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DPWH submits evidence of bid rigging to PCC
‘Paolo’ heads out to WPS, could intensify again
By Vito Barcelo, Maricel V. Cruz, and Ram Superable THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) yesterday formally referred 12 alleged cases of bid-rigging
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 228 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2025 •
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Amid aftershocks, quake survivors camp outdoors Over 80k families displaced; P1.6b fresh funds released
By Rio N. Araja, Maricel V. Cruz, and Rex Espiritu SEVERE tropical storm “Paolo” has weakened and is now over the West Philippine Sea, where it is likely to pick up speed again and intensify into a typhoon within the next 12 hours, according to the state weather bureau. In its 5 p.m. bulletin yesterday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the storm was moving generally westnorthwestward and was poised to exit the Philippine area of responsibility this morning. The center of the storm’s eye was estimated over the coastal waters of Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur, it said. “It must be emphasized that heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surge Next page
By Rex Espiritu and Darwin Amojelar
M
ORE than 80,000 families have been displaced by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu and nearby provinces earlier this week, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Friday. Relief operations are ongoing at ground zero and other affected municipalities across the province but residents remained camped out in open spaces as aftershocks continued to rattle the province. Among those that extended help was Tingog party-list, which rolled out on Friday its initial relief mission in the quake-hit areas of Bogo City and towns of Medellin, Borbon, and San Remigio. Cebu Provincial Administrator Ace Durano said that while search and rescue operations have been completed, many families are still too fearful to return to their homes, prompting local officials to include setting up tents in ongoing relief operations. “Although the aftershocks are getting weaker every day, people are understandably still afraid to return to their homes. That’s why part of the relief operations now is the provision of tents,” he said. In the immediate aftermath of the quake, the Provincial Government concentrated on saving lives and stabilizing Bogo Provincial Hospital, which had been overwhelmed by the influx of patients from neighboring towns. “Governor Pam's priority is to decongest Bogo Provincial Hospital, so we requested ambulances from as far as Danao and even Cebu City to transfer patients who could be moved. Within five to six hours, we managed to decongest the hospital and stabilize the situation,” Durano said.
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AFTERMATH. Families are seen
staying by the roadside amid ongoing aftershocks and lack of suitable temporary shelters following the magnitude-6.9 earthquake in Bogo City, Cebu. Upper left photo shows quake-hit residents of Brgy. Poblacion, Borbon, Cebu with their relief packs distributed by Tingog Partylist. Tingog solons Reps. Yedda K. Romualdez, Acidre, ALL SET. The venue of the National Board of Canvassers is all readyJude for the andparty-list Andrew Julian assure tally of the results of the vote for senators and at TentRomualdez City, Manila survivors that Tingog will continue its Hotel. Danny Pata relief efforts and stand with them as they rebuild their communities. Danao City Government/Ver Noveno
DPWH eyes forfeiture of P1b of Discaya properties, assets THE Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) has submitted to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) a list of assets owned by the couple Pacifico and Cezarah Rowena Discaya for possible
forfeiture proceedings. This was disclosed by Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon who said they got the list from the Land Registration Authority, and subsequently turned it over to the ICI and the AMLC.. The P1 billion worth of pieces of property
WARM WELCOME.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. receives a warm welcome yesterday during his visit to the Aeta communities in Porac, Pampanga. Presidential Communications Office
By Ram Superable and Ratziel San Juan IT’S raining cats and dogs in the Philippines, even as Severe Tropical Storm "Paolo" clears out. Next page
VP Sara’s no-show prompts solons to back budget cut HOUSE Appropriations Committee vice chairman Zia Alonto Adiong backs reduction of the proposed 2026 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), following Vice President Sara Duterte’s absence from the plenary deliberations yesterday, as well as the VP’s imposition of conditions for her attendance. Adiong described Duterte’s behav-
ior as “disappointing.” The proposed 2026 budget of the OVP is P902.8 million, representing an increase of almost P170 million from the approved 2025 budget of over P700 million. The Makabayan bloc and the Mamamayang Liberal party-list manifested at the plenary Thursday night that Next page
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PBBM provides aid to OFWs, Aetas in Pampanga sorties By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday visited Pampanga where renewed his commitment to overseas Filipino workers and their families, distributed aid to Aetna communities, and inaugurated a milk processing faciity. Addressing hundreds of beneficiaries at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center, President Marcos lauded the sacrifices of Filipino workers abroad
COMMENDATION.
Ping rails against ‘cat and dog show’ in both chambers
owned by the Discayas were frozen two days after the DPWH submitted the roster to the AMLC, Dizon said. The AMLC disclosed on Tuesday that the Court of Appeals has issued a freeze order on
Manila Standard reporter Vince Lopez receives a plaque of recognition from Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Gil Gavan during a recognition ceremony held aboard the BRP Gabriela Silang. Lopez, who has been covering the PCG and the Philippine National Police for more than a year with the Manila Standard, was commended for his consistent dedication to reporting law enforcement and maritime security developments with accuracy and integrity.
and pledged that his administration would "be there in times of need," especially when their families back home face disasters and crises. "Your hardships are not to be forgotten, being away from family while working abroad for the future of your loved ones," Mr. Marcos said. "When there are problems or calamities here in the Philippines, your worries are double or triple. That’s why we are here to deliver assistance," he added. Next page