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56% say food prices, inflation should top gov’t concerns

PRESIDENT FERDINAND “BONGBONG” R. MARCOS, JR. — PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE

A MAJORITY of Filipinos want President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to focus on lowering food prices amid persistent inflation, according to a new Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group.

The report, which surveyed 1,500 respondents nationwide from Sept. 24 to 30, showed that 56% of Filipinos believe reducing the price of rice and other food items should be the government’s top priority.

About 31% urged the administration to address corruption, underscoring public frustration over rising concerns about transparency in governance amid a multibillion-peso public works scam. Only 7% of respondents cited education as a top priority, and 4% mentioned healthcare, while 3% were undecided.

“This survey highlights the urgent reality that Filipinos are still struggling to afford basic food,” Stratbase Group President Victor Andres C. Manhit said in a statement on Tuesday.

“The more they cannot afford the price of basic food like rice, the more they will ask for concrete reforms on corruption — issues that the President himself has flagged to the Filipino public.”

The SWS findings also revealed regional variations, with inflation concerns being most pronounced in the Visayas and Mindanao as cited by 61% of respondents.

Rural residents were also more likely than urban dwellers to identify inflation as a primary concern, reflecting the uneven impact of rising prices across areas.

Economic pressures were compounded by official data showing headline inflation in the Philippines accelerated to 1.7% in September — the fastest pace in six months — driven by costlier vegetables and fuel amid weather-related supply disruptions, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

This comes despite inflation remaining below the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2-4% target range.

National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa earlier said the uptick in prices was expected, citing lingering effects of July’s typhoons and flooding that continued to push up vegetable costs through September.

The typhoon-prone country continues to grapple with weather-related supply shocks that have disrupted agricultural production and pushed up food prices, particularly vegetables and rice.

Such conditions have kept inflationary pressures elevated despite government efforts to stabilize supply and expand importation.

Meanwhile, calls to curb corruption were strongest in Metro Manila, where 45% of respondents ranked it as their leading concern.

Stratbase said the results signal a demand for “responsive leadership that delivers both concrete economic outcomes and clean governance,” adding that the administration should recalibrate its policies to ease the cost of living while ensuring transparency and accountability.

Corruption issues are hounding the Philippines following Mr. Marcos’ pronouncements during his fourth State of the Nation Address last July, where he exposed lawmakers receiving alleged kickbacks from flood control projects. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

BoC, LTO to tighten import rules on luxury vehicles

The Bureau of Customs recovered 12 luxury vehicles linked to the Discaya family following a court-ordered search operation in Pasig City, Sept. 2, 2025. — BUREAU OF CUSTOMS

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Tuesday agreed to form a joint task force aimed at imposing a stricter importation policy on luxury vehicles.

“This mutual cooperation with the LTO reinforces out shared goal of ensuring transparency, efficiency, and strict compliance with customs laws and other government regulations,” BoC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said in a statement on Tuesday.

The memorandum of agreement, signed in the LTO Central office in Quezon City, seeks to safeguard the public by helping deter fraudulent practices and protecting government revenues.

The two agencies will form a joint task force to crack down on unlawfully imported vehicles, including those misclassified or misdeclared in violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

The initiative will also streamline data sharing for key vehicle documents such as certificates of payment, registration, and official receipts.

This comes amid the government’s corruption crackdown, which has led to the seizure of luxury vehicles owned by contractors and Public Works officials who allegedly diverted funds from flood control projects.

At the signing event, the LTO turned over a seized Lamborghini Urus of a Korean national to the Customs.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said the vehicle was imported by the same dealer of some luxury cars, seized from the Discaya family.

Mr. Nepomuceno said the Discayas were given until Oct. 23 to submit documentation papers for the 13 confiscated luxury vehicles, which will be auctioned and expected to generate up to P220 million.

“We are targeting by Nov. 15, provided that Secretary Ralph G. Recto approves this. We will auction the 13 vehicles,” he said, noting that many private bidders are interested.

Meanwhile, 17 vehicles remain in government custody as Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) investigate the source of funds used by the Discaya family to acquire the fleet.

ALMOST P2-BILLION SUNWEST FACILITIES
In a separate briefing, Mr. Lacanilao said three projects located in the LTO compound, worth nearly P2 billion awarded to Sunwest Inc. since 2021, were found to be “underutilized” despite being completed.

This includes the Information Technology (IT) Hub and Road Safety Interactive Center which cost around P500-million each, and the Central Command Center worth P946 million.

“It was supposed to be a dormitory. But it’s not even clear. Then they added some IT stuff that’s kind of questionable,” he said in Filipino when asked about the intended function of the buildings.

Mr. Lacanilao said these findings occurred after an internal review after he assumed office. One of the buildings was stripped out of its IT equipment, while the command center, which answers public concerns, was previously flagged by the Commission of Audit for being underutilized.

“We’re prepared to bring this up to the ICI and the Ombudsman because the President’s directive was really to look into what might be wrong or improperly regulated,” he said.

Former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy S. Co, who founded Sunwest is also in the center of the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, which triggered the creation of the ICI and parallel probes by Congress, Ombudsman and tax authorities. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Palace: Recto resignation ‘not true’

FINANCE SECRETARY RALPH G. RECTO — PCO

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday belied online rumors circulating regarding the resignation of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto.

“Not true,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters via Viber when asked if Mr. Recto stepped down as Finance chief.

Mr. Recto has come under fire for opposing proposals to lower the value-added tax (VAT), arguing it would weaken government revenues.

The controversy deepened amid a corruption scandal involving alleged kickbacks between Department of Public Works and Highways officials and lawmakers.

He admitted that up to P118.5 billion is lost annually to corruption in flood control projects.

Meanwhile, Ms. Castro also announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has appointed Scientist Gay Jane P. Perez as officer-in-charge of the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), following the resignation of Director General Joel S. Marciano, Jr.

Ms. Perez, a faculty member at the University of the Philippines-Diliman’s Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, is recognized for her pioneering work in satellite remote sensing and environmental monitoring. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Lacson to return as Blue Ribbon chair

PHILIPPINE STAR/PAOLO ROMERO

SENATE PRESIDENT Vincente “Tito” C. Sotto on Tuesday confirmed that Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson is set to return as head of the Blue Ribbon Committee.

When asked if Mr. Lacson will return to chair the committee, Mr. Sotto said: “Yes.”

“In the course of our many conversations, it has come to his (Sen. Ping) attention regarding the clamor of some of our colleagues and the public that he retakes the committee,” he told reporters via Viber.

Mr. Lacson earlier resigned as the committee chair, noting criticism from fellow senators on his handling of the chambers probe on anomalous flood projects.

“Some senators publicly and secretly pursue the narrative that I am zeroing in on several of my colleagues while purportedly protecting those members of the lower house perceived to be the principal actors in the budget anomalies related to the substandard and ghost flood control projects,” Mr. Lacson said in his resignation letter.

The senator had earlier stated that his return as committee chair may trigger another change in the Senate’s leadership.

The Senate is investigating irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects, following reports that lawmakers and officials received kickbacks from infrastructure funds allocated since 2022. — Adrian H. Halili

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

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