Central Luzon Balita

24/09/2025

Dizon Slams Substandard Candating Flood Project in Pampanga

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has expressed frustration over the P300-million Candating flood control project in Arayat, Pampanga, after part of the structure collapsed during Typhoon Carina.

The project, awarded to Edmarri Construction, was meant to shield communities from flooding but instead drew public outrage when sections gave way under heavy rains.

Dizon, joined by Baguio City Mayor and Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) investigator Benjamin Magalong, inspected the site and branded the work as “substandard,” stressing that contractors cannot hide behind warranties when lives and resources are at stake.

The Independent Commission on Infrastructure has placed the case under investigation, with Dizon directing DPWH officials and engineers to preserve all project documents amid reports of tampering and document destruction.

Former Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales, who had helped source funding for the project, denied any role in its implementation, saying accountability lies with the contractor and implementing agencies.

Residents of Arayat expressed anger, noting that public money was wasted while their safety was compromised. The incident has intensified calls for greater transparency in flood-control projects across Pampanga and Central Luzon, where billions of pesos in infrastructure funds are allocated yearly.

The controversy comes as communities brace for more typhoons in the last quarter of the year, heightening fears that poorly built defenses may worsen the impact of natural disasters.

, , , ,

24/09/2025

Eco group urges Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda and Porac Mayor Jing Capil to act on Eco Protect landfill violations, citing health and safety threats.

Eco group urges Pampanga Gov. Lilia Pineda and Porac Mayor Jing Capil to act on Eco Protect landfill violations, citing health and safety threats.

24/09/2025

SM Supermalls earns multiple wins at prestigious regional HR awards

SM Supermalls earns recognition from two prestigious HR award-giving bodies in Southeast Asia and the Philippines, the Economic Times Human Capital Awards (ETHCA) and the HR Excellence Awards (HREA) Philippines, for its commitment to people-first innovation, continuous learning, and transformative leadership.

Driving a culture of learning and growth
At the Economic Times Human Capital Awards – Southeast Asia, SM Supermalls received the Bronze Award for Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning and Upskilling. This recognition highlights the success of Digital University (DIGI-U), the company’s innovative online learning platform that offers curated, on-demand courses, and its competency-based development strategy that has reached 100% of its workforce. This initiative has empowered employees to grow, adapt, and lead in a fast-evolving business landscape.

Championing volunteerism, change, and leadership
SM Supermalls also took home three major honors at the HR Excellence Awards Philippines 2025: Gold for Excellence in Employee Volunteerism for the SM Cares Volunteer Movement, which mobilized thousands of employees to contribute hours of service, positively impacting over 100,000 lives through community programs and disaster response efforts such as Operation Tulong Express.

It also received Silver for Excellence in HR Change Management for its BefoHR and AfteHR transformation journey, which redefined HR’s role from a support function to a strategic business partner, driving agility, adopting advanced technologies, and aligning HR with business goals.

SM further earned Silver for Excellence in Leadership Development for flagship programs such as the Executive Development Plan (EDP), Masterclass, Mentoring, Coaching, and Leading with Empathy & Feedback. These initiatives have strengthened SM’s leadership pipeline, achieving 35% internal role fulfillment and an impressive 97% retention rate for high-potential talent.

Leading with a purpose
“The future needs and evolution of how we lead, not just a change in what we do,” said Cheryll Ruth L. Agsaoay, SM Supermalls’ Senior Vice President for Human Resources. “These awards affirm that when we put our people at the center of what we do, we create not just a stronger organization, but a lasting positive impact on the people we serve.”

The recognition of two prestigious HR awards in the region affirms SM Supermalls’ commitment to fostering a workplace culture rooted in excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. As the company celebrates 40 super years of evolving, these accolades underscore its dedication to empowering its people, enriching communities, and continuously shaping the future of retail through meaningful and transformative experiences.

24/09/2025

Heart Evangelista Responds to Criticism Over Rally Absence

Heart Evangelista has spoken up after some netizens questioned why she did not join the anti-corruption rally held on Sunday, September 21.

According to a report by News 5. In an Instagram live, the actress-model directly addressed the issue. “For you questioning me why I’m not in the rally — you think I don’t have a burning flame in my heart? That I feel like I have a lump in my neck or my throat? That I have nothing to say? I have so much things to say because it is unfair,” she said.

Her remarks came after several online users criticized her absence, noting that many celebrities and public figures were seen at the event. Evangelista clarified that her silence should not be mistaken for indifference, stressing that she also shares the public’s frustration over corruption.

The rally on September 21, which coincided with the anniversary of Martial Law, drew thousands of Filipinos to Luneta Park, where groups voiced their anger against alleged widespread corruption in government projects.

Evangelista, who is also the wife of Senator Chiz Escudero, emphasized that she continues to use her own platform to speak about issues that matter to her and her followers. She urged her critics to understand that being physically absent in rallies does not mean she is unconcerned.

Her statement has since sparked mixed reactions online, with some expressing support for her stance, while others insisted that public figures like her should show solidarity through action as well as words.

, , ,

24/09/2025

Barangay Chiefs in Mexico Seek Flood Project Probe; Dizon, Magalong Warn Contractor

Village leaders in Mexico, Pampanga have demanded full transparency on flood control projects after the collapse of a P273-million structure in nearby Arayat raised questions on possible corruption and substandard construction according to the post from Pampanga based journalist Mark Sison.

In a letter dated September 23, 2025, the Liga ng mga Barangay (LNB) of Mexico, led by President and Sto. Cristo Chairman Terence Napao, formally asked Pampanga 3rd District Board Member Lucky Labung for access to reports, resolutions, and investigation findings. They cited their duty under the Local Government Code to monitor the use of public funds.

The call comes on the heels of a September 18 rally by the Concerned Citizens of Pampanga at the San Fernando Cathedral, demanding accountability from officials linked to alleged anomalous flood control projects.

That same day, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong—serving as special adviser and investigator of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI)—inspected the Candating Flood Control Project in Arayat, which collapsed less than a year after completion. Pampanga Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda had earlier slammed the project for its failure.

Dizon directly warned Eddmari Construction & Trading, the project’s official contractor, to reveal the truth about its role. Investigators have gathered testimonies suggesting that another company carried out the work while using Eddmari’s license as cover. The real contractor has yet to be officially identified pending further verification.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Audit has also flagged “ghost projects,” misuse of funds, and substandard construction across Central Luzon, adding pressure on agencies to ensure accountability and restore public trust.

📸 Pampanga journalist Mark Sison.

24/09/2025

Cultural group slams body shaming of performer in Luneta rally

Amid chants against corruption at the massive protest in Luneta on September 21, one performance took an unexpected turn online. Instead of sparking debate on the message of the song, it drew ridicule over the singer’s body.

Sining Lila, a cultural group of women and LGBTQ+ artists, denounced the body shaming of its member “Nath,” whose video of performing a protest song went viral. The clip, which showed her raising her arms while singing about corruption, was mocked by netizens because of her visible armpit hair.

In a statement released Tuesday, September 23, the group said the reactions revealed society’s misplaced priorities. “Instead of engaging with the substance of the message and the urgency of the call to hold corrupt officials accountable, many chose to mock her armpit hair — a clear act of body shaming rooted in gendered and patriarchal standards of beauty and decency,” Sining Lila said.

The group emphasized that there is nothing shameful about body hair, but there is something deeply shameful in corruption. “What is disgusting and unacceptable is the continued looting of public funds, the abuse of power, and the impunity enjoyed by corrupt officials,” the group added.

They urged the public to focus on the real issue: corruption and accountability. “It is not armpit hair that should offend us — it is the theft of public wealth, the silencing of voices, and the continued suffering of the Filipino people under a rotten, unjust system,” the statement read.

Sining Lila closed its message with a call: “No to body shaming. Yes to accountability. End corruption.”

24/09/2025

Bam Aquino: Even classrooms suffer from corruption, overpricing

“𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗱-𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻, 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗸𝗮𝗸𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗻.”

This was the statement from the office of Senator Bam Aquino, pointing out that corruption in government projects goes beyond flood control and also affects the construction of classrooms for students.

Aquino raised alarm that funds intended to give children safe and decent learning spaces are being wasted on overpriced and substandard classrooms. “Kung mismong mga silid-aralan, pinagkakakitaan, kawawa ang mga bata at guro,” his office said.

The senator stressed that this issue adds to the burden of Filipino families, who already face shortages in classrooms, chairs, and textbooks. Every year, the Department of Education reports a backlog of thousands of classrooms nationwide, worsened by rising student enrollment.

Aquino called for stricter monitoring of infrastructure projects, not just for flood control, but also for education and other basic services. He urged the government to ensure that funds go directly to the people’s needs, not into the pockets of a few.

“Hindi lang pera ang ninanakaw dito, kundi ang kinabukasan ng mga kabataan,” his office said.

24/09/2025

House moves ₱46B from DPWH flood projects to aid programs

As heavy rains and floods continue to threaten many parts of the country, Congress has decided to shift billions of pesos originally intended for flood control projects.

A House subcommittee under the Committee on Appropriations has realigned ₱46 billion from the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) proposed ₱250-billion budget for 2026 flood control projects to two government aid programs.

The budget amendments review subcommittee approved the proposal of House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan to move ₱32.6 billion to the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), which provides emergency aid for medical, burial, food, and transportation needs. Another ₱14.82 billion will be redirected to Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), a cash-for-work program under the Department of Labor and Employment.

Libanan said the move will help poor families who continue to struggle with high prices and unstable jobs. “We need to prioritize people who are hungry today, who need medicine today, and workers who need immediate income support,” he explained.

The decision comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier announced that there would be no new allocations for flood control in 2026, citing the need to maximize existing ongoing projects instead of funding new ones.

Still, the shift raises concerns, especially as flooding has become a recurring national crisis. Typhoons and heavy monsoon rains frequently damage crops, displace thousands, and cost billions in rehabilitation. Experts have long warned that delaying investments in flood control could worsen risks to communities.

The House committee’s decision highlights the difficult balancing act between long-term infrastructure protection and short-term social aid for millions of Filipinos.

23/09/2025

Tulfo’s “bend the law” remark sparks alarm over rule of law

Senator Raffy Tulfo’s recent statement that sometimes leaders must “bend the law” has triggered criticism from legal experts and watchdogs, who warn that such thinking undermines democracy.

At the heart of the debate is the principle of the rule of law: no one, regardless of rank or intention, is above it. Once leaders justify bending the law “sometimes,” critics say, it weakens the legal system all the time.

Laws are not mere suggestions to be adjusted when inconvenient. If they prove inadequate, the Constitution provides remedies through legislation or proper amendments — not shortcuts.

Analysts warn that Tulfo’s stance risks replacing the rule of law with the “rule of men” — an arbitrary and shifting system vulnerable to abuse. While some sympathize with his frustration over red tape and slow justice, many stress that selective compliance would only worsen corruption and inequality.

In the end, the senator’s remark is seen as reckless: it may resonate with those tired of bureaucracy, but it threatens to erode the very foundation of justice and governance. True leadership, critics argue, is not about bending the rules, but about strengthening them for everyone.

23/09/2025

News by Journalists not Influencers 🧡 We are Central Luzon Balita

For collaboration, invites and press release 📧 [email protected] 📲 0956 439 7000 (Viber/WhatsApp/SMS)

23/09/2025

AMLC freezes Villanueva, Estrada, Co accounts over flood project scandal

The government’s top anti-money laundering body has moved to freeze the bank accounts of several lawmakers and officials linked to questionable flood-control projects.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) confirmed that it has issued a freeze order covering the accounts of Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, and multiple former officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The action comes amid an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities and fund misuse in billions worth of flood-control projects. Authorities suspect that portions of the funds were siphoned off through overpriced and substandard projects, then funneled into private accounts.

Under the law, the AMLC can freeze assets for up to six months pending court approval, to prevent suspected illicit funds from being withdrawn, transferred, or concealed.

The freeze order signals a major escalation in the government’s probe, which has already drawn public scrutiny due to repeated allegations of corruption in infrastructure projects.

Neither Villanueva, Estrada, nor Co have released detailed statements as of press time, but their offices have previously denied wrongdoing in related allegations.

The AMLC said it is working with investigators to trace the flow of money, adding that more names may be included as the inquiry deepens.

This development adds to the growing pressure on Congress and DPWH to address accusations that public funds meant to protect communities from floods have instead lined the pockets of a few.

23/09/2025

Ex-Engineer: Tarlac DPWH di raw kasali sa bilyong pondo.

Ayon sa ulat ng Tarlakenyo.com, isang dating opisyal ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) ang nagsiwalat sa Senado na bilyong pondo para sa Tarlac ay dumaan sa kanya mismo—at hindi sa mga district engineer na opisyal na nakatalaga.

Sa Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing, sinabi ni dating Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara na noong 2023, ₱1.35 bilyon ang inilaan sa Tarlac 1st Engineering District na pinamumunuan ni Engr. Neil Farala, at ₱1.65 bilyon noong 2024. Sa Tarlac 2nd Engineering District naman sa ilalim ni Engr. Edward Ricardo Ramos, ₱925 milyon ang inilaan noong 2023 at ₱1.25 bilyon noong 2024.

Pero ayon kay Alcantara, “Wala pong alam ang mga tao doon na DE, ako lang ang kausap nila,” na tila nagsasabing siya lang ang direktang kausap sa pagproseso ng pondo, at hindi ang mga district engineer ng Tarlac.

Kung totoo ang pahayag, nakakapagtaka kung bakit hindi dumaan sa tamang proseso ang bilyong pisong pondo. Bakit tila nalampasan ang mga opisyal na dapat nag-aapruba at nagbabantay ng proyekto?

Hanggang ngayon, wala pang opisyal na pahayag sina Farala at Ramos tungkol sa kung paano ginamit ang bilyong pisong inilaan sa kanilang distrito.

Mas lalo ngayong lumulutang ang tanong: sino ba talaga ang may kontrol sa bilyong pondo ng DPWH sa Tarlac?

, , ,

Photo Grab from Tarlakenyo.com