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Police seized P11 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in Barangay Talaban in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

The Maritime Police said two men from Zamboanga City and Jolo in Sulu were caught unloading 190 boxes of Fort, Pure and Berlin cigarettes but failed to produce documents to prove proper importation.

Both men are detained at the Himamaylan City Police Station pending the filing of charges for violation of Section 1401 of Republic Act 10863 (Unlawful Importation) and Section 6 of Republic Act 10643 (Graphic Health Warnings on Tobacco Products Act of 2014).

The Judicial and Bar Council released the shortlist for the candidates for the position of Ombudsman, with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla on the list.

Six other individuals are also included in the shortlist released on Monday, October 6, namely:

Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan

Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario Lopez

Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi

Philippine Competition Commissioner Michael Aguinaldo

Philippine Postal Corporation Chairman Stephen Cruz

Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza Logan

Article XI, Section 9 of the 1987 Constitution states that vacancies from the Ombudsman must be filled within three months from the vacancy.

Like members of the judiciary, the Ombudsman is appointed by the president and does not need confirmation from the Commission on Appointments.

The Ombudsman also has a non-renewable term of seven years and can only be removed through impeachment.

The individual who will be appointed to the post will occupy the Office of the Ombudsman, which was vacated by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term expired on July 27, 2025.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier cleared Remulla to be in the running for the post amid kidnapping and arbitrary detention charges filed against him over the government’s handover of detained former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court.

Senate President Tito Sotto is pushing to eliminate unprogrammed appropriations for locally funded projects, saying only foreign-assisted programs should remain under this funding scheme.

At a press briefing on Monday, October 6, Sotto said the move aims to tighten transparency in the national budget after revelations that lawmakers’ insertions into unprogrammed funds have been used in alleged kickback schemes.

‘I have discussed it with our chairman of the committee on finance. We will, as much as possible – and if possible 100% – have no unprogrammed funds,’ Sotto said.

Reform push. Unprogrammed appropriations are standby unallocated funds that can be released only under certain fiscal conditions, such as excess revenue collection or new loans. These allocations have long drawn criticism for being vulnerable to abuse.

Now, Sotto said, every project, as much as possible, must be a line item. He also stressed that by the time the proposed budget reaches second reading, no further changes should be made during the bicameral conference committee.

‘It must be clear who the proponent of every budgetary item is,’ he said.

He added that only foreign-assisted projects should be exempt, since these are typically funded by external loans that trigger automatic releases once approved.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Congress has repeatedly expanded unprogrammed appropriations beyond what the executive branch initially asked for, drawing scrutiny from watchdog groups and reform advocates.

Controversy. Sen. Joel Villanueva has been accused by a former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer of inserting projects as unprogrammed funds for later kickbacks, including those awarded to Wawao Builders, a contractor linked to ghost projects. Funding for Wawao Builders has since been pulled from the unprogrammed fund.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate finance committee, has expressed support for Sotto’s position, saying the chamber is intent on maintaining full transparency in the 2026 budget deliberations.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) yesterday lauded a Tarlac court’s ruling voiding the birth certificate of suspected Chinese spy Alice Guo.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 111’s decision on Sept. 24 is a ‘landmark victory’ amid President Marcos’ directive to uphold the integrity of Philippine identity and civil registry documents.

Guo, former mayor of Bamban, had been identified as Chinese national Guo Hua Ping, as authorities probed crimes committed by Philippine offshore gaming operators.

Viado assured the public that the BI will continue to coordinate with the Department of Justice and other agencies to deport foreigners posing as Filipinos.

From the start, the parting seemed inevitable.

As Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson took the helm of the Blue Ribbon committee, people thought it was only a matter of time before the panel’s probe on flood control and budgeting anomalies would lead to the doorsteps of the Senate itself.

Yesterday, amid reported grumblings from colleagues about the direction taken by the Blue Ribbon probe, and accusations that he was shielding congressmen led by resigned speaker Martin Romualdez and Zaldy Co from blame, Lacson announced his resignation from the committee.

His resignation comes on the heels of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong quitting the Independent Commission for Infrastructure. Magalong resigned after being told that he was merely an adviser and not an investigator of the ICI in the flood control mess, and amid insinuations that he and the Baguio government had dealings with controversial contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya.

Considering the role of lawmakers in the budget process, and their possible involvement in crooked deals with contractors and public works officials, Congress can in fact allow the ICI to take over the flood control probe.

But with the ICI refusing to open even portions of its hearings to the public, the Blue Ribbon sessions led by Lacson have helped enlighten the nation about the modes and extent of the thievery that has become institutionalized in government.

The flood control mess is also not the only issue covered by the oversight functions of the Blue Ribbon. Whoever replaces Lacson must be deemed credible, impartial and competent in conducting a congressional probe.

Lacson has vowed to continue his crusade against corruption. He can continue delivering privilege speeches backed by efficient investigation, similar to the bombshell that he dropped on substandard and ghost flood control projects in Bulacan and Oriental Mindoro.

The Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman can also pick up where the Blue Ribbon left off. Nothing stops the ombudsman and the DOJ, which has supervision over the national prosecution service and the National Bureau of Investigation, from initiating probes into criminal activities involving trillions of pesos in public funds. This is part of their mandate, which they can carry out even without waiting for recommendations from the ICI.

What people want is transparency in uncovering the corruption, speedy and impartial prosecution, swift punishment of crooks, and reforms to prevent their repeat.

Even outside the Blue Ribbon, Lacson can still contribute to this effort. His short-lived stint in the Blue Ribbon shows what happens when someone disrupts business as usual in the old boys’ club at the Senate.

The government shutdown in the US is a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and the blood spatter will probably prevent us from learning key details about the American economy in a timely fashion. But that’s only an added layer of complexity for the BSP, which has had to endure unprecedented levels of abnormality from the US since the Trump takeover of the government closed in January. Consensus appears to be that the recent storms (and the apprehension of further storms) will cause the BSP to leave interest rates unchanged should those events cause disruptions in the supply chain for various food items, leading to price increases due to scarcity. Banks are loving it. People are drowning, literally and figuratively.

Investors are expected to closely monitor key local economic data releases this week to sustain the market’s recovery.

‘We have seen a good bounce of the market from the 5,900 low. We should expect this to be sustained,’ Sun Life Investment Management president Michael Enriquez said.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) closed in positive territory last Friday at 6,108.86, climbing back to the 6,100-mark after retreating to the 5,900 level earlier in the week.

Week-on-week, the PSEi jumped by 1.36 percent, while the broader All Shares index gained by 1.13 percent.

‘The local bourse managed to recover midweek after briefly dipping below the 6,000 level, as bargain hunting and repositioning ahead of key economic data lifted sentiment,’ 2TradeAsia.com said.

The online brokerage firm said that while the PSEi’s range-bound struggle and global risks keep sentiment muted, current levels present a strategic entry for long-term capital.

‘Global slowdown signals and domestic lethargy suggest a cautious approach, but undervaluation in the local equity market offers selective upside for nimble investors,’ it said.

This week, Philstocks Financial research manager Japhet Tantiangco said investors are expected to watch out for the Philippines’ September inflation data and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s policy decision.

Tantiangco said that an inflation rate within the BSP’s 1.5 percent to 2.3 percent projection, especially one biased toward the lower end, may give sentiment a boost.

He said that a rate cut or signals of further policy easing in the near-term are also seen as helping to lift sentiment.

‘Investors are also expected to take cues from the movement of other financial markets. A further improvement in the peso’s position and a further decline in yields are expected to help the market,’ Tantiangco said.

Immediate support is seen at 6,000, while resistance is at 6,200.

As I reflect on the 20 years since founding Go Negosyo, I am reminded of the journey that has empowered micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to rise to their role of becoming a cornerstone of the Philippine economy. Since 2005 and until now, it is clear that to champion entrepreneurship, I needed to build essential partnerships with the government and rally support from the private sector.

The success of Go Negosyo has always hinged on collaboration. From its inception, the partnership between government and the private sector has been pivotal. When I was appointed as the Presidential Consultant for Entrepreneurship by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the same year I founded Go Negosyo, it marked the beginning of a harmonious alliance aimed at creating an enabling environment for MSMEs. This partnership inspired the launch of nationwide entrepreneurship caravans and sectoral dialogues that have empowered countless entrepreneurs throughout the Philippines.

Through these initiatives, I saw how effective collaboration can lead to significant results. For instance, the entrepreneurship mentoring caravans not only provided access to resources but also facilitated networking opportunities among the entrepreneurs themselves. This exchange of ideas and experiences has proven invaluable for the MSMEs that participated in our activities.

Moreover, the role of the government in this partnership cannot be overstated. Policies that support entrepreneurship, such as access to funding and training, have been critical in helping MSMEs thrive. The government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment has encouraged many aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap and start their own ventures. This collaboration has not only provided the necessary resources and support for MSMEs but has also fostered a culture of entrepreneurship that is vital for economic growth and resilience. The lessons learned from our experiences with past administrations underscore the need for continued cooperation and innovation.

During the tenure of former president Rodrigo Duterte, our advocacy evolved in response to emerging challenges. The introduction of the KMME (Kapatid Mentor Me Program) in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry proved that collaborating with government agencies can amplify the efforts of private sector. And when we scaled up KMME into the ASEAN Mentorship for Entrepreneurs Network, it showed how a Filipino original can transform our neighboring countries’ MSMEs.

Furthermore, in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, our A Dose of Hope initiative exemplified the power of private-public partnerships in crisis management. Recognizing the devastating impact of the pandemic on businesses, Go Negosyo mobilized resources and collaborated with various stakeholders to support MSMEs. Initiatives included providing access to vaccines for employees and launching digital platforms to help businesses pivot to online operations.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Go Negosyo broadened its reach, focusing on untapped entrepreneur groups such as women, youth and overseas Filipinos. The First Lady’s LAB for All social and medical services caravan enabled us to take our entrepreneurship to more communities. The President’s prioritization of agriculture and food security dovetailed and fueled our drive to create agripreneurs of our farmers and expand what we began with Kapatid Agri Mentor ME Program, and allowed us to evolve it to Kapatid Angat Lahat sa Agri Program and to the region-wide ASEAN Food Security Alliance.

Our experience affirms that we need to rally even more support from the private sector to ensure that our initiatives are sustainable and impactful. The private sector has a vital role to play in this ongoing narrative. By investing in MSMEs and providing mentorship, resources and market access, big-brother corporations can help cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. This partnership is an investment in the future of our economy. When large corporations invest in MSMEs, they create a ripple effect that benefits the entire community, leading to job creation and competitiveness in the region.

An essential aspect of supporting MSMEs is providing access to education and training, most especially the future generation of entrepreneurs. We set up programs dedicated to working with the education sector and introduced public school students to the entrepreneurial mindset and financial literacy. There is so much potential in this collaboration between the private sector, government and educational institutions to create the next generation of entrepreneurs.

The success of Go Negosyo is a collective achievement. It is a reminder of what can be accomplished when we unite for our hardworking small entrepreneurs. We must continue to advocate for them and ensure that they have access to financing, training and markets.

Moving forward beyond our second decade, several key actions must be prioritized. We must continue to strengthen public-private partnerships and collaborations with the government. We must invest in education and training programs to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to adapt to a changing business environment. The private sector must continue to actively support MSMEs through mentorship, funding and access to markets to build a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. Inclusivity is also crucial; empowering groups such as women and the youth with the right tools and resources is vital for their success. Finally, embracing innovation by encouraging MSMEs to adopt digital tools will enhance their competitiveness in an evolving market.

Even as I look back at the milestone that is the 20th year of Go Negosyo, I never fail to remind myself that there is much more work to be done. The difference between now and 2005 is that I am reassured that there are so many Filipinos in the private sector who are willing to help our entrepreneurs, and that our business and government leaders appreciate the role of MSMEs in achieving a more inclusive and prosperous economy for generations of Filipinos to come.

Later this year, the Philippine qualifiers for the Pickleball Champions League (PCL) Asia will kick off.

There, eight teams will compete in the PCL Philippines qualifiers on November 15 to 16, with the champion earning a $5,000 travel grant for the Asia Finals in China.

In the PCL Asia Final, a prize pool of $256,000 (about P14.8 million) is at stake, with the Grand Champion bringing home a $30,000, or more than P1.7 million.

In Season 1 of PCL Asia, a team from the Philippines – made up of Ken dela Cruz, Nik Isagan, Fatima Amirul and Meds Saraza – won the gold after a commanding 3-0 victory over Vietnam.

Now, the Philippines will try to win the title anew, but this time, the field will be tougher.

So, what is pickleball, one of the fastest-rising sports not only in the Philippines, but in the world?

‘Like tennis, but more addicting’

Conceptualized in 1965 when a lazy Saturday afternoon prompted Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell found their families sitting around with nothing to do, the sport was created to ‘provide a game that the whole family could play together.’

Decades later, in 2016, the first known pickleball clinic in the Philippines was held in Cebu, according to the Philippine Pickleball Federation.

Pickleball, from the outside looking in, looks like when badminton, tennis and table tennis had a baby.

According to USA Pickleball, the sport could be played in singles or doubles, with a racket and a ball, in a 20×44 court. The net height is at 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the center.

Points could only be won by the serving team, and games are normally played to 11 points, and won by two points. Tournament games, though, may be up to 15 or 21.

There is also a two-bounce rule, where, after the serve (that must be underhand), each side must let the ball bounce once on the floor before a volley could be done.

In an interview with Philstar.com, Amirul said there is ‘not much difference’ between pickleball and tennis.

Amirul, who won a gold medal in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games for soft tennis, bared the footwork and form of tennis is similar to pickleball.

‘The difference lang is the court, which is more similar to badminton. And then yung paddles, which is similar to table tennis. Scoring is similar to, I think, volleyball and badminton as well. So yun lang po yung difference na,’ she said.

‘And the ball, the ball is more of a plastic, a hard plastic kind of thing,’ she added.

The similarities and differences were echoed by her teammate, Isagan.

The 23-year-old Isagan, who started playing tennis back when he was seven, said the fundamentals of tennis is very similar to pickleball.

‘Yung foundation talaga, yung footwork, how you hit the ball, paano yung stroke sa tennis, it’s also the same sa pickleball,’ he stated in a separate interview with reporters.

‘Like chess’

But another thing both pickleball players find different is the way the sport is played.

‘Well, honestly, growing up playing tennis, it was very competitive. So yung environment, it was all about competition. You have to compete with other players on a serious level,’ Amirul emphasized.

‘So when I started playing pickleball, I noticed how the community was all about having fun. Everyone was friends with each other. What matters is you go home smiling and laughing, which was totally different from the lawn tennis scene,’ she added.

This was agreed upon by Isagan.

‘Yung difference lang is mas dapat relaxed ka kasi once manggigil ka, that’s the time na mag-make ka ng more errors,’ he said.

‘Sa tennis kasi before, we were always aggressive. Hinahataw namin each ball na nahahawakan namin. Here, it’s more like chess, dapat, planado, you’re four, five steps ahead bago mo gagawin,’ he added.

Tennis and padel

Still, though, Amirul underscored that her background as a tennis player made the switch to the new sport much smoother.

‘No, actually having a tennis background or any racket sports background made transitioning to pickleball easier. I was blessed to have a tennis background.’

Isagan, for his part, said that while the actual transition to pickleball was easier, he had a harder time justifying the shift to his family, especially since his family was almost all tennis players.

‘Yung family ng dad ko are all tennis players so I felt obligated na dapat ako tennis player din ako. So at a young age, I really tried na tennis. And then it helped a lot transitioning to pickleball,’ he said.

‘Actually nagsimula, ayaw ng parents ko. Kasi like sabi nila, ‘Paano yung tennis mo? Sayang naman si tennis.’ Sabi ko, parang outlet ko lang to have fun naman once in a while. And then, hindi naman expect na darating yung ganitong blessings na nakapanalo ng mga big events sa pickleball,’ he added.

Now, he has been playing pickleball for two years.

‘And then after those ilang arguments namin ng parents ko, they tried pickleball and now they’re super addicts na they play until 2 a.m. Nagpagawa na sila ng sarili nilang court sa province namin. So they’re that addicted na mas addict pa sila kesa sakin.’

Philippine pride

Filipinos have now shown they have what it takes to win overseas pickleball tourneys.

So what are the advantages of Filipinos in the sport?

Isagan said the heart and resiliency of bets from the Philippines.

‘For me, as a Pinoy, I think the biggest advantage is tayo yung pinaka-resilient. Hindi lang sa mga calamities, pati din sa sports. Yung tibay ng puso natin,’ the former said.

‘Even though we’re behind na for ilang points, we still manage to pull up a win sa tiwala lang at sa tigas ng puso,’ he added.

He also acknowledged that while Filipinos are not the tallest and the strongest, they have what it takes to conquer the stage.

Amirul, for her part, said one advantage of Filipinos is being able to start early in the sport.

‘yung ibang countries po, they’re just starting. Like they just discovered pickleball, so wala pa sila yung parang solid na players,’ she underscored.

‘I think that’s one of the advantages. Kasi early pa lang, we already know who’s solid and how we can gauge ourselves kung saan tayo sa international level.’

The Department of Health (DOH) has started a case buildup against those involved in the alleged irregularities in the agency.

‘Actually, the DOH has been investigating these anomalies way before the media picked it up,’ Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a post on social media, in reaction to reports of corruption in the department.

‘Several actions have been taken already, and we continue to do case buildup,’ he added.

Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo previously said the DOH welcomes any investigation into so-called ghost health centers reportedly built under the DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program but later turned out to be unfinished or unusable.