Pet peeve

October 30, 2025 | 12:01 am

beautiful-young-woman-walking-with-her-dog-park — STOCK PHOTO | Image by Nensuria from Freepik

Those who consider four-footed animals as part of the family to be taken around with them to malls and restaurants, either in chains or in prams, may equate “pet-less” with “heartless.” “Fur babies” as a term of endearment when referring to pets can also be used warmly to two-footed partners and close friends who will not find that phrase cringeworthy.

Here’s a warning — those who love dogs and even sleep with them for warmth and companionship not offered by less furry substitutes, can skip this piece altogether. Kindly jump to the latest posts on flood billionaires abroad and get your aggravation for the day there.

Pets that make noises, like loud barking and hostile snarling, are not warmly embraced by some, especially those who love to meditate on their navels.

A village walker, who has a phobia for four-footed creatures that snarl and bark at him for no other reason than being engaged in a non-threatening aerobic occupation, is sure to understand an aversion to pets crossing his path. Some households prefer quieter company like terrapins and canaries. The soft movement of fins and legs as well as cooing sounds on the terrace can be soothing.

Here are some actuations of dog walkers that turn some against the species canis familaris. These habits occur more frequently now in malls and other public places like parks and even restaurants.

“Don’t worry, Sir. She doesn’t bite.” Respectful assurances from a dog handler to an older person with a walking stick is intended to allay fears of being attacked by a snarling dog. The use of gender for a pet that should be referred to in the neuter form shows the affection of the assurer regarding the dog’s history dealing with the exposed ankles of passing strangers.

The retractable leash as a dog accessory is a new twist that increases the radius of movement for the pet. It allows greater leeway to stray without dragging its owner along, as in the case of the old fixed-length leash. The pet can frolic in a wider area and cross paths with a greater number of passers-by. It’s the dog that determines how far it wants to wander.

The maximum length of this new leash is unknown. Only the swishing sound of the retractable chain provides a clue. And this version of the uncertainty principle adds to the delight of the owner in seeing the panic-stricken faces of other pedestrians, including those walking their dogs too.

Dogs have become part of an individual’s accessories. They’re brought along almost everywhere. It is then a short step for dogs themselves to be accessorized. There are multicolored dog collars, sunglasses, and even tube attire (with poop catchers) to elicit even from the hard-hearted non-dog-lovers a grudging conviction that there is no economic recession in the country.

Even the most responsible dog walkers allow the loathsome and, to their mind inevitable, habit of dogs doing their business, usually in the grassy portions of the parks or on vacant lots. The first three letters of “poodle” summarize the most offensive aspect of pets.

Dog owners are required by malls and parks to clean up their doggy mess. Some upright citizens scoop up dog poo by picking this up with a hand encased in a plastic bag they carry which is then turned inside out to neatly store away the feces. This bagged souvenir can then be disposed of in the nearest bin. Dog diapers are more practical for this reason. (See above on accessories.)

Not all dog owners are so scrupulous. If two-legged animals can pee against a tire on the side of a road, they are given some latitude to provide sticky offerings underfoot for unwary strollers.

An aversion to pets especially in public places, including restaurants, may be considered a form of heartlessness. Is it possible to have a pet peeve and still retain a sense of humanity? (Can you still be against corruption?) It’s a balancing kind of love-hate relationship. Truly, there are some cute and well-behaved poodles to be admired — at a distance.

Do dogs have an instinct in recognizing human hostility, or even indifference? Why else do they snarl at some on sight? It’s best to let sleeping dogs lie.

Tony Samson is chairman and CEO of TOUCH xda

ar.samson@yahoo.com

AboitizPower income rises 5% in Q3 on stronger generation margins

October 30, 2025 | 12:01 am

ABOITIZ POWER Corp. (AboitizPower) reported a 5% year-on-year increase in attributable net income to P10.6 billion for the third quarter, driven by improved margins in its power generation business.

In a stock exchange disclosure on Wednesday, the company said the higher contribution from the generation segment was due to reduced exposure to the spot market and increased water inflow at its hydro plants.

Beneficial earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) rose 12% to P22.2 billion from P19.8 billion a year earlier.

For the nine months ending September, AboitizPower’s core net income dropped 15% to P23.1 billion, reflecting the full impact of depreciation and interest expenses from GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co. (GNPD). Including foreign exchange and derivative gains, net income reached P23.3 billion.

Beneficial EBITDA for the nine-month period was nearly unchanged at P56.3 billion, compared with P56.1 billion last year. The company said this was supported by new contributions from Chromite Gas Holdings, Inc. and newly commissioned solar plants, offset by lower spot market prices.

AboitizPower recently energized several solar facilities — including the 159-megawatt (MW) Laoag, 45-MW Armenia, and 173-MW Calatrava plants — as part of its ongoing renewable energy expansion.

Energy sales for the three-quarter period climbed 19% to 32,138 gigawatt-hours (GWh). The EBITDA of its generation and retail supply business rose 1% to P50.9 billion, while the distribution segment’s EBITDA increased 2% to P7 billion, supported by a 5% rise in energy sold to 5,166 GWh.

For 2025, AboitizPower has allocated P78 billion in capital expenditures, primarily for its renewable energy portfolio.

The company, the Aboitiz Group’s power arm, targets to expand its total attributable net sellable capacity to 9.2 gigawatts by 2030, with a 50:50 mix of renewable and thermal energy.

Shares in AboitizPower fell 0.49%, or two centavos, to P41 each on Wednesday. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Surfshark: Philippines 2^nd most breached country among neighbors in Q3 2025

October 30, 2025 | 12:00 am

The Philippines placed 16^th out of 250 countries and territories with a total of 437,922 breached accounts in the third quarter, latest data from Surfshark’s Global Data Breach Statistics showed. This was higher by 25.7% from the previous quarter. Among its peers in the East and Southeast Asian region, the Philippines was the second most breached country/territory during the period.

How PSEi member stocks performed — October 29, 2025

October 30, 2025 | 12:00 am

Here’s a quick glance at how PSEi stocks fared on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Philippine anti-graft body recommends charges vs lawmakers in flood scandal

October 29, 2025 | 9:05 pm

By Erika Mae P. Sinaking

THE Philippines’ Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Wednesday recommended the filing of administrative and criminal charges against lawmakers and public works officials linked to a multibillion-peso kickback scheme involving flood control projects, marking one of the biggest corruption probes under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s administration.

In a statement, the ICI said its investigation found “indications of collusion” among legislators, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials and private contractors in the insertion and implementation of flood control allocations in the national budget.

Among those named in the recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman were Senators Joel J. Villanueva and Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada, resigned Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co and ex-DPWH Undersecretary Roberto R. Bernardo.

The ICI also sought charges against a former Caloocan congresswoman and an Audit commissioner.

Mr. Villanueva denied any wrongdoing, saying Senate records would prove he had questioned flood control allocations that were never implemented. “I have been against flood control projects from the start,” he told reporters in a Viber message, adding that the testimony from a former DPWH engineer would support his defense.

“All these, at the proper time, will prove my innocence,” he added.

Mr. Estrada also rejected the allegations, saying he never received any kickbacks from the projects.

“The allegations against me are purely hearsay or based solely on rumors,” he said in a statement in Filipino. “I will clear my name, and I am fully confident that in due time, the truth will prevail.”

Mr. Co, who is overseas supposedly for a medical procedure, has rejected allegations of misconduct, while Mr. Bernardo insists he neither had knowledge nor participated in the irregularities.

The ICI said its recommendation was based on initial findings, and that determining liability would rest with the Ombudsman. “This move underscores the commission’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public infrastructure spending,” it added.

If proven, the acts could constitute violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Plunder Law and bribery provisions of the Revised Penal Code, as well as administrative breaches of the Code of Conduct for Public Officials.

‘KICKBACK’ TRAIL
Sworn affidavits and documentary evidence from former DPWH engineers showed that lawmakers endorsed or inserted flood control projects in the national budget from 2022 to 2025 in exchange for kickbacks of 20% to 30% of project costs, the ICI said.

Payments were routed through field engineers and cooperating contractors to secure project awards and facilitate fund releases, it said. The arrangement was described as a “systematic kickback structure,” with legislators acting as project proponents and DPWH officials serving as intermediaries.

The scheme began at the budgeting stage, when proposed projects were inserted into the National Expenditure Program (NEP), passed through the bicameral conference committee and retained in the final General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Once the funds were released, favored contractors allegedly remitted percentages to officials who approved project documents, variation orders and disbursement vouchers. The ICI said several projects were nonexistent, redundant, or grossly overpriced, diverting billions in public funds.

It cited examples in Bulacan, Pampanga and Quezon City where allocations in 2023 and 2024 had “identical scopes” despite being awarded to different contractors.

The ICI reached its conclusions based on the sworn affidavits and supporting evidence from former DPWH engineers Henry C. Alcantara, Brice Ericson D. Hernandez and Jaypee M. Mendoza.

During the Ombudsman filing, ICI Chairman Andres B. Reyes, Jr. named John Carlo Rivera, a former public works project engineer, as a key intermediary who allegedly facilitated the transactions. Mr. Rivera was among 16 DPWH personnel suspended last month over the same scandal.

Witnesses said Mr. Rivera transmitted project lists prepared by DPWH engineers to regional offices or lawmakers, after which summaries were compiled and contractors were selected. Kickbacks were allegedly paid in two tranches — an initial 10% advance upon NEP approval and the remaining 15% after the GAA enactment.

“If the insertions were included in the GAA, the whole 25% special allotment portion is given to the proponent,” Mr. Reyes said. “This 25% payoff is advanced by the contractor to ensure the project will be awarded to them.”

He said the pattern pointed to “an entrenched culture of fund manipulation” within infrastructure budgeting.

“We will continue to investigate, follow the evidence and pursue charges to the very last man involved,” Mr. Reyes said. “Justice will not be delayed this time. This is our promise to our countrymen.”

The filing marks the ICI’s second referral to the ombudsman and comes seven weeks after the commission was set up. Since launching its inquiry on Sept. 19, the body has summoned a number of witnesses, formed a technical working group to fast-track fund recovery and confirmed more than 421 ghost flood control projects nationwide.

The commission has also coordinated with the Philippine National Police for site inspections and is working to overhaul the licensing of government contractors.

On Tuesday, ICI Executive Director Brian Keith F. Hosaka said the body is reviewing the rules for livestreaming proceedings to promote transparency. However, he noted that additional powers — such as the ability to cite uncooperative witnesses for contempt — might require legislation.

Philippines, Canada to sign visiting forces agreement

October 29, 2025 | 9:05 pm

Balikatan-26496 — PHILIPPINESTAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE Philippines and Canada will sign a defense pact later this week granting greater access for troops in each other’s territories, according to Manila’s Defense department, as it seeks to deepen security ties with its allies amid lingering South China Sea tensions.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. and Canadian Defense Minister David Joseph McGuinty will sign the status of visiting forces agreement (SOVFA) in Manila on Sunday, forging a deal that began negotiations earlier this year to enhance military cooperation between the two countries.

“The SOVFA will then be submitted for presidential ratification,” the Department of National Defense said in a statement on Wednesday.

The visiting forces deal between the Philippines and Canada aims to reinforce their 2024 defense cooperation pact and improve interoperability by establishing a framework for operating and training troops within each other’s territories, the Canadian government said in a March statement.

Ottawa has consistently backed Manila’s stake in the South China Sea, one of the world’s most contested waterways, where tensions between the Philippines and China continue to simmer due to overlapping claims.

Beijing continues to lay its sovereignty over the energy-rich waters despite a 2016 ruling by a United Nations-backed court that voided its claims.

Philippine and Chinese forces have repeatedly sparred over disputed maritime features, and both have traded accusations of escalating tensions following incidents involving water cannon blasts and sideswipes between vessels.

The Southeast Asian nation has stepped up efforts to push back against China’s sweeping sea claims by expanding its web of alliances beyond the US, its long-standing treaty ally. It has forged visiting forces agreements with Australia, and most recently, New Zealand, alongside a similar deal with Japan.

Talks for a visiting forces pact with France and the UK are also under way.

Also on Wednesday, pollster OCTA Research Group reported that most Filipinos view the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) favorably, with 75% of Filipinos expressing satisfaction and 71% saying they trust the agency.

It said the high public trust and satisfaction ratings were driven by the Philippines’ territorial spat with China.

OCTA interviewed 1,200 adults on Sept. 25 to 30 for the poll, which had an error margin of ±3% points.

“Positive assessments of the PCG’s performance are closely associated with public awareness of its role in maritime security and disaster response,” it said in a statement.

While about seven of 10 Filipinos expressed satisfaction with PCG, about 4% were dissatisfied and 21% remained undecided.

“Satisfaction appears to be shaped by both regional exposure and perceived responsiveness, especially in areas affected by maritime incidents or geopolitical tensions,” OCTA said.

Meanwhile, about 5% of Filipinos said they distrust the PCG, while 24% were undecided. Seven of 10 Filipinos expressed trust in the agency, it added.

Doubt toward the PCG was elevated in the Davao Region, where 16% of respondents expressed skepticism, followed by Bicol at 12% and Caraga at 11%, OCTA said. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Marcos signs into law separate bills on POGO ban, education reform

October 29, 2025 | 9:04 pm

Pogo singage-guard — A sign protesting the presence of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) is seen at a posh residential village in Muntinlupa City, July 13. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has signed into law a measure banning all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), formalizing the government’s policy to shut down the industry over national security and social concerns.

Republic Act (RA) No. 12312 or the Anti-POGO Act of 2025, signed earlier this week, prohibits all offshore and internet-based gambling operations in the country. The measure aims to curb criminal activities linked to POGOs, which authorities have associated with money laundering, human trafficking and cybercrime.

Under the law, all work permits and visas issued to people involved in offshore gaming — including employees of operators, content providers and accredited service firms — are now revoked.

Mr. Marcos signed the measure on Oct. 23, ordering the Department of Labor and Employment to create programs that will help Filipino workers transition after the industry’s shutdown.

The President first announced the total ban during his 2024 state of the nation address, after a series of criminal cases tied to POGOs.

He said offshore gaming hubs had become breeding grounds for money laundering, human trafficking and torture, adding that such operations have “no place in a just and orderly society.”

Mr. Marcos said prohibiting all POGOs would address “many of the problems” facing the country.

“The state recognizes that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are paramount for the meaningful enjoyment of democracy,” according to the law. “The state likewise values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.”

The Senate passed the measure as Senate Bill No. 2868 on June 9, and the House of Representatives adopted it as an amendment to House Bill No. 10987 two days later.

The law builds on Executive Order No. 74, which Mr. Marcos issued in November 2024 to impose an immediate nationwide ban on offshore and internet gaming operations. The president then cited national security and public safety concerns arising from POGO-linked crimes.

Under RA 12312, first-time offenders face imprisonment of six to eight years and fines ranging from P300,000 to P15 million. Second offenses carry jail terms of up to 10 years and fines up to P30 million, while third offenses are punishable by up to 12 years in prison and fines as high as P50 million.

Public officials found guilty will receive the maximum penalty, while foreign offenders will be deported after serving their sentence and permanently barred from returning to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, the President also signed into law an education reform measure institutionalizing lifelong learning as part of national development efforts.

Mr. Marcos on Oct. 23 signed RA No. 12313, or the Lifelong Learning Development Framework Act, which amends the 2018 Philippine Qualifications Framework Act.

The law expands the mandate of the Philippine Qualifications Framework-National Coordinating Council and seeks to embed continuous learning across all sectors of society.

Under law, the council must craft a national master plan to promote lifelong learning nationwide. Cities, municipalities, and villages may be designated as “learning communities” based on their performance in key education and training indicators.

The framework promotes functional literacy, inclusive education and community-based learning, while strengthening workplace-based training through collaboration with industry and other stakeholders. It also calls for greater use of digital and modern learning technologies, quality assurance in education and the promotion of a culture of lifelong learning.

To improve coordination, the Departments of Trade and Industry and Department of Interior and Local Government have been added as members of the council.

Within six months of the law’s effectivity, the council, in coordination with education agencies, industry and local governments, must formulate the national master plan, aligned with the Philippine Development Plan. The plan will be reviewed every five years to reflect evolving labor market and development priorities.

Marcos eyes Xi visit for talks on sea row

October 29, 2025 | 9:03 pm

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said he plans to invite Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Manila for talks aimed at easing tensions in the South China Sea, as the Philippines gears up to head the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year.

Hosting the 11-member bloc gives Manila a rare chance to shape regional priorities, which Mr. Marcos said presents “opportunities” for the Philippines to push for a legally binding code of conduct (CoC) in the disputed waters. Five ASEAN members have overlapping maritime claims with China.

“I would certainly invite him… to show how sincere we are to President Xi Jinping,” Mr. Marcos told reporters after the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. “We would like for him to come to the Philippines.”

Mr. Xi did not attend this year’s summit, sending Premier Li Qiang instead. He last joined ASEAN leaders virtually in 2021 to mark the 30^th anniversary of the China-ASEAN dialogue partnership.

Manila and Beijing remain locked in a tense standoff over the resource-rich South China Sea despite a 2016 United Nations-backed ruling that voided China’s sweeping claims.

The Philippines formally took over the ASEAN chairmanship from Malaysia on Tuesday. “I look forward to the opportunities and the things that we will be able to do as chair of ASEAN,” Mr. Marcos said, adding that preparations for the country’s hosting began eight months ago.

He said the Philippines would use its leadership role to highlight maritime issues, even if other member states do not share the same priorities.

“We cannot give up,” he said. “If we get to that point where President Xi will actually consider coming to the Philippines, it would mean that we have made significant progress.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

SC dismisses Estrada petitions

October 29, 2025 | 9:02 pm

THE Supreme Court (SC) En Banc has dismissed multiple petitions filed by Senator Jose “Jinggoy” P. Ejercito Estrada related to the controversial Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) cases, affirming that his graft charges can be prosecuted independently of plunder.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Maria Filomena D. Singh on Oct. 28, 2025, the Court ruled that Mr. Estrada’s petitions on the plunder cases were “moot and academic,” as the Sandiganbayan had already acquitted him of plunder on Jan. 19, 2024.

At the same time, it dismissed his graft petitions, rejecting his argument that under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act should be “absorbed” by the plunder cases.

The SC explained that plunder and graft target different forms of wrongdoing: plunder involves a public official directly enriching himself — Mr. Estrada’s plunder case was linked to at least P183.79 million in alleged kickbacks from businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles — while graft involves giving unwarranted benefits to private individuals, with Mr. Estrada facing 11 counts of graft involving roughly P255.11 million from his PDAF funds routed through various foundations.

He did not immediately reply to a Viber group chat message seeking comment. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

NBI names acting chief

October 29, 2025 | 9:02 pm

THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday officially announced that Angelito DLP Magno has assumed office as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the government’s lead agency for criminal investigations.

Mr. Magno, appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., succeeded former NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago, whose irrevocable resignation was accepted by Malacañang earlier this week.

A career officer with more than three decades of service, Mr. Magno began his NBI career in 1991 as a project worker and steadily rose through the ranks to become assistant director, holding key posts in the Bureau’s Legal, Investigation, and Information and Communication Technology services.

He previously served as regional director in Ilocos region, central Luzon, Calabarzon and northern Mindanao, overseeing major operations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Among the high-profile cases under his leadership were the P3.8-billion drug bust in Pampanga, the investigation into the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel R. Degamo, the probe into the MT Princess Empress oil spill, and the dismantling of the Socorro Bayanihan child exploitation network.

In a statement, the NBI said Mr. Magno aims to strengthen the bureau’s investigative capacity and institutional integrity, urging personnel to uphold ethical conduct and public trust.

Mr. Magno holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of San Carlos and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Santo Tomas.

In his resignation letter to the President dated Aug. 15, former NBI Director Santiago said he decided to step down due to “incessant moves” by “detractors and those who have sinister interest in my position” to discredit him.

He said his tenure focused on cleansing the Bureau of erring personnel and investigating irregularities, including the abolition of a unit allegedly prone to misconduct. Mr. Santiago said he resigned to prevent the controversies surrounding his leadership from disrupting NBI operations. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

CAAP: 3 aircraft tied to Co left PHL

October 29, 2025 | 9:01 pm

THE Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said three air assets tied to former Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co are no longer in the Philippines.

“CAAP confirms that three registered air assets connected to Mr. Co have departed from the country,” CAAP said in a statement on Wednesday.

Two AgustaWestland choppers landed in Kota Kinabalu on Aug. 20 and Sept. 11; while another Gulfstream aircraft registered to Mr. Co has remained in Singapore since Aug. 16, CAAP said.

“CAAP reiterates that it continues to closely monitor all registered air assets in accordance with the law,” it said.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in September requested the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze the billions of pesos worth of air and vehicle assets belonging to personalities, contractors and agency officials linked to anomalies in flood control projects.

These include at least 10 air assets with a combined value of $82.59 million tied to Mr. Co.

A total of P4.7 billion or $82.59 million worth of air assets were registered under Mr. Co’s Misibis Aviation and Development Corp. and Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp. — founded by his brother Christopher S. Co.

Hi-Tone and Sunwest, Inc. founded by Mr. Co were among the 15 contractors that cornered more than P100 billion worth of flood control projects between July 2022 and May 2025. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

DPWH taps experts for flood control plan

October 29, 2025 | 9:01 pm

Vince-Dizon-wc — DEPARTMENT of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon speaks during a press briefing with the Malacañang Press Corps on Sept. 1. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has tapped environmental and flood management experts to prepare the agency’s flood control plan, while also helping assess locally funded flood control projects.

“We reached out to various experts to form a working group. Because as you know one of the problems we discovered is the lack of planning, we discovered that several flood control projects were not planned at all,” Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon told reporters on Wednesday.

He said the agency has reached out to experts like Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Carlos Primo C. David as well as experts from the University of the Philippines to form the technical working group.

The agency is preparing to shift toward science-based planning backed by data-driven solutions, Mr. Dizon said.

“I am asking the group to vet the plans. If they say the plans are good and will have a positive effect on flood mitigation in various plans, then we will put those in the 2027 budget,” he said, noting that plans without experts’ approval won’t make the agency’s budget proposal for 2027.

The agency slashed around P255 billion worth of locally funded flood control projects from its proposed 2026 budget.

“But we really need flood control projects, because many areas in the Philippines are flood prone. This time we will plan this right,” Mr. Dizon said.

The technical working group will also come up with an initial plan, Mr. Dizon said, adding that the agency is still awaiting the 18 major river system masterplan that is still being completed. — Ashley Erika O. Jose