Philippines places 69^th in Global Knowledge Index

November 27, 2025 | 12:00 am

The Philippines ranked 69^th out of 149 countries assessed in the 2025 edition of Global Knowledge Index (GKI) developed by the United Nations Development Programme – Regional Bureau for Arab States (UNDP RBAS) and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF). On a scale of 0 to 100, where 100 is best, the Philippines had an overall score of 39.9, better than the Asia and the Paciﬁc average score of 36.3. The index measures and compares the performances of countries across the six subindices of practical knowledge application.

ICI, DPWH refer plunder and graft charges vs 8 lawmakers in flood mess

November 26, 2025 | 9:23 pm

By Erika Mae P. Sinaking and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman the filing of plunder and graft charges against eight lawmakers allegedly linked to the flood control scandal.

Handing over boxes of contracts and investigative findings on approximately 1,300 infrastructure projects spanning from 2016 to 2024, the ICI and DPWH named former party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co, who was linked to FS Co. Builders Supply, making him a subject of plunder.

Records from the DPWH show that the firm alone was awarded 40 infrastructure projects from 2020 to 2024, totaling approximately P3.83 billion.

The referral further indicates that the remaining seven sitting lawmakers were linked to firms they or their relatives managed, raising potential conflicts of interest and possible violations of anti-graft and procurement laws.

The other lawmakers include: Party-list Rep. Edwin L. Gardiola, associated with Newington Builders, Inc., Lourel Development Corp., and S-Ang Construction & General Trading, Inc., Party-list Rep. James Ang Jr., tied to IBC International Builders Corp. and Allencon Development Corp., Party-list Rep. Jernie Jett V. Nisay of JVN Construction and Trading. Bulacan Rep. Augustina Dominique C. Pancho of CM Pancho Construction, Inc.; Cagayan Rep. Joseph L. Lara of JLL Pulsar Construction Corp.; Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco T. Matugas of Boometrix Development Corp.; and Tarlac Rep. Noel N. Rivera of Tarlac 3-G Construction & Development Corp.

ICI Chairman Andres B. Reyes, Jr. said in a statement that these congressmen should not engage in private business activities that conflict with their official duties and that “they should not influence bids and awards.”

In a press briefing, Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said that the charges recommended to the Ombudsman constitute violations of Republic Act 7080, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and other provisions of Philippine law, including bribery, the Government Procurement Reform Act, and ethical standards for public officials.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said his office would evaluate the referrals and conduct a preliminary investigation.

“We are accepting this for evaluation and fact-finding, and it will be followed by a preliminary investigation,” Mr. Remulla said.

In a statement Mr. Ang denied the allegation saying his “conscience is clear.”

“I am confident I will be able to clear my name soon. In my three years in public service, I have never used my position for personal gain. I stand firm on what is true and just and am ready to face this case in the proper forum,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ruy Albert S. Rondain, legal counsel of Mr. Co, said he had not reviewed the referral and expressed skepticism about his client’s involvement.

“I do not believe he personally entered into any contract, either individually or through an entity by that name,” Mr. Rodain told BusinessWorld over Viber.

In a Facebook post, Mr. Lara said the endorsement is not related to anomalous flood mitigation projects, and instead about his former ties with JLL Pulsar Construction. He welcomed the endorsement as an opportunity to speak in the “proper forum” to prove he did not violate any law.

The office of Mr. Matugas said in a separate Facebook post that the lawmaker has yet to receive an official notice regarding the referral. Mr. Matugas’ camp said in Bisaya that they are ready to cooperate fully with the investigation as they have “nothing to hide.”

Other congressmen named did not immediately respond to reporters’ requests for comment.

INVESTIGATE MARCOSES
Also on Wednesday, the Makabayan bloc formally urged the ICI to investigate President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and other officials over alleged corruption in the 2025 flood control budget.

In a letter, the Makabayan lawmakers cited claims of Mr. Co, who formerly chaired the House Appropriations Committee, and former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo, who alleged that the chief executive personally ordered P100 billion in budget insertions, with P52 billion facilitated by former Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin.

“More than 100 days have passed since the investigations into flood control corruption began, yet zero corrupt politicians have been jailed,” the letter read.

“The Filipino people are now witnessing what appears to be a massive cover-up operation designed to shield high-ranking officials from accountability in this corruption scandal.”

Mr. Co in November started releasing a series of videos in which he accused top Marcos government officials, including Mr. Marcos’ family, of impropriety stemming from the fallout of a multibillion-peso kickback scheme involving anomalous flood control deals.

In a new video statement on Wednesday, Mr. Co accused First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos of her involvement in manipulating the rice trade, alleging her role in the scheme that has kept prices of the staple grain artificially high despite reduced import duties.

He said Ms. Marcos was “in charge of the rice importers” that lawmakers began looking into due to elevated rice prices despite the rice import tariff being cut to 15% from 35%.

Congressmen prematurely ended their investigation after Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. presented a document linking Ms. Marcos to the rice trade, prompting then‑House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos III to call for its termination.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

She had previously dismissed Mr. Co’s videos as a “comedy series,” urging him to present evidence rather than rely on allegations.

“It is painful to accept, but this is the truth: The most powerful family is involved in the system,” Mr. Co said in a video published on his Facebook page in Filipino. “They are the ones in charge, controlling and benefiting from transactions.”

The government in July last year slashed tariffs on rice imports to 15% from 35% to tame rice prices. But that did not arrest the market prices of the staple grain, prompting lawmakers to look into the food trade.

“Even though the import tax of rice was lowered from 35% to 15%, the price of rice still did not go down because of the amount of SOP and remittance that was paid to each transaction,” Mr. Co said, referring to kickbacks.

He also alleged that Ms. Marcos intervened in a 2022 congressional inquiry into alleged agricultural smuggling to shield her brother from being implicated.

“The investigation did not continue… because Ms. Marcos called Mr. Romualdez to stop the investigation,” he said. “That’s why there’s no continuation and punishment because the sibling of the First Lady controlled the importation of onions.”

Comelec clears Escudero, campaign donor in P30-M election contribution case

November 26, 2025 | 9:22 pm

francis-chiz-escudero1 — Senate President Francis G. Escudero — SENATE PRIB

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has closed its motu proprio investigation into Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” G. Escudero and businessman Lawrence R. Lubiano, finding no violation of the Omnibus Election Code in relation to a P30-million campaign contribution recorded during the 2022 national elections.

In a resolution released on Wednesday, the poll body’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) said the evidence failed to establish that Mr. Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development, Inc., made the contribution in violation of prohibitions against donors who hold government contracts. Mr. Lubiano’s construction firm was one of the contractors earlier flagged by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for cornering the bulk of government-funded projects since 2022.

“The circumstances alleged in the present case do not rise to the level of compelling reasons necessary to pierce the corporate veil,” the resolution read. “Mr. Lubiano is not Centerways, and Centerways is not Mr. Lubiano.”

Mr. Escudero, who secured a Senate seat with over 20 million votes in the 2022 polls, had listed Mr. Lubiano as the largest contributor in his Statement of Contributions and Expenses (SOCE) filed with Comelec.

The inquiry was prompted after public scrutiny of government contractors involved in flood control projects, with Centerways among the 15 firms cited for undertaking a significant portion of the country’s flood control initiatives over the past three years.

Mr. Lubiano, in sworn statements, acknowledged giving the P30-million donation but insisted the contribution was made in his personal capacity.

Mr. Escudero also testified that he had no knowledge of Mr. Lubiano’s corporate engagements at the time of the campaign contribution.

Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code bars contributions from natural or juridical persons who hold contracts or subcontracts to supply the government with goods, services, or public works. The law applies to contributions made directly or indirectly to prevent potential conflicts of interest in election campaigns.

PFAD’s investigation reviewed Mr. Escudero’s SOCE and found no evidence indicating that corporate funds from Centerways were funneled into the campaign.

“The absence of such evidence, this Office cannot presume such fact. Mere allegation, unaccompanied by any proof, is insufficient,” the decision read.

In a statement, Mr. Escudero said that the Comelec decision affirms his long-standing practice of honesty and transparency in campaign activities.

“Since we first ran for public office in 1998, we have worked to consistently comply with our election laws because this is the foundation of public trust,” he said. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

PHL must strengthen Judiciary or risk losing reform gains, lawyer says

November 26, 2025 | 9:21 pm

Nilo T. Divina — NILO T. DIVINA, founder and managing partner of Divina Law, discussed the importance of an effective Judiciary in enabling tax and governance reforms during the BusinessWorld Forecast 2026 forum at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Nov. 25 — J. LEGASPI COMPUTER GRAPHICS

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES risks squandering the economic gains promised by recent tax and governance reforms unless it strengthens judicial credibility and modernizes regulatory frameworks, according to one of the country’s top lawyers, underscoring the growing importance of legal certainty amid corruption probes and policy noise.

Nilo T. Divina, founder and managing partner of Divina Law, said the country’s competitiveness hinges not only on recent legal reforms but also on whether courts and enforcement agencies can ensure accountability in high-profile investigations such as the alleged flood control scam.

“Without a [dependable], effective judiciary, these reforms mean nothing,” he told the BusinessWorld Forecast 2026’s Fireside Chat in Taguig City on Tuesday.

The climate-vulnerable country has been probing a massive graft scandal involving flood mitigation projects since July, which has dampened its third-quarter growth report and negatively impacted its local currency and stock market.

Mr. Divina noted that recent moves by the Ombudsman to fast-track cases send “confidence not just in the market but to every Filipino,” but cautioned against announcements that may prematurely signal outcomes.

Despite political controversies and governance challenges, Mr. Divina said the Philippines could still see an economic rebound provided policymakers, businesses and the legal community stay aligned on transparency and the rule of law.

“We’re a good country; we’re good people,” he said. “If we’re together, we are in for a rebound, a recovery. We deserve it.”

REFORM CREDIBILITY
Ensuring due process and consistent prosecution will help anchor investor sentiment at a time when transparency issues threaten to overshadow reform gains, he said.

Mr. Divina added clearer enforcement mechanisms have become as important to foreign investors as tax incentives, especially as the Philippines competes with neighbors offering faster dispute resolution and predictable regulation.

Among the tax measures passed during the Marcos administration was the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE), meant to attract high‑impact investments, spur growth of existing businesses and draw in new ones. The current public works scandal has, however, dampened the possible economic gains from recent legal reforms, including CREATE MORE.

To strengthen reform credibility, Mr. Divina urged the government to accelerate digitalization, which he said would reduce bureaucratic discretion and shrink opportunities for graft.

He also called for greater public disclosure of how funds are allocated and spent, arguing that transparency and oversight could ease long-standing concerns about leakages in infrastructure programs — a key plank of the Marcos administration’s growth strategy.

Looking ahead, Mr. Divina said the Philippines must update outdated laws to keep pace with global economic trends, particularly in digital commerce and artificial intelligence.

He also pushed for modernization of the Data Privacy Act to clarify disclosure rules, platform liability and digital commerce standards, saying clearer regulations would help position the Philippines as a “trusted haven” for tech investors.

Congress begins talks to open P6.793-T budget bicam to public

November 26, 2025 | 9:20 pm

THE House of Representatives and the Senate have begun talks to iron out rules for opening the joint congressional discussions on the proposed P6.793‑trillion national budget for 2026 to the public, in a bid to quell distrust in the budget process.

Lawmakers are expected to convene the bicameral conference committee (bicam) on the budget bill in the second week of December, Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela B. Suansing said. The Senate is expected to approve its version of the proposed spending plan next week.

This gives the Executive about three weeks to review the reconciled and ratified version of the budget, which President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. must sign before end-December. Otherwise, the current budget will be re‑enacted.

“We’re starting to coordinate, the Congress and the Senate, on the rules of the bicam,” Ms. Suansing, who heads the House Appropriations Committee, told reporters.

Moves to open the bicam to the public form part of fresh reforms introduced by lawmakers amid a corruption scandal that has rocked the Philippines that has so far sapped business confidence, affected markets and stunted economic growth.

Ms. Suansing said there was no longer a need to approve a House resolution making the bicameral conference committee transparent, as lawmakers would already include it in the congressional body’s guidelines.

“I believe there’s no need for a resolution to… actualize that. It’s already there in the rules we’re building,” she said.

The Senate has passed a resolution in August to open joint congressional budget talks to the public, but the House has yet to adopt a counterpart proposal. Efforts to publicize the bicam have been supported by the House leadership, including Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III.

Ms. Suansing said the House also passed its version of the budget bill with “no insertions,” citing efforts to improve the budgeting process by publicizing efforts to amend the proposed spending plan, which was previously made by a group of select lawmakers behind closed doors.

The lower chamber had earlier slashed around P255 billion worth of funding originally intended for flood control works under the Public Works department, rechanneling the amount towards education, health and food sectors.

“There are no hidden things that were included,” she said. “I can vouch for it.”

Lawmakers are deliberating the 2026 spending plan against the backdrop of the multibillion-peso flood control controversy that has drawn closer-than-normal scrutiny amid calls to make the budget process more transparent. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

House not liable in 2025 budget mess, Co claims

November 26, 2025 | 9:19 pm

A RESIGNED lawmaker at the center of a brewing political scandal that has hit the Marcos administration said the House of Representatives had no role in the 2025 national budget mess, stressing the chamber “faithfully adhered” to the executive’s spending plan.

In a letter addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., former Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co said it was the Senate that derailed this year’s spending plan.

“None of our Senate counterparts adhered to Your Excellency’s campaign promise of food and health legacy and other basic concerns,” Mr. Co, who headed the House Appropriations committee, said in the letter, shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday.

This year’s P6.326‑trillion national budget has been hit with allegations of fund diversions, blank line items by the executive, and concerns over outsized public works allocations, prompting multiple lawsuits filed at the Supreme Court against the spending plan.

Mr. Co alleged it was then-Senate President (SP) Francis G. Escudero who called for P145 billion in reallocations to the Department Public Works and Highways (DPWH), threatening to delay the 2025 budget’s approval at the bicameral conference committee level until March 2025.

“I repeatedly warned SP Chiz of the Senate’s very large DPWH allocations because it would exceed education. But he doesn’t want to give way,” he said.

The Office of Mr. Escudero did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

77 officials blocked from traveling

November 26, 2025 | 9:18 pm

Ombusdman — OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE

THE Office of the Ombudsman restricted 77 government officials and personnel, including several lawmakers, from traveling abroad as they face scrutiny for alleged involvement in the flood control kickback scheme.

“We requested assistance from the Bureau of Immigration to hold 77 people under fact-finding investigation under FTRO (Foreign Travel Restriction Order),” Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla told a press briefing on Wednesday.

Mr. Remulla said the sought-after FTRO is part of the Ombudsman’s mandate to prevent individuals under investigation from leaving the country without authorization.

The measure, he said, aligns with existing rules requiring government officials to secure official travel clearance before departing for abroad.

“It is something that we need in our legal system. Hindi pwedeng takas lang nang takas (They can’t just keep running away),” he added.

Mr. Remulla did not identify the individuals covered by the request.

The move comes a week after the Ombudsman filed a malversation and two graft charges against former Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S.Co, several Department of Public Works and Highways officials, and the board of directors of Sunwest Construction firm.

The charges stem from the allegedly substandard P289-million road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro — the first case brought before the Sandiganbayan linked to flood control corruption scandal. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

BSP issues ASEAN, Festivals coins

November 26, 2025 | 9:17 pm

PBBM Marcos-Remolona — PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is joined by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. during the presentation of the 10-peso ASEAN coin and Philippine Festivals Commemorative Coin Series in Malacañan Palace. — PPA POOL

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. received a series of commemorative coins from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Wednesday, spotlighting the Philippines’ upcoming chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the country’s rich festival culture.

At a ceremony in Malacañan Palace, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. and Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan presented Mr. Marcos with the 10-peso ASEAN 2026 Commemorative Circulation Coin.

The presentation was also attended by ASEAN National Organizing Council Representative Aian Caringal and Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ana Marie L. Hernando.

The coin, which features a woven pattern, rice stalks, waves and a balangay boat, is embedded with a QR code that provides information about ASEAN 2026, highlighting the Philippines’ leadership in steering regional initiatives next year.

Mr. Marcos also received a preview of the 12-coin series of 100-peso Philippine Festivals Silver Commemorative Coins, set to be released starting January 2026.

Each coin will spotlight one of the nation’s signature festivals, including the Sinulog in Cebu City, Kadayawan in Davao, MassKara in Bacolod, and the Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, among others. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

QC is most bike-friendly city

November 26, 2025 | 9:17 pm

QUEZON CITY (QC) emerged as the Most Bike-Friendly City of 2025, after it earned a gold rating in category, during the fourth year of the Mobility Awards.

It was followed by Iloilo City and Marikina City, the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities said in a media release.

Quezon City also snagged the inaugural Pedestrian-Friendly City special award, which spotlights cities that made significant investments in walkable streets, safer pedestrian crossings and accessible sidewalks among others. It garnered a silver rating under the category.

“These dual wins, both for cycling and pedestrianization, show our city’s commitment to people-oriented mobility,” Quezon City Government Assistant City Administrator for Operations Alberto H. Kimpo was quoted as saying.

“We are at the forefront of changing lifestyles, changing behaviors, and hopefully addressing the biases [against] mobility in our nation.” — CAT

ICC urged: Consider Duterte’s health

November 26, 2025 | 9:16 pm

FPPRD Duterte-ICC — FORMER PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. DUTERTE — INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT / COUR PÉNALE INTERNATIONALE

A PHILIPPINE lawmaker on Wednesday called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to consider the frail health of ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte when it decides on his temporary release request.

In a statement, Party-list Rep. Roberto Gerard L. Nazal, Jr. said the tribunal’s appeals chamber should act with “humanitarian compassion” toward Mr. Duterte, whom he described as an “elderly detainee facing health challenges.”

“We are praying for a decision that balances justice with humanitarian compassion, and one that will help put closure on an issue that has divided our country,” he said.

Mr. Duterte, 80, was arrested by Philippine authorities and flown to The Hague, Netherlands in March for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his deadly drug war that has defined his six-year term.

His lawyer had since sought his interim release from the ICC’s detention center, wishing for his temporary freedom while the case is still ongoing. Tribunal hearings typically last years.

His appeals ruling is set for Nov. 28, Friday.

Police say 6,200 suspects were killed in anti-drug operations that often ended in shootouts, but rights groups estimate the toll of Mr. Duterte’s crackdown to be over 30,000, many of whom were slain under suspicious circumstances by masked men.

Mr. Nazal acknowledged that Filipinos await the tribunal to deliver long-hoped justice for the alleged killings perpetrated under Mr. Duterte’s rule but said that “justice is not vengeance.”

“Many still wait for justice. And we must never diminish that pain, nor forget the cost of silence,” he said. “However, we must also remember that justice is not vengeance, and that compassion is not weakness.”

Mr. Duterte, whose six‑year term empowered the police to act on drug claims, remains a divisive yet popular figure in the Southeast Asian nation, with supporters arguing his anti‑drug campaign was necessary to curb rising criminality. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

DHSUD to build 705,000 houses by 2028

November 26, 2025 | 9:16 pm

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said that it is seeking to complete about 705,000 housing provision by 2028, in order to complete its 1.1 million target.

“The target is 1.1 million by 2028, so there is still a balance of about 705,000,” Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, who heads the Finance committee, told the plenary.

Senator Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada questioned the DHSUD over the backlog in government housing construction.

“The government aims to build 1 million houses per year, totaling 6 million units by the end of the term of President Marcos,” he added.

Mr. Gatchalian said that the agency had to revise its targets to 200,000 housing projects each year due to budgetary constraints.

“They had to revise their targets. I think 1 million is very ambitious, and they have to be realistic with the budgetary constraints,” he said. “One million per year seems like it was a very big challenge.”

He added that the agency has only completed 438,000 housing projects in the last three years.

Out of the completed housing projects, 314,000 were from indirect housing, and 113,000 were for housing provisions.

Mr. Gatchalian said that the delay was caused by the failed design of the 4PH or Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino program and lower budget allocation.

“In the past, the design wasn’t hitting the market that they needed the most, which created delays in the implementation,” he added. “I think the design is the top reason why it hasn’t reached 1 million per year.”

The 4PH program is the government’s flagship housing initiative to address the country’s housing backlog. — Adrian H. Halili

AC Health, Iloilo local government to expand hemodialysis treatment

November 26, 2025 | 9:16 pm

AYALA Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health) has entered into an agreement with the Iloilo Provincial Government and Healthway Medical Network to establish dialysis centers in Iloilo’s district and provincial hospitals to improve access to hemodialysis treatment in the region.

Under the partnership, Department of Health (DoH)-compliant dialysis centers with 8 stations each will be established at all 12 district hospitals and the provincial hospital to meet the current demand across the province.

“We look forward to helping Iloilo build a more resilient and inclusive health network for Ilonggos,” AC Health President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paolo Maximo F. Borromeo said in a statement on Wednesday.

The provincial government will provide hospital space, while AC Health and Healthway Medical Network will handle outfitting, equipment, and operational management, adhering to DOH standards. Implementation will happen in phases, with ongoing monitoring of financial and clinical performance to ensure the centers operate effectively.

“Our team is prepared to deliver the infrastructure, equipment, and day-to-day management needed to run these facilities sustainably,” Healthway Medical Network President and CEO Jaime “Jimmy” E. Ysmael said.

Dialysis services in Iloilo remain largely centered in Iloilo City, forcing many patients from distant municipalities to travel frequently for treatment. With over 50,000 residents needing regular dialysis, provincial officials say the new centers aim to meet this critical health demand.

“Our district hospitals serve as the first point of care for many families, and this partnership ensures they are equipped to meet the needs of patients with chronic kidney diseases,” Iloilo Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Debuque said.

The partnership also plans to increase treatment capacity, implement standardized care protocols, and collaborate with PhilHealth and local aid programs to lower costs for patients.

“Progress is not just about buildings rising or roads getting paved, it is about people living better and stronger. More progress for Iloilo is not just development — it means healthier, prouder, and more resilient Ilonggos,” Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor, Jr. added. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno