GLOBAL uncertainties and the “broad impacts” of corruption could further weaken the country’s economic growth this year and next year, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) for September, ADB said it now expects the country’s GDP growth to slow to 5.7 percent in 2026 from the 5.8 percent estimate for 2026 it made in July 2025. The forecast for this year pegged at 5.6 percent was the same estimate in July but was slower than the 6 percent estimate
it released in April.
ADB Country Director for the Philippines Andrew Jeffries said the global uncertainties stemmed from the impact of higher US tariffs on the economy. However, while ADB did not yet account for its impact, the controversy surrounding flood control projects could further undermine economic growth.
“We didn’t see a reason to reduce GDP projections due to that issue [flood control], but it’s certainly a heightened risk; between now and our December update there may be more quantifiable data available that may alter our projections,” Jeffries said during a media briefing.
Higher United States tariffs imposed on various commodities worldwide have created global policy uncertainty which has slowed down growth, particularly in advanced economies.
The impact of higher tariffs, which the Philippines has not escaped, and the impact on advanced economies could also dim the economic prospects of the country.
The United States slapped a tariff of 19 percent on all Philippine goods entering the American market beginning in August 2025. This new rate was a result of negotiations between Washington and Manila which occurred in July. Nonetheless, ADB said, the impact of these uncertainties may be
cushioned by the country’s strong domestic demand given the slowdown in inflation. The increase in commodity prices remained below the 2 to 4 percent target set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). ADB projected that inflation could average 1.8 percent this year and pick up to 3 percent next year. Both forecasts are within the inflation target of 2 to 4 percent set by the BSP. The benign inflation environment allowed the BSP to continue reducing key policy rates. In the last Monetary Board meeting, the central bank reduced the Target Reverse Repurchase rate by 25 basis points to 5 percent in what
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
received a new freeze order from the Court of Appeals (CA) bringing the total value of the frozen assets to P2.9 billion.
In a statement, the new freeze order covered a total of 836 bank accounts, 12 e-wallet accounts, 24 insurance policies, 81 motor vehicles and 12 real estate properties. With the latest freeze order, the AMLC through the CA has
frozen a total of 1,563 bank account; 54 insurance policies; 154 motor vehicles; and 30 real estate properties. The latest freeze order is the first time the AMLC included electronic wallets.
“By freezing a wide range of assets-such as bank accounts, e-wallets, vehicles, and properties—the AMLC is disrupting the financial channels used in corrupt activities,” said AMLC Executive Director Atty. Matthew M. David.
“Our goal is straightforward: prevent stolen public funds
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has expanded its internal anti-corruption probe to now include not only flood control projects, but also farm-to-market roads, according to Malacañang.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the pronouncement after the Department of Agriculture (DA) ordered on Monday an audit of ghost or non-existent farm-to-market roads, which were built from 2021 to 2025.
She said DPWH Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon has also initiated their separate probe on this
type of public works.
“I also spoke with Secretary Vince this morning, and he said that they are also looking into this because a solution [to this issue] should be found as soon as possible,” the Presidential Communications Office undersecretary said in Filipino in a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday.
The anomalous flood control projects are also being investigated by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). Marcos created the ICI through Executive Order (EO) No. 94 to investigate sub-standard and non-existent public works then
WATERWORLD Floodwaters
from being dissipated and misused, recover them for the National Government, and ensure that those involved in money laundering are held accountable,” he added.
The AMLC said it remains committed to transparency and accountability and is working closely with other government agencies to ensure that public funds are protected and properly used.
Earlier, David said AMLC’s petition cited corruption-related offenses, such as violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and malversation, according to David. Under the freeze order, banks will now look into their systems and determine the amounts stored in the bank accounts, which will then be reported to the AMLC, David said.
Moreover, the freeze order is a step toward the filing of appropriate civil and criminal cases, including the retrieval of any funds moved before the freeze, against those found to have laundered illicit proceeds, David added.
The freeze order will only be lifted if the owners of the bank accounts will file a motion to lift the effects of the freeze order over their accounts or assets.
Peza clears ₧154.7B worth of investments from Jan-Sept
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
THEPhilippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) has approved P154.70 billion worth of investments in the January to September 2025 period, up 33.50 percent compared to the P115.87 billion approved in the nine-month period last year.
The investment promotion agency said these approved investments in the nine-month period this year are seen to generate 50,430 jobs.
Meanwhile, Peza said these investments may result in $4.49 billion worth of export revenues.
The approved investments in the January to September 2025 period comprise 215 newly approved projects spread across various sectors.
Of the 215 approved projects, Peza said 98 are into Manufacturing; 55 are in the IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector; 18 are into Domestic ecozones; 16 are Facilities; 17 are into Ecozone Develop -
ment; 7 into Logistics and 4 are into Utilities.
As for the location of these investments, Peza said 178 projects are set to rise in Luzon; 29 in Visayas and 8 in Mindanao.
By source of investments, Peza pointed out that Japan has “reemerged” as the top investing nationality of Peza. From January to September 2025, Japanese firms chipped in P14.78 billion in new and expansion projects, accounting for 9.55 percent of the investments generated by the investment promotion agency in the nine-month period.
According to Peza, at the “fore -
front” of this resurgence is the registration of a domestic market enterprise in Tarlac City which is set to manufacture food products and processed foods inside the Tari Estate.
“Valued at over P9.1 billion, this Japanese flagship food processing facility, one of September’s big-ticket approvals, will cater to both domestic and export markets and anchoring industrial growth in the Luzon Economic Corridor [LEC],” Peza said.
In September 2025 alone, the investment promotion agency was able to greenlight 36 new and
expansion projects worth P48.87 billion. These investments are seen to be generating $1.11 billion in export revenues and creating 10,312 jobs.
For his part, Peza Director General Tereso O. Panga said: “Japan’s return as our leading partner reflects the fruit of our investment missions and strong collaborations with stakeholders. With nearly 10 percent of this year’s total project approvals coming from Japanese companies, we see undeniable proof of the Philippines’ standing as a trusted and highly competitive hub in Asia.”
told BusinessMirror
The outstanding debt rose by 12.3 percent from P15.550 trillion during the same period a year ago. Of the total debt stock, 69.19 percent was borrowed locally, while 30.81 percent came from foreign sources. The Treasury said this is a “generally more favorable debt position,” since domestic debts are less vulnerable to shifts in foreign exchange movements.
“[D]omestic borrowing is largely owed to Filipinos themselves, providing a safe and secure investment vehicle for wealth growth while also ensuring that the money circulates back into the local economy,” the Treasury added.
Broken down, domestic debt as of end-August amounted to P12.087 trillion, up by 12 percent from P10.791 trillion in the same period a year ago. Compared to the previous month’s level, domestic debt inched down by 0.2 percent or P21.39 billion from P12.108 trillion. Meanwhile, external debt as of end-August increased by 13.1 percent, reaching P5.381 trillion from P4.758 trillion a year ago. However, it declined by 1.4 percent or P73.68 billion from P5.455 trillion as of end-July.
Reinielle Matt Erece, economist at Oikonomia Advisory and Research, Inc., told BusinessMirror that the outstanding debt will increase towards the end of the year as the government continues to tap the domestic market for funds.
In the fourth quarter of the year, the Treasury plans to borrow P437 billion through the sale of government securities.
“The strong demand for Philippine government securities and the issuance of these debt papers can further increase the country’s outstanding debt,” Erece said.
it has so far distributed more than 309,000 family food packs (FFPs) to households affected by recent typhoons. The largest share of assistance went to the Bicol Region with over 82,000 packs, followed by Western Visayas with 52,000 and the Ilocos Region with nearly 44,000.
According to Lacson, the P20 per kilo of rice in Masbate ensures that residents have an accessible food source once relief supplies and FFPs are depleted. He noted that power restoration in the province may take time,
making DSWD food packs insufficient to meet daily consumption needs.
Lacson added that other provinces severely hit by typhoons would also automatically be given priority for the P20-per-kilo rice rollout.
“Right now, we haven’t met yet with the DA and the Kadiwa team. But definitely, when it comes to the priority session, that will suddenly move up. As long as an area is hit by a typhoon, it will move up in priority. That’s for sure,” he said. Ma. Alyanna Selda
“We hope to see these funds put into good use, in that case the increase in debt is justified,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rivera said that in the coming months, the government could frontload its borrowings, ramp up infrastructure spending and manage fiscal needs amidst inflation and global uncertainty.
“The overall trend remains upward, even with temporary monthon-month dips,” Rivera noted.
“The Bureau reaffirmed its commitment to prudent debt management and responsible borrowing, ensuring that financing activities remain aligned with the country’s high and inclusive growth agenda, while safeguarding the welfare of future generations of Filipinos,” the Treasury said.
By yearend, the outstanding debt is projected to reach P17.359 trillion, with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 61.3 percent.
BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said was the “Goldilocks” rate. Officials said more rate cuts could be implemented by the end of the year. With the slowdown in inflation, ADB Senior Economics Officer Teresa Mendoza said household spending, one of the pillars of domestic demand, has shown resilience this year.
Mendoza noted that while there was an observed increase in the purchase of basic items, Filipino households also increased their spending on non-essentials such as domestic travel and recreation.
Earlier, ANZ Research said Filipinos swiping their credit cards and obtaining loans against their salaries are helping boost consumption spending in the coun-
try but these are deemed “unhealthy” practices.
In its quarterly brief, ANZ Research noted that domestic demand has been weak in the region, except for the Philippines, which is seeing an uptick in private consumption as well as inflow of new consumption.
ANZ Research said private consumption in the country, however, was driven by credit card spending and loans against salaries. These borrowings were not being spent on asset creation.
Meanwhile, ADB said developing Asia’s growth forecasts were also reduced to 4.8 percent and 4.5 percent in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
The ADB cited risks that could bring growth down such as tariff and trade uncertainty, financial market volatility, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine, and property market fragility in the People’s Republic of China which could affect other countries.
The outstanding debt is seen to hit the P19-trillion mark, increasing to P19.057 trillion by end-2026.
recommend to concerned government agencies the prosecution of the involved individuals or parties. Less than a month since the ICI was formed, its special adviser, Baguio Mayor City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong resigned due to possible conflict of interest between his role in the fact-finding panel and his duty as a local chief executive.
On Monday, Castro announced the designation by the President of retired Philippine National Police Chief, Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as the new Special Adviser and Investigator of the ICI. Castro said Azurin was picked for the said position despite his involvement in a drug-related issue during his stint as PNP chief based on his experience and skills as an investigator, as well as “not being a politician.” She also noted no case was filed against Azurin related to his alleged involvement in the cover-up in the arrest of a police sergeant, who yielded 990 kilos of shabu or methamphetamine in 2022. Azurin denied any involvement in the issue.
DOE grants ‘special allowance’ to lure oil, gas exploration firms
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
IN a bid to lure in more investors in the upstream petroleum industry, the Department of Energy (DOE) will extend “special allowance” to operators of marginal petroleum blocks, new and frontier areas.
Department Circular no. 2025-3-17, signed by DOE Secretary Sharon Garin on September 23, provides special allowances that allow for maximum benefits to the country and, at the same time, provide reasonable returns to private companies that render financial and technical services and assume all the risk of petroleum exploration. This will make the country’s service contract regime more attractive to investments and improve the state of the oil and gas exploration.
“ The current state of the oil and gas exploration in the country shows low-level investments due to the attendant high risk in petroleum operations,” the DOE said.
“There is a need to offer improved fiscal terms to service contractors to complement the other government initiatives in attracting more exploration and production companies to spur exploration activities leading to the discovery of more oil and gas fields in the country.”
A special allowance on marginal petroleum
operations shall be granted when the annual operating expenses exceed the cost recovery allowance of 70 percent. The DOE defined operating expenses as those related to produce petroleum but excluding development and exploration cost, and capital expenditures.
Meanwhile, the DOE defines “new plays” as untested geological prospects in productive basins. Under this category, a special allowance of 5 percent of the gross proceeds will be granted only to the first commercial development.
The same allowance shall be granted in frontier areas, which the agency defines as “basins with no significant production activity.”
For gas development in remote areas with more than 200 kilometers (km) but not less than 400km from the identified delivery market, a special allowance of 2.5 percent shall be granted. This will increase to 5 percent for areas within the 400km but not less than 800km and 7.5 percent within 800km and above.
To encourage the production of indigenous gas in new plays, frontier, or remote areas, a special allowance of 30 percent of the gross proceeds shall be granted.
The DOE said it continues to adopt new mechanisms and strategies to carry out its plans and programs mandated under PD 87.
GSIS explains DigiPlus investment, calls for stronger policy guidance
By Mary Jade Gale Jadormio
HE Government Service Insurance
TSystem (GSIS) asked Congress to provide a clearer policy direction on its investments, following Senator Risa Hontiveros’ concerns over its P1-billion investment in online gambling firm DigiPlus.
GSIS President and General Manager
Jose Arnulfo A. Veloso emphasized that the state pension fund’s mandate is to grow and protect members’ contributions through investments that are legal and transparent.
“ We would like to get the wise wisdom of this committee and your chamber. We are just being obedient, if this is what the people want, let us change the policy so we could be guided,” Veloso said mostly in Filipino.
“ We were told that if the company is legal and listed by the Philippine Stock Exchange, then we could invest in it.”
T he pension fund chief clarified that investments are made within strict guidelines, with focus on profitability, liquidity, and security.
Veloso highlighted that the GSIS portfolio remains largely concentrated in low-risk assets, including government bonds, loans to members, and incomegenerating real estate properties.
Citing the pension fund’s performance, Veloso said GSIS assets reached P1.88 trillion in the first half of the year, an increase from P1.54 trillion in 2022.
Net income in the first half of the year
climbed to P77.82 billion, marking a 30 percent increase from the same period last year. He said the actuarial life of the GSIS fund is secured until 2058, reflecting the sustainability of its investment strategy and its capacity to meet the obligations of future retirees.
Still, Senator Risa Hontiveros pressed Veloso on why GSIS chose to invest in DigiPlus, despite the social costs associated with online gambling.
Veloso acknowledged these concerns but clarified that the investment decision was based strictly on financial and legal considerations.
“I cannot impose my own moral standards because our duty is to be able to grow the fund,” Veloso said.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the DigiPlus investment and recommended that GSIS prepare recovery plans for its stock exposures “at a term not disadvantageous to the fund.” COA further advised GSIS to review its investment policy guidelines and align them with the GSIS Charter, which outlines limitations on fund placements.
Veloso said the fund has already drawn up recovery plans covering DigiPlus and other equity holdings identified by the audit.
However, he explained that the fund is waiting for more stable market conditions before executing any recovery plans
San Lorenzo Ruiz Level 2 General Hospital touts upgraded facilities
MALABON CITY—A new chapter in Malabon’s healthcare system officially began with the inauguration of the San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital (SLRGH), now a Level 2 General Hospital, that will provide better health services to more Malabueños.
Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval led the blessing and inauguration ceremony along with Rep. Ricky Sandoval, who initiated the upgrade through House Bill No. 5791,
Secretary of Health Teodoro J. Herbosa, and SLRGH officials.
“With the collaboration of our Depoartment of Health and the initiative of our city’s former representative, Ricky Sandoval, the San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital has been reopened – more modern this time, and able to provide more comprehensive services for more Malabueños. Now, along with the programs of
See “SLRGH,” A10
8-month Customs haul: ₧34.7B in illicit items
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
TIn
presentation of
accomplishment report on Tuesday, Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla said the bureau carried out 653 seizure operations from January to August
PHL export earnings growth still slowing; 4.6% in August
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THE growth of the coun -
try’s export earnings continued to slow in August 2025, according to the latest data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Based on the International Merchandise Trade Statistics of the Philippines, the country’s exports grew 4.6 percent to $7.06 billion in August 2025 from the $6.75 billion posted in the same period last year.
It can be noted that after peaking at 26.9 percent in June 2025, export earnings slowed to 17.6 percent in July and posted singledigit growth in August.
“The year-to-date total value of exports, that is from January to August 2025, amounted to $55.7 billion. This represents an annual increase of 12.6 percent from the year-to-date total export value of $49.45 billion in January to August 2024,” the PSA said.
The commodities that posted contractions in August were copra oil cake or meal which contracted 71.9 percent in August, followed by unmanufactured tobacco at 67.8 percent; other products manufactured from materials imported on consignment basis, 63.4 percent; copper concentrates, 62.5 percent; and other fruits and vegetables, 62.4 percent.
Commodities that posted the fastest growth in August were
led by other forest products which surged 200.3 percent; gold, 153.4 percent; footwear, 127.2 percent; iron and steel, 91.2 percent; and desiccated coconut, 89.9 percent.
“The commodity group with the highest annual increment in the value of exports in August 2025 was electronic products with $303.79 million. This was followed by gold with an annual increase of $160.37 million, and other mineral products with an annual increment of $112.09 million,” the PSA stated.
Further, PSA said electronic products remained the country’s top exports in August 2025 with total earnings of $3.87 billion or 54.8 percent of the country’s total exports during the period.
The data showed this was followed by other mineral products with an export value of $384.26 million, accounting for 5.4 percent of the total; and machinery and transport equipment with $363.65 million, or 5.1 percent of total export earnings.
Import receipts
MEANWHILE , the country’s import receipts amounted to $10.6
billion, indicating an annual decrement of 4.9 percent from the $11.15 billion import value in the same month of the previous year.
In July 2025 and August 2024, the PSA said that the country’s import value recorded annual increases of 5.8 percent and 2.9 percent, respectively.
In August 2025, the PSA said the commodity group with the highest annual decrement in the value of imported goods was mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials with $611.83 million.
This was followed by metalliferous ores and metal scrap, which decreased by $168.7 million, and cereals and cereal preparations with an annual decline of $86.15 million.
“The year-to-date total import value from January to August 2025 amounted to $88.08 billion. This represents an annual increment of 5.1 percent from the year-to-date total import value of $83.78 billion in January to August 2024,” the PSA said.
China top export market, import source MEANWHILE , the PSA said the country’s top export market and
import source for August 2025 was China.
In terms of exports, Hong Kong, China was the country’s top export destination with an export value amounting to $1.19 billion or a share of 16.9 percent to the country’s total exports in August 2025.
Other top export partners for the month were the United States of America (USA), $1.09 billion or 15.4 percent of the total; Japan, $979.00 million, 13.9 percent; People’s Republic of China, $849.32 million, 12 percent; and Republic of China (Taiwan), $292.18 million or 4.1 percent of total exports.
In terms of import source, the People’s Republic of China was the country’s largest supplier of imported goods valued at $3.19 billion or 30.1 percent of the country’s total imports in August 2025. Other import sources included Republic of Korea with an import value worth $848.93 million or
this year, confiscating P34.725 billion worth of illicit items.
Confiscated various goods, such as general merchandise, topped the list of the highestvalued commodities, totaling P20.156 billion as of end-August.
This was followed by wildlife and natural resources amounting to P4.784 billion and illegal drugs valued at P4.562 billion.
The BOC also intercepted smuggled cigarettes, tobacco, e-cigarettes and vape
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE House of Representatives on Tuesday pushed for the inclusion of eight additional reform bills in the administration’s priority legislative agenda.
In his first Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) meeting, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said the House agenda for the 20th Congress is anchored on economic growth, stronger social protection, and governance reforms, with a focus on ensuring affordable food, creating sustainable jobs, expanding digital connectivity, and improving public services for Filipinos.
The meeting, held in Malacañang, was attended by House leaders, including Majority Leader Sandro Marcos.
Dy affirmed the chamber’s commitment to work closely with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and other government leaders to fast-track the passage of vital measures.
“We meet today in a spirit of collaborative governance to align our legislative agenda with the Administration’s Philippine Development Plan and its 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda,” Dy said.
According to Dy, 32 of the 33 measures identified by the executive branch have already been filed in the House, which he said “sets a positive tone for our productive collaboration with all branches of government.”
Palace says Zaldy Co not off the hook; govt blocks
bid to de-register 3 choppers
By Samuel P. Medenilla
@sam_medenilla & Lorenz S. Marasigan
D@lorenzmarasigan
ESPITE Elizaldy “Zaldy”
S. Co’s resignation as representative of the Ako Bicol Party-list last Monday, the former lawmaker is still not off the hook yet when it comes to the government’s ongoing probe on the multibillion flood-control project anomalies, according to Malacañang.
Also on Tuesday, the government moved to block an alleged attempt to de-register three helicopters said to belong to Co, which would have paved the way for its sale overseas.
Co resigned after House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III revoked the travel clearance of the embattled lawmaker and on the last day of the 10-day deadline given to him by the House of Representatives to return to the Philippines.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Office Claire Castro said local law enforcers will coordinate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to bring Co home once the necessary case is filed against him.
“If a case is filed against him, he cannot avoid it. He cannot run away from it. So, it is better if he is charged, he should just fight for his rights and the truth according to his evidence,” she said in Filipino.
Co together with other incumbent and former lawmakers were accused of receiving millions of kickbacks from flood control projects.
“If his name is mentioned [in the investigation], he should definitely answer [the allegations against him] because if he can’t answer it and avoids it, he will only appear guilty. So, it’s better for him to explain his side,” Castro said.
As of press time, Castro said they are still waiting for information from the Department of Justice (DOJ) if Co has already returned from his trip abroad for a medical treatment in the United States.
DOJ has asked the Interpol to issue a “Blue Alert Notice” to track the whereabouts of Co abroad.
Castro said Co’s status was not discussed during the LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council meeting held in Malacañang on Tuesday.
Among the bills presented during the meeting, she noted, were the amendments to the Rice Tariffication Act and Anti-Money
Laundering Act as well as laws on online lending.
3 choppers
THE government has blocked attempts to deregister three helicopters tied to Co, as authorities move to preserve billions worth of assets flagged in the widening flood control corruption scandal.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) reported that companies tied to Co tried to deregister the aircraft, a requirement before they could be sold prospectively abroad.
“Caap informed me there were attempts to deregister three choppers of companies linked to Congressman Zaldy Co. Caap informed that the de-registration from the Philippines is a requirement in order for them to sell the aircraft,” Dizon said in a chance interview on Tuesday.
However, the attempts failed thanks to the Caap’s “standing order” barring the removal of any aircraft flagged in the government’s flood control corruption probe.
Earlier, the DPWH sought the aid of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in freezing more than P4.7 billion worth of aircraft linked to Co’s family and affiliated firms.
Among the assets are a $36-million Gulfstream 350 business jet and two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters valued at $16 million each, all under Misibis Aviation led by Co’s son, Michael Ellis.
Other assets are registered under Hi-Tone Construction, linked to Co’s brother Christopher, and QM Builder, one of the top contractors now under investigation for anomalous flood control projects.
Investigators have flagged these companies as either directly controlled by Co’s relatives or tied to contractors under scrutiny for alleged ghost and overpriced flood control projects.
Co, who once chaired the House appropriations committee, has yet to return to the country from medical leave in the United States. His name has surfaced repeatedly in the ongoing investigation into the flood control mess, which has unraveled ghost and “super substandard” projects across the country.
Dizon has said that the asset hunt, ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is meant to ensure that alleged ill-gotten wealth is not dissipated and that those responsible for the flood control mess are held accountable.
How about Ako Bicol? Solon wants Co’s party list probed
ALAWMAKER on Tuesday warned that Co’s resignation should not erase accountability for alleged abuses tied to his party-list group, Ako Bicol, saying it exposes systemic weaknesses in Congress.
Cebu Rep. Duke Frasco alleged that Co, as a shareholder of construction firms, profited from billions of pesos worth of projects inserted in the national budget during his term as Appropriations Committee chair. He argued that by resigning, Co evaded sanction from the House but left his party list unaffected, a move he described as “impunity.”
But Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin pushed back, calling Frasco’s remarks “mere conjecture” unsupported by evidence
House may extend plenary debates, to focus on a ‘clean budget’ for ’26
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE House of Representatives will focus on passing a “clean budget” for 2026, the speaker said, underscoring that this remains the chamber’s priority despite political noise and controversies over alleged flood control projects and questionable budget insertions.
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said the chamber is considering extending the plenary debates on the proposed 2026 national budget for another week.
The deliberations were originally scheduled to conclude this week, with October 10 set aside for the period of amendments to
House Bill (HB) 4058, or the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB). The budget was originally set to complete plenary deliberations on the 2026 budget proposals of key agencies this week, with October 10 reserved for the period of amendments to House Bill (HB) 4058, or the General Appropriations Bill
Duterte’s lawyers
ask
(GAB) of 2026.
“Our priority in Congress is to pass a clean budget so we can transmit it to the Senate,” Dy said.
The Speaker added, “For now, we will hold consultations, and we may even extend for another week to ensure the proper passage of next year’s budget.”
On Wednesday, plenary debates will cover the proposed budgets of the Office of the President, other executive offices, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Department of Transportation.
Deliberations on Thursday will include allocations for Congress, the Civil Service Commission, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Discussions will also tackle support for the government corporate sector, lump-sum funds, and the Turno En Contra.
According to the schedule provided to the media, Thursday
ICC to
or legal findings. He invoked the constitutional presumption of innocence, stressing that no case has yet been filed against Co.
“The resignation of Cong. Zaldy Co should not, and cannot, erase his crimes, nor absolve Ako Bicol Partylist, the vehicle through which these abuses were committed,” Frasco said.
“While Co walks away, his conduit, Ako Bicol Partylist, keeps its seat, benefits, and power as if nothing happened. This is not accountability. This is impunity,” Frasco stressed.
Citing Section 141 (h) of the House Rules, Frasco said, “A Member shall not acquire or receive any personal pecuniary
See “Ako Bicol,” A11
marks the last day of plenary debates for government agencies. Congress, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, is set to adjourn for a break on October 10.
“That has not been thoroughly discussed yet, but if it becomes necessary to extend for another week, then that’s what we will do. Most likely, we may really extend by another week,” said the speaker.
Once approved by the House, the GAB will be transmitted to the Senate for review. A bicameral conference committee will later be convened to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the budget.
Paragraph 7, Section 25, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution provides that the general appropriations of the preceding year shall be deemed as re-enacted if both houses of Congress fail to pass the general appropriations bill for the ensuing year before the end of the present year.
consider
health before trial; prosecutors dispute relevance
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE lawyers of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte are asking the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to first determine whether his deteriorating health affects his ability to stand trial.
“Mr. Duterte’s cognitive impairment is sufficient to warrant litigation of the matter prior to the holding of the confirmation hearing,” said his counsel, international lawyer Nicholas Kaufman. “In light of the aforementioned, and given their relevance, the Defense hereby submits the present medical information into the case record.”
In a public redacted filing dated September 29, 2025, Kaufman submitted
new medical records to support his claim that Duterte is suffering from cognitive impairment.
T he submission is part of the ongoing case which investigates alleged crimes committed during Duterte’s presidency, particularly in connection with his controversial war on drugs.
The defense said two separate medical evaluations—one by a professional appointed by the ICC Detention Centre and another by a defense-proposed expert— corroborate the impairment and raise serious concerns about Duterte’s legal competency.
The legal team also requested a status conference before the court’s judicial recess to address the matter urgently.
However, the prosecution strongly opposed the defense’s move, arguing that
the medical submissions are irrelevant to the Chamber’s determination on interim release. In its own filing, also dated September 29, the Office of the Prosecutor said Duterte remains a flight risk, could interfere with proceedings, and may commit further crimes if released.
The Prosecution criticized the Defense for filing the medical challenge five months after Duterte’s initial appearance, and after key procedural deadlines had passed. It noted that during those months, Duterte was able to instruct his legal team to file jurisdictional challenges, request the disqualification of judges, and negotiate conditions for interim release—suggesting he was mentally competent enough to participate in legal strategy.
“The Defense has unnecessarily delayed the proceedings,” the Prosecution said, adding that the Chamber had already made clear that any postponement of the confirmation hearing would be “limited to the time strictly necessary” to assess Duterte’s fitness.
The public versions of both filings redact specific medical details and internal negotiations.
Duterte, who served as president from 2016 to 2022, faces accusations of crimes against humanity for thousands of deaths linked to his anti-drug campaign. He has consistently denied wrongdoing and previously dismissed the ICC’s jurisdiction over the Philippines.
The ICC has yet to issue a ruling on the Defense’s latest request.
SMC restarts cleanup of Tullahan River to ease flooding in Metro Mla
SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) is restarting cleanup of the Tullahan River, three years after it completed the P1-billion effort.
The company said its regular LIDAR monitoring, which uses laser technology to map river depth, showed that silt and waste had again accumulated, limiting the river’s ability to drain floodwaters into Manila Bay.
The 27-kilometer river, which runs through Quezon City, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Malabon and Navotas, was the first focus of SMC’s Better Rivers PH program that was launched in 2020. By 2022, the company had cleared 1.12 million metric tons of waste and silt from a 10.9-kilometer stretch near the North Luzon Expressway.
SMC Chairman Ramon S. Ang said the return to Tullahan reflects the company’s long-term commitment to mitigating flooding through river cleanups. “It is not unexpected that silt and garbage have
re-accumulated. Heavy rains have brought more erosion, and waste dumping continues. That’s why we really need to go back,” he said.
Since 2020, Better Rivers PH has removed 8.6 million metric tons of silt and waste from 165 kilometers of waterways at no cost to government. Beyond the Tullahan, SMC has undertaken
cleanups in the Pasig, San Juan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Parañaque and Laguna river systems, and recently began work on the Alabang and Las Piñas rivers.
In Quezon City, SMC is working with the local government under a memorandum of agreement to clear obstructions along the river’s easements and restore its natural width. Mayor Joy Belmonte said
the initiative complements the city’s flood-control and wastemanagement programs.
Meanwhile, Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco have also asked SMC to extend cleanup to their sections of the Tullahan and its tributaries.
Initial work has started at the river’s mouth in Manila Bay and shallow channels in Valenzuela and Malabon. SMC also plans to extend cleanup upstream to La Mesa Dam and widen sections of the San Juan River and its tributaries.
“For five years now, we have been cleaning rivers because flooding disrupts lives and the economy,” Ang said. “This is our way of contributing to long-term solutions that affect millions of Filipinos.”
This coincides with World Rivers Day, observed by more than 100 countries to promote protection of natural waterways.
PCG takes custody of alleged underwater Chinese drone
By Rex Anthony Naval
THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said that it has taken into custody an alleged underwater Chinese drone recovered by local fishermen in Palawan waters over the weekend.
“On Sept. 28, 2025, fishermen from Sitio Tapic, Brgy. New Colaylayan, Linapacan, discovered the approximately 12-foot-long device during routine fishing operations. Later that evening, they turned the AUV [autonomous underwater vehicle] over to Coast
Guard personnel,” it added. The maritime law enforcement agency also stressed that this alleged UAV had been safely transported and secured at PCG Station Linapacan for further verification, technical examination, and investigation, in
coordination with relevant national security agencies.
“This incident highlights ongoing illegal marine scientific research in Philippine waters, amid a pattern of similar events involving
DOLE and CHED sign agreement to narrow skills gap among youth
THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to jointly address the persistent mismatch between graduates’ skills and labor market demands.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma and CHED Chairperson
Shirley C. Agrupis formalized the, which seeks to ensure that higher education programs respond more closely to evolving industry needs.
The MOA outlines mechanisms for better labor market information, curriculum alignment with emerging skills, and bolstered youth employment initiatives, including the Government Internship Program (GIP) and the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES).
Under the agreement, DOLE regional offices will deliver labor market data and career guidance, while CHED will support in raising awareness of employment services and share monthly reports on its own job placement efforts.
The partnership comes as the country faces a sudden spike in joblessness.
In July 2025, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the national unemployment rate climbed to 5.3
percent, or 2.59 million Filipinos without work.
This was 1.6 percentage points higher than the 3.7 percent (or 2.38 million individuals) recorded in the same month last year.
Meanwhile, the number of unemployed Filipinos aged 15 to 24 rose to 1.08 million in July 2025 from 1.02 million a year earlier.
This pushed the youth unemployment rate to 18.1 percent, up from 14.8 percent in July 2024.
The proportion of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEET) also rose to 15.9 percent from 13.9 percent, while labor force participation among young people dropped to 29.5 percent from 34.2 percent year-on-year.
DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres said the agreement with CHED is meant to directly confront the country’s employment challenges by aligning education with labor market needs.
“This partnership turns the policy goals initiated by the President into concrete actions for stronger employment and workforce readiness with the adverse effects of climate change, rapid technological developments, and the persistent challenges posed by job skills mismatches,” Torres said.
Justine Xyrah Garcia
DA-PCC says higher carabao population to strengthen dairy and meat industries
By Andrea San Juan @andreasanjuan
BUILDING on the higher volumes of milk and meat collected in the last five years, the Philippines is now aiming to scale up its carabao population to boost rural incomes, according to the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC).
DA-PCC said this in a statement on Tuesday after it revealed that the government national program on genetically improving the Philippine carabao has made “headway” as it recorded 145,181 genetically improved calves in the last five years.
This represents a 31.1 percent increase from 2019 to 2024 and translates to an estimated 12 million kilograms of milk and 114,380 jobs supported by the carabao supply chain.
The attached agency of the country’s Agriculture department said 90 percent of these calves are meant for milk and meat purposes while the remaining 10 percent is for draft power.
In the recent year alone, the DA-PCC said 36,618 superior-breed calves were produced out of the organized crossbreeding program.
“Building on these gains, the program now aims to scale up the adoption of genetically superior carabaos across the DA-PCC network of service areas,” the attached agency of DA said in its statement.
Liza G. Battad, Executive Director III of DA-PCC, explained that the “accelerated shift toward a more productive carabao population is expected to strengthen farmer cooperatives due to higher volumes of milk and meat handled collectively, enhance market linkages, significantly increase farmers’ incomes, and improve household nutrition through greater milk availability.”
DA-PCC said the carabao topped the list of the national dairy animal inventory, with 82,908 carabaos, followed by goats with 36,022, and cattle with 35,322.
“With 99 percent of the carabao population owned by smallholder farmers, efforts to improve its productivity directly translate to better incomes and livelihoods for rural households,” the attached agency of DA noted.
This “buildup,” DA-PCC said, supports the livelihood of 227 assisted cooperative-led enterprises, comprising some 14,000 cooperative members and their families.
The DA-PCC also note the “steady increase” in price per liter of raw carabao’s milk signals the “economic viability” and
Comelec to Escudero: We’re not singling you out
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
HE Commission on Elec -
Ttions (Comelec) is not singling out Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero in its investigation of candidates who received campaign donations from government contractors, its chairman clarified on Tuesday.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the poll body will also look into other donors once the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) confirms how many of the 55 contractor-donors have existing government contracts.
“With all due respect, the claim that we are singling him
out is not true. Senator Chiz was first only because the contractor admitted it, and he himself acknowledged receiving the donation,” Garcia said in a Zoom interview.
Escudero, in a Senate privilege speech on Monday, questioned why he was the only one being investigated over the alleged campaign donation.
Earlier this month, the Comelec issued a show cause order against Centerways Construction and Development Inc. President Lawrence Lubiano after he admitted during a House hearing on flood control projects that he donated P30 million to Escudero’s 2022 senatorial campaign.
Lubiano later clarified the donation was made “personally” and not through his firm.
Garcia said Lubiano has already appeared before the Comelec, and the next step is to seek Escudero’s side.
He stressed, however, that the senator has the right to decline.
“That’s fine because it’s part of due process. It’s up to him if he wants to explain and present his defense. We want everyone to be afforded due process so our procedures cannot be questioned later….The candidate doesn’t need to appear personally—his lawyer can represent him,” Garcia said.
DMW expresses concern over Houthi attack on Dutch ship; Pinoy among 19 crew members
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
THE Department of Migrant of Workers (DMW) expressed concern on the recent reported attack by Houthi rebels on a Dutch-flagged cargo ship, Minervagracht, after it was reported that a Filipino was among its 19 crew members.
The agency said it is currently coordinating with the ship operator, employer, manning agency, and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to verify if a Filipino was among those affected from the incident.
competitiveness of the industry, underscoring the importance and timeliness of these advancements for the industry.
“From P63.27 in 2020, a liter of raw carabao milk is now at P84.87,” the attached agency of DA noted.
To match the increase in production, the DA-PCC assisted cooperatives are “actively” supplying toned pasteurized milk for the national School-based Feeding Program (SBFP) of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“This market channel alone has generated for these cooperatives P2.4 billion from 2019 to 2024 for the SBFP and P504 million from 2020 to 2024 for the SFP,” DA-PCC said.
Under the Sagip Saka Act or Republic Act No. 11321, community-based organizations such as the assisted carabao cooperatives of the DA-PCC are prioritized as suppliers under the guided procurement.
DA-PCC also noted that other market development interventions are now underway, including the establishment of 80 Dairy Boxes nationwide, 18 of which are positioned as Kadiwa ng Pangulo Dairy Box.
The Dairy Box is a business model by DA-PCC developed to absorb the produce of carabao dairy cooperatives.
The Milka Krem, an advocacy dairy outlet and café managed by the DA-PCC, showcases quality carabao milk and carabao-based products, serving as another market support for dairy farmers.
The Department of Tourism-accredited outlet can be found in Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija and at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños Laguna.
Meanwhile, DA-PCC said there is also a “significant” growing appreciation of carabao meat and consistent increase in meat production with 76,046 metric tons in 2024 from 70,572 in 2020.
“The demand for carabao meat has also influenced the prevailing liveweight price per kilogram at P164.61 from P110.28 in 2020,” the attached agency of DA also noted.
DA-PCC said another “emerging subsector” alongside the dairy sector is the leather production industry, which taps into carabao by-products and creates additional income streams for farmers.
“This Cara Cuero brand, a market development initiative by the DA-PCC at Central Luzon State University, seeks to enhance the value of carabao hide by creating highquality leather products, positioning them in the high-end,” it also noted.
“Once it is verified, DMW is prepared to give immediate assistance [to the affected Filipino seafarer],” DMW said in Filipino
in a statement issued last Tuesday.
“We will provide further updates as soon as details are confirmed,” it added.
It said its package of support for the affected Filipino sailor and his or her family will include medical assistance, repatriation, counselling and psychological support, and legal aid.
According to international news reports, Minervagracht was set on fire after it was attacked with an explosive by Houthi rebels.
The European Union maritime mission Aspides rescued the crew of the Dutch-flagged ship, which supposedly included a Filipino sailor, before they were transported to Djibouti.
DMW has been closely monitoring the status of ships with Filipino
crew members, which pass through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea due to Houthi attacks.
Last July, two ships—Magic Seas and Eternity C—with Filipino sailors were attacked by Houthi rebels while sailing in the said dangerous waterways.
The said incidents prompted DMW to impose stricter measures for shipowners and manning agencies, which have ships with Filipino sailors passing through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
“In accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DMW continues to strengthen the protection and care for seafarers—especially in high-risk areas such as the Gulf of Aden,” DMW said.
Education reforms: DepEd advocates for school feeding programs and teacher support in Congress
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
THE Department of Education (DepEd) called on Congress to prioritize key amendments in education laws, including the school-based feeding and the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) program, following the 1st Council Meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) for the 20th Congress, presided over by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said the inclusion of DepEd’s priority measures in the Executive’s LEDAC list underscores the urgency of passing reforms that directly address access, equity, and accountability in education programs.
“ Sa Bagong Pilipinas, dapat tiyakin natin ang ating mag-aaral ay may sapat na nutrisyon, kalidad na guro, ligtas na paaralan, at pantay na oportunidad—mapa-publiko o pribado man sila nag-aaral. Ang mga panukalang ito ay konkretong hakbang upang hindi maiwan ang kahit isang mag-aaral,” Angara said.
The priority education bills endorsed to Congress include:
1.Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act (RA 11037): Expansion of the School-Based Feeding Program to 160 feeding days and universal feeding for Kindergarten to Grade 3; inclusion of marginalized groups such as indigenous learners and adolescent mothers; allowance of milk-based substitutes for the Milk Feeding Program; weekly micronutrient supplementation for female learners; and establishment of Central Kitchens in every School Division Office, among others.
2. Amendments to the EGASTPE Act (RA 8545): Institutionalization of anti-fraud mechanisms through centralized verification, audits, whistleblower protection, and data-sharing with other agencies; expansion of voucher coverage to Kindergarten through Senior High School learners and teachers, among others.
3. Amendments to the Teacher Professionalization Act (RA 7836): Enhanced scope of licensure examinations, diversification of the Board for Profes -
sional Teachers, and flexibility to allow non-licensed teachers/ experts to teach provisionally, among others.
4. Amendments to the Local Government Code—Special Education Fund (SEF): Raising the SEF levy from 1 percent to 2 percent of assessed property value and expanding allowable uses to cover operations of special education, IP and madrasah classes, open high schools, flexible learning, school site acquisition, and school building maintenance, among others.
DepEd also manifested its support to the Classroom Building Acceleration Bill to fast-track the construction of classrooms nationwide by providing flexibility and engaging more partners in the implementation.
Angara emphasized that strengthening these programs is essential to deliver better learning outcomes and to give every Filipino learner a fair chance at success.
DepEd underscored the collaboration with Congress, local government units, and development partners will be critical in ensuring that these reforms are fully implemented once passed into law.
Cops told to help in locating missing typhoon victims
By Rex Anthony Naval
ACTING Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered local police units to coordinate with concerned agencies in the conduct of search and rescue missions for all the missing persons as a result of the series of weather disturbances that hit the country last week. He also said that he understands what it feels to have missing relatives and fam -
ily members and emphasized the need to show them that the national government, including the PNP, will exhaust all the measures to locate their kin.
“I have already ordered our territorial forces to assist in the operations to locate those in the missing list,” Nartatez said.
Based on the latest National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) situational report, 12 of the missing persons were in Eastern Visayas,
Under Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, contractors and suppliers of government projects are barred from contributing to any partisan political activity, directly or indirectly.
The prohibition also covers financial institutions except for legitimate loans, utilities and natural resource extractors, companies with government franchises or contracts, recipients of recent large government loans, publicly funded schools, civil service officials, members of the armed forces, and all foreigners and foreign corporations. Violators—both donor and recipient—may face imprisonment of one to six years.
Go expresses full trust in VP Sara Duterte’s budget use to fulfill mandate of helping Filipinos in need
SENATOR Christopher “Bong”
Go, on Monday, September 29, delivered a manifestation in the Senate expressing his full support for the proposed 2026 budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), praising Vice President Sara Duterte’s initiatives and contrasting them against what he described as flood control projects that have become “gatasan” for unscrupulous individuals.
The Senate finance committee where Go serves as Vice Chairperson earlier approved the proposed budget of the OVP.
“ Tiwala po ako sa ating Vice President at sigurado po ako na nagagamit nang tama ang pondo ng bayan,” Go stated during the Senate budget deliberations on September 29. He stressed his confidence in the way Duterte’s office manages public funds, recalling his years of service under former President Rodrigo Duterte and his familiarity with the Duterte family’s approach to clean governance.
“Sa totoo lamang po, matagal po akong nagtrabaho kay former President Duterte at naabutan ko po noong siya po’y naging bise mayor ng Davao, [at mayor] si Vice President Sara. Kung istrikto po si dating mayor at dating Pangulong Duterte sa gobyerno, mas istrikto po si VP Sara at alam ko pong magagamit talaga ang pondo para sa pantulong sa ating mga kababayan,” he assured.
Kaysa naman po napupunta lang sa flood control na gatasan po ng iilang mapagsamantala,” Go cited, highlighting how billions of public funds have been stolen in anomalous or ghost projects while the OVP budget was decreased despite providing direct benefits to vulnerable sectors.
Go went into detail about the programs rolled out by the OVP in recent years, emphasizing their direct benefits to ordinary Filipinos. He even urged fellow lawmakers to find ways to allocate more funding to the OVP to sustain its services.
Sa mga nakaraang taon, nagkaroon ang OVP ng mga programang nagbibigay ng tunay na benepisyo sa ating mamamayan. From medical assistance, to relief operations, educational support, pangkabuhayan programs, at libreng sakay among others,” he noted.
two in Oriental Mindoro, and one each in Bicol Region and Western Visayas. Meanwhile, Nartatez said the PNP remains in full coordination with the NDRRMC and local government units in relation to the post-disaster response in Masbate, the Mindoro provinces and other areas severely affected by “Opong.”
He said the coordination includes deployment of personnel and PNP resources needed in relief distribution and rehabilitation programs of affected areas.
Among the highlights was the OVP’s Medical and Burial Assistance Program, which he cited has helped more than 187,000 beneficiaries when it was still funded. In 2024 alone, the office extended assistance to over 144,000 individuals in need.
He likewise cited the Magnegosyo ‘ta Day Program, which provides entrepreneurial opportunities, including livelihood assistance and training for marginalized groups. The OVP has also been active in disaster relief efforts, aiding more than 200,000 individuals in calamity-hit areas.
A6 Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Hamas to study Trump’s peace plan amid rising international support and ongoing Gaza crisis
By The Associated Press
HAMAS said Tuesday it will discuss US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza within the group and with other Palestinian factions before responding.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already thrown his support behind it but it’s unclear whether Hamas will agree or when it would give its response.
The proposal demands that Hamas effectively surrender and disarm in return for an end to fighting, humanitarian aid for Palestinians and the promise of reconstruction in Gaza—all desperately hoped for by the population in the devastated territory where the death toll in the Israel-Hamas war has topped 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Meanwhile, backing and support
were pouring in for the proposal from the international community. Trump and Netanyahu said after talks Monday in the White House that they had agreed on the plan.
Here’s the latest:
Germany’s chancellor says Trump’s plan is ‘best chance for ending the war’
CHANCELLOR Friedrich Merz thanked Trump for his “persistent efforts” and Arab and Muslim countries in the Middle East for their “influence” with Hamas. He said Germany remained in close contact with its European neighbors and the United States on the issue. Merz’s statement came shortly on Tuesday after he hosted relatives of German hostages of Hamas. During the meeting, he said the suffering of the hostages “must end now,” and called on Hamas to release all hostages.
Spain says a 2-state solution is the ‘only possible one’ for Israel and the Palestinians
SPANISH Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez welcomed the US peace proposal and said a two-state solution was “the only possible one” for the Middle East.
“It is time for the violence to cease, for the immediate release of all the hostages to take place, and for humanitarian aid to be provided to the civilian population,” Sánchez wrote on X.
Spain has been an outspoken critic of Israel’s war in Gaza, with Sánchez earlier this month calling Israel’s conduct a genocide.
Turkey ready to help the Gaza flotilla with humanitarian needs
TURKEY’S defense ministry says it’s closely monitoring the eastern Mediterranean and that its ships in the region are prepared to assist “humanitarian missions if needed”—a reference to the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla seeking to break the Israeli blockade of the territory.
A day earlier, Turkish navy helped evacuate activists on board Johnny M, one of the flotilla vessels—after it began taking in water in an area off the coast of Crete, Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency reported.
Meanwhile, at least three activists working with the flotilla from Egypt were arrested in Cairo, the flotilla committee said. It’s unclear where they are being detained.
Some of the activists in Egypt plan to join the group of more than 50 small vessels carrying activists from dozens of countries attempting to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza.
The flotilla includes 52 mostly small vessels carrying activists from dozens of countries and a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid, mainly food and medicine, for Palestinians in Gaza.
‘Hamas has no choice’ but to release hostages and accept the peace plan, Macron says French President Emmanuel Macron says he welcomes Trump’s “commitment to ending the war in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages.”
“I expect Israel to engage resolutely on this basis. Hamas has no choice but to immediately release all hostages and follow this plan,” Macron posted on X.
“These elements must pave the way for in-depth discussions with all relevant partners to build a lasting peace in the region, based on the two-state solution,” he wrote. “France stands ready to contribute. It will remain vigilant regarding the commitments of each party.”
Hamas to study Trump’s proposal before responding
A SENIOR Hamas official told The Associated Press that the group’s lead -
ers will hold internal discussions as well as talks with other Palestinian factions before they respond to the Trump proposal.
The official added that Hamas received the proposal from the two Mideast mediators—Egypt and Qatar—and “will begin studying it today” with other factions.
There was no indication when Hamas could give its response to the plan. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media. (By Bassem Mroue in Beirut)
India’s Modi says Trump’s plan is a ‘viable pathway’ to peace
INDIAN Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed Trump’s announcement of a plan to end the Gaza conflict.
“It provides a viable pathway to long term and sustainable peace, security and development for the Palestin -
ian and Israeli people, as also for the larger West Asian region,” Modi said on X, hoping that all concerned will come together behind Trump’s initiative and support the effort to end the conflict and secure peace.
Arab and Muslim nations approve of Trump’s proposal THE foreign ministers of Pakistan, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt on Tuesday welcomed the plan and expressed confidence in Trump’s ability to help chart a path to peace.
In a joint statement, the ministers said they supported Trump’s plan to halt the fighting, rebuild Gaza, prevent the displacement of Palestinians, and block any annexation of the West Bank by Israel.
They also emphasized the importance of their partnership with Washington in securing peace in the region and affirmed their readiness to work constructively with the United States and other parties toward peace and stability.
Australia’s leader calls on all parties in the war to help make Trump’s plan a reality
AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed the US peace plan for Gaza and urged all parties to make it a reality without delay.
“We commend the plan’s focus on Palestinian self-determination and statehood, and the Palestinian Authority taking back effective control of Gaza,” Albanese said Tuesday.
“President Trump’s plan reflects a clear rejection of annexation and forced displacement of Palestinians,” he added. “Australia urges all parties to engage seriously with the plan and
Displaced Palestinians girls carry a jerrycan after collecting water from a distribution point at a tent camp in Muwasi, an area that Israel has designated as a safe zone, in Khan Younis southern Gaza Strip, Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. AP/JEHAD ALSHRAFI
School building collapses in Indonesia: 3 dead, 38 feared buried under rubble
By Trisnadi & Niniek Karmini The Associated Press
SIDOARJO, Indonesia—Rescuers ran oxygen and water to students trapped in the unstable concrete rubble of a collapsed school building in Indonesia, as they desperately worked to free survivors Tuesday a day after the structure fell. At least three students were killed, more than 100 were injured and dozens were presumed buried in the rubble.
Rescue workers, police and soldiers digging through the night pulled out eight weak and injured survivors more than eight hours after the collapse at Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School in the East Java town of Sidoarjo. Rescuers saw additional bodies, indicating the death toll was likely to rise.
Rescue efforts were temporarily suspended at 10:15 a.m. as the collapsed concrete shook suddenly. People immediately ran for their lives, fearing another collapse, as rescuers urged everyone in the area to avoid the building, including more than a dozen of ambulances that parked near the scene. The work resumed around 1:45 p.m.
The students are mostly boys in grades seven to 11, between ages 12 and 18.
Grieving relatives
FAMILIES anxiously awaited news at hospitals or near the collapsed building. A notice posted at the school complex Tuesday morning listed 65 students as missing. National Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari revised the number of people presumed buried in the rubble to 38 by midday.
“Oh my God... my son is still buried, oh my God please help!” a mother cried hysterically upon seeing her
child’s name on the board, followed by the cries of other parents whose relatives had suffered a similar fate.
“Please, sir, please find my child immediately,” cried a father, holding the hand of one of the rescue team members.
Heavy slabs of concrete and other rubble and unstable parts of the building hampered search and rescue efforts, said Nanang Sigit, a search and rescue officer who led the effort. Heavy equipment was available but not being used due to concerns that it could cause further collapse.
“We have been running oxygen and water to those still trapped under the debris and keeping them alive while we work hard to get them out,” Sigit said. He added that rescuers saw several bodies under the rubble but were focused on saving those who were still alive.
Several hundred rescuers were involved in the effort and had equipment for breathing, extrication, medical evacuation and other support tools.
A century-old Islamic boarding school
ISLAMIC boarding schools are commonly called as “pesantren” in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, and its students who are called as “santri.” Unlike
students in public schools, the santri board in dormitories, because apart from studying formal education, they also study Islamic religious knowledge intensively, and they return home only during school holidays.
Government data showed more than 42,400 pesantren listed in 2024 in Indonesia with 3.4 million santris and 370,000 Islamic teachers and preachers.
Al Khoziny is named after K.H. Raden Khozin Khoiruddi, an influential figure in East Java, and several prominent Islamic scholars have studied at the school. The community often calls it the Buduran Islamic Boarding School, referring to its location in Buduran village of Sidoarjo district.
It’s the oldest among 7,300 pesantrens in the province. The first students were recorded as studying in 1920, before the boarding school was officially established in 1927.
More than 2,000 santris study at al Khoziny, ranging from junior high school level to college.
The casualties and injuries
THE students had been performing afternoon prayers in a building that was undergoing an unauthorized expansion when it suddenly collapsed on top of them, provincial police spokesperson Jules Abraham Abast said.
Residents, teachers and administrators assisted injured students,
many with head injuries and broken bones. Female students were praying in another part of the building and managed to escape, survivors said.
One male student, a 13-year-old boy, was found dead on Monday and 102 students and teachers were injured and taken to hospitals, some of them in critical condition, Muhari said. By Tuesday, 75 students and two teachers were still hospitalized, he said.
On Tuesday, two male students died from their injuries while being treated in Notopuro General Hospital, the hospital director Atok Irawan said. The two were among 11 students who initially were pulled out alive from the rubble by rescuers, he said.
At least one student had to have his arm amputated and two others underwent surgery for head injuries, Irawan said.
Authorities were investigating the cause of the collapse. Abast said the old prayer hall was two stories but two more were being added without a permit.
“The old building’s foundation was apparently unable to support two floors of concrete and collapsed during the pouring process,” Abast said.
Karmini reported from Jakarta, Indonesia. Associated Press writer Edna Tarigan in Jakarta contributed to this report.
Houthi attack sets Dutch cargo ship ablaze off Yemen, forcing crew to abandon vessel
By Jon Gambrell The Associated Press
UBAI, United Arab Emir -
Dates—A missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels set a Dutch-flagged cargo ship ablaze in the Gulf of Aden on Monday, officials said, wounding two mariners and forcing its crew to abandon the damaged vessel.
It was the most serious attack in the Gulf of Aden, some distance from the Red Sea where the Iranian-backed Houthis sank two vessels in July. While the rebels did not claim the assault on the Minervagracht, they had threatened to strike ships as part of their campaign over the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, particularly as Israel squeezes in on Gaza City in a new ground offensive. Meanwhile, the Mideast also remains on edge after the United Nations re -
Gaza. . .
Continued from A6
to work to bring its vision into reality without delay.” Australia last month joined Britain and Canada in formally recognizing a Palestinian state, prompting an angry response from Israel, which ruled out the prospect.
Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank
welcomes Trump’s plan
THE Palestinian Authority pledged to
imposed sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.
The Minervagracht had been targeted on Sept. 23 in an unsuccessful attack in the Gulf of Aden, which connects to the Red Sea via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait separating East Africa from the Arabian Peninsula. On Monday, a missile launch seen by some in Yemen apparently struck the Minervagracht.
Spliethoff, the ship’s owner, described the strike as “inflicting substantial damage to the ship.” A helicopter evacuated the ship’s 19 crew members, of which two were wounded, it added.
A European naval force operating in the region, known as Operation Aspides, said early Tuesday that the Minervagracht “is on fire and adrift” after the crew’s rescue. It identified the ship’s crew as coming from the Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka and
implement reforms in order to return to Gaza and potentially clear the way for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
“The State of Palestine welcomes the sincere and determined efforts of President Donald J. Trump to end the war on Gaza and affirms its confidence in his ability to find a path toward peace,” it said.
“We have affirmed our desire for a modern, democratic, and nonmilitarized Palestinian state, committed to pluralism and the peaceful transfer of power,” the statement said and promised reforms, including new elections and ending a system that pays
Ukraine, with one wounded and stable and another severely wounded and airlifted to Djibouti for medical care.
The French military’s Maritime Information, Cooperation and Awareness Center identified the Houthis as carrying out the attack.
The Houthis wait hours and even days to claim their assaults and have not yet done so.
The rebels have launched missile and drone attacks on over 100 ships and on Israel in response to the war in Gaza, saying they were acting in solidarity with the Palestinians.
However, the group’s past targets have had little or no connection to Israel. The US Navy-overseen Joint Maritime Information Center earlier said that the Minervagracht had “no Israeli affiliations.”
The Houthi attack widens the area of the rebels’ recent assaults, as the
the families of militants involved in attacks on Israelis.
What’s in Trump’s plan
TRUMP’S 20-point plan for ending the war and establishing a postwar Gaza governance does not require people to leave Gaza and calls for the war to end immediately if both sides accept it.
It also calls for all remaining hostages to be released by Hamas within 72 hours of Israel accepting the plan.
The plan would effectively put the territory and its more than 2 million people under international control, deploying an international secu -
last recorded attack on a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Aden before the Minervagracht came in August 2024.
Their attacks over the past two years have upended shipping in the Red Sea, through which about $1 trillion of goods passed each year before the war.
The Houthis stopped their attacks during a brief ceasefire in the war. They later became the target of an intense weekslong campaign of airstrikes ordered by US President Donald Trump before he declared a ceasefire had been reached with the rebels. The Houthis sank two vessels in July, killing at least four on board, with others believed to be held by the rebels. They sank two others earlier in the campaign.
The Associated Press writer Mike Corder in The Hague, Netherlands, contributed to this report.
rity force and installing a “Board of Peace” headed by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to oversee the administration and reconstruction.
The territory would remain surrounded by Israeli troops. Hamas would have no part in administering Gaza, and all its military infrastructure—including tunnels—would be dismantled.
The international security force would keep order and train Palestinian police to take over law enforcement. Egypt has said it is training thousands of Palestinian police to deploy to Gaza.
RESCUERS search for victims after a building under construction collapsed, at an Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, Tuesday, September 30, 2025. AP/TRISNADI
Colombia’s foreign minister ‘renounces’ her US visa as tensions between nations escalate
By Astrid Suárez & Manuel Rueda
The Associated Press
BOGOTA, Colombia—Colombia’s foreign minister has “renounced” her US visa to protest a decision by the US State Department to revoke the visa of Colombian President Gustavo Petro, the Colombian government said Monday.
The decision by Foreign Minister Rosa Villavicencio comes as tensions between both nations escalate over issues that include drug policy, the war in Gaza and a US naval buildup in neighboring Venezuela.
Colombia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry did not respond to questions about what kind of visa Villavicencio held, but said in a statement that it was not interested in “diplomatic visas that limit opinions” or curtail the nation’s “sovereignty.”
Later, on Monday, Colombian Finance Minister Germán Ávila wrote in an X message that he would stop using his visa in “solidarity” with Petro, and because of the “aggression” he was subjected to by the United States. “To work for our people, we do not need visas,” Ávila wrote.
The US State Department revoked Petro’s visa Friday after he participated in a protest in New York against the war in Gaza, in which Petro called for the creation of an international army to liberate the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Holding a megaphone and wearing a kaffiyeh, the traditional Palestinian scarf, Petro called on US soldiers to “disobey” President Donald Trump’s orders, adding that they should “not point their rifles against humanity.”
Hours after the protest, the State Department said on social media that it would cancel Petro’s visa “due to his reckless and incendiary actions.”
Petro was back in Colombia when the visa announcement was made, after having spent several days in New York attending the U.N. General Assembly. He wrote on X that he “didn’t care” about the
punishment because he is also an Italian citizen, and could possibly travel to the US without a visa.
The revocation of Petro’s visa marks a new low in the leftist leader’s relations with the Trump administration, which earlier this month placed Colombia on a list of countries that it says are not fulfilling their international commitments to curb drug trafficking.
Geoff Ramsey, a Colombia analyst at the Atlantic Council, said the foreign minister’s decision to ban herself from visiting the United States places more obstacles in the relationship. He said it also reflects an effort by the Petro administration to distance itself from the US government, as Colombia heads into congressional and presidential elections next year.
“Petro is not even remotely interested in repairing the relationship with Washington,” Ramsey said. “He’s clearly betting that confrontation with Trump will score points for his coalition in the upcoming election cycle, and is willing to torch the bilateral relationship with the United States in the process.”
David Hart, an immigration attorney based in Miami, said it is very rare for non-immigrant visa holders—such as those with tourist or diplomatic visas— to renounce their travel permit.
He said that people who do not want to travel to the US can simply let their visas expire and then choose to not renew them.
“They are doing this for the media and to show solidarity” with Petro, Hart said of the foreign minister’s efforts to renounce her visa.
Wilfredo Allen, an immigration attorney from Miami, said that there is no formal procedure for quitting on a non-immigrant visa. He added that Colombia’s foreign affairs minister will likely have to send a letter to the US Embassy seeking the cancellation of her travel permit.
“If you don’t want to travel to the US you can simply choose not to come,” Allen said. “I had never seen someone take the time to renounce a non-immigrant visa.”
China positions itself as global leader at UN amid US retreat
By Didi Tang The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—Hardly a month after Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed his “Global Governance Initiative,” Beijing made its intent clear at the most global of forums—that it should, and is qualified to, help shape the world order even as the United States tips more inward under Donald Trump.
In a seemingly jargon-filled speech delivered to the UN General Assembly on Friday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang told the audience that “a China that bears in mind the greater good of humanity and stands ready to take up responsibilities will bring more positive energy into the world.” His words seized on the retreat by the American president from international organizations and on his apparent disdain towards the United Nations.
Li never once mentioned the United States by name. But in notso-subtle swipes at recent actions by the United States, he touted his country’s credentials: lowering tariffs to promote global economy, vowing to cut greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change and committing to safeguarding the authority of the United Nations. It represents a shift in approach to global affairs that experts say reflects a China that sees itself on the ascent.
“Li’s speech confirms that China’s foreign policy posture today is firmly anchored in the ambition of turning a Western-dominant world order into one that is much more conducive to Chinese interests, values, and leadership,” said Olivia Cheung, lecturer in politics at King’s College London. “China’s foreign policy today is notably more confident, strategic, and coherent than how it was in 2017, where Beijing’s presentation of global governance reform lacked content.”
The speech has come amid growing worries in Washington that China, the world’s second-largest economy, might seek to unseat the United States as the global leader, even though Beijing has repeatedly assured Washington that it has no intention to challenge or replace the US. Instead, Xi has said Beijing should enjoy a global say befitting of its economic might and global stature.
Li says China has the answer LI opened his speech by evoking the history of the United Nations and crediting it for the by-and-large peace and prosperity in the ensuing eight decades. Then, he lamented on the “chaos” the world is faced with today.
“The world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation,” Li said, leveling his criticisms at “unilateralism and Cold War mentality” and repeated disruptions to the international system.
“How could we, when confronted with unscrupulous acts of hegemonism and bullying, remain silent and submissive for fear of might?” the Chinese premier asked. The terms “unilateralism,” “Cold War mentality,” “hegemonism” and “bullying” are usually associated with the US in Beijing’s diplomatic talks.
Then, the Chinese premier portrayed China as a desirable answer to such problems—a founding member of the United Nations that has in recent years shared “China’s wisdom and solution for navigating global transformations and overcoming pressing challenges.”
The Global Governance Initiative, as proposed by Xi in early September, “points the right direction and provides an important pathway for building a more just and equitable global governance system,” Li said.
China’s foreign policy shifts under Xi THE reframing is, on some levels, fundamental.
In a podcast aired Sept. 26, Cheung told the National Committee on US-China Relations that Beijing’s strategic thinking has shifted under Xi—from maintaining good ties with the US and other Western nations for China’s economic growth to “reshaping the international system so that the rest of the world respect and accept China’s interest in the way that Beijing defines it.”
She said Beijing has viewed the global governance system as “dominated by Western powers, especially the United States” and serving their interests in a way that is “often unfair or unrepresentative.”
What Beijing is most interested in, Cheung said, is “changing global governance in a way that puts the United Nations front and center” where China can have “a lot more involvement and influences and leverage in how it functions.”
Li’s speech Friday conveys the impression that Xi’s proposition of “forging the common destiny for humankind’ is not only an aspiration but “policy actions that are noble and urgent, with which China
uniquely has strong technical competencies to lead,” Cheung told the Associated Press.
As the Trump administration imposes steep tariffs, threatens territorial annexations and goes after multilateral institutions, “China seeks to present itself as a key upholder of a postwar order in whose viability the United States seems to be losing confidence”, said Ali Wyne, a senior research and advocacy advisory for US-China relations at the International Crisis Group. But China does not appear to have either the capacity or the desire to offer a wholesale alternative, Wyne said. Instead, he said, China appears interested in deepening its influences in certain areas and attempting to legitimize its longstanding contention that new norms are needed to reflect emerging geopolitical trends. Gap in rhetoric and reality THE gulf between Beijing’s words and its actions is another question. Where the Chinese government is concerned, its action often fails to align with its word, said Craig Singleton, senior director of the China Program at the Washington-based think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
“Premier Li’s remarks leaned heavily on multilateral language, but Beijing’s track record tells a different story,” Singleton said. “China champions sovereignty at the UN while systematically eroding it in practice, from Hong Kong to the South China Sea.”
He added: “Li’s calls for ‘cooperation’ and ‘openness’ sound constructive, but they’re designed to blunt pressure on China’s economy and technology sector.”
A day earlier, Li held a meeting with American businesspeople and scholars in New York. He assured the group that China would “continuously expand market access and increase imports” and provide foreign businesses with “the certainty they need to operate and develop in China,” according to a Chinese government statement.
The two countries are locked in a trade dispute, and Xi and Trump are scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the summit of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation grouping of 21 economies, to be held at the end of October in South Korea, to help recalibrate bilateral relations.
The Chinese premier said the two countries “could and should” become partners and friends, and he repeated a line from Xi: “The Pacific Ocean is vast enough to accommodate both China and the United States, as well as other countries.”
Trump, Hegseth set to meet with hundreds of US military leaders as speculation grows
By Ben Finley & Konstantin Toropin
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—President
Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth plan to address hundreds of US military officials in person Tuesday after the Pentagon suddenly asked top commanders from around the world to convene at a base in Virginia without publicly revealing the reason.
The gathering at the Marine Corps base in Quantico near Washington has fueled intense speculation about the purpose and value of summoning such a large number of generals and admirals to one place, with many stationed in more than a dozen countries that include conflict zones in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Meetings between top military brass and civilian leaders are nothing new. But experts say the scale of the gathering, the haste with which it was called and the mystery surrounding it are particularly unusual.
“The notion that the secretary is going to talk to the generals and give them his vision for running the department—and maybe also for strategy and organization— that’s perfectly reasonable,” said Mark Cancian, a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies and a retired Marine colonel.
“What’s mystifying is why it’s on such short notice, why it’s in person and what else might be involved,” he said.
The uncertainty comes as the country faces a potential govern -
ment shutdown this week and as Hegseth, who has hammered home a focus on lethality and what he calls the “warrior ethos,” has taken several unusual and unexplained actions, including ordering cuts to the number of general officers and firings of other top military leaders.
News about the abruptly scheduled meeting broke Thursday, and top Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed it but declined to release further details.
Trump didn’t seem to know about it when he was asked by reporters during an Oval Office appearance later that day. The president said he’ll “be there if they want me, but why is that such a big deal?”
A White House official said Sunday that Trump also will speak at the gathering. The president told NBC News that he and Hegseth would be “talking about how well we’re doing militarily, talking about being in great shape, talking about a lot of good, positive things.”
Vice President JD Vance argued last week that the media had turned it into a “big story”
and that it was “not particularly unusual that generals who report to” Hegseth are coming to speak with him.
Italian Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, the chair of NATO’s Military Committee, described the meeting as unusual and told reporters Saturday after a NATO meeting in Riga, Latvia, that “as far as my 49 years of service, I’ve never seen that before.”
The lack of detailed information has prompted many in Washington to speculate about the meeting’s focus. Whatever it is, Michael O’Hanlon of the Brookings Institution said he suspects there will be a dramatic element that may be “as important as any substantive element.”
“Just the sheer scale makes you wonder what kind of meaningful interaction can occur,” said O’Hanlon, Brookings’ director of research for foreign policy. “And therefore it smacks more of theatrics or of trying to impose than of trying to exchange views.”
Bryan Clark, a senior fellow and director of the Center for Defense Concepts and Technology at the Hudson Institute, said he
expects the meeting to center on the Trump administration’s shift in defense policy. The US military is expected to focus less on Europe and Asia and more on the Northern Hemisphere, a change that breaks with decades of precedent, he said.
Hegseth has championed the military’s role in securing the USMexico border, deploying to American cities as part of Trump’s law enforcement surges, and carrying out strikes on boats in the Caribbean that the administration says targeted drug traffickers.
“I think they’re trying to set the tone, set the context, for these generals and admirals to say the strategy we have coming out is very different than what you’re used to—we need you to all be on board with it,” Clark said.
Video teleconferencing across the world is difficult because leaders are spread across time zones, Clark said. Forcing them to attend the meeting in person will drill the point home.
“It’s a way of demonstrating that this is important,” Clark said.
The Associated Press writer Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.
Judge halts Trump administration’s plan to cut hundreds of VOA jobs
By Michael Kunzelman The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—A federal judge agreed Monday to temporarily suspend the Trump administration’s plan to eliminate hundreds of jobs at the agency that oversees Voice of America, the governmentfunded broadcaster founded to counter Nazi propaganda during World War II.
US District Judge Royce Lamberth in Washington, D.C., ruled that the US Agency for Global Media cannot implement a reduction in force eliminating 532 jobs for fulltime government employees on Tuesday. Those employees represent the vast majority of its remaining staff.
Kari Lake, the agency’s acting CEO, announced in late August that the job cuts would take effect Tuesday. But the judge’s ruling preserves the status quo at the agency until he rules on a plaintiffs’ underlying motion to block the reduction in force.
Lamberth previously ruled that President Donald Trump’s Republican administration must restore VOA programming to levels commensurate with its statutory mandate to “serve as a consistently reliable and authoritative source of news.” He
also blocked Lake from removing Michael Abramowitz as VOA’s director.
Judge cites ‘concerning disrespect’ toward court from administration LAMBERTH accused the administration of showing “concerning disrespect” toward the court in response to his earlier orders to produce information about its plans for Voice of America. He noted that the agency initiated the job cuts only hours after a hearing last month in which government lawyers said a reduction in force, or RIF, was merely a possibility.
“The defendants’ obfuscation of this Court’s request for information regarding whether their RIF plans comported with the preliminary injunction has wasted precious judicial time and resources and readily support contempt proceedings,” Lamberth wrote.
But he said he wouldn’t initiate contempt proceedings on his own because the plaintiffs haven’t sought it yet.
“However, (the court’s) deference to the plaintiffs with respect to further proceedings should not be mistaken for lenience toward the defendants’ egregious erstwhile conduct,” he added.
Employees who sued to block the dismantling of Voice of America claimed the planned cuts would hamper the judge’s ability to enforce the injunction he issued in April. “This Court should therefore preserve the status quo while the parties litigate compliance,” their attorneys wrote.
Government lawyers accused the plaintiffs of impermissibly trying to micromanage the agency’s operations. “Enjoining the reductions in force would be a wholly overbroad and improper remedy,” they wrote.
Lamberth, a senior judge, was nominated to the bench by Republican President Ronald Reagan in 1987.
Can media agency continue to fulfill its ‘statutory mission’?
THE US Agency for Global Media also houses Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks and Radio Marti, which beams Spanish-language news into Cuba. The networks, which together reach an estimated 427 million people, date to the Cold War and are part of a network of government-funded organizations trying to extend US influence and combat authoritarianism.
Congress appropriated $875 million to the agency for fiscal year 2025 and required that $260 million of the funds must be spent by VOA.
In March, Trump signed an executive order called for the agency to reduce its “statutory functions and associated personnel to the minimum presence and function required by law.” A day later, VOA stopped broadcasting for the first time in 83 years. The agency placed almost all of its full-time employees on administrative leave.
In announcing the job cuts on social media last month, Lake said the agency “will continue to fulfill its statutory mission...and will likely improve its ability to function.”
“I look forward to taking additional steps in the coming months to improve the functioning of a very broken agency and make sure America’s voice is heard abroad where it matters most,” she wrote.
Plaintiffs’ attorney Georgina Yeomans argued Monday that the cuts would cement the agency’s programming at deficient levels that don’t comply with the judge’s orders. Yeomans said it’s unclear who at the agency is making key decisions, such as which jobs to eliminate.
“We simply do not know,” she said.
DEFENSE Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a ceremony at the Pentagon to commemorate the 24rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Sept. 11, 2025, in Washington. AP/JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON
A10 Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Congressional leaders leave White House meeting without deal to avoid shutdown
By Stephen Groves & Mary Clare Jalonick The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—A government shutdown fast approaching, Democratic and Republican congressional leaders left a White House meeting with President Donald Trump Monday afternoon showing no sign of compromising from their entrenched positions in order to avoid a lapse in funding. If government funding legislation isn’t passed by Congress and signed by Trump on Tuesday night, many government offices across the nation will be temporarily shuttered and nonexempt federal employees will be furloughed, adding to the strain on workers and the nation’s economy. But lawmakers were locked in an impasse Monday. Democrats are using one of their few points of leverage to demand legislation to extend health care benefits. But Republicans are refusing to compromise and daring Democrats to vote against legislation that would keep government funding mostly at current levels.
“There are still large differences between us,” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said as he left the White House.
Vice President JD Vance told reporters after the meeting, “I think we’re headed into a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing.”
Negotiating with Trump TRUMP has shown little interest in entertaining Democrats’ demands on health care, even as he agreed to hold a sit-down meeting Monday with Schumer, along with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries.
It was Trump’s first meeting with the “big four” leaders in Congress since retaking the White House for his second term, yet the Republican president said repeatedly heading into the meeting that he fully expects the government to enter a shutdown this week.
As he headed into the meeting, Trump made it clear he had no intention to negotiate on Democrats’ current terms.
“They’re going to have to do some things because their ideas are not very good ones,” he said.
Still, Schumer said after the meeting that they had “had candid, frank discussions” with Trump about health care and suggested that the president was more open to their proposals than the Republican leaders who were also in the meeting. Vance also said that Trump found several points of agreement on policy ideas.
Schumer said the president “was really listening to us,” adding, “It’s in his hands.”
Democrats’ health care
demands DEMOCRATS are pushing for an extension to Affordable Care Act tax credits that have subsidized health insurance for millions of people since the Covid-19 pandemic. The credits, which are designed to expand coverage for low- and middle-income people, are set to expire at the end of the year.
“Democrats are fighting to protect the health care of the American people,” said Jeffries, a New York Democrat. “We are not going to support a partisan Republican spending bill that continues to gut the health care of everyday Americans.”
Some Republicans are open to extending
the tax credits but want changes. But Thune, a South Dakota Republican, has pressed Democrats to vote for the funding bill and take up the debate on tax credits later.
“We’re willing to sit down and work with them on some of the issues they want to talk about,” he told reporters at the White House, adding, “But as of right now, this is a hijacking of the American people, and it’s the American people who are going to pay the price.”
How will Democrats vote?
TO hold on to their negotiating leverage,
Senate Democrats will likely have to vote against a bill to temporarily extend government funding on Tuesday, just hours before a shutdown—an uncomfortable position for a party that has long denounced shutdowns as pointless and destructive.
The bill has already passed the Republican-controlled House and would keep the government funded for seven more weeks while Congress works on annual spending legislation.
Any legislation to fund the government will need support from at least 60 senators in the 100-member Senate. That means that
at least eight Democrats would have to vote for the short-term funding bill, because Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky is expected to vote against it.
During the last potential government shutdown in March, Schumer and nine other Democrats voted to break a filibuster and allow a Republican-led funding bill to advance to a final vote. The New York Democrat faced fierce backlash from many in his own party for that decision, with some even calling for him to step down as Democratic leader.
Senate Democrats have begun to discuss some possible next steps if the government does shut down—potentially a proposal for a one- or two-week stopgap if Republicans will work with them on a health care fix, according to several people familiar with the private talks who requested anonymity to discuss them. But there is no consensus in the caucus about how to proceed, or guarantees that Republicans and Trump would negotiate.
Shutdown preparations begin FEDERAL agencies were sending out
contingency plans if funding lapses at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. They included details on what offices would stay open and which employees would be furloughed.
The Trump administration is using the process to potentially layoff more federal employees. The plans heap more pressure Democratic lawmakers to back away from their demands.
Russ Vought, Trump’s budget director, told reporters at the White House that a shutdown would be managed “appropriately, but it is something that can all be avoided” if Senate Democrats accepted the House-passed bill. Before joining the administration, Vought had advised hardline conservatives in Congress to use the prospect of a shutdown to negotiate for policy concessions. But on Monday, he berated Democrats for engaging in a similar ploy.
“This is hostage taking. It is not something that we are going to accept,” he said.
The
Min
Global perspectives: World leaders reflect on Donald Trump’s actions
By Jennifer Peltz The Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS—Regardless of political perspective, no one could argue that the presidency of Donald Trump— and his second term so far in particular—has been anything less than consequential, not only for the United States but for the world.
That hasn’t gone unremarked-upon at the U.N. General Assembly’s meeting of world leaders, to whom Trump spoke Tuesday. In marquee speeches and other settings, many of them have mentioned Trump and his policies, be it obliquely or directly.
Here’s a sampling of quotes by leaders and luminaries from around the world this past week at the United Nations talking about Trump and his administration—positive, negative and in between.
FRANCE
“Guess what? I’m waiting in the street because everything is frozen for you!...I would love this weekend to have a short discussion with Qatar and you on the situation in Gaza.” —French President Emmanuel Macron in a phone call to Trump after encountering a road closure becauseoftheUSpresident’smotorcade.
CHINA
“A major cause of the current global economic doldrums is the rise in unilateral and protective measures, such as tariff hikes and erection of walls and barriers. We should collaborate more closely to identify and expand convergence of interests, promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and help
each other succeed by moving forward in the same direction.”—Chinese Premier Li Qiang in his General Assembly speech
ARGENTINA
“President Trump of the United States also understands that the time has come to reverse a dynamic that is leading the United States towards a disaster, and we know that a disaster in the United States is a global disaster. His unflinching and successful policy in terms of halting illegal immigration makes that conviction more than clear.... What Donald Trump is also doing is restructuring the terms of international trade in unprecedented fashion.... Furthermore, he’s instituting a cleanup of the institutional capture of the American state.”—Argentine President JavierMileiinhisGeneralAssemblyspeech
BOLIVIA
“We have a third cause of the current wars, which is more immediate. That is the obsessive zeal of the new Trump administration to give the United States back its position as a hegemonic power, at the cost of the liberal system, free trade, globalization, and to cause pain and death. For what? To take ownership over natural resources, to take control over commodities for the benefit of an imperial system, and to subordinate the majority of countries for their insatiable thirst for privilege and wealth, and to try to maintain a unipolar order at any cost.” —Bolivian President Luis ArceinhisGeneralAssemblyspeech
UKRAINE
“Yesterday, we had a good meeting with
President Trump, and I also spoke with many other strong leaders, and together, we can change a lot.”— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his General Assembly speech.
RUSSIA
“In the approaches of the current US administration, we see a desire not only to contribute to ways to realistically resolve the Ukrainian crisis, but also a desire to develop pragmatic cooperation without adopting an ideological stance.”—Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in his General Assembly speech.
INDIA
“If climate action itself is questioned, what hope is there for climate justice?”— Indian ForeignMinisterSubrahmanyamJaishankar
ARMENIA
“The role of United States President Donald Trump is decisive in this (Armenia-Azerbaijan) peace process, whose dedication, consistency and principledness made possible what seemed to be impossible.”— Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in his General Assembly speech. Azerbaijani PresidentIlhamAliyevalsothankedTrump for his role in the peace initiative and“for openinganewchapterintheUS-Azerbaijan relationship.
CAMBODIA
“We are grateful that a ceasefire (with Thailand), brokered by US President Trump, effectively halted armed clashes.... However, the ceasefire remains very fragile.” CambodianDeputyPrimeMinisterSokhonn Prak in his General Assembly speech. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow also saluted “President Trump’s strong
dedication to peace” while calling the ceasefire“fragile.”
SLOVENIA
“States are withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement, from the Ottawa treaty and from U.N. agencies, or simply cutting their financing. Each such act chips away at the support for multilateralism, a system designed not for the powerful few, but for the benefit of us all.”— President Nataša Pirc Musar of Slovenia in her General Assembly speech. (TheUShaswithdrawnfromtheParisaccord and from multiple U.N. agencies. The US never signed onto the Ottawa Convention against antipersonnel land mines; some other countries are withdrawing from it.)
BELARUS
“The actions of the United States of America to reduce its support to the U.N., which has already caused plans to cut staff in our organization, are a very unpleasant wake-up call. But you’ll have to agree that if the U.N. is able to be an impartial forum and move with the times, it will be in demand by everyone.”—ForeignMinister Maxim Ryzhenkov of Belarus in his General Assemblyspeech
CONGO
“I applaud, in this regard (the CongoRwanda peace deal) the leadership of President Donald Trump.”— President Felix TshisekediofCongoinhisGeneralAssembly speech. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe also credited “strong leadership” from Trump and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
HAITI
“I also must thank President Trump’s administration for the efforts made to bring support and resources to our common fight
against gangs, the enemies who threaten both Haiti and the whole region.”—LaurentSaintCyr,headofHaiti’stransitionalpresidential council, in his General Assembly speech
SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS
“We recognize the serious threats posed by drug trafficking and other transnational crimes. These scourges must be addressed through cooperation, dialogue respect for sovereignty and the full respect for the principles of international law.... We encourage dialogue between our two friends—the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the United States of America—to ensure that our region remains a zone of peace.” Prime MinisterTerrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
COLOMBIA
“Was it really necessary to bomb unarmed, poor young people in the Caribbean? The antidrug policy is not meant to stop cocaine that is coming to the United States. The anti-drug policy is to dominate the peoples of the South as a whole.... And there should be criminal cases against those officials of the United States for doing this, including the utmost official, President Trump, who allowed the shooting of missiles against these young people who were simply trying to escape poverty.” —Colombian President Gustavo Petro in his General Assembly speech
SOUTH KOREA
“It would be fantastic if (Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un) met with each other in the near future. And (South Korean) President Lee Jae Myung made it clear to President Trump that he will not be sitting in the driver’s seat. He asked President Trump to become a peacemaker, and he relegated himself to become a pacemaker. We don’t
Medicine
the city government, our people are assured of better healthcare. We continue to pursue our goal of better services for all,” Mayor Jeannie said.
The newly inaugurated 6-story hospital along Panghulo Road boasts a 200-bed capacity, a major upgrade that will allow it to accommodate more patients. Equipped with modern facilities such as operating rooms, a labor room, an intensive care unit, a surgery consultation room, an emergency room, and a spacious lobby, the SLRGH ensures that Malabueños have access to comprehensive and quality healthcare.
SLRGH’s expansion was made possible through the initiative of Reo. Ricky Sandoval, who filed House Bill No. 5791 in the 17th Congress. The bill led to the allocation of funds for a wider hospital site and the construction of the new 6-story facility under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program. In 2019, through Republic Act 11289, the former San Lorenzo Ruiz Women’s Hospital was officially
converted into the San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital, paving the way for its upgrade. Because of this initiative by Sandoval, the hospital has increased its capacity from 10 beds to 200 beds, allowing it to serve more residents of the city.
As a Level 2 hospital, SLRGH offers departmentalized services, including:
Diagnosisandtreatmentofvariousillnesses
Pediatrics
Child healthcare and wellness
Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-Gyne)
Women’s health and childbirth services
Surgery
Safeandadvancedsurgicalprocedures
mind. On the contrary, we want President Trump to exercise his leadership to pull North Korea to dialogue table.” —South Korean ForeignMinisterChoHyun,inaninterview with the Associated Press
IRELAND
“I call on those who have provided—and who continue to provide—Israel with the means necessary to prosecute its war (in Gaza) to reflect carefully on the implications of their actions and the consequences for the Palestinian people.” —Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin in his General Assembly speech
ISRAEL
“Thankfully, President Trump’s administration is forcefully fighting the scourge of antisemitism, and every government here should follow its lead.” —Israeli Prime MinisterBenjaminNetanyahuinhisGeneral Assembly speech
PALESTINIANS
“We are ready to work with US President Donald Trump and with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France and the United Nations to implement (a proposal for settling the IsraeliPalestinian conflict).” —Palestinian leader MahmoudAbbasinhisvideospeechtothe General Assembly
BRAZIL
“I think that indeed there was some chemistry there.... I’m going to treat him with the respect that he deserves as the president of the US, and he’s going to treat me with the respect that the president of the Federal Republic of Brazil deserves.” —Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at a press conference at U.N. headquarters after he and Trump crossedpathsintheGeneralAssemblyHall.
Anesthesiology
Specializedcarebefore,during,andafter operation. It features modern equipment, including machines for colposcopy, MRI, CT scan, 2D echo, ultrasound, therapy, x-ray, a clinical laboratory, and other services under Level 2 classification that will improve the delivery of health services to residents. It will soon have a fully digital fluoroscopy machine, a
Associated Press writers Seung
Kim, Lisa Mascaro, Kevin Freking and Joey Cappelletti in Washington contributed.
Diokno blasts DOH inefficiencies in health facilities program, says poor Filipinos suffer
ALAWMAKER has urged the Department of Health (DOH) to resolve longstanding issues in the implementation of the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), warning that its inefficiencies continue to deprive poor Filipino families of essential healthcare.
During the DOH’s budget deliberations, Akbayan Partylist Rep. Chel Diokno emphasized the crucial role of HFEP, which aims to expand access to healthcare by building new facilities and upgrading existing ones across the country, including barangay health stations, rural and urban health centers, and local government unit (LGU)-run hospitals.
“If HFEP fails to deliver, the ones who suffer most are the poor Filipino families. They are already disadvantaged when it comes to food and jobs—if health services also fail them, they become doubly disadvantaged,” Diokno told DOH budget sponsor Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia.
Citing DOH data, Diokno noted that P170 billion has been allocated to HFEP infrastructure and equipment in the past decade, which increases to around P400 billion if commodities and human resources are included.
Despite this, only 200 out of 600 health centers nationwide are operational, with many facilities idle or non-functional.
He also criticized the DOH’s
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During the meeting, Dy presented eight new measures for possible inclusion in the Ledac priority list, among them a Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance Framework to ensure swift and transparent calamity response and a bill to strengthen the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) by extending its corporate life and opening select lands for development.
The House is also pushing a Presidential Merit Scholarship Program to reward outstanding graduates from low- and middleincome families and a bill disqualifying relatives of officials up to the fourth degree from government contracts to strengthen integrity in public service.
To safeguard democracy, the
slow response to the 2017 Commission on Audit (COA) performance audit, which recommended stronger procurement, monitoring, and evaluation systems for HFEP.
“I’m wondering why it’s been seven years since this performance audit report was made but only now that these controls are being strengthened by the department,” he added.
Diokno likewise cited a study by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS), which revealed inequitable HFEP fund distribution, with some wealthier LGUs receiving allocations despite not being among the most in need.
“The PIDS study found that those who truly need the program are not being prioritized or funded by HFEP,” he stressed.
In addition, Diokno called on the DOH to ensure adequate funding for a health-based approach to the drug problem, consistent with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s statement that the government’s anti-drug campaign would be “more humane and health-based.”
According to the DOH, it adheres to World Health Organization standards in addressing substance abuse and currently operates 17 drug treatment and rehabilitation centers nationwide. These facilities have been allocated P1.75 billion for 2025 and P2.06 billion for 2026, with utilization rates reaching 97 to 98 percent.
Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz
chamber seeks to regulate digital campaigning through a fair use of social media, AI, and internet technology in elections. It also proposes to modernize the Bureau of Immigration by professionalizing its ranks, adding visa categories, and upgrading border security.
The proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act, on the other hand, aims to stabilize prices and empower the National Food Authority, while the Magna Carta for Barangays will institutionalize long-overdue benefits and ensure resources for local officials and communities.
“With the President’s leadership and the collective will of this Council, we are confident that we can achieve these legislative goals,” said Dy.
“The House of Representatives is responding to the call of the people by crafting laws that directly improve their lives,” he added.
News
Macalintal petitions SC to probe authenticity of Liga ng Mga Barangay docs in BSKE case
Eforeign-origin autonomous AUVs,” it added.
Preliminary observations show that the device features a Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) sensor—a compact probe designed to measure seawater salinity, temperature, and depth, which are key parameters for oceanographic profiling.
interest in any specific business enterprise which will be directly and particularly favored or benefited by any law or resolution authored by the Member that is approved or adopted by Congress during the Member’s term.”
“Accountability must extend beyond individuals. If consequences are limited only to a nominee, Congress sets a dangerous precedent: that members can violate rules, resign to avoid expulsion, and leave their party untouched.
The sensor includes Chinese labeling (“ ”) and a serial number (CTD-20090334), along with visible corrosion from prolonged saltwater exposure. It is mounted on a rugged metal frame, typical of components in autonomous underwater vehicles commonly known as “underwater drones.”
This recovery fits into a series of similar incidents in Philippine waters dating back to July 2022, including devices found in Pasuquin,
Garbin, however, that under the 1987 Constitution, Co enjoys the presumption of innocence unless and until charges are filed and proven before a competent court.
“To prejudge Zaldy Co in the absence of due process would be a dangerous erosion of the rule of law itself,” Garbin added. He added that resignation does not shield Co from investigation, citing jurisprudence that public officials remain liable for acts committed in office even after stepping down.
Garbin also dismissed allegations of conflict of interest, say -
To protect the integrity of our institutions, Ako Bicol Partylist must face investigation, sanction, and, if warranted, disqualification,” he added.
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
LECTION-LAWYER Romulo
Macalintal has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to look into the circumstances surrounding the notarization of sworn documents submitted as annexes by the Liga ng Mga Barangay sa Pilipinas (LMBP) in their bid to intervene in the petitions seeking to declare as constitutional Republic Act No. 12232 that extended the term of office of the incumbent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from three to four years.
Macalintal made the request in his nine-page “very urgent manifestation of grave concern with motion to clarify authenticity of certain sworn documents in intervenors’ petition for intervention” filed last Monday before the Court.
The lawyer made the manifestation after learning that the sworn documents were notarized by controversial lawyer Petchie Rose Espera, who earlier denied and disowned the signature and
notarization appearing on the affidavit submitted by Orly Regala Guteza during his appearance as witness in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation on the anomalous flood control projects of the government.
In his affidavit, Guteza claimed that he formerly served as security consultant for resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizalde “Zaldy” Co and was tasked to deliver suitcases containing millions of pesos each to residences of Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Macalintal noted that the signature now being disowned by Espera is the same signature of the notary public on the various sworn documents submitted by LMBP as part of the petition in intervention.
He pointed out that multiple verifications, certifications of non-forum shopping, and special powers of attorney from barangay officials across different municipalities were all purportedly subscribed and sworn before Espera on a single day, August 18, 2025.
He also noted that Espera’s signature on some of the sworn documents attached to the petitionin-intervention closely resembled the notary public’s signature on Guteza’s affidavit, indicating that it was done by the same person.
“With due respect, petitioner finds it highly suspect how all these punong barangays in different parts of the Philippines could be gathered to prepare, explain, and adopt various resolutions [which share extremely similar wordings] and verification and certification of non-forum shopping just in one day by the same notary public,” Macalintal stressed.
“Hence, in view of the startling revelation, it is the petitioner’s respectful submission that the intervenors and their counsels should be directed to explain the circumstances surrounding the notarization of their aforesaid sworn statements and clarify whether they are personally subscribed and attested their respective documents before Atty. Espera,” he added.
Macalintal explains that notarization is not a routinary act and that a public document is entitled to “full faith and credit,” which makes the issue of its authenticity a matter of grave concern. In their petitioner-in-intervention, the LMBP asked the Court to declare as constitutional Republic Act No. 12232 which effectively postponed to November 2, 2026 the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) originally set on December 1, 2025. The two original petitions to declare as unconstitutional RA 12232 were filed by Macalintal and voters represented by Mystro Yushi P. Fujii et al.
The SC has acted on Macalintal’s petition and required the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Office of the President through the Office of the Executive Secretary, and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to submit their comments. The comments were required not only on the petition but also on Macalintal’s plea for TRO.
Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong to see pay hike, DMW lauds increase
FBy Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
ILIPINO domestic workers in Hong Kong will get a 2.2-percent increase in their monthly allowable wage in the special administrative region of China, according to Department of the Migrant Workers (DMW).
The Hong Kong government decided to raise the monthly salary of foreign domestic workers from HK$4,990 (equivalent
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products worth P2.104 billion.
Counterfeit goods, such as fake branded apparel and accessories, pegged at P1.041 billion, were also apprehended.
Maronilla also reported the BOC’s “recordbreaking” seizures during the month of July to August, conducting 128 seizure operations of smuggled products amounting to P2.390 billion.
The seizure of illicit cigarettes valued
Ilocos Norte (July 2022); off the Zambales coast (September 2022); Calayan Island, Cagayan (August 2024); Initao, Misamis Oriental (October 2024); and San Pascual, Masbate (December 2024).
At least three of those prior recoveries have been linked to Chinese deployment, based on evidence such as China Telecom SIM cards, iridium transceivers connected to Beijing-based HWA Create (a defense contractor), and battery packs marked by China
ing Co had long divested from any construction-related businesses prior to assuming office. He further clarified that the insertion of funds into the General Appropriations Act (GAA) is a legitimate congressional process.
“Even as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Zaldy Co is not powerful enough to railroad provisions of the budget according to his sole wishes. The GAA undergoes rigorous deliberation in both Houses of Congress, bicameral scrutiny, and final approval by the President,” he said.
Garbin said the party-list should not be dragged into the controversy, noting its separate juridical personality under the
to P37,329.64) to HK$5,100 (equivalent to P38,152.64).
The new salary adjustment will apply to employment contracts, which were signed starting September 30, 2025. However, contracts, which were signed under the previous wage level will still be accepted by the Hong Kong Immigration Department until October 27, 2025.
DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac lauded the development since it exceeded DMW’s proposed new monthly minimum
at P605.29 million in Plaridel, Bulacan, on August 2 was highlighted, which marked the largest cigarette seizure for this year.
According to the Department of Finance, the government could suffer a revenue loss of about P150 billion this year due to smuggling.
This estimated figure refers to potential revenue losses on the part of the BOC, covering foregone collections from general merchandise and oil.
Maronilla told B usiness M irror earlier that the BOC is strengthening its anti-smuggling measures to offset possible losses from
Electronics Technology Group Corporation.
Previous forensic analyses of similar recovered AUVs have identified them as tools for advanced underwater surveillance and seafloor mapping.
The integrated CTD sensor allows for the collection of data on salinity, temperature gradients, depth, and acoustic propagation— essential for bathymetric charting and environmental monitoring. Recovered units have shown
Party-list System Act. “To punish Ako Bicol for unproven allegations against one nominee would disenfranchise the millions of Bicolanos who vested their trust in Ako Bicol,” Garbin said.
Meanwhile, Akbayan Partylist Rep. Perci Cendana has called on Co to come home and confront the allegations leveled against him, stressing that the issue now affects not only Co but also the entire House of Representatives.
“He should come back and face these allegations. This is no longer just his personal issue—it has become an institutional matter that taints the House as a whole,” Cendana said.
wage for domestic workers.
“The wage increase surpasses the Philippines’ US$500 [equivalent to P29,098.75] z minimum wage standard for domestic workers as outlined in DMW Advisory No. 25, Series of 2025,” he said in a statement.
The new wage adjustment will cover majority of the over 190,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Hong Kong, who are mostly domestic workers.
DMW said its Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong will
illicit trade.
Maronilla said a new team at the BOC has already come up with a comprehensive anti-smuggling program focused on possible misdeclarations and technical smuggling.
The BOC is also working on revising a cooperation agreement with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy to effectively guard the country’s borders against smugglers.
To further plug expected losses, Maronilla said the BOC is also banking on its Fuel Marking Program as one of the agency’s main revenue drivers, as well as other revenue
capabilities for autonomous data processing, storage, and satellite transmission, with one case revealing encrypted communications to mainland China during operations.
“The PCG remains vigilant in safeguarding our maritime domain and protecting the livelihoods of our fisherfolk,” PCG commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, said.
“We commend the quick action of the local fishermen for
assist OFWs in enforcing contracts and reporting any cases of noncompliance.
It said it will continue to push for better benefits for Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong such as raising their food allowance, which remained at HK$1,236 (equivalent to P9,246.40).
“The DMW stressed the importance of ongoing discussions to address additional issues, like the unchanged food allowance despite rising living costs,” the agency said.
sources, such as cars, steel and chemicals. The BOC has collected a total of P622.468 billion from January to August this year, higher by 1.3 percent than the P614.395 billion raised during the same period last year. In the first seven months, the BOC collected P1.520 billion from non-traditional revenue sources through the Post Clearance Audit Group and P43.267 million from Public Auctions. This year, the BOC will collect P958.7 billion, which makes up 21.20 percent of the government’s full-year revenue target of P4.520 trillion.
reporting this find. This incident highlights the need for continued community awareness and a whole-of-nation approach to deter unauthorized activities in our waters,” he added.
The device is undergoing detailed forensic examination to determine its exact origin, operational history, and potential security risks.
The public is urged to report any suspicious maritime objects to the nearest Coast Guard station.
High food prices: Impact of global crises and need for resilient agriculture
THE latest report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations may not have enumerated the East Asian and Southeast Asian countries that grappled with high food prices a year after Russia attacked Ukraine, but the Philippines surely felt its impact. In a report, FAO said the proportion of countries experiencing moderately to abnormally high food prices doubled on an annual basis in 2023, returning to the levels observed in 2020. (See, “FAO: More Eastern, SE Asian nations saw abnormally high food prices,” in the BusinessMirror, September 29, 2025). This change, FAO said, was driven by a jump in the number of countries with abnormally high food prices.
The Philippines was certainly one of those Southeast Asian nations that saw “moderately to abnormally high” food prices in 2023. That year inflation accelerated to a level that was last seen in 2008, when the rate averaged 6.3 percent, mainly due to high rice prices. Nearly two decades ago, the decision of rice-exporting countries caused international rice prices to skyrocket to unprecedented levels, affecting importers like the Philippines which has become reliant on foreign sources for its rice requirements.
The 6 percent average inflation rate recorded in 2023 was even faster than the 5.8 percent posted in 2022. These figures highlighted the country’s vulnerability to international developments such as Russia’s attack on Ukraine and its reliance on other nations to plug the gap in its domestic food supply. Supply constraints put more pressure on food prices the following year, when rice, onions, sugar and pork carried a higher price tag.
International organization Asean+3 Macroeconomic Office (Amro) said the jump in prices of key food items was due to a shortage of domestic supply. To tame inflation, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas had to tighten monetary policy aggressively, raising policy rate 10 times between May 2022 and end-2023. However, monetary measures can only do so much to make food more affordable, as these will not be able to address the problems hounding the agri-food sector.
Easing supply constraints and reducing the country’s vulnerability to geopolitical and trade tensions would require serious effort on the part of policymakers to remove obstacles to increasing the country’s food supply. Amro noted that only a strong agricultural sector and a more resilient food supply chain will eliminate price volatility and eventually enhance the country’s food security. A robust agricultural sector, however, would remain a pipe dream if local planters remain unable to profit from their produce.
The Department of Agriculture will be getting a higher budget for next year, thanks to the decision of lawmakers to reallocate a portion of the flood control projects to the sector. These funds should be used judiciously to hasten the delivery of interventions that planters need to improve their productivity. The money should also be used to bankroll “unpopular” programs that would have enabled this administration to increase farm exports and create more jobs in rural areas.
Another game changer
AMark Villar
THE BUILDER
NEW law will speed up crucial infrastructure projects and ensure fair compensation for landowners. I, thus, welcome President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing of Republic Act No. 10752, or the Right-of-Way (ARROW) Act, into law.
Another game-changer after the North–South Commuter Railway, the legislation is designed to streamline the government’s acquisition of private land for public use. This process has historically been fraught with delays, disputes and legal challenges. We need a comprehensive law to reform existing regulations.
The ARROW Act represents a significant overhaul of right-ofway (ROW) acquisition policies. For years, infrastructure projects, from highways to power lines, have been stalled by complex land negotiations, litigation and disputes over property valuation.
With the new law in place, we have a clearer, more efficient framework that balances the public’s need for infrastructure development with the private property rights of citizens. It applies to a wide range of national government projects and public service facilities, including electricity, water, telecommunications and transportation.
It also introduces key reforms to
Tprevent project delays and ensure a more transparent and equitable process.
Before any land acquisition can begin, the new law requires implementing agencies to create a Rightof-Way Action Plan (RAP). The plan serves as a proactive measure, ensuring agencies have a comprehensive understanding of a project’s impact and are prepared to provide fair compensation and relocation. The plan must include a detailed census of affected people, an inventory of their assets, estimated costs and a clear implementation schedule.
The law also addresses the longstanding issue of property valuation in which land compensation is based on the standardized system established by the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RA 12001).
This ensures landowners receive a fair price for their property through a transparent valuation system. If an approved schedule of market values is not yet available, the offer will
be based on the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) zonal valuation and the assessed value of improvements. The law outlines specific documentation requirements to ensure legitimate claims for untitled lands are recognized.
The ARROW Act amends the process for eminent domain, which is the government’s right to take private property for public use with just compensation. To prevent delays in expropriation proceedings, implementing agencies should deposit 15 percent of the land’s market value with the court when filing a complaint.
The deposit includes 100 percent of the replacement cost for improvements and 15 percent of the market value of crops and trees, providing immediate and substantial compensation to affected landowners.
The law takes a firm stance against legal obstacles designed to halt progress. It prohibits lower courts from issuing temporary restraining orders (TROs) on government infrastructure projects, a measure that directly addresses one of the most common causes of project delays. The prohibition ensures that critical public works can proceed without being held up by protracted legal battles.
For informal settlers, the law mandates better coordination between the Department of Human Settlement and Urban Development (DHSUD) and local government units (LGUs) in establishing and developing resettlement sites. This ensures that displaced residents
have a structured and dignified path to relocation.
The new law extends its reach to private entities and holds them accountable for violations, with their officers potentially facing civil or criminal penalties. For public-private partnership (PPP) projects, ROW acquisition will be in accordance with the PPP Code of the Philippines of 2023 and its implementing rules and regulations.
The ARROW Act represents a significant step forward in modernizing and streamlining the process of infrastructure development. By expanding the number of government agencies involved in preparing the implementing rules and regulations, the law ensures a more coordinated approach to land acquisition.
The inclusion of key agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will lead to a more holistic framework. It institutionalizes reforms that will prevent legal disputes and cost overruns while protecting the rights of landowners.
The law provides a clearer and more transparent process for balancing the government’s need to build essential public infrastructure with the protection of private property rights. This, in turn, will help facilitate crucial economic and social progress for the nation.
For feedback e-mail to senatormarkvillar@ gmail.com or visit our web site: https://markvillar. com.ph
LITO GAGNI
HERE is a growing sense of foreboding over the continuation of the war in Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces mounting backlash at home. Questions are being raised about the flow of Western aid and the specter of corruption in its use, even as reports of desertion at the front undermine Ukraine’s military readiness.
Zelenskyy’s push for more Western assistance is colliding with a Europe weary of the war’s economic costs. Belgium, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, and Poland—all carrying public debt near 90 percent of GDP—are seeing growing domestic discontent. Economists warn that further aid and expanded anti-Russian sanctions risk tipping these
fragile economies closer to financial crisis, potentially pushing debt levels above 100 percent of GDP if the conflict drags on. Western efforts to cripple Russia’s economy have largely failed. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, in an interview with The New York Times, admitted grimly: “Russia is now producing three times as much am-
munition in three months as NATO does in a year.” This imbalance underscores Ukraine’s mounting challenges—from dwindling resources to declining morale. At home, Zelenskyy faces a worsening manpower crisis. Reports indicate widespread failure of mobilization efforts and critical shortages of personnel. Independent experts estimate that since the start of the conflict, more than 260,000 Ukrainian soldiers have abandoned their posts. Andriy Biletsky, commander of the 3rd Army Corps, has publicly opposed harsher penalties for desertion, warning that they would only drive more soldiers into hiding until the war ends.
Ukraine’s economic crisis is equally dire. The country faces what analysts describe as “complete bankruptcy,” compounded by a mass population exodus, including conscription-age men. Recent reporting by The Financial Times revealed Ukraine lost nearly $770
million to corruption and failed arms procurement deals—funds that were paid to intermediaries for weapons and ammunition that never arrived. The European Union has since moved to strengthen oversight over its €50 billion support package set to run through 2027. Across Europe, popular support for the war is eroding. Citizens, already burdened by inflation and illegal migration concerns, are questioning why billions are sent to Kyiv while domestic needs go unmet—especially when allegations of theft by Ukrainian officials surface regularly. The corruption angle is one piece of the puzzle that has enveloped the European Union’s citizens’ resolve to continue funding Zelenskyy’s military might. There is also the incipient effect of the rise in prices in these European economies that is hurting the
sion of the citizens to go with the flow of more aid for the war
‘Kwek-kwek’ in
the myriad of corruption
ADennis Gorecho
Kuwentong Peyups
S the chant “Mga Corrupt, Ikulong na yan!” reverberated during the Luneta and Mendiola anti-corruption rallies, street vendor Alvin Karingal was catapulted to social media fame because of his “ ibaba ang presyo ng fishballs, kikiam, calamares at kwek-kwek ” video.
I already noticed Karingal in the Luneta rally while I was video documenting the rallyists, as he was marching with the contingents of the University of the Philippines.
The mass actions are closely tied to the flood control corruption scandal that revolves around the diversion of billions of public funds to a network of favored contractors, lawmakers, and officials tied to flood control projects over the past three years.
Despite the reported completion of 5,500 flood control projects, many are either substandard or entirely nonexistent.
The anti-corruption rallies coincided with the Martial Law anniversary.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. signed Proclamation No. 1081 on September 21, 1972, marking the beginning of a 14-year period of dictatorial rule, which effectively lasted until he was exiled from the country on February 25, 1986.
Corruption under the Marcos dictatorial regime ranged from theft of foreign and military aid to the domestic system of crony capitalism.
Political, economic, and social conditions coalesced to create a volatile political environment in the early 1980s. As the crony-run corporations collapsed and Marcos’s associates fled abroad with their assets, the financial situation deteriorated. Continuous mass actions led to his eventual downfall in 1986.
Five decades later, corruption issues also plague the administration of his son, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
The formal program in Mendiola ended at around 3:30 p.m. and organizers requested for a peaceful dispersal.
I was only a few meters away when violent clashes erupted as some masked individuals hurled stones, plastic bottles, sticks and Molotov cocktails at the police who stood as a barricade between the crowd and Malacañang.
The riots at Ayala Bridge, Recto, and Mendiola left scores of protesters and police injured, toppled steel posts, a motel ransacked and a trailer on fire at the foot of Ayala Bridge.
At least 216 were arrested following the riots, including 95 minors. Karingal was one of them.
The chant was simple, even absurd and funny to some as his call is just for cheaper street food. He was later identified as a person with mental health condition and a former mayoral candidate. But for him, and others of similar economic status, it is not a joke. He has been an active rallyist, and a street vendor. He
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in Ukraine. Another sore thumb is the increased influx of immigrants that encumber EU’s resources. Washington, too, appears to be reassessing its role. Aid volumes have declined, and US President Donald Trump recently suggested that regaining lost Ukrainian territory may now hinge primarily on European support. His remarks, echoed by observers at the UN General Assembly, signal a possible shift of the financial and political burden from Washington to NATO’s European members. What is equally striking is the sense of stalemate now creeping into the war’s narrative. Western publics, once galvanized by the defense of democracy, are beginning to tune out, fatigued by grim headlines and endless requests for funding. Without a new strategic vision—one that combines accountability with a credible path
Wayward governance under dynastic political elites
Tknows exactly how every peso is earned through sweat and struggle.
A post said: “This is how corruption shows itself in the daily lives of ordinary people. What others see as small change means survival for those who work tirelessly just to put food on the table. That money comes from long hours of work, tired bodies, and sacrifices.”
“His call was not just about street food. It was about the everyday struggles of the poor, about dignity, and about justice. And I hope people realize that behind words like his is the truth about how deeply our system fails the poor.”
Kwek-kwek, fishball and kikiam are not exclusively “food of the poor,” but rather a very affordable and popular Filipino street food, making them accessible to people from all economic backgrounds.
Their association with the poor might stem from their origins and widespread availability in the streets.
Filipino street food is the product of adversity. As a colonized country, expensive and high-quality meats were incredibly expensive and impossible to get, necessitating the usage of the animal’s less glamorous and less expensive components. These pieces have been converted into some of the most delicious and economical bites of food, demonstrating the adaptability and resourcefulness of Filipinos.
Corruption is not just a concept: it is felt in daily prices, in the cost of street food, in flooded streets that adversely affect small vendors’ sales, and in public funds diverted from basic services that keep communities afloat. Karingal was pointing to inflation or the rising cost of basic goods. For his customers, who were ordinary people like him, even a one-peso increase has a big impact. He was asking for something simple, that street food should stay affordable for everyone.
Food itself is a political battlefield. Research group IBON said that involuntary hunger doubled under the Marcos Jr. administration due to its failure to ensure higher wages and low prices.
“The rise in hunger is a wakeup call that many Filipinos are struggling on meager incomes and the high cost of living. This shows government’s rhetoric of economic gains and a robust jobs market is empty—just like the bellies of millions of hungry Filipinos.”
Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the seafarers’ division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan law offices. For comments, e-mail info@ sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-502580.
to de-escalation—the war risks becoming a frozen conflict that drains resources for years to come. The danger is not just military defeat for Ukraine, but the corrosion of public trust in democratic governments that cannot explain why the war drags on with no clear endgame. For Europe, this trust deficit could embolden far-right populists who are already capitalizing on economic grievances and migration fears to challenge centrist coalitions. If Zelenskyy wishes to sustain international support, he must not only hold the line militarily but also prove to his partners that aid will not vanish into black holes of corruption. Transparent reporting, joint oversight with donor nations, and a realistic plan for negotiation must become part of Kyiv’s message. Otherwise, the war may continue to be fought with dwindling resources and diminishing goodwill—a path that could lead to Ukraine’s isolation just when it needs allies the most.
Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo
LABOREM EXERCENS
HE avalanche of Congressional inquiries and whistleblower stories on the trillion-peso guni-guni flood control projects has awakened the citizenry to the massive corruption being committed by those in power. The people’s outrage was in full display on September 21, at the Luneta Park and the Edsa shrine.
Now, how can corruption, a neverending and ever-growing problem in the Philippines, be tamed?
As it is, many in the September 21 rallies find the government’s response still weak and lacking in resolve? On Congressional inquiries: how can those involved in the flood scandals, the errant legislators in particular, be part of the committees to investigate the crime of corruption? And can the Independent Commission for Infrastructures undertake thorough cleansing of the graft-ridden infra development system when the commission is adhoc in character and limited to factfinding work? How will these bodies address corruption issues linked to the highest officials of the land?
Is the President serious in pursuing a national cleansing of the graftridden infra and social spending processes? Does the President have the guts to ask family members and political allies involved in corruption to take a leave and allow a truly independent body with powers to hold accountable those guilty of corruption to be established, as suggested by Rep. Leila de Lima? Can FM Jr. be the bold reformer the nation is waiting for, or will he behave like his predecessors who barked loudly against corruption at the beginning, only to do nothing once the furor dies down? Is he prepared to break the ties that bind him to the KKK club—Kamaganak, Kaklase, Kabarkada?
In the meantime, the nation is getting shocking revelations on how high-level corruption is being committed by criminal syndicates led by government officials, as Congressman Toby Tiangco put it. The gangs
of plunderers have very deep connections in government and operate like Italian mafiosos. Based on PBBM’s list of top contractors, there are syndicates in different regions/districts of the country, some with a long history of plundering public funds under different administrations. Who comprise a typical syndicate? They consist of the following: First, you have the rent-seeking contractors eager to capture huge profits by making little or even no investments that result in substandard or non-existent projects. Of course, these contractors cannot bag juicy projects without the facilitating assistance of the get-rich-quick DPWH engineers and staff. And then to make these projects “move” and get funded, these contractors and engineers have to secure the support of conniving officials in the executive branch, e.g., DBM, DOF, COA, etc. All these players are bound by some kind of an omerta code of silence. But most importantly, the syndicates have godfathers, the ring leaders. They are the influential politicians who sit on top of the corruption ladder. They are the dynastic rulers of the land. They wield political power and shamelessly engage in primitive accumulation for the benefit of their families, clans and supporters. They tinker with the budgets, ingeniously shaping them to suit their plundering programs with the support of their chosen contractor firms, some of which they themselves set up or are run by family members and cronies. With the illicit funds that they acquire, the plundering political elites perpetuate themselves and their families in power by spreading ‘ayuda’ to
voters to get themselves elected with no hassle. The ayuda taken from the national budget (e.g., TUPAD, AKAP, etc.) or shaved from the DPWH and other government projects make them “popular” overnight to dirt-poor voters. Thus, Partylists and dynastic congressmen do not even go to the trouble of drawing up comprehensive economic-political reform programs and conducting prolonged campaigns to win popular support. They simply go around distributing “ayuda” one or two weeks before the elections.
In a number of congressional districts, the electoral contest is reduced to a battle of who could give the bigger ayuda, ayuda that could go as high as P15,000 or more per voter. The competition to get the voters’ interest based on the development vision and reform agenda of a candidate in a congressional district becomes meaningless. There are no healthy political debates on problems such as joblessness, landlessness and homelessness among the voting poor in a district and how the dynastic candidates plan to address them. In the 2025 elections, a dynastic political family in a Mindanao province was even reported to have promised the barangay captains that their barangays would receive numerous benefits, including a barangay vehicle, if they deliver zero votes to their opponents. The foregoing dynastic way of buying votes is well known across the archipelago. And yet, the Comelec does not have the will or courage to correct vote buying. The Comelec simply asks concerned citizens to file verified and documented complaints instead of the Comelec itself, motu proprio, fielding agents to stop vote buying, which is usually conducted in an organized way in barangay halls across the country. The Comelec further erodes the credibility of the electoral results when it refuses to cooperate with the demand of IT experts to explain why the audited source code in the automated election system was not used and why there were millions of spoiled overvotes for partylists and senators.
Once in power, the dynastic political elite unabashedly use government resources not only to reward families and loyalists but also to place
Restaurant bills in London are higher than ever thanks to hidden fees
By Helen Chandler-Wilde
ANYONE who’s dined out recently in London might have been surprised when the bill arrives—and doesn’t match a rough mental estimate of what it would be. A closer look reveals some details: the bread you asked for has a price tag—in one recent case, two little slices cost £4 ($5.36), or £2 per slice. The tap water you’re drinking isn’t free after all. And despite thinking you’ve saved money by bringing your own wine, there’s a £25 corkage fee, per bottle. On top of that is a service charge that might be 15 percent; technically it’s optional and diners can ask for it be moved, but it doesn’t feel that way. And even before you arrived, you might have had to put down a £50 deposit to secure the table, or agree to a minimum purchase of £200 a head.
It’s a new era of dining in London. A mixture of high costs and flaky customers means some restaurants feel compelled to add charges here and there, or guarantee money in advance. Often, hospitality doesn’t feel so hospitable any more.
One of the more common recent charges to lost revenue on noshows is prepayment or deposits. If you want to eat at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay High in the City, for example, you’ll need to fork out a £150-per-person deposit, which is refundable only if you cancel more than seven days ahead. (The restaurant didn’t respond to a request for comment.) Dorian in Notting Hill, which describes itself as a bistro for locals, has a £50-per-head deposit— which, again, is nonrefundable if you cancel within a week of your booking. If you do make it there, your meal will be limited to an hour and 45 minutes for a table for two.
“Strictly inflexible 7 days cancellation policy,” Dorian posted on Instagram. “No excuses. No negotiation.
You book. You pay. You show up. Just like flights or concert tickets.”
The problem is that most diners aren’t used to making restaurant reservations that way. “People book a table in a different way to booking a flight or theater ticket,” says Adam Hyman, publisher of the Good Food Guide. He says the culture is totally different: “The heart and soul of hospitality is linked to generosity, and the beauty behind restaurants is that they should be egalitarian,” which isn’t the experience on most airlines. Hyman notes, however, that customer behavior has changed since the pandemic, when restaurants noticed a wave of diners bailing on their reservations. “Which is why restaurants have put in the cost if you don’t show,” he says. And the policy seems to be working: Booking platform OpenTable says it sees 50 percent fewer no-shows for places with a deposit policy than those without. Restaurants are also now contending with higher operating costs. In April, National Insurance, a UK pay-
them in key government positions that enable them to control national and local spending and secure the license to exploit natural and other resources. They have also transformed the IMF-WB policy prescriptions of privatization and trade/investment liberalization as instruments to develop rent-seeking monopolies out of privatized public services (power, water, etc.) and liberalized trade systems. The clear outcomes of this governance arrangement are disempowerment of the poor and their communities and the deeper social and economic inequality at both local and national levels. The dominant political dynastic families get themselves re-elected regularly even if some political reformers somehow succeed “sporadically and for short periods of time,” as a German scholar Peter Kruizer noted (“Mafia-style domination in the Philippines”, 2012). Comparing the country to Italy, Kruizer concluded that “Mafia-style domination is part and parcel of the democratic political process” in the Philippines. But is this real democracy? A government of the few for the few? An elite in perpetual control of the government through patronage politics, vote buying, business monopolies, etc.? They even have the Comelec as a virtual ally, a Comelec that is unable to explain creditably the non-use of the audited hash code in the 2025 automated elections, which elicited the remark of former DICT Undersecretary Elisio Rio that Philippine democracy has become a “farce.”
Given the malgovernance of the country and the large-scale plunder that the ruling political dynasties are committing, the political-economic system looks more and more like a mafia-run machinery managed by powerful syndicates. Breaking this dynastic rule, as mandated by the 1987 Constitution, is clearly a moral, economic and political necessity. To upend this rule is to unlock the country’s democratic potential to build a more just, inclusive and sustainable society.
Dr. Rene E. Ofreneo is a Professor Emeritus of the University of the Philippines. For comments, please write to reneofreneo@ gmail.com.
roll tax, was hiked massively—as was the minimum wage—leaving restaurants to cut down on staff hours, slim down menus and increase prices. “It is significantly more difficult than it used to be for most restaurants to make money. Costs are up, taxes are up, customer behavior has changed,” says Will Beckett, chief executive officer of Hawksmoor. “The cost of a missed booking weighs more heavily on a restaurant than before.”
One controversial new movement in restaurant pricing is the rise of minimum purchase policies. To secure a table at the two-Michelin-starred Gymkhana in Mayfair, even for a 10:30 p.m. seating, you have to commit to spending a minimum of £100 per person. Meanwhile, Inca, near Oxford Circus, requires a minimum £200 a head on food and drinks for some Friday and Saturday night tables.
It might not be the “heart and soul” of generosity in hospitality that Hyman references, but not everyone thinks it’s a bad thing. “A lot of people coming to restaurants were splitting a main course and a glass of wine at 7 p.m. on Saturday, and there’s nothing the restaurant can do about it—they will just lose money on the table,” says Marc Lotenberg, founder of Dorsia, a members-only platform that allows people to pay for difficult-to-book tables. “The minimum spend component radically changes the industry.” He adds, “there was a lot of fear at the start. Someone needed the courage to do it despite what customers think, and it’s not really a restaurant feel, but I knew how frustrated [operators] were.” Pavan Pardasani, the newly mint-
ed global CEO of JKS Indian restaurants, owners of Gymkhana, agrees. “We are ensuring that we can deliver a level of experience and quality,” he says. “For an a la carte dining experience at a two-Michelin-star restaurant, [£100] is reasonable.”
Another thing sneaking onto the bill and edging up costs is a variety of added fees, including cover charges and those for tap water or paying by card. “There are cheeky ways restaurants try to offset the charges they have, whether it’s credit card processing fees or a tax on dine-in customers,” says Gabriel Bray, a development manager at the restaurant consulting group Good Food Studio. For instance, if you order £60 worth of food and drinks at Gloria in Shoreditch and split the bill with a friend, you might be surprised to find each person being charged almost £37, which includes a 12.5 percent suggested service fee and an extra £3 charge for the privilege of paying through the app. Elsewhere, service charges continue to inch up to 15%, including at the Delaunay on Piccadilly, which also adds a cover charge of £2 per person. Service charges are technically optional, though removing them invariably requires an awkward conversation with your waiter. Another fee to look out for is corkage. In the past this represented a modest charge to diners who wanted to bring their own wine. It’s not unreasonable for restaurants that do sell wine to charge a fee to open an outside bottle and distribute glasses. That figure, however, is skyrocketing: Bring a bottle of wine to Dorian, and you’ll be charged £100. Bloomberg
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
ADB may debar firms tied to flood-control fund mess
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THEAsian Development Bank (ADB) is open to the possibility of including firms linked to the flood control controversy to its debarment list to prevent them from participating in its current or future projects.
In a briefing on Tuesday, ADB Country Director for the Philippines Andrew Jeffries said under its rules, ADB can only debar firms that participated in its projects. ADB also implements cross-debarment with other multilateral development banks in the world. Under this policy, debarred firms in these institutions are also debarred from participating in their projects in the region.
“If there is an officially sanctioned government blacklist, we would honor such a list and take that into account. But it would need to be, you know, kind of officially sanctioned and not just a list of
firms in the press, so to speak,” Jeffries told reporters. Currently, Jeffries said the ADB has implemented strict technical and financial requirements for all contractors bidding for ADB-funded projects.
These include having a proven track record in undertaking a project as well as possessing the technical capability of implementing specific projects.
Jeffries also mentioned that they have a strict oversight when it comes to loan disbursement to make sure that funds are released based on achieved milestones set by “legal construction contracts.”
Apart from the procurement of contractors, Jeffries said ADB also has a post-implementation evaluation process that scrutinizes financial statements, final project costs, and the explanation of any cost overruns and changes that were made in the course of project implementation.
“Regarding our lending, we take the corruption and public financial management very, very seriously.
[Public Works and Highways] Secretary Vince Dizon has stopped progress on domestically funded flood protection projects, for example, but he has not stopped foreign funded flood protection projects because of the strict oversight that ourselves and other development partners give,” Jeffries said.
In 2010, ADB and multilateral development banks such as the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank Group, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the Inter-American Development Bank Group entered into a mutual enforcement agreement on debarment decisions.
The agreement covered the harmonization of debarment rules across the multilateral development banks and mutual enforcement
of debarment decisions, which required the banks to debar the firms.
In most cases the names of the firms and their violations as well as the period of their debarment are made public by the multilateral development banks.
In a joint statement in 2010, the multilateral development banks stated that the collective enforcement action validated the institutions’ September 17, 2006 commitment as part of the International Financial Institutions Anti-Corruption Task Force.
The 2006 accord committed MDBs to further explore how compliance and enforcement actions taken by one institution could be mutually recognized. Under the 2006 agreement, the institutions agreed to harmonize their definitions of sanctionable practices and to share greater investigative information among the Banks.
ADB’s public debarment list currently includes 14 Filipinos and firms; some are debarred indefinitely while others are debarred “until further notice” for committing various integrity violations. Some of the firms are cross-debarred with the World Bank as a result of the agreement between the multilateral banks.
JBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
USTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday debunked accusations that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is being shielded by the government from the ongoing investigation into the multibillion corruption in flood control projects.
At a press briefing, Remulla stressed that the Justice department is now looking into the possible culpabilities of Romualdez over questionable budget insertions and kickbacks from flood control projects.
“We are already studying everything, liability-wise because [resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Representative] Zaldy Co, as the chairman of appropriations, is well-known as the Speaker’s choice. We all know that…He’s the one the Speaker trusted, and he was the one placed there,” Remulla explained.
“So, even from the start, you already know that something was not right with what’s now coming to light,” he added.
Remulla made the statement after Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero accused Romualdez of providing the script to implicate senators in the floodcontrol project anomalies in
order to divert the public’s outrage away from him.
The DOJ secretary assured the public that no one will be spared from its ongoing investigation.
“We’re not protecting anyone here. This is really for the country. There is nothing personal here. This is beyond friendships. It’s beyond school connections or fraternal ties. It’s already beyond all that because what’s at stake here is the Filipino people—our country is what’s at stake. “We cannot allow this to be neglected,” Remulla stressed.
“He is among those we are seriously looking into as someone who may have liability here,” he added, referring to Romualdez.
By Malou Talosig-Bartolome
THE Philippines has once again secured a Tier 1 ranking in the US State Department’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, recognized for “serious and sustained efforts” to combat human trafficking. But the report also warns of persistent vulnerabilities, especially in online sexual exploitation, labor trafficking, and the treatment of victims in online scam operations.
“The Government of the Philippines fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking,” the report states, citing continued prosecutions, victim protection, and prevention campaigns. The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) was praised for expanding survivor-centered programs and strengthening coordination with civil society.
Tier 1 status—shared by only a few countries in Asia—offers strategic benefits. It boosts the Philippines’ international credibility, opens doors to US anti-trafficking aid, and strengthens leverage in trade and diplomatic negotiations. It also affirms the work of civil society groups and survivor advocates, often leading to increased funding and visibility.
However, the TIP Report emphasizes that Tier 1 is not a declaration of perfection. The government “did not identify the vast majority of potential trafficking victims among individuals exploited in online scam operations despite widespread reporting indicating these individuals faced conditions indicative of trafficking.” Unlike in 2023, no foreign victims were reported in these operations. Due to “inadequate and inconsistent screening,” the government failed to prevent the “inappropriate penalization of potential victims solely for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being trafficked.” The report also notes that the government identified fewer victims overall, and “some officials did not use trauma-informed practices in victim identification.” Corruption and official complicity “remained significant concerns, inhibiting law enforcement action during
the year.” In one high-profile case, authorities initiated prosecution of a former mayor under the anti-trafficking law for alleged complicity in human trafficking linked to an online scam operation in Bamban, Tarlac. In Porac, Pampanga, a mayor, vice mayor, and seven municipal council members were subjected to administrative investigation for similar allegations. The mayor reportedly received an administrative sanction, but none of the officials faced criminal investigation, and no updates were reported on the other cases.
The government also failed to report updates on the 2023 dismissal of a municipal police chief and 26 officers in Pasay, where traffickers allegedly exploited more than 730 potential labor trafficking victims. Meanwhile, two police officers continued to face prosecution—one for alleged cyber-facilitated sex trafficking, and another for allegedly helping a suspected trafficker evade justice.
Authorities arrested and investigated two public school teachers for alleged production and distribution of child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM). Six immigration personnel were investigated, and four prosecuted for trafficking-related offenses—down sharply from 103 immigration personnel investigated in 2023.
The Bureau of Immigration continued its “one-strike” policy for disciplining implicated officials and rotating personnel at ports of entry. Iacat also maintained its SOPs for identifying and monitoring trafficking-related corruption, including reporting mechanisms and suspension guidelines.
The US State Department also identified other urgent challenges:
• Online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) continues to plague communities, with traffickers exploiting digital platforms and family-based abuse remaining “a significant concern.” Labor trafficking is underreported, particularly among Filipino migrant workers and domestic laborers abroad. The report urges authorities to “increase efforts to proactively identify and assist labor trafficking victims, including victims of online scam operations.”
DESPITE infrastructure and warehouse damages caused by recent typhoons, the country’s buffer rice stock remains sufficient to feed Filipinos for 12 days, the National Food Authority (NFA) said.
NFA Administrator Larry Del Rosario Lacson said on Tuesday that the agency currently has 446,000 metric tons or about 8.9 million bags of milled rice, enough to last for nearly two weeks.
“Right now, our buffer stock stands at almost 12 days nationwide. It can feed all Filipinos for 12 days,” Lacson said in a press briefing.
According to Lacson, recent storms caused minor damage to
some NFA facilities, such as leaks and flooding, but did not result in major losses and rice stocks remained unaffected.
He added that the NFA is currently assessing the volume of rice t hat got wet during the storms, noting that some may still be dried and recovered. Initial reports point to only a few hundred bags being affected, the agency administrator said.
“There is nothing that needs rehabilitation. These are just minor repairs, just some leaks...The recent storm did not cause any damage to our stocks.”
P20 rice in Masbate
LACSON said the NFA started re -
leasing P20-per-kilo rice on Tuesday in Masbate, one of the provinces hardest hit by the recent storms.
“We also carried out an immediate dispersal in Masbate, which was severely hit by the typhoon. As of now, I think they still don’t have electricity. We are even looking for a generator there so we can run our rice mill and continue providing rice in the area,” he added.
Under the agency’s directive to speed up augmentation, he said trucks were immediately deployed to the affected area, adding that additional supplies from other regions are also being considered.
Lacson explained that the government has been expanding the rollout of President Ferdinand
“Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s P20-perkilo rice nationwide, but because Masbate was severely affected by the calamity, it was prioritized for distribution through Kadiwa outlets. More than 3,000 bags of rice have so far been distributed in the province, while dispersals were also conducted in Regions 8 and 4, said Lacson. This came as the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) gave out relief aid to families and communities in provinces, including Masbate, hit by the recent major weather disturbances due to
JUSTICE Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla PNA
PHOTO
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
ACEN unit plans to expand Zambales solar power plant
By Lenie Lectura @llectura
GIGASOL 1 Inc., a subsidiary of ACEN Corp., wants to increase the capacity of its solar power facility in Zambales to 225.909-megawatt peak (MWp) from 95 MWp for P13.39 billion.
The proposed expansion project will involve installation of PV modules, inverters, and main switchyard in Barangay Burgos, Botohan. Testing and commissioning of the solar project could happen in September 2027, with commercial operations expected to start by December 2027.
“The Gigasol1 solar power plant project aims to achieve sustainable development and supply electricity
to the Luzon grid to address the expected lack of supply and increasing demand for power.
Aside from employment opportunities that the project presents, the project intends to construct a means to harness clean and renewable energy for Luzon,” the company said in a filing with the Environmental Management Bureau. Luzon is growing at a fast pace,
resulting in a projected shortfall in generating capacity, thereby creating an attractive opportunity for solar development in Zambales, added the company.
The expansion also includes the development of a 14-kilometer access road traversing barangays Poonbato and Burgos, which will support the expanded operations of the solar facility.
Gigasol1 said it will draw its expertise from previous projects in selecting technology providers and new developments in the solar technology implemented in the country in recent years.
Last August, ACEN reported that its consolidated net income declined by 88 percent year-on-year to P763 million mainly due to a P2.7-billion impairment relating to the relating to the Lac Hoa and Hoa Dong wind farms in Vietnam.
Excluding this one-off booking
and the P1.35-billion valuation gain in 2024, net income fell 24 percent over the same period, due to depressed Wholesale Electricity Spot Market prices and increased depreciation effects.
“Despite these headwinds, attributable renewables output grew 9 percent year-on-year to 3,228 GWh [gigawatt hours], driven by new contributions from international plants.”
Last December, the company said its capital expenditures (capex) for this year could increase to P70 billion from P50 billion in 2024.
“We are forecasting P50 billion in capex across all geographies for fiscal year 2024. In 2025, we expect to spend roughly P70 billion,” said ACEN President and CEO Eric Francia. The amount will be used to achieve its goal of having 20 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
‘RCR share sale to benefit RLC projects’
OKONGWEI-LED Robin -
Gsons Land Corp. (RLC) said it will spend the P7.66 billion in net proceeds from the sale of shares of its real estate investment trust RL Commercial REIT Inc. (RCR) to its ongoing projects. RLC said the bulk of the money will go to the Forum redevelopment in Mandaluyong at P1.82 billion.
The said development involves a mall and an office tower, which is 43 percent complete. It has torn down the original structure to build a modern, high-end lifestyle center and mixed-use development, which will include a new six-storey mall and four office towers, collectively known as The Jewel.
About P282 million will be spent for Cebu Hotels, which include Nustar Hotel and Grand Summit in Cebu; P288 million for Robinsons Bacolod; P238 million for Robinsons Manila; P834 million for Malolos Bayan Park in Bulacan; P260 million for Robinsons Antipolo; P562 million for Robinsons Tanay; P638 for Robinsons Pangasinan; P56 million for BF Homes Paranaque; P148 million for the Tower 2 of GBF Center in Bridgetown in Quezon City, which is already 90 percent complete; P362 million for Cybergate Apo 1 in Davao; P327 million for Fili Hotel in Bridgetowne; P4 million for Grand Summit Pangasinan; and P302 million for Grand
Summit Panglao in Bohol.
The company also listed P1.65 billion in land acquisition in the Visayas and Mindanao and P6 billion to buy properties in Luzon, which will also be disbursed by its whollyowned subsidiary Bonifacio Property Ventures Inc.
“Pending the disbursement of such proceeds, RLC may invest the net proceeds in short-term liquid investments including but not limited to short-term government securities, bank deposits and money market placements which are expected to earn interest at prevailing market rates, withdrawable on demand and without holding restrictions prior to any fund withdrawals.” VG Cabuag
ALC Group turns over cash, relief goods to Caritas Manila for typhoon victims
IN the aftermath of the recent typhoons that deeply affected many communities and left countless Filipinos striving to recover, the ALC Group of Companies once again showed its commitment to community service. On September 25, 2025, the company turned over cash donations and relief goods to Caritas Manila, Inc. in a simple ceremony at the Caritas Manila Compound in Pandacan, Manila.
Representing the ALC Group were the children of ALC Group Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon—Giannina Eunice A. Cabangon, Isuzu Gencars Operations Executive; Dannica Nicole A. Cabangon, Eternal Group Operations Executive; and Antonio Carlos G. Cabangon, Special Assistant to the Chairman of Aliw Broadcasting Corp. They personally handed the donations to Caritas Manila’s Executive Director, Rev. Fr. Antonio Cecilio T. Pascual, symbolizing the Group’s collective effort to stand with affected communities in their time of need. The donations form part of the ALC Bayanihan Program, a companywide initiative that brings together the management and employees of the ALC Group to extend assistance to those impacted by calamities. Beyond immediate relief, the program is designed to support rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts, ensuring that affected families can move forward with renewed strength and hope.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dannica Nicole A. Cabangon shared: “Growing up, we witnessed how our grandfather, Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, and our father, D. Edgard A. Cabangon, always made it a point to extend help to our fellow Filipinos. Inspired by their example, our generation is committed to carrying on this legacy of malasakit through initiatives that bring hope and support to those in need.”
This is not the first time the ALC Group has extended support to Caritas Manila. In previous years, the Group donated Isuzu Traviz utility vans, along with cash and in-kind
contributions, to reinforce Caritas Manila’s programs for the poor and marginalized.
Founded by the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua and now chaired by D. Edgard A. Cabangon, the ALC Group continues to uphold its founder’s principle: that true success in business must go hand in hand with service to the community. For those who wish to support Caritas Manila’s ongoing programs, the organization continues to welcome donations to strengthen its mission of providing hope and opportunity to those most in need. Visit their website to learn more: https:// caritasmanila.org.ph/.
B1
Damosa Land rental pool scheme secures green light of SEC
THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the rental pool program of Damosa Land Inc., the first securities issuer to successfully register under the streamlined guidelines on Securing and Expanding Capital in Real Estate Non-Traditional Securities or SEC RENT.
In its en banc meeting, the agency approved company’s registration statement covering 100 certificates of participation in the condotel project of TRYP by Wyndham Samal.
Valid for 20 years starting from the date of the operation, the certificates cover 94 standard class condotel units with an offer price of P50,000; four deluxe class units worth P75,000 each; and two suite class units with an offer price of P100,000 each. All units in TRYP by Wyndham Samal will be enrolled under a mandatory condotel rental pool program. Each unit will automatically be included in the rental pool upon purchase, allowing it to be marketed, rented and managed as hotel accommodation for hotel guests without transferring ownership.
The rental pool arrangement is expected to gross up to P5.2 million, which will be used to fund the
company’s pre-operating expenses and to provide a buffer for the first three months of operations.
The project, located in Barangay Limao, Samal, Davao del Norte, is expected to be launched in the fourth quarter this year, with construction set to begin in the first quarter of 2026. The project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2028, with the opening scheduled in the fourth quarter of the same year, according to its latest timeline submitted to the SEC.
Implemented through SEC Memorandum Circular No. 12, Series of 2024, the SEC RENT streamlines the registration process for securities of real estate firms involved in selling or offering investment contracts through rental pool agreements. Rental pool agreements involve deals where a property developer sells or offers units in real estate projects such as condominiums, hotels or resorts to the public. Under the deals, buyers contribute the units to a rental pool managed and operated by the company or a thirdparty operator. In turn, the buyers are entitled to receive a share in profits earned by renting out the units to third parties. VG Cabuag
(FROM left) Dannica Nicole A. Cabangon, Eternal Group Operations Executive; Giannina Eunice
A. Cabangon, Isuzu Gencars Operations Executive; Rev. Fr. Antonio Cecilio T. Pascual, Executive Director of Caritas Manila; and Antonio Carlos G. Cabangon, Special Assistant to the Chairman of Aliw Broadcasting Corp.
Agencies’ budget use slipped to 93.8%-DBM
Banking&Finance
Tax hike on sugar-sweetened beverages eyed
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
law, to “strengthen” the current SSB tax policy.
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
HILE the government boost-
Wed its release of cash allocations, state agencies’ budget use slipped to 93.8 percent as of the end of August, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Latest data from the DBM showed that the notices of cash allocation (NCAs) released to government agencies hit P3.356 trillion from January to August this year.
The figure is higher by 7.43 percent from the P3.124 trillion disbursed in the same period last year.
An NCA is a disbursement authority issued by the DBM to government agencies to pay their operating expenses, purchases of supplies and materials, as well as programs and projects.
Following the NCAs released by the DBM as of end-August, government agencies only used P3.147 trillion, posting a utilization rate of 93.8 percent.
However, the cash utilization rate was lower compared to the 95 percent recorded during the same period a year ago.
A higher NCA utilization rate shows the capacity of line agencies to timely disburse their allocated funds and implement their programs and projects.
DBM data further showed that line departments utilized P2.288 trillion or 91.9 percent of the P2.490 trillion in NCAs disbursed to them. The utilization rate was also slightly lower than the 93 percent posted a year ago.
Among the departments, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) receive the highest NCAs worth P646.698 billion and P484.589 billion, respectively.
DepEd’s use of its cash allocations moderately improved at 95.8 percent compared to last year’s 95 percent, while DPWH’s budget utilization marginally slowed to 94.3 percent from 95 percent a year ago. Based on the data, none of the line departments achieved a 100 percent utilization rate of its cash allocations during the eight-month period.
Still, the Commission on Audit registered the highest NCA utilization rate at 99.6 percent, trailed by the Department of Migrant Workers with 98.8 percent and the Department of Foreign Affairs with 98.5 percent. Furthermore, budgetary support provided to government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) reached P82.843 billion as of end-August, lower by 10.47 percent year-onyear from P92.540 billion.
Of the amount, P81.697 billion was utilized, equivalent to 98.6 percent, slightly down from last year’s 99 percent. Meanwhile, NCAs allotted to local government units (LGUs) amounted to P783.083 billion. Approximately P777.298 billion of this amount was utilized, or 99.3 percent.
State agencies, including LGUs, have a remaining P209.082 billion in unused NCAs as of the end of August.
Out of the record P6.326-trillion national budget for this year, 95.5 percent or P6.041 trillion has been released as of the end of August.
For 2026, the national budget is proposed at P6.793 trillion, 7.4 percent higher than this year’s level.
TBy Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
O boost transparency, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday has officially adopted blockchain technology in the government budgeting process.
According to DBM Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran, it marks a bold step toward redefining transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public financial management.
“Blockchain is more than a buzzword—it’s a governance tool. By leveraging this technology, we can ensure that every peso is accounted for, every transaction is transparent, and every citizen can trust how public funds are managed,” said Libiran. Although blockchain is not the sil-
ANEW bill filed by three lawmakers seeks to significantly raise the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), including 3-in-1 coffee and flavored milk, in their bid, they say, to protect the health of Filipinos, curb rising obesity rates and generate revenues for nutrition programs.
TBy Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has teamed up with the Blockchain Council of the Philippines (BCP) to roll out “Integrity Chain,” a blockchain-powered platform aimed at embedding transparency and accountability in government infrastructure spending. The initiative, formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed on September 30, will see foreign-assisted projects of the DPWH digitized and recorded on an immutable ledger.
Key details—ranging from budgets and procurement processes to construction milestones and contractor payments—will be uploaded
Son the system, which will be accessible to the public.
“From the budget process to the procurement process, to the award of the contract, to the implementation of the project, to the monitoring of the project, to the payments made to the contractors, to the acceptance of the project. Everyone should be watching now, everyone,” said Dizon.
The Integrity Chain will feature a real-time dashboard for tracking project progress, citizen feedback, and anomaly reporting. Its tamperproof recordkeeping is designed to deter corruption and reinforce accountability in one of the most corruption-prone agencies of government.
“For the first time, the private sector isn’t just demanding integrity—
ECURITY Bank Corp. announced last Tuesday the appointment of Victor Lee Meng Teck as its next President and CEO.
A statement issued by the lender read that Lee is set to assume the role in early January 2026, following the completion of his work permit, visa and other regulatory requirements. He will succeed Sanjiv Vohra, who will continue to lead the bank until that time. Upon stepping down, Vohra will transition to the role of Senior Advisor to the Board.
Lee is a Singaporean banker with over 30 years of leadership experience throughout Asia. Most recently, he served as CEO of CIMB Singapore and CEO of Growth Markets for CIMB Bank Berhad.
At CIMB Singapore, Lee spearheaded a period of strong growth, doubling revenue and raising return on equity to nearly 20 percent, according to the lender. Under his leadership, the bank was recognized by The Straits Times as one of the Top 3 institutions for customer experience for three consecutive years (2023–2025). He also fostered a culture where employees felt more engaged and valued, with satisfaction levels rising significantly during his tenure, the statement read.
Vohra assumed leadership of the bank just months before the onset of the global pandemic. Despite unprecedented challenges, he led the organization through transformational change—strengthening digital and
ver bullet, Libiran said it offers a gamechanging response by making transactions visible and verifiable in near real time, protecting data integrity through cryptographic consensus, and streamlining workflows for faster reconciliation with fewer bureaucratic layers.
Blockchain initially gained prominence in the private sector for its applications in cryptocurrencies to supply chain tracking, Libiran said. He noted that DBM’s adoption of the technology signals one of the first large-scale government implementations in Asia. She pointed out it puts the Philippines at the forefront of technological governance innovation and may inspire neighboring countries to follow suit.
This quarter, the DBM launched a production portal that records Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) and Notices of Cash Allocation (NCAs) as
Under the proposal, the excise tax on SSBs will rise from P6 per liter to P20 per liter for drinks using caloric, non-caloric, or mixed sweeteners while beverages containing high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) will be taxed at P40 per liter, up from P12 per liter. Flavored and fermented milk, flavored non-dairy milk, and sweetened coffee products will also be covered, while plain milk, infant formula, roasted ground coffee, and beverages sweetened with coconut sap sugar or steviol glycosides remain exempt.
To ensure sustainability, the bill introduces a 6-percent annual indexation starting in 2026 and earmarks revenues for health initiatives: 40 percent to PhilHealth for Universal Health Care; 10 percent for Department of Health medical assistance
we’re building the infrastructure to deliver it,” said BCP President Donald Patrick Lim.
As part of the pilot, BCP will provide the DPWH with a one-year complimentary subscription, including training, technical support, and cybersecurity safeguards.
Dizon has intensified anti-corruption efforts at the DPWH in the wake of the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, which exposed how public funds were allegedly siphoned off through ghost projects and collusion between contractors and agency officials.
Since taking office, he has ordered the removal of several executives and regional officers, while initiating criminal and administrative cases against erring contractors and personnel.
customer-first strategies, building a culture that has made Security Bank an Employer of Choice, advancing its sustainability agenda, and positioning the bank for long-term profitability.
“We’re grateful to Sanjiv for his steady leadership during one of the most challenging periods in recent history. His vision and dedication have left the bank stronger, more resilient, and well-prepared for the future,” Security Bank Chairman Cirilo P. Noel was quoted in the statement as saying.
and facility upgrades; and, 50 percent to the Department of the Interior and Local Government for child and maternal nutrition, sanitation, and hygiene programs.
According to Bag-ao, “the World Health Organization has taken the issue of the negative effects on health of sugar-sweetened beverages so seriously that it has developed a standalone tax manual that serves as a practical guide that helps legislators craft policies towards the promotion and fulfillment of the right to health. Indeed, there is no sugarcoating it: sugar poses real risks to human lives.”
De Lima highlighted the economic toll of excessive sugar intake: “In 2021 alone, the total economic cost of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases linked to sugar-sweetened diets reached P11.18 billion.”
For her part, Lagman called the bill a “win-win reform,” noting that
it would reduce healthcare costs, improve productivity, and provide additional fiscal space for urgently needed nutrition programs.
According to the authors of the bill, the goal of this bill is to reinforce the efficacy of the SSB tax policy and raise an incremental revenue of P55 billion. In 2017, a tax policy imposing a two-tiered specific tax on sweetened beverages was passed into the Train law. It was implemented in January 2018, resulting in a one-time increase in the prices of beverages due to the levied tax rate of P6 on drinks with caloric and non-caloric sweeteners and P12 on those containing high fructose corn syrup. The imposition of the SSB tax stands on two primary objectives: revenue generation and curbing excessive consumption, associated with obesity and increased risk of non-communicable diseases.
BMAP extends deadline for awards nominations
THE Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines (BMAP) announced that the nomination deadline to the 6th Bank Marketing Awards (BMA) has been extended until October 10 upon request of its member banks and due to recent inclement weather conditions. The BMA is a biennial awards program open to banks operating in the Philippines, and in partnership with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Financial Sector Forum. The BMA aims to recognize outstanding marketing and communication initiatives undertaken by financial institutions to further elevate local bank marketing practices and encourage professionals to strive for excellence by highlighting best industry programs.
This year’s BMA will have seven (7) categories - Best Product Program, Best Brand Program, Best Electronic Channel Program, Best Digital Marketing Program, Best Financial Inclusion Program, Best Customer-Centric Product or Service, and Best Sustainability Drive. The distinguished panel of judges comprised of marketing and communication
briefs
experts and leaders namely former BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, Grupo Agatep Chairman and CEO Norman Agatep, Hungry Workhorse Consultancy CEO Rey Lugtu and Forest Foundation Philippines Board Member Ma. Aurora Tolentino. Winners of the 6th Bank Marketing Awards will be announced in November.
Over the years, the Bank Marketing Awards program has become synonymous with recognizing banks that demonstrated commitment to advancing innovation, creative execution, raising awareness on consumer education and protection, creating positive customer experience and value, and making banking affordable and accessible to Filipinos. The BMA not only celebrates past achievements but also encourages banks to step forward and showcase their brand, marketing and customer-centric programs and initiatives.
For learn more about the awards criteria, nomination process and sponsorship opportunities, interested parties may email the BMAP Secretariat at bmapsecretariat@gmail.com
Tuesday. Deloitte Southeast Asia received 10 awards at the ITR Asia Pacific Tax Awards 2025, with more than half of the jurisdictional awards being repeat wins, showcasing Deloitte’s sustained excellence across the region, the statement continued. Deloitte’s Philippine operations are managed by member firms Landicho Abela & Co. and Navarro Amper & Co.
verifiable, on-chain entries. In partnership with BayaniChain and ExakIT Services, the site <blockchain.dbm.gov. ph> is widely regarded as the country’s first blockchain-backed budget transparency platform, making records tamper-proof while allowing the public to inspect how funds are authorized and released.
“Our mission is to equip government and businesses with the tools to keep their systems secure and reliable. By using blockchain technology combined with the capabilities of advanced AI, we not only help the DBM strengthen transparency and the security of public finance, but also show how technologies can help institutions safeguard critical processes and deliver lasting value to their stakeholders,” said BayaniChain CEO Paul Soliman in a press statement.
The workflow starts with DBM’s Action Document Releasing System (ADRS), which issues the official budget papers. These are then secured using BayaniChain’s Lumen Blockchainas-a-Service platform, co-developed with ExakIT.
Transparency and protecting the data will go a simultaneously as the Prismo Protocol governs what details are made public and what stays private. After approval, SAROs and NCAs are immutably written to the Polygon blockchain as NFTs, preventing any alteration or tampering—an effective defense against deepfakes and document fraud.
Documents from 2024 onward can be retrieved either by scanning the QR code on a valid SARO or NCA, or by searching manually using fields like document type, department, agency, and operating unit.
Beyond SARO and NCA
LIBIRAN said the DBM envisions a broader digital ecosystem in which the full budget lifecycle—planning, allocation, disbursement, and audit— is traceable on-chain, complemented by AI-assisted analytics to detect anomalies, forecast needs, and inform smarter fiscal policy, as well as citizenfacing dashboards that turn complex budget data into clear, understandable insights.
“We’re not just digitizing SAROs and NCAs, we’re building a next-generation public finance system that combines blockchain transparency with Artificial Intelligence to allocate resources more effectively and uphold accountability at every level,” said Libiran.
She added that the DBM plans to extend blockchain-powered platforms
across budgeting, procurement, and monitoring, with pilot programs already underway. The ultimate vision is a trustless (decentralized), transparent, citizen-first financial ecosystem that strengthens democratic governance through technology. With this milestone, the Philippines notwithstanding the current challenges it is facing in the national expenditure program, hopes to demonstrate that the government can evolve with the times and lead, positioning the country as a regional model for digital trust and innovation aligned with global best practices. BayaniChain is a trusted blockchain infrastructure provider for government and enterprises. It delivers secure, transparent, and scalable systems that enable institutions to harness blockchain for real-world impact.
House Bill (HB) 5003, principally authored by Representatives Cielo Krisel B. Lagman (Albay, 1st District), Kaka Bag-ao (Dinagat Islands)
and Leila M. De Lima (Mamamayang Liberal Partylist), amends Republic Act 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (Train)
Show BusinessMirror
Streaming is overtaking theaters for movie watchers, poll finds
BY LINDSEY BAH� The Associaated Press
WASHINGTON—Americans are more likely to watch newly released movies from the comfort of their own homes instead of heading out to a theater, according to a new poll.
About three-quarters of US adults said they watched a new movie on streaming instead of in the theater at least once in the past year, according to the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, including about 3 in 10 who watched new movies on streaming at least once a month. Meanwhile, about two-thirds of Americans said that they’ve watched a recently released movie in a theater in the past year, and only 16 percent said they went at least once a month.
The results suggest that, on the whole, American moviegoers are more likely to stream a film than see it in the theaters, a shifting tide that was only accelerated during the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath. Convenience and cost are both factors for many people who can’t find the time to go to a theater or pay the increasingly high price for a ticket.
Sherry Jenkins, 69, of New Jersey, turns to streaming for all of her moviegoing needs.
“It’s much more convenient,” Jenkins said. “I can watch anything I want, I just have to wait a month or two after the movies are released because they usually go to streaming pretty quickly.”
STREAMING IS MORE CONVENIENT
IN the post-pandemic era, films end up on streaming services more quickly. In 2017, a 90-day exclusive theatrical window was common. Now, theaters are fighting for an industrywide standard of 45 days. For studios, the strategy seems to be different for every movie. This year’s best picture winner Anora had a 70-
GMA Network,
day exclusive theatrical window.
Wicked meanwhile, was available to purchase on demand only 40 days after opening in theaters—and that was a case in which the film was, and continued to be, a box-office hit. It was also profitable on streaming.
There is some overlap between theatergoers and people who opt for streaming—55 percent of US adults have seen a new movie in a theater and skipped the theater in favor of streaming at least once in the past year—but only watching new movies on streaming is more common than only going to the theater.
Some in the film industry believe that movies that start in theaters still have more cultural cachet, but Jenkins doesn’t see it that way.
“The studios now are so closely affiliated with the streaming services,” Jenkins said. “There’s really no logic behind why some skip the theaters.”
The last time she regularly went to the movie theaters was, she thinks, about 20 years ago. But as a tech-savvy retiree, there just hasn’t been enough of a reason to make the trek to the theater. A subscriber to Acorn, BritBox, Paramount+, Peacock, Netflix and Hulu, Jenkins doesn’t even see the need for cable anymore.
THE COST OF MOVIE TICKETS IS A FACTOR
MARYNEAL JONES, 91, of North Carolina, said she likes to go to the movies but finds them too expensive.
“There’s some movies I would like to see, and I say to myself, I’ll just wait until they show them on TV or I’ll go visit a friend who has those apps,” Jones said. “But I just don’t want to pay 12 bucks.”
The average cost of a movie ticket in the US is $13.17, according to data firm EntTelligence. In 2022, it was $11.76. Jones does not subscribe to any streaming services, but she also sees more movies in theaters than many others. She estimates she sees about six to eight a year. Recent films she’s watched in the theater include The Life of Chuck and the French romantic
comedy Jane Austen Wrecked My Life.
The AP-NORC poll also indicates that streaming may be a more accessible option for lower-income Americans. Higher-income adults are more likely than low-income adults to be at least occasional moviegoers for new releases, but the gap is smaller for watching movies on streaming instead of going to the theater.
YOUNGER ADULTS WATCH MORE NEW MOVIES, ESPECIALLY ON STREAMING NEW movies are more popular among young adults, regardless of how they see them. But streaming is more of a go-to for the younger generation.
Slightly less than half of adults under age 30 say they watched a recently released movie on streaming instead of going to the theater at least once a month in the past year, compared with about 2 in 10 who watched a movie in the theater with that frequency.
Eddie Lin, an 18-year-old student in Texas, said he mostly watches movies at home, on streamers like Crunchyroll, Hulu, HBO Max and Prime Video, but will go to the theaters for “bigger things” like A Minecraft Movie, which is the biggest movie of the year in North America.
While streaming will continue to be formidable competition for audience attention and dollars, there has also been rising interest in the value of seeing certain films in IMAX or on other premium format screens, whether it’s Sinners or Oppenheimer
The North American box office is currently up more than 4 percent from last year, but the industry has struggled to reach pre-pandemic levels of business. Compared with 2019, the annual box office is down more than 22 percent.
“I used to go more when I was younger, with my family, seeing all the Marvel movies up to Endgame,” Lin said. “I like movie theaters. It’s an experience. For me, it’s mostly a time thing. But I do feel like a certain charm of watching movies in theaters is gone.”
Cut Unlimited celebrate 25 years of giving
THE country’s leading media company, GMA Network marked a significant milestone in its partnership with Cut Unlimited Inc. during a mediacon held on September 24 in Quezon City. Anchored in generosity, community, and the spirit of Christmas, the collaboration has flourished for 25 years through the metro’s longest-running holiday shopping fair, the annual Noel Bazaar.
Known for its much-anticipated GMA Celebrity Ukay-Ukay, where shoppers can purchase pre-loved items from popular and beloved stars and personalities from the network, the Noel Bazaar has also provided opportunities for independent merchants to market their unique, artisanal products. Part of the proceeds are then donated to the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), providing
further support for its ongoing projects and initiatives.
GMA Network vice president for corporate affairs and communications Angela Javier Cruz highlighted the enduring alliance between the network and Cut Unlimited during her speech at the event: “In our ever-changing world, some partnerships are really meant to last and become stronger
through time.”
Meanwhile, GMA Kapuso Foundation executive vice president and COO Rikki O. Escudero-Catibog spoke of the impact of the partnership for its education programs, which further support schoolchildren with school supplies and the construction of earthquake-proof and typhoon-resistant school buildings. The mediacon was also attended by Cut Unlimited managing director Justine Bautista-Reyes, marketing manager Maxine Sabandal, and the Noel Bazaar ambassadors, Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s Skye Chua and the P-pop group Cloud 7. This year’s Noel Bazaar will have over 500 merchants. Shoppers can drop by and purchase fashion finds, accessories, and many more at the following venues and dates: Filinvest Tent in Alabang from October 17 to 19; Okada, Manila from November 14 to 16; World Trade Center from November 26 to 30. The Noel Bazaar then returns to the Filinvest Tent in Alabang from December 18 to 21.
Eugenia Last
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Redirect your attention to domestic issues before someone close to you complains. Taking care of your responsibilities early will ward off the need to make additional compensations later in the day. Use your imagination; present a plan that pleases loved ones and puts you in a much better position when you want something in return. ★★★
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Get organized, and you’ll be able to deliver on your promises. An interesting change to how you earn or use your money will put you in a better position to negotiate and structure the lifestyle you want to live. Controlling your emotions and how others perceive you will have an impact on what you achieve. ★★★★★
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Think before you agree to participate. Refrain from taking on too much or exaggerating what you can do. Pick up additional skills that encourage you to be more diverse and able to meet the demands others make. Honesty will help you maintain your status quo and buy you time to develop or fine-tune your skills. ★★
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Distance yourself from anyone who wants to engage in a debate. Volatile situations can escalate rapidly, leaving you in a precarious position. Protect your reputation at all costs, and let the dust settle before you counter intelligently and thoughtfully. ★★★★
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Look for a unique outlet, and it will soothe your soul. Keep your distance from those who overreact, spend, indulge or tempt you with such lavish behavior. Use your intelligence and experience to get ahead professionally by suggesting cost-efficient alternatives, and you will become a savior instead of a delinquent.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Participate in events that offer thought-provoking insights and exclusive information. You stand to gain if you are wellinformed and ready to negotiate. Communicating at a level that your counterpart can understand easily will help you execute your plans without conflicts or hesitation. ★★★
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You owe it to yourself and loved ones to chill and catch up. It will take the edge off your stress and give you a chance to realize how much you have. Attitude and gratitude will bring you back to earth and encourage realistic choices.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep moving. Choose discipline over overreacting or letting things get to you. What you accomplish will ease your stress and encourage you to do something nice for yourself. A little downtime will bring you joy and encourage you to be open with someone special regarding your intentions. ★★★
BIRTHDAY BABY:
IN photo are Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s P-pop group Cloud 7, GMA’s Rikki Escudero-Catibog, Cut Unlimited’s Justine Bautista-Reyes, GMA’s Angela Javier Cruz, Sparkle artist and Noel Bazaar ambassador Skye Chua, and Cut Unlimited’s Aprille Robles.
Stop scrolling, start living
IT is easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with others. We look at colleagues who seem to be climbing the ladder faster, friends who appear to have more exciting lives, or neighbors whose families look perfect. Social media adds to the pressure. In just a few minutes of scrolling we can find ourselves asking why our lives do not look as polished as what we see online. The truth is that constant comparison is draining and it steals the joy that could be found in our own journey.
One way to avoid this trap is to remind yourself that what you see is rarely the full picture. A friend may post photos from a beach trip but you do not see the months of stress that led to that short break. A coworker may receive recognition at work but you do not see the late nights or personal struggles behind the achievement. Social media is often a highlight reel. Remembering that no one shares everything helps you keep perspective.
Another helpful approach is to practice gratitude. When you notice yourself feeling envious of someone else, pause and list three things you are grateful for in your own life. These do not have to be grand or extraordinary. It could be as simple as having a meal you enjoyed, a friend who listened to you, or a small task you managed to finish today. Gratitude brings your attention back to what is already working for you instead of focusing on what you think you lack. You can also set personal goals that are based on your own values rather than on what others are doing. For example, instead of thinking that you must earn as much as a certain classmate, focus on what financial stability means for your situation. If your goal is to save enough to cover three months of expenses, then reaching that goal should be the measure of your progress. When goals are personal
Limiting exposure to triggers is another practical step. If you notice that certain online accounts always make you feel worse, consider muting or unfollowing them. If you find yourself repeatedly comparing your home or possessions to those of a neighbor, spend
improving what is within your reach. You cannot control what others post or own, but you can control what you allow yourself to consume and dwell on. It also helps to celebrate small wins. If you cooked a new dish for the first time, give yourself credit. If you finished a report ahead of schedule, acknowledge
the effort. If you made it through a stressful week, recognize your resilience. These small celebrations create a habit of valuing your progress and make you less dependent on comparing yourself to others.
Surrounding yourself with supportive people also makes a difference. When you are with friends or family who encourage you, you feel less the need to prove yourself. A circle that appreciates you for who you are helps remind you that you are valued, even without constant comparison. Choose to spend more time with people who uplift you rather than those who compete with you.
More importantly, practicing self-compassion is vital because it shapes the way you respond to your own shortcomings and challenges. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and no one is perfect. Instead of criticizing yourself for not being like someone else, learn to acknowledge your efforts and accept that mistakes are part of growth. Treat yourself the way you would treat a friend who has fallen short of a goal by reminding them of their accomplishments, encouraging them to keep going, and assuring them that setbacks do not define their worth. Offering yourself the same patience and understanding helps you recover faster, stay motivated, and build resilience.
Avoiding the trap of constant comparison does not mean ignoring the achievements of others. It means appreciating them without turning them into a measure of your own worth. You can admire someone’s talent without believing that yours is less valuable. You can be inspired by a friend’s success without feeling that you are failing. Life is not a race where only one person can win. Each person is on a different path with different challenges and different blessings.
The next time you catch yourself scrolling through social media or admiring someone else’s success, pause and remind yourself that you are only seeing part of the story. Shift your focus back to your own journey and notice how far you have come, even in small ways that are easy to overlook. Appreciate the blessings already present in your life, set goals that reflect your own values, and give yourself credit for both big and small wins. When you choose to celebrate your progress instead of comparing it to others, you create room to live more fully, with a sense of peace that comes from walking your own path with clarity and gratitude.
Slim’s
begins new chapter with Benilde
By Pauline Joy M. Gutierrez
THE pandemic years marked a turning point for Mark Lewis Higgins. He turned 60, mourned the loss of his sister, and faced the truth that he alone carried the responsibility for Slim’s Fashion and Arts School, founded in 1960 by his mother and National Artist Salvación Lim Higgins, and his aunt Purificación Lim. I realized I needed to think about succession. If something happens to me, what will happen to this school?” he said. “It’s not so much for the legacy of my mom. It’s more because if the school shuts down, it would be a great loss for the country. The curriculum is so valuable.”
Slim’s became known for its strict training in design, dressmaking, and patternmaking. The school set the benchmark for technical precision in Philippine fashion education, and produced generations of designers and artisans, among them Oliver Tolentino, Jo Ann Bitagcol, Joe Salazar, Oskar Peralta, and Michael Cinco. For Higgins, the main question was how the school would continue.
“We weren’t just looking for a partner,” he explained. “We were looking for a community that understands the dignity of making.”
In September, the ownership and custodianship of Slim’s Fashion and Arts School was officially handed over to the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB).
“Benilde has the infrastructure, the heart, and the commitment to carry Slim’s forward,” Higgins said. Under the agreement, Slim’s will continue offering its diploma and certificate programs under Benilde’s School of Environment and Design. The college will
retain Slim’s core courses in Dressmaking, Bespoke Tailoring, Fashion Illustration, and Draping, while introducing new ones such as the Textile Series, Fashion Business Series, and Styling.
“This is not just a merger,” said Bro. Edmundo Fernandez, FSC, president of CSB, during the ceremonial handover and MOU signing on September 4 at the college’s Design + Arts Campus. “It’s a custodianship. Slim’s is a national patrimony, and we’re honored to be entrusted with its legacy. We want to make its training accessible to more students, especially those who come from middle-class backgrounds and aspire to build careers in fashion.”
Christine Cheryl Benet, incoming director of Slim’s under Benilde, stressed that the school’s identity will remain intact. “Slim’s has always been about precision, discipline, and honoring the craft,” she said.
“We’re expanding into arts and design, but the core remains—we train makers, not just dreamers.”
The agreement also links Slim’s archives with the planned Benilde Fashion Museum at the historic Miguel Febres Cordero Building. The museum will house garments, sketches, and documents from Slim’s and other Filipino designers, allowing students and researchers to study them firsthand.
For Higgins, the transfer involved many moving parts. “You can imagine it’s a very complicated transition...it’s like an octopus. In one tentacle, you have the curriculum. In another, you have the collection of dresses, which will now be with the Benilde Fashion Museum. Then another tentacle is the library, which houses hundreds of books. Then you have the archive of vintage photographs, my mom’s original fashion designs. So it’s a lot for them to absorb
and to plan for.”
One piece in particular was difficult to let go.
“My mom’s wedding gown. She designed and made it herself. She closed her shop for two months just to create her entire wardrobe when she got married. It’s a beautiful gown. It hasn’t been seen since 1959, but we’ve been photographing it for an upcoming book,” he said. The gown, he added, is a testament to her craft. “She bought this really expensive lace from Paris, and she always told me it was heirloom lace. The lace has not disintegrated, and the dress is beautifully cut. It’s Dutch satin and silk, and whatever was left from that lace, she made into the christening dress for my sister and me.”
Benet explained that Slim’s will remain a separate unit under Benilde. While Benilde runs four-year fashion and design degree programs, Slim’s will focus on shorter certificate and diploma courses, including TESDA-recognized training. This ensures that the Slim’s Method of dressmaking and tailoring is preserved while being integrated into Benilde’s offerings. She noted that Slim’s curriculum would broaden through Benilde’s expertise in fields such as textiles. This expansion would strengthen the fashion ecosystem, benefiting not only designers but also artisans and other makers who are vital to the supply chain.
Sustainability is another priority. Benet pointed out that many Filipinos today lack access to skilled dressmakers or tailors. “One of the main problems of typical Filipinos is that there’s no one to sew in their area. First and foremost, we don’t even know how to repair clothes,” she said. By producing more skilled
artisans through Slim’s, she hopes communities will learn to repair and modify clothing rather than relying on fast fashion.
She also emphasized Slim’s role in preserving Filipino identity in fashion. Many young designers, she observed, are unfamiliar with earlier generations of Filipino designers. By keeping Slim’s teaching methods and archives alive, students gain a deeper understanding of the roots of Philippine fashion, not just its Western influences.
Higgins believes Benilde is the right custodian to carry Slim’s forward. “The exciting thing is, because it’s in the hands of an institution like De La Salle, they can run it on a larger scale than my sister and I ever could. They want to retain the clientele of people who don’t necessarily want a college degree but who want to learn a skill. At the same time, they can integrate it so that you can ladderize it and still earn a degree. In a way, they’re reaching a broader market than we would.”
Benilde established the country’s first bachelor’s degree in fashion in 1996. With Slim’s under its wing, the college can now support both degree programs and skill-based training.
“The fashion industry is incredibly diverse,” Benet added. “It is made up not only of degree holders, but also artisans and makers, all of whom are vital to keeping our industry alive. By housing the Slim’s Fashion and Arts School under Benilde, we can contribute more holistically to the Philippine fashion ecosystem—nurturing not only designers, but also the artisans and technical experts that bring fashion to life. This milestone ensures that Slim’s legacy thrives in the hands of a new generation.”
PHOTO BY STEVEN WONG
SALVACION LIM HIGGINS at work, photographed by her daughter Sandra in 1983
CHRISTINE CHERYL BENET
MARK LEWIS HIGGINS and Br. Edmundo Fernandez, FSC
Convergence of human, artificial intelligence the way forward for PR industry
With a communication industry in the midst of unprecedented disruption, more than 400 delegates came together to discuss some of the most important topics confronting the Philippine public relations industry at the 32nd National PR Congress held at the Solaire Resort North in Quezon City last September 11 to 12, 2025.
The event, organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP), brought together 60 speakers and panelists from different industries to tackle existential questions that every PR professional is asking. Guided by its theme, “Plot Twist: Unraveling Today’s PR Paradox,” the event also surfaced conversations shaping how the industry is charting its path forward.
In her welcoming remarks, PRSP President Ma. Luisa Sebastian, APR, highlighted the important role of communication in today’s hyperconnected world.
“Communication isn’t merely transmitting a message from one person to the next. It is more than that. Communication can educate, enlighten, and elucidate. It can persuade and convince people to act and change the course of events. Communication can power a movement and breathe life into a cause. It is transformative, enabling, and liberating,” Sebastian stressed.
Meanwhile, Norman Agatep, APR, PRSP Vice President-External and Chairman of the 32nd National PR Congress, laid out the challenges that PR practitioners face today, especially with emerging technologies changing the way we stay connected.
“We live in a paradox of a world where truth spreads slower than lies, where authenticity is crafted, and silence can speak louder than words,” Agatep said. “Sometimes we think trust is high, but often skepticism is higher. The internet provides so many ways to connect, yet audiences feel more distant. We chase virality but long for lasting impact. And everyone today has a voice, yes, yet real
conversations are getting rarer.”
Recognizing these problems, Presidential Communication Office (PCO)
Secretary Dave Gomez, in his keynote speech, outlined how the PR practice has changed because of trends and technological breakthroughs that are redefining how we communicate. One aspect he highlighted was the importance of maintaining the value of our humanity amid the breakneck adoption of AI in almost every aspect of our lives.
“The first thing you have to do, just as technology is shaping the landscape, is we need to leverage technology ethically and embrace it across our strategies. We must keep the human touch by focusing on humancentric approaches,” Gomez explained.
David Guerrero, Chairman of BBDO Guerrero, stressed how strong narratives can drive impact even with limited budgets, while Jel Directo, President of the Creator and Influencer Council of the Philippines (CICP), charted the growing role of creators in the marketing mix. A panel on ethics among influencers and in content creation, led by Pia HontiverosPagkalinawan, underscored the need for honesty and integrity as influencers rise as trusted voices.
From the brand side, Adi TimbolHernandez of McDonald’s Philippines shared how a clear brand identity has fueled programs that build authentic connections, segueing into a panel discussion on sustainability communication.
The debate over long-form versus shortform content also surfaced, with ABS-CBN director Raz de la Torre defending the depth of long-form storytelling, while a separate panel tackled short-form’s popularity and the challenge of sustaining engagement.
Jules Garcia of Reddit capped the sessions by highlighting the platform’s power to
connect communities and give consumers greater influence over brand narratives—a theme echoed by a panel on how audience sentiment now steers reputations in a digitalfirst marketplace.
The second day of the National PR Congress zeroed in on how human insight, creativity, and strategy remain vital amid the disruption brought by new technologies.
Cliff Eala of BS Works opened with a talk on using data-driven insights, technology, and empathy to craft communication that resonates, leading into discussions on authenticity in sustainability programs.
Miko David of David and Golyat followed by stressing the need to quantify PR’s impact in terms business leaders understand.
Panels on perpetual questions about the choice between prioritizing quantity or quality and valuating reputation and relationships explored the trade-offs of reach versus engagement and the challenge of assigning value to trust and reputation, underscoring their role in long-term business sustainability. Ron Jabal, APR, looked ahead to “pricing” reputation and the possibility of tokenizing it and storing it in the blockchain.
In the afternoon, Rhea Ensamtam of Kantar stressed the importance of people and their insight in analyzing and understanding data. Meanwhile, the succeeding panel examined how practitioners can safeguard credibility in the age of AI. Rob van Alphen of Polaris Digital, reinforced that creativity and empathy should remain central as technology evolves, while Agatep showed how data can strengthen compelling stories in “Narratives by Numbers”
The Congress closed with panels on the future of work—automation, upskilling, and new workplace demands—and on bridging the gap between PR education and industry needs through stronger collaboration.
The Bellevue Manila Brings Back Bells and Vows 2025
THE Bellevue Manila brought back its signature wedding and lifestyle showcase, Bells and Vows, in a much-anticipated comeback on September 12, 2025, at the hotel’s Grand Ballroom. Co-presented by Wedding Essentials, the country’s premier bridal magazine, and Sweet Comfort Events, the event was a celebration of love, artistry, and the timeless promise of new beginnings.
First launched in 2017, Bells and Vows has established itself as a premier gathering of the country’s top wedding suppliers, designers, and soon-to-wed couples. Unlike typical bridal fairs, the showcase focuses on curated experiences blending artistry, fashion, and lifestyle under one roof. This year’s edition lived up to its reputation, drawing an audience of distinguished guests, wedding creatives, and brides- and grooms-to-be, all eager to immerse themselves in an evening of elegance and inspiration. The Grand Ballroom was transformed into a breathtaking celebration of romance, styled by MC Pascual, who created a lush, dreamy atmosphere highlighted by the iconic Gian flower installation—a custom masterpiece designed exclusively for Bells and Vows 2025. This show-stopping floral creation embodied timeless elegance and served as a striking centerpiece that set the tone for the evening. Adding a multi-sensory touch, the entire celebration was infused with a bespoke fragrance, specially crafted and personalized by Lumi Candles, enveloping the venue in warmth and sophistication.
Aside the Gala Night, guests and soon-to-wed couples were also treated to a two-day showcase of beautifully curated wedding vignettes from September 12 to 13. Styled by leading wedding creatives and businesses, these vignettes offered a glimpse of how timeless love stories can come to life at The Bellevue Manila, B Hotel Alabang, B Hotel Quezon City, and The Bellevue Resort in Bohol, all distinct properties under The Bellevue Hotels & Resorts.
A highlight of the night was the much-anticipated Gala Fashion Show, which featured the stunning bridal and evening collections of Merri Chan, Norman Acuba, Khristelle Tan, and Marc Ngan. Each designer unveiled creations that celebrated individuality, romance, and timeless sophistication, leaving the audience inspired and captivated. John Patrick Chan, Managing Director of The Bellevue Manila, warmly welcomed guests by reflecting on the hotel’s legacy. He shared that for over 20 years The Bellevue Manila has been home to countless love stories. “Bells and Vows is our way of honoring this legacy by bringing together couples, dreamers, and creators who all believe in the beauty of beginnings. Tonight, we are proud to celebrate not just weddings, but the love and artistry that inspire them,” he said.
Adding to this sentiment, Elvie Sanchez-Quiazon, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, emphasized the collaborative spirit that makes the showcase possible. “This showcase would not have been possible without the passion of our wedding partners and the trust of couples who choose The Bellevue Manila for their milestones. Bells and Vows is not only a platform for creativity but also a celebration of community within the wedding industry,” she noted.
Beyond the glamor, Bells and Vows 2025 reinforced The Bellevue Manila’s position as the premier wedding destination in the South, offering couples a sophisticated and versatile venue that combines elegance with heartfelt hospitality. The Bellevue Manila extends its heartfelt thanks to Wedding Essentials, Sweet Comfort Events, MC Pascual, and all partners, suppliers, and attendees who made Bells and Vows 2025 a memorable success. With this year’s event setting a new standard, the hotel looks forward to continuing its tradition of celebrating love in the years to come.
For more information about weddings and events at The Bellevue Manila, visit www.thebellevuemanila.com or send an email at sales@ thebellevue.com.
No Weekend Plans? Here Are Spots Worth Visiting in Manila Accessible via LRT-1
THERE’S simply no place like Manila, or so how the popular OPM song goes. The nation’s capital, home to more than 15 million people, possesses a unique charm and energy that is incomparable to any other city. It is also a place rich with both historical and new destinations that will enrich your mind and fill your heart (and tummy).
It doesn’t matter if you’re from the north or south, you can visit Manila’s most iconic spots with ease and comfort using the LRT-1. With 25 stations, it connects major cities including Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay, and Paranaque. Embark on a quick weekend adventure and discover the best that Metro Manila can offer, one LRT-1 station at a time.
Take a stroll at the Pasig River Esplanade See the Pasig River in a new light and enjoy scenic views of Manila’s historic infrastructures, including the Jones Bridge, when you visit the Pasig River Esplanade.
Just a 10-minute walk from the LRT-1 Carriedo station, this urban development project features walkways, bike paths, and open spaces ideal for recreation and Instagramworthy moments. Its location also provides easy access to other iconic landmarks in the area, such as Binondo and Escolta.
The Pasig River Esplanade offers an amazing sunset view over the city skyline, and at night, it is adorned with vibrant and colorful lights. There are also food stalls available with sitting areas where you can score quick bites, rest, and just enjoy the ambiance.
Connect with nature at Arroceros Forest Park Dubbed as the “last lung” of Manila, the Arroceros Forest Park is a welcome reprieve amidst the city’s concrete jungle, and it’s only a few steps from the LRT-1 Central Terminal station. The park houses over 3,000 native trees of varying species, making it an ideal home or stopover for both local and migratory birds. The tree canopies help lower the ground temperature in the area, which enables visitors to walk comfortably in the park. After checking out the meditation area, koi pond, and riverside walkway, head to the nearby Pekaps sa Gedli coffee shop for some drinks and snacks.
Experience a piece of history at Rizal Park
A five-minute walk from the LRT-1 United Nations station will bring you to the historic Rizal Park, a must-visit whenever you find yourself in Manila. Here, you’ll often see families and groups having a picnic, watching the Musical Dancing
of food stalls within the premises where you can fuel up and take a breather. Another tip: don’t forget to bring an umbrella when you visit!
Aside from these Manila spots, you can also reach other popular and fun destinations in nearby cities using the LRT-1. The iconic Baclaran Church (and market), for example, is just a footbridge climb away from the LRT-1 Redemptorist-Aseana station. The trending Parqal Mall and its 24-hour arcade are also just a 9-minute walk away from the station. Explore new, exciting places and discover what adventures await with LRT-1 as your KasamBiyahe!
Veterans Bank Holds First Victory Day Golf Cup in Baguio City
PHILIPPINE Veterans Bank (PVB), in partnership with the Baguio City Government and Without Limits, Inc., hosted the first ever Victory Day Golf Cup at the historic Camp John Hay Golf Club in celebration of the 80th Victory Day in the Philippines last September 3, 2025. The tournament honored the heroism and sacrifice of Filipino Veterans and Allied Forces and commemorated September 3, 1945 when Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita formally surrendered in Baguio City, signaling the end of the World War II in the country.
More than just a sporting event, the Victory Day Golf Cup was also for a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the tournament will fund the preservation of existing World War II historical markers in Baguio City as well as the construction of new ones to ensure that the legacy of World War II veterans will be remembered by generations to come.
Leading the ceremonial tee-off were PVB President Eulogio V. Catabran III, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, Cagayan Governor Edgar P. Aglipay, Retired Foreign Service Officer Aubrey Carlson, and Tournament Director Christian David Alacar. The event brought together military leaders, diplomats, and civic officials in a meaningful celebration of sport and remembrance, with nearly 50 enthusiastic golfers joining the tournament including senior officers from the bank’s Institutional Banking and Consumer Lending Groups.
During the closing ceremony, Aubrey Carlson, husband of U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, delivered a message reaffirming the enduring alliance between the Philippines
and the United
included Oishi, Rosabaya Distributors Inc., Red Oak Properties, Scheirman Construction Consolidated Inc., Lucky 4 City Appliance Corp., and Stronghold Insurance, while Globe, HGC, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, and John Ben Marketing served as hole sponsors. The tournament concluded on a high note, leaving participants and guests with a renewed
PRSP 2025 Board of Trustees and past PRSP Presidents with PCOO Secretary Dave Gomez.
Pasig River Esplanade Photo by Jayfrey Generoso
In the photo are, from left, Without Limits’ Christian David Alacar, Retired FSO Aubrey Carlson, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner, PVB President Eulogio Catabran III, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and Cagayan Governor Edgardo Aglipay.
Editor: Tet Andolong
Growth of horizontal units outside NCR continues; Sta. Lucia also remains bullish
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
THERE is definitely growth outside the National Capital Region (NCR) for the country’s property sector. Moreover, there is a strong demand for horizontal (house and lot/lot only development) units.
Joey Roi Bondoc, research head of Colliers Philippines, says seasoned investors would really look for potential sites outside Metro Manila because of the low yields in Metro Manila. “If you’re banking on yields, the returns are very low, around 3 to 4 percent,” Bondoc told the BusinessMirror in an interview held in Makati City.
“And if you are an astute investor at this point, it doesn't make sense to still invest in Metro Manila, because prices aren't really declining and the rents have softened substantially because of the exodus of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators. With the yields being very low, you're now banking on the price appreciation of the lot only,” Bondoc adds.
Bondoc says the competitive pricing makes the investment proposition in the provinces, particularly the lot-only segment, far more compelling. For instance, there's a project like Santa Lucia Land Inc.’s Beverly Place in San Fernando, Pampanga, that has shown strong potential for price increases, which is a more sustainable investment right now.
The demand outside of Metro Manila is fundamentally different—it’s driven by the end-user, not the speculative investor. Furthermore, Bondoc says the shift towards areas outside the National Capital Region (AONCR) and lot only are sustained price appreciation, greater push for sustainability, bigger and more open space, improving road network to and from Metro Manila, and vacancy in Metro Manila condominiums remains elevated and its yields have gone down.
According to Colliers, the average take-up rates of H and L units
Cend-Q2 2025 ranged from 86 to 98 percent. On a per region basis, Southern Luzon posted the highest take-up with 94 percent followed closely by Central Visayas (93 percent) while Davao Region and Western Visayas were tied in third spot with 92 percent and Central Luzon was in fourth with 91 percent.
Cavite bagged the largest takeout with 155,000 followed by Laguna (89,000), Batangas (84,000), Pampanga (65,000), and Cebu (61,000).
For the lot-only market in AONCR, Colliers Philippines reported that the average take-up rate of lot-only units in the end Q2 2025 ranged from 81 to 96 percent. Central Visayas led in the regional take-up with 94 percent. Southern Luzon were tied in the second spot with 93 percent while Davao Region and Western Visayas garnered 92 and 83 percent respectively.
Batangas got 31,000 take-outs followed by Cavite (30,000), Laguna (28,000), Pampanga (24,000) and Cebu (22,000). Sta. Lucia sees opportunities outside NCR.
The Marbella Lake Residences in Victoria, Laguna, and Sta. Monica Lake Residences in Manaoag, Pangasinan are prime investment opportunities from Sta. Lucia Land Inc. Furthermore, the fundamental value of these properties lies in the lake community concept itself. Both developments offer a mix of residential lots (including prime lakefront/lakeview lots) and commercial lots, providing diverse avenues for business and capital appreciation.
The soon to rise Marbella Lake Residences is the first lake com -
Properties Group gets
ENTURY Properties Group Inc. (PSE: CPG) announces its inclusion in the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) Global Equity Index Series (GEIS)— Microcap Index effective September 22, 2025. The FTSE Microcap Index is part of the globally recognized FTSE Global Equity Index Series, which serves as a benchmark for institutional investors and fund managers worldwide. Inclusion in the index enhances the company’s visibility in global capital markets and may potentially increase liquidity and broaden its shareholder base.
CPG was added to the FTSE Microcap Index effective September 22, 2025, affirming the company’s growth prospects, increased market capitalization, enhanced liquidity, and higher free float. CPG’s free float has also improved from 27.4 percent to 34.21 percent after the Social Security System
munity in Victoria, Laguna and occupies an estimated 73 hectares of land. Incorporating the gifts of nature in the development, Marbella Lake Residences is designed to be a verdant community where future residents are engaged to spend more time in outdoor rec -
(SSS) bought a 6.4 percent stake in July 2025.
Over a period of three years from 2022, CPG has recorded a strong financial performance as it sustained its net income growth, increasing from P1.405 billion in 2022 to P1.855 billion in 2023, to P2.443 billion in 2024, reflecting a 32 percent and 31.7 percent yearon-year improvement, respectively.
“We are honored by this inclusion, which represents a key milestone in our growth trajectory, said Marco R. Antonio, President and CEO of CPG. “This recognition underscores the strength of our business model and our commitment to delivering long-term value to our stakeholders—from homebuyers and communities to our shareholders,” he added.
At the end of the trading week on September 19, CPG closed at P0.69 per share, 68 percent higher yearto-date and 89 percent compared to its level in the previous year.
OR 150 years, American Standard has been part of homes around the world—helping families create spaces filled with comfort, life, and love through its trusted bathroom and kitchen products. From simple routines to cherished family moments, the brand has stood the test of time with quality, innovation, and design that enrich everyday living.
As American Standard celebrates its milestone 150th anniversary,
reation and embrace prime modern living elevated with greener features.
The prominent feature of the lake community is the man-made lake area built with a lighthouse. While other amenities include a community clubhouse built with a
swimming pool, function hall and multipurpose basketball court.
Home buyers have a variety of options with its selection of promising lots which are either regular lots or lakefront lots.
As the first lake community in Victoria, Laguna, Marbella is
designed as a verdant community that encourages outdoor recreation. Prices vary according to lot type and location; and can range from P12,800 up to P25,200 per square meters. Select residential lots are also being offered at a discounted rate of P10,800 until December 31, 2025.
Meanwhile, Sta. Monica Lake Residences is Sta. Lucia’s first development in Manaoag, Pangasinan—the “Pilgrimage Center of the North”—a location that gives the community a strong cultural and historical identity. The property features a lake, lighthouse, and open jogging paths, alongside a multipurpose clubhouse with a function hall and basketball court Price range starts from P 8,000 to P20,500 per square meter, offering competitive entry prices for investors.
Investing either in Marbella or Sta. Monica Lake Residences means securing a property in a meticulously planned, naturefocused community with a high potential for appreciation, supported by the extensive track record of Sta. Lucia Land Inc.
MARBELLA Lake Residences
STA Monica Lake Residences
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Tthe format includes FourBall (Best Ball) on Day 1, Foursomes (Alternate Shot) on Day 2 and Singles matches on the final day with 48 of the country’s top juniors competing.
Team North co-captain Ryan Tambalque laid down a simple but clear plan for Day 1’s Four-Ball format where the boys’ 7-10 division opens play from the first tee, followed by the 11-14 and the 15-18 divisions.
The girls’ teams start simultaneously on the 10th tee and the three-day event is open to the public.
“K eep the ball in the fairway and greens in regulation,” said Tambalque, giving concise marching orders to his 24-player squad that emerged from a grueling seven-leg qualifying series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.
Team South skipper Alfred Gaccion exuded quiet confidence as he acknowledged the depth of Team North.
“The opposing team is equally equipped, so we’re focusing on a balanced fielding of players,” said Gaccion, who singled out the girls’ 15-18 division as a potential gamechanger. “Fortunately, we have strong representatives in every age division.”
“The 15-18 girls will definitely be on top,” he added, referring to his powerhouse lineup of Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo.
Team North’s counterpart in the girls’ 15-18 division are Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino and Chloe Rada.
The complete rosters:
Team North—Zoji Edoc, Zach Guico, Asher Abad and Halo Pangilinan (boys’ 7-10); Ronee Dungca, Mavis Espedido, Winter Serapio and Tyra Garingalao (girls’ 7-10); Vito Sarines, Zianbeau Edoc, Ryuji Suzuki and Jacob Casuga (boys’ 11-14); twins Lisa and Mona Sarines, Kendra Garingalao and Alexie Gabi (girls’ 11-14); Patrick Tambalque, Zachary Villaroman, Jose Carlos Taruc and Kristoffer Nadales (boys’ 15-18); and Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino and Chloe Rada (girls’ 15-18).
Team South—Ethan Lago, Lucas Revilleza, Kvan Alburo and James Rolida (boys’ 7-10); Denise Mendoza, Soleil Molde, Claren Quiño and Francesca Geroy (girls’ 7-10); Ralph Batican, Ken Guillermo, Jared Saban and Marcus Dueñas (boys’ 11-14); Brittany Tamayo, Kimberly Baroquillo, Zuri Bagaloyos and Rafella Batican (girls’ 11-14); Alexis Nailga, along with Luciano Copok, Mhark Fernando III and Eric Jeon (boys’ 15-18); and Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mikela Guillermo (girls’ 15-18).
ALEXANDRA EALA went through a brief scare from Katarzyna Kawa before pulling off a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory in the first round of the Suzhou Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 on Tuesday in China. FB PAGE
THE National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) hopes to pick up from where it left off last year as it ushers its 101st season on Wednesday beginning with the centerpiece seniors basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Teams which played in last year’s Final Four will have a rematch right away on opening day as defending men’s champion and host school Mapua University battles Lyceum of the Philippines University and College of St. Benilde clashes with San Beda University. The Cardinals-Pirates tussle is set at 2:30 p.m. followed by the Blazers-Red Lions match at 5 p.m. An elaborate opening ceremony
Eala in the hunt in China
ALEXANDRA EALA went through a brief scare from Katarzyna Kawa before pulling off a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory in the first round of the Suzhou Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 on Tuesday in Beijing. The 20-year-old Eala, ranked No. 58 in the world and fourth seed in the tournament, kept her composure and stayed focused, taking the win over the No. 124-ranked Kawa from Poland even as the match was halted twice due to rain. E ala, winner of the WTA 125 Guadalajara Open earlier this month, advanced to the Round of 16 against world No. 106 Greet Minnen of Belgium, who defeated No. 312 Han
Shi of China, 6-4, 6-0. Eala bowed out of the Jingshan Tennis Open over the weekend, falling to New Zealand’s Lulu Sun, 6-3, 4-6, 2-6, in the semifinals. Sun went on to win the title, beating China’s Ye Xin Ma, 6-4, 6-2. In Suzhou, Sun faces 17-year-old top seed Iva Jovic, the world No. 37, in the opening round.
S econd seed Tatjana Maria of Germany, the world No. 44, defeated China’s Saisai Zheng, the world No. 92, 6-3, 6-2.
Third seed and world No. 57 Suzan Lamens of the Netherlands faces China’s Xinxin Yao.
Gauff, Sinner advance
COCO GAUFF broke Belinda Bencic’s serve to open the deciding set and went on to beat the Swiss player 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2 on Tuesday to advance to
NCAA Season 101 opens on 10-1
starting at 12 noon precedes the doubleheader with performances to be provided by songstress Thea Astley, Hannah Precillas, Naya Ambi and Aicelle Santos.
P hilippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio will be the guest speaker when the country’s grand old collegiate league ushers its next 100 years.
“Easy to recall, Season 101, and we’ll open on October 1. 10-1. So things like that. And with this year’s theme ‘Building Greatness,’ I’m sure for the past 100 years of NCAA, you’ve seen student-athletes rose to the elite level,” Jose Rizal University athletic director Paul Supan said in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
Modest economic impact from 2024 Paris Olympics
PARIS—Hosting the 2024 Paris Olympics generated only moderate revenues for France, with an almost negligible impact on growth, while total public expenditure exceeded €6 billion ($7 billion), the country’s court of auditors reported on Monday. Public spending linked to the Olympics organization included €3.02 billion for the event organization, and €3.63 billion for infrastructure investment, some €690 million more than the auditors’ initial estimate published in June. The Paris Games also generated public revenues from taxes and commercial activities, estimated at €293.6 million. According to the Cour des Comptes report released ahead
“ So in the next 100 years, in coordination with the PSC and member schools, we hope to sustain our contribution to the national training pool.”
Emilio Aguinaldo College Vice President for Administration Dr. Lorenzo Lorenzo appeared with Supan in the session presented by San Miguel Corp., PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo, Smart/PLDT and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.
In lin e with the NCAA’s goal of providing the national training pool with potential members, Lorenzo said the collegiate league is introducing the Olympic sports of gymnastics, weightlifting, boxing and golf in this year’s calendar.
of the 2030 Winter Olympics—also awarded to France—the organizing committee of the Paris Games, funded mainly through private resources, posted a profit of €75.7 million.
The Games’ impact on annual economic growth in 2024 is estimated at +0.07 percentage point of GDP once indirect effects are factored in,” auditors said. “The benefits have been modest, both in the run-up—when soaring prices limited the real effect of infrastructure spending—and during the Games themselves, as regular tourism was partly crowded out. The medium to long-term economic benefits remain uncertain.”
The Cour des Comptes said security for the Games was largely successful, except for sabotage of high-speed rail lines on the opening day. However, they criticized the under-budgeting of security costs, which ultimately reached €1.44 billion in state spending. AP
the China Open quarterfinals.
The second-seeded Gauff improved her head-to-head record against the 28-year-old Bencic to 4-2.
Three of those matches have come this year, including Gauff’s win at the Australian Open in January.
Bencic won their encounter in Abu Dhabi, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist also made the Indian Wells quarterfinals and advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals.
Top seed Jannik Sinner won his 11th straight career match against Alex de Minaur and advanced to the final of the China Open also on Tuesday.
Sinner’s 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 victory earned him a ninth straight final at hardcourt tournaments, which will be on Wednesday against Daniil Medvedev or Learner Tien.
The No. 2-ranked Sinner dropped a set to No. 8 De Minaur for just the second time in his career before retaking control with a series of forceful forehands.
Apology from Musetti
LORENZO MUSETTI has become the latest tennis star to apologize to Chinese fans.
“I am truly sorry. I respect you deeply, I feel at home here, and I value the warmth and kindness I have always received from you,” the 23-year-old Italian said in a message he
CBy Josef Ramos
ONVERGE will manage everyone’s expectations in Season 50 of the Philippine Basketball Association that starts with the Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Head coach Delta Pineda said most teams are competitive and could adjust to the pace of every game prompting his coaching staff to dig into the deepest details.
“There are very strong teams and veterans so do not expect too much. We have so many young players in our team,” said Pineda, whose team has an average age of 27 with Kevin Racal (34) and recently signed Rafi Reavis (48) as the veterans.
“In terms of experience especially in crucial games, veteran players have the experience to take charge, but you’ll never know what may happen,” the
posted over the weekend in social media. Musetti was annoyed by coughing in the crowd during his round-of-32 win on Friday against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the China Open in Beijing, where he shouted “these [expletive] Chinese are always coughing.” That outburst prompted a flurry of outrage on social media, with people commenting on one of his previous Instagram posts to accuse Musetti of being a racist, along with insults and slurs against the Italian culture.
“I would like to sincerely apologize for what I said in frustration yesterday during my match,” Musetti continued in Saturday’s post. “My words were directed only at a few individuals in the crowd who were coughing repeatedly and disturbing the play. They were never, in any way, meant for the Chinese people. It happened in a moment of stress and tension in the second tiebreak, but still, this is no excuse at all.” He added: “I realize that the way I expressed myself was wrong and inappropriate, and it hurt many Chinese fans’ feelings.”
American tennis star Taylor Townsend apologized on September 17 for making disparaging comments about Chinese food before the United States played Kazakhstan at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen. With AP
rookie coach who’s also the vice governor of
said. “We have been together for a few years so we adjusted and corrected some of our mistakes.” No. 2 draft pick Juan Gomez de Liaño (25) will be joining forces with Schonny Winston (27), Alec Stockton (27) and big men Justin Arana (26) and Justine Baltazar (28).
C onverge swept all its four tuneup games against Meralco, Blackwater, NLEX and San Miguel Beer (114-99), but Pineda reminded his players not to be excited. We need everyone’s cooperation and we are doing everything to prepare them so we can achieve our goals,” Pineda said. “We need their hard work. If we do not prepare well, we cannot expect good things.”
The FiberXers couldn’t go beyond the quarterfinals—Governors Cup and Commissioner’s Cup—last year in three seasons in the league.
IT’S more about fun rather than competition for (left photo) Ethan Lago, Lucas Revilleza, Kvan Alburo and James Rolida in the boys’ 7-0 division and Ronee Dungca, Mavis Espedido, Winter Serapio and Tyra Garingalao in the girls’ contest. JPGT PHOTO
Pampanga,
CONVERGE head coach Delta Pineda is managing expectations for the Philippine Cup. PBA IMAGES
