24 Oras Express: September 11, 2025 [HD]

TLDR;

This news report covers a range of issues in the Philippines, including government corruption investigations, economic concerns, and weather updates. Key points include the establishment of an independent commission to investigate anomalous flood control projects, diplomatic protests against China's actions in the West Philippine Sea, and various corruption allegations involving government officials and private individuals. The report also touches on the potential impact of these issues on foreign investment and the economy, as well as updates on weather disturbances and showbiz happenings.

• President Marcos signed an executive order to create an independent commission to investigate corruption in infrastructure projects.
• The Philippines is filing a diplomatic protest against China's plan to establish a National Nature Reserve in Baho de Masinok.
• Several government officials and private individuals are facing corruption allegations related to flood control projects.
• Weather updates indicate potential for floods and landslides in various parts of the country.
• Showbiz updates include the return of Chris Bernal to showbiz and GMA Network's nominations at the Association for International Broadcast Awards.

Independent Commission for Infrastructure Investigation [0:20]

President Bongbong Marcos signed Executive Order 94, establishing the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate anomalous flood control projects and other infrastructure projects over the past 10 years, covering the Aquino, Duterte, and Marcos administrations. The ICI, composed of a chairperson and two members to be named by the President, has the power to conduct hearings, issue subpoenas, and recommend criminal, civil, and administrative charges against those involved in violations of the Antigraft and Corrupt Practices Act and other laws. The commission can request reports, court records, and bank records, recommend the issuance of a Whoall departure order, repatriate individuals abroad, and freeze assets. Government agencies are ordered to provide assistance, and the ICI will report monthly to the President, who has promised accountability for those who embezzled public funds.

DPWH Files Complaint Against Officials and Construction Companies [3:44]

Public Works Secretary Vince Dison filed a complaint with the Ombudsman against officials from his agency and four construction companies for violations of the Antigraft and Corrupt Practices Act, Malversation of Public Funds, and violation of the Government Procurement Act. The complaint involves former DPWH Bulacan District Engineer Henry Alcantara, former Assistant District Engineer Brce Ericson Hernandez, and others, regarding ghost projects that were paid for, including one visited by the President in Bulacan. Five companies, including Santos of Sims Construction Trading, admitted to delivering boxes of money to Hernandez. An investigation by the DPWH Internal Audit Service revealed that DPWH employees conspired with contractors to make it appear that projects were completed and billed the government for projects in Bulacan, costing at least Php249 million.

DPWH Engineer Seeks Protection After Implicating Senators [7:43]

Former DPWH Engineer Bryce Hernandez, after implicating several senators in corruption, requested protection and transfer to the PNP Custodial Center, citing threats to his life. Hernandez's lawyers filed a Rite of Amparo Petition requesting a witness protection order, placement in the DOJ's witness protection program, and transfer from Pasay City Jail to the PNP Costal Detention Center. Hernandez named Senators Jingo Estrada and Joel Vileneva as beneficiaries of DPWH projects. Representative Terry Ridon will send a letter to request Hernandez's transfer due to fears for his safety in Pasay City Jail.

Arrest of Suspect in Police Rifle Theft [10:49]

Pasig police arrested a man accused of stealing an automatic rifle (galil) from a police officer's van. The suspect broke into the van in Barangay Bagong Ilog and took personal belongings, including the service rifle. CCTV footage captured the suspect carrying a gun wrapped in cloth. The suspect sold the rifle online for less than half its value, and was caught in an entrapment operation. The police officer who owned the stolen gun was charged with administrative charges.

Filipinos Recruited as Scammers Rescued in Palawan [13:29]

Authorities in Palawan intercepted vehicles carrying Filipinos recruited to work as scammers abroad, with Cambodia as the target destination. The recruits reportedly knew their jobs would involve love scams, investment scams, and cryptocurrency schemes. Two drivers were arrested for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Acts of 2003. The recruits were offered salaries of Php60,000 to Php80,000 with incentives based on the amount they could scam.

Denial of Relationship Between Ridon and Hernandez [15:41]

Bicol Saro Party List Representative Terry Ridon denied any relation to former DPWH Bulacan Assistant District Engineer Bryce Hernandez, following a Facebook post by Senator Jingoy Estrada showing yearbook photos of the two. Ridon stated that they were batchmates in grade school but not classmates or friends. Ridon will consult with the DICT and NPC because his grandmother's address was seen in the photo.

The Clash 2024 Grand Champion: Jong Madaliday's Journey [16:52]

Jong Madaliday, The Clash 2024 Grand Champion, won after waiting seven years since being a first runner-up in 2018. Jong dedicated his success to his mother, who encouraged him to rejoin the competition. He won Php4 million worth of prizes, including Php1 million, a house and lot, and a management contract from Sparkle.

Luxury Vehicles Impounded for Lack of Proper Documents [18:56]

The PNP HPG is investigating three luxury vehicles (GMC Denali SUV, Porsche Boxter, and Chevy Camaro) impounded in separate operations for allegedly lacking proper documents. The Camaro was spotted in Cavite, and the driver could not produce a license or registration papers. The GMC SUV and Porsche were seized in Pasay for allegedly selling at too low a price and without valid authority from the registered owner. The HPG is monitoring sales of luxury vehicles to prevent disposal of assets related to fraudulent flood control projects.

President Marcos Remembers His Father [21:21]

President Bongbong Marcos remembered his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Senr, on his 107th birthday. The President shared what he learned from his father, including the need for patience and fighting for the dignity of every Filipino.

CCTV Footage of Alleged Kickback Delivery to Senator [21:54]

Senator Ping Laxon is in possession of CCTV footage of a construction company representative allegedly delivering kickbacks to a senator. The Blue Ribbon Committee will investigate this and is targeting Ian Cruz. The footage shows a WJ Construction representative visiting the Senate on August 19, allegedly delivering a kickback to a Beng Ramos for Senator Jingoy Estrada. Laxon also mentioned a Php355 million project downloaded by Estrada in Bulacan, which was included in the 2025 National Budget.

Diplomatic Protest Against China's Actions in West Philippine Sea [27:12]

The Philippines will file a diplomatic protest against China's plan to establish a National Nature Reserve in Baho de Masinok, which is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. An expert believes this is China's way to prevent Filipinos from fishing in the area. The Foreign Affairs Department condemned the baseless claim and asserted the Philippines' exclusive authority to establish environmental protection areas in its maritime zones.

Conflict of Interest Allegations Against COA Commissioner's Wife [31:07]

Camara questioned the government contracts of Mrs. Nicoa, wife of KOA Commissioner Mario Lipana, whose company, Olympus Mining and Builders Group, Philippines, has been paid more than PHP26 million for flood control and other infrastructure projects. Representative Antonio Tino raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, as COA is responsible for auditing DPWH projects. Tino suggested Lipana should resign and threatened impeachment proceedings.

Weather Update: New Low Pressure Area Forming [34:54]

A new low pressure area (LPA) has formed within the Philippine Area of Responsibility, located 980 km east of southern Mindanao. Pagasa indicates a low chance of it becoming a typhoon, but it will approach or cross Eastern Visayas or Northern Mindanao starting the weekend. There is a chance of rain in Mimaropa, Calabar Zone, and Panay Island, with scattered rain in Central and Eastern Visayas and Mindanao.

Forex Trading Scam Nest Located in Pampanga [36:18]

Two Israelis and seven Filipinos were arrested in Angeles, Pampanga, for operating a Forex Trading Scam. The group offered mentoring in forex trading and then sent malware to control victims' accounts and hack bank accounts. Victims were also persuaded to reinvest after being scammed. The authorities are coordinating with the PNPACG and international authorities to investigate further.

Foreign Investors Concerned About Corruption in the Philippines [38:14]

Foreign investors are expressing concern over alleged anomalous flood control projects and corruption in the Philippines. An economist suggests that the political noise may cause investors to hold back. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry believes that unresolved corruption issues may slow down foreign institutions lending to the Philippines. The Makati Business Club expressed concern over the amount of funds allocated for flood control without visible results.

Office of the Vice President's Budget Request [42:05]

The Office of the Vice President requested Php20 million for its budget for travel this year. As of July 31, the OVP reported spending Php62.5 million for international and domestic travel. The OVP insisted that all trips abroad by Vice President Sara Duterte are personal expenses, but the OVP covers the expenses of her security personnel and staff. The OVP will request a budget of more than Php902 million for 2026.

Showbiz Happenings: Encantadia Reunion and Sparkle-Thems Partnership [43:01]

The long-awaited meeting of the Sang'gres in Encantadia has taken place. Sparkle GM Artist Center and Thems International School have sealed a partnership to strengthen the educational pursuits of Sparkle stars.

AMLC to Investigate Casinos for Money Laundering [44:03]

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) will investigate casinos following Senator Ping Laxon's allegations that former DPWH officials were laundering money from flood control projects through casinos. Laxon suspects that the "BGC Boys" were exchanging cash for chips and cashing out winnings to clean the money. The AMLC is also investigating personalities linked to questionable flood control projects, including government officials, construction companies, and their relatives.

Flooding in Various Parts of the Country [47:25]

Several parts of the country were flooded due to bad weather. In Iligan City, a nine-year-old girl was found dead after being swept away by the flood. Other areas affected include La Libertad, Negros Oriental; Gihulan City; and Midsayap, Cotabato. Heavy rain and thunderstorms caused flooding in Quezon City, Metro Manila, disrupting traffic.

Anti-Corruption Protests Across the Philippines [51:33]

Widespread protests against corruption in flood control projects took place across the Philippines. Groups like Tindig Pilipinas demanded the establishment of an independent commission to investigate corruption issues and called for the release of SALNs of elected officials. The PNP is prepared for potential violence, drawing lessons from anti-corruption protests in Indonesia and Nepal.

Showbiz Update: Chris Bernal's Return to Showbiz [55:25]

Season 4 ultimate female survivor Chris Bernal is back in showbiz, balancing work and family life. She is the guest host on TikTok lock and will star in an upcoming episode of "The Woman Who Learned" forever. Bernal is also overseeing the construction of her family's dream house.

GMA Network's Nominations at the AIB Awards [58:11]

GMA Network received four nominations at the 2025 Association for International Broadcast Awards (AIB Awards). The finalists include 24 Oras' special report about the Mold people, news anchor Vicky Morales for presenter of the year, Kapuso mo Jessica Soho's special report "kidney for sale," and The Atom Arao Specials Pogo Land.