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Even after surmounting intense pressure and stopping his campaign in the Top 11, Jether Palomo was still in high spirits after the finals night on October 5 of Mister Global 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.

‘Hey guys, it’s Jether. I’m here. We just finished Mister Global. I placed in the Top 11. I guess we’ll see if I join another one or I retire. But for now, I’m gonna take some rest. Thank you so much for the love. I see all the messages. I love you guys so much,’ the ‘Gwapong Pinoy’ Palomo said in a video posted by Mister Pilipinas Worldwide on Facebook.

‘Global’ Pinoys

Before winning the title in 2024 courtesy of Daumier Corilla, the Philippines has performed exceptionally well at Mister Global.

In the inaugural edition in 2014, Wilfred Placencia placed in the Top 5; 2015 (Top 15, Joseph Doruelo); 2016 (Top 10 and Mister Popularity, Mark Bornilla); 2017 (Top 16 and Best Charming Smile, James Ventura); 2018 (Top 16, Kristian Sarmiento); 2019 (Top 16, Ricky Gumera); 2021 (Unplaced, Mico Teng); 2022 (Mark Avendaño, Best National Costume); and 2023 (Top 15, John Ernest Tanting).

Palomo won Best Country Presentation Video.

Viva España

From 37 entries from around the globe, Spain’s Miguel Alejandro Ortega emerged the winner. Spain already had a winner in 2021, Miguel Ángel Lucas, but he resigned. Danh Chi?u Linh of Vietnam assumed the role.

Mister Global said of the winner: ‘Your dedication, charm, and strength have led you to this incredible victory. Tonight, we celebrate not only the crown you wear but also the journey, passion, and perseverance that brought you here. You are a true inspiration and a shining example of a global gentleman.’

William Badell of Venezuela is Mister Global 2025 1st runner-up, while Gabriel Alejandro Silva of Mexico is 2nd runner-up.

‘From nations across the world, these remarkable gentlemen have captured hearts with their charisma, dedication, and resilience. They embody not only strength and elegance but also the dreams and hard work that brought them to this moment,’ Mister Global said of the Top 3.

It was heartbreaking for Badell of Venezuela, who was so close to winning the title. He previously placed 1st runner-up at Mister International 2023 and 2nd runner-up at Mister Supranational 2021.

Riley Hedstrom of the United States and Adriano Cupaioli of France rounded out the Top 5.

Included in the Top 11 were Nigeria, Philippines, China, Korea, Uruguay and Laos. In the Top 20 were Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, South Africa, Canada and Brazil.

Top 11 speech

Palomo’s speech at Top 11, while sincere and articulate, did not propel him to the Top 5:

‘People often say it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. But I’m here to disagree. I believe it’s the company that comes along with you. My time here in Mister Global has taught me the importance of brotherhood – that with each high and every low, there are always people who love and care for you. Because it doesn’t matter what the destination is, and the journey will always change. What truly matters are the values you instill in the ones you love across you,” he said.

As the Senate investigation into the flood control mess continues to yield explosive allegations of corruption, one question has persisted: Why have the lawmakers implicated in the controversy not been called to testify?

This has been the consistent gripe of former Blue Ribbon committee chair Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who openly questioned Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson for not summoning resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co to face the Senate’s hearings.

Lacson, however, invoked inter-parliamentary courtesy – a long-held tradition preventing one chamber of Congress from summoning members of the other.

‘You have been a congressman for many years. We do not invite or summon members of Congress in the same manner that they don’t invite senators to their hearings,’ Lacson told Marcoleta during a recent Blue Ribbon hearing.

Marcoleta pushed back during a later plenary session, arguing that such courtesy should not hinder the search for accountability.

‘Ang pinag-uusapan natin ay problema kasangkot na po ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Sasabihin ba natin inter-parliamentary courtesy? Nakasulat ba sa bato yun? Absolute yun?’ he asked. (We are talking about the problems facing our country’s future. Are we still going to say inter-parliamentary courtesy? Is it written in stone? Is it absolute?)

Co has since resigned from the House of Representatives and now faces a possible Senate subpoena. But inter-parliamentary courtesy, though unwritten, remains a deeply respected practice.

While Marcoleta is correct in noting there is no no law upholding the inter-parliamentary courtesy, not all norms governing congressional and democratic proceedings are set with pen and ink, scholars have noted. Courtesy, in particular, has long prevented members of either chambers of Congress from crossing over.

A Supreme Court circular once described the rule as a ‘time-honored tradition’ that ensures smooth relations between the two chambers, even if it does not carry the force of law.

‘While inter-chamber courtesy is not a principle which has attained the level of a statutory command, it enjoys a high degree of obeisance among the members of the legislature, ensuring as it does the smooth flow of the legislative process,’ the high courtt stated.

A bit of history

The principle has been invoked in several high-profile cases. During former president Joseph Estrada’s jueteng scandal. The House had asked the Senate, on the basis of inter-chamber courtesy, to terminate its probe into the scandal, as the power to file an impeachment complaint against an official rests on the lower chamber.

More recently, Sen. Bato dela Rosa refused to heed House lawmakers to appear at a hearing on the deadly drug war, which he implemented as police chief under former president Rodrigo Duterte. In declining the invitation, Dela Rosa cited inter-chamber courtesy.

In contrast, non-lawmakers like dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and preacher Apollo Quiboloy have been arrested for ignoring congressional summonses – a privilege not extended to legislators.

A turning point

The debate over inter-parliamentary courtesy gained new weight this week after Lacson announced his resignation as Blue Ribbon chair, citing waning support from colleagues.

Lacson, whose committee uncovered testimonies linking senators, House members, and contractors to flood control kickback schemes, said he sensed that members of the majority bloc were ‘no longer in full agreement’ with how he conducted the inquiry.

‘When my peers already lack faith in me… maybe stepping down is an option,’ Lacson said, confirming he would formally submit his resignation to Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

Lacson had earlier said he would invite Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte), the former House speaker, to the ongoing probe. The invitation, however, would be coursed through Speaker Bojie Dy “out of courtesy.”

The Philippine National Police will sustain aggressive anti-drug operations in the country following the seizure of P6.9 billion worth of shabu in two successive operations in Pangasinan last week, acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

Nartatez said the seizures are proof of good coordination among the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and other law enforcement units in line with President Marcos’ order for a relentless campaign against illegal drugs, without compromising operational procedures and human rights.

Authorities seized last Thursday 125 kilos of shabu, with an estimated street value of P850 million, and arrested a Chinese and his Filipino cohort in Bugallon, Pangasinan.

Another operation led to the seizure of a large stash, valued at P6.08 billion, in nearby Labrador town the following day.

‘This is a good example of an accomplishment that we can do every day, especially when the community as well as the agencies concerned are in coordination. We assure (the public) that we will get to the bottom of this case by identifying all the personalities involved and filing cases against them,’ Nartatez said in a statement.

PDEA chief Isagani Nerez said the twin operation is a ‘significant victory’ in the country’s ongoing war on illegal drugs.

‘Based on PDEA records, the Marcos administration has now surpassed the drug haul volumes of all previous administrations combined,’ Nerez said.

Official PDEA data showed a total of P87.19 billion worth of illegal drugs seized from July 2022 to August 2025.

Despite the successes, Nerez cautioned that the fight is far from over.

‘This is a significant victory, but it’s not the end. We will continue to pursue syndicates relentlessly,’ Nerez said.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has extended until the end of October the deadlines for tax filings, payments and submissions for taxpayers in Cebu.

The announcement followed last week’s 6.9-magnitude earthquake that left at least 70 dead and more than 200 injured and caused destruction across the province.

Under Revenue Memorandum Circular 88-2025, Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the extension covers all taxpayers and BIR personnel under the following revenue district offices:

80, Mandaue City

81, Cebu City North

82, Cebu City South

83, Talisay City

23, Large Taxpayers Division – Cebu

These include their authorized agent banks.

All deadlines falling within October 2025 will now be moved to October 31.

‘This extension allows our taxpayers sufficient time to comply with their tax obligations without adding to the burdens caused by the calamity,’ Lumagui said.

‘This reaffirms our commitment to responsive, compassionate, and excellent taxpayer service, especially during times of crisis,’ he added.

Minimum wage earners in Calabarzon are entitled to get the first tranche of their mandated salary hike starting yesterday, according to the National Wages and Productivity Commission.

The NWPC said the Calabarzon wage board approved an increase in two tranches, with the second to be given on April 1, 2026.

Under the new wage order, non-agricultural workers in the region will receive an increase of P30 to P100 while agricultural workers will get P25 to P100.

Retail and service workers will get an increase of P83 in their daily pay.

However, retail and service establishments that are regularly employing no more than 10 workers will give an increase of only P60 for the first tranche and P23 for the second tranche.

In the world of financing, transactions often take center stage. But for Global Dominion, success is defined by its impact on people’s lives. Guided by the belief that real progress is built on service and growth, the company has become a trusted partner for Filipinos nationwide.

From the moment a client walks into a branch or speaks to a Customer Service Representative, Global Dominion strives to deliver a level of malasakit that goes beyond traditional financing. Every interaction is rooted in care, ensuring that customers feel heard, valued and supported. This service-first culture has helped turn dreams of car ownership, business expansion and family security into reality, proof that #PwedePala.

The company’s impact is best reflected in the numbers. From January to July 2025, Global Dominion released almost 17,000 accounts nationwide through its expanding network of 150 branches and counting, with approved loans amounting to P6.85 billion. Behind these figures are stories of opportunities unlocked, businesses strengthened and families empowered.

Beyond serving clients, Global Dominion invests in its people. Programs such as Sales Ninja equip employees with modern selling skills and effective strategies, helping sales professionals achieve measurable results in today’s competitive market.

Leadership development is also prioritized through Leaderology 1 (Foundations of Leadership), which builds self-leadership and credibility, and Leaderology 2 (Leading Others Effectively), which develops emotional intelligence, communication and coaching skills. Together, these initiatives ensure that leaders are prepared not only to manage tasks but to inspire and empower teams.

The company also nurtures strong partnerships with dealers, loan consultants and communities across the Philippines. These collaborations reflect the essence of #KaPartnerMosaPagAngat, the belief that true progress is best achieved together. Whether through innovative financing solutions, recognition events or collaborative programs, Global Dominion works hand-in-hand with its stakeholders to drive shared success.

Looking ahead, Global Dominion continues to pursue its vision to simplify financing. With digital innovations and nationwide accessibility at the forefront, the company remains committed to making financing easy, transparent and within reach for every Filipino.

At Global Dominion, service and growth go hand in hand, proving one thing: #PwedePala when you have the right #KaPartnerMoSaPagAngat.

The national government’s debt service ballooned to more than P600 billion in August, driven by a surge in domestic amortization payments that the administration shelled out during the period.

Latest data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed that the government increased its debt payments in August, as it paid P664.72 billion in obligations from P186.22 billion in the same month last year.

About 90.5 percent of the debt service pile consisted of amortization payments at P601.61 billion in August, which was 4.5 times the P133.44 billion in August 2024.

Domestic payments accounted for a significant portion of amortization payments at P597.88 billion, rising by from last year’s P122.03 billion.

On the other hand, external amortization payments for August declined by 67.3 percent to P3.73 billion from P11.4 billion in the same month the previous year.

Amortization spending covers repayment of the loan’s principal, essentially reducing the government’s debt.

Furthermore, the remaining 9.5 percent of the debt service pile in August was allocated to interest payments, amounting to P63.1 billion. This means that the national government had shelled out nearly 20 percent higher than last year’s level of P52.78 billion.

Interest payments cover the government’s borrowing costs, ensuring the timely fulfillment of obligations and maintaining trust with domestic and foreign lenders.

Divided into segments, the government issued P24.85 billion in fixed-rate Treasury bonds (T-bonds), P16.87 billion in retail T-bonds and P4.62 billion in Treasury bills (T-bills) for August.

The Treasury conducts weekly auctions of government securities to raise funds, which are used to support vital public services, infrastructure and development projects that benefit communities in the country.

Short-term T-bills mature in 91, 182, or 364 days, offering quick returns, while long-term T-bonds extend beyond 20 years, ensuring steady funding for government financing needs.

For the eight-month period, the government’s total debt service slipped to P1.54 trillion from P1.55 trillion in the same period last year.

Latest Treasury data showed that the national government’s outstanding debt slightly declined to P17.47 trillion as of the end of August from a record P17.56 trillion as of the end of July.

While the government debt declined, it is P120 billion above the 2025 ceiling of P17.35 trillion.

For the last quarter, the national government will borrow P437 billion through short-term bills and long-term bonds.

A Swiss man convicted of possessing and distributing child abuse materials has been arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Heinz Arbenz, 66, is suspected of visiting Southeast Asian countries to victimize children after escaping criminal proceedings in Switzerland.

Immigration agents intercepted Arbenz on Sept. 29 as he attempted to depart for Bangkok.

Arbenz reportedly stayed in the Philippines for over three weeks.

New charges were filed against him last year following his convictions in 2017 and 2021.

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado denounced the presence of another foreign predator in the country.

Arbenz is being held at the Bureau of Immigration detention facility in Taguig pending deportation.

The top priority for National Power Corp. (Napocor)’s new top official is to slash costly diesel reliance in off-grid areas, signaling a stronger push toward renewable energy (RE).

‘The instruction is to decrease dependence on diesel fuel because diesel power plants are basically the majority of the Napocor generation facilities,’ Napocor president and CEO Jericho Nograles said in an interview.

Nograles, who took office just last month, said diesel-fired facilities remain the ‘most expensive’ power plants to operate for the state-run firm.

He said diesel-generated electricity costs about P30 per kilowatt-hour on average, but consumers pay only around P7 per kWh, leaving the government to shoulder the heavy subsidy gap.

Given this, Nograles said Napocor is now focused on accelerating the rollout of new RE assets by overhauling its previously slow-moving strategy.

‘We’re reviewing that (RE rollout), and we’re getting better leads nowadays. Let’s hope that you will see the results within six months,’ Nograles said.

Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, Napocor is mandated to provide electricity and associated power delivery systems to areas and communities not connected to the main grid.

It currently operates over 200 power plants and manages the transmission systems of several island provinces, including Palawan, Catanduanes, Masbate, Marinduque and Mindoro.

According to Nograles, Napocor is working closely with the Department of Energy to deploy new technologies aimed at reducing diesel consumption in off-grid areas.

‘We’re looking at islands. We’re looking at geographically isolated areas. And for those that are within the Napocor territories, within our 168 islands, we will fix their cost of electricity,’ Nograles said.

Two people died and two others were injured in separate vehicular accidents in Quezon on Saturday.

The Pagbilao town police said an unidentified man died after the truck he drove from Davao to deliver mangoes to Manila lost its brakes and rammed an electric post before plunging into a creek in Barangay Silangang Malicboy.

The Pagbilao rescue team rushed his truck helper to Quezon Medical Center for treatment.

In Barangay Sta. Catalina Sur in Candelaria town, police said a motorcycle rider suffered fatal head injuries after colliding head-on with a utility van.

Police said the van swerved to the opposite lane when the incident happened. The van driver was taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.