MCT DAILY BRIEF: OCTOBER 27, 2026 · EVENING

COURT ALLOWS DISPUTED BONOAN TESTIMONY

The Sandiganbayan allowed former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan’s written testimony to include more than ₱7 billion in what he described as Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s “congressional initiatives” in the 2025 budget. The issue came up during the October 27 hearing on Estrada’s bail petition in the plunder case against him. [1, 8]

Estrada’s lawyer objected, saying the amended charge concerned around ₱2 billion and that the remaining roughly ₱5 billion was outside its allegations. Prosecutor Reza Derayunan argued that the amount was relevant because it formed part of the initiatives allocated to Estrada. Associate Justice Zaldy Trespeses allowed its inclusion in the testimony; the reported decision addressed what the court would hear, without deciding guilt or the bail petition. [1]

Separately, GMA reported that Bonoan attributed a request for additional project funds to Estrada through former undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. Under questioning by the defense, Bonoan acknowledged that Estrada had not personally made that request to him and that his account was based on what Bernardo told him. [8]

VISAYAS FACES EVENING POWER ALERTS

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines scheduled a red alert for the Visayas from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. today. Its October 27 advisory also listed yellow alerts from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with available capacity of 2,452 megawatts against expected peak demand of 2,482 megawatts. [2]

NGCP cited unavailable coal plants in the Visayas and reduced electricity imports from Mindanao during planned plant outages. A red alert means supply is insufficient to meet demand and required operating reserves; a yellow alert means backup reserves are below the required level. Households should check their local electricity provider’s notices for any interruptions affecting their area. [2]

BIR EXTENDS TWO QUARTERLY TAX DEADLINES

Taxpayers filing the quarterly value-added tax return, BIR Form 2550Q, or quarterly percentage tax return, Form 2551Q, have until October 29 to meet deadlines that fell on October 26. The Bureau of Internal Revenue extended filing and payment because its Electronic Filing and Payment System was unavailable. [3]

Revenue Memorandum Circular 115-2026 also covers the required attachments. No penalties will be imposed on those who file and pay within the extension. The circular names these two returns, so taxpayers with other obligations should check the deadline that applies to their particular form. [3, 4]

ASSISTANCE REACHES 4,049 FILIPINO WORKERS IN SAUDI ARABIA

The Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration reported assisting 4,049 overseas Filipino workers affected by the security situation in Saudi Arabia. Their October 26 tally, carried by Radyo Pilipinas today, lists food, shelter, medical help, land transport, financial assistance and repatriation support. [5]

The agencies recorded 5,496 services, a separate count from the 4,049 workers assisted. Repatriation assistance covered 414 workers and eight dependents, and the report listed 11 flights. These figures describe the assistance recorded by the agencies, rather than a count of all Filipinos needing help in Saudi Arabia. [5]

MANILA NORTH CEMETERY PREPARES FOR UNDAS VISITORS

Manila North Cemetery will stop allowing vehicles inside from October 29 through November 2, with visiting hours set at 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Cleaning, repairs and repainting of tombs end today, October 27; burials are allowed until tomorrow. [6, 7]

Cemetery director Daniel Tan reiterated the preparations in an interview today, saying around two million visitors were expected during the Undas period. Visitors are barred from bringing weapons, sharp objects, alcoholic drinks, gambling materials, pets and loud sound systems. These rules apply to Manila North Cemetery; families visiting elsewhere should check that cemetery’s own schedule and restrictions. [6, 7]