pinas (BSP) may see faster inflation in September, but local economists believe this is not enough reason to exit its easing cycle when the Monetary Board meets next week.
On Wednesday, the BSP said it projects that September 2025 inflation will settle within the range of 1.5 to 2.3 percent. If the high end of the outlook is reached, this will be the second fastest inflation on record this year.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release the lat-
est inflation print on October 7, ahead of the October 9 policy meeting at the BSP.
“Upward price pressures for the month are likely to arise from higher prices of rice and fish. Elevated domestic fuel costs likewise contribute to upside price pressures for the month,” the BSP said.
“These pressures could be partially offset by the decline in vegetables and meat prices along with lower electricity rates,” it added.
Ateneo de Manila University economist Luis F. Dumlao told BusinessMirror on Wednesday that the inflation projection was still within the 2 to 4 percent inflation target of the BSP.
This means, Dumlao said, the BSP has “space to be dovish.” He said any reduction in policy rates will help support the country’s GDP growth.
Dumlao said the country’s GDP growth is growing slower than its natural growth of around 6.2 percent. Reducing policy rates can help boost the country’s economic performance this year.
“The only way they will raise interest is if they see inflationary pressure over 4 percent the next 6 months,”
Dumlao told this newspaper.
Should the BSP decide to reduce rates next week, Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at professional services firm Reyes Tacandong & Co., said the impact on the econo -
my could last for a year. Ravelas said the Monetary Board is expected to maintain policy rates in December, unless there is another reduction in United States Federal Reserve rate cuts. He also does not see any off cycles and increases in policy rates any time soon. However, former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante B. Canlas said that if there is a surge in inflation in September due to the recent typhoons, there is a chance for an off cycle. “The MB [Monetary Board] may still stick to its announced plan to cut interest rates. The GDP growth is at risk; ADB [Asian Development
FEWER ORDERS SPUR FACTORY OUTPUT CUTS
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE Philippine manufacturing sector has slipped into “negative territory” for the first time since March as goods producers saw fresh drops in output and new orders, according to the S&P Global Market Intelligence.
TARIFF IMPACT ON EXPORTS COULD DERAIL GROWTH:
HIGHER tariffs that could undermine the country’s export earnings and investment growth will prevent the Philippines from attaining its growth targets until next year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In a briefing in Manila on Wednesday, IMF Mission Chief for the Philippines Elif Arbatli Saxegaard told reporters that the Washington-based lender projects GDP to average 5.4 percent in 2025 and 5.7 percent in 2026. The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC)
GDP target is at 5.5 to 6.5 percent in 2025 and 6 to 7 percent in the 2026 to 2028 period. “Risks to the growth outlook are tilted to the downside. The main external risks stem from prolonged global trade policy uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and disruptive financial market corrections,” Saxegaard said. “On the domestic front, more frequent and intense climate shocks would cause notable macroeconomic losses.”
Saxegaard also said these new projections emanating from the completion of IMF’s 2025 Article IV Consultation with the
By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto
ATOTAL of P8.008 billion in calamity funds may be accessed by government agencies to provide relief and rehabilitation in light of the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that hit Cebu on Tuesday night, according to the Department of Budget and Management.
In a statement on Wednesday, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman urged government agencies to activate their Quick Response Funds (QRF). This comes after the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation for communities af-
fected by the earthquake, which claimed at least 20 lives, injured dozens, damaged heritage churches and other structures and disrupted power in several parts of the Visayas. Related stories on the Cebu earthquake in Nation and Economy pages. The QRF is an emergency standby fund lodged under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF), also known as the calamity fund. It enables frontline agencies to immediately provide assistance to areas stricken by disasters and emergencies. Government agencies with builtin QRFs include the Departments
Bank], for example, downsized already its GDP growth forecast for the Philippines,” Canlas said. Meanwhile, HSBC Asean economist Aris Dacanay likened the BSP’s careful calibration of monetary policy to how a driver parks his or her car.
In Filipino parlance, this is atrasabante which literally means backwardforward, actions needed to move a car to fit parking spaces with exact dimensions.
“As the BSP nears the end of its easing cycle, finding the right monetary stance has become an exercise of making small adjustments. Like parking one’s car, calibrations to monetary policy will likely be made in increments based on marginal movements of the data on hand,” Dacanay said.
“We think the BSP’s monetary policy decision on the 9th of October will be a tough call between a hawkish cut or a dovish hold.”
Given this, Dacanay said he is penciling in a rate hold next week, which means BSP will keep its policy rate at 5 percent. At this point, he said, this data is limited on whether the economy is slowing.
He noted that consumer vehicle purchases are falling and government capital spending is tightening while goods exports are holding. Dacanay said domestic demand has also been firm with the imports of capital and consumer goods both steady.
Further, Dacanay said inflation risks should be considered, given that core inflation increased 2.7 percent and headline inflation at 1.5 percent. He said inflationary pressures are expected to persist due to typhoons Nando and Bualoi.
BOP seen in deficit till 2026 on wider trade-in-goods gap
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
AWIDERtrade-in-goods gap may keep the country’s Balance of Payments (BOP) in deficit in the next two years, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
The BOP is projected to post a steeper decline of 1.4 percent of GDP to a deficit of $6.9 billion for 2025 and post -0.6 percent of GDP to a deficit of $3.4 billion in 2026. With this, the current account shortfall is expected to stay at 3.3 percent of GDP in 2025 and 2.9 percent of GDP in 2026.
“These reflect a widening trade-ingoods gap, subdued services receipts, and restrained capital inflows amid global uncertainty and shifting trade policies,” BSP said.
BSP said goods exports and imports are both expected to post an average growth of 1 percent this year and next year.
Exports could average $55.6 billion in 2025 and $56.2 billion in 2026, while imports could reach $125.2
billion in 2025 and $126.4 billion in 2026.
“Infrastructure investments, potential trade diversion, and efforts to diversify export and import partners may help cushion external shocks,” BSP said.
“However, structural constraints, such as logistical inefficiencies, skills mismatches, and elevated input costs, continue to weigh on export competitiveness,” it added.
Services exports are projected to grow 2 percent in 2025 and 5 percent in 2026 while service imports are expected to increase 6 percent in 2025 and 2026.
The country’s services exports could reach $52.6 billion in 2025 and $55.2 billion in 2026. Service imports are projected to average $39.9 billion
in 2025 and $42.3 billion in 2026.
BSP said the country’s service exports and imports, particularly from Business Process Outsourcing firms and tourism, could moderate due to “uncertainties surrounding US reshoring policies and weakening inbound travel.”
In terms of cash remittances, BSP said these inflows may average 3 percent to $35.5 billion this year and $36.6 billion next year.
“Overseas Filipino remittances are expected to remain a resilient source of external support, underpinned by strong global labor demand and sustained confidence in formal transfer channels, despite the impending US tax on remittances,” the BSP said.
Meanwhile, BSP said foreign direct investment inflows are
Tariff…
Philippines, are also downgraded from its July forecasts.
In July, the IMF estimated that full-year GDP growth could average 5.5 percent in 2025 and 5.9 percent in 2026. Saxegaard said this reflected the country’s weak economic performance in the first six months of the year.
It may be noted that in the first quarter, the country’s GDP averaged 5.38 percent and recorded 5.5 percent in the second quarter of the year. The average first semester growth, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), was at 5.4 percent.
“This revision reflects factors related to the performance in the first half of 2025, which was weaker than what we had anticipated. Some of the important drivers of growth will be the higher tariffs, which are imposed on the Philippine exports to the US, will weigh on exports and investment,” Saxegaard said. “We see also high frequency indicators pointing to negative growth momentum in the second half.”
Climate change, Asean
GIVEN the country’s slower growth, IMF recommended that the country should focus on efforts to address the changing climate and inspire greater cooperation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) when the Philippines assumes the chairmanship next year.
On climate change, the IMF recommended more programs that could better address climate conditions. She recommended enhancing green Public Financial Management (PFM) practices, with an emphasis on improving climate tagging systems and integrating climate considerations and estimating maintenance needs and costs.
She also noted that climate shocks to the economy are similar in effect to shortfalls in supply.
Just a few days ago, Severe Tropi-
projected to slow this year to $7.5 billion and $8 billion next year.
The data also showed foreign portfolio investments are expected to average $6.2 billion in 2025 and $5 billion in 2026.
“[This reflects the] heightened global financial volatility and cautious investor behavior.
However, recent policy reforms— including amendments to the Investors’ Lease Act—are poised to improve the investment climate,” the BSP said.
With these, the country’s Gross International Reserves are expected to average $105 billion in 2025 and $106 billion in 2026.
BSP said this remains adequate and serve as a robust buffer against external liquidity needs even as global market conditions evolve.
cal Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) hit the Philippines, entering through Samar, and exiting near Mindoro.
While there were no casualties, Opong affected up to eight transmission lines of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.
“We think that there are a few areas where there could be further efforts, [like] public sector investment in adaptation, which is critical to raise macroeconomic resilience to climate shocks and also to protect the vulnerable by lowering the rebuilding costs when such shocks happen,” Saxegaard said.
“We have been looking at the impact of climate shocks on the Philippine economy, [and] what we find is that climate shocks do work like a supply shock: they tend to raise inflation and lower output,” she also said.
Meanwhile, Saxegaard said the Philippines should start negotiating and implementing deep trade agreements. She also said the country should further enhance global value chain integration and resilience but will require steps to lower non-tariff barriers.
One of the ways this can be done is through Asean and with the country assuming the chairmanship of the association next year, this can be included in the agenda.
“We understand that the government is already working on a very good agenda as part of its Asean leadership. We would support these efforts, including in terms of achieving higher integration, lowering trade and investment barriers across Asean countries, and better digital and payments infrastructure.”
Risks on the horizon
ONE of the things that the IMF intends to closely monitor includes private consumption, particularly See “Pasa,” A10
Comelec back to zero
COMELEC on Thursday said preparations for the Bangsamoro parliamentary polls are now back to zero following the Supreme Court’s decision. Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the ruling left the poll body without a law to implement for the October 13 elections.
“There is no piecemeal conduct of election...Now, it is very clear that we have no law to enforce. [It’s] back to zero for Comelec,” Garcia told reporters in a text message.
He stressed that the poll body cannot move forward until a new legal framework is in place.
“But in the meantime, the ball is in the hands of the Bangsamoro Parliament. We shall be waiting for their action and compliance,” Garcia said. Earlier, the Comelec said proceeding with the October polls would be “legally and factually impossible” given the legal uncertainty.
The poll body has yet to disclose how much has been wasted from its initial preparations for the elections, which will no longer push through. However, it noted that if the Supreme Court later upholds BAA 77, the Comelec would need at least P774 million in additional funds since preparations would have to restart from scratch, including reconfiguring the automated election system to reflect the new seat distribution. If the polls are reset but conducted under the earlier BAA 58, the additional cost would be lower, at around P50 million.
Consolidated petitions
THE Court’s ruling stemmed from the consolidated petitions filed by BTA parliament member Lanang T. Ali Jr., et al (G.R. No. E-02219) and BTA parliament member Abdullah Macapaar at al. (G.R. No. E-002235). Ali et al filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition with prayer for TRO challenging BAA 77 for allegedly violating the Voter’s Registration Act by altering precincts during the election period, among others. Macapaar et al filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition and for the issuance of a status quo ante order, arguing BAA 77 is unconstitutional for violating the provisions on ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections during election period, among others.
On September 16, the Court issued a TRO enjoining the Comelec and the BTA from implementing BAA 77. BAA No. 77 reorganizes parliamentary districts within the BARMM to reallocate the seven parliamentary seats initially assigned to the province of Sulu following the 2024 SC decision excluding the Province of Sulu from BARMM after the province rejected the law’s ratification.
The 2024 decision declared unconstitutional the interpretation of the provision in the law directing the provinces and cities of BARMM to vote as one geographical unit including provinces that did not vote to be included.
The said provision, according to the SC, violates Article X, Section 18 of the Constitution, which states that only provinces, cities, and geographic areas voting favorably in the plebiscite shall be included in the autonomous region.
Amnesty not affected
MEANWHILE, the Supreme Court decision to postpone the BARMM parliamentary elections will have no impact on the ongoing process of providing amnesty to former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), according to the National Amnesty Commission (NAC).
In a press briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, NAC chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento said the amnesty initiative is separate from the BARMM polls.
“There will be no effect since the amnesty is a different process. As far as the BARMM is concerned, this [amnesty process] is part of our peace agreement with them,” she explained in Filipino.
“So the election is different. That is a political matter that the BARMM will deal with. This is for our government,” she added.
With reports from Samuel P. Medenilla, Justine Xyrah Garcia
www.businessmirror.com.ph
Lacson: Photo intended to discredit Blue Ribbon probe on flood control mess
By Butch Fernandez @DennisEstopace
APHOTOGRAPH showing
Senate President Pro Tem -
pore Panfilo M. Lacson with the Discaya couple is likely meant to discredit his chairing of the Senate Blue-Ribbon committee’s investigation into anomalous flood control projects.
Lacson, who chairs the BlueRibbon committee, said the photo was taken during the 2025 campaign period, for an invitation to a political rally that he declined, and nothing more.
“The fact that it is being circulated only means that it intended to besmirch my reputation and credibility in chairing the Blue-Ribbon committee on the flood control project anomalies,” Lacson said.
One of those who shared the photo was controversial Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga.
Lacson stressed: “I did not know the Discayas and that was the first and only time outside of the Blue-Ribbon committee hearings that I met them. That meeting took around 15 to 20 minutes but not before that group photo was taken.
Lacson said that during the campaign period, a Davao City-based
campaign supporter, Fred Villaroman, brought them to his office in Taguig City. Villaroman’s father, the late Police Brig. Gen. Francisco Villaroman, had served under Lacson in the National Police (PNP) and headed the security detail of then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte until 2016.
During the meeting, Lacson was invited to a political rally of the Pinoy Ako party-list group, where the Discayas’ son was running as a nominee. Cezarah and Pacifico Discaya II were at the meeting.
But Lacson said he begged off from the invitation out of respect for his friend, now Senate President Vicente Sotto III. Sotto’s nephew Vico was running for reelection as Pasig City Mayor against Cezarah.
Also, Lacson said there were other party-list groups who were including his name in their sample ballots, “and I thought it was not a smart political decision to join a rally of any party-list group.”
Lacson, likewise, stressed that they did not discuss any campaign contribution. “I did not receive, nor did the Discayas offer any campaign contribution in whatever form,” he said.
“I hope this clarifies whatever insinuations are being attached to this said photograph,” he added.
PHLPost, AIM seal partnership pact for leadership development, service
THE Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) formally signed a partnership agreement to strengthen leadership capabilities, foster innovation, and accelerate organizational growth within the state-run postal service.
The agreement was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Makati City, attended by officials from both institutions.
Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Maximo C. Sta. Maria III, himself an AIM alumnus, described the collaboration as a vital step in preparing the agency for the demands of modern public service.
“For many years, PHLPost has connected families, supported trade, and served communities nationwide. As the world evolves, so must we,” Sta. Maria said.
“This partnership with AIM is an investment in our people–helping us deliver reliable services, adopt best practices, and transform PHLPost into a future-ready institution.”
Under the partnership, PHLPost managers and executives
will undergo specialized training beginning with a Supply Chain Management Program. The course is designed to equip leaders with critical skills in planning, sourcing, inventory management, logistics, and risk management— capabilities that are increasingly essential as postal services adapt to digitalization and e-commerce growth.
AIM Business Development Senior Manager Joan Vidal said the program was tailored to address the evolving needs of the postal service. She added that the partnership paves the way for more customized training initiatives aimed at strengthening PHLPost’s competitiveness and long-term relevance.
Meanwhile, AIM School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning Program Head Jose Raphael Ibarra highlighted the broader impact of the collaboration.
“We are proud to partner with PHLPost in this journey of modernization. Together, we can empower leaders, strengthen institutions, and create lasting impact
See “PHLPost,” A10
‘Try by court martial military personnel accused of spying’
MILITARY personnel accused of espionage should be tried by a general court martial and not a civilian court, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said.
Teodoro made the suggestion during a Senate briefing on the planned amendment of the Espionage Act of 1941.
“I think if it is a military individual having possessed military secrets, it is best tried under a general court martial to prevent further leakage of classified information to unauthorized people,” Teodoro said.
Cebu earthquake kills 62, injures 201 more
By Jonathan L. Mayuga, @jonlmayuga
Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz
@joveemarie
& Samuel Medenilla
A@sam_medenilla
T least 62 people were killed and 201 were injured in the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that hit northern Cebu on Tuesday night, the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said.
“We have confirmed the death of 62, and we are still verifying reports coming. We have a report that says 201 persons were injured,” Patricia Vasaya, monitoring officer at PDRRMO, said.
Many of the victims were rushed to the Bogo City Hospital, which recorded 30 deaths as of 2 p.m.
The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) said rescue, retrieval and relief operations are on-going, with the hope of saving lives. Tuesday night’s temblor is the strongest earthquake that hit Northern Cebu in history.
Owing to the Magnitude 6.9 earthquake, the provincial government of Cebu declared a state of calamity. In line with this, a price ceiling on agricultural commodities is in effect, as mandated by Republic Act 7581 or “The Price Act.”
Among those killed were rescuers deployed by the Coast Guard (PCG).
Seaman Second Class Lawrence Palomo, Apprentice Seaman (ASN) Jujay Mahusay, and ASN Ert Cart Dacunes, were killed following the collapse of the San Remegio Sports Complex in San Remegio, Cebu, during the earthquake.
DSWD sends relief items
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Wednesday reported that more than 27,000 families across 42 barangays have been affected by the
6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the number of affected families is expected to rise as assessments continue as he assured Cebuanos that their immediate needs, including food and water, will be promptly addressed.
“While there is much work to be done for recovery, President Marcos instructed us to prioritize the immediate needs of affected families. Relief efforts will focus first on what they need now,” he said during his rounds in Bogo City, one of the hardest-hit areas.
Fresh from overseeing relief operations in Masbate, which was also recently struck by Typhoon Opong, the DSWD chief supervised the distribution of family food packs (FFPs), marking the agency’s initial wave of assistance for quake victims. Boxes of FFPs were immediately dispatched to Bogo City, with additional aid expected to support ongoing relief operations. Ready-to-eat food (Rtef) boxes, containing meals requiring minimal preparation, are also set to be distributed.
The DSWD currently maintains a stockpile of over 300,000 FFPs at the Visayas Disaster Resource Center (VDRC) in Mandaue City. In addition to food aid, the Department will deploy disaster response vehicles and equipment, including mobile command centers, mobile kitchens, water treatment units, and tanker trucks.
“All of these will arrive by 6:00 p.m. Wednesday,” Gatchalian said. In terms of cash assistance, Gatchalian assured the provincial local government of Cebu that the DSWD’s Field Office 7—Central Visayas will provide cash aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. Benefits under AICS include medical assistance to the injured locals and burial assistance for families who lost their loved ones from the powerful quake.
The department is also prepar -
ing psychosocial interventions to help the affected families and individuals deal with the trauma caused by the late Tuesday night earthquake.
For the recovery phase, the DSWD chief said the agency will provide emergency cash assistance (ECT) as soon as the clean list of beneficiaries is provided by the concerned local governments (LGU).
“These cash transfers allow families to prioritize their own needs, whether it’s rebuilding homes or restoring livelihoods,” Gatchalian explained.
Gatchalian has instructed all DSWD Field Offices to be on standby and their personnel ready to be deployed to augment the manpower and resources of Field Office-Central Visayas.
The department also said it will provide burial assistance to families of those who died as a result of the earthquake.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG) said the agency’s field office in Central Visayas will also provide P10,000 cash assistance to the families who lost their loved ones.
First in history
THE earthquake occurred at exactly 9:59 p.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. The epicenter of the Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake, with a depth of five kilometers, was traced in Bogo City, Cebu.
It generated an Intensity VII ground-shaking event in the City of Bogo, and the towns of Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio and Tabuelan, while Intensity VI was also in Murcia, Negros Occidental; as well as Bantayan, Borbon, Catmon and Sogod, also in Cebu province.
John Deximo, Senior Science Specialist at Phivolcs, said the agency will deploy a quick re -
sponse team to conduct an assessment of the damage caused by the earthquake. He said the strong earthquake, which was triggered by movements in a local offshore fault, is a first in Cebu.
“This [earthquake] is a first in northern Cebu. We are calling it the Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake. This is the first time that a strong earthquake was recorded in northern Cebu. We are still gathering information. From what we see in the social media posts, we have moderate to heavy damage in structures, buildings and infrastructure, so we will deploy immediate QRT from our team to assess local governments,” Deximo, a seismologist, said. He said outside Cebu, the event is expected to affect other provinces in Central Visayas, and other nearby provinces in Luzon and Mindanao.
“We will have to assess the damage and will refine the reported intensities,” he said.
Deximo said the QRT will be deployed within the day, and they are expected to assess the damage in buildings, roads, bridges, and investigate geohazards such as liquefaction and landslides, and come up with recommendations for possible evacuation and putting up of an evacuation center where affected communities will be safe.
The Phivolcs Earthquake Information on the Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake reported that Intensity V was felt in Cataingan, Esperanza, and Pio V. Corpuz, in Masbate; City of Cadiz, Hinigaran, Moises Padilla, City of San Carlos, San Enrique, City of Sipalay and Toboso Negros Occidental; Dauis, City of Tagbilaran, and Talibon, in Bohol; Alcoy, Argao, Asturias, Carmen, Compostela, Consolacion, Dalaguete, Danao City, Liloan, Oslob, Samboan, San Fernando, and Santander, in Cebu; Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City,
See “Earthquake,” A10
NBI has custody of 2 accused in Barayuga killing
TIn 2024, Teodoro first called for the amendment of the espionage law to make the measure applicable during times of peace amid reports of alleged Chinese spies in the country.
“Ang mahalaga ngayon parusahan natin ang espionage sa panahon ng peace kasi ang espionage law sa Pilipinas ay epektibo lamang during times of war,” Teodoro earlier said.
This is a call to action, our lawmakers know that they should amend the espionage law soonest so that the government can impose punishment and act to suppress it, Teodoro added.
By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
HE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday said two of the five accused in the killing of Philippine Charity Sweeptakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga in 2020 have already surrendered following the issuance of an arrest warrant against them by a local court.
The accused were identified as former police officers Santie Mendoza, and Nelson Mariano.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago said the two expressed their intention to surrender upon learning that an arrest warrant has been issued against them by the Branch 279 of the Regional Trial Court in Mandaluyong on Monday.
On September 29, 2025, Mariano voluntarily surrendered to
the NBI-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBIOTCD) while Mendoza voluntarily surrendered on September 30 to NBI agents who flew to Bacolod City to implement the arrest warrant.
It can be recalled that Mendoza and Mariano confessed their involvement in the Baruyaga murder case during the House Quad Committee hearing conducted on September 27, 2024.
They implicated former PCSO general manager Royina Garma, former National Police Commission (Napolcom) Chairman Edilberto Leonardo and police officer Jeremy Causapin in the crime. This led to the filing of murder and frustrated murder charges against them.
Barayuga, a retired police officer who was then PCSO Board Secretary, and his driver were shot by
motorcycle-riding gunmen while traversing the intersection of Calbayog and Malinaw Streets in Mandaluyong City on July 30, 2020.
Barayuga died at the scene, while his driver sustained gunshot injuries.
Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Department of Justice (DOJ) will seek the cancellation of Garma’s passport.
Remulla added that he would ask Santiago to check on the possibility of requesting a red notice from the Interpol to hasten Garma’s return to the country.
He said Garma and her coaccused will be considered as fugitives if they will not surrender to authorities despite the issuance of the arrest warrant against them.
It can be recalled that Garma was allowed to leave for Malaysia
a day after returning to the country from Los Angeles, California, last September 6 following the denial of her application for political asylum.
Garma left as a tourist for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, according to the Bureau of Immigration, on September 7.
Garma was allowed to leave the country after the BI was able to verify that there was no hold departure order (HDO) or warrant of arrest issued against her. Remulla later on disclosed that Garma has agreed to testify for the prosecution in connection with the crimes against humanity filed in the International Criminal Court against former President Rodrigo Duterte for his bloody anti-illegal drug war.
He said Garma left for Malaysia to meet with ICC representatives in preparation for her testimony.
has ordered the suspension of masses and other parish activities in the northern towns of the province following the strong earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday night.
In an advisory, the Archdiocese of Cebu said Uy directed all parishes to immediately undergo structural assessments of their
churches and rectories before these can be used again.
“To the parishes in the North that have been gravely affected, you are asked to refrain from using your churches for the celebration of the Holy Mass until the proper experts have carried out the assessment and declared the structures safe for use,” the advisory said.
The directive came after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake left several heritage churches badly damaged.
The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, built in 1886, partially collapsed.
In a Facebook post, the shrine said the retablo image of Santa Rosa de Lima remain unscathed after it was “wrapped around some unused plastic bags.” It noted that the image was one of the few icons that was not damaged by the earthquake.
Meanwhile, in Bantayan, portions of the outer facade of the Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol,
which was completed in 1863, also gave way during the tremor.
The Cebu archdiocese urged the faithful to place their trust in God during this period of uncertainty.
“We continue to pray to our Loving Father for calmness and strength in the midst of these trials. We entrust ourselves, our families, and our communities into His merciful hands. May the Lord shelter us under His wings, protect us from every harm, and guide us to safety and peace,” it said.
Thursday, October 2, 2025
DOE, DTI impose price freeze in quake-hit areas
By Lenie Lectura
@llectura
& Andrea San Juan
@jonlmayuga
THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday announced a price freeze on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene in Cebu following the earthquake on Tuesday night.
The price freeze will be implemented for 60 days to ensure price stability. This move, added the DOE, is meant to protect households from undue economic burden and guarantee the continued availability of essential fuel products that are critical in cooking, lighting, and other immediate recovery needs.
“Stability of fuel prices and availability of supply are vital in times of disaster. The Department is working closely with all partners to make sure that families and frontliners have access to the essential energy resources they need during relief and recovery operations,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.
The DOE, in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local governments, will be conducting inspections to prevent overpricing and profiteering during this critical period. Violators face heavy penalties under the law.
The DOE also assures that there is sufficient supply of petroleum products in the province and that distribution channels are being closely coordinated
with oil companies and local authorities to ensure uninterrupted access to consumers, particularly in evacuation centers and hardest-hit communities.
Price freeze on basic goods
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has implemented a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in the entire province of Cebu following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck the province on September 30.
“We recognize the heavy toll this disaster has brought to families. Beyond enforcing the price freeze, our priority is to ensure that prices and supplies are affordable and stable,” Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said in a statement on Wednesday. Currently, DTI said its monitoring teams in field offices have been deployed to “actively” inspect markets, verify prices, and guarantee an “adequate and continuous” supply of these basic goods in all affected communities. Roque said the department will be “vigilant” in making sure that consumers are protected from undue price increases. DTI said the automatic price freeze immediately took effect upon the declaration of a State of Calamity by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Resolution 1985, Series of 2025).
Visayas grid on yellow alert
THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on Wednesday placed the Visayas grid on yellow alert until midnight
after 27 power plants, with 1,444 megawatts (MW) of total capacity, went on forced outage owing to the 6.9-magnuitude earthquake that struck Cebu.
A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement. The Visayas grid’s available capacity stood at 1,888 MW as against a peak demand of 1,839MW. The alert is in effect from 1p.m. to 9 p.m.
The grid operator also reported 16 more power plants that have been unavailable even prior to the incident, while one other is running on derated capacity.
In all, a total of 1654.7 MW was shaved off from the grid as of Wednesday noon.
The Luzon and Mindanao grids, meanwhile, are under normal condition.
Meralco PowerGen Corporation (Mgen), the power generation arm of Meralco, said its thermal plants in the Visayas—Cebu Energy Development Corporation (CEDC) and Toledo Power Company (TPC)—tripped as a safety precaution during the seismic event.
CEDC, which has a net saleable capacity of 219.7 MW, and TPC, with a net saleable capacity of 73 MW, were promptly inspected by technical teams.
Earlier in the day, MGen said two units of CEDC and one unit of TPC have already been safely restarted and synchronized to the grid, while the remaining unit is undergoing inspection and will be brought back online progressively.
Bad weather, pest infestation hit Negros sugar plantations
TAs of press time, MGen said “all CEDC units and TPC unit are already synced to the grid.”
Mgen said it is closely coordinating with the Department of Energy, NGCP, and local authorities to support system stability and help meet the power needs of Cebu and the Visayas grid.
The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said there are 24 electric cooperatives (ECs) across 10 provinces in four regions that reported power interruptions caused by the earthquake.
It said that restoration efforts are ongoing for 844,428 affected consumer connections.
Meanwhile, the DOE, in coordination with the NGCP, power generation companies, and ECs, mobilized sector-wide efforts to immediately secure power supply to hospitals, water stations, and other lifeline facilities.
The DOE said that as of 9:00 a.m., significant progress has been reported in the Visayas, with 214 out of 309 affected towns (69.26 percent) already energized. The status across ECs, however, remains varied as 15 are operating normally; four are experiencing partial power interruptions and five continue to face total power interruptions. The DOE said restoration efforts are actively underway to bring electricity back to 844,428 consumer connections.
Meanwhile, Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines has suspended the market operations in the Visayas grid beginning 10:05 p.m. of September 30.
Arta wants to be another department
By Andrea San Juan @andreasanjuan
THE Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) hopes that the bill mandating its elevation to the Cabinet level would be certified as a priority measure by President Marcos, underscoring that once enacted, it would enable the agency to expand penalties and liabilities and grant the agency the power to arrest erring government personnel, among others.
In an interview on the sidelines of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippines and the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday held in Makati City, Arta Director General Ernesto V. Perez said
the agency has already submitted to the Office of the President the bill reorganizing Arta into the “Department of Anti-Red Tape” or DART.
“ Nag -submit na kami ng proposal this week tapos we also submitted to the Office of the President sa Ledac [Lagislatirve-Executive Advisory Council], hopefully this can be considered a priority bill... hopefully this can be passed also sa House of Representatives. May nakuha kaming support from the Congress,” Perez said. Among the proposed amendments to Republic Act 11032 also known as the Ease of Doing Business Law are: Elevating Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) into a Department; Expanding
the Powers and Functions of the Department; Authority to Arrest, Expanding Violations and Persons Liable; Criminal Liability for Private Individual Involved in Fixing, among others.
On top of the list of proposed amendments is for ARTA to be reorganized into the Department of Anti-Red Tape (DART) which “will now serve as the lead agency for streamlining government services and reducing bureaucratic red tape.”
According to the proposed amendments, to strengthen accountability, Arta’s scope of violations and persons liable should be expanded to include the following: failure to set up, create, and publish a Citizen’s Charter; Failure
Consultations,
By Bless Aubrey Ogerio
LACK of meaningful consultations with affected communities remains among the leading factors behind the challenges faced by families relocated under socialized housing programs, according to a recent report.
A study by the Philippine Resource Center for Inclusive Development (Inklusibo) urged government shelter agencies and private developers to have closer coordination with civil society organizations and local stakeholders to strengthen accountability and improve outcomes for low-income families. They highlighted the need to pair housing assistance with broader social protection measures, including fair income verification systems, affordability safeguards and integration with livelihood, education and employment programs.
to establish electronic business one-stop shops; and failure to comply with the Automatic Approval mechanism.
Under the bill, ARTA will also have the authority to arrest.
“Fixing activities may appear administrative or procedural on the surface, but they pose deep and often irreversible harm to public safety, public order, and the environment,” Arta noted.
“When a person obtains a driver’s license without undergoing mandatory training and assessment, they are unlawfully granted the authority to operate a motor vehicle, despite lacking the skill and judgment to ensure safety on the road,” the country’s anti-red tape watchdog noted.
affordability
“Without sustained assistance, these families risk falling into a cycle of displacement and deeper poverty,” Inklusibo said. “With the right intervention and a genuinely participatory approach that centers on the poor.”
The organization cited in-city, high-rise, and mixed-income housing models—such as the Tondominium project—as suitable for densely populated urban areas where land is scarce.
These designs, it said, allow families to remain close to their jobs and essential services while incorporating disasterresilient features and maintenance systems. According to the report, larger units are also more responsive to the needs of low-income families, which often have more members.
“As low-income families tend to be large, its 44-square-meter units are better suited to their needs than Vitas
By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE country’s raw sugar production could fall below two million metric tons (MMT) in the new crop year as torrential downpours and pest infestation battered plantations in Negros.
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) issued Sugar Order 1, where it indicated that raw sugar output in the crop year 2025-2026 could decline by nearly 8 percent to 1.92 MMT from the previous crop year’s 2.085 MMT.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona told the BusinessMirror that the projected outlook in the upcoming crop year, set to begin on October 1, stemmed from excessive rainfall in Negros, which accounts for over 60 percent of the country’s sugar production.
The agency noted that the initial forecast could further decrease owing to the potential impact of red-striped soft-scale insects (RSSI) infestation on yield.
“It’s an estimate based on the heavy rainfall experienced in the north of Negros, and [there] might be a small drop considering the presence of RSSI,” Azcona told this newspaper.
Under the SO 1, the raw sugar allocation for the new crop year would be classified as “B,” which means all sugar produced until September 30 next year will be sold for domestic consumption.
The SRA said the agency has been classifying sugar output as
“B” since 2022 because the country’s production is still below the requirement of the domestic market.
Azcona earlier said the agency’s latest findings showed that RSSI could slash the sugar content of infected canes in Negros by as much as 50 percent. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/09/17/insects-maycut-sugar-content-of-localcanes-by-half/)
While the impact of RSSI on sugar content was the easiest to monitor, he raised a caveat that the infestation’s impact could potentially trickle into the cane’s growth.
“In the North, they said canes that were infected at their early stage didn’t seem to grow. So, maybe there’s also an effect on tonnage,” Azcona said.
With the latest findings, the SRA chief noted that the agency now expects raw sugar output to fall by around 10 percent.
“We reduced [our forecast] a bit and then we’re leaving room plus or minus a few percentage points, give or take about 10 percent, just in case the infestation can’t be curbed,” he said.
“Our fear is that once the milling starts, the sugarcanes will be going around all over Negros. There’s a high chance that the infestation will affect more areas.” Azcona said the pest has infected around 6,600 hectares of sugar plantations nationwide as of midSeptember, with the infestation in Negros Island accounting for the lion’s share at 4,200 hectares.
ERC expedites proceedings to address backlog of cases
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will conduct summary proceedings for certain applications of power companies to address the backlog of cases.
Under Resolution 16, the Commission authorized the conduct of summary proceedings for applications involving authority to develop and own or operate dedicated point-to-point (P2P) limited transmission facilities, approval of capital expenditure (Capex) projects, confirmation of over or under recoveries, approval of power supply contracts, issuance of Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity, and business separation and unbundling plans.
However, the summary proceedings will only apply if the applications are uncontested.
For applications with intervenors, the ERC said all parties should agree to proceed with the conduct of summary proceeding.
“To achieve the policy of the
state of total electrification in the country and ensure the quality, reliability, and affordability of the supply of electric power, there is a need to expedite the processing and applications…filed before the ERC,” the agency said. The ERC resolution, which was promulgated on September 29, is in line with Rule 17 of the ERC’s Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure (RRPP), which allows the conduct of summary proceedings for cases pending before the Commission.
ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino C. Juan said this reflects the Commission’s drive toward faster and more efficient regulation in line with its vision of a “new ERC.”
“We will do everything we can to accelerate the resolution of applications filed before the ERC. Streamlining our processes is key to fulfilling our commitment to a more responsive and revitalized ERC,” Juan added. Lenie Lectura
issues emerge in Tondominium housing
Katuparan’s 28-square-meter units,” the group noted.
Mixed-income occupancy was likewise found to foster stronger support networks and expand economic opportunities for residents, though Inklusibo underscored that displaced and low-income families must remain the priority beneficiaries.
The group further gathered other recommendations from stakeholders, including mandatory initial inspections before turnover to address structural issues early and the creation of public spaces to promote social interaction.
About 45 percent of respondents said they supported the relocation, noting better safety, privacy, and sanitation. They also credited larger units, solid partitions, and security features such as guards and CCTVs for improved living conditions.
Cleaner surroundings and onsite administrators also helped deter trespassing, theft, and other crimes.
Participants reported better health outcomes, attributing these to improved ventilation and sanitation. Some also hoped that similar relocation opportunities would be extended to families still living in condemned Vitas Katuparan buildings. Meanwhile, 35 percent opposed the move
Relocating entire communities together, allowing families to live near one another, and providing responsive administrative support were also cited as key measures for ensuring smoother adjustment. Resident views SOME residents welcomed high-rise housing for accommodating more families, but many still preferred low-rise structures, citing earthquake safety and limited building lifespan.
October 2, 2025
US faces period of uncertainty as government shutdown begins
By Lisa Mascaro, Mary Clare Jalonick & Stephen Groves The Associated Press
WASHINGTON—Plunged into a government shutdown, the US is confronting a fresh cycle of uncertainty after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to strike an agreement to keep government programs and services running by Wednesday’s deadline. Roughly 750,000 federal workers are expected to be furloughed, some potentially fired by the Trump administration. Many offices will be shuttered, perhaps permanently, as Trump vows to “do things that are irreversible, that are bad” as retribution. His deportation agenda is expected to run full speed ahead, while education, environmental and other services sputter. The economic fallout is expected to ripple nationwide.
“We don’t want it to shut down,” Trump said at the White House before the midnight deadline.
But the president, who met privately with congressional leadership this week, appeared unable to negotiate any deal between Democrats and Republicans to prevent that outcome.
This is the third time Trump has presided over a federal funding lapse, the first since his return to the White House this year, in a remarkable record that underscores the polarizing divide over budget priorities and a political climate that rewards hardline positions rather than more traditional compromises.
Plenty of blame being thrown around THE Democrats picked this fight, which was unusual for the party that prefers to keep government running, but their voters are eager to challenge the president’s second-term agenda. Democrats are demanding funding for health care subsidies that are expiring for millions of people under the Affordable Care Act, spiking the costs of insurance premiums nationwide.
Republicans have refused to negotiate for now and have encouraged Trump to steer clear of any talks. After the White House meeting, the president posted a cartoonish fake video mocking the Democratic leadership that was widely viewed as unserious and racist.
What neither side has devised is an easy offramp to prevent what could become a protracted closure. The ramifications are certain to spread beyond the political arena, upending the lives of Americans who rely on the government for benefit payments, work contracts and the various services being thrown into turmoil.
“What the government spends money on is a demonstration of our country’s priorities,” said Rachel Snyderman, a former White House budget official who is the managing director of economic policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank in Washington. Shutdowns, she said, “only inflict economic cost, fear and confusion across the country.”
Economic fallout expected to ripple nationwide AN economic jolt could be felt in a matter of days. The government is expected Friday to produce its monthly jobs report, which may or may not be delivered.
While the financial markets have generally “shrugged” during past shutdowns, according to a Goldman Sachs analysis, this one could be different partly because there are no signs of broader negotiations. “There are also few good analogies to this week’s potential shutdown,” the analysis said.
Across the government, preparations have been underway. Trump’s Office of Management and Budget, headed by Russ Vought, directed agencies to execute plans for not just furloughs, as are typical during a federal funding lapse, but mass firings of federal workers. It’s part of the Trump administration’s mission, including its Department of Government Efficiency, to shrink the federal government.
What’s staying open and shutting down THE Medicare and Medicaid health care programs are expected to continue, though staffing shortages could mean delays for some services. The Pentagon would still function. And most employees will stay on the job at the Department of Homeland Security.
But Trump has warned that the administration could focus on programs that are important to Democrats, “cutting vast numbers of people out, cutting things that they like, cutting programs that they like.”
As agencies sort out which workers are essential, or not, Smithsonian museums are expected to stay open at least until Monday. A group of former national park superintendents urged the Trump administration to close the parks to visitors, arguing that poorly staffed parks in a shutdown are a danger to the public and put park resources at risk.
No easy exit as health care costs soar
AHEAD of Wednesday’s start of the fiscal year, House Republicans had approved a temporary funding bill, over opposition from Democrats, to keep government running into mid-November while broader negotiations continue.
But that bill has failed repeatedly in the Senate, including late Tuesday. It takes a 60-vote threshold for approval, which requires cooperation between the two parties. A Democratic bill also failed. With a 53-47 GOP majority, Democrats are leveraging their votes to demand negotiation. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said Republicans are happy to discuss the health care issue with Democrats—but not as part of talks to keep the government open. More votes are expected Wednesday.
The standoff is a political test for Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, who has drawn scorn from a restive base of left-flank voters pushing the party to hold firm in its demands for health care funding.
“Americans are hurting with higher costs,” Schumer said after the failed vote Tuesday.
House Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home nearly two weeks ago after having passed the GOP bill, blaming Democrats for the shutdown.
“They want to fight Trump,” Johnson said Tuesday on CNBC. “A lot of good people are going to be hurt because of this.”
Trump, during his meeting with the congressional leaders, expressed surprise at the scope of the rising costs of health care, but Democrats left with no path toward talks.
During Trump’s first term, the nation endured its longest-ever shutdown, 35 days, over his demands for funds Congress refused to provide to build his promised US-Mexico border wall.
In 2013, the government shut down for 16 days during the Obama presidency over GOP demands to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Other closures date back decades.
The Associated Press writers Matt Brown, Joey Cappelletti, Will Weissert, Fatima Hussein and other AP reporters nationwide contributed to this report.
A8 Thursday, October 2, 2025
The World
Israeli troops kill 31 Palestinians amid Arab concerns over Trump’s Gaza peace plan changes favoring Israel
By Samy Magdy & Melanie Lidman
The Associated Press
CAIRO—Qatar said Tuesday that further talks were needed over details of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan aimed at ending the nearly two-year war in Gaza, as Hamas weighed its reply. In Gaza, Israeli forces killed at least 36 Palestinians, local hospitals said.
The comments by Qatar, a key mediator, appeared to reflect Arab countries’ discontent over the text of the 20-point plan that the White House put out after Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced they had agreed on it Monday.
Three Arab officials told The Associated Press that changes had been made in the original proposal that Arab and Muslim countries had worked out with Trump— changes in favor of Israel. The officials, who came from regional powers involved in the talks, spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the behind-the-scenes diplomacy.
The depth of the Arab countries’ discontent was not clear, and they have continued to express broad support for the plan. But Qatar’s comments indicated they could seek further negotiation over some of its terms -- even as Trump told reporters
Tuesday that Hamas has “three or four days” to respond.
Arab mediators and Turkish officials are to meet with Hamas representatives Tuesday in Doha to discuss the plan, said Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari.
The plan requires Hamas to release hostages, leave power in Gaza and disarm in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners and an end to fighting. The plan guarantees the flow of humanitarian aid and promises reconstruction. But it sets no path to Palestinian statehood. For the foreseeable future, Gaza and its more than 2 million Palestinians would be under international governance through a so-called “Board of Peace,” headed by Trump and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Qatar says more discussion needed QATARI Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the 20 points announced by the US “are principles … that require detailed discussion and how to work through them.”
Speaking to the Qatar-based TV network Al Jazeera, he pointed to the issue of the Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, saying it “requires clarification.”
The plan’s text said Israeli troops would withdraw only as a planned international security force is able to replace them. It also indicated Israel would keep control of a band of territory around Gaza’s perimeter.
In a statement Monday night, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries backing the plan said they wanted to work out a final version that includes a “full Israeli withdrawal,” as well as a clear path to a Palestinian state that integrates the Gaza Strip and West Bank—something Netanyahu’s government fiercely opposes.
The Arab officials who spoke to the AP expressed frustration with the White House’s 20 points. “This is not what we agreed on,” said one. “This is the Netanyahu plan.”
Palestinians are skeptical MANY Palestinians in the decimated coastal enclave are wary of the proposal. To some, the international governance smacked of the colonial British Mandate that ruled Palestine from 1920 to 1948.
“They want to impose their own peace,” Umm Mohammed, a history teacher who sheltered with her family in Gaza City, said. “In fact, this is not a peace plan. It’s a surrender plan. It returns us to times of colonialism.”
Mahmoud Abu Baker, a displaced Palestinian from Rafah, said the proposal favors Israel and implements all its demands without giving concessions.
“(The proposal) tells that we, as Palestinians, as Arabs, are not qualified to rule ourselves and that they, the white people, will rule us,” he said.
Families of Israeli hostages see hope WITH the peace proposal, families of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas were torn between heightened hopes and a realism that past signs of progress have fallen apart. Hamas is thought to be holding 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed by Israel to be alive – and under the plan, they would be freed within 72 hours of both sides’ accepting the deal.
“For two years now, have been waiting for Elkana, my husband, in endless pain,” said Rivka Bohbot, wife of hostage Elkana Bohbot, in a statement released by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
“Now I demand that these impressive words be turned into even greater and more impressive actions—actions that bring the hostages home,” she said.
Israelis visiting a memorial for the music festival where 364 people were killed during the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023,
expressed skepticism.
“Everyone pins their hopes on (Trump),” said Amit Zander, whose daughter, Noa Zander, was killed at the festival. “It’s up to Hamas. Israel wants it, and beyond that, it’s no longer in our hands.”
More than 30 Palestinians killed IN the Gaza Strip, Israeli troops opened fire, killing 17 Palestinians and wounding 33 others while they were attempting to access humanitarian aid in central Gaza, according to nearby Al-Awda Hospital, where the casualties were taken. The Israeli military said troops fired when individuals approached their position “in a manner that endangered them.” Israeli strikes in central and southern Gaza killed 19 others, according to local hospitals.
One of the strikes hit a tent housing a family that had fled Gaza City earlier this month, killing seven people, including four women and a child. Another killed a man, his 7-months-pregnant wife and their young child, Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis said.
The Israeli military said in a statement that over the past 24 hours, its troops killed several armed militants and struck more than 160 targets of Hamas infrastructure, including weapons storage facilities and observation posts.
Hospitals overwhelmed as Palestinians flee Gaza City HOSPITALS in southern Gaza are gearing up for a flood of displaced wounded and sick Palestinians fleeing Gaza City in the face of Israel’s stepped-up offensive there. Already some 450,000 people have been displaced from the north since mid-August, according to the U.N., and hundreds of thousands are believed to remain in Gaza City, where a famine has been declared.
“We don’t have enough material. We don’t have enough medications. The number of people, particularly the people coming down from Gaza...is starting to overwhelm the facilities, which were already too full from before,” said Dr. Paul Ransom, an emergency doctor volunteering at UK-Med, a British aid charity which runs one of the main field hospitals in southern Gaza. He said over the past weeks, thousands of wounded arrived from the north, many with dirty open wounds because of long road journeys. Others showed severe signs of malnutrition, he said.
Lidman reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writer Sarah El Deeb in Beirut contributed to this report.
UN authorizes a much larger force to fight gangs in Haiti with new power to arrest gang members
By Edith M. Lederer The Associated Press
UNITED NATIONS—The UN Security Council voted Tuesday to authorize a much larger, 5,550-member international force with expanded powers to help stop escalating gang violence in Haiti.
The resolution, co-sponsored by the United States and Panama, will transform the current Kenya-led multinational force into a “Gang Suppression Force” with the power to arrest suspected gang members, which the current force does not have.
The vote was 12-0 with Russia, China and Pakistan abstaining.
US Ambassador Mike Waltz said the resolution’s adoption “offers Haiti hope.”
“It is a hope that has been rapidly slipping away as terrorist gangs expanded their territory, raped, pillaged, murdered and terrorized the Haitian population…(and) jeopardized the very existence of the Haitian state,” he said.
Gangs have grown in power since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. They now control
Tariff.
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consumer loans. Saxegaard said these loans have been rising and thus warrants close monitoring.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) earlier reported that consumer loans to residents—which include credit card, motor vehicle, and general-purpose salary loans—grew by 23.6 percent from 24 percent.
The data showed salary-based GeneralPurpose Consumption Loans grew 6.4 percent in July 2025, albeit at a slower pace compared to the 8.3 posted in June 2025.
“For private consumption, it’s more the consumer loans that have been growing quite fast in recent years that warrant monitoring. So we recognize it’s coming
through innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for national development,” Ibarra said.
The initiative forms part of PHLPost’s broader modernization
90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have expanded their activities, including looting, kidnapping, sexual assaults and rape, into the countryside. Haiti has not had a president since the assassination.
The US Embassy in Port-auPrince said the message from the Security Council is clear: “The era of impunity for those who seek to destabilize Haiti is over.”
Panama’s UN Ambassador Eloy Alfaro de Alba said the co-sponsors are convinced that “through this force, it will be possible to re-establish the security that is needed for political reconstruction and the holding of elections,” as well as reviving the economy and creating opportunities for the Haitian people.
But China’s UN Ambassador Fu Cong was highly critical of the resolution, which he said “risks ex-
from a low base, but nevertheless it’s something to watch,” Saxegaard said.
Apart from this, the IMF also flagged vulnerabilities in the real estate sector which is considered “quite important” for the Philippine economy.
Saxegaard noted that vacancy rates remain elevated in some segments of the real estate sector and the banking system’s exposure to the real estate sector remains sizable.
In the second quarter, the number of real estate loans rebounded to 2.7 percent from a decline of 4.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025. The BSP said this was driven by an 8.9-percent growth in loan availments in Areas Outside the National Capital Region, which more than offset the sharp 45.6-percent contraction in the NCR.
“The exposure of the banking system to the real estate sector is also an important
agenda, which includes digital transformation, improved delivery systems, and stronger employee engagement programs. By investing in leadership development, PHLPost seeks to reinforce its role as a vital service provider—connecting Filipinos through communication, commerce, and community service.
acerbating Haiti’s already complex and dire situation.”
He especially criticized the United States, which he said not only failed to provide promised funding to the Kenya-led force but also owes $800 million to the UN peacekeeping budget while demanding that other countries share the financial burden for the new Gang Suppression Force.
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Moscow abstained because the Security Council “is once again being thrust into a dangerous and poorly thought-out venture.” Previous UN resolutions have failed “to produce any sustainable results, and we have every reason to believe this new mission, under yet another grand title, will meet the same fate,” he said.
The first Kenyans arrived in Haiti in June 2024, and the force was supposed to have 2,500 troops, but it has been plagued by a lack of funding, and its current strength is below 1,000.
The seven-page resolution expresses appreciation to Kenya for leading the multinational force but reaffirms Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ finding in February that it hasn’t been able to keep pace with the dramatic expansion of the gangs and needs to be scaled up. The mandate for the current force expires on Thursday.
The resolution was adopted un -
part of their loan portfolio. With all of that, we do think that it’s important to monitor the potential risks from that segment in light of the high vacancy rates,” Saxegaard said.
Apart from these, Saxegaard said it was also important to monitor the interconnectedness of the financial system, particularly the “exposure of banks to the non-financial corporate sector.” She stressed that banks are linked to “complex conglomerate structures.”
In June, Moody’s Ratings said the ties between the country’s top conglomerates and the Philippine banking system is a “double-edged sword” that could lead to contagion risks. These ties, the report said, allowed conglomerates access to capital and banks are given corporate lending opportunities, strengthening banks, there are risks.
der Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which means it can be enforced militarily. It authorizes UN member nations to transition to a Gang Suppression Force, in cooperation with Haiti’s government, for an initial period of 12 months.
The new force is authorized to conduct independently or with the Haitian police “intelligence-led targeted, counter-gang operations to neutralize, isolate, and deter gangs that continue to threaten the civilian population, abuse human rights and undermine Haitian institutions.” It is also authorized to provide security for critical infrastructure, including the airport and ports, schools and hospitals, along with the Haitian police and armed forces, and to support Haitian efforts “to combat illicit trafficking and diversion of arms and related material.”
The resolution states that the force would consist of 5,500 uniformed personnel and 50 civilians who would be paid from voluntary contributions. Waltz, the US envoy, urged countries to contribute personnel and money. The resolution asks Guterres to establish a UN office to provide logistical and operational support to the new force.
Laurent Saint-Cyr, leader of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, cheered the vote on Tuesday.
Danica Coto contributed to this report from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
It showed in its study that only six families in control of major conglomerates are the same ones linked to the country’s largest banks. Moody’s Ratings estimated that Philippine banks are the major source of funding by conglomerates. Part of these funds is the local currency bond market that was valued at $23.4 billion at the end of 2024.
“If we look at the financial system in terms of the main linkages across different sectors, what really stands out is the exposure of banks to the non-financial corporate sector. Given those linkages, any risks in the non-financial corporates could feed into the banking system, so it’s again an important exposure that we advise the authorities to monitor and continuously assess potential risks because of this exposure,” Saxegaard said. Cai U. Ordinario and Erwin James T. Gianan
and 20 percent were undecided, pointing to gaps in post-relocation aid, strict building rules, inadequate closed-circuit television monitors (CCTV), unsafe playgrounds, and perceived earthquake risks. Others raised maintenance issues, including unit defects and persistent leaks.
“Water leaks from ceiling cracks caused
Almeria, Biliran, Cabucgayan, Caibiran, Culaba, Kawayan, Maripipi, and Naval in Biliran; Abuyog, Alangalang, Albuera, Babatngon, Barugo, Bato, City of Baybay, Burauen, Calubian, Capoocan, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan, Isabel, Jaro, Javier, Julita, Kananga, La Paz, Leyte, Macarthur, Matag-Ob, Matalom, Mayorga, Merida, Palo, Palompon, Pastrana, San Isidro, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Tabango, Tabontabon, Tanauan, Tolosa, Tunga, and Villaba, Leyte; Ormoc City and Tacloban City.
The earthquake was also strongly felt in areas as far as Albay, Negros Oriental, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Zamboanga del Norte, and Camiguin province.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center (NDRRMC) also reported three related incidents in Central Luzon, including a landslide, a structural fire, and the collapse of infrastructure. So far, 22 damaged infrastructures have
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However, S&P Global pointed out that order books with foreign clients continued to improve, signaling that the “downturn” was mainly centered on the domestic market.
As such, it said that reduced sales volumes led Filipino manufacturers to scale back production at the end of the third quarter, which ended a three-month sequence of expansion.
Meanwhile, David Owen, Senior Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, explained that the Philippines PMI survey data moving into negative territory at the end of the third quarter “has been highly unusual in the sector’s post-pandemic history.”
“New orders and output decreased slightly, as firms mentioned a fall in client numbers and a modest drop in production from the suspension of rice imports,” added Owen.
“However, with overall sentiment in the year-ahead remaining upbeat in September, and purchasing quantities increasing, manufacturers appear hopeful that the dip in sector performance is temporary,” he added.
Philippine economists pointed to Washington’s tariff policy as partly the culprit behind the country’s manufacturing sector entering into contraction mode.
Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) economist Leonardo A. Lanzona, Jr. said “this has to do with the poor performance in exports.”
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of Health (DOH), Interior and Local Government (DILG), Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Defense–Office of Civil Defense (DND–OCD), Education (DepEd), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Transportation–Philippine Coast Guard (DOTr–PCG), Agriculture (DA) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
Agencies may request for replenishment from the DBM once their QRF balance has reached at least 50 percent.
“Our prayers go to the families who lost their loved ones and to all who are enduring this tragedy. In moments like this, government aid must never be delayed,” Pangandaman said.
The budget secretary has also ordered the DBM and PS regional office in Cebu and nearby areas to immediately check on the safety of their personnel, submit situation reports and conduct structural inspections of DBM and PS buildings.
DBM’s regional offices in Central and Eastern Visayas were also instructed to coordinate with their regional counterparts from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) to identify requirements where DBM assistance may be extended.
by earthquakes are a prominent concern among those on higher floors. Some residents, commonly in corner units regardless of floor level, also experience water leaks from windows during strong rainstorms,” the report said.
Cracks on the roof deck were also reported but remain unaddressed despite a city ordinance mandating priority repairs in common areas.
Affordability, however, emerged as the most pressing concern. “Four households
been recorded, including one road section and five bridge sections.
The NDRRMC said eight cities and towns experienced power interruption.
At least 46 cities and towns in Central Visayas have already cancelled classes, while four cities and municipalities declared work suspension because of the earthquake.
President Marcos ordered concerned government agencies to deploy immediate aid and emergency funds in the areas in the island province.
Hours after the quake hit, Social Welfare Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian, Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque flew to the province to coordinate government support, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
Marcos also directed the Department of Health (DOH) to check the status of the personnel of the medical facilities, which are near the affected areas so they can assist the quake victims.
“Doctors, nurses, and staff of the DOH Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center [VSMMC] and the DOH Cebu South Medical
www.businessmirror.com.ph
“I think this has to do with the poor performance in exports. Manufacturing is significantly linked with exports. Hence, given the global headwinds, particularly with Trump’s unconventional policies, exports are down, bringing down manufacturing as well,” Lanzona told the B usiness M irror in a Viber message on Wednesday.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that export earnings growth slowed in August as outbound shipments only grew 4.6 percent to $7.06 billion in August from the $6.75 billion in the same period last year. It may be noted that after peaking at 26.9 percent in June 2025, export earnings slowed to 17.6 percent in July and posted single-digit growth in August.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the contraction in the Philippine manufacturing sector could be largely attributed to the weather-related disruptions, particularly the series of storms and flooding which he said reduced working days for some local manufacturers.
Ricafort added this could also partly be due to US President Donald Trump’s higher tariffs that could reduce demand for exports from other countries, trade wars, and other protectionist measures “that led to some wait-and-see attitude for some exports from the country and also exports in the global supply chains in terms of more cautious stance on their production and capacity.”
P100 M for Masbate MEANWHILE , the DBM also released P100 million in assistance for those affected by three consecutive typhoons that battered Masbate. The P100-million fund will cover food, shelter, medicines and supplies for families who lost their homes and livelihoods. The province was declared under a state of calamity, after more than 400,000 families or almost 1.6 million individuals from 2,615 barangays have been affected. Citing authorities’ reports, the DBM said damage to agriculture and infrastructure in the province is estimated at over P63 million, while more than 1,000 classrooms were damaged and are no longer usable by students.
“Following President Marcos’ instructions, we acted immediately to release the necessary funds. It is our duty to ensure that aid reaches families in need without delay,” Pangandaman said. Under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), the national government may extend support to local government units during calamities. Local governments may access the LGSF once their own disaster risk reduction and management funds are depleted, and if those remain inadequate, they may request additional funds from the NDRRM Fund.
were already evicted, and over half face eviction threats,” the report said.
Monthly rent is P2,000 for households earning below P13,000, and P3,000 for those earning more.
Launched in February 2022, Tondominium is among the Manila City government’s high-rise housing projects under Ordinance 8730, which allows vertical developments on governmentowned land for informal settler families.
The P1-billion project, built through the Manila Urban Settlements Office (MUSO),
Center [CSMC] have reported back on their safety. They are now deploying medical teams to nearby areas, especially in Bogo City itself,” PCO said.
PCO said the Department of the Interior and Local Government has also mobilized personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the National Police (PNP) to help search and rescue operations as well as to prevent looting and maintain order.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has P379 million in standby funds and has 2.4 million boxes of family food packs (FFPs) prepositioned nationwide which can be tapped to provide relief to the affected areas.
Of the food packs, 300,000 are spread all over Cebu and ready for immediate distribution, Gatchalian said.
For its part, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the agencies which are responding to the recent disaster may use their Quick Response Funds (QRF) to provide urgent relief and recovery initiatives.
consists of two 15-storey towers with 336 units for former residents of Vitas Katuparan, one of several condemned structures identified by the National Housing Authority in 2020. Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling earlier said the government is recalibrating its socialized housing strategy to include horizontal or subdivision-style projects. His predecessor, Jose Rizalino Acuzar, had pushed vertical housing to maximize land use but acknowledged its higher planning and construction demands.
The Department of Health (DOH) has deployed medical teams to Bogo City, Cebu following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Tuesday night.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said that the first batch of the emergency response team came from Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) in Cebu City. In addition, the DOH Cebu South Medical Center (CSMC) on Wednesday has also deployed medical teams not only in Bogo City but in nearby areas.
The DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs-regional offices) in Central and Eastern Visayas have reported back and are now coordinating with their regional counterparts of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Herbosa said. Meanwhile, the Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized its ambulances from Cebu, Bogo, and Masbate to assist those affected by the earthquake.
The PRC said that its volunteers continue to respond on the scene to provide essential medical care.
It noted that agencies may seek replenishment from the DBM once their QRF balance has been reduced to at least 50 percent.
Pneumonia now 4th leading cause of death in PHL, overtaking diabetes–PSA report
By Erwin James T. Gianan
NEUMONIA-RELATED
Pdeaths became the fourthbiggest cause of death for Filipinos last year, overtaking diabetes mellitus, according to the latest data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The report showed that the total deaths from January to December 2024 as of July this year totaled to 697,602, around 2,781 or 0.4 percent more than the 694,821 deaths recorded in 2023.
Deaths from pneumonia rose by 3,159 to 46,718 deaths in 2024, while diabetes-related deaths
slightly declined by 158 to 43,690.
Ischaemic heart diseases remained the leading cause of death in the Philippines last year with 133,373 deaths or about 19 percent of the total, which was 4,296 higher than reported in 2023 at 129,077.
This is followed by neoplasms at 76,971 deaths or 11 percent of the total, 2,987 higher than last year at 73,984, and cerebrovascular diseases at 68,345 deaths or 9.8 percent of all deaths, 1,457 less than that recorded in 2023.
In terms of deaths caused by unspecified, external causes in 2024 totaled to about 2 percent of all deaths at 14,028, up 544 from
₧125M farm-to-market roads labeled
A2023. This is followed by transport accidents at 13,724 deaths which also has a 2 percent share, which increased by 687 from the total in 2023.
Among the regions, Calabarzon had the highest number of deaths at 105,091, amounting to 15.1 percent of all deaths throughout 2024.
Cavite, meanwhile, recorded the highest number of deaths in a province at 26,835 or 3.8 percent of all deaths in the Philippines.
The National Capital Region or Metro Manila logged 83,930 deaths, increasing by 1.8 percent from the 82,410 reported in 2023. Within it, Quezon City had
House
‘ghost projects’ by DA T
T least nine farm-to-market roads (FMRs) worth P125 million were identified as ‘ghost’ projects by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the agency has submitted the initial audit report of FMRs to the Office of the President, where nine of the over 4,700 projects from 2021 to 2025 were considered ghost projects. He noted that seven of the FMRs were in Davao Occidental, while the remaining two were in Lanao del Sur.
“In our audit, those projects were not started, but in the Department of Public Works and Highways [DPWH] report, those projects were listed as completed,” De Mesa told reporters on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) in Pasay on Wednesday.
While these were a relatively small percentage of the FMR projects, the DA official said this remains crucial to the farmers who were meant to benefit from them.
“Even though the percentage of this was small, we still don’t want to have this kind of problem. These nine kilometers could have benefitted our farmers. Sayang ,” De Mesa said.
Earlier, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the audit of every FMR project
THE low-pressure area east of Southern Luzon has developed into a Tropical Depression and is now threatening to bring hazards in land areas and coastal waters in the region, the state weather bureau said. Paolo, the 16th weather disturbance to affect the country, is less likely to directly affect the weather conditions in the next 24 hours but it is expected to bring heavy rains on Friday, threatening Northern Luzon and portions of Central Luzon. According to the weather bureau, the eye of the storm was spotted 760 km East of Virac, Catanduanes, and is moving westward at 25 km/h.
It is packing maximum sustained winds of 45 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 55 km/h.
“Wind Signal No. 1 may be hoisted over the eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon as early as this afternoon or evening. The highest Wind Signal that will likely be hoisted throughout its passage is Wind Signal No. 3. However, since the possibility of reaching typhoon category before landfall is not
since 2021 amid the ongoing clamor on controversial flood control works.
The DA explained that even though FMR schemes are identified and validated by the agency, these road projects are commissioned, bid out, and constructed by the DPWH.
“We must make sure they are done properly, that taxpayers’ money were spent to provide farmers with market access and not squandered for farm - t o - p ocket projects,” Laurel said.
Given the 61,000 kilometers considered backlog or pending validation as of July, the DA chief called on lawmakers to pass legislation that mandates a priority list for FMR projects.
Such a move would veer away from the arbitrary selection of where to build those roads, often merely to satisfy parochial concerns.
He also recommended reviewing that priority list every three years to keep it aligned with agricultural needs.
However, the DA noted that funding remains a concern.
To stretch resources, Laurel proposed redesigning road dimensions, such as narrower roadways of 3 meters instead of 5 meters, with shoulders every 300 meters to facilitate traffic movement. This is expected to cut costs and build more roads faster.
ruled out, the worst case scenario is Wind Signal No. 4.,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. Tropical Cyclone Bulletin.
Risk of coastal flooding
“THERE is a potential risk of coastal flooding due to storm surge in low-lying coastal areas of Northern and Central Luzon due to the passage of Paolo,” PAGASA said. Paolo may also bring moderate to rough seas over the coastal waters of Northern and Central Luzon starting Friday. Paolo is forecast to move generally west-northwestward for the entire forecast period.
Paolo may make landfall over Isabela or northern Aurora on Friday morning or afternoon.
PAGASA said a further southward shift of the track is possible depending on the strength of the high-pressure area to the north of Paolo.
Paolo will continue to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach severe tropical storm or typhoon category by Friday morning. Jonathan L. Mayuga
the highest number of deaths at 18,357, almost 22 percent of all deaths within the region.
The data was obtained from ontime or late registered deaths submitted at city offices or Municipal Civil Registrars nationwide and forwarded to the Office of the Civil Registrar through the Provincial Statistical Offices for processing.
The report includes deaths of Filipinos whose usual residence is abroad, as well as deaths of foreign nationals that occurred within the country. However, deaths of Filipinos abroad are not included.
In January 2025, the Department of Health (DOH) Influenza-
like Illness (ILI) Surveillance System logged a total of 179,227 cases as of December 31, 2024, which is still 17 percent lower than the 216,786 cases logged in the previous year.
This decrease may be attributed to better health-seeking behaviors and practices and better preparations by the health sector. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2025/01/09/doh-allaysfears-on-respiratory-virussurge-in-china-says-no-causefor-alarm/)
ILI is characterized by coughs, colds, and fever. It is commonly due to respiratory viruses with
Rhinovirus (1,257/4,921 or 25.5 percent of positive samples), Enterovirus (1,140/4,921 or 23.2 percent), Influenza A (1,072/4,921 or 21.8 percent), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (560/4,921 or 11.4 percent), and Adenovirus (527/4,921 or 10.7 percent) being the top 5 causative agents of ILI in the Philippines. In the Philippines, hMPV is being tested as part of panel 2 (expanded panel) for specimens that test negative on panel 1 (for Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV) as part of the ILI and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) surveillance of the DOH.
approves reso seeking Senate OK to extend session for ₧6.793-T ‘26 budget
HE House of Representatives on Wednesday approved House Resolution 320, formally requesting the Senate’s consent to extend its plenary session until October 13, 2025, to pass the 2026 P6.793-trillion General Appropriations Bill (GAB).
The move seeks to provide lawmakers additional time to deliberate on and approve the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) on third and final reading.
“The leadership of the House of Representatives, representing both the majority and minority, have agreed to request the consent of the Senate for the extension of its session beyond the date indicated in the adopted Concurrent
Resolution on the Legislative Calendar.
There is a need to conduct one additional session day on October 13, 2025, to vote on the third and final reading of the General Appropriations Bill,” the resolution said.
“Following the expected approval of the GAB on second reading on October 10, 2025, members of the House of Representatives will require the constitutionally mandated period of three days to study and review the final version of the bill prior to nominal voting on the third and final reading, in accordance with the legislative process and to ensure informed and deliberate decision-making,” it added.
Under Section 26(2) of Article VI of
the Constitution, “No bill passed by either House shall become a law unless it has passed three readings on separate days and printed copies thereof in its final form had been distributed to its Members three days before its passage, except when the President certifies to the necessity of its immediate enactment.”
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III explained that the chamber needs more session days to ensure the passage of a “clean” budget before transmitting it to the Senate. He emphasized that budget legislation remains Congress’ top priority despite ongoing controversies surrounding alleged irregular projects and insertions. Originally, the House planned to
conclude plenary deliberations this week, with October 10 earmarked for the period of amendments to House Bill (HB) 4058, or the proposed 2026 GAB. The extension will allow the chamber to complete its work on agency budgets and finalize the measure before adjournment. The GAB will then be transmitted to the Senate, with a bicameral conference committee later convened to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions. Under the 1987 Constitution, failure by Congress to pass the budget before year-end would result in the automatic reenactment of the previous year’s appropriations. Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz
Marcos orders release of ₧100M for Masbate rehabilitation after ‘Opong’ devastation
OVER P100 million will be released by the national government to Masbate to help in the rehabilitation of the island province after it was devastated by Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” (international name: Bualoi) last week.
President Ferdinand Marcos made the announcement during his visit in Masbate City last Wednesday to lead in the distribution of government aid to the typhoon victims in the province.
“I already instructed the DBM [Department of Budget and Management] before I left Manila to download 100 million [pesos] to the LGSF (Local Government Support Fund) [of Masbate] so you can use it,” he told the provincial government of Masbate in Filipino in his speech during the distribution event.
He noted the provincial government of Masbate needed the financial support since the province is still recovering from the effects of Typhoon “Emong” (international
name: Co-may).
The national government, Marcos said, will continue to extend aid to Masbate to help in its recovery from the effects of Opong.
“Don’t worry, the government’s support will continue as long as you need it. Even if it takes us a little longer because you haven’t repaired your homes yet, we are already supporting you,” he told the beneficiaries in Filipino at the distribution event.
During the event, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed P10,000 each of the 600 families through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation, while the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provided P28million worth of cash-for-work assistance to 6,455 beneficiaries.
The local government of Masbate placed the province under a state of calamity after Opong killed three of its constituents and affected 57,113 others. Some parts of the Masbate also became isolated as the recent
weather disturbance left them without power and mobile phone signals.
Opong also destroyed over 800 classrooms in the province. Marcos said the repairs of the said classroom will take around a month to complete.
The local officials from the typhoonhit areas are currently seeking additional funding to help in the recovery of their respective localities.
Pressing concerns
AFTER attending a situation briefing from the provincial government of Masbate, Marcos said among the pressing concerns in the province was lack of access to cash in the affected communities due to lack of power in many of its banks as well as the significant damage to agriculture by Opong.
He said two operational branches of Land Bank of the Philippines will try to provide for the cash withdrawal needs in Masbate.
As for the typhoon-affected farmers, the President said they will be given financial
assistance, seedlings, as well as help in the processing of their crop insurance so they can continue planting crops.
During his visit to Masbate, Marcos helped in the distribution of family food packs from the DSWD and the hygiene kits from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
He said the Department of Health (DOH) also deployed medical teams to ensure the health of people in the affected communities.
Generator sets and satellite internet, the President said, were also sent to help restore power in hospitals and communications lines, respectively, in Masbate.
Marcos said DOH will release P3 million to help in the repairs of the Masbate Provincial Hospital in Masbate City, which was damaged by Opong.
As of September 30, a total of 339 patients have been admitted to the hospital which has 364 hospital personnel. Samuel P. Medenilla
PHL is among Asian is countries with high potential for mangrove action but…
THE Philippines, along with Indonesia and India, has the highest potential for decisive mangrove action in Asia, ranking 2nd next to Indonesia. However, in terms of financial capacity and investors’ confidence, it ranks below most Asian countries, falling 11th of 17th, a new regional report revealed.
The Regional Readiness Reports map regional trends, threats, as well as conservation and restoration potential, and show the far-reaching impacts of climate, biodiversity, and sustainable developments in nations with high mangrove cover.
Produced by the Global Mangrove Alliance and the Mangrove Breakthrough, the Regional Readiness Reports map regional trends, threats, as well as conservation and restoration potential, and show the far-reaching impacts for climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development in nations with high mangrove cover.
“These reports answer the critical question of where and how we can most effectively accelerate mangrove action,” said Irene Kingma, Wetlands International. “They point funders and decision-makers to opportunities and to places and partners ready to move.”
According to the Regional Readiness
Reports, Asia is home to the largest areas of mangroves in the world, totaling 58,236 km2 distributed across 18 countries: Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Singapore, Timor-Leste, Taiwan, the Maldives and Japan. This is around 40% of the 150,000 km2 of mangroves remaining globally in 2020, according to Global Mangrove Watch.
The report said the Philippines has 230.78 km of restorable mangrove area, second only to Indonesia with 2,032 km. India is 3rd with 179 km.
In terms of financial stability and investor confidence, the Philippines ranked 11th while India is 6th, and Indonesia, 9th.
Topping Asian countries with the highest financial investor confidence is Singapore, followed by Japan and Malaysia.
“Mangroves store up to four times more carbon than tropical rainforests, shield coastal communities from rising seas and storms, and provide vital habitat for over 340 threatened species. Yet, over 50% of their original extent has already been lost, and efforts to conserve and restore them remain severely underfunded,” the report revealed.
To close this gap, Mangrove Breakthrough partners are mobilizing $4 billion in public, private, and philanthropic finance to halt mangrove loss, restore half of degraded mangroves, and double their protection by 2030. These Regional Reports translate its Finance Roadmap into tangible, high-impact investment opportunities across the three critical regions.
“The Regional Readiness Reports are blueprints to help donors, financial institutions, governments and NGOs align their resources and commitments—advancing the Mangrove Breakthrough into its next phase, driving system-level change across target regions, and delivering tangible benefits for frontline coastal communities and ecosystems”, added Ignace Beguin, Director of the Mangrove Breakthrough.
The report noted that Asia is home to around 40% of the world’s remaining mangroves. With 3,927 km² of restorable mangroves, the region could deliver nearly half (47%) of the global Mangrove Breakthrough restoration target. Around 27% of mangroves in Asia are under some form of formal protection. Due to the globally significant mangrove area in Indonesia, doubling protection levels
there would realize more than half of the Mangrove Breakthrough’s regional goal. Across Asia, conversion of mangrove forests to shrimp aquaculture ponds and agricultural plantations is the largest driver of loss, and resolving land tenure is the most common barrier to effective action.
In the Philippines, mangroves are recognized as highly protected nature-based solutions to climate change, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) said. Several mechanisms aimed at the protection, preservation, and rehabilitation of Philippine mangrove systems were developed, including legislation and key documents.
Initial statistics reveal that the Philippines had 450,000 hectares of mangrove forests in 1920. By 1990, this decreased to 317,500 hectares, and in the most recent statistics, it decreased further to 311,400 hectares, the CCC said. Despite the significant reduction of mangrove forest coverage over the past century, the Philippines remains home to numerous mangrove sites, citing the Ramsar Sites in various parts of the country, which are recognized for their international importance. Jonathan L. Mayuga
TD Paolo threatens Southern Luzon
Agri damage from typhoons climbs to ₧2.5B
TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE agricultural damage caused by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon surged to more than P2.5 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday.
In its latest report, the DA noted that the losses incurred by 85,671 farmers and fishers have reached P2.51 billion, with the volume of production damage across 11 regions pegged at 186,253 metric tons (MT).
Rice bore the brunt of the damage caused by the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and typhoons Mirasol, Nando, and Opong at 134,901 MT.
High-value crops, corn, and cassava also sustained damage at 32,470 MT, 18,871 MT, and 10 MT, respectively.
The report said the value of production losses is P1.51 billion for rice, P705.12 million for highvalue crops, P278.14 million for corn, P8.12 million for livestock and poultry, and P260,000 for cassava.
Agriculture infrastructure
also sustained damages amounting to P4.72 million; irrigation facilities, P3.28 million; and machinery and equipment, P143,000.
The DA said 74,689 hectares of agricultural areas were affected by the storms and habagat. Of these, 66,967 hectares have a chance to recover.
The agency said it has allocated P766.42 million in agricultural inputs, including rice, corn, and vegetable seeds that would help those affected by typhoons. Drugs and biologics for livestock were also included.
The DA said it offers loans of up to P25,000 through the Survival and Recovery loan program from the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC). These loans come with a three-year repayment term, interest-free.
It also noted that an initial amount of P237 million for the in -
demnification of insured affected farmers would also be released through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC).
The DA recently said it continues to gather field reports from areas affected by severe
PHL imposes temporary ban on molasses imports
THE Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has slapped a temporary ban on molasses imports to stabilize domestic stocks and prop up millsite prices.
The SRA issued Molasses Order (MO) 1 following the surge in shipments of imported molasses and the spike in the local output of the raw sugar byproduct. Molasses imports for crop year 2024-2025 jumped to 853,285 metric tons (MT) as of end-August, 28 percent higher than the average annual shipments in the three previous crop years.
Local production of the sugar byproduct also rose by 21 percent to 1.18 million metric tons (MMT) in the reference period from 975,934 MT last year. This resulted in a domestic millsite stock
balance of 303,961 MT.
The SRA noted that the millsite price of domestic molasses also plunged by 30 percent yearon-year to P12,000 per MT as of August 24.
“Farmers, planters, sugar mills, and other stakeholders have expressed grave concerns on the issues of the stock balance of domestic molasses as well as the marked decrease in its millsite prices,” MO 1 read.
“There is, likewise, a concern on the apparent discrepancy between the volume of locally produced molasses used as feedstock by bioethanol producers and the corresponding volume of the products resulting therefrom.”
As such, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona told the Busi -
nessMirror that the agency needs to verify that the feedstock used for bioethanol was local.
Under the Biofuels Act of 2006 or Republic Act (RA) 9367, all liquid fuels for motors and engines sold in the country should be blended with locally-sourced biofuels components.
“There is thus a need to impose a moratorium on the importation of molasses, and to revisit and review the policies and practices on the same, if only to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship between the local production and the importation of molasses.”
The MO stipulated that the temporary ban on molasses imports will remain in effect until December 31, 2025 unless otherwise shortened or extended by the agency.
During the period of the ban, the SRA said it would not accept applications for import clearance of molasses.
However, all pending applications filed with the agency before the MO are deemed exempted. Imported shipments of molasses already in transit or covered by a purchase order as of the effectivity of the MO are also not included in the ban.
The SRA noted that imported molasses arriving in the country after November 30 would be covered by the MO and would not be issued import clearances.
Any violation of the provision under the order would be a ground for the revocation or non-renewal of the SRA registration of the molasses importer, it added. Ada Pelonia
‘NFA needs more funds for warehouses, rice purchase’
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
HE National Food Author -
Tity (NFA) is seeking about P3 billion in additional funds to rent private warehouses and buy more unmilled rice following the damage caused by recent typhoons.
NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said Malacañang is expected to issue an executive order “soon” that will authorize the release of the budget under emergency procurement.
“We already discussed this with the Department of Agriculture last week…it’s now in Malacañang. I think they’re polishing it…It’s not within the year. It’s the soonest possible time,” Lacson told reporters on Tuesday. He said NFA warehouses are already “almost full,” making it difficult to expand procurement without additional government support.
“Right now, to be honest, we don’t have funds for renting warehouses because the NFA as a [governmentowned or -controlled corporation]
relies only on rice sales to cover expenses. And our expenses are bigger than the money coming in.”
Lacson said the situation has been compounded by recent storms that left some NFA facilities with minor damage. In Masbate, one warehouse had its doors blown off, while several warehouses in Region 8 reported leaks.
The NFA compound in Occidental Mindoro was also flooded, although no significant stock losses were recorded.
He described these as “minor repairs,” but noted they added pressure to free up storage space for new procurement To address this, NFA has instructed its field officers to identify private warehouses in every region that can be rented.
In 2024, the agency reported 288 warehouses nationwide, 136 of which underwent repairs earlier this year.
Palay purchases WITH the new order, Lacson also said the NFA’s procurement of wet
season palay could rise by 8 percent, higher than the 5 percent it usually manages under regular conditions.
He noted, however, that the impact on traders’ prices will be limited—“probably in some areas” and only “spot by spot.”
Still, he said “at least with the additional 3 percent, more farmers will benefit than if there was no intervention.”
The mandate will also allow NFA to purchase storm-damaged palay, which farmers often cannot sell.
Lacson said, however, that the agency would still prefer to buy dry palay since the agency lacks drying facilities.
NFA currently buys dry palay at P23 per kilo and wet palay at P17 per kilo, although prices can change depending on market conditions.
He assured farmers that the agency will not buy palay at singledigit prices.
“That will not happen. The national government, the NFA in particular, will not do that. Because
we would like to really help our farmers that are in distress right now. Their situation is already very difficult. We will not buy at a single-digit price per kilo, definitely not.”
Floor price
LACSON added that there is also a “good chance” the executive order will include the establishment of a floor price for palay, in line with President Marcos’ directive to prevent traders from taking advantage of farmers during harvest season.
The floor price will be set per province to reflect differences in local costs.
“The DA has already directed its regional field offices to compute the local production cost. Because each province has a different production cost. So that’s the first step— to determine the production cost of every area. And then we can set, from that production cost, what would be the acceptable floor price so our farmers won’t incur losses.”
Nickel prices to rise on stable demand, weaker dollar–report
underpinned by expanding stainless steel output and the rise in electric vehicles (EVs), led by leading global consumer Mainland China.”
Meanwhile, BMI said nickel quotations could continue to face downward pressure beyond 2025, “seeing more moderate growth than previously anticipated due to
tropical storm Opong, which recently swept through key agricultural zones in central Philippines, including the islands of Mindoro and Masbate.
Last month, the agency revised downward its palay production
forecast for 2025 to 20.3 million metric tons (MMT).
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the revised forecast for paddy rice output in 2025 during a recent hearing on the agency’s budget at the House of Representatives.
“We revised our target from what we can see until the end of this year. We slightly lowered it to 20.3 MMT.”
The latest
MMT last year as El Niño ravaged plantations.
Because of the supply shortfall caused by the drought, the country’s rice imports reached an alltime high of 4.8 MMT last year.
Cocoa sinks to a 10-mo low as new season heralds supply boost
COCOA futures fell to a 10-month low in New York as the start of the crop year in Ivory Coast, the world’s top grower, brought the prospect of fresh supply.
The most-active contract fell as much as 4.5 percent to $6,682 a ton, the lowest intraday price since November 7 last year. The main-crop harvest officially starts October 1 and should help boost exports that have recently slumped.
The world’s cocoa crunch that sent prices skyrocketing last year is finally showing signs of a turnaround as better harvests and waning demand are expected to help replenish depleted global inventories this season. Futures of the chocolate-making ingredient have plunged 42 percent in 2025, making it one of the worst-performing commodities this year.
In neighboring Ghana, the world’s No. 2 producer, cocoa deliveries to warehouses last month more than quadrupled from a year earlier following an accelerated start to the season. The country’s regulator raised the amount it pays farmers for their beans by more than 4 percent for the current 2025-26 season.
The Ivorian government is also expected to announce an increase in its farmgate prices in an effort to discourage hoarding by farmers and curb the incentive to smuggle beans to other African markets where prices are higher.
Meanwhile, most-active arabica coffee futures gained as much as 2.3 percent in New York. The lack of deliverable stocks in New York is helping sustain prices, Jack Scoville, a vice president for Price Futures Group, said in a note to clients.
Farmgate prices
IVORY Coast may increase the farmgate price for the upcoming cocoa season, which starts October 1, above what neighboring Ghana is paying its growers to boost bean arrivals to warehouses.
the continued surge in Indonesian nickel production.”
In particular, the research firm lowered its projection for the average price of nickel in 2029 to $18,000 per MT, from its initial outlook of $21,500 per MT as the market remains oversupplied.
“Recent nickel smelter curtailments and suspensions outside Indonesia underscore the long-term nature of these market pressures.”
BMI also noted that Indonesia presents
The CCC is expected to announce the new price on Wednesday. If endorsed, the new rate in the world’s top producer of the chocolate-making ingredient would be roughly 23 percent above Ghana, the second-biggest producer globally, which increased farmers’ pay by 4.2 percent to 50.45 cedis ($4.07) per kilogram last month. Higher farmgate prices typically provide growers an incentive to hand over beans for processing and export. Over the last few years, as a back-to-back shortages sent New York futures to record highs, farmers in Ivory Coast and Ghana—where the market is tightly state-controlled—hoarded and smuggled beans to nearby nations in search of better remuneration.
The Ivorian regulator CCC estimates that the country will harvest 1.35 million tons in the new maincrop season that spans October to March, according to the people. That’s nearly level with the 1.4 million tons produced a year earlier, the people said asking not to be named because the information isn’t public.
A spokeswoman for the CCC declined to comment. Supplies from West African growers will continue to be closely monitored by traders. While a global surplus is expected in the 2025-26 season, the market remains tight and prices are well above historical levels.
The CCC estimates that between 100,000 and 150,000 tons of beans were smuggled out of Ivory Coast in the 2024-25 season, the people said.
Ivorian authorities took into account the current state of the cocoa industry and the price being paid in Ghana before fixing the new amount, the people added. Bloomberg News
Industry regulator Le Conseil Cafe-Cacao has proposed raising the producer price to 2,800 CFA francs ($5) per kilogram, up from 2,200 CFA francs currently, according to people familiar with the plans. The final decision would be made by President Alassane Ouattara, the people said.
the
“greatest source of uncertainty” for the refined nickel market in the longer term.
“Ultimately, the pace at which the country is able to ramp up refined nickel production capacity will determine how well supplied the global market is in the coming decade,” the BMI said.
“Simultaneously, evolving battery chemistries introduce another layer of uncertainty, potentially reshaping nickel demand patterns in the clean energy sector.” Ada Pelonia
PEOPLE watch as strong waves batter Basco, Batanes province, northern Philippines as Typhoon Nando (international name Ragasa) affects the area on Monday, September 22, 2025. AP/JUSTINE MARK PILLIE FAJARDO
Court grants DOJ’s motion to withdraw MR on De Lima’s acquittal in drug case
TBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573
HE Regional Trial Court
(RTC) of Muntinlupa City
has granted the plea of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to withdraw the motion for reconsideration that was filed by its prosecutors in connection with the acquittal of former Senator and now Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima in the conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading charges filed against her.
In a two-page order, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 Presiding Judge Abraham Alcantara said with the withdrawal of the motion for reconsiderations, the last remaining drug case filed against De Lima by the Duterte administration is now deemed “closed and terminated.”
“Considering that this case already involves an acquittal, the Court shall exercise sound discretion and allow withdrawal of the prosecution’s motion for reconsideration,” Judge Alcantara said.
“Indeed, the directive of the Honorable Prosecutor General upon the panel of the prosecutors to withdraw the motion is impressed with merit,” he added. De Lima was acquitted by the Muntinlupa RTC last May 12, 2023 but this decision was declared null and void by the Court of Appeals (CA) in a ruling issued last May.
The CA held that Alcantara committed grave abuse of discretion when it acquitted De Lima and his former bodyguard Ronnie Dayan mainly due the recantation of the prosecution’s principal witness, former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos.
It ruled that Alcantara violated the Constitution and the Rules of Court which mandates “transparency and reasonableness of the decision making-process.”
The CA said the judge failed to state the specific facts retracted by Ragos and its effects to the facts proven by the prosecution
and failed to identify the specific factual statements that were purportedly retracted by the witness.
Thus, the CA ordered that the case be remanded to the trial court for it to decide the case in accordance with the rules stated in the decision.
Acting on the CA’s directive, the trial court issued another ruling last June 27, 2025 which maintained its May 12, 2023 decision in favor of De Lima and Dayan.
This prompted the prosecution panel led by Provincial Prosecutor Ramoncito Bienvenido Ocampo to file an MR seeking the reversal of the trial court’s June 27 decision.
The panel insisted that despite the recantation of Ragos, there are other pieces of evidence which are sufficient to prove de Lima’s guilt.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, however, ordered the withdrawal of the motion on the ground of double jeopardy.
Double jeopardy is a legal principle that an accused cannot be tried twice for the same offense based on the same conduct.
Its purpose is to protect the accused from harassment, oppression, and abuse of power by the state.
De Lima earlier accused the DOJ prosecution panel of having a political agenda in pursuing the drug charges despite her acquittal.
Alcantara also stressed that granting the motion for reconsideration of the prosecutors would be tantamount to violation of the double jeopardy rule.
“To reiterate and emphasize, every acquittal becomes final and immediately upon promulgation and cannot be recalled for correction or amendment,” Alcantara said.
“With the acquittal being immediately final, granting the State’s motion for reconsideration in this case would violate the Constitutional prohibition against double jeopardy because it would effectively reopen the prosecution and subject the accused to a second jeopardy despite their acquittal,” he added.
DMW: All 12 Pinoy crew members are safe after cargo ship attack, set to return home
ALL of the 12 Filipino crew of the Dutchflagged cargo ship, MV Minervagracht, which was damaged by an unidentified explosive device, are safe, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
In a brief social media post last Wednesday, DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac confirmed the status of the Filipino sailors after coordinating with their ship operator, employer, manning agency, and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
“Two were injured and are undergoing medical treatment,” he said.
In a separate statement, he said one of the injured sailor has minor injuries and another with serious but non-lifethreatening injuries.
He clarified that only the 10 crew members, including those with minor injuries, are expected to return home soon.
The DMW, in close coordination with the DFA and the shipowners, are now working for the safe transfer and repatriation of the 10 sailors.
“So far, the families, of course, want them home,” Cacdac said.
Last Tuesday, it was report-
Vacant Ombudsman post: De Lima calls for Marcos to act amid corruption probe
By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie
WITH the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) expected to issue multiple complaints and recommendations, a lawmaker has called on the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fast-track the appointment of the next Ombudsman, a post left vacant since the retirement of Samuel Martires in July.
House Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist Rep. Leila M. De Lima issued the call following the recommendation of the ICI to the
Ombudsman for the filing of criminal and administrative charges against former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co and 17 others over the alleged P290-million flood control project anomaly in Oriental Mindoro.
“In light of massive issues of corruption our country faces today, there is an urgent need for the appointment of the regular Ombudsman, as the agency will certainly receive many complaints and recommendations from the ICI,” De Lima said.
“Given the widespread collusion and the number of lawmakers and government officials implicated in these anomalous flood control projects, the Office of the Ombuds -
man needs a regular appointee who can fully focus on the growing number of cases,” she added.
ed that the Minervagracht was set on fire after it was attacked with an explosive by suspected Houthi rebels.
The European Union maritime mission Aspides rescued the crew of the Dutch-flagged ship before they were transported to Djibouti.
Aside from Filipinos, the multinational crew of MV Minervagracht, includes Russian, Ukrainian, and Sri Lankan nationals, were moved to secure location after their rescue.
DMW earlier assured it will provide medical aid, repatriation, counseling, and legal aid to the affected Filipino sailors.
It also said it will enhance the protection and welfare of Filipino seafarers on board ships, which are passing through dangerous waters such as the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.
The agency also imposed stricter measures for shipowners and manning agencies, which have sea vessels with Filipino sailors passing through said area.
This after Houthi rebels attacked the ships Magic Seas and Eternity C, which have Filipino crew members. Samuel P. Medenilla
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday announced that the cancellation of the registration of the Duterte Youth party-list is now final and executory.
This follows the group’s failure to secure a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court to stop the poll body from implementing its ruling.
257 classrooms
By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3
ATOTAL of 257 classrooms were damaged following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu on Tuesday night, an official of the Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday reported.
DepEd Chief Media Relations Officer
Dennis E. Legaspi said that 197 classrooms sustained minor damage, 26 classrooms with major damage, 34 classrooms totally damaged.
There were also 6 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene or WASH facilities were damaged.
“No injuries among learners have been reported as of this time,” Legaspi said.
Based on the Situation Report of DepEd
Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Services - Incident Management Reporting System (DRRMS- IMRS) the earthquake was projected to affect more than 16,000 schools across 73 school divisions of DepEd in varying intensities.
The DRRMS -IMRS has so far received 54 initial reports related to the incident, covering 2,220 learners and 97 teaching and non-teaching personnel.
Reported damages to classrooms, subject to validation, covers 11 Schools Division Office: Canlaon City, Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Iloilo, Bohol, Carcar City, Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City, Toledo City, Bonogan City.
Negros Occidental
CLASSES and work in majority of the local government units in the province of Negros Occidental were suspended following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on Tuesday night.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) announced that classes were suspend in the cities of:
1. Escalante
2. Victorias
3. Sagay
4.Himamaylan
5.Bago
6. Binalbagan
7. Kabankalan
8. Sipalay
Classes were also suspended in the municipalities of:
1. Pulupandan
2. Isabela
3. Pontevedra
4.Calatrava
“As the country’s Tanodbayan, the Ombudsman should champion the government’s anti-corruption efforts. It must be swift, serious, and fair in filing solid cases against erring public officials who plunder the nation’s wealth,” De Lima said.
“The appointment of a new Ombudsman should no longer be delayed. It is crucial to ensure accountability, advance pending cases, and deliver long-overdue justice to the Filipino people,” she said.
During the House plenary deliberations on the proposed 2026 budget of the Office of the Ombudsman on September 24, De Lima stressed the need for the agency to act promptly, be more transparent, and be more receptive to complaints of graft and corruption. “As the ICI investigation progresses, it is expected to recommend additional complaints to the Office of the Ombudsman. With other corruption cases, this will certainly keep their office busy—underscoring the urgent need for an ombudsman to lead the process,” the lawmaker reiterated. De Lima also pressed the Office of the Ombudsman to address the unnecessary and unfortunate dismissal of cases due to inordinate delays in fulfilling its mandate under the Constitution.
Duterte Youth’s cancellation now final—Comelec
In its statement, the Comelec reiterated that the commission’s Second Division earlier declared Duterte Youth’s registration void ab initio for failing to comply with publication and hearing requirements.
“With the issuance of the Certificate of Finality and Entry of Judgment, the Order of the Commission En Banc as to the cancellation of the party-list registration of Duterte Youth is now declared immediately executory,” the Comelec said.
The poll body also cited other grounds for cancellation, including untruthful statements in the group’s petition, questions on the eligibility of its nominees, and the lack of genuine intent to represent the youth sector. It further noted that Duterte Youth was linked to the National Youth Commission, had promoted unlawful means to advance its objectives, violated election laws and regulations, and filed its petition in a man -
ner that placed the electoral process in disrepute.
Duterte Youth garnered 2.33 million votes in the May 2025 midterm elections—the second-highest among party-list groups—which would have entitled it to three seats in the House of Representatives had its registration not been canceled.
The poll body said it would proclaim the three new holders of the vacated seats on Thursday afternoon.
damaged in 6.9 magnitude quake in Bogo City
5. Castellana
6. Manapla
7. Magalona
8. Murcia
9. Toboso
10. Moises Padilla
11.San Enrique
Work was also suspended in:
1.EB Magalona
2. Himamaylan
3. Bago
4. Binalbagan
5. Victorias
6. Isabela
7. Silay
8. Pontevedra
9. Provincial Government of Negros Occidental
Following the earthquake hit Bogo City, Cebu at 9:59 p.m.on Tuesday night, PDRRMC reported that tremors were also felt in the following areas:
Intensity VI
Murcia
Manapla
Intensity V
Bacolod City
San Carlos City
Toboso
Moises Padilla
Hinigaran
Calatrava
Himamaylan City
Talisay City
Intensity IV
Cadiz City
Bago City
Ilog
Kabankalan City
La Castellana
Cauayan
Pontevedra
Some portion of Binalbagan
Intensity I
Sipalay City
Hinobaan
To support families and learners in disasterhit areas, the Department of Education (DepEd) is mobilizing immediate assistance to schools and communities, including the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Bogo, Cebu, and Typhoon Nando and Opong.
DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service reported around 250 classrooms sustained varying degree of
damages following the earthquake that hit Northern Cebu on Tuesday night.
Based on its Situation Report as of October 1, 9 a.m., the earthquake damages were recorded in Region 6, 7, 8 and Negros Island Region (NIR), and affected around 2,200 learners and 90 personnel.
In Masbate City, the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., together with Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, and other government officials, distributed various aid to affected families, local government units, and other beneficiaries during his visit to the Nursery Elementary School in Masbate City on Wednesday (October 1).
These include the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) of P10,000 each for 600 families, and two checks totaling over P34.8 million from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region V to the Provincial Government of Masbate for Livelihood Assistance and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) for 6,455 beneficiaries in 11 municipalities.
In Gonzaga, Cagayan, the President also personally delivered aid to farmers and families affected by Typhoon Nando in Cagayan, alongside a visit to Alfonso Ponce Enrile Hospital to ensure the implementation of Zero Balance Billing.
DepEd also joined the PhilHealth YAKAP Caravan at Santa Ana Fishery National High School, providing medical services, and food packs and learner kits to teachers, students, and parents.
Angara, who also visited affected schools in Cagayan and La Union, stressed the importance of preparing schools and communities to withstand disasters.
“Tungkulin natin na mabilis na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan,lalonaatsunodsunodangpananalasa ng mga kalamidad. Kailangan mapaigting natin ang koordinasyon ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno upang maibalik ang ligtas at normalnaklasesalalongmadalingpanahon,” Angara said.
For Typhoon Opong, DepEd recorded about 1,101 classrooms with minor damage and 312 totally damaged, affecting some 13 million learners nationwide.
In a radio interview, Undersecretary for Operations Malcolm Garma said affected schools are ready to roll out learning recovery measures as soon as conditions allow.
He also called on education stakeholders to work with DepEd in its mission to immediately restore normalcy in school communities.
“Sa parte po ng DepEd, we are making sure na yung lost days for learning ay marecapture naming o ma-recover namin. But for structures, again, we are also appealing to our counterparts in DPWH and of course the Local Government Units kung paano po natin tutugunan,” Usec. Garma said. To strengthen resilience in the long term, DepEd is rolling out programs such as the PlanSmart for Safe Schools Application, the Pillar 1 Guidebook on Comprehensive School Safety, the M7X Project for multihazard preparedness, and Upgraded Temporary Learning Spaces (UTLS), designed to ensure uninterrupted education during emergencies.
DepEd assured that recovery plans include the provision of temporary learning spaces, support for affected learners and teachers, and closer coordination with national and local partners to fast-track school rehabilitation.
AFP monitoring effects of Cebu magnitude 6.9 earthquake THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said is closely monitoring the situation following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck off the coast of Cebu Tuesday night.
This as search and rescue operations are now ongoing in affected areas in Cebu, with AFP units working in coordination with local authorities and first responders, military spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said.
To augment these efforts, almost 1,600 teams composed of active military personnel, CAFGU Active Auxiliary members, and reservists are on standby for immediate deployment, she added.
“The AFP has likewise placed its land, air, and sea assets on standby to support humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations as needed,” Padilla pointed out. Also, Padilla said the AFP defers to the Office of Civil Defense/National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council as the lead agency for the official release of information regarding casualties and damage.
“The AFP assures the public of our full commitment to support interagency response operations and to work with other government agencies in ensuring the safety and welfare of our people. We call on everyone to remain vigilant, follow official advisories, and cooperate with authorities during this time,” Padilla noted. With Rex Anthony Naval
Low-hanging fruit: Revitalizing PHL’s MICE industry
SEVEN years after the launch of the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions Roadmap 2030, the Philippines’ performance in attracting international MICE delegates remains shockingly low. Senator Loren Legarda’s incredulous reaction to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) budget presentation, where it was revealed that a mere one percent of tourist arrivals are for conventions and conferences, underscores the gravity of the situation. With only 60,000 MICE delegates out of nearly six million international travelers in 2024, it’s clear the country is missing out on a significant economic opportunity. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “MICE tourism stuck at 1 percent of arrivals, still no action plan,” September 29, 2025).
The Tourism Promotions Board acknowledges the need for improvement, citing safety and security concerns as major challenges. While these are legitimate issues, they are not insurmountable, nor are they solely the responsibility of the DOT and TPB to solve. As Senator Legarda pointed out, MICE is a “low-hanging fruit”—an area where the Philippines should be excelling.
The lack of comprehensive data on MICE arrivals, particularly prepandemic, is a major impediment. The TPB’s admission that gathering this data is a priority for next year is concerning, given that the MICE Roadmap 2030 was launched in 2018. Without a clear baseline, it’s impossible to effectively measure progress and identify areas for improvement.
Even more troubling is the revelation that the DOT has yet to finalize a Strategic Action Plan for the MICE Roadmap 2030. Industry sources claim that they have not been presented with any concrete plans, and that the DOT has only launched a MICE slogan. This lack of action is unacceptable and suggests a lack of commitment to developing the MICE industry. Compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors, the Philippines lags far behind. Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia all attract significantly more MICE delegates. While the TPB points to Malaysia’s landlocked status as a factor in its success, Singapore’s dominance in the region demonstrates that strategic planning, infrastructure, and effective marketing are key to attracting MICE events.
The Philippines has the potential to be a major MICE destination. With its beautiful scenery, warm hospitality, and strategic location, the country has much to offer. MICE delegates spend a considerable amount of money and tend to stay longer, making them valuable tourists. To unlock this potential, the DOT and TPB must prioritize the development of a comprehensive and actionable MICE strategy. This includes addressing safety and security concerns, gathering comprehensive data, finalizing the Strategic Action Plan, and working closely with industry stakeholders.
The MICE industry holds immense potential for economic growth and job creation. With a daily expenditure of P6,000 per delegate and an average stay of 11 days, MICE tourists contribute significantly to local economies. We can develop our MICE industry by shifting from mere slogans to effective stewardship. This involves gathering reliable data, creating actionable plans, fostering collaboration across government, and empowering the industry to compete. If the next seven years repeat the past, the country risks missing out on a straightforward opportunity for higher-value tourism. However, if we take action now, the Philippines can still harvest the “low-hanging fruit” outlined in its own roadmap.
BusinessMirror
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T. Anthony C. Cabangon Lourdes M. Fernandez
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Lorenzo M. Lomibao Jr., Gerard S. Ramos Lyn B. Resurreccion, Dennis D. Estopace Angel R. Calso, Dionisio L. Pelayo Ruben M. Cruz Jr.
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D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa Rolando M. Manangan BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd floor of Dominga Building III 2113 Chino Roces Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Makati City, Philippines. Tel. Nos. (Editorial) 817-9467; 813-0725. Fax line: 813-7025. (Advertising Sales) 893-2019; 817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.businessmirror.com.ph
Crude oil’s death; greatly exaggerated
IJohn Mangun
OUTSIDE THE BOX
F one were to believe the petroleum prophets of doom, the world should have run dry of oil somewhere between bell-bottoms and the Bee Gees.
In 1939, the US Department of the Interior declared that oil was limited, which was about as revelatory as saying the sun eventually sets. President Jimmy Carter warned in 1977: “The oil and natural gas we rely on for 75 percent of our energy are running out. We can use up all proven reserves of oil in the whole world by the end of the next decade.”
Yet here we are in 2025: oil still flows, and prices hover around US$80 per barrel—hardly the death rattle of a vanishing commodity.
The International Energy Agency, however, offers less comfort. To keep production steady through 2050, the world must spend around US$540 billion every year. Decline rates in existing fields are steepening, particularly as dependence on US shale grows. Shale wells gush quickly but fade fast. As Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive director, put it: the industry has to “run much faster just to stand still.”
The IEA reported that global upstream oil and gas investment reached US$528 billion in 2023, up
from US$474 billion the year before. But half that increase vanished into cost inflation, not new supply. More revealing still: less than half of industry cash flow is plowed back into drilling. The rest is lavished on dividends, buybacks, or debt reduction. Apparently, buybacks are sexier than barrels.
This is why cheap oil never lasts. When prices dip, producers shelve projects and idle rigs. Supply contracts, and the inevitable rebound follows. Traders have long joked that the only cure for low oil prices is low oil prices. It is one of the few clichés that happens to be true.
The IEA’s latest analysis puts hard numbers to this cycle and underscores the danger. Without steady investment, global supply would shrink by over 5 million barrels per day every year—the equivalent of Brazil and Norway combined. Declines are now about 40 percent faster than in 2010. Unless demand shifts away from fossil fuels, companies will have to develop reserves that are not even discovered yet. Some analysts already warn that by next
The real weakness of the “end of oil” narrative is not its optimism but its complacency. Oil is not ending because the planet is dry. It may end because the money stops flowing. For the Philippines, failing to see that distinction could be the costliest mistake of all.
year, non-Opec growth will flatten for more than a year. In short, coasting is not an option.
Oil’s capital intensity has always been both curse and strength. For decades, the industry thrived on heavy upfront spending, a commitment most other sectors could not match. But today the tables have turned. Tech giants are now more capex-hungry than oil drillers, leaving the question: in a world drowning in investment needs, who will provide half a trillion dollars annually for oil—especially if a recession tightens global credit?
Nowhere is this uncertainty more consequential than in the Philippines, a nation that produces barely 1 percent of the oil it consumes yet relies on petroleum for nearly 50 percent of its energy. Over 90 percent of crude and refined products come from abroad, while transportation alone burns nearly half of all petroleum. Gasoline and diesel imports account for the overwhelming majority of consumption. When crude spiked past US$120 in 2022, pump prices blasted beyond P70 per liter, straining household budgets and stoking inflation. Renewables
are expanding, and the Philippine Energy Plan envisions 35 percent clean power by 2030. But even that blueprint admits oil will dominate transport for years to come. Solar panels will not fly airplanes or fuel inter-island ferries.
The irony is unmistakable. Western institutions keep seeking oil’s epitaph, even as they concede demand has not peaked. Clean energy spending is surging, but oil’s nearterm role is entrenched — especially where infrastructure, affordability, and energy density still tilt toward hydrocarbons. For the Philippines, this reality collides with financial and geopolitical forces far beyond its control. The less global producers invest, the more Filipino consumers are left exposed to the next round of price shocks.
What lies ahead is not an oil apocalypse, but a long and uneven path where geology, capital flows, and political will collide. If investment keeps pace, prices may stabilize, and obituary writers will once again look premature. If underinvestment continues, the next shortage will not whisper. It will roar.
The real weakness of the “end of oil” narrative is not its optimism but its complacency. Oil is not ending because the planet is dry. It may end because the money stops flowing. For the Philippines, failing to see that distinction could be the costliest mistake of all.
E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.
China’s green plan leaves investors wanting more
By Ishika Mookerjee & Tim Quinson
INVESTORS are keenly awaiting more details about China’s energytransition plans for the next decade, after President Xi Jinping announced high-level targets last week at a United Nations meeting.
While China wants to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 7 percent to 10 percent from a peak through 2035, further information about the timeline and implementation for various clean-tech sectors and green-financing incentives is needed, Frank Tsui, head of responsible-investment development for Asia ex-Japan at Amundi SA, said in an interview.
“I would definitely love to see more details on how the capacity buildout is going to be implemented” and “how local governments are coordinating all these efforts,” Tsui said. “This will help to understand
the pathway—if it’s a doable goal or whether it’s achievable numbers.”
A week ago, China outlined its first-ever proposed cuts to emissions ahead of the UN’s November climate-change conference, aiming to have 3,600 gigawatts of wind and solar power installed by 2035. The targets are seen as conservative, barely moving clean-energy stocks that trade in China. Further specifics are expected when the country files its updated Nationally Determined Contributions document to the UN and when various government agencies issue follow-up announcements.
China remained the largest market for new renewables investments in the first half of the year, with $169 billion pumped into the industry, accounting for 44 percent of global financing, according to BloombergNEF.
For instance, while the wind and solar target represents a sixfold increase from China’s 2020 levels, the pace of additions would be considerably lower than in recent years.
China’s solar industry won’t likely see “a substantial price recovery and profitability turnaround along the value chain in the medium term amid the lackluster demand globally,” Morgan Stanley strategists wrote in a note. Morgan Stanley expects new wind-power installations to outpace solar in the next decade due
to a better return profile, “thanks to the more favorable power curve and tariff outlook post policy reform,” the analysts wrote. Sinoma Science & Technology Co. and Jiangsu Zhongtian Technology Co. are Morgan Stanley’s preferred choices in the sector.
China remained the largest market for new renewables investments in the first half of the year, with $169 billion pumped into the industry, accounting for 44 percent of global financing, according to BloombergNEF.
Earlier this month, China announced plans to more than double energy-storage capacity in the next two years. Similar targets for the rest of the clean-tech supply chain, including grid infrastructure, may provide further investment opportunities, Tsui said. With assistance from Lisa Pham/Bloomberg
UK’s Starmer buys time by punching back against Farage
By Alex Wickham & Ellen Milligan
AWEEK ago Keir Starmer was battling for his future. After the retreat of his main Labour rival and his decision to take the gloves off against populist rival Nigel Farage, the UK prime minister has shored up his standing.
His party’s annual conference in Liverpool had threatened to be a pressure cooker of discontent with the embattled premier. Instead, a barnstorming speech left his internal rivals humbled and the party unified behind him—or now. Government ministers, members of Parliament and delegates who spoke to Bloomberg News rated Starmer as being in a more comfortable place than he started going into a gathering of party faithful. While the danger to the premier is by no means gone—he faces a nightmarish budget in November, and tricky local elections in May next year—he managed to quiet speculation about his position.
In his keynote address on Tuesday, Starmer used a rhetoric-heavy if policy-light speech to appeal to working-class Britons to stick with Labour against the temptations posed by critics to right and left. He embraced progressive patriotism and questioned the allegiances of Farage’s poll-topping Reform UK.
“When was the last time that you heard Nigel Farage say anything positive about Britain’s future? He can’t; he doesn’t like Britain, he doesn’t believe in Britain,” the prime minister said.
Going into the event, Starmer had faced criticism from within his party that he lacked a clear strategy and was struggling to articulate the achievements—and even the purpose—of his administration. Last week, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham used a series of media interviews to vie for the premier’s job, but after failing to win much backing in Liverpool he put his tilt for the leadership at least temporarily on hold.
Starmer is lucky in his enemies, a cabinet minister told Bloomberg, arguing that the lack of organized alternative meant the premier was unlikely to face a credible challenge any time soon. A usually critical lawmaker said next May’s elections would be the moment of maximum danger for the premier, but that he had bought himself at least some time.
In preparation for his conference speech, Starmer and his team spent a lot of time over summer recess rethinking how to define his premiership and the message he wants to deliver, particularly when it comes to the threat of Reform, one person familiar with those discussions said. They concluded he had to dig deeper to persuade the voters who’ve soured against him over the past 15 months: he had to be more muscular in his arguments against him and what the Labour party is for—and against. Previous efforts by Labour to do so—most infamously by suggesting Farage was on the side of pedophile Jimmy Savile when it came to children’s safety—had misfired.
This week Starmer seemed to have more success. By branding Farage’s new policy to deport some legal migrants already living in Britain as “racist,” the premier landed headlines and pleased the Labour faithful. Bars in the immediate vicinity of the conference center told Bloomberg they had sold out of champagne.
Farage has attempted to rewire UK politics along US lines, following President Donald Trump’s playbook to send his party surging up the polls and raising the prospect that he is a serious contender for 10 Downing Street at the next general election, due in 2029 at the latest. Farage tried to steal the oxygen from Starmer in a broadcast timed to follow the Labour speech.
Labour has sought to question Farage’s allegiance to his country,
Continuing vicious record
TGovernment ministers, members of Parliament and delegates who spoke to Bloomberg News rated Starmer as being in a more comfortable place than he started going into a gathering of party faithful. While the danger to the premier is by no means gone— he faces a nightmarish budget in November, and tricky local elections in May next year — he managed to quiet speculation about his position.
having earlier in the week accused him of taking positions supportive of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “The question I ask, seriously, of Nigel Farage and Reform is: Do they love our country? Or do they just want to stir the pot of division, because that’s what works for their interests,” Starmer said in his speech.
The lack of policy substance in the speech risked disappointing some in the party who had been hoping he would announce a generous uplift in benefits for families with more than two children. After the speech, government officials quickly made clear that was slated for November’s budget. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will have to fund the policy under the watchful eye of bond investors, though gilts were littlechanged as Starmer spoke.
The prime minister instead aimed his speech squarely at working class voters who might be tempted either by more left-wing contenders or Farage. He said he would drop his predecessor Tony Blair’s historic target that 50 percent of young people should go to university replacing it with a new ambition for two-thirds to attend either university or vocational apprenticeships. Those taking the latter path should be respected just as much as university students, he said.
He reeled off past policies aimed at stabilizing Britain’s economy and securing its borders, framing Labour’s approach to immigration as robust but not extreme like Reform’s. He said Labour had come to the aid of shipbuilders in Scotland and Jaguar Land Rover workers whose jobs came under threat from Trump’s tariffs.
In a moment of striking imagery that will please Labour strategists, audience members waved union flags in an unashamed display of the center-left party’s patriotic credentials.
“Fly those flags,” the prime minister told the conference hall.
“Starmer showed a strong, patriotic vision with clear dividing lines between us and Reform,” Labour MP Alistair Strathern told Bloomberg following the speech. A Labour official said Starmer had set out what his government was trying to achieve more clearly than ever before, arguing no one could now say they don’t know what he stands for.
Starmer railed against “quick fixes” such as a wealth tax, appearing to take aim not just at Farage but also at rivals on the left like Burnham, who left the conference before the premier’s speech.
Making an impassioned plea for the center ground, he said: “We can all see these snake-oil merchants on the right and on the left,” he said, but “none of them have any interest in national renewal because decline is good for their business.”
Following Starmer’s speech, MP Georgia Gould suggested Starmer had cleared the bar, even if it was a low one: “He did what he needed to do.” With assistance from James Woolcock, Alex Morales, Joe Mayes and William Standring/ Bloomberg
Santiago F. Dumlao Jr.
Finex Free Enterprise
HERE was the Pharmally scandal that happened during the Covid-19 pandemic when the head of the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PSDBM), Lloyd Christopher Lao, who had previously worked at the Office of Presidential Assistant Bong Go, awarded government contracts totaling P11.5 billion to a very undercapitalized (P625,000) Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. The contracts were to supply face masks and shields, test kits, personal protection equipment (PPEs) and related items for the Covid-19 protection program.
There were clear irregularities in the procurement and delivery process. The COA flagged the transactions. The supplies were overpriced and/or defective and/or old/mislabeled inventories.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Senator Richard Gordon conducted a probe that President Rodrigo Duterte openly opposed and blocked. Gordon concluded there was wrongdoing but his colleagues in the Senate refused to sign the Committee Report.
Nevertheless, the Ombudsman filed cases against several defendants led by Lloyd Christopher Lao.
The financing of these anomalous Pharmally transactions was traced to and facilitated by Michael Yang, the former Presidential Economic Adviser to then President Rodrigo Duterte.
Status: the Sandiganbayan has ruled to proceed with the graft case after being detoured by motions to
quash, which were deemed finally on September 8, 2025. Then there was Mary Grace Piattos. The Office of the Vice President Sara Duterte was allotted confidential and intelligence funds in the 2023 national budget in the amount of P125 million. More, if we include the intelligence funds allotted to the Department of Education which she then headed.
In the only accounting she made for the use of funds (in an incredibly short period of 11 days) she reported as recipients various fictitious or dubious names that were obviously from popular brands of snack foods.
The House of Representatives, after public hearings, voted to use this as one of the grounds for her impeachment. The Senate, as impeachment court, delayed the proceedings. The case was brought to the Supreme Court, which declared the House’s impeachment process defective and unconstitutional.
We Filipinos are all in the maw of all-engulfing darkness as we are witnessing revelations that for so long our own government leaders, officials and bureaucracy in conspiracy with public work contractors have been stealing public funds through various dubious schemes of “ghost” nonexisting projects, sub-standard and unfinished projects, overpricing and money diversions to private pockets.
Status: A Motion for Reconsideration has been filed and is pending, alleging that the Supreme Court decision was made on the basis of a wrong understanding of certain vital facts. An impressive group of legal luminaries (past Supreme Court Justices, members of the Constitutional Convention, several lawyer associations and law schools) have disagreed with the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision.
And now, the President of the Philippines himself, in his latest SONA, brings to the attention of Filipinos, the monstrous scandal of corruption in the granting of government flood control projects through criminal manipulations in the national budget process. Responding to the loud public outcry for accountability, the President has formed an Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate and recommend measures to enforce such accountability.
Meantime, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is conducting public hearings on these flood
Trump says ‘a lot of good’ could come from
government shutdown
By Erik Wasson, Caitlin Reilly & Jennifer A. Dlouhy
PRESIDENT Donald Trump said “a lot of good” could stem from a government shutdown, threatening to oust federal workers and eliminate programs that are favored by Democrats if Congress doesn’t meet a midnight funding deadline.
“We can get rid of a lot of things that we didn’t want and they’d be Democrat things,”
Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Tuesday. “They just don’t learn. So we have no choice. I have to do that for the country.”
Trump’s remarks are likely to inflame tensions with Democrats just before a midnight deadline to fund the government. The deadlock over spending threatens to paralyze many US government operations for the first time in nearly seven years, causing the suspension of services for Americans and paychecks for federal workers.
Earlier Tuesday, Trump suggested there could be “a lot” of federal worker dismissals if federal funding ran out. The White House last week directed agencies to draw up plans for widespread firings if the government closed down. So far, no agencies have explicitly called for terminations in their shutdown plans.
As many as 750,000 federal workers could be temporarily furloughed, even if Trump doesn’t proceed with permanent dismissals, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated.
Political fallout could be widespread for both Trump and Democrats ahead of next year’s critical midterm elections, and leaders of both parties focused their public comments on blaming the other.
“They want to try to bully us— they are not going to succeed—into taking their partisan bill,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday. “That’s why we are heading into a shutdown.”
Democrats “are taking a risk by having a shutdown,” Trump
said at a mid-day Oval Office event. “We’re not shutting it down. We don’t want to shut it down because we have the greatest period of time.”
Asked about chances of a shutdown, he responded, “Nothing is inevitable, but I would say it’s probably likely.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, similarly predicted that a shutdown is imminent.
“I’m an optimist, but I’m a little skeptical this morning,” he told CNBC Tuesday.
Although last-minute spending deals have averted several other threatened shutdowns in recent years, the stakes are especially high now, with the White House threatening to fire employees rather than furlough them, and Democratic leaders under intense pressure from progressives in the party to stand up to Trump.
Stocks fluctuated Tuesday morning with the prospect of a shutdown stoking concerns about how long it’ll go on and what impact the possibly delayed release of key economic data will have on the Federal Reserve’s upcoming interest-rate decisions.
Johnson accused Democrats of playing politics with their effort to renew health-care tax credits, saying it doesn’t have to be resolved until the end of the year when the tax credits expire.
“Open the government and then we’ll have all the discussions,” he said. “But right now that is a red herring.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused Republicans of being unwilling to participate in bipartisan negotiations, telling CNBC Tuesday that his party refuses to be a part of
control projects, and is discovering the involvement of legislators, government officials, contractors and more. The House of Representatives has suspended its own investigations.
Meantime, the NBI has recommended the prosecution of 21 persons related to flood control projects including incumbent and past senators, congressmen, contractors and government engineers. The revelations are dramatically unfolding in the ongoing Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
Meantime, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, appointed to the ICI as adviser, has suddenly resigned, after Malacañang announced they would review if he had a possible conflict of interest (he denies this), since the suspected criminal contractor Discaya had reported infrastructure project contracts with Baguio City. Malacañang had signaled its less-than-full trust, so the honorable thing to do was resign.
We Filipinos are all in the maw of all-engulfing darkness as we are witnessing revelations that for so long our own government leaders, officials and bureaucracy in conspiracy with public work contractors have been stealing public funds through various dubious schemes of “ghost” non-existing projects, substandard and unfinished projects, over-pricing and money diversions to private pockets.
We have been betrayed, abused and raped by our senators, congressmen and public officials. We are sinking in the cesspool of their excrement.
The deadlock over spending threatens to paralyze many US government operations for the first time in nearly seven years, causing the suspension of services for Americans and paychecks for federal workers.
“a my-way-or-the-highway” approach.
Republicans in recent days have repeated the phrase “Schumer shutdown” in an attempt to pin the blame on their Democratic opponent.
“Chuck Schumer needs a Schumer shutdown and I think that’s what we’re probably careening toward,” Senate Republican Leader John Thune told CNBC on Tuesday.
Deep divide
LAWMAKERS appeared no closer to a deal after a Monday meeting at the White House only served to underscore their deep divide. Democrats have sought an extension of health-care subsidies and a reversal of Medicaid funding cuts that were part of Trump’s signature tax legislation enacted earlier this year. Republicans are insisting on what they call a clean continuing resolution— without an array of controversial policy measures—that would extend government funding until November 21. Thune told reporters the Democrats’ push amounted to a “hostage taking.” While there is an opportunity to discuss potential health-care premium tax credit changes with Democrats, Thune said, “we can’t even have that discussion until we keep the government open.”
Until then, Thune said the Senate will take repeated votes on a short-term spending bill to reopen the government. Senator John Barrasso, a member of Senate Republican leadership, said the chamber would take a break for the Yom Kippur holiday this week if there is a shutdown but then return to
Washington and vote through the weekend.
If the president was seeking to curry Democratic votes, it wasn’t immediately apparent. Trump, who last week canceled a planned sit-down with Democratic leaders, on Monday evening posted a poorly dubbed video on social media of Schumer and Jeffries, set to mariachi music, suggesting the pair wanted to import new voters who “can’t even speak English.” Schumer sniped back that the president is “trolling away on the Internet like a 10-year-old.” Jeffries called the depiction of him in a sombrero “racist” and dared Trump to insult him to his face. Trump ally Sean Hannity, on Fox News, suggested to Johnson that there was no chance Trump would give into any of the Democrats’ demands, and Johnson agreed. Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, Democrats cheered party leaders in a closed-door meeting Monday evening that appeared to rally the troops.
Exit ramps A SHUTDOWN would be the first since 2018-2019, when funding for the government lapsed for five weeks, including over New Year’s Day, during Trump’s first term.
Although Republicans control both chambers of Congress—as well as the White House—they appear to need the support of at least seven more Senate Democrats to clear procedural hurdles and pass a funding bill.
One possible path being discussed late Monday involves a potential compromise that would extend health-care tax credits but phase down the amounts in the second and third year. GOP lawmakers expressed confidence that, even if the government shut down briefly, Democrats would eventually yield. With assistance from
Thursday, October 2, 2025
BusinessMirror
SC stops Oct. 13 BARMM parliamentary elections
By Joel R. San Juan
THESupreme Court has stopped the parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) scheduled on October 13, 2025 after it declared unconstitutional the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 77 or the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Redistricting Act of 2025, and BAA No. 58 or the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Act Districts Act of 2024.
The decision was reached during the Court’s regular en banc session on Tuesday, where 11 justices concurred with ponencia while three justices concurred in the declaration of the nullity of BAA 77, but dissented with the finding that BAA 58 is invalid.
ance with Section 5 of the Voter’s Registration Act which provides for the establishments of precincts.
It also ordered the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to immediately undertake, not later than October 30, 2025, the determination of parliamentary districts for the first regular election of the members of parliament in compliance with the provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
The Court said BAA 77, signed into law on August 28, 2025, is unconstitutional for violating Section 5 Section 5 of the Voter’s Registration Act, which prohibits any alteration of precincts once the election period has started.
bato City were assigned to different districts that were neither contiguous or adjacent.
However, the SC ruled that the nullification of BAA 77 does not revive its predecessor law, BAA 58, which still includes Sulu in its parliamentary districts.
“Since BAA 58 is based on an outdated framework following the removal of Sulu from BARMM, it cannot be reinstated. Rather, a new and valid districting law must be passed consistent with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, national laws, and the Constitution,” the Court said.
TBy Ada Pelonia
HE country’s earnings from coconut-based products surged by 44 percent to over $2.2 billion as of August, as supply constraints pushed prices.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the value of coconut-based exports leaped to $2.26 billion as of the end of August from $1.57 billion a year ago.
Shipments of coconut oil led the product group among other products, as it jumped by 43 percent to $1.83 billion in the reference period from $1.28 billion last year.
The World Bank expects coconut oil products to average at $1,800 per MT this year, higher than the average price of $1,519 per MT posted in 2024.
Meanwhile, the country’s outbound shipments of desiccated coconut skyrocketed by 75 percent to $323.52 million in January to August from $185.15 million in the previous year.
Export revenues of other coconut products also grew by 45 percent to $75.82 million from $52.49
Industry sources said coconut oil prices have been on an upswing, propelled by tight supply from major producing countries due to adverse weather effects and the spike in quotations for other vegetable oils.
“There can be no parliamentary elections on October 13, 2025 because of the lack of a valid districting law,” SC Spokesman Camille Sue Mae Ting said at a press briefing.
Instead, the Court directed the Commission on Elections to continue with its preparations and conduct of the parliamentary elections not later than March 31, 2026 and in compli-
The three—acting Chief Justice Marvic Leonen and Associate Justices Ricardo Rosario and Antonio Co—were of the opinion that there was sufficient legal basis for the election to continue.
‘Unrest in many parts of the globe may disrupt supply chains’
By Andrea E. San Juan
GEOPOLITICAL unrest in places like Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Nepal, Japan, the USA, and across Europe may disrupt supply chains through protests, regulatory shifts, and “unstable” governments, according to a report published by global logistics provider Dimerco Express Group.
“These events can lead to port slowdowns, border delays, and unpredictable sourcing changes, especially in labor, raw materials, and transport logistics,” Dimerco’s Asia Pacific Freight report for October 2025 noted.
October is a “turning point” for global logistics, according to Kathy Liu, Vice President for Global Sales and Marketing at Dimerco Express Group, as this month is hounded by “peak-season demand, layered with geopolitical uncertainty and tariff changes.”
These developments, she pointed out, are creating “one of the most complex supply chain environments we’ve seen in years.” As such, she advised businesses to “stay agile, plan early, and diversify their logistics strategies to mitigate disruptions.”
Dimerco said the October report highlights growing geopolitical risks—including protests, regulatory changes and trade negotiations “that could further destabilize supply chain operations.”
The global logistics provider said these are the developments along the supply chain that countries should watch out for, on top of the rising freight rates amid peak season.
In the case of the Philippines, goods being shipped through the seas may be slapped with higher freight rates in October 2025.
Dimerco’s freight report showed that ocean freight rates imposed on Philippine cargo bound for Asia, Europe and the United States are seen to rise this month.
As to the capacity of this cargo, the report said market is picking up, but demand of space can still be met by current supply.
In terms of the rates that may apply
on Philippine cargo being shipped by air, the freight report divulged that only products bound for the United States may see rising freight rates.
Air freight rate for goods transported bound for Asia will remain stable in October with “soft” capacity, meaning supply is greater than demand. Meanwhile, Philippine goods bound for Europe will see stable air freight rate but capacity is on an upturn, meaning, market is picking up but demand of space can still be met by current supply.
For the air freight market of the Philippines, Dimerco cautioned that with La Niña expected to begin in October 2025, this may affect flight operations and cause temporary road closures.
Moreover, the report said: “Peakseason imports of holiday goods and year-end inventory may cause localized short-term capacity constraints and higher rates in late October to early November.” Liu, Dimerco’s Vice President for Global Sales and Marketing, explained that September to November is always the peak season for air freight.
“This year, demand growth is more focused on Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore,” Liu said.
“With high-tech, AI, and semiconductor production increasing in these countries, more finished goods are being shipped out. As a result, we expect capacity pressure at major transit hubs including Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Korea,” she also noted.
It noted that BAA 77, which reorganizes parliamentary districts within the BARMM to reallocate seats originally intended for Sulu, was passed on August 19, 2025 or five days after the election period began on August 14, 2025.
Likewise, the SC said BAA 77 is void for violating the BOL’s requirement that each district should comprise adjacent and adjoining areas as far as practicable.
It observed that some local government units in Lanao Del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, and Cota-
In ordering the conduct of elections on October 13, 2025, the Court took into consideration practical concerns such as several trainings for the poll workers, which usually takes weeks and the deployment and installation of Starlink which takes at least two weeks.
“More importantly, enforcing BAA 77 with less than a month before the BPE would cause massive confusion among the more than 2.25 million registered voters across BARMM’s 105 municipalities and three cities, as the redistricting will heavily impact precinct assignments...,” the SC said.
Demographic
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
THE Philippines’ failure to address learning poverty in basic education could turn the country’s much-touted demographic dividend into a liability within the next five years, according to the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd).
PBEd Executive Director Hanibal Camua warned that unless urgent reforms are made, the country’s young workforce may end up unemployed or stuck in poor-quality jobs.
“What we are actually confident about...the demographic dividend, within five years, it becomes a demographic deficiency. It becomes a liability,” he said. “They will become the next beneficiaries of your 4Ps, AKAP, AICS, TUPAD because they will find themselves unemployed...If they are employed, they will be... in bad jobs.”
International benchmarks reflect the scale of the problem.
The 2025 IMD World Talent Report ranked the Philippines 64th out of 69 economies, trailing Asean peers like Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
The report measures how countries develop, attract, and retain talent, and Camua said the Philip pines’ low standing is rooted in weak foundations at the primary level.
Meanwhile, in the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Filipino students ranked third lowest in science with an average score of 356, and sixth lowest in both mathematics and reading with 355 and 347, respectively, among 81 countries.
These scores showed little improvement from 2018, when the country scored 357 in science, 350 in mathematics, and 340 in reading.
Historical figures from the World Bank showed that the average price of coconut oil skyrocketed to a record $2,771 per metric ton (MT) in July. If this trend continues, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said the country’s export receipts from coconut oil alone will hit a new record high in 2025.
Such an outlook stemmed from growing demand and surging prices of the tropical oil in the world market. Last year, coconut oil earnings grew to $2.22 billion.
A World Bank study also found that as of 2021, nine out of 10 children in the Philippines could not read and understand a simple text by age 10, a benchmark indicator of learning poverty.
Camua said this collapse in early learning is carried forward through the education system.
“If we are not doing very well in basic education, then basically those that will proceed to senior high school and eventually to college will have low competencies. And it shows,” he said.
Government data also reinforce the concern.
Earlier this year, the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) showed that while 90 percent of Filipinos aged 10 to 64 could read and write, only 70.8 percent were considered functionally literate—or able to comprehend and apply information.
This means that for every nine individuals who can read and write, two still struggle with comprehension.
Camua stressed that the problem is not attributable to a single administration, but to decades of underinvestment that weakened the country’s education pipeline.
“It’s been a systemic negligence, I would say. It’s not attributable to this administration or the previous administration,” he said. The Philippines, once seen as a model for education in Southeast Asia, has already been overtaken by its neighbors. In the latest IMD rankings, Malaysia rose to 25th, climbing eight spots, while Thailand ranked 43rd and Indonesia 53rd.
All three countries placed well above the Philippines, which con -
DOMINGO
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
By VG Cabuag @villygc
MAYNILAD Water Services
Inc., which is mulling over its initial public offering (IPO) in November, said it will submit its final prospectus this week to reflect the changes in its registration statement.
The change may include a lower share price and the increase in its cornerstone investors, according to Ramoncito S. Fernandez, Maynilad president and CEO.
He said the cornerstone investors in its maiden offering are already “committed.”
“The progress is promising. And we will file the final prospectus by this Friday. The market is bad… but we are putting in a very successful and incredible story,” Fernandez said.
According to its latest prospectus, Maynilad’s cornerstone investors include International Finance
Corp., the Asian Development Bank and Security Bank Corp.- Trust and Asset Management Group.
Maynilad offer consists of 1.66 billion common shares of primary offer, 24.9 million in preferential offer, with an overallotment option of 249.04 million shares and an upsize option of 354.7 million in secondary common shares. The deal is priced up to P20 per share, but agreements with the cornerstone investors may not push through if the price falls below P15 apiece.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), meanwhile, has granted the first Philippine Green
Equity label to Maynilad, pursuant to the new guidelines issued by the agency to further promote sustainable finance.
In a letter to the company dated September 26, the SEC Markets and Securities Regulation Department confirmed that Maynilad has sufficiently established and demonstrated its compliance with the requirements under the Guidelines on Philippine Green Equity, subject to its continuing compliance with the guidelines.
The green equity guidelines allow publicly listed companies and companies preparing to go public that generate a significant portion of their revenues from, and direct majority of their investments toward, green activities, to distinguish themselves from other issuers through the use of the Philippine Green Equity label.
Under the guidelines, companies intending to carry the Philippine Green Equity Level must be listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) or preparing to go public, with more than 50 percent of their revenues and investments (sum of capital expen-
diture and operating expenditure) earned from or directed toward green activities. Such activities must meet the eligibility criteria of the Philippine Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Guidelines (SFTG) or the Asean Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance (ATSF). Companies’ revenues derived from fossil fuels must also be limited to less than 5 percent.
Based on the assessment report of an external reviewer submitted to the SEC, Maynilad derived 100 percent of its revenues from green activities, such as water supply, wastewater treatment, sanitation services, and installation of new water service connections, in line with the minimum 50 percent requirement as provided under the guidelines.
Assuming that overallotment option and preferential offer are fully subscribed, Maynilad could net up to P37.38 billion from the IPO, but proceeds could be upsized up to P50 billion.
The offer will run from October 23 to 29, with the shares expected to be listed on the main board of the PSE on November 7, according to the latest timeline it submitted to the SEC.
TBy Lenie Lectura @llectura
rinasolar International Sys-
tems Business Unit (ISBU), the project development arm of China’s Trinosolar Co. Ltd., signed a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with AdventEnergy Inc., the retail electricity supply arm of Aboitiz Power Corp., for the 49.9-megawatt alternating current (MWac) Mabini solar project in Pangasinan.
The solar power project is scheduled for commercial operations in the third quarter of next year and is expected to generate 110.84 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity in its first year, equivalent to the annual
Globe upgrades cell sites in Lucena
energy consumption of over 24,000 households. This project is expected to reduce 76,549 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The Mabini solar project earlier secured a green lane certification from the Board of Investments (BOI). The certification aims to fast-track permitting and licensing for strategic energy investments.
“The Mabini Solar Project shows what can be achieved through strong cooperation between the Advent and Trinasolar,” said Trinasolar ISBU Southeast Asia Country Manager Derek Wang. “Together, we are advancing the country’s renewable energy goals and creating lasting value for local communities.”
Wang signed the PPA with AdventEnergy Assistant Vice President for Retail Operations Rence Pazcoguin, Vice President for Retail Operations and Portfolio Management John Davis Mangubat, President James Byron Yu.
“We look forward to working hand-in-hand with Trina Solar as we bring a stronger and more sustainable energy future to our customers and deliver lasting impact to the industries we serve,” said Yu.
Filipino renewable energy (RE) developer Spotlight Power, Inc. is the developer of the Mabini solar power project, with support from Trina Solar.
Last March, AboitizPower said it
CONGLOMERATE Ayala
Corp. and Spinneys, the leading premium fresh food supermarket chain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have entered into a strategic business venture to open stores in the Philippines.
Spinneys is owned by the Al Seer Group, a consumer holdings company part of a UAE-based group with business interests in industries such as food, retail, hospitality, shipyards and construction with a presence in over 20 countries.
Aboitiz unit, Trinasolar seal PPA Ayala, UAE-based Spinneys ink deal for stores in PHL
has set aside P78.1 billion for capital expenditures (capex) this year, majority of which will be used to expand its renewable energy (RE) portfolio, aligning with its goal of increasing its clean energy capacity to 4,600 MW by 2030.
The company said it will continue to make huge bets on RE. Last year it set aside 72 percent of its capex budget of P73 billion for clean energy projects.
These include the 159-MWp Laoag solar project in Pangasinan, the 17-MW Tiwi binary geothermal plant in Albay, the 45-MWp Armenia solar project in Tarlac, and the 173-MWp Calatrava solar project in Negros Occidental.
Fortune Life celebrates ANSLI’s decade of service
Fin today’s fast-paced digital economy,” Globe said. To complement the stronger network, Globe is also offering flexible data promos for every type of user—from Go+ packages for prepaid subscribers, Sulit Surf bundles for TM customers, to GPlan options for postpaid households and professionals who require dependable internet all day. Lorenz S. Marasigan
ORTUNE Life Insurance Company proudly stood alongside the Alliance of Non-stock Savings and Loan Associations (ANSLI) as a Gold Sponsor in commemorating its 10th Anniversary held on
aways, adding warmth and energy to the milestone event. Representing Fortune Life, AVP for Corporate Communications Floreda Constantino joined ANSLI’s esteemed Board of Trustees, led by its President and Chairman of the Board, Atty. Lucas Managuelod (Ret.), FICD for a commemorative photo opportunity, symbolizing the
enduring partnership between both organizations. Fortune Life reaffirms its commitment to supporting associations, such as ANSLI, that uplift lives and promote financial security. We look forward to deepening our collaboration and continuing to serve communities with dedication and purpose. Fortune Life is part of the ALC Group of Companies, founded by the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua.
“The Philippines offers significant long-term growth potential, with strong economic fundamentals, a growing affluent population, and increasing demand for highquality offerings. Our partnership with Ayala combines their deep local knowledge with our operational expertise, providing a strong foundation to grow.
As we enter this next phase, we’re delighted to be bringing our high-quality and fresh offering to a new region that is natural for us to serve as we are proud to employ and cater to many Filipinos in our current market,” Sunil Kumar, CEO of Spinneys, said.
“We are honored to be the first partner of Spinneys as it ventures outside the GCC. We hope this investment will catalyze trade and invest-
ment between the Philippines and the GCC. At Ayala, we take pride in partnering with some of the world’s leading companies and working alongside them to bring world-class products and services to the Philippines,” Ayala President and CEO Cezar P. Consing said. Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC, is a regional political and economic union of Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, among others.
The partnership with Spinneys will see Ayala combine its deep local market knowledge and strong experience across the property, retail, and logistics sectors with Spinneys’ operational and brand expertise in premium fresh food retail, the company said.
The venture follows Ayala’s recent announcement of its partnership with Thailand’s CP Axtra to re-open Makro stores in the Philippines. These, together with Ayala’s earlier collaborations with Kmart Australia Ltd. to bring home and lifestyle brand Anko and with BYD to bring the world’s leading EV brand to the Philippines, underscore Ayala’s continued commitment to partnering with world-class companies to help build businesses that enable people to thrive across its portfolio. VG Cabuag
BCDA ties up with JBIC, 2 Japan firms for green energy, ICT projects
TBy Henry Empeño
HE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed partnership deals with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), as well as two Japanese companies, for the development and promotion of projects supporting green energy transition, and environmental and social sustainability.
BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang formalized the agreements with Japanese partners last September 30 at the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo during its four-day official mission to Japan, the BCDA said in a statement on Wednesday.
The agency said the agreements “signify the strong economic relations between the Japanese and Philippine governments” and show Japanese confidence in its capacity to drive sustainable development, foster innovation, and implement transformative projects across BCDA-managed economic zones.
Under a memorandum of agreement (MOU) signed with JBIC Managing Executive Officer and Global Head of Infrastructure and Environment Finance Hiroki Sekine, JBIC will help reinforce the BCDA’s rela-
tions with the Japanese business community and promote Japanese companies’ participation in BCDA’s green and sustainable initiatives.
The Japanese financial institution has also expressed its willingness to consider strategic funding options to support such sustainable development projects, BCDA said. In the same occasion, Bingcang also signed MOUs with industrial and engineering firm Kanadevia Corporation (KVC) and telecommunications firms IPS Inc. and InfiniVAN Inc. KVC will conduct of preliminary feasibility studies on the development of a waste-to-energy (WTE) facility in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, a project that BCDA said “aligns with the goal of transforming New Clark City into a green and resilient metropolis by introducing sustainable solutions and fostering a circular economy.”
Meanwhile, IPS Inc. and InfiniVAN Inc. will explore potential collaborative projects that will maximize the utilization of BCDA’s information and communications technology (ICT) assets in the Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union and other BCDA-administered zones.
ANSLI Board of Trustees led by its President and Chairman of the Board, Atty. Lucas Managuelod (Ret.), FICD (7th from right) joined by Fortune Life AVP for Corporate Communications Floreda Constantino (eighth from right).
PHOTO FROM WWW.SPINNEYS.COM
Banking&Finance
Freeze and return the money
IN my September 3 column, I wrote about the excessive greed for money that fuels misconduct such as fraud and corruption–the most pressing, interconnected issue in the country right now and labeled as the largest corruption scandal in history.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has asked the Court of Appeals (CA) to freeze assets of individuals and entities linked to anomalous flood control projects. These assets cover more than 700 bank accounts, insurance policies, luxury vehicles and real estate properties.
A freeze order is valid for 20 days, during which it will be determined whether to lift or extend it for up to 6 months if the CA finds probable cause that the frozen accounts are related to illicit activities. If the court does not file a case within this period, the freeze order is automatically lifted.
Why issuing freeze order of bank accounts suspected of graft and plunder a crucial first step? It is an important action to prevent movement or disposal of funds and other assets believed to come from unlawful activities. Criminals and plunderers typically move illegal wealth quickly into shell companies, foreign bank accounts, expensive purchases, gambling, or cryptocurrencies.
A freeze order stops them from transferring or liquidating assets while investigations are ongoing. Without it, assets will be very difficult for authorities to trace and recover.
Banks of accounts under investigation are legally required to act on a freeze order immediately and lock these bank accounts to prevent any access or movement. Funds stay locked until the freeze order expires or gets lifted. Banks also preserve transaction history of frozen accounts and provide the AMLC with records and related documents that can be used for the investigation.
The ongoing Senate probe on the issue is becoming more and more complex by the day. Filipinos want to know the truth and see more names exposed, but most importantly, we want these investigations to bring justice—prosecution
DBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
ESPITE attempts by the Land Bank of the Philippines to rule out any irregularity in its handling of nearly half a billion pesos in cash that was released to a government contractor from DPWH funds, Senator Francis Pancratius “Kiko” N. Pangilinan said the government-owned bank fell short of its duties in helping enforce policies to prevent money laundering. At the plenary session last Tuesday, the senator highlighted the irregularity in Landbank’s release of P457 million in cash within two days.
“These are all very legalese,” Pangilinan said in response to a question posed by Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” N. Hontiveros. “And if we’re going to use legalese language in order to gloss over the fact that, no matter how you look at it: two days, cash transactions, P457 million—how can that, in any way, be unsuspicious or regular?”
The senator expressed alarm over
FCDU loans of exporters up nearly 25% in Q2—BSP data
Tof parties involved and real reforms to curb systemic corruption in government.
Loud and clear, beyond recovery of stolen public funds, people want restitution. It is taxpayers’ money stolen, and assets recovered should be returned to the people. Can the government give us a tax break or holiday, or reduction in income tax and VAT for a period? In other jurisdictions, however, governments will go after prosecution and asset recovery, then use recovered assets for social services and programs, rather than tax holiday or offsetting tax collections.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) collected Php2.85 trillion tax in 2024, with income taxes accounted for 53.75 percent of the collection. If only our taxes are put to good use or intended purpose such as the government’s flagship projects and social services, the country can improve its climate resilience, disaster risk prevention and management, support sustainable economic growth and we will not be in this predicament now.
In a recent interview, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. assured the public that the banking sector remains strong and liquid. Banks, on the other hand, will continue to act as gatekeepers to detect suspicious transactions, and support additional reforms such as strengthening checks and balances, stricter measures to make it more difficult for illegal funds to enter and exit the financial system.
Even if we are all angry and dismayed, we must keep our faith in the integrity of our institutions, judicial process and law enforcement. We should continue to press for transparency and accountability in governance. We deserve a government that’s credible, honest, just and truly serves the people.
Mai Gacilo Sangalang is the immediate past president of the Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines and currently BMAP’s Director for Industry Relations, Banking Code and Financial Inclusion. Sangalang is the Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing of Standard Chartered Bank Philippines. She can be reached by emailing maigsangalang@yahoo.com. The writer’s views do not necessarily reflect those of the Standard Chartered Bank, the BusinessMirror and the BMAP.
LandBank’s statement that it faithfully and strictly adhered to existing Philippine banking laws and regulations.
Ang tanong: Ibig sabihin ba dahil walang mali sa paglabas ng P457 million cash sa dalawang araw ay mauulit ito? Pwedeng gawin ito dahil to quote, sumunod sila ‘faithfully and strictly’ sa lahat ng existing PH banking laws and regulations?”
[Does this mean that, because they claim there’s nothing wrong in the release of P457 million in cash over two days, this can be repeated? That this can be done again because, to quote, they “faithfully and strictly followed” all existing PH banking laws and regulations?]
Pangilinan added: “We beg to disagree. Dapat sana sinabi nila sa kanilang statement ‘maghahanap kami ng paraan para hindi na mangyari ulit ito.’ ” [They should have said in their statement, we will find a way to ensure this does not happen again.]
The senator reminded government banking institutions of their responsibilities given that they’re managing tax-
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
HE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that the country’s foreign currency deposit unit (FCDU) loans posted flat growth in the second quarter of 2025.
The data showed non-peso loans inched 0.9 percent to $15.93 billion in the second quarter of 2025 from $15.78 billion in the previous quarter.
The bulk of the loans, worth $10.12 billion (63.5 percent) were
Textended to Philippine-based borrowers, while the rest went to nonresidents.
“As of end-June 2025, outstanding loans reflected $6.76 billion in new loans and $6.64 billion in loan payments made during the
app in the country.
reference quarter,” the BSP said. “Year-on-year, FCDU loans grew 1.9 percent. The increase came alongside the 10-percent growth in deposits in foreign currencies, which reached $60.67 billion from $55.16 billion.”
According to the central bank, major Philippine-based borrowers were led by merchandise and service exporters whose loans grew 24.9 percent to $2.52 billion in the second quarter. This was followed by FCDU loans of towing, tanker, trucking, forwarding, personal and other industries; growing 22 percent to $2.22 billion.
The BSP said FCDU loans of power generation companies also posted double digit growth of 18.7 percent which brought their loans to $1.89 billion in the second quarter. “Most loans were medium- to long-term, with maturities over one year. These accounted for 79 percent of the total, higher than the 77.2 percent in the previous quarter,” according to the central bank. FCDU loans are loans denominated in a foreign currency, such as US dollars, extended by FCDUs of local banks or local branches of foreign banks authorized by the BSP to engage in foreign currency transactions. These loans support economic activities that require foreign exchange, such as importers, businesses, and individuals with foreign currency transactions.
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
HE Western Union Co. decided to launch its mobile app to cash in on the Philippine inbound-market for remittances, which executives of the money transfer company see as remaining robust.
Gregory Laurent, director at Western Union Financial Services. (Australia) Pty Ltd, told reporters last Wednesday that the Philippines is the fourth-largest inbound market in terms of remittances.
Averaging $36 billion annually, this market has been growing steadily year after year, according to Laurent.
“It is a very successful market, and I think the company is doing the right thing to serve overseas in every country where they have presence,” he said during the launch of the company’s mobile
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto & Mary Jade Gale Jadormio
THE government could earn at least P200 million by auctioning the 13 smuggled luxury vehicles owned by contractors Sarah C. Discaya and Pacifico “Curlee” F. Discaya, seized by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
The vehicles, which were issued Warrants of Seizure and Detention (WSDs), are now in the custody of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
They were transported to the BOC compound in South Harbor, Port Area, early Wednesday morning, after establishing sufficient grounds for seizure due to irregularities in their importation and documentation.
In a media viewing on Wednesday afternoon, Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno explained that if the Discayas fail to prove that the vehicles have
payers’ money being squandered away instead of being used for food, education, health, and livelihood.
“The only thing I ask of LandBank and whoever drafted their statement, and all of us whose salaries are paid for by the people, is for us to have a mindset of, ‘for the people, we offer every working day, every peso that comes in and out of government banks, is for the Filipino, ouir countrymen,” Pangilinan continued, partly in Filipino. “It is not enough to not do bad but we must not stand idly by while bad is happening, or while bad is already being exposed to everyone. Pakiusap po ito: Please, Landbank, let us do better for our people.”
The senator, in response to a question about possible amendments to existing laws, said that there must be “a different set of rules and regulations” for government banks such as the Landbank and the Development Bank of the Philippines.
Pangilinan also pushed for looking into amending the Anti-Money Launder-
Laurent said they expect the app to be a growth engine based on the company’s experience in other economies.
He cited the feature of the app, which combines digital and retail, making the value proposition in a very competitive environment.
“Today’s launch marks an important milestone in our effort[s],” Laurent said. “For many in the country, remittances represent a life with more opportunity and hope. At the same time, an increasing number of Filipinos opt to send funds abroad.”
He said the firm’s new app “gives the opportunity to do both.”
Ricardo Alair, Western Union Director for the Philippines, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands and Palau, noted that the digitization in the Philippines is fast paced.
valid documents and that proper duties and taxes were paid, the vehicles will be forfeited and will go to the government.
Once forfeited, Nepomuceno said the government could auction, destroy or donate the vehicles.
However, he said that the BOC will not destroy the vehicles since it will just be a waste of what the government could earn. Donating them to government agencies would be inappropriate, he added. We will make sure that if an auction is conducted, it will be transparent and competitive so that the collection of the government from those vehicles will be used for the government’s programs, Nepomuceno said in Filipino.
The 13 seized vehicles have a combined market value of P290 million. The costs would be based on current appraisals and depreciation of the vehicles, which should not exceed 10 percent.
The government could raise a minimum of P200 million to P220 million from selling the smuggled vehicles,
ing Act (AMLA) after he flagged both the LandBank and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) for neglecting the suspicious transaction report generated for the P457-million transaction.
“Shouldn’t they [AMLC] have called LandBank to seek the details? And if AMLC didn’t call, then Landbank should have called AMLC to ask, ‘What should be done with this? P457 million in cash is being withdrawn from the funds of [the] DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways]?,’” the senator said.
Pangilinan was referring to the cash withdrawn by Syms Construction Trading Inc. owner Sally N. Santos, one of the DPWH contractors involved in the multi-billion infrastructure corruption issue. The money was meant for former DPWH Bulacan 1st District Assistant Engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, who had admitted to Senate probers that their engineering district was deeply involved in the systematic diversion of huge chunks of funds for flood-control projects, for kickbacks of officials, including lawmakers.
Laurent credited regulator’s “huge” support to promote innovation as enabling such momentum.
“For us, it was actually an obvious choice to take the Philippines as a market to launch this new receiver environment,” he said.
“I think we are actually hoping that this is going to be super successful,” Alair added.
Laurent said Western Union received a “warm response” from the market considering the app was launched only “a couple of weeks ago.” He noted there was traction already on the volume.
He said it took Western Union a longer time to enter the local market as the licensing took a bit longer for approval.
“We took our time, but we are hopeful that this is the right product,” Alair said.
“We did receive support from the regulator as well. And then the second
Nepomuceno said. Aside from losing their high-end cars, the Discayas also have tax liabilities due to the illegal entry of the vehicles into the country’s ports.
Nepomuceno said the rule of thumb in taxing luxury vehicles is to multiply the cost by one and a half. For example, if a luxury car is priced at P30 million, then the Discayas would have to pay another P45 million by ways of taxes and duties, Nepomuceno said. If the vehicles were auctioned, the taxes would not be included, he added.
On how soon the auction will be, he said the BOC will do it as soon as possible.
Nepomuceno added that the process will still go through checks and balances and will have to be approved by the Secretary of Finance before proceeding with the auction.
The Discaya family will still be given an opportunity to prove that their documents and payments are correct, he said.
The vehicles under the BOC’s custo -
reason is, maybe, in terms of a roadmap across the organization, we had to wait for a fast spot to develop the app,” Laurent explained. “Thirdly, we really took time to think about this experience wisely. We took time to make sure that we had the most efficient experience.”
According to him, the Denver, Colorado-headquartered company is looking at expanding its digital footprint from the current 80 countries.
According to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, remittances to the Philippines reached an all-time high of $38 billion last year. Further, the World Bank ranked the Philippines as the fourth-highest remittance levels among low-middle and middleincome countries last year. The biggest source of cash remittances last year was the United States, followed by Singapore.
dy are: Toyota Tundra; Toyota Sequoia; Rolls-Royce Cullinan; Mercedes-Benz AMG G63 AMG SUV; Mercedes-Benz G 500; Lincoln Navigator 2021; and, Bentley Bentayga. According to the BOC, these vehicles do not have import entries, lack Certificates of Payment (CPs) or have fraudulent CPs. The Lincoln Navigator 2024, GMC Yukon Denali, Cadillac Escalade 2021, Maserati Levante Modena, GMC Yukon XL Denali and Cadillac Escalade ESV all have import entries. However, these vehicles guarded by the BOC, also lack or have fraudulent CPs. The remaining 17 vehicles also in BOC custody are subject to transaction audit by the Post-Clearance Audit Group. Earlier in September, the BOC conducted a search operation at the premises of the Saint Gerrard Construction General Contractor & Development Corp. in Pasig City, owned by the Discaya family, which led to the discovery of 30 vehicles now under BOC custody.
By VG Cabuag @villygc
THE Shareholders Association of the Philippines (Sharephil) has partnered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), among other organizations, to launch a project the group expects would equip retail investors and shareholders with tools to make informed investment decisions. In a ceremony held last Wednesday, Sharephil officers turned over the first batch of its educational videos to SEC Chairman and CEO Francis E. Lim. They also signed a memorandum of understanding with representatives of partner groups. The goal of the project is to have a digital library for the SEC to educate the public. The partners include the Capital Markets Development Foundation Inc., the Finex Research and Development Foundation, the Philippine Stock Exchange, the Management Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Institute of Certified Accountants and the Junior Achievement of the Philippines Inc. Citing a study by the Boston Consult-
ing Group, Sharephil President Conrado F. Bate said the number of mass affluent Filipinos, or those at least $100,000 or around P5.8 million in wealth, is expected to
“This means millions more Filipinos will soon have the savings and appetite to invest. And with the right knowledge and values, Filipinos can turn this opportunity into lasting success,”
Health&Fitness
PHL’s population to keep growing despite slower birth rates, officials say
By John Eiron R. Francisco
DESPITE a slowdown in population growth, the Philippines’ population is expected to keep rising due to “population momentum,” officials from the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) said.
“We are slowing down in terms of our population growth rate. But because of a large population base from previous years, driven by high growth rates in the past, this phenomenon is what we call population momentum,” CPD Division Chief Mylin Mirasol C. Quiray said during a press conference organized by Bayer Philippines Inc. and UNFPA Philippines.
She said that even with the fertility rate now at 1.9, which is below the replacement level of two, the total population will continue to increase because those already born will mature, have children, and add to the population.
Dr. Corazon M. Raymundo, president of the Forum for Family Planning and Development, echoed Quiray’s explanation, comparing population momentum to a moving car that continues to roll forward even after the brakes are applied.
Family planning
RAYMUNDO highlighted the success of family planning programs in the Philippines, which began in the 1970s with contraceptive services and health interventions. These efforts brought down the population growth rate from three percent at that time
to the current 2.1 percent, reaching what is considered the replacement level, meaning the population can sustain itself without rapid growth.
“Technically, that term [replacement level] means we’re now able to just replace a woman with another person and the father with another person. So it’s a success,” she emphasized, noting that this stage is what many countries aim for when implementing family planning programs.
She noted, however, that while this decline is a positive development, it also brings a new challenge: the growing proportion of young adults, often referred to as the “demographic dividend.”
“When the rate of growth of the population declines, that means we really want the number of babies to be less. Or the rate of growth is really measured by the number of babies that you bear vis-à-vis the number of total population,” Raymundo said.
“As the number of young adults grows, they are expected to drive the economy, but only if they are provided with education, employment, and opportunities for development,” she added.
Maximizing potential of the youth RAYMUNDO emphasized that the country’s focus should now shift from controlling population growth to maximizing the potential of its youth.
“Our demographic situation has improved, but the challenge is to ensure that this larger youth population has access to education, income, and opportunities for a
Takeda, ULAP bring Project E-CODE to Mandaluyong for dengue awareness, prevention
By Vincent Peter Rivera
MANDALUYONG City and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) launched a community drive against dengue, convening a lay forum under the banner of Project E-CODE (Empowering Communities for a Dengue-Ready Philippines).
With the Department of Health (DOH) logging over 100,000 dengue cases in the first half of the year, the city health officials are intensifying the fight against the mosquito-borne illness.
This community-based public health event was organized specifically to raise awareness and encourage active, grassroots participation in prevention and control efforts.
According to Edmond Deo Cuaresma, Policy Officer for ULAP, the goal of the lay forum is to target prevention efforts at the grassroots level by completing a threepronged strategy.
“There’s one for dengue experts, for the doctors. There’s also the Dengue Integrated Program for the healthcare workers and this one, the lay forum, which is for our local officials or barangay officials,” Cuaresma told the BusinessMirror . “This ensures there’s a community-based approach to really having dengue prevention and awareness for different levels.”
The local government echoed this focus, stressing that community knowledge is vital to reducing the healthcare burden.
Dr. Arnold Abalos, City Health Officer of Mandaluyong, emphasized that a refresher is needed to tackle the ongoing threat.
“It’s more of a refreshment and reiteration to the community, to the barangay level, that this is a real threat and it is something serious and it should be addressed,” Dr. Abalos said.
He noted that while the national target is to achieve zero dengue cases by 2030, the immediate plan is to “make the cases lower as much as possible.”
Key takeaways
DURING the lay forum, a discussion was led by Dr. Alexis Milan, a Pediatric Critical Care Specialist and resource speaker, whose informative session focused on empowering attendees with life-saving dengue prevention strategies.
Dr. Milan’s presentation covered essential topics such as debunking common myths and misconceptions about the disease, discussing unfamiliar facts about dengue, explaining the symptoms and proper management, and detailing practical, communityfriendly ways to prevent its spread.
This community education aligns with a reinforced national campaign, as Mandaluyong City Mayor Carmelita “Menchie” Abalos highlighted the Department of Health’s intensified focus.
“Ngayong taon, inilunsad ng Department of Health ang mas pinaigting na kampanya na
better life. That is our new problem; not runaway growth, but making the most of our demographic dividend,” she said.
Based on the 2024 Census of Population, the country’s population stood at 112.7 million, up by 3.7 million from 2020. While the population continues to increase, the annual growth rate has slowed to 0.8 percent from 2020 to 2024, nearly half the 1.6 percent recorded between 2015 and 2020. This deceleration has been linked to declining fertility and birth rates, elevated mortality during the Covid-19 pandemic, and subdued migration.
However, experts cautioned that certain demographic challenges, particularly the rise of adolescent pregnancies, may undermine these gains and affect the country’s long-term human capital development.
Adolescent pregnancies
CIVIL Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) data show that adolescent pregnancies among those aged 10 to 14 are on the rise again, with reported cases increasing from 2,411 in 2019, slightly dropping to 2,113 in 2020, then rising again to 2,320 in 2021. The number climbed further to 3,135 in 2022 and reached 3,343 in 2023. By region, the highest proportions of adolescent births were recorded in Region 12 with 13.7 percent (9,501 out of 69,223 births), Region 10 also at 13.7 percent (10,895 out of 79,551), and Region 9 with 12.6 percent (6,987 out of 55,313).
Meanwhile, the Cordillera Administrative Region posted 8.4 percent (2,146 out of 25,447), Region 4A had 8.2 percent (17,764 out of 217,906), and the National Capital Region recorded the lowest proportion at 7 percent (11,551 out of 164,002).
CPD pushes teen health measures
QUIRAY pointed to social, cultural, and educational gaps as drivers of adolescent pregnancies, citing the lack of open family discussions on sex, cases of abuse by older partners, and gender power imbalances.
She also emphasized the lack of comprehensive reproductive health education, with many adolescents turning to social media as their main source of information.
“That’s why we are engaging micro-influencers and focusing on online platforms, because that’s where young people are,” she said.
She said findings from the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study show that increased exposure to online pornography has further complicated the issue, underscoring the need for stronger legislation.
“That’s why we are advocating for the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill to be passed in the 20th Congress,” Quiray emphasized, noting that it was filed by Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Rico to strengthen existing measures.
Comprehensive approach
QUIRAY said addressing adolescent pregnancy requires a comprehensive approach. This includes reproductive health education, greater access to health information and services, protection from abuse and violence, and socioeconomic support for young mothers to prevent repeat pregnancies.
She also emphasized that young people must be empowered to participate in policymaking, describing them as “the voice of the voiceless.”
To further raise awareness, Quiray cited ongoing efforts to promote reproductive health
through platforms such as “I Choose,” and Malayaako.ph.
“Policies and education are really key to preventing adolescent pregnancy and addressing its costs,” she said.
She added that local government units play a critical role, stressing that programs, budgets, and policies at the community level are essential to sustain adolescent health and development initiatives.
‘Social media shapes contraceptive choices’ IN 2024, Bayer Philippines and the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) conducted the “Digital Conversion Study” (DCS), which found that social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok play a significant role in shaping contraceptive choices among Filipinos.
The study also revealed that respondents preferred digital materials presented in engaging formats, featuring real individuals sharing factual information about various family planning and contraceptive methods.
Building on these findings, Bayer Philippines and UNFPA recently launched the 2025 initiative, “Building Adolescent Peer Champions for SRHR,” aimed at empowering young people to advocate for positive attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
The program trains both adolescent and adult social media influencers in SRHR communication and provides mentorship for content creation. Adult champions, including parents and community leaders from Pasig and Navotas, will also participate in workshops to support and amplify the campaign’s message.
Hope From Within campaign fights to close Philippines’ cancer care gap
By Candy P. Dalizon | Contributor
tinawag na ‘Dengue Free Philippines 2025’ na nakatuon sa pagpapalawak ng surveillance system gamit ang digital reporting tools, pagpapalaganap ng active guidelines ng critical management ng Dengue, [at] pagpapalakas ng community education,” Abalos stated.
[“This year, the Department of Health launched an intensified campaign called ‘Dengue Free Philippines 2025’ that is focused on expanding the surveillance system using digital reporting tools, disseminating active guidelines for the critical management of Dengue, [and] strengthening community education,” Abalos stated.]
She emphasized that the campaign centers on the “4S Strategy” for Dengue prevention: Search and Destroy mosquito breeding sites, Secure Self-Protection measures, Seek Early Consultation for symptoms, and Support fogging only in hotspot areas.
Dr. Lester Tan, Regional Director of the DOH-NCR Metro Manila Center for Health Development, provided a deeper explanation of the first step strategy, Search and Destroy, by introducing the complementary “4Ts of Dengue” approach, often used at the barangay level.
“Taob [turn upside down], Taktak [shake], Tuyot [dry], and Takip [cover]. Taob meaning turnover the container, taktak is empty the contents, and tuyo is to dry these containers, and takip is to cover these containers so we would not have mosquito breeding sites.”
Project E-CODE
THE event received support from key partners, including Takeda Healthcare Philippines Inc., the lead partner for Project E-CODE (Empowering Communities for a Dengue-Ready Philippines).
Estela “Tattie” Del Rosario, Takeda Philippines’ Public Affairs and Communications Head, highlighted the company’s commitment to mitigating the severity of dengue through community engagement.
“Earlier, Takeda forged a meaningful partnership with ULAP and together launched the E-CODE Project. Through the E-CODE Project, our shared vision is both simple and powerful: to raise dengue awareness and empower communities, health workers, and local leaders with the tools and knowledge to combat dengue more effectively,” Del Rosario explained.
Demonstrating international cooperation, Dr. Fumiko Aoki, First Secretary and Health Attaché of the Embassy of Japan, was also present to express Japan’s continuous commitment to collaboration and support for improving the country’s healthcare system.
The success of the Project E-CODE lay forum, piloted in Quezon City and most recently implemented in Mandaluyong, marks the beginning of a larger campaign. Takeda and ULAP will next roll out the program in Bohol, Cavite, and Iloilo as it expands its efforts across the Philippines.
HOPE From Within (HFW), a multi-stakeholder cancer advocacy campaign spearheaded by global healthcare leader MSD in the Philippines, recently marked its 10th anniversary with a renewed commitment to strengthen its focus on the needs of Filipino cancer patients. The milestone celebration served as a powerful call to intensify efforts to close critical gaps in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment access nationwide.
“Hope From Within has become more than a campaign, it is a movement that opens doors for patients,” said Allan Ancheta, Business Unit Director for Oncology at MSD in the Philippines.
“Whether it’s supporting access to early screening, expanding treatment options, or building partnerships that empower communities, HFW has been about making quality cancer care a reality for more Filipinos. Our commitment is to continue breaking barriers, so no patient is left behind,” he added.
Building on foundational initiatives like Cancer Game Plan PH and Tita Hope Talks, which focused on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving financing models, and securing cancer assistance funds, HFW has evolved.
In 2024, the campaign expanded into precision medicine with the launch of “Hit the Mark.” This initiative unites patient groups, medical societies, laboratories, and healthcare companies to champion equitable access to biomarker testing and personalized treatment for lung cancer patients. Initially partnering with HiPrecision Diagnostics, Hit the Mark recently welcomed Detoxicare Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory. Eligible
patients now benefit from a single, unified form for convenient access to vital lung cancer biomarker tests (including EGFR and PD-L1), providing oncologists with critical tools for recommending the most appropriate treatment options from the start.
Patient Safety Day 2025
THE HFW anniversary coincided with Patient Safety Day 2025 which highlighted that true safety in cancer care means more than preventing harm; it requires timely diagnosis, affordable treatment, and equitable access to innovative therapies. For many Filipinos, these remain out of reach, creating urgent gaps in care that HFW seeks to close.
“We cannot talk about patient safety without addressing accessibility,” said Andreas Riedel, President and Managing Director of MSD in the Philippines.
“Safety is compromised when treatment is delayed or denied. That is why we continue working with partners to strengthen the cancer care continuum, whether through financing reforms, awareness campaigns, or biomarker testing so that every Filipino patient gets the care they need, when they need it,” Riedel emphasized.
Redefining cancer care
SINCE its inception in 2015, HFW has been at the forefront of efforts to redefine cancer care through education, patient empowerment, and policy advocacy. Over the years, the platform has reached more than 20 million Filipinos, mobilizing communities, patient groups, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to work together toward the full implementation and funding of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (NICCA).
“Every Filipino cancer patient deserves the best
possible chance, not just to survive, but to live well,” said Riedel.
He shared that Hope From Within was founded on the principle of placing patients at the center of all healthcare decisions.
“Ten years on, our mission is stronger than ever: to find real solutions that close the cancer care gap, make treatment accessible, and give every patient the dignity of hope,” added Riedel.
Empowering patients with digital tools IN keeping with its commitment to providing patientcentered resources, HFW will soon launch Let’s Talk Lung, a new AI-powered chatbot accessible via the campaign’s website. This digital innovation provides patients, caregivers, and the public with quick, reliable answers to common questions about lung cancer, including symptoms and diagnostic tests. Building on HFW’s award-winning platform, the chatbot expands the campaign’s capacity to empower patients with accurate, accessible, and easy-to-understand information anytime, anywhere.
HFW’s decade of sustained advocacy reflects the true power of partnership, yielding significant results—from championing the passage of the NICCA in 2019 to helping secure increased cancer assistance funding. Moving forward, MSD in the Philippines and its diverse partners across government, healthcare, and patient communities remain united by one goal: delivering equitable, comprehensive, and safe cancer care to every Filipino.
“Ten years is just the beginning,” Riedel concluded. “We will keep working until every Filipino patient feels seen, heard, and supported, and until no one has to f ight cancer alone.”
St. Luke’s Medical Center–Global City launches Blood Cancer Care Service
By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
ST. Luke’s Medical Center-Global City launched last September 24, 2025 the Blood Cancer Care Service, a specialized program designed to deliver comprehensive, world-class treatment for patients battling blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
According to Dr. Francis Lopez, Head of the Blood Cancer Care Service, hematologic malignancies remain a significant health challenge in the Philippines. He pointed out that current data indicate that approximately 33 Filipinos are diagnosed with blood cancer very day. This translates to thousands of new cases every year.
“These are not just numbers; these represent lives and families profoundly affected by these diseases. This is precisely why St. Luke’s has take the step to establish a dedicated blood cancer care service,” he said.
“We recognize that to provide the highest quality of care, we must move toward further specialization where our physicians, nurses and staff can focus on specific diseases, deepen their expertise and stay at the forefront of the latest diagnostics and treatment,” he added.
Beneficial to patients
THE opening of the services ensures that patients benefit from the care that is “comprehensive, precise and compassionate.”
“Our ultimate goal this year is clear: to serve our
patients better, to give them the best chance at recovery, the best quality of life and the hope they deserve,” Dr. Lopez said.
The opening of the new service coincided with the accreditation of St. Luke’s Cancer Institute as a Cancer Specialty Center by the Department of Health.
“This means that the care we provide really meets the national standards that’s evidence-based, multidisciplinary and centered on the needs of every patient who comes through our doors and entrusts their care to us,” said Dr. Marie Belle Francia, head of the Cancer Institute at St. Luke’s Medical Center—Global City.
Benchmark
FOR his part, Dr. Dennis Serrano, President and CEO of St. Luke’s Medical Center, said with the opening of the Blood Cancer Care Service, St. Luke’s will become the benchmark for many hospitals.
“It is really inherent upon us to keep pushing the envelope in terms of finding out how much more we can do for the patients, what newer and more innovative things and more groundbreaking outcomes we can offer our patients,” he said.
He added that everything that the hospital does is for the benefit of their patients.
“As we grow from one to two hospitals and eventually to three hospitals in our one healthcare system, we should never lose sight of the fact that really the main objective of all of this growth, all of these advances, is patient outcomes. And the opening of this service is a
testament to that commitment, to that objective that we are always looking out for patient outcomes,” Dr. Serrano said.
Multidisciplinary team AT the core of the new service is a multidisciplinary team of subspecialized hematologists working alongside oncologists, pathologists, geneticists, and supportive care professionals. This collaborative model ensures that every patient benefits from a treatment plan that is coordinated, individualized, and comprehensive. St. Luke’s-Global City’s Blood Cancer Care Service offers advanced hematologic, genetic, and molecular testing. These tools enable timely and accurate diagnosis, allowing doctors to design treatment strategies that are precisely tailored to each patient’s cancer type and genetic profile.
Patients will have access to a full range of evidencebased therapies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplantation. Each treatment plan is tailored to optimize outcomes while minimizing side effects and ensuring care that is both effective and compassionate.
Recognizing that cancer care extends beyond medical treatment, the program also provides integrated supportive services, including transfusion support, infection control, and nutritional guidance. These services are crucial for enhancing overall well-being, managing complications, and supporting patients throughout their recovery journey.
Editor: Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
Envoys&Expats BusinessMirror
SFA co-chairs foreign ministerial meeting on maritime security
SECRETARY of Foreign Affairs
Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro co-chaired a foreign ministerial meeting on “Reinforcing Cooperation to Achieve a Secure and Stable Maritime Domain” during the United Nations (UN) General Assembly’s 80th Session.
On September 24, 40 countries actively participated in the meeting, which was co-hosted by the Philippines with Australia, Estonia, Greece, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States.
British Chamber: e-Governance Law to facilitate further digital integration
THE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) commends the signing of Republic Act (RA) 12254, or the e-Governance Act, which streamlines and institutionalizes the government’s digital transition.
Executive Vice Chair Chris Nelson of the BCCP recognized the enactment as a reinforcement of current initiatives to eliminate red tape, while further boosting the country’s overall digital economy.
Acknowledging the current challenges in ensuring a secure and stable maritime domain, there was renewed commitment to multilateralism and the shared stewardship of the world’s oceans.
In particular, emphasis was placed on international law, cooperation across shared maritime issues such as the protection of the marine environment, ensuring freedom of navigation and commerce, facilitating global connectivity, and securing critical underwater infrastructure.
“As a growing coalition across re-
SECRETARY Lazaro
gions, we reaffirmed international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea [or UNCLOS as the constitution for the
oceans,] and the legal framework in addressing global challenges to security and stability at sea.” Lazaro said at the meeting.
Envoy to China: PHL is major economic services hub in Asia
BEIJING—Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz has introduced the Philippines as a major hub for economic services market in Asia.
In his speech at the recent Philippine Country Forum at the 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) in China’s capital city, FlorCruz urged Chinese investors, innovators and business owners to choose the Philippines as a destination for their next projects.
“The Philippines is a strong and stable country, and a global center of competitive services in Asia,” the country’s envoy to China said. “We are open for business and we welcome China—our largest trading partner—to partner with us in highgrowth services and industries.”
This year marks 50 years of Philippine-Chinese formal diplomatic relations, but trade and people-to-
US pledges ₧13.8 B in health assistance T
HE United States government has activated an amount of approximately P13.8 billion ($250 million) in foreign assistance to the Philippines that will strengthen health systems, improve disease detection and response capabilities, while enhancing maternal- and child-health services in the country—measures that the US Embassy said will make both countries “safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”
The new funding raises the total of recently announced US foreign assistance committed to the Philippines to more than P17 billion ($313 million), following an earlier announcement of P3 billion ($63 million) of similar funding to support Philippine energy sector resilience, combat illegal fishing in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea, and deepen private-sector development in the Luzon Economic Corridor.
The US commitment to improve health outcomes in the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region focuses on critical areas of tuberculosis control and prevention, global health security, maternal and child health and nutrition, plus other areas important to both countries’ health security. The funding supports key initiatives such as supply chain management, data and information systems, and laboratory strengthening.
people exchanges between the two countries have spanned for more than a thousand years.
According to FlorCruz, the Philippines is further improving its
business-friendly climate, as well as new benefits from the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act—a piece of legislation that lowers corporate income tax and
provides clearer and more focused incentives for businesses.
The law aims to make the country a more attractive business destination, support the recovery of companies and strengthen its competitiveness in the region.
Also, the envoy highlighted FiberHome—a Chinese networking and telecommunication equipment provider with successful Philippine operations.
FiberHome, FlorCruz said, is living proof that progress can be achieved by investing in the Philippines.
“We invite Chinese businessmen to visit the Philippine Pavilion and explore the possibilities of future cooperation—combining China’s cutting-edge technology and Filipino excellence in the field of services,” he said. CMG/PNA
I. Cervantes’ 24th PELÍCULA film festival returns to Makati
THE popular Spanish film festival PELÍCULAPELIKULA is returning to Makati City for its 24th edition from October 10 to 16.
Since its creation in 2002 by Instituto Cervantes, “PELÍCULA…” has become a much-awaited annual event in Philippine theaters. This year’s festival will showcase more than 20 acclaimed films from Spain, Latin America, and the Philippines.
The festival will open on October 10 at Ayala Triangle Gardens with the screening of El 47 (Marcel Barrena, 2024). Then throughout the week, audiences will enjoy a variety of genres, including dramas such as Soy Nevenka (Icíar Bollaín, 2024) and Nosotros (Helena Taberna, 2024); documentaries such as Un hombre libre (Laura Hojman, 2024) and La guitarra flamenca de Yerai Cortés (C. Tangara, 2024); and animations such as Mariposas negras (David Baute, 2024) and Robotia (Diego Cagide and Diego Lucero, 2024). In addition to Spanish productions, the official selection will feature films from Latin America: the Argentinian drama Por tu bien (Axel Monsú, 2024), the Brazilian Até que a música pare (Cristiane Oliveira, 2023), Uruguay’s Becho (José Infantozzi, 2024), and the Peruvian Reinas (Klaudia Reynicke, 2024). Filipino cinema will also have its place through the program En corto : Short films from the Philippines, Latin America, and Spain, which will be screened on October 16. Like in previous years, spectators will decide the Audience Choice Award—one of the festival’s most beloved traditions since 2004. Viewers may vote for their favorite films after each screening. The winning title will be announced on October 16, and will be screened again that evening at Power Plant Cinema 6 during the festival’s closing.
Special sections and activities
MARKING its return to Makati City, PELÍCULA will treat audiences to the extravaganza of Cine Maratón at Ayala Triangle Gardens on October 11. It will feature an entire day of films such as Dalia y el libro rojo (David Bisbano, 2024), Tasio (Montxo Armendáriz, 1984), Solos en la noche (Guillermo Rojas, 2024), and Reinas (Klaudia Reynicke, 2024) from 11:45 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The festival will also include parallel activities. On October 11, Instituto Cervantes will also offer
an activity related to films for children, where the Spanish Cultural Center will invite young participants to join fun and creative activities such as crafts and games that spark their imagination and curiosity.
The following day, October 12, before the screening of Robotia at 2 p.m. in Power Plant Cinema 6, kids will have the opportunity to win several footballs and an official T-shirt donated by Real Madrid C.F. through Manila-based Peña Madridista Emilio Butragueño.
All screenings are free of charge, with films presented in their original languages with English subtitles. For more updates visit https://manila.cervantes. es or facebook.com/InstitutoCervantesManila.
According to Nelson, this development aligns with broader government initiatives to eliminate red tape, with the BCCP acting as a champion of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), enabling direct reporting on related issues.
The chamber also noted that, “beyond strengthening governance, this law also positions the Philippines as a stronger investment destination in the region. By streamlining processes, cutting red tape, and embracing digital innovation, the e-Governance Act reinforces a modern, business-friendly environment—one that enhances the country’s competitiveness, attracts higher levels of foreign direct investment, and drives long-term, sustainable economic growth.”
Nelson also welcomed the passage of other priority legislation such as the Konektadong Pinoy Act and Investors’ Lease Act: “We wish to commend the current administration, because [it is taking a really proactive approach to passing legislation. We have been a key advocate for this as] an ARTA Champion, and e-Governance will certainly assist that.”
For him, these developments can
be linked to “further increasing the country’s digital trade that will encourage more investments in digital infrastructure, e-commerce, and other industries.”
The BCCP official pointed out that digital transformation reforms must be complemented by measures to strengthen and institutionalize cybersecurity by way of the passage of the Cybersecurity Act, which will enhance the country’s digital and cyber infrastructure, while ensuring a more resilient Philippine digital economy. According to Nelson, these developments will also strengthen the expanding trade relations between the United Kingdom and the Philippines, which reached £3 billion in the four quarters ending the first three months of 2025.
He also highlighted the justestablished UK-Philippine Joint Economic and Trade Committee or JETCO, and the Philippines’ interest to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership or the CPTPP.
Malaysia marks National Day ‘25
THE 68th National Day of Malaysia was recently commemorated through a reception graced by the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Leo M. HerreraLim as guest of honor, Apostolic Nuncio and Diplomatic Corps dean Archbishop Charles John Brown DD, Philippine government officials, the diplomatic community, business leaders, and friends of Malaysia.
In his address, Ambassador Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino reflected on Malaysia’s journey since independence, as he noted that this year’s celebration themed “Malaysia MADANI: Rakyat Disantuni ” (People Cared For) is a tribute to the sacrifices of past generations, and a call to safeguard unity, peace, and prosperity for the future.
The ambassador highlighted Malaysia’s role as Asean Chair in 2025, where under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” his country has spearheaded key Initiatives such as the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, setting a long-term vision for a more resilient region; the Asean Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030, guiding regional economic cooperation; progress on the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement—the world’s first binding regional digital economy pact—and the launch of the Asean Artificial Intelligence Safety Network; expanded cooperation on sustainability and climate action, including renewable energy, the Asean Power Grid, and stronger partnerships with Japan and the European Union; deepened public health preparedness through the Asean Centre for Public Health emergencies; and the historic advancement of Timor-Leste’s accession to Asean.
According to the ambassador, these accomplishments are based on the guiding principle that progress should be inclusive, and that no Asean citizen should be left
behind. He further noted that the Philippines will assume the Asean chairship in 2026, and assured that Malaysia will extend its utmost support to the Philippine government in ensuring the continued success of the bloc’s shared vision.
Underscoring the strong bilateral ties, Malik noted that Malaysia and the Philippines share history, culture, and aspirations, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, Islamic banking, education, halal industry, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. More than 800 Malaysian companies are currently operating in the Philippines, showcasing the ongoing growth in bilateral trade. He highlighted that the essence of their partnership lies in the warmth, trust, and mutual respect. The program featured cultural performances, an angklung presentation by the Sisters of Mary Schools, a video montage on Malaysia’s Asean chairship, and a showcase of Malaysian cuisine. A symbolic presentation of 1,000 boxes of Farm Fresh milk to the Department of Education underscored the embassy’s commitment to community outreach programs. The festivities concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony that symbolized the Southeast Asian country’s enduring friendship with the Philippines, followed by cultural dances and a raffle draw.
NELSON
AMBASSADOR Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino (from left), Undersecretary Leo M. Herrera-Lim, and Apostolic Nuncio Charles John Brown DD
AMBASSADOR Jaime FlorCruz CMG/PNA
Is Megaworld Hotels & Resorts a Great Place to Work?
Finding a workplace that truly aligns with one’s values can be a challenge. In the hospitality industry, employment often takes more than just salary and competitive benefits; it also requires a strong company culture, inclusivity, and purpose.
For the third consecutive year, Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) achieved its Great Place To Work certification, a recognition of its peoplefirst culture and commitment to employee well-being. The company has 90 percent of employees affirming MHR as a great place to work, well above the 65 percent average for typical companies in the Philippines, with an overall 87 percent Trust Index Score rating.
“This recognition belongs to every employee of MHR who lives out our Circle of Happiness every day. We are humbled that our people believe in the culture we have built together, where love for the different facets of our life is at the core.
Beyond the awards, it is the genuine joy and fulfillment of our colleagues that inspire us to keep growing and serving with heart,” Cleofe Albiso, MHR Managing Director, said.
Is MHR a great place to work? Here’s how MHR is setting itself apart in the Philippine hospitality industry:
Remarkably Low Attrition Rate
With a workforce of almost 3,000 employees, MHR has maintained an exceptionally low one percent attrition rate, a rare achievement in the hospitality sector where staff turnover is usually high. This figure highlights the strong bond between the company and its employees, proving that its policies and culture nurture loyalty and long-term commitment. By creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow, MHR successfully attracts and retains top talents who continue to deliver authentic Filipino hospitality.
Gender Inclusivity
MHR takes pride in fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is not only embraced but respected. In a recent employee survey, 95 percent affirmed that individuals are treated fairly, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. What was once a leadership
team composed of 80 percent men has evolved. Today, women make up 51 percent of the total decision-makers. Since 2019, 74 women across MHR’s 13 properties have been promoted into larger roles. This strong culture of respect ensures that every individual has equal opportunities to thrive, contribute, and lead. By championing inclusivity, MHR builds a stronger, more collaborative workforce powered by diverse perspectives that fuel innovation and growth.
Supporting Returning OFWs
The company is also committed to supporting returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by creating job opportunities that help them reintegrate into the local workforce. In fact, 100 percent of MHR’s executive team are either returning OFWs themselves or have undergone rigorous training aligned with international standards from globally recognized destinations and brands. This initiative is aligned with the Department of Tourism’s “Balik Bayani sa Turismo” program, which honors the contributions of OFWs while encouraging their role in boosting Philippine tourism. By opening its doors to these modern-day heroes, MHR not only provides sustainable livelihood but also empowers them to bring their global experiences back to enrich the local hospitality industry.
Next Gen Leadership Council
Investing in the future, MHR established the Next Gen Leadership Council, a development program designed to prepare young associates for greater leadership roles and responsibilities. From an initial pool of 70 applicants, 25 associates aged 23 to 34 from various departments and properties are now undergoing an intensive eight-month training program, featuring curated lectures and hands-on experience across all facets of the business.
This initiative provides a platform for emerging talents to collaborate, innovate, and learn decision-making directly from current
leaders. It also bridges the gap between available leadership positions and qualified personnel, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent as MHR continues to expand its hotel portfolio. The program reflects MHR’s commitment to cultivating leaders from within, building visionary professionals who will shape the future of Philippine hospitality.
Circle of Happiness Culture
At the heart of MHR’s success lies its distinctive Circle of Happiness framework, a guiding philosophy that shapes the company’s culture and values. This holistic approach emphasizes the integration of professional ambition with personal fulfillment, fostering a workplace where individuals are inspired to thrive. Centered on five pillars—Love for Self, Love for Work, Love for Family, Love for Country, and Love for God—the framework encourages employees to find deeper purpose, joy, and meaning in their daily work.
A key expression of this culture is the Sampaguita Advocacy, which draws inspiration from MHR’s signature Sampaguita brand of service, a symbol of warm, heartfelt hospitality deeply rooted in Filipino tradition. This advocacy embodies the Filipino spirit and national pride, grounded in the symbolism of the Sampaguita flower’s five petals: love, honor, dignity, healing, and the Philippine flag. These core values serve as guiding principles for every associate, shaping the way they engage with guests—with kindness, care, and a deep sense of purpose—while continuously elevating the unique identity of Filipino hospitality.
As MHR continues to expand its footprint across the Philippines, this purpose-driven philosophy remains central to its journey. Through programs that celebrate diversity, cultivate leadership, and honor core Filipino values, MHR continues to build a supportive and inclusive environment. In doing so, it not only upholds its standing as a certified Great Place to Work® but also reaffirms its identity as the country’s largest homegrown hotel operator—and a proud contributor to nation-building.
Fusion,” the duo impressed the judges with their winning dish, “Pesang Asan en Papillote,” Pesang Asan, a traditional Kapampangan dish, featuring tuna gently simmered in a rich ginger broth and prepared en papillote (French papillote style). The dish highlighted the richness of Kapampangan flavors with a French twist- a perfect blend of local authenticity and international flair.
Lorenzo Tang, General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Clark, proudly congratulated the talented duo for bringing home this well-deserved win “A big congratulations and a heartfelt shout-out to our Culinary Team for bringing home the victory at the recent One Pampanga F&B Expo! Winning the championship for the second year in a row, among such an impressive roster of chefs from hotels and restaurants across town, is truly remarkable. This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of our associates who work tirelessly every day to deliver exceptional moments to our guests.”
Chefs Melvin and Jamaica were mentored by the hotel’s Executive Chef, Jose Carmelito Quizon, whose guidance and expertise helped bring their vision and creativity to life.
The Culinary Cook Off brought together top chefs and culinary professionals from the Hotels and Restaurant Association of Pampanga (HARP), making this back-toback victory a proud moment for the hotel and Clark’s culinary community.
Standard Chartered’s new global brand campaign backs the power of now
STANDARD Chartered has unveiled its latest global brand platform, “Now is your time,” a call to act with confidence in pivotal moments, backed by a global bank that empowers you to move first and move boldly.
The platform builds on Standard Chartered’s rich heritage and expertise in investment, trade and wealth corridors that connect capital and commerce to opportunities across the world’s most dynamic markets. Featuring TikTok sensation and child prodigy violinist Yeonah Kim, the campaign brings this message to life through moments of ambition and achievement.
The launch campaign, created in partnership with Leo Singapore, reflects these pivotal moments, a decision, a leap, a shift, where Standard Chartered enables clients to translate bold ambition into real world opportunity and move forward with confidence.
The centrepiece film, “Ode to Now,” dramatizes these moments through four unique characters and their path to success:
Zahra — an engineer with a bold vision for the future, who confidently seizes the right moment to pitch her idea.
“Standard Chartered has deep roots in the world’s fastestgrowing economies which enables us to connect our
said Sarah Hagan, Global Co-Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing at Standard Chartered. The campaign’s key visuals feature dynamic imagery that captures the power of acting with confidence at pivotal moments to drive success. This global campaign leverages an upgraded brand design system creating an aspirational visual identity that will deliver consistency across all touchpoints and markets.
“Financial services advertising is crowded with glossy images of success, fixated on the end result,” said Asheen Naidu, Group Executive Creative Director, Leo Singapore. “We chose instead to focus on the realworld moments that come before it — the grit, the vision, the determination. Those moments gave us a visual language and an authentic tone for the Standard Chartered brand that reflect the energy and momentum that come from having the right support.” Now is your time launches globally across out-ofhome, regional television, digital platforms, and premium publishers. Find out more at www.sc.com/nowisyourtime.
Li Wen – an affluent, ambitious businesswoman who invests in what matters most, her daughter, a young violin prodigy seizing her moment on the global stage. Yeonah Kim – the real-life violin prodigy who plays Li Wen’s daughter, taking center stage at a packed-out concert performance and embodying the ambition and confidence that comes from seizing your moment. Well known for her virtuoso performances that have achieved millions of social media views, Yeonah performed the soundtrack live during filming with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. As the campaign develops, audiences can look forward to seeing more of Yeonah through behind-the-scenes and exclusive social media content. Rahul — a corporate investor who is first to act on an opportunity in a dynamic market; while others hesitate, he moves decisively.
The 45th Wedding Expo Philippines Returns This September
THERE’S something magical about stepping into a space where every detail whispers of love, promises, and beginnings. For more than two decades, Wedding Expo Philippines has been that place for soon-to-weds, a gathering where dreams take shape and where the country’s best wedding suppliers come together under one roof. Now on its 45th edition, the country’s longest-running and most trusted bridal fair returned on September 27 to 28, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
Couples experienced an immersive planning journey from the Grand Food Tasting Festival featuring celebrated caterers, to exclusive giveaways like a pre-nup photoshoot from Nice Print Photography and custom-made bridal shoes by Doreen Odvina. The expo also introduced modern trends and innovative touches designed for couples who want their celebration to be as meaningful as it is beautiful.
“For over 20 years, Wedding Expo Philippines has stood by couples as a trusted partner in planning their most important day. This 45th edition is not just about finding suppliers; it’s about inspiring couples, giving them peace of mind, and creating moments of joy even before they walk down the aisle,” said Sharon Fabian, Managing Director of Themes & Motifs Bridal Fairs & Wedding Expo.
An added excitement was the the much-awaited Book-to-Win Promo, where couples who booked on-site had a chance to win luxurious hotel stays, finely crafted 14k wedding rings, and His & Hers Bric’s Bellagio luggage, exquisite symbols of a journey just beginning.
Couples who pre-registered online enjoyed complimentary access and exclusive benefits, such as free admission for the two-day fair, bridal welcome gift with special freebies, hourly raffles and giveaways, on-the-spot promos from wedding suppliers and priority slots for the
LIFE in the Philippines is full of hustle and heart.
From navigating EDSA traffic and powering through long workdays to making time for family dinners and barkada nights, it’s no wonder many Filipinos crave more energy and resilience. The secret, however, isn’t in the latest fad diet or quick-fix energy drink. True vitality starts at the very core—our cells. And from Japan comes a superfood that supports this foundation: Sun Chlorella.
Known as one of nature’s most nutrient-dense foods, Sun Chlorella is rich in chlorophyll, the highest among all edible sources, plus a powerful mix of protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential amino acids. “Its unique composition profoundly impacts our health at the cellular level,” says Dr. Mark Drucker, co-founder of the Center for Advanced Medicine and longtime Sun Chlorella user. What makes Sun Chlorella special is its Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), a natural compound that helps speed up cell repair and regeneration. Think of it as your body’s daily tune-up, working quietly in the background to restore and strengthen. Its natural detoxifying properties also help flush out toxins and heavy metals, making it especially relevant for those living in bustling cities like Metro Manila. And unlike other chlorella supplements, Sun Chlorella uses a patented Dyno-Mill process that breaks down the algae’s tough cell walls without damaging its nutrients. This makes the nutrients more absorbable, up to 90 percent, so your body gets more of what it needs to stay energized and resilient. Regular users often notice more steady energy throughout the day—enough to keep up with morning meetings, afternoon errands, and still have gas left for dinner with the family. It also gives the
Brilliantly designed wedding jewelry was showcased by
The leaders of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts led by its Managing Director, Cleofe Albiso.
In the photo are, from left, Felix Nino Asuncion, Lead Convenor of OPFBEX; Cesar Reyes, Director for Trainings and Seminars: Mitch Otsuro-Park, HARP’s VP for Restaurants; Chef Princess Ann Uy, Jamaica Juachon and Melvin Tiamzon of Park Inn by Radisson Clark; Chef Heinz Pelayo; Chef Dan; HARP President Remedoonna Rabina; Former HARP President Fatima Orfinada; co-organizers Macky Nicdao and Chie Basco; and Peter Lising, VP for HARP Membership. Photos courtesy of the Hotels and Restaurant Association of Pampanga (HARP)
Sun Chlorella: The Cellular Upgrade for Everyday Vitality
Gratitude in five baskets: Reflecting on our growth and progress after Quarter 3
AS September ends and another quarter closes, take a moment to pause with me. What are things that happened this month that left an impact on you? Which do you feel good about? Which may have ruffled you up a bit? Reflection feels simple but can be hard—yet it’s one of our most powerful tools to live with intention and presence.
To make this reflection easier, I like to think of life as five baskets—distinct but connected where growth and meaning mesh together:
n Personal emotion: your inner well-being and feelings
n Immediate family: spouse, children, those closest at home
n Work or craft: your vocation, contribution, and purpose
n Social relationships: friends, siblings, extended network
n Community impact: service, outreach, influence beyond self
Each basket will feel full or empty at times. The goal is not perfection but awareness. Challenges in one basket can spark strength in another, while joys can guide healing where it is needed the most. Often, we avoid admitting when a basket feels empty or painful. Cracks in one area can reveal beauty in another. Emotional struggles may deepen family bonds, fuel empathy in community work, or open a new creative path.
This past quarter has brought a lot of surprises, mistakes and unexpected challenges for me. Some were bruising to my personhood, yet those same challenges also brought out support and affirmation on everything I have built and stood for all these years.
Nurturing your emotional basket—through
self-care and reflection—can give clarity to better support loved ones. Even when your work feels overwhelming, it may anchor your purpose and bring hope to personal or family uncertainty.
Here are practical ways to nurture gratitude and growth in your baskets, backed by research from family education and mental health experts:
n Personal emotion. Keep a daily gratitude journal, listing three things—big or small—that bring you joy. Clinical studies show gratitude reduces anxiety and depression symptoms while boosting positive emotions (Emmons, R.A., & Stern, R. 2013). Gratitude is a psychotherapeutic intervention (Journal of Clinical Psychology). On tough days, note small wins—a quiet moment or kind word. Acknowledge negative feelings without judgment; self-compassion is key (Neff, K.D. 2011). Self-compassion: Stop beating yourself up and leave insecurity behind. Practice gratitude before sleep—this habit improves mood, sleep quality, and immune health.
n Immediate family. Stick to your loving routines—greeting each other in the morning, asking how their day was. Even if you do not always get a bright answer, still celebrate the peaceful mornings or shared laughs. I have teenagers now and they can be moody at times. I still give my son the same hug and sit with him to check on his day. Reflect on what fun things you and your partner did or can do for the next months – explore a new restaurant, get a foot massage together.
n Work or creative craft. At quarter’s end, reflect on tasks that brought purpose versus those that drained you. I felt so proud being able to introduce to my husband and my daughter Erik Smyth, the inventor of DEW cleaning products, powered by advanced electrolysed water technology and free from harsh chemicals, eco-friendly and certified by Allergy UK.
n Social relationships. Reconnect or set dinnerdates with childhood friends. My grade school volleyball and scouting group of 4 has always offered me so much solace and strength. Exploring new friendships are great as well.
n Community impact. Engage in volunteering aligned with your values; gratitude fuels sustained service. Although it seems time is always running out
so much meaning and fun, being in the marketing industry all these years.
Gratitude is far more than a feel-good idea, it is therapeutic. Systematic reviews find regular gratitude practices reduce anxiety and depression while boosting holistic mental health (Wood, A.M., et al. 2010). The role of gratitude in well-being (Clinical Psychology Review). Long-term studies link higher gratitude to lower mortality rates, improved heart health, and emotional resilience (Harvard Health Publishing 2024). Gratitude enhances health, happiness and longevity.
a defeatist one. It encourages prosocial behaviors, deepening community ties (Frontiers in Psychology 2024). Gratitude fosters community and prosocial behavior. When trained to see blessings amid struggle, we build emotional muscle—becoming more open to beauty, more forgiving of imperfections, and more patient with growth.
Gratitude shifts focus outside ourselves, allowing us to have a more “bring it on” attitude, rather than
4 ways to become more mindful in your everyday life
LIVING a more mindful life opens the path toward greater overall happiness.
Wellness coach and health educator Elizabeth Scott, PhD, stated that directing all attention and awareness to the present may bring many benefits to relationships, emotional and physical health.
“Practicing everyday mindfulness can pull you out of the negative downward spiral caused by too much daily stress, too many bad moods, or the habit of rumination,” she explained.
Scott, who specializes in stress management, positive psychology, and family counseling, noted that it can likewise assist to put stressful events into perspective.
This builds resilience so you are less overwhelmed in the future.
“Learning to be present in the moment is a way of life,” expounded the author of self-help book 8 Keys to Stress Management.
“With practice, you can learn to live a more mindful life that allows you to become more conscious of everything you are doing,” she added.
To guide the general public, experts from the Benilde Well-Being Center (BWC) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) shared Scott’s insights as published on the award-winning platform Verywell Mind.
Here are her key points:
n Mindfulness in eating. Mindless eating—whether you eat as you scroll through your phone or look to food for emotional comfort—can contribute to problems, such as overeating and consuming too much sugar. Her tip: Resist the urge to multitask. Be present with your food. Pay attention to each bite Chew slowly. Savor the taste. Notice how you fuel your body.
Mindfulness in a relationship is to observe and interact without judgment. When you are with someone, give them your undivided attention. Listen carefully. Focus on what they are saying, instead of your own response. Learn to reply with purpose.
n Mindfulness in daily activities. Trouble recalling whether you washed your hair when in the shower or forgetting why you walked into a room are signs that your mind is full. Focus on what you are doing as you are doing it—and nothing else. Tune into physical sensations. Let go of anxiety over the past and thoughts of the future. When
Simple activities to focus on may include walking, gardening, or even just eating chocolate.
n Pause to be mindful throughout the day. It may be a challenge to stay mindful as you move from one activity to the next. Get back on track by focusing on your breathing when you’re upset or anxious. It can have a calming effect and help you stay grounded. Progressive muscle relaxation is another exercise. Tense and relax your muscles—one muscle group at a time. You will learn to recognize when you tense up certain body parts.
The greatest invitation is this: as long as we are given another breath to live each day, there is definitely something to look forward to in...doing, learning and being. Let us live this next quarter with ourselves and the people around us, not chasing perfect balance, but embracing the grace that guides us from basket to basket, one day at a time.
Makati Medical Center proclaims chapel under patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe
MAKATI Medical Center (MakatiMed) reached a historic milestone on August 20, 2025, with the proclamation of its chapel under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The celebration was marked by a solemn mass presided by His Eminence Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, joined by priests and ministers from the Archdiocese of Manila. During the liturgical celebration, Cardinal Advincula formally installed Fr. Moses Eduardo Ciego as chaplain of the newly proclaimed Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel. Following the mass, he led the blessing of the chapel marker which serves as a lasting testament to the hospital’s devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under this title.
The hospital’s devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe was initiated years ago under
the leadership of then medical director Dr. Raul G. Fores. This was strengthened during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the hospital community turned to prayer and intercession amid unprecedented trials. In his message for the occasion, Saturnino P. Javier, MD, MakatiMed interim co-president, CEO and medical director, emphasized how the consecration of the chapel reflects the hospital’s gratitude for divine guidance and protection: “All these 55 years of MMC, our healthcare workers continue to carry out their noble tasks of saving lives, promoting health, assuaging pain, and curing afflictions. Today, August 20, MMC does all these while affirming its devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.” Under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the chapel now stands as a sanctuary of faith, hope and healing for the entire MakatiMed community.
CLOCKWISE: Some of my gratitude list for Quarter 3—Erik Smyth, founder of DEW, with my family and good friend Miles; Meagan and I attending Design Thinking at Asian Institute of Management; Meagan winning gold at the Junior Women’s Sabre and sharing her medal to her fencing big brother Sandro Sia, owner of Republic Fencing and UP Fencing team coach; Marcus winning silver at U17 Young Musketeers Fencing Competition with his coach Don Navarro and coach Alvin Almonte from Republic Fencing; my team and I attending Pana’s Brand Masters event; my sister Joan and I during a recent trip together in China.
FROM left: Arnold C. Ocampo, MakatiMed interim co-president, CEO and chief finance officer; Saturnino P. Javier, MD, MakatiMed interim co-president, CEO and medical director; Rev. Fr. Moses Eduardo Ciego, Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel chaplain; and Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, Archbishop of Manila.
Eala gains quarters in Suzhou WTA 125
By Aldrin Quinto
LEXANDRA
Aof Hungary, 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. In th e top half of the bracket, New Zealand’s Lulu Sun, champion of the Jingshan Tennis Open over the weekend, was to face Victoria Jiménez Kasintseva in the Round of 16 after eliminating 17-year-old top seed and world No. 37 Iva Jovic of the US, 6-4, 7-6(3).
K asintseva defeated 20-year-old Australian Talia Gibson, 7-6(2), 7-5. Third seed and world No. 57 Suzan Lamens, 26, of the Netherlands takes on 23-year-old Katie Volynets of the US after beating China’s Xinxin Yao, 6-2, 6-3.
victory
Volynets beat 18-year-old Chinese player Chenting Zhu, 6-0, 6-3.
Sinner tops China Open JANNIK SINNER won the China Open by beating American teenager Learner Tien, 6-2, 6-2, in Wednesday’s final to continue his preparations for the Shanghai Masters.
Sinner rebounded from his US Open disappointment by winning his third title of the season—his 21st altogether— with a dominant performances against the 19-year-old Tien, the second-youngest player to reach the tournament’s final.
Team North gains head start with 8 victories in Four-Ball
TEAM North flexed its muscle in multiple divisions to seize control with eight wins out of 12 matches in the Four-Ball event of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. North vs South Elite Junior Championship at The Country Club in the City of Santa Rosa on Wednesday.
W hat began as a tightly contested showdown between Luzon’s finest junior golfers and the top talents from the Visayas-Mindanao region evolved into a dominant performance by the North squad which handled the pressure and pace of the day with poise despite the punishing heat.
Team North captain Francis Talion attributed their strong Day 1 performance to careful planning, preparation and a deep understanding of both their own players and the opposing team’s potential lineup.
“Basically, we started by making critical projections on how the other team might compose their roster for Day 1—that’s what we based our own lineup on,” said Talion, who also took the time to study each of their players’ personalities and how well their playing styles would complement one another.
Of course, we didn’t just consider their skills, but also their personalities, to ensure strong on-court chemistry and effective partnerships,” he added.
The girls’ 7-10 pairings struck first blood for Team North—Athena Serapio and Ronee Dungca delivered a strong 3&2 win over Soleil Molde and Claren Quiño, while Mavis Espedido and Tyra Garingalao overwhelmed Denise Mendoza and Francesca Geroy with a 4&3 victory.
W ith Team North holding a commanding lead after Day 1, Talion hinted at minimal changes for Day 2, when action shifts to Foursomes, emphasizing the importance of team familiarity.
“I t’s all about chemistry. One of
“ We will try to improve and push for more and let’s see what the rest of the season looks like, but I am very happy,” Sinner said.
Sinner next goes to Shanghai, where he’ll be the favorite after Carlos Alcaraz withdrew because of an ankle injury sustained in the first round of the Japan Open, which he won Tuesday.
On Tuesday Sinner won his 11th straight career match against Alex de Minaur in their China Open semifinal. Sinner’s 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 victory earned him a ninth straight final at hard-court tournaments. Tien ranked No. 52, played in his first tour final after Daniil Medvedev retired injured when the score was 5-7, 7-5, 4-0 on Tuesday.
The ATP event in Beijing ran concurrently with the WTA 1000 tournament which is into the fourth round and ends Sunday. Among those playing their fourth-round matches later Wednesday were top-seeded Iga Swiatek and fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula.
Second-seeded Coco Gauff has already qualified for the quarterfinals, which she is scheduled to play against Eva Lys on Thursday. With AP
B8 Thursday, OcTOBer 2, 2025
mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph
Editor:
Sports BusinessMirror
Senators shower Alas Pilipinas with accolades
SENATORS showered with accolades members of the Alas Pilipinas Men with Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano sponsoring Senate Resolution No. 143 that congratulates and commends the team for its milestone 19th-place finish in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Sports brings Filipinos together. This team not only made us proud during the SEA Games, but they also made sure they will pleasantly surprise us,” Cayetano said during his sponsorship speech.
Cayetano said the team’s breakthrough run “brought immense pride and honor” to the country and proved that Filipino athletes can excel when given the right opportunities.
The senator emphasized that sports is a “God-given activity” that promotes health and well-being, fosters unity even in the midst of political divides, and elevates the Philippines’ global image through international success.
significant by the Philippines’ role as the tournament’s sole host.
A ll 24 Senators supported and adopted the resolution with Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Joel Villanueva and Erwin Tulfo making their manifestations congratulating the national team.
the key factors for Day 2 will be the lessons from today—what worked, what didn’t, and how the team handled different moments,” Talion said.
Even in divisions where South showed flashes of resistance, North’s pairings remained in control with Zach Guico and Halo Pangilinan cruising to a 5&4 romp in the boys’ 7-10 division over Lucas Revilleza and James Rolida. South’s Ethan Lago and Kvan Alburo, however, foiled Zoji Edoc and Asher Abad, 3&2, in the other match.
In the boys’ 11-14 category, Zianbeau Edoc and Jacob Casuga outplayed South’s top gun Ralph Batican and Marcus Dueñas, 5&4, while Vito Sarines and Ryuji Suzuki smothered South’s Jared Saban and Ken Guillermo, 3&2.
Present at the Senate were Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and secretarygeneral Donaldo Caringal and members of Alas Pilipinas led by head coach Angiolino Frigoni and deputy coach Ogie Mamon and team captain Bryan Bagunas. The resolution also cited standouts led by captain Bryan Bagunas, who finished third among the tournament’s top scorers, and Marck Espejo, who ranked fourth among receivers, with Cayetano saying their feats prove the grit and talent of Filipino athletes on the world stage.
Suzara, which opened doors to overseas tournaments and strengthened training programs for national players. Cayetano, who also serves as Cochair of the Local Organizing Committee and Chairman Emeritus of the PNVF, added that honoring Alas Pilipinas is not only about celebrating their success but also about sustaining momentum for long-term sports development.
“Honoring Filipino athletes serves a public purpose because their achievements inspire national pride, set standards for sports programs, and justify sustained investment in facilities, training, and athlete support nationwide,” he said.
T his success, Cayetano said, set the stage for the Philippines to host the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Championship in 2029, with greater readiness and confidence.
T he Senate resolution emphasized that the achievement was made even more
T he Sarines twins Mona and Lisa extended their winning streaks with impressive victories alongside different partners—Mona with Kendra Garingalao to edge Brittany Tamayo and Kimberly Baroquillo, 2&1, and Lisa with Alexie Gabi for a 2&1 win over Rafella Batican and Zuri Bagaloyos.
Team South staged a stunning comeback in the final match of the day as Eric Jeon drained a clutch pitch-in birdie on the challenging No. 18. The dramatic finish lifted his pairing with Mhark Fernando III to a thrilling 1-up victory over North’s Zach Villaroman and Jakob Taruc.
Green Archers scrape past Tams
T he senator likewise credited the coaching staff led by Angiolino Frigoni and the reforms implemented by the PNVF under
By Josef Ramos
THE Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) celebrates its 50th season with a classic Barangay Ginebra San Miguel-Magnolia showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
And to also celebrate the golden anniversary of Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league, the PBA welcomed Pureblends to the family during the pre-season press conference on Wednesday at the Shangrila Fort.
We are very happy that we’re accepted by the PBA, we waited for a long time and the timing is great because it’s in the PBA’s 50th anniversary,” Pureblends team governor Emil Tiu said. “We will learn from here and we are to compete.” Pureblends took over NorthPort’s franchise with the team carrying the brand Titan Ultra—a food supplement for men—and the players as the Giant Risers. They will debut against the Meralco Bolts on October 8 at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
F ormer Terrafirma coach
Johnedel Cardel will handle the team
delivered back-to-back baskets to stretch De La Salle’s lead to 74-69 with 1:32 remaining. B autista answered with a clutch triple at the 54.4-second mark to trim it to 72-74, only to miss what would have been the game-tying layup in the dying seconds.
“I stepped up because the team needs everyone to do so,” said Dungo, who delivered up in the absence of Kean Baclaan (sprained ankle). Dungo, a former UST Tiger Cub,
composed of Cade Flores, Calvin Abueva, Joshua Munzon, Fran Yu, Damie Cuntapay, James Kwekuteye, Jeo Ambohot, rookies Chris Koon and 6-foot-9 Mario Barasi. Jerrick Balanza and Von Pessumal are also part of the Titan Ultra roster that reportedly bought the Batang Pier franchise for P90 million—lock, stock and barrel.
“I must admit that we are still a young team, but we have a complete lineup,” Tiu said. “We will give the strong teams a good fight. We will fight.” League treasurer Atty. Raymond Zorilla of Phoenix Super LPG said Titan Ultra complied with all the requirements to get the nod of the board.
Terrafirma also named Alfredo “Pido” Jarencio as its representative to the board replacing Bobby Rosales. Gin ebra-Magnolia game where LA Tenorio will make his debut as playingcoach of the Chicken Timplados is set at 7:30 p.m. T he PBA will be holding a Fans Day on Saturday at the Green Gate of Smart Araneta Coliseum to be followed by a celebration and concert at the Meralco Theater with the pro league’s past and present members.
showed his comfort inside the Quadricentennial Pavilion by scoring 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting to lead De La Salle. A mos added 14 points, four assists and three rebounds, while Jacob Cortez also tallied 14 points with four assists and three boards.
“B ecause of their performance and because of the successful hosting, two years from now, iyon namang Women’s Volleyball Championship will be held in the Philippines and this time around we have much more time to prepare,” he said. Josef Ramos
Cardinals open defense of crown with 2OT victory
MAPUA University started defending its seniors basketball title the hard way—a 90-89 double overtime victory over Lyceum of the Philippines University—as the National Collegiate Athletic Association entered its 101st season at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
JC Recto led the Cardinals with a near double-double of 16 points and nine rebounds to also step up after Mapua star Clint Escamis fouled out in the fourth quarter.
“I just let my instincts take over. Clint (Escamis) wasn’t there and just because he wasn’t there meant we should focus on him being out,” Recto said. Escamis finished with eight points. All I thought about was doing whatever the coaches asked me to do,” Recto added.
E arl Sapasap and Cyrus Cuenco, had 16 and 14 points, respectively, for the Cardinals.
Renz Villegas finished with 23 points for the Pirates.
Mapua takes on Arellano Univeersity on Saturday while Lyceum faces University of Perpetual Help on Sunday at the San Juan Arena.
Recto tied the game at 80-all with a three-point play in the first overtime, neutralizing a late Pirates surge and he did it again in the second extra period by converting another and-one to pull Mapua.
B ut Mason Amos and Doy Dungo
ALEXANDRA EALA is piling up one
after another as she goes deeper into the tournament in China. AP
Ogie Narvasa
team governors
Dulatre (NLEX), Atty. Memorte Mondragon (Rain
Shine), Atty.
Pamintuan (Meralco),
Tiu (Titan Ultra), Atty. Raymond Zorilla (Phoenix Super LPG), Robert Non (San Miguel Beer), Siliman Sy (Blackwater) and Jason Webb (Magnolia) and TV5 president and CEO Guido Zaballero and league finance director Odessa Encarnacion. PBA IMAGES
up
Mapua with
near double-double of 16 points and nine rebounds.
PHOTO DOY DUNGO plays with
Quadricentennial Pavilion to finish with 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting for De La Salle. UAAP PHOTO
NORTH’S Zach Guico (left) and Halo Pangilinan cruise to a 5&4 romp in the boys’ 7-10 division. JPGT PHOTO
THE Alas Pilipinas Men with Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Majority Floor Leader Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Minority Floor Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Senators Pia Cayetano, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Joel Villanueva, Erwin Tulfo, Risa Hontiveros, Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Imee Marcos, Jesus Victor “JV” Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada, Rodante Marcoleta and Robinhood Padilla and Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal. ROY DOMINGO
