Court convicts Napoles of money laundering

October 2, 2025 | 9:04 pm

THE PASIG Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Wednesday found Janet Lim Napoles, the so-called pork barrel queen, guilty on 13 counts of money laundering, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) said.

“In a Decision dated 01 October 2025, the RTC Branch 158 (in) Pasig City has convicted Janet Lim Napoles on 13 counts of money laundering in connection with her orchestration of 2013’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam, widely known as the ‘pork barrel’ scam,” the AMLC said in a statement.

Under the ruling, the RTC discovered that Ms. Napoles used nonexistent non-government organizations to get pork barrel funds for ghost projects.

“By making it appear that the funds originated from legitimate sources, Napoles concealed its criminal origin — an act that fully satisfied the elements of money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, as amended,” the AMLC said.

Ms. Napoles will face seven to 14 years of imprisonment for each count and a P94.15-million fine. However, the AMLC said that remains subject to appeal.

Ms. Napoles was first convicted of money laundering in July 2024, where she was sentenced to seven to 14 years of imprisonment and a P16-million fine.

“This sends a strong message: those who abuse public funds will be held accountable,” AMLC Executive Director Matthew M. David said in a statement.

“The AMLC welcomes this court decision as a demonstration of AMLC’s relentless pursuit of individuals who exploit the financial system to conceal corruption,” he added. — Katherine K. Chan

BSP OKs emergency withdrawals

October 2, 2025 | 9:04 pm

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has instructed banks in the province of Masbate to allow emergency withdrawals if necessary, following the onslaught of Typhoon Bualoi (Opong).

In a statement on Thursday, the central bank said it has been providing the cash requirements of banks operating in the province through its Legazpi branch.

It added that it has been working with its supervised financial institutions to ensure banking services are accessible in the province.

“These actions support communities hit by Typhoon Opong and keep essential financial transactions flowing during recovery,” the central bank said.

In a separate statement, the central bank said all banks in the province have resumed operations as of Thursday noon, although a few automated teller machines (ATMs) remain offline.

“Based on the report by Masbate Bankers Association (MBA), some ATMs are still offline due to connectivity issues, but over-the-counter withdrawals and other transactions may already be done at all banks in the province,” it said.

The BSP likewise assured consumers of access to alternative financial channels, such as cash-out services.

“The BSP will continue to monitor banking operations in Masbate as the province recovers from the typhoon, in line with the central bank’s commitment to efficient delivery of financial services,” it said. — Katherine K. Chan

PHL state insurers offer up to P40,000 loan for disaster-hit areas

October 2, 2025 | 9:03 pm

The-Archdiocesan-Shrine-of-Santa-Rosa-de-Lima — THE Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, Cebu sustained heavy damage from the Sept. 30 quake. — ARCHDIOCESAN SHRINE OF SANTA ROSA DE LIMA FACEBOOK PAGE

PHILIPPINE state insurers Social Security System (SSS) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will offer calamity loans to quake-hit areas, the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

In a statement on Thursday, the GSIS will allow members and pensioners residing or working in Cebu to borrow up to P40,000 if they have existing emergency loan and P20,000 for those without outstanding balance.

The loan is payable in 36 months at a low interest rate of 6% per annum, with the first monthly amortization due after three months.

GSIS General Manager Jose Arnulfo “Wick” A. Veloso said the loan proceeds will be credited electronically through the borrowers’ ATM cards.

Members may conveniently apply via the GSIS Touch mobile app, GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GWAPS) kiosks, or through the GSIS e-service portals.

In a separate statement on Oct. 1, the Department of Finance said the SSS will offer P10 billion to P15 billion under its Calamity Loan Program for 2025.

This came as Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto ordered government state-run firms and institutions to expedite the support and faster roll-out of services to the public in the aftermath of natural calamities.

Mr. Recto, who serves as the ex officio Chair of the Social Security Commission earlier approved a lower annual interest rate of only 7% with a seven-day activation period under the program to provide financial relief to affected Filipinos in calamity-declared areas. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Comelec proclaims 3 new lawmakers

October 2, 2025 | 9:03 pm

House-congress — PHILIPPINE STAR/KJ ROSALES

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc, in its role as the National Board of Canvassers, on Thursday proclaimed the nominees of Abono, Ang Probinsyano, and Murang Kuryente party-list groups to fill the three congressional seats vacated by the disqualified Duterte Youth Party-list.

Robert Raymond M. Estrella of Abono, Alfred C. Delos Santos of Ang Probinsyano, and Arthur C. Yap of Murang Kuryente received their certificates of proclamation in a formal ceremony in Manila.

“The nominees will replace the three supposed seats of Duterte Youth since the Commission en banc’s decision against them has become final and executory,” Comelec Chairperson George Erwin M. Garcia said.

The Comelec’s decision to disqualify Duterte Youth became final after the group failed to overturn rulings canceling its registration due to questions over its compliance with party-list requirements.

Results of the 2025 midterm elections showed Abono Party-list, which represents farmers, garnered 254,402 votes. Ang Probinsyano collected 250,555 votes, while Murang Kuryente received 247,526 votes.

Mr. Delos Santos of Ang Probinsyano Party-list said they are aiming to take their oath before Congress next week, “hopefully after the budget hearings concluded,” he told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of the proclamation.

“We always want to find what is true and what is right, and we always join what is necessary for the good of our nation,” he added. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

One year needed to integrate blockchain tech in budget use, DICT says

October 2, 2025 | 9:02 pm

man-using-digital-tablet-psd-mockup-smart-technology — RAWPIXEL.COM-FREEPIK

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said that it would take at least a year to implement blockchain technology to support transparency in budget transactions.

Asked by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” A. Aquino IV how long it would take to fully implement blockchain technology in the budget process, the DICT chief said, “one year.”

“In one year, if we have the political will to do this, because we already have the technology,” DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda told senators on Thursday.

According to the DICT chief, the government can begin first with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to initially upload all budget transactions in a blockchain.

“We can use the DBM and then DPWH. The objective is not the entire government in one year, but a major government agency,” Mr. Aguda said.

“If that is completed within a year, we can already repeat that process again,” he added.

Blockchains are a decentralized, digital ledger that records transactions across a network linked together.

Mr. Aquino, earlier, filed Senate Bill No. 1330 which seeks to establish a blockchain-based budget system that records transactions across the entire budget cycle in real time, amid concerns of irregularities in the budget process.

The proposed measure mandates all budget preparation, legislation, execution and audit to be logged into digital public assets accessible through a public-facing portal.

In the same hearing, the senator said that his bill will strengthen collaboration across the executive and legislative branches of the government alongside civil society organizations and other stakeholders.

“By no means is this the only solution, but many of us here believe that this can be one of the major solutions to our problems,” Mr. Aquino said. “Putting the budget on the blockchain is a way to ensure that every peso of the people’s money is monitored.”

The government’s budget has drawn criticism over alleged blank items and congressional budget insertions in the 2025 general appropriations act. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. delayed signing the budget for more than a week in December to review its provisions before vetoing more than P194 billion worth of items deemed inconsistent with his administration’s priorities. — Adrian H. Halili

Justice chief dismisses disbarment case as ‘forum shopping’

October 2, 2025 | 9:02 pm

Jesus Crispin Remulla — JESUS CRISPIN C. REMULLA — PHILIPPINE STAR/JOHN RYAN BALDEMOR

JUSTICE SECRETARY Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Thursday downplayed the disbarment complaint filed against him, saying it was an “expected” move and part of repeated legal actions pursued by the same complainant.

The case was filed by Davao City Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte before the Supreme Court (SC) and docketed as an administrative case.

In the complaint, received by the SC’s Office of the Bar Confidant on Oct. 2, Mr. Duterte accused Mr. Remulla and other officials of violating the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA) in connection with the alleged “unlawful arrest, detention, and extra-judicial rendition” of his father, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in March.

“This is not the first time he filed. He has been filing cases,” Mr. Remulla told reporters, noting that similar petitions had been lodged in the past before the Supreme Court and other tribunals.

The Justice secretary described the move as “forum shopping” and linked it to political dissatisfaction.

“They can’t hide their displeasure with stuff we have to do for the ends of justice… I will just roll with the punches,” he said.

Mr. Remulla recalled that the complainant had filed cases even while the former president was under confinement at the airport.

When asked about related complaints pending against him, Mr. Remulla said these too were anticipated. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Magalong slammed for rejecting scrutiny of P110-M Baguio tennis court, parking facility

October 2, 2025 | 9:01 pm

BAGUIO CITY — Party-list Rep. Terry L. Ridon criticized Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong on Thursday, accusing him of being a hypocrite for rejecting scrutiny of a city project linked to a controversial contractor.

Mr. Ridon said Mr. Magalong should not avoid questions if he truly supports transparency and good governance.

At the center of the issue is a P110-million tennis court project in Baguio City, which involved a firm connected to the Discaya family.

The Discayas are being investigated for their alleged role in ghost and substandard flood control projects.

Mr. Ridon pointed out that this raises questions about Mr. Magalong’s decision to hire such a firm.

Mr. Magalong, according to Mr. Ridon, admitted that the city had only been dealing with a subcontractor — something that both the Senate and House are currently investigating as a red flag.

Mr. Ridon said these kinds of arrangements are often used to cover up poor-quality work and need to be looked into, especially when public funds are involved.

Mr. Ridon clarified that there is no evidence so far of corruption or kickbacks in the Baguio project. However, there are concerns that the project may be substandard.

He said it is only right for the public to ask questions and that even officials who promote good governance must also be open to investigation.

He also criticized Mr. Magalong for staying silent.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. had already named the Discayas in August, and the family admitted to controlling several firms. “But Magalong said nothing about the Baguio project until a news report came out in late September,” Mr. Ridon raised.

Mr. Ridon believed this silence and Mr. Magalong’s refusal to allow scrutiny do not match his public image.

“If Mayor Magalong really believes in accountability, he should apply the same standards to himself,” Mr. Ridon said.

In a related development, Baguio City councilor Jose Molintas said the Discayas have already been invited by the Baguio City council and expected to be present on Oct. 30 at the Baguio City Council session to answer questions about the tennis court and parking facility project.

The city council have also invited the city building official including former Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chairman, former City Administrator Bonifacio dela Peña to face local legislators for the inquiry.

Meanwhile, Mr. Magalong believes he was quietly pushed out of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) because his investigations upset powerful people.

“I think I struck a nerve,” he had recently said, suggesting that his work “may have hit too close to home” for some involved in alleged irregularities.

Mr. Magalong was appointed as a special adviser to the ICI body no more than a month ago, but resigned Friday last week.

Soon after his appointment, Malacañang clarified that he was not a lead investigator and had no official authority in decision-making.

Mr. Magalong believed this move weakened his role and made it difficult for him to do his job effectively.

He denied that his resignation was due to a conflict of interest, as some officials had claimed.

“There is no conflict. That issue was just used to distract from the real problem,” Mr. Magalong said.

“Palalabasin pang pati ako corrupt,” he grunted referring to alleged “conflict of interest” in relation to the controversial P110-million Baguio tennis court and parking facility.

Mr. Magalong though believes, the real reason he was edged out was because his work was beginning to reveal uncomfortable truths.

Mr. Magalong explained his decision to step down from the ICI was meant to protect its credibility. He said he did not want to be a distraction, especially amid questions over the commission’s independence.

“It became clear they didn’t want me there,” he added.

Despite his exit, Mr. Magalong said his fight against corruption is not over.

“My commitment to truth and justice continues,” he said, vowing to keep pushing for accountability even outside the ICI.

The Palace had said it respects Mr. Magalong’s decision to resign and assured the public that the ICI will continue its anti-corruption work. — Artemio A. Dumlao

P9.5-M cigarettes seized in Maguindanao del Norte

October 2, 2025 | 9:01 pm

COTABATO CITY — Two rookie policemen earned praises from various sectors for their interception of P9.5 million worth of undocumented imported cigarettes made in Indonesia at an anti-smuggling checkpoint in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte before dawn on Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Jaysen C. De Guzman, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and the municipal police chief of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Lt. Col. Esmael A. Madin, separately told reporters that they are now in custody of the confiscated 266 boxes of cigarettes, which will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs.

Two policemen guarding the anti-smuggling checkpoint, Patrolman Ruel S. Cañete and Patrolman Michael M. Laoto, flagged down the Isuzu van-type truck carrying the contraband only for a routine inspection, but immediately detained its driver and his helper when they found out that the unit was loaded with cigarettes made in Indonesia.

“To these two rookie policemen, we are thankful,” said the entrepreneur-lawyer Ronald Hallid D. Torres, chairman of the Bangsamoro Business Council in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which is actively supporting the campaign of the Bangsamoro regional police against circulation of smuggled cigarettes in all of BARMM’s five provinces and three cities.

Mr. De Guzman and Mr. Madin had separately lauded both policemen via the radio stations in Cotabato City.

Personnel of the Datu Odin Sinsuat Municipal Police also immediately impounded the van-type truck, bearing license plates MAZ 7538, which was headed to different towns in Maguindanao del Norte and nearby provinces.

The driver of the truck and his helper were also detained for procedural interrogation. They both assured municipal police officials to identify the suppliers of the seized imported cigarettes for prosecution. — John Felix M. Unson

Shares inch higher on Fed bets, peso’s rebound

October 2, 2025 | 9:00 pm

PHILIPPINE SHARES edged higher Thursday as bargain hunting continued and as the peso rose further against the dollar, with positive sentiment from Wall Street on expectations of more rate cuts spilling over to the local market.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) inched up by 0.22% or 13.73 points to close at 6,039.76, while the broader all shares index rose by 0.12% or 4.67 points to end at 3,659.29.

“The local market extended its gains as investors continued with their bargain hunting. The positive cues from Wall Street driven by Federal Reserve rate cut hopes helped in Thursday’s session,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a market note.

“The slight improvement in the peso’s position also aided the local bourse,” he said. The peso rose by four centavos to close at P58.080 against the dollar on Thursday from P58.12 on Wednesday, marking a second day of gains.

A weak US labor market report bolstered bets for US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, Reuters reported. The US government shutdown made it a near certainty that crucial monthly payrolls data won’t be released on Friday, but overnight the private ADP employment report showed the economy unexpectedly shed jobs in September, with the prior month also revised to a decline.

Even without the benefit of official labor data, the dismal ADP report had traders pricing in quarter-point Fed rate cuts at each of the two remaining policy meetings of the year as almost a done deal. The promise of an easier policy environment helped lift Wall Street to fresh record highs on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, AP Securities, Inc. said in a market note that the PSEi managed to stay above 6,000 mainly on the back of a 2.03% jump from index heavyweight SM Investments Corp. (SMIC).

SMIC was the index’s leader for the day, while SM Prime Holdings, Inc. was the main laggard as it dropped by 2.18%, Mr. Tantiangco noted.

“Trading was still tepid, however, … reflecting the weak market confidence amid lingering uncertainties,” he added.

Value turnover went down to P5.56 billion on Thursday with 1.52 billion shares traded from Wednesday’s P6.8 billion with 2.46 billion shares changing hands.

Most sectoral indices closed higher on Thursday. Mining & oil jumped by 2.2% or 291.86 points to 13,538.53; holding firms climbed by 1.26% or 61.86 points to 4,972.31; financials rose by 0.43% or 9.09 points to 2,081.86; industrials increased by 0.11% or 10.39 points to 8,892.69; and services edged up by 0.01% or 0.39 point to 2,194.03.

Meanwhile, property went down by 1.2% or 27.66 points to 2,275.13.

Decliners outnumbered advancers, 95 to 89, while 65 names closed unchanged.

Net foreign selling went down to P762.04 million on Thursday from P1.03 billion on Wednesday. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno with Reuters

DHSUD agencies freeze housing loan payments in typhoon, quake zones

October 2, 2025 | 8:53 pm

THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said it suspended housing loan amortizations in areas stricken by recent typhoons and the earthquake that hit northern Cebu.

In a statement on Thursday, the DHSUD said it “ordered its key shelter agencies (KSAs) to implement a moratorium on housing amortization to their members in areas affected by [the] typhoons and earthquake.”

The order forms part of its efforts “to provide much-needed assistance to victims of typhoons Nando and Opong in Bicol and the destructive earthquake in Cebu province.”

Opong did much of its damage in Masbate, an island province administratively belonging to the Bicol region.

The order applies to the Home Development Mutual Fund (known as the Pag-IBIG Fund), the National Home Mortgage Finance Corp., the National Housing Authority, and the Social Housing Finance Corp.

The DHSUD did not say when the moratorium will be lifted.

Human Settlements Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling also asked the department’s regional offices in Bicol and the Central Visayas to provide damage assessments in the wake of the calamities.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) estimated that over 3.5 million individuals were affected by typhoons Opong, Nando, and Mirasol.

The NDRRMC also reported that the 6.9-magnitude quake in northern Cebu killed 72 people. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

DoLE asks employers not to punish absent workers after Cebu quake

October 2, 2025 | 8:53 pm

LABOR Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma urged employers to show understanding towards employees struggling to return to work in the wake of the 6.9-magnitude Cebu earthquake.

“The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) reminds employers to be compassionate and understanding of the plight of their workers and to provide them needed assistance,” he said via Viber.

He added that employees unable to report to work due to family obligations or safety issues should not face disciplinary action.

The DoLE made the announcement after at least 10 business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in Cebu City ordered their employers to keep working after the quake struck late on Sept. 30, as alleged by the Cebu chapter of the BPO Industry Employees Network (BIEN).

Some employees were ordered to return to their workstations just 30 minutes after the tremor despite aftershocks, with some workplaces blocking emergency exits, BIEN said in a statement.

Others were offered double pay to continue working, while those who left faced threats of dismissal, pay cuts, or loss of bonuses, the group added.

Some workers were allegedly forced to sign nondisclosure agreements barring them from discussing their companies’ post-earthquake measures.

“BIEN Cebu strongly condemns these unacceptable labor practices and calls for the immediate protection of BPO employees and their families, whether they are working onsite or remotely,” the organization said, urging DoLE to hold employers accountable for “endangering workers’ lives.”

Mr. Laguesma said DoLE Region VII is now investigating the matter. “We need details so we can take the appropriate measure/action against alleged erring employers.”

Federation of Free Workers President Jose G. Matula said employees may lawfully refuse or delay reporting to work during disasters or emergencies if they believe conditions pose serious risks.

“Employees may refuse or delay their return, which is not misconduct but a legitimate exercise of their rights,” he said via Viber.

Such refusals, made in good faith and ideally reported to the employer, cannot be met with disciplinary action, he added.

The DoLE has mobilized support for affected workers in the Central Visayas, where more than 1,500 beneficiaries have been identified for short-term income aid under its emergency jobs program, Mr. Laguesma said.

About P8.8 million has been allocated through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, which provides temporary employment for beneficiaries. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

OFWs in Taiwan to receive pay hike in 2026

October 2, 2025 | 8:53 pm

THOUSANDS of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan are set to benefit from a minimum wage increase that will take effect on Jan. 1, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor approved a raise in the monthly minimum wage to 29,500 New Taiwan dollars (about $967) and the hourly rate to 196 New Taiwan dollars.

The adjustment will require the approval of Taiwan’s Executive Yuan.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac called it a “victory” for labor groups and a step toward ensuring fair pay and stronger protections for Filipinos working overseas.

“We deeply thank the government of Taiwan and the labor organizations for their efforts in implementing this wage hike,” he said in a statement.

The DMW said the increase would provide a significant boost to the earnings of Filipinos employed across Taiwan’s industries, helping them cope with rising living costs and enabling better financial support for their families back home.

According to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, 160,000 OFWs are in Taiwan, including 130,000 factory workers.

Taiwan accounted for 2.7% of Philippine remittances as of June 2025. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana