Rain expected in Mindanao; fair weather across PH on Oct. 6

A rainy Monday is expected over parts of Mindanao, while generally fair weather is forecast for the rest of the country, the state weather bureau said.

In its 5 a.m. weather update, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ)-where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres meet-is expected to bring cloudy skies and thunderstorms to southern Mindanao.

Pagasa weather specialist Daniel Villamil said Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and Visayas will experience fair weather.

‘Partly cloudy to cloudy skies don’t necessarily mean there won’t be any rain. The usual late afternoon to evening rain showers or thunderstorms may still occur,’ he said in Filipino.

He also said Palawan and Visayas will experience similar fair weather conditions.

Meanwhile, Villamil said thunderstorms and overcast skies are expected in Mindanao as the day progresses due to the ITCZ.

‘Because of the ITCZ, areas like the Zamboanga Peninsula and BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao)-technically the southern part of Mindanao-can expect a high chance of cloudiness today,’ he said in Filipino.

‘So we’re looking at cloudy weather with scattered [showers] and thunderstorms,’ he added.

Villamil also said that no gale warnings have been issued for any of the country’s seaboards.

Meanwhile, the following temperatures are forecasted:

Laoag, Ilocos Norte: 24°C to 31°C

Baguio: 16°C to 24°C

Metro Manila: 23°C to 32°C

Tagaytay: 22°C to 28°C

Tuguegarao: 24°C to 34°C

Legazpi: 24°C to 33°C

Kalayaan Islands: 27°C to 31°C

Puerto Princesa: 24°C to 33°C

Iloilo: 24°C to 32°C

Cebu: 26°C to 32°°C

Tacloban: 25°C to 33°C

Zamboanga: 24°C to 33°C

Cagayan de Oro: 24°C to 31°C

Davao: 24°C to 33°C

Weather disturbances

Villamil also reported that Severe Tropical Storm Halong and the cloud clusters monitored outside the Philippine area of responsibility will not directly affect the country.

He said Halong was located 2,105 kilometers east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon, moving slowly northwestward, with maximum winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts reaching 125 kph.

Meanwhile, the cloud clusters may develop into a low-pressure area either later today or in the coming days.

Four-day weather outlook

Pagasa also provided a four-day weather outlook to guide the public on expected conditions across the country.

Tuesday until Wednesday: Cloudy skies with scattered rain and thunderstorms over Palawan, Zamboanga Peninsula, BARMM, Western Visayas, and Negros Island Region due to the ITCZ.

Thursday to Friday: Generally fair weather to persist throughout the whole country apart from localized showers/localized thunderstorms.

OCD plans relocation of Cebu residents affected by earthquake

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Monday said that the agency is in talks for the relocation of victims displaced by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu.

This was what OCD Administrator Harold Cabreros answered when asked if there are relocation plans for residents affected by the earthquake.

‘Yun ang isa sa pinaplano natin ngayon. Mayroon kasing mga bahay na andun mismo sa fault lines,’ Cabreros told reporters speaking in Filipino during an interview in the send-off ceremony of the donations of the Bureau of Customs for the earthquake victims.

‘We are planning. In the meantime, we are building temporary shelters. Permanent relocation may take a long time since it will need funds,’ Cabreros added.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has found the fault that caused the earthquake, with its quick response team locating the inland extension of the newly named Bogo Bay Fault in Sitio Looc, Brgy. Nailon, Bogo City.

Bogo City was the epicenter of the earthquake that occurred last September 30.

According to the latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the earthquake affected a total of 155,094 families or 547,394 individuals. It added that 35,925 houses were reportedly damaged in Central Visayas.

Cabreros also advised residents living near the fault line to evacuate as there might be looming aftershocks or another earthquake.

‘That’s what we are telling our fellow citizens to stay away from the fault lines. We don’t know what will happen. We can’t predict earthquakes so we are advising them to stay safe,’ he said in Filipino.

Meanwhile, he said that tents are among the primary necessities of the affected residents so they can seek temporary shelter. He noted that while many residents’ houses were not damaged, they are still reeling from the trauma of sleeping inside their houses.

He emphasized that donations from the private sector may be brought to the provincial government of Cebu. Meanwhile, he said that international organizations who want to extend their help may coordinate with the agency so it can facilitate the turnover of relief efforts to the provincial government.

ICI must be transparent and accountable

Aping the Supreme Court (and other collegiate courts), the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) announced it would keep its proceedings behind closed doors and would not allow livestreaming, TV coverage and/or viewing by the public, allegedly ‘to avoid trial by publicity.’ I respectfully disagree.

THE SUPREME COURT REVIEWS PRIVATELY THE RECORDS OF APPEALED CASES that were already publicly tried by the trial courts (regional trial courts or RTC, metropolitan trial courts, and municipal trial courts or MTC) and passed upon by the appellate tribunals. In general, it rules on errors of law only, and no longer on errors of fact; facts that have been reviewed by the appellate courts.

And, in transcendental cases, the Supreme Court conducts open, transparent, and accountable oral arguments. It also holds oral arguments in original petitions filed directly with the highest court.

In contrast, the ICI is merely an investigative body with the main duty of searching for the facts, researching the modus of the flood control scams, and endorsing to the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice (DOJ) the specific crimes committed by the culprits. Its parallel would be the trial courts and the congressional committees, where transparency and accountability are available from the very start.

LET’S FACE IT. Scams and schemes to plunder the public treasury-like the congressional insertions and their comparatively pitiful forebears-are known to exist. But the Court had condemned the pork barrel scams done in the dark, without transparency and accountability. If these were accomplished openly and transparently, the authors would not have been as greedy and as bold.

Former Senate President Franklin Drilon knew of the existence of these flood control insertions. Nonetheless, he was appalled at their scale and magnitude. Incumbent Senate President Tito Sotto also admitted that there were congressional insertions in the past, but they were made openly and obtained the nod of both Houses of Congress.

I cannot accept the excuse of ‘trial by publicity.’ Are the trials in the judiciary to be condemned also? In these trials, due process is observed by giving the respondents or the accused the right to cross-examine witnesses and to present countervailing evidence.

Did the Senate blue ribbon committee and the House infra committee commit trial by publicity? No. Quite the opposite, they were able to dig deeply and found the involvement of their peers in the secret scams.

True, misleading questions were at times asked of the beleaguered resource persons. The ICI can easily overcome these errors by retaining or employing a general counsel, one trained to ask fair and legally unassailable questions.

And when it becomes clear that the persons to be questioned would be persons of interest, or suspects, the ICI can allow them to retain the services of counsel who could object to improper questions. In other words, the Bill of Rights regarding criminal procedure should be observed by the ICI to avoid ‘trial by publicity.’

The House infra committee has stopped its open investigations and passed the baton to the ICI. The Commission should follow the open, transparent, and accountable investigations of that committee, especially when the ICI bares its fangs on the honorable lawmakers.

TODAY, OCT. 6, IS CRUCIAL in the overall anticorruption drive because the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) will meet and vote for at least three nominees from whom the President would select the new Ombudsman. Indeed, this is a momentous event in the fight against graft.

The JBC is chaired by Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo, with two more ex officio members: DOJ Secretary Boying Remulla, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, and Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro. Since the Constitution limits Congress to only one JBC member, the two solons agreed to take turns in serving it-Luistro from January to June and Pangilinan from July to December of each year. Thus, Pangilinan will cast the lone congressional vote on Oct. 6.

Aside from the three ex officio members, the JBC has four regular members appointed by the President for a term of four years with the consent of the Commission on Appointments. They are retired SC Justice Bambit Mendoza (representing the retired SC justices); professor Nesauro Firme (representing the academe); retired Court of Tax Appeals Justice Linda Piñera Uy (Integrated Bar of the Philippines); and lawyer Jose V. Mejia (private sector).

To be nominated, these prescreened applicants must obtain at least four votes: former COA chair Michael Aguinaldo; DILG Undersecretary Romeo Benitez; lawyer Jonie Caroche-Vestido;CA Justice Bautista Corpin; retired CA Justice Stephen Cruz; SBN PJ Geraldine Econg; Commission on Human Rights commissioner Beda Epres; SC Justice Sammy Gaerlan; retired BIR commissioner Kim Henares; Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza Logan; retired SC Justice Mario Lopez; PDP Party’s Melvin Matibag; SBN Justice Michael Musngi; Justice Secretary Remulla; PCSO chair Felix Reyes; MTC Judge Jason Rodenas; and retired RTC Judge Benjamin Turgano.

Take your picks, dear readers. One of them will become the powerful Ombudsman, who, for seven years, is expected to hound the corrupt and the untrustworthy.

PBA: LA Tenorio grateful but grounded after Magnolia win

LA Tenorio was quick to deflect the full credit for emerging triumphant in his debut as Magnolia coach in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, which came at the expense of his former team Barangay Ginebra.

Tenorio could only praise his players after the 80-73 victory for the way they were able to jump at the start with a 10-0 lead before foiling flashes of comeback by the Gin Kings before a big crowd at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

‘I guess they really want to get this first win for me so I appreciate my players and I hope this is the start of the journey for the Magnolia team,’ Tenorio said after also prevailing in his battle of wits with Ginebra counterpart and long-time mentor Tim Cone.

‘But it’s not about me. People only look at me but they have to see the bigger picture. I’m just here to guide them. At the end of the day, it’s them against the five Ginebra players on the court, not me against Coach Tim because we can only do so much.’

Magnolia got big contributions from Zavier Lucero, who picked up where he left off from making the Mythical Second Team and All-Defensive Team last season, with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Jerom Lastimosa and Javi Gomez de Liano were also vital in the win that should give the Hotshots some confidence in their quest to end the long title drought with Tenorio calling the shots.

Tenorio, however, doesn’t want to get carried away too much.

‘I feel great that we got the win, but we did not achieve anything. It’s just one win in the standings,’ he said.

’MAKE IT BIG’: Devant brings grand entertainment into Filipino homes

Devant unveiled its 98-inch TV during the ‘MAKE IT BIG’ launch at the newly opened Luxe Hub in Makati, showcasing a vision of home entertainment on a truly grand scale.

The model redefines living room entertainment with vivid Wide Color Gamut, smooth TruMotion, responsive Game Mode, AI-powered controls, and seamless integration through Apple AirPlay and HomeKit. These features combine to create a smarter, more immersive experience designed for modern Filipino households.

‘We want to empower Filipinos to transform their homes into immersive spaces where every moment – whether watching sports, gaming, or family movie nights – feels larger than life,’ said Ms. Lara Lua, Devant’s Senior Marketing Manager, during the event.

The Luxe Hub promises to be a premier destination for technology and lifestyle enthusiasts seeking sophistication, innovation, and modern design. The launch also reinforced Devant’s premium positioning, highlighting that MAKE IT BIG isn’t just about screen size – it’s about living life on a grander scale.

Immunisation: Sokoto govt targets 2.8 million children

Sokoto State Government has launched an integrated immunisation campaign aimed at vaccinating no fewer than 2.8 million children against polio, measles, rubella, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) across the state.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto disclosed this on Monday during the official flag-off ceremony held in Bodinga town, Bodinga Local Government Area.

Aliyu said the ten-day exercise, which covers all 244 wards in the state, targets children aged between nine months and fourteen years as part of efforts to curb the spread of preventable childhood diseases.

He called on community and religious leaders, development partners, and stakeholders to mobilise parents and caregivers to ensure full participation in the campaign.

‘Nigeria currently records one of the highest numbers of measles and rubella infections globally,’ the governor warned, adding that failure to vaccinate children could lead to serious complications, including blindness, deafness, and even death.

Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, Governor Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and promoting disease prevention through regular immunisation.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno, announced that 1,378 vaccination teams had been deployed across the state, with each team comprising 11 trained health workers.

He added that Sokoto has received over three million doses of vaccines from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and lauded the state government for promptly releasing its counterpart funding to support the exercise.

Also speaking, the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Kabir Alhassan Cigari, who is the District Head of Wurno, pledged the continued support of traditional rulers in sensitising communities and mobilising parents to embrace the vaccination drive.

The campaign, officials said, forms part of the state’s renewed commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery and improving the well-being of children across Sokoto.

Cerebral Palsy: Parents lament stigma, request Kwara govt support

Parents with children living with cerebral palsy in Kwara state have called on the state government to provide tuition-free education, as they lamented societal stigma and neglect of their wards.

Speaking with journalists at an event marking this year’s Cerebral Palsy Day at the state ministry of Social Development in Ilorin on Monday, the parents said that the nation’s present socio-economic situation had worsened the condition of their children.

One of the parents, Mrs Afolabi Shukrat Jumoke, said that, ‘it’s not easy carrying and taking these children out. We want the state government to take full responsibility for the physiotherapy treatment of these children.

‘They use diapers, and the drugs they take are quite expensive. Most private schools don’t take them’, she lamented.

Also, Mrs Olubunmi Aina said the children face rejection in private schools across the state, adding that, ‘even where they are considered, some other parents always threaten to withdraw their children from the school. So this situation leaves the school proprietors with no choice but to later reject those living with cerebral palsy’.

She added that the victims of cerebral palsy also suffer rejection at public places like barbing salon and restaurants, among many others.

‘Giving birth to this child has brought me closer to God. I’ve turned a barber because of him. Many Barbing salon won’t do his hair. Many people refuse to do their hair as if it’s contagious’.

They implored the state government to come to their rescue by subsidising the needed drugs for their children and to embark on public awareness to check societal stigma.

Speaking earlier, the state commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam NnaFatima Imam, said that cerebral palsy victims deserve understanding, respect, and equal opportunity.

The commissioner said that the event talked, ‘not only of the challenges faced by our champions, but also of their strength, resilience, and extraordinary potential.

‘Cerebral palsy is not a limitation of the human spirit. It is a call for understanding, inclusion, and shared responsibility. It urges us to look beyond disability and see ability; to look beyond challenges and recognise possibility,’ she said.

According to her, the ministry has enrolled some people living with Cerebral Palsy in the state’s Health Insurance Scheme ‘to ensure they have access to quality healthcare.

‘We have also equipped parents and guardians with refined, income-generating skills in tie and dye, resin artistry, and POS enterprise management, further complemented by financial support designed to help them transform these skills into sustainable, independent and thriving ventures’, she said.

The convener, Ifeoluwa Anishe, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative, described the day as a moment of hope and unity.

He called for the inclusion of adults living with cerebral palsy in the political scheme, ‘they deserve inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities’, he said.

The CEO of Toomore School for Basic and Vocational and Special Needs, Reverend Samuel Ajayi, commended the state government and the convener.

He said he had learnt a lot that would enable him to improve in running his charity school.

Meanwhile, Dr Sholagbade Rasheedat from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) lectured on the reasons for cerebral palsy, its management and prevention.

FAAN begins deployment of single wallet for payments at Abuja airport

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commenced the implementation of a cashless policy, introducing a single wallet for all payments at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

While unveiling the contactless payment system, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said the new initiative will block revenue leakages across airports in Nigeria.

‘This is more than a new payment system; it is a fundamental upgrade to the passenger experience and a powerful reaffirmation of our commitment to transparency and excellence.

‘Following its successful launch in the dynamic city of Lagos, I am proud to officially announce the full deployment of ‘OPERATION GO CASHLESS here in Abuja, the Centre of Excellence. This is a comprehensive, cashless, and contactless payment solution for all our airports.

‘Effective September 29th, 2025, we have started phasing out physical cash at all FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges,’ Kuku said.

She explained that ‘our airports are the gateways to our nation, they are the first impression at many of our revenue points; The access gates, the car parks, and the lounges have been defined by an outdated model: cash.

‘This reliance on physical currency creates a chain of challenges. It causes delays, introduces operational inefficiencies and vulnerabilities in our revenue collection.’

Represented by the Director Commercial and Business Development, Ms Adebola Agunbiade, Kuku reaffirmed that the initiative will ensure efficiency and convenience.

‘With a simple tap of your new FAAN Contactless Card, you can make instant payments. This technology is not only fast and convenient but also promotes enhanced hygiene.

‘The card features a unified wallet, meaning a single balance can be used across multiple registered cards, perfect for easy management for families or corporate users. It is available to all users, including our valued international travellers, and once registered, it has nationwide validity across all FAAN-managed airports.

‘Your security is our priority. You will receive real-time SMS notifications for every transaction and can monitor your balance and history via a secure online dashboard. Should your card be lost or stolen, you can instantly block it through this same dashboard. ensuring your funds are always protected,’ she said.

She stated further that the benefits of the card are clear: ‘For the Passenger: A faster, smoother journey from the access gate to the parking lot. Enhanced security, as you no longer need to carry large amounts of cash. Real-time SMS notifications for every transaction give you full control.

‘For FAAN and the Nation: It means optimised revenue collection, significantly reduced leakage, and a robust system of financial accountability. It aligns our airports with global best practices, strengthening Nigeria’s position in international aviation and tourism.’

Also speaking, Alexander Edekhe of Business Lead Public Sector said, ‘We are glad to power this initiative for easy payments at the airports across the country ‘.

FAAN is giving a transitional widow of six months to phase out completely cash transactions at the airport.

NAICOM explains takeover of African Alliance, moves to safeguard policyholders’ interests

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has explained why it dissolved the board and management of African Alliance Insurance Plc in October 2024 and appointed an Interim Management Board (IMB) to oversee the company.

Speaking at the 2025 NAICOM seminar for insurance journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, said the drastic step was taken following mounting complaints from annuitants over unpaid entitlements.

According to him, the regulator’s intervention was aimed at protecting policyholders and restoring confidence in the firm.

‘The entity used to be solvent, and some people ran it down. Every individual who had been on that board and was responsible for the insolvency will never be appointed again. The owners of the business remain the owners, but we will not allow the public to suffer for the greed of a few individuals,’ Omosehin stated.

The IMB is chaired by Dr. Haruna Mustapha, with Mr. Jacob Erhabor as Managing Director/CEO. Other members include Mr. Wasiu Amao (Executive Director, Technical), Ms. Oremeyi Longe (Executive Director, Finance), Mr. Anthony Achebe (Non-Executive Director), and Ms. Halimatu Khabeeb (Non-Executive Director).

Omosehin disclosed that since taking over, the interim management has settled all outstanding annuitants’ entitlements and is working to dispose of some company assets to generate funds for outstanding obligations.

He added that African Alliance’s annuity portfolio would be transferred to another insurer with the capacity to manage it sustainably.

The Commissioner stressed that NAICOM would not hesitate to revoke the company’s licence if it failed to meet regulatory capital requirements.

‘The Nigerian people will no longer be exposed to the greed of entrepreneurs where policyholders’ money is diverted. That money is not theirs; the bulk of it belongs to policyholders. The government will not close its eyes and allow that to continue,’ he warned.

In his remarks, the Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Technical), Dr. Usman Jankara, explained that NAICOM had restricted African Alliance from taking on unlimited new business while it remained under intervention.

‘Ordinarily, we shouldn’t allow them to take fresh business when they haven’t settled existing obligations. What we have done is adopt a hybrid model, intervening while setting strict boundaries, so they don’t accumulate more liabilities that they cannot meet,’ he said.

The Commission maintained that its overriding goal is to protect policyholders and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s insurance industry.

Why cooking gas price is increasing – NNPC

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, has explained the reason for the recent increase in cooking gas price across the country.

According to him, the cooking gas price hike was caused by the temporary disruption of operations during the strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Speaking with State House correspondents on Sunday after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Ojulari said the industrial action halted loading and distribution for several days, leading to an artificial rise in the price.

‘The increase you saw was relatively artificial because for the period of the strike, movements and loading were delayed by about two, three days,’ he said. ‘And because of that, you see that impact. As things return back to normal, it takes some time for distribution to be fully restored.’

Ojulari also accused some retailers of taking advantage of the temporary supply disruption to inflate the cooking gas price.

‘As you know, in Nigeria, people take opportunity. With that delay, some of the people that had existing resources and reserves had to put up the price,’ he said.

Ojulari assured Nigerians that as supply chains stabilise, the cooking gas price is expected to ease in the coming weeks.

‘My expectation is that now that things are back to normal, prices should return to what they were before the strike,’ he said.

The rise in cooking gas price followed the industrial action by PENGASSAN over the dismissal of Nigerian workers at the Dangote Refinery.

The strike, which disrupted fuel and gas operations nationwide, was suspended on October 1 after federal government intervention.

Following negotiations, the Dangote Group agreed to redeploy the affected workers, paving the way for normal operations to resume and for the cooking gas price to stabilise.