Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The use of temporary and improvised license plates will be prohibited beginning Nov. 1, the Land Transportation Office said yesterday.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the ban would be enforced as the agency cleared the backlog of license plates for motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles.

‘For those who have not yet claimed their license plates, we advise them to do so to avoid any inconvenience once the policy is implemented,’ he said.

Mendoza said motorists should no longer use improvised or temporary plates since there is no more backlog.

Under Joint Administrative Order 2014-001, violators face a fine of P5,000 and confiscation of the temporary or improvised license plates.

Motorists using such plates will not be accepted for registration renewal.

Mendoza, however, clarified that improvised plates may still be allowed if these are properly authorized by the LTO office that processed a request for a duplicate plate.

The much-awaited completion of asphalt works at the Ayala Heights diversion road in Barangay Pung-ol Sibugay has finally been realized, providing safer and better passage for commuters heading to Cebu City’s mountain barangays and those traversing the Transcentral Highway.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed the development in a public advisory issued yesterday, expressing gratitude to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and contractor WTG for fulfilling their commitment to complete the project.

‘Good news to all our commuters traveling to the mountain barangays and those passing through the Transcentral Highway! The Ayala Heights Diversion Road has already been asphalted, providing safe and smooth access to the public,’ Archival announced.

Archival also highlighted what cooperation can do.

‘This is a clear example of how cooperation and action truly bring service to the public. Padayon ta sa kaluwasan ug kalambuan,’ he added.

He personally inspected the site following weeks of delay that prompted the Cebu City Government to issue an ultimatum to the contractor.

Archival had warned that the city would take over the project if work did not proceed immediately.

The swift completion of the asphalt overlay is seen as a direct result of the city’s firm stance on contractor accountability.

Archival reiterated the importance of timely infrastructure delivery, noting that delays not only inconvenience commuters but also hinder the city’s broader mobility goals.

The Ayala Heights diversion road serves as a vital alternate route for upland barangays, helping decongest traffic and improving access to interior communities.

Its completion marks a significant step in enhancing road safety and connectivity in the area.

Team Jotun swept Boysen in their best-of-three finals series with a 95-86 victory in Game 2 to successfully defend their crown in the Cebu Architects Basketball Club (CABC) 7th Corporate Cup at the Game Changer Sports Facility along Hernan Cortes Street in Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City recently.

Chester Hinagdanan sizzled with 23 points, two rebounds, five assists, and three steals to power Jotun to back-to-back titles.

Not to be outdone, Philip Alegado tossed in 19 points and six rebounds while Dex Caadan tallied 14 markers with seven rebounds and four assists for Jotun, which finished the tournament with a perfect 12-0 record.

Jotun actually suffered an offensive meltdown after establishing a huge 22-point lead, 69-47, late in the third quarter, enabling Boysen to pull within just four points, 71-75, early in the final period.

But Jotun held their ground against a tough endgame challenge by Boysen to breeze through a rousing nine-point triumph.

Kim Rebosura paced Boysen with 25 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Carlos Baltar and Alfredo Sanchez combined for 29 points while Joseph Cabigas scored 11 in a losing effort.

The Philippines had a total of 30 national winners for the 2025 Asian Academy Creative Awards, with recipients including Dingdong Dantes, Dennis Trillo and action series “Incognito.”

Half of the national winners were projects by GMA Network including “Pepito Manaloto – The Story Continues” (Best Comedy Program), “Stars on the Floor” (Best Music/Dance Program), “The Voice Kids” (Best Adaptation of an Existing Format, Non-Scripted) and “Beauty Empire” director of photography Jay Abello (Best Cinematography, Fiction).

GMA also dominated the documentary division as “Lost Sabungeros” won the One-Off category, “I Juander: History for Sale” won the History category and “Reporter’s Notebook: Asia’s Scam Cities” won the Series category.

Dennis won Best Lead Actor for his role in “Green Bones” while the movie’s writers Anj Atienza and National Artist Ricky Lee won Best Screenplay.

Dingdong won Best Entertainment Host as the face of “Family Feud Philippines” while Anjo Baraquel and Julie Anne San Jose’s track “Gemini” for “Slay” won Best Theme Song/Title Theme.

Other GMA winners were the “Inside the Crocodile Cage” episode of “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” for Best Infotainment Program, the “YOLO sa Antique” episode of “Biyahe ni Drew” for Best Lifestyle Program, “Eleksyonaryo: The Dapat Totoo Digital Exclusives” for Best Short Form (Scripted) and “DigiDokyu: The Rice God of the Cordillera” for Best Short Form (Non-Scripted).

ABS-CBN meanwhile won four awards: “Incognito” for Best Drama Series, “Saving Grace” for Best Adaptation of an Existing Format (Scripted), “How to Spot a Red Flag” for Best Original Production by a Streamer (Fiction) shared with Viu and the “The Silent House (Maguad Family Story)” episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” for Best Single Drama/Telemovie/Anthology Episode.

Other high-profile national winners were “Untold” star Jodi Sta. Maria for Best Lead Actress, “The Kingdom” star Piolo Pascual for Best Supporting Actor, “The Caretakers” star Dimples Romana for Best Supporting Actress, “Isang Himala” for Best Feature Film and its filmmaker Pepe Diokno for Best Director (Fiction).

Completing the Philippine winners were the third season of “Sing Galing” for Best Non-Scripted Entertainment, Gretchen Ho of “Morning Matters” for Best Factual Presenter, “Money Talks with Cathy Yang” for Best News Program, “Merry ang Vibes ng Pasko” for Best General Entertainment Program, “Ready, Set, Read!” for Best Children’s Program, and “JSM Travel and Tours” for Best Promo/Trailer.

Dennis is in good company as fellow category winners include Korean star Park Bo-gum for “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” Taiwanese F4 star Vic Chou for “The World Between Us: After the Flames and Australia’s Jacob Elordi for “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” while Piolo was accompanied by Australia-based actor Hugo Weaving for “How To Make Gravy.”

Jodi’s fellow winners are Oscar-winning “Disclaimer” star Cate Blanchett and “Pachinko” star Kim Min-ha, both of whom also won at the recent Seoul International Drama Awards. Min-ha’s co-star and another Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung won in Dimples’ category.

Other notable Korean winners are “When Life Gives You Tangerines” as Best Drama Series, “Culinary Class Wars” for Best Non-Scripted Entertainment and the 2024 MAMA Awards for Best General Entertainment Program.

All national winners will be invited to a conference, red carpet, and Grand Awards Gala taking place in Singapore this December 3 and 4.

Navy and police officers have foiled attempts to smuggle cigarettes with a combined value of P23.5 million in separate operations in Maguindanao del Norte and in this city.

The Navy on Wednesday night intercepted a motorized boat carrying P14 million worth of cigarettes in the waters off Barangay Talisayan, Zamboanga City.

The boat and its two crewmembers were escorted to the Naval Station Romulo Espaldon for the inventory of 40 master cases of cigarettes.

The crewmembers said the cargo came from Basilan.

Meanwhile, police officers yesterday intercepted a vehicle carrying suspected smuggled cigarettes valued at P9.5 million in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte.

The vehicle, which was pulled over at a checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion, was found to be carrying 266 master cases of cigaretes with no tax stamps.

The driver and his helper were taken to the police station for questioning after they failed to present documents for their cargo.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has rebuffed accusations of foot-dragging on reported anomalies in flood control projects, saying it has already secured court orders to freeze billions worth of suspected illicit assets.

In a statement sent to The STAR, AMLC executive director Matthew David addressed criticisms raised in a column article that the council acted belatedly on the controversy, involving several public works officials and private contractors.

‘We acknowledge the concerns and questions raised regarding the AMLC involvement in the ongoing investigation into the alleged flood control project scam,’ David said. ‘We wish to clarify that the AMLC has taken decisive and impactful action in recent weeks.’

Boo Chanco, in his STAR column on Oct. 1, criticized what he described as government officials’ ‘lack of respect for the peso,’ citing wasteful projects and corruption scandals.

He singled out the AMLC for allegedly acting too late in freezing accounts linked to the Department of Public Works and Highways’ ghost flood control projects, saying legislators and contractors involved may have already moved their stash abroad before regulators took action.

But according to David, the Court of Appeals has granted three freeze orders on petitions filed by the AMLC over the past three weeks, effectively blocking the movement of an estimated P2.9 billion worth of suspected stolen public funds and assets.

The most recent freeze order covers 836 bank accounts, 12 e-wallets, 24 insurance policies, 81 motor vehicles and 12 real estate properties.

This was on top of two earlier orders that immobilized 1,563 bank accounts, 54 insurance policies, 154 vehicles, 30 real estate properties and 12 e-wallets.

Reports indicated that certain banks and even the state-run Land Bank of the Philippines facilitated questionable transfers linked to the scheme.

The Commission on Audit, meanwhile, has filed four more fraud audit reports against DPWH officials and their contractors for their part in four multimillion-peso flood control projects in Bulacan that were fully paid but never built.

The projects include the P92.7-million flood control structure in Barangay San Roque, Baliuag, and the P92.7-million flood control structure along Angat River in Barangay Taal, Pulilan, which were both awarded to SYMS Construction Trading.

Also included were the P69.5-million riverbank protection structure in Barangay Bagong Silang, Plaridel, awarded to Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc., and the P96.5-million riverwall in Barangay Pagala, Baliuag, awarded to Triple 8 Construction and Supply Inc.

In another development, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has announced his appointment of new officials, mostly assistant secretaries.

The Pangasinan Heatwaves leaned on Hesed Gabo and Pedrito Galanza to beat the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, 98-91, on Thursday and advance to the playoffs in the Manny Pacquiao Presents MPBL 2025 Season at the Robert Estrella Sr. Memorial Gymnasium in Rosales, Pangasinan.

Gabo pumped in eight points, spiked by two triples, while Galanza added five in the extra period as the Heatwaves repeated their 96-94 victory over the Cowboys in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team, two-division tournament.

More importantly, the Heatwaves clinched the seventh playoff slot in the North Division, putting them on a collision course with the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards, the No. 2 qualifier, in the best-of-three playoffs.

Gabo wound up with 14 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, atoning for his missed short jumper in the last two seconds, keeping the count tied at 82-82.

Galanza posted a game-high 23 points plus four rebounds.

Jorey Napoles also shone for Pangasinan with 17 points plus nine rebounds, and so did Allyn Bulanadi with 15 points, four assists and three steals.

The Cowboys, who led at 66-58, got 21 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals from Arth Dela Cruz; 14 points; three rebounds and three assists from Agem Miranda; 11 points, three assists, two steals and two rebounds from Donald Gumaru; and 10 points from Mark Dyke.

The loss sent the Cowboys into a do-or-die showdown with the Bataan Risers, who ousted Pasig City, 99-78, in the opener.

With Yves Sazon finding his range and four others joining the scoring fray, the Risers led by as far as 94-67 in avenging their 85-88 defeat to the Pasiguenos in the round-robin elimination phase on May 14.

Sazon drilled in six triples en route to 20 points, followed by Chris Javier with 13 points and nine rebounds; Robbi Darang with 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists; Hubert Cani with 12 points and six assists; and Lorenz Capulong with 11 points plus four rebounds.

Pasig drew 21 points and 12 rebounds from Jacob Galicia; 17 points and eight rebounds from Chito Jaime; and 13 points from John Felix Corpuz.

Powered by Javier and Cani, the Risers surged ahead, 51-30, from which the Pasiguenos couldn’t recover.

Javier canned a triple and Jamil Gabawan completed a 3-point play as Bataan foiled Pasig’s rally, 71-49, with 1:22 left in the third quarter.

The league heads to the Pola Gymnasium in Oriental Mindoro on Thursday for the South Division play-in games featuring Cebu against Davao at 4 p.m., and Mindoro against Zamboanga at 6 p.m.

The ‘flood-control issues’ are just the tip of an iceberg!

Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth must be on the agenda of Government by effectively addressing the three main pillars: economic, environmental, and social. These three pillars are informally referred to as people, planet, and profits.

It is essential to understand that the implementation of sustainable development is not limited to government. Inclusive growth must be a joint commitment of business, civil society, international and local donor organizations, and of course the national and local governments. It must be free from corruption!

But let’s go one step further: the successful implementation of the three pillars – people, planet, profits – also hinges on communities or societies that want to pursue sustainability.

The following six principles of sustainability can help a community ensure that its social, economic, and environmental systems are well integrated and will endure:

1. Maintain and, if possible, enhance, its resident’s quality of life – Quality of life or livability differs from community to community. It has many components: income, education, health care, housing, employment, legal rights on the one hand; exposure to crime, pollution, disease, disaster, and other risks on the other. Each locality must define and plan for the quality of life it wants and believes it can achieve, for now and for future generations. And this applies to rural and urban communities. In addition to reducing poverty, it is also important to amplify the resilience of Filipinos. Bringing poor people just above the poverty line may not be enough if they can easily be pushed back below it if another crisis hits.

2. Enhance local economic vitality – A viable local economy is essential to sustainability. This includes job opportunities, the provision of infrastructure and services, and a suitable business climate. A sustainable economy is also diversified, so that it is not easily disrupted by internal or external events or disasters. Especially in the rural environment, the introduction of agricultural supply chains is essential, a clear area where big business can help develop sustainable agriculture by taking the middleman out.

3. Promote social and intergenerational equity – A sustainable community’s resources and opportunities are available to everyone, regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, cultural background, religion, or other characteristics. Further, a sustainable community does not deplete its resources, destroy natural systems, or pass along unnecessary hazards to its great-great-grandchildren.

4. Maintain and, if possible, enhance, the quality of the environment – A sustainable community sees itself as existing within a physical environment and natural ecosystem and tries to find ways to co-exist with that environment. It does its part by avoiding unnecessary degradation of the air, oceans, fresh water, and other natural systems. It tries to replace detrimental practices with those that allow ecosystems to continuously renew themselves. In some cases, this means simply protecting what is already there by finding ways to redirect human activities and development into less sensitive areas. But a community may need to take action to reclaim, restore, or rehabilitate an already-damaged ecosystem.

5. Incorporate disaster resilience and mitigation into its decisions and actions – After the recent flooding in many parts of the country and the obvious lack of flooding prevention although funds were made available, we must understand that a community is resilient in the face of inevitable natural disasters like typhoons, earthquakes, floods, and drought if it takes steps to ensure that such events cause as little damage as possible, that productivity is only minimally interrupted, and that quality of life remains at (or quickly returns to) high levels. A disaster-resilient community further takes responsibility for the risks it faces and, to the extent possible, is self-reliant.

6. Use a consensus-building, participatory process when making decisions – Participatory processes are vital to community sustainability. Such a process engages all the people who have a stake in the outcome of the decision being contemplated. It encourages the identification of concerns and issues, promotes the wide generation of ideas for dealing with those concerns, and helps those involved find a way to reach agreement about solutions. It results in the production and dissemination of important, relevant information, fosters a sense of community, produces ideas that may not have been considered otherwise, and engenders a sense of ownership on the part of the community for the final decision.

As mentioned above, there is the need of government (national and local) to work closely with business, civil society, and communities in achieving the changes needed to create sustainable development and inclusive growth. And the time to do this is NOW!

From 12, coach Tim Cone’s Gilas Pilipinas Men will now work with an expanded 16-man pool for next month’s FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Quentin Millora-Brown has received his first call-up after his reclassification as a local player while Kai Sotto, though still recovering from ACL, has been reinserted into Gilas’ roster for the back-to-back opening window matches against Guam on Nov. 28 and Dec. 1.

Cone has also tapped naturalized player Ange Kouame and guard RJ Abarrientos to join QMB, Sotto and the core mainstays Justin Brownlee, Calvin Oftana, Chris Newsome, June Mar Fajardo, Scottie Thompson, Dwight Ramos, CJ Perez, Japeth Aguilar, Kevin Quiambao, Carl Tamayo, Jamie Malonzo and AJ Edu in the training crew.

‘Continuity is still the main priority of coach Tim Cone but we saw it fit to add a couple of pieces to the training pool,’ Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio said in a statement.

Cebu’s provincial and city governments have ordered an investigation into the alleged unsafe conditions faced by business process outsourcing (BPO) employees in the wake of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

In an interview with ANC’s “Headstart” on Friday, October 3, the Cebu Provincial Public Information Office said Governor Pam Baricuatro has already requested the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to investigate BPO companies in the province, including other companies with “questionable” standard operating procedures.

“Yes, we are looking into this. We got reports from some companies, although majority of the BPO companies that we have seen are in Cebu City,” Cebu provincial public information officer Ainjeliz Orong said.

Local action. Orong clarified that most of the BPO firms flagged for unsafe conditions operate within Cebu City, which is beyond the provincial government’s jurisdiction. She said the city government, however, has since launched its own investigation.

“I understand and I’ve seen that the Cebu City government is on top of this. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Vice Mayor Tommy Osmeña have already ordered for a probe for DOLE to step in,” she added.

The investigations were prompted by a letter from the BPO Industry Employees’ Network (BIEN) in Cebu to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), requesting a dialogue on reported labor rights and workplace safety violations.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, in an interview with DZMM TeleRadyo, said the dialogue is set for Monday, October 6, to discuss the details. He also urged affected workers to file complaints with the nearest DOLE office.

“Kaya nga po ang aming pakiusap sa mga manggagawa na mayroong maling experience o karanasan na may kinalaman sa di magandang pamamalakad, hinihiling po namin at nakikiusap kami padalhan po kami ng detalye para sa ganon maka-aksyon po kami kaagad,” he said. (That’s why we are appealing to workers who have had negative experiences or encountered poor practices to send us the details, so we can act on them right away.)

Hundreds of complaints

BIEN Cebu reportedly received hundreds of complaints from BPO workers of at least 10 companies within just two days after the September 30 earthquake.

Among the complaints were accounts of employees being forced to return to work despite the risk of aftershocks, facing retaliatory measures such as notices to explain, unpaid workdays, loss of benefits, sanctions, suspensions and even threats of dismissal.

BPO companies in the Cebu province and city have allegedly failed to provide any support to their workers after the quake, not even transportation assistance, psychological debriefing or medical aid.

Collecting reports. On the part of the Cebu City government, Osmeña posted his personal number on social media to receive detailed complaints from residents, saying this would help the city consolidate reports and file a comprehensive case.

The earthquake damaged several buildings, roads, bridges and establishments, with many collapsing or sustaining major cracks. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, at least 72 people were killed and more than 500 others were injured, as aftershocks continue.