Justice Department Adopts Cautious Approach on Witness Protection Applications

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced a stringent and cautious process for admitting individuals into the Witness Protection Program (WPP). During a budget hearing held in the House of Representatives, he emphasized that the Department of Justice will not accept applications lightly, ensuring that only those who fully disclose their testimony and withstand thorough scrutiny will qualify. Remulla pointed out that he personally interviews applicants, including contractors Pacifico "Curlee" and Cezarah "Sarah" Discaya, who have expressed interest but have yet to file a formal application. He stressed the importance of complete transparency, stating, "We are very, very circumspect and conservative in accepting people to the Witness Protection Program. The first requirement, of course, is that the person is telling the whole truth and nothing but the truth." The Justice Secretary clarified that statements alone are insufficient. Instead, he insisted on verifying accompanying documents such as financial ledgers and records to establish credibility. Interviews are conducted either by a designated panel or by Remulla himself to ensure the integrity of each case. This declaration followed a call from Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima, who urged the DOJ to be selective in its acceptance approach to the WPP. Responding to queries from Sagip party-list Representative Paolo Marcoleta, Remulla underscored that no final decision has been made to exclude the Discayas, but emphasized that all applicants must adhere strictly to the formal process. "What matters is that we follow a proper procedure to evaluate the witness. It is essential that the person tells the truth, and that the testimony is necessary to uncover the whole truth to hold accountable those who must be punished," he stated. Addressing the specifics of the Discayas’ allegations, Remulla noted inconsistencies, highlighting that they have only disclosed alleged kickbacks from government contracts over the past three years despite being contractors since 2007. He expressed concerns that their information might be incomplete and indicated a need for further probing. The Discayas accused several lawmakers of receiving illicit commissions linked to government projects they secured, but critics argue their claims are selective for focusing on transactions post-2022. Remulla’s remarks reflect the DOJ’s commitment to a meticulous and judicious approach in managing potential witnesses and safeguarding the integrity of ongoing investigations.

Tennis Star Alex Eala Returns to Philippines for Brief Family Visit

Filipino tennis prodigy Alex Eala, accompanied by her parents, has arrived in the Philippines for a brief respite. The 20-year-old athlete shared a joyful image taken aboard their business-class flight, where the family was seen raising a toast mid-air. In the photograph, Alex's father held a glass of champagne, her mother enjoyed a fruit juice, and Alex herself had a Starbucks beverage in hand. Looking ahead, Eala is preparing to participate in the Jingshan Tennis Open in China, scheduled to begin on September 22.

Philippines Attracts P51 Billion Investment from Japanese Trade Mission

The Philippines successfully garnered approximately P51 billion in investment commitments following a high-level trade mission to Osaka, Japan, last week, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Monday. Leading the investment package was Koshidaka Holdings Co., the operator of the world’s largest karaoke chain, which pledged P34 billion to establish 300 outlets over the coming decade, projected to create more than 1,500 direct jobs. Other notable commitments included Marubeni Corporation’s P15 billion allocation toward sectors such as real estate, fintech, healthcare, and afforestation initiatives. Meanwhile, Sojitz Corporation outlined plans to invest between P2 billion and P3 billion in a property development project focused on attracting companies in artificial intelligence, semiconductor design, software, healthcare, and aviation. Mitsui & Co. also confirmed its intention to increase investment in a steel recycling venture alongside Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and Steel Asia, supporting the country's decarbonization efforts. DTI Secretary Cristina Roque highlighted the significance of these investments, stating, "These commitments in green energy, smart housing, healthcare, and creative services highlight the strength of our partnership with Japan." She added that the DTI and the Economic Team are dedicated to ensuring these projects will generate quality employment, reinforce supply chains, and accelerate the nation's transition toward a green, digital, and inclusive economy. Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay attributed the positive investor response to the involvement of senior government officials, including Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Zeno Abenoja. She noted, "Their collective participation assured investors of high-level government commitment and seamless coordination."

Former Bulacan Engineer Brice Hernandez Returned to Senate Custody Amid Ongoing Flood Control Probe

Former Bulacan assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez was transferred back to Senate detention on Monday after several days of confinement at Pasay City Jail. Senate President Vicente \"Tito\" Sotto III confirmed the move, citing a recent hearing on a Writ of Amparo petition held by the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 112 as the basis for Hernandez's return. \"Hernandez\'s stay in the Senate affirms that the institution does not shy away from difficult truths nor turn its back on those who risk their safety to reveal them,\" Sotto stated. The request for Hernandez to remain within the Senate detention facility was submitted by his legal team to both Senate President Sotto and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Panfilo \"Ping\" Lacson. The Senate leadership approved the appeal and duly informed the Pasay court. Upon arriving at the Senate complex around 10 a.m., Hernandez underwent a medical examination before being readmitted into custody. Hernandez was originally held by the Senate following accusations from some lawmakers that he had offered false testimony during inquiries into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. Due to security concerns, he was earlier transferred to the Philippine National Police Custodial Center ahead of his scheduled testimony before the House of Representatives. During that session, Hernandez implicated Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva in dubious flood control schemes. The allegations triggered strong responses within the Senate, with Senator Estrada subsequently moving to transfer Hernandez to the Pasay City Jail—a motion supported by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is set to resume its hearings on the flood control probe on September 18.

Clark Development Corporation and Clark Water Corporation Initiate Public Consultations on 2026 Water Rate Rebasing

The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and Clark Water Corporation (CWC) have commenced public consultations on the 2026 Rate Rebasing (RR26) initiative aimed at establishing fair and equitable water tariffs that accurately reflect the costs of delivering dependable water and wastewater services. This rate rebasing process is conducted every four years to adjust tariffs based on actual investments, performance, and service improvement plans. Gloria Victoria Taruc, CDC Vice President for Legal Affairs Group, emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in the consultative process. She stated, \"The purpose of today\'s session is to inform stakeholders and the public about the proposed adjustments in water rates, clarify the reasons behind the rate rebasing, and gather feedback, concerns, and suggestions.\" The inaugural forum saw the participation of at least 62 officers from 37 locators, offering a collaborative platform for stakeholder engagement. CDC highlighted that the RR26 forum provided a detailed update on Clark Water\'s operational performance since the previous rate rebasing, sharing data, metrics, achievements, challenges, and areas needing improvement. CWC President Melvin John Tan presented a comprehensive Service Improvement Plan for RR26, outlining key strategies and initiatives designed to enhance service quality, address operational challenges, and meet the evolving requirements of locators. This presentation included detailed timelines, responsibilities, and planned improvements. Following the presentation, an open forum was held where locators contributed valuable insights and recommendations to further refine the proposals. The CDC\'s Technical Working Group (TWG) for the 2026 Rate Rebasing is led by Taruc as the Oversight Head, alongside Engr. Rogelio Magat as TWG Chairman. Accompanying Tan were CWC Chief Executive Officer Maidy Lynne Quinto, General Manager Lyn Joceffin Zamora, and other members of the Clark Water Leadership Team. Clark Water Corporation remains the exclusive provider of water and wastewater services within Clark Freeport and the Clark Special Economic Zone. The CDC noted that the approval of the previous RR22 in 2023 marked a pivotal achievement as it was the first successful rebasing exercise since 2014 and represented the first tariff increase implemented by CWC in 17 years. This ongoing rate rebasing exercise ensures that tariffs remain aligned with the actual costs of providing quality water services, reflecting continuous investments and improvements to meet stakeholder needs.

GSIS Allocates P1.9 Billion in Emergency Loans for Monsoon and Storm Victims

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has earmarked an extra P1.9 billion in emergency loan assistance for more than 71,000 active members and pensioners impacted by the southwest monsoon (habagat), the intertropical convergence zone, and tropical storms Crising, Dante, and Emong. Juliet Bautista, GSIS officer-in-charge, president, and general manager, announced that the agency has eased loan application procedures to expedite relief. She stated that loans will be disbursed once the local sanggunian declares a state of calamity, following recommendations from respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils. The deadlines for loan applications vary by location: October 5 for Quintin, Pangasinan; October 7 for Sultan Kudarat; October 10 for Atok, Benguet; October 27 for Parañaque City; and October 29 for Taguig City. Bautista emphasized the convenience and security of the application process, with 99.79% of submissions completed online via the GSIS Touch mobile application. Eligible applicants include active GSIS members working or residing in the affected areas who meet the following conditions: no outstanding demandable GSIS loans, no unpaid leave status, premium payments within the last six months, no pending administrative or criminal cases, and a net monthly take-home pay of at least P5,000 after deductions. Meanwhile, pensioners due to old age or disability qualify if they maintain at least 25% of their monthly pension after loan deductions. Qualified borrowers can access emergency loans up to P20,000, or as much as P40,000 for those with an active emergency loan.

Australian Man Arrested in Makati for Using Fake Identities and Overstaying Visa

Authorities in Makati City arrested Dayle Marc George Campbell, a 33-year-old Australian man, for allegedly employing fake identities and remaining in the Philippines beyond his visa period. The Bureau of Immigration-Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU), led by Chief Rendel Ryan Sy, apprehended Campbell during a coordinated operation with the Makati City Police Intelligence Section along Pertierra Street, Poblacion, between the evening of September 15 and early morning of September 16. Campbell, who reportedly used the aliases Dion Munro and Daniel John, claimed dual citizenship of Seychelles and Australia. According to a complaint filed with the BI, he was suspected of utilizing forged immigration documents and involved in illicit drug activities. The complainant also mentioned a history of violent behavior. Chief Sy revealed that information from the Australian Embassy indicated Campbell faced allegations under Republic Act 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, stemming from an incident involving his live-in partner in 2021. Additionally, Campbell was reportedly in illegal possession of firearms. Further investigation into BI records showed that Campbell initially entered the Philippines on February 22, 2020, with an Australian passport, having previously traveled with a Seychelles passport. He was admitted as a temporary visitor but did not apply for a visa extension, rendering him an overstaying foreign national. Moreover, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) identified Campbell as a subject in an ongoing inquiry concerning suspected money laundering and narcotics trafficking. Officials noted his connection to an outlaw motorcycle gang and the use of counterfeit U.S. driver’s licenses under various aliases. Campbell remains in the custody of the Bureau of Immigration as deportation proceedings move forward.

DigiPlus Interactive Eyes Acquisition of City of Dreams Amid Tax Incentive Strategy

DigiPlus Interactive (PLUS), the proprietor of BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, is reportedly the frontrunner to acquire a stake in City of Dreams from Melco Resorts & Entertainment, owned by billionaire Lawrence Ho. Discussions between PLUS and Melco have been ongoing for several months, focusing on a potential takeover of the integrated resort, which is currently a 50-50 venture with Belle Corp., controlled by the Sy family. Negotiations have faced hurdles, particularly due to the significant decline in PLUS’s share price, which has dropped by approximately two-thirds from its ₱65 peak recorded three months prior. A source familiar with the talks highlighted that the primary motivation behind PLUS’s interest lies in the tax benefits associated with transitioning from a purely online gaming operator to an integrated resort (IR) operator. Currently, as an online gaming entity, PLUS is subjected to a tax rate of about 30%. However, operating as an integrated resort, which permits hosting online gaming under its licensing framework, would allow PLUS to benefit from a preferential tax rate of roughly 21%. This 9-percentage-point reduction in tax liability represents a significant financial incentive driving the acquisition discussions. The potential tax savings are especially pertinent considering PLUS’s recent financial setbacks, with revenues reportedly declining amid increased government regulation targeting e-wallet usage and gaming advertising. Melco, which initially invested around $2.4 billion into City of Dreams starting in 2009, has expressed intentions to divest certain assets following years marked by sustained losses and rising debt burdens. The possible transfer of ownership to DigiPlus Interactive could mark a strategic shift in the management and operation of the venue.

University of Santo Tomas Hosts Grand Outdoor Opening for UAAP Season 88

MANILA, Philippines — Upholding its legacy as Asia’s oldest university, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) proudly hosts the opening ceremonies of UAAP Season 88 with a traditional outdoor celebration set to draw an estimated 30,000 spectators at the UST Grandstand and Open Field this Friday. The event, titled “Journey of Hope,” will begin at 6 p.m. at the heart of the UST campus, marking the continuation of the university’s unique role as the only member school staging the UAAP season start on its grounds, while other universities opt for large indoor arenas. A highlight of the program is the century-old "Thomasian Welcome Walk," a historic rite of passage customarily held for new first-year students. This season, it will be extended to visiting student-athletes from all UAAP member schools as part of the opening activities. Anchored by the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” the festivities will culminate with a grand "Hope Concert," reminiscent of UST’s annual Paskuhan festival. The celebration will also include an impressive drone light show, fireworks display, and the ceremonial lighting of the massive UAAP cauldron. UST will unveil the season’s official anthem, composed by assistant professor Louell Baldoza from the UST Institute of Religion. It will be performed by notable OPM artist and UST alumnus Kean Cipriano, former lead vocalist of the band Callalily. Earlier in the day, the university will hold a solemn Eucharistic Celebration at 2 p.m. in the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion (QPav) Arena, in observance of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year of Hope. UAAP Season 88 President Fr. Rodel Cansancio, O.P., expressed enthusiasm for the kickoff, stating, "When strength and hope unite, greatness happens. We’re all champions in one enduring flame. The gates of España are now wide open, and the stage is set. To the entire UAAP community, we are ready to give our all and let out the loudest roar this season." He further emphasized the scale of this year’s event: "This year, we rise to the challenge — bigger, bolder, and more spectacular than ever before." UST recently concluded an eight-day countdown titled "Light of Hope," featuring illuminations in the colors representing all eight UAAP schools on the UST Main Building, heightening anticipation ahead of the opening. Following the ceremony, the men’s basketball tournament will commence immediately at the UST QPav Arena the next day, with FEU facing Ateneo at 2 p.m., followed by La Salle versus Adamson at 4:30 p.m. On Sunday, UST will host reigning champions UP at 4:30 p.m., after the NU-UE match at 2 p.m. Junior basketball matches will also be held in the morning sessions on both days. Meanwhile, the women’s football tournament kicks off at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, and junior volleyball matches begin at the Blue Eagle Gym. This season’s opening at UST promises a vibrant celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and tradition as the UAAP community comes together to champion strength and hope in motion.

Contractor Denies Kickback Allegations, Confirms Senate Office Visit for Refurbishment

Mina Elamparo-Jose, contractor of WJ Construction who has been implicated in allegations of delivering kickbacks to senators, acknowledged visiting Senator Erwin Tulfo's office on August 19, 2025. She clarified that her visit was strictly related to assessing and suggesting solutions for an office refurbishment, specifically to address flooding issues, and not connected to any flood control projects under scrutiny. During the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing on September 18, Jose was questioned about her presence in the Senate. She explained, \"Senator Erwin\'s office has a recurring problem with flooding during heavy rains. I was referred by one of his staff to conduct an ocular inspection and propose possible solutions.\" The hearing also revisited prior statements by former Department of Public Works and Highways assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez, who accused Jose of delivering \"obligations\" or kickbacks to Senate members. Jose strongly denied these claims, asserting her innocence emphatically. \"I have never given nor received any money from any public official or government employee, including Mr. Brice Hernandez. I categorically reject these unfounded and malicious accusations made during the Congressional hearings,\" she declared emotionally. Jose further sought to clarify misunderstandings regarding Beng Ramos, a Senate employee she visited during her time in the Senate. Ramos, associated with the Blue Ribbon Oversight Office Management (BROOM), was previously identified by Hernandez as a staff member of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, a claim Jose disputed. \"To the best of my knowledge, Beng Ramos has never worked for Senator Estrada or any other senator or congressman. She is a dedicated government employee under BROOM and has no involvement in any controversy, especially related to the questioned flood control projects,\" Jose stated. Senator Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the blue ribbon panel, excused Ramos from the hearing due to her battle with Stage 4 cancer. Addressing the committee, Jose emphasized her intention to clear her name and protect her company\'s reputation built over decades of honest work. \"WJ Construction has completed numerous private and government projects with integrity, without ghost contracts or substandard work. Our clients can attest to our dedication and standards,\" she affirmed. Regarding her visit to the Senate, Jose described it as a personal visit to a friend rather than a business engagement. \"My apologies if my presence caused misunderstandings. I went to see Beng Ramos, who has been battling cancer, and I had not seen her for a long time. It was a personal visit, not related to any project or transaction,\" she explained in response to Senator Tulfo. The ongoing Senate inquiry continues to examine the alleged improprieties involving flood control projects and the individuals linked to the controversy.