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Insurers told to speed up quake claims

PCO

THE Insurance Commission (IC) has ordered insurers, mutual benefit associations, health maintenance organizations and pre-need companies to accelerate the processing of claims from victims of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu and Typhoon Opong.

The move came after the Department of Finance ordered agencies under its to extend immediate relief to communities struck by the disasters. Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the rollout of assistance and services needed to be faster to ease the burden on affected families.

In a circular issued on Oct. 2, the IC instructed companies under its jurisdiction to prioritize prompt payment of valid claims, extend deadlines for filing requirements and relax standard procedures that could delay processing.

The regulator also told firms to improve customer service to help policyholders navigate the claim system.

The commission stressed that assessments of damage must be properly documented and recorded. It added that insurers and related entities should coordinate with local government units and national agencies engaged in relief and rehabilitation to ensure that assistance is accessible.

“The commission will closely monitor compliance… and may require periodic reports on the status of disaster-related claims,” it said in a statement. “Further, this commission shall provide immediate action to complaints or issues that may be escalated to it for resolution.”

The directive comes as authorities in Cebu and neighboring provinces continue to assess the scale of destruction from the quake and typhoon, which left thousands displaced and caused heavy damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Initial government estimates point to billions of pesos in losses.

The Philippines is among the most disaster-prone countries in the world, with an average of 20 typhoons annually alongside frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Mobilizing insurance payouts quickly is critical not only to provide financial relief but also to stabilize the broader economy by supporting household recovery and small businesses. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

AMLC: Frozen assets linked to flood scam now at P4.2B

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE TOTAL VALUE of frozen assets tied to those allegedly behind the corruption in government flood control projects has reached P4.2 billion, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said.

“The estimated value of these is currently at P4.2 billion. This will increase further as we proceed with the financial investigation of the AMLC,” AMLC Executive Director Matthew M. David told DZBB radio in mixed English and Filipino on Monday.

The Court of Appeals has so far issued four freeze orders covering a total of 1,620 bank accounts, 54 insurance policies, 163 motor vehicles, 40 real properties, and 12 e-wallets.

Meanwhile, Mr. David said the implementing rules and regulations of the Anti-Money Laundering Act are sufficient to chase after money laundering schemes linked to anomalous flood control projects.

“Currently, we believe that our law and its implementing rules and regulations are already sufficient,” he said in Filipino.

This came after Senator Francis Pancratius “Kiko” N. Pangilinan raised concerns in a recent Senate hearing after a contractor withdrew P457 million in cash from the Land Bank of the Philippines within two days.

However, Mr. David said the AMLC will tighten its monitoring of banks and other covered persons’ compliance with filing suspicious transaction reports and covered transaction reports.

“On the part of the AMLC, we will strengthen our compliance checking and enforcement actions against erring bank employees (and) erring banks or covered persons,” he said in Filipino.

“Currently, regarding those banks that fail to fulfill their basic responsibilities of conducting due diligence and filing suspicious transaction reports, we are already taking enforcement actions against them. But, we believe that our implementing rules and regulations are already sufficient,” Mr. David added. — Katherine K. Chan

JBC submits Ombudsman shortlist

OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PAGE

THE Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) on Monday transmitted to Malacañang its shortlist of seven nominees for the next Ombudsman, following a series of public interviews and deliberations.

The nominees include former Commission on Audit Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo, Retired Court of Appeals Associate Justice Stephen Cruz, Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel H. Gaerlan, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Anna Liza G. Logan, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla, Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Mario V. Lopez, and Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick de Leon Musngi.

The shortlisted candidates were selected from a total of 17 applicants, interviewed between Aug. 28 and Sept. 2.

The next Ombudsman will succeed former Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires, whose seven-year term ended on July 27.

The JBC letter endorsing the shortlist was signed by members Jose Catral Mendoza, Erlinda Uy, Francis Pangilinan, Gerville Luistro, Nesauro Firme, and Jose Mejia. Mr. Remulla, who sits as an ex officio member of the JBC, did not take part in the council’s deliberations.

“I’ll still be reporting for work here [Department of Justice] for sure tomorrow, because we still have a lot to finish. Let’s see how it goes,” Mr. Remulla told reporters on Monday.

The Office of the Ombudsman is a constitutional body tasked with investigating and prosecuting corruption and misconduct involving public officials and employees. Under the 1987 Constitution, the President must appoint a new Ombudsman from the JBC’s shortlist no later than Oct. 25. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

More protests urged vs flood scandal

GROUPS gathered at the People Power Monument in Quezon City for the Trillion Peso March on Sunday, amid calls for accountability and action against widespread corruption in the government. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

PROGRESSIVE COALITIONS on Monday called for continued protests to sustain public outrage over alleged corruption in infrastructure projects, warning accountability efforts risk being derailed.

“We cannot allow politicians to use public outrage against corruption to pursue their self-serving agenda and promote a distorted and watered-down demand for accountability and justice,” Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said in a statement.

Bayan said the “uncertainty” surrounding the Congress-led inquiries into alleged large-scale infrastructure anomalies shows how “unprincipled compromise, transactional politics, and political accommodation” are undermining the fight against corruption.

It added that the newly formed Malacañang-sponsored Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) “lacks teeth, independence, and transparency,” with its closed-door sessions fueling public distrust.

The alliance announced it is coordinating with various sectors to organize mass actions nationwide in October and November, including university walkouts, community noise barrages, and street protests.

Meanwhile, organizers of the “Trillion Peso March,” which staged a major protest in Metro Manila on Sept. 21 denouncing corruption and marking the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law, are set to hold another nationwide action on Nov. 30, Bonifacio Day, which they vowed will be “bigger, wider, and fiercer” than the Sept. 21 protest.

The Trillion Peso March Movement, officially launched on Wednesday by the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation (CLCNT) and allied groups, aims to sustain public outrage through white-ribbon campaigns, noise barrages, and candlelight vigils calling for “justice, truth, and accountability,” the organizers said. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

CBCP: Uphold integrity of flood probe

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

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

FACEBOOK.COM/DPWHCAGAYANVALLEY

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

PCO

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

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

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

BELLA BELEN — FACEBOOK.COM/CAPITAL1SOLARSPIKERS

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

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 10th 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 74th 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

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