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DOJ ISSUES SUMMONS TO ROBIN OVER BATO’S ESCAPE

PESO DROPS 1.1%, HITS NEW INTRA-DAY LOW

‘IRAN WAR CUTS US MUNITION RESERVES’

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VP lawyers to exhaust remedies after QC court nixes inhibition bid By Katrina Manubay VICE President Sara Duterte’s camp on Tuesday said it will pursue all legal remedies after the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 98 denied her motion to inhibit the presiding judge in the grave threats cases

filed against her. In a statement, Duterte’s legal team for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) grave threats charges, Paul Lawrence Lim, confirmed that the Quezon City court denied their motion to disqualify the judge.

VOL. XL • NO. 214 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026

BARMM coalition gov’t looms No party wins clear majority; Comelec names district winners By Nash Maulana, Vito Barcelo, and Vince Lopez

POLL RESULTS. With 99 percent of the vote counted in the Bangsamoro regional parliamentary

elections, the Comelec tally shows BFP-Bangsamoro Federalist Party leading the BJP-United Bangsamoro Justice Party. At third is BGC-BARMM Grand Coalition. Inset shows Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia, together with Comelec officials, visiting the canvassing of District Boards of Canvassers of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur at Special Geographic Areas. Commission on Elections For the final results, visit the Manila Standard website @ https://manilastandard.net

O SINGLE party won a majority in the first regular parliamentary elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), setting the stage for coalition-building to determine the leadership of the 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament. As of 7 p.m. Tuesday, the official tabulation was 98.59 percent complete, according to the Regional Board of Canvassers convened in Cotabato City. Only Basilan and Maguindanao del Norte were left to submit their provincial canvasses. About 98.2 percent of registered voters cast Next page

Surge in VP Sara’s net worth raises suspicions—solons By Joel E. Zurbano and Maricel V. Cruz

Ex-Speaker at infirmary ward for medical monitoring—DILG By Vince Lopez and Charles Dantes THE former Speaker of the House of Representatives has now been placed in the infirmary ward of the New Quezon City Jail for medical monitoring. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the health status of Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez shall be monitored strictly by doctors assigned at the facility. “We are just following what the PGH gave us -- that he is fit to be confined...under

medical supervision,” Remulla said. “Those are the recommendations of the PGH doctors... He has to be under medical supervision so an EKG once a week. There is a CPAP machine recommended to him but as of now he has refused, he doesn’t want to use it. He needs a hospital bed just in case there is an emergency,” the Interior chief added. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, for its part, assured the public it will “remain pro-

fessional, impartial, and consistent in the implementation of its rules and regulations.” “All PDL under (our) custody are treated fairly and humanely, without distinction or privilege based on status or position.” PGH medical director Dr. Gerardo Legaspi earlier told the Sandiganbayan that the lawmaker’s medical condition can be managed outside the hospital.

PROSECUTORS pointed out the P91-million increase in Vice President Sara Duterte’s net worth over an 18-year period which were disclosed by the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) during the 25th day of the Senate impeachment trial. Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Paolo OrNext page

ON VP SARA’S SALNS. Office of the Ombudsman records officer Atty. Karen Batu testifies about the Statement of Assets and Liabilities (SALN) of Vice President Sara Duterte on the 25th day of the Senate Impeachment Trial. Lino Santos

AFFORDABLE HOUSING. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. checks out one of the 333 housing units occupied by informal settler families yesterday at Disiplina Village Arkong Bato, Valenzuela City. The residents were transferred from communities affected by flooding when the Tullahan River overflows during the rainy season. PCO

Quirky horror series ‘Widow’s Bay’ rules Emmys TWICE A WINNER. British actor Matthew Rhys shows off two trophies he won at the Emmys—as producer of the hit series ‘Widows Bay’ and as lead actor in a limited series for his sinister turn in ‘The Beast in Me.’ AFP

QUIRKY horror series “Widow’s Bay” cleaned up at Monday’s Emmys, setting a new record for the most awards won by a comedy in a single year, as gritty hospital show “The Pitt” won again for best drama. Apple TV’s “Widow’s Bay,” which

stars Matthew Rhys as the leader of an isolated New England island that appears to be haunted, emerged as one of the most talked-about debut series of the year, and now has the trophies to back up the buzz. With 14 total awards, “Widow’s Bay” Next page

Ill-fated ferry captain surfaces; victims buried By Vince Lopez THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday confirmed that MV June Aster Capt. Roel Sarmiento voluntarily appeared at the Atienza Interisland Ferries Inc. office in Palawan on Monday, September 14. According to PCG spokesperson Commo. Noemie Cayabyab, invesNext page

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BARMM... From A1 Ex-Speaker... From A1 But he said the former Speaker needs continued psychiatric treatment for major depressive disorder and anxiety. Based on his medical abstract from Cardinal Santos, the former Speaker is suffering from “hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, unstable angina, coronary artery disease, post percutaneous coronary intervention, cerebrovascular ischemic disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and primary hypothyroidism.” Romualdez underwent angioplasty in October 2024. The former Speaker earlier he is prepared to face the charges against him “with confidence in the truth. “I have always said that I will face the charges against me and answer them before the proper court. That has not changed... I maintain my innocence.” “This is a difficult moment for me and my family. But I will face the days ahead with dignity, with faith in God, and with confidence in the truth,” Romualdez added. Presidential Communications Office Castro said the fact that the former Speaker is now detained should not be interpreted as a final determination of his guilt. “As long as a court has not yet issued a final judgment, the presumption remains that they are innocent,” Castro said. The former Speaker’s co-accused -- former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and Samchan Foreign Exchange Corp. president Felicito Guevarra -- remain at large.

VP lawyers... From A1 “We confirm receiving the RTC-Quezon City, Branch 98’s order denying our motion for inhibition of the Honorable Presiding Judge,” Lim said. “The Vice President will exercise all available remedies. We also received the court’s order requiring both parties to strictly comply with the sub judice rule and to refrain from publicly discussing the merits of the case,” he added. The Vice President’s counsel said they will continue to respect the rule of law. The Quezon City RTC previously postponed Duterte’s arraignment while a pending defense motion was considered. Earlier this month, Judge Maria Angelica De Ramos of the Quezon City RTC Branch 98 ordered the Vice President’s arrest after finding probable cause to hold her for trial on charges filed under Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012. Duterte was charged with “grave threats” after a late-night news briefing in which she claimed to have hired a hitman to kill President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the event of her own death. In response, she appeared before the court to post bail on three counts of grave threats, each requiring P120,000, for a total of P360,000.

their ballots, and counting reached 90 percent in just four hours according to the Commission on Elections, with the final turnout still subject to validation. The Comelec proclaimed some winners in the parliamentary district races as the remaining election returns were canvassed and electoral procedures completed. The Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) of Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua led the party vote with 663,874 votes, or 35.2 percent, followed by the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) with 609,975 votes, or 32.4 percent, and the BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC) with 387,001 votes, or 20.5 percent. The Raayat Democratic Party was fourth with 67,760 votes, or 3.6 percent. A party must obtain at least 2.5 percent of the valid votes to qualify for a share of the party seats. Based on the partial allocation, the BFP is entitled to 16 of the 40 parliamentary seats allotted to political parties, while the UBJP gets 15, the BGC eight, and Raayat one. The BFP also won 16 district seats across BARMM, giving it a total of 32 seats in the Parliament. The UBJP won eight district seats, bringing its current total to 23. The final allocation of seats remains subject to the completion of the canvass and the official proclamation of winning parties and candidates. Under Republic Act 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, 40 parliamentary seats are allocated to political parties based on their share of the party vote, while 32 district representatives and eight sectoral seats are elected separately.

Parties may seek alliance with BGC

The results mean the BFP, despite leading the party vote and securing the

Ill-fated... From A1 tigators were scheduled to interrogate Sarmiento regarding the circumstances surrounding the fire that gutted his ship, including his whereabouts following the fire and what transpired before his appearance yesterday, five days after the tragedy. The PCG said that the skipper’s appearance was reported to the Emergency Operations Center. Sarmiento was accompanied by Dindo Macalinao, Human Resource General of Atienza Interisland Ferries Incorporated. Meanwhile, search and rescue operations have accounted for 44 survivors and recovered 76 fatalities, while 12 i remained missing. The ticket manifest listed 134 passengers, including two who later reported that they did not board the vessel, bringing the number to 132. Meanwhile, authorities in Coron, Palawan have started burying unidentified victims of the disaster at a temporary burial site, as the death toll from Wednesday night’s tragedy reached 76. The interment began as grieving families grew increasingly desperate in their search for missing loved ones—and for answers to what caused the tragedy. From Borac Port, where DNA samples are being collected from the recovered bodies, the remains are loaded

Surge... From A1

in 2007 to P98,656,131.20 in 2025, a rise of approximately P91 million.

tega V and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. also noted that Duterte’s declared net worth must be cross-checked against her legitimate income and business interests. Focusing on Article II, which alleged unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets truthfully, the prosecution aimed to establish a baseline of Duterte’s wealth history. Lawyer Karen Batu, officer-incharge of the Records Division of the OMB, served as the key witness for the prosecution led by lawyer James Bryan Ibrahim Alih. Batu presented financial records and documents related to Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, meticulously cross-referencing declared wealth with bank transactions and corporate disclosures. A notable highlight was the prosecution’s 10-point testimony offer, intended to authenticate and analyze Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) from 2007 to 2025, indicating a significant increase in her declared net worth from P7,250,497.00

The defense, led by lawyer Justin Nicol Gular, opposed the inclusion of SALNs prior to Duterte’s vice-presidency, citing a legal precedent where only actions within her current impeachable term should be considered. But Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis Escudero overruled this objection, allowing the admission of historical SALNs strictly for establishing a wealth baseline, clarifying they could not be used to introduce new charges outside her current term. Escudero acknowledged the defense’s repeated objections to certain aspects of the prosecution’s case while allowing the examination to progress. Senator-judges questioned the evaluation criteria for public officials’ SALNs, inquiring about distinguishing clerical errors from intentional concealment of assets. They sought clarification on legal standards to determine whether an omitted asset in a SALN was excluded in good faith or to obfuscate wealth. Senator-judge Vicente Sotto III asked Batu whether foreign currency is required to be declared in SALNs, but the

Defense objection overruled

largest number of seats so far, cannot form a majority on its own, as it requires at least 41 seats in the 80-member Parliament The chief minister will be elected by Parliament from among its members by majority vote, rather than directly by the electorate. The BFP’s 30 seats and the UBJP’s 21 separately fall short of the majority threshold, making coalition negotiations critical to the formation of the next Bangsamoro government. The BFP or UBJP – both emerging from former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) -- could seek an alliance with the BGC, which has eight party seats based on the partial allocation. Other parties could also become part of negotiations as the major political groups seek to assemble the 41 votes needed to organize the Parliament and elect its key officials. Winning parties and candidates are expected to hold caucuses after the official proclamation to determine the composition of the governing coalition. The negotiations are also likely to cover the election of the Chief Minister, Speaker, sergeant-at-arms, secretary-general and other parliamentary officers, as well as the chairmanships of key committees.

AFP: Foreign interference in polls probed

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military was monitoring social media and false information related to the BARMM elections, including possible foreign interference and malign influence. Asked if foreign actors may have influenced public perception of the polls, Padilla said, “Possibly, yes,” but did not identify any government, organization or individual allegedly involved. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who sponsored the Bangsamoro Organic Law

in the Senate, condemned reports of killings, shootings, explosions, property damage, ballot tampering, intimidation and vote-buying during the elections. He urged Comelec to investigate credible reports of fraud and irregularities, ensure that only legitimate votes are counted, and called on the Bangsamoro government and PNP to hold those responsible for election violence accountable. Delays in transmitting and transporting printed copies of election results from the island provinces of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi could affect the timing of the proclamation. As of press time, the Comelec was waiting to receive 57 of the total 5,212 election returns needed to complete the count.

Comelec to probe pre-shaded ballots

The elections were conducted amid security concerns and isolated incidents of violence and alleged irregularities. Comelec placed Cotabato City and Maluso, Basilan, under its control following security incidents, including the discovery of pre-shaded ballots in Maluso. The Comelec said 16,563 reprinted ballots were sent to 36 affected precincts in Maluso. It also said those responsible for the pre-shaded ballots will be probed for sabotage, a non-bailable case that carries a lifetime jail term. The PNP reported 14 election-related incidents involving shootings, explosions, an improvised explosive device and other disturbances. It reported 23 people wounded, including 20 civilians and three government forces, and three civilian fatalities, although it said the casualty figures had yet to be validated as election related. Despite the incidents, the Comelec and the government described the elections as generally peaceful and orderly in most areas. The AFP and PNP said they would maintain their security posture during

into police-escorted funeral vans which were then driven for nearly an hour along rough, mountainous roads to the San Nicolas Public Cemetery, where the nameless graves were dug up. The cadaver bags were put into plain white coffins of thin plywood for the final burial. There were no ceremonies, not even flowers or candles. At least 41 unidentified bodies have so far been temporarily buried while authorities await DNA testing results. Sarmiento had not been included in the PCG’s official list of more than 10 crew members who survived the fire. The agency earlier said it received initial information that he had gone with some surviving crew members to the Barangay Turda covered court, though his location remained unconfirmed until his appearance on Monday. The Maritime Industry Authority had also been searching for Sarmiento for its own investigation, saying he could face administrative liability if found to have violated maritime safety regulations. Cayabyab earlier said the captain bears significant responsibility given the scale of the casualties and the missing. Initial survivor accounts indicated there was no fire alarm when the fire broke out, though the PCG said it is still verifying these accounts since some survivors remain in shock and their statements could change as the investigation progresses.

Quirky... From A1

witness chose not to respond. Sotto directed the question to both panels, yet the defense also declined to answer and requested the impeachment court to rule on the issue. Sotto further questioned Batu on whether she is aware if the SALNs submitted by officials include deposits in foreign currencies. “Regarding the specifics... we do not check that,” Batu replied. Escudero then cited a legal provision, stating that all foreign currencies must be converted into Philippine pesos. At the prosecution briefing at noontime Sept. 15, the lawmakers questioned the change after Ombudsman records official Atty. Karen Batu read Duterte’s earlier Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) before the Senate impeachment court. Batu identified declared a net worth of ₱7,250,497 for 2007. Reading the following year’s filing during the morning hearing, she said: “For 2008, the declared net worth is 18,493,616 pesos and 65 centavos.” Duterte’s SALNs, plus her husband’s reported finances, indicated that their assets swelled by more than ₱11.24 million or 155.07 percent. Ortega noted that the increase re-

quired examination of the income and businesses reported alongside the financial declarations. “You need to cross-reference that with income—what was earned—and whatever business interests were declared, perhaps even before he became VP,” he said.

bested the previous record for a comedy set just last year by Seth Rogen’s Hollywood satire “The Studio,” also from Apple. Rhys, Kate O’Flynn and Stephen Root all claimed acting prizes for their roles in the hit show. Rhys -- a winner for best drama actor for “The Americans” in 2018 -- earned his first comedy Emmy and also triumphed as lead actor in a limited series for his sinister turn in “The Beast in Me.” He earned the best comedy series prize in his role as producer. The strong night for “Widow’s Bay” meant disappointment for “Hacks,” the already decorated tale of a stand-up comedian trying to revive her career and the dysfunctional millennial assistant who helps her. But its star Jean Smart repeated as best comedy actress -- her fifth award for the series in as many seasons. “What a ride this has been!” Smart said. The win was her eighth acting Emmy, tying her with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Cloris Leachman for the most ever by a performer. Minutes later, Allison Janney equalled the record with her win for best drama supporting actress for “The Diplomat.” Host Mariska Hargitay, the “Law

Baseline for for checking later declarations

Asked why prosecutors needed to examine filings from Duterte’s earlier years in local government, rather than confining the presentation to her vice presidency. Abante said the earlier records provided a baseline for checking later declarations. The discussion also covered a reporter’s question about an allegedly missing exit SALN when Duterte’s mayoral term ended in 2013. Abante said financial reporting should remain continuous when an official leaves office and later returns to government service. “There has to be continuity. That’s why we have a baseline,” he said. Under Section 8 of Republic Act (RA) No. 6713, public officials must file their SALNs within 30 days after separation from service. The provision also requires declarations after assuming office and annual filings thereafter.

the counting, canvassing and succeeding electoral activities until the winners were formally proclaimed. Asked whether Malacañang considered the election successful despite the reported casualties, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his administration did not want violence to occur but acknowledged the PNP’s overall assessment of generally peaceful polls.

MILF casts long shadow

The first regular parliamentary elections marked a major step in BARMM’s transition from interim rule to an elected regional government after years of postponements. The polls also represented a key test of the Bangsamoro peace process and the region’s transition from decades of armed conflict to democratic self-government. Presidential Peace Adviser Mel Senen Sarmiento called the elections a defining milestone in implementing the peace process, noting that the polls were held 12 years after the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Sarmiento also cited the participation of the MILF as a significant milestone in its transition from armed struggle to parliamentary democracy. The MILF is the largest Moro revolutionary organization that fought for self‑determination in Mindanao for more than four decades. Its significance in BARMM is foundational: without the MILF, the autonomous region would not exist in its current form. Negotiations between the government and MILF produced the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in 2012 and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014, which formally ended more than 20 years of armed struggle and laid the legal foundation for BARMM. With Charles Dantes and Rex Espiritu

and Order: SVU” star, opened the gala with song and dance, belting out a “I Love TV Screens” parody of Joan Jett’s classic “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” She recruited superstar friends for pre-taped segments, including New York Knicks basketball champion Jalen Brunson and Taylor Swift. The pop titan’s taped sketch drew laughs for its insider industry jokes.

‘The Pitt’ repeats as best drama

“The Pitt” won its second consecutive Emmy for best drama. The smash series follows stressed workers in a Pittsburgh emergency room, with each episode unfolding in real time. Tackling everything from abortion rights to immigration crackdowns to mass shootings, the hit had led all shows with 25 nominations, and clocked six statuettes by night’s close. Star Noah Wyle, who has racked up many awards for his leading role, won his second straight acting prize, and took home another statuette for best series as one of its producers. “I grew up in LA. I’m a Hollywood kid. I was raised on a television, and movie theaters were my place of worship. This is all I’ve ever wanted to do and this is the only club I’ve ever wanted to join. Thank you for accepting me,” Wyle told the audience. “Pluribus” star Rhea Seehorn nabbed the statuette for best actress in a drama. AFP

Ortega, recalling his own service in local government, described financial disclosure as a basic responsibility of public office. He said an outgoing declaration lets the public see an official’s financial position at the end of a term. Abante also raised the disclosure of acquisition costs. Section 8(A)(b) of RA 6713 requires the declaration of personal property and acquisition cost, while the following subsection covers other assets, including investments, cash and stocks. The briefing later turned to repeated gaps in cash declarations and questions about shares held in line with listed business interests. Batu said the 2019 through 2025 SALNs contained no declaration specifically identifying cash on hand or cash in bank. Asked whether repeated omissions were deliberate, Abante answered: “Talagang (truly) willful.” Ortega described the entries as red flags but said prosecutors would have to examine them further as the presentation continued under Article II, which covers allegations of unexplained wealth and financial disclosure failures. “It’s still too early to draw conclusions, but watch how the prosecutors dissect that in the coming,” he said.

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Marcos: Nearly 600,000 housing units since 2022 By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that his administration has built nearly 600,000 housing units since July 2022 as the government steps up efforts to address the country’s housing shortage and relocate families living in disaster-prone areas. President Marcos made the statement during the ceremonial turnover of 333 housing units at Disiplina Village in Barangay Arkong Bato, Valenzuela City, where he said providing safe and resilient homes was particularly important amid increasingly frequent rains and flooding. “During such dangers, the home is the first place where we expect to find shelter. Our children should be safe here. This should be where we can rest without fear,” Mr. Marcos said. The president said families living in danger zones often face the risk of losing their homes and belongings whenever severe weather strikes, underscoring the need to relocate them to safer communities. The Disiplina Village project in Arkong Bato is part of the government’s relocation program for informal settler families, including those living in flood-prone areas near the Tullahan River. The president said the project consists of five phases that are being pursued and completed to allow more families to benefit from the housing program. He said the new community also offers beneficiaries easier access to schools and health facilities, allowing children to attend school more conveniently and families to access medical services.

Repatriation rules in Russia-Ukraine conflict issued By Katrina Manubay THE Philippine Embassy in Moscow urged Filipinos who need assistance to return to the Philippines to coordinate with the embassy before booking or purchasing airline tickets and to follow its repatriation procedures amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine hostilities. “For accurate and up-to-date information, Filipinos are encouraged to contact the Embassy directly and consult its official announcements,” the advisory read in Filipino. “Information from other sources, including posts or comments in Facebook groups, may not be complete, up-to-date, or aligned with current procedures,” it added. The embassy also reminded Filipinos to complete the required Assistance-toNationals (ATN) form in accordance with its instructions and to purchase airline tickets only after their repatriation schedule has been confirmed. It assured Filipinos that requests for repatriation assistance would be addressed properly in accordance with existing regulations and applicable procedures. According to data from the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are approximately 15,000 Filipinos in Russia. Earlier this month, reports indicated that Russia and Ukraine exchanged large waves of drone attacks, leading to civilian deaths and injuries and damaging energy infrastructure on both sides.

CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY. Youth leaders and members of socio-civic and religious groups hold signs demanding truth, justice and accountability over the flood-control scandal during a conference Tuesday, September 15, as the country approaches the first anniversary of the TrillionPeso March and the 54th anniversary of Martial Law. Manny Palmero

Deliberations open on P7.2 trillion budget By Maricel V. Cruz

HE House of Representatives on Tuesday opened plenary deliberations on the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, beginning the chamber’s line-by-line scrutiny of government spending priorities before the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) is put to a vote. Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing, chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, sponsored House Bill 10858, or the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 GAB, as the chamber began a series of plenary debates scheduled to run until September 25. “Today, we open the plenary deliberations for the Fiscal Year 2027 General Appropriations Bill — the backbone of our fiscal policy and the clearest mir-

ror of our government’s priorities,” Suansing said. “The Constitution entrusts Congress with the power of the purse: a solemn responsibility that demands integrity and vigilance,” she added. According to the lawmaker, the plenary process allows lawmakers to scrutinize every provision and ensure that the final spending measure responds to the actual needs of Filipinos. “The plenary deliberations of the General Appropriations Bill are among the greatest exercises of our democracy. The spirited debates that will result from these discussions should ensure that the General Appropriations Act will represent the priorities and necessities of every Filipino from every corner of our archipelago,” Suansing said. “Our challenge is to ask the difficult questions, test every assumption, and demand full justification for every line item on the budget to ensure that every peso is grounded in science, feasibility, and genuine need,” she added. Tuesday’s proceedings began with the sponsorship of the measure and debate on its general principles and provisions, followed by deliberations on the Department of Economy, Planning,

IN BRIEF Multiple injuries in Bontoc vehicular accident

and Development and the Department of Budget and Management. The House on Wednesday will take up the budgets of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Commission on Human Rights, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Labor and Employment, and several other agencies. The succeeding days will cover, among others, the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Environment and Natural Resources on September 17; Justice, Migrant Workers, and Science and Technology on September 18; the Commission on Elections, Commission on Audit, and Department of National Defense on September 21; and the Office of the Vice President, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, and Department of the Interior and Local Government on September 22. The Office of the President, Commission on Higher Education, state universities and colleges, Department of Energy, and Department of Transportation are scheduled on September 23.

AT LEAST seven passengers were injured after an Elf vehicle carrying around 27 people fell down a steep slope along the Talubin-to-Barlig Road in Sitio Jakap, Talubin, Bontoc, Mountain Province, on Tuesday afternoon. The accident was reported at around 12:40 p.m. after the Emergency Operations Center received information about the incident. According to preliminary information, the vehicle was traveling from Isabela through Paracelis and was headed toward Bakun, Benguet, when it fell off the road and plunged about 50 to 100 meters down a slope. Rescue teams from various agencies and nearby municipalities were quickly sent to the area to assist the passengers and conduct search and rescue operations. Dave Leprozo

ASEAN dialogue to take on circular economy THE Philippines is convening the region’s policymakers, industry and civil society to change that trajectory, hosting the ASEAN Regional Dialogue on Circular Economy (ARDCE) on September 22 to 23 at the New World Hotel in Makati City. As ASEAN economies grow, so does the waste they generate, with plastics, packaging and electronics piling up faster than the region can recover them. The two-day dialogue, convened under the Philippine ASEAN chairship 2026, will explore how member states can shift from a linear “take-make-dispose” model toward reuse, recycling and resource efficiency. Rio N. Araja

PhilSA advances PH bid to join key space treaties

NEW DRAINAGE PIPES. Workers near completion of two large drainage pipes along a 1.3-kilometer stretch of Sumulong Highway in Marikina City. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon says the project aims to improve water flow, reduce flooding and keep traffic moving during storms and the southwest monsoon.

Subpoena for Robin over Bato’s escape By Joel E. Zurbano

USED OIL RECYCLING. Marikina City continues collecting used cooking oil from communities, urging residents to turn in used oil instead of pouring it into sinks, canals or drains to help keep waterways clean and prevent clogged drainage systems.

SENATOR Robinhood Padilla has acknowledged receiving a subpoena from the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with an obstruction of justice complaint alleging that he aided Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa in his escape. The Justice Department has summoned Padilla to appear before a panel of prosecutors on September 25 and October 9, 2026, concerning a complaint related to the obstruction of the apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders. “A subpoena has arrived,” Padilla announced on his social media account. The Philippine National PoliceCriminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) lodged the complaint against Padilla and several others in relation to the purported escape

of Dela Rosa, who is currently facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Senate was thrown into chaos on May 11 when Dela Rosa, who had reportedly been in hiding since November 2025, emerged to cast a pivotal 13th vote that enabled Senator Alan Peter Cayetano to assume the Senate presidency just before the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Dela Rosa also sought sanctuary within the Senate due to the ICC arrest warrant, with his allies placing him under the chamber’s protective custody. On May 13, tensions heightened after the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms allegedly discharged shots at personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation in a nearby building, despite assurances that Dela Rosa would not be arrested while on Senate grounds.

THE Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) is advancing the country’s efforts to accede to the Outer Space Treaty and the Rescue Agreement following a multi-stakeholder consultation held at the University of the Philippines Diliman. The consultation, held on Sept. 8 at the Blue Room of the Atencio Libunao Hall, brought together representatives from various government agencies to discuss the national implications of the two foundational international space treaties. The UP Institute of International Legal Studies presented its findings and recommendations, including measures to refine the National Interest Analysis. The analysis will also support the government’s efforts to obtain Certificates of Concurrence from key government agencies as part of the accession process. Rex Espiritu REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS Twentieth Congress Second Regular Session

ANNOUNCEMENT President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA), for its consent to the nomination of: Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) MGEN. BENEDICT D. BALABA to the rank of Lieutenant General The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions to the above nomination in seven (7) copies to the CA Secretariat, 11th Floor, Uptown Eastgate Tower I, corner 11th and 36th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone number 8832-2827 local 2142 to 2144, and local 2512 to 2514. 14 September 2026.

MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICA Secretary (MS-SEPTEMBER 16, 2026)

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Cebu realty firm given greenlight for dev’t project By Minerva Newman CEBU City—The Cebu City government has cleared the 118-hectare Monterrazas de Cebu mountain development project to resume operations after a technical review ruled that its on-site flood mitigation systems far exceed local requirements. In a resolution adopted on Sept. 8, the city’s Technical Infrastructure Committee said inspections showed found that the project’s detention ponds can hold more than three times the volume mandated by the city’s building and environmental codes. The review was ordered by Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña following a cease-and-desist order against developer Mont Property Group amid complaints that the project worsened flooding during Typhoon “Tino” last year, including Brgy. Cotcot which was 25 kilometers away. A joint inspection in July 2026 by the Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), Office of the Building Official (OBO), and the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) focused on “Catchment 01” in the Montelago sector, the area most linked to Guadalupe flooding complaints. Engineers found seven detention ponds with a total capacity of 27,483.4 cubic meters, versus the 8,220 cubic meters required under Cebu City’s drainage standards. According to the committee, the excess capacity allows Monterrazas to trap rainfall on-site and release it at a controlled rate instead of dumping runoff directly into city drains. Although the panel noted that the report “does not prove the development does not contribute, directly or indirectly, to any flooding,” it said the project cannot be blamed as the single culprit.

Lawmaker wants teachers’medical benefits upgraded

PBBM PUBLIC SERVICE CARAVAN. President Marcos’ public service caravan dubbed ‘Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat’ rolls out in Ilagan City, Isabela, bringing essential government services directly to the people. Jessica Bacud

Job recruiters, experts nix planned border fees By Vito Barcelo

ECRUITMENT industry leaders and migration experts resist the proposed imposition of border fees, saying it would add to the travel costs of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

About two million OFWs leave the Philippines yearly and could be affected by the proposed extra charge under a border security system being considered by the Bureau of Immigration (BI). Loreto Soriano, an industry leader and migration expert at the Migration and Development Policy Center, said OFWs should be exempt from the fee under Republic Act 8042, which exempts migrant workers from airport fees and travel taxes. Under the proposed Comprehensive Automated Immigration and Security System, a private provider would

collect fees from departing passengers, Soriano said, adding that OFWs should be excluded from the charge. About 1.7 million OFWs come home each year for vacation, then leave again after being rehired. Soriano said these workers could end up paying the fee from their own pockets because their employers do not generally cover the costs of their homecoming travels and back to their workplace. Migration expert Emmanuel Geslani disputed claims that foreign employers pay all travel costs of OFWs, saying employers generally cover the

initial travel of workers to their job sites, while OFWs go home for vacation on their own accounts. The additional cost could also affect OFWs who take more than one vacation each year or travel overseas with their families, he said. Soriano urged the Department of Migrant Workers, the Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Justice, and the PPP Center to include an automatic OFW exemption in the bidding documents, public-private partnership contracts, implementing rules, and ticketing and collection system. He also called for the exemption to cover departure, arrival and transit movements of the OFWs, with a refund mechanism for fees collected by mistake. Soriano said they are not against border modernization, but wanted the system implemented in accordance with existing laws and with protections for migrant workers.

By Maricel V. Cruz A LAWMAKER presses the upgrade of healthcare benefits for public school teachers by institutionalizing comprehensive Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) coverage nationwide. House assistant majority leader and Quezon City 5th District Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas made the move in conjunction with the observance of National Teachers’ Month. Vargas’ filed House Bill 10984, or the proposed “Health Care for Public School Teachers Act” mandating the Department of Education (DepEd) to procure HMO packages for all public school teachers in the country through public bidding. “As part of valuing our teachers, it is only right that we look after their health and relieve them of worries regarding medical expenses should they fall ill,” Vargas said. The proposed benefit will also serve as an extra layer of health protection on top of the teachers’ existing PhilHealth coverage, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses during medical emergencies.

HARBINGERS OF CHRISTMAS. Pine trees and

an icon of the Nativity are on display at the Dapitan Arcade in Quezon City as early signs that Christmas is coming, affirming the country’s reputation for having the longest Yuletide celebration in the world. Manny Palmero

IN BRIEF Boracay cops undergo basic military training POLICEMEN deployed in the world-renowned tropical resort if Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan have undergone basic military exercises to enhance their operational readiness and ability to respond to physical threats. Malay police chief Lt. Col. Orlando Carag Jr. said his men, joined by several militias, went through the training in collaboration with the Army as arranged bb Lt. Co. Lawrence San Juan. The drills involved practical and scenario-based exercises on defensive posture, threat assessment, disengagement, control techniques, and other basic defense maneuvers.. Carag said police readiness goes beyond equipment and procedures, stressing the need for personnel to have the knowledge, discipline, confidence and practical skills to respond appropriately while observing professionalism, restraint and respect for human rights. Vince Lopez

Four Indian nationals in 5-6 lending arrested BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents have arrested four Indian nationals in separate operations in Rizal, Quezon City, and Mandaluyong City for alleged violations of Philippine immigration laws. The arrests were carried out under mission orders issued by the BI Intelligence Division as part of the government’s intensified enforcement of immigration laws, BI intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. said. In Cainta, Rizal, the agents nabbed Indian nationals Lamber Singh and Ranjodh Singh for alleged possession of fraudulent visa. Both men were reportedly involved in “5-6” lending activities. In Quezon City, agents apprehended Indian national Kulwinder Singh Gill at Fairmont Park Subdivision for possession of expired visa. In Mandaluyong City, BI agents also collared Saeid Bahadoran Baghbaderani for alleged violation of the immigration law. Vito Barcelo

PH education officials tour Hawaiian schools

SC: 12,010 completed 2026 Bar exams BEAUTY AND STRENGTH IN FALLING DOWN.

A hiker leisurely walks toward the Aw-asen Falls of Barangay Santo Rosario, Sigay, Ilocos Sur, made more robust by the recent rains. Dave Leprozo

By Gwyneth Nolasco THE Supreme Court has recorded 12,010 examinees who completed the three-day 2026 Bar Examinations which ended on Sunday. According to the High Court, this marks the highest number of finishers in the history of the Philippine Bar. The “digitalized, regionalized, and inclusive” Bar Exams this year were conducted in 15 local testing centers nationwide. The SC initially tallied 13,441 admitted applicants, while 12,029 takers completed the first day of exams on September 6, covering Political and Public International Law and Commercial and Taxation Laws. The number of examinees who returned for the second day on Sept. 9,

involving Civil Law and Land Titles and Deeds and Labor Law and Social Legislation, slightly dropped to 12,017 out of 12,029. Lastly, on the third and final day of the exams, covering Criminal Law in the morning and Remedial Law, Legal and Judicial Ethics, with Practical Exercises, SC logged an examinee retention rate of 99.9 percent, with 12,010 of the 12,017 second-day examinees completing the tests. The University of San Jose–Recoletos posted the highest number with 1,324 examinees, followed by New Era University at 1,276, San Beda University at 1,148, Ateneo de Davao University at 1,142, and Saint Louis University at 1,130. The result of the 2026 Bar Exams is tentatively scheduled to be released in January 2027.

A DELEGATION of Philippine education officials traveled to Leeward Community College, Honolulu Community College and Kapiʻolani Community College in Hawai’i to observe the state’s community college model. The group consisted of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Michelle Aguilar Ong, CHED’s director for Institutional Quality Assurance and Governance Lora Yusi, ,and administrators from four Philippine universities, including the UP Open University (UPOU), represented by Reinald Adrian Pugoy. In a statement,ept 14, the University of Hawai’i said the visit focused mostly on student access, and cross-Pacific collaboration. “Across the campuses, conversations centered on common challenges: aligning education with workforce needs, helping students complete or transfer, and creating flexible pathways through continuing education and microcredentials,” the statement read. Gabriel Oliva

OPINION

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

A less dismal picture

An allegation is not a verdict A COMPLAINT is announced. Charges are recommended. Headlines follow. Political rivals amplify the allegations. Social media picks up the story. Before long, an allegation can begin to sound like an established fact. But an allegation is not a verdict. That distinction matters, especially when a case is still undergoing the proper legal process. In the case of the Mahayhay road project in Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, allegations involving officials have drawn the attention of the Office of the Ombudsman, which is examining the matter under its mandate. The fact that a case is being investigated, however, does not by itself establish liability. The Ombudsman has an important mandate to investigate allegations of wrongdoing and determine whether the evidence warrants appropriate legal action. That process deserves respect and, perhaps just as importantly, the space to run its course. At the same time, those facing allegations must be given the opportunity to answer them. That is where Surigao del Norte 1st District Congressman Francisco “Lalo” Matugas and his son, former district representative Francisco “Bingo” Matugas II, find themselves today. The two are facing allegations relating to the controversial road project.The allegations are serious and deserve to be examined seriously. But seriousness cuts both ways. It means the allegations should be investigated carefully. It also means the evidence and the response of those being accused should have the same opportunity to be heard. There is a natural tendency in public controversies to move quickly from accusation to conclusion. That is precisely where due process becomes important. The proper sequence is: Allegation. Evidence. Finding. Legal outcome. Each is different. An allegation tells us what someone claims happened. Evidence helps establish whether that claim is supported. A finding comes only after the appropriate authority has examined the evidence and the parties have been heard. The legal outcome follows from the proper process. Skipping those steps may make for a more dramatic political narrative, but it does not necessarily make for a fair or accurate one. The Matugases have said they will face the process and answer the allegations. For now, perhaps the most important thing is simply to keep steady. There will be a time and proper forum to tell their side, present the documents and answer the questions. There is wisdom in allowing the Ombudsman to perform its mandate without unnecessary public pressure. Institutions

work best when they are allowed to examine the facts, evaluate the evidence and arrive at their own conclusions. For those facing the allegations, the responsibility is equally clear: answer the issues, present the relevant facts and documents, and allow the proper process to take its course. Let the Ombudsman do its job. Let those facing the allegations defend themselves. Let the documents and evidence be examined. And let the law determine the legal outcome. There is a broader public interest involved here.

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There is wisdom in allowing the Ombudsman to perform its mandate without unnecessary public pressure. When allegations concerning public projects are raised, people deserve answers. They deserve to know what happened, what the records show, and what the responsible institutions ultimately determine. But people also deserve accuracy. A finding should not be created simply through repetition. A conclusion should not be established merely because an allegation has been reported many times. Political commentary should never become a substitute for evidence. The same principle should apply regardless of who is involved. Today it may be the Matugases. Tomorrow it could be another public official, a businessman, a government employee, or an ordinary citizen. If we want institutions to be respected, we must also respect the process by which they arrive at their findings. If we want accountability, accountability must be based on facts, the law, evidence and jurisprudence, not political narratives or assumptions. If we want justice, justice must include the opportunity to be heard. For the Matugases, the immediate task is therefore not to win a public argument. It is to make sure their side of the facts is properly heard while the legal process takes its course. Perhaps that is the simplest way to look at the controversy. Hear the allegation. Examine the evidence. Hear the defense. Then decide. In the end, the loudest voice should not determine the outcome. Neither should politics or political rivals. Accountability must be determined by a fair and independent process, not by who can shout the loudest, apply the greatest pressure, or gain the most political advantage. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Russian disinformation campaign sets sights on US midterms By Bill McCarthy WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES — A Russian disinformation operation has turned its attention to the US midterm elections, unleashing a series of deepfake videos that depict celebrities attacking Democrats, researchers said, with more expected to come. The videos spread late last week across social media with hashtags such as “#AllDemocratsAreCriminals,” and showed Hollywood actors chastising the Democratic Party in self-recorded statements branded with CNN’s logo. “Today in America, there isn’t a single child who isn’t under threat from Democrats,” a voice-cloned version of “How I Met Your Mother” star Alyson Hannigan is shown saying in one. Another portrays Emma Caulfield saying Democrats “drink our blood.” In a third, Sarah Jessica Parker appears to call Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Democrats “Nazis.” The clips were created using footage stolen from elsewhere on the internet. One fake of Julia Roberts layered fabricated audio over a 2023 Gucci campaign. Others were built on top of recordings uploaded to Cameo, a service that lets celebrities sell personalized videos to fans. “I feel violated,” Caulfield, known for her role in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” told AFP of the video using her image. “This isn’t me and worse, this cheap imitation is a soulless idiot.” “I had no idea this was happening,” added “Better Call Saul” actor Ed Begley Jr, whose Cameo submission was altered

to depict him bashing Democrats as “perverts.” “I want to say on record that I wholeheartedly disagree with everything that the video says.” “Runaway Train” star Eric Roberts, who saw his own Cameo footage similarly distorted to portray him attacking Democrats over transgender issues, told AFP the statements “are not my words and do not represent my beliefs.” “I am deeply troubled that my likeness was manipulated and used to deceive the public,” he said.

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Deepfake videos depict celebrities attacking Democrats, and more are expected to come. A CNN spokesperson also objected to the “unauthorized” use of the network’s branding, saying the videos “are not CNN content and have no affiliation with CNN.” ‘The first salvo’ Disinformation researchers said the deepfake videos appear to be the work of Matryoshka, or Operation Overload, a Kremlin campaign known for littering social media with doctored videos that impersonate news organizations, and then amplifying them using inorganic bot activity. “This is what I believe to be the first salvo in Russia’s targeting” of the November vote, said Clemson University’s Darren

HE 2025 Program for International Student Assessment showed better results for the Philippines across three basic subjects, which saw improvements by 17, 16, and 20 points, respectively, from 2022 results.

PISA randomly selects its testtakers, mostly 15-year-olds. For 2025, some 8,000 students from 208 schools – 140 of which are public schools -- participated in the testing. According to PISA’s standards, the gains in reading are roughly equivalent to a full year of learning. The Philippines was the fastest-improving country in terms of reading performance, using the trend analysis of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. “This is a significant achievement for learners and the entire Philippine education system,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara. “But more than the numbers, we are seeing evidence that learners are capable of making real and meaningful progress.”

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PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

It would be a mistake to be complacent. The previous year, the definition of functional literacy was expanded to include higher-level comprehension skills that go beyond basic reading, writing, and numeracy.

FREE higher education has reshaped the landscape of Philippine higher education. For thousands of Filipino families, college became a real possibility because tuition no longer stood as the biggest obstacle at the door. Now that more students are able to enter, we have to make sure our higher education system is ready to receive them well. The next phase of the reform should therefore focus on three things: Rooms. Resources. Reach. First, rooms. Free higher education has brought more students to the doors of our State Universities and Colleges. The challenge now is making sure there is enough space for them once they arrive. Demand has grown faster than classrooms, laboratories, equipment, faculty positions and program slots. Every institution eventually reaches the limit of what it can properly handle. That is where access and quality begin to meet. The Commission on Higher Education has already started responding. Under CHED Chair Shirley Agrupis, the Commission has focused on the pressures facing our SUCs. CHED’s work with the Department of Budget and Management led to the release of ₱9.753 billion to address accumulated Free Higher Education deficiencies affecting 108 SUCs. The proposed 2027 budget increases Personnel Services for SUCs by more than ₱7.4 billion. These steps matter because every additional student requires additional teaching capacity. The next question should guide reform: How many students can each institution properly educate with the faculty, facilities and resources it actually has? The national budget already directs CHED to determine how many students each institution and program can reasonably accommodate. The next step is to build a clearer national picture of where capacity exists, where demand is growing, and where additional investment is most urgently needed. We need to know, campus by campus and program by program, where places

remain available, where demand is strongest, and where the pressure lies. We should also know how many qualified applicants are left waiting because nearby public institutions are already full.

Once we know where the rooms are needed, the next question follows: What will it take to create them? Second, resources. Capacity grows when resources grow with it. The Multi-Year Pre-Composite Fee already provided under the UAQTEA law offers an important mechanism for doing this. Chair Agrupis has expressed CHED’s commitment to implement it so government support becomes more predictable and better aligned with the actual cost of providing quality higher education. CHED estimates that support at around ₱200 per unit would require approximately ₱11.5 billion, compared with roughly ₱9.1 billion currently provided. That gap tells us a great deal. Quality education has a real cost. Nursing needs laboratories and clinical exposure. Engineering needs equipment. Agriculture needs field facilities. Information technology needs systems that keep pace with change. Every program also depends on qualified professors, libraries, student services and learning spaces that work. A clearer program-level costing system, combined with carrying-capacity data, would give Congress and DBM a stronger basis for future appropriations. We can begin asking a better question: How many

additional quality college places can this investment create? That shift matters because higher education financing should increasingly follow actual student demand, real program costs and the capacity of institutions to deliver quality. Then comes the third question: How far can our higher education system reach? This brings us to the third point, reach. Our SUCs should continue expanding where demand and public need justify expansion. At the same time, many communities already have private colleges and universities with qualified faculty, classrooms and available places. That existing capacity can help us move faster. The Tertiary Education Subsidy already gives government a mechanism for helping qualified students study in private institutions. CHED can use that instrument more strategically in areas where public capacity is already stretched. Public and private institutions serve the same Filipino learner. Complementarity becomes a practical way of expanding opportunity. Government can strengthen SUCs while using quality capacity that already exists. CHED can bring these pieces together: map capacity, determine real costs, strengthen SUCs where investment creates the greatest impact, and use available private capacity where it can immediately serve students. Chair Agrupis has shown a clear commitment to carrying these reforms forward. Congress should match that commitment with the resources and policy support needed to make them work. Free higher education has opened the door. Our next task is to make sure there are enough rooms, enough resources, and enough reach for every Filipino learner who is ready for college. Because access becomes real when a student enters a classroom, receives a quality education, completes a degree and gains a genuine chance to build a better life. That is the promise we now have to complete.

Linvill, an expert on Russian influence campaigns. “The Russians have targeted every US election with some kind of social media campaign since 2016,” Linvill told AFP. “I was fully expecting it.” The online collective Antibot4navalny first attributed the deepfakes to Matryoshka due to their familiar pattern of distribution and amplification across social media. Pablo Maristany de las Casas, an Institute for Strategic Dialogue analyst who has tracked Russian efforts to target elections across Europe, said the fabricated voiceovers and misuse of CNN’s logo are also low-effort tactics consistent with Matry-

oshka. “The use of Cameo videos is not new,” he said. “They have used it in the regional and local German elections, in the Hungarian elections, in the Armenian elections.” French prosecutors said last month they were also probing suspected Russian deepfakes and fake video reports targeting the main two centrist candidates in next year’s presidential elections. While the campaign’s work often has minimal impact -- and X, Bluesky and TikTok have removed some of the posts -- experts said the videos signal which US races and issues Russia intends to target in the elections that could flip the balance of

power in the US Congress. And the operation appears to be ramping up. Antibot4navalny spotted other fabricated CNN video reports smearing Democratic candidates, including Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff and Texas Senate hopeful James Talarico. The group also alerted AFP to additional inauthentic video reports that emerged Monday, seeking to discredit MS NOW’s debunking of the celebrity deepfakes. The posts wove disinformation journalist Brandy Zadrozny into the narrative, falsely claiming she had retracted her coverage on the burgeoning campaign. AFP

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Our next task is to make sure there are enough rooms, enough resources, and enough reach for every Filipino learner who is ready for college.

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser

Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

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From free tuition to capacity

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City. Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net

Our PISA ranking has caused the Philippines much grief, especially when the figures are put side by side with measures of functional literacy – as distinct from basic literacy -- by the Philippine Statistics Authority. In 2025, the PSA said that 18.9 million Filipinos who completed secondary education in the last five years may be considered functionally illiterate.

We wonder how soon the PISA improvements can be reflected in the literacy measures. The PISA numbers are certainly something to cheer, because it shows that dismal rankings can be improved and that positive changes can be effected over time. The problems in our basic educational system are many and deep, and any indications of progress must be noted, with keen attention on what was done exactly and to what extent. But it would be a mistake to be complacent. Filipino learners deserve much more than to register marginal improvements or to rank higher than other countries who may simply be doing worse. The attention on education must be focused and relentless. Ultimately, our objective should never be to simply improve our position in international organizations’ measures. We should be able to observe marked changes in how our students perform basic comprehension and computational tasks, think critically, and know when to believe-- or reject – what they see or hear.

Mario R. Policarpio Jr. Head - Finance

Baldwin R. Felipe

Head - Ad Solutions

Joyce Pangco Pañares Managing Editor

Honor Blanco Cabie

Opinion Editor

Feliciano T. Buscas Jr. Head - IT-MIS

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Head - Suppplements

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Aytch dela Cruz

Online Editor

Edgar M. Valmorida Circulation Manager

News Editor

(On leave)

Lino M. Santos Chief Photographer

WORLD

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

‘Iran war has led to US munitions shortfall’

ASHINGTON – The US Defense Department’s inspector general revealed the United States is facing a shortfall in ammunition as a result of its costly war in Iran.

SACRED OBSERVANCE. Devotees offer prayers on the banks of the Bagmati River during ‘Rishi Panchami’ at the end of the threeday ‘Teej’ festival, in which Hindu women fast during the day and pray for the long lives of their husbands, in Kathmandu on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. AFP

IN BRIEF Saudi warns to react ‘firmly’ to Houthi attacks Japan centenarians top 100,000 for the first time TOKYO – The number of centenarians across Japan topped 100,000 for the first time, the health ministry said Tuesday. With a median age of 49.9 years, Japan has the second-oldest population in the world after Monaco, according to the World Bank. The latest government survey, published ahead of the annual “Respect for the Aged” public holiday next week, showed the number of those aged 100 or older stood at 107,677 as of September 1. This was the first time the number of centenarians exceeded the 100,000 mark since records began in 1963, with around 90 percent of them female, the ministry said. The population of this age group has hit a record high for 56 consecutive years. Data in June showed that Japan’s fertility rate fell again last year to a new record low, underscoring the demographic crisis gnawing at the world’s fourth-largest economy. The slow-burning emergency is already leading to labor shortages, a ballooning social security bill and a shrinking tax base. AFP

SANAA – Saudi Arabia warned Tuesday it will react “firmly” to Yemen’s Houthis, after a series of attacks carried out by the pro-Iranian rebels using ballistic missiles and drones wounded 13 civilians in the country’s south. The Houthis have been engaged in renewed fighting with Saudi-backed government forces since Yemen’s civil war reignited in July, when the group declared a maritime blockade on Riyadh and began targeting its ships in the Red Sea. The group seized control of Yemen’s Red Sea coast and the Bab al-Mandab Strait last week, which has become vital as the wider US-Iran war chokes the Strait of Hormuz, in a significant blow to Yemeni government forces.

It has also targeted the oil infrastructure of Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading crude exporter, pushing oil prices above the $100 threshold. A Houthi strike in western Yemen on Monday killed eight soldiers from government forces, according to two military sources. The Houthis claimed a new “largescale” attack using “dozens of ballistic missiles and drones” against the King Khalid airbase in Khamis Mushait, in southern Saudi Arabia. A Khamis Mushait resident told AFP he heard “intense blasts” which left fires burning for a “long time.” “Honestly, we couldn’t sleep at all.” The Riyadh-led coalition confirmed

Microsoft publishes ‘humanist’ AI code of conduct amid concerns WASHINGTON – Microsoft’s AI division published a code of conduct Monday governing how its artificial intelligence models should behave, as fears rise about the dangers of AI. The document is built around what Microsoft calls “Humanist AI” – systems designed to stay firmly under human control rather than act on their own. The guiding idea, the company said, is that “people matter more than AI.” Microsoft tied the timing partly to security worries, citing recent largescale, coordinated hacking campaigns carried out with the help of AI agents as a sign the industry cannot afford delay. The company did not specifically mention a widely publicized incident in July in which two OpenAI models

Man nabbed after several wounded in knife attack BEIJING – Police in southern China said they have arrested a man who wounded multiple people in a knife attack outside a hot pot restaurant. Authorities received reports that the suspect, a 35-year-old surnamed Li, had carried out the attack in Guangzhou’s Panyu district at 5:20 pm on Monday, a police statement said later that evening. Several people sustained “non-lifethreatening” injuries, the statement added. It did not give the number of victims or a suspected motive. Footage of the incident posted online suggested the attacks took place in a shopping center and showed at least three victims with wounds to their faces. A video seemingly captured from CCTV showed a man in a face mask stabbing a woman in the face as he walked past her in front of a restaurant. AFP

Europe puts into orbit two Earth observation satellites KOUROU, France – The European Space Agency has successfully put into orbit two satellites designed to better detect extreme weather events linked to climate change, officials said. The European Vega-C rocket successfully launched the Sentinel-3C and Flex satellites after lifting off from the Kourou space center in French Guiana at 10:21 pm Monday (0121 GMT Tuesday), according to an AFP journalist on the scene. The two satellites were placed into a sun-synchronous orbit nearly two hours after liftoff. The first satellite, Flex (Fluorescence Explorer), will provide data on the impact of heatwaves on plant matter. It will monitor fluorescence, the red light emitted by plants when they carry out photosynthesis, aiming to establish the link between “plant stress and fluorescence” and to “quantify it,” head of the Flex program Thierry Huiban told AFP at Thales Alenia Space in April. AFP

Tuesday there had been missile and drone attacks the previous day on Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif, reporting 13 wounded. Riyadh responded with more than 50 strikes, as it had the day before, according to the Houthis. The coalition said it would deal with the attacks “firmly to protect the sovereignty of the Kingdom” and would take “all necessary operational measures to deter this... hostile and extremist approach.” Hazem al-Assad from the Houthis’ politburo said the “Yemeni response will continue and escalate as long as they (Saudi Arabia) persist in their aggression against our people.” AFP

In a first-of-its-kind mandatory report to Congress, the inspector said that between February 28 and June 30, Operation Epic Fury (OEF) had an estimated cost of $33.4 billion, with $22.3 billion of that spent on expended munitions alone. The report noted “the munitions expenditure on OEF has resulted in strategic inventory shortfalls and revealed industrial base bottlenecks for munitions resupply.” It also lists losses to the American fleet, including four F-15s destroyed, one F-35 damaged, seven KC-135 tanker aircraft damaged and up to 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones destroyed. President Donald Trump has repeatedly brushed off concerns of depleted weapons stores during the six months of war in the Middle East, saying the US has “virtually unlimited” ammo just a couple weeks ago. On Monday Trump posted to his Truth Social platform saying again the US is producing “more Exquisite and Elite Weapons than at any time in our History.” CNN has previously reported shortages of long-range guided missiles and air-defense interceptors had affected Trump’s strategy in the conflict with Iran, with the US military having “nearly exhausted 80%” of its stock of THAAD interceptors. During the first 24 hours of war against Iran, the United States struck more than 1,000 targets, US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said, and has not returned to such large-scale attacks in recent months. The report notes that “Iranian strikes damaged and destroyed hundreds of buildings and structures at US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan during the conflict,” but does not include those costs in the cost estimates, saying it’s not yet clear if all the bases will be built, or who will foot the bill. AFP

broke out of a sandboxed test environment, reached the open internet and hacked into Hugging Face, a platform where developers store and share code, in order to cheat on a cybersecurity evaluation. Microsoft’s code came days after Anthropic chief executive Dario Amodei published an essay calling for AI companies to deliberately slow the pace at which they improve model capabilities, an appeal quickly backed on social media by OpenAI chief Sam Altman and Elon Musk. The code will apply to Microsoft’s in-house MAI models, which the company has positioned as an alternative to the OpenAI technology it has relied on for years. AFP

CHOKEPOINTS. Infographic shows the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, two key chokepoints in the Middle East to the global supply of oil. The Iran-backed Houthis on September 11, 2026, captured Yemen’s Red Sea coast from the internationally recognized Saudi-backed government, cementing their hold on the Bab al-Mandab Strait, while the Strait of Hormuz remains closed amid the US-Iran war. AFP

Cambodia ‘playing the victim,’ Thailand tells global mediators SINGAPORE – Thailand accused Cambodia on Tuesday of “playing the role of a victim” in a dispute over maritime resources, as the Southeast Asian neighbors brought their long-standing feud before international mediators. The hearing at the Singapore outpost of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) comes after the countries fought two rounds of deadly border clashes last year. In May this year, Thailand unilaterally pulled out of a framework agreement with Cambodia that aimed to resolve

overlapping maritime border claims, but denied any link to their land dispute. Cambodia subsequently initiated a UN-backed conciliation process at the PCA, saying it hoped to return to constructive negotiations. Opening Bangkok’s case before a five-member panel of international legal experts, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Cambodia sought to “vilify Thailand through false narratives, distortion of facts, and unfounded accusations... including at international forums.”

SOME PEACE AND CALM. Afghan boys sit along a street in Spin Boldak district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. AFP

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026

Hyrox under fire after athlete with diarrhea soils course

Cignal and PVL officials display their new broadcast agreement.

Cignal renews partnership with PVL and Spikers’ Turf C

IGNAL has renewed its partnership with the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and Spikers’ Turf for another three years, paving the way for more memorable moments and greater growth for volleyball in the Philippines. Under this agreement, the PVL and Spikers’ Turf will be available to fans through One Sports and One Sports+. Over the past five years, the PVL partnership has delivered 15 conferences filled with thrilling matches, breakthrough performances, and timeless rivalries that have captivated volleyball fans across the country. Spikers’ Turf, meanwhile, marks a decade of growth and has played a key role in providing opportunities for male volleyball players and helping strengthen the sport’s ecosystem. “Cignal has been a tremendous partner

in helping the PVL and the Spikers’ Turf reach more fans and elevate the sport to greater heights. Their commitment to volleyball has been instrumental to our growth, and we are excited to continue working together for the next three years,” said Sports Vision Management Inc. President, Richard N. Palou. “Together, we look forward to bringing more exciting matches to Filipino fans while helping grow volleyball even more in the Philippines,” he added.

For Cignal, this partnership underscores the increasing prominence of both leagues within the local sports landscape and reinforces their capacity to broaden volleyball’s reach and audience engagement. “Over the years, the PVL has established itself as one of the best leagues in the Philippines. It brings communities together, inspires young athletes, and consistently delivers worldclass competition,” said Cignal Officerin-Charge and Chief Financial Officer, Christopher C. Lizo. “We are proud to renew our partnership with the PVL. We look forward to bringing more of the league’s unforgettable moments to the fans in the years to come.” Cignal, the PVL, and Spikers’ Turf are poised to create even more memories and bring volleyball to a wider audience in the years ahead.

Women athletes condemn ‘sexualized’ Sweeney ad PARIS—Actor Sydney Sweeney has been condemned by leading women athletes for a sports betting advert in which the American appears in various states of undress. Sweeney, who starred in TV series “Euphoria”, has been accused of sexualising women’s sport after posing with sports equipment in the commercial for US company Novig, which allows users to predict the outcome of sports matches. The 29-year-old has an equity stake in the firm. Four-time Olympic gold medallist swimmer Ariarne Titmus said she thought the marketing tactic belonged to the past. “I can’t describe how infuriated I feel when I watch this,” Titmus wrote on Instagram. “Not only is it a kick in the face to every woman who had dedicated her life to perfecting her craft, but every women who enjoys sports for what it really is -- teamwork, friendship, dedication, excellent, unity...” “How do we live in a world where monetising a women’s body and sexualising women’s sport is still a thing?” the Australian added. Several leading track and field athletes competing at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest last weekend expressed their consternation at Sweeney’s commercial,

saying it was a misleading representation of how women in sport looked. Having finished fourth behind US sprinter Melissa Jefferson-Wooden’s winning time of 21.47sec in the 200 metres, the fourth fastest ever, British athlete Amy Hunt said in a BBC TV interview: “Sydney Sweeney, this is what women in sport look like. 21.4. Muscles. Hard work, blood, sweat, tears.” She added: “When you’re a woman in sport, it’s not pretty. It’s not glamorous. It’s not sexy all the time, definitely.” Many athletes have posted videos of themselves, grouped around the message “this is what sport looks like”. US gymnast Gracie Kramer captioned her post, featuring her performing gymnastic routines and training in a variety of other sports, with the message: “idk what Sydney Sweeney was doing, but this is what a woman in sport looks like.” AFP Sydney Sweeney attends the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California. Sweeney’s new commercial has sparked an outcry amongst many female athletes, who are condemning the “sexualisation” of women’s sport.

Ormoc teen Fiel emerges as rising tennis prospect By Randy M. Caluag

Ma. Caroliean ‘Bibili’ Fiel

A NEW tennis star is steadily rising from Ormoc City. At only 13, Ma. Caroliean “Bibilin” Fiel has been making her presence felt in the junior tennis circuit, dominating older opponents in the 12-to-14 and 14-to-16 agegroup divisions. Standing 5-foot-9, Fiel has collected titles in tournaments organized by the Philippine Tennis Association, Palawan Pawnshop, B-Meg and Cebuana Lhuillier across the Visayas and Mindanao. The pride of Barangay San Isidro in Ormoc City, Leyte, has also earned several Most Valuable Player awards in Palawan Pawnshop tournaments held in Leyte, Negros and Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Fiel reinforced her status as one of the country’s brightest young prospects by recently completing a title double in the 15-under and 16-under divisions of a tournament in Cebu. More than just winning trophies, the

young athlete considers every tournament an opportunity to grow, meet new friends and visit different places. “Tuwing sumasali po ako ng tournament, lagi ko pong iniisip na sobrang blessed po ako dahil hindi lahat ng bata ay nabibigyan ng opportunity na makapaglaro at makasali sa age-group tournaments,” Fiel said. “Lahat po ay panalo. Mayroon akong new friends at nakakapunta sa ibang mga lugar. Lagi ko pong iniisip na sa laro, ibubuhos ko ang mga pinagpraktisan namin ng Papa Coach (Bam Omega) ko para hindi masayang ang pera at mga pinagsikapan namin.” The next major test for Fiel will come in November, when she is expected to compete in tough junior tournament in Manila. Her family also plans to explore opportunities for her to train overseas and gain greater exposure against internationallevel competition. They hope Fiel can follow a path similar to that of Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala, who moved abroad at an early age to sharpen her game at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain.

BEIJING—The Hyrox athletics franchise has apologized for allowing an athlete to complete an event in Beijing despite soiling herself midway through, causing an outcry on social media. Photos and videos posted online showed Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk with soiled legs and shoes, continuing to use the mats and equipment at the competition held Saturday in the Chinese capital. She completed the event without the organizing committee intervening, and went on to win the competition, according to the Hyrox website. But users pointed out on social media that other participants had to touch the contaminated mats, handles and running tracks after she had used them, and that the episode raised concerns about hygiene. Hyrox, launched in Germany in 2018 and now held worldwide, is an indoor fitness race with a mixture of treadmill running and strength exercises, such as lunges and rowing. Its popularity has exploded in China in recent years. “Why didn’t they consider the health of the other competitors and the public?” said one user on Chinese social media network Weibo. “A foreign athlete suffered from diarrhea, soiled the course and won anyway,” said another angry user. “It’s pro-foreigner favouritism.” “I apologize to all that were directly or indirectly affected, as well as to everyone who felt like we did not handle the situation like we should have,” said Hyrox co-founder Moritz Furste in a statement on Monday. “Hyrox made a mistake by not reacting immediately during the race,” he added. He accepted responsibility for failing to foresee the incident and said there were “new rules and procedures in place” to “prevent situations like this from happening again”. Hyrox China did not apologize but admitted in an earlier statement to “shortcomings” in the regulations which had prevented judges from intervening immediately during the competition. As the row boiled over, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV on Monday blamed “regulatory flaws that not only harm the participants’ health but also undermine the very foundation of fairness in any competition”. AFP

Career Opportunity in CHINA SOUTHEAST ASIA ELECTRIC POWER CONSTRUCTION CORP Position Title: Civil Construction Specialist (1) Job Description: The Civil Construction Specialist is responsible for inspecting construction projects to ensure that work is performed in accordance with approved plans, specifications, building codes, safety regulations and quality standards. Qualification: * Strong negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills. * Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities. * Fluent in written and spoken Mandarin and English language. * Strong leadership and team management skills. Company/Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

China Southeast Asia Electric Power Construction Corp.

Name: Wang Yongran Address: Pagbilao, Quezon Nationality: Chinese Intended period of employment: Three (3) years