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DMW inaugurates Hungary office

THE PHILIPPINES’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) inaugurated its first overseas labor office in Budapest, Hungary, as part of efforts to expand government support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across Europe.

The office, unveiled last Oct. 18, was established to unify and streamline services for Filipino workers abroad, the department said in a statement on Tuesday.

“We opened more than just doors; we opened a new chapter of service, compassion, and commitment,” Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said during the ceremony, calling the Budapest branch “a true home” for OFWs in Central Europe.

Situated near the Hungarian Parliament building, the new labor office will serve as a hub for providing welfare assistance, labor protection, and employment facilitation for Filipinos working in Hungary and nearby European countries.

The facility is the DMW’s first overseas office since its creation in 2022, fulfilling President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to strengthen institutional support for the Filipino diaspora.

Mr. Cacdac said the office embodies the government’s push to deliver “compassionate, efficient, and integrity-driven service” to migrant workers, who remain a crucial driver of the Philippine economy through their remittances.

Europe hosts about 200,000 Filipino OFWs, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s data for 2023.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported record remittances overall in 2023 with $37 billion, of which $3.8 billion came from Europe. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DoJ wraps up cockfighters case

BW FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) panel of prosecutors on Tuesday wrapped up its preliminary investigation into the disappearance of 34 cockfighting enthusiasts, with the case now submitted for resolution that could pave the way for trial.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie L. Guhit, who heads the investigating panel, said the move came after complainants opted not to file replies to the respondents’ counter-affidavits. “The panel declared that the preliminary investigation is already submitted for resolution,” Mr. Guhit told reporters in an interview.

He added that prosecutors will decide whether to dismiss the complaints or elevate them to court. The charges include kidnapping with serious illegal detention and multiple murder.

A total of 57 out of 62 respondents filed counter-affidavits, among them businessman Charlie “Atong” Tiu Hay Sy Ang, actress Gretchen C. Barretto, and retired Police General Jonnel C. Estomo.

DoJ spokesperson Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez said the case will be resolved under DoJ Circular No. 15, noting that prima facie evidence has been established or “a higher quantum of evidence than probable cause.”

Ongoing search and retrieval operations by the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Coast Guard in Taal Lake have so far yielded 981 skeletal pieces, of which 887 have been confirmed as human bones, while the rest remain under assessment.

Mr. Martinez said DNA test results remain pending but stressed that these are not required for the case to advance. “It would be premature to delay. The panel has a clear case based on the evidence at hand,” he said.

Whistleblower Julie “Dondon” Patidongan expressed confidence that justice will eventually prevail. “We all know who the mastermind is. That’s all,” he said. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Navy, Air Force to get P783-M bonus

FORMATION flight of the Philippine Air Force’s FA-50 aircraft and US B-1B bomber aircraft, F16 aircraft and F18 aircraft during a bilateral air patrol over the South China Sea on April 29. — PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has authorized the release of P783.4 million in performance-based bonuses for personnel of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).

In a statement on Tuesday, the DBM said the funds, issued through separate Special Allotment Release Orders (SARO), cover fiscal year 2023 bonuses under the Performance-Based Incentive System.

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the release reflects the government’s recognition of the agencies’ role in safeguarding national security, often “with great risk and sacrifice.”

Of the total, P421.99 million will go to 25,821 qualified officials and employees of the Navy, who will receive bonuses equivalent to 48.75% of their monthly basic salary as of end-December 2023, the DBM said.

The DBM issued the corresponding SARO on Oct. 17.

On the other hand, the DBM also released P342.5 million for more than 19,800 qualified Air Force personnel and P18.8 million for nearly 900 NICA employees, both equivalent to 52% of their monthly basic salary as of December  2023. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

BuCor: 50% of prisoner deaths due to congestion

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE BUREAU of Corrections (BuCor) on Tuesday said that about 50% of persons deprived of liberty (PDL) deaths in correctional facilities were caused by congestion.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. confirmed this upon Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian’s questioning during the agency’s budget hearing.

“The health of prisoners is really a problem,” he told the panel, noting the agency is moving PDLs to correctional facilities outside of Metro Manila as part of its decongestion efforts.

He added some prisoner deaths were caused by the spread of tuberculosis cases in correctional facilities.

In the same hearing, the Finance Committee, led by Mr. Gatchalian, deferred budget deliberations for the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) due to the absence of its chief prosecutor.

PAO Chief Persida V. Rueda-Acosta could not attend the hearing due to an “official travel abroad.”

“We will defer the budget of the PAO today. We will request from them a date that is convenient and a date that will enable (Ms.) Acosta to come here to the Senate to present her budget personally,” he said.

Mr. Gatchalian added that the chamber requires all agency heads to present their budgets.

“This has been the practice for many years and across numerous budget briefings,” he added. “In fact, many agency heads have had to cancel trips to present their budgets personally.” — Adrian H. Halili

Ilocos Norte to launch Northern Luzon’s first regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center

LAOAG CITY — Ilocos Norte is poised to become a key player in the Philippine textile innovation sector with the launch of the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center (RYPIC), locally known as “Panait ni Siwawer” in November.

The facility will serve as a regional hub for textile research, production, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on using locally sourced natural fibers.

The center’s establishment was made official through a memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed on Oct. 16 in Vintar, Ilocos Norte.

The agreement brought together the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DoST-PTRI), the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, and the Municipality of Vintar in a united effort to bolster the local textile industry through science and innovation.

“Panait ni Siwawer” will be the first facility of its kind in Northern Luzon and only the third in the entire country. It is part of DoST-PTRI’s initiative titled “Fostering the Revitalization of Nascent Textile Innovation Ecosystems in the Region.”

The program aims to strengthen the textile value chain by producing yarns made from local fibers such as cotton, bamboo, abaca, and pineapple — paving the way for more sustainable and inclusive textile production.

When operational, the center will provide access to modern yarn-making technologies and research capabilities for local weavers, entrepreneurs, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

It also aims to enhance economic opportunities by offering sustainable solutions that blend tradition with technology. Officials believe it will empower local communities and preserve the region’s rich weaving heritage.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos welcomed the development, describing it as a continuation of the province’s ongoing commitment to innovation and local empowerment. “Back when I was Vice Governor, we launched Mercato ni Nanay Ces to support our local weavers and entrepreneurs. That same spirit continues today as we honor heritage through innovation,” she said during the MOA signing.

DoST-PTRI Director Julius L. Leano, Jr. highlighted the center’s role in bridging science and tradition, while DoST–Region I Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog said the initiative marks a major breakthrough for inclusive growth in Northern Luzon. Local officials in Vintar also expressed enthusiasm, pointing to the center’s potential to generate jobs and reinforce cultural identity. With its grand opening on the horizon, “Panait ni Siwawer” is set to elevate Ilocos Norte as a leader in sustainable textile development in the region. — Artemio A. Dumlao

8 Dawlah terrorists arrested in Maguindanao del Sur

COTABATO CITY — Soldiers cornered and immediately detained eight members of the Dawlah Islamiya in an operation in Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao del Sur before dawn on Monday.

Local officials and Moro datus in the province who supported the operation told reporters on Tuesday, that the eight members of the outlawed Dawlah Islamiya were planning to expand their extortion activities, when personnel of Army units arrived to check on their reported presence in the area.

Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the anti-terror operation that led to their arrest was launched after local executives and barangay leaders reported sightings of the eight violent religious extremists in the municipality.

The newly installed chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, Major Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, still functioning as commander of the 6th Infantry Division in concurrent capacity, said he is thankful to the residents of Shariff Aguak.

Mr. Catu and Mr. Gumiran separately told reporters that soldiers had seized an M16 assault rifle from one of the eight terrorists and a list of traders they planned to subject to their extortion activities. — John Felix M. Unson

No more electronics investments expected for remainder of 2025

REUTERS

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter

THE electronics industry said it does not expect any further investment in the remainder of the year, with potential entrants turning cautious due to possible fallout from the corruption scandal and US tariffs.

Ferdinand A. Ferrer, who chairs the Science and Technology Committee for the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), said the investment flows are done for the year.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo on Tuesday, Mr. Ferrer said: “The investments that are supposed to come in have already come. For the end of the year, we have very few that are coming in but we are looking forward to the first half of next year.”

He said some investors have opted to make smaller investments rather than embarking on major projects in one go.

“They are still very interested in the Philippines. (It’s not like they) don’t like the Philippines, they just have to wait for the next move on US tariffs,” he added.

He said that while the tariff situation remains fluid, corruption has become more top-of-mind, with the Philippines needing to show improvements in governance to remain competitive.

“We have to improve and show we can recover from (the corruption scandal),” he said.

“Our plea to the administration is to do it fast… we cannot let it drag without any measurable or visible action. Sana may makulong (I hope people go to jail),” he added.

He said the government should empower the private sector as its eyes and ears on corruption in public-works projects.

“It will take time before full transparency (is achieved) through digitalization. We cannot wait,” he said.

So far, he said that the corruption issues in the Philippines have not led to any diversion of investments or lost business.

“Will there be in the future? I believe there could be if we do not act. If this drags on for months, I think it will affect not only semiconductors, but also other investments,” he said.

“What we need to show globally, as a country, yes, we fell flat on our face, something happened, but let us rise up and do something together,” he added.

PCCI submits reform wishlist to government

THE Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said the government needs to do a better job in ensuring that its resources are not lost to corruption and are invested in critical programs like digitalization and the development of the energy and agriculture industries.

At the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo on Tuesday, the PCCI turned over a set of resolutions to Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, which outlined its recommendations to the National Government.

It said its full wish list of reforms covers good governance and anti-corruption programs, digitalization and innovation, agriculture and energy, micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development, and ease of doing business.

“We are strongly urging the National Government to put an end to unabated, continuing, and excessive corruption in government projects and transactions by instituting strict monitoring, transparency, and accountability mechanisms across all levels of governance,” the PCCI said.

It said that public and private officials involved in fraud and waste should be “investigated, prosecuted, and penalized to the fullest extent of the law,” and that stolen public funds be “recovered and redirected toward programs that genuinely serve the Filipino people.”

The PCCI cited the need for the government to invest in, regulate, and adapt to emerging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

“This can be done by formulating and implementing a National AI and Digital Transformation Roadmap that ensures the ethical, inclusive, and responsible use of AI and emerging technologies across industries, government, and education,” it said.

It called for more investment in broadband networks, data centers, common towers, and cloud facilities, and digital and AI literacy and reskilling.

Regarding agriculture, it called for “a Digital Agricultural Land Mapping Program to identify optimal crops and provide farmers with technical assistance and seedlings.”

It also cited the benefits of establishing cold chain and post-harvest facilities in reducing post-harvest losses, preserving quality, and expanding market access.

The PCCI called for a “balanced” energy mix that still reduces reliance on imported fuel.

The PCCI said the Department of Finance, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and Small Business Corp. should make affordable financing more accessible for MSMEs. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PHL pitches mango, abaca, seaweed investments at FAO forum in Rome

PIXABAY

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it considers mango, abaca, seaweed, and bamboo to be the Philippines’ most investment-ready commodities, outlining expansion and modernization plans for those crops.

In a statement accompanying Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.’s visit to Rome earlier this month, the DA said in a statement that the Philippines identified $108.88 million in investment opportunities involving the four commodities benefiting over 35,000 rural residents.

DA spokesman Arnel V. de Mesa said the mango processing project involves investments in post-harvest facilities, cold storage, and the development of products like frozen mango, purees, and pickles.

Mango production was 763,298 metric tons in 2024, the DA said.

The DA added that it perceives a shortage in the global market for abaca of about 25,000 metric tons, which it plans to address with upgrades like modernized processing centers, farmland rehabilitation, and support for 300 farmers.

The Philippines accounts for over 85% of the abaca fiber market.

For seaweed, the Philippines plans to exploit 73,467 hectares of untapped growing areas, citing the potential to raise farmer incomes by up to 60%.

The plan for bamboo is targeted at the $72.1-billion global market for sustainable materials, the DA said, with 1.5 million hectares identified as suitable for plantation-based cultivation.

The statement was issued in the wake of an investment forum organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Mr. De Mesa said the projects are expected to result in the sequestration of over 280,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions in support of national climate goals.

Motorcycle sales top 171,000 units in September

MDPPA

MOTORCYCLE SALES in September rose 21.2% year on year in September to 171,155 units, an industry group said.

According to Toni Boi Acuesta, who chairs the marketing committee for the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA), motorcycles remain a popular choice because of their affordability.

“They offer an affordable means of personal mobility, especially at a time when economic uncertainty has placed pressure on household budgets,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Their fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs also make them ideal for daily use. Riders can also cut through traffic much easier, allowing for quicker and more convenient travel,” he added.

Some 95,712 units were sold in Luzon, which accounted for 55.9% of the market, while the Visayas and Mindanao accounted for 37,675 and 37,768 units, respectively, it said.

In the first nine months, sales totaled 1.398 million, up 12.8%.

MDPPA President Alexander A. Cumpas said the group expects the positive trend to continue in the fourth quarter.

“These figures have consistently shown that motorcycles remain a top choice for Filipinos. Their affordability, ease of use, and ability to navigate traffic make them the most practical option for everyday mobility. We believe these reasons will continue to fuel steady growth until year-end,” he said.

“As 2025 enters its final quarter, all signs point to a strong finish for the motorcycle industry, reaffirming its role as a vital part of the country’s transportation landscape,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

UNDP estimates 3.9% of PHL population suffers from ‘multidimensional’ poverty

ABOUT 3.9% of the Philippine population can be classified as suffering from “multidimensional” poverty, meaning poor in terms of living standards, education, and health, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said.

According to the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2025, the UNDP said the “multidimensionally poor” in the Philippines is equivalent to 4.3 million people.

The report covers 109 countries and territories representing 6.3 billion people and updates the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) for 13 countries.

The UNDP also classified an additional 5.2% or 6.02 million people in the Philippines as vulnerable to falling into multidimensional poverty.

The UNDP said the Philippine MPI rating is based on 2022.

“The largest contributions to the country’s MPI come from deprivations in standard of living (42.7%), followed by education (32.7%) and health (24.7%),” it added.

Globally, nearly 8 in 10 people live in multidimensional poverty, equivalent to 887 million  people, including those directly exposed to climate hazards like extreme heat, flooding, drought, or air pollution.

“Our new research shows that to address global poverty and create a more stable world for everyone, we must confront the climate risks endangering nearly 900 million poor people,” Xu Haoliang, UNDP acting administrator, said.

The Philippines remained the world’s most disaster-prone country for the 21st consecutive year, according to the 2025 World Risk Index, with typhoons and floods regularly displacing communities.

“The climate crisis is fundamentally changing global poverty. It has left more people than ever at risk of poverty and less likely to escape it,” the report said.

In addition, the UNDP said resolving acute multidimensional poverty requires making “strong progress” in middle-income countries across all indicators.

The Philippines is classified as a lower middle-income country after just missing the threshold to achieve upper middle-income country status, according to the World Bank.

The government said the country is still on track to meet its target of moving to the upper middle-income tier by 2026 but bank said this could take place in 2027. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Philippines, Japan sign energy resilience, technology cooperation agreement

STOCK PHOTO | Image by Evgeniy Alyoshin from Unsplash

THE PHILIPPINES and Japan signed an agreement seeking to advance energy resilience and security, low-carbon development, and technological expertise exchange, the Department of Energy (DoE) said.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DoE said it and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) agreed to a memorandum of cooperation involving diversifying energy sources and adopting innovative technology.

The four-year cooperation commits the two sides to supporting low-carbon development, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts, and exchanging technological expertise and best practices.

METI has committed to support the Philippines’ energy transition through the Asia Energy Transition Initiative, Japan’s plan aimed at supporting clean energy transition in Asia.

The deal was signed by Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin and Japanese Minister Muto Yoji on the sidelines of the 3rd Asia Zero Emission Community Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

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