wood, bamboo, cane, rattan articles and related products; computer, electronic and optical products; leather and related products including footwear; and fabricated metal products except machinery and equipment.

On the other hand, the following registered declines in VoPI in August: furniture; printing and reproduction of recorded media; textiles; basic pharmaceutical products and pharmaceutical preparations; rubber and plastic products; wearing apparel; paper and paper products; beverages; coke and refined petroleum products; and chemicals and chemical products.

Based on responding establishments, the average capacity utilization rate for manufacturing in August was reported at 77.3 percent, up slightly from the previous month’s 77.2 percent in July 2025.

‘All industry divisions reported capacity utilization rates of more than 60 percent during the month,’ the PSA said.

The top three industry divisions in terms of reported capacity utilization rate in August were tobacco products (85.8 percent); coke and refined petroleum products (82.8 percent); and beverages (81 percent).

Around 42.6 percent of establishments operated at full capacity or 90 percent to 100 percent in August.

Meanwhile, 34.7 percent were running at 70 to 89 percent capacity and 22.7 percent were below 70 percent capacity.

The Mandaue City Engineering Office, together with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cebu Sixth District Engineering Office, will conduct a joint inspection of the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu.

This comes after the Mandaue City Council approved a resolution calling for the inspection of the two bridges that connect Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City to ensure their structural integrity and safety.

City Councilor Jun Arcilla, chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure, said in an interview that the resolution aims to ensure the safety of motorists and commuters who pass through the bridges.

He said that city engineers and DPWH personnel will check for cracks and assess whether the bridges remain safe for passage.

Arcilla explained that the move comes after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake on September 30, during which both bridges were visibly shaking.

‘It was a strong earthquake, so we want to make sure that our engineering office and DPWH conduct a thorough inspection,’ Arcilla said.

‘Para gyud sa kaluwasan sa tanan nga moagi dinha,’ he added.

Arcilla noted that the two bridges are a major concern for Mandaue City since they serve as vital routes, especially for those traveling to Lapu-Lapu City or to Cordova town.

Although the Cansaga Bridge in Mandaue City was not included in the resolution, Arcilla said he might propose to include it for inspection as well to check for possible cracks.

For now, the two major bridges will be prioritized since they are longer, he said.

Arcilla added that the inspection will cover both sides of the bridges-from the Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu sides.

‘Kay kung muagi ta og Mandaue mulapas man gyud ta og Mactan, both sides atong i-inspection,’ said Arcilla.

Since the resolution has already been approved, Arcilla said the inspection will be carried out as soon as possible.

‘People use these bridges every day, so it’s important to give them peace of mind that they are safe,’ he said.

Proving speculative reports correct, President Marcos has picked Jesus Crispin Remulla as the new ombudsman. The former secretary of justice is expected to change course from his predecessor, who was seen to have gone against the constitutional mandate of the Office of the Ombudsman to serve as a vanguard of transparency and accountability in public office.

While applying for his new post, Remulla had committed to reverse the restrictions imposed by Samuel Martires on the release of public officials’ statements of assets, liabilities and net worth. Section 17, Article 11 of the Constitution expressly states that the SALN ‘shall be disclosed to the public in the manner provided by law.’

The detailed manner is provided under Section 8 of Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, enacted in 1989. The public disclosure requirement for the SALN was complied with by public officials and employees until Martires was appointed by Rodrigo Duterte as ombudsman.

Apart from restoring compliance with the SALN disclosure rules, Remulla will be taking over the Office of the Ombudsman in the middle of the massive corruption scandal in flood control and other infrastructure projects.

Besides getting recommendations from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, the ombudsman is expected to conduct its own probes related to the scandal. Remulla has vowed that there will be no sacred cows – a suspicion that has started hounding the ICI this early as well as the Senate Blue Ribbon committee.

Inevitably, he will also be wading into political turbulence as the ombudsman tackles corruption charges raised by various groups against Sara Duterte in her capacity as Vice President and previously as secretary of education.

The ombudsman is one of the pillars of accountability, defending the principle enshrined in the Constitution that public office is a public trust.

‘Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives,’ the Constitution declares. It is the task of the ombudsman to help ensure that those lines are not relegated to a mere best-efforts pledge.

Remulla actively pursued appointment to the Office of the Ombudsman. Now that he has attained his objective, he must show that he is up to the task. And he must hit the ground running.

From one rivalry game to another.

Following a huge win over archrival La Salle this weekend, Ateneo is off to get another victory over rivals University of the Philippines, but Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin believes it will be a ‘rugged’ ‘Battle of Katipunan’ Wednesday.

Ateneo, undefeated through four games, will take on the Fighting Maroons, who are currently tied with La Salle with a 2-2 win-loss record.

Game time is 5 p.m.

Baldwin, after their 81-74 victory over La Salle on Sunday, said the Fighting Maroons are still dangerous despite their up-and-down season thus far.

‘Well, I mean I can say that UP is, as they were billed in the preseason, they’re a real problem. They’re a really, really good team. But, you know, NU really had them on the ropes,’ Baldwin told reporters.

On Saturday, UP clawed out of a 13 point deficit to grab the win over the National University Bulldogs, 66-59.

‘We know that UP, it’s going to be a rugged game. It’s going to be two teams that… UP fighting to get back into where they know that they belong, back into the top four and top four contention. Us trying to hold on to a really outstanding start to the season,’ the coach added.

‘So both teams playing for a lot, but I think that’s pretty much always the case early in the season.’

Ateneo, so far, is second in the league in scoring with 76.5 points per game. UP, on the other hand, is putting up 71 points a contest.

The Blue Eagles are also on top of the least field goals allowed per game with 36.9%, while UP is third at 37.7%.

Both teams are forcing their opponents to commit 15.7 turnovers a contest. The Fighting Maroons, though, allow just 6.5 fast-break points a game.

The retooled Diliman-based squad struggled in the start of UAAP Season 88. They lost their first two games – a 20-point demolition at the hands of University of Santo Tomas and a three-point loss against Adamson – before finding their rhythm against University of the East and NU.

UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon, for his part, said they will have a ‘same approach’ against the Blue Eagles.

‘We’re gonna give them a fight. Hopefully, pagdating ng Wednesday, everybody will be healthy and ready to go.’

Before the Battle of Katipunan, the National University Bulldogs will take on the Adamson Soaring Falcons at 2 p.m.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has entered into a long-term lease agreement with the consortium of Istana Development Corp. (IDC) and Meridian Commercial Centers Inc. (MCCI) for the P560-million redevelopment of the Mile-Hi property in Camp John Hay in Baguio City.

The BCDA said the agreement to transform the 6,647-square-meter property into an upscale commercial hub was signed with IDC and MCCI yesterday.

While the property is being redeveloped, the BCDA said the parties would be preserving its historical significance and enhancing the natural environment of the surrounding area.

Under the agreement, the consortium committed to integrate sustainable design features in the property’s redevelopment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water and energy consumption, as well as waste generation.

These may include integrating solar-oriented architecture and green roofs and walls.

‘Mile-Hi will once again be a place that welcomes visitors, strengthens local livelihoods and sustains the spirit of Baguio for generations to come,’ BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang said.

MCCI president Jesus Emmanuel Yujuico expressed the organization’s commitment to the project and to work with the BCDA and John Hay Management Corp.

‘We thank BCDA’s leadership for its confidence in our vision that seeks to balance heritage, sustainability and innovation,’ Yujuico said.

The redevelopment of Mile-Hi is in line with the BCDA’s aim to unlock the full potential of Camp John Hay.

The BCDA, which took over Camp John Hay in January, aims to transform the area into an investment hub and premier ecotourism destination.

As Titan Ultra begins its PBA journey, coach Johnedel Cardel exhorted his Giant Risers crew to unlock their inner beast mode.

‘Sinabi ko sa lahat na sana maging Calvin Abueva kayo,’ shared Cardel, placing the team’s hard-playing and high-intensity veteran as model ahead of their debut in Season 50.

‘Maging matapang kayo kasi ‘yan ang kailangan dito sa PBA para tumagal ang career ninyo. Hindi pwedeng soft dito. Kailangan kung pogi kayo, makipagpalitan na kayo ng mukha sa mga pangit para dumepensa.’

Whether his charges have embraced the Abueva way will be known beginning today when the Giant Risers hit the court against heavyweight Meralco in Day 2 of the golden season at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The match is set at 5:15 p.m. to be followed by the duel between holder San Miguel Beer and NLEX at 7:30 p.m.

Cardel, the former Terrafirma coach who’s making a comeback with the new club, counts much on ‘the Beast’ and Season 49 Most Improved Player Joshua Munzon to lead the way for young guns like Cade Flores, Fran Yu and Chris Koon.

And it’s a stern test for the Titan right away, with a Bolts side headlined by Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, Chris Banchero, Raymund Almazan, Bong Quinto and the comebacking Allein Maliksi as first opponents.

‘I have to admit that we’re still young, but we have a complete lineup and we will give the strong teams a good fight without saying, ‘Kuya. Kami ay lalaban din,” Titan governor Emilio Tiu vowed.

A new chapter begins in Philippine esports as League of Legends makes its debut in the upcoming Predator League 2026 Philippine Qualifiers, joining Dota 2 and Valorant in the battle for the Predator Shield and a share of the massive P1.2-million prize pool.

The inclusion of League of Legends marks a significant expansion for Predator League, opening the doors to a broader community of players and fans. The qualifiers officially began last September 19, with both online and onsite matches giving veterans and aspiring esports athletes a chance to prove themselves on the national stage.

‘We’re excited to kick off the Predator League 2026 PH Qualifiers. Acer has always supported the growth of esports talent in the Philippines, and the Predator League has served as its proving ground,’ said Sue Ong-Lim, Managing Director of Acer Philippines.

Dota 2 and Valorant champions will each take home P200,000, with runners-up earning P120,000. Third- and fourth-place teams will receive P50,000, while fifth- and sixth-place finishers will get P20,000.

For the League of Legends event, the top team will win P100,000, with the runner-up receiving P50,000. Third- and fourth-place teams will earn P15,000, while fifth- and sixth-place finishers will take home P5,000.

Aside from cash prizes, the winning teams in Dota 2 and Valortan will also secure spots as the Philippine representatives for the Asia Pacific Predator League 2026 Grand Finals, happening in India in January 2026.

Several United States firms doing business in the Philippines have reported being asked for bribes by customs officials, according to a 2025 State Department report, which mentions corruption at the Bureau of Customs as one of the major barriers to investment in the country.

The US Embassy in Manila has received multiple reports from American businesses of customs officials soliciting unofficial fees, alongside complaints of overly invasive searches and inconsistent customs charges, the State Department said in its annual Investment Climate Statements report on the Philippines.

The report – released September 26 – evaluates the business environment and investment climate in countries around the world to guide American investors. The report ultimately finds that while the Philippines has taken steps to improve its investment climate, corruption remains a pervasive problem that deters foreign investors.

The State Department draws attention to the Bureau of Customs as one of the government agencies most frequently accused of corruption, noting that the solicitation of facilitation fees – informal payments demanded by officials to expedite transactions – remains a common complaint among US firms.

“Some U.S. investors describe business registration, customs, and immigration processes as burdensome,” the report said. “Customs processes, in particular, can present challenges and the Embassy has received multiple reports from U.S. businesses of overly invasive searches, inconsistent customs charges, and solicitations of ‘facilitation fees’ (e.g., bribes) from some customs officials.”

The Bureau of Customs was described by the US State Department as “still considered to be one of the most corrupt agencies in the country.’

The report says that foreign direct investment inflows to the Philippines remained flat at $8.9 billion in 2024, the same level as 2023, despite government efforts to attract more investors, including a tax law passed in November 2024 that offers corporate tax breaks for up to 27 years.

The Philippines ranked 114th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, staying around that level since 2019. The World Economic Forum and other organizations have cited corruption as among the top problematic factors for doing business in the Philippines.

“Corruption is a pervasive and long-standing problem in both the public and private sector,” the State Department report said.

Beyond corruption, the report identified other barriers to investment: poor infrastructure, high power and logistics costs, regulatory inconsistencies, a cumbersome bureaucracy, and a complex, slow judicial system.

Traffic in major cities and congestion in the ports remain obstacles, while large family-owned conglomerates dominate the economic landscape, sometimes crowding out smaller or international businesses.