PHL suspends classes, gov’t work amid bad weather

August 25, 2025 | 8:09 pm

Motorist-vehicle-flood — MOTORISTS and commuters wade through gutter-deep flood along Taft Avenue in Manila following heavy rains, Aug. 24, 2025. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

THE GOVERNMENT suspended classes and government work for Tuesday as the state weather bureau expects heavy rainfall triggered by the low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced that classes in public and private schools at all levels and work in government offices are suspended in the following areas: Metro Manila, Aurora, Quezon, Rizal, Laguna, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte.

In a 5 p.m. weather advisory on Facebook, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said it expects heavy rainfall over Aurora, Quezon, Laguna, Rizal, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte due to the LPA; while the southwest monsoon is expected to bring heavy rains over Palawan and Antique until Tuesday afternoon.

In a separate 24-hour forecast, issued at 4 p.m. on Facebook, PAGASA said the LPA was estimated 290 kilometers (km) northeast of Maasin City in Southern Leyte or 130 km east northeast of Borongan City in Eastern Samar, as of 3 p.m.

It added the southwest monsoon is affecting the western section of Southern Luzon.

Meanwhile, more than 50,000 people across several regions in the Philippines were affected by heavy rains and flooding brought by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and Tropical Cyclone Isang, internationally called Kajiki, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Monday.

In an 8 a.m. situational report, the NDRRMC said a total of 11,374 families, or 50,678 persons were affected in Cagayan Valley (Region II), Bicol (Region V), Soccsksargen (Region XII), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

BARMM recorded the highest number of affected residents, with 24,911 individuals or 5,013 families.

Of these, 329 families or 1,203 persons took shelter in six evacuation centers, while 4,815 families or 24,075 persons were assisted outside evacuation sites.

The state weather bureau monitored a low-pressure area developed into Tropical Depression Isang on Aug. 22, which made landfall over Casiguran, Aurora, two days later, before crossing Northern Luzon. It intensified into a tropical storm as it exited the Philippine area of responsibility on Aug. 23.

Flooding was also reported in at least 30 areas, with 27 incidents in Metro Manila and three in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.

Most of the floods in the capital region quickly subsided, but flash floods in Maguindanao resulted in one death after a civilian was swept away while crossing a river in Tubuan, Datu Blah T. Sinsuat.

This comes as the national government ramps up its crackdown on questionable flood control projects, following the typhoons in July that exposed both the country’s overwhelmed drainage systems and alleged corruption in flood mitigation efforts.

The weather disturbance also forced the suspension of classes in 131 cities and municipalities, mostly in the CAR (77 areas), Metro Manila (16 areas), the Ilocos Region (10 areas), Cagayan Valley (10 areas), and Bicol Region (18 areas). Work was likewise suspended in San Agustin, Isabela.

Ten road sections and two bridges in Northern Luzon were rendered impassable at the height of the storm but have since been cleared and reopened.

Authorities reported that 643 families or 1,512 individuals were pre-emptively evacuated in Albay, while government relief operations have reached 1,441 families so far.

Assistance worth P1.7 million has been provided to victims in Cagayan Valley and Bicol Region. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana with CAT

FNI slams Chairman’s arrest

August 25, 2025 | 8:08 pm

GLOBAL Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI) on Monday strongly denounced the “unlawful” arrest and detention of its Chairman, Joseph Sy, over a “baseless” accusation of misrepresenting his citizenship.

The nickel company asserted Mr. Sy’s citizenship has been confirmed by at least six rulings from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Department of Justice, the Office of the President, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Supreme Court.

“He entered the country on his valid Philippine passport, which the Supreme Court has recognized as official proof of identity of Filipino nationality,” FNI said in a statement.

“His detention is a grave injustice, but we remain confident that the truth and the law will prevail.”

The company noted that its operations and all companies under the Group remain “stable, legitimate, and unaffected.”

The Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) on Monday also called for the release of FNI’s chairman, saying BI’s detention is “deeply troubling and illegally inconsistent” considering it has twice recognized Mr. Sy’s citizenship.

“His continued detention on mere suspicion of being an alien, without lawful basis and outside the BI’s jurisdiction, is a grave injustice and a violation of the fundamental principles of due process,” it added.

PNIA noted the arrest and subsequent detention of Mr. Sy sends a “wrong message” to investors as the Philippines seeks to bolster business confidence.

“We call on the authorities to act swiftly, observe due process, and immediately resolve this matter by releasing Mr. Sy without delay,” it said.

Developments over Mr. Sy’s detention are being closely monitored by the SEC, which said it will evaluate whether necessary actions are warranted under its jurisdiction.

“Any action taken by the SEC on the matter will be in line with promoting transparency and confidence in the markets, especially matters that affect the governance of publicly listed companies,” the corporate watchdog said in a statement sent to BusinessWorld on Monday.

Amid the detention, the SEC reminded listed companies that all material developments that could influence the decision of investors must be “promptly disclosed” to the public as mandated under Rule 17.1.1 of the implementing rules and regulations of the Securities Regulation Code, as well as the consolidated listing and disclosure rules of the Philippine Stock Exchange.

“The commission reiterates its commitment to upholding the interests of the investing public and ensuring that the integrity of the capital market is preserved,” it said.

Sought for comment, the BI noted in a Viber message to BusinessWorld that Mr. Sy is the subject of a mission order and an investigation from the BI, which received information from government intelligence sources about his “alleged illegally acquired Philippine documents.”

The BI said he was found to be using a Philippine passport issued in 2021 and was in possession of several Philippine identity cards showing that he is a Filipino.

“However, Viado shared that their Alien Registration Division was able to confirm that his fingerprints matched that of a Chinese citizen, who previously held a long-term visa and an Alien Certificate Registration Identity Card,” it added.

The BI said Mr. Sy is “said to own many major businesses in the country” and has “infiltrated different economic and business groups.”

“Without naturalization, a foreign national is not eligible to get Philippine citizenship documents,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.

“Government intelligence sources have reason to believe that this is another case of assumed Philippine identity, similar to that of Alice Guo,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Risa N. Hontiveros-Baraquel raised concerns over Mr. Sy’s detention after she learned that he had served as a volunteer with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), citing it could be a national security risk.

The PCG did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

“The Senate must immediately probe his affiliations, background and the circumstances under which he obtained his Philippine documents,” Ms. Hontiveros said in a statement.

The BI said Mr. Sy, who is facing a deportation case for misrepresentation, is currently held at the BI’s holding facility in Bicutan, Taguig.

BI operatives arrested Mr. Sy on Aug. 21 after arriving from Hong Kong. He was detained due to an alleged misrepresentation of his citizenship.

FNI is a listed mining company that has business interests in nickel ore mining, logistics, cement and steel production, and port operations. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Revin Mikhael D. Ochave, and Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Marcos vows fight vs corruption

August 25, 2025 | 8:06 pm

PBBM Marcos — PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. led the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig City on Monday, as the nation commemorated National Heroes’ Day. — PHILIPPINE STAR/NOEL B. PABALATE

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., marked the Philippine National Heroes’ Day on Monday with a pledge to hold public officials accountable for corruption and abuse of power, framing the fight against graft as central to protecting the nation’s future.

Speaking at the Heroes’ Cemetery in Taguig City, Mr. Marcos said corruption robs not just public funds but also “the health, dreams, and future of the next generations of Filipinos.”

He urged citizens to expose wrongdoing and reject even “small deceptions” that, if tolerated, erode society.

The call comes as the Marcos administration cracks down on anomalous infrastructure projects, following several reports of substandard works and government officials implicated as orchestrators.

“This government will not leave you behind,” Mr. Marcos said in Filipino, according to a transcript from his office.

“We will hold accountable all those involved in anomalies and corruption. We will reveal the full truth, and we will make sure that the people will never again suffer from neglect and abuse.”

The President linked his message to the day’s commemoration, highlighting lesser-known Filipino heroes, such as Teresa Magbanua, dubbed the “Visayan Joan of Arc,” as examples of Filipinos who sacrificed for freedom.

He said ordinary workers, from farmers and teachers to healthcare staff, continue to embody modern heroism through service.

Mr. Marcos warned that while strengthening national defense remains essential, new threats include corruption and the abuse of authority.

He called on the youth to be more vigilant and socially aware, saying the failure to prepare them to defend freedom would betray both the sacrifices of past heroes and the country’s future.

“Let us fight corruption. Let us fight abuse of power. Let us fight the trampling of our rights,” Mr. Marcos said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army also launched an army-wide simultaneous blood donation drive last Aug. 23.

Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, in a statement on Monday, said more than 3,000 blood bags were collected from soldiers, reservists, civilians, and other uniformed personnel.

He commended the troops for “enacting heroism through their donations” and underscored the Army’s commitment to providing lifesaving support to communities.

National Heroes’ Day is observed in the Philippines every last Monday of August to honor Filipinos who fought for the nation’s independence and those who continue to serve the country with dedication. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Filipinos in NYC bus crash discharged

August 25, 2025 | 8:04 pm

DFA-FB- — DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS FACEBOOK PAGE

THE THREE Filipinos involved in a bus crash in New York City (NYC) over the weekend have been discharged, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Monday.

In an update to reporters via WhatsApp, the DFA cited the Philippine Consulate General in New York, saying the three Filipinos have been given clearance to travel.

The three are residing in Qatar and were vacationing in the city.

“A consulate representative will meet them to ascertain their needs and ensure their welfare until their scheduled departure,” the DFA added.

The crash, involving a tourist bus carrying 54 passengers from India, China, and the Philippines, killed five people and injured dozens. Police reports noted that many were not wearing seat belts. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DPWH suspends district engineer over bribe attempt

August 25, 2025 | 8:04 pm

Typhoon Carina-flood — PILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said it will suspend the district engineer who allegedly offered more than P3 million to Batangas Rep. Leandro L. Leviste to dissuade investigations into irregularities in flood control projects.

“As public servants, we at the DPWH do not condone any form of misconduct. We fully support the ongoing investigation by the proper authorities and stand firm in our commitment to transparency and integrity in public services,” DPWH said in a statement on Monday.

The Public Information Office of Regional Office CALABARZON has identified the engineer as Abelardo D. Calalo, who is the officer-in-charge of DPWH Batangas 1^st District.

According to the initial police report, Mr. Calalo was arrested following complaints made by Mr. Leviste who alleged that he had been offered a bribe amounting to P3.13 million to stop the investigations into flood projects of the DPWH in Batangas.

“We firmly believe that those found to have engaged in any wrongdoing must face the full consequences of their actions in accordance with the law,” DPWH said, adding that Mr. Calalo will be relieved of his assignment.

The DPWH’s ongoing audit of its flood control project found that some ghost projects of the agency are in Batangas and Bulacan.

Last week, Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan said that the agency will continue its own investigation and will continue to monitor irregularities over the agency’s own infrastructure projects.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has revealed 6,021 flood control projects beginning in 2022 lacked basic details specifying the type of infrastructure to be built, flagging about 50 separate projects that shared an identical contract price of P150 million. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

DoJ urged to file cases over substandard flood projects

August 25, 2025 | 8:03 pm

Public market-vendor-flood — Vendors continue to sell goods despite flooding at the Libertad Public Market in Pasay City, July 24, 2024. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

A SENATOR on Monday said the Justice department should file charges against those involved in substandard flood control projects, including Public Works department officials and politicians.

“If a shoplifter can be jailed for stealing something worth less than a hundred pesos, then those who plundered trillions in public funds must face even harsher consequences,” Senator Erwin T. Tulfo said in a statement.

“They stole trillions of pesos from the Filipino people, so they must be held accountable,” he added.

His call for court charges comes amid a sweeping anti-corruption campaign by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on substandard flood control infrastructure projects allegedly caused by corruption and collusion among contractors and officials.

About P1.2 trillion has been spent on flood control projects since 2011, Mr. Tulfo said, citing Public Works department data.

Meanwhile, Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo B. Benitez said the Justice department should put in place a whistleblower program for officials from the Public Works department who wish to testify in the alleged anomalous flood infrastructure projects.

A protection program for witnesses is vital if the Justice department is keen on building cases for those linked to subpar infrastructure, he said. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

APECO is gateway to East Asia, US

August 25, 2025 | 8:03 pm

THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) is being pitched as a gateway to East Asia and the US West Coast to Indonesian businesses.

“Your nearest gateway facing Japan, Korea, and the United States West Coast is in APECO,” said APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Gil G. Taway IV.

“APECO is located right at the center of the Indo-Pacific Corridor. Indonesian exporters, therefore, can significantly reduce both cost and time in moving goods to and from these key markets,” he added.

Mr. Taway also touted the economic zone as an alternative maritime route amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and disruptions in global trade.

“While others may offer access, APECO offers not only the nearest access but also an advantage — your supply chains to northern Pacific markets and diversified Indonesian export routes,” he added.

APECO recently held its first business forum, where it hosted a business delegation from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN).

According to APECO, the Philippines and Indonesia have complementary strengths: Indonesia provides minerals and agricultural resources, while Aurora offers fisheries, coconut plantations, and direct access to the Pacific.

“Opportunities include cold storage, canning, food processing with halal certification, as well as coconut-based additives, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals,” it said.

“The zone is also being positioned for renewable energy projects such as solar, tidal, and wind farms, and as a potential hub for defense and logistics in line with the Philippines’ modernization drive,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PDEA seizes P13.6-M drugs in Iligan City operation

August 25, 2025 | 8:03 pm

COTABATO CITY — Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized P13.6 million worth of crystal meth (shabu) from a dealer entrapped in Barangay Tubod in Iligan City on Sunday.

Local executives in Iligan City confirmed on Monday, that PDEA agents from regions 9 and 10 had confiscated two kilos of shabu from a peddler residing in Barangay Bangulo in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.

Ranking members of the multi-sector Lanao del Sur Provincial Peace and Order Council and officials of Army intelligence units in the province had relayed to reporters that the now detained suspect has links with the Dawlah Islamiya terror group, which is known for providing sanctuary to shabu and marijuana peddlers in exchange for money.

Bryan B. Babang, director of PDEA-9, said on Monday that they now have in custody the suspect, whom he initially identified only as Salik, while efforts to locate his accomplices in Iligan City in Northern Mindanao are still underway.

The entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of Salik was planned by PDEA agents from regions 9 and 10 and officials of different units of the Police Regional Office-10 (PRO-10).

Mr. Babang said they are thankful to officials of the Iligan City Police Office and units of PRO-10 that supported their operation. — John Felix M. Unson

Eala advances at US Open with gritty 3^rd set comeback

August 25, 2025 | 7:55 pm

ON NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY, Alexandra “Alex” Eala heroically pulled off a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) upset of world No. 15 Clara Tauson of Denmark at the US Open for her first-ever win at a Grand Slam.

On the brink of defeat, Ms. Eala erased what seemed to be an insurmountable 1-5 deficit in the final set for the epic win in two hours and 36 minutes.

Ms. Eala became the first Filipino player to score a main-draw victory at a Grand Slam.

Up next for Ms. Eala is WTA No. 35 Cristina Bucsa of Spain or qualifier Claire Liu of the US in the second round of her stacked bracket, with World No. 21 Elise Martens of Belgium potentially looming in the third round. Past that, World No. 1 and reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka, No. 4 Jessica Pegula, No. 5 Mirra Andreeva, No. 8 Jasmine Paolini and No. 10 Elena Rybakina are also in the draw.

“I’m always in the mood for more history. This match is one for the books for me,” according to the unseeded Eala, the WTA’s No. 75, after knocking out the Dane, who was seeded 14^th in the tournament.

In front of more than 8,000 fans, Ms. Eala revisited the scene of her last US Open triumph as the 2022 tournament’s girls’ singles champion.

The crowd, which included her family and coaches at the Rafael Nadal Academy, was won over by her gritty third-set comeback.

“It’s so special. They make me more and more special. To be Filipino is something I take so much pride in,” Ms. Eala said after collapsing to the hardcourt after her opponent’s last shot went out of bounds in the tiebreaker.

“I don’t have a home tournament, so to be able to have this community at the US Open, I’m so grateful. They made me feel like I’m home.”

Watching at home, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sent his congratulations.

“She’s only getting started. Congratulations Alex Eala. Kasama mo ang buong Pilipinas sa bawat laban mo. Sama-sama naming isisigaw sa mundo ang galing ng Pilipino,” he said.

Fresh from shoulder injury last month, Ms. Eala was headed for defeat despite taking the first set, 6-3, after Ms. Tauson rode the momentum of 6-2 second set by going out 5-1 in the third.

Ms. Tauson, in her best WTA Tour season so far, notched a win against World No. 2 Iga Swiatek to reach the semifinals of the National Bank Open in Montreal.

She needed only a game to advance before Ms. Eala unleashed a staggering 5-1 closeout to force the tiebreak.

Ms. Eala, who had a magical run in the Miami Open last summer that propelled her to the WTA Top 100, entitling her to direct entry into all the slams, failed at the first hurdle at the French Open and Wimbledon. But not this time around.

Ms. Tauson became Ms. Eala’s latest high-ranking victim this year, joining former Grand Slam champions Madison Keys and Jelena Ostapenko. — John Bryan Ulanday

Djokovic battles past Tien to reach US Open 2^nd round

August 25, 2025 | 7:55 pm

NEW YORK — Novak Djokovic delivered a lesson in Grand Slam tenacity to Learner Tien in the first round of the US Open on Sunday as he battled past the American teenager 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2, and launched his latest quest for a record 25^th major title.

Competing in his first singles match since reaching the Wimbledon semifinals last month, and swapping the whites for a sleek all-black outfit, the 38-year-old Serb fought through physical issues to secure his 80^th win at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Victory also meant Djokovic became the first player since the sport turned professional in 1968 to win 75 straight opening-round matches at the Grand Slams, with 55 of those wins coming in straight sets.

“It was a strange kind of match,” said Djokovic, who looked to be struggling with injury midway through the match.

“The first set was 20 minutes and then the second one was one hour and 20, quite the opposite sets we played. It was key for me to hold my nerve in the second set and clinch it in a tiebreak.”

“After that I started feeling better. I can always do better but it’s a great way to start this year’s campaign.”

The seventh seed shrugged off a time violation to consolidate an early break at the start of the contest and a heated debate with the chair umpire shortly afterwards spurred him on to wrap up the opening set in double quick time.

The 19-year-old Tien, on a near-impossible mission to hand Djokovic his first opening-round loss at a Grand Slam since the 2006 Australian Open, had his chances to draw level during a draining second set but crumbled in the tiebreak.

After treatment for a right foot blister, Djokovic produced heavy groundstrokes from the baseline to break for a 3-1 lead in the third set and the four-times New York champion never looked back from there, booking a match-up with American Zachary Svajda. — Reuters

Adamson tops Cebu SSL tourney

August 25, 2025 | 7:54 pm

ADAMSON clipped Ateneo, 25-15, 26-24, 25-14, to win the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals Cebu Leg over the weekend at the Mandaue Sports Complex in Cebu.

Alas Pilipinas stalwart Shaina Nitura stamped her class with 15 points, featuring four aces and four blocks, as the Lady Falcons completed a three-game sweep of the Visayas tourney.

Ms. Nitura, the UAAP Rookie of the Year last season and Adamson’s captain this year, was named the Best Player of the Cebu leg. She drew support from Frances Mordi (12) and Lhouriz Tuddao (7) in the easy win.

“I thank God for the performance of my players. I thank God for this tournament na three straight wins nakuha namin. I’m very proud sa mga bata. And really happy na nakikita ko sila na unti-unti na may progress,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude, who also steered the junior Falcons to the 2024 Shakey’s Girls Invitational Volleyball League.

Adamson, runner-up in the 2023 edition, first took care of business against reigning CESAFI champion University of San Carlos (USC), 25-16, 31-33, 25-18, 25-12, and University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), 25-15, 25-10, 25-16.

Zey Pacia scored 15 points for Ateneo (1-2), which settled for the bronze medal behind second-placer USC which pulled off a stunning 22-25, 25-17, 25-23, 25-14 win over the Blue Eagles.

USPF went winless for fourth place at 0-3.

National U last month ruled the Davao Leg of the SSL to usher in a new era in style without Mhicaela “Bella” Belen and Alyssa Solomon after sweeping University of the Philippines, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University and host Davao Selection made up of stars from Ateneo de Davao University, Holy Cross of Davao College, and the University of Mindanao.

The SSL National Invitationals under a new format will wrap up its tour in Batangas on Aug. 29 to 31 featuring NCAA champion College of St. Benilde, Letran, Far Eastern University and University of Batangas. — John Bryan Ulanday

FIVB buildup tour makes Laoag stop

August 25, 2025 | 7:54 pm

LAOAG CITY hosted the “Set Na Natin ‘To Trophy and Mascot Tour,” a preparatory event for the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball tournament in the Philippines, at the newly opened SM City-Laoag over the weekend.

Cignal standouts Josh Umandal, JM Ronquillo and Vince Malinao headlined the Laoag event, which follows the tour’s launch at the SM Seaside in Cebu two weeks earlier, then proceeding to SM Downtown in Cagayan de Oro afterwards.

The Laoag stop featured a mini-tournament at the Dap-Ayan Park where Block Builders, spearheaded by eventual MVP John Paul Lorenzo, ruled the field over rivals North Western University, Laoag men’s team and Pasuquin.

“We are very thankful to the City of Laoag and the Province of Ilocos Norte for the warm welcome and enthusiastic support for the world championships,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Asian Volleyball Confederation President Tats Suzaram, who also thanked PNVF charter committee member Faivo Bartome, Ilocos Norte sports consultant Joseph Co and city vice-mayor Carlos Fariñas.

The FIVB Men’s Worlds kick off with Alas Pilipinas battling African champion Tunisia at 6 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the MoA Arena where K-Pop group BOYNEXTDOOR is also performing.

The 32-nation world championship is scheduled to run until Sept. 28. — Joey Villar