PHL to set up Indo-Pacific defense council with US, Japan and Australia

November 3, 2025 | 9:12 pm

PHILIPPINE Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. joined fellow defense leaders at the ASEAN-US Defense Ministers’ Hi-Tea held on the sidelines of the 2025 ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur, Nov. 1, 2025. — DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENSE FACEBOOK PAGE

By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES is joining the United States, Japan, and Australia in forming an intergovernmental defense council amid concerns over China’s “destabilizing” actions in the East and South China Sea, according to a joint readout of defense ministers’ meeting.

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. met US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, and Japanese Minister of Defense Koizumi Shinjiro in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, where they reiterated commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“The Ministers and Secretaries reiterated their serious concern regarding China’s destabilizing actions in the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and their strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion,” the readout, shared by the Philippine Defense department late on Sunday, said.

Citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the “legally binding” 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the disputed waterway, the Defense leaders reaffirmed support for the ASEAN.

Mr. Teodoro, and his defense counterparts, also tackled support for the framework that would establish the Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense Cooperation Council to enhance coordinated cooperation activities.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

Manila has been increasingly active in forging defense agreement with foreign countries to push back against China’s coercive behavior in the vital waterway, which handles an estimated $3 trillion in annual trade.

Among these are the Philippines’ Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan, which entered into force in September, and the recently signed Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) between the Philippines and Canada, adding up to its existing VFAs with Australia, New Zealand and the US.

Apart from agreements, the four countries also conduct joint exercises, such as the upcoming Balikatan 2026, enhancing operational readiness and deterrence in the region.

The potential quad council may counter Beijing’ continuous illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive tactics and unfair practices, Chester B. Cabalza, founding president of the think tank International Development and Security Cooperation said.

Philippine vessels conducting resupply missions have been repeatedly harassed by Chinese ships in the disputed waterways.

“The South China Sea will serve as the ambit of coordination as Manila and Tokyo similarly experience maritime and territorial dispute with Beijing, while Australia and the US remain as staunch supporters of Japan and the Philippines to advance free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific region,” he said in a Messenger chat.

He added that the agreement would also elevate the Philippines’ defense posture at par with the US, Japan, and Australia.

Mr. Cabalza said that the establishment of a new defense council normalizes a new form of defense network that maintains regional-based order without denying freedom of navigation and overflight.

Signal No. 4 up in parts of Visayas, Mindanao as Typhoon Tino intensifies

November 3, 2025 | 9:11 pm

TYPHOON Kalmaegi (local name: Tino) slightly intensified as it moves toward Eastern Visayas on Monday afternoon, prompting the state weather bureau to raise a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 4 over parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

Kalmaegi packing with sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of 160 kph, was located 170 km east southeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5 p.m. advisory.

The typhoon is moving westward at a speed of 20 kph and is forecast to “make landfall or pass very close to Homonhon Island or Dinagat Islands tonight or early tomorrow morning (Nov. 4).”

“It is then expected to make landfall over Leyte or Southern Leyte by early tomorrow morning, before crossing the Visayas and northern Palawan throughout tomorrow and Wednesday (Nov. 5) early morning.” It is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility by Thursday.

PAGASA noted Kalmaegi will likely make landfall at or near peak intensity, currently forecasted at around 140-155 kph maximum winds with higher gustiness.

“Rapid intensification before landfall remains likely. While the interaction of the typhoon with the terrain will trigger a slight weakening, Tino is expected to remain at typhoon category throughout its passage over the country,” it said.

PAGASA placed the following areas under TCWS No. 4: the extreme southeastern portion of Eastern Samar, the southern portion of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Camotes Islands, the northeastern portion of Bohol in Visayas, Dinagat Islands, Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands in Mindanao.

It also raised TCWS No. 3 over the southern portion of Eastern Samar, the southern portion of Samar, the central portion of Leyte, the northern and central portions of Cebu including Bantayan Islands, the central and eastern portions of Bohol, the northern portion of Negros Occidental, Guimaras, the eastern portion of Iloilo, and the rest of Surigao del Norte.

Signal No. 2 is in effect over the southern portion of Masbate, the southern portion of Romblon, and Cuyo Islands, the central portion of Eastern Samar, the central portion of Samar, the rest of Leyte, Biliran, the rest of Bohol, the rest of Cebu, and central portion of Negros Oriental, the rest of Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Capiz, the rest of Iloilo, Aklan, and Antique.

It is likewise in effect over the northern portion of Surigao del Sur, the northern portion of Agusan del Sur, the northern portion of Agusan del Norte, and Camiguin.

Meanwhile, areas under Signal No. 1 include Albay, Sorsogon, the rest of Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands, the southern portion of Quezon, the southern portion of Marinduque, the rest of Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, and the northern and central portions of Palawan including Calamian Islands and Cagayancillo Islands.

Northern Samar, the rest of Eastern Samar, the rest of Samar, and the rest of Negros Oriental, the rest of Surigao del Sur, the central portion of Agusan del Sur, the rest of Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, and the northern portion of Bukidnon, the northern portion of Misamis Occidental, and the northern portion of Zamboanga del Norte are also under TCWS No. 1.

PAGASA urged residents in the Visayas to remain vigilant as Typhoon Kalmaegi approaches land.

In an interview aired on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, PAGASA Weather Specialist Charmagne Marie B. Varilla said the agency is intensifying its monitoring efforts as Tino nears its expected landfall late Monday or early Tuesday.

She advised the public to rely only on official updates from PAGASA verified online platforms, including its Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, where rainfall advisories and heavy rainfall warnings are being posted in real time.

“So far, preparations have already been made… If you are already in a safe place, please stay there for the time being, postpone any outdoor activities, and continue to monitor updates from Pagasa,” she said in Filipino.

Kalmaegi’s arrival comes as the Philippines enters the final quarter of its typhoon season, a period typically characterized by frequent storms that can disrupt agriculture, transport, and energy operations across the archipelago.

The Philippines, located along the Pacific typhoon belt, is one of the most storm-exposed countries in the world.

On average, about 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility each year.

The peak of the typhoon season typically occurs from July to October, although storms can develop as early as May and as late as December. — Edg Adrian A. Eva and Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DoJ subpoenas contractors, officials linked to five flood control projects in Bulacan

November 3, 2025 | 9:10 pm

PBBM Marcos-DPWH — PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. inspected an unfinished P55-million flood control project in Baliwag City, Bulacan province that government records had listed as completed. — PPA POOL/NOEL PABALATE

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) has served subpoenas to contractors and officials allegedly involved in five “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan, marking the start of the preliminary investigation into the alleged anomalies.

DoJ Officer-in-Charge Fredderick A. Vida confirmed on Monday that the subpoenas for the initial five cases were personally served after the Office of the Ombudsman deputized the DoJ to assist in the probe.

“Subpoenas have been personally served for the initial five cases, wherein the DoJ has been deputized by the Office of the Ombudsman. The process will start — the respondents and the charges have already been identified,” Mr. Vida told a press briefing at the 2025 Justice Summit in Pasay City.

He said more cases are expected to follow as the Ombudsman continues to pursue the officials and contractors linked to the nonexistent projects.

“There will be more. I’m sure the Office of the Ombudsman is doing double-time — not only double-time, triple-time — to address this concern,” he said.

DoJ spokesperson Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez also said the subpoenas were served last week, with the first hearing for the preliminary investigation set for Nov. 10.

The cases involve allegations of graft, malversation of public funds, falsification of official documents, and perjury, in violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019) and relevant provisions of the Revised Penal Code.

According to the DoJ, the respondents include several former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials in Bulacan and a representative of a private construction firm allegedly involved in implementing the projects.

Panels of prosecutors have been assigned to determine whether there is probable cause to file the cases in court.

“My appeal to the public is this: at the end of the day, the Ombudsman, with the help of the DoJ as possibly deputized prosecutors, needs to prove these cases in court,” Mr. Vida said.

“We cannot take shortcuts. We cannot play God on this. We need to follow the rule of law,” he added.

The DoJ referred the investigation reports to the Ombudsman in early October after finding sufficient basis to proceed with prosecution.

The National Prosecution Service (NPS) initially looked into the five nonexistent flood control projects in Bulacan’s 1st District, which were funded but never implemented.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony D. Fadullon earlier said that the probe centered on local DPWH district officials and contractors who had control over the projects’ planning and execution.

“The ones involved here are those who had control over these projects — district engineers, assistant district engineers, project managers, and the contractors who worked with them,” Mr. Fadullon said.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin C. Remulla earlier described the complaints as “open-shut cases,” citing disbursed funds with no actual project outputs.

He also confirmed that the same officials were also part of a Senate investigation where they made admissions into the alleged anomalies that have since been included in the cases.

After reviewing the reports, the Ombudsman returned the cases to the DoJ and deputized its prosecutors to conduct a preliminary investigation and prepare the filing of cases in court.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court last week directed the Office of the Court Administrator to monitor corruption cases related to infrastructure projects once filed before the regional trial courts.

The high court said it would designate special courts to handle such cases exclusively, as part of ongoing judicial reforms aimed at improving transparency and case resolution speed. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Money lost to flood control scam could have funded climate mitigation — Oxfam

November 3, 2025 | 9:09 pm

Typhoon Carina-flood — PILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

FUNDING lost to corruption from the flood control scandal could have been used for climate adaptation programs, advocacy group Oxfam Pilipinas said, noting potential vulnerability to climate disasters.

“It leaves communities physically exposed to hazards from intensifying storms, floods, and other artificial disasters,” Joel Chester Pagulayan, Oxfam Pilipinas Climate Justice Portfolio Manager, said in a news briefing on Monday.

The government has been facing increasing public scrutiny over flood control projects, where billions of pesos in public funds were siphoned off through padded contracts and shell companies.

“It’s climate plunder in practice, where our public resources meant to reduce our climate risks, and our vulnerabilities are captured by a powerful few,” Mr. Pagulayan added.

He said that “climate plunder” has worsened climate vulnerability for ordinary Filipinos.

“When public flood control funds, or climate funds for that matter, become private profit, we don’t just lose money, we also lose lives, we also lose livelihoods,” he added.

He added that the government, which is also facing criticism over disaster preparedness, should have used funding meant for flood mitigation infrastructure toward other climate adaptation measures.

“We are losing sight of other potential solutions that can be used to adapt to the climate crisis,” he added. “Climate adaptation is not only about flood control projects or constructing infrastructure buffers.”

The government should invest in nature-based and ecosystem-based solutions, like mangrove rehabilitation, to mitigate potential climate disasters, he said.

Mr. Pagulayan added that the government should also invest in early warning systems that would enable vulnerable local governments to create their own disaster preparedness policies.

“These adaptation measures could have been prioritized by the government instead of hard infrastructure projects,” he added.

Citing an October study by Oxfam International, Mr. Pagulayan said that those within the global south along with women and indigenous groups may be more impacted by climate disasters.

The Philippines is located within the so-called pacific ring of fire where numerous earthquakes and disasters occur, an average of 20 storms also enter the Philippines annually. — Adrian H. Halili

RTC denies Estrada’s TRO request

November 3, 2025 | 9:08 pm

Jinggoy Estrada — SENATOR Jose P. Estrada vehemently denied allegations that he demanded a percentage from government contracts during a Sept. 18 hearing, led by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. — SENATE PRIB

A REGIONAL Trial Court (RTC) in San Juan has denied Senator Jose “Jinggoy” P. Estrada’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against former Public Works engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, who accused him of receiving kickbacks from alleged anomalous flood control projects.

In a resolution dated Oct. 30, 2025, Presiding Judge Caron Aicitel E. Lascano-Nethercott said the TRO would “no longer serve its purpose” since the statements had already circulated widely through media outlets and social media.

The court said that the acts sought to be restrained had already taken place as the remarks were made during public, televised legislative hearings.

The court also found no “extreme urgency” to justify immediate relief, citing that the hearings were delayed at Mr. Estrada’s request. However, it clarified that the decision does not prevent Mr. Hernandez from testifying before Congress, emphasizing the court’s “constitutional respect” for inquiries in aid of legislation.

Ms. Lascano-Nethercott reminded both parties that any further public comments about the case outside official proceedings fall under the court’s rule, warning that statements intended to influence or prejudge the issue are prohibited.

A hearing for Mr. Estrada’s pending plea for a writ of preliminary injunction is set for Nov. 12.

Mr. Estrada said he fully respects the court’s directive and will abide by the order, affirming his faith in the rule of law and the integrity of the judiciary. “The proper forum for the vindication of rights is the courtroom, not the media,” his office said in a statement.

It added that Mr. Estrada will continue to pursue legal remedies against those who allegedly violated his rights or spread falsehoods about him, expressing confidence that “the truth will prevail through due process and impartial justice.” — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Bill boosts transparency in infra spending

November 3, 2025 | 9:07 pm

Infra-construction-worker — Men are working on a construction project in Manila. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

A SENATOR on Monday said that he has filed a bill that will strengthen transparency and accountability for infrastructure spending, amid the multibillion-peso scandal involving flood control projects.

Senate Bill No. 1461, authored by Senator Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero, proposes that all government infrastructure projects undergo feasibility studies and include traceable features like geotagging and geodetic coordinates to prevent the misuse of public funds.

“Geotagging is one of the most important mechanisms for us to see the status of a project — whether it is actually being done or whether it is just on hold while the government continues to release funds,” he said in a statement.

The proposed Infrastructure Appropriations Integrity Act also mandates that no infrastructure project should be included in the budget unless it has gone through a feasibility study.

“All proposed projects must be vetted otherwise it should not receive a single centavo in public funds,” Mr. Escudero said.

It also requires the technical and financial bases for the projects, along with detailed unit price analyses, standard cost of materials, and quantity estimates.

The bill also prohibits “budget splitting” or the division of the appropriations for infrastructure projects in phases. — Adrian H. Halili

PPA logs 1.51M port passengers

November 3, 2025 | 9:07 pm

PITX passengers — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE PHILIPPINE Ports Authority (PPA) has recorded a total of 1.51 million passengers at the country’s major ports during All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.

Data provided by the port regulator showed that it has recorded a total of 1.51 million for the Oct. 27 to Nov. 3 period.

PPA is expecting a total of 2.2 million passengers for the Oct. 27-to-Nov. 5 period, higher by 14.58% than the recorded 1.92 million in the same period last year but still lower than the pre-pandemic passenger count of 2.51 million for the period.

For the second quarter, passenger traffic rose 13.74% to 26 million from 22.86 million in the same period last year.

For the January-to-June period, passenger volume jumped by 8.61% to 45.3 million from 41.71 million in the comparable period last year.

The port regulator is expecting a total of 85.41 million passengers this year, exceeding the 2024 target by 9.5%. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Bill vs online harassment filed in the Senate

November 3, 2025 | 9:06 pm

A PHILIPPINE Senator on Monday has filed a bill seeking to prohibit harassment on social media platforms, citing potential effects among vulnerable users like the youth.

“While social media serves as a platform to advocate for truth, it has also given room for ruining reputations, spreading fake news, rumors, false accusations, and violence,” Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said in a statement.

Senate Bill No. 1474, the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill, proposed to penalize acts such as cyberlibel, online hate speech, and harassment, including expressions inciting hatred or discrimination based on one’s gender or sexuality, cyberstalking, and the non-consensual sharing of private information.

The measure mandates all digital platforms to remove or block harmful content within 24 hours of verified complaints or court orders. It must also suspend or ban users, preserve digital evidence, and provide accessible reporting.

Perpetrators may face potential jailtime and P50,000 to P200,000 worth of fine for violating the proposed law.

The bill maintains that fair commentary, satire, criticism, and opinions, especially those directed at public officials, remain fully protected.

It also seeks to create a Victim Support and Protection Program that offers psychosocial support and counseling through the departments of Social Welfare and Development and Health.

It also tasks the Department of Justice to provide legal aid as well as securing protection orders when necessary. All costs will be shouldered by the offenders. — Adrian H. Halili

DoJ underscores need to protect Filipino children

November 3, 2025 | 9:06 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) on Monday underscored the need to strengthen the justice system’s response to cases involving children facing abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination, as it opened its 2025 Justice Summit.

“This summit calls to expand access to justice covering not just courtrooms and barangays but also communities — even homes in our everyday lives,” DoJ Undersecretary Raul T. Vasquez said at the opening ceremony in Pasay City.

The summit, which runs until Nov. 6, forms part of the department’s push to align justice reforms with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028, which seeks broader access to legal services for marginalized sectors.

Its first day coincided with National Children’s Month and focused on the state of child rights in the justice sector, particularly the need for more coordinated case management among law enforcement, social workers, and local institutions.

DoJ Acting Secretary Fredderick A. Vida said many children continue to face abuse and neglect without adequate legal support.

“Children are not just the future of our nation but the heart of it,” he said in a speech. “They deserve a justice system that protects their innocence and ensures their safety.”

He added that many cases remain unreported as victims are often afraid to speak up.

According to Normina “Jhie” E. Mojica of the Council for the Welfare of Children, children make up 36.5% or 39.7 million of the Philippines’ 109 million population.

About 23.4% of children live in poverty, ranking fourth among the highest poverty incidences in the country.

Ms. Mojica also cited data on online sexual abuse and exploitation, noting a 192% increase in child sex trafficking and online enticement cases globally to 546,000 in 2024 from 156,000 in 2023.

The Philippines recorded 1.7 million CyberTipline reports this year, down from 2.7 million in 2023, but reports of self-generated child sexual abuse materials surged by over 1,300%.

Child labor remains a concern, with children working in farms, plantations, mines, factories, streets, and private homes. The Department of Labor and Employment has identified hazardous sectors such as mining, construction, and deep-sea fishing as among the worst forms of child labor.

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, in her message of support, said open government and open justice “are two sides of the same coin,” both grounded in transparency, accountability, and participation.

She said resource allocation for access-to-justice programs, women’s protection, and prison reform “is an investment not only in projects, but in people and in principles.”

“We must ensure that every reform we pursue, whether in policy, budgeting, or justice delivery, leads to tangible improvement in people’s lives,” she added.

In a brief interview, Ms. Pangandaman said she welcomed the DoJ’s focus on children and women, noting that it aligns with the government’s budget priorities.

“I’m happy to know that the DoJ is focusing on children and women, so we can help the public access government programs and projects for them — especially budget-wise,” she said.

The three-day event, themed “Advancing a Human Rights-Based Justice System,” gathers representatives from government agencies, nongovernment organizations, civil society, and the justice sector to improve coordination in protecting vulnerable groups. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

PSEi sinks to 7-month low on growth concerns

November 3, 2025 | 9:00 pm

PSE Trading Floor 090920 5 — BW FILE PHOTO

THE MAIN INDEX sank to the 5,800 level on Monday, hitting a near seven-month low, due to heavy selling amid expectations that Philippine economic growth may have slowed in the third quarter.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plunged by 1.71% or 101.62 points to close at 5,828.06, while the broader all shares index dropped by 1.23% or 44.38 points to 3,548.90.

This was the PSEi’s worst finish in nearly seven months or since it ended at 5,822.85 on April 7.

“The PSEi gapped down as sellers heavily influenced the market early in the session. Traders are likely already pricing in the upcoming GDP (gross domestic product) and inflation data to be released this week, while overall sentiment remains cautious,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message.

“The local market plunged as investors anticipate dismal third-quarter GDP data to be released later this week amid government underspending and tempered business confidence caused by the country’s corruption issues,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Research Manager Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

The Philippine Statistics Authority will release October inflation data on Nov. 5 (Wednesday) and third-quarter GDP data on Nov. 7 (Friday).

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto last week said that underspending in the third quarter, mainly due to a corruption crackdown that curbed public disbursements, could have weighed on growth. The government only disbursed P1.46 trillion in the third quarter versus its P1.6-trillion spending program for the period, Treasury data showed.

Meanwhile, a BusinessWorld poll of 17 analysts yielded a median estimate of 1.8% for October headline inflation. If realized, this would have picked up from the 1.7% clip in September but slowed from the 2.3% seen in the same month last year. It would also be the fastest clip in eight months or since the 2.1% in February and would match the 1.8% in March.

Still, the median estimate falls within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 1.4-2.2% forecast. It would also mark the eighth month in a row that inflation undershot the BSP’s 2-4% annual target.

Most sectoral indices closed in the red. Financials sank by 3.33% or 65.35 points to 1,896.58; mining and oil dropped by 2.11% or 269.39 points to 12,488.29; property fell by 1.96% or 42.58 points to 2,123.15; holding firms went down by 1.34% or 64.66 points to 4,754.79; and industrials retreated by 1.24% or 110.14 points to 8,757.08.

Meanwhile, services edged up by 0.03% or 0.75 point to 2,265.25.

Market breadth was negative as decliners overwhelmed advancers, 134 to 56, while 62 issues were unchanged.

Value turnover went up to P9.80 billion on Monday with 801.95 million shares changing hands from Thursday’s P4.98 billion with 660.39 million issues traded.

Net foreign selling jumped to P1.33 billion on Monday from P354.32 million on Thursday. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

Ilocos, W. Visayas wage boards grant domestic-worker pay hikes

November 3, 2025 | 8:20 pm

TWO REGIONS in the Philippines approved a P500 to P700 pay bump for domestic workers, according to the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) on Monday.

In a wage order posted on the NWPC’s website, domestic workers in Region I (Ilocos) will receive an additional P700 per month in starting pay. This brings their monthly minimum salary to P6,700.

The new order covers the cities of Alaminos, Batac, Candon, Dagupan, Laoag, San Carlos, San Fernando and the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, domestic workers in Region VI (the Western Visayas) will receive a P500 monthly pay bump, bringing their starting monthly pay to P6,500.

This includes the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental, along with their component cities and the highly urbanized cities of Iloilo and Bacolod.

Both orders will take effect on Nov. 19.

The two regions’ wage boards earlier approved new increases in the daily minimum wage.

In the Ilocos Region, non-agricultural workers in establishments with at least 10 employees will receive a P37 increase, bringing their daily wage to P505, while those in smaller firms and agricultural workers will get a P45 increase to P480.

In the Western Visayas, non-agricultural, industrial, and commercial workers in establishments with more than 10 employees were granted a P37 hike to P550 per day, while those in smaller establishments got a P45 increase to P530. Agricultural workers received a P40 increase to P520.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma has said that at least four more regions are set to issue new wage orders adjusting the minimum daily wage.

The Cordillera Administrative Region, Mimaropa, the Eastern Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula will hold public hearings this month, with the corresponding wage orders expected to be released by December.

The Philippines adjusts wage levels via regional wage boards, but labor groups are pushing for a legislated nationwide increase to standardize pay and guarantee a living wage.

Labor leaders contend that the current regional wage-setting system leaves workers in less developed provinces at a disadvantage, as pay adjustments often fail to keep up with the rising cost of essential goods. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Banana export push to focus on containing Panama disease, boosting market access

November 3, 2025 | 8:20 pm

Tadeco-banana-worker — ANFLOCOR.COM/TADECO

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said he hopes to arrest the decline in banana exports by focusing on the containment of Panama disease and improving overseas market access.

In a statement, the Department of Agriculture (DA) quoted Mr. Laurel as saying at the 32^nd Joint General Assembly of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association and the Banana Export Industry Foundation that Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (Panama disease) was the industry’s most urgent threat, affecting around 15,500 hectares in the Davao Region, endangering the main export variety, the Cavendish banana.

Under the High Value Crops Development Program for 2025, the DA plans to distribute banana planting materials and organic planting materials to expand and rejuvenate farms.

The DA will also deploy biological control agents such as Trichoderma to protect plant health and reduce postharvest losses, the DA said.

He noted that Vietnam has overtaken the Philippines as China’s top banana supplier, while Philippine exports to Japan continue to face higher tariffs than those from Vietnam, Mexico, and Peru.

“Unless these inequities are addressed, our market share will remain at risk,” Mr. Laurel warned, urging continued advocacy for fairer trade terms in the upcoming review of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement.

He also cited the need for research on disease tolerance, breeding strategies, and new technologies such as gene editing to secure the industry’s long-term viability.