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FOR the third time, Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Thursday failed to appear at the plenary debates on the proposed P902.03-million budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for 2026, instead setting two conditions before agreeing to face lawmakers.

Duterte named the two demands in a letter dated September 30, 2025, addressed to House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Rep. Mikaela Suansing and read on the floor by Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez, sponsor of the OVP budget.

‘The House of Representatives demands the attendance of President Marcos for the 27.3-billion pesos budget deliberation of the Office of the President,’ Duterte demanded.

Duterte also demanded that the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability produce a Department of Justice (DOJ) certification confirming the lifting of the Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against seven OVP personnel, namely, Atty. Zuleika T. Lopez, Mr. Lemuel G. Ortonio, Atty. Rosnelne L. Sanchez, Atty. Francis Chanray A. Fajarda, Ms. Gina E. Austero, Ms. Julieta L. Villadiego, and Mr. Edward D. Fajarda.

‘Mr. Speaker, there is no one from the Office of the Vice President, and I am prepared to stand alone here and stand for the budget of the OVP,’ Alvarez said on the plenary floor, stressing that the committee had given Duterte’s office ‘utmost respect’ in the budget process. He added that the committee will no longer respond to Duterte’s letter, calling October 2 the ‘last day’ for deliberations.

Blatant insult

Opposition lawmakers did not hold back their criticism and vowed to push for the reduction of the OVP budget.

Rep. Leila de Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal Party List denounced Duterte’s repeated absences as a blatant insult to the constitutional budget process.

‘Disrespecting the budgetary process of this body is a clear case of disrespect of our Constitution,’ de Lima said. ‘If she can afford to show up at the Senate and applaud a privileged speech, why can she not spare a few moments to defend the budget of her office? Enough is enough. Enough of her brattiness.’

De Lima said she intends to move for a reduction of the OVP’s budget, sparing only funds for Personal Services (PS) and maintenance and operating expenses (MOOE) while scrapping allocations for operational programs.

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio echoed the sentiment, stressing that the issue was not political grandstanding but accountability.

‘I condemn her disrespect toward the people for not even showing up to take responsibility,’ Tinio said, vowing to file a motion to slash the OVP’s budget and retain only the funds needed for employees’ salaries.

Disaster Tech Lab, a global nonprofit providing communications and disaster response support, confirmed today that it is mobilizing a combined communications and medical response team to Cebu following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck the island on September 30.

The deployment follows ongoing contact with local partners in Arapal, Northern Cebu, where the organization has previously worked.

The quake severely impacted communities across Cebu, triggering at least 349 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 4.8 and causing widespread disruption to essential services. Cellular networks and internet access were compromised in many areas, limiting the ability of residents to reach help and hindering coordination among responders.

To address this gap, Disaster Tech Lab is sending a field team to deploy and operate resilient communication systems. Their goal is to restore connectivity where it is needed most, enabling disaster response agencies, first responders, and local communities to coordinate rescue, medical aid, logistics, and recovery operations.

Communication is a lifeline during calamities. When networks fail, responders lose the ability to track relief convoys, direct ambulances, and share information about safe zones or shelter availability. Families cannot contact missing loved ones. Local governments struggle to receive accurate damage reports. Each delay costs time, and in a disaster zone, time can mean the difference between rescue and loss. By restoring communications, Disaster Tech Lab ensures that information flows where it matters most: from the field to decision-makers and from communities to aid providers.

Alongside this, Disaster Tech Lab’s medical team will operate pop-up clinics in Arapal and nearby towns. Staffed by EMTs, paramedics, registered nurses, and licensed doctors, the clinics will provide urgent care, triage, and treatment for injuries and health concerns, ensuring vulnerable populations have timely access to lifesaving care during the relief effort.

This mission also marks a new chapter for the organization. In September 2025, Disaster Tech Lab secured 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in the United States, expanding its operational reach and making it easier for donors to support its work. The Cebu mission demonstrates this new capacity by combining advanced communications support with frontline medical care.

‘Our mission is to provide critical communications and medical support where it is needed most,’ said Evert Bopp, CEO of Disaster Tech Lab. ‘By combining internet access with frontline medical care, we can remove barriers to aid and ensure communities in Cebu receive both lifesaving treatment and the ability to stay connected during this crisis’.

Disaster Tech Lab has supported humanitarian and disaster relief operations worldwide, including post-hurricane recovery in New York, earthquake response in Haiti, flooding in Peru, typhoon relief in the Philippines, and medical network support during the Ebola outbreak in Liberia.

Disaster Tech Lab is not new to the Philippines. In past calamities, it collaborated with Handang Tumulong Foundation Inc. (HTFI), a Filipino nonprofit based in New York that has long supported disaster relief through partners such as Caritas Manila, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Rotary Clubs, Jesuit foundations, and parish networks.

Residents of Cebu continue to endure aftershocks. Families report children unable to sleep at night. Farmers face irrigation and livestock losses. Students remain displaced from classrooms. Evacuation centers are overcrowded and water supplies are stretched thin.

The restoration of communications is expected to accelerate relief delivery and improve coordination among agencies. Long-term recovery, however, will require sustained support from government institutions, international donors, and diaspora groups working in partnership with organizations like Disaster Tech Lab and HTFI.

Donations to support the Cebu 2025 response can be made directly through Disaster Tech Lab’s official site. Contributions fund satellite equipment, medical supplies, logistics, and field operations. Secure links are available here: https://disastertechlab.org/cebu2025/ and https://disastertechlab.org/donate-now/.

Disaster Tech Lab is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010 to bridge the critical gap when communication systems fail during disasters. The organization deploys worldwide to restore internet, phone, and Wi-Fi in crisis zones, ensuring survivors stay connected and responders can coordinate relief. Beyond restoring networks, it trains local volunteers to maintain and use the technology, building resilience and self-sufficiency in vulnerable communities. Its rapid-response teams are equipped to assess needs, set up communications, and support medical and logistical operations. Disaster Tech Lab relies on volunteers and donors to sustain its mission.

Editor’s Note: The information in this release is based on the official announcement from Disaster Tech Lab (October 2, 2025) and publicly available records of Handang Tumulong Foundation Inc.’s past disaster relief activities. Operational details, deployment progress, and donation impact are reported as provided by the organizations.

PERPETUAL Help started off its National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 101 basketball campaign with a dominant 67-54 victory over San Sebastian College-Recoletos on Friday at San Juan Arena.

The Altas join Mapua in the win column of Group A.

‘Having that first win is always welcome, but we have a lot of things to cover,’ said Altas head coach Olsen Racela. ‘This is just one win, but I think I liked our defensive effort today.’

Mark Gojo Cruz led the Altas with 15 points, two rebounds, and two assists, while John Abis, John Boral, and rookie Patrick Sleat each chipped in 10 points.

Tristan Felebrico was the lone bright spot for the Golden Stags, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds.

JRU stuns Letran

Jose Rizal University opened its campaign with a stunning 73-69 victory over Letran.

The Heavy Bombers led by as many as 16 points before surviving a furious 23-point fourth-quarter rally from the Knights that nearly derailed their upset bid.

Justin Lozano paced JRU with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Sean Salvador added 10 points.

Jimboy Estrada led Letran with 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Newcomers Jonathan Manalili and Chad Gammad chipped in 11 points apiece in the losing effort.

Adamson University clinched its first victory in UAAP Season 88 Collegiate football tournament, routing University of the East, 3-0, on Thursday night at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite.

Cameroonian striker Golike Dany Doko opened the scoring in the 9th minute, followed by Carl Mahinay’s strike in the 41st to double the Soaring Falcons’ lead.

After missing several chances to extend their advantage, Roberto Roldan sealed the win in the 74th minute, ensuring Adamson claimed all three points.

UE had opportunities to respond in the second half, but Karl Festin and Jerome Abarca failed to convert.

The victory also marked goalkeeper Shane Salarda’s first clean sheet of the season.

‘Credit to them. The way they played, the energy they gave. They came out to win,’ Adamson coach Dalton Digha said. ‘I’m proud of them and I think they played their best game this season.’

UE, already missing head coach Frank Muescan and defenders Mark Maghinay and Christian Tio due to suspensions from last Sunday’s incident against Ateneo-which also led to a three-point deduction-faced another blow when Keith Hermoso was sent off in stoppage time for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Adamson, coming off a 2-2 draw with the University of Santo Tomas, will next face the University of the Philippines at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the UP Football Stadium.

UE, still at the bottom of the standings, will take on defending champion Far Eastern University at 4 p.m. the same day.

Agyei lifts Ateneo past UST

GHANA’s Kofi Agyei scored in both halves to lead Ateneo to a 2-1 win over University of Santo Tomas.

Agyei struck in the 29th minute off a long pass from Mateo Lacson, then added a second after halftime from a low cross by Dov Cariño. He now has four goals this season.

The win moved Ateneo to second place with six points and a +4 goal difference, ahead of La Salle (4 pts, 0 GD). Ateneo and La Salle face off Sunday at 4 p.m. at UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Coach Paul Madrona, filling in for suspended head coach JP Merida, said injuries forced the team to rely on remaining key players and seniors to guide the rookies.

Ateneo dominated early, with Cariño linking well with Agyei and Joziah Rance. UST nearly responded after Agyei’s second goal, but Chris Valderama’s shot was saved by Alfonso Loja.

Late in the match, UST earned a penalty. Archie Belluga’s initial shot was blocked, but he scored on the rebound.

UST, still searching for a win, faces defending champion FEU on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Merida was suspended for verbally lashing out at UAAP Commissioner Rely San Agustin during a heated incident in the match against the University of the East on Sunday.

LOANS extended by Universal and Commercial Banks (UKBs) posted their slowest growth in nine months, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

BSP data showed loans from UKBs grew 11.2 percent in August 2025, the slowest since the 11.1 percent posted in November 2024. In April 2025, these loans also grew 11.2 percent.

The data showed that after adjusting for seasonal fluctuations, outstanding UKB loans increased by 0.4 percent month-on-month in August.

‘The BSP monitors bank loans because they are a key transmission channel of monetary policy. Looking ahead, the BSP will ensure that domestic liquidity and bank lending conditions remain consistent with its price and financial stability mandates,’ BSP said.

Outstanding loans to residents grew by 11.6 percent in August-also the slowest posted since the 11.4 percent in November 2024.

BSP also said outstanding loans to non-residents recorded a decline of 5.9 percent in August, an improvement from the contraction of 8.1 in July, but a reversal from the 1.5-percent growth posted in August 2024.

Loans meant to finance business activities grew 9.9 percent in August 2025, the slowest since the 9.8 percent recorded in November 2024. Last year, loans for these establishments saw a 9.4 percent increase.

BSP said lending increased for real estate activities at 11 percent; electricity, gas, steam, and air-conditioning supply, 28.1 percent; wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 8.1 percent; financial and insurance activities, 6.9 percent; and information and communication, 7.5 percent.

Meanwhile, consumer loans to residents-which included credit card, motor vehicle, and general-purpose salary loans-increased by 23.9 percent the fastest since the 24 posted in June 2025.

The data showed credit card loans posted a 29.7-percent growth, the highest since the 29.9 percent posted in June while Motor Vehicle Loans grew 19.4 percent, the fastest in eight months or December 2024 when these borrowings increased 19.5 percent.

Salary-Based General Purpose Consumption Loans, meanwhile, grew 6.4 percent in August 2025. This is the slowest in over three years or May 2022 when these borrowings posted a 6.3 percent growth.

The BSP data also showed other consumer loans grew 20.1 percent in August 2025, the slowest since the 15.8 percent recorded three years ago or August 2022.

Meanwhile, with the increase in loans, the BSP reported that domestic liquidity or M3, the amount of money in the economy, grew by 6.6 percent year-on-year, the fastest growth since January 2025.

Domestic liquidity is about P18.59 trillion in August 2025, the lowest level recorded since the P18.54 trillion posted in June 2025.

‘M3 is a broad measure of money supply that includes currencies in circulation, bank deposits, and other financial assets that are easily convertible to cash,’ BSP said.

The BSP said M3 is a driver of money supply, claims on the domestic sector, which includes private and government entities in the country, rose by 9.8 percent year-on-year in August from 10.5 percent in July.

‘Claims on a sector represent that sector’s liabilities to depository corporations [e.g., banks and the central bank],’ BSP said.

Claims on the private sector alone grew by 11.1 percent in August from 11 percent in the previous month, driven by the continued expansion in bank lending to non-financial private corporations and households.

Net claims on the central government increased by 6.1 percent from 7.1 percent in the previous month, driven by its higher borrowings.

Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose by 4.8 percent year-on-year in August from the 0.6-percent decline in July. NFA represents the difference between claims on nonresidents and liabilities to nonresidents of depository corporations.

The BSP’s NFA increased by 0.7 percent. The banks’ NFA also grew amid a decline in their foreign currency-denominated bills payable.

Singapore is revving up for another thrilling season as the Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) returns, bringing together the excitement of world-class racing with the city’s vibrant cultural, lifestyle, and entertainment scene. More than a sporting spectacle, GPSS transforms Singapore into a festival ground where speed meets artistry, heritage, and community.

And this is not even the race yet. As early as September, pop-up events across the city have been building anticipation, from interactive showcases at Marina Bay Sands to exhibitions and cultural happenings in neighborhoods. The energy of GPSS can already be felt everywhere, and we cannot wait for the real race to happen from October 3 to 5.

In the heart of Chinatown, the atmosphere is electric. Chinatown Complex Food Centre, the largest hawker centre in Singapore, fills with people eager to sample local favorites, while the nearby Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple draw visitors to experience the richness of the city’s diverse heritage. The colorful streets of Ann Siang Hill add to the energy, offering both history and vibrant photo opportunities for visitors who want to immerse themselves fully in Singapore’s cultural mix.

The celebrations extend beyond heritage into modern showcases. Gallery 26 welcomes fans with free entry to explore motorsport history, featuring cars once driven by Charles Leclerc and Kimi Räikkönen, alongside Carlos Sainz’s signed helmet. Meanwhile, Marina Bay Sands transforms into an interactive playground with exclusive pop-ups and team merchandise, and fashion enthusiasts can check out the Lando Ralph Lauren pop-up, creating a festive atmosphere that blends global racing culture with Singapore’s world-class hospitality.

GPSS is more than just a race weekend. It transforms the entire city into a celebration where music festivals, culinary pop-ups, fashion showcases, and art installations come together, highlighting Singapore’s vibrant, multicultural character. From savoring local flavors at bustling hawker centres to enjoying cutting-edge performances, exploring interactive exhibits, or visiting exclusive pop-ups like Lando Ralph Lauren, there is truly something for everyone to experience and remember.

The engines are warming up, the city is buzzing, and the countdown is on. With every corner of Singapore alive with excitement, Singapore comes alive as the true star, offering thrills and experiences at every turn that you cannot miss. Get ready to feel the thrill, join the celebrations, and be part of a season that promises unforgettable moments from October 3 to 5.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) kicks off its golden 50th season this weekend, headlined by a marquee matchup between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Magnolia Hotshots on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. The clash follows Saturday’s fellowship night at the Meralco Theater.

Ginebra, with two-time Grand Slam coach Tim Cone calling the shots, will face off against his former player LA Tenorio, who is now Magnolia head coach.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m., following the opening ceremonies and the annual Leo Awards at Novotel Manila, where Season 49’s Most Valuable Players will be honored.

Cone made minimal adjustments to his roster, adding 6-foot-7 Norbert Torres via free agency from Meralco and signing 6-foot-3 rookie Sonny Estil, the 11th overall pick.

The Gin Kings core of Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, Japeth Aguilar, Stephen Holt, Troy Rosario, Jeremiah Gray and Maverick Ahanmisi aim to end a two-year championship drought.

Tenorio, who played under Cone at Alaska and Ginebra, shared his excitement about the matchup, saying it’s a privilege to coach against one of the country’s finest basketball minds-even as his team focuses on execution.

‘We will rely more on our defense. I believe our players have what it takes to win the game,’ Tenorio told BusinessMirror on Friday.

‘It is really an honor to play or coach against Tim Cone, but I do not worry about it. We just must treat this as a normal game for us. We must get better each game.’

Magnolia’s new additions include Javi Gomez de Liaño, Rafi Verano, Paolo Taha, and Gab Gomez.

Rookie 6-foot-5 center Yutien Andrada will join the team after fulfilling his commitments with the San Beda Red Lions in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

This season also marks the debut of Jason Webb as Magnolia’s new team governor.

The festivities begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the green gate of Araneta Coliseum, where players will engage with fans for four hours.

The celebration then moves to the Meralco Theater in the evening, honoring the league’s past and present members from the press, teams and staff.

THE adverse trio of tepid capital formation growth, weakness of the manufacturing sector, and governance risks could become a ‘persistent drag’ on the country’s growth and development, according to a think tank.

In its latest brief, Global Source Partners Country Analyst Diwa Guinigundo said while the Philippine economy has been resilient, given these challenges, the country needs to be more proactive in addressing its development constraints.

‘The Philippine economy has demonstrated resilience through past shocks, but resilience alone will not suffice in the face of slowing capital formation, manufacturing weakness, external imbalances, and governance risks,’ Guinigundo said.

‘Without timely and credible policy action, the ‘dark clouds ahead’ may settle into a more persistent drag on the country’s development trajectory,’ he added.

Guinigundo said data supported assessments that gross domestic capital formation (GDCF) has kept the country’s economic performance lackluster.

The latest data supported this concern, which showed that the GCDF growth slowed to only 2.4 percent in the first six months of 2025, compared to 6.6 percent in same period last year.

He added that while the recent downgrade in the country’s economic growth outlook by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may be marginal, these are projected before the ‘full weight of global and domestic risks is felt.’

IMF projection

In a briefing in Manila on Wednesday, IMF Mission Chief for the Philippines Elif Arbatli Saxegaard told reporters that the Washington-based lender projects GDP to average 5.4 percent in 2025 and 5.7 percent in 2026.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) GDP target is at 5.5 to 6.5 percent in 2025 and 6 to 7 percent in the 2026 to 2028 period.

‘Although the Philippine economy remains broadly resilient, its performance in the first half of 2025 fell short of expectations. The IMF stresses that sustained policy discipline and structural reforms are essential to bolster competitiveness, attract investment, and support growth over the medium term,’ Guinigundo said.

Apart from this, he noted that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) estimates that the country’s Balance of Payment (BOP) and Current Account (CA) deficits could widen further.

The BOP is projected to post a steeper decline of 1.4 percent of GDP to a deficit of $6.9 billion for 2025 and post -0.6 percent of GDP to a deficit of $3.4 billion in 2026.

With this, the current account shortfall is expected to stay at 3.3 percent of GDP in 2025 and 2.9 percent of GDP in 2026.

‘In combination with political uncertainty linked to corruption revelations in major infrastructure projects, particularly flood control, this could undermine investor confidence and sustain depreciation pressures on the peso,’ Guinigundo said. ‘Such pressures risk amplifying imported inflation and complicating monetary policy management.’

Guinigundo said domestic price issues have also surfaced. Rice and fish prices remain elevated along with expensive pump prices, straining household budgets nationwide.

Flood, crop damage

Earlier, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said La Niña conditions, which may develop from September to December, could lead to flooding and crop damage in high-risk areas.

‘Given this backdrop, the BSP may find it prudent to hold its policy rate steady in the upcoming Monetary Board meeting, prioritizing financial stability over short-term growth support,’ Guinigundo said.

Earlier, local economists believe that faster inflation in September is not enough reason to exit its easing cycle when the Monetary Board meets next week.

On Wednesday, the BSP said it projects that September 2025 inflation will settle within the range of 1.5 to 2.3 percent. If the high end of the outlook is reached, this will be the second fastest inflation on record this year.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release the latest inflation print on October 7, ahead of the October 9 policy meeting at the BSP.

Ateneo de Manila University economist Luis F. Dumlao told BusinessMirror on Wednesday that the inflation projection was still within the 2 to 4 percent inflation target of the BSP.

This means, Dumlao said, the BSP has ‘space to be dovish.’ He said any reduction in policy rates will help support the country’s GDP growth.

Dumlao said the country’s GDP growth is growing slower than its natural growth of around 6.2 percent. Reducing policy rates can help boost the country’s economic performance this year.

AS I said, mouth-watering deals should fill the air as Christmas nears. That has always been the case, given that Filipino car buffs are suckers for bargain offers.

An early bird is Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), which is celebrating its 24th year with exclusive deals from Chevrolet and BPI.

Ciana Mae Calsena says a promo that runs until October 31, will grant the buyer of a Chevrolet Captiva a P140,000 cash discount or an all-in down payment (DP) of only P46,000 (based on 20-percent DP).

‘The Chevrolet Captiva isn’t just a car, it’s a trusted family partner that’s made efficient for everyday use and ready for long drives on weekends,’ says Ciana. ‘The Captiva’s advanced safety features includes six airbags, an elevated ride height, MacPherson suspension, and an 18-inch alloy wheels.’

Ciana adds: ‘You stay in control no matter the road conditions. With a 7-seat capacity and flexible cargo configurations, the Captiva adapts to whatever the day demands, whether you are planning for a road trip, grocery run, or school drop-off. Fold the seats for up to 1,709 liters of space, and you’ll have room for everything that matters.’

THE Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA) recently held two road safety seminars to build a culture of responsible riding through education and community partnership.

Teaming up with the Mandaluyong City-based Shigi Shigi Riders Club, Inc., the MDPPA embellished the seminar with a poster-making contest at the Highway Hills Integrated High School in Mandaluyong City.

Some 146 students from Grades 8 to 12 attended the event that centered on safe driving practices, personal and vehicle safety, pedestrian awareness, road courtesy and understanding traffic rules and road infrastructure.

‘Teaching road safety at a young age is critical because it lays the foundation for responsible behavior on the road,’ said MDPPA’s Richard Victoria.

A similar event was held in Cavite as part of the 2025 anniversary celebration of Motorsiklo Xklusibo’s ‘Walang Mintis sa Disisais.’

Held at Megaworld Maple Grove in General Trias, the road safety talk focused on real-world issues faced by motorcycle riders, including the most neglected traffic signs, intersection etiquette and the importance of wearing proper helmets.

‘Sometimes, it’s the little things we overlook that put us most at risk,’ said Victoria. ‘Many riders miss important traffic signs or forget how to navigate intersections safely, even if they’ve been riding for years. That’s why we focus on real-world issues like these during our seminars, which beginner and veteran riders alike encounter every day but may not always pay attention to.’

For more than 50 years now, MDPPA has been at the forefront of advocating safer roads through awareness campaigns, public engagement and education-based outreach programs.

By equipping riders with knowledge that addresses both long-standing and emerging road issues, MDPPA ensures that safety remains a shared responsibility across generations and communities.

MDPPA members include leading motorcycle manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and TVS.

Among the many goals of MDPPA is addressing the global industry gaps in road safety, regulation compliance, environmental protection, technology, and innovation through active consultation, representation and communication with various stakeholders.

To learn more about the various advocacies of MDPPA, Nicole Lucena directs us to visit https://mdppa.site/.

PEE STOP The inauguration of the new Lexus building at BGC Taguig on Sept. 26 was cancelled due to Super Typhoon ‘Opong.’ It was moved to Nov. 6, says Lexus AVP Jade Sison-Mendoza. Wise decision. Had the gathering pushed through, many guests might have missed it as ‘Opong’ battered many parts of the country that day, including Metro Manila. Casualties reached 26 as of last count, with destruction of properties and agricultural crops estimated at millions of pesos.Paulo P. Cuento reports that new buyers of select Volvo Plug-in Hybrid and All-Electric models will get a chance to win a trip for two to Europe. This exclusive promo runs until October 31, 2025.

SIMPLE LIFE

BEFORE he married the celebrity, the politician lived a relatively simple life, considering his status. He and his family lived in a modest but comfortable home. But marriage to the celebrity changed that. The politician is by no means innocent in all this because he gave his wife all that money of his own free will but it’s obvious that he would not be living this life if he had not married her. Because of the recent uproar against those in government who live luxuriously in these difficult times, the husband told his wife to keep a low profile and not flaunt whatever it is she keeps flaunting.

BIRDS OF THE SAME FEATHER

PEOPLE are comparing a young and pretty starlet to a star who is no longer active in show business, this for a lot of reasons. One is that they became popular not because they are talented but because of luck. The more important reason, they say, is that they’re both allegedly uncouth and rude. The young and pretty starlet is very popular but many claim to have had rude encounters with her. The more senior star has had many horror stories told about her behavior too. One of these stories is that she insists on sleeping while having her makeup done, making things difficult for her glam team.

FAT SHAMED

THE starlet must have had a difficult time growing up as a chubby girl because her father is known for being fatphobic. Those who are close to the starlet have, in fact, heard her father castigating her for being overweight. According to these sources, he even goes as far as comparing her to thinner girls, saying ‘no one will say you’re beautiful because you’re fat.’ The starlet eventually gave in to this pressure and is now as thin as her father wants her to be. She is a lovely and nice girl at any weight.

ON THE ROCKS

IT seems that the marriage of this beautiful couple is on the rocks but both parties are working hard to save it. It reportedly got to the point where the wife left the marital home but came back after a while. There are no cheating rumors on both sides so everyone is curious as to what happened. The wife has not posted anything about her husband on social media in a while and this has added to everyone’s curiosity about what is happening.