THE request for the issuance of a lookout order came in too late as government officials suspected of involvement in the multi-billion flood control project mess have already gone into hiding, even before the congressional probe set off formally started.
In a television interview on Wednesday, Senator Rodante Marcoleta particularly hinted at the request made by Secretary Vince Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue a look out order against officials of the DPWH and contractors involved in the anomalous flood control projects.
“Doon kasi sa mga pagtakas, hindi ko naman sinasabing tumakas na pero ‘yung mga nagsasabi sa akin, patawarin ko na sila, ay nasa Amerika na talaga yung iba,” Marcoleta was quoted as saying during an interview with the GMA News Network.
SENATE POWERLESS
By his own admission, Marcoleta said that the Senate blue ribbon committee doesn’t wield the power to issue a hold departure order. He however hinted at requesting for a lookout order against the involved personalities.
“Ang Blue Ribbon naman kasi wala naman kaming power mag-issue ng hold departure order, korte lang,” he explained.
However, the senator has other plans — continue the congressional hearings with or without the personalities to whom subpoenas were sent by the Senate blue ribbon committee.
Interestingly, Marcoleta floated the idea of issuing warrants of arrest against the “resource persons” linked to the anomalous flood control projects for repeatedly skipping the senate committee hearing.
WILLING WITNESS
According to Marcoleta, there is an “insider” who has expressed intent in identifying members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives involved in the anomalous flood control projects.
Aside from legislators, the witness is also privy to DPWH officials forming part of the dubious spectacle.
“Meron nang lumalapit… medyo nag-aalangan nga lang sapagkat merong threat sa buhay nila,” he said,
“Actually may nag-note na ganun. Sabi niya gusto ko sanang itama lahat ng ito. Nangangamba lang ako sa buhay naming mag-anak,” the legislator added.
While contractors could not deny involvement in the anomaly, Marcoleta insisted that they (contractors) are “not the most guilty.
COMPROMISE DEAL
He also floated the idea of striking a compromise deal if only to convince the “witness” —that criminal cases will not be filed against them and they will only face civil liability.
“Kung papayag kayo na i-dispense natin ang criminal prosecution, civil liability kayo. You indemnify the government. Bayaran ninyo ‘yung pagkakamali ninyo. Kung halimbawa defective, ayusin ninyo,” he said.
“Pero magturo kayo. So ‘yung ituturo ninyo will be subjected to criminal prosecution. Ganun ang gawin natin,” he quipped.
WHEN A SOLDIER, police officer, or firefighter leaves home for work, their families knew all along that there’s a possibility that the man of the house may not be able to return alive.
The sacrifices of military and uniformed personnel are often measured not by the hours of service, but by putting at risk their very own lives. There are those who have managed to survive, and those ending up in “body bags.”
Behind the uniforms are spouses and kids quietly carrying the weight of uncertainty.
In most cases, families left behind by “fallen heroes” have been struggling day after day, just to survive — a predicament that the government could address by institutionalizing a law that would secure their future.
POLITICAL HOSTAGE
For the longest time, politicians have been bragging about scholarship programs as if funds were drawn from their pockets.
Worse, the grants are limited to the “chosen ones,” mostly from political leaders who have been instrumental in election victories.
However, there’s a way to help the bereaved families of falling heroes without being held hostage by politicians — by institutionalizing a scholarship program for kids of fallen heroes.
At the Senate, a legislative proposal seeking to address the predicament of the families of military and uniformed personnel (MUP) who died in line of duty, had just been filed.
But whether or not the 20th Congress would concur, that’s another story.
SENATE BILL 684
To address the sad plight of families left behind by the “fallen heroes,” Senator Bong Go authored Senate Bill 684, (Scholarship for Children of Fallen MUP Act of 2025) meant to ensure the future of bereaved children.
“Our uniformed personnel stand as the first line of defense in protecting the peace, security, and stability of the nation,” Go emphasized. “When these tragedies occur, it is not only the nation that grieves, but also the families they leave behind — particularly their children who bear the heavy burden of loss and uncertainty.”
The bill seeks to provide full scholarships to the children of military and uniformed personnel — from soldiers and police officers to firefighters and coast guards — who are killed or permanently incapacitated in the line of duty.
EDUCATION AS EQUALIZER
Education has long been recognized as the greatest equalizer in Philippine society. By investing in the children of fallen heroes, the nation also gets to strengthen the future workforce. Every scholar produced represents resilience, continuity, and hope.
“Through this bill, the nation not only honors their sacrifice and heroism, but also empowers the next generation to carry forward the ideals for which their parents so bravely stood,” Go stressed.
The measure, according to Go, goes beyond immediate relief; it offers a long-term, life-changing opportunity.
ALL EXPENSE PAID
For Senator Go, the death or incapacity of a breadwinner is with all certainty devastating. Beyond grief, they often face financial struggles — from daily expenses to long-term concerns, including sending kids to school.
Educational assistance will cover expenses from the time of death or incapacitation until the child finishes a four or five-year college degree.
The legislative proposal also exempts beneficiaries from paying school fees in any school, college, or university of choice.
SB 684 covers children of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
TIMELY LIFELINE
Aside from ensuring scholarship grants, the bill offers more than assistance — the leverage of dreaming, as it transforms the legacy of sacrifice into an investment in the future, which effectively empowers children to rise above tragedy and become leaders, professionals, and productive citizens.
For widowed spouses and grieving parents, it is also a reassurance that their loved one’s service will never be forgotten, and that the State recognizes its obligation to those who gave their all for the country.
If enacted, the Scholarship for Children of Fallen MUP Act will become a living tribute — ensuring that the loss of one life paves the way for the upliftment of another, which in effect sends a powerful message — no Pinoy hero’s child will be left behind.
LAST TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, officials of the Bureau of Customs went to Pasig City to inspect luxury vehicles allegedly owned by the Gerrard Construction Company, a firm owned by the Discayas. But on arrival at the scene, only two luxury cars were found. There were at least 40 luxury vehicles caught on camera in a television interview. (Update: Later that day, Sara Discaya surrendered 10 more luxury vehicles stated in the court-issued search warrant)
DO YOU EVER feel like your days are packed with so much action, but no real results? It’s like running on a treadmill — moving, sweating, getting tired… but still in the exact same spot.
The Back Story
Busy days can feel like that. You’re ticking boxes, answering calls, sending emails… but are you actually getting closer to what you want?
The trick is to pause, look around, and ask yourself:
“Am I getting results, or just keeping myself busy?”
Because moving forward isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what actually matters.
Why Busyness Feels Productive
Being busy feels good in the moment. You’re in motion. You’re “getting things done.”
But if those things don’t bring results, they’re just noise.
That’s why so many people end the day exhausted but strangely unsatisfied. They worked hard, but not on the right things.
The Do’s
Set clear goals – Define what “results” actually mean for you.
Prioritize – Do the tasks that really move the needle.
Check in weekly – Look back and ask, “What results did I get?”
Say no – Protect your time from things that add nothing.
The Don’ts
Don’t confuse activity with achievement.
Don’t load your schedule just to look “productive.”
Don’t avoid reflection — it’s where you see what’s working.
Don’t hide in easy tasks to dodge the real challenges.
Career Chaos
Carol spends all day answering emails as they pop up. By 5:00 pm, she’s drained, but her main project hasn’t moved an inch. She’s busy… zero results.
Life at Home
Jim keeps “preparing” his garage for a home gym. Months later, still no equipment. Lots of activity, no results.
Social Snags
Claire goes to every networking event, hands out tons of cards… but never follows up. She’s meeting people, but not building relationships.
Breaking the Cycle
Start by asking yourself:
“What’s the one thing I could do today that would bring real results?”
Do that first. Even if it’s uncomfortable. Even if it’s the hardest task.
The rest? It can wait.
At first, you might feel “lazy” because you’re not drowning in busy work. But once the results show up, you’ll never miss the treadmill life.
Tips and Techniques
Being busy isn’t the same as getting results.
You don’t need more hours — you need smarter use of the ones you already have.
Starting today, pick one thing that matters and do it first. Even if the rest of the day falls apart, you’ll know you moved forward where it counts.
Results don’t always come in big, flashy wins. Sometimes they’re just small, steady steps — but they’re steps in the right direction.
Remember: Stop being busy — start getting results.
RESIGNED PUBLIC WORKS Secretary Manuel Bonoan has no right to feign innocence in the goings on in his department, which he headed beginning July 2, 2022 until the acceptance by President Marcos of his resignation on Sunday and his replacement by Transportation Secretary Vivencio ‘Vince’ Dizon.
Records of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism showed that between July 2022 and May 2025, or the first three years of Marcos, the government funded 9,855 flood control projects worth over P545 billion, with the bulk or 345 solo or joint projects worth P8.6 billion being awarded to filthy rich billionaire couple Pacifico “Curlee” II and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, now regarded as king and queen of flood control, through their six construction companies. The PCIJ said this is three times the P8.6 billion allocated for “housing and community amenities” in the proposed 2025 budget. No other contractors came close, the Inquirer quoted PCIJ.
As head of DPWH, he should have done inspections, monitoring, checking of financial capacities of bidders and their historical dealings with DPWH and other government entities and required pre and post audits before approving the winning bid (if such biddings were even held at all).
If he did not fulfill such duties that he had sworn to protect the Filipino people and the government, then he should be charged with dereliction of duty or gross negligence. He can thus be labelled complicit to the crime.
In the hearing of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Discaya claimed these were earned through 23 years of their collaboration with the DPWH, when fact checkers proved that all their companies were 10 or 11 years old.
Recent weeks have seen massive rainfall that have caused flooding– even in erstwhile higher grounds of the metropolis– that caused a sustained public outcry and allegations of substandard work because of corruption and the pocketing of massive funds by politicians and contractors. This also caused the ire of the President prompting him to publicly shame such illegal practices with his declaration of ‘mahiya naman kayo’ in his July state of the nation address.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, anti corruption advocate, recently said as much as 60% of infrastructure funds could go to “commissions” and off-the-books payments to legislators, public works officials, auditors and others. “The pie-sharing varies depending on the level of greed,” he said.
Billionaire couple Pacifico “Curlee” II and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya can be dubbed the King and Queen of Flood Control. The six construction companies founded by the couple and their son bagged 345 solo and joint projects worth a whopping P25.2 billion pesos. That’s three times the P8.6 billion allocated for “housing and community amenities” in the proposed 2025 budget. No other contractors came close.
The PCIJ reported that contractors of government flood-control projects linked to the Discayas secured over P31-billion worth of contracts from 2022 to 2025.These Discaya-founded companies alone—namely Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp., St. Timothy Construction Corporation, St. Matthew Gen. Contractor & Development Corp., Great Pacific Builders and Gen. Contractor Inc., St. Gerrard Construction Gen. Contractor & Development Corp., and Way Maker General Contractor OPC—secured P25.2 billion-worth of government contracts.
The PCIJ said three other construction firms, specifically YPR Gen. Contractor and Construction, Elite General Contractors and Development Corp., and Amethyst Horizon Builders listed Curlee as chief operating officer.
The best contractors are not necessarily the biggest ones. The 15 contractors who got the largest sums out of the flood-control contracts have checkered records.
Two are facing possible tax audits. One has a previous graft case. Another has been criticized for endangering locals. Over half of the 15 have gotten “poor” (less than 75%) or “unsatisfactory” (75–82%) marks from the Construction Performance Evaluation System (CPES), a rating system to evaluate construction companies’ performance in government projects, the PCIJ said..
A poor or unsatisfactory rating should ideally result in disqualification from future biddings, based on CPES implementing guidelines.
A blacklisted firm is automatically delisted when the period for the penalty has elapsed, unless the blacklisting agency requests the Government Procurement Policy Board to maintain the firm’s status.
CHECKERED RECORDS
Eleven of the 15 flood control contractors have checkered records, These firms got the largest budget from flood control projects marked “completed” from July 1, 2022 to May 30, 2025. Questions have been raised about the performance of 11 of them.
The Discayas’ St. Timothy (No. 6) is one of the contractors of a damaged Navotas floodgate that has failed to control flooding in the city. The company was also criticized for participating in a joint venture for the supply of election materials in the May 2025 midterm election as its founder Sarah Discaya vied for Pasig mayorship. The firm was pressured to get out from the deal at the last minute.
St. Timothy and three more Discaya firms—Alpha & Omega (No. 5), St. Matthew (No. 17), and St. Gerrard (No. 50)—were also the subjects of a Bureau of Internal Revenue tax investigation, which in 2022 was upheld by the Court of Tax Appeals. The Bureaus of Internal Revenue and Customs have recently also announced investigations into the couples’ financial records.
THE CO COMPANIES
Three companies, owned by Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co., who was House chair of the appropriations committee, his brother Christopher and sister, Farida owned companies that bagged 149 flood control projects worth P15 billion between 2022 and 2025.
Sunwest was founded by Zaldy Co, Hi Tone Construction & Development Corp. by Christopher Co and sister Farida, founder/owner of FS Co Builders & Supply.
The Co-linked Sunwest and Hi-Tone have both received poor and unsatisfactory ratings, the former for the rehabilitation of a wharf in Tabaco, Albay, and the latter for upgrade of a Legazpi wharf and the construction of a road leading to Romblon airport.
The Cos’ Sunwest projects, in particular, have been found to be subpar, suspicious, or in violation of regulations, including: 1) In 2012, COA found that a road it built was short of 2,000 square meters; 2) In 2020, the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau flagged Sunwest and 14 other companies for violating quarrying permits. The agency eventually cleared them and allowed the resumption of their activities; 3) In 2021, the firm was investigated for medical supply contracts with the government during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Senators found it “suspicious” for a construction company to venture in such a deal; 4) In 2021, Sunwest entered into a contract with the Department of Education to supply laptops for teachers. In July 2025, the Ombudsman charged former top education officials for procuring overpriced and outdated laptops from Sunwest and two other firms and 5) Civil society groups in Western Visayas claimed that Sunwest’s P2.6-billion road project in the region poses risks to the biodiverse Central Panay Mountain Range.
MORE CONTRACTORS FROM PCIJ LIST
Equi-Parco (No.9), based in Agusan del Norte and founded by former Butuan Mayor Ronnie Vicente Lagnada, has received two unsatisfactory or poor ratings.
Legacy (no. 2), whose owner, Alex Abelido, was accused of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act over a waterworks contract with the town of Valencia, Negros Oriental in 2000 but was eventually acquitted. Legacy has the worst record among all 15 firms, with at least four poor or unsatisfactory CPES ratings.
Road Edge Development Services (No. 14) which had three records, 4) EGB (No. 3), 5) M.G. Samidan Construction (No. 11) and 6) L.R. Tiqui Builders (No. 12) had at least one poor or unsatisfactory evaluation each. 7) Some projects of QM Builders have been embroiled in controversy, including accusations of causing a landslide, a flash flood, and displacement of locals.
Mindanao had least number, amounts of projects
The PCIJ said funding for the 10 most flood-prone provinces identified by the MGB is uneven, with Luzon provinces getting more than those in Mindanao, despite being smaller in size and in some cases, less vulnerable to floods.
Metro Manila and Bulacan enjoyed the highest funding, soaring past larger or more vulnerable areas like Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Nueva Ecija.
The fifth most vulnerable area in the country, Maguindanao del Norte and Sur, got P2.4 billion. Metro Manila, which is 16 times smaller and less flood-prone, got 20 times the two provinces’ funding.
In fact, the nation’s capital, together with Bulacan province, gobbled up 15% of the funding for flood-control structures built in the first three years of the Marcos Jr. administration. All projects in Metro Manila have a price tag of P52.5 billion, while those in Bulacan are valued at P43.7 billion. Only these two areas got funding of more than P30 billion.
Isabela and Cebu each had a budget between P20 to 30 billion. Meanwhile, 13 provinces had budgets between P10 to 20 billion: Tarlac, Camarines Sur, Albay, Pampanga, Leyte, Pangasinan, Misamis Oriental, La Union, Oriental Mindoro, Negros Occidental, Cavite, Davao del Sur, and Ilocos Norte.
The PCIJ said 64 remaining provinces had a budget of P10 million and below, while Tawi-Tawi is the only province with no listed flood-control project over the last three years.
MARCOS TO CREATE INDEPENDENT PROBE BODY
The President is finalizing an executive order creating an independent probe commission on the flood control anomalies. As an investigative arm, it will investigate whatever information is received. It will be sent to them and they will investigate it.
He said the panel would recommend the filing of complaints to the Ombudsman or the Department of Justice. The commission would recommend to the Executive what to do with certain parties who have been found to be part of all of this corruption that has been going on, not only in flood control but in all the workings within the DPWH.
He lamented: “Unfortunately, the more we look, the more we find. Kahit sa 2026 budget, marami pa ring sinigit… It really needs to be cleaned out properly.”
As to who will lead it, he said, it depends on how it is structured. But he mentioned the need for forensic investigators, lawyers, and justices as part of the committee to look into the pieces of evidence.
The commission will put together information and make the recommendation to either the DOJ or the Ombudsman, depending on who is found to be liable for some of these nefarious activities,” he said.
THE RECENT ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs Department (INCAD) reunion held at the Studio 1 Plaza of the compound in Quezon City was a cornucopia of anything less nostalgic, fun, and friendly.
I was an attendee as an original “TV Patrol”’s field reporter, writer, Voice-Over (VO), standupper and associate producer of the segment “Star News” being produced and anchored by Angelique Lazo for years. Prior to “TV Patrol,” I was already a fixture of the ABS-CBN Newsroom, still, for Angelique’s arts, entertainment and culture news bits. I was already on coverage with a cameraman, a VTR man, a driver for its former six o-clock newscast “Balita Ngayon,” a few months after the EDSA Revolution that sent the dictator to exile in Hawaii.
Because “Star News” was under staff, I was requested by Angelique to look for other reporters and writers to make up the team so I asked the late Mario V. Dumaual (at the time a fellow member of the Malayang Kilusan ng mga Manunulat Laban sa Yabang at Abuso or MAKINILYA which I founded with colleagues JC Nigado, Mike Feria, Lulubelle Lam Ramos, Nitz Miralles, Jocelyn Dino, among others) and Joel Saracho (an editor in Jose Burgos, Jr.’s Masa, a broadsheet in Filipino) to join in.
Jik, Angelique’s nickname, got Francis O. Villacorta who happened to be a movie columnist for Miscellaneous Magazine where he wrote about Angelique as a cover girl.
The team was complete. Mario, Francis and I were reporters while Joel was the Head Writer.
(From left) Olive Villafuerte, Gretchen Ocampo-Recto and Angelique Lazo (Photo Credit: Boy Villasanta)
“STAR NEWS” TEAM
During my stint in the newsroom, there were a lot of colorful stories on and off-cam that were the subjects of conversations open and hush, speeches, tete-a-tetes etc. among the attendees like Lazo herself, Joel, Olive Villafuerte, Gretchen Ocampo-Recto, Marc Logan, Anna Marie Balane Fudaranan, Tere Romano, Pia Hontiveros-Pagkalinawan, Bodjie Gonzales, Jess Alcantara, Erwin Tulfo, Katherine de Castro, Carmelita “Twinkle” Valdez, Reggie Flores, Ariel Nepomuceno, Carrie Jose, Jing Castaneda, Obette Serrano, Teddy Boy Locsin, Marie Mamawal, Charie Villa, Myrna Castro de la Torre, Gus Abelgas etc.
There were more than three hundred of us during the event.
It was Jik who mentioned the reunion to me and added my name to the KAPAMILYA 4-EVER Group Chat so I was able to monitor every single movement of the gathering.
I came all the way from San Pedro City, Laguna after I got through with my deadlines for broadsheets, tabloids, news online etc.
It rained hard when I went down the MRT Quezon Avenue, walked to the tricycle hub, got into one trike which wasn’t allowed to pass through the whole Sgt. Esguerra Avenue strip which occupied the front yard of ABS-CBN and the driver was pissed off. “Wala namang sinasabi sa amin, bakit sarado (There’s no advisory for us why it’s closed?),” observed the tricycle driver but I batted in. “May event, reunion ng mga taga-(There’s a reunion of people from the) News and Current Affairs,” I said which pacified him.
We rerouted instead to Samar Avenue to ELJ Drive, the former Scout Albano, right at the Audience Entrance of ABS-CBN.
After registration and owning up a small green “Batang ABS-CBN” t-shirt, I went up the hall near the garden where the lunch was served but I didn’t care to eat as I had my lunch at home to be sure I wouldn’t miss it on time as it was already past two in the afternoon.
A TIGHT HUG FROM CHARIE VILLA
As I looked to the reception table, guess who was smiling at me with eyes widely popping out? Who else but Charie who said she came all the way from Lipa City in Batangas where she has a farm.
Charie and I hugged tightly as we’ve not seen for ages.
Then Regino Flores, better known as Reggie Flores of the former “Magandang Gabi, Bayan,” “Balitang K,” “Rated K,” etc. kissed me and handed me a Coco Gents box of wellness tubes and bar soaps. Saracho greeted me with my recent 6th Empowered Men and Women of the Philippines which just made me acknowledge it and smiled. Twinkle, news reporter and Myrna, ex-producer of “TV Patrol,” “Knowledge Power” etc. shared the same table where I shared for a moment as I hopped from one table to the other looking for familiar faces during my time. News correspondent Mariel Gazeta, formerly from Channel 4 saw and jubilantly took a selfie with me.
It was nostalgia all over again in the four walls of ABS-CBN. I remembered my finest hour as a TV broadcaster with such stories, scoops and hot stories like Melanie Marquez giving birth to Michelle Marquez Dee, interviewing Lea Salonga for his “Miss Saigon” stint in West End, foraying into Maricel Soriano paying a visit to Edu Manzano on the set of the film “Eagle Squad” when the two weren’t confirming their romance yet, getting an exclusive menage-a-trois between sisters Margie and Nina Sara and lover, actor Mel Francisco etc.
At the John, I introduced myself to someone fixing up in the mirror. He was wearing a red “Batang ABS-CBN” tee who turned out to be Ariel Nepomuceno, a former “MGB” staff.
DOLPHY THEATER EXUDES NOSTALGIA
When I entered Dolphy Theater where the program was held, other memories flooded my mind. It used to be the live studio for “Katalog-Pinggan,” a noontime variety show of the station which starred Pinky Marquez etc. It was also the studio where Edu beamed his late-night show. It was the whole compound where I scouted guests for our daily show “CinemaScoop” with the still missing TV host, talent manager, entertainment journalist and star builder Boy C. de Guia when we ran out of stars to be interviewed to fill the gaps in the show. I was moonlighting for Kuya (a term of endearment to an elder brother or man by blood or affinity) Boy’s entertainment show, a pre-programming of “TV Patrol.” Mario and I had to comb every nook and cranny of the network looking for news.
As a working press, though, I would always get to the Theater for presscons and other gigs.
I already left ABS-CBN to establish my theater group DUMALO (Dulaang Don Mateo Lopez)—a community theater org in Lopez, Quezon—when it was constructed. Movie scribes Obette and Roland Lerum replaced me in “Star News.”
In the program itself emceed by Marc Logan and Pia Hontiveros, a lot of colorful tales of all sorts were unearthed onstage. According to Erwin who forked out P50,000.00 to be raffled off among the attendees, when he was still a reporter, a destitute person approached and asked for money from him. “I didn’t have money at the time so I borrowed from someone else just to give to the poor soul,” he recalled.
SENATOR ERWIN AND A DESTITUTE PERSON
When Charie’s turn to speak came, she mentioned a discussion about her fellow broadcasters Korina Sanches and Julius Babao’s current ticklish issue on journalists allegedly getting “perks” from interviews. Before she went down, though, she teased Erwin. “Hoy, Erwin, nabayaran mo na ba ‘yong utang mo (did you already pay your debts?)” which elicited guffaws from the audience.
Senator Erwin Tulfo (Photo Credit: Boy Villasanta
Former Press Secretary Teddy Boy Locsin of the Cory administration admitted he was poor in the vernacular but still, Noli de Castro encouraged him to go on which he passed with flying colors in the end as his “The Assignment” rated highly on the charts.
Marie Mamawal, former Executive Producer of “MGB” has loads of stories to tell. She didn’t spare the talks about Angelique going out on dates with the gorgeous Manny Ayala or the love story between Noli and Arlene Sinsuat de Castro.
Tony Velasquez disclosed that he was once rejected an employment application by ABS-CBN but came back to the company a decade after and got accepted.
Carrie talked about many amusing and amazing stories about producing “Hoy! Gising.”
To pay tribute to those who have gone to rest among news personnel, a rundown was screened…Eugenio Lopez, Jr., also known as the Kapitan, Angelo Castro, Jr., Kristina Luz, Mario Garcia, Lito de Loyola, Bert Salonga etc.
I said hello to Pia who was standing near me, smiling at me while waiting for Gretchen to end her speech and giving me a cheek-to-cheek.
I remember it was Pia who observed that Dumaual and I as entertainment broadcast reporters had maintained a low profile in the newsroom. “Bakit kayo ni Mario, mas seryoso kesa sa aming mga reporter sa ibang (Why are you and Mario, were more serious than us in our) beats?” she wondered.
PIA PINCH-HITS FOR ANGELIQUE
Hontiveros was once pinch-hitting for Angelique in the “Star News” news reading.
Katherine de Castro said she spent most of her growing years in the newsroom.
Yes, I remember when she was just a kid, I always saw her when mom Arlene would bring her to the office.
De Castro has many memories, happy and sad with ABS-CBN News. She thanked all those people she worked with.
Former ABS-CBN President Freddie M. Garcia sent an inspiring speech read by Ronnie Cruz.
Laughter, fun and excitement dominated the hallways of the Star Network and inside the Dolphy Theater.
Group photos, selfies and candid snaps ruled the camaraderie of the then and now prime movers of the department.
Francis Toral, the Senior Vice President of INCAD proudly welcomed everyone and reminisced the good ole’ days of the newsroom when she was just starting in it in the 90s.
The reunion got Lumang Tao (old staff as in veteran)” and “Bagong Tao (new staff)” of the INCAD together.
In the GC KAPAMILYA 4-EVER, a lot of its members (based in the Philippines and globally) wanted to attend the event but they had previous commitments.
Erstwhile INCAD Manager Ging Reyes was in the US during the momentous affair but she sent an encouraging video greeting as well.
The present day has a lot of things to say about the “old” and “new” people of INCAD, a division which has expanded through years to include the Interactive or news online.
Where are they now?
Angelique is now a newscaster and public affairs show host at People’s Television (PTV) Channel 4; Joel is still an active writer and showbiz analyst while dabbles in acting on film, TV and stage; Olive, a former news honcho at ABS-CBN and Channel 5 is a Member-at-Large and Chairperson of the Girls Scout of the Philippines (GSP) National Equipment Services Committee; Gretchen is still with the Bahay Kalinga, the TV program of ABS-CBN Foundation; Marc is running a weekly show at TV6; Anna Marie is now retired from the broadcast industry; Tere is still busy as a broadcaster; Pia said she’s busy with a lot of things outside the media; Bodjie is still a VTR editor in the news department; Jess has retired from camera work; Erwin is now as senator; Katherine is head of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA); Twinkle is an active news hen while being an officer of Samahang Plaridel, a media organization; Reggie still works for Korina; Ariel is the new Commissioner at the Bureau of Customs; Carrie has retired but manages her family business; Jing is still in the media business; Obette is still a freelance movie writer; Teddy Boy is still active in the diplomatic works as Philippine envoy to the United Kingdom; Marie is an active multimedia practitioner and an educator; Myrna is with Prime TV; Gus is with TV5 etc.
Human Formation Logo of ABS-CBN (Photo Credit: KAPAMILYA 4-EVER/Facebook)
One of the highlights of the reunion was the human formation of the iconic logo of ABS-CBN where Pia directed the shoots at the Sgt. Esguerra Avenue.
At this time, Noli went out for a while, mobbed by past and present news and current affairs people before he went on air for “TV Patrol.”
Despite a short get-together with colleagues, de Castro managed to be at the center of the human ABS-CBN logo.
It was joyful and poignant.
Mirthful because of seeing each other again after eons and haunting because the symbol of unity among ABS-CBN people in the service of the Filipinos worldwide, the renowned tower and the original grounds will soon be gone.
Aside from Pia, the other organizer of the Balik-Tahanan Reunion of the Lumang Tao and Batang ABS-CBN were Dennis Villoso, Bernard Peralta, may Purificacion, Billy Jarlego, Engelbert Apostol etc.
WHEN news broke out on the arrest of a district engineer in Batangas over an alleged attempt to bribe a billionaire congressman, there was a public clamor to send more crooks behind the bar.
The bribery, according to reports, was meant to stop Congressman Leandro Leviste from pursuing an investigation into the anomalous flood control projects in the first congressional district which he represents in the lower legislative chamber.
Following a confirmation from the Philippine National Police regional office for the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Leviste was swarmed with praises from equally prominent personalities and the netizens.
For them, the act in itself represents hope that corruption is not invincible after all.
BILLIONAIRE AT 20
Leandro Antonio Leviste comes from a wealthy political family who have been in office for a combined 42 years — his father is former Batangas Governor Antonio Leviste. His mom is Senator Loren Legarda.
The young Leviste obtained his degree in political science from Yale University, a private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut, United States.
At 32, already owned business interests in energy, agriculture, real estate, media & broadcasting.
Leviste founded Solar Philippines in 2013 and listed its subsidiary, SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), in 2021, becoming the youngest-ever chairman of a company on the Philippine Stock Exchange.
POLITICIAN AT 32
In 2023, the young Leviste already knew where he’s headed — the same path with that of his former governor father and his mom who is an incumbent senator.
Between 2023 and 2025, Leviste sold 14.60 billion shares of SPNEC to Meralco for P18.26 billion and 1.84 billion shares of SPNEC to public shareholders for P2.23 billion for a combined P20.49 billion.
It was not certain though how much exactly he spent from the time he hinted at running for public office — and the amount he burned to launch an effective political campaign for his 2025 congressional bid, which he obviously won.
DIVESTING INTERESTS
After winning the election for Batangas’ first congressional district, Leviste sold his remaining shares at the SPNEC for a mind-boggling P34 billion, in compliance with Republic Act 6713 Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees).
The law establishes a framework for ethical behavior and accountability in the Philippine public service. Part of the law requires public officials to divest business interests prior to assumption to office — which he did, or so we thought.
Web sources showed that the young Leviste also invested in media. He reportedly owns 10% in media giant ABS-CBN Corporation, making him its largest shareholder after Lopez Inc.
Leviste’s Countryside Investments Holdings Corporation also invested P5 billion in Roxas Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Central Azucarera Don Pedro, Inc.
NOT A SUPERHERO
While the act of sending a crook behind bars in itself is commendable, doubts are raised as to the motive behind the supposed entrapment operation.
Unlike Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, the young Leviste pulled off the trick after the so-called Mayors For Good Governance founder Benjamin Magalong dragged congressmen into the dubious scheme embarking on “kickbacks.”
Since assuming the top local elective post in 2019, Sotto has radically transformed governance by putting in place mechanisms — allowing the public to attend public biddings — for which the city government was able to save billions now being used to cover wider services and benefits for Pasig City residents.
Interestingly, both Sotto and Leviste are direct descendants of political dynasties. But unlike Leviste, Sotto is not fond of attending press conferences, media forums, and even television interviews.
AMID calls for a lifestyle check among officials and personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) amassing fortune from ghost infrastructure projects, a video of an island was leaked to the Philippine Insider.
The owner of the island located in Mabini, Batangas — a prominent political family from Cavite, known to be “extremely close” to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Aside from family members, the island, which has three helipads, also caters to wealthy Chinese nationals linked to illegal POGO.
FURTHER POINTING TO collusion between private contractor and public officials in government projects, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has flagged potential conflict of interest involving two board members of the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB).
Lacson referred to the accreditation board member as Engr. Erni Baggao who reportedly owns and is the president of EGB Construction Corporation which bagged the fifth biggest amount of flood control projects in the country.
Baggao was appointed to the PCAB in 2023 but despite his appointment as a government official, he apparently did not divest ownership of the said construction company that is ranked fifth in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (PBBM)’s list of biggest contractors from 2022 to 2025.
Moreover, Baggao is also the acting general manager of Isabela Electric Cooperative II or ISELCOII, which provides electricity in the northern half of Isabela.
‘[U]nder Section 7 of RA 6713, public officials during their incumbency shall not own, control, or manage any private enterprise regulated or licensed by their office; nor engage in the private practice of their profession.’
WORTH P5.3B The EGB Construction’s road and drainage upgrade project in Baguio City in 2020 had once been rated poor by the Constructors’ Performance Evaluation System.
EGB Corporation is based in Ilagan City, Isabela, and the company is worth ₱5.3 billion at the end of 2024, according to its latest financial statement. The company earned a net income of ₱202 million in 2024, compared to a net income of ₱64 million in 2023, which is a 216 percent increase.
It was revealed that EGB cornered a total of ₱7.7 billion worth of flood control projects, including a number of joint ventures.
Baggao’s firm is also a joint venture partner of local contractor Dragon Twelve, which is owned by the brother of Ilagan City, Isabela Mayor Jay Diaz.
EGB and Dragon Twelve once donated motorcycles to the Christmas party of the provincial government of Isabela. The provincial government has awarded contracts to both EGB and Dragon Twelve, according to documents uploaded on the website of the province of Isabela.
The other PCAB official was named as Engr. Arthur Escalante.
DIVEST BEFORE APPOINTMENT Lacson pointed out that “under Section 7 of RA 6713, public officials during their incumbency shall not own, control, or manage any private enterprise regulated or licensed by their office; nor engage in the private practice of their profession.”
As of press time, Baggao could not be reached for a comment but Escalante has indicated that he would prefer to explain his side at today’s Senate hearing.
By law or under Republic Act 4566, the members of the board need to have been a contractor for 10 years or more.
But among the three current board members. including Pericles Dakay, only EGB Construction bagged flood control projects from the Department of Public Works and Highways during Marcos’ term.
After his revelations, Lacson asserted that the PCAB must investigate information alleging that the body is involved in an “accreditation for sale” modus.
However, PCAB has reacted that it has not authorized any individual, group or third-party consultant to act on its behalf or to guarantee contractor accreditation in exchange for money, adding that it was aware that some unscrupulous people may be misrepresenting themselves.
“PCAB has been proactive in addressing this issue— conducting investigations, reporting fake social media accounts, and coordinating with the proper authorities to protect the public and the industry,” the Board stressed.
THE ACCEPTANCE on Sunday of the resignation of Manuel Bonoan as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways, and his replacement by Transport Secretary Vivencio Dizon though hugely- welcomed was regarded as suspiciously long in coming by the Kabataan Partylist, who claimed that President Marcos should have acted fast, instead of waiting for Bonoan to resign.
In between the public’s outrage over the corruption at DPWH and Bonoan’s resignation, —and the President’s acceptance— much cover-ups and data disappearances/manipulations could have occurred to spare several politicians that have been colluding with greedy contractors of flood control projects that were either ghost projects, overbloated and repeatedly budgeted, delayed completion (if at all began) using substandard materials and of substandard work, and loads of kickbacks (shared among contractors, politicians, especially those that made insertions to the budget, and LGU executives).
DEBATES IN SENATE Too much heated debates have happened on the senate floor over the anomalous flood control projects, which the Blue Ribbon Committee of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta claims to exclusively be his responsibility by fighting it out with Senators Panfilo Lacson, Kiko Pangilinan, and Tito Sotto.
Such infighting for the glamor of chairing the probe only serves to further delay the ultimate outcome that people are dying to see: the filing of appropriate charges, fining and putting in jail those responsible for such enormous graft and corruption in implementing the flood control projects, especially as continuous heavy rains result in massive flooding of the metropolis.
‘The problem with DPWH is the systemic corruption— practically every level is already tainted with wrongdoings and personnel have grown used to enjoying huge sums from corruption that personal greed is impossible to discard.’
HOUSE PROBE The House is also conducting its separate probe, and so with the DPWH under Bonoan, which would would either investigate or protect its own people from the consequences of their misdeeds.
A lot of House members are being implicated in the corruption of flood control projects by owning the construction companies, favoring/cuddling their contractors, inserting budget for such projects (even if not needed) and requiring percentages from the bloated project costs.
ENTER VINCE DIZON Widely liked for his pro-commuters, pedestrians and pro-PUV stance, Dizon who has served government in numerous capacities since the time of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III until Marcos Jr. has been given a difficult mission at DPWH by the President: “a full departmental cleaning to restore credibility in flood control spending.”
(Earlier, the President warned that if such budget insertions and anomalies in DPWH and flood control projects would not stop, he would not approve the proposed 2026 budget of P6.793 trillion.)
SYSTEMATIC CORRUPTION The problem with DPWH is the systemic corruption— practically every level is already tainted with wrongdoings and personnel have grown used to enjoying huge sums from corruption that personal greed is impossible to discard. Add the corrupting influence of politicians and contractors and some LGU heads, Dizon might just end up running in circles and not attain anything with the remaining barely three years of the Marcos administration.
In the end, whatever goodwill Dizon earned from his numerous positions in government might all end up to nothing— as evil has seeped deep in the public works sector.
IN THE EYES OF THE CORRUPT For starters, Dizon is not absolutely without fault, he had a lot. He just might end up purging these ghosts from his image and waste precious time extricating himself from these blunders.
The most prominent is the P11-billion New Clark City sports facilities deal for the 2019 SEA Games, where he and other officials faced graft and malversation charges.
The Commission on Audit voided the project because of procurement violations, inflated costs and absence of proper appropriations. (Critics might be quick to say, are you any better than us?).
Dizon was also criticized by transport and human rights groups for displacing Aeta communities in Tarlac in favor of the New Clark City.
Another is the P55-million cauldron—the most expensive and most wasteful spending for the SEA Games that then Senate President Allan Peter Cayetano pushed so hard.
In 2021, he made headlines after he was roughed up by cyclists in Clark, when as chair of the Bases Conversion Development Authority, he banned them from certain roads. (Here he might be accused of being heavy handed and arbitrary).
A TECHNOCRAT Having worked for different administrations, Dizon is regarded more as a technocrat and a micromanager. He would go to site inspections and bark simultaneous spot orders, that on hind sight need further study and analysis.
Supporters have been hailing him as “action man” who can deliver results. Critics said the SEA Games baggage and human rights controversies might haunt him in his new post.
But if he succeeds in cleaning up the most corrupt agency in the country might wash away his past sins and make him as the country’s modern day messiah.
FOR ONE, THE act of exposing the multibillion budget mess involving so-called flood control projects is an indication that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. really meant business.
But holding crooks criminally liable is another thing – so as the “congressional investigations in aid of legislation.”
It is satirical watching legislators behind the dubious budget insertions look into a mess which had their fingerprints. Self-professed analysts call it grandstanding. To some, it’s hypocrisy.
Taking cue from the long list of legislative inquiries, the congressional probe has been decimated into a recycle bin preying on hapless resource persons to cover up their mess — the insertions under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
To paraphrase a biblical line — “Before judging another person’s splinter on the eyes, remove first the log that blocks your sight.
MISSING MASTER PLAN
The massive flooding in Metro Manila triggered the probe on the government’s flood control projects. Initial findings showed Metro Manila and its adjoining regions don’t have flood control master plans to begin with.
No less than DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan admitted that his predecessor — former Secretary Mark Villar (now a sitting senator) did not turn over a masterplan or road map on flood control when he took over.
But Villar said otherwise — “Meron pong mga master plan… I am aware may mga master plan talaga sa DPWH. Some are foreign-funded; each flood-water basin may master plan.”
True enough, there was one but the master plan Villar must be referring to is the one that was prepared by former DPWH chief Rogelio Singson who left a P351-billion flood control master plan. Singson was the DPWH chief from July 2010 to June 2016 under the Aquino administration.
BULACAN WORST HIT
Bulacan province, which got the biggest chunk of the budget insertion worked out by Senate President Chiz Escudero, was branded as the most notorious in flood control funding.
In a privilege speech, Senator Panfilo Lacson branded Bulacan as ground zero of flood control corruption, exposing ghost projects, recycled budgets, and substandard works.
Lacson’s team inspected several barangays in Malolos and Hagonoy, uncovering what he called a “standard for substandard” system in six barangays under the the Bulacan 1st Engineering District:
Calero, Malolos – A ₱77M “riverbank protection” project was tagged completed in 2024, but the site only had a subdivision perimeter fence.
Babatnin, Malolos – Another ₱77M dike, supposedly funded in 2024 by Darcy and Anna Builders is just a recycled 2018 structure repainted and re-tagged. Registered as a sole proprietorship with an address in Cardona, Rizal, the company’s supposed office turned out to be a gym and e-payment shop. No trace of construction business.
Carillo, Hagonoy – A ₱77.199M project declared finished in April 2024 had no structure at all. “Hello, Darcy — and Anna, nasaan ang flood control?”
Abulalas, Hagonoy – Another ₱77.199M project under Darcy and Anna yielded nothing but floodwaters. “Hindi niyo po talaga makikita. Guni-guni lang kasi ang flood control structure,” he said.
Iba, Hagonoy – A ₱77.199M Wawao Builders project listed as completed in 2024 turned out to be an entirely different ₱92.5M project still being built by Ferdstar. Wawao is owned by Mark Allan Arevalo.
San Nicolas, Hagonoy – A ₱77.199M Wawao Builders dike reported finished in 2023 showed no changes since 2017 on satellite images.
Lacson said the anomalies in Bulacan flood control projects followed a cookie-cutter pattern, with many contracts pegged at identical amounts — ₱72 million, ₱77 million, or other rounded figures — regardless of the project’s size or location.
MODERN PORK BARREL
“Distinct ang mga budget items. Para sa nakakaunawa, ang ibig sabihin po ay — ‘akin yan,’” Lacson said citing DPWH insiders who revealed that such figures were coded signals for padrinos controlling the projects.
In 2024 alone, the Bulacan 1st District listed 28 projects priced at exactly ₱72M each — which Lacson called the new face of pork-barrel politics.
Lacson alleged that a syndicate within the DPWH Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office orchestrated the scheme, padding records with ghost projects and using borrowed contractor licenses. He linked it to former district engineers Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez.
“Hindi ito kababalaghan. This is well-orchestrated by an organized network of people who abuse their power. Very DISTINCT — distinctly ghost projects,” said Lacson.
WITH THE PROVINCE on the verge of launching four wind projects in their predevelopment phase, provincial leaders and energy transition advocates have identified grid infrastructure as a major hurdle to the full-scale development of renewable energy (RE) initiatives in Northern Samar.
According to provincial planning and development office head Jay Keenson Acebuche, despite promising local readiness, additional grid capacity must be installed to support new energy generation infrastructures.
Prior to this, Acebuche disclosed at the media briefing organized by the Clean, Affordable and Secure Energy (CASE) for Southeast Asia Project that the province is preparing to “support investments by simplifying permitting processes and establishing mechanisms to better coordinate with municipalities.”
FAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS CASE is a regional project implemented in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam to drive the Southeast Asian power sector toward decarbonization and increased climate mitigation ambition. In the Philippines, it is jointly implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in the Philippines with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities as the expert organization and the DoE as the political partner.
As of April the current year, the Department of Energy (DoE) has awarded five service contracts to Northern Samar, which has been gaining attention as a potential hub for wind project development as developers are eyeing the region due to its favorable wind conditions.
“The critical part here is the grid and transmission. No matter how favorable the business climate is for RE, how ready the civil society organizations are and how much money the investors have, it will all boil down to transmission,” Acebuche spelled out.
OFFSHORE WIND POTENTIAL In support, Global Wind Energy Council Philippines country manager Ann Margret Francisco highlighted the offshore wind (OSW) potential of the Philippines.
“The World Bank (WB)’s Philippines Offshore Wind road map estimates the country’s OSW capacity at 178 gigawatts (GW) and identified Pacific-facing regions like Northern Samar and Bicol as key sites for early development,” Francisco cited.
“As you put more RE in the system, you have to ensure that your transmission is able to take in much capacity,” she added.
Francisco likewise noted that this strategy aligns with the DoE’s recent fifth round of their Green Energy Auction Program, offering an installation target of 3.3 GW of offshore wind capacity. This is an addition to the 2.39 GW of onshore wind capacity offered in the auction’s previous fourth round.
MULTI-ACTOR COLLABORATION Meanwhile, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities Partnerships and Advocacy advisor Francis Dela Cruz mentioned the need for multi-actor collaboration involving local governments, civil society organizations, the private sector and the media.
“Conversations on energy can be very complex, but we can find ways to make information more accessible and easy to understand,” Dela Cruz pointed out.
AMID CALLS FOR a top to bottom shake up, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has accepted the resignation of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan effective 1 September 2025.
In his resignation letter, Secretary Bonoan expressed support for the President’s call for accountability, transparency, and reform within the DPWH.
To lead the DPWH through this critical transition, the President has appointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon as the new Secretary of DPWH. Secretary Dizon has been tasked to conduct a full organizational sweep of the Department and ensure that public funds are used solely for infrastructure that truly protects and benefits the Filipino people.
To guarantee uninterrupted service delivery at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the President has appointed Atty. Giovanni Z. Lopez as Acting Secretary. Atty. Lopez was sworn in as Undersecretary for Administration, Finance, and Procurement in February 2025. He previously served as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Secretary from 2020 to 2022 and held senior positions overseeing critical railway, aviation, and maritime infrastructure projects.
As Acting Secretary, Atty. Lopez will ensure continuity and build upon the gains initiated under Secretary Dizon’s leadership—particularly in advancing transport modernization and supporting initiatives that prioritize commuter safety, efficiency, and seamless project delivery.
To further reinforce accountability, the President has established an Independent Commission to Investigate Flood Control Anomalies. This body will conduct a comprehensive review of projects, identify irregularities, and recommend accountability measures to ensure public trust in infrastructure spending.
These decisions reflect the administration’s firm resolve to clean up corruption, strengthen institutions, and deliver honest and effective public service under Bagong Pilipinas.
THE 2025 PALAWAN International Choral Festival (PICF) in Puerto Princesa City was a classroom with a crash course, generally in music, specifically choral singing.
Prior to the event, though, I was at the UP College of Music Department of Ethnomusicology to have an audience with one of its Professors Emeritus, National Artist for Music Ramon P. Santos who teaches Composition and Theory in the college.
The interview turned out to be a lecture, however, in a nutshell, as well on ethnic influences in Philippine music.
NA Santos was the keynote speaker at the 2025 PICF but he had already shared a bird’s eye view of his speech during our one-on-one session at his office.
‘In choral singing, the octogenarian artist set its dynamics that it unites and analyzes the evolution of society akin to the chanting of the barangay residents of yore in beseeching rain for planting or supplicating mercy in burying the dead or a babaylan moaning and invoking healing for the sick.’
SOCIO-CULTURAL DISCOVERIES Here’s man who has researched intensively and extensively not only on different indigenous musical instruments such as kulintang, kutiyapi, agung, flute, etc.
He has also visited personally tribes in their ancestral domains or Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the hinderlands and Filipinos of all origins in the far-flung areas throughout the country to map out in detailed accounts the sources of native music that could help, figure out and shape up, however gradual and conflicting, a national identity.
Lofty ideals as they are presumably tension-filled in the realm of multigenerational penchant for Western music and pop culture OPM exudes versus the
These socio-cultural discoveries alongside identified artifacts and historical data have motivated him to write books on music literature.
He even went beyond the Philippine archipelago to trace the traditions, influences and likelihood of Southeast Asian tunes to the ancient and contemporary Filipino hymns.
In choral singing, the octogenarian artist set its dynamics that it unites and analyzes the evolution of society akin to the chanting of the barangay residents of yore in beseeching rain for planting or supplicating mercy in burying the dead or a babaylan moaning and invoking healing for the sick.
Woodrose Chorale (Photo Credit: Eric de los Reyes)
A UNIFIED WHOLE All the contestants in the Grand Prix, five out of the sixteen choirs that qualified as well in the exhibition and non-competitive levels were Imusicapella, Woodrose Chorale, Surigao Luminary Voices, Barcelona National Comprehensive High School (NCHS), and Palawan Chorus Mixtus.
They were reminiscences (except for the glamourized get-up, embellished Filipiniana attire and modernized if not colonial sense of appreciation and performances) of the pre-Hispanic gathering of voices no matter eclectic the pieces — from the classics, to Latin, to folk, to pop — a unified whole.
Imusicapella won the Grand Prix with a cash prize of P300,000 donated by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
As I was watching and listening to the choirs in their contest songs, I realized I still have a lot of things to learn from the veterans, the masters and DIYs. Not only that. From the choir members themselves who studied and who continue to study the rudiments of choir singing not only on the notes they pick its lows, its highs and all the decibels in between and the rhythm that produces nuances, sounds, thoughts, feelings, etc. in a song.
Such is empathy.
All along during the four-day stint of the festival, I got an instant music education courtesy of erudite and experiential music mentors, some of them sat in the jury like Dr. Joel Navarro or Dr. Bien Constantino, Jr. for the historical/biblical values of choir art; Dr. Beverly Cheng and Dr. Ed Manguiat for the utilitarian use of choral singing; German Dr. Markus Detterbeck, Polish Kamil Gojowy, and Ukrainian musician working in China Prof. Viktoriya Vakulishnya for the catholicity of music, etc.
THIS IS THE true story of Lt. General Gaudencio V. Vera —fearless general, guerilla warrior, and “liberator” of Lopez, Hondagua, Alabat, Gumaca, Guinyangan, and neighboring towns in Quezon, as well as parts of Camarines Sur and Norte. From 1942 to 1945, during the darkest days of World War II, he led the Vera’s Tayabas Guerrilla Battalion Forces (VTGBF) against the Japanese occupation.
FROM SCOUT TO RESISTANCE LEADER General Vera’s military service began at age 32 as a First Staff Sergeant in the Philippine Scouts at Fort Santiago, Intramuros, under the U.S. War Department. Trained as a Military Intelligence Officer, he could not return to Manila when war erupted due to the heavy Japanese onslaught.
At the request of President Manuel L. Quezon, Vera traveled to Lopez, Quezon, to organize a local resistance force. Before doing so, he went to Magarao, Camarines Sur, to bid farewell to his family. In 1941, with the help of Teniente del Barrio Rufino Verdadero, he formed “Voluntario,” which grew into the VTGBF. Among his trusted officers was Capt. Herminio O. Herras, a brave Philippine Army Intelligence Officer who commanded Company “B” under General Vera.
‘(General Vera’s) defense of Lopez and the surrounding towns, his unshakable resolve, and his devotion to the common people mark him as one of Quezon’s greatest sons. His legacy … endures in stories passed from generation to generation … ‘
A NEW KIND O WAR Known as “Heneral Vera” or “Heneral na Walang Gulat,” he understood that conventional warfare could not match the Japanese military’s might. His strength lay in knowing the terrain, commanding the people’s loyalty, and applying sharp guerrilla tactics.
In 1942, the Allied Forces in the Western Pacific Command, under Gen. Douglas MacArthur, recognized him as Lieutenant General. By January 9, 1945, his 894-strong battalion was formally authorized under his command, with his rank adjusted to Lieutenant Colonel (ASN-28770).
In November 1944, MacArthur sent him a personal message: “TO VERA FROM GEN. MACARTHUR—CONGRATULATIONS STOP GOOD WORK STOP CONTINUE SABOTAGE ACTIVITIES.” That same month, MacArthur tasked Vera with building an airstrip at Abuyon, San Narciso, Tayabas, to aid American landings and cut off Japanese forces in Bicol.
HONORING A LEGACY Seventy-two years later, on May 7, 2014, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines honored the VTGBF with a historical marker. A 3,411-hectare site in Barangay Lalaguna was donated in 2005 by philanthropist Ret. Col. Severina Anacion-Rojas for the creation of the General Vera Shrine. Local sculptors crafted the “Statue of Valor,” depicting Vera on a mola—a symbol of mobility and connection with farmers and townsfolk.
The shrine was built through community donations and volunteer labor. Descendants lead by Julianito Villasanta of former guerrillas landscaped the grounds, cleared the site, and turned it into a sanctuary for remembrance.
KEEPING THE FLAMES ALIVE The monument is more than bronze and stone—it is a lesson. It teaches that resistance begins not with weapons, but with the will to defend one’s homeland. It tells the youth that history lives not only in national capitals but also in quiet barangays, where courage was measured in grit and sacrifice.
A LIFE REMEMBERED On his 121st birth anniversary, General Vera is remembered not only as a brilliant military tactician but as a leader of integrity and empathy. His defense of Lopez and the surrounding towns, his unshakable resolve, and his devotion to the common people mark him as one of Quezon’s greatest sons. His legacy is not confined to medals or monuments. It endures in stories passed from generation to generation — in every field tilled in freedom, in every prayer offered in peace.
“On the road to heroism, there were no parades—only footsteps through mud, whispers in the night, and hearts lit with the fire of freedom. Lt. General Gaudencio V. Vera walked that road not for glory, but so the rest of us could walk freely after him.”
As the sun sets behind the hills of Lopez, his statue stands in silhouette—a permanent sentinel over the land he once defended. Long may he stand. Long may we remember.
REVERSING FROM THE P226-million and P62-million surpluses recorded a month and year earlier, Philippine balance of payments (BoP) position swung to a US$167-million deficit in July, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported.
According to the deputy governor of the BSP’s Financial Supervision Sector (FSS) Lyn Javier, the result was due to the “national government’s (NG) drawdowns on its foreign currency deposits with the Central Bank to service external debt obligations.” the central bank said in a statement.
The BoP is a summary of a country’s transactions with the rest of the world for a specific period which consists of the current account, which covers trade in goods, services and primary and secondary income (overseas Filipino worker remittances); the capital account—capital transfers and nonfinancial assets; and the financial account or investments from abroad, Javier explained.
“The cumulative count remained in deficit at US$5.76 billion, a reversal from the US$1.5-billion surplus recorded in January-July 2024. Preliminary data indicate that the year-to-date BoP deficit was largely due to the continued trade in goods deficit.”
This was partly offset by the sustained net inflows from personal remittances from overseas Filipinos, foreign borrowings by the NG and foreign portfolio investments, she added.
‘[D]espite the decline … the BSP’s reserves remained an adequate external liquidity buffer, equivalent to 7.2 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.’
ADEQUATE EXTERNAL LIQUIDITY BUFFER Accordingly, the BSP expects the deficit to widen to US$6.3 billion this year, higher than the US$4.0 billion projected in March. It is seen narrowing to US$2.8 billion next year, however, from the previous assumption of US$4.3 billion.In addition, the shortfall has weighed on the country’s gross international reserves (GIR), which dropped to $105.4 billion as of end-July from $106.0 billion a month earlier.
However, despite the decline, Javier was optimistic as the BSP’s reserves remained an “adequate external liquidity buffer, equivalent to 7.2 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.”
“This covers about 3.4 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity. Our reserves are forecast to end 2025 at US$104 billion, down from the previous projection of US$105 billion, before rising to US$105 billion next year” she pointed out.
“A journalistic purpose could be someone with a Xerox machine in a basement.“
— Former United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia
THESE DAYS, ALMOST every sector in our society is tainted with corruption — even us members of the media who instead of being a source of information has become the mouthpiece of politicians.
The truth is that when some of us forget our ethics and start become promoters, we change our hats from that if an informant to PR (public relations) men.
So, we focus now on the clash between Pasig City Mayor Victor Maria Regis “Vico” Sotto and the camp of our colleagues Korina Sanchez and Julius Babao. Looking deeper, we realize this is not really about whether the vaunted Discaya family paid P10 million or not — in our opinion, the issue here is credibility.
And Mayor Vico hit where it hurts: Journalists who became household names because of their credibility can’t simply say, “this is lifestyle, not journalism.” Hindi ganoon ang tingin ng publiko. Once you lend your platform and your name to contractors or politicians with alleged questionable dealings, you are also lending your credibility.
WHEN TRUST IS GONE
Kapag naniwala ang tao na puwedeng bilhin ang airtime mo, kahit walang pruweba na may bayaran, trust is already gone.
Obviously, “Ate” Korina and “Kuya” Julius denied the 10 million peso claim and even warned of cyber libel. Fine. If no money was involved, then the rumor is false.
But bigger question stays. Bakit sila? Why feature politicians and contractors in the first place, lalo na sa panahon ngayon na exposure is everything? Why act shocked when people assume influence and money are behind it? Calling it a “life story” doesn’t change the fact na media exposure has real political value.
That’s why Vico’s point matters. He’s not accusing them of breaking the law. He’s saying it’s shameful.
Media is supposed to hold those in power accountable, not give them airtime to polish their image. Kahit walang iligal, the perception of compromise destroys public trust.
And trust is all media has. Lose that, and you lose the only reason people still listen.
FOR your comments or suggestions, complaints or requests, just send a message through my email at cipcab2006@yahoo.com or text me at cellphone numbers 09171656792 or 09171592256 during office hours from Monday to Friday. Thank you and mabuhay!
TO PROTECT PUBLIC health from the dangers of illicit goods, the Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Port of Subic, condemned five containers of smuggled agricultural products. These were dumped immediately.
The shipments, which contained assorted frozen meat, fish, preserved fruits, vegetables, and other perishable items, were forfeited when found lacking of sanitary certificate, a violation of Department of Agriculture directive, in relation to Section 1113(f) of Republic Act 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
The condemnation ensures that agricultural goods deemed hazardous or unfit for human consumption are properly disposed of. This measure safeguards the consumer from health risks posed by unsafe, unregulated, and illegally imported food products, as directed by Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno.
With this move, the government delivers a strong warning to smugglers—that public health and safety will never be compromised.
AN ENDEMIC BREED of crocodiles in the Philippines is on the verge of extinction amid a public clamor to fire, charge and incarcerate Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials behind the dubious infrastructure projects amounting to hundreds of billions.
In a spot report sent to reporters by the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) police regional command, a certain Abelardo Calalo was arrested for reportedly attempting to bribe a congressman over P3.1 million if only to prevent a probe into the supposed irregularities in the infrastructure projects in Batangas.
The 51-year old suspect Calalo turned out to be DPWH district engineer for the Batangas 1st Engineering Office.
BRIBING A BILLIONAIRE Investigation showed that Calalo offered over P3 million to a billionaire congressman — Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste, for which he was arrested. The incident was video-recorded, it was learned.
The suspect is facing complaints for violating Article 212 of the Revised Penal Code (corruption of public officials) and Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).
“We should not tolerate any corruption in DPWH. We should demand projects at better quality and lower cost, and obligate contractors to correct any deficiencies immediately without additional cost to the government. Beyond this case, we will push for broader reforms to address systemic problems of DPWH,” Leviste, a neophyte congressman was quoted as saying.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan has yet to issue a statement as of press time
‘Graft-tainted flood control projects also involved congressmen … (who) have been receiving a whopping 40 percent kickbacks from every infrastructure project in their respective districts … contractors are compelled to make the most out of the 30 percent of the flood control infrastructure budget after commissions are paid to the congressmen and other “signatories”.’
TAP ON THE WRIST Interestingly, a “tap on the wrist” in the guise of “reassignment” is all that the DPWH under Sec. Manuel Bonoan has done so far.
In a statement, the agency announced the “reassignment” of district engineer Isabelo Baleros of the DPWH Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office district amid graft allegations hurled by another neophyte congressman — Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos.
In place of Baleros is Ruel Umali.
“Under and by virtue of this order, engineer Umali is directed to perform the duties and assume the responsibilities appurtenant to the position of District Engineer,” read the memorandum order signed by Bonoan.
Santos accused Baleros of involvement in questionable transactions, including a controversial transfer of flood control funds.
Bonoan rejected calls for his resignation “if only to ensure government officials, personnel and cahoots in the private sector behind the substandard or “ghost” flood control projects would be held accountable.”
WEAK LEADERSHIP Corruption in the government left unchecked only goes to show weak leadership — but President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. seemed eager to prove that his administration isn’t.
To start with, Marcos took a swipe at sub-standard or non-existent flood control projects awarded by the DPWH to “favored” contractors, including companies identified with political allies from both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
During a press conference in Malacañang, the President came out with a list of 15 contractors whom he claimed cornered nearly 20 percent of the P545 billion allocation for flood control.
With a list on his hand, Marcos went island hopping and pinned down the “ghost” flood control project in Bulacan. Citing records, the contractor has been fully paid for but with no work done.
Aside from Bulacan, the President hinted at other provinces where with the most number of flood control projects.
BAILIWICK INCLUDED Taking cue from data collated from the sumbongsapangulo.ph website, the top 20 provinces with the largest number of flood control projects include Bulacan with 668, Cebu with 414 and Isabela with 293, completing the top three.
Others on the list are Pangasinan (313), Pampanga (293), Albay (273), Leyte (262), Tarlac (258), Camarines Sur (250), Ilocos Norte (224), Negros Occidental (208), Cavite (192), Batangas (189), Misamis Oriental (181), Davao Del Sur (180), Iloilo (168), Rizal (167), Cagayan (167), La Union (166), and Nueva Ecija (163).
Interestingly, the list of top provinces with the most number (and cost) of flood control projects included his bailiwick — Ilocos Norte.
Also on the roster are provinces where both the governor and congressmen are his political allies, one of which is Leyte, House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s home province.
INCARCERATE CROCS Graft-tainted flood control projects also involved congressmen, whom the Mayors For Good Governance (MFGG) claimed have been receiving a whopping 40 percent kickbacks from every infrastructure project in their respective districts.
According to MFGG, contractors are compelled to make the most out of the 30 percent of the flood control infrastructure budget after commissions are paid to the congressmen and other “signatories.”
MFGG said that the effort should not be limited to firing crooks behind the ghost infrastructure projects.
“Those who have stolen public funds must face the full force of the law. Once proven guilty, politicians and bureaucrats must not only be removed from office, but also prosecuted and jailed,” it added.
“We, the mayors, also demand immediate and full disclosure of all project details: the programs of work, detailed unit price analyses, bill of quantities, and feasibility studies, and most urgently—the names of contractors and politicians responsible for these multi-billion peso projects funded by our taxpayers.”
IF YOU’VE NEVER heard of nitric oxide, don’t worry. It’s not the name of a K-pop group, though honestly, if there were a group called NO, they’d probably have sold-out concerts at Araneta by now. Instead, nitric oxide is a humble, invisible gas molecule in your body that works harder than a call center agent on the graveyard shift—no coffee breaks, no overtime pay, just endless hustle.
WHAT IT IS
Nitric oxide (NO) is your body’s natural traffic enforcer. It tells your blood vessels to relax, widen, and let blood flow freely. Without it, your circulation would be like rush hour on EDSA—jammed, chaotic, and guaranteed to raise your blood pressure. With it, your arteries feel more like the Skyway on a Sunday morning—smooth sailing all the way.
In medical speak, NO boosts oxygen delivery, regulates blood pressure, and helps your cells communicate like a well-oiled group chat (the rare kind without toxic relatives).
WHY IT MATTERS
When your nitric oxide levels are humming along, life feels better: more energy, sharper focus, stronger workouts, and a happier heart. Athletes love it. Doctors respect it. And yes—because I know you’re wondering—it’s sometimes nicknamed “nature’s Viagra.” I’ll let you connect those dots while pretending not to giggle.
IGNORE IT AND…
Skip out on nitric oxide and you’re basically signing up to feel like an old jeepney: noisy, slow, leaking smoke, and breaking down too often. Low NO is linked to high blood pressure, poor endurance, fatigue, and circulation issues. In short, it’s the medical equivalent of being stuck in Divisoria traffic at 6 p.m. on a payday Friday.
‘When your nitric oxide levels are humming along, life feels better: more energy, sharper focus, stronger workouts, and a happier heart. Athletes love it. Doctors respect it.’
LIFE HACKS FOR MORE NO
Luckily, you don’t need a prescription or a fancy gadget. Here are a few simple ways to keep your nitric oxide levels singing:
1. Eat nitrate-rich foods – Load up on pechay, malunggay, kamote tops, and egg plant. Your arteries will thank you. Bonus: they’re cheaper than supplements if you buy them in the local market
2. Do short bursts of exercise – High-intensity moves like squats or jumping jacks boost NO naturally. No need for hours at the gym; four minutes can do wonders.
3. Try the “Nitric Oxide Dump” – It’s a quick, 4-minute breathing though your nose-and-movement workout designed to pump up NO. Think of it as Zumba’s nerdy cousin.
4. Catch some sunlight – Not just for Vitamin D. Your skin also helps trigger nitric oxide release. Just don’t stay out long enough to resemble lechon.
ACUPUNCTURE ANGLE
Now here’s where the needles come in. Studies show acupuncture improves circulation and even stimulates nitric oxide release. Think of it as giving your blood vessels a pep rally, complete with pom-poms and a marching band. Your arteries get the message: “Relax, open up, let the good times flow.” It’s a natural, drug-free way to boost the very molecule your body depends on.
LOCAL COLOR
Here in the Philippines, we all know traffic kills circulation faster than cholesterol. One hour in EDSA gridlock and your legs are already plotting revenge. But the good news is that inside your body, things don’t have to be that way. With the right habits—and maybe a little acupuncture—your arteries can feel less like EDSA and more like an expressway.
PUNCHLINE
So if you want better blood flow, more energy, and a healthier heart, don’t say no to NO. Say “Yes” to nitric oxide—the hardest working gas you never knew you had.
TILL NEXT TIME
–Gwenn The Certified Prick
Not your doctor. Just the voice in your head saying, “You know I’m right.”
