Windows26: Weekend Roundup: Kristine’s widespread devastation, Sandro Marcos calling out VP Sara, and more

How are you, reader?

This week, we covered Severe Tropical Storm Kristine's devastation across most of Luzon, Leila de Lima's revelations about the Davao Death Squad, and Sandro Marcos calling out VP Sara Duterte.

This is your Weekend Roundup, your weekly fix for everything you need to catch up.

2 MONTHS' WORTH OF RAIN

Kristine aftermath

After heavy flooding and torrential rains brought by the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the tropical cyclone has affected over 2.6 million people and killed 13 others nationwide as of this writing.

Government offices and schools across the main island of Luzon were shuttered, and storm surge warnings were put in place. State weather bureau Pagasa said Batangas province alone saw "two months' worth of rain," or 391.3 millimeters, fall over October 24 and 25.

The country's agriculture sector sustained P80.80 million in losses due to Kristine, the Department of Agriculture said. The volume of production loss is estimated at 5,287 metric tons covering 1,570 hectares of agricultural land.

Following the widespread devastation, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued several directives to sustain and strengthen the government's response, and instructed the Department of Budget and Management to release all necessary funds to assist victims.

INQUIRER FOUNDATION

Relief and fund drive

Responding to appeals for help, the Inquirer Group of Companies extends its relief and fund drive to the families affected by #KristinePH. Cash donations may be deposited in the Inquirer Foundation Corp. Banco De Oro (BDO) Current Account No: 007960018860.

INQFOCUS

Party-list system

As the 2025 midterm elections approach, voters are gearing up not only to choose local leaders but also elect party-list groups — who are expected to be the voice of marginalized sectors in Congress. Here's what you need to know about the party-list system in this special report by Cristina Eloisa Baclig.

ON MY RADAR

Must-reads

Sandro Marcos calls out VP Sara Duterte: 'You crossed the line'
DOJ studying legal action on VP rant
De Lima: Nanlaban, reward concepts started in Davao even before 2016
Quiboloy's alleged victims bare real identities during Senate face-off
Former VP Robredo braves floods, joins storm relief operations
MMFF completes 2024 lineup with diverse film entries
How Liam Payne stood as the backbone of One Direction
10 beautiful games that won't crash your PC
Chicken inasal named best Filipino dish
Column of the Week: VP Sara's dangerous rhetoric

INQside Look with senatorial aspirant Tito Sotto

On this week's INQside Look episode, INQUIRER.net Anchor Neil Mercado speaks with senatorial aspirant Tito Sotto about his platform for the Filipino people and his stand on relevant issues.