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MANILA, Philippines — No Filipino nationals have been reported injured, killed, or arrested amid widespread protests in France that escalated into violent clashes and property destruction over the weekend, the Philippine Embassy in Paris confirmed.
In an advisory issued on Sunday, October 18, the embassy assured the Filipino community that it had received no reports of Filipinos directly affected by the unrest on October 17.
Despite the reported safety of Filipino nationals, the embassy urged those residing in or visiting France to remain cautious as demonstrations continued to affect several cities, including the capital, Paris.
France experienced widespread demonstrations on Saturday, October 17, as protesters expressed frustration over increasing living expenses, fuel prices, and deteriorating public services.
The demonstrations brought together students, labor groups, and other organizations calling for government action on economic and social concerns.
Although many participants demonstrated peacefully, violence erupted in several areas as some groups clashed with police, damaged public buildings, set fires, and looted commercial establishments.
In Paris, police deployed additional personnel to contain disturbances, while authorities reported arrests and injuries during confrontations across the country.
The unrest also affected other major French cities, including Marseille, Lyon, and Limoges, where public facilities and private properties sustained damage.
Amid the unrest, the Philippine Embassy advised Filipinos to stay away from areas where demonstrations are taking place and avoid large gatherings that could lead to dangerous confrontations.
The embassy also encouraged Filipino nationals to monitor local developments, particularly announcements concerning road closures, public transportation disruptions, and security measures.
Filipinos were reminded to follow instructions from French police and other local officials, remain in contact with family members, and keep them informed of their whereabouts.
The diplomatic mission also advised the Filipino community to exercise caution when sharing information online and avoid spreading unverified reports that could cause unnecessary alarm.
It further reminded Filipino nationals to maintain political neutrality and refrain from becoming involved in local political confrontations.
The Philippine Embassy said it continues to monitor the situation and remains prepared to extend consular assistance to Filipino nationals who may require support.
Filipinos needing urgent assistance may contact the embassy through the following channels:
Contact
Details
Assistance-to-Nationals hotline
+33 6 80 11 52 71
Consular hotline
+33 6 20 59 25 15
paris.pe@dfa.gov.ph
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) also confirmed on Monday, October 19, that no Filipinos had been reported injured or arrested during the protests, citing information from the Philippine Embassy.
While the situation remains under observation, the embassy reiterated the importance of following official safety advisories and avoiding areas affected by the disturbances.
MANILA, Philippines — Tensions between the Philippines and China have intensified following Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan's remarks about Beijing's military strength, prompting a strong response from the Department of National Defense (DND), calls for Senate action, and renewed discussions over whether the envoy should be declared persona non grata.
The dispute began on October 15, when Jing told reporters that China could easily defeat the Philippines if it chose to use military force, while insisting that Beijing preferred peace.
The ambassador made the statement amid disagreements over Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea and criticism from Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. concerning Beijing's conduct in the region.
Philippine officials interpreted the remark as threatening, with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) describing it as an apparent warning involving the possible use of force.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also expressed concern, saying the statement sounded like a threat and was inappropriate coming from a diplomat.
The Chinese Embassy disputed that interpretation, maintaining that Jing's remarks had been taken out of context and emphasizing China's stated preference for peaceful relations.
Defense Secretary Teodoro criticized the ambassador's remarks, arguing that the reference to China's ability to defeat the Philippines could not simply be dismissed because Jing also expressed a preference for peace.
In a radio interview on October 16, Teodoro said the statement carried a clear message and warranted careful examination.
He maintained that suggesting China could use force and defeat the Philippines amounted to intimidation, regardless of the ambassador's assurances that Beijing did not intend to resort to military action.
The DND chief also emphasized that the Philippines should not be intimidated into abandoning its position on matters involving national sovereignty and maritime rights.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy accused some Philippine politicians and journalists of exaggerating or misrepresenting Jing's remarks.
The Defense Press Corps of the Philippines rejected the criticism, maintaining that journalists had accurately reported the ambassador's words and should not be blamed for the political reaction they generated.
The diplomatic dispute escalated further after Philippine lawmakers called for stronger action against the Chinese ambassador, including his possible declaration as persona non grata.
In a social media statement on October 17, the Chinese Embassy challenged lawmakers to proceed with the proposed declaration rather than repeatedly threaten such action.
The embassy also accused critics of promoting anti-China sentiment and misrepresenting Beijing's position.
Senators subsequently discussed a resolution condemning Jing's statements, with Senator JV Ejercito criticizing the envoy's remarks as hostile and inappropriate for a diplomatic representative.
Ejercito also urged China to consider replacing its ambassador, arguing that the latest exchange could further damage relations between Manila and Beijing.
Senator Erwin Tulfo, meanwhile, said the Senate majority had discussed pursuing a resolution seeking to have Jing declared persona non grata.
Tulfo also suggested that the ambassador voluntarily return to China rather than wait for the Philippine government to take such action.
The proposed Senate measure reflects growing dissatisfaction among lawmakers over Jing's remarks, although a Senate resolution would not itself constitute a formal declaration by the Philippine government.
Despite the calls from lawmakers, Malacañang said President Marcos does not favor declaring Jing persona non grata.
During a press briefing on Monday, October 19, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President preferred to avoid such a declaration against a foreign diplomatic representative.
Castro emphasized that Marcos remained mindful of the possible consequences of diplomatic actions involving representatives of other countries.
The Palace nevertheless recognized the concerns raised by senators and other officials regarding Jing's statements.
The President had earlier described the ambassador's remarks as threatening and expressed his intention to seek clarification through diplomatic discussions.
On the same day, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro formally summoned Jing to convey the Philippines' serious concern and objection to his October 15 statement.
The DFA described his remarks as provocative and unacceptable. It also criticized the Chinese Embassy's public attacks against Philippine lawmakers, emphasizing that foreign diplomatic missions should respect officials acting within their mandates.
While the department reserved the right to pursue additional diplomatic measures, it did not announce a decision to declare Jing persona non grata.
With the Senate considering further action and the DFA formally raising its objections, the dispute remains a diplomatic issue between the two countries as they continue to confront differences over the West Philippine Sea.
ORANI, Bataan – The Orani Municipal Police Station has received an additional mobile patrol vehicle through a joint initiative of the local government of Orani and the Members Church of God International (MCGI), aimed at strengthening police visibility, crime prevention, and public safety in the municipality.
The vehicle was formally turned over on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during a ceremony held in front of the Orani Municipal Hall.
Bataan Police Provincial Office Director Police Colonel Marites A. Salvadora and Orani Chief of Police Police Major Phoe G. Pangan Jr. personally received the donated vehicle.
Representing Orani Mayor Antonio “Jon” F. Arizapa Jr. during the turnover was his executive assistant, Jelo Danielle R. David.
According to the Bataan Police Provincial Office, the newly donated patrol vehicle will be used to support the daily operations of the Orani Municipal Police Station.
The additional mobility resource is intended to help police personnel conduct patrols, increase their presence in communities, and strengthen efforts to prevent criminal activities.
It is also expected to support the station's public safety operations by providing personnel with another vehicle for carrying out their duties across the municipality.
The donation reflects continuing cooperation among the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government, and community partners in strengthening law enforcement capabilities.
The turnover was conducted with the support and guidance of Police Regional Office 3 Director Police Brigadier General Jess B. Mendez.
The initiative also aligns with the Focused Agenda of PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., which guides the organization's priorities in delivering police services and strengthening public safety.
Through the partnership between the Orani local government and MCGI, the municipal police station gains an additional resource to support its operations and community security efforts.
The October 14 turnover marks another contribution to local police mobility, with the donated vehicle intended to enhance day-to-day patrol activities and crime prevention efforts in Orani.
MANILA, Philippines – Senators Risa Hontiveros and Erwin Tulfo have renewed calls for stronger protections and greater opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) following public outrage over derogatory remarks directed at Joshua “Josh” Aquino in a viral podcast episode.
On Thursday, October 15, the lawmakers emphasized that protecting PWDs requires more than condemning discriminatory remarks, pointing to pending legislation intended to improve access to healthcare, education, public services, and other opportunities.
The controversy involved an episode of the Machong Chismisan podcast, whose hosts drew widespread criticism after making disparaging comments about Aquino, the eldest son of television personality Kris Aquino, who is on the autism spectrum.
Hontiveros condemned the remarks, stressing that people with disabilities deserve respect and should never become subjects of ridicule for entertainment.
She also reminded content creators and public personalities of their responsibility to uphold the dignity of individuals, particularly those vulnerable to discrimination.
Hontiveros highlighted Senate Bill No. 1822, or the proposed National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act, which aims to establish a coordinated national framework for supporting Filipinos on the autism spectrum.
The measure covers early identification and intervention, access to healthcare and therapy, inclusive education, and social protection services.
The Senate unanimously approved the bill on third and final reading in March 2026 before transmitting it to the House of Representatives.
Hontiveros said strengthening these services is essential to ensuring that persons with autism receive appropriate support and have opportunities to participate fully in society.
Although approved by the Senate, the measure has not yet become law.
Meanwhile, Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, raised concerns about the discrimination experienced by ordinary Filipinos with disabilities.
He questioned how individuals without public recognition or prominent family backgrounds are treated when even well-known personalities such as Aquino can become targets of ridicule.
Tulfo stressed that having a disability is not a matter of personal choice and should never be used as a basis for humiliation.
He cited Senate Bill No. 1405, which seeks to grant lifetime validity to PWD identification cards issued to individuals with permanent disabilities.
The proposed measure would remove the need for repeated ID renewals among qualified cardholders, reducing administrative difficulties in accessing their benefits.
Tulfo also highlighted legislative efforts to make tourist destinations more accessible to PWDs and senior citizens.
His Senate Bill No. 1830 was incorporated into Senate Bill No. 1988, or the proposed Barrier-Free and Inclusive Tourism Act, which seeks to improve accessibility in tourism establishments and destinations.
The senator maintained that legislative action is necessary to translate public concern about discrimination into meaningful improvements in the daily lives of persons with disabilities.
The lawmakers' statements came as Machong Chismisan faced mounting criticism over the episode, which included offensive comments about Aquino and comparisons involving his younger brother, Bimby.
Clips from the discussion circulated online, drawing condemnation from public personalities, disability advocates, and social media users.
The podcast subsequently removed the episode and issued an apology.
On October 15, The Pod Network announced that it had terminated its contract with Machong Chismisan and removed the program from its roster with immediate effect.
The network's decision followed earlier statements acknowledging concerns about the treatment of persons with disabilities in content distributed through its platform.
The controversy has also renewed attention to Republic Act No. 9442, which amended the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.
The law prohibits public ridicule and vilification on the basis of disability and provides penalties for violations.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) likewise reminded the public and content creators that discriminatory statements involving persons with disabilities can have legal consequences.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized that individuals with disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, must be treated with dignity and respect.
While existing laws already provide protections against discrimination, Hontiveros and Tulfo maintained that advancing pending legislation remains essential to improving the services, accessibility, and opportunities available to the PWD community.
MANILA, Philippines — More Filipino families may soon have access to a wider selection of homes as Rockwell Land Corporation partners with Pag-IBIG Fund to offer residential properties across different price ranges through the government's Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program.
The partnership covers housing options ranging from affordable house-and-lot packages to premium residential developments, supported by Pag-IBIG Fund's home financing programs.
The agreement was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed by Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta and Rockwell Land President and Chief Operating Officer Valerie L. Soliven on October 13 in Makati City.
The collaboration comes ahead of the 2nd National Housing Expo, scheduled for October 19 and 20 at the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City, where Rockwell will join more than 80 participating property developers offering housing opportunities to prospective buyers.
Known for its upscale residential properties, Rockwell is also bringing affordable housing developments into the partnership to accommodate Filipino workers and families with varying budgets.
Two of its projects in Sto. Tomas, Batangas – Stonewell Acacia Homes and Stonewell Mahogany Homes – have already secured Pag-IBIG Fund accreditation.
Meanwhile, two developments in Lipa, Batangas, are undergoing accreditation.
These include Stonewell Molave Homes, which offers house-and-lot units starting at ₱950,000, and Terreno South, Rockwell's first upscale gated community in Lipa, where residential lots are priced between ₱4 million and ₱7 million.
Rockwell is also seeking accreditation for Anahaw Homes in San Antonio, Quezon Province, where completed house-and-lot units are available starting at ₱2 million.
Other developments being considered for accreditation include The Grove in Pasig City, The Arton in Quezon City, Fordham and Larsen Towers in Sucat, Muntinlupa City, and BenCab in Angeles City, Pampanga.
These projects would provide prospective buyers with additional residential choices once the applicable accreditation requirements are completed.
Under the agreement, Rockwell will identify participating developments and available properties, including ready-for-occupancy units, that qualified Pag-IBIG Fund members may purchase.
The developer will also extend preferential pricing and other incentives to eligible buyers.
Pag-IBIG Fund, meanwhile, will provide housing loan financing, counseling, and assistance to help members evaluate their options based on their financial capacity and housing needs.
Rockwell Land President and COO Valerie Soliven welcomed the collaboration, saying it would allow the company to extend its more than three decades of residential development experience to a broader market.
She also expressed enthusiasm about meeting prospective homebuyers at the upcoming National Housing Expo.
Pag-IBIG Fund CEO Marilene Acosta said the partnership would allow qualified members to consider properties across a wider range of prices through the agency's housing loan program.
Under Pag-IBIG Fund's current financing terms, eligible borrowers may apply for housing loans of up to ₱10 million.
Both promotional rates are fixed for the first three years and will remain available until December 31, 2026.
Acosta emphasized that the financing arrangements are intended to help members identify homes suited to their budgets, whether they are purchasing their first property or looking for a residence that accommodates their changing needs.
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Board Chairman Jose Ramon P. Aliling welcomed Rockwell's participation, citing the growing involvement of major developers in the Marcos administration's Expanded 4PH Program.
Aliling said stronger cooperation between the government and private property developers could help make quality housing accessible to more Filipino workers while supporting growth in the housing industry.
The upcoming 2nd National Housing Expo will bring together more than 80 participating developer partners, with thousands of residential units available for prospective buyers to explore.
The event will also feature special housing offers and on-site Pag-IBIG Housing Loan assistance.
Acosta encouraged Filipino families planning to purchase homes to visit the two-day event and learn about the available properties and financing options.
The partnership signing was witnessed by Aliling, DHSUD Senior Undersecretary Eduardo Robles Jr., Rockwell Chairman and CEO Nestor J. Padilla, and Pag-IBIG Fund Deputy Chief Executive Officer Alexander Hilario G. Aguilar.
Pag-IBIG Fund Acting Vice Presidents Jose Robert Po and Tina Marie Gabiosa were also present during the ceremony.
