Dev Flores

MANILA - President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. appointed former Supreme Court spox Brian Keith Hosaka as an ICI Executive Director yesterday, on September 26, 2025. 

Hosaka is also a current commissioner of the Governance Commission for Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs). Today, September 25, he took his oath, before Supreme Court Associate Justice Midas Marquez. 

Executive Director, based on Section 5 of Executive Order No. 94, executes and administers the policies and decisions of the Commission. He will also manage the day-to-day operations. 

The ICI was made through Executive Order No. 94. Its mandate, stated in Section 2, is to "hear, investigate, receive, gather, and evaluate evidence, intelligence reports, and information against all government officials and employees, and any other individual, involved in anomalies, irregularities, and misuse of funds in the planning, financing, and implementation of government flood control and other infrastructure projects nationwide."

The members of the commission were announced at the Malacañang press briefing on September 13, 2025. Usec. Claire Castro, a Palace Press Officer, confirmed the appointment of the following officials:

First in the slot, former DPWH Sec. Rogelio L. Singson, who served in the agency from 2010 to 2016 during the administration of the late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. Castro expressed how essential his role in the commission is due to his technical understanding of how the projects are designed, procured, and implemented

Second is Rossana A. Fajardo, Country Managing Partner of SGV & Co. and a certified public accountant. "Her technical insight and financial acumen are critical in following the trail of public funds and determining where leakages and irregularities may have occurred," Castro stated.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong was appointed as a special adviser and investigator. His eligibility for the role may be rooted in his past experience as a former Deputy Director General of the PNP and former CIDG Director. "His experience in leading difficult investigations, uncovering internal wrongdoing, and enforcing compliance makes him a strong asset to this Commission," Castro said.

On September 15, President Marcos Jr. announced the appointment of the ICI Chairperson, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. The President expressed his trust in Reyes, stating, "He has been... for a very, very long time with a very good record of honesty and fairness... and being able to find justice for those who have been victimized."

Recently, the Commission began to comply with the mandate. One of the examples was when Rep. Toby Tiango went to ICI to bring evidence needed for the investigation against Rep. Zaldy Co in flood control anomalies and the turnover of luxury vehicles of Brice Hernandez, a former DPWH Bulacan Assistant District Engineer. 

These actions can be a good kickstart to demonstrating the Commission's authority to investigate anomalies related to flood control.

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MANILA – On September 20, 2025, PBBM officially led the launch of the new White Beep Card at the LRT-2 Legarda Station. This initiative provides students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and senior citizens a 50% discount on fares for the LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3 lines.

There are 100 cards available per station everyday. The application is from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. The processing time will take up to three minutes.

“Dati, bago ka makakuha ng beep card, 7 to 10 days ang processing. Ngayon, 3 minutes.” PBBM stated.

Also, cards can be loaded using cash or through digital bank and e-wallet partners.

Applicants must visit the nearest LRT-1, LRT-2, or MRT-3 station and present the following valid IDs:

* Student ID or Enrollment Certificate

* PWD ID

* Senior Citizen ID

The cost of the beep card is only PHP 30.00. This is just a one-time payment. After that, applicants may proceed to the respective booths for on-the-spot printing and issuance of the card.

The National Wages and Productivity Commission has confirmed a wage increase for employees in Region 7 (Central Visayas), effective October 4, 2025.

WAGE INCREASE IN REGION 7

(Effective on October 4, 2025)

The daily minimum wage for Class A workers will increase by PHP 39, from PHP 501 to PHP 540.

Class A category includes the following:

Cities:

Carcar

Cebu

Danao

Lapu-Lapu

Naga

Talisay

Municipalities:

Compostela

Consolacion

Cordova

Liloan

Minglanilla

San Fernando or Expanded Metro Cebu

Workers in Class B areas will have their daily minimum wage increased from PHP 463 to PHP 500.

Class B areas include:

Cities:

Bais

Bayawan

Bogo

Canlaon

Dumaguete

Guihulngan

Tagbilaran

Tanjay

Toledo

Municipalities:

Other municipalities not listed in Class A

Additionally, the monthly minimum wage for domestic workers will be raised to PHP 7,000.