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Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) urged more protests against corruption in a statement released on Monday, adding that it is planning rallies nationwide for October and November.

‘Bayan calls for sustained local and nationwide protests to ensure that all those who plundered the public coffers will face accountability,’ the statement read.

‘We call for more walkouts in universities, sit-down strikes, street protests, and noise barrage actions in communities to reflect the people’s clamor for fundamental social change,’ Bayan continued.

The group pointed out that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) ‘lacks teeth, independence, and transparency as it conducts investigations in closed-door sessions,’ alluding to the ICI not publicizing its proceedings.

Bayan further concluded that the ICI’s move to keep its investigations private is proof that the commission was made ‘to prevent scrutiny into the ghost projects and other fraudulent expenses’ of the current administration.

It also claimed that the corruption probe in Congress is ‘compromised,’ and the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must take accountability for the flood-control controversies.

With this, the group revealed that it is preparing for protests nationwide in October and November, together with various groups and sectors.

‘It is only through the people’s collective action that we can exact accountability from corrupt officials,’ Bayan declared.

A series of anti-corruption protests ensued in September, brought on by the probe into the supposed flood-control project anomalies, which linked government officials as key players in the alleged misuse of public funds.

The largest protest against corruption was held on September 21 with tens of thousands of attendees who gathered in Luneta Park in Manila, and the People Power Monument along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Quezon City.

Moreover, universities and some schools organized academic walkouts to denounce the purported corruption in government.

Singer-songwriter Maki apologized to the fans of Twice after he and his brother were called out for standing in the seated section during the K-pop girl group’s concert in Bulacan.

The ‘Dilaw’ hitmaker and his brother have been making waves on X (formerly Twitter) after they were called out by one @raepomu_ for standing in the concert’s VIP section, sparking call-outs from fans on social media.

This led to Maki saying sorry to the K-pop girl group’s fans (also known as Once) on Sunday, Oct. 5, for being unable to observe proper concert etiquette and taking ‘someone else’s moment.’

‘Before this day ends, I just want to tell everyone behind us during the concert that I sincerely apologize also [on] behalf of my siblings. If I could go back and undo it, I would,’ he said. ‘The least thing that I want to happen is to take someone else’s moment during the concert just so we could enjoy. It really wasn’t our intention and we got too excited.’

before this day ends, I just want to tell everyone behind us during the concert that I sincerely apologize also in behalf of my siblings :(( if I could go back and undo it, I would :(( the least thing that I want to happen is to take someone else’s moment during the concert.

– Maki *????° (@clfrnia_maki) October 5, 2025

Maki reiterated that while Twice’s Bulacan concert was his first time to ‘experience K-pop concert culture,’ it was not an excuse for him and his brother to ruin a fan’s dream.

‘Not that it’s an excuse, but it really is our first time to this K-pop concert culture [experience] since we’ve never been in any na we really know all the dance and songs. It was our dream to go there, and I know it’s also yours, too. I’m really sorry. Best believe, next time around it will not happen again. I promise,’ he said.

Despite this, the singer-songwriter reminded fans to be ‘constructive,’ instead of resorting to name-calling on social media. He also stressed to ‘spare [his] brother,’ and shift the blame toward him instead.

‘Lastly, just for the sake of letting everyone know, if we want people to learn from their mistakes, let’s stop calling them names. Rather, to be constructive is the best way to let them learn from their mistakes. So, spare my brother on this; it was my fault for not teaching him well. Sorry, Once,’ he said.

Twice returned to the Philippines for their ‘This Is For’ concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Saturday, Oct. 4. However, Jeongyeon was unable to participate at the time due to health issues.

Formed through the reality show ‘Sixteen,’ Twice is known for being one of the leading K-pop groups today, and is notable for their hit songs ‘Fancy,’ ‘Yes or Yes,’ ‘Cheer Up,’ and ‘TT,’ among many others.

Angel Aquino gamely revealed that she ‘likes girls’ when asked to share a tidbit of herself, clarifying that she also falls in love with fellow women.

Aquino shared that she ‘likes girls’ in a The Daily Dish interview last September when she was asked to reveal something about herself that people do not know about.

‘Oh, I don’t know, my life is an open book. I like girls? There. Well, a lot of people are in denial – sila talaga ‘yung in denial (they are the ones in denial),’ she said.

Before capping off her interview, Aquino clarified that she ‘also falls in love with girls and women,’ noting that her words might be taken out of context by other netizens on social media.

‘Wait, can I just correct that because I said I like girls. You know that might sound – especially with social media – it might sound weird,’ she said. ‘I’m saying I also fall in love with girls and women. They might think it, you know, it can sound weird kasi if you just if you take it as is.’

Aquino’s statement soon made rounds on social media, with many expressing how happy they are for the actress to be open about the people she likes. Aquino was previously married to Ian Bernardez in 1995, with their marriage getting annulled nine years later. She then dated TV presenter Lui Villaruz from 2007 to 2011.

The actress is currently part of the cast of the action drama ‘Batang Quiapo’ and the Sari Dalena-helmed Cinemalaya 2025 entry ‘Cinemartyrs.’

At least one million rice farmers will get a P7,000 cash aid under the proposed 2026 national budget to ensure that the agricultural sector will thrive, House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III said on Monday.

Dy said this during the joint hearing of the House committee on agriculture and food and the committee on ways and means regarding the moratorium on rice importation.

He said that the Department of Agriculture (DA) needs to implement systems properly so that the country would not be reliant on importation.

‘The amount of rice imported should be based on the actual harvest, including the DA’s post-harvest assessment to guide their decisions. In this manner, we will comply with the rules of the WTO (World Trade Organization) while prioritizing evidence and the welfare of our farmers,’ Dy said in his speech.

‘In connection with this, I am happy to inform you that in our 2026 national budget, farmers will receive direct cash aid as part of the government’s wider support for the agriculture sector. Help will surely come,’ he said.

‘One million farmers will each receive P7,000 cash aid to address the loss of income due to the low buying price of palay,’ he announced.

According to Dy, the provision of a cash aid shows the commitment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration in helping farmers and implementing long-lasting reforms.

‘The distribution of a cash aid shows the determination of President Marcos in immediately addressing the hardships of our farmers, and along with this push for lasting reforms,’ the speaker said.

‘Our president is also appealing that all DA subsidies, like the seed subsidy, would be given as cash so that it would be easier and so that our farmers can directly benefit from this,’ he noted.

As early as June 23 – before the 19th Congress lawmakers ended their term – former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said that the House will focus on improving the capability of the the National Food Authority (NFA), so that the government can buy palay or rice grains at fair prices while selling them cheaper.

Romualdez eventually filed House Bill (HB) No. 1 or the proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act, which seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 8178 or the Agricultural Tariffication Act.

Based on the copy of the measure released by Romualdez’s office, the bill seeks to strengthen the regulatory powers of the NFA ‘to support the rice industry and ensure consumer protection through adequate supply and stable price of rice.’

Dy said the RICE Act will be tackled by the House being a priority legislation of the chamber and the entire Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac).

‘In talking with farmers from Isabela, many said that the buying price of palay has gone down to as low as P8 per kilogram – far from the P16 to P18 that is needed to recover losses,’ he said.

‘If palay is sold at an extremely low price, farmers would not only be in danger, but also the food security of our country,’ he warned.

‘Here we would see the immediate need for reforms. That’s why part of our primary priorities pushed at the Ledac is the Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment or RICE Act to strengthen the NFA, take care of our farmers’ livelihood, and to ensure that rice remains affordable for every Filipino,’ he added.

During the 19th Congress, a proposal to amend the RTL was approved on third reading by the House of Representatives.

House Bill (HB) No. 10381 was approved last May 2024, with 231 lawmakers voting in the affirmative, three in the negative, and one abstaining.

The House leadership believes that the bill can bring down rice prices by P10 to P15 per kilogram.

However, the bill faced opposition in the Senate amid fears that giving back some of NFA’s mandates might lead to corruption again.

According to Quezon 1st District Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga, chair of the committee on agriculture and food, this would not happen as NFA will have a limited role in importation.

Government procurement data from 2000 to 2021 reveal that construction has consistently dominated spending, while health has remained marginal, even during crises, according to an analysis of PhilGEPS records.

Dr. Rogelio Alicor Panao, INQUIRER Metrics data scientist and associate professor at the University of the Philippines, found that construction surged after 2007, capturing more than half of all contracts nearly every year, peaking at over 70 percent in 2018.

‘Even in terms of procurement awards from 2000 to 2021, construction still dominates. It appears to surge after 2007 to capture more than half of all contracts nearly every year, and peaking above 70 percent in 2018,’ Panao noted in his analysis.

He added that this trend intensified under the Build, Build, Build program adopted by the Duterte administration and which prioritized massive infrastructure spending as a driver of national development.

Health procurement lagged behind

In contrast, procurement for health rarely exceeded five percent of total awards. ‘Even during crises – such as the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 – procurement for medicines, hospitals, and medical supplies rarely exceeded 5 percent of total awards,’ Panao said.

The analysis, Panao explained, suggests that while hospitals may be constructed, operational capacity – including medicines, supplies, and equipment – has remained relatively underfunded.

‘This suggests that while hospitals may be built, the operational capacity to deliver care – supplies, equipment, and medicines – is relatively underfunded,’ he emphasized. The imbalance between infrastructure and health spending, Panao noted, ‘raises fundamental questions about whether procurement is truly advancing citizen welfare or primarily generating projects that are politically and visually rewarding.’

The findings come at a time when debates over public spending remain heated. The government’s massive allocations for flood-control projects have been questioned following multiple Commission on Audit (COA) fraud audit reports flagging ‘ghost’ or mismatched projects in Bulacan.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed long-standing weaknesses in the country’s health system. Despite new hospital buildings, shortages in medicines, equipment, and protective supplies were reported in many areas at the height of the crisis.

As discussions on infrastructure and health budgets continue ahead of the 2026 appropriations, the data highlights a long-term imbalance: trillions directed toward construction, while essential health procurement remains comparatively small.

For Sari Dalena, bringing the Cinemalaya film ‘Cinemartyrs’ is an act of retelling forgotten massacres through the perspective of a guerrilla filmmaker armed with a shoestring budget and awareness of the political landscape.

‘Cinemartyrs’ revolves around a young filmmaker (Nour Hooshmand) intending to tell stories of forgotten massacres that wrecked the Philippines. However, plagued by the undermining of her environment, she takes it upon herself to push forward with her film. As she visits present-day war-torn locations with her crew, they find themselves haunted by the spirits of those who perished in the massacres.

‘It is a story that has something to do with time, ‘yung paggawa ng pelikula ay tungkol sa mga karanasan ko at pinagdaanan ng mga babae sa paggawa ng dokumentaryo about karahasan, war atrocities, iba ang experience kapag babae ang gumagawa,’ the filmmaker told Inquirer Entertainment.

(It is a story that has something to do with time. It is about creating films about my experiences and what female filmmakers go through in creating documentaries about abuse and war atrocities; the experiences are different when a woman does them.) ‘Cinemartyrs’ is Dalena’s first Cinemalaya entry, although she already applied to be part of the film festival in its first-ever iteration. ‘Of course, I applied for different projects pero ito pala ang tamang panahon (now is the right time),’ she said of the feat, noting that the 20-year wait to be accepted was worth it.

With some scenes set in Jolo, among the factors that Dalena considered in the production process were the technicalities, traveling to Jolo (and, if it’s safe enough), and the ongoing political landscape.

‘Will I get the right response [from the audience] or is it the right time to talk about it? Sa palagay ko, maraming nangyari [sa pelikulang ito] kasi sinamahan ang Filipino-American War, feeling ko meron siyang mirroring. Somehow, hindi ko na-decide na gagawin ko ‘to, parang natumbok ko ‘yung time to say something,’ she said.

(Will I get the right response from the audience, or is it the right time to talk about it? For me, a lot of events happened in this film, such as the Filipino-American War. I feel like it mirrors the events now. I somehow didn’t decide that I would push forward with this. It was the timing that dawned on me that I needed to say something.) Another noteworthy element that was touched on in ‘Cinemartyrs’ was how it was rooted in guerrilla filmmaking, a kind of style defined by low budgets, a small crew, minimal equipment, and real-time filming without obtaining permits or prior notice from those involved.

‘Pinapakita ko ang guerrilla filmmaking style before Cinemalaya, ito ‘yung zero budget, ginagawa na namin noon pa,’ Dalena said. ‘Even before Cinemalaya, we were doing rag-tag-style filmmaking na walang artista and all that. I want it to be reflected here, working with katutubos and communities.’

(I want to showcase what guerrilla filmmaking style looks like, even before Cinemalaya. This is characterized by zero budgets, which we have been doing for quite some time. Even before Cinemalaya, we were doing rag-tag style filmmaking with no actors. I want it to be reflected here, including working with katutubos and communities.)

With this in mind, Dalena explained that the film’s events happen sort of like a collage, instead of the usual straightforward style, hoping that viewers will appreciate the magic behind it.

‘Makikita natin na ang pagkaka-tagpi tagpi ng storya is more of a collage, it’s not too straightforward. I hope that it will be a magical and mystical experience,’ she said. ‘Maganda siya ikwento ngayon to encourage filmmakers na kaya mong gumawa ng magandang kwento nang hindi dumidikit sa network or big studios. These personal films can be an important voice.’

(You can witness the stories done in a collage-like format. It’s not too straightforward. I hope that it will be a magical and mystical experience. It’s good to tell this story now to encourage filmmakers that you can create a beautiful story without relying on networks and big studios. These personal films can be an important voice.) Joining Hooshmand in the film are Angel Aquino, Cedrick Juan, Lav Diaz, Kidlat Tahimik, Ligaya Amilbangsa, Soliman Cruz, Bong Cabrera, Laila Ulao, Giancarlo Abrahan, Iana Bernardez, Nor Domingo, Danny Palisa, Andre Miguel, and Victor Medina.

The cast is also composed of Yian Gabriel, Kobe Sanchez, Shane Bernabe, Roven Alejandro, Nelson Dino, Rob Rownd, Dax Alejandro, Air Salazar, Dexter Macaraeg, Emmanuel Dela Cruz, and Rolando Inocencio.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has resigned from his post as the chairperson of the blue ribbon committee, emphasizing that there are no political considerations in any of his actions related to handling committee hearings and other related activities.

In a resignation letter dated October 7 addressed to Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Lacson explained how a number of his colleagues have expressed disappointment with the ‘direction’ of the blue ribbon committee hearings regarding the anomalous flood control projects.

‘Some senators publicly and secretly pursue the narrative that I am zeroing in on several of my colleagues while purportedly protecting those members of the Lower House perceived to be the principal actors in the budget anomalies related to the substandard and ghost flood control projects,’ said Lacson.

But according to him, nothing could be farther from the truth.

‘This narrative is categorically false. These misrepresentations are being floated mostly by critics opposed to our efforts to get to the bottom of the flood control anomalies,’ he said.

Lacson underscored that his committee went where the evidence lead them, and not by the noise coming from highly partisan political persuasions.

‘To all my colleagues, let me reiterate: there are no political considerations in any and all my actions related to my handling of the committee hearings and other related activities,’ said Lacson.

‘Truth is, I do not need to amass political capital much less at the expense of anybody because I entertain no further political plans after my term ends in 2031,’ he added.

With these, Lacson tendered his resignation as the chairperson of the Senate blue ribbon panel.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson has yet to submit his resignation letter as chair of the Blue Ribbon committee, according to Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

‘We have not received anything, and he has not submitted a letter. But we talked last night,’ Sotto said in a press briefing on Monday.

He said Lacson would probably want to submit it personally or formally during a session in the plenary.

According to Sotto, Lacson remains the Blue Ribbon chair while he has yet to submit a letter of resignation or stand up before the plenary announcing his resignation.

‘Until I receive a letter, or he stands up on the floor and says he is resigning, he ‘plans to resign,’ that’s the accurate phrase,’ Sotto said.

‘Unless he says, ‘I’m resigning now and I’m sending the letter’, unless he does that, the blue ribbon is then vacant.’

Sotto added that apart from Lacson, he was eyeing three to four senators who could hold the Blue Ribbon chairmanship.

On Sunday, Lacson announced that he would resign as chair of the panel.

Lacson was frustrated over some senators’ comments on his leadership of the panel investigating alleged flood control anomalies, said the Senate president.

‘Senator Ping is frustrated. He is not stressed. He’s used to stress. He’s frustrated. When there are hearings, some were complaining why we’re holding hearings. If there’s no hearing, there were those questioning why we’re not conducting hearings. What shall we do?’ Sotto asked.

‘I think the way he handled the blue ribbon committee hearings was very good. So maybe he’s really frustrated. But I will support him, whatever decision he makes. I will accept whatever decision he makes, whatever that is. He has my 100 percent support,’ he added.

When asked about the sentiments of the senators, Sotto said some were asking if Lacson could be urged to stay as blue ribbon chair.

‘Everybody is entitled to his own opinion. As far as I’m concerned, as far as the majority is concerned, I’m very sure that the Senate is stable. I’ll make sure that under my leadership, everything will be transparent and accountable,’ Sotto said.

He said he understood Lacson’s frustration ‘to a certain extent.’

‘Sometimes in our hearings there were spurious.. There were things that shouldn’t be discussed within the committee but they get in the way. To a certain extent, I understand his frustration,’ he said.

As part of the government’s bid for a transparent budget, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said there will be neither urgent certifications nor unprogrammed funding in the 2026 national budget bill.

Speaking in a press conference on Monday, Sotto said he – along with Senate panel on finance head Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian – would push for the removal of unprogrammed funds in the national budget for next year.

‘Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian and I will ensure that when we discuss the budget on its final reading, there will be no unprogrammed funds. We will put this on programmed allocations,’ said Sotto.

‘So that it’s clear and transparent. We can avoid the act of budget realignment once the budget is already passed,’ he added.

Apart from this, Sotto noted that, upon the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the national budget bill would no longer be certified as urgent.

The certification of urgency gives lawmakers the authority to do the second and third reading of a bill on the same day, disregarding the three-day rule outlined in the Constitution.

‘The president himself said that. He said he no longer likes a shortcut on the three-day rule. So it’s like that. I’m sure it will also be applied in the Senate,’ said Sotto.

However, now that the budget will not be certified as urgent, will this delay the passage of funding for next year?

The Senate chief is convinced it would not.

‘It will do good for us. It happens all the time. Congress rushes us, even then, until now. They will rush it once it’s on second reading, and then they will ask the president for an urgent certification. But the question is, have they read it?’ Sotto asked.

‘So it will be good for us, and that is right. It will not be approved on the same day. You have three days to go over and review what you approved on the second reading before you vote in a nominal vote on the third reading,’ he added.

Another wave of fuel price hikes will hit motorists this Tuesday, with diesel and kerosene increasing for the seventh straight week.

In an advisory, Seaoil said diesel and kerosene would be more costly by 80 centavos and 20 centavos per liter, respectively.

Gasoline will also inch up by 20 centavos a liter.

Industry sources said last week that the expected increases could be attributed to the market’s fears of supply shortfalls, especially amid Russia’s partial diesel export ban.

Another major factor affecting prices was the new US sanctions against Iran over allegedly failing to comply with its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal./tad