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A magnitude 5 earthquake jolted Occidental Mindoro on Wednesday morning, with the strongest reported shaking at Intensity IV in the towns of Mamburao and Sablayan, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The earthquake struck at 9:34 a.m. and was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometers, with the epicenter located at 13.19°N, 120.38°E, or about 23 kilometers southwest of Mamburao, Phivolcs said.

Instrumental intensity readings measured Intensity IV in Mamburao and Sablayan; Intensity III in the towns of Abra de Ilog and Looc, also in Occidental Mindoro; in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; and Intensity I in the municipalities of San Jose, Magsaysay and Calintaan in Occidental Mindoro; and the towns of Victoria and Pinamalayan in Oriental Mindoro.

No reports have been provided regarding casualties or damage from the earthquake.

A sub-committee of ranking lawmakers tasked with reviewing proposed tweaks to the 2027 spending bill has held preparatory meetings to set the agenda and finalize the subject that will be discussed when it formally convenes, though it did not take up substantial amendments yet.

Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno said the Budget Amendments Review Sub-committee (BARSc) already held preliminary sessions to set the panel’s formal schedule and the flow of proceedings once lawmakers from major political parties and the minority bloc meet to discuss changes to the P7.2-trillion spending bill.

‘The pre-BARSc is akin to an organizational meeting [where] they decide their schedule, and then they decide the subject matter. And when the agenda is completed, they will start regular conferences already,’ he said at a media briefing in mixed English and Filipino.

Puno’s comments came as the political party he leads, the National Unity Party, voiced frustration over delayed funding for infrastructure works and social assistance programs across its members’ legislative districts.

The party also bared a list of special provisions it wants inserted in the 2027 budget to ensure funds are released in a timely manner, particularly by removing ‘for later release’ tags for specific projects. This would ensure that project allotments are released within a budget’s implementation year, NUP said.

Guimaras Rep. Joaquin Carlos Rahman Nava, an NUP representative to BARSc, said the special panel began meeting on Monday, when they discussed the ‘mechanics and flow’ of the proceedings, alongside budget requests from agencies.

‘That’s as far as it goes, so far,’ he said.

Lawmakers received ‘many’ agency-backed amendments to the spending plan, according to Bataan Rep. Albert ‘Abet’ Garcia, the House Appropriations Committee’s senior vice chairman.

‘And of course, we also consider the recommendations of the civil society plus the different sponsors of the departments,’ he told reporters on the sidelines of an appropriations committee meeting.

Though Garcia clarified that no ‘pre-BARSc’ sessions had been held. Instead, committee leaders responsible for sponsoring agency budgets on the House floor have been meeting regularly, both formally and informally, to iron out amendments prior to the sub-committee’s formal convening.

‘Maybe that’s what they’re referring to as pre-BARSc. But it’s normal for the vice chairs to discuss possible amendments in their respective agencies,’ he said.

The House has entered the final stages of its budget process after wrapping up floor debates on the budget bill last week, and proposed amendments are expected to be introduced in the spending plan by lawmakers before they pass it on final reading by Oct. 9.

On Tuesday, watchdog People’s Budget Coalition expressed concern that changes to the proposed budget are already being negotiated behind closed doors, as it warned that any subsequent public hearings may be viewed as merely for show.

The second season of the reality series ‘LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines’ is set to premiere on Oct. 30, with Vice Ganda returning as host.

The upcoming edition will feature a new set of comedians that ‘[brings] together different generations, backgrounds and styles of Filipino comedy.’ Included in the lineup are Long Mejia, Epy Quizon, Candy Pangilinan, Ethel Booba, Pooh, Donna Cariaga, Chariz Solomon, Esnyr, James Caraan and Charuth.

In the show, the 10 comedians will be locked together for six hours and tasked with making their fellow contestants laugh without breaking character.

Aside from Vice Ganda, director Randolph Longjas is also returning to helm the show, produced by Prime Video.

‘LOL: Last One Laughing’ is based on the Japanese reality series ‘Documental,’ where the host leads 10 comedians in an anything goes ‘battle of laughter behind closed doors.’

The first season of the Philippine adaptation of the series aired in 2024, with Chad Kinis emerging as the champion.

Chad won P1 million cash prize after besting fellow comedians Jerald Napoles, Pepe Herrera, Victor Anastacio, Empoy Marquez, Tuesday Vargas, Rufa Mae Quinto, Jayson Gainza, Kim Molina, and Negi.

Manila Water is encouraging customers to participate in its October desludging schedule as part of its continuing efforts to protect local waterways, support community health, and promote responsible wastewater management.

Through regular septic tank maintenance, households can help prevent untreated wastewater from entering drainage systems, creeks, rivers, and other bodies of water, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

As populations grow and urban areas expand, proper sanitation becomes increasingly important in safeguarding both public health and the environment. Regular desludging removes accumulated sludge from septic tanks, ensuring wastewater is properly collected and treated while reducing the risk of pollution that can affect surrounding communities and waterways.

This October, Manila Water desludging teams will be deployed in the barangays of Bagong Nayon, Sta. Cruz, and San Luis in Antipolo City; Baras and Jala-Jala in Rizal; San Andres and San Isidro A in Cainta; Santa Ana in Taytay; Geronimo and San Rafael in Rodriguez (Montalban); Dulong Bayan 1 and 2, Santa Ana, Guitnang Bayan I (Poblacion), and Gulod Malaya in San Mateo; Pag-asa in Binangonan; and Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City. Desludging teams will also serve select accounts in Holy Spirit, Quezon City; and Salapan, Pasadena, and Pedro Cruz in San Juan City.

The initiative also reflects Manila Water’s commitment to environmental stewardship, highlighted by its participation in the International Coastal Cleanup organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in September. While Manila Water employees joined volunteers in cleaning up Manila Bay and nearby waterways, the company continues to promote preventive desludging as an important measure in reducing pollution and protecting water bodies.

‘Protecting our waterways requires action on multiple fronts. While coastal cleanups help remove waste already present in the environment, preventive desludging helps stop wastewater pollution at its source. By maintaining septic tanks regularly, customers become active partners in keeping rivers, creeks, and coastal areas cleaner and healthier for future generations,’ said Manila Water Corporate Communications Group Head Dittie Galang.

Manila Water also works closely with local communities and barangays to promote awareness of its regular desludging program, encouraging customers to maintain their septic tanks every five to seven years. By participating in the program, households not only help keep their septic systems functioning properly but also contribute to the protection of local waterways and the overall health of the communities.

The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) has reminded employers to observe proper wage rules during the special non-working days on Nov. 16 to 18, declared in connection with the Philippines’ hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.

Under Labor Advisory No. 16, employees who do not work on the special non-working days will generally follow the ‘no work, no pay’ rule, unless a company policy or collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise.

Below are the complete pay rules:

An employee who will work on this day shall receive additional 30 percent of the basic wage on the first eight hours (basic wage x 130 percent)

An employee who will work more than eight hours on this day shall receive additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day (hourly rate of the basic wage x 130 percent x 130 percent x number of hours worked)

If an employee works on this day that also falls on their rest day, the employer shall pay an additional 50 percent of the basic wage on the first eight hours of work (basic wage x 150 percent)

For work done for more than eight hours on this day that also falls on the employees’ rest day, the employers shall pay an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day (hourly rate of the basic wage x 150 percent x 130 percent x number of hours worked)

The Dole noted that the pay rules ‘shall also apply to employees in alternative, flexible, and telecommuting work arrangements, without prejudice to their entitlement of other benefits under their respective company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement.

University of Santo Tomas won’t be having the services of forward Gelo Crisostomo for a while in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.

But when the Growling Tigers needed production from the forward position against the University of the East, they didn’t feel the void left by Crisostomo.

They had Mark Llemit to thank for that.

‘When we found out about Gelo, we all talked as a team, especially us who’s in the same position as him,’ Llemit said after their 98-87 win over the Red Warriors at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

‘Gelo is such a big piece for us on both offense and defense.’

Crisostomo is currently ruled out indefinitely for UST with a right ACL sprain.

In his absence, Llemit exploded for 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists as UST improved to 2-1.

Also helping Llemit in the front court was Amiel Acido, who continued his string of stellar games, this time with 16 points.

Thanks in part to Llemit’s production, UST is now in a five-way tie atop the standings with National University, UP, Ateneo and Far Eastern University, which later beat defending champion La Salle.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) on Wednesday committed to investigate a plastic surgeon and his clinic.

This comes after Sen. Raffy Tulfo raised alleged malpractice cases involving reported deaths of patients.

During the Senate Committee on Finance hearing for the 2027 spending plan of DOLE and its attached agencies, Tulfo questioned PRC officials over the agency’s handling of complaints against the doctor.

Tulfo cited a 2017 case involving a patient who allegedly died after undergoing multiple procedures at once, and another recent case involving a patient who reportedly suffered the same fate.

He questioned why the PRC had not yet taken action despite the earlier case.

PRC Chairperson Charito Zamora explained that the 2017 case was filed before the Board of Medicine in 2021 and remains at the board level.

‘2017. It’s 2026 now. For nine years, even if it was done motu proprio (of one’s own accord), it was only by you yourselves,’ Tuflo said.

‘If I were the one doing it motu proprio, I’d say, ‘Wait a minute. Something’s wrong with this. Let’s do something about this,” he told Zamora.

Zamora said the agency will investigate the recent case.

She said she will gather information and will direct the Board of Medicine to investigate the case.

Unsatisfied with the answer, Tulfo pressed PRC to take preventive action such as issuing a cease and desist order or preventive suspension.

He believes another patient can potentially be harmed if the doctor will continue to perform procedures.

‘We shouldn’t wait for a third person to die,’ the senator told the PRC official.

Tulfo urged the PRC to study how such an order could be issued ‘ASAP (as soon as possible),’ saying he did not want another patient to become a victim while the case was pending.

For his part, Dole Acting Secretary Francis Tolentino said he will constitute a fact-finding team to look into the allegations.

‘Tomorrow, we’ll form a team,’ Tolentino said.

He also cited a previous instance during the administration of former Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz when a fact-finding investigation involving the PRC was conducted.

Tolentino also said Dole can immediately inspect the clinic and submit a report to the Senate committee.

The answers Anfernee Simons gamely tried to offer about the first day of 76ers training camp were suddenly drowned out by the furious whirring overhead of a helicopter leaving the team’s complex.

LeBron James’ helicopter.

James indeed used the rotorcraft for the rich to take him after practice from New Jersey to presumably close to wherever he decided to live in New York. The helicopter noises are usually reserved for when billionaire team owner Josh Harris lands at the complex for the NBA draft or a major news conference. The 76ers were quickly caught in the whirlwind of the first days of the LeBron Effect, even as a pair of players and coach Nick Nurse professed all was good on the court.

Off the court, make room.

Sixers staff moved the news conference backdrop from a corner where a few dozen reporters are usually stuffed to shout questions at Joel Embiid or Tyrese Maxey to a spot closer toward midcourt for a roomier feel for the more than 50 credentialed reporters, bloggers, TV camera operators and more that came to get an early report card on James’ official first day as a Sixer.

James was gone Tuesday by the time media was allowed on the court to watch practice. Embiid, Maxey, former Boston star Jaylen Brown, they were all absent, too, a day after holding court on media day.

Nurse is starting his fourth season as coach of the Sixers. He’s used to handling the demands that come with working in a major market and dealing with star players in Philly such as with Embiid and his daily injury report or the high drama that surrounded former Sixer James Harden.

Nurse did say he had conversations with the team about looking out for each other and staying connected while navigating a spotlight season – especially early – that already has a postseason-type of aura around the franchise before the Sixers even played a game.

‘It is going to be different,’ Nurse said. ‘More people, more eyes, more stories, more national TV. All that kind of stuff. It’s the same, just a little more. I’m just trying to get to the practice floor and to the game floor. If we can do those two things, all that other stuff, we’ll just kind of handle it as smoothly as we can.’

Nurse called the sight of so much talent ‘impressive’ once the Sixers hit the floor for practice. James is a future Hall of Famer. Embiid has certainly built a strong case. Brown was an NBA Finals MVP and champion with the Celtics. Maxey earned his first All-Star start last season and has blossomed into an elite talent.

The fifth starter is more than just, oh, that other guy.

VJ Edgecombe was third in rookie of the year voting last season and his buoyant personality and defensive playmaking made him an instant fan favorite and immediate force in helping the Sixers return last season to the playoffs. Edgecombe worked out with James over the summer and volunteered that he orchestrated the starting five group text thread – well, once he asked Maxey for James’ number.

That was all cool. Yet the magnitude of the moment truly hit him ahead of practice when James put on his No. 23 jersey in the same locker room as Edgecombe.

The 21-year-old Edgecombe tried not to get starstruck. He called James a teammate, a brother, a Sixer who will fight on the court side by side with them to chase the franchise’s first championship since 1983.

Maybe. But he’s still LeBron James.

‘It’s like, damn, that’s still Bron,’ Edgecombe said with a laugh. ‘He was in the locker room and I’m like, oh, that’s Bron over there. His locker was open. He was in there before everybody as usual. He dapped me up, he’s like, ‘what up? what up?’ We know each other for a minute.’

Edgecombe smiled as he tried to convince himself he’s expunged the fan boy from his system.

‘I ain’t gonna be like that no more,’ Edgecombe said to laughter.

True to his word, Edgecombe said he had to get loud during practice and give James some defensive instruction on when to switch off.

‘We forgot. We messed up a switch,’ Edgecombe said. ‘But that’s what happens. We’re getting to know each other. It’s a new system for him. Everything is on the fly right now.’

It was soon time for James to fly home – all while the Sixers basked in the successful first day of what could be the NBA ride of a lifetime.

Victoria Bossong arrived with a dream far bigger than an Asian Games medal-the Olympic podium.

And on Tuesday evening at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium here, the 23-year-old Filipino-American took her first major step toward that ambition in her Asiad debut.

‘I want a podium at the Olympics, so this was honestly a very good stepping stone,’ said Bossong.

‘This is the biggest competition I’ve gone to by far. Just to land on the podium is a big accomplishment even if it’s not gold.’

Bossong seized bronze in the women’s 800-meter final, clocking 2:05.34 under wet, slippery conditions brought by evening rain.

She finished behind China’s Wu Hongjiao (2:04.49) and Bahrain’s Nelly Korir (2:05.16), both seasoned middle-distance runners with global experience.

Her time was slower than her blazing 2:02.34 in the heats, the fastest mark across all qualifiers. Still, the medal confirmed what Philippine athletics already knew: Bossong belongs on Asia’s biggest stage.

‘This is the first time I ran for the Philippines on such a big stage,’ said Bossong.

‘I think I handled the pressure well and I think I learned a lot. Maraming salamat po (thank you) for all the support and love from all the messages I receive; this is why I keep on doing this. Thank you so much,’ she added.

With a personal best of 1:58.52, she entered the Asian Games as one of only three women in the field to have broken the two-minute barrier, a rare mark that places her among Asia’s elite.

Bossong’s personal best is faster than the 2023 Hangzhou gold-medal time and even quicker than the Asian Games record of 1:59.02 set in 2014.

She arrived in Nagoya as a legitimate gold-medal contender.

‘I wish I could be here with the gold medal,’ Bossong admitted. ‘I gave my best out there, and I’m happy to bring home a medal for the Philippines. I hope next time it’s a gold medal.’

‘These games are a good experience, just learning how to race well,’ she added. ‘I’m happy to bring home hardware for the Philippines.’

Bossong now looks forward to the Asian championships and World championships, the Southeast Asian Games next year, and ultimately, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

‘We have Asian champs in the spring, then hopefully world championships in the fall and hopefully SEA Games as well. It will be my first time running at those, and I’m looking forward to showing off with the Philippine colors.’

Interior Secretary Juanito Victor ‘Jonvic’ Remulla warned about the criminal group True Brown Style (TBS), recruiting minors through robbery initiations, assuring that authorities are gathering intelligence on its members and will ‘get them.’

‘Now this has become too much. We are holding command conferences with all the police, and we are gathering intelligence on who their members are, and we will get them,’ said Remulla in an ambush interview after a turnover ceremony in Pampanga on Wednesday.

‘Now, as part of their recruitment, before you can join the group, you have to rob a convenience store at gunpoint,’ Remulla said.

Remulla said the government’s focus on TBS intensified after authorities observed that most crimes declined following the implementation of the Safer Cities program, while robbery cases increased.

‘TBS started 35 years ago in California. It came to the Philippines 25 years ago, but it was small back then. Now, they have become radicalized,’ said Remulla.

Remulla said the issue is a national problem, urging parents to monitor their children’s activities, including checking their phones, knowing who they communicate with and watching for anyone who may be influencing or shaping their minds.