CBCP: Uphold integrity of flood probe

October 6, 2025 | 8:18 pm

Flood-heavy rain — A car was submerged in flood water near the corner of Mother Ignacia and Sgt. Esguerra street in Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City after a heavy downpour, Aug. 30. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

CATHOLIC BISHOPS in the country on Monday called on public officials to uphold the integrity of the current investigations into the multi-billion-peso corruption scandal involving flood control projects.

“The Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) was created precisely to restore public trust. It must be empowered to investigate fully and freely, without political interference from any branch of government,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said in a statement.

The CBCP also called on the investigative body to mandate transparency in its proceedings, findings, and recommendations, including allowing public access to all documents and witnesses, as well as disclosure of funds tied to anomalous infrastructure projects.

They also asked for the protection of “whistleblowers and technical personnel who come forward in good faith.”

The CBCP also warned that any attempt to change the Senate leadership may only heighten public suspicions of a cover up.

“We strongly oppose any attempt to pre-empt or derail the investigation through backroom deals, leadership takeovers, or selective justice. A nation cannot heal when its moral arteries are clogged by corruption and self-interest,” it added.

In a separate new briefing, Senate President Vicente C. Sotto II said that he has no idea what started the rumors of another Senate coup.

“I don’t see it coming from anywhere. In fact, I spoke with (Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter S. Cayetano), he himself told me he was not talking with anyone,” the Senate chief told reporters.

The government has been facing public outrage over anomalous flood control projects, where about P500 billion has been poured into since 2022. Separate investigations by the two houses of Congress have revealed the involvement of lawmakers and government officials in the multi-billion-peso scheme. — Adrian H. Halili

DMW eyes 13 new offices abroad

October 6, 2025 | 8:18 pm

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday said that it is looking to open 13 new migrant worker offices abroad by next year, in a bid to further expand its service to overseas Filipino workers (OFW).

“We are aiming to open 13 by next year, but I will be conservative and say that we could open about seven to eight,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac told a Senate budget hearing, without providing specific locations.

He added that the agency is looking to open three overseas offices by the end of 2025, namely in Cambodia, Guam, and Vietnam.

Mr. Cacdac said that the DMW is aiming to place migrant worker offices in countries where the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is present.

“We must cover where the foreign service posts are, meaning, where the DFA is we need to be there too,” he added.

Asked by Senator Erwin T. Tulfo if the offices were enough to support all OFWs working abroad, the DMW chief answered in the affirmative.

“In terms of volume it is enough, we’ve really hit the places where there are a lot of OFWs, mainly Middle East and Asia,” Mr. Cacdac said.

The DMW has about 42 migrant worker offices in 31 countries where there is a large number of OFWs. — Adrian H. Halili

Piggatan bridge in Cagayan collapses

October 6, 2025 | 8:17 pm

A BRIDGE in the municipality of Alcala in Cagayan, which links it to towns and main highways to Tuguegarao City, has collapsed, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirmed on Monday.

In a statement, the DPWH said based on preliminary findings that the three loaded trucks which were on the bridge at the same time seemed to cause the collapse of the bridge at 5 p.m. Each truck was estimated to weigh 50 tons, far exceeding the 18-ton capacity limit.

The agency has advised motorists to take alternate routes as the bridge is currently impassable.

It recommended the use of alternate routes via Jct. Gattaran – Cumao – Capissayan – Sta. Margarita Bolos Point Road to Baybayog – Baggao – Sta. Margarita Road (and vice versa).

The DPWH said coordination with the local government unit and the Philippine National Police is ongoing for traffic management, while the agency is currently investigating the incident.

Information from the Cagayan Provincial Information Office showed that several trucks were affected by the incident. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

BIR deadline extended in quake-hit Cebu

October 6, 2025 | 8:16 pm

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has extended the deadlines for tax filings and payment in quake-hit Cebu province until Oct. 31.

In a statement on Monday, the BIR announced the extension of deadlines for the filing of tax returns and payment of corresponding taxes, as well as the submission of other required documents for affected residents.

All tax obligations due within October 2025 can now be filed and paid on or before Oct. 31, in compliance with Memorandum Circular No. 88-2025.

“This extension allows our taxpayers sufficient time to comply with their tax obligations without adding to the burdens caused by the calamity,” BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said.

The extension covers taxpayers and BIR personnel under the jurisdiction of Revenue District Office No. 80 (Mandaue City, Cebu), No. 81 (Cebu City, North), No. 82 (Cebu City, South), No. 83 (Talisay City, Cebu), and No. 123 (Large Taxpayers Division – Cebu), including their Authorized Agent Banks.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier reported that 71 individuals were killed by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Bangsamoro, Lamitan LGU ship aid to tremor-stricken Cebu

October 6, 2025 | 8:16 pm

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro government and local executives in Lamitan City had separately shipped to Cebu some 20 tons of relief supplies for distribution to tremor-stricken communities in different areas in the province.

Radio reports in Cotabato City on Monday, stated that the Bangsamoro government and the Tactical Operation Group 12 (TOG 12) of the Philippine Air Force in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte facilitated the delivery of 445 bags of plasma to Cebu from the Cotabato Regional Medical Center, modular tents, hygiene and sleeping kits and water containers for villagers displaced by the 6.9-magnitude quake that shook the province last week.

The office of Bangsamoro’s chief minister, Abdulrauf A. Macacua, the TOG 12, the Office of Civil Defense, the Ministry of Social Services and Development and the Bangsamoro Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence cooperated in transporting the relief supplies to Cebu using an Air Force plane.

Mr. Macacua, figurehead of the 80-seat Bangsamoro parliament, said on Monday that he is thankful to the TOG 12 of the Philippine Air Force for the prompt airlift of the relief supplies from the agencies of the Bangsamoro regional government.

Residents of Lamitan City and their local government unit also shipped last weekend 10 tons of relief supplies to Cebu for distribution to tremor-stricken residents in the northern part of the province.

More than 60 villagers died from injuries due to the collapse of structures and stampedes caused by the earthquake that jolted the province.

“We, Lamiteños, stand along with our compatriot-Filipinos and the foreigners who suffered a lot from the earthquake that struck Cebu province. We wish for their recovery from that calamity,” Lamitan City Mayor Roderick H. Furigay told reporters on Monday. — John Felix M. Unson

Baguio City shares P2-M aid to Cebu quake victims

October 6, 2025 | 8:16 pm

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Council has approved P2 million in financial aid for towns in Cebu province wrought by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake on Sept. 30.

Councilor Jose “Joemol” Mencio Molintas who led the initiative said, it was important to send help right away.

The City Finance Committee confirmed that the money would come from Baguio’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) funds.

Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong asked the City Council for permission to release the funds. The request was quickly approved during the council’s regular session on Monday, showing Baguio’s fast response to emergencies.

The P2 million will be shared equally by four local areas in Cebu: Bogo City; San Remigio; Medellin; and Daanbantayan.

“Baguio City stands with our fellow Filipinos in Cebu during this hard time,” said Mayor Magalong. “We hope this aid helps them recover and rebuild.” — Artemio A. Dumlao

Belen debuts as Capital1 faces Choco Mucho in Reinforced Conference

October 6, 2025 | 6:53 pm

Games on Tuesday
(Ynares Center Montalban)
4 p.m. – ZUS vs Akari
6:30 p.m. – Capital1 vs Choco Mucho

SUPERSTAR ROOKIE Mhicaela “Bella” Belen will make her much-awaited debut as Capital1 clashes with Choco Mucho in Tuesday’s start of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Ynares Center Montalban.

“I love the new challenges in whatever league and whose players I play against,” said this year’s No. 1 overall draft pick who was a three-time UAAP MVP and champion from National University.

“But for me I have to prepare for this conference because the level of play in the collegiate and the PVL are different,” she added.

Ms. Belen also said she’s expecting nothing less than a finals appearance for the Solar Spikers, who tackle the Flying Titans at 6:30 p.m., this conference.

“I have high expectations for the team and have that mentality that we can make the finals, we’re aiming high,” said the Alas Pilipinas standout.

Interestingly, she will face off against a familiar face, fellow neophyte and national team mainstay Tia Andaya, who will partner with Deanna Wong at the setter position.

“She’s ready to play,” said Choco Mucho mentor Dante Alinsunurin of his prized setter from Ellensburg, Washington who suited up for US NCAA Division I Gonzaga University.

Also taking center stage at 4 p.m. are ZUS Coffee and Akari.

The Thunderbelles parade 5-11 American outside spiker Anna DeBeer from University of Louisville, who along with the return of Thea Gagate from national team duty, should bolster their chances in this compressed and ultra-competitive two-month tournament.

For the Chargers, they will brandish a veteran American in Annie Mitchem, who had stops in Jakarta, Italy, Turkey and Brazil after a standout effort at University of Hawaii.

She will have at her disposal a strong core in Ivy Lacsina, Grethcel Soltones, Fifi Sharma, Faith Nisperos, Eli Soyud and Ced Domingo. — Joey Villar

UCAL expands sports programs in Season 8

October 6, 2025 | 6:52 pm

THE Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) will celebrate its eighth year by adding two more sports in a continuing expansion of its sports programs as one of the fast-rising collegiate leagues in the country.

Following the addition of volleyball, 3×3 and Esports last season to its staple basketball tournaments, the league will introduce badminton and table tennis to its sports calendar when the nine-team PG Flex Linolem-UCAL @ 8 kicks off on Oct. 9 at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Also in the pipeline is U19 basketball next season and more Olympic sports in the next gearing up to a milestone 10^th year as UCAL, slowly but surely, mandates all of its member schools to parade teams across all sports for program development and competitiveness.

“We have table tennis and badminton now but all the member schools decided that before we add more, all the schools should have existing programs and competitive teams for a full-force tournament,” said UCAL Chairman Horacio Lim, joined by UCAL Board Trustee Col. Edison Nebrija and PG Flex owner Nelson Gueverra, during the league launch on Monday at the Patio de Manila.

Former back-to-back titlist Centro Escolar University will serve as host this season, eyeing a payback in men’s basketball led by champion Olivarez College after its breakthrough title against the Philippine Christian University (PCU)-Dasmariñas in the finale.

CEU President and Chief Academic Officer Atty. Danilo Concepcion, who also chairs the UCAL Policy Board puts more premium on the successful UCAL staging with a theme of “Rising to New Heights.”

“We look ahead to another thrilling season of UCAL, one that promises to showcase the very best of our student-athletes. It will not only be a start of the new season but also a celebration of youthful talent, teamwork and the enduring values of fair play and camaraderie,” he said.

“UCAL is rising to new heights. It challenges us to go beyond what has already been achieved. We call on our athletes to push beyond limits, aim higher, play with passion, discipline and integrity.”

After a grand opening ceremony to be graced by CEU legend Franz Ray Diaz who was picked 74^th overall by Terrafirma in the PBA Season 50 draft, as well as the coronation of Mr. and Ms. UCAL, the league will officially usher in the games with men’s and women’s volleyball on Oct. 14 at the University of Batangas.

The much-awaited basketball season featuring CEU, Olivarez, PCU, Diliman, Immaculada Concepcion College, LPU-Batangas, MCU, PWU and University of Batangas then fires off on Feb. 5 at the Paco Arena to headline the second-semester events. — John Bryan Ulanday

Greg Slaughter set to join PBA and SEAG Gilas Pilipinas in Dec.

October 6, 2025 | 6:52 pm

“GREG-ZILLA” is ready to take the path back to the PBA and the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG).

Aside from declaring his intention to play in the pro league after a four-year absence, Greg Slaughter is also offering his service for the Gilas Pilipinas team that will defend the SEAG gold in Thailand in December.

In attendance for the PBA’s opening ceremonies the other day, the seven-foot center said he wants to run it back and help coach Norman Black duplicate their triumphant campaign in the biennial meet 14 years ago in Jakarta.

“I actually reached out to coach Norman as soon as I found out he was going to be coaching the (Gilas Pilipinas) SEAG Games (team). We were able to win one in 2011 together and when I messaged him, I told him that I would love to do that again,” he said.

Mr. Slaughter was a key member of Mr. Black’s all-college Sinag Pilipinas crew back then, dropping 16 points and grabbing eight rebounds in the 85-57 clincher over the Thais.

“So hopefully that’s a possibility. I know a lot of the PBA players won’t be available for that. So one of the first things I did was reach out to coach and told him I’d be available for that.”

At the same time, Mr. Slaughter said he already got in touch with Aldriene Anglim, team manager of Titan Ultra, the new franchise that replaced his old team NorthPort, to explore his possible PBA comeback.

“I’ve known him for a long time now. He used to come by our Ginebra practices when he was just a teenager. And so I was pretty surprised when I saw he’s the team manager of the team that has my rights now,” he said.

“We just had a little conversation about me possibly coming back and we’ll see what we can build from here.”

Mr. Slaughter has plied his trade in Japan and the MPBL after his last stint with the Batang Pier in 2021.

“I definitely want to come back. I just welcomed my third daughter into the world two weeks ago so me and my family are going to be settled here for a while now,” he said. — Olmin Leyba

Idel Datu rules the first Daily Fantasy Chess Grand Prix

October 6, 2025 | 6:51 pm

WORLD Chess Olympiad veteran Idel Datu delivered a vintage performance and topped the inaugural Daily Fantasy Chess Grand Prix held on lichess.org over the weekend.

The 53-year-old Mr. Datu won his first six games including the sixth and penultimate-round upset over Grandmaster Darwin Laylo before splitting the point with Homer Cunanan in the final round to rule the one-day event with 6.5 points.

Mr. Cunanan finished second with six points while Mr. Laylo wound up third with 5.5 points while earning 48, 47 and 46 grand prix points, respectively, of this first of a 10-leg series.

The top 100 players after 10 stages will then qualify for the grand finale set Jan. 11 next year.

Ronald Dableo, who is rating points away from breaching the 2500-mark and snaring the GM title, wound up at No. 4 with five points while FIDE Masters Noel dela Cruz and Arden Reyes, Mark Gerald Reyes, Eric Mordido, Stephen Manzanero, Jr. and Jake Tumaliuan rounding out the top 10.

Greenfield District Chess Club is organizing the event and is supported by Daily Fantasy, a sports fantasy app that emphasizes the importance of strategy in every battle.

Registration is free and participants only need to sign up with Daily Fantasy and use the code CHESS100. — Joey Villar

Gin Kings are moving on and regrouping after loss to Magnolia

October 6, 2025 | 6:50 pm

AFTER getting dismantled by the Magnolia team of his pupil-turned-rival coach LA Tenorio, Barangay Ginebra mentor Tim Cone took it on the chin and quickly focused on improving his troops.

“Didn’t like the way we played — too many turnovers, not enough multiple efforts on defense. Didn’t execute tonight, didn’t play a very good game at all. You give credit to them. They were more prepared than we were. They looked sharper, looked better,” Mr. Cone admitted following the Gin Kings’ 73-80 loss in the kickoff game of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.

Moving on and regrouping are vital for Mr. Cone and Co. given the next opposition on their plate — TNT (Oct. 15), Meralco (Oct. 17), defending champion San Miguel (Oct. 26) and NLEX (Nov. 2).

“We’re not going to make that big of a deal of it because it’s just the first game and we have a long way to go. But we got a tough schedule to start this conference, five games against MVP and San Miguel teams. So we have to pick it up. We can’t play like this and expect to have a good record against those five teams, especially now starting 0-1,” he said.

The Manila Clasico gig got so much hype considering it was Mr. Tenorio’s head coaching debut and he faced his old maestro right away and even won in the end.

But Mr. Cone was quick to downplay.

“I’m happy for LA (Tenorio), sad for myself,” he told reporters.

“You guys are making a bigger deal out of it than either he and I are. We’re friends. It’s the same thing when I play against Chot Reyes (TNT), Jeff Cariaso (Blackwater), John-John Cardel (Titan), Willie Wilson (Phoenix) or Luigi Trillo (Meralco). They’re all my ex-players, ex-coaches. So, it’s the same.

“It’s much bigger for LA (Tenorio) than it was for me tonight. Put it that way. It was his first game. He’s going to remember it. I’m going to forget this one really quickly,” he added. — Olmin Leyba

Klook eyes expansion in Western countries

October 6, 2025 | 6:34 pm

Travel booking service company Klook said that it aims to expand its services in Australia, Europe, and the United States of America by 2026, encouraging more Filipino travelers to explore destinations outside Asia.

“If you’ve been a follower of Klook, a lot of our promotions before were really in Asia but slowly, we can see that the long haul is also picking up,” Ulla Sy-Roqueza, associate marketing director of Klook, told BusinessWorld in an interview. “We’re already onboarding more and more team members there for the US. That’s also the same reason why we wanted to push for Europe and Australia,” she added.

The initiative to expand was fueled by the organic traction and rising demands from its users. “At least on our numbers, on the back end, we do see it picking up already,” Ms. Roqueza said.

Klook, which offers over half a million experiences in more than 3,400 destinations globally, is known for its accommodations, attractions, activities, and transportation deals.

Rooted in their social media marketing success in promoting Vietnam’s tourism services and products through content creators, Klook aims to utilize the same strategy for activities and destinations in Western countries.

“We will be trying that also with the long haul because we actually got more and more requests now with creators,” Ms. Roqueza said.

According to the 2025 Travel Pulse of the platform, 89% of Filipinos choose to visit a destination based on its social media popularity, higher than the 79% regional average.

The same study revealed that Filipino travelers also rely on quick content like photos (67%) and short-form videos (62%) as a travel guide.

Meanwhile, long-form videos (48%) and in-depth blog posts (45%) are for researching the destination on a deeper level.

Apart from content creators, the travel platform also eyes a direct partnership with Western merchants.

“That’s something that we haven’t done yet and hopefully, especially in 2026, we will be more strategic in terms of partnering with them to grow the destinations there,” Ms. Roqueza said. — Almira Louise S. Martinez