NEWS
PSC tells warring Obiena, Juico: Stop!
January 5, 2022 8:28 p.m.
The Philippine Sports Commission on Wednesday finally put its foot down and told warring parties pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena, the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and the Philippine Olympic Committee to “stop the mad issue” and resolve their conflict “like sportsmen.”
Here is the statement of the PSC Board:
This morning, the Philippine Sports Commission Board met to discuss our collegial action on the athletics issue, which took several ugly faces yesterday. I would like to relay the following on behalf of my colleagues in the PSC Board.
PATAFA’s dropping of EJ from the athletics national team without any chance given for the athlete to appeal was a sad development. Due process requires proper disposition of issues and cases whether in government or private venues, including in administrative proceedings.
We also express our disappointment that the mediation process was not realized.
When the POC declared their involvement, we hoped they would bridge the gap between EJ and PATAFA, both being under their authority. However, the issue became more muddled with the declaration of (Patafa president Philip) Juico as persona non grata and now calling on us to intervene on the PATAFA’s removal of EJ from the national team.
This is a simple case of liquidation.
EJ has given his partial liquidation report and the documents are now being examined and verified. This is a good step. Do not allow anyone to use those against you by getting it done. Finalize your liquidation and then you can focus on the other concerns.
With this situation, the PSC now took a second look and have started to craft policies on the requests of NSAs to fund and support someone into becoming an elite athlete at the international level. This issue has once again highlighted how NSAs do not give due consideration on the investment of the government and the people.
We will implement stricter guidelines on granting of financial assistances to NSAs and will require their submission of a disciplinary code or protocol in case anything like this happens in their sport. We shall also be requiring them to include the policy on arbitration within their by-laws as mandated under RA 11232. Failure to comply with these two policies by the end of the month shall constrain the PSC Board to review and reconsider granting of assistances to all non-complying NSAs.
Another matter which this issue forced us to look into is how the law limits us on situations like this and how much we need to amend it to keep it relevant and strong for our time. We understand public outcry demanding us to take certain actions, even from parties who know the legal dynamics in sports.
However, we would like to remind that the PSC is primarily a funding agency, the government’s arm to give its logistical support to the national team in the realm of elite sports. The training, disciplinary efforts and choosing of national team rosters all fall under the baton of the NSAs and their personality in international competitions under the POC. These are the roles that we take in sports.
We are sportsmen, proudly calling the Philippines our motherland. Instead of throwing accusations against each other, can we not talk as sportsmen trained and exposed to the core values of Olympism — excellence, friendship, and respect.
On behalf of the PSC board, we lay down the following:
1. We demand for EJ to immediately finish his liquidation of accounts so that we can continue to support him.
2. We demand for PATAFA to reconsider their declaration of dropping EJ from their rolls, provide him an appeal mechanism and not to execute their decision immediately.
3. We demand for the POC to bridge the two parties as the mother organization of both and reconsider their decision of declaring Mr. Juico persona non-grata on the premise of promoting peace in elite sports.
4. We demand for the PATAFA, EJ, the POC and all the parties who wish to stoke the fire of this mad issue to stop. You have all publicly recognized the PSC and asked us to help resolve the issue, please listen to us on this simple request. Stop issuing public statements and come to the table with us to discuss this matter.
We have said this before and we are saying this again. Let us resolve this like sportsmen.
The issue has dragged on and have pulled the nation’s name to the mire of negativity in the international sports scene. We all pledge our love for country, we trust that you will heed our call immediately, for love of flag. Para sa Inang Bayan!
We are here, we have offered our neutral table to seek a peaceful resolution to this from the very beginning. It is one thing to declare your stand publicly and one thing to follow it through with action. If we really all desire to see this to resolution, please listen to us.
Within the day, the PSC is set to talk separately with the above parties. We hope that we can all arrive at a resolution soon. The PSC board is set to report all related information to the Office of the President this afternoon.
We remain committed to the Filipino athlete.
Allow us to lift this from the International Olympic Committee’s website: “Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy of effort, the educational value of good example, social responsibility and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles. The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of humankind, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity.”
That is a paragraph brimming with life lessons which sport ingrains among its children. These are the very ideals we all claim to adhere to, but sadly fail to show at this challenging time. Let us come together and find a way to solve this. If not for our own interests, let us do it for flag and country.
WILLIAM I. RAMIREZ
Chairman
NEWS
COA files 4 fraud audit reports worth over ₱275 million for Bulacan flood control projects
9:19 p.m. February 13, 2026
THE Commission on Audit (COA) has filed four Fraud Audit Reports (FARs) before the Office of the Ombudsman involving more than ₱275 million worth of flood control projects in Bulacan, citing alleged ghost projects, unauthorized site relocations, payments for pre-existing structures, and serious documentation deficiencies.
The projects were implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)–Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office and awarded to SYMS Construction Trading and Wawao Builders.
COA said the filing of the cases underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability to ensure that public funds intended for flood mitigation are properly used.
Based on physical inspections, geotagged photographs, and historical satellite imagery, state auditors reported recurring irregularities:
Ghost projects: No flood control or riverbank protection structures were found at approved project sites, despite reports that the projects were completed or substantially accomplished.
Unauthorized relocation of sites: In several instances, DPWH representatives allegedly led inspectors to locations different from those specified in approved plans and contracts, without revised plans or written authority.
Payments for pre-existing structures: Satellite imagery showed that some riverbank protection structures already existed prior to contract effectivity, raising the possibility that payments were made for works not newly constructed.
Documentation deficiencies: Required documents, including as-built plans, detailed cost breakdowns, Statements of Work Accomplished, and approved master plans, were either incomplete or missing, undermining the credibility of reported accomplishments and payments.
Audit Coverage
The fraud audit stemmed from a directive issued on Aug. 12, 2025 by COA Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba ordering an immediate review of DPWH flood control projects in Bulacan covering July 1, 2022 to May 30, 2025, following public concerns over alleged ghost projects and corruption.
Disputed Projects
Hagonoy, Bulacan (SYMS Construction Trading)
The ₱67.55-million project involved the construction of a reinforced concrete flood control structure at Barangay Santa Monica (Purok 6 to Purok 7). COA reported that no such structure was found at the designated site despite the project being declared 100 percent complete as of June 11, 2024 and fully paid by June 19, 2024. Auditors also noted indications of unauthorized site changes and missing required documents.
Pandi, Bulacan (SYMS Construction Trading)
The ₱39.60-million riverbank protection project at Barangay Malibong Bata was allegedly built at a location different from that specified in approved engineering plans, without documented authority for relocation. Structures found at both the approved and identified sites could not be conclusively linked to the contract. Several key documents were also missing.
Baliuag, Bulacan (Wawao Builders)
The ₱72.37-million Phase IV riverbank protection project at Barangay San Roque was reportedly constructed at a site different from that indicated in the approved bid plans. The structure bore markings corresponding to another project. Geotagged progress photos used to support payments were taken before the issuance of the Notice to Proceed and pointed to a different barangay. COA also cited overlapping project locations with another flood control contract and incomplete documentation.
Plaridel, Bulacan (Wawao Builders)
The ₱96.50-million flood control structure along the Angat River in the Lumang Bayan section was found to have existing structures at the site at least 90 days before contract effectivity, based on satellite imagery and inspection. The structures bore markings of different contract IDs and differed in design from approved plans. Despite this, the project was reported 100 percent complete within 65 days from contract effectivity. Auditors again noted missing supporting documents.
Possible Violations
COA said those involved may face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as malversation and falsification of documents under the Revised Penal Code. Possible violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 were also cited.
The audit body said additional reports may be filed with the Ombudsman as investigations continue, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for transparency and accountability in government spending.
NEWS
ILO study says TNVS drivers earn way above minimum wage
8:49 p.m. February 11, 2026
Transport network vehicle services (TNVS) riders and drivers receive above the mandated minimum wage in the Philippines, according to a recent study commissioned by the International Labor Organization (ILO).
In the “2025 Platform Work Survey: Philippines” presented during the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) 2026 National Tripartite Conference, it also noted that digital platforms are a major source of livelihood in the country because of the flexible working arrangements they offer.
According to the survey that covered 12 out of 17 regions in the country, the average net earnings of a TNVS rider or driver per week reach P6,704.00, net of costs, as opposed to the average minimum wage of approximately P498 to P695 per day or P4865 weekly set by the government.
The survey was conducted from June to December 2025 and interviewed 400 respondents from nine platforms providing food delivery, logistics and parcel delivery, and ride-hailing services. It has a margin of error of 5 percent.
The ILO commissioned a comprehensive survey on platform work, including delivery and TNVS riders and drivers, to analyze the working conditions of workers in the platform economy, document labor practices, assess the impact of digital platforms on employment, and inform enterprise formalization and social protection strategies.
Based on the ILO study, nearly 90 percent of the riders and drivers indicated that they have access to social protection provided by the platform, including health insurance, insurance for workplace injury, and pension plan or retirement benefit.
Among the top reasons the TNVS riders considered for choosing this industry are flexibility, which allows them to select their schedules and attend to family and personal matters, and decent earnings, which they deemed better than other available jobs.
According to riders and drivers, there are platform initiatives to improve their working conditions, such as increasing earnings and incentives, enhancing training and safety, and improving operational support and communication channels.
The study also noted that ride-hailing app platforms are specifically focusing on facilitating mandatory government benefits—Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG—to their drivers.
NEWS
DigiPlus deepens investments in Customer Care across BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone
6:12 p.m. February 10, 2026
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the pioneer and leading digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, continues to strengthen its investments and capabilities in customer care, reinforcing its commitment to providing reliable, player-first support across its platforms.
The company reports that its 24/7 customer service operations are now backed by a 450-strong workforce, reflecting sustained investment in high-caliber talent, intensive training, and rigorous service standards. These investments underpin DigiPlus’ efforts to build a scalable customer support organization that champions service quality and upholds Responsible Gaming for players.
“As a leader in digital entertainment, we recognize our responsibility to build and sustain a customer-first service culture,” said Carlos Feliciano, Customer Service Director at DigiPlus. “By designing a scalable, future-ready framework and streamlining processes for simplicity and speed, we aim to make support effortless and intuitive—and elevate the overall customer experience for BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone players.”
A more robust training framework to build a high-caliber, human-centered team
Great service starts with a strong training foundation. In 2025 alone, the DigiPlus customer service team collectively logged over 87,000 training hours. DigiPlus has since expanded its customer care training programs to ensure teams are equipped to thrive in fast-paced and complex business operations. Recognizing the need for more immersive learning beyond traditional classroom instruction, the company enhanced its training framework to better prepare customer service teams for real-world scenarios.
The updated approach blends foundational learning with guided, hands-on experience, allowing frontliners to apply skills early while receiving structured coaching from senior team members over an extended, progressive training period. This ensures that BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone customer-facing teams are confident, capable, and ready to deliver consistent, high-quality service.
Alongside capability-building, DigiPlus emphasizes human-centered service. Customer care teams are trained to prioritize meaningful conversations over scripted responses, respect players’ time, and resolve concerns more effectively by viewing each interaction as part of a broader customer journey.
Readiness to provide Responsible Gaming support for players
Responsible Gaming remains a key pillar of DigiPlus’ customer care strategy. Customer service teams also undergo a dedicated Responsible Gaming training module that equips them to recognize potential indicators of gaming-related concerns among customers and respond with professionalism, empathy, and appropriate support.
As part of this approach, customer care teams are trained to guide players through available Responsible Gaming tools and safeguards on the platforms, such as options to manage gaming duration or schedule, set limits on deposits or spending, or request self-exclusion or temporary account deactivation. These Responsible Gaming tools are designed and pioneered by DigiPlus to help protect players and encourage more mindful and balanced gameplay.
Where customers require additional well-being support, customer frontliners may also direct players to further resources, including the EmbracePLUS mental health helplines (Smart: 0908-235-2351, Globe: 0956-392-1924; open daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM), which provide Psychological First Aid, and other independent support organizations.
Scaling customer engagement efficiencies in 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, DigiPlus aims to further strengthen customer service operations by driving greater efficiency through innovation. The company plans to continue enhancing processes and responsibly leveraging technology to streamline workflows, improve response times, and enable smarter, more personalized customer support—laying the groundwork for a scalable and future-ready service experience.
COA files 4 fraud audit reports worth over ₱275 million for Bulacan flood control projects
inDrive is 4th most downloaded travel app in PH
ILO study says TNVS drivers earn way above minimum wage
