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The designation of Sen. Erwin Tulfo as acting chairman of the Senate blue ribbon committee was formalized in the plenary on Friday.

‘We would like to place on record that we have designated Sen. Erwin Tulfo to be the acting chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee inasmuch as he is the vice chair of the Public Accountability Committee,’ Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III declared on the Senate floor.

Sotto first confirmed to the media on Wednesday the decision of the majority bloc in a caucus to designate Tulfo as acting chairman of the committee.

The panel was previously headed by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson until he resigned on October 7, citing his colleagues’ disappointment with ‘the direction’ of the body investigating anomalous flood control projects in the country.

Six senators were soon considered for the post – Erwin and Raffy Tulfo, Francis ‘Kiko Pangilinan, JV Ejercito, Pia Cayetano, and Risa Hontiveros.

According to Sotto, he suggested a meeting of the committee once Sen. Erwin returns from his official trip to discuss other ‘possibilities. The Senate will be on a month-long break starting this Friday until Nov. 10.

‘It will be a meeting, not a hearing, for now. So there, we can further discuss what the possibilities are,’ he said in Filipino.

Sotto was responding to a reporter’s question that two of the six senators considered for the post – Raffy Tulfo and Cayetano – appeared to be open to leading the committee.

What if Cayetano agrees to return to her old post as head of the panel? Sotto said it would still be up for discussion.

‘We will have to ask the committee to discuss that. It’s better if I don’t make that decision alone,’ he said.

Cayetano previously headed the blue ribbon panel during the time of then-Senate President Francis Escudero. /mcm

The magnitude-7.4 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental on Friday has no connection to the recent magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu, said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday.

According to Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol in a press conference, the two earthquakes in Davao Oriental and Bogo City, Cebu, were caused by separate earthquake generators-the one in Davao Oriental being caused by the Philippine Trench, which has long been identified as a source of major seismic activity. ‘These are all independent earthquake generators, no connection with the Philippine Trench and Bogo Bay fault,’ said Bacolcol.

‘They are independent and apart; the activity of the other won’t trigger another,’ he added in Filipino.

Bacolcol also stressed that there are no ‘patterns’ in recent earthquakes, stressing that such tectonic activities are normal as the Philippines is ‘very active tectonically’ due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

He noted that the Philippines has more than 180 active fault segments and six trenches-all of which could generate earthquakes-resulting in almost 30 earthquakes being recorded daily. ‘At times, the tremors are strong enough to be felt by the public, but most are minor. These occurrences are merely coincidental, as the Philippines is a seismically active country,’ he added.

This, he said, is the reason Filipinos need to be prepared for similar calamities.

‘We have to accept our reality that we are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and every now and then we will be jolted by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis,’ said Bacolcol.

‘Instead of panicking, we have to prepare,’ he added.

Based on Phivolcs’ historical records, several earthquakes of similar magnitude have been recorded near the epicenter of the magnitude 7.4 quake that struck Davao Oriental on Friday, the most recent of which was a magnitude 7.1 event in 1992.

Further information dissemination needed

Bacolcol, in the same press conference, then emphasized the need for strengthened information dissemination campaigns to the public amid the recent rampant misinformation on earthquakes.

He maintained that there is no scientific evidence or technology yet that could predict earthquakes.

‘If you come across forwarded messages warning of an earthquake in the coming days, please note that these are false. At present, there is no technology capable of predicting when an earthquake will occur,’ said Bacolcol.

‘Even ‘yung unusual animal behavior, there’s no scientific evidence for that,’ he added.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday rejected claims that Sen. Mark Villar caused a disruption or was escorted out during a hearing on alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka, ICI executive director, said the account published by columnist Ramon Tulfo – alleging an outburst and the senator’s removal by security – was inaccurate.

‘This is not true. The proceedings were orderly, similar to the other hearings conducted by the ICI,’ Hosaka said.

Villar, who led the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from 2016 to 2021, appeared at the 9 a.m. session after being summoned to testify under oath about the planning, budgeting, execution, supervision, and monitoring of flood control and other infrastructure projects undertaken during his tenure.

Tulfo’s report had claimed Villar bristled at questions about the projects and why his family was being ‘targeted,’ prompting security to escort him out. The ICI’s statement flatly denied that version of events and stated that the hearing ‘proceeded without incident,’ despite the high-profile testimony and the gravity of the allegations under review.

No further details were provided about the next steps in the ICI’s inquiry.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday issued a tsunami warning in Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur, and Surigao Norte after a magnitude-6.9 earthquake.

‘Based on the local tsunami scenario database, it is expected to experience wave heights of more than one meter above the normal tides and may be higher on enclosed bays and strait,’ Phivolcs said in an advisory.

‘Destructive tsunami is expected with life-threatening wave heights,’ it added.

The first tsunami waves are expected to arrive between 7:12 p.m. and 9:12 p.m. with the waves expected to continue ‘for hours.’ It then told people in the coastal areas of Davao Oriental, Surigao del Sur and Surigao del Norte to immediately evacuate to higher grounds or move further inland.

‘Owners of boats in harbors, estuaries or shallow coastal waters of the above-mentioned provinces should secure their boats and move away from the waterfront. Boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised,’ Phivolcs said. /mr

The Trillion-Peso March movement will hold anticorruption protests every Friday starting on Oct. 10 as part of the buildup for a nationwide rally on Nov. 30.

The launching of the weekly protests will see simultaneous mass actions being held in schools, offices, parishes and various community hubs.

Among the activities being planned are noise barrage, candle lighting and gatherings to be held in designated areas. A Mass will also be celebrated at Edsa Shrine and in other places in different cities.

Organizers urged participants to bring candles, placards and noise-making objects, such as whistles, horns, pots and pans.

The Trillion Peso March movement, spearheaded by the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation and backed by over 80 civil groups, described the campaign as a moral struggle against corruption.

Critical crossroads

‘We stand at critical moral and national crossroads. Trillions of pesos-meant for health, education, and disaster response-have been plundered. Every stolen peso dims a future, endangers a life, and betrays our people. This is not just a political crisis; it is a profound moral failure,’ it said in a Facebook post on Oct. 7.

‘Join us in daily acts of solidarity: wear a white ribbon; put a white flag in your house, car, and churches; ring the bells and hold a noise barrage; light candles at 8 p.m. and [observe] the National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance,’ it added.

The Nov. 30 rally, which will also commemorate Bonifacio Day, is expected to be a culmination of the movement’s series of actions. Some 100 groups are expected to attend the gathering.

The movement was born from the ‘Trillion-Peso March’ held on Sept. 21 at the People Power Monument to protest against corruption in government. The mass action was spurred by congressional hearings that showed that government employees and lawmakers connived with contractors to pocket billions of pesos in funding for flood control projects that later turned out to be nonexistent or substandard. The allegations are now being investigated by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure created by President Marcos.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan chair Teodoro ‘Teddy’ Casiño earlier told the Inquirer in an interview that there were ongoing plans to hold another massive protest against corruption this month.

At least 12 students from various schools in the city were brought to Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that jolted Mindanao and the Visayas on Friday morning. However, as per an official statement from Hazel Cubian of the City Information Office (CIO), those who were brought to the hospital just suffered hyperventilation due to the shock they had experienced while attending their respective classes.

Digos City Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas immediately convened the Incident Operation Center (IOC) and the Incident Medical Team (IMT) of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) for a streamlined response to any reported emergencies related to the earthquake that hampered transactions in both government and public offices.

To address the need for safety and security of his constituents, Cagas swiftly declared suspension of classes in both public and private schools, as well as suspension of work in all sectors, to give ample time for the team that will conduct Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDANA) in some specified structures that could incur possible cracks and fractures caused by the quake.

CDRRMO OIC Chief John Basel Sevilla said there was no severe damage to any major structures in the city as the quake was about 183 kilometers from the epicenter.

The Gaisano Mall (GMall), which was closed to the public right after the quake, announced they are already open for business after the RDANA team declared the establishment safe and no threat to the safety of its customers.

People rushed out of buildings and gathered in the streets across parts of Mindanao as a strong tremor struck at 9:43 a.m. Friday, lasting at least 30 seconds.

State seismologists traced the offshore quake 62 kilometers southeast of Manay town in Davao Oriental, with a focal depth of 10 kilometers. It was measured at magnitude 7.4.

A video shared with the Inquirer showed water spilling from aquariums in a home-based pet shop in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

In Davao City, the temblor was felt at Intensity 5 and Intensity 4 in Cagayan de Oro City.

A magnitude-4.9 tremor struck some 30 minutes after the first one. It was also located off the coast of Manay.

The local government of Davao City had ordered the suspension of classes at all levels, both in public and private schools, to allow authorities to conduct a rapid damage assessment of infrastructure and school facilities.

Phivolcs had issued a tsunami warning following the first quake

The Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP) has condemned the Sept. 30 killing of Teduray leader Ramon Lupos of Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, calling it a ‘serious affront to peace, justice, and the rights of indigenous peoples’ in Mindanao.

In a statement sent to reporters, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. said Malacañang stands with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in denouncing the attack and in seeking swift justice for Lupos and his family.

‘Mr. Lupos was one of the few remaining non-Moro Indigenous Peoples leaders in the area, and his murder is an affront to the peace and justice that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration are firmly committed to uphold,’ Lagdameo said. ‘Our President envisions a society that prioritizes not only peace but also the human rights of every Filipino. We are steadfast in protecting all communities, including non-Moro Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro region,’ Lagdameo added.

Lagdameo also reaffirmed OSAP’s mandate to ensure that the concerns of vulnerable and marginalized groups are heard and that their ancestral rights are respected.

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances behind the killing.

‘This heinous act will not deter the path toward genuine, inclusive peace. We call on all relevant agencies to bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice without delay,’ Lagdameo said. /mr

Several local government units (LGUs) suspended classes and government work on Friday after the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck off the coast of Davao Oriental.

Davao City – classes at all levels, public and private

Davao del Sur

Santa Cruz – classes at all levels, public and private; switch to asynchronous learning

Malalag – classes at all levels and work in public and private offices

Davao Oriental

Boston – classes at all levels and government work

Tarragona-classes at all levels and government work

Davao del Norte

Braulio E. Dujali – classes at all levels, public and private

South Cotabato

Koronadal City – classes at all levels, public and private

Cotabato City – classes at all levels, public and private

Agusan del Sur – entire province, classes at all levels and work in public and private offices

Sultan Kudarat – entire province, classes at all levels and government work

Cebu

Lapu-Lapu City – classes at all levels, public and private; switch to asynchronous learning

Sibonga – classes at all levels

Minglanilla – classes at all levels

Carcar City – classes at all levels

Talisay City – classes at all levels

Naga City – classes at all levels

San Fernando – classes at all levels

Argao – classes at all levels

Santander – classes at all levels

Dalaguete – classes at all levels

Samboan – classes at all levels

Boljoon – classes at all levels

Barili – classes at all levels

Tuburan – classes at all levels, until further notice

Aloguinsan – classes at all levels

Bogo City – classes at all levels, until further notice

San Remegio – classes at all levels, until further notice

Daanbantayan – classes at all levels, until further notice

Bantayan – classes at all levels, until further notice

Medellin – classes at all levels, until further notice

Poro – classes at all levels

Compostela – classes at all levels

Carmen – classes at all levels, until further notice

Sogod – classes at all levels, until further notice

Catmon – classes at all levels, until further notice

Borbon – classes at all levels, until further notice

Lilo-an – classes at all levels

Danao City – classes at all levels and government work

Consolacion – classes at all levels

Cordova – classes at all levels

Alegria – classes at all levels

Alcantara – classes at all levels

Dumanjug – classes at all levels

Malabuyoc – classes at all levels

Moalboal – classes at all levels

Ronda – classes at all levels

Ginatilan – classes at all levels

Leyte

Carigara – classes at all levels, public and private

Bukidnon

Valencia City – classes at all levels, public and private

Bohol

Bilar – classes at all levels, public and private

Iloilo

Iloilo City – classes at all levels, public and private

Samar

Motiong – classes at all levels and government work

Sarangani

Kiamba – classes at all levels and government work

The tremor occurred 62 kilometers southeast of Manay town, Davao Oriental, at around 9:43 a.m. on Friday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs has yet to release details about the reported and instrumental intensities resulting from the quake.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates./mcm/abc

In an ‘expression of disappointment and disgust,’ retired Judge Meinrado Paredes returned the Golden Pillar of Law Award conferred to him by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) after learning that former President Rodrigo Duterte received the same recognition. In a letter addressed to IBP national president Atty. Allan Panolong, Paredes said that while he recognized the honor in being given the award, he decided to return the plaque as he ‘did not believe’ that Duterte upheld the ideals of justice, integrity and the rule of law.

‘This is not a protest but an expression of disappointment and disgust. I am doing this in solidarity with the victims and their relatives of human rights violations,’ said Paredes.

Paredes is among the many lawyers who criticized the IBP’s decision to give Duterte the award. An organization of human rights lawyers previously tagged the move as a mockery to thousands of individuals who were killed in the drug war and lost a chance to defend their names in court.

The IBP Davao chapter, however, defended the award, maintaining that Duterte met the qualifications to be recognized, even reminding lawyers of their duty to ‘rise above biases and to uphold this fundamental precept of our justice system, that judgment must rest on evidence and final conviction, not mere perception.’

But in his letter, Paredes described the invocation of the presumption of innocence as the ‘favorite refuge of scoundrels,’ likening Duterte to corrupt lawmakers, Department of Public Works and Highways officials, contractors and plunderers. The seasoned judge reminded the IBP that Duterte’s regime as President was ‘characterized by the rule of the gun, not of law,’ a time where extrajudicial killings and human rights violations ran rampant.

‘He has blood debts. There is no rule of law if human beings are killed without due process,’ Paredes said.

‘There is no justice and due process if drug suspects are killed like stray dogs in the streets. He is the principal accused of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC),’ he added.

Paredes then expressed hope that his colleagues would understand his decision and personal stance in returning the award.

He also reminisced about his time serving as a Regional Trial Court Judge during the incumbency of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, where he and Court of Appeals Ret. Justice Gabriel Ingles both declined monthly allowance from the Cebu Provincial Government-a testament to their commitment to uphold the ideals of justice and integrity.

Duterte is currently in the custody of the ICC for crimes against humanity he allegedly committed during his administration’s bloody war against drugs.