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The controversy over Mo Tautuaa’s nullified dunk in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals has triggered significant rule changes ahead of the league’s 50th season.

Starting on Sunday, goaltending or basket interference calls will only be reviewable if a referee makes a call in real-time. The league is doing away with retroactive reviews like the one in Game 1 of last July’s finals between San Miguel and TNT, when Tautuaa’s go-ahead dunk was overturned by the technical committee after no whistle was initially blown.

‘If the referees do not make any call, the decision is final. The referees will be held accountable after the game,’ PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said during Wednesday’s press conference at Shangri-La The Fort.

Tautuaa’s dunk, which came off a bounce from the rim, gave San Miguel a 97-96 lead with under a minute left. With no infraction called on the play, the basket stood-until the technical committee reviewed it during a dead ball with five seconds remaining. The play was ruled basket interference, shifting the lead back to TNT and drawing heavy criticism from the Beermen’s camp.

Though San Miguel eventually won the series and the championship, the fallout led to changes, including Eric Castro’s move from the technical committee to head of operations.

Among the other rule changes:

Corrections to two-, three-, or four-point shots cannot be made after the game.

Teams will no longer retain possession after a technical foul for excessive timeouts.

Penalty situations now apply after two fouls in the final two minutes of any period, not just the fourth.

Teams can huddle during challenges.

Players can recover their own airballs without being called for a violation.

Offensive fouls now count toward team fouls, but no free throws will be awarded if the team is already in penalty.

Technical fouls will be called for excessive elbows and for throwing the ball in plain sight of an official.

‘These rules were finalized by the competition committee composed of coaches,’ Marcial said, citing members like Rain or Shine’s Yeng Guiao, Meralco’s Luigi Trillo, and Converge’s Franco Atienza.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) proudly announces the highly anticipated return of the Student PR Congress and Grand Prix, setting the stage for the next generation of communicators to create purpose-driven change. This year’s event calls on students to break through boundaries with the theme, ‘Unmuted: Live, Loud, and Limitless PR.’

The Congress is the PRSP’s commitment to fulfilling its mission: to nurture and develop a new generation of PR practitioners equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world. By focusing on shifting and emerging technologies and trends the PRSP aims to cultivate professionals who can wield public relations as a tool for creating meaningful, positive impact in society. The ‘Unmuted’ theme embodies this goal, encouraging students to utilize every available platform-live interactions, digital channels, and innovative storytelling-to make their voices and campaigns impactful and boundless.

‘It is truly inspiring to witness the growing interest in Public Relations among schools, particularly through initiatives like our PR caravans. These programs are vital in fulfilling our mission to nurture the next generation of PR professionals, providing them with invaluable insights into a dynamic and impactful career, said Steve Michael Moore, Student PR Congress Chairman and PRSP officer.

The centerpiece of the event, the Student PR Grand Prix, is a high-stakes, real-world competition. Student teams from across the nation will receive an actual campaign brief from a leading organization and must develop and present a comprehensive PR strategy to a panel of award-winning industry leaders.

The competition mechanics challenge students’ strategic thinking, creativity, and execution skills under a tight deadline. Judging criteria will focus on quality of research, creativity of the big idea, feasibility of proposed executions, clarity of metrics and the actual pitch presentation. Top teams will vie for the coveted Grand Prix title, recognition from the country’s most respected PR professionals, and exciting cash prizes and professional opportunities.

The Student PR Congress and Grand Prix will take place on November 6-7, 2025 at De la Salle College of St. Benilde, 2544 Taft Avenue, Manila This event is a critical networking opportunity, bringing together students, academics, and industry veterans for a day of learning, inspiration, and competition.

Student teams are invited to review the Grand Prix full campaign mechanics here and then your attendance to the Student PR Congress register here,

Pump prices for diesel products show no signs of easing as industry sources estimate another round of hikes on Oct 7.

In an advisory, Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said the diesel prices might go up by 80 centavos to P1 per liter.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) estimate for diesel is an increase of about 50 centavos per liter.

For the previous six consecutive weeks, diesel prices had already increased by a total of P5.10 per liter.

Meanwhile, the DOE expects a potential rollback of more or less five centavos per liter of gasoline.

Bellas, on the other hand, sees either an increase or a decrease of 10 centavos for gasoline.

Kerosene prices are also expected to inch up by 25 centavos a liter.

‘Crude oil prices have declined sharply this week due to concerns about a market glut from the prospect of higher OPEC+ production output,’ Bellas said.

‘However, despite the bearish sentiment, Asian diesel market fundamentals remain supported due to shifting of regional flows to the West to meet the demands from the US and Europe as the ongoing autumn refinery maintenances, peak harvest season demand, and Russia’s partial diesel export ban have raised the risk of supply shortfalls,’ he added. /rwd

A manifesto against tobacco industry interference was launched by over 100 organizations and individuals, calling on the government to take ‘immediate and decisive action’ on the ‘manipulative and deceptive tactics’ that are making young people addicted to nicotine-based products.

Released in Pasig City last week, the manifesto, co-developed by the TobaccOFF NOW! Movement with 79 youth organizations, serves as a collective stand from young Filipinos, who are asserting their right to ‘shape our own lives’ and ‘refuse to let our health and well-being be compromised by the tobacco industry.’

This, as they hit what they have described as the tobacco industry’s desire to create a new generation addicted to traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes/vapes, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine-based products, saying that ‘we will not be deceived and manipulated, nor will we be a casualty in a public health crisis that is not of our making.’

‘The time for silent acceptance is over. This is our collective voice and our commitment,’ they said as they demanded that the government consider raising the restricted age for nicotine products, eliminating the flavors of electronic cigarettes/vapes, and terminating ‘appealing’ packaging designs.

As pointed out in the manifesto, there should also be stronger regulations on the distribution of nicotine products, as well as the imposition of a comprehensive ban on all forms of advertising, sales, and promotions of nicotine-based products, and an increased tax ‘to create an economic barrier that serves as a powerful deterrent to youth consumption.’

‘We have seen the alarming rise of a new generation hooked on traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes/vapes, and other nicotine-based products, with 1 in 7 Filipino youth having tried e-cigarettes/vapes at least once in their lives,’ said the manifesto, which was released on the celebration of World Lung Day.

They said ‘we demand accountability from those who profit from our suffering and courage from those who govern our nation to make us, the young people of this country, your priority.’

The event drew a diverse crowd, including representatives from leading tobacco control and public health organizations such as ImagineLaw, the Philippine Smoke-free Network, HealthJustice Philippines, Transcend, and the Ateneo School of Government, highlighting the widespread support for the movement’s mission of highlighting youth voices.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 is still hoisted over seven areas of Luzon as Severe Tropical Storm Paolo is now traversing the West Philippine Sea, according to the state weather bureau.

Based on its 5 p.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Paolo was last located over the coastal waters of Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur.

Even though the severe tropical storm is already in coastal waters, Pagasa emphasized that ‘heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge may still be experienced in localities outside the landfall point and the forecast confidence cone.’

TCWS No. 3 is hoisted over the following areas:

Ilocos Sur

La Union

Southwestern portion of Abra (Boliney, Sallapadan, Bucloc, Tayum, Bangued, Langiden, Pidigan, San Quintin, Pilar, Luba, Manabo, Villaviciosa, San Isidro, Peñarrubia, Bucay, Tubo)

Western portion of Kalinga (Tinglayan, Pasil)

Western portion of Mountain Province (Besao, Tadian, Sagada, Bauko, Sadanga, Bontoc, Sabangan)

Western portion of Ifugao (Hungduan, Tinoc)

Benguet

TCWS No. 2

Southern portion of Ilocos Norte (Nueva Era, Badoc, Pinili, City of Batac, Paoay, Currimao, Banna, Laoag City, San Nicolas, Sarrat, Dingras, Solsona, Marcos, Bacarra, Piddig, Pasuquin, Vintar, Carasi)

Pangasinan

The rest of Abra

The rest of Kalinga

The rest of Mountain Province

The rest of Ifugao

Western portion of Isabela (Cordon, Ramon, San Mateo, City of Santiago, Quezon, Mallig, Roxas, Aurora, San Manuel, Cabatuan)

Northwestern portion of Quirino (Cabarroguis, Saguday, Diffun)

Northern and central portions of Nueva Vizcaya (Dupax del Norte, Aritao, Santa Fe, Bayombong, Bagabag, Villaverde, Kasibu, Bambang, Diadi, Quezon, Solano, Dupax del Sur, Ambaguio, Kayapa)

Northernmost portion of Nueva Ecija (Carranglan)

TCWS No. 1

The rest of Ilocos Norte

Apayao

Batanes

Mainland Cagayan including Babuyan Islands

The rest of Isabela

The rest of Quirino

The rest of Nueva Vizcaya

Aurora

The rest of Nueva Ecija

Tarlac

Zambales

Pampanga

Bulacan

Northern portion of Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta) including Polillo Islands

Paolo is currently packing a maximum sustained wind speed of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of 165 kph, moving west-northwestward at 35 kph.

The severe tropical storm is forecast to re-intensify into a typhoon category within the next 12 hours and may exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday morning.

Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Alfredo Garbin has defended his colleague, former lawmaker Elizaldy Co, against Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s insinuations of corruption, saying that such allegations have not yet been proven in court.

In a statement on Friday, Garbin said he ‘respects’ Magalong’s views but emphasized that the mayor should also ‘be fair.’ He was referring to Magalong’s description of Co as having stolen public funds during a Senate hearing on proposed budget reforms.

Garbin also explained that his remark about Co ‘making a sacrifice’ referred to the former lawmaker’s decision to relinquish his post despite the absence of a final court ruling on possible cases against him.

‘If we immediately say that he is a ‘thief’ and call him out for alleged ‘hypocrisy’ even without a judgment, that will be painful for our democracy and the principle of due process. This is not setting aside the bases of allegations, but enforcing the spirit of the Constitution: that anyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty,’ Garbin, a lawyer by profession, said in Filipino.

Garbin also said that Magalong’s statements may be considered ‘justice that strikes before it hears,’ which he described as a ‘flawed system’ since public judgment is made ‘without proper consideration or hearing of all parties.’

‘Rep. Co’s resignation clearly shows delicadeza. He did this to ensure that there would be no influence or preference in whatever investigation would be done against him,’ he explained.

‘He did not cling to his post, unlike what some other politicians did, even though they were already accused of several things. For him, the integrity of the process is more important than power,’ he added.

During a joint hearing of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology and the Committee on Finance on Senator Bam Aquino’s Senate Bill No. 1330, or the Philippine National Budget Blockchain Act, Magalong was invited to share his concerns regarding the budget.

In his speech, Magalong touched on his short-lived stint at the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), before tackling Co’s recent resignation and Garbin’s description of it as a ‘sacrifice.’

‘They did not even think of the people. It’s even insulting because lately someone said this about the involved Congressman Zaldy Co that ‘he did not abandon it, it was a sacrifice.’ My God, you stole (from the fund) of the people and you will say it was a sacrifice on your part? And it is not an abandonment?’ Magalong asked.

‘Is that how low our standards in Congress are, Mr. Chair? Is that how shameless we are right now? Are we numb, extremely callous, and hypocrites that we insult the mentality of the Filipino people?’ he added.

According to Garbin, if that is how Magalong speaks, he should also address accusations that a company owned by the Discayas-allegedly involved in the kickback scheme and substandard infrastructure projects-was able to secure projects in Baguio.

‘And if that is the standard Mayor Magalong wants, he should also be ready to answer for the P110 million Discaya project, which many directly accuse him of being responsible for,’ the lawmaker said in Filipino

‘It is not right to be strict with others but remain silent when your own name is implicated. So before he judges and speaks harshly against others, it would be better for him to face and clear that issue first,’ he added.

Last Monday, Co announced on his Facebook page that he is stepping down from his post with a heavy heart, attaching copies of his letter to Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III.

According to Co, he is leaving the House of Representatives due to threats to his and his family’s lives and the alleged denial of due process.

He added that the party-list will inform the House who will replace him to fill one of the two seats allocated for the group.

Co is currently out of the country for what he said was a health procedure in the United States. However, Dy officially revoked Co’s travel clearance on September 18, asking Co to return within 10 days to answer allegations linking him to questionable budget insertions and contractors handling public works projects.

Co is facing issues regarding the 2025 national budget and the infrastructure project scandal.

At a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, contractor couple Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya and Sarah Discaya named several lawmakers who allegedly requested and received kickbacks from infrastructure projects after their firms secured government contracts.

Curlee Discaya also claimed that lawmakers demanded a 25 percent cut for Co and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

Co and Romualdez denied the accusations.

Last Tuesday, Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez, former officials of the Bulacan First District Engineering Office, also implicated Co and other lawmakers in the alleged kickback scheme for infrastructure projects.

Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, meanwhile, accused Co, former chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, of masterminding insertions and realignments in the 2025 national budget, much of which allegedly went to flood control.

Tiangco also filed an ethics complaint against the former Ako Bicol lawmaker.

Co disputed the allegations, saying he will respond to them in the proper forum./mcm

Severe Tropical Storm Paolo is forecast to dump more than 200 millimeters (mm) of rain in La Union and Benguet starting this Friday up to Saturday afternoon, according to the state weather bureau.

In its 5 p.m. heavy rainfall outlook, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the downpour that La Union and Benguet may experience would be intense to torrential rains.

The two provinces are among the seven Luzon areas placed under Signal No. 3, based on Pagasa’s 5 p.m. separate bulletin.

Meanwhile, heavy to intense rains, with 100 to 200 mm of rainfall, are expected over the following areas, which may also persist from this Friday until Saturday noon:

Ilocos Sur

Pangasinan

Mountain Province

Ifugao

Nueva Vizcaya

Zambales

Bataan

Moderate to heavy rains, which bring 50 to 100 mm of rainfall, are expected to persist in the following areas:

Ilocos Norte

Abra

Apayao

Kalinga

Cagayan

Isabela

Nueva Ecija

Tarlac

Quirino

Aurora

Paolo was last located over the coastal waters of Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur, packing a maximum sustained wind speed of 110 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gusts of 165 km/h.

The Philippines’ Emma Mary Tiglao has been making quite an impression at the kickoff of the 2025 Miss Grand International pageant taking place in Thailand.

The Kapampangan pageant veteran is showing that she is serious in claiming the title from reigning queen Christine Juliane ‘CJ’ Opiaza, the first Filipina to receive the Miss Grand International title.

At the welcome ceremony of this year’s edition of the international pageant, the TV host appeared in a crystal-embellished gown with prominent shoulder details and illusion bodice, crafted by Filipino designer Chico Estiva.

It was during last year’s welcome ceremony that Opiaza left an indelible impression among pageant fans and earned her status as a frontrunner in the competition.

Tiglao delivered her introduction with her signature hand movements, such antics encouraged in the Miss Grand International pageant. Punctuating her execution with a melodious exclamation of ‘the Philippines,’ she then navigated the stage with the precision expected of a seasoned beauty queen.

From the moment she left the Philippines, and upon arriving in Thailand, Tiglao had made it known that she is not playing games, showing two different looks that harken to both Filipino and Thai styles.

She came to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in a gold-hued mini dress with solihiya-patterned accents and floral details. And when she landed in Bangkok, she slipped into a gold, Thai-inspired, two-piece ensemble with a cape that draped from her left shoulder. Both creations were also from Estiva.

And when she showed up for the exclusive dinner for the lucky 10 delegates who topped the voting for the pre-arrival favorites, Tiglao revealed her quirky side with a campy Leo Almodal red mini coat dress with silver accents and a matching fascinator.

During the ‘sashing ceremony,’ a program where the delegates receive their official sashes bearing the names of their respective countries from the reigning queen, Tiglao wowed the fans with her white ensemble.

In a midriff-baring number by designer Jaysuhn Castillo of La Rosa Studio, the Filipino queen appeared in a voluminous white veil, that she later pulled back to transform it into arm accents.

The Miss Grand International pageant is known for the participants’ outrageous gimmicks, whether in their wardrobe or routine, that seem to entertain many fans of beauty contests.

Tiglao is hoping to inherit the Miss Grand International title from Opiaza and post a second consecutive win for the Philippines. The final competition will be held at the MGI Hall in Bangkok on Oct. 18.

The leading digital entertainment platform in the Philippines announced a fun-filled and entertaining night of electrifying music, exciting prizes, and Filipino charity as it presents the BingoPlus X International Series Music Festival.

With the theme ‘Swing for Filipino Sports Dream’, BingoPlus is set to turn up the beat on October 25 at the Aseana City Concert Grounds in Parañaque, delivering a memorable, world-class sports and entertainment experience for Filipinos. EDM hitmaker Alan Walker headlines the festival, joined by Pinoy pride Apl.De.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, and iconic Filipino bands including Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Urbandub, Sandwich, and Lily. Pumping up the crowd are DJs Arthur Tan, Hoest, and DJ Kiara, with high-energy performances from world champion dance crews A-Team and UPeepz. The event will be hosted by Anjo Pertierra and Shaira Diaz.

Beyond the music, the festival will feature family-friendly fun like mini golf, a thrilling treasure hunt, an open-air cinema area, exciting photobooths, and vibrant food zones-all with the chance to win exclusive BingoPlus x ISP premium prize.

What makes the night even more special is the festival’s commitment to donate ?5 million, plus ?200.00 for each ticket redeemed on-site. Festival-goers will also have the chance to win cash prizes and gifts from a prize pool worth ?5 million.

Gates will open at 11:00 AM, with main stage performances starting at 8:00 PM.

To secure free regular tickets, simply create or log in to your BingoPlus account through the app or website at www.bingoplus.com and place a minimum bet of P500.00 or make a minimum deposit of P100.00. You can also check out promotions on BingoPlus’ official social media pages for various online activities to get free regular tickets, which includes posts, likes, comments, and sharing mechanics. While you can get free VIP and SVIP tickets by topping the BingoPlus EDM leaderboard in the app.

All ticket holders are guaranteed with meal vouchers, gift packs, exclusive access, and gift packs with worth varying from P500.00 to 1,500.00

To know more about ticketing and promo, visit BingoPlus App or website at www.bingoplus.com.

These exciting festivities are part of a week-long celebration of world-class golf, entertainment, and fun at the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus.

Two days after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake jolted a 2025 Miss Asia Pacific International pageant event, the delegates learned ‘grounding’ to help them process their entire experience with the tremor.

The organizers held a ‘Leadership Excellence Achievement Program’ (LEAP) seminar called ‘Holding Space: Grounding After the Shaking’ conducted by the Epiphany Collective in Mandaue City, Cebu, on Thursday morning, Oct. 2.

Cambodia’s Mealyann Nita Saing told Inquirer Entertainment that the session served as ‘healing’ for them. ‘Some of us are okay, and some of us are not okay. But being able to hold space is very important, and I think they showed a good example how to hold space for others,’ she said.

Belgium’s Jana Janssens said the activity was a ‘great opportunity’ to discuss their experiences together. She sustained a minor injury after jumping off the stage when the earthquake shook their benefit gala night at Raddisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City on Sept. 30.

‘I was one of the last girls standing on stage, so we saw the worst part of it, we saw the glass falling down. I fell off the stage. It really helped me to talk about the experience, to process everything,’ she shared.

Kayla Jane Usison from the United States may be ‘very used to earthquakes’ living in California where tremors also occur. But she said they all needed the activity. ‘Holding space for other girls, and being present for them, it’s good. I learned new things for coping,’ she said.Australia’s Deborah Madriaga agreed, and said she loved the program. ‘Today I had a breakdown because I didn’t feel all the emotions at the moment. I was just in shock. I was just looking after my girls. When they started asking about our emotions, how we felt, that’s when, I was just feeling emotional, I was crying,’ she shared.

‘Because we never got to really express how we feel. We’re quite scared. It was a very vulnerable moment. But like I said to everyone, vulnerability is not a weakness, rather it’s a source of strength. And I really hope that we all took that in, and we’re all able to talk to one another, and just unite,’ she continued.

Hannah Leigh Cross from New Zealand also found the event necessary. ‘We as women really need the empowerment, that kind of push to get us back on our feet and keep moving. And I think what’s really great is that now we have a new purpose, which is to support the people of Cebu,’ she said.

The organization said it was ‘realigning’ the activities ‘in a spirit of compassion and solidarity’ with the province of Cebu. The preliminay competition originally scheduled on Oct. 3 was scrapped, and the delegates instead volunteered in the packing of relief goods for two consecutive days.

They are also set to visit three locations in the province of Cebu that bore the brunt of the earthquake the most, to distribute goods to the residents who are among the most affected by the tremor.

‘I’m really excited to journey to the epicenter tomorrow, to ground zero, and help those who really need the support right now. The grounding seminar was so fantastic, so needed. And I’m just so grateful for the organization to be able to organize that for us, because it was amazing,’ Cross said.

Saing also commended the organization, saying ‘they did such an amazing job of just keeping us safe and protected, guiding us through it. And everybody panicked in different ways, and they were able to help each different style or variation of that panic, which was really like heartwarming, because that is really hard to do. I’m really lucky to be part of this organization, and I know that they care about their girls.’

Janssens, a veteran of numerous competitions, said the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant is ‘one of the best’ that she has competed in. ‘I think a lot of pageantry can learn about them. They are doing very good for their girls. I’m really proud of them,’ she said.

‘Thank you for taking so much care of me. They stayed with me the whole time. I was feeling a little bit guilty even, because the staff, they were so tired, also didn’t sleep, only for an hour, I’m so grateful for them. I have texted them already that I’m so grateful for it,’ she continued.

Usison also expressed her gratitude to the organization. ‘I stayed calm and collected because they did all the freaking out for me, honestly. For me I just listened to where they are going, and I just trusted their direction. So I’m really thankful that we have great leader to lead us for this competition,’ she said.

Miss Asia Pacific International Executive Director Jacqueline Tan-Sainz said the organization found it necessary to hold the grounding activity to help the ladies cope with the aftermath of the massive earthquake.

‘The reason why we’re here is because it’s very hard to give something that you don’t have. Because your heart should be full before you get to help other people. So today is all about filling your heart, because later and tomorrow we will continue helping,’ she said.

‘We will be going to ground zero where it actually happened. So you will be seeing the people who are in need, not just packing like what we did yesterday. So we’re actually gonna be with them, help them, be in touch with them. And we hope that today we’re able to fill your heart and prepare you for what you’re gonna do tomorrow,’ Tan-Sainz added.

The Miss Asia Pacific International pageant will crown a new queen at the Cebu Coliseum on Oct. 8. Forty-three ladies from around the world are competing for the title, including Anita Rose Gomez who hopes to post the Philippines’ sixth victory in the competition.