BY ALEX ALAGON
FORMER Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has filed a plunder case with the Ombudsman against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Senator Bong Go, and the latter’s father and brother of CLTG Construction firm.
Trillanes could have fully convinced himself that the former President, his man Friday senator Go, and his family amassed over P50 million from the various transactions entered into by the Go firm with the government during Duterte’s term as president.
It is our take that this case could be an acid test of newly installed Ombudsman Crispin “Boying” Remulla. No, not whether he will make a serious probe into the charge but on whether or not he will conduct his prosecution in the fairest of manner.
It is only by being fair can he prove that his appointment as Ombudsman is not intended to make him a weapon of destruction for the political enemies of the appointing authority.
Indeed, this Trillanes charge of plunder is worth the citizens’ wait.
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We could not help but appreciate with all sincerity the generosity of the local government of Davao City. Through its officials, from the mayor to the members of the city council, the LGU of Davao City was quick to donate financial assistance to the Province of Cebu, the City of Bogo, and nine other nearby municipalities.
The cash assistance, we have no doubt, can very well help the local governments get their feet back after the devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake leveled houses and private infrastructures in their areas.
Indeed, it is the right thing to do especially for a city that has been lucky enough to escape devastating calamities in the past and until now. And, if at all certain disasters hit Davao City, so far it is the milder version of say, earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
The latest earthquake that brought destruction to many residential, office, and school buildings in Manay, Tarragona, Caraga and slightly in Mati City, Davao Oriental did not do serious damage to buildings and other structures in the City of Davao.
Of course, the 6.2 magnitude earthquake in Davao City resulted to the disruption of some business operations and week-long stoppage of classes, for the authorities to check the integrity of buildings.
But so far, Davao City seems to have all the luck on its side. And hopefully, this luck will continue to be enjoyed by the Davaoeños for the longest time still.
Therefore, it is just normal to show gratitude to the One up there by helping those unlucky local governments cope with the misfortune.
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Thousands upon thousands of activists, political oppositionists, labor, businessmen, retired military and police officials, churchmen, and students are doing protest rallies in the past few weeks. The protesters were all demanding a stop to corruption, accountability of those tasked to implement government projects, and fast prosecution of those involved in the heist of government money.
Frankly, we believe that it is easier said (shouted if you want) than done. No, we do not think that what the protesters want cannot really be done.
The thing is, the system in the government we have now is the one making it much more difficult to do what the protesters wanted. Our government’s judicial system, as guaranteed by our Constitution, allows everyone accused of wrongdoing to use every available legal means to prove his or her innocence.
Add the lawyers who strongly adhered to the dictum that a suspect remains innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, and trial of cases becomes an endless battle of mastery in law. In fact, even those who are clearly most guilty can even apply, still under a particular law, to become state protected witness.
Then there are the moneyed accused of certain crimes who, in cooperation with their astute lawyers use every available law that they could invoke just to delay the prosecution of the charges against them. Many thanks to their money of course.
How then will the government and its current leaders comply with the shouted demands for accountability and faster litigation of corruption cases against certain individuals both in government and in the private sector?
And we Filipinos dread so much of even just a thought of having a martial law regime that could be resorted to if only to hasten prosecution of the corrupt in this nation.
What an irony for our country, the people of which so love the various freedoms they are enjoying as guaranteed by the fundamental law, including the freedom to invoke every available law to prove the accused’s innocence of the crime or crimes charge.
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) arrested 88 individuals and seized over P1.1 million worth of illegal drugs from Oct. 12 to Oct. 18, 2025.
Acting city director Col. Mannan C. Muarip said they arrested 42 suspects in 37 anti-drug operations and confiscated 150.017 grams of shabu (estimated street value: P1,020,115.60) and 120.49 grams of marijuana (estimated street value: P97,015.20).
Police also arrested 31 fugitives, including 13 most wanted persons.
For illegal gambling, the DCPO launched 12 operations and arrested 12 gamblers. They also filed 12 cases and confiscated P3,255.
Meanwhile, three suspects were arrested in five Oplan Katok operations, which also led to four firearms seized and an additional three firearms surrendered and one firearm turned in for safekeeping.
“These achievements underscore DCPO’s commitment to law enforcement while strictly adhering to human rights and Police Operational Procedures,” he stated. “Together, we continue to build a safer and more peaceful Davao City.”
THE OFFICE of the City Building Official (OCBO) updated the yellow and red tag notices for several establishments.
In an interview with the Disaster Radio, Architect Kashayar Toghyani, officer-in-charge of the OCBO, said the notices are based on the rapid visual inspection conducted by their office and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Davao City Chapter.
Occupancy is strictly prohibited in establishments who were given Red Tag notices. These are as follows:
1. Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Administrative Building; School Building)
2. The Velvet Suites and Hotel / Oroderm City
3. Magallanes Residences (Toledo-Building 3)
4. The Pinnacle Hotel and Suites (Main Building ONLY)
5. Transformer Pad ONLY of USEP Obrero
Meanwhile, a Yellow Tag indicates that the use of the building is restricted.
However, certain areas can still be accessible under controlled conditions, subject to the approval of the OCBO.
Yellow Tagged establishments are as follows:
1. Felcris Centrale (Building A and C ONLY)
2. Gaisano Mall of Davao – Bajada (Portions of Parking Building, Grocery Basement, Lower Basement)
3. Vivaldi Residences Davao (Building Perimeter ONLY)
4. Mesatierra Garden Residences (Jogging Path area, Room 2204 ONLY)
5. The following buildings in USEP Obrero
– All Classrooms of Mechatronics Building
– Stock Room of Commission on Audit Office
– Dean’s Room and Pantry of College of Information and Computing
– Cordoned Rooms at TLE Building (Conference Room, Dressmaking Room, Cold Kitchen)
6. The following facilities of Ateneo De Davao University- Roxas Campus
– 2nd and 3rd Hallway of Finster
– Cordoned portion of Thibault Hall
7. Teleperformance Davao (Part of SM Annex Bldg. Fire Exit 8 ONLY)
8. Rosario Building- Premium AC Corp, Maa (Left Wing Pathway, near backside of EastWest Bank ONLY)
9. Eastwest Unibank- Rosario Building, Maa (Glassrooms)
10. BPI Family Savings Bank- Rosario Building, Ma-a (Vault Room, ATM Room)
Toghyani said Teleperformance Davao was dropped to Yellow Tag from Red Tag after conducting follow-up inspections.
“The management went to our office and coordinated to us for the inspection after we were denied entry in the first attempt,” he said.
But following the inspection, their Fire Exit should be restricted to use.
Toghyani said all stablishments are directed to strictly comply with the conditions and safety requirements set by the OCBO re-occupancy will be allowed.
Photo courtesy of the City Government of Davao
LEADING HMO in the country, Intellicare, continues to demonstrate its commitment to healthcare management and sustainable growth, emerging as the No. 1 Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in the Philippines with P503M net income, based on the Insurance Commission (IC)’s 2025 Second Quarter report.
Assessing the performance of 28 licensed HMOs nationwide, the report reveals that Intellicare has shown great strength across key performance indicators, including financial discipline, claims efficiency, and optimized healthcare delivery.
The firm also disbursed one of the highest health benefits and claims during the same quarter, amounting to P9 billion, demonstrating Intellicare’s strong commitment to providing timely support for its members.
This growth builds on Intellicare’s strong performance in the first quarter of 2025, contributing significantly to the HMO industry’s overall recovery compared to the same period in 2024. Currently, Intellicare’s solid financial position is reflected in its total assets, which stand at ₱17.3 billion with an asset-to-liability ratio of 1.13x.
Its sister company, Avega Managed Care, Inc., likewise reported a positive net income for the same period, contributing to a 45% combined share of industry net income for the Asalus Corporation (Intellicare) and its affiliates.
“As we prepare to mark 30 years, Intellicare remains committed to integrity and sustainability in every aspect of our operations. Our continued leadership in financial performance allows us to deliver high-quality healthcare to employees and their families, ensuring that healthcare access remains a cornerstone of Filipino families’ security and well-being,” said Jeremy Matti, President of Intellicare.
With a capital stock of one billion pesos, Intellicare consistently operates on sound actuarial principles, fair pricing, and a patient outcome-based model, enabling the HMO provider to maintain long-term viability while expanding access to healthcare services for members.
Democratizing healthcare has also been at its core, with its continued strategic partnerships and linkages that add value to its robust operations.
Intellicare’s quality and holistic healthcare has covered over 1.2 million members, with more than 69,000 affiliated doctors and specialists nationwide. It also continues to embrace innovation and digital transformation amid the evolving industry landscape by making healthcare services more accessible through its AGORA app and automated processes, among others. To know more about Intellicare, visit their website at intellicare.com.ph, or their social media accounts, @Intellicare on Facebook or @IntellicarePH on Instagram, and linkedin.com/company/intellicare-ph on LinkedIn.
THE DEPARTMENT of Education-Davao City Division announced the resumption of regular face-to-face classes on Monday, Oct. 20.
DepEd Davao City hereby lifted previously implemented modular, asynchronous, or blended learning modalities, enacted on October 15.
The division said the decision follows the thorough safety assessments and consultations with local authorities of the buildings of city schools.
“After careful evaluation of structural integrity, utility restoration, and seismic activity reports, we confirm that schools are safe for the return of all learners and personnel,” Deped Davao City said in a statement.
Reynante Solitario told TIMES in a messenger interview, the resumption of the face-to-face classes is ongoing and has a smooth implementation.
Additionally, teaching and non-teaching personnel are required to report onsite beginning October 20 to also resume regular operations.
Teachers are mandated to facilitate a smooth transition to in-person learning, and fill in any gaps from the interim period.
“Let us continue to prioritize safety by adhering to emergency protocols, staying informed through official channels, and supporting one another as we reconnect in our classrooms,” it added.
The DepEd reported a total of 114,820 learners across the region were affected from the 7.4 and 6.9 twin quakes on October 10, where 8,379 were from Davao City
FIVE HOUSES were gutted by fire in Barangay San Antonio, Agdao, on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, causing an estimated P750,000 worth of damage.
The blaze, which erupted at 3:57 p.m. in Purok West B, displaced approximately 10 families, or 20 individuals, according to Senior Fire Inspector Russell Jake Marañon, spokesperson for the Davao City Fire District (DCFD).
Initial investigation records indicate the fire totally destroyed three houses and partially damaged two others within a 150-square-meter area.
The DCFD launched a swift response, with assistance from fire teams of the Southern Philippines Medical Center and Central Alpha.
Marañon detailed the quick suppression timeline: The fire was raised to the first alarm status at 3:58 p.m., declared under control by 4:19 p.m., and finally declared fire out at 4:45 p.m.
The cause of the conflagration is under investigation, but Marañon stated that the initial report points to electrical ignition caused by arcing as the likely source.
Meanwhile, no casualties, injuries, or fatalities were reported in the incident.
Photo from Filipino Chinese Fire Fighters of Davao, Inc.
A PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) official for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) affairs has publicly criticized Acting Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte over remarks made in his podcast, particularly Duterte’s comments on the use of “made in China” products.
PCG Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Cmdr. Jay Tarriela addressed the issue in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Tarriela shared a clip from Duterte’s July podcast where the Mayor reportedly challenged critics to stop using “made in China” goods before speaking out against China or calling him “pro-China.”
In a clear rebuttal, Tarriela asserted that the country’s stand in the WPS is non-negotiable.
“Standing firm against China’s illegal claims and aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea is not an ‘either-or’ choice between commerce and confrontation. It is a non-negotiable assertion of Philippine agency as an independent sovereign nation,” Tarriela wrote in the caption of his post.
Tarriela also turned Duterte’s own advice back on him, suggesting the mayor’s remarks were not fact-based.
“If there is one thing that Mayor Duterte said correctly, it is that before opening our mouths, we should ensure that our statements are anchored in truth and facts, rather than mere insinuations that promote a pro-China narrative,” he concluded.
The exchange highlights the ongoing debate between government officials who advocate for a strong, public defense of Philippine sovereignty in the WPS and those who favor a more conciliatory approach that prioritizes economic ties with Beijing.
THE POLICE Regional Office XI demonstrated its commitment to personnel welfare by fulfilling the “wishlists” of police officers assigned to the Manay Municipal Police Station in Davao Oriental, many of whom were affected by a recent earthquake.
During a simple turnover ceremony held at the Davao Oriental Police Provincial Office compound in Mati City on Oct. 20, 2025, PRO XI regional director, PBGen. Joseph R. Arguelles, led the distribution of various essential items.
The provisions included items specifically requested by the station personnel, such as:
Laptops and personal computers, Refrigerators and home appliances, kitchen wares, Financial assistance and other essential resources.
Arguelles emphasized that the initiative is a “tangible reflection” of the PRO XI’s commitment to morale and welfare, particularly for those serving in remote areas.
“Through simple yet meaningful acts such as this, we reaffirm our dedication to boosting the morale of our personnel, especially those assigned in far-flung areas who continuously serve with loyalty and integrity,” Arguelles stated.
The successful delivery of the aid package was a result of a collective effort and sponsorship from the PRO XI Command Group, regional staff, chief of the Regional Finance Unit XI, and the regional accountant.
The initiative also received support from the private sector, with CitiHardware providing a Certificate of Donation, which the police organization highlighted as a demonstration of strong community partnership and social responsibility.
The regional director noted that the program aligns with the directives of PNP acting chief PLTGen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., and the PNP Focused Agenda on morale and welfare, which aims to ensure personnel are equipped with the necessary tools, resources, and emotional support.
Arguelles concluded by thanking all donors and sponsors, underscoring that the success of PRO XI’s mission “lies in the collective strength, compassion, and dedication of its people.”
THE PROVINCIAL government of Davao Oriental lifted on Monday, Oct. 20, the suspension of face to face classes in all levels.
Provincial governor Nelson Dayanghirang signed the Executive Order No. 76 Series of 2025 lifting the suspension.
The executive order mandated a mandatory structural safety certification and a blended learning for unsafe school buildings.
To note, the suspension of F2F classes was due to the doublet earthquake with magnitudes 7.4 and 6.9 on Oct. 10.
“The recent earthquake has been a deeply unsettling experience for the entire Province of Davao Oriental, causing understandable fear and disruption to the lives of our students, families, and dedicated educators,” the executive order reads.
However, it stressed that to collectively forward to recovery and healing, “resumption of learning in familiar school environments is necessary for normalcy, stability and hope.”
“We must ensure that this return is executed with the utmost caution, founded with utmost assurance that the physical structures housing our students are completely sound and secure,” the executive order stated.
The return to face-to-face classes is strictly conditioned upon a clear, non-negotiable safety requirement where each school is required to undergo mandatory inspection.
In a mandatory inspection, all operational school buildings and essential campus facilities must undergo a meticulous structural assessment.
The EO mandates that all schools must submit certificates to the local government or the Department of Education within three working days before reopening.
DepEd Davao region reported that a total of 114,820 learners across the region were affected by the twin earthquakes where Davao Oriental recorded around 16,000.
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