Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube
Home Blog Page 951

Mirasol exits PHL; Nando may intensify into typhoon

FACEBOOK.COM/PAGASA.DOST.GOV.PH.JPG

TROPICAL Depression Mirasol (International name: Mitag), which exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Thursday morning, intensified into a tropical storm bringing heavy rains to Luzon, while Tropical Depression Nando is expected to develop into a typhoon, which could trigger wind signals in the coming days, the state weather bureau said on Thursday.

“The trough of the tropical storm is still affecting extreme Northern Luzon as well as the Ilocos Region,” Leanne Marie Loreto, weather specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said in Filipino during a 5 p.m. press briefing. Mirasol left PAR at 6 a.m.

Mirasol, with sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 80 kph, was last located 465 km West of Calayan, Cagayan, moving westward at 15 kph, Ms. Loreto said.

She added that it is also slightly enhancing the southwest monsoon, bringing overcast skies and scattered rain showers in the evening over Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Metro Manila.

The weather system is likewise affecting Calabarzon, MIMAROPA region, western Visayas, Negros Island Region, and Zamboanga Peninsula, which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

PAGASA has already lifted all tropical cyclone wind signals (TCWS) for Tropical Depression Mirasol, as of the latest forecast period.

Over 1,000 individuals, or 233 families, were affected by Tropical Depression Mirasol, primarily in Cagayan Valley, central Luzon, and Bicol region, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) 8 a.m. situational report on Thursday.

There were no casualties or injuries reported.

Meanwhile, Tropical Depression Nando maintained its strength, with sustained winds of 55 kph and gusts of up to 70 kph, according to PAGASA’s 5 p.m. bulletin.

“As it moves, it may further intensify into a typhoon as early as Saturday… We are also not ruling out the possibility that it could reach the super typhoon category,” Ms. Loreta said.

Nando was located 1,260 km East of Central Luzon and moving northwestward at a speed of 15 kph.

As of the forecast period, Nando is less likely to directly affect the country within the next 48 hours. However, PAGASA said TCWS No. 1 may be raised on Saturday in affected areas, with the possibility of TCWS No. 5 if Nando intensifies into a super typhoon.

PAGASA advised residents in high-risk areas to follow evacuation orders and other instructions from local officials. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Transport strike cut short after government, commuter appeals

COMMUTERS crowd a portion of Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City as they wait for available passenger jeepneys and buses on the first day of the planned three-day transport strike of Manibela, Sept. 17. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

TRANSPORT group Manibela ended its strike one day earlier, calling off protests by Thursday afternoon following appeals from transport officials and commuters as the Philippines braces for a wider movement against alleged government corruption on Sept. 21.

In several Facebook posts, the group said the Department of Transportation, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Land Transportation Office, and civil society groups had urged the organization to call off its planned three-day strike, which kicked off on Wednesday.

Public utility jeepneys remain the backbone of mass transport in the Philippines, carrying millions of commuters daily and serving as the primary mode of travel in both urban centers and rural towns.

Other transport groups on the same day warned that entrenched corruption in state agencies is driving up costs and eroding livelihoods, urging the government to act against alleged payoffs and extortion schemes in the sector.

The coalition said that corruption has exacerbated the burden of rising fuel prices, inadequate subsidies for public transportation, poor infrastructure and policies that they consider anti-poor, such as the oil deregulation law and the planned phaseout of traditional jeepneys.

The statement was signed by major transport groups, including the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON), Kapatiran ng Riders para sa Karapatan (KaRiders) and Manila Taxi Regional Association (MANTRA), among others.

“While Filipinos tighten their belts to survive, officials and their local and foreign business cohorts continue to feast on public funds,” the groups said in Filipino in their unity statement. 

The alliance demanded accountability from government officials and called for the dismantling of what it called a “rotten system” of governance in favor of a progressive, pro-people framework.

“Transport workers are ready to fight corruption and hold all those involved accountable,” the groups said.

This comes as the Philippines continues its probe into alleged corruption, zeroing in on multibillion-peso infrastructure projects.

Manibela launched its strike on Sept. 17 to protest alleged corruption and misuse of public funds. It noted, however, that it would join the mass protests scheduled on Sept. 21, Sunday, to decry anomalies in the Philippine government.

The mass protest also falls on the anniversary of the declaration of martial law in 1972, when the father and namesake of current Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered military rule that ushered in years of authoritarian governance, rights abuses and economic decline.

The late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. held power for 21 years, during which his family accumulated millions in ill-gotten wealth.

The incumbent chief executive, however, has made bold pronouncements against corruption as Filipinos suffered the devastating effects of climate change and an outdated flood mitigation system.

He had also backed the Filipinos’ plan to protest on Sept. 21, noting that if he were not the president, he would also take to the streets. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DoJ hears cockfighters’ case

BW FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) on Thursday opened the first hearing of its preliminary investigation into the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts, a case that has drawn national attention and allegations against high-profile figures.

Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit said the first day focused on the complainants subscribing to their affidavits. “The panel completed the subscription of the affidavits filed by the complainants,” he said.

Among the respondents, only a few appeared, including former National Capital Region Police Office Chief Gen. Jonnel Estomo and actress Gretchen C. Barretto.

Businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, through his lawyer Gabriel Villareal, said they could not yet file a counter-affidavit, noting that parts of the subpoena, including a USB drive, were “missing.”

Ms. Barretto was the only respondent to submit a counter-affidavit during the session. Other submissions were deferred pending additional documents from law enforcement.

Julie “Dondon” Patidongan, a suspect-turned-witness, earlier alleged that Mr. Ang and Mr. Barretto, as “alpha members” of the Pitmaster group, operators of online cockfighting games, were directly involved in the disappearances.

Ms. Barretto told reporters she “trusts the process” and denied the allegations, reiterating her earlier statements. She declined to further comment, allowing her lawyer to speak on her behalf. 

“The reason we’re filing a counter-affidavit right now… based on what we have been saying from the very beginning that we feel that the accusations against her are unsubstantiated, incredible, and there’s every basis for the complaint to be dismissed,” said her counsel, Alma D. Fernandez-Mallonga.

Mr. Patidongan, through his lawyer, Manuel Ventura, replied that it is up to the DoJ to determine credibility and “not for the respondents to say that.”

Meanwhile, Jaja Pilarta, partner of one missing sabungero, rejected alleged offers to drop the case.

“No matter what they offer, no matter what they give us, we will not withdraw the case,” she said in Filipino.

The DoJ set the next hearings for Sept. 29 and Oct. 13, when it expects all remaining documents and counter-affidavits to be filed.

“The DoJ will evaluate whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to court after receiving all submissions. If evidence is found lacking, the case may be dismissed,” Mr. Guhit said. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Marcos pledges aid for fire victims

President Ferdinand F. Marcos, Jr. visited fire victims at the General Vicente Lim Elementary School in Tondo, Manila, on Sept. 18. He was joined by Social Welfare Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian and Manila local government officials. — PPA POOL

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Thursday pledged government assistance to families displaced by a major fire in Tondo, Manila, saying relief goods, cash aid and medical services are being distributed while longer-term housing support is being considered.

Speaking before evacuees at General Vicente Lim Elementary School, Mr. Marcos said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had been tasked to immediately provide food, medicine, and shelter support.

He noted that cash aid was necessary, as families have different needs, particularly those with infants, young children, or elderly members.

“Once you are able to return to your homes, what we will do is look into how the government can help in rebuilding or rehabilitating your houses,” he said in Filipino.

He also visited evacuees at the Antonio Villegas Vocational High School in Tondo, while other displaced families were temporarily housed at village 105 covered court.

The DSWD distributed relief goods, including 2,235 family food packs, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits, and also served 2,000 hot meals prepared through its mobile kitchen.

Cash assistance was extended under the agency’s emergency cash transfer program, with each beneficiary receiving P15,109 for 29 days. 

The fire in Happyland erupted late Sept. 13, quickly sweeping through the crowded community. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

DBM: Defense sector wants P431B

PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD PHOTO

THE government has proposed a P431-billion defense budget in 2026, seeking to ramp border protection, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said, amid escalating maritime tensions in the South China Sea.

In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Chief said the government has allocated P430.87 billion for the defense sector “to protect the nation’s sovereignty and strengthen peace and order.”

This was 13.72% higher from P378.89 billion in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

The Philippine Coast Guard earlier announced that a Chinese coast guard vessel fired a water cannon at a Philippine ship near Scarborough Shoal. This resulted to a shattered bridge glass, damaging electrical systems and an injured Filipino crew member.

This investment reflects the state’s commitment to support those in uniform, modernize defense systems, and guarantee that peace and security remain the foundation of national progress, Ms. Pangandaman said.

Out of the proposed sector budget, P299.3 billion earmarked for the Department of National Defense and its attached agencies in the controversial 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the DBM said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to receive P286.9 billion next year, up 8.6% from its 2025 allocation. This includes P142.1 billion for the Philippine Army, P59.4 billion for the Navy, and P59.1 billion for the Air Force.

In addition, P40 billion is proposed for the Revised AFP Modernization Program to equip Filipino soldiers with modern systems and tools.

The DBM also noted that subsistence allowance of Military and Uniformed Personnel saw an increased program to P350 per day from P150.

On top of this, P71.6 billion is allotted to support troops and their families, it said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

ARTA reports hacking, defacement linked to flood control anomalies

THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) said on Wednesday that it is investigating a defacement incident on its Policy Reform, Innovation, and Streamlining Management (PRISM) Portal linked to flood control anomalies.

“Unlawful acts such as hacking and system defacement are unacceptable avenues for resolution,” the agency said in a statement.

According to ARTA, the perpetrators, AnonymousPH, cited flood control projects that have “adversely affected” Filipino citizens.

While the agency supports the public’s demand for transparency and accountability, the public is reminded that there are other lawful and accessible channels for citizens to report matters related to flood control projects within their communities, like the Sumbong sa Pangulo platform.

PRISM, which remains inaccessible after the incident, is ARTA’s online learning management system designed to provide educational resources on regulatory impact assessment and evidence-based policymaking.

Although no confidential or sensitive information was compromised within the PRISM Portal or ARTA systems, the agency is encouraging users to verify their e-mail accounts, change passwords, and avoid clicking unknown links.

ARTA also commits to further enhancing the platform’s system security measures with the help of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). — Almira Louise S. Martinez

CHR raises concern over airstrikes in Doha

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has raised alarm over the humanitarian impact of Israel’s airstrikes in Doha, Qatar, expressing concern for civilians caught in the violence, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Israel launched the Sept. 9 strikes targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, which killed and injured civilians in the area.

In a statement on Thursday, the CHR said the attacks showed “a clear disregard to the principles of international humanitarian law and the fundamental right to life.”

“We are equally concerned about the welfare of Filipino migrants and overseas Filipino workers residing in the area,” the CHR said.

It noted the Philippine Embassy continues to assess the situation and ensure the safety of the Filipino community in Doha.

The commission warned that the strikes not only endangered communities in Qatar but also undermined ongoing diplomatic efforts toward peace and stability in the region.

“CHR deplores all acts of aggression that continue to endanger civilians and encourage a culture of fear. We stand in solidarity with all victims of violence,” it said. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

DAR connects South Cotabato farmers to buyers 

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

AGRARIAN Reform Beneficiaries’ Organizations (ARBOs) in South Cotabato showcased their products and build networks with buyers at a recent forum thanks to the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

The forum, part of the DAR’s Marketing Program, aims to secure stable and long-term markets for smallholder farmers while strengthening the local economy with fresh, high-quality agricultural products.

ARBOs hope that the platform will also lead to them receiving investments and funding for future production and planning, improving the lives of their workers, and having greater market access.

The forum was organized by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Valerie Seiton.

“This is more than just about selling farm produce — it’s about empowering our farmers to participate in the mainstream economy and giving them the dignity of self-reliance,” Ms. Seiton said.

Beyond the economic benefits for ARBOs, the DAR also intends for the meeting between the two sectors to lead to a transition to a more sustainable model, away from the traditional farming structure.

Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer Lorna Garde thanked buyers for supporting local products. — Andre Christopher H. Alampay

New DILG unified 911 reports 94% call handling efficiency

The Unified 911 is a joint initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), PLDT Inc. (PLDT), through its corporate business arm PLDT Enterprise and ICT subsidiary ePLDT, NGCS Inc., and NGA 911 Philippines, the local arm of US-based NGA 911 LLC.— NGA 911 PHILIPPINES

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said that the recently launched Unified 911 system achieved a 94.42% efficiency rate during its first day of operation on Sept. 11, successfully handling 57,786 of the 60,323 calls received.

“This major improvement marks a significant leap in modernizing the country’s emergency services, ensuring faster and more reliable assistance for those in urgent need of assistance,” the DILG said in a statement posted on its website.

In 2024, it recorded an efficiency rate of 48.33% out of 22.3 million calls received and 70.71% recorded in early 2025 before the official launch, when system upgrades had already been introduced.

The agency noted that the increased efficiency rate is attributed to a “vastly improved response framework.” and not due to a decrease in demand.

Of the total number of calls during the launch date, 3,537 calls were identified as test, abandoned, or prank calls.

DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” C. Remulla, Jr. earlier warned against prank callers who misuse the system, noting that they would face consequences such as being deprioritized in future calls.

He also appealed to the public to use the system responsibly and to think twice before misusing it.

With the new Unified 911 system, all emergency calls will now be routed through a single integrated network instead of the previously fragmented hotlines.

The system, developed in collaboration with the DILG, PLDT Inc., led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, and Next-Generation Advanced 911 (NGA 911), is free and available 24/7.

NGA 911, the system’s technology provider, also told BusinessWorld last week that it will help the government expand the service nationwide within the next three years.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Regional dev’t councils’ role in budget creation pushed 

A BILL allowing regional development councils (RDC) to participate in the formulation of the national budget was filed at the House of Representatives in August, aiming to boost economic growth through more localized development.

Filed on Aug. 26, House Bill No. 4018 proposes that at least half of the annual proposed budget should fund projects deemed a priority by RDCs to help spur economic growth among regions.

“Despite the rigorous process being undertaken by the RDCs to review and endorse priority programs… there exists no comprehensive tracking of these items… on whether or not what portion of such endorsed lists get included in the National Expenditure Program,” Agusan del Norte Rep. Dale B. Corvera said in the measure’s explanatory note.

He said that regional councils are important to include in the budget formulation, citing its composition of local chief executives and private sector representatives, which know their specific regions’ needs to sustain growth.

“Individual regional monitoring and reporting would show that less than 30% of RDC-endorsed programs, projects and activities get included in the NEP,” said Mr. Corvera.

He recommended that allocations should consider “socio-economic factors such as poverty incidence, population growth, employment generation, economic development, contribution to GDP (gross domestic product),” among others. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Gov’t agencies told to use energy-efficiency products, solar rooftop

REUTERS/SUSANA VERA

THE Philippine government required its agencies to use energy-efficient products and prioritize solar rooftop installation, aiming to reduce energy consumption and drive sustainability.

In a resolution of the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC) chaired by the Department of Energy (DoE), all government offices across the country were told to follow the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) under the Philippine Energy Labelling Program (PELP).

MEPS set the baseline efficiency levels that appliances, equipment, and other energy-consuming products must meet before they can be sold or used. It ensures that government agencies procure only compliant products.

“By requiring energy-efficient products and prioritizing solar rooftops, we are not only reducing costs but also setting an example for every household, business, and community,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

“This is more than compliance, it’s a statement of our firm resolve to build a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable Philippines starting with the government,” she added.

The IAEECC is also reviewing a joint memorandum circular that would establish dedicated energy efficiency and conservation offices in local government units.

The committee will meet again in December to maintain progress on these critical initiatives. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Uncertainties loom over BARMM polls

COTABATO CITY — Mixed reactions greeted the poll body’s suspension of its preparations for the Oct. 13 first ever regional parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia was quoted in radio reports in Cotabato City on Thursday, as saying that they are uncertain if the Bangsamoro electoral exercise would push through as scheduled.

The suspension of preparations comes as the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of a law, reapportioning parliamentary districts in Sulu to BARMM.

“We just have to wait. That is something that legal luminaries have to resolve. Let’s avoid undue speculations. We just have to patiently wait,” a member of the Bangsamoro parliament, Mohammad Kelly U. Antao, said on Thursday.

Leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) had earlier told reporters in Central Mindanao and in Zamboanga City that they want Sulu, deemed the historical birthplace of the MNLF that fought for self-governance by the southern Moro communities for more than two decades, reintegrated into the Bangsamoro region.

“Sulu was the flashpoint for that uprising by the MNLF. It must stay as part of the Bangsamoro region, which was paid for with blood, sweat and tears of the guerillas and unarmed Moro villagers who fought for it,” MNLF Chairman Muslimin G. Sema, who is BARMM’s labor and employment minister, said.

Mr. Sema said they will wait for Comelec’s further action on the legal issues related to the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 77.

The Bangsamoro region covers the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Lamitan, Marawi and Cotabato.

Cotabato City is the capital of BARMM, the seat of its regional government.

Members of the BARMM parliament who want the regional elections held as scheduled said the Supreme Court issued only a TRO on the implementation of the BAA 77 and has not ruled yet if it is unconstitutional and must be invalidated with finality.

Peace advocates demanding for more time for the transition, from the 27-year now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to BARMM, want the supposed Oct. 13 parliamentary elections deferred by two or three more years.

They told reporters separately that they are hoping for the rest of the October regional polls for the transition process, partly aiming to foster peace, sustainable development and political stability in the Bangsamoro provinces and cities, to proceed unhampered. — John Felix M. Unson

1...950951952...14,212Page 951 of 14,212
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin X Youtube