Silence on corruption weakens, marginalizes poor — Leonen
Silence and turning a blind eye in the face of graft and corruption in the judiciary may harm society’s most vulnerable populations, acting Chief Justice Marvic Leonen said.
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Philstar
Thursday, 1 October · 104 stories
Top stories
Malacañang: Prepare for El Niño, but don't hoard water
Malacañang urged Filipinos to conserve rather than hoard water as the government prepares for an intensified El Niño.
DOJ 'almost ready' to file Quiboloy extradition
DOJ enters stage of final review before seeking Quiboloy extradition.
19 ride-hailing firms summoned over alleged failure to implement fare hike
Nineteen transport network companies have been summoned after allegedly refusing to comply with the mandated fare increase for transport network vehicle service (TNVS).
Sara Duterte trial recap, Oct. 1: Trillanes out, AMLC witness moved
The impeachment court on Thursday, October 1, lost most of what was slated to be a pivotal stretch of testimony.
Veloso to recruiters: Admit my innocence, let truth prevail
Mary Jane Veloso urged her recruiters to publicly admit that she had no part in the drug-smuggling crime that led to her nearly 15-year detention in Indonesia.
'Non-punishment' principles applied to Mary Jane Veloso — DOJ
The "non-punishment principle" for victims of human trafficking has been applied to Mary Joy Veloso.
Can child support depend on seeing your child? Here’s what the law says
Patrick Garcia’s remarks raise a legal question. Here’s what Philippine law says.
LIVE Coverage: Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Oct. 1
Follow the trial, in context and in real time.
Palace: Baste Duterte seems ‘unconcerned’ about VP Sara’s GenCorp stake
The Palace spokesperson stressed that public officials should not use the Arias doctrine to protect their own interests or hide potential negligence of their families and allies.
Who did what? Gracioso details VP Sara, others’ roles in alleged cash delivery scheme
Gracioso, a former police officer who served as the close-in security for former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco from 2017 to 2024, has outlined the specific roles played by Vice President Sara Duterte, Velasco, and…
Fined telcos ask NTC for due process
The country’s biggest telcos are asking the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to observe due process after they were slapped with a daily fine of P100,000 over internet quality.
Bonoan remains accused in graft case
Former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan will remain as Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s co-accused in a graft case linked to the flood control controversy.
Palace tells Velasco to face probe; houses raided
Malacañang has advised former House speaker Lord Allan Velasco to come forward and shed light on the allegations against him after the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that he left the country on Aug. 30 and did not…
Digital platform launched for anti-dynasty law initiative
The People’s Initiative Coalition Against Dynasty, through its Dapat Isa Lang initiative, launched a digital signature platform yesterday in its push to end political dynasties.
OP, others given 5 days to answer BSKE deferment plea
The Supreme Court has directed the Office of the President, the Commission on Elections and both chambers of Congress to comment within five days on the petition against the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang…
Marcos Jr. institutionalizes online budget monitoring portal
Amid corruption scandals, Filipinos may soon be able to track online how their hard-earned taxes are spent as President Marcos issued an executive order institutionalizing an online portal designed to promote…
PLDT wants to block violent ‘grooming’ sites
Telco giant PLDT Inc. is appealing to the government to grant providers the power to unilaterally block sites without regulatory approval, to improve online safety and prevent copycat effects.
SC junks petitions vs lower impeach vote to convict
The Supreme Court has junked the three petitions challenging the ruling of the Senate impeachment court that allowed a lower number of votes to convict Vice President Sara Duterte.
Nation
No mass shooting at DLSU-D, police say as rumors spread online
Dasmariñas police denied social media claims of a mass shooting at De La Salle University-Dasmariñas,
Sectors seek swift settlement of bloody feud between 2 MILF groups
Local leaders have urged two rival factions in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur to leave the municipality after exchanging shots on Wednesday, September 30, that left a Grade 5…
6 Metro Manila cities to resume NCAP on Oct. 5
Camera-based traffic enforcement set to resume with online payment and appeals.
Muslim preacher killed in Cotabato attack
A Muslim preacher was killed while another was wounded in an attack by unidentified motorcycle-riding men in Nabalawag, Cotabato on Tuesday.
American nabbed for harassment
A 69-year-old American has been arrested in Pampanga for allegedly showing racist behavior against Filipinos, according to the Bureau of Immigration.
Quake jolts Occidental Mindoro
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake jolted Occidental Mindoro yesterday morning, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Tropical cyclone spotted outside PAR
A tropical cyclone has been spotted outside the Philippine area of responsibility, according to state meteorologists.
Naga plebiscite set November 21 despite BSKE suspension
A plebiscite for the conversion of Naga into a highly urbanized city will be conducted on Nov. 21 despite disruptions caused by the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, according to the…
Bank exec found dead in Benguet
A bank manager was found dead with a gunshot to the head in Tuba, Benguet on Tuesday afternoon.
Marcos expands Cavite ecozone
President Marcos has allocated parcels of land to expand the area of an economic zone in Noveleta, Cavite.
Poor air quality persists in Metro Manila
Poor air quality persists in Metro Manila amid the Indonesia forest fires, data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources showed.
Cop who joined Tondo basketball brawl probed
The National Capital Region Police Office will investigate an off-duty policeman who joined a basketball brawl in Tondo, Manila.
DPWH: PGH drainage works speed up
Construction of major drainage, sewage and flood mitigation facilities at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) is being accelerated by the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Regions
Casino Plus pays out historic P122.4-M jackpot in full, reinforcing player-first commitment
Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Economist: Make RCEP work for Philippines exports, not just imports
Philippine businesses need to turn the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership into a springboard for exports, rather than simply a channel for bringing more foreign products into the domestic market, according to…
Government microloans draw 650,000 borrowers
More than 650,000 Filipino workers have tapped government-backed microloan programs in less than two years, underscoring strong demand for fast, relatively low-cost credit for everything from medical bills and tuition…
Cebu gears up for El Niño
Cebu is stepping up preparations to cushion the impacts of strong El Niño, with water and power agencies warning of potential supply challenges as the dry period intensifies toward the end of the year.
Dakay construction says: CCMC defects drive cost up
A substantial amount of additional funding will be needed to complete the Cebu City Medical Center, not only to finish the ongoing construction but also to correct serious deficiencies left by previous contractors, said…
City government, employees union agreement gets CSC certification
The Civil Service Commission has formally registered and approved the first Collective Negotiation Agreement between the Cebu City government and the Cebu City Government Employees Union, giving the historic accord full…
Acting city administrator to handle fiscal matters
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has formally expanded the authority of Acting City Administrator Atty. Briccio Joseph Boholst, granting him significant responsibilities over financial management and disbursements at…
CCPO starts Sinulog security preparations
More than three months before the 362nd Fiesta Señor and Sinulog 2027, the Cebu City Police Office has begun reviewing security issues encountered during last year’s celebration to determine adjustments for the upcoming…
Scripted
EJ Obiena won the third gold for the country hungry for more. Assured with the gold, he vaulted to the jugular and rewrote his meet record to 5.91m. Easy.
Paalam ousts Kazakh world champ, earns shot at Asiad boxing gold
Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam kept his gold-medal hopes alive after eking out a 3-2 split decision victory over Kazakhstan’s Makhmud Sabyrkhan in their thrilling and bloody men’s 55kg semifinals clash in the 20th Asian…
UV Lancers win fifth straight
The four-time defending champions University of the Visayas Green Lancers tamed the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Panthers, 70-63, for their fifth consecutive win in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation…
Business
GCash to undergo system maintenance on Oct. 1-2
Bank transfers, cash-ins via InstaPay and payments via QRPH will be unavailable starting late Thursday night.
Philippines launches campaign to promote Kinampay ube
The Philippines’ Kinampay ube is on the rise as Japan’s next favorite, the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo said.
China Bank Savings deepens support for educators
As the country celebrates National Teachers’ Month, China Bank Savings continues to strengthen its support for Filipino educators through financial wellness initiatives nationwide.
PHirst Park Homes merges with Century Properties
The Antonio family’s Century Properties Group Inc. has secured the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission for its merger with PHirst Park Homes Inc., with CPG as the surviving entity.
JTI backs unified tax on e-cigarettes
A proposed unified tax rate on e-cigarettes may help plug a loophole that provides an avenue for illicit traders to misdeclare higher-taxed products, while ensuring the government collects proper revenues, JTI…
Forex loans rise to $16.3 billion in Q2
Banks’ foreign currency loans rose by 5.6 percent to $16.31 billion in the second quarter from $15.44 billion in the previous quarter, driven mainly by stronger borrowing by exporters and other industries, the Bangko…
EPIRA at 25: The distribution utilities
The Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA, RA 9136) turned 25 years old this year. I wrote a three-parts series last month in my column in BusinessWorld: “EPIRA at 25: More lights, less blackouts, fewer…
ABS-CBN shareholders OK P6 billion placement
Media giant ABS-CBN Corp. has received a P6-billion placement from the Lopez family and its new investor, increasing the company’s shares and adding seats to the boardroom.
ACEN takes in Dutch partner for solar project in India
Zobel-led ACEN Corp. is partnering with Netherlands-based Diamond India Renewables One B.V. for yet another solar power project in India.
ShopSM, Penshoppe, Bench among top Asian retailers
Local retail powerhouses ShopSM, Penshoppe and Bench made it to the inaugural Brand Conviction Index: Asia’s Top 100 Retailers.
Building tomorrow’s power grid
After 25 years, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001is back in the spotlight. The Philippines’ top energy leaders convened at a recent roundtable to judge EPIRA’s record after a quarter of a century.
Government debt piles up to P19.6 trillion in August
The national government’s outstanding debt climbed to a new record high of P19.61 trillion at the end of August as fresh borrowings and a weaker peso pushed up both domestic and foreign obligations.
Inflation worries sink stocks to 10-month low
The local stock market sank to a fresh 10-month low amid growing concerns over rising inflation.
MGEN, VITRO to build RE-powered data centers
Meralco PowerGen Corp. and PLDT’s VITRO REIT Inc. are embarking on a strategic venture to develop data centers powered by renewable energy.
Trade balance improves as deficit narrows to lowest in 15 months
The country’s trade deficit in August narrowed to its lowest level in over a year as exports grew faster than imports, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Inflation seen at highest level in over three years
Inflation may have accelerated to as high as 7.4 percent in September, potentially the fastest pace in three-and-a-half years, as bad weather lifted food prices while costlier fuel and a weaker peso added to price…
Sports
Delos Santos stays in Asiad medal hunt after 67; but Philippines slips to sixth
Justin Delos Santos stayed firmly in the medal hunt after a three-under 67, highlighted by a clutch three-birdie surge midway through his round, to remain in ninth place after two rounds.
Candelaria cops poomsae silver in Asian Games
Making her Asian Games debut at 18 years old, Juliana Candelaria delivered a silver-medal performance in the women’s individual poomsae competition Thursday at the Toyohashi Gymnasium.
Eala falls short vs China’s Wang to end up with Asiad bronze
Alex Eala bowed out of the Asian Games’ tennis competition after absorbing a stinging defeat against China’s Wang Xiyu, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6.
MPL PH heads to PhilSports Arena for Season 18 playoffs
The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines is headed to another historic sporting venue, with the Season 18 playoffs set to take place at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City from October 21-25.
Higher-tiered WTA 250 tourney slated in Philippines next year
A WTA 250 tournament is heading to the Philippines next year.
ICTSI Iloilo golf: Lumbo steals show with late birdie spree
After a chaotic battle for control — and a fierce test of will and character under ever-changing weather conditions — an emerging star from Sarangani stood tall.
PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon fires off with Cebu leg
More than 1,800 participants competed in the PalawanPay Trilogy Marathon Cebu Leg in Mandaue City last weekend.
Malixi charges into Asian Games medal race with 66
Amateur Rianne Malixi put herself squarely in the Asian Games medal hunt Thursday, firing a four-under 66 to emerge as the lone bright spot for Team Philippines.
Mother-daughter tandem share podium in national fencing ranking tilt
Mother and daughter Glowlyn Malipol and Christine May Morales made their mark in the local fencing scene after both reached the podium in the recently concluded 2nd Leg Mini-Me and Veterans National Ranking Competition.
Cojuangco strikes silver in Asian Games archery
Silver medal for the Philippines in archery.
Eala among 'world's most influential rising stars' -- TIME
She got next.
Zamboanga, Quezon City complete MPBL quarterfinals cast
Zamboanga became the South Division's eighth and final playoff qualifier, while Quezon City booked the North Division's last slot.
Late birdies keep Ramos’ second straight ADT title bid alive
Sean Ramos mounted a late charge with two clutch birdies to salvage a three-under 67, keeping himself within striking distance despite falling five shots off the pace heading into the final round of the Asian…
Ryoma bucks heat to seize ICTSI Iloilo lead
Playing 18 holes in a bowtie under the sweltering heat of an exacting golf course is hardly the ideal recipe for a breakthrough.
Tigers, Tamaraws grab share of lead
Santo Tomas handed University of the East its 24th straight defeat, 98-87, and joined a crowded leaderboard in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball yesterday at the MOA Arena.
National Taekwondo Championships set
The drive to develop the next generation of taekwondo champions continues as the Philippine Taekwondo Association stages the 2026 Milo National Taekwondo Championships this October.
Eala blasts into Asiad semis
It’s still the same world-class Alex Eala against the rest of the pack in the Asian Games – rain or shine, come hell or high water.
Patafa posts best showing in decades
EJ Obiena soared in the rain. John Cabang Tolentino ran through injury. Victoria Bossong ran fearless in her debut. And Philippine athletics came home with its best Asian Games in 40 years. The national track and field…
Saving best for last
It was a bold display of guts, courage and gumption.
No one knew Obiena was bleeding
It should have been a miserable night for pole vault. It ended as a glorious day in September rain.
Paalam topples world cham
Carlo Paalam remains the last man standing for the Philippine boxing team here – no blinking, no quitting, no farewell.
Entertainment
Katseye, Megan Thee Stallion among Victoria's Secret 2026 performers
Megan Moroney and Tate McRae complete the all-women line-up of this year's edition.
'Our last shot': Cinema '76 to close after a decade
The Cinema '76 Film Society announced that it would be closing its theater later this month.
Star Magic defends Patrick Garcia's daughter Michelle from 'hurtful comments'
Star Magic came to the defense Patrick Garcia's daughter.
Shuvee Etrata, Sanya Lopez urge women to compete without tearing each other down
With beauty pageants often associated with fierce competition, four stars of GMA Pictures’ upcoming thriller “Red Crown” shared why competition among women does not have to mean tearing one another down.
Vhong Navarro to 'pursue all remedies available' after Cornejo, Lee release order
Vhong Navarro will continue to pursue all available legal remedies and is prepared to fully accept the result of these processes.
Vice Ganda, Nadine Lustre, Michael V named AACA 2026 national winners
A total of 25 Asian Academy Creative Awards national winners are named for the Philippines.
Xyriel Manabat, Juan Karlos lead CinePanalo 2026 winners
The former child stars bagged top acting awards at this year's CinePanalo.
Fil-Am Isa Briones makes new TIME100 Next list of 'influential rising stars'
TIME recognized Isa Briones and several others for "seeming to have come out of nowhere, somehow magicking themselves into the culture, seizing the zeitgeist, or leapfrogging their industries with little advance notice."
‘I won in this life’: Nikka Garcia praises husband Patrick amid backlash
Nikka Garcia expressed her appreciation for husband Patrick Garcia amid the backlash he received following his recent revelations about his past relationship with Jennylyn Mercado.
Katrina Aguila recalls Jennylyn Mercado’s struggles as single mom amid Patrick Garcia tell-all
Katrina Aguila recalled witnessing Jennylyn Mercado’s struggles as a young single mother, shortly after Patrick Garcia broke his 18-year silence about their past relationship.
Joshua Garcia, Julia Barretto weigh in on second chances
After the box-office success of “Un/Happy for You” two years ago, former couple Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto have reunited for Star Cinema’s film “Always Yours, Never Mine,” directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana.
Jamie Geisler finally breaks her silence
If there were an award for Best Wife in a supporting role, Jamie Geisler would win it hands down. She shows how a wife’s love never says, “I’ve done enough.”
Piolo Pascual on ‘passing the baton,’ being his own competition
As Piolo Pascual nears the big 5-0, he finds himself looking at his place in show business a little differently.
Lifestyle
Hearty Chicken and Potato for rainy days
There is no need for complicated viands that only end up confusing your palate.
Beyond the storefront: 3 Iloilo entrepreneurs on what digitalization really takes
For these entrepreneurs, their plans for growth extend beyond their own sales.
Choi Bo-Min brings his signature style to Fossil
Fossil turns the spotlight on South Korean singer, actor and host Choi Bo-Min, bringing his refined, minimalist sensibility.
Meet the artists, hear their stories at Gateway Art Fair 2026
It will be a chance for young as well as long-time art collectors to meet the artists behind the pieces that will be on display from October 1 to 4.
Self-made Joel Cruz hows appreciation for success of Aficionado
oel Cruz, president and CEO of Central Affirmative Co., Inc., manufacturer and distributor of Aficionado perfumes, honored the company’s business and media partners at its Trade Partners Event at Solaire North Edsa…
Opinion
It’s the corruption, stupid
It’s the economy, stupid.
The One-China Principle brooks no challenge
Around the time of the United Nations General Assembly in recent years, the “Taiwan independence” separatist forces seized the opportunity to clamor about so-called “Taiwan’s participation in the United Nations.” And…
Surviving the AI shock
We are seeing the dawning of the age of artificial intelligence (AI). While this holds great promise for the world economy, it also holds the possibility of seeing political crises, if not managed properly.
Doldrums
A now jobless ex-security guard I interviewed last year messaged me recently to borrow P1,000.
Downturn
We are technically not in a recession. Not yet. But everyone now seems to be feeling it.
EDITORIAL— Come back, Lord Allan
Faced with serious accusations of wrongdoing, former House speaker Lord Allan Velasco has maintained his innocence.
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