Flood Death Toll in Bali Climbs to 14 as Rescue Efforts Continue

Jakarta — The recent floods across the Indonesian island of Bali have resulted in 14 fatalities, up from nine earlier reports, according to a government official on Thursday. Although the heavy rains have ceased and water levels are decreasing in most affected areas, the disaster's impact remains significant. Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for the disaster mitigation agency, confirmed that two people remain missing in Denpasar, the island's capital and a key tourist destination. A team of 125 rescuers has been mobilized to conduct search operations. Additionally, over 500 individuals have been evacuated to safer locations, including schools and mosques. The torrential downpours on Tuesday and Wednesday inundated Denpasar and six of Bali’s eight regencies, disrupting transportation by flooding major roads and obstructing access to the island’s international airport. Landslides were also reported in several areas. Most deaths occurred when residents were swept away as rivers overflowed. The agency assured that no foreign nationals were among the casualties and there were no flight cancellations on Thursday. Rescue teams continue to pump water from flooded buildings, with approximately 500 military personnel deployed to clear streets of mud, debris, and rocks. "The peak of the rain has passed, and the waters have generally receded," Abdul noted. "Our current priority is clearing the mud from the streets." In addition to Bali, heavy rains affected East Nusa Tenggara province, where four people lost their lives due to flooding. The government continues to monitor conditions and support ongoing recovery and relief efforts across the impacted regions.

Philippine Unemployment and Underemployment Rates Surge in July 2025 Amid Typhoon Impact

The Philippines experienced a notable increase in both unemployment and underemployment rates in July 2025, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced on September 10. Unemployment rose to 5.3 percent, up 1.6 percentage points from June's 3.7 percent, reaching approximately 2.59 million Filipinos without work—the highest level since August 2022. Underemployment similarly escalated to 14.8 percent from 11.4 percent in the previous month, representing about 6.8 million of the 46.05 million employed individuals. Meanwhile, the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) continued its downward trend, dropping from 65.7 percent in June to 60.7 percent in July 2025. This translates to roughly 48.64 million Filipinos aged 15 and above who are either working or actively seeking employment. These shifts are largely attributed to the impact of severe weather disturbances earlier in the month. PSA Chief Claire Dennis Mapa stated, "The primary factor in July was the widespread effect of typhoons across many areas of the country. This significantly contributed to the decline in labor force participation and employment." Comparatively, the July 2025 LFPR is 2.8 percentage points lower than the 63.5 percent recorded in July 2024, indicating a reduction of approximately 1.42 million participants in the labor market year-on-year. In response to these developments, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the importance of strengthening government initiatives. He highlighted the need to design policies that enhance workforce adaptability, aiming to "improve workforce agility to future-proof the country’s labor market."

Rising Seas and Land Subsidence Threaten Philippine Island Community

On Pugad Island, a small community in the Philippines, daily life is increasingly dominated by the encroaching sea. Maria Tamayo, a 65-year-old street vendor and lifelong resident, begins each day before dawn, laboriously removing seawater from her home by scooping it out with a dustpan. Despite spending up to three hours on this exhausting task, water often remains, posing a danger to her grandchildren and disrupting their routine. Pugad Island, a mere seven hectares in size, is rapidly sinking and at risk of becoming submerged. This vulnerable village, home to approximately 2,500 people, is part of Bulacan province, which is experiencing some of the fastest rates of land subsidence in the Philippines — nearly 11 centimeters annually, according to geologist Mahar Lagmay. Lagmay attributes this alarming subsidence primarily to excessive groundwater extraction, compounded by rising sea levels driven by global warming. "The rates of subsidence (on Pugad Island) are quite high," he stated, emphasizing that while direct data from the island is limited, observations from surrounding areas illustrate a clear and concerning trend. The rising tides now flood Pugad’s streets multiple times weekly, forcing residents to adapt their lives around the water. Schools alter schedules daily based on tide charts to protect children from flood-related illnesses. Houses have been elevated on stilts, and local businesses use raised tables to keep merchandise above water that can reach up to 1.5 meters during severe floods. Nationally, sea levels around the Philippines are rising at three times the global average of 3.6 millimeters per year, with projections by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) suggesting this could accelerate to 13 millimeters annually. Karlo Queano, head of DENR's geosciences division, warned of the potential disappearance of coastal communities without comprehensive action. Despite some localized measures, such as a prohibition on groundwater extraction in parts of Bulacan since 2004, a unified national response remains absent. The government does not expect to release a detailed plan until 2028. Pugad Village Captain Jaime Gregorio lamented the difficulty of returning to normalcy. "I think it’s already impossible for our lives in the village to go back to normal because of climate change," he said. Infrastructure adjustments like raising roads occur every three years to sustain habitation, but inconsistent leadership hampers long-term flood mitigation efforts. Maria Tamayo recalled the considerable financial toll on her family, which has spent approximately 200,000 pesos ($3,500) since 2022 to raise their home annually with gravel and concrete. Her profound connection to the island contrasts with the growing thought of relocation spurred by frequent high tides. Her husband, Rodolfo, emphasized the harsh economic realities of leaving: "We can’t go to [other places], we won’t have jobs there. We will go hungry." Lagmay noted that reversing land subsidence is possible through strict regulation of groundwater use, but curbing sea-level rise requires global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, a United Nations climate fund created in 2023 to assist vulnerable nations like the Philippines in managing climate impacts has yet to be operational. Elenida Basug, DENR’s climate change service director, highlighted the issue of fairness: "We are talking of climate justice here. We have very little contribution to climate change, but we are very affected by its adverse effects." Amid these challenges, Maria Tamayo called on the world’s major polluters to acknowledge their responsibilities. "We are the ones who are suffering... They are rich, so we cannot do anything. Even if we speak against them, who would listen?" she said, her words echoing the frustrations of many facing the frontlines of climate change.

The Blueprint for a Stable 'Bagong Pilipinas'

The sustained low inflation in the Ilocos Region offers a powerful blueprint for the rest of the nation, highlighting the competence of President Marcos's economic team. *The 2.4% rate is a direct result of a multi-pronged approach that combines prudent fiscal management with strategic interventions in the food sector.* This isn't just about managing numbers; it's about creating a predictable and secure economic environment where families and small businesses can thrive. The current situation presents a clear path for the country. Either we stick with these carefully crafted policies, or we risk returning to a period of rampant inflation and economic uncertainty. This success is rooted in a leadership that understands the foundational importance of agriculture and stable food prices. Because these policies come from an administration with a deep-seated focus on food security, their positive impact and long-term viability are assured. The Ilocos experience demonstrates that with focused, dependable governance, inflation can be effectively managed. It sends a reassuring message that the vision for a 'Bagong Pilipinas' is built on a solid economic foundation, prioritizing the financial well-being of every Filipino.

La Union Flood Control Projects Declared Crime Scenes Amid Fraud and Quality Concerns

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, serving as special adviser to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), announced on Tuesday that several suspect flood control projects in La Union will be designated as crime scenes to prevent unauthorized access amid growing concerns regarding ghost projects and poor construction standards. "We're going to declare this as a crime scene. We will secure the area so that we can file charges against anyone who intrudes," Magalong stated during the inspection alongside Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon. The officials conducted site visits to flood control structures in Bauang and Tubao towns, uncovering alarming deficiencies. Secretary Dizon cited a recurring pattern of ghost projects or substandard works, emphasizing that "almost all the projects we visited lacked proper construction plans, which makes thorough assessment impossible." Among the scrutinized projects was a ₱180 million dike and riprap in Barangay Calumbaya, Bauang. Awarded to the firm Silver Wolves, it was slated for completion in March 2025; however, construction activity was ongoing despite indications of defective materials and evident damage. Investigations revealed that the drainage pipes used were counterfeit and merely glued to soil surfaces. The pipes, which should measure two meters, were found to be less than a foot in length. Dizon affirmed the necessity of flood control measures in the area but questioned the project's quality, stating, "This is clearly not a ghost project since there is visible construction, but based on our observations, the work appears highly substandard." No official construction plans have been provided to support the project’s legitimacy. Further inspections included a ₱50 million flood control initiative in Barangay Anduya, Tubao, noted for its limited 500-meter scope. Additionally, another ghost project in Barangay Rizal, Tubao, is under verification after being reported to Magalong’s office. Data indicates that the Ilocos Region hosts 651 flood control projects valued at ₱39.3 billion, ranking fourth nationally in budget allocation for such projects and fifth in total project count. In light of these findings, Magalong has mandated the suspension of all inspected flood control projects pending deeper investigation. He raised questions regarding the inconsistent application of construction technology, stating, "The technology used in other places is consistent and robust, but here, we found stone masonry techniques that don’t match the standards observed elsewhere. Why the inconsistency?" The Independent Commission for Infrastructure continues to probe the alleged anomalies as authorities tighten security to uphold accountability and quality in public infrastructure development.

Lawmakers Push for Rice Price Stability to Protect Farmers and Consumers

During the budget deliberations for the 2026 National Expenditure Program, Rep. Brian Poe of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list highlighted the urgent necessity for continuous rice price stabilization efforts that safeguard both consumers and farmers. Poe, who serves as vice chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, stressed that maintaining affordable rice prices should not come at the expense of farmers' livelihoods. "There are two sides to the rice issue—the consumer side and the supply side. While we work to make rice affordable for households, we must also ensure our farmers earn a decent income. If prices collapse, our farmers lose their motivation and capacity to plant. That is a long-term threat to food security," Poe stated. The legislator from Pangasinan pointed out the need for structural reforms empowering the National Food Authority (NFA) to regulate rice imports effectively. He urged amending the Rice Tariffication Law to restore the NFA’s authority to impose quantitative import restrictions, which Poe believes is key to balancing stable market prices and fair farmgate income. Rice remains a staple food in the Philippines, making its price stability a critical national issue. At the hearing, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. reported that the temporary halt on rice imports from September 1 to October 31 is already yielding positive results. This move intends to shield local farmers from the adverse effects of declining farmgate prices. "We can see that the stoppage of imports has succeeded. Before, rice prices fell as low as ₱8 to ₱10 per kilo, which severely hurt our farmers. Now, we are seeing more stability, with prices ranging between ₱11 to ₱14. This gives our farmers much-needed relief while ensuring that rice remains available in the market," Tiu Laurel explained. He further clarified that although import permits approved previously allowed bulk rice shipments until mid-September, no new rice imports are scheduled between September 20 and November 15. The Department will consider issuing new import permits only starting November 2, unless the suspension is extended, with arrivals anticipated by mid-November. "This measure ensures that during the harvest season, our local farmers are prioritized and protected from sudden price drops caused by oversupply of imported rice," the DA secretary added. Rep. Poe acknowledged these efforts but emphasized that temporary import suspensions alone will not resolve the recurring volatility in rice prices. He pledged continued support for policies that strengthen the Department of Agriculture and promote the welfare of both farmers and consumers. "Our people feel the impact of rice prices directly. If the DA performs well in ensuring stable supply and fair prices, our people feel it right away. That is why I will continue to support measures that strengthen the Department and uplift the lives of both our farmers and consumers," Poe concluded.

Transportation Officials Mandated to Use Public Transit Weekly to Improve Commuter Experience

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) has instituted a new directive compelling officials in the road and rail sectors to utilize public transportation at least once per week. Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez issued the memorandum on Monday, emphasizing the necessity for officials to directly encounter the daily hurdles faced by commuters. "These officials of ours in the Road and Rail sector, they are really the ones who should be going out regularly because most of our projects are in these sectors," Lopez stated. Effective Wednesday, the directive applies to undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and heads of agencies such as the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and Philippine National Railways. The officials are expected to ride public transit to and from their workplaces regularly. Lopez explained that the initiative is designed to foster more practical and impactful transportation programs by ensuring policymakers are familiar with the real-world conditions of daily commuters. Furthermore, officials from other sectors are encouraged to participate, as Lopez remarked it is "the only way to truly see and experience the difficulties" faced by the riding public. Those subject to the order must submit weekly reports detailing their observations, recommendations, and proposed actions based on their commuting experiences. Demonstrating his commitment to the policy, Lopez personally used public transportation on Monday morning to assess conditions firsthand and engage with commuters.

DPWH Seeks Asset Tracing Amid Corruption Probe in Infrastructure Projects

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has formally requested support from several government agencies to trace assets connected to officials and contractors implicated in a significant corruption investigation involving allegedly fake and substandard infrastructure projects. In a letter dated September 16, DPWH Secretary Vivencio Dizon reached out to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Registration Authority (LRA), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). He requested comprehensive lists of motor vehicles, land properties, watercraft, and aircraft registered in the names of individuals under investigation. The DPWH is targeting not only bank accounts but also all assets belonging to 26 individuals accused of involvement in dubious flood control projects in Bulacan. This action follows findings from recent Senate and House hearings and the department's internal probe, which uncovered irregularities, including "ghost," incomplete, or substandard public works. The department has filed a formal complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman citing violations of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code (Malversation), Article 171 (Falsification), Republic Act No. 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act), among other laws. Those named in the complaint include high-ranking DPWH officials from various divisions—construction, planning, maintenance, procurement, and finance—as well as executives of private construction firms allegedly involved in the scheme. On September 12, the DPWH, in coordination with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), filed motions at the Court of Appeals requesting freeze orders on the assets of the accused persons and entities. This request was made under Section 10 of Republic Act No. 9160 (Anti-Money Laundering Act) aimed at preventing the disposal of properties believed to be tied to illicit activities. Secretary Dizon highlighted the urgency of obtaining vehicle information to support the AMLC's investigation and asset freeze petitions, underscoring the necessity to secure suspected illegal assets promptly. In a related development, Secretary Dizon, together with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Chair retired Justice Andres Reyes Jr., former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, SGV & Co. Country Managing Director Rosanna Fajardo, and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, met with Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on September 18. The discussion addressed flawed flood control projects discovered by the local government. Following this meeting, ICI members conducted site inspections of key project locations such as the Matalahib Creek Pump Station, Mariblo, and Sta. Cruz Pump Station to assess the situation firsthand.

Central Visayas Wage Board Approves Salary Hikes for Private and Domestic Workers Effective October 2025

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-VII has authorized a wage increase for private sector and domestic workers across Central Visayas, scheduled to take effect on October 4, 2025. Under Wage Order No. ROVII-26, private sector employees will see their daily wages rise by ₱37 to ₱47. This adjustment sets the minimum wage at ₱540 per day for workers in Class A cities and municipalities, while those in other areas will receive at least ₱500 daily. Additionally, Wage Order No. ROVII-DW_05 includes a significant uplift in compensation for domestic workers. Monthly wages for kasambahays across the region will increase by ₱1,000 to ₱2,000, resulting in a new minimum salary of ₱7,000. The wage revisions apply throughout Central Visayas, encompassing the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, along with the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue. A spokesperson from RTWPB-VII emphasized the board's commitment to enhancing workers’ welfare, stating, "These adjustments reflect our continuous efforts to balance the needs of workers and employers while promoting productivity within the region."

CLMMRH Partners with Private Hospitals Ahead of Emergency Department Renovation

The Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH), a government medical facility, announced plans to renovate its Emergency Department (ED), starting September 28, aiming to enhance space utilization, patient comfort, and overall operational efficiency. Dr. Joan Cerrada, Medical Officer II at CLMMRH, explained that the extensive three to four-month renovation would temporarily reduce emergency service capacity but ultimately result in a modernized facility. "With the closure of the emergency department, we aim to provide a more comfortable and improved facility. We ask for the public\'s understanding as there will be challenges and changes in our patient care processes," she said. During the renovation, the hospital will operate a temporary ED with 18 beds located at the Outpatient Department, supplemented by 4-5 holding areas within the Mother and Child Building, accommodating an additional 45 to 50 beds. To prepare for the transition, CLMMRH will conduct a dry run on September 20 to identify potential issues and implement alternative solutions. Beginning September 28, the hospital will adopt the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize emergency cases. Priority will be given to CTAS categories 1 and 2, along with trauma patients, including those with severe respiratory conditions, major trauma, or cardiac arrest. Patients classified under CTAS 3 will be admitted based on bed availability, while CTAS 4 and 5 cases will be redirected to partner hospitals. "It is possible that patients may be referred to other hospitals with available emergency room capacity," Dr. Cerrada noted. In support of this effort, CLMMRH recently signed a memorandum of agreement with six prominent private hospitals in Bacolod City: Riverside Medical Center, The Doctors\' Hospital, Bacolod Adventist Medical Center, South Bacolod General Hospital, Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital, and Metro Bacolod Hospital and Medical Center. This collaboration aims to facilitate seamless patient referrals and ensure continuous emergency care during the renovation. Dr. Cerrada highlighted the urgency of the renovation, citing the crowded and malfunctioning state of the current emergency room, including defective air conditioning. The renovation project has a budget of approximately PHP 92 million, allocated solely for facility upgrades; procurement of new equipment is not included. The selected contractor for the project is Durabuild Construction.