Southwest Monsoon Intensifies in Cebu Due to Super Typhoon Nando, Residents Warned of Rain and Rough Seas

CEBU – Weather authorities have advised residents of Cebu and Central Visayas to prepare for rainy conditions as the southwest monsoon intensifies under the influence of Super Typhoon Nando. According to Mark Gales, a weather specialist from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Visayas, the region will experience moderate to strong winds accompanied by rough sea conditions within the next two to three days. Gales emphasized the likelihood of scattered rain showers and thunderstorms, urging residents to exercise caution. He specifically advised small boat operators to avoid venturing into open waters due to hazardous sea states. Although Super Typhoon Nando, which has escalated to a super typhoon as per Pagasa's 11 a.m. bulletin on Sunday, September 21, 2025, is not expected to make direct landfall in Central Visayas or Cebu, it will strengthen the southwest monsoon. This meteorological phenomenon will result in increased rainfall and strong gusts across the region. "Thunderstorms may bring about urban flooding, particularly in Metro Cebu," Gales warned, underscoring the need for vigilance among residents. As of 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, the super typhoon was advancing toward northern Luzon’s Batanes and Babuyan Islands. "We advise the public to remain alert for Pagasa’s thunderstorm advisories and rainfall warnings. Staying informed allows us to prepare adequately and respond appropriately to heavy monsoon rains," Gales added in Cebuano.

Thousands Rally on EDSA Demanding Accountability in Flood Control Corruption Scandals

MANILA, Philippines — A substantial crowd of demonstrators occupied EDSA and nearby White Plains Avenue on Sunday, September 21, as part of the "Trillion Peso March." Drone footage showed the avenue densely packed with protesters stretching from the People Power Monument to the EDSA Shrine. The event was spearheaded by youth organizations and groups such as Akbayan, who demanded the incarceration of individuals allegedly involved in corruption schemes tied to flood control projects valued at trillions of pesos. In response to the escalating crowd size, authorities temporarily closed sections of EDSA to manage the rally. The demonstration highlighted public outcry against high-level corruption and called for concrete legal action. "We are here to hold accountable those who have betrayed public trust through these massive corruption scandals," an Akbayan representative stated, emphasizing the need for justice. The march exemplifies growing civic engagement among Filipino youth and advocacy groups aiming to combat graft and promote transparency in government projects.

Iloilo City Mayor Flags Billions Lost to Delayed and Mismanaged Flood Control Projects

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas has raised concerns over billions of pesos invested in flood control initiatives that remain incomplete, suspended, or untraceable. In a formal report submitted to the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) on September 18, the mayor disclosed that city inspectors failed to locate five out of 17 flood mitigation projects financed under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Treñas criticized the evident breakdown in project planning and communication between national agencies and the local government, citing significant risks this poses to vulnerable communities. "This situation is unacceptable. Addressing delayed or substandard contractor work is insufficient; accountability must also be demanded from those who approved and advocated for these projects without ensuring proper coordination with the city," she stated. An inspection report by the Iloilo City District Engineering Office, dated July 31, identified projects worth approximately ₱1.83 billion, including: - A ₱150-million Batiano River flood control and promenade project, suspended since March 2025; - A ₱50-million Iloilo City Flood Mitigation Structure Section 1, halted since May 2025; - A ₱130.4-million Calajunan Creek flood structure project, only 20.64% complete against a target of 76.92%; - A ₱40-million coastal flood protection initiative, with merely 4% progress; and - A ₱100-million Batiano River Section 2 project, suspended because of inaccessible locations. The inspection involved collaboration between the Iloilo City Government, the Office of the Building Official, City Engineer’s Office, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, alongside media representatives. However, key agencies such as the Commission on Audit (COA), Iloilo City District Engineering Office, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6 were notably absent. Mayor Treñas underscored that the persistent lack of coordination has left local communities increasingly exposed to flooding hazards despite the significant budget allocations. "Billions are being allocated to these flood control projects, yet our constituents remain at risk with every rain. This is not mere inefficiency; it represents a breach of public trust," she emphasized. Furthermore, Treñas condemned the failure to address illegal structures along waterways, noting that these issues could have been resolved if national agencies had coordinated more effectively with the city government, which has consistently provided relocation options for affected families. Submitting the report, the mayor reaffirmed her commitment to transparency and accountable governance, aligning with M4GG’s directives. "This report embodies our continued dedication to uphold clear and responsible public service. Accountability must be comprehensive, encompassing contractors, implementing bodies, and officials who backed these projects," she concluded.

Department of Agriculture Launches "White Revolution" to Modernize Food Production

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has introduced an ambitious program named the "White Revolution," which seeks to transform the nation’s agricultural sector by developing new food corridors adjacent to urban markets. This strategy is intended to curb price fluctuations and alleviate inflationary pressures by adopting advanced farming techniques. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. outlined that the initiative centers on constructing corridors fitted with greenhouses and refrigerated facilities for storage. These controlled environments will enable farmers to cultivate crops year-round, prolong produce shelf life, and significantly reduce spoilage. Procurement of the necessary infrastructure and equipment is slated to begin later this year, with operational food corridors expected to be established by mid-2026. Secretary Laurel emphasized the urgency of the program, stating, \"We cannot afford to rely on good weather anymore. Protected cultivation is no longer optional — it’s a necessity.\" The DA plans to incorporate best agricultural management practices, leverage appropriate technologies, and reinforce social networks to ensure that the initiative is both sustainable and scalable. The "White Revolution" draws inspiration from South Korea’s successful vegetable farming modernization between the 1970s and 1990s, which utilized white plastic films in greenhouses and mulching to boost yields. In preparation, DA Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Caballero has initiated an inventory of existing greenhouses established through prior DA programs to assess which facilities can undergo rehabilitation. This announcement aligns with recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, which reported a 5.7 percent increase in agriculture and fisheries output in the second quarter, amounting to P437.53 billion compared to P414.04 billion during the same period last year.

Bernard Arnault Sparks Controversy with Criticism of Wealth Tax Advocate Gabriel Zucman

France’s wealthiest man and luxury goods magnate, Bernard Arnault, ignited a fierce political debate on Sunday by branding economist Gabriel Zucman a "far-left activist" intent on "destroying the French economy". Arnault’s remarks come amid growing discussions on a wealth tax proposal aimed at alleviating France’s rising public debt and budget deficit. Zucman has advocated imposing a minimum 2% tax on the fortunes of the ultra-rich, a measure that has gained traction on the left, including within the Socialist Party. This party could play a crucial role in supporting the newly appointed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to maintain governmental stability. Opponents on the right have condemned the tax, warning it risks prompting wealthy individuals to leave France. Arnault, whose family fortune Forbes estimates at $157 billion, dismissed Zucman’s proposal as ideologically driven rather than economically sound. In a statement, Arnault accused Zucman of using "pseudo-academic competence" to serve an agenda that threatens the "only liberal economy that works for the good of all." Arnault, who oversees LVMH with its prestigious brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Moet Hennessy, emphasized his commitment to paying taxes to France. He criticized the proposal as a direct attack on the nation’s economic framework. The response from left-wing leaders was swift. Socialist Party head Olivier Faure condemned Arnault’s stance on X (formerly Twitter), asserting, "What destroys our economy and even more so our society is the absence of any form of patriotism on the part of the ultra-rich who beg for help from the state but refuse to submit to any form of solidarity." Green Party leader Marine Tondelier also weighed in, sarcastically noting Arnault’s "nervousness" and highlighting his potential conflict of interest in the debate. According to Zucman, the wealth tax could generate approximately 20 billion euros ($27 billion) annually by targeting around 1,800 of the wealthiest households in France. Zucman responded to Arnault’s accusations on X, decrying the "caricatural nature" of the attacks and rejecting any claims that he harbors activist motives. He stated, "I have never been an activist in any movement nor a member of any party." He further criticized Arnault for attacking the independence and legitimacy of academic research, noting his career includes posts in London, the United States, and Paris. Thomas Piketty, a renowned French economist and mentor to Zucman, also defended the proposal and dismissed Arnault’s warnings as unfounded, calling the claim that the tax would cripple France's economy "nonsense." As the debate intensifies, the wealth tax remains a polarizing issue at the intersection of economic policy and political ideology in France. (Agence France Presse)

Nepal Forms Panel to Probe Deadly Anti-Corruption Protest Violence

Kathmandu — Nepal's interim government, under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, has announced the formation of a three-member commission to investigate the violence that erupted during anti-corruption protests earlier this month, which claimed 74 lives and led to Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's resignation. The protests, initiated primarily by Generation Z activists demanding action against systemic corruption and unemployment, escalated into the deadliest unrest Nepal has witnessed in decades. More than 2,100 individuals sustained injuries amid clashes that saw demonstrators setting ablaze key government buildings—including the complex housing the prime minister’s office, Supreme Court, and parliament—as well as commercial properties linked to associates of allegedly corrupt politicians. Rameshwore Khanal, appointed as finance minister by Prime Minister Karki, confirmed that the investigation panel, headed by retired judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, has been allotted a three-month deadline to examine the incidents. Khanal stated, \"The committee will investigate the loss of life and damage to property, identify excesses committed by both protesters and authorities, as well as individuals involved in acts of arson and vandalism during the protests.\" Former Prime Minister Oli also called for a thorough inquiry, asserting via social media that his government never authorized police to use lethal force against protesters. He added that the unrest was infiltrated by external agitators and denied that police possessed firearms capable of causing the type of injuries reported. Recognized for her integrity and prior role as chairman of a special court tackling corruption cases, Sushila Karki’s leadership in the interim government reinforces efforts to restore public trust and accountability amid Nepal’s political turmoil.

Ateneo Report Highlights Surge in Budget for Philippine Executive and Legislative Offices Since 2016

A recent analysis by the Ateneo School of Government has spotlighted a significant escalation in government spending for the country’s highest offices, with the Office of the President’s budget soaring by 461% since 2016. The report questions the transparency around this exponential growth and calls for heightened scrutiny over the use of funds, including confidential expenditures. The President’s office is projected to cost taxpayers ₱15.8 billion this year, compared to ₱2.8 billion during the final year of the Aquino administration in 2016. This sharp rise amounts to approximately ₱43.4 million daily, underscoring concerns about increasing governance costs amid stagnant household incomes that struggle to keep pace with inflation. Budgetary increases extend beyond the presidency. The House of Representatives has seen a 280% boost, reaching ₱33.7 billion, while the Senate’s allocation has nearly tripled to ₱13.9 billion. Meanwhile, the Office of the Vice President’s budget grew moderately by 47%, now standing at ₱733 million. The report raises alarm over the diversion of large sums to certain government bodies, highlighting ₱17.3 billion allocated to the House, ₱5 billion to the President’s office, and ₱1 billion to the Senate for confidential and intelligence purposes. This lack of transparency provokes questions regarding oversight and the prioritization of essential public services such as health, education, and social protection, which critics argue are being underfunded. In a statement, the Ateneo School of Government challenged the administration, stating, \"Why was there an exponential increase in the budget of these agencies? How much of these are under oversight scrutiny, and how much are confidential funds?\" It called for institutional audits reaching the highest levels of power to reinforce anti-corruption efforts. The report’s findings provoke a critical conversation about fiscal accountability and the allocation of government resources amid pressing social needs.

UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal Officially Recognize Palestinian State Amid Gaza Conflict

In a landmark decision on Sunday, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal officially recognized the State of Palestine, marking a notable departure from traditional Western support for Israel and intensifying the diplomatic landscape amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The recognition reflects growing frustration over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered a nearly two-year war. The move aligns these countries with over 140 others that back Palestinian efforts to establish an independent state from the occupied territories. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the symbolic significance of Britain’s recognition, given its historical role in the establishment of Israel post-World War II. He stated, \"Today, to revive the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution, the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine. The man-made humanitarian crisis in Gaza reaches new depths. The Israeli government’s relentless and increasing bombardment of Gaza, the offensive of recent weeks, the starvation and devastation are utterly intolerable.\" Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney echoed these sentiments, underscoring that recognition aims to support peaceful coexistence and does not condone terrorism. Meanwhile, Portugal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a two-state solution as the sole pathway to lasting peace and called for an urgent ceasefire. The response from Israel was swift and vehement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the recognitions, declaring, \"You are giving a huge reward to terrorism. A Palestinian state will not be established west of the Jordan River.\" Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced plans to propose formal sovereignty over parts of the West Bank, signaling possible annexation. The conflict has resulted in staggering casualties: over 1,200 Israelis killed in the Hamas attack, alongside more than 65,000 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, killed in subsequent Israeli military operations according to local health authorities. Palestinian leaders welcomed the recognitions as a crucial step toward peace. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the move as paving the way for coexistence \"in security, peace, and good neighborliness.\" Hamas also endorsed the recognition but called for immediate practical measures to end the Gaza war and prevent West Bank annexation. Public opinion in London reflected a range of views, with some seeing the recognition as a vital step toward peace and others skeptical about its impact amid ongoing violence. Critics like Mandy Damari, mother of a British-Israeli hostage, labeled the UK’s stance as \"a two-state delusion\" that rewards Hamas even as hostages remain captive and conflict persists. The British-Palestinian mission in London celebrated the announcement, signaling the potential upgrade of its status to an embassy. Mission head Husam Zomlot remarked, \"Today is a moment when the UK Prime Minister and the British government, on behalf of their people, stand and say: ‘We must correct history, we must right the wrongs.’\" This wave of recognition comes ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, where other nations, including France, are expected to announce similar decisions amid mounting international pressure to address the Gaza crisis and revive peace efforts. The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has not yet commented on these recognitions but has historically opposed unilateral acknowledgments of a Palestinian state.

Independent Commission Denounces Document Tampering in Flood Control Investigations

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) publicly condemned reports of extensive document destruction and manipulation by personnel within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) concerning irregularities in flood control projects. Retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr., chairman of the ICI, described these actions as "a blatant obstruction of ongoing investigations but also a direct assault on the public's right to transparency and accountability." Reyes emphasized, "The deliberate concealment or alteration of records undermines the rule of law and weakens the people's trust in government institutions tasked to safeguard public resources." He further warned that any individuals found guilty of destroying, falsifying, or concealing records related to public works projects could face both administrative and criminal charges. "The Commission calls upon all DPWH officials and employees to fully cooperate and preserve the integrity of all documents and evidence under their custody," Reyes added. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed the tampering incident following a report from ICI special adviser Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. Dizon revealed that a formal charge has been filed against Rene Zarate, a district engineer in Baguio City, who has since been suspended for 90 days. In response, Dizon issued a memorandum instructing all DPWH offices—central, regional, and district—to safeguard and submit all documents related not only to flood control but to infrastructure projects conducted over the past decade to the ICI. He cautioned that failure to comply would result in charges and suspension orders. On the same day, the ICI met with Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Chair Senator Panfilo Lacson in relation to the Senate’s ongoing investigation into the nation’s flood control initiatives, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Iloilo Police Seize P5 Million Worth of Shabu, Arrest Three Including a Minor

ILOILO — Law enforcement officials successfully intercepted a significant drug transaction on Sunday, September 21, in NHA Village, Barangay Bakhawan Sur, Concepcion, Iloilo, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of an estimated P5 million worth of shabu. At approximately 4 p.m., police arrested a 43-year-old man known locally as "Budoy," a resident of Barangay Bolaqueña, Estancia, Iloilo. Alongside him, two alleged accomplices were detained: "Kaye," aged 25, and "Noy," 16, both hailing from Barangay Salvacion, Concepcion. Major Dadje Delima of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) stated that surveillance on Budoy had been ongoing since the previous week, initiated after receiving intelligence through an asset. Budoy consented to sell five grams of shabu priced at P13,000 with assistance from his two counterparts. The operation culminated in the recovery of a total of 730 grams of shabu, boasting a street value estimated at P5 million. "Our team has been monitoring them since last week following reports that Budoy acquired a drug shipment from Manila, which was subsequently delivered to Capiz," Delima explained. Records indicate that Budoy had a prior arrest for similar offenses but was released under a plea bargaining agreement. The two adult detainees remain in custody at the Concepcion Police Station, while the minor has been handed over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Concepcion. All three will face charges under Republic Act 9165, commonly known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. IPPO Director, Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, commended the law enforcement team for their unwavering commitment in combating illegal drugs. "I sincerely thank and commend our PDEU team for their dedication in apprehending those involved and curbing illegal narcotics. I also deeply appreciate the community’s trust in the police and their continued vigilance against illicit activities, especially drug-related offenses. I earnestly appeal for sustained cooperation towards a stronger, peaceful, and drug-free province," Razalan remarked.