DMW hikes minimum wage for Filipino domestic helpers to $500/month By Katrina Manubay THE Department of Migrant Workers has raised the minimum wage rate for Filipino domestic workers to $500 per month from the current rate of $400. “The new wage floor reflects the recognition of domestic work as work of equal value deserving of fair com-
pensation,” DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in an advisory. Annual medical checkups and hospitalization or treatment for overseas Filipino workers shall be initially implemented on a voluntary basis and free of charge. Caccdac said the new minimum wage, which is part of the DMW’s eightpart reform program, will take effect 60
days from issuance. “These reforms reinforce the Philippine government’s commitment to decent work, ethical recruitment, and strengthened welfare mechanisms for Filipino domestic workers deployed abroad,” he said. The DMW likewise said it would be stricter regarding housing standards for recruitment, ensuring decent ac-
commodation for workers waiting for deployment. The advisory also includes a rightsbased approach through legal and other forms of assistance available under the DMW Aksyon Fund. Cacdac said most Filipino domestic workers are deployed to the “big four” countries – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait.
Seoul fires warning shots as Nokor troops crossed border WORLD / A4
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MANILAO
‘Senators may also be tied to botched infra’ Lacson: Insertions, kickbacks from flood control projects likely
By Joel E. Zurbano and Rex Espiritu
S
ENATOR Panfilo Lacson said some members of the Upper Chamber may also be tied to the controversy surrounding anomalous and “ghost” flood control projects.
WATCHFUL CROCODILE EYES. Workers are seen repairing the Quiapo Pumping Station in the Estero de, San Miguel, Manila area with a mural bearing images of Philippine crocodiles as backdrop. Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said some pumping stations in Manila ‘could not withstand flood waters’ because the outlets were also submerged. Norman Cruz
Bonoan eyes DPWH ‘cleansing’ amid flood-control deals mess By Vito Barcelo PUBLIC Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said there will be a “cleansing” within the department to remove and prosecute erring officials involved in botched, substandard, or even “ghost” flood-control projects across the country. “If found to be involved in the irregularities, we will sanction them and file appropriate charges,” he said. “We will look into the personalities involved in the inferior and ghost projects.” “I think we’ll have to file all the necessary cases and sanctions and let this be a lesson to everybody
that we will not allow this kind of thing to happen.” “I think we have to cleanse up the organization if needed,” he said. At least 10 officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways 1st District Engineering office in Bulacan, including their head, Henry Alcantara, have been relieved from their posts amid the ongoing probe into questionable flood-control infrastructure projects. Bonoan, who himself is in hot water after several lawmakers demanded his resignation over the botched projects, said Alcantara was placed under floating status. Turn to Page 3
“I am not saying it’s just members of the House. It is possible that some senators introduce insertions for such projects, and may even profit from the 25 percent share for the ‘funder’ or proponent of the insertions from the flood control project costs,” Lacson said in a radio interview. “I’ll put it this way. There may be senators and House members who may be connected to anomalous flood control projects,” he added. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong earlier said at least 67 lawmakers were involved in flood-control projects, with some getting kickbacks as much as 30 to 40 percent of the budget. Lacson, however, cautioned against naming names without proof. He said he would make public his findings only after ensuring these are backed by solid factual basis. Lacson acknowledged that lawmakers or senators who propose insertions for infrastructure projects may have the
By Joel E. Zurbano SOME 303 individuals have requested recognition from the International Criminal Court (ICC) as victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs. The applicants are seeking justice for the alleged human rights violations and extrajudicial killings that occurred during the previous ad-
ministration. The confirmation of charges hearing in the case for crimes against humanity for murder against Duterte is scheduled on September 23, 2025. “Against this background, the VPRS (Victims Participation and Reparations Section) received 303 application forms—a limited figure compared to the number of drug
war victims who wish to participate in the case,” the report said. It stated that the victims are deeply committed to the pursuit of justice, as shown by their active participation in all previous proceedings, and most of them are willing to retell their stories in application forms to contribute meaningfully to the proceedings. Turn to Page 3
CRY OF REBELLION.
Workers arrange flowers offered by Quezon City local government at the Pugad Lawin Shrine in Quezon City on Saturday, August 23, 2025, as the country marks the 129th anniversary of the Cry of Pugad Lawin against Spanish colonial rule. Manny Palmero
police commander major Andre Ray at the scene Friday evening, giving the toll for the first time. No one else was in a life-threatening condition, Ray said. Several passengers received medical treatment and were released. Fifty-four people were on the bus when it crashed and no children were killed, US media reported, contradicting an earlier police briefing. “New York State Police have reported that several of the casualties are Filipino nationals,” the DFA said.
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303 drug war victims seek to testify in Rody’s ICC case
Pinoys aboard tourist bus in NY crash that left 5 dead NEW YORK – Five passengers aboard a tourist bus were killed Friday when their driver got distracted and crashed on a New York state highway, police said. The wreck happened 40 kilometers east of Buffalo as the tourists headed back to New York City after visiting Niagara Falls. The passengers were of Indian, Chinese and Filipino origin, authorities said. “It’s believed the operator became distracted, lost control, over-corrected and ended up... over there,” said New York state
“right” to choose the contractors for the projects. “When you insert, you have claim, or royalty, or the right to choose the contractor for the project,” he said. Lacson said this is why he has been fighting for full transparency in the budgeting process, including putting on record the names of lawmakers proposing amendments to the budget. Such full transparency, where proponents of insertions are publicly identified, not only allows the public to know where their taxes go but also acts as a deterrent to those making insertions for questionable projects. “It will be easier to trace anomalous or ghost projects to the congressman or senator who proposed insertions for it,” he said. “It’s hubris. Those involved in the corruption have become overconfident such that they disregard public perception, opinion and need. They close their eyes to the public in favor of their greed, thus the ghost projects so that all those involved will profit,” he said.
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