EXCEEDING REVENUE TARGETS doesn’t seem enough for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who had just fired the government’s top tax collector.
In a statement, Malacañang Palace confirmed Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. is out as commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), even as Marcos named Finance Undersecretary Charlito Mendoza as new BIR chief.
Mendoza, a lawyer, isn’t a new face at the BIR where he once headed the department’s revenue operations group.
Mendoza’s appointment papers were signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday.
Lumagui was first appointed deputy commissioner immediately after Marcos took the helm of the government in 2022. Four months later, the President appointed him as BIR chief replacing Lilia Catris Guillermo.
NOT GOOD ENOUGH
For one, Lumagui is among the presidential appointees deemed as “formidable” when Marcos started its reorganization in view of two reasons.
It was during Lumagui’s tenure as chief tax collector that the BIR consistently exceeded revenue targets after 20 years of collection slump.
Prior to the Palace announcement, Lumagui had ordered a “major personnel overhaul” across the agency’s regional offices.
Political observers also banked on Lumagui’s personal ties to the First Couple. Lumagui is the husband of lawyer Carmela Esquivas-Lumagui, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ most trusted aide.
President Marcos and the First Lady are wedding godparents to Lumagui and Esquivas, who were part of the Marcos, Ochoa, Serapio, Tan Law Offices before it was dissolved. Esquivas also worked for M & Associates, the former law firm of the First Lady.
SACRED COW’S WISH
Over a week ago, Lumagui filed tax evasion complaints against former Department of Public Works and Highways engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza over a P1.6-billion tax liability.
The three engineers are at the center of a flood control corruption scandal rocking the Philippine government.
It was not certain though whose toes were stepped on — or about to be stepped on — as Lumagui hinted on filing more complaints against personalities who may have amassed a fortune from the anomalous government flood control projects.
Among the names being dragged into the scandal is former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who happens to be the President’s first cousin.
WHILE OFFICIALS OF the Marcos administration are playing safe over the Trump administration’s lopsided tariff deal with the Philippines, former Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Lampe Cuisia Jr. did not mince words and outrightly branded it as “disappointing and unfair” to Filipino exporters.
Cuisia, who served as 7th Governor of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (1990 to 1993) and Philippine Ambassador to the United States (2011 to 2016), said that the deal—negotiated during the meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US President Donald Trump in Washington DC—resulted in higher tariffs for Philippine goods, while other countries like Vietnam secured better terms.
“Vietnam, a former enemy, saw its tariffs drop from 46 percent to 20 percent. Ours went up to 19 percent. How can we say we got a good deal?” Cuisia told Business Mirror at the sidelines of the Asian Forum on Enterprise for Society yesterday Tuesday. The 20 percent tariff on Philippine goods took effect last August 1, 2025.
PH EXPORTERS HURTING
Cuisia warned that the increased tariffs are already hurting Philippine exporters. Local businesses are losing contracts to competitors from countries with lower tariffs, and some may be forced to shut down.
“Exporters are very concerned. They’re losing contracts and may eventually close,” he said.
From how the former envoy to the US sees it, Philippine negotiators missed a key opportunity to use the country’s strategic value in talks. The Philippines currently hosts nine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) sites used by the US military.
“We should have used the Edca sites as leverage. That’s a missed opportunity,” Cuisia said.
An earlier study of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies showed that the Philippines gained the least in ASEAN in US tariffs.
Cuisia surmised that the cancellation of a $5.5-billion deal to purchase F-16 fighter jets may have affected the outcome of the trade negotiations.
“While I was ambassador, we were offered a squadron of F-16s. The Armed Forces declined it due to high maintenance costs. Later, they planned to buy new jets—then canceled. That may have had an impact,” he said.
MILITARY AID VS. IMPACT
Although the US provided $500 million in military assistance to the Philippines, Cuisia emphasized that economic support is lacking.
“We appreciate the defense aid, but the tariffs are damaging our economy,” he said.
Cuisia also questioned the strength of the US’s “ironclad” commitment to defend the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty.
“That remains to be seen. US foreign policy is unpredictable,” he said.
Ambassador Cuisi finished his Masters in Business Administration-Finance at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania in 1970 as a University Scholar.
CITIZENS ARE STARTING to lose hope that something concrete will come out of ongoing probes into corruption in flood control project scandals at the rate the Senate and the ill-funded Independent Commission on Infrastructure are proceeding.
Even the business community — though some groups are offering their services and financial support to ICI– has expressed skepticism about ICI’s viability to look into massive corruption, stating that ICI probes may be doomed from the start.
Netizens have openly voiced their disbelief that a big fish– particularly erring lawmakers– out there could be convicted and land in jail considering that even with the conviction of three legislators during the 2013 PDAF (or the Priority Development Assistance Fund) only led to their acquittal and being voted again as senators.
Even a legislative proposal embarking on reverting the death penalty for corrupt officials — authored by another dubious legislator — seemed no more than just a balm to assuage a suffering and hurting populace. They say it is just “pambalubag loob,” which would never happen in an oligarchic and dynastic Philippine society.
DOOMED FROM START
The business community sees the ICI probes as doomed from the start because of its “nebulous goals, funding, manpower and legal authority to mete punishment on those it is supposed to investigate,” a view shared generally by the netizens.
No less than Palace spokesperson Usec. Claire Castro had previously admitted that the ICI is just a fact-finding body that is not supposed to mete punishment on any person who does not attend the hearings of the commission.
Even Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, who has been working himself to the bone uncovering flood control mess one after the other is being overwhelmed. The President, in a recent interview, expressed disappointment and immense anger after seeing the devastation caused by corruption in the nauseous flood control projects anomalies.
Some in the business sector have pointed to the logistical nightmare of hiring clerical staff, investigators, lawyers and competent assessors to help collect, check, verify documents and records, and then to compile and safeguard all testimonies, documents and paperwork submitted and gathered by the commission on the numerous flood projects that involves several government agencies.
The investigation, they said, could very well cover at least 10 years, and would therefore take even more time to validate and check.
FUNDS FOR THE ICI
Al Panlilio, president of the Management Association of the Philippines, recently offered funding support to ICI in its probe particularly for equipment necessary to carry out its function.
This is because “Babes Singson (the corruption-free past Secretary of DPWH) is also part of MAP. We told him how we can help in what they’re trying to do,” Panlilio said. “ICI only has volunteer lawyers. It has no computers, scanners, or printers. So, these are the things we’re looking into,” he added.
Singson is a member of the three-man ICI. He is also a MAP member.
Panlilio said the MAP will ensure that its proposed assistance to ICI’s operations is within the bounds of the law. He said the support of 34 business groups is a follow-up to the private sector’s call to Marcos to strengthen ICI. They earlier proposed to the President to empower the ICI with full legal authority and independence to conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation into corruption in the public works sector.
Currently, ICI is only authorized to conduct hearings, take testimony, and recommend the filing of appropriate criminal, civil, and administrative cases against those responsible.
NEED FOR BLOCKCHAIN
Panlilio said the MAP supports Senator Bam Aquino’s call for the government to adopt blockchain technology to make transactions in the government more transparent.
“Through blockchain, one would be able to identify if something is not right and it gives us an opportunity to start keeping track of all of this.”
The DPWH is expected to be the first agency that will have its budget under a blockchain technology to enable greater scrutiny for the public, with more agencies expected to follow suit. Next are the bureaus of internal revenue and customs.
Sen. Aquino said he is set to sponsor the proposed Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act tomorrow, Nov. 12, to institutionalize the push. If enacted, the measure would mandate all government transaction documents involving public funds to be publicly disclosed online.
“There’s no valid reason for them to keep that secret. There’s no valid reason to hide the documents of where the money of the people will go,” said Aquino.
There is likewise no set timetable for the ICI to complete its work, leaving suspicion and causing frustration that the whole exercise is just a ploy to string the public along until the people get tired and bored, and decide to move on to the next political brouhaha.
FOR THE LONGEST time, talks about destabilization efforts have been circulating, but none of those innuendoes persisted — until a year after the breakup of the Marcos-Duterte Uniteam.
In a Facebook post, former journalist and broadcaster Ramon Tulfo made a categorical confirmation of yet another destabilization effort against the current administration.
To support his claim, Tulfo posted the names of people whom he said form part of a group hatching a coup d’etat.
DUTERTES ON TOP
He particularly dragged Vice President Sara Duterte and her brother, Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte, as “possible financiers” of the destabilization plots.
Last year, Sara Duterte confessed to the public and on the record that she had already plotted and ordered someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then House Speaker Martin Romualdez if she gets assassinated.
“Don’t worry about my safety. I have talked to a person, and I said, if I get killed, go kill BBM [Marcos], [First Lady] Liza Araneta, and [Speaker] Martin Romualdez. No joke. No joke,” she said.
She also shared with the media that she had daydreamed of cutting off Marcos’ head.
Sharing the same level of hate for the Marcoses, Paolo Duterte has also been vocal with his criticism and insults—but unlike his sister, he has not directly pointed to killing the president or key officials.
Instead, he mostly resorts to calling the president “drug addict,” “bangag,” “praning,” and “the worst, most corrupt, and most hated president of this country,” among other things.
NO NEED FOR COUP
In response to Tulfo’s post, Rep. Duterte dismissed the allegations as “gossip,” saying there is no need for a coup for the already falling administration.
“The only destabilization happening here is in his grip on reality. As if this bangag administration even needs a coup—it’s already in the final stage of self-destruction,” Duterte said in a post on Monday.
“Malaki siguro tinatanggap nito kay bangag, at kahit ano-ano na lang ang lumalabas sa bibig niya… laos na nga, sinungaling pa,” he added.
TEST OF TESTICLES
Notably, Duterte did not deny involvement in destabilization efforts; instead, typical of Duterte bravado, he attacked Tulfo and oddly talked about testicles.
Upon revealing the names, Tulfo also said that he would never reveal his sources, “kahit na pitpitin n’yo ang bayag ko.”
“He claims he won’t reveal his source ‘kahit pitpitin ang bayag niya.’ Don’t worry, nobody’s interested—we’re just wondering kung naa pa ba mapitpit (if there’s still anything left to smash),” said Rep. Duterte.
“Dodong Mon, you want attention, you got it. But next time, try using truth instead of testosterone.” He even went as far as offering Tulfo to touch his Rottweiler’s balls.
NO MORE CREDIBILITY
In addition, Duterte also described Tulfo’s journalistic career as a “career out of gossip packaged as courage.”
“But this time, he’s gone full fantasy—name-dropping people, inventing plots, and pretending he’s part of some spy thriller.”
Tulfo also wants to be appointed special envoy to China, according to Duterte.
SEDICIOUS SINGSON
The third possible financier, according to Tulfo, is politician and businessman Chavit Singson.
Singson had previously called on the youth to lead a revolution against corruption and demand the resignation of government officials, including protesting on the streets and boycotting school.
This was in relation to the September 21 protests against corruption, where Singson went but was not welcomed by the crowd.
REVOLUTIONARY GOVT
“If he [President Marcos] has a conscience, he should give up. He can no longer repair this, given the extent of corruption. I never thought this would happen after I helped him,” Singson said.
He also proposed the establishment of a revolutionary government similar to the one created under President Cory Aquino in 1986, in the wake of the People Power Revolution.
Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro called on authorities to investigate Singson and see if he may be held liable for inciting to sedition.
Singson has not responded to the allegations as of writing.
MORE ON THE LIST
Tulfo listed 13 names involved in the destabilization efforts, mostly known Duterte allies, military men, and lawyers.
Among them are Senator Rodante Marcoleta, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (for confirmation), Chavit Singson again, former Congressman Mike Defensor, lawyers Vic Rodriguez and Ferdinand Topacio, and fugitive former Bureau of Corrections head Gerald Bantag.
Also on the list are military men Romeo Poquiz, Johnny Macanas, and Capt. Dado Enriquez (or Enrique), while no full names are given for Col. Lachica, Col. Leonardo, and Col. Metran.
Though unconfirmed, research suggests these could be former VPSPG head Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, former National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, and retired Army Col. Segundo Metran. Also on the list are Orly De Leon, Orlando Olamit, and alias Monk.
MAGALONG DENIAL
Shortly after being dragged into the supposed destabilization plot against the Marcos administration, Magalong denied the allegations.
“I strongly deny the baseless claim linking me to supposed destabilization efforts against the government. Such rumors are false, misleading, and harmful to the trust and unity our nation needs today.”
“What truly destabilizes our nation are not those who speak up for accountability, but those who spread false accusations and unfounded claims in the guise of journalism—dividing our people and eroding trust in our institutions.”
AFP TO DIG DEEP
Meanwhile, a top Palace official admitted that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was given an order to validate Tulfo’s sweeping claim on the supposed destabilization plot.
During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro particularly hinted at three prominent personalities whom Tulfo claimed are bankrolling destabilization plot against the government.
Castro likewise mentioned 16 retired military generals on Tulfo’s list.
A GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED urban planner, Architect Felino Palafox Jr. has been mouthing solutions to the last eight Philippine presidents on how to solve the country’s perennial devastations during natural calamities.
He has been sitting down and submitting formal recommendations to all eight administrations, which were all but ignored.
An exasperated Palafox, who has gone tired of pitching his voice anew, has opted to lay out his plans to media and formal business groups hoping that chief executives of companies and the country would finally do something about his proposals.
SNOBBED ANEW
Since the seventies, he had been proposing solutions to presidents. He had written recommendations to presidents Gloria Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III, Rodrigo Duterte and of late, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“I sent Marcos Jr. 200 recommendations, which are less expensive, to address the hazards before they become disasters costing human lives, infrastructure and economic losses in agriculture, livelihood and properties.”
He wrote numerous articles on how corruption kills, the first of which was after typhoon Yolanda, after Ondoy people were blaming God for the floods, which is not in any way an act of God but of people’s sin of omission running the country.
Once, he asked why there is no pork barrel for prevention only to be told that “pag state of calamity, there is no bidding of consultants, contractors and suppliers. So we should be concerned about one year of calamity as there will be a bonanza of corruption, without biddings.”
CEBU DECIMATED
Cebu, which is regarded as the richest province in the country, absorbed fatal blows which took place weeks apart.
On September 30 this year, a destructive earthquake shook Cebu province, resulting in 12 casualties, 1,271 injuries, destroying almost 160,000 houses. Damage to public infrastructure was placed at P16.23 billion.
It was the strongest earthquake ever recorded in the province — and the deadliest in the country since 2013.
Not long after, Typhoon Tino battered the entire province and other areas of the country leaving the nation a horrific imprint in its path, again people lamented why the problem of flooding, tidal surges, landslides and immeasurable damage to property buries them deeper into the stench and mire.
POLITICAL WILL
According to Palafox, “We don’t lack solutions to our problems, but we lack the will to implement them.”
Cebu’s recent flooding was not just a natural disaster—it was a man-made failure, Palafox said, citing the “painfully familiar” root causes as denuded mountains, poor drainage, unregulated development, and the absence of long-term urban planning.
For instance, the proposed water impounding project upstream of the Mananga River in Cebu was designed not only to prevent flooding but to supply the province badly- needed potable water.
A visionary plan, supported by experts like former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, who understood that watershed protection and sustainable infrastructure go hand in hand.
Interestingly, Singson now forms part of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, which was created to probe irregularities in flood control projects covering the last 10 years.
GREEN SOLUTIONS
For decades, Palafox has laid out master plans that integrate flood control, green infrastructure, and disaster-resilient zoning. These are not theoretical blueprints. They are practical, science-based strategies that have worked in other countries.
But in the Philippines, these proposals gather dust in bureaucratic shelves—ignored by leaders who prioritize short-term gain over sustainability and long-term survival.
We build over rivers, cut down forests, and allow informal settlements in danger zones. Then we act surprised when the waters rise. We treat floods as acts of God, when in truth, they are humanity’s neglectfulness.
“We must do more than clean up after every storm by strictly enforcing zoning laws and environmental regulations/clearances; investing in green infrastructure and watershed rehabilitation; empowering urban planners, not just politicians; and holding accountable those who profit from environmental destruction
AVOIDING FLOODS
To our government officials, do your duty, adopt feasible and doable solutions now.
“Floods are not inevitable. But failure is,” if we continue to ignore the warnings of experts like Palafox and Sec. Singson.
The time to act was yesterday. The next best time is now.
GLOBE TELECOM REPORTED continued recovery and operational momentum in the third quarter of 2025, with consolidated gross service revenues reaching ₱41.5 billion, up 3% quarter-on-quarter, marking the company’s fastest sequential growth in 13 quarters. This positive trend brings Globe’s nine-month consolidated service revenues to ₱121.7 billion, underscoring the strong role of data connectivity in the digital lifestyles of Filipino consumers and enterprises.
Growth during the period was largely fueled by sustained demand for mobile data, home broadband, and enterprise digital solutions, with data-centric revenues rising to 88% of total consolidated service revenues.
Globe maintained a solid operational performance with ₱22.0 billion EBITDA in Q3, representing a 52.8% margin, reflecting continued cost discipline and efficient resource management. Meanwhile, the company recorded ₱17.7 billion in Net Income After Tax (NIAT) for the nine-month period, with core NIAT at ₱15.5 billion.
A key contributor to earnings was Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc. (Mynt), the operator of GCash, which delivered ₱5.3 billion in equity share to Globe during the period, accounting for 25% of the company’s pre-tax income. This highlights GCash’s expanding role in accelerating financial inclusion and enabling a broader digital ecosystem across the country.
In the home broadband segment, Globe continued its rapid fiber expansion strategy. GFiber Prepaid gained strong reception in the mass market, growing its subscriber base to 700,000 as of end-September 2025, a 28% increase quarter-on-quarter. This growth reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to democratize high-speed connectivity and offer flexible home internet options to more Filipino households.
Globe also further strengthened its network capabilities to meet the rising demand for reliable data services. The company optimized capital expenditures to ₱31.4 billion, down 23% year-on-year, in line with its strategic shift toward operational efficiency and advancement into positive free cash flow territory. Despite lower capex, Globe successfully expanded and modernized its network infrastructure, including additional mobile sites, fiber rollout, and broader 5G availability.
“Our third quarter performance reflects Globe’s strong operational execution and continued focus on elevating customer experience,” said Carl Raymond R. Cruz, President and CEO of Globe Telecom, Inc. “We are encouraged by the sustained momentum across our connectivity and digital platforms, particularly the growth of GFiber Prepaid and the expanding contribution of GCash. We remain committed to delivering innovation-led services and enabling inclusive digital access for Filipino communities.”
Looking forward, Globe will continue to focus on delivering high-quality data connectivity, expanding digital services, and strengthening its enterprise solutions portfolio to support the evolving needs of individuals, households, and businesses nationwide.
Globe remains steadfast in its vision to be the Philippines’ most trusted and admired digital solutions group, fostering greater digital inclusion and empowering Filipinos to thrive in a connected world.
AS A HABIT, a movie watcher doesn’t care much, one presumes, about the tech men off-screen like music scorer, cinematographer, soundman, production designer, make-up artist, screenwriter, editor or to a certain extent, director (although it is an important or conspicuous overall creator of what one sees onscreen).
It’s high time that as a moviegoer, one has to give credit to the other men and women behind a tentpole not only as the credits roll up after the resolution.
Who wouldn’t take notice of a film editor—one who strings together scenes to make sense of the narrative—like Alex Rodriguez before your eyes?
Alex Rodriguez who?
Let’s see what this magician has done to our audio-visual experiences.
Our regular IMDb says that Alex is the one responsible for the highly commendable and award-winning films such as “Y tu mama tambien” (2001) “Children of Men” (2006), “Mosul” (2019), “Extraction 2” (2023) among other noted creations.
Of course, “Y tu mama tambien” and “Children of Men” are directed by the famed Mexican artist Alfonso Cuaron whose other notable works include “Great Expectations” (1998), “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” (2004), “Gravity” (2013), “Roma” (2018).
“Children of Men” was officially nominated at the 79th Academy Awards for Best Editing.
“Extraction 2” (a Chris Hemsworth-starrer and directed by Sam Hargrave), might not be singly awarded in major award-giving bodies but it is one of Netflix’s most viewed movies.
Yes, Alex was our mentor at the recently concluded FEST Film Lab workshop project on editing held at Seda Hotel in Paranaque City jointly organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) through its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jose Javier Reyes, popularly known as the Filipino filmmaker Joey Reyes and FEST Film Coordinator Filipe Pereira, a Portuguese film artist.
During his first day of lecture, Alex Rodriguez, a French-Mexican, showed us one of his editing works as a beginner.
It is titled “Todo el Poder” (2000), a Mexican comedy and drama film within a film about a filmmaker’s exploits on criminals in Mexico City directed by Fernando Sarinana.
It’s such an interesting movie that has touches of doc elements like interviews but creatively conjured up as a feature.
The opening sequence shows aerial shots of the urban setting.
As a viewer, I thought the shots were drone captured but Alex in his explanation said that the tracking was done in a helicopter ride.
It dawned on me, anyway, that at the time a drone was still a luxury unlike these days when the gadget is easily available in shoots.
According to Alex, as an editor, he is also around during the filming of any of his films to see what the director would like to execute in each scene that could add to his editing idea.
Most of the time, though, he is free to explore and creatively perform his task to add dimension to a film.
In the case of the aerial footage in “Todo el Poder,” I asked Alex if that was his idea.
“No, it was the director’s,” he replied.
He, as well, is provided with a working script to run through and guide him.
“Yes, the director and I talk a lot,” Rodriguez said.
The constant communication between the captain of the ship and the crew (read: editor) is very crucial to enhance the film project.
From his inventive and imaginative mind, Alex is known for his precise, fast-paced, tension-inducing and cutting-edge editing chops we recently saw in “Extraction 2.”
In my future stories online and offline, I will discuss the secrets in Alex Rodriguez’s success in his craft.
FOR YEARS PASSED, Catarman has proven and taken pride in being Northern Samar’s economic and administrative hub. This year, it bids to become a full-pledge city.
The provincial capitol, national government offices, commercial and transportation centers, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and food and entertainment establishments are located in the capital town. These are the key driver of local progress for more than 600,000 Nortehanons.
ECONOMIC POTENTIAL
As a first-class municipality, Catarman thrives on its growing economic potential, hosting most of the banks, cafes, markets, fast food chains and shopping centers in Northern Samar.
Since it is geographically located at the center of Northern Samar and neighbor to the cities of Calbayog (Samar), Sorsogon (Bicol) and Borongan (Eastern Samar), the town is where locals and tourists naturally converge even as it radiates the hustle and bustle of city life with a tinge of the vibrant countryside.
And if one seeks to be entertained by concerts, pageants, competitions and parties, Catarman serves the ideal place to visit because most of the exciting events and performances happen here.
HISTORIC SITE
But aside from the exciting shows and activities, visitors, travelers and tourists realize a visit to the town can not be complete without coming by and saying prayers at the historic Catedral de la Nuestra Señora de Anunciata (Our Lady of Annunciation Cathedral) in town’s central district.
The more than 400-year-old church was constructed in 1596 upon the arrival of Jesuit missionaries. It is the first church of Catarman and one of the oldest throughout the province, recognized for the sacred retablo which demonstrates the Nortehanons’ life of devotion.
Past the cathedral and the town’s busy center are the beaches and riversides which offer a peaceful retreat for those seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of Catarman’s coastline.
UNIVERSITY TOWN
Just ten to fifteen minutes drive from the town proper, one reaches the University Town to discover Langtaran Grove White Beach Resort and University of Eastern Visayas’ White Beach Resort.
Both pristine beaches are situated beside one another, sharing the same fine white sand and clear blue waters that are perfect for sunbathing, beach volleyball, swimming and even skimboarding.
Besides the nearby dining options, the place offers barbecue and bonfire facilities for a fun camp-style dining experience while enjoying a stunning view of the horizon with its colorful sunrise and sunset.
Catarman also boasts the University of Eastern Philippines which is hailed as the first state university in Eastern Visayas. The institution highlights the colors of blue and gold, symbolizing its lofty ideals and the golden dreams of the youth. It started as a farm school and progressed as a university now offering an array of course and program selections. UEP is not only known for its commitment to delivering quality higher education but also for its facilities such as the RAB Amphitheatre and the new UEP Academic Building, a space for culture and the arts performances.
Looking beyond and whether one seeks the funfare and new flavors away from the hustle and bustle or elso intends to explore new landscapes and seascape, one has to take a tour and experience Northern Samar by dropping by Catarman before moving on for adventure.
Ever noticed how some people just follow whatever’s popular, while others repeat whatever sounds smart? Different styles, same issue — nobody’s actually thinking.
Brains on autopilot: the silent epidemic.
The Sheeple: Followers of the Herd You’ve seen them. Sheeple go along with whatever everyone else is doing — not because they believe it, but because it’s easier than questioning it.
Nod along, buy what’s trending, share posts without thinking — comfort over curiosity every time.
Need proof? Check these everyday moments…
Buying the newest gadget just because everyone on social media has it.
Jumping on a trending diet or challenge without checking if it’s actually healthy.
Agreeing with a meeting idea just to avoid rocking the boat.
Following the herd: easy, comfy, and zero thinking required.
But here’s the catch — comfort doesn’t always equal truth.
Sometimes, the loudest crowd is just… wrong.
The Parrots: Echoes Without Understanding Then we’ve got the human parrots — the ones who sound smart but don’t really get what they’re saying. They quote experts, toss around buzzwords, and repeat opinions like they’re facts.
Here’s what it looks like in real life…
Dropping buzzwords like “synergy” or “growth mindset”… but ask for an example? Blank look.
Repeating a quote from an “expert” without knowing what it actually means.
Using fancy terms in conversation just to sound smart, not to explain a point.
Fancy words don’t equal fancy thinking.
Being informed is good. But parroting ideas without reflection?
That’s just noise with good vocabulary.
Same Problem, Different Costume The sheeple copy behavior. The parrots copy words.
One follows the crowd
The other repeats the crowd.
Either way — thinking takes a nap.
And that’s the real danger: when people stop asking why, they become easy to influence, easy to sway, easy to fool.
So What’s the Fix? Simple — pause and think.
Before agreeing, repeating, or posting, ask: “Do I believe this — or am I just going with the flow?”
That tiny question can wake you up faster than any caffeine ever could.
Tips And Techniques
Every time you feel the pull to follow or repeat:
Follow when it makes sense.
Quote when you truly understand.
But above all, think for yourself.
Because the world’s already got enough sheeple and human parrots.
Remember: Clear thinking beats noise. Don’t just chorus along — think.
BROWSING THROUGH META (Facebook) and X (former Twitter) we saw an outpouring of gratitude by the people towards the Sierra Mountain and Cordillera Mountain ranges, that served as a shield against the gushing winds and strong rains of the dreaded Super Typhoon Uwan.
Our first line of defense, they said, was the Cordillera Mountain Ranges, which reduced the power of Uwan as it landed Isabela and provinces up in Northern Luzon before criss-crossing down to Bicol and other parts of Luzon, including NCR or Metro Manila.
Uwan then crossed the Sierra Madre Mountain, which again emasculated its strength thereby sparing cities and provinces in CALABARZON on its way to Quezon province from massive destruction.
It was just so sad that it gathered strength along its way to the Bicol region thereby inundating so many properties, particularly homes in the region.
Disasters like the earthquake in Cebu and TS Tino, which drowned most of Cebu and several provinces in the Visayas, make us realize the value of being vigilant in taking care of such precious God-given natural resources to our very existence.
For one, the evils of mining and mountain clearing (for dolomite to artificially uplift the pitiful dreg that is Manila Bay) and the construction of a posh village by creating condominium and house-and-lot option terraces in the mountain slopes of Barangay Guadalupe covering 200 hectares across Barangays Guadalupe, Sapangdaku, Buhisan, and Tisa in Cebu City.
The 19-story condo unveiled in August 2023, designed to cascade down the mountainside in a terraced style inspired by the Banaue Rice Terraces of Ifugao is one of the largest luxury residential development of 8990 Holdings Inc, owned by Luis N. Yu and Mariano Martinez, which acquired the project in 2019 for over P2.8 billion through its subsidiary Mont Property Group (formerly Genvi Development Corporation).
Celebrity engineer and former PBB reality TV star Slater Young is a key partner through his company SkyEstates Construction Corp., acting as Chief Strategy Officer for Mont Property Group and brand ambassador for 8990 Holdings.
Young has been the public face of the project since a joint venture announcement in 2021, promoting it as environmentally compliant and innovative.Each unit costs P40 to P50 million with features like advanced flood control measures such as detention ponds, wider green spaces, slope protection and a drainage system to manage runoff.
Financially, the project has been lucrative, generating P703.3 million in revenue (with P153.6 million in profit) in 2023 and P476.5 million in 2024 (despite a P22.4 million net loss that year), totaling over P1.1 billion. It represents a shift for 8990 Holdings toward high-end properties, but it has faced ongoing scrutiny for deviating from its original 2007 Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), which approved a low-density housing subdivision rather than high-rises.
The lifestyle project of Young has been blamed for worsening floods since its inception, with historical incidents in 2008 and 2011 leading to permit revocations. During Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi), which brought torrential rains and multiple landfalls in the Visayas, the flooding displaced thousands, caused 108-111 deaths in Cebu Province alone, and affected over 2.4 million people nationwide.
Residents and netizens claimed the development’s retention ponds and drainage failed to prevent high-volume runoff from saturating foundations and triggering instability, despite developers’ assertions of having the “best standard flood control” in the area. One resident lamented that preparations for the typhoon did not account for the “sudden water flow” from Monterrazas, while others questioned why trees were cut in vulnerable zones.
Defenders, including Young, have countered that the project prioritizes environmental compliance and includes measures like detention ponds to mitigate impacts. In 2023, Young stated the design was refined for sustainability and that the team is open to concerns. However, critics point out that these measures appear limited to the project site, neglecting downstream communities, and that the shift to high-rises may violate the original ECC.
Another culprit that caused massive flooding in the entire province of Cebu was the unabated quarrying, open pit mining and destroying the dolomite mountain, with the rocks sold for the white beach project of the Manila Bay during the Duterte administration, for which former DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu is now facing probe in the Lower House.
CULPRITS OF DESTRUCTION
The Sierra Madre Mountain ranges, which had always shielded Rizal, NCR and the rest of Central Luzon from virulent storms is being ceaselessly attacked by illegal loggers, miners and those setting up resorts (despite absence of environmental clearance certificates) and is about to be challenged by 29 monstrous windmills and big trucks that would tow this monstrosity to the peak supposedly for the development of renewable energy, which, however, would wipe out the protective trees, wildlife and other indigenous flora and fauna from the place.
Environmental advocates and the netizens are now voicing their vehement objections to the wind farms that the Department of Energy has approved for the area, citing that thid kind of development would benefit only a few investors while placing the whole country in peril for current and future generations. (I have personally been writing vociferous comments against the projects on FB).
GOVERNMENT LAXITY
Such disasters– wherever the location– can only be traced to the laxity and indolence of national (especially the DENR, the DPWH) and local governments’ laxity in protecting the country’s natural resources, for the simple reason that they have been on the take of the project proponents.
Never mind if they have overlooked, or consciously, did not issue ECCs and other permits, so long as their pockets are loaded and their lifestyles are well provided for.
Never mind, if the results of their greed and inaction (even feigned ignorance) would result in lost lives, properties, livelihood and job securities of the people surrounding such projects.
Individually, we have not been good stewards and protectors of such resources. Our insolence and mindlessness– throwing garbage just anywhere, violating the Clean Air Act and so many other environmental laws– must also be put to task. We have been careless in watching and preserving God’s gift to mankind.
We all are to blame, but most importantly our corrupt lawmakers, resource administrators and corrupt officials must be castigated to high heavens for their wanton neglect and lack of concern for current and future generations of Filipinos.
ECONOMIC GROWTH IN the third quarter is the slowest in 14 years owing to huge contraction in public construction because of corruption and the exclusion of the low earning poor and middle class from government plans, leading to reduced consumption.
Think tank IBON Foundation said GDP (gross domestic product) slowed down to four percent in Q3– the most sluggish since three percent growth 14 years ago (not counting the Duterte government-induced pandemic lockdowns).
A key factor in the recorded decline is the 26.2% contraction in public construction, attributed to stricter validation measures for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) civil works and implementation of stricter requirements, which delayed billings and disbursements for government projects.
IBON said that the slowdown in government construction projects is an indirect confirmation of irregular spending practices where past laxity is actually systemic tolerance of ghost projects, overpricing and substandard implementation to pay for kickbacks to government officials.
The 26.2% contraction is deemed enormous and an indicator of how corruption-driven the past spending and the corresponding push to economic growth has been, bloating government spending, expanding the wealth of a select few instead of contributing to real economic development and improving Filipinos’ welfare.
NUMBERS DON’T LIE
During the first year of the Marcos administration, public construction growth surged by 27% in the third quarter of 2023, outpacing the first years of both Duterte (14.8%) and Benigno Aquino (-28.6%).
Household final consumption expenditure grew by just 4.1 percent, the slowest since the 2.6% in third quarter of 2010 or 15 years ago (also excepting the pandemic).
Sluggish household spending shows that Filipinos are struggling with job scarcity and insecurity, low incomes, and high prices due to bad government policies.
Corruption exacerbates these bigger problems by diverting massive public funds away from much-needed programs that benefit the poor and vulnerable.
HUGE JOBS DROP
Q3 employment fell by 327,000 to 48.6 million from 48.9 million in the same period 2024. The nationwide average minimum wage of P487 is not enough to keep up with the P1,225 living wage needed by a family of five.
With slower growth in the third quarter, the adjusted target of 5.5%-6.5% for 2025 is unlikely to be met. The trend of declining growth – from 7.7% in Q3 2022 to six percent in 2023, 5.2% in 2024 and four percent in 2025 – will likely continue in 2026.
The predicament has been attributed to the government’s refusal to invest in agriculture and Filipino industrialization.
POLICY OBSESSION
The government remains obsessed with market-driven policies favoring foreign investments over people’s interests and national economic progress.
Yet, foreign investments and other external factors like overseas remittances that the government relies on are vulnerable to the worsening global economic situation.
IBON emphasized the urgency for bold measures to fight corruption and revitalize the Philippine economy– through a comprehensive crackdown on systemic corruption targeting not just a few scapegoat politicians and contractors.
Public funds should be directed toward real economic development by strengthening domestic agriculture and Filipino industries, which can generate decent and sustainable livelihoods.
The welfare of ordinary Filipinos can be boosted through substantial wage hikes and subsidies, and support for small businesses and producers.
THE PHILIPPINE COLLEGE of Occupational Medicine – Quezon City Chapter (PCOM-QC) and Gerry Roxas Leadership Awardees, Inc. (GRLA, Inc.) are set to hold a WASHup Learning Session featuring a demonstration of proper handwashing techniques on November 15, 2025. This community outreach initiative is conducted in partnership with the Manila Water Foundation (MWF) to promote proper hygiene and disease prevention in vulnerable communities.
The beneficiary of this joint program is Barangay Roxas in Quezon City. PCOM-QC Director and GRLA, Inc. Adviser Dr. Rosalina Castillo-Magnaye shared, “We have voluntarily initiated this Handwashing Project in support of both PCOM and GRLA, Inc.’s mission. Doctors and leaders will be present to guide and support the community in learning proper hand hygiene practices.”
MWF continues to champion proper hand and oral hygiene as a simple yet effective measure in preventing communicable diseases and in promoting overall health and well-being in schools, communities, and public spaces. Through this collaboration with PCOM-QC and GRLA, Inc., the Foundation aims to extend its reach and provide critical hygiene support to more communities.
“This is just the beginning,” said Luchie Aclan-Arguelles, GRLA, Inc. Past President.
“As we move forward, GRLA will continue to pursue meaningful outreach and community-centered programs.”
As part of the same initiative, PCOM-QC, GRLA, Inc., and MWF will donate three (3) handwashing stations to Barangay Roxas—a meaningful contribution that supports long-term hygiene access and community well-being.
A FILIPINO TECH company just proved (again) that world-class innovation can come from right here. PLDT’s software arm, Multisys Technologies Corporation, has snagged a Bronze Stevie Award for Company of the Year – Computer Software at the 2025 International Business Awards (IBA). And yes, that’s a big deal.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, Multisys is basically having its “main character energy” era. The IBA is no small stage: this year’s awards received over 3,800 nominations from 78 countries, judged by 250+ industry experts from across the globe. Translation: the competition was intense, and Multisysstill stood out.
“This recognition is a proud moment for Multisys and the entire PLDT Group,” said Multisys CEO Vic Tria, while accepting the award in Lisbon, Portugal. “It celebrates our 15-year journey of building digital foundations in the Philippines and the Asia-Pacific. This win is not just for us—it’s for Filipino tech talent everywhere.”
A Decade and a Half of Leveling Up
Multisys isn’t slowing down. Here’s the highlight reel:
• ISO/IEC 27001:2022 renewed – because cybersecurity is serious business. • Official tech partner of Google under its ‘Build’ category – meaning their software gets to party in the Google Cloud ecosystem. • Consulting and Implementation Partner of ServiceNow – significant for scaling automation and AI-led enterprise solutions. • Closer collaboration with PLDT Enterprise – powering platforms from payment systems to logistics and dealer management. • Global footprint expanding – including a major role in building Brunei’s first-ever Super App with its largest telco, DST.
This is not just software development. This is infrastructure-level digital scaffolding, powering how organizations operate, transact, and grow.
Why This Matters
In a world where “tech giant” often means “Silicon Valley something-something,” Multisys is busy asserting a very different truth:
Filipino-built tech can compete—and win—on the world stage. Not in the “support operations” sense. Not in the “we’ll execute your ideas” sense. But in the we-build-the-platforms sense.
And with the backing of PLDT and partnerships with global tech leaders, Multisys is positioning itself as one of the Philippines’ strongest bets for tech sovereignty and digital leadership in the region.
Multisys’ Bronze Stevie isn’t just another trophy. It’s a statement.
A statement that Filipino tech is not just catching up. It’s leading.
“The productive capacity that we had wanted to happen was muted by all this corruption.”
“It’s just so shocking to see how extensive it was,” said Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
AMID THE ONGOING probe of massive corruption in government flood control projects, the Philippine economy logged a 4-percent growth in the third quarter of this year that is way below expectations.
In a press briefing on Friday, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said he was also shocked at how extensive corruption is in the government, affecting gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the third quarter.
“The productive capacity that we had wanted to happen was muted by all this corruption,” he said.
“It’s just so shocking to see how extensive it was,” Balisacan added.
He said that the government took steps aimed ataddressing anomalies in government infrastructure projects and the effects of weather disturbances on economic activities, among others.
However, he admitted that the latest GDP growth rate “reflect and affect consumer and business expectations and provide a clear signal for the government to act boldly and decisively.”
“While we may not be able to fully recover the economic losses within the year, we believe these are temporary setbacks. With sustained interventions and improved resilience, we expect the economy to rebound in 2026,” he added.
POSITIVE OUTLOOK
Nonetheless, Balisacan is maintaining a positive outlook on the economy, citing the strong macroeconomic fundamentals, such as low inflation environment, manageable fiscal deficit and public liabilities, stable currency and external balance, and stable banking sector, along with a good demographics.
Balisacan also underscored the seasonal uptick of demand in the last quarter of the year, which boosts economic activities, and the resilience of inflows from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), which fuels domestic spending.
“But my own take is that if we can get at least to the fives, that would be a very good achievement given the shocks that we’ve not anticipated and that had happened,” he added,
With the measures that are in place, the DEPDevchief said, economic performance for the last quarter of this year is expected to be better.
“And so, moving forward, especially for next year, we should be able to come stronger,” he added.
JUST AS TYPHOON Tino was ravaging the entire province of Cebu, at least seven local government officials were taking their pleasurable time in distant lands while their suffering constituents were pinning their hopes of quick action from their leaders.
Assuming their travel preceded the typhoon by at least two days, if they were sincere about public service, they would cut their vacation days and come home to help. But no, they opted to stay away so as not to drench their clothes and skins in muddy water and not see the extensive damage to lives and properties left by the storm. They were afraid to part with their incomes (legit or otherwise) in bringing relief goods and construction materials to those who lost their homes to the gushing floodwaters.
In short they were heartless and had no conscience, even after seeing the dire footage on their screens in hotels, resorts and other vacation spots.
53 LGUs DEVASTATED
The entire province of Cebu, consisting of 7 cities and 46 municipalities (totaling 53 local government units), was affected by Typhoon Tino early this month that brought widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, power outages, and evacuations across northern, central, and southern areas, leading to a provincial state of calamity declaration on November 5, 2025.
This status was confirmed by the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s Executive Order 68.
While impacts varied—such as heavier flooding in areas like Cebu City, Mandaue, Talisay, Liloan, and Compostela—the entire province was included due to extensive disruptions.
‘At least seven local chief executives (specifically mayors) from Cebu’s 5th District were reported to be on foreign travel—personal vacations in Europe—when Tino lashed last November 4 and the ensuing devastation … approved by Governor Baricuatro in September, prior to the storm’s approach, but the timing drew public criticism amid the province-wide state of calamity declaration on November 5.’
TRAVELING ABROAD?
At least seven local chief executives (specifically mayors) from Cebu’s 5th District were reported to be on foreign travel—personal vacations in Europe—when Tino lashed last November 4 and the ensuing devastation.
Their travel authorities were approved by Governor Baricuatro in September, prior to the storm’s approach, but the timing drew public criticism amid the province-wide state of calamity declaration on November 5.
These travel bugs include: Catmon’s Avis Ginoo-Monleon, San Francisco’s Alfredo Arquillano Jr., Tudela’s Greman Solante, Poro’s Edgar Rama, Pilar’s Manuel Santiago, Compostela’s Felijur Quino, and Liloan Mayor Aljew Fernando Frasco.
A similar travel authority was signed by the governor for Cebu 5th District provincial board member Andrei “Red” Duterte.
NO VISIBLE LEADERSHIP
The Freeman today (November 7) said residents of the affected town lamented the absence of visible leadership on the ground for the rescue and relief operations, as thousands remain displaced and awaiting assistance.
The Freeman got a document from the provincial LGU in early November showing that eight local officials filed for foreign travel authority (FTA) which the governor signed.
The governor granted the travel requests in September or before Cebu province was placed under a state of calamity, following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake and later hit by Typhoon Tino on Nov. 4.
DILG APPROVAL NEEDED
The latest memorandum circular of the Department of the Interior and Local Government under Jonvic Remulla on the use of FTA Online System Application– whether official or personal—must be approved by Remulla.
Specifically, Section 4.3 of the circular states that during periods of emergency or crisis, the approving authority for all foreign travel, official or unofficial, must be the SILG himself or his authorized representative.
This means that any mayor, governor, or local official who travels abroad while their locality is under a declared emergency — like a state of calamity– must first obtain clearance from the DILG secretary.
“SILG/USLG to approve and sign action documents, relative to request for travel authorities of the specified LG Officials and Employees under Item 3.3 upon recommendation of the Bureau of Local Government Supervision,” the memo reads.
The memorandum cites Executive Order No. 77, series of 2019, which mandates that the SILG approve all official foreign travels of local government personnel and also covers unofficial trips such as vacations, medical purposes, or family events. The Freeman tried to reach out to the mentioned mayors for comment, but failed.
OVERPOWERING STENCH
Baricuatro, said the officials filed their travel requests before the series of disasters in Cebu and that the decision to travel is the prerogative of the elected officials, they remain accountable to their constituents, especially in times of crisis. “You know, that could have been avoided… they are answerable to the people.”
Baricuatro emphasized that the provincial government had been proactive in preparing for the typhoon, coordinating with utilities and LGUs for massive evacuation and disaster response.
Cebu legal counsel, Restituto Arnaiz, clarified that the mayors filed their travel requests before the declaration of the state of calamity in the province.
Section 3.2 of the circular defines unofficial trips as those undertaken for personal or private purposes, such as vacations, medical reasons, or special occasions, the Freeman said.
Public outrage over their absence had been posted in social media.
The fifth District, which includes Catmon, Compostela, Liloan, and San Francisco, suffered the heaviest from the typhoon. As Sen. Bato de la Rosa described Compostela was wrapped by overpowering stench.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has reported over 125 fatalities across Cebu, with hundreds still missing or displaced.
P50-B INUTILE PROJECTS
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon submitted to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure a list of poorly-planned, limited and ill-advised dike and revetment construction projects in Cebu in previous years, that all failed to control runoff in Cebu’s rivers.
Residents returned to the debris of their homes left by Tino in communities along the Mananga River in Talisay City, Cebu.
Dizon said over P50 billion has been put into flood-control projects here. ““We will let the ICI investigate that. Whatever information they need about these projects, we will provide it to them.”
He stressed that effective flood control must include managing upstream flows before water surges into the major rivers in Cebu City, namely the Mananga and Butuanon rivers: “That’s what’s missing.”
Dizon said that the DPWH was set on planning out flood mitigation projects with technical experts from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the University of the Philippines and UP’s Project NOAH, not just in the Cebu region but also in other areas of the country with major river waterways.
Along with Project NOAH, and the LGUs, the DPwH will come up with a new system aimed at preventing a repeat of recent ineffective flood control projects that have drawn public criticism and investigations over alleged corruption. All proposals will now undergo scientific assessment and simulation before being implemented by Project NOAH, Dizon said.
PROBE DEFORESTATION, QUARRYING
Malacañang on Thursday ordered the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to investigate motu proprio reports that deforestation and quarrying contributed to the massive flooding in areas devastated by Typhoon Tino.
President Marcos wants to determine the root causes of the flooding in the affected areas, particularly in Cebu, said the palace spokesperson, Claire Castro.
Gabriela Women’s party Rep. Sarah Elago called for an urgent and independent investigation into the flooding disaster in Cebu, citing reports that upland flooding and mudslides may be linked to forest destruction and landuse conversion while questions are raised about billions of pesos in failed flood control projects.
Cebu alone has recorded 414 flood control projects worth P26 billion, including 47 in Cebu City and 21 in Talisay City, yet the residents were not spared from flash floods and overflowing rivers.
APPARENTLY UNPERTURBED WITH the ongoing investigation of anomalies in infrastructure projects involving billions of pesos of public funds, the officer-in-charge of the local official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was arrested in an entrapment operation for his alleged involvement in a multimillion-peso extortion scheme.
Arresting authorities identified the suspect as alias “Rommel” of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Calaca town in the province of Batangas.
Based on the report of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) unit in Barangas, the suspect was caught “red-handed” as he received the supposed extortion money from the businessman who had filed the complaint against the DENR official.
‘With the CENRO official’s arrest, CIDG director Major General Robert Morico II assured the citizenry that they are committed in safeguarding public interest and remains steadfast in its campaign against criminal activities, especially those involving government officials.’
ENTRAPPED
Initial investigation revealed that the entrapment stemmed from a complaint by the male victim who claimed that the suspect had demanded ₱7 million from him to facilitate the issuance of an Alienable and Disposable Zones Certificate.
Suspect alias “Rommel” reportedly insisted on an initial payment of ₱1 million from the businessman and even warned that no certificate would be issued without it.
Caught in the act, the suspect was placed immediately under arrest for alleged violation of Article 294 (Robbery–Extortion) of the Revised Penal Code.
With the CENRO official’s arrest, CIDG director Major General Robert Morico II assured the citizenry that they are committed in safeguarding public interest and remains steadfast in its campaign against criminal activities, especially those involving government officials.
SO IT’S SWORN in and made official: Henry Alcantara was named as the masterminds in orchestrating the flood control bribery scheme that enabled lawmakers to receive billions of pesos in payoffs.
In a statement submitted to the Department of Justice (DOJ), two former district engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) tagged their former chief, Alcantara and John Carlo Rivera, Alcantara’s chief-of-staff, as the brains in the scheme.
Erstwhile DPWH project engineers Brice Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza both pointed to Alcantara. The three lawmakers from Bulacan were also said to have received in kickbacks from flood control programs in their respective district.
HE DICTATED!
In their affidavit, Hernandez and Mendoza alleged that Alcantara was the person who “chose contractors, dictated percentage cuts and turned legitimate flood control budgets into structured bribes.”
They cited that their former boss coordinated directly with senators and congressmen who acted as “proponents”, deciding which projects would appear in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) or the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and setting the exact share each participant would receive.
“Every large cash movement, ranging from ₱100 million to as much as ₱1.2 billion per run, moved on Alcantara’s instruction,” the two former DWPH pointed out.
Both officials also identified Rivera as the operation’s logistics and records chief, who prepared and consolidated the project summaries used for the insertions, organized the packing of cash into boxes or luggage, instructed drivers and coordinated the drop-off points.
“Rivera maintained contemporaneous lists and digital screenshots showing the amounts due to each proponent and verified every delivery,” they stated while noting it was Alcantara who designed the processing and his chief-of-staff who executed and documented it.
‘(Alcantara) coordinated directly with senators and congressmen who acted as “proponents”, deciding which projects would appear in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) or the General Appropriations Act (GAA) and setting the exact share each participant would receive. Every large cash movement, ranging from ₱100 million to as much as ₱1.2 billion per run, moved on Alcantara’s instruction.’
RECIPIENTS, PROTECTORS
Hernandez and Mendoza’s affidavit also mentioned lawmakers from the first, second and fifth congressional districts of Bulacan as local recipients and protectors of the operation, receiving a six-percent pass through share from every project collection routed through the office of Alcantara.
The lawmakers who were in office that time were Bulacan representatives Danny Domingo of the District I and Augustina Dominique Pancho of District II and former representative Ambrosio Cruz Jr. of District V.
Domingo, Pancho and Cruz have yet to respond to the allegations but in an earlier Facebook post, Domingo denied he was involved in the flood control scandal when he was named in an earlier Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing.
The two former engineers also linked dismissed Ako Bicol party-list solon Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, senators Joel Villanueva, and Jose Jinggoy (Estrada) Ejercito Jr., former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, Commission on Audit (COA) commissioner Mario Lipana, and former Caloocan City District II legislator Mary Mitzi Cajayon Uy, who the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) had recommended be charged over the scandal.
CHARGES FILED
Meanwhile, the ICI earleir recommended the filing of administrative charges against former DPWH secretary Manuel ‘Manny’ Bonoan, former undersecretaries Bernard and Maria Catalina Cabral, Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, Jaime Hernandez, Ernesto Galang, John Carlo Rivera, John Michael Marcos, Claudine Magdalene Magsakay and Ericka Justine Chico.
According to ICI Chairperson retired Supreme Court associate justice Andres Reyes Jr., “the Commission emphasizes that it does not make categorical findings of guilt and that responsibility for determining liability rests with the proper authorities.”
A COMBINATION OF slow government spending, the stigma caused by the flood control fund scandal and weather-related disruptions have brought industry– including construction and manufacturing– to its lowest level in the third quarter.
An exasperated Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan told newsmen recently that he was not “optimistic (on growth) as I used to, given what the data that have been coming out in recent weeks, particularly the performance of our industry.”
“The industry is probably at its lowest point in recent years.”
INDUSTRY SCANDAL A FACTOR
Without divulging more details, Balisacan said the Philippine Statistics Authority would release today (November 7) the official statistics on the gross domestic product (GDP).
He attributed the sluggish performance to the corruption scandal, weather-related disruptions and mounting global uncertainties that “have weighed on GDP growth in the third quarter.”
The slowdown in government spending and fixed-capital formation, and other areas like industry and services, said Balisacan.
A crackdown on anomalous flood control projects alongside a corruption probe may have affected government disbursements, Business World said.
‘(Balisacan) attributed the sluggish performance to the corruption scandal, weather-related disruptions and mounting global uncertainties that “have weighed on GDP growth in the third quarter … A crackdown on anomalous flood control projects alongside a corruption probe may have affected government disbursements.’
Q3 DISBURSEMENT ONLY P1.46T
The Marcos administration only disbursed P1.46 trillion in the third quarter, or P141.73 billion less than tha P1.6 trillion for the period due to lower spending by the Department of Public Works and Highways, the executive office that is in the middle of investigations on anomalous flood control projects, data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed.
Balisacan added that adverse weather conditions that led to the suspension of work and classes may have contributed to slower growth in the July-to-September period.
But he expects the impact on growth to be temporary, with a recovery likely in the next few quarters.
In the first six months of 2025, the economy grew by an average of 5.4%. The government is targeting 5.5-6.5% GDP growth this year.
“Our economic fundamentals have remained strong. The potentials have remained strong, our GDP growth potential is quite high, 6% and above. But reaching those potentials is another matter, and those are affected by instability, uncertainty, and we’ll see,” he said.
The country’s GDP likely grew by 5.3% in the third quarter, based on a median forecast of 18 economists and analysts polled by BusinessWorld. This is slower than the 5.5% expansion in the second quarter, but a tad faster than the 5.2% expansion in the July-to-September period of 2024.
RICE TARIFF REVIEW
Balisacan said the Economic Development Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday to tackle the proposal to raise rice tariffs to 35% from the current 15%.
The Department of Trade and Industry will present its recommendation on rice tariff adjustments during the meeting. This recommendation was endorsed to the Council by the Tariff-Related Matters Committee.
The Department Agriculture earlier recommended raising the rice import tariff to its original 35% rate from the current 15%.
President Marcos, Jr. on Sunday approved the extension of the country’s rice import ban until yearend.
Balisacan said the government has “good enough supply” of rice to temper increases in retail prices.
“The overall goal of that is to protect farmgate prices from further falling, because in the past almost a year now, farmgate prices have dropped by more than 30%,” he said.
BUT FARMERS DISAGREE
Farmer groups have blamed the current 15% tariff for keeping farmgate prices low by encouraging cheaper imports, undermining local producers.
But he warned that tweaking the rice import tariff alone won’t fix the farmers’ problems.
“You have to use a combination of policy tools to address those problems, and that’s what we are going to present tomorrow. This approach will ensure the market will support medium-term and long-term development efforts,” he said.
Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura spokesman Jayson H. Cainglet argued that the rice tariff cut to 15% has failed to benefit consumers, with importers and traders instead pocketing the savings.
He noted that palay production cost is P14.61 per kilo, but palay is only being bought at P8-12 per kilo, he told BusinessWorld.
He said the reduced tariff has resulted in P25-billion foregone revenues from the imported rice as of end-August.
AMID THE ONGOING investigation of alleged irregularities in several flood control projects across the country, Las Piñas Representative Mark Anthony Santos disclosed some properties owned by the Villar family reportedly benefited from a number of government infrastructure projects in the city, including that of the Zapote River Drive Project which is supposed to address flooding here.
Prior reports stated Santos has long raised the issue of the Zapote River Drive Project that is allegedly benefiting the properties of family of former senator Manuel “Manny” Villar and wife Cynthia.
“Roads were also put up in our creeks going to their establishments and subdivisions,” pinunto ng kongresista,” he pointed out.
“Land that costs ₱2,000 to ₱3,000 per square meter, if you put a road there, if you put a connecting bridge going to a big city, the price of your land will definitely increase,” he added.
ON A RIVER
In his report, Santos showed a section of the river drive where a residential village owned by the Villars is also located: “This place where we are standing is a river. (It) became narrow due to the road built alongside it, which is why it allegedly has not helped solve the flooding woes in the area. For instance, the area was flooded last July due to the southwest monsoon.” “(One) can only use an easement of three meters for the purpose of cleaning the river in the main rivers here in urban areas. And here, the size of the easement for the river drive reached 8 to 10 meters.”
Santos further stated that he will cooperate with the Ombudsman and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure in the investigation of the said project, which he believes is only one of the many government projects that possibly benefited the Villar-owned properties.
LONG-TERM SOLUTION
Prior to the allegations against her family, former lady senator Cynthia Villar, defended that the Zapote River Drive Project (w)as a flood control and traffic decongestion project to rehabilitate the Las Piñas River and provide a long-term solution against floods in the area as well as in nearby cities like Parañaque, Muntinlupa, and Cavite.
Also mentioned by her as among the objectives of the project was to provide an alternative road to alleviate the traffic along Alabang-Zapote Road, she added.
“We showed through this project na kapakanan ng nakararami ang nauuna at hindi para sa interes ng ilan. We showed through this project that the welfare of the many comes first, and not the interest of the few. The accusation that this was done to appear favorable only to a few private properties is baseless political defamation,” she stressed.
FOR THE LONGEST time, the Land Transportation Office focused its sight on middle income cars and those of older models because by sheer number, they can issue more tickets, legally speaking, or collect more fees from motorists.
But last Undas (beginning October 31 until November 2), the LTO accosted and impounded more Ferraris and Porsches. Although few own such luxury vehicles, they are sure to rake it in.
A story by Brando Rosales in Auto News said LTO’s latest moves aim to assure the public that laws are being enforced equally against every motorist, with no preference to social status or wealth.
This is a sudden shift from LTO’s posture of targeting the less affluent motorists like small-displacement motorcycle riders or drivers or those of older vehicles. “While framed as humor, the joke exposes a harsh and persistent reality that the law seemed to apply only to Juan dela Cruz,” Rosales said.
‘The LTO also issued a stern warning to every motorist that traffic laws are enforced equally for all, without exception, as well as emphasizing that obeying the law is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of the type of vehicle they drive.’
REGISTRATION INFRACTION
During the long Undas weekend, the LTO reported apprehending multiple luxury cars, mostly due to registration infractions, an example of which is last October 31, LTO flagged down two Ford Mustangs along the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road.
The LTO said both Mustangs had issues with their registration, and the respective drivers were issued tickets and had their licenses confiscated. The report, however, did not explicitly state whether these particular vehicles were immediately impounded.
The LTO continued its enforcement drive at the SLEX-CALAX rotunda in Biñan, where the team, personally led by LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao, apprehended what appeared to be a new Porsche Panamera. According to the agency, the luxury vehicle was immediately impounded and transported to the LTO’s head office in Quezon City, as the driver failed to present any necessary documentation or proof of registration, Rosales added.
NO LICENSE PLATE
The LTO continued its high-profile enforcement on November 2, when a yellow Ferrari 458 was flagged down along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). This model costs P 15 million in the Philippines.
According to the LTO’s report, the initial stop was for the vehicle operating without a license plate properly attached. Further verification revealed the driver was operating the high-performance car without a license, leading authorities to immediately impound the Ferrari.
We have observed the concerning presence of luxury vehicles operating on the road without proper documentation and in open violation of traffic regulations. This poses a significant risk to public safety, and we are taking concrete measures to address this issue.
A Honda Civic hatchback was also impounded and brought to the LTO head office in Quezon City after authorities discovered that the vehicle was unregistered and that the owner or driver had failed to report its engine change.
The LTO also issued a stern warning to every motorist that traffic laws are enforced equally for all, without exception, as well as emphasizing that obeying the law is everyone’s responsibility, regardless of the type of vehicle they drive.
