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Former Las Piñas-Muntinlupa district engineer Isabelo Baleros was arrested for multiple counts of estafa, Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Anthony Santos said on Friday.

Santos, in a statement, said that Baleros – whom he previously accused of involvement in questionable transactions, including a supposed transfer of funds for flood control projects – was nabbed inside the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) office at the Port Area in Manila.

The arrest order, Santos relayed, was issued by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 22 Presiding Judge Tammy Ann Reyes Mendillo, under Criminal Case No. R-MNL-25-07000-CR.

Baleros was previously dismissed by former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan due to allegations raised by Santos over the supposed diversion of P450 million in infrastructure projects intended for Las Piñas.

‘This is the tip of the iceberg. If DPWH really wants to prove it is serious about reforms, they must not only fire, but also jail these officials,’ Santos stressed.

‘The P450 million stolen from Las Piñas is not just a number-it’s the people’s hard-earned money. We will not let this go unanswered,’ he further emphasized.

Santos said Baleros was detained at the Baseco Police Station 13 since Thursday, and was able to post a P48,000 bail.

Early August, Santos said that Baleros asked that funds for several projects in Las Piñas be transferred from his district office to the DPWH’s regional office in the National Capital Region, without first consulting local officials.

The move was supposedly approved by Public Works Assistant Secretary Loreta Malaluan and confirmed by then Secretary Manuel Bonoan, amid lack of prior consultation with the Office of the Mayor, the Office of the Congressional Representative, the City Engineering Office, or the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

‘This is a glaring act of bypassing local governance. How can you move hundreds of millions of pesos without informing the elected officials of the city? This reeks of backroom maneuvering,’ Santos said last August 4.

Aside from this, Santos also questioned whether there was visible progress or even initial work on different projects, like the C5 Diversion Road project and other 27 projects listed under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, worth P450 million.

Santos reiterated these observations during the hearing of the House of Representatives’ committee on public accounts, which Bonoan attended.

According to Santos, the P450 million funds were transferred.

INQUIRER then sent messages DPWH officials, including Bonoan himself, to ask for their side of the story, but he has not replied as of posting time.

However, during the committee hearing, Bonoan said he understands Santos’ frustration, adding that he will consider the suggestions made.

‘I fully understand the frustration of the good congressman, and yes, Your Honor, we’ll certainly seriously consider all those proposals, and look into those projects that are now being implemented as you mentioned,’ Bonoan had said.

Allegations surrounding Baleros prompted Santos to suggest that the DPWH adopt a one-strike policy – similar to the one enforced by the Philippine National Police against erring police officers – in terms of reprimanding corrupt engineers.

According to Santos, such a move is necessary at this time to ensure that infrastructure projects are built properly, amid concerns that flood control projects may have been exploited by corrupt politicians, government officials and contractors.

Infrastructure projects, particularly those involving flood control, are being scrutinized right now by different bodies including the House, in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (Sona).

During his Sona, Marcos condemned government officials and contractors who allegedly earned kickbacks from flood control projects, saying that they should be ashamed of themselves.

Marcos’ condemnation came after Senator Panfilo Lacson warned that half of the country’s almost P2 trillion funds from 2011 for flood control projects may have been lost already – necessitating a thorough review of the projects.

Lacson’s warning was prompted by heavy floodings experienced in Metro Manila and its nearby provinces due to three successive cyclones that hit the country and intensified the southwest monsoon.

As of now, several officials of the DPWH have been removed due to the alleged kickback scheme, while Bonoan himself tendered his courtesy resignation.

Both the House and the Senate also paused their investigation on the flood control issue as several lawmakers were accused of involvement in the kickback operations. /apl

Geneva Cruz stood with hundreds of Smokey Mountain residents in Manila to oppose the government’s planned waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration project in the area.

Cruz, who rose to fame as part of the 1990s quartet Smokey Mountain – named after the former dumpsite – recently joined more than 500 urban poor residents during the Day of Action Against Incineration at San Pablo Apostol Parish in Tondo.

‘The people of Smokey Mountain have struggled with the impacts of poverty and environmental injustice, now facing job losses, forced evictions, and reprisals from proponents of the WTE project,’ she earlier wrote on social media.

The singer performed a medley of Smokey Mountain hits – ‘Kailan,’ ‘Paraiso’ and ‘Better World’ – inside the parish covered court on Sept. 30 as she later joined residents’ protest chants.

The P26-billion WTE facility, backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is envisioned as a solution to the country’s waste and flooding problems. However, environmental groups and residents warn the project threatens livelihoods and health.

‘WTE incinerators generate hazardous emissions and threaten the livelihoods of wastepickers who have always been at the forefront of cleaning Manila’s waste through recycling,’ said Shey Levite of EcoWaste Coalition, a co-organizer of the event.

Fr. Allan Ferdinand Dizon, FdCC, who led the parish Mass, stressed that the displacement of families in Smokey Mountain runs counter to the dignity of the poor.

Other groups, such as 350 Pilipinas, the Philippine National Waste Workers Alliance and Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap, echoed concerns over health risks, corruption and forced evictions tied to the project.

The event concluded with the launch of the Manila Anti-Incinerator Alliance (MAIA), a new coalition of community groups pledging sustained action against the planned facility.

The groups are planning larger actions against the WTE project until the President and other relevant agencies sit down with them in meaningful consultation.

The National Environment Agency defines WTE as ‘waste treatment technologies that convert waste into energy by using heat, most commonly incineration.’ It is often criticized for its harmful air pollution.

The Philippine government is exploring ways to fire up the planned nuclear market as it sees more interests both from local and foreign investors, according to an energy official.

Patrick Aquino, director of the Department of Energy’s Energy Utilization Management Bureau, said all eyes are on the country’s nuclear targets. This, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave the green light for the creation of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom).

This development, Aquino said, is crucial for investors. It signals the current administration’s commitment to advancing the adoption of nuclear energy.

Aquino said what investors really look for is regulatory certainty.

‘That’s why I started off by saying PhilAtom is the clearest signal of this administration, that we’re dead serious in getting nuclear [energy] for power generation,’ he told reporters. This was on the sidelines of the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum in Taguig.

‘We’re attracting investments. Our reforms, whether it’s in economic or social capital investments, and now even here in the energy sector. we do have to start thinking and investing the seeds for the entry of nuclear [energy] in the medium and long term,’ Aquino added.

1,200 MW in 7 years

The government hopes to activate 1,200 megawatts of nuclear energy capacity by 2032. About 15 potential sites have been identified. Aquino, however, declined to name the locations. The DOE still needs to gain the support of the local government units and host communities.

According to Aquino, the DOE is studying the possibility of dedicating a specific bidding for nuclear energy, separate from the green energy auction program. The program is designed to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy projects nationwide.

He said it was also ‘a very good idea’ to tap multinational banks to de-risk nuclear projects.

‘On the side of the Philippines, we’re very happy that the current US administration is taking the charge on making sure that the World Bank relaxes its policy for green investments to include nuclear,’ he said.

Aquino was hopeful that with Washington’s backing, multilateral agencies, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, would also ‘revisit their investment direction and instruction when it comes to nuclear.’

The forum gathered expertise in the nuclear space from Canada, Argentina, the US, and South Korea. Local potential players, like Manila Electric Co. and Aboitiz Power, also participated in the event. /rwd

As the hospitality industry embraces a new era of healthier choices and mindful living, Novotel Manila Araneta City is set to ignite the movement with its very first Weekend Wellness Festival, Find Your Balance, happening on October 4, 2025. In celebration of the hotel’s 10th anniversary, the festival will be held across the 6th floor (In Balance Fitness and Pool, The 6th Manila) and the 7th floor (Versailles Tent, Garden and Courtyard), offering guests a unique backdrop for wellness and rejuvenation. This groundbreaking event is more than a festival, it’s a one-day immersive wellness experience designed for a generation that craves balance, energy, and transformation.

From sunrise to sunset, guests will embark on a full-day journey to recharge the body and calm the mind. The program kicks off with registration at 8AM, followed by the official start of activities a 9AM, and wraps up at around 6PM. To extend the celebration, an exclusive Morning Yoga session on October 5 will also be offered for in-house guests, giving them a second day of mindful movement and renewal.

Expect heart-pumping HIIT and Bootcamp workouts powered by Technogym Philippines, alongside comprehensive fitness and health assessments to help participants better understand their personal wellness journey. Guests can also cool down with a refreshing and revitalizing ice bath led by OCA Collective (movement and recovery studio designed for everyone seeking balance and inspiration), complemented by the relaxing steam bath and rejuvenating massages brought by In Balance Spa (Asmara Spa) using Yoga Love Ph products.

For mindful movement, participants can strengthen their core through a mat Pilates class with OCA Collective, and experience the grounding calm of sound healing sessions. Culinary wellness also takes the spotlight with a healthy and sustainable lunch prepared by Novotel’s Culinary Team, a ‘Make Your Own Energy Drink’ activity with Oster, and a calming tea tasting session courtesy of Dilmah.

Adding expertise and inspiration to the festival are seasoned coaches and wellness practitioners. Angelica Arciga of Technogym Philippines will energize participants with dynamic HIIT and Bootcamp sessions, while Pamela Maia of OCA Collective will guide them through an invigorating ice bath. Jennifer Anne Odronia-Aquino, also from OCA Collective, will lead the mat Pilates class, helping guests build strength, flexibility, and mindful movement from within. Naz Nekoudast of OCA Collective will share her holistic approach to mind and body renewal through sound healing and an exclusive Morning Yoga session on October 5, open only to in-house guests. Luisa Tonelada will introduce a calming tea ritual experience in partnership with Dilmah, while experts from In Balance Spa, featuring Yoga Love Ph products, will provide rejuvenating massages. To complete the wellness journey, specialists from Technogym Philippines will conduct fitness and health assessments to support each guest’s personal path to wellness.

The hotel itself is also proudly taking part in this journey, as Executive Sous Chef Athena Tuble and the Novotel Culinary Team prepare a healthy and sustainable lunch for the day. ‘We’ve mindfully crafted a menu that highlights healthy macros without compromising flavor,’ shares Executive Sous Chef Tuble. ‘Our goal is to give guests a nourishing dining experience that supports their wellness journey, while showcasing the fresh and sustainable ingredients Novotel is known for.’

The experience goes beyond movement. Each guest will receive an exclusive welcome kit filled with wellness essentials, including a Novotel Manila sports bag from My Novotel Manila Boutique’s The Gift Shop. They will also enjoy full access to the In Balance gym, pool, and steam room, along with a sustainable, nourishing lunch paired with all-day wholesome refreshments to keep the energy flowing.This isn’t just about attending an event, it’s about embracing a lifestyle where health, balance, and community take center stage. ”Find Your Balance’ is more than just a festival, it’s a wellness movement,’ said Mischa Cruz-Tongo, Recreation Manager of Novotel Manila Araneta City. ‘We see people today making conscious choices to live healthier, more sustainable, and more mindful lives. As we celebrate 10 years of Novotel Manila, we’re proud to host this first-ever wellness festival to inspire our community to embrace a lifestyle of balance and well-being.’

Tickets are now available at special anniversary rates: Walk-in guests at PHP 5,999 nett, In Balance Wellness Members at PHP 4,499 nett, Accor Plus Members at PHP 4,299 nett, and limited Early Bird slots (limited slots are also available via My Novotel Manila Boutique) at PHP 3,999 nett. With only 20 participants welcomed into this intimate wellness experience, slots are extremely limited. Pre-registration is required through www.novotelmanilaaranetacity.com. Participants must be 18 years old and above, physically fit to join the activities, and are advised to wear comfortable workout attire and rubber shoes for an enjoyable and safe wellness event.

With this pioneering wellness festival, Novotel Manila Araneta City strengthens its role not only as a destination for world-class hospitality but also as a hub for health, balance, and mindful living right in the heart of The City of Firsts, Araneta City. This weekend wellness festival is supported by Technogym Philippines, OCA Collective, Oster, Yoga Love Ph, Asmara Spa, and Dilmah.

With billions of pesos allocated to various infrastructure projects by the government, ensuring their efficient and effective implementation is not just a matter of good governance, but a sacred trust placed upon public officials and contractors alike. A cornerstone mechanism to safeguard this trust is the implementation of performance bonds.

The primary purpose is to shield a government agency, as the project owner, from any financial losses should the contractor fail to uphold their contractual obligations. This protection extends to various critical aspects, including the timely completion of the project, adherence to specific engineering and quality specifications, and the prompt rectification of any defects or issues that may emerge during the stipulated warranty period.

The process begins with the contractor being mandated to procure a performance bond from a reputable surety company. This bond is usually pegged at a specific percentage of the total contract value-commonly ranging between 10 percent and 20 percent. This financial commitment acts as an initial deterrent against noncompliance, ensuring the contractor has a vested interest in successful project delivery.

If a contractor defaults or fails to meet contract terms, the government files a claim, prompting the surety to conduct an impartial investigation into the alleged breach. Upon validation of the claim, the surety company is empowered to take decisive action to remedy the situation. The surety may opt to engage a new, qualified contractor to ensure the project’s completion, or directly compensate the government agency for the financial losses incurred due to the original contractor’s default. Alternatively, it could negotiate a settlement with the defaulting contractor, compelling them to rectify the issues at their own expense.

The benefits of enforcing performance bonds are manifold and undeniable. They serve as a powerful tool for risk mitigation, significantly reducing the likelihood of project delays, costly overruns, or substandard workmanship. With this financial cushion, the government is better positioned to navigate unforeseen challenges.

Performance bonds are not optional extras but often a requirement in government infrastructure projects globally to ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently and effectively. They provide an essential layer of protection and accountability, guaranteeing that projects are completed to the required standards.

Yet critical questions remain: Are these safeguards, particularly the enforcement and claiming of performance bonds, consistently observed as standard practice? While the legal frameworks are in place, realities on the ground often paint a different picture, prompting citizens to question their application.

We frequently witness reports of ghost projects, stalled projects, abandoned sites, significant delays, and visible defects in newly completed infrastructure. We hear of contractors who seemingly vanish after receiving initial payments, leaving projects unfinished or grossly inadequate. While a performance bond should prevent or mitigate such scenarios, the persistence of these issues raises serious doubts about the efficacy of its enforcement. Are government agencies consistently demanding these bonds? Are they diligently pursuing claims against sureties when defaults occur? Or are these bonds becoming mere paper requirements, overlooked in the rush to commence projects, or worse, deliberately ignored?

The implications of failing to observe and enforce performance bonds are severe and far-reaching. It translates into wasted public funds, delayed services for our communities, and a profound erosion of public trust in the government’s ability to deliver on its promises. Without robust enforcement, the purpose of these bonds-to protect the public and ensure accountability-is rendered moot.

Enforcing them protects public funds, prevents substandard work, and helps build a more resilient, prosperous Philippines.

The private wealth unit of Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) wants to grow its client base to potentially more than 8,000 people by next year after seeing growth in the country’s affluent sector.

BPI Wealth president and CEO Maria Theresa Marcial told reporters on Thursday that they were looking at adding up to 1,000 clients annually to the BPI Private Wealth network.

BPI Private Wealth-whose customers include high-net worth ($1 million to less than $5 million in assets), very high-net worth (between $5 million and $30 million) and ultra high-net worth individuals (at least $30 million)-currently has more than 6,000 clients. This is expected to reach 7,000 by the end of this year.

‘It could be higher in succeeding years because we constantly update our market studies, and we’re seeing that the growth is steeper . our goal is to gain market share,’ Marcial said during a press conference.

Big market share

According to the CEO, BPI Wealth currently has a 20- to 21-percent market share in the total trust industry.

‘The market is growing so all the other players will continue to grow . we’re doing what we’re able to touch more customer segments,’ Marcial said.

BPI Wealth currently has 1.3 million customers out of the entire BPI Group’s 18 million.

As of end-June, the entire asset and wealth management segment of BPI had P1.9 trillion in assets under management.

Marcial noted they were reviewing their strategy and targets for 2030 as BPI approaches the tail-end of its five-year plan ending in 2026, its 175th year.

BPI Wealth has launched the second year of its Wealth Wellness Program.

Jackie Gonzaga clarified that she and Darren Espanto are not dating, nor has the singer been courting her.

Gonzaga set the record straight during a guest appearance on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ on Thursday, Oct. 2, when asked if she and Espanto were an ‘item.’

‘Hindi po kami ni Darren (I and Darren are not together),’ the dancer-host said. ‘Nanliligaw?’ Abunda asked. ‘Hindi naman din po (No, not at all),’ responded Gonzaga.

The 30-year-old TV host explained that all of them on ‘It’s Showtime’ are really close to each other, hence the dating rumors.

‘Sa amin po sa It’s Showtime sobrang close po naming lahat. ‘Yung relationship namin talaga roon, iba po talaga. Kasi every day, tito, talagang nagkakasama,’ she stated.

(Us on It’s Showtime, we’re really close with each other. Our relationship is really different because we spend time together every day.)

Gonzaga noted that she is indeed dating someone younger, although she did not disclose any more details about the person.

‘Lately ‘yung mga lumalapit sa akin younger talaga sa akin (Lately the people who have been trying to hit on me are younger than me),’ she told Abunda.

Gonzaga and Espanto are being paired up on ‘It’s Showtime.’ They are doing romantic skits and are being teased by their fellow hosts and the audience due to their chemistry.

Espanto previously confirmed that he had a one-year ‘puppy love’ relationship with Kyline Alcantara and a past ‘special relationship’ with Jayda Avanzado.

The singer-host was also romantically linked with Cassy Legaspi and Ylona Garcia in the past.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has already found the fault that caused the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu on Tuesday evening, September 30, that killed 68 individuals.

In a statement on Friday, Phivolcs said its quick response team located the inland extension of the newly named Bogo Bay Fault in Sitio Looc, Brgy. Nailon, Bogo City.

‘The team observed fault scarps, open cracks, and small pressure mounds within a 2-meter-wide deformation zone,’ Phivolcs noted.

‘Initial field mapping recorded about 200 meters of surface rupture, while drone surveys revealed the fault may extend up to 1.5 kilometers, showing signs of right-lateral movement,’ it added.

The response team continues to conduct field verification in order to determine the full extent of the rupture.

Phivolcs, meanwhile, advised the public to stay vigilant ‘for strong aftershocks, secure their homes, know evacuation routes, and rely only on official sources for updates and safety instructions.’

As of 4 p.m. this Friday, a total of 4,378 aftershocks-ranging from magnitude 1 to 5.1-were recorded from the strong quake, wherein 21 of these were felt.

There is no party like a San Miguel Oktoberfest party. The most-anticipated beer festival kicked off at Okada Manila last September 20 to 21, 2025. As San Miguel Beer celebrates its 135th year of serving great beers around the world, San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) brings back the fiesta vibe that made the event an iconic spectacle.

Over 8,000 revelers flocked Okada Manila’s Crystal Pavilion during the two-day event filled with an array of specially crafted beers paired with top-notch food offerings over pulse-pounding music from a powerhouse lineup of top local acts.

The festivities were opened with a toast led by SMB President Carlos M. Berba, San Miguel Pale Pilsen Brand Ambassador Coco Martin, and Okada Manila Vice Chairperson Takako Okada. The event kicked off a series of San Miguel Oktoberfest Events which will happen at the Paseo de Santa Rosa in Santa Rosa, Laguna on October 18, 2025 and at the Queensland Manor in Cebu City on October 31.

SMB lit up the famed integrated resort as guests were treated to complimentary beer samplers curated from San Miguel Beer’s global portfolio of brews as well as exciting new brews including India Pale Ale, Fruity Wheat Ale, Summer Ale and Specialty Lager.

Pop-ups lined the Crystal Pavilion’s signature winding walkway with gourmet restaurants Las Flores, Café Fleur by Chef Sau, Flipside Burgers, and Purefoods Deli setting up shop while SMB’s new Draft Beer Mobile Bar Truck added more to the overflowing beer at the venue. Party-goers also took home plenty of limited-edition San Miguel Beer merchandise to remember the epic event.

The San Miguel Oktoberfest party rocked to some of the country’s top acts including Rico Blanco, Lola Amour, December Avenue, Maki, Arthur Nery, Brownman Revival, The Dawn, Autotelic, The Juans, Over October, The Cohens, Paprika, DWATA, Carousel Casualties, It All Started in May, Magiliw Street, Sean Archer, Acapellago, DJ Chelsea, and DJ Rammy.

More good vibes went around when recently crowned PBA All-Filipino Cup Champions, the San Miguel Beermen, shot hoops with Oktoberfest party goers. Billiards legends Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes and Francisco ‘Django’ Bustamante also played an exhibition match and challenged revelers who dare to showcase their pool table skills.

The night wasn’t just a celebration, it was a memory-making spree where every sip and souvenir captured the spirit of San Miguel Beer.

San Miguel Oktoberfest remains to be the largest fiesta in the country recognized by the Department of Tourism since 2005. Get your tickets now at Ticket2Me.net for the San Miguel Oktoberfest at Paseo de Santa Rosa in Santa Rosa, Laguna on October 18, 2025 featuring Rocksteddy, Sunkissed Lola, Progeny, The Collars, and Parisukat and the San Miguel Oktoberfest at the Queensland Manor in Cebu City on October 31 with Urbandub, December Avenue, Missing Filemon, Nikolay, and Kuwako as featured acts.

Lawyers of the victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte agreed on Thursday that the Senate resolution seeking house arrest for the former leader actually has ‘no bearing’ on a pending request for his temporary release and may even work against his favor in the end.

‘This is really for domestic political purposes . because the International Criminal Court (ICC) does not consider all of these political statements,’ lawyer Gilbert Andres said in a vlog of human rights advocate Carlos Conde.

‘A house arrest is not even contemplated in the ICC Rome Statute. You won’t find it in the (articles in the Rome Statute) and it is also not in the [ICC] Rules of Procedure and Evidence,’ said Andres, Center for International Law executive director.

The lawyer said that ‘house arrest’ is just a concept in Philippine politics, saying that it is meant to give ‘special treatment to politicians’ and may belie claims that Duterte has ‘failing cognitive abilities’ because he still has the acumen to muster a deliberative body’s majority from more than 10,000 kilometers away.

For lawyer Kristina Conti of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, it still shows political power even if it is also seen as ‘self-serving,’ particularly to Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who has been named as a potential coperpetrator of Duterte in a preconfirmation brief.

With 15 in favor, 3 opposed, and two abstaining, the Senate on Wednesday adopted Senate Resolution No. 144, asking the ICC to place Duterte under house arrest.

The others voting in favor were Dela Rosa, Robinhood Padilla, Rodante Marcoleta, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher Go, Joel Villanueva, Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda, Erwin Tulfo, JV Ejercito, Panfilo Lacson, and Mark Villar.

Opposing the resolution were Senators Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, and Francis Pangilinan, while Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Sen. Raffy Tulfo abstained from voting.

For Cristina Palabay, secretary general of Karapatan, the Senate resolution only proved that the upper chamber is ‘packed with Duterte lackeys and apologists,’ with no less than Dela Rosa leading the pack. ‘This is a Senate bereft of integrity,’ she said.

Conti noted that the Senate ‘is not in any way involved in the ICC process,’ and the Senate resolution undermines the independence of the international tribunal and bolsters the assertions of both the prosecutors and the victims that Duterte and his family members still wield ‘significant political clout.’