Heavy rainfall to continue across Mindanao this weekend — PAGASA

 

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

Published May 23, 2025 09:44 am

A heavy rainfall warning remains in effect over several provinces in Mindanao as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is expected to continue to bring widespread rain, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, May 23.

The ITCZ is a weather system where winds from the northern and southern hemispheres converge, forming rain-bearing clouds that bring prolonged rainfall.

On Friday, heavy rains are expected in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental.

By Saturday, May 24, heavy rains may persist in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and Davao Occidental.

PAGASA warned that the sustained rainfall may cause localized flooding, particularly in low-lying, urban, and river-adjacent areas. 

Landslides are also possible in mountainous and high-risk areas.

Rainfall may be heavier in elevated areas, and impacts could worsen in places that have already seen significant rain in the past few days, PAGASA said.

Residents are advised to stay alert and coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices. 

Authorities urged the public to take precautionary measures to safeguard lives and property.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country may continue to experience warm and humid conditions. 

Batanes and Babuyan Islands will experience partly cloudy skies due to the ridge of a high pressure area.

he easterlies will continue bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies in the morning with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening across the rest of the country.

 

Guardians of democracy: A salute to our teachers

By Manila Bulletin

Published May 22, 2025 00:01 am | Updated May 21, 2025 16:29 pm

As the nation reflects on the results of the recent midterm elections which offer hope for real change, we pause to honor the public school teachers who served as members of Electoral Board. They are the unsung heroes who played a pivotal role in upholding our democratic process.

Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara praised them as “not just public servants” but “frontliners of democracy.”  “Mula simula hanggang matapos, and’yan kayo—hindi bumitaw (From start to finish, you were there—you never let go),” he said in a statement issued the day after the elections.

Over 660,000 public school teachers and DepEd personnel were among the 758, 549 poll workers who were mobilized to ensure the smooth conduct of the elections on May 12, 2025. Their responsibilities extended beyond mere facilitation; they were the custodians of electoral integrity, managing polling precincts, assisting voters, and safeguarding the sanctity of the ballot.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Saludo po kami. Dahil sa inyo, naging maayos at safe ang proseso. Kayo ang tunay na ka-team sa Bagong Pilipinas—laging handa, laging para sa bayan (We salute you. Because of you, the process was orderly and safe. You are the true teammates of Bagong Pilipinas—always ready, always for the nation),” Angara said.

The commitment of these educators was evident in the extensive hours they dedicated. With early voting commencing at 5 a.m. for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women, many teachers reported to their precincts as early as 2 a.m. Even when regular voting concluded at 7 p.m., they remained on duty until the early hours of the following day. That’s over 24 hours of continuous work, mostly under hot conditions, without adequate rest, to ensure every vote was counted accurately.

Beyond the physical toll, teachers faced various challenges, including technical issues with voting machines, logistical delays, and, in some regions, security threats.

In recognition of their invaluable service, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved a ₱2,000 increase in honoraria for poll workers. An additional ₱1,000 across-the-board honoraria for teachers and poll workers was announced a week after election day.  Comelec said that full election compensation, including the newly approved increases, will be received by workers within 10 days after election day. 

However, concerns have been raised regarding the sufficiency of these measures. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and the Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) emphasized the need for overtime pay, citing the extended hours teachers worked beyond their regular duties. They also advocated for the tax exemption of honoraria, citing that deductions significantly reduce the net compensation teachers receive for their election service.

As we commend their efforts, it is crucial for relevant agencies to address the concerns raised by these educators. Ensuring timely and fair compensation, providing adequate support, and recognizing the challenges they faced are essential steps in valuing their contributions.

The dedication exhibited by our teachers during the elections underscores their unwavering commitment to public service. Their role transcends the classroom, as they become pillars of our democratic system during electoral exercises.

Our public school teachers exemplify the spirit of service and dedication. Their involvement in the electoral process is a testament to their commitment to the nation. As we move forward, let us ensure that their sacrifices are met with the respect, support, and recognition they rightfully deserve.

PSEi rallies after peaceful elections, pause in US-China trade war

James A. Loyola

Published May 13, 2025 

The local stock rallied after the early release of results of a peaceful mid-term elections and a pause on the US-China trade war.

The main index jumped by 108.62 points or 1.68 percent to close at 6,566.82 as the Services sector lead the charge while Miners lagged behind as gold prices dropped. Volume was high at 1.15 billion shares worth P8.89 billion as gainers outnumbered losers 96 to 83 with 58 unchanged.

“Local shares kicked off the shortened trading week in the green, lifted by a broad rally in U.S. equities on Monday after a temporary U.S.-China tariff reduction deal eased trade tensions,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.

He added that, “The positive sentiment spilled over into Asian markets and was further supported by the peaceful conduct of Monday’s midterm elections.”

Chinabank Capital Corporation Managing Director Juan Paolo Colet said “The PSE benchmark index surged above the key resistance around 6,500 on strong volume as investors bought into positive news of a 90-day detente in the US-China trade war as well as the generally peaceful outcome of the Philippine midterm elections.”

“This is a good start to the shortened trading week, but sustaining this will now depend on the market’s reaction to upcoming data flows, including first quarter corporate earnings and the US April inflation print,” he noted.

Philstocks Financial Research Mamager Japhet Tantiangco said “The local market rose further upon the resumption of trading as investors took cues from Wall Street's rally overnight.

“This came as the US and China agreed to temporarily cut tariffs while continuing trade negotiations, raising hopes of a trade deal between the two economic superpowers which would benefit the global economy.”

DA: Imported onions test positive for salmonella, heavy metals

By Dexter Barro II

Published May 10, 2025 14:40 pm | Updated May 10, 2025 18:12 pm

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel is warning consumers against buying imported white onions, following the recent seizure of smuggled onions that tested positive for salmonella and heavy metals.

"If possible, please don’t buy imported onions because they may be contaminated with salmonella. These contaminated onions are not fit for human consumption,” said Laurel in a statement.

Laurel said the DA has not authorized the recent importation of foreign-sourced white onions, which are typically larger than locally grown varieties.

In fact, the DA's Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has not issued sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance (SPSIC) for onions since February.

On Friday, May 9, Laurel led the inspection of two container vans carrying 34 metric tons of smuggled white onions from China in Mexico, Pampanga.

Tests conducted by the BPI’s Plant Products Safety Services Division (PPSSD) and the National Plant Quarantine Services Division (NPQSD) showed that the produce was positive for heavy metals and salmonella.

Heavy metal poisoning has been attributed to cancer and damage to major body organs, while salmonella bacteria could cause food poisoning and various infections.

The shipments—misdeclared as processed chicken karaage strips—were allegedly consigned to Manila-based Leksei B. Specialized Goods Trading, arriving at Subic Port on April 20 aboard the SITC Hochiminh. 

The two containers were then transported to a warehouse in Mexico town, where it was seized by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on April 26.

BPI said the agency accredits neither the importer nor the warehouse. 

One container held 1,800 red mesh bags of white onions, while the other contained 1,600 bags, each weighing 9 kilos—bringing the total to around 34,200 kilos.

In total, the smuggled onions had a market value of approximately ₱4.1 million.

Initial investigation by the CIDG suggests that the shipments were planned to be distributed to Divisoria and parts of Nueva Ecija. 

Laurel has since requested the CIDG to investigate the “recurring preference” of smugglers to utilize Subic Port for such illegal activities.

“Preventing the entry of misdeclared agricultural goods is crucial not only to ensure food safety but also to stop the potential spread of plant diseases and pests,” he added.

Laurel is urging the public to report any sightings of unauthorized white onions in markets as a measure to safeguard public health.

Be cyber safe; fight digital fraud

 

By Manila Bulletin

Published May 09, 2025 00:05 am

Suspected fraud rate affecting digital transactions of Filipinos was at 13.4 percent in 2024, placing the Philippines at an alarming second place behind India (19 percent) and ahead of the Dominican Republic (10.9 percent).

To underscore this, global risk information provider TransUnion reported that over seven in every 10 or 74 percent of Filipinos said they had been targeted by fraudsters through email, online, phone call, or text messaging between November and December 2024. This is much higher than the 53 percent across 18 countries and regions surveyed. In the same survey period, 34 percent of Filipinos claimed to have lost money due to any of the above schemes, higher than the 29 percent global rate.

This unsettling development poses a serious threat not only to our national security and economy but to the daily lives of millions of Filipinos. While we continue embracing digital transformation—from e-commerce and digital banking to online government services—we must also confront its dark side: the rise in cybercrime.

We must take note that digital fraud manifests in various forms—phishing, identity theft, online scams, and financial fraud, among others. The impact is far-reaching. Businesses lose revenue, investors become wary, the government’s credibility is weakened, and ordinary Filipinos find their hard-earned savings and personal data compromised. If left unchecked, this epidemic of digital fraud could undermine the very progress we strive for in becoming a modern, digital-ready nation. And this is not a problem any one sector can solve alone. Combating digital fraud demands a united front, with the government, private sector, and citizens all playing active roles in building a secure digital environment.

The government must take the lead by strengthening legislation and enforcement. While laws like the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 exist, they must evolve rapidly alongside new digital threats. A more proactive stance is necessary—one that includes a centralized cybercrime task force, increased funding for digital infrastructure security, and swift prosecution of offenders. Equally important is nationwide public education on digital safety, ensuring that every Filipino, from students to senior citizens, understands how to protect themselves online.

The private sector, particularly those in fintech, e-commerce, and telecommunications, has an equally critical responsibility. Businesses must invest in advanced cybersecurity systems, regularly update their defenses, and be transparent with their users about potential threats. Collaborating with government agencies to share data and intelligence about fraud patterns can help create a nationwide security network. In the long run, maintaining consumer trust and investor confidence is impossible without robust digital safeguards.

But even the most comprehensive laws and sophisticated systems will fall short if the public remains unaware or complacent. We must keep in mind that digital fraud is real. We must not allow ourselves to be caught in the web of digital fraud. Every Filipino must take digital responsibility seriously. This means exercising caution when clicking links, securing passwords, reporting suspicious activity, and continuously learning about online threats. A single careless click can compromise an entire network. Conversely, one informed user can stop a scam from spreading.

Unity is our strongest defense. Be wary, the battle against digital fraud is a whole-of-nation responsibility. It demands a concerted effort and a shared commitment to security, integrity, and vigilance. Just as we unite in times of natural disasters or public health crises, we must now rally as a nation against this digital epidemic.

Beyond being a technology problem, digital fraud is an economic threat, a business liability, and a personal threat to everyone. But with coordinated action, mutual trust, and a spirit of bayanihan, we can protect our digital future. Opt for collective action over silence, vigilance over vulnerability, and unity over division.

PH food safety framework: Clearing the bottlenecks

BY MANILA BULLETIN

May 6, 2025 09:48 AM

  

---

 

The recent report of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) pointing to regulatory overlaps in the Philippines as trade barriers should give our policymakers and stakeholders serious pause. The confusion arising from the dual regulatory mandates of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Health’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) not only hampers trade but also undermines public trust in the country’s food safety regime. 

At the core of the issue is Republic Act No. 10611, or the Food Safety Act of 2013. Designed to modernize the country’s food safety standards, the law rightly placed a premium on consumer protection, risk-based inspections, and science-based regulation. However, its implementation has surfaced institutional overlaps that have, ironically, led to inefficiencies and regulatory bottlenecks—particularly in the inspection, testing, and certification of food products. 

The DA and the FDA are mandated to inspect food—DA primarily for fresh and raw agricultural commodities, and FDA for processed food and those intended for sale in retail markets. But as global supply chains evolve and food products increasingly straddle both raw and processed categories, these distinctions blur. In practice, importers, exporters, and even local producers are often left navigating a maze of inter-agency clearances, which delay product movement and inflate compliance costs.

The USDA’s identification of this as a non-tariff barrier underscores the urgent need to streamline our food regulatory system—not only to ensure public health but also to enhance our credibility as a trading partner. The Philippines cannot afford to be seen as a market with inconsistent or unpredictable regulatory practices.

The DA has long contended that it should take the lead in food inspection, given its expertise in agricultural production and veterinary services. Meanwhile, the FDA, as the country’s national regulatory authority for food, drugs, and cosmetics, has a well-established mandate to ensure the safety of products that reach consumers. Both institutions serve vital roles, but a clearer delineation of functions—and, where necessary, integration—is essential. 

Does this warrant a review or amendment of RA 10611? The answer may well be yes. A decade after its passage, the law must be reassessed in light of its implementation gaps. Amendments that introduce a single-agency authority or, at the very least, a lead coordinating body with binding dispute-resolution power between the DA and FDA may offer a viable path forward.

Alternatively, the establishment of a centralized Food Safety Authority—independent of either the DA or DOH—could be explored. Such a body could consolidate inspection protocols, unify laboratory testing standards, and provide a one-stop regulatory window for food businesses and trading partners alike. Several countries, including Australia and Canada, have adopted this model to good effect.

Ultimately, our food safety system must be responsive not only to domestic public health concerns but also to global trade expectations. Clarity, coordination, and consistency are the hallmarks of an effective regulatory regime. By addressing the current overlaps, the Philippines can ensure safer food for its citizens and a more open and trusted trade environment for its partners.

Actor Ricky Davao passes away at 63

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

May 2, 2025 07:11 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• News about his death made the rounds on social mediaon May 1. But it was only on May 2 that his family confirmed his death.

---

Ricky Davao

Award-winning actor Ricky Davao, who was Frederick Charles Caballes Davao in real life, has passed away at the age of 63.

Newbie actress Ara Davao, daughter of Ricky, confirmed his demise in a statement issued on May 2. The full announcement: 

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Ricky Davao. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children and loved ones, after bravely facing complications related to cancer.

"For more than four decades, he dedicated his life to the craft of acting and directing. His remarkable body of work and award-winning performances have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire. Most of all he was a loving father, brother, son, and friend.

"We are deeply grateful for your prayers, love, and kind messages during this difficult time. Details about his memorial service will be shared soon," Ara wrote.

News about his death made the rounds on social media on May 1. But it was only on May 2 that his family confirmed his death.

The full statement: 

On March 25, Ara Davao, Ricky's daughter, said his father was recovering and resting. She did not elaborate.

Born on March 23, 1961, Ricky, son of legendary actor Charlie Davao, started in showbiz as a member of the famous dance group the Vicor Dancers. Then he became a theater actor before appearing in TV series and movies.

In 1989, Ricky married actress Jackie Lou Blanco. They have three children Arabella, Rikki Mae, and Kenneth. But they separated. 

Last April 12, Ricky's mother-in-law, Asia's Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales passed away.

Ricky was last seen in the movies Sosyal Climbers and Sinagtala. His last television stint was for the "Love Before Sunrise" series in 2023. 

The actor was supposed to appear in the much-awaited fantasy series "Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre" scheduled to be shown in June.

Ex-K-pop girl group member accuses her agency’s CEO of sexual harassment

BY JONATHAN HICAP

Apr 30, 2025 06:56 PM

  

---

A former member of a K-pop girl group has filed a complaint for sexual harassment against the CEO of her agency. 

Ga-eun, 19, former member of idol group Madein, accused CEO Lee Yong-hak of 143 Entertainment of sexual harassment. She is also seeking a formal apology and the termination of her exclusive contract with the agency. 

K-pop girl group Madein (Instagram)

Former Madein member Ga-eun (X)

On April 29, Ga-eun’s side, including her mother, held a press conference about the sexual harassment, which reportedly happened in October last year.  

During the press conference, a handwritten memorandum allegedly made by Lee Yong-hak was released. 

The memorandum stated, "I sincerely apologize for the sexual harassment. In future contractual relationships with 143 Entertainment, I will step down from the position of legal representative director and take responsibility to ensure that I am not disadvantaged. I will also give Ga-eun the right of first choice in contract extensions and other contractual relationships,” Korean media reported. 

143 Entertainment issued a statement, saying, "It is also deeply regrettable that Ga-eun's side demanded a large sum of consolation money based on one-sided claims related to an incident that was already reported last year, and when this was refused, they filed a criminal complaint about six months after the incident occurred." 

The controversy was first reported by a current affairs program of Korean TV channel JTBC in November last year. 143 Entertainment denied the allegations. 

Also last November, 143 Entertainment announced the departure of Ga-eun from Madein and denied the sexual harassment allegations. 

Madein, formerly Limelight, debuted in September last year. The group’s current members are Mashiro, MiU, Suhye, Yeseo, Serina, and Nagomi.

Labor Day: A tribute to work and the worker

BY MANILA BULLETIN

May 1, 2025 00:15 AM

  

---

 

Today, the global community observes Labor Day — a day to pay tribute to the workers, the backbone of our societies. Being a holiday, it is more than a day of rest, Labor Day is a powerful reminder that labor is not just an economic input — it is the heartbeat of our nation, the engine of progress, and the soul of everyday life.

Labor is everywhere. It is in the hands of farmers who cultivate the rice and vegetables that nourish us; in the strength of construction workers who work on our buildings, bridges, and roads; in the commitment of teachers who shape minds and prepare future generations; in the resilience of factory workers who power our industries and exports; and in the precision of health workers who safeguard our lives.

Our lives are made convenient by labor.  The linemen who maintain telecommunications networks give us connectivity. We are secure in our homes, work places and on the road because of public safety officers and soldiers. The conveniences of mobility and efficiency are provided by drivers, clerks, and domestic workers who keep services running smoothly. Behind every product or service, there is a worker whose time, effort, and skill made it possible.

The origins of Labor Day date back to the 19th-century labor movements, born from demands for humane working conditions. In the Philippines, the first Labor Day celebration was in 1903, led by the Union Obrera Democratica de Filipinas. Since then, the Philippines has made significant legislative strides — from the Labor Code of the Philippines (PD 442) to RA 6727 on wage rationalization, and RA 11058 on occupational health and safety.

But laws gain meaning only when enforced. Labor organizations have long been catalysts of this enforcement — securing landmark legislation like the Batas Kasambahay (RA 10361), ensuring domestic workers are no longer invisible.  Because of that law, domestic workers’ basic pay and benefits are not only dependent on an employer’s kindness. 

Still, millions of Filipino workers remain vulnerable. Many endure inadequate pay, job insecurity, and unsafe workplaces. Informal workers, including street vendors, tricycle drivers, and home-based micro-entrepreneurs, contribute to the economy daily but often without any social safety nets.

Modern challenges compound this reality. The pandemic highlighted frontline workers — nurses, hospital staff, janitors, supermarket clerks, delivery riders — who risked their safety to keep society functioning, often with little compensation or protection. Meanwhile, gig workers — freelance designers, content creators, ride-hailing drivers — continue to face uncertain income, no health benefits, and few labor protection, despite their growing role in sustaining modern digital economies.

Encouragingly, more companies are embracing better labor practices — offering mental health support, safety programs, flexible work arrangements, and skills training. These demonstrate that productivity and worker welfare are not at odds — they thrive together.

Let Labor Day be more than a ceremonial gesture. Let it be a national moment of reflection and action — one that compels us – in government and private sector – to ensure dignified work across all sectors, and protect those who labor in silence. Let it spark conversations about shared prosperity.

Nation-building does not begin in the halls of power, but in the fields, classrooms, kitchens, offices, and streets — where millions labor with hope, skill, and sacrifice. It is not merely growth we should pursue, but growth that uplifts those who make it possible.

To every worker — visible and unseen —we pay tribute not just for the work you do, but for the life you help us live.

Kyline Alcantara breaks silence on controversy

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Apr 29, 2025 11:03 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Kyline addressed the controversythrough a statement released by Sparkle GMA Artist Center on April 29.

---

Kyline Alcantara (Instagram)

Kapuso star Kyline Alcantara has broken her silence on the issue involving her former boyfriend, Kobe Paras.

Kyline addressed the controversy through a statement released by Sparkle GMA Artist Center on April 29.

No specific names or events were mentioned in the statement, but fans believe it referred to her recent breakup with Kobe. 

Jackie Forster has confirmed the breakup of her son Kobe with Kyline in a video message. 

The full statement of Kyline issued via the Sparkle GMA Artist Center:

"Kyline would like to move on with this issue. She has chosen to keep her peace and maintain respect for the people who have been part of her life. She hopes we can all move on and put this issue to rest," the statement read.

Fans praised Kyline for choosing to remain silent. Here are some of the comments:

"Enjoy life being single. No stress, no drama."

"Good move Kyline. Less talk less mistake. There’s no perfect relationship. Past relationships can make you a stronger woman. Just focus on your goal. Pray and wait for God’s perfect choice for you. Don’t be in a hurry. Great revenge is be better and love yourself. God bless you."

"Indeed, you're handling this situation with professionalism and class! Keep moving forward!"

"She handled it very well than the two adults."

"I'm so proud of you talaga Kyline. Stay healthy and positive lang."