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Reigning Miss Asia Pacific International Janelis Leyba came to the Philippines earlier last month for the remainder of her yearlong reign. But she will not be on hand to crown her successor.

The Dominican-American preschool teacher from New York even joined the delegates to Cebu, where most of the activities had been scheduled. However, she had already flown back home even before the winner had been chosen.

This was revealed at the ‘National Directors’ Night’ hosted by the Miss Asia Pacific International pageant at the Temple of Leah in Cebu City on Monday evening, Oct. 6.

Onin Mas, the pageant’s director for international relations, crown management, and media relations, told the national directors, ‘the winner for 2024 decided to go back to her home country because of the trauma that she had experienced during the earthquake.’

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake origninating in Bogo City in northern Cebu halted the pageant’s Benefit Gala Night at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City on Sept. 30, just as the program was about to close.

Videos from the incident saw Leyba frantically taking off her crown and dropping it on the runway as she hurriedly left the stage to seek safety from the tremor.

Inquirer Entertainment learned that she was still living in the Dominican Republic when the Caribbean was jolted by a magnitude 7.0 earthquake originating from Haiti, in 2010 when she was still six years old.

The pageant’s organizers said the painful memory of the tremor that she experienced as a child may still be fresh in her mind, and her fear may have been triggered by the Cebu earthquake.

‘We respect the decision,’ Mas emphasized. He also clarified that Leyba is still considered the reigning Miss Asia Pacific International titleholder of 2024.

Last year’s batch still has a representative, second runner-up Selena Ali of Belgium, who has been with the delegates since day one, from Manila all the way to Cebu, even experiencing the earthquake with the ladies.

‘She’s been with us right after the earthquake because she chose to be with us. And she’ll be with us until the coronation night, and she’ll be representing the whole batch of Miss Asia Pacific International,’ Mas said.

‘We’re happy that Selena is with us, and joining until the coronation night. So expect more from Selena. We’re very happy that we have [Ali], and you make your batch very, very proud,’ he continued.

Meanwhile, Mas and Miss Asia Pacific International President Eva Patalinug-Lim revealed that the province of Cebu will still host next year’s competition. The 2025 Miss Asia Pacific International coronation night will be held at the Cebu Coliseum on Oct. 8. Forty-three ladies from around the world are competing for the title.

Finally returning to action, Kat Tolentino is grateful to be able to contribute again to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the PVL.

Tolentino has been sidelined for most of the year due to a ruptured appendix but she hardly missed a beat, pouring in 15 points in their 33-31, 26-24, 25-23 sweep of Capital1 in the PVL Reinforced Conference opening day.

‘I think I’m just thankful to be back and be able to play alongside the team,’ said the veteran opposite spiker. ‘That in itself is already a blessing for me. Being able to contribute is also a plus but I know there’s still more I can give and it was really a team effort.’

It was not the first time that Tolentino had dealt with health issues after also missing a chunk of the 2024 season due to an auditory problem, but the struggles have not dampened her determination to return to action.

‘I was thankful to coach Dante and the team that they welcomed me back with open arms,’ said the former Ateneo Blue Eagle. ‘It took a long time, but I had to make sure that I was mentally and physically healthy and ready to come back 100%. I didn’t want it to be something that I felt forced to do.’

Tolentino’s first game back after a long layoff impressed Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin.

‘I’m really impressed and I salute Kat. Every time something happens to her, she’s so patient and determined to come back,’ said Alinsunurin in Filipino. ‘I’m super proud of how she performed-she really gave her best.

‘At first, I was nervous since it was her first game back, but once I saw how she was moving in the first set, it felt like her usual self again, and I had full trust in her from that point on.’

Tolentino and Choco Mucho, though, will have to replicate-or even surpass-their Tuesday’s efforts when they meet Capital1 again after the PVL decided to replay all the opening games due to the dispute over International Transfer Certificates.

Business tycoon and billionaire Hans Sy is the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) 2025 ‘Management Person of the Year,’ making him the 49th recipient of the prestigious award.

Sy, chair of China Banking Corp. and SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s executive committee, is recognized for his ‘lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship, social inclusion, good governance and resilience.’

Under Sy’s leadership, SM Prime Holdings grew to be the one of the largest property development firms in Southeast Asia.

His appointment was approved by MAP members during their general membership meeting on Wednesday.

Other awardees in recent years were former Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson (2024), Jollibee Foods Corp. CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong (2023) and DMCI Holdings Inc. chair and president Isidro Consunji (2022).

Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has signified his intention to appear before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) which invited him to attend a hearing.

Romualdez’ office, in a statement on Wednesday said that the former House of Representatives speaker has received the invitation from the ICI.

According to Romualdez, this is an opportunity to cooperate with the body tasked to probe anomalous infrastructure projects.

‘The Office of Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez confirms receipt today of the invitation from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI),’ Romualdez’ office said.

‘Rep. Romualdez welcomes the opportunity to cooperate with the Commission and fully supports its objective of promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance,’ it added.

‘In this regard, Rep. Romualdez is prepared to appear before the Commission.’

Earlier, the ICI sent an invitation to Romualdez, and a subpoena to former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, for them to appear for the body’s flood control probe hearing on October 14.

ICI will also inquire about programs linked to the ghost or substandard flood control projects, as well as the procedures for the release of the unprogrammed funds.

Based on the invitation to Romualdez and the subpoena issued to Co, both signed by ICI Chair Andres Reyes, the hearing set for Tuesday will be at 10 a.m. at the commission’s office in Taguig City.

According to the invitation, Reyes asked Romualdez in the letter to appear before the ICI’s hearing on Tuesday to discuss his ‘familiarity and personal knowledge as Speaker of the House relative to the National Budget insertions, and as well as the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) flood control projects.’

Romualdez was also included in the copy of ICI’s immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) request to the Department of Justice (DOJ) dated this Wednesday.

Several public officials and companies have been at the hot seat recently, amid revelations that flood control funds may have been lost to corruption.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address last July 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. condemned government officials and contractors who allegedly benefitted from flood control projects at the expense of the people.

Eventually, Marcos inspected several projects which were then revealed to be either substandard or completely non-existent.

Investigations from different bodies – including Congress – followed suit, but several lawmakers were implicated as either having interests in the companies that do flood control projects, or were accused of diverting funds for such purposes.

The flood control scandal eventually reached Congress’ leadership: last September 8, former Senate president Francis Escudero was replaced by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, after after Escudero was criticized for receiving a P30 million campaign donation in 2022 from a contractor whose firm was able to bag a lot of government infrastructure projects.

In the House, Romualdez relinquished his post last September 17, to allow an independent commission to probe his alleged involvement in flood control issues.

Romualdez has not been connected to any of the top companies doing the flood control projects, but he was one of the lawmakers named by contractor-couple Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya and Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya of allegedly receiving kickbacks from the projects.

Romualdez called out the Discaya couple’s claims, calling it ‘false, malicious and nothing more than name-dropping.’

Several senators welcomed the appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the new Ombudsman, saying the latter’s extensive experience in the field of investigation is an advantage.

‘It’s a big deal that he has a vast background in investigation at the Department of Justice (DOJ), and he will bring it with him at the Ombudsman,’ Senate President Vicente Sotto III told reporters.

‘He is the tribune and protector of the people, fearless in the search for truth and justice,’ he added.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said the appointment of Remulla as the new Ombudsman comes at a time when the nation is confronting serious corruption challenges.

‘As a former Justice Secretary, he brings with him extensive knowledge of the country’s major corruption cases and the workings of our justice system. The nation now looks to him for decisive and impartial action in the fight against corruption,’ he said in a statement.

‘This appointment should send a clear signal that corruption, abuse of power, and other forms of misconduct have no place in government and that restoring public trust begins with holding everyone, regardless of rank, accountable under the law,’ added Gatchalian.

For Sen. Alan Cayetano, Remulla should be given a clean slate but people should watch him closely.

‘It’s a clean slate for me. Give Boying Remulla a clean slate then let’s keep an eye on what he will do,’ Cayetano said in a press briefing.

‘Congratulations to him and just follow your oath,’ he added. ‘I believe that all people have talent..it’s tough when it comes to judiciary, COA (Commission on Audit), Ombudsman, once you take an oath, it all depends on you.’

‘So if you allow yourself to be used in politics, if you have a group or if you have a personal agenda, you can do that. But that’s your call, that’s your conscience,’ he added.

The Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP HPG) said it arrested three suspects and recovered five allegedly stolen vehicles in the cities of Pasay and Mandaluyong.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame on Wednesday, HPG spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang said the suspects were entrapped while attempting to sell two vehicles at the Esplanade Seaside Terminal on Tuesday night.

Once arrested, the suspects pointed to a garage along R. O. Santos Street in New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City, where the three other vehicles were found.

Malang only identified the suspects as a seller named ‘Vitara;’ an alleged accomplice; and a supposed financier.

‘These cars have monthly dues with car financing companies,’ he said in Filipino.

‘Once they can no longer pay the monthly dues, that’s the time they can steal it and evade the financing company to sell the car to another person,’ he added.

The HPG spokesperson noted that the cars were being sold for P120,000 to P600,000.

‘Vitara’ was also allegedly caught with an unlicensed .22 caliber revolver.

The suspects are under PNP-HPG custody in Camp Crame.

They will face formal complaints for estafa and violation of Republic Act No. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code; RA No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act; and RA No. 10591 or the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Apeco) eyes partnerships with Spanish engineering firm IDOM Consulting, Engineering, Architecture S.A.U. and major trade show organization Fira Barcelona to develop vital infrastructure projects.

During its investment mission in Spain, Apeco and IDOM director for logistics and operations Jaume Mas Vilella discussed plans to construct a food and logistics hub and port infrastructure in Casiguran town in Aurora province.

On the other hand, Apeco and Fira Barcelona International CEO Ricard Zapatero explored the possibility of building a world-class convention center at the ecozone.

Apeco will form a working group to draft the memoranda of understanding and finalize the list of projects to be undertaken with IDOM and Fira.

Apeco aims to propose a feasibility study to IDOM for the five- to 10-hectare food and logistics hub, which aims to boost agricultural production, develop value-adding industries and enhance the local food supply chain.

The hub is modeled after Mercabarna, a 100-hectare wholesale and logistics complex in Barcelona that supplies fresh food to the public. It also houses 600 companies engaged in the distribution, preparation, importing and exporting of fresh and frozen products.

Apeco president and CEO Gil Taway IV said IDOM had signified interest in assisting Apeco to design its port facilities and cold chain logistics system and secure financing from the Asian Development Bank.

‘IDOM’s expertise in large-scale infrastructure will help strengthen the ecozone’s logistics and agri-industrial capabilities,’ Taway said.

Taway said the hub would complement agricultural and fisheries-based economic activities in Casiguran, allowing farmers and fishers to gain closer access to markets.

Infra backbone

The partnership is also aligned with Apeco’s goal of making Casiguran the ‘fishing capital of the Pacific’, with Taway saying this could help establish the infrastructure backbone to support food security, investment and job creation.

IDOM is involved in the development of the National Food Hub in Clark and the country’s Food Logistics Action Agen

Meanwhile, Fira Barcelona, a consortium composed of Barcelona City Council, the Catalan Government and the Chamber of Commerce of Barcelona, expressed willingness to help Apeco conduct a feasibility study for the proposed center.

It also suggested incorporating commercial smart-city developments to ensure sustainability of the convention center. This is seen to promote economic growth and tourism in Aurora – particularly in Dinalungan, Casiguran and Dilasag corridor – by staging meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions in the area.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday that it arrested 110 people linked to cybercrimes across the country in September, as part of intensified efforts to protect Filipinos online.

Data from the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) showed that 77 of the suspects were caught in entrapment operations, 31 were wanted individuals, and two were apprehended by the Women and Children Cybercrime Protection Unit.

Authorities filed 239 cases nationwide during the same period – 167 through regular filing and 72 through inquest proceedings.

Police also served 118 cyber warrants, most of which were for disclosing computer data, to support investigations and strengthen case buildup.

The arrests were part of an intensified campaign by law enforcement to curb online scams, hacking, and exploitation. Police said the figures reflect their expanded operations and legal actions to hold offenders accountable.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. praised the ACG’s performance, saying it reflects the administration’s push for stronger digital security.

‘We are determined to protect every Filipino from crimes that exploit the digital space,’ Nartatez said in a statement.

He said the commitment shown by cybercops reflects the PNP’s broader mission to keep communities safe – both on the ground and online.

The ACG conducted 2,689 cyber patrols, which helped detect and prevent various online crimes. Investigators also carried out 131 digital forensic examinations and reported 25 convictions linked to cybercrime cases. Six minors were rescued from online abuse, while two children in conflict with the law were taken into custody.

PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño also underscored the role of the public in ensuring online safety.

‘Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility,’ Tuaño said. ‘The PNP continues to strengthen its cyber operations, but public vigilance remains key. When citizens are aware, alert, and cooperative, we make cyberspace a safer place for everyone.’

The PNP urged the public to remain cautious online and to report cyber incidents through ACG hotlines and official social media channels.

The Pureblends Titan Ultra Giant Risers have officially designated Victoria Sports Club (VSC) as their training hub for the upcoming PBA 50th Season, following a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held at the VS Hotel Convention Center.

The agreement solidifies a strategic partnership between Pureblends Titan Ultra Giant Risers and Victoria Sports Club, ensuring the team’s athletes have access to world-class training facilities and amenities for this highly competitive 2025 Philippine Basketball Association season.

Present at the signing were Pureblends President and CEO Mr. Bryann Calantoc, Team Manager Mr. Aldriane Anglim, VS Hotel Corporation Group General Manager Dr. Mario Glenn A. Isic, VS Hotel Operations Manager Ms. Euna Capitle, Victoria Sports Club Operations Manager Mr. Kristoffer Hart Ocampo, and Group Sales Manager Mr. Alex Labastilla.

Players who also graced the event included crowd-favorite Calvin Abueva, along with teammates Fran Yu, Joshua Munzon, Cade Flores, and Chris Koon, adding star power to the occasion.

Dr. Mario Glenn Isic highlighted the alignment between the two organizations: ‘Victoria Sports Club is proud to become the training ground of the Titan Ultra Giant Risers. This partnership reaffirms our commitment to supporting Philippine basketball by providing athletes with professional, world-class facilities.’

As the PBA enters its golden season, the Pureblends Titan Ultra Giant Risers are determined to make their mark. With a talented roster, a dedicated management team, and strong support of partners like Victoria Sports Club, the team is setting its sights on delivering a memorable campaign for fans.

The partnership highlights a shared commitment to sports excellence and community engagement, strengthening the Titan Ultra Giant Risers as they aim for success in the league’s milestone season.

Police arrested a farmer in San Manuel, Tarlac, late Tuesday afternoon for alleged possession of two handguns and 30 rounds of live ammunition.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) said the 55-year-old farmer was the subject of a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Luis Velasquez of the Paniqui, Tarlac Regional Trial Court Branch 105 for alleged violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

In a separate statement, the Tarlac police said the search, conducted around 5 p.m., led to the seizure of an Armscor 9mm pistol, a Colt .380-caliber pistol, four magazines, and 22 rounds of ammunition for the 9mm, as well as three magazines and eight rounds for the .380 pistol.

Authorities also confiscated a carbon dioxide-powered airgun along with a small CO2 tank.

Police said appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspect