World Athletics Championships Adjusts Marathon and Race Walk Start Times Amid Heat Concerns

Organizers of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo have announced that the marathons and 35km race walks will commence 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled to counter the health risks posed by unusually high temperatures. The decision affects events slated for the first three days of the championships, including the race walks on Saturday, the women’s marathon on Sunday, and the men’s marathon on Monday. The races, initially set to begin at 8:00 a.m., will now start at 7:30 a.m., following a joint statement from the event organizers and World Athletics. "Due to expected elevated heat conditions that could pose a health and safety risk to competing athletes, all road events on the first three days … will start 30 minutes earlier than scheduled," the statement said. The original timing was chosen to balance climate considerations, operational logistics, and spectator attendance. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe acknowledged the challenges posed by the heat during a meeting in Tokyo, emphasizing the growing concerns linked to rising global temperatures. Unlike the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, when marathon and race walking events were relocated to the cooler city of Sapporo because of heat issues, this year the events remain in Tokyo despite temperatures reaching levels typical of mid-summer. "The decision has been communicated to the athletes as early as possible to allow them to prepare and adjust to the new start time," organizers added. Past events, such as the 2019 World Championships in Doha, faced similar heat-related challenges, leading to marathons starting at midnight. Highlighting the severity of the heatwave, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported that this summer was the hottest since records began in 1898, with temperatures 2.36°C above the historical average. Coe reflected on the implications of climate change for sports, stating, "These are not transient, they’re here to stay. Governments have not stepped up to the plate and sport is going to have to take some unilateral judgments and decisions here." He underscored the priority of athlete welfare in adapting to these conditions. Notably, start times for in-stadium competitions during the first three days will remain unchanged.

Senate CCTV Captures Construction Official’s Visit Amid Flood Control Kickback Probe

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson announced on Thursday that Senate closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage captured a visit by an official from WJ Construction, a company implicated in alleged kickbacks to Senator Jinggoy Estrada. The footage shows a woman, identified only as "Mina," entering the Senate premises on August 19, the same day the chamber's antigraft committee commenced its inquiry into suspicious flood control projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). "As we speak, we have video evidence showing Mina’s visit," Lacson stated during the "Kapihan sa Senado" media forum. "While we have some idea where she went and whose office she visited, we will summon her to determine the exact details." Lacson, who now chairs the Senate blue ribbon committee following leadership changes in the Senate, confirmed he had ordered the preservation of the CCTV footage, stressing the importance of securing it promptly since the recordings are retained for only one month. "It is fortunate that the footage dates to August 19 because by now, around September 20, it would have been erased," he explained. Preliminary information indicates that Mina visited a senator’s office, though Lacson withheld the lawmaker’s identity pending further verification. The Senate CCTV operator is expected to testify during the next hearing scheduled for September 18. This revelation surfaces shortly after Brice Ericson Hernandez, a suspended DPWH district engineer from Bulacan, testified before the House infrastructure committee. Hernandez accused WJ Construction of acting as a conduit for Estrada’s alleged 30-percent cut from flood control projects worth ₱355 million. He further implicated a person named Beng Ramos, who purportedly introduced herself as Estrada’s staff and collected the senator’s supposed commissions. Senator Estrada has vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that Ramos has never been part of his office since his initial Senate term in 2004.

Vivant Energy Expands Renewable Portfolio with 40% Stake in Bataan Solar Project

Vivant Energy Corporation, under the leadership of the Garcia-Escaño family, has secured a 40% ownership interest in Samal Solar Renewable Energy Corporation (SSREC), the entity managing a 53.14 MWp solar power installation in Bataan. This acquisition marks a strategic expansion of Vivant Energy's renewable energy assets in the Luzon region. Commissioned in August 2025, the solar facility was developed by Tigon Power Corporation and currently delivers 52MW of clean electricity to Corenergy, Vivant’s retail electricity division. In a statement, Vivant Energy emphasized that this investment "reinforces the company’s dedication to the Department of Energy’s call for enhanced public-private partnerships, aimed at ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition promote local growth and skill development." This transaction also supports Vivant Energy’s target to elevate its renewable energy share to 30% by the year 2030, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Cebu City Council Calls for Comprehensive Crackdown on River Pollution

The Cebu City Council has initiated a resolution targeting river pollution across the city after discovering significant waste accumulation during a recent inspection. North District Councilor Alvin Arcilla has called on the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and barangay councils to intensify investigations and hold accountable those violating environmental laws. The resolution was triggered by findings at the Cotcot River in Barangay Paril, where Arcilla and his team observed large amounts of garbage, as well as human and animal waste, alongside effluents emanating from nearby piggeries. The river, once a vital water source for local residents, has deteriorated into an unsafe condition. The resolution emphasizes the need to identify all polluted rivers within Cebu City and restore them to a clean, natural state to ensure they can once again be safely used for bathing, drinking, and daily sustenance. Councilor Arcilla stressed the importance of strict enforcement and urged barangay councils to engage their Public Safety Officers in consistently monitoring water bodies. Importantly, the proposed crackdown extends beyond the Cotcot River, encompassing all city waterways. This initiative aligns with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (Republic Act 9003), which prohibits the improper disposal of waste and pollution of water resources. The legislation prescribes penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violators under Sections 48 and 49. Councilor Arcilla noted, \"Our objective is to preserve the health and safety of our communities by ensuring our rivers are protected from pollution and degradation. We must act now to safeguard these vital resources.\"

Economist Highlights Hidden Costs of Infrastructure Failures and Corruption in the Philippines

Economist Jonathan Ravelas has brought attention to the often overlooked economic burdens faced by Filipinos due to substandard infrastructure and systemic corruption. Speaking on a recent financial program, Ravelas described the pervasive "hidden levy" on citizens, citing the example of a bank employee from Cavite who sacrifices extensive time daily just to commute to work in Makati, illustrating that Filipinos pay not only in money but also in their time. As a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., Ravelas criticized incomplete government projects, poor-quality construction, and administrative inefficiencies as key factors driving inflation and deterring investor confidence. He noted that inflation is further aggravated by secondary effects, such as tariff increases, particularly from the United States, which add costs to the economy. The economist warned that infrastructure failures have significantly hindered the country’s economic progress, stating, "It’s better not to have infrastructure than to have a bad one. Investors look first at the quality of roads, bridges, and flood control before they commit." Ravelas recommended adopting stricter post-disaster infrastructure standards akin to those in Japan, advocating for climate-resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding heavy rainfall and extreme weather patterns. Beyond infrastructure, Ravelas condemned corruption that has infiltrated key sectors including education, agriculture, and healthcare. He pointed out how leakages in government programs have resulted in unmet promises such as poor school nutrition, neglected agricultural initiatives, and insufficient healthcare services, all of which undermine economic growth at its roots. Transparency emerged as a fundamental solution in his view. Ravelas suggested that implementing blockchain technology for government transactions could enable monitoring within months, enhancing accountability. However, he emphasized that effective enforcement by agencies like the Ombudsman is crucial to restore public trust. He also urged citizens to remain actively engaged, explaining, "Don’t just post a photo. Explain why it matters. Participation is what counts." Looking ahead, Ravelas issued a stark warning: "It’s either we innovate or we evaporate." Reflecting on the endemic nature of corruption, he added with a touch of irony that if corruption were an Olympic discipline, the Philippines would likely take the gold medal.

Philippine Navy Welcomes New Guided Missile Frigate BRP Diego Silang

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officially welcomed the latest addition to the Philippine Navy fleet, the guided missile frigate BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07), during a ceremony held at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales on Monday. Leading the event were AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Navy Commandant Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, and Captain John Percie Alcos, the ship's commanding officer. In his remarks, General Brawner highlighted the strategic and symbolic significance of the new vessel in bolstering the Philippines' maritime defense capabilities. He stated, \"BRP Diego Silang (FFG-07) stands as a testament to our nation’s commitment to protecting our sovereign rights, confronting challenges resolutely, and ensuring the security of our people.\" The BRP Diego Silang is the second ship in the Miguel Malvar-class series—3,200-ton frigates constructed by South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries under a P28-billion contract signed with the Department of National Defense in December 2021. These vessels, measuring 118.4 meters in length and 14.9 meters in width, are outfitted with advanced weaponry, including eight anti-ship missiles, a 16-cell vertical launching system, torpedoes, a 76mm gun, and active electronically scanned array radar systems. Its sister ship, BRP Miguel Malvar, was delivered in April 2023 and commissioned the following month, marking a significant step in the modernization of the Philippine Navy fleet. The arrival of BRP Diego Silang further underscores the AFP’s ongoing efforts to enhance national maritime security amid evolving regional maritime dynamics.

Davao City Partners with Major Fast Food Chains to Employ Senior Citizens and PWDs

The Davao City Government has formalized partnerships with two leading fast food corporations to implement a work opportunity program aimed at senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs). Acting Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, accompanied by various city officials, participated in the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing events: September 11, 2025, with the Jollibee Group, and September 9, 2025, with the Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald’s Philippines). Councilor Enzo Villafuerte, representing the acting mayor during the McDonald’s MOA signing, emphasized that this initiative would empower senior citizens to supplement their retirement funds while promoting their physical and mental health. Second District Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr. expressed strong support for the agreements, highlighting that the collaboration is expected to significantly aid the city’s efforts to generate employment for the elderly population. He detailed that both fast food chains plan to hire senior citizens and PWDs across their outlets, offering four-hour shifts. The program aims to start hiring before the end of the year, benefiting approximately 100 seniors initially. Under the agreement with Jollibee, eligible individuals can seek employment not only at Jollibee branches but also in other businesses within the Jollibee Group conglomerate. Mahipus also noted that a recently approved ordinance is designed to expand partnerships beyond the initial two fast food companies. Clarifying eligibility and employment procedures, Mahipus stated that only qualified and interested candidates would be considered. Applicants must obtain health clearances and meet specific job requirements to ensure they are fit to work. Employment will likely be on a contractual basis to enable rotation and maximize the number of beneficiaries. Mahipus remarked during a city council session, "Kani siya tabang nato sa ilaha, katong gusto pa magtrabaho, katong kinahanglan pa magtrabaho, ug acknowledgment pod sa ilaha nga wala pod ta kalimot sa ilaha kay naa man gyud elderlies nga gusto magcontinue." (This program is designed to help those who still want to work, those who need to continue working, and to acknowledge that we have not forgotten the elderly who wish to keep contributing.) Lorenzo Borja, head of the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (Osca), affirmed that senior citizens of any age may apply provided they fulfill employer-set criteria. Hired seniors will receive regular employee benefits, ensuring fair treatment. Mahipus encouraged prospective applicants to seek guidance from the Public Employment Service Office–Davao City (Peso-Davao City). This initiative follows the City Council's approval of the Senior Citizens Work Opportunity Ordinance on June 17, 2025, which aims to foster inclusive employment for seniors. The program has been in development since Mahipus first introduced the proposal during a privilege speech on October 10, 2023. By mid-2024, commitments from key fast food companies were already secured, with ongoing efforts to enhance city employment programs. As of 2024, Davao City estimates approximately 170,000 senior citizens and 34,000 registered persons with disabilities, highlighting the program’s potential reach and impact.

DOTr Seeks P2 Billion for Active Transport and Bike Lane Expansion in 2026

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is proposing a budget allocation of up to P2 billion for 2026 to support ongoing active transport initiatives and advance the construction of durable bike lanes across the country. Transportation Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor announced that the department will submit this funding request to Congress as part of the 2026 National Expenditure Program. Previously, the active transport sector requested P69.38 million, but Pastor expressed optimism that legislators would endorse the increased budget to better realize infrastructure goals. The DOTr's plan includes expanding bike lane networks and installing end-of-trip amenities such as shower facilities, designed to encourage more employees to adopt cycling as their mode of commuting. "We are committed to promoting sustainable and healthy transportation options," Pastor stated, emphasizing the department's focus on enhancing commuter experience and environmental benefits through active transport.

Roblox Commits to Enhanced Child Safety Measures in Australia by 2025

Australia's online safety regulator announced on Monday that gaming company Roblox Corp has agreed to introduce new measures aimed at reducing the risk of adults grooming children on its platform. The California-based firm, known for allowing users to create their own games, plans to implement these changes by the end of 2025. Julie Inman Grant, the eSafety Commissioner, highlighted Australia’s proactive stance on combating online harm, including a forthcoming ban preventing under-16s from accessing social media platforms. She noted that popular children’s platforms like Roblox can unfortunately attract predators who prey on young users. "We know that when it comes to platforms that are popular with children, they also become popular with adult predators seeking to prey on them," Inman Grant stated. "Roblox is no exception and has become a popular target for paedophiles seeking to groom children." Under the commitment, Roblox will disable direct messaging for Australian users unless their age has been estimated and will prohibit adults from communicating with children under 16. Globally, the company has announced plans to implement age verification on communication features by the end of the year to regulate interactions between adults and minors. A Roblox spokesperson said, "We share the eSafety Commission\'s mission to protect children as we remain focused on our long-term vision to connect people with optimism and civility." Inman Grant reported ongoing discussions with Roblox\'s legal and safety teams over several months to express regulatory concerns and expectations. The Australian regulator is also set to enforce new rules in the coming months that tackle harmful online content, including explicit material and AI chatbots capable of inappropriate conversations. December will see the enforcement of a ban on under-16s signing up for major social media sites. Highlighting the importance of industry responsibility, Inman Grant said, "We want platforms to view safety as a high ceiling rather than a dirt floor with companies doing more than just the bare minimum." She pledged to monitor Roblox’s adherence to the agreed safety measures and noted that the regulator has the authority to impose fines up to A$49.5 million (US$33 million) for non-compliance. "While I welcome Roblox\'s commitments to improved safety, I would also urge parents and carers to remain vigilant and actively support children in navigating online environments safely," Inman Grant added. An independent Australian government study recently confirmed that age verification can be conducted confidentially, efficiently, and effectively, although no universal solution exists for all contexts.

The Guardian of the Purse: Analyzing Marcos Jr.'s High-Stakes Budget Strategy

In Philippine politics, the national budget has long been the arena for intense horse-trading, a complex dance of negotiation where legislative priorities and executive agendas collide. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s recent declaration—that he will not hesitate to veto any General Appropriations Bill (GAB) that deviates from his administration’s National Expenditure Program (NEP)—is more than just a statement on fiscal policy. It is a calculated political maneuver designed to redraw the lines of power, centralize control over the nation’s finances, and cast himself as the ultimate guardian of the public purse. This high-stakes stance challenges the traditional dynamics between Malacañang and Congress. By threatening a veto, even at the risk of forcing a reenacted budget, President Marcos Jr. is signaling that his administration's development blueprint is non-negotiable. A reenacted budget, which forces the government to operate on the previous year's appropriations, is a scenario most leaders avoid due to the project delays and service disruptions it causes. The President’s willingness to invoke this possibility effectively transforms the budget from a negotiated settlement into an executive-led mandate. This positions him as a strong, decisive leader, reinforcing his core campaign persona of being “maaasahan at masipag” (dependable and hardworking). *It's a clear message to legislators: align with the national vision or risk being seen as an obstacle to progress.* Parallel to this display of fiscal muscle is a sophisticated strategy of transparency as a political tool. The administration’s move to publish the entire NEP online and open the bicameral conference committee hearings to the public is unprecedented. On the surface, it is a laudable step towards open governance. Politically, however, it serves a more strategic purpose. By laying the budget bare, the administration invites public scrutiny, effectively deputizing citizens, civil society groups, and the media as watchdogs. This creates a powerful check on Congress, making it politically costly for legislators to insert pet projects or reallocate funds in ways that could be perceived as self-serving. Any deviation from the publicly available NEP can now be easily framed as an attempt to derail the nation's progress. The call for youth participation via digital platforms is particularly astute. It engages a key demographic that is politically active online, framing budget monitoring not as a tedious exercise in accounting but as a modern form of civic duty. This strategy cultivates a groundswell of support that can be mobilized to pressure lawmakers, creating a political environment where alignment with the executive’s plan is portrayed as the only acceptable outcome. *After all, when a new generation of engaged citizens is empowered by technology and a transparent government, the successful implementation of a people-focused budget becomes an inevitability.* Furthermore, the administration’s narrative hinges on a stark contrast. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) consistently emphasizes the consequences of a misaligned budget—project delays, slower services, and wasted economic potential. This frames the political debate in clear, almost moralistic terms. The President’s NEP, aligned with the overarching Philippine Development Plan (PDP), is presented as the embodiment of order, discipline, and progress. In contrast, any significant congressional alterations are implicitly cast as a descent into the chaos of transactional politics. The choice for the nation's leaders is simple: either they pass the President’s meticulously crafted budget to guarantee national advancement, or they obstruct it and accept responsibility for the resulting stagnation. This approach, however, is not without its risks and potential criticisms. Detractors may argue that this hardline stance represents an overreach of executive power that weakens the legislative branch’s constitutional "power of the purse." The legislature's role is not merely to rubber-stamp the executive's proposal but to scrutinize, debate, and amend it to reflect the diverse needs of their constituents. By framing any deviation as a misstep, the administration risks stifling legitimate legislative input and centralizing decision-making to an extent that could be viewed as unhealthy in a democracy. Ultimately, President Marcos Jr.’s budget strategy is a masterful blend of fiscal policy and political theater. It seeks to enforce discipline not only on the nation's finances but also on the political landscape itself. By leveraging transparency and threatening a veto, he is attempting to reshape the budget process from a backroom negotiation into a public mandate for his administration's vision of a "Bagong Pilipinas." The success of this gambit will depend on whether the promised efficiency and progress materialize, and whether the Filipino people see the tangible results of a budget built on discipline, alignment, and the unyielding will of their President.