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The Sandiganbayan has upheld the conviction of former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. chairman Efraim Genuino and four other former top PAGCOR officials over the alleged misuse of P50.05 million in agency funds.

In a 28-page resolution promulgated on Oct. 1, the anti-graft court’s Third Division said Genuino and his four co-accused ‘failed to raise new and material allegations in the respective motions (for reconsideration) that would convince the court to reconsider its previous finding of guilt.’

Also denied were the motions for reconsideration filed by former PAGCOR president and chief operating officer Rafael Francisco, former senior vice president for administration Rene Figueroa, former senior vice president for corporate communications services Edward ‘Dodie’ King and former assistant vice president for internal audit Valente Custodio.

In its May 9, 2025 decision, the Third Division found Genuino, Francisco, Figueroa, King and Custodio guilty of five counts each of violating Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and five counts each of malversation of public funds under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code.

In its new resolution, the Third Division also granted the prosecution’s motion to impose civil liability on Genuino and his co-accused, in addition to the earlier fine.

Accordingly, Genuino, Francisco, Figueroa, King and Custodio were ordered to jointly or individually reimburse the government P40.407 million as civil liability, with a six-percent annual interest to be computed from the finality of the decision until fully paid.

Filed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2013, the cases stemmed from alleged irregular disbursements of PAGCOR funds between 2005 and 2008 for the purchase of tarpaulins, shirts, caps and other promotional items, as well as expenses for the BIDA Foundation, which Genuino founded in 2003.

The court maintained that the prosecution sufficiently proved that the purchases did not undergo public bidding or processing by PAGCOR’s Procurement Department.

Instead, Genuino and his co-accused resorted to small-value procurement, or ‘shopping,’ without valid justification.

The Third Division noted that the amount spent for BIDA members’ identification cards and pins exceeded P9 million.

Charges have been filed against a businesswoman who was arrested for selling over P15 million in relief kits with the logo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Tondo, Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

Complaints for violation of the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act and illegal use of insignia have been filed against the suspect, known only as Janice, who was nabbed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in a warehouse in Barangay 56 on Thursday.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered an investigation to determine the supply chain, from their point of origin to their illegal resale in the black market, and why the relief goods have DSWD markings.

‘What’s the purpose and where will the proceeds of the would-be sale of these items go?’ Nartatez said at a news briefing.

Nartatez also wants to know the identities of Janice’s cohorts.

The businesswoman was apprehended after she sold 6,000 boxes of family kits for P2,588 each to police who posed as buyers.

Each family kit contains towels, slippers, t-shirts and underwear for adults and children.

Nartatez reminded the public that government relief goods are for victims of calamities and are not for sale.

‘Anyone who tries to exploit the suffering of our countrymen for personal gain will face the full force of the law,’ he said.

As an innovation-first clinic, Belo Nexa stands as the ultimate symbol of Belo’s 35-year legacy and a technologically advanced aesthetic center that’s set to lead Belo into a bold new future.

A boundary-pushing concept imagined by Dr. Vicki Belo more than three decades ago, Nexa has become synonymous with beauty, technology, and unparalleled patient care.

Thirty-five years ago, the idea of the Philippines as a hub for internationally acclaimed beauty treatments seemed far-fetched. Today, the Belo name has become shorthand for transformative beauty, combining luxury with expert medical excellence.

Where beauty artistry and medical expertise meetAs Belo’s flagship clinic, Belo Nexa redefines beauty through its world-class innovations. Inside its walls are some of the industry’s most forward-looking technologies and treatments, delivered with Belo’s trademark standard of care.

Leading the lineup is XERF Medical Technology (eXperience Exponential RF), a next-generation, non-invasive skin-tightening and rejuvenation treatment powered by advanced radiofrequency energy.

This is complemented by Belo’s trusted skincare solutions, including the ZO Retinol and Blemish Solutions, which remain a gold standard in bottled beauty salves in the market.

Most notably, Belo Nexa is home to maxillofacial surgeries performed by Dr. Dax Pascasio, one of only two trained and certified surgeons in the Philippines.

Under his care, groundbreaking jaw and chin surgeries (orthognathic, genioplasty, mandibular angle reduction, jaw contouring) position Belo to be a frontrunner along with the world’s highly trusted cosmetic surgery centers.

Cosmetic surgery that stands outAlongside these innovations, Belo’s expert medical team continues to offer its signature surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, tummy tucks, and 360° liposuction, a signature method of fat removal that, unlike most liposuction techniques in the Philippines, is not limited to the target area alone.

With the lipo 360 approach, adjacent areas surrounding the problem area are also targeted and addressed for a more streamlined look. This ensures that patients receive a comprehensive range of artistry, precision, and care under one roof.

‘When I started Belo, my first dream was to make Filipinos feel more confident in their own skin. My second dream was to make the Philippines a global destination for aesthetics and research. With Nexa, I feel like we’re closer than ever to achieving that,’ says founder and chairwoman Dr. Vicki Belo.

The innovation promise

Belo’s legacy has always been about staying ahead of the curve. Belo Nexa is the clearest proof that the brand is setting the pace. What lies ahead? More firsts, more science-backed innovations, and the same uncompromising commitment to patient care.

As Belo continues its journey, Nexa will remain its crown jewel: a place where the art of beauty meets the future of medicine, proudly shaping what’s next for Filipinos-and the world.

The 45-year-old Piggatan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan collapsed on Monday afternoon, October 6, after multiple trucks reportedly exceeded its 18-ton load limit, leaving seven people injured.

According to the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), four trucks fell along with the bridge when it collapsed over 20 feet.

PDRRMO Head Rueli Rapsing said over dzBB on Tuesday, October 7, that seven individuals sustained minor injuries from the bridge’s collapse, which included truck drivers and passengers. No one died.

In its initial report Monday night, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said three loaded trucks, each carrying an estimated 50 tons, were on the bridge when it collapsed.

However, Rapsing said the exact load of each truck has yet to be confirmed, adding that it remains unclear whether overloading actually caused the collapse.

He said that multiple delivery trucks regularly pass through the Piggatan Bridge, which serves as a major thoroughfare in Cagayan.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency is trying to figure out how to quickly repair or replace the bridge, especially during harvest season when truckloads of agricultural crops like palay and corn are transported in Cagayan through the Piggatan Bridge.

‘Eh kritikal ito papuntang Norte at papuntang Tuguegarao at dahil sa bumagsak na kahapon nito, ang layo ng iikutan ng mga kababayan natin, lalo na ‘yung mga truck na may dala dalang maraming mga palay at mais,’ he said over dzBB on Tuesday.

(This route is critical for travel to the North and to Tuguegarao, and with the bridge collapsing yesterday, residents now have to take a much longer detour, especially trucks carrying loads of rice and corn.)

Motorists and trucks have been advised to take these alternative routes while the bridge remains closed:

To Tuguegarao: Dummon-Capissayan, Baggao-Peñablanca Road

To Aparri and Sta. Ana: Baybayog-Capissayan-Dummon / Burobor Road.

Another alternative: From Tuguegarao Junction Baybayog, pass through Poblacion, Bitag Grande, San Jose and then turn left to Nangalinan, leading to Tallang, Remus and Capissayan, Gattaran

Vehicles from here can turn right to Nabaccayan, leading to Lal-lo or head straight to Dummun Gattaran Centro.

For light vehicles: Piggatan-Maraburab Barangay Road

For heavy vehicles: Junction Gattaran-Cumao-Capissayan-Sta. Margarita Bolos

With the longer detours, logistical costs are expected to rise, Dizon said.

He also urged authorities to inspect other bridges nationwide, noting that many 10- to 18-wheeler trucks regularly cross them to transport goods, often with little oversight.

Dizon added that a temporary bridge may be constructed in the coming months.

Raslag Corp., the Nepomuceno Group’s renewable power arm, has enlisted German experts as technical consultants for its integrated solar facility in Nueva Ecija.

The company has tapped Greencity Energy Philippines Inc. (GCE) as owner’s engineer for its subsidiary, Raslag Liwayway, which is developing a 100-megawatt (MW) solar farm equipped with a battery energy storage component.

GCE and its German-led expert team will serve as a technical partner for 18 months, subject to adjustment by the parties, Raslag said in a regulatory filing yesterday.

As a technical partner, GCE is expected to support project development, design review, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning, as well as operations and maintenance transition.

Located in the municipality of Santa Rosa in Nueva Ecija, the Raslag Liwayway project is set to begin its design phase in the fourth quarter, with completion targeted in the second half of 2027.

Raslag estimates the project’s solar component to cost around P4.8 billion, while the investment required for the battery storage segment has yet to be disclosed.

With GCE on board, Raslag said it is committed to building the solar plant with utmost safety and efficiency, ensuring full compliance with both local and global regulations and industry best practices.

GCE is a consulting and advisory company specializing in renewable energy, especially photovoltaic technologies. Globally, it has served as a developer, owner’s engineer and project manager for over one gigawatt of solar capacity.

Raslag, on the other hand, currently operates four solar assets with a combined capacity of 77.84 MW across Pampanga. It aims to achieve at least 1,000 MW of capacity over the next decade.

Hybrid motor vehicles plying EDSA and other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila will be inspected by the police Highway Patrol Group.

HPG director Col. Hansel Marantan said motorists who were issued green plates by the Land Transportation Office for hybrid cars need to secure a certification from the Department of Energy (DOE).

‘We will inspect motor vehicles sporting green plates because these must have certification from the DOE before being exempted from the number coding scheme,’ Marantan told reporters.

He said around 500,000 vehicles pass through EDSA daily, but the thoroughfare has a capacity of only 250,000 vehicles.

Marantan said the HPG is regularly coordinating with the Department of Transportation to address the traffic congestion along EDSA.

Meanwhile, the HPG confiscated 174 blinkers and wang-wang or sirens mounted on vehicles in September.

Local stocks tumbled as investors took a cautious stance ahead of the release of the country’s September inflation today.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plummeted by 1.78 percent or 108.54 points to close at 6,000.32.

The broader All Shares index also plunged by 1.14 percent or 41.9 points to end at 3,643.95.

Luis Limlingan of Regina Capital said the PSEi declined after three consecutive days of gains last week as profit taking influenced yesterday’s trading session.

‘Investors remain cautious ahead of the inflation rate release, which could influence the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ next policy move,’ Limlingan said.

Inflation likely quickened in September, with most economists expecting it to return to the BSP’s two to four percent target for the first time in six months, following a sustained stretch of subdued price growth.

The BSP believes inflation accelerated further to a range of 1.5 to 2.3 percent in September after quickening to 1.5 percent in August from 0.9 percent in July.

AP Securities Inc., for its part, said the PSEi slumped back to 6,000 levels in a broad-based decline as risk-off sentiment continued to prevail.

All sectors were down, except for mining and oil, which climbed by 2.61 percent.

Holding firms, meanwhile, registered the largest drop at 2.02 percent, followed by financials with a 1.98 percent decline.

Trading was strong with total value turnover reaching P12.12 billion.

Market breadth was negative as decliners pummeled advancers, 139 to 64, while 58 issues were unchanged.

A thrilling showdown of sharp minds and spelling prowess unfolded as SM Supermalls hosted the Grand Finals of the SM Super Spelling Bee 2025 last October 4 at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

After weeks of elimination rounds across SM malls nationwide, the country’s brightest young spellers gathered to showcase their mastery of words in a battle of wit, confidence, and linguistic skill. The grand finals featured three challenging phases: the Written Spelling Round, where contestants raced to spell 10 words correctly to advance; the Oral Spelling Round, which tested their composure under pressure; and the nail-biting Final Oral Spelling Round, where the last three spellers faced off using buzzers until only one champion emerged.

In the end, Jamver Mallari rose above the competition, demonstrated exceptional focus, determination, and talent to be crowned the SM Super Spelling Bee 2025 Grand Winner.

The champion received a prize package that included a 100% tuition and miscellaneous fee discount at National University, P25,000 in cash, P25,000 in SM gift certificates, P150,000 National Bookstore gift card, P20,000 Jollibee e-gift card and a brand-new 13-inch MacBook Air from Power Mac Center.

Topel Maglana of SM City Davao and Lucas Pedroza of SM City Bacolod were the first and second runners-up of the grand finals. They received a 100% tuition discount at National University and a brand-new 13-inch MacBook Air from Power Mac Center. They also got cash prizes and gift certificates from SM Supermalls, National Bookstore and Jollibee.

‘This year’s Super Spelling Bee has once again highlighted the brilliance of Filipino students and their passion for learning,’ said Hanna Carinna Sy, SM Supermalls AVP for marketing and leasing.

‘At SM, we are proud to provide a platform that celebrates academic excellence, builds confidence and inspires the next generation of leaders.’

Through the SM Super Spelling Bee, SM Supermalls continues to champion educational opportunities while creating memorable events for students and families alike.

Despite his legal woes, Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla, along with six other applicants, made it to the shortlist of nominees for the ombudsman post, which the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) submitted to Malacañang yesterday.

In a letter dated Oct. 6 and addressed to President Marcos, the JBC said that after council deliberation on the same date, it selected seven nominees qualified to replace former ombudsman Samuel Martires, whose term ended last July 27.

The letter was stamped as ‘received’ by the Office of Executive Secretary also on Oct. 6.

The letter, which the JBC uploaded on its website, showed that aside from Remulla, also nominated for ombudsman were former Commission on Audit chairman and incumbent Philippine Competition Commission chairman Michael Aguinaldo, Philippine Postal Corp. chairman Stephen Cruz, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Gaerlan, Office of the President Deputy Executive Secretary for legal affairs Anna Liza Logan, retired SC associate justice Mario Lopez and Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi.

Based on the letter, the JBC deliberation was presided over by acting Chief Justice Marvic Leonen, with ex-officio members Sen. Francis Pangilinan and Rep. Gerville Luistro and regular members former SC associate justice Jose Mendoza, Integrated Bar of the Philippines representative Erlinda Uy, academe representative Nesauro Firme and private sector representative Jose Mejia casting their votes for the shortlist of nominees.

Remulla, an ex-officio member of the JBC as justice secretary, took ‘no part’ in the deliberation and voting.

Under the Constitution, an ombudsman must be appointed by the President from a shortlist of at least three nominees submitted by the JBC. An ombudsman shall serve for a term of seven years without reappointment.

The Constitution also provides that vacancy for the ombudsman post shall be filled within three months from its occurrence.

A total of 17 applicants for the ombudsman post were earlier interviewed by the JBC.

Remulla’s application was almost jeopardized by pending criminal complaints filed against him by presidential sister Sen. Imee Marcos and acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte before the ombudsman.

The complaints, involving allegations of arbitrary detention, grave threats, graft, usurpation of judicial functions, perjury, among others, stemmed from the alleged illegal arrest and turnover of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands.

Senator Marcos’ complaint was earlier dismissed by the ombudsman, but she filed a motion for reconsideration. Thus, she senator insisted, the complaint is still considered pending.

Under Section 5, Rule 4 of the Revised Rules of the JBC, those applying for the positions of ombudsman or deputy ombudsman who have pending cases or complaints before the ombudsman must secure a clearance from the same body or else they will be disqualified ‘from being nominated for appointment’ by the President.

Remulla had earlier told reporters that he was able to secure a clearance from the ombudsman and submitted it to the JBC before the council’s final deliberation, which turned out to have been conducted yesterday.

Reporters covering the ombudsman’s office asked for the status of the complaints against Remulla, but there was no response from its Public Information and Media Relations Bureau.

‘I’ll still be reporting for work here [at the Department of Justice] for sure, tomorrow. Because we are still trying to finish many things. But let’s see how it goes. I think the shortlist was submitted already [to the President]. That is all I know,’ Remulla told reporters in a chance interview yesterday.

Meanwhile, citing an unnamed source, GMA News reported that Aguinaldo got the highest nod from the JBC with six votes, followed by Remulla, Logan and Gaerlan with five votes each and Cruz, Lopez and Musngi with four votes each. The STAR has yet to confirm this report.

The Office of the Ombudsman is an independent body created under the Constitution with the primary duty of investigating public officials and employees for any possible criminal and administrative offenses. It is also the lead body that files and prosecutes corruption-related cases against government officials before the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan.

The 1,600-athlete strong Philippine delegation to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand will be marching with pride and nationalism in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony on December 9 at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.

‘Our athletes and officials will be clad in elegant and nationalistic parade uniforms crafted by no less than renowned designer Avel Bacudio,’ Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino said. ‘Any if not all of Avel’s designs are always dedicated and reflective of our country.’

Athletes, according to Tolentino, will wear red parade uniforms while officials and coaches will be clad in blue – both intricately designed and bearing the Philippine flag on the left chest and the POC logo on the right.

Bacudio is First Lady Lisa Araneta Marcos’s favorite designer – he held shows featuring his sports collections in Malacañang during sendoff ceremonies for national teams.

Tolentino said the POC is amazed and appreciative of Bacudio’s choice of fabric that combines piña, bamboo, water lily, abaca and saluyot fibers put together by weavers from Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga, Ilocos, Abra, La Union, Aklan and Bacolod.

‘The collection represents every island of the Philippines. They are new, but they have history,’ Bacudio said in a recent Mega Asia article that featured his Alas ng Pilipinas design and his Gintong Sinag, a sports luxe collection that paid tribute to the country’s athletes.

Also incorporated in the parade uniforms are the yellow and white colors of the country’s colors, Tolentino said.

Filipino athletes will compete in all 50 sports programmed by Thailand in the SEA Games that will be played in three sites – Bangkok as main hub with 32 sports plus three demonstration sports in 48 venues, Chonburi with 17 sports and one demonstration sports in 21 venues and Songkhla with nine sports and 10 venues.