Pasay Court Sentences Woman to Over Three Years for Using Fake Immigration Stamp

A Pasay City court has handed down a prison sentence of up to three years, six months, and 20 days to a Filipino woman convicted of using falsified documents in an attempt to exit the Philippines illegally. Melisa Dy was found guilty by the Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 165 for employing a counterfeit immigration departure stamp on her passport, a violation punishable under the Revised Penal Code. Dy, who admitted guilt, was also fined P1,000. The Bureau of Immigration stopped Dy at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on May 28 as she was trying to fly to Thailand using fraudulent means. The investigation revealed that Dy had been recruited to work for an offshore gaming company in Mae Sot, Thailand. Instead of going through the proper legal process for overseas Filipino workers, she sought assistance from a male fixer. The fixer provided a fake immigration departure stamp on her passport to facilitate her travel without proper clearance. Upon interception, the Bureau of Immigration’s Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement Section referred Dy to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for further investigation. The National Bureau of Investigation’s International Airport Intelligence Division found sufficient evidence to charge Dy with document falsification. In response to the ruling, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado urged prospective overseas Filipino workers to refrain from using counterfeit documents to bypass immigration controls. "Our immigration officers are trained to identify fraudulent documents, supported by our forensic documents laboratory capable of confirming forgery," Viado stated. "This serves as a clear warning to those considering such illegal methods. Anyone caught using fake documents risks imprisonment."

DOF Proposes P37.8 Billion Budget for 2026 to Strengthen Tax Collection and Digitalization

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Finance (DOF) has put forward a budget request of P37.8 billion for 2026, representing a 1.09% increase from this year’s allocation. The budget is aimed primarily at enhancing tax collection efficiency and advancing digital transformation within the department and its agencies. The largest share of the proposed funding goes to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), which is slated to receive P18.2 billion. The BIR aims to generate P3.6 trillion in tax revenues next year. Following closely is the Bureau of Customs, allocated P5.3 billion with a target of collecting over P1 trillion in customs duties. The DOF’s budget for 2026 includes the following allocations: - Office of the Secretary: P1.2 billion - Bureau of Customs: P5.3 billion - Bureau of Internal Revenue: P18.2 billion - Bureau of Local Government Finance: P974 million - Bureau of the Treasury: P4.7 billion - Central Board of Assessment Appeals: P17 million - Insurance Commission: P6,000 (plus P1.18 billion from the Insurance Fund in automatic appropriations) - National Tax Research Center: P145 million - Privatization and Management Office: P134 million The Insurance Commission (IC) is financed mainly through the Insurance Fund, a pool generated by premium taxes as mandated by the Internal Revenue Code. Although its new appropriation request is minimal at P6,000, the IC will tap into the ongoing Insurance Fund for operational expenses. BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. highlighted that the additional budget will support the establishment of a national contact center and the expansion of e-lounges in district offices to facilitate easier taxpayer engagement. Lumagui further noted that 85% of tax payments were processed electronically in 2024, which significantly contributed to the BIR achieving collection milestones unseen in two decades. The budget proposal passed the House plenary on September 23, with an updated total of P37.91 billion that incorporates the rollout of the Taxpayers’ Rights Program. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto is scheduled to present and defend the DOF’s budget before the Senate Committee on Finance on September 25.

Ex-Finance Chief Advocates Periodic Demonetization to Combat Cash-Driven Corruption

Former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima has called on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to adopt a policy of periodic demonetization of large-denomination currency, including the ₱1,000 bill, as a strategic measure to combat corruption fueled by cash transactions. Purisima highlighted that recent corruption incidents involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) demonstrate how untraceable cash payments facilitate bribes and kickbacks. "Cash thrives in corruption because it is untraceable, untaxed, and operates outside regulators' visibility," he explained. Drawing parallels with international practices, Purisima pointed to countries like Singapore and Switzerland, where banknotes are routinely withdrawn from circulation every seven to ten years. This approach helps eliminate hidden illicit funds and reduces the volume of untraceable cash in the economy. He emphasized that everyday citizens seldom handle large sums of cash, stressing, "It is the politically connected and illicit actors who benefit from unrestricted cash usage." Beyond demonetization, Purisima recommended accompanying reforms such as capping high-value cash transactions, enforcing mandatory reporting of bank withdrawals exceeding $10,000, and accelerating the transition to digital payment systems—especially in public procurement and infrastructure sectors. "The DPWH scandal should serve as a catalyst for change. Limiting cash transaction amounts, enforcing withdrawal disclosures, reducing high-value denominations, and instituting periodic demonetization are not extreme measures but well-established global strategies against corruption," Purisima stated.

Philippines Maintains Status as World’s Most Disaster-Prone Nation Amid Corruption and Climate Challenges

The Philippines continues to hold the title of the world’s most disaster-prone nation for the 21st consecutive year, according to the 2025 WorldRiskIndex released by German organizations Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and Ruhr University Bochum. With a risk score of 46.56, unchanged from the previous year, the country leads out of 193 nations surveyed, followed by India, Indonesia, Colombia, and Mexico. The index evaluates countries based on their exposure to natural hazards including cyclones, floods, and earthquakes, alongside socio-economic vulnerabilities like poverty, inequality, and health system capacity. The Philippines faces extensive risks, with river and coastal flooding identified as the most critical threats, compounded by the nation’s experience of an average of 20 tropical storms annually. The recent assessment arrives as the country braces for Tropical Storm Opong, shortly after Super Typhoon Nando (internationally Ragasa) inflicted significant damage across Luzon. Despite ongoing climate threats, government efforts towards flood control have been severely undermined by corruption. A major inquiry earlier this year uncovered widespread misappropriation of funds, leading to the removal of P255 billion ($4.4 billion) of flood control projects from the 2026 national budget, effectively cutting flood control allocations to zero. "One problem that has become obvious is that the needed infrastructures like flood control projects are not being built because of corruption," said Maria Ela L. Atienza, political science professor at the University of the Philippines. "There seems to be more focus on relief rather than disaster prevention." The Philippines also ranks fourth globally in disaster exposure with a score of 39.99, and registers "very high" vulnerability (54.2) and coping capacity (58.54) scores, indicating fragile infrastructure and overstretched social systems. The provinces most vulnerable to flooding include Cagayan, Agusan del Norte, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Maguindanao, and Metro Manila, each with flood exposure exceeding 82%. In contrast, areas such as Marinduque and Laguna experience much lower risk. Metro Manila’s flood vulnerabilities are exacerbated by "soil sealing," a process where rapid urban development replaces natural land with impermeable surfaces, inhibiting water absorption. The city, located on low-lying river plains intersected by the Pasig River and a network of canals, remains highly susceptible. Laguna’s relative safety is credited to its hilly terrain and the buffering effect of Laguna de Bay, which absorbs excess water. Experts argue that the Philippines’ elevated disaster risk is a consequence of governance failures rather than geography alone. John Paolo R. Rivera, senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, highlighted the impact of poor public spending. "Risks have skyrocketed because public investment in risk management, flood controls, and climate change was substandard to nonexistent," he noted. "Politicians and their cahoots decided to be greedy." Despite disaster-related legislation and receipt of international climate finance, government spending priorities have skewed heavily towards emergency relief instead of long-term prevention measures such as improved drainage systems, water retention basins, and reforestation initiatives. Ms. Atienza emphasized the need for balanced development, cautioning against infrastructure projects that exacerbate disaster risk. "Large-scale infrastructures like airports, highways, and commercial developments should not destroy the environment or increase vulnerability to disasters," she stated. Globally, disaster risk is increasingly influenced by social inequalities and institutional weaknesses. While the Philippines tops the list, other regions like Africa also face high vulnerability — nearly 80% of the continent is classified as high or very high risk. China leads in disaster exposure, ranking eighth globally with a score of 30.62, while the United States does not appear in the top 10. Widening gaps between disaster exposure and coping capacities worldwide reflect challenges governments face in financing adequate prevention measures. Despite multiple donor-funded disaster programs and national legislation, Manila’s implementation of disaster risk management remains lagging. Recent typhoons such as Super Typhoon Nando have resulted in billions of pesos in agricultural and infrastructure losses, straining government finances amid mounting debt exceeding 60% of GDP. Looking ahead, experts warn that eliminating flood control funds from the 2026 budget could intensify economic and human cost from disasters. The 2025 WorldRiskIndex report calls for a fundamental re-evaluation of disaster preparedness frameworks, stressing that increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events are overwhelming existing protection systems. "Successful coping strategies require a combination of technological innovation, local capacity, and ecological resilience," the report concludes, emphasizing that practical, multi-faceted approaches offer the best hope for mitigating disaster risk in vulnerable countries like the Philippines.

China Sets Ambitious 2035 Climate Goals Amid Global Emission Debates at UN Summit

During a climate leaders summit held alongside the United Nations General Assembly, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a video address from Beijing reaffirming China’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Xi announced that by 2035, China aims to lower its emissions by 7% to 10% below their peak levels. This development forms part of China’s broader climate strategy, expected to be formally presented before the COP30 summit in Brazil later this year. Xi detailed plans to significantly expand renewable energy capacity, proclaiming that wind and solar power installations will be increased to more than six times their 2020 levels within a decade. Additionally, the proportion of non-fossil fuels in China’s domestic energy mix is targeted to exceed 30% by 2035. Highlighting the international dimension, Xi urged advanced economies to take stronger climate actions, implicitly criticizing countries such as the United States for retreating from their Paris Agreement commitments. Xi stressed the importance of maintaining a “right track” for global climate cooperation and denounced efforts by some nations that, in his words, oppose the global transition to clean energy. This summit followed a controversial UN General Assembly speech by U.S. President Donald Trump, who called climate change a “con job” and criticized countries including China and EU members for their adoption of renewable energy. The U.S. remains the world’s largest historical emitter and the second-largest current source of greenhouse gases, and it has formally begun withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, preparing to host COP30, addressed fellow world leaders warning of the consequences of ignoring scientific consensus on climate change. Brazil has committed to reducing emissions by up to 67% by 2035, including efforts against deforestation. "Society is going to stop believing its leaders," Lula asserted. "And all of us will lose because denialism may actually win." United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the progress made since the Paris Agreement’s adoption in 2015, noting that global warming projections have decreased from an estimated 4°C to 2.6°C if current plans are executed. However, he called for more ambitious commitments, stating, "Now, we need new plans for 2035 that go much further, much faster." On the European front, the EU was unable to finalize a new climate target in time for the summit, instead agreeing to submit a provisional goal that may be revised in the future. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to its 2030 target of reducing emissions by 55% and projected a 66% to 72% emission reduction by 2035. This summit marks a pivotal moment as nations prepare to update their climate pledges ahead of the key COP30 talks in Brazil, underscoring ongoing tensions as well as collaborative efforts in the global climate agenda.

Super Typhoon Nando Claims 11 Lives, Displaces Over Half a Million in the Philippines

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported on Thursday, September 25, that Super Typhoon "Nando" has resulted in at least 11 deaths and affected over 508,000 people across multiple regions in the Philippines. Undersecretary Harold Cabreros, OCD administrator, provided updates on the casualties and relief operation status. Of the 11 confirmed fatalities, seven occurred in Cagayan after a boat capsized near Sta. Ana town. Two deaths in Bataan and one in Cagayan were caused by fallen debris, while another fatality in Benguet was attributed to a landslide. Cabreros emphasized that these figures are still being verified and clarified that two previously reported deaths in Aurora, initially linked to Tropical Cyclone "Mirasol," were unrelated to the current weather disturbances. The typhoon has affected approximately 147,000 families, totaling 508,000 individuals, across 1,975 barangays in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, National Capital Region (NCR), MIMAROPA, and Bicol. In response, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) activated multiple response clusters to manage ongoing operations for both Super Typhoon "Nando" and Severe Tropical Storm "Opong." These clusters encompass Logistics; Food and Non-Food Items distribution; Search, Rescue, and Retrieval; Health services; Law and Order maintenance; Camp Coordination and Management; Protection of Internally Displaced Persons; Crisis Communications; Education; Emergency Telecommunications; and Clearing of Debris and Civil Works. Agricultural losses have been preliminarily estimated at PHP 15.3 million, affecting 744 hectares and causing the loss of 1,360 metric tons of produce, impacting 909 farmers. The Ilocos Region reported the majority of damages amounting to PHP 14 million, followed by Western Visayas with PHP 861,000 and Calabarzon with PHP 488,000. To date, the national government has disbursed approximately PHP 11 million in assistance to affected families, with relief efforts ongoing. Cabreros assured that various government agencies remain committed to providing additional food and non-food aid, which will be increased as necessary to support the affected communities. "Various government agencies have assured that additional food and non-food aid are available for distribution and will be further augmented as needed," Cabreros stated, underscoring the coordinated efforts to address the typhoon's impact.

Czechia Advances to Historic Semifinals in FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship

Czechia clinched a hard-fought 3-1 victory against a formidable Iranian squad on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena, earning a historic berth in the semifinals of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship. After dropping the first set 22-25, the Czechs rallied to take the next three sets 27-25, 25-20, and 25-21, securing their breakthrough appearance in the tournament’s penultimate stage. The win is especially significant as it marks Czechia’s first semifinal appearance since its days as part of Czechoslovakia, which last reached this stage in Bulgaria in 1970—over fifty years ago. Since becoming an independent nation in 1993, Czechia had not managed to advance so far in the prestigious competition. “This is a historic moment for us, and we will savor this achievement,” said Patrik Indra, the Czech opposite spiker who stood out by scoring 22 points, including 20 attacks. Indra also emphasized the team’s ambition moving forward, stating, "We’ll focus on our next game and strive to extend this incredible run." Their upcoming semifinal challenge is expected to be formidable, with a likely opponent emerging from the quarterfinal showdown between world No. 4 United States and world No. 11 Bulgaria. The Czech team will face their toughest test yet, having previously bested Tunisia in the round of 16 and Iran in the quarterfinals. Jan Galabov, an outside hitter for the Czech team who contributed seven successful hits, acknowledged the difficulty ahead, saying, "Both are incredibly strong teams, but we will give our best to compete against them." Czechia joins early semifinal qualifiers Poland and Italy, setting the stage for a highly competitive final four slated for Saturday, where the team’s resilience and newfound momentum will be put to the ultimate test.

Granada and Lua Secure Titles at Inaugural ICTSI Intercollegiate Golf Tour Finals

At the conclusion of the inaugural ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour held at Summit Point Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas, Sean Granada of College of St. Benilde-1 and Julia Lua of La Salle-1 emerged as the champions in a day marked by intense competition and shifting fortunes. Julia Lua maintained her dominant form by securing a four-stroke win over CSB-1's Natasha Bantug. Lua finished the tournament with a total score of 181 after carding a 96 in the final round, demonstrating consistency and composure throughout play. Meanwhile, Granada staged a dramatic comeback after nearly losing his lead. Despite a three-shot advantage with three holes remaining, Granada's three-putt on the final hole resulted in a 73, allowing La Salle-1's Zachary Castro, who posted a 71 highlighted by a clutch 12-foot birdie putt, to force a sudden-death playoff at a combined score of 146. In the playoff, Granada regained his composure immediately. Castro faltered off the tee and was unable to convert a critical four-foot bogey putt, conceding the match. Granada then confidently rolled his putt close to the cup and sealed the victory. Arvin Ong of La Salle-2 also made a notable advancement by shooting a 73 to secure third place with an aggregate score of 151. He narrowly surpassed University of the Philippines-1's Miggy Roque and La Salle-1's Miguel Fusilero, who finished with 75 and 76 respectively, losing on a countback. The final day saw a welcome shift from previous days of rain and stormy weather, as sunshine illuminated the par-72 course and provided ideal conditions for the tournament's exciting conclusion.

DOTr Implements Passenger Relief Measures Amid Severe Tropical Storm Opong Disruptions

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has enacted protective measures to alleviate the challenges faced by travelers affected by Severe Tropical Storm Opong, which has caused significant interruptions to air and sea travel nationwide. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez declared on Friday that all airlines are required to offer passengers a full refund upon request for any canceled flights, alongside waiving fees for rebooking and related services. \"Our passengers are already enduring the difficulties posed by disrupted itineraries because of the storm. They should not be subjected to additional financial burdens. Airlines must provide the choice of a full refund or complimentary rebooking without any hidden charges,\" Lopez emphasized. Additionally, Lopez instructed the Civil Aeronautics Board to ensure that airlines proactively communicate flight cancellations and alternative arrangements to avoid leaving passengers uninformed at airports. He stated, \"We want airlines to reach out, not leave people guessing at the airport.\" To further support those stranded, airport and port administrators have been directed to keep terminals open as temporary shelters and offer free meals and drinking water to affected travelers. \"While we cannot prevent the storm, we can guarantee that our people feel safe and cared for while they wait,\" Lopez added. In response to rough sea conditions triggered by the storm, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority have enforced a strict no-sail policy to minimize maritime hazards. Since Thursday, the PCG has deployed over 5,600 personnel, 166 rescue boats, and 122 vehicles on standby in vulnerable regions. Collaboration between the Philippine Ports Authority and the Department of Social Welfare and Development has ensured the distribution of food packs and assistance at ports where passengers remain stranded. As of Friday afternoon, Tropical Storm Opong had passed over Romblon’s Sibuyan and Tablas Islands and was advancing toward southern Mindoro. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals continue to be raised across multiple provinces in Luzon and the Visayas. The DOTr affirmed it will maintain heightened vigilance as the storm progresses, reiterating its commitment that the safety and welfare of travelers remain paramount.

Iloilo City Mayor Leads Economic Development Committee Meeting, Emphasizes Regional Growth Potential

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas convened her first session as chairperson of the Economic Development Committee VI on September 17, 2025, underscoring Western Visayas’ commitment to becoming a pivotal hub in sustainable agriculture, business process outsourcing, renewable energy, and cultural tourism. During the meeting, Mayor Treñas acknowledged the hurdles facing the region, notably climate change and skill shortages, but emphasized its abundant resources, skilled workforce, and resilience as assets for growth. "Western Visayas is rich in resources, talent, and resilience," she remarked. The committee delved into critical economic issues including monitoring price fluctuations of essential goods and reviewing the regional economic outlook. Updates were provided on the Western Visayas Functional Literacy, Education, and Mass Media Survey, alongside insights on the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) extending through 2028. A significant segment of the discussion focused on a proposed trade alliance between Iloilo and the provinces of Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Mayor Treñas highlighted that this initiative could unlock new avenues for commerce and bilateral exchanges. In addition, the group examined the midterm progress of the Western Visayas Regional Development Plan 2023–2028 to ensure alignment with evolving economic conditions and strategic objectives. On the same day, Mayor Treñas also engaged with delegates from the European Union and the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to explore collaborative ventures in trade, green investments, and tourism. Expressing her vision for the region, Treñas stated, "I am humbled by the trust of our leaders and partners, and inspired by the potential of Western Visayas. This is just the beginning. Western Visayas is ready to rise – connected to the world, competitive, and future-ready."