Justice chief dismisses disbarment case as ‘forum shopping’

October 2, 2025 | 9:02 pm

Jesus Crispin Remulla — JESUS CRISPIN C. REMULLA — PHILIPPINE STAR/JOHN RYAN BALDEMOR

JUSTICE SECRETARY Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Thursday downplayed the disbarment complaint filed against him, saying it was an “expected” move and part of repeated legal actions pursued by the same complainant.

The case was filed by Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte before the Supreme Court (SC) and docketed as an administrative case.

In the complaint, received by the SC’s Office of the Bar Confidant on Oct. 2, Mr. Duterte accused Mr. Remulla and other officials of violating the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) in connection with the alleged “unlawful arrest, detention, and extra-judicial rendition” of his father, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in March.

“This is not the first time he filed. He has been filing cases,” Mr. Remulla told reporters, noting that similar petitions had been lodged in the past before the Supreme Court and other tribunals.

The Justice secretary described the move as “forum shopping” and linked it to political dissatisfaction.

“They can’t hide their displeasure with stuff we have to do for the ends of justice… I will just roll with the punches,” he said.

Mr. Remulla recalled that the complainant had filed cases even while the former president was under confinement at the airport.

When asked about related complaints pending against him, Mr. Remulla said these too were anticipated. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Magalong slammed for rejecting scrutiny of P110-M Baguio tennis court, parking facility

October 2, 2025 | 9:01 pm

BAGUIO CITY — Party-list Rep. Terry L. Ridon criticized Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong on Thursday, accusing him of being a hypocrite for rejecting scrutiny of a city project linked to a controversial contractor.

Mr. Ridon said Mr. Magalong should not avoid questions if he truly supports transparency and good governance.

At the center of the issue is a P110-million tennis court project in Baguio City, which involved a firm connected to the Discaya family.

The Discayas are being investigated for their alleged role in ghost and substandard flood control projects.

Mr. Ridon pointed out that this raises questions about Mr. Magalong’s decision to hire such a firm.

Mr. Magalong, according to Mr. Ridon, admitted that the city had only been dealing with a subcontractor — something that both the Senate and House are currently investigating as a red flag.

Mr. Ridon said these kinds of arrangements are often used to cover up poor-quality work and need to be looked into, especially when public funds are involved.

Mr. Ridon clarified that there is no evidence so far of corruption or kickbacks in the Baguio project. However, there are concerns that the project may be substandard.

He said it is only right for the public to ask questions and that even officials who promote good governance must also be open to investigation.

He also criticized Mr. Magalong for staying silent.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. had already named the Discayas in August, and the family admitted to controlling several firms. “But Magalong said nothing about the Baguio project until a news report came out in late September,” Mr. Ridon raised.

Mr. Ridon believed this silence and Mr. Magalong’s refusal to allow scrutiny do not match his public image.

“If Mayor Magalong really believes in accountability, he should apply the same standards to himself,” Mr. Ridon said.

In a related development, Baguio City councilor Jose Molintas said the Discayas have already been invited by the Baguio City council and expected to be present on Oct. 30 at the Baguio City Council session to answer questions about the tennis court and parking facility project.

The city council have also invited the city building official including former Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chairman, former City Administrator Bonifacio dela Peña to face local legislators for the inquiry.

Meanwhile, Mr. Magalong believes he was quietly pushed out of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) because his investigations upset powerful people.

“I think I struck a nerve,” he had recently said, suggesting that his work “may have hit too close to home” for some involved in alleged irregularities.

Mr. Magalong was appointed as a special adviser to the ICI body no more than a month ago, but resigned Friday last week.

Soon after his appointment, Malacañang clarified that he was not a lead investigator and had no official authority in decision-making.

Mr. Magalong believed this move weakened his role and made it difficult for him to do his job effectively.

He denied that his resignation was due to a conflict of interest, as some officials had claimed.

“There is no conflict. That issue was just used to distract from the real problem,” Mr. Magalong said.

“Palalabasin pang pati ako corrupt,” he grunted referring to alleged “conflict of interest” in relation to the controversial P110-million Baguio tennis court and parking facility.

Mr. Magalong though believes, the real reason he was edged out was because his work was beginning to reveal uncomfortable truths.

Mr. Magalong explained his decision to step down from the ICI was meant to protect its credibility. He said he did not want to be a distraction, especially amid questions over the commission’s independence.

“It became clear they didn’t want me there,” he added.

Despite his exit, Mr. Magalong said his fight against corruption is not over.

“My commitment to truth and justice continues,” he said, vowing to keep pushing for accountability even outside the ICI.

The Palace had said it respects Mr. Magalong’s decision to resign and assured the public that the ICI will continue its anti-corruption work. — Artemio A. Dumlao

P9.5-M cigarettes seized in Maguindanao del Norte

October 2, 2025 | 9:01 pm

COTABATO CITY — Two rookie policemen earned praises from various sectors for their interception of P9.5 million worth of undocumented imported cigarettes made in Indonesia at an anti-smuggling checkpoint in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte before dawn on Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Jaysen C. De Guzman, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and the municipal police chief of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Lt. Col. Esmael A. Madin, separately told reporters that they are now in custody of the confiscated 266 boxes of cigarettes, which will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs.

Two policemen guarding the anti-smuggling checkpoint, Patrolman Ruel S. Cañete and Patrolman Michael M. Laoto, flagged down the Isuzu van-type truck carrying the contraband only for a routine inspection, but immediately detained its driver and his helper when they found out that the unit was loaded with cigarettes made in Indonesia.

“To these two rookie policemen, we are thankful,” said the entrepreneur-lawyer Ronald Hallid D. Torres, chairman of the Bangsamoro Business Council in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which is actively supporting the campaign of the Bangsamoro regional police against circulation of smuggled cigarettes in all of BARMM’s five provinces and three cities.

Mr. De Guzman and Mr. Madin had separately lauded both policemen via the radio stations in Cotabato City.

Personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police also immediately impounded the van-type truck, bearing license plates MAZ 7538, which was headed to different towns in Maguindanao del Norte and nearby provinces.

The driver of the truck and his helper were also detained for procedural interrogation. They both assured municipal police officials to identify the suppliers of the seized imported cigarettes for prosecution. — John Felix M. Unson

Shares inch higher on Fed bets, peso’s rebound

October 2, 2025 | 9:00 pm

PHILIPPINE SHARES edged higher Thursday as bargain hunting continued and as the peso rose further against the dollar, with positive sentiment from Wall Street on expectations of more rate cuts spilling over to the local market.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) inched up by 0.22% or 13.73 points to close at 6,039.76, while the broader all shares index rose by 0.12% or 4.67 points to end at 3,659.29.

“The local market extended its gains as investors continued with their bargain hunting. The positive cues from Wall Street driven by Federal Reserve rate cut hopes helped in Thursday’s session,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a market note.

“The slight improvement in the peso’s position also aided the local bourse,” he said. The peso rose by four centavos to close at P58.080 against the dollar on Thursday from P58.12 on Wednesday, marking a second day of gains.

A weak US labor market report bolstered bets for US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, Reuters reported. The US government shutdown made it a near certainty that crucial monthly payrolls data won’t be released on Friday, but overnight the private ADP employment report showed the economy unexpectedly shed jobs in September, with the prior month also revised to a decline.

Even without the benefit of official labor data, the dismal ADP report had traders pricing in quarter-point Fed rate cuts at each of the two remaining policy meetings of the year as almost a done deal. The promise of an easier policy environment helped lift Wall Street to fresh record highs on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, AP Securities, Inc. said in a market note that the PSEi managed to stay above 6,000 mainly on the back of a 2.03% jump from index heavyweight SM Investments Corp. (SMIC).

SMIC was the index’s leader for the day, while SM Prime Holdings, Inc. was the main laggard as it dropped by 2.18%, Mr. Tantiangco noted.

“Trading was still tepid, however, … reflecting the weak market confidence amid lingering uncertainties,” he added.

Value turnover went down to P5.56 billion on Thursday with 1.52 billion shares traded from Wednesday’s P6.8 billion with 2.46 billion shares changing hands.

Most sectoral indices closed higher on Thursday. Mining & oil jumped by 2.2% or 291.86 points to 13,538.53; holding firms climbed by 1.26% or 61.86 points to 4,972.31; financials rose by 0.43% or 9.09 points to 2,081.86; industrials increased by 0.11% or 10.39 points to 8,892.69; and services edged up by 0.01% or 0.39 point to 2,194.03.

Meanwhile, property went down by 1.2% or 27.66 points to 2,275.13.

Decliners outnumbered advancers, 95 to 89, while 65 names closed unchanged.

Net foreign selling went down to P762.04 million on Thursday from P1.03 billion on Wednesday. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno with Reuters

DHSUD agencies freeze housing loan payments in typhoon, quake zones

October 2, 2025 | 8:53 pm

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said it suspended housing loan amortizations in areas stricken by recent typhoons and the earthquake that hit northern Cebu.

In a statement on Thursday, the DHSUD said it “ordered its key shelter agencies (KSAs) to implement a moratorium on housing amortization to their members in areas affected by [the] typhoons and earthquake.”

The order forms part of its efforts “to provide much-needed assistance to victims of typhoons Nando and Opong in Bicol and the destructive earthquake in Cebu province.”

Opong did much of its damage in Masbate, an island province administratively belonging to the Bicol region.

The order applies to the Home Development Mutual Fund (known as the Pag-IBIG Fund), the National Home Mortgage Finance Corp., the National Housing Authority, and the Social Housing Finance Corp.

The DHSUD did not say when the moratorium will be lifted.

Human Settlements Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling also asked the department’s regional offices in Bicol and the Central Visayas to provide damage assessments in the wake of the calamities.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) estimated that over 3.5 million individuals were affected by typhoons Opong, Nando, and Mirasol.

The NDRRMC also reported that the 6.9-magnitude quake in northern Cebu killed 72 people. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

DoLE asks employers not to punish absent workers after Cebu quake

October 2, 2025 | 8:53 pm

LABOR Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma urged employers to show understanding towards employees struggling to return to work in the wake of the 6.9-magnitude Cebu earthquake.

“The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) reminds employers to be compassionate and understanding of the plight of their workers and to provide them needed assistance,” he said via Viber.

He added that employees unable to report to work due to family obligations or safety issues should not face disciplinary action.

The DoLE made the announcement after at least 10 business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in Cebu City ordered their employers to keep working after the quake struck late on Sept. 30, as alleged by the Cebu chapter of the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN).

Some employees were ordered to return to their workstations just 30 minutes after the tremor despite aftershocks, with some workplaces blocking emergency exits, BIEN said in a statement.

Others were offered double pay to continue working, while those who left faced threats of dismissal, pay cuts, or loss of bonuses, the group added.

Some workers were allegedly forced to sign nondisclosure agreements barring them from discussing their companies’ post-earthquake measures.

“BIEN Cebu strongly condemns these unacceptable labor practices and calls for the immediate protection of BPO employees and their families, whether they are working onsite or remotely,” the organization said, urging DoLE to hold employers accountable for “endangering workers’ lives.”

Mr. Laguesma said DoLE Region VII is now investigating the matter. “We need details so we can take the appropriate measure/action against alleged erring employers.”

Federation of Free Workers President Jose G. Matula said employees may lawfully refuse or delay reporting to work during disasters or emergencies if they believe conditions pose serious risks.

“Employees may refuse or delay their return, which is not misconduct but a legitimate exercise of their rights,” he said via Viber.

Such refusals, made in good faith and ideally reported to the employer, cannot be met with disciplinary action, he added.

The DoLE has mobilized support for affected workers in the Central Visayas, where more than 1,500 beneficiaries have been identified for short-term income aid under its emergency jobs program, Mr. Laguesma said.

About P8.8 million has been allocated through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, which provides temporary employment for beneficiaries. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

OFWs in Taiwan to receive pay hike in 2026

October 2, 2025 | 8:53 pm

THOUSANDS of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan are set to benefit from a minimum wage increase that will take effect on Jan. 1, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor approved a raise in the monthly minimum wage to 29,500 New Taiwan dollars (about $967) and the hourly rate to 196 New Taiwan dollars.

The adjustment will require the approval of Taiwan’s Executive Yuan.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac called it a “victory” for labor groups and a step toward ensuring fair pay and stronger protections for Filipinos working overseas.

“We deeply thank the government of Taiwan and the labor organizations for their efforts in implementing this wage hike,” he said in a statement.

The DMW said the increase would provide a significant boost to the earnings of Filipinos employed across Taiwan’s industries, helping them cope with rising living costs and enabling better financial support for their families back home.

According to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, 160,000 OFWs are in Taiwan, including 130,000 factory workers.

Taiwan accounted for 2.7% of Philippine remittances as of June 2025. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PHL to allocate nearly P10B from WB loan to agri projects

October 2, 2025 | 8:53 pm

Farmers-vegetables-Benguet — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said that the government will allot nearly P10 billion from a World Bank (WB)-funded 2026 infrastructure project to farm-to-market roads and value-chain rural infrastructure.

In a statement on Thursday, the DBM said the Department of Agriculture (DA) will get P9.98 billion for its flagship Philippine – Rural Development Project Scale-Up project.

The DBM said the project’s value-chain component includes post-harvest facilities and cold storage.

Asked for details, the DBM told BusinessWorld that the P9.98-billion allocation consists of P8.54 billion worth of loan proceeds and P1.43 billion in government counterpart funding.

The DBM said overall, the government expects to invest P16 billion in 1,067 kilometers of farm-to-market roads to help bring down logistics costs for produce growers.

The government is seeking a P256.5-billion budget for agriculture in the 2026 National Expenditure Program.

DA proposes to allocate P3.8 billion for the National Livestock Program and P9.3 billion for the National Fisheries Program.

Meanwhile, the Sugarcane Industry Development Program will get P1 billion to improve sugar production.

“Other national programs of the DA to receive continuous funding next year include the National Corn Program with P6.7 billion, the National High Value Crops Development Program (P2.1 billion), the National Organic Agriculture Program (P1 billion); and the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (P391 million),” the DBM said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Japanese locators commit to further PHL expansions

October 2, 2025 | 8:53 pm

JAPANESE FIRMS have confirmed plans to further expand their operations in the Philippines, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said.

In a statement on Thursday, PEZA said the commitments were generated during a business mission to Tokyo and Saitama, a city near the Japanese capital, last week.

“The mission underscored the Philippines’ commitment to attracting and sustaining Japanese investment through stronger government-to-business engagement, the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, and targeted investment promotion strategies,” PEZA said.

During the mission, PEZA met with executives from the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) to discuss continued collaboration beyond Japan.

“The discussions centered on continuing and deepening the PEZA-SMBC partnership beyond Japan, particularly in other key Asian markets such as South Korea and Taiwan, where both parties see strong potential to promote Philippine investment opportunities,” it added.

PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said Japanese investors have recovered their position as PEZA’s top source of investment approvals.

“Japanese locators remain among PEZA’s most valued partners, consistently contributing to our country’s export revenue, job creation, and technology,” he said.

“Through this mission, we reassured our Japanese partners of PEZA’s full commitment to providing a competitive, seamless, and sustainable investment environment,” he added.

During the mission, PEZA met with Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd. which currently employs 23,000 workers in Bataan, Tarlac, and Pangasinan.

PEZA also held meetings with MinebeaMitsumi, Inc., Earth Corp., Kanepackage Japan, and KGS Philippines Corp. which indicated plans to expand or set up their operations in the Philippines.

PEZA also met with Kaga Electronics Co. Ltd. which made introductions to its network of Japanese customers. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Trade dep’t to refer MSMEs to LANDBANK loan program

October 2, 2025 | 8:53 pm

landbank-1536x864 — LAND BANK OF THE PHILIPPINES/BW FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is entering into a partnership with Landbank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to provide capital to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

In a statement on Thursday, the DTI said it will be identifying and endorsing eligible MSMEs for Landbank’s LIFTING MSMEs program, also known as Landbank’s Innovative Financing Thrust towards Inclusive National Growth through MSMEs.

“Programs like LIFTING MSMEs are so crucial. They bridge government support with the right financing instruments, unlocking private sector innovation,” Trade Undersecretary Blesila A. Lantayona said.

“In doing so, we give MSMEs the breathing space to grow, innovate, and withstand crises from typhoons to pandemics while continuing to create jobs and keep local economies alive,” she added.

The program aims to help business grow their operations and strengthen their competitiveness, which will allow them to contribute more effectively to the economy.

Apart from the endorsements, the DTI will also collaborate with LANDBANK on the design and delivery of capacity-building activities.

“(This will) ensure that endorsed MSMEs are ready for financing and can achieve long-term sustainability,” the DTI said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

BoC to receive P50 billion in funding diverted from DPWH

October 2, 2025 | 8:53 pm

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) said it expects to use the P50 billion it will receive from the reallocated public works budget to fund its efforts in countering a recent rise in physical smuggling.

“Bringing in illicit goods based on our recent apprehensions has shifted from technical smuggling to outright smuggling,” Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla told reporters on the sidelines of an event.

“We need all the logistical support to be able to identify where exactly on the open seas (the smugglers) are operating and (put in place) the right equipment to stop those particular activities,” he said.

Some P255 billion was taken away from the 2026 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the wake of the flood control scandal, which triggered a review of the department’s funding.

Regarding the BoC’s revenue performance this year, Mr. Maronilla said he expects collections to fall about 1%, mainly due to smuggling, though the BoC’s estimates of “revenue leakage” differ from those of its parent agency, the Department of Finance, indicating a disagreement on the extent of smuggling’s impact.

Mr. Maronilla estimated the effects of smuggling on revenue at about P6-7 billion per month, while Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto has said the impact of smuggling could be as high as P150 billion for the full year.

The BoC collected P916.674 billion in 2024.

“Maybe it’s P150 billion. Maybe (Mr. Recto) has a basis for that estimate. But I think for us, we’ve reduced the gap very significantly with the way we’re collecting,” Mr. Maronilla said.

While the BoC is “struggling” in terms of volume of imports, “the rate of assessment is up, collections year on year are up,” Mr. Maronilla said.

He added the higher collections in September were likely driven by oil, which usually takes up 25% of the total, as well as food, steel, and motor vehicles.

Mr. Maronilla added the BoC will forego some collections as a result of the 60-day freeze on rice imports. He added that the agency has no specific estimates of the impact of the rice import ban, which could be extended.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. initially ordered a 60-day suspension of rice imports starting Sept. 1, to provide relief to farmers who have been receiving low offers for their grain. The Department of Agriculture has since been ordered to prepare for an extension of the ban, which could be accompanied by an import tariff hike from the current 15%. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

DoE may conduct separate auction for nuclear energy

October 2, 2025 | 8:52 pm

PNRI-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute — PNRI.DOST.GOV.PH

THE Department of Energy (DoE) said it is exploring the possibility of organizing a dedicated auction for nuclear energy in order to accommodate a broad selection of proponents.

“We are studying (for nuclear energy) to have its own auction, but we are reviewing the legal framework,” Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick T. Aquino said on the sidelines of the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum 2025 on Thursday.

The Philippines is on track to deliver its first nuclear-generated kilowatt-hour by 2032.

The DoE sees the integration of nuclear energy into the power generation mix as a strategic decision rooted in the country’s need for energy security.

According to Mr. Aquino, the nuclear energy program is gaining traction with Philippine and foreign investors.

The forum was attended by global nuclear technology leaders, policymakers, regulators, industrial partners, academia and development agencies from the US, South Korea, Canada, United Arab Emirates, and Argentina.

Mr. Aquino said the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), where he leads, is transitioning from preparatory activities to implementation-ready frameworks.

“In order to establish the groundwork for a safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear energy future, 2026 will be crucial in reinforcing institutional readiness, technical credibility, and public trust — laying the foundation for a safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear energy future,” Mr. Aquino said.

He said he expects multilaterals such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to play a role in financing the nuclear power push.

“We’re very happy that the current US administration is taking charge of making sure that the World Bank relaxes its policy on green investments to include nuclear,” Mr. Aquino said.

“We’re hopeful that… multilateral agencies like the World Bank and ADB will revisit their investment direction when it comes to nuclear. Because right now, they’re not actively investing in nuclear power projects,” he added.

In June, the World Bank lifted its longstanding ban on funding nuclear power projects in developing countries. It also entered into an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to collaborate and support the safe, secure and responsible use of nuclear energy in developing countries.

Last year, the IAEA conducted a follow-up Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review, which generated 14 recommendations, nine of which have now been fully addressed by the Philippines.

Among the milestone realized is the enactment of a comprehensive nuclear law through the passage of the Republic Act (RA) No. 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act.

RA 12305 establishes the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), which is tasked with overseeing all Philippine nuclear and radiation activities.

Mr. Aquino said the implementing rules and regulations are expected to be released within the year.

“On the part of the Energy department, as a major beneficiary of PhilATOM, when it gets up and running, we’ll make sure that PhilATOM will get the resources and support needed,” he said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera