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With talks of a possible budget cut for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for fiscal year 2026, netizens and observers cannot help but recall the time when former Vice President Leni Robredo was able to effectively carry out her mandate despite a small allocation.

So how did Robredo, who was in OVP from 2016 to 2022, steer her office and even attract private sector engagement through those tumultuous years?

Integrity and credibility may be a factor, Deputy Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said on Friday.

‘During the time of former Vice President Leni Robredo, she was resourceful (with the budget). I think it also goes with the integrity and credibility of the person right?’ Adiong said, when discussing with reporters the possible budget cut on the current OVP, under Vice President Sara Duterte.

‘Vice President Leni Robredo (maximized that) because the trust rating of some of the NGOs (non government organizations) and CSOs (civil society organizations) and private sectors are so high to a point that they are willing to co-operate and assist the office, so that the plans and programs of her office before as vice president will be implemented properly,’ he added.

OVP’s budget under Robredo – which was crafted during the time of Duterte’s father, former president Rodrigo Duterte – suffered several cuts, with National Expenditures Program (NEP) versions not breaching the P1 billion mark.

According to the Department of Budget and Management’s Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing for fiscal year 2023, OVP in 2021 proposed a budget of P945.4 million for Robredo’s last year in office. It was then slashed down to P713.4 million under the 2022 NEP – prompting lawmakers to ask that it be increased to at least P1 billion.

Fulfilling mandate

Robredo, several times while she was vice president, noted that a low budget would not hinder her office from fulfilling its mandate.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Robredo and OVP partnered with the private sector to deliver key services – like free bus rides for frontline workers, hot meals, quarantine facilities, mobile testing centers, and a telemedicine platform, which became an important part of triage.

In contrast, Duterte’s OVP received P2.305 billion in 2023 under the NEP – an amount which several lawmakers noted has never been given to Robredo.

In 2024, during discussions for the 2025 budget, OVP was originally allocated a P2.037 billion budget, but lawmakers from the House decided to cut this down to just P733 million due to Duterte’s behavior at hearings – skipping discussions and refusing to answer lawmakers’ questions directly – and revelations that some of its programs suffered from low budget utilization.

While Duterte showed up at the committee hearing on the OVP’s proposed budget, the Vice President and her officials skipped plenary debates. On Thursday, no OVP official appeared to assist budget sponsor and Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez, prompting lawmakers from the Minority bloc to call for the cut on the OVP’s proposed allocation.

House rules call for the head of agency or an undersecretary-level official to be present and assist the budget sponsor.

Instead of showing up, Duterte said she will appear only if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself appears to defend the Office of the President budget, or if lookout bulletins issued against several OVP staffers are lifted.

Retain P700-M allocation

OVP is asking for a P902.8 million budget under the 2026 NEP – slightly larger than the P744.1 million given in 2025. However, if it were up to Adiong, the P700-plus million allocation for 2025 should be retained after Duterte skipped plenary debates again.

‘I think it’s an open-ended discussion, because first of all, her non-attendance actually brought out many sentiments from the members as to why she can’t, up to now, show up at the plenary. So naturally, talagang the issue on the reduction of our budget with definite results,’ Adiong said.

‘So the budget that we had approved is P700 (million), if I’m not mistaken, P700 million. The proposal now is P900 (million). But the proposal, the one that we had approved is I guess 700 million. So I would go with 700 million,’ he added.

According to Adiong – who was the OVP’s budget sponsor in 2024 – Duterte could have defended the increase in their budget if she or an undersecretary just showed up.

‘I believe the increase of P200 million would (be) on the consultancy piece, at saka ‘yong mga additional supplies. So sayang nga lang kasi hindi siya pumunta, you could have at least defended that and explained to the plenary and convinced the members why she needed that P200 (million plus increase. Unfortunately, no explanation at all. That’s why, sa amin, my working draft would still be on the P700 (million),’ he added.

This P700 million will still be higher than ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio’s proposal to significantly reduce OVP’s budget from P902 million to just P198 million.

SM is the latest group to operate an economic zone in Santa Rosa, Laguna, cementing the enclave’s position as a strategic information technology (IT) hub outside the National Capital Region.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. signed a registration agreement with Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) declaring SM City Santa Rosa IT Center as a new IT economic zone, with a projected investment of P714 million.

The 12,092 square meter property is expected to generate around 1,000 new jobs for Filipinos, Peza said in a statement on Thursday.

‘Beyond its scale, this landmark development cements Santa Rosa, Laguna’s reputation as a strategic Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) location outside Metro Manila, fueling countryside development and inclusive economic growth,’ the agency added.

Job creation

Peza Director General Tereso Panga said this development, made by President Marcos through Proclamation No. 944, paves the way for more investments and quality jobs in the Calabarzon region.

‘With world-class infrastructure, a deep pool of highly skilled talent and competitive incentives, the Philippines has consistently proven to be the partner of choice for global investors in the IT-BPM industry,’ Panga said.

The proclamation grants fiscal and non-fiscal incentives. These include income tax holidays, tax and duty exemptions, streamlined import-export procedures and access to special non-immigrant visas.

Being better than the last time is the bare minimum for Kevin Alas as he aims to play a bigger role for NLEX in the season-opening PBA Philippine Cup.

The 2024-25 campaign was a period of adjustment for Alas, who was coming off a third ACL injury. Now fully healthy, he is eager to do more, especially with the Road Warriors having come so close to a semifinals berth in last year’s Philippine Cup.

‘I told myself that I should not have any excuses from hereon not to play at a better level,’ Alas said.

Alas suited up in 23 games for NLEX last season, averaging 7.6 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 18 minutes per game as he gradually worked his way back.

Not only was he regaining his rhythm after breaking his left knee in 2023, but NLEX was also adjusting to its first season under nine-time champion coach Jong Uichico.

Under Uichico, the Road Warriors reached the quarterfinals of the Philippine Cup with a twice-to-beat advantage, only to lose to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

NLEX is hell bent on atoning for that quarterfinals exit, which it hopes will coincide with Alas getting his groove back.

‘I’m putting pressure on myself [in getting my form back], if not, maybe close,’ Alas said. ‘But I guess the modest goal is to be better than my last conference and be better each day.’

Several flights were canceled on Friday, October 3, due to the severe weather caused by Severe Tropical Storm Paolo, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) reported.

In its advisory to reporters, Caap said the following flights had been canceled as of 7:30 a.m. on Friday:

Cebu Pacific Air

5J 504 – Manila – Tuguegarao (153 passengers affected)

5J 505 – Tuguegarao – Manila (100 affected passengers)

5J 506 – Manila – Tuguegarao (106 affected passengers)

5J 507 – Tuguegarao – Manila (101 affected passengers)

5J 508 – Manila – Tuguegarao (88 affected passengers)

5J 509 – Tuguegarao – Manila (96 affected passengers)

5J 196 – Manila – Cauayan (120 affected passengers)

5J 197 – Cauayan – Manila (122 affected passengers)

Philippine Airlines

PR 2014 – Manila – Tuguegarao (117 affected passengers)

PR 2015 – Tuguegarao – Manila (119 affected passengers)

PR 2018 – Manila – Cauayan (75 affected passengers)

PR 2019 – Cauayan – Manila (86 affected passengers)

PR 2196 – Manila – Laoag (115 affected passengers)

PR 2197 – Laoag – Manila (116 affected passengers)

PR 2198 – Manila – Laoag (118 affected passengers)

PR 2199 – Laoag – Manila (76 affected passengers)

‘Passengers are advised to check directly with their airlines for real-time updates, rebooking options, or refund procedures,’ Caap said.

The aviation authority added that it will continue ‘to closely monitor weather developments and is in active coordination with airline operators and airport authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of the traveling public.’

According to the 5 a.m. update from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Paolo has intensified while moving toward northern Aurora and southern Isabela.

As a result, 10 areas in Northern Luzon were placed under Signal No. 3, while several others remain under Signal Nos. 2 and 1./mcm

Journalist Mav Gonzales has tied the knot with her boyfriend Matthew Valeña in an intimate civil ceremony in Seattle in the United States.

Gonzales gave a glimpse of their special day held at the municipal court of Seattle, through her Instagram page on Thursday, Oct. 2.

‘A tiny wedding ceremony and an intimate reception with a handful of loved ones,’ she said in the caption. ‘Even the sun shone when it was forecasted to rain. IT WAS THE PERFECT DAY.’

She also spoke about her gratitude to and Valeña’s families, wedding suppliers and to God.

‘Those close to me know I wanted to get married at 35, but I didn’t really count on it,’ she said. ‘Well, I did end up marrying exactly when I wanted. God is never late.’

Gonzales and Valeña announced their engagement last June.

Perpetual Help newcomer Patrick Sleat made his presence known right away in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament.

In his debut, Sleat powered the Altas to an opening game win at the expense of San Sebastian, 67-54, at San Juan Arena on Friday. While his emotions were all over the place, he still managed to do a little bit of everything in his with 10 points, five assists, four rebounds and a steal in 21 minutes of action.

‘I was so excited I even slept early last night because I couldn’t wait,’ said Sleat, who went four of six from the field.

‘Maybe in the next game, though, I’ll try to control my emotions so I can be more composed inside the court,’ he added.

Adjusting with Perpetual Help has been smooth for Sleat. After all, he and coach Olsen Racela have already shared the hardwood with the Far Eastern University before.

But playing on the big stage like the NCAA could still rattle the best of them.

‘The atmosphere earlier shocked me because it didn’t sink in for me that I’m already playing in the NCAA now,’ he said.

Still, Sleat managed to shut down the noise and push the Altas to the win column of Group A along with Mapua, which notched a win over Lyceum on Wednesday.

HUAWEI Philippines proudly introduces its latest lineup of innovative wearables, led by the highly anticipated HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series, now open for preorder starting at PHP 13,999. This new series combines cutting-edge technology, an industry-leading 21-day battery life, and advanced health and sports tracking features, all designed to empower Filipinos to train smarter, live healthier, and elevate their personal style.

The exclusive launch event at The Fifth at Rockwell brought the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series to life through immersive experience zones that highlighted key scenarios like trail running, in-depth cycling performance metrics, and comprehensive health and fitness monitoring. Attendees explored how the devices seamlessly support active lifestyles through hands-on demonstrations.

A highlight of the launch was the feature of professional cyclist Mervin Corpuz, the celebrated MPTC Tour of Luzon Sprint King. Through a showcase of his training journey, the event demonstrated how the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series enhances his performance on the road, providing precise cycling metrics, reliable tracking, and advanced tools that support his demanding regimen.

Adding to the excitement, HUAWEI also showcased the HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2 and the HUAWEI WATCH D2, the latter set to receive new features such as Timed Blood Pressure Measurement (Single Timed Measurement) and continuous timed measurement through an upcoming OTA update which will start on October 15, further expanding its versatile wearable ecosystem designed to complement diverse lifestyles.

Smarter Health and Sports with Breakthrough Accuracy

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series uses TruSense System 2.0 for more accurate tracking of sleep, heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and emotions. The GT 6 Pro adds a special heart health app that alerts you to irregular heartbeats and gives detailed ECG information.

For athletes and outdoor lovers, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro features a highly accurate positioning system, perfect for trail running, cycling, and hiking. Cyclists can also use new features that measure power and performance without extra devices.

Safety is improved with Fall Detection and altitude sickness alerts, helping keep users safe during activities. The watch also includes a smart coach to guide training and recovery.Timeless Craftsmanship Meets Rugged Durability

In terms of design, HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series blends elegance with exceptional durability, built with aerospace-grade titanium alloy, sapphire glass, and a nanocrystal ceramic back. Its ultra-bright 1.47-inch AMOLED display with slimmer bezels delivers an immersive experience for both workouts and daily wear.

Users can easily switch straps for different looks and personalize their watch with animated stickers, pet dials, and 5-second video watch faces.

The lighter, more compact HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 features an ergonomic fluoroelastomer strap, while the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro has an added 40m freediving-grade water resistance, making it perfect for everything from intense workouts to swimming and even formal occasions.Personalized Smart Features and Up to 21 Days of Enduring Battery Life

With its high-silicon stacked battery architecture, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series lasts up to 21 days between charges, supporting the demanding lifestyles of athletes, explorers, and busy professionals.Both the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 and HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro deliver smart connectivity designed for life on the go, supporting offline maps, music playback, Bluetooth calling, and smart notifications. With GCash Watch Pay now compatible with iOS as well as Android and HUAWEI devices, users can enjoy secure, effortless cashless transactions straight from their wrist, no matter which smartphone they use.

Running on HarmonyOS 6.0, the series offers smooth performance and diverse customization options.

HUAWEI Unveils Its ‘Now Is Yours’ Brand Vision

Empowering users to stay healthy, fit, and connected, the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Series combines style, durability, and smart features for today’s active lifestyles. It transitions seamlessly from workouts to everyday wear, reflecting Huawei’s commitment to innovation that enhances real life.

Aligned with HUAWEI’s global message, ‘Now Is Yours,’ the series inspires everyone to take charge, express themselves, and live actively with technology that’s powerful, inclusive, and inspiring.

Pre-Order Now and Enjoy Exclusive Offers

The HUAWEI WATCH GT 6, priced from PHP 13,999, and the HUAWEI WATCH GT 6 Pro, starting at PHP 18,999, are now available for pre-order. Pre-orders for the WATCH GT 6 (46mm and 41mm) begin on October 2, 2025, with Early Bird Vouchers worth PHP 3,000 at the online HUAWEI Store, as well as exclusive offline perks including a PHP 1,000 discount and a PHP 2,000 trade-in token for in-store purchases. Meanwhile, the WATCH GT 6 Pro preorder runs from October 2 to October 9, offering PHP 3,500 off, priority delivery, and 0% installment plans for up to 24 months.

Exclusive freebies include HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2, a stainless steel thermos cup, and a complimentary 3-month HUAWEI Health+ membership that offers personalized fitness plans, progress tracking, and guided meditation tools worth PHP 2,985.

The HUAWEI WATCH Ultimate 2 will be available for pre-order starting October 10, with first sales beginning on October 24, 2025

By joining the preorder, customers gain early access to HUAWEI’s most advanced smartwatches and become part of an innovative community committed to health, performance, and style. Pre-order now via Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, HUAWEI Experience Stores, and the HUAWEI Online Store.

A storm surge warning was raised over parts of Luzon on Friday morning as Severe Tropical Storm Paolo (international name: Matmo) intensified while moving toward northern Aurora and southern Isabela, the state weather bureau said.

In its 8 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said a minimal to moderate risk of storm surge may affect the following coastal areas within the next 24 hours:

Areas with 2.1 to 3 meters of storm surge heights

Aurora: Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, Baler, Dipaculao, San Luis

Cagayan: Abulug, Aparri, Baggao, Ballesteros, Buguey, Claveria, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Pamplona, Peñablanca, Sanchez-Mira, Santa Ana, Santa Praxedes, Santa Teresita, Calayan

Isabela: Dinapigue, Divilacan, Maconacon, Palanan

Ilocos Norte: Bacarra, Bangui, Burgos, Pagudpud, Pasuquin

Areas with 1 to 2 meters of storm surge heights

Ilocos Norte: Badoc, Currimao, Laoag City, Paoay

Ilocos Sur: Cabugao, Caoayan, Candon, City of Vigan, Magsingal, Narvacan, San Esteban, San Juan (Lapog), San Vicente, Santa, Santa Catalina, Santa Cruz, Santa Lucia, Santa Maria, Santiago, Santo Domingo, Sinait, Tagudin

La Union: Agoo, Aringay, Bacnotan, Balaoan, Bangar, Bauang, Caba, San Fernando, Luna, Rosario, San Juan, Santo Tomas

Pangasinan: Agno, Anda, Bani, Binmaley, Bolinao, Burgos, Alaminos City, Dagupan City, Dasol, Infanta, Labrador, Lingayen, San Fabian, Sual

Quezon: Burdeos, General Nakar, Infanta, Jomalig, Panukulan, Patnanungan, Polillo

Zambales: Botolan, Cabangan, Candelaria, Iba, Masinloc, Palauig, Santa Cruz

For storm surges ranging from 1 to 2 meters, communities are placed under a moderate risk level. Pagasa said minimal to moderate damage may occur in coastal areas, particularly affecting homes and marine infrastructure near the shore.

The agency added that localized flooding is possible in low-lying coastal zones, which can disrupt daily routines, including fishing and other marine activities.

Storm surges reaching 2.1 to 3 meters fall under the high-risk category. Pagasa said these can cause moderate to significant damage to coastal communities, marine facilities, and livelihoods that depend on the sea.

Paolo was tracked some 150 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, with maximum sustained winds of 100 kilometers per hour (kph), gusts of up to 125 kph, and moving west-northwest at 20 kph, according to Pagasa./mcm

The province of Zambales was placed under an orange rainfall warning on Friday evening, October 3, amid the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Paolo, according to the state weather bureau.

The orange rainfall warning indicates 15 to 30 millimeters of rainfall within the next three hours, indicating that flooding remains a threat in the area.

A yellow warning level, on the other hand, is forecast in Bataan, Tarlac, and Pampanga.

Areas under the yellow warning level are expected to receive 7.5 to 15 millimeters of rain within the next three hours, and flooding is also possible in flood-prone areas.

Meanwhile, light to moderate rains with occasional heavy rains are expected over the following areas within the next three hours:

Metro Manila

Rizal

Cavite

Quezon (General Nakar, Infanta)

Laguna (Cabuyao, Calamba, Santa Rosa, Binan, San Pedro, Mabitac, Santa Maria)

Batangas (Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balayan, Balete, Batangas City, Bauan, Calaca, Calatagan, Tanauan, Cuenca, Ibaan, Laurel, Lemery, Lian, Lipa, Mabini, Malvar, Mataasnakahoy, Nasugbu, San Jose, San Luis, San Nicolas, San Pascual, Santa Teresita, Taal, Talisay, Tingloy, Tuy, Santo Tomas)

The same weather condition is affecting Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, which may also persist for three hours.

Based on the 5 p.m. bulletin of Pagasa, Paolo was last located over the coastal waters of Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur, packing a maximum sustained wind speed of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of 165 kph.

Signal No. 3 was raised over seven areas in Luzon, while several other areas were under Signal Nos. 2 and 1.

A small piece of good news amidst the flood and tsunami of bad. I read in Radio Veritas Asia and other sites that the Parish of San Pascual Baylon-National Shrine of Nuestra Señora de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Salambao in Obando, Bulacan has announced that a donated Nissan Navara pickup will be returned to its donor. The bleeding-heart donor is none other than Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) former OIC regional director Henry Alcantara, who is on the list of the first 21 persons who will face charges of graft, bribery, and malversation of public funds for alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects. You may read the full Inquirer banner story online: see ’21 face raps: Lawmakers, DPWH execs, contractors.’ (9/27/25)

On the list besides Alcantara are three senators-Chiz Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada-as well as former Sen. Bong Revilla, Ako Bicol party list Rep. Zaldy Co, former Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy, Carleen Villa, businessman Maynard Ngu, et. al. The list will become longer.

As to the Nissan Navara, the parish council said in its social media post that the vehicle was turned over to the parish on June 1, 2024. It was accepted ‘in good faith’ to be used as a transport vehicle for the Virgin of Salambao image when it visits different parishes. The council explained: ‘It was given wholeheartedly, and we accepted it without judgment on the intention of the giver.’ Imagine the Birhen ng Salambao onboard a vehicle of suspicious origins. I had attended a fiesta in Obando, where childless couples dance on the streets and pray to be blessed with children. Salambao is a native contraption used by fishermen.

Given the quicksand of their own making that the likes of Alcantara and his ilk are in, the parish council decided: ‘We are now taking the necessary steps to return it properly, to the rightful person, or institution, through the appropriate legal process. This decision follows the guidance of the Diocese of Malolos and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.’ It added that ‘If this caused concern to the Church and the faithful, we sincerely apologize.’

Bulacan was the epicenter of the corruption in flood control projects that came to light last month following massive flooding in the province and elsewhere, and the staggering wealth of DPWH-linked contractors whose misdeeds continue to be exposed. Billions of people’s money has gone into the pockets of a few who thought nothing of what their greed has wrought on millions of Filipinos who suffered immensely, not only in Bulacan but all over the Philippines, citizens deprived of the services they deserved.

On donations to churches, charitable organizations, and the like, one would expect that these groups are the most likely beneficiaries of excess wealth, be it ill-gotten or hard-earned. Pampalinis ng konsiyensia (to cleanse one’s conscience), as the saying goes. As to the recipients of purloined largesse, the churches especially, shouldn’t there be a way for the church leaders to know where the huge donations are coming from? Especially if these are delivered in the form of cash. Can’t the beneficiaries demand checks for, say, more than P20,000 instead of mounds of cash? This way, there would be a money trail in case.

It had been reported that a religious formation house and seminary for a locally founded religious congregation for men had received donations from Janet Napoles. The ‘pork barrel queen’ is now serving time for several crimes at the Women’s Correctional.

Remember the sport utility vehicles that were given to unsuspecting bishops during the Arroyo presidency? ‘Unsuspecting,’ if we give them the benefit of the doubt. The SUV donations gave rise to the word ‘Mitsubishops’ (derived from Mitsubishi, the car manufacturer) that tarnished the image of shepherds of the flock. That is the Pinoy way of getting even-by ridicule. If I remember right, some bishops did try to return the SUVs.

Pope Leo XIV, when he was bishop of Chiclayo in Peru, was said to buy secondhand vehicles and fix them so his priests could use them in their ministries. Here was an Augustinian friar who served as prior general of his order twice over and with a doctorate in canon law, doing his bit as a car mechanic.

Years ago, a friend of a certain age, now deceased, confided in me that a lawmaker known to her personally asked her if he could channel money through a foundation which she was part of. Money laundering, what else. She politely said no. No theatrics, just no.

With the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu two days ago and claimed the lives of 72 (as of this writing), one could not help but wonder if lives were lost also because of substandard public infrastructure.

There are many ways to be corrupt, but there are also many ways not to be.