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HOMEGROWN HERO Tabuena shines in BingoPlus International Series win

By Dino Datu

FILIPINO golf standout

Miguel Tabuena has done the unimaginable—winning the International Series Philippines presented by Bingo Plus in dominant fashion. Even with major champions and Asia’s best in the field, Tabuena not only held his nerve, he showed the way. With rounds of 69-65-65-65, the golf phenom played a fairytale week, at his home course, in front of home fans. Local golf enthusiasts came in droves, packing Sta. Elena Golf Club’s fairways from the opening tee shot on day one, until Miguel dropped the final putt on day four.

TBY DINO DATU

he International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus just crowned a most deserving champion in local golf standout Miguel Tabuena. After rounds of 69-65-6565 for a four-day total of -24, Tabuena outlasted the competition, which included Major Champions Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, and a multitude of top golfers from LIV golf and the Asian Tour.

Steady play, nerves of steel, and an unsinkable resolve got Miguel his muchdeserved win. He is the first Filipino to win an International Series event, and to do it in such spectacular fashion at home makes it all the more special. He literally had the entire country’s hopes on his young shoulders and he more than delivered – he dominated.

Tabuena is now poised to battle it out with fellow LIV hopefuls in the remaining International Series events for 2025, namely The LINK Hong Kong Open from October 30-November 2, The Moutai Macao Open from November 6-9, and the culminating event, The PIF Saudi International presented by

upon Sta. Elena Golf Club. Former Masters and US Open Champion Dustin Johnson, Masters Champions Patrick Reed and Charl Schwartzel, Open Championship winner Louis Oosthuizen, along with LIV and Asian Tour stars were in the field. Of course, our very own top professionals, led by none other than local star Miguel Tabuena spearheaded the challenge, taking advantage of his knowledge of the venue, Sta. Elena Golf Club – his home course.

The beginnings of IS Philippines IT all started in early May 2024, with a very hush-hush visit from then LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman. Social media and sports sections were abuzz when, without any warning, pictures of the former world number one appeared online. He was visiting the top courses in the outskirts of Manila, seemingly on a scouting mission.

With LIV already having events in Hong Kong and Singapore, the question everyone asked was “Is LIV Manila next up?” In a country with a relatively small but very active and passionate golfing population, an international golf event of magnitude was welcome news, even if it was all just speculation. When Mr. Norman left without any commitment in public, Filipino golfers remained hopeful.

Partnership with BingoPlus IT wasn’t for several months before the big announcement was made. In January 2025, it was revealed that together with BingoPlus, The International Series Philippines was to be held in October. This confirmed what countless golf enthusiasts were hoping for, to see in person, and watch current legends of golf in our shores, playing a course many of us

SoftBank Investment Advisers from November 19-22.

International Series Philippines FROM October 23-26, the International Series Philippines, presented by BingoPlus brought golfing legends to Manila. A number of LIV Golf stars, along with Asia’s top golfers, including our own local

a Filipino golfer, joins the fourday International Series Philippines.

are familiar with.

During the announcement in January, it was shared that the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus will be sponsored by DigiPlus, BingoPlus Foundation, CasinoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone. Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of AB Leisure Exponent, Inc., said: “Partnering The International Series, with big name stars from LIV Golf and the Asian Tour in the field, will give us access to an important audience in our home market.

The partnership also fits with our vision of collaborating with powerhouse brands in the worlds of sports and entertainment, driving engagement among important new audiences as we continue to grow as a brand.”

Rahul Singh, Head of The International Series, said: “Bringing The International Series to the Philippines is a statement of our intent, underscoring the importance of the country in the growing global golf ecosystem, and our continued promise to bring golf to new markets.”

announcement highlights the blend of new and established markets that are eager to host The International Series and our unique brand of elite level sport featuring LIV Golf stars and hot prospects on the Asian Tour,” Singh mentioned.

He added: “Working with BingoPlus, a leading digital entertainment platform, highlights the interest in the growing strength of our brand as more partners look to secure involvement and tap into our large, sportssavvy audience.”

The venue wasn’t announced yet in January, but the schedule was set. The Philippines was to host golf’s very best in October and the country’s golfing population had a lot to be excited about.

The venue: Santa Elena Golf and Country Club NESTLED in Cabuyao, Laguna, Santa Elena has always been a top choice for the country’s most discerning golfers. With perfectly manicured fairways, topnotch facilities, and impeccable service, Santa Elena was an easy choice for hosting the International Series Philippines.

Aside from having a championship layout that can test the game’s very best from all over the world, hosting an event of the scale of IS Philippines requires much more than just the golf. Space requirements, available facilities, the logistics, all these come into play when picking a venue.

Santa Elena had all the requirements for hosting a world class golfing event, with its championship layout stretching to over 7,300 yards. So too were its well-appointed clubhouse and events spaces, as well as the

system provides an opportunity for Asian Tour professionals to earn points in a seasonlong series with the winner receiving a LIV Golf contract.

Pre-tournament activities

THE pre-tournament festivities kicked off with the IS Philippines and BingoPlus Media Golf Day on September 24, 2025. Representatives from various media organizations were invited to receive a proper orientation on the events scheduled throughout the tournament season.

Rahul Singh and Tabuena graced the media day, engaging with reporters and answering questions. Singh remarked, “This is the first time the International Series will be hosted in the Philippines. We hope to provide entertainment and excitement, with the idea to show the Philippines that golf can be more. It’s an opportunity to come out and enjoy the outdoors, spend time with your family, or bring out your inner sportsperson, as well as hopefully inspire the next generation of players.”

Extending the fun and excitement beyond the inaugural golf tournament, the BingoPlus Caravan 2025 first visited the city of Bulacan. Aside from celebrating the nation’s monumental hosting of the International Series, the caravan spread one of the event’s key advocacies: “Swing for the Filipino Sports Dream.”

sheer size of the property which can easily accommodate the expected crowds and the parking areas required. Everything seemed to fall into place perfectly for hosting the biggest golf event in the country in the last three decades.

The International Series as a pathway to LIV Golf LIV Golf has emerged as an alternative tour for professional golfers. This lucrative tour has shaken up the golfing world over the past couple of years, bringing the dream of playing golf as a profession to even more hopefuls. With top professionals and Major Champions and legends like Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed and more joining LIV, it has become a major tour in a short amount of time.

The caravan featured various activities and snack booths where attendees could interactively enjoy the event while having the chance to win gadgets and house appliances.

A key highlight was the appearance of popular actors, including Teejay Marquez, Derek Monasterio, and Lance Carr, alongside the boyband YML and some social media influencers.

The pre-tournament schedule also included a Welcome Gala in Pasay City on October 21, just a few days before the tournament proper. Executives from BingoPlus, the Asian Tour, the International Series, and local golfers were all present at the event.

A TRIUMPH FOR PHILIPPINE

This IS our

Association of the Philippines. This is an important step towards growing the game of golf in countries where the game is still out of reach for the vast majority.

Going back to actual golf, the weeklong activities began with players scouting the tournament venue. Players arrived and hit balls, played a few holes to study the course and get acclimatized.

The Pro-Am segment, a longtime pre-tournament tradition, was also an opportunity to rub elbows with the sport’s greats. In this event, one professional player is typically paired with two to three amateurs. Two separate sessions were held, allowing all participants to experience the golf course, learn tips and tricks from champions, and

“As the second new destination to be confirmed for the 2025 campaign, the

With LIV’s commitment to bring golf to more places around the world, its partnership with the Asian Tour has created a pathway for players from Asia to join the very exclusive LIV Golf roster of players. This merit-based

World-renowned Filipino hospitality was on display as guests enjoyed an evening of local culture. It was also an opportunity to hear from the stars themselves, international golf greats who graced the event who were all praises for the tournament venue and the organizations involved in staging such a prestigious event.

During the event, donations were also made to the Asian Tour for its development, and to local golf through the National Golf

Filipino veteran Miguel Tabuena emerges as the champion of the International Series Philippines.

Prior to the four-day tournament, Pro-Am takes place at Sta. Elena Golf and Country Club to give amateur golfers an opportunity to play a friendly round alongside professional golfers.

International golf star Dustin Johnson leads the Pro-Am segment of the International Series Philippines.

During the second day, Tabuena achieves a hole-in-one on the par-three 14th.

Angelo Que,

From Left to Right: PSC Official Representative; Mr. Rahul Singh, Executive Officer of DigiPlus; Hosts Anjo Pertierra and Shaira Diaz

PHILIPPINE GOLF our Champion

interact with their favorite players while completing the 18-hole course.

Tournament day one

AFTER much anticipation the International Series Philippines got underway on Thursday, October 23. It was the first opportunity for the public to witness how the stars would fare around the tough track that is Santa Elena Golf Club. Of course, all eyes were on the marquee flight of Dustin Johnson, Louis Ooosthuizen, and local favorite Miguel Tabuena. The trio traded booming drives, pinpoint approach shots and mastery of the greens. In the end, Dustin Johnson showed his form as a former world number one, shooting a 67, 5-under par which included a double bogey and two bogeys. He actually made an amazing nine birdies in the round, showing he could score low at Santa Elena. In their flight, Johnson was followed by Miguel Tabuena with a 69. Louis Oosthuizen was further adrift with a 71. The opening round, though, belonged to Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut, who shot a near flawless first round 64.

Day two THE second day was more of the same, with golfers attacking the course. Paired with the same players as in round one, the second round had local bets Miguel Tabuena and Angelo Que showing the way for the Philippine contingent. Both Tabuena and Que scored matching 65s, giving local fans lots to cheer about. Dustin Johnson’s game eluded him on day two, and shot a disappointing 73. First round leader Sarit Suwannarut kept his momentum, firing a 66 in the second round. He maintained his lead, now at -14 after two days but hot on his heels was Miguel Tabuena, 4 shots back at -10.

The halfway cut of -3 nearly reduced the field by half, with only 66 players making the weekend. Among the locals, only Justin Quiban, Angelo Que, and Miguel Tabuena survived to play the final two rounds.

Day three

THE third round is traditionally known in golf as moving day, and Miguel Tabuena

did. After a second consecutive 65, the local hero ended the day tied for the lead at -17 along with Thailand’s Sarit Suwannarut, and China’s Sampson Zheng. For local golf fans, this was what they dreamed of, having a local in contention heading into the final day. Unfortunately, veteran Angelo Que’s campaign fizzled out due to a disappointing 75 in round three.

Just before the tournament reached its deciding final day, Day Three concluded with the electrifying BingoPlus Music Festival at the ASEANA City Open Grounds, overflowing with beats and rhythms.

The musical night featured powerful, powerhouse performances from renowned artists, including DJ Alan Walker, Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, Bamboo, Parokya ni Edgar, Urbandub, Lily (formerly known as

Callalily), and Sandwich, among others.

Beyond the party and music, the BingoPlus Music Festival was made even more special by a significant charitable act: the BingoPlus Foundation donated over P8 million to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). This contribution was made to further champion local sports and support the growth of Filipino skill and talent toward international recognition.

The final round WITH pressure mounting, Miguel Tabuena opened his final round with a routine par on the first. He showed his intentions on the very next hole, the par 3 second, sticking his approach to 2 feet. Another birdie on the par 5 third from off the green maintained his momentum. A lone bogey on the 7th temporarily derailed Tabuena, before he came back on the very next hole, the par 5 8th, which he eagled. It was a hole he failed to take advantage of in the previous three rounds. But on the final day, when it mattered the most, Tabuena holed a delicate chip from off the green for an eagle that drove the crowd into a frenzy. Tabuena later admitted to temporarily losing his voice after a spirited celebration after the chip-in.

As his closest pursuers began to make mistakes in the back nine, Tabuena kept his foot on the pedal, making birdies on 11, 13, 15 and 16, virtually sealing the deal with two holes remaining. An errant drive on the 72nd hole didn’t matter as Miguel played out to the fairway and stuck his approach to around 4 feet. In front of adoring home fans, and with the hopes of an entire golfing nation on his shoulders, Miguel Tabuena holed his final putt for the win. He fell to his knees, relieved of all the pent-up emotion and pressure. The home crowd was ecstatic, filled with pride at what their local hero just accomplished.

What the future holds for Philippine Golf

THE partnership between BingoPlus and The International Series has been a resounding success on many levels. Based on the reception and attendance during the International Series Philippines, the country is raring to host more big sporting events. Coupled with golf’s surge

in popularity during the pandemic, BingoPlus and its leadership was spot on in their decision to invest in golf.

The International Series Philippines has highlighted the potential of golf in the country. With our very own Miguel Tabuena emerging victorious, there is no doubt that his win will inspire the current and future generations of golfers to pursue the game. We were fortunate to witness Miguel’s triumph, and it serves as undeniable proof of the caliber of golfers and the quality of courses the Philippines has to offer the golfing world.

The future looks bright and the local golf community is grateful and hopeful that continued support - as what BingoPlus has provided for The International Series Philippines - will bring Philippine golf to new heights. We look forward to the next edition of IS Philippines, and we wish Miguel Tabuena all the best in his campaign to qualify for LIV Golf. The Philippine golf community is deeternally grateful to BingoPlus, Santa Elena, The Asian Tour, LIV Golf, The International Series and everyone who made this unforgettable event possible.

Another local golfer, Justin Quiban, participates in the International Series Philippines.

The citizens of Bulacan take on the different booths of the BingoPlus Caravan 2025.

Renowned DJ, Alan Walker, turns up the beat during the International Series Philippines x BingoPlus Music Festival.

Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas performs at the IS Philippines x BingoPlus Music Festival.

Filipino musician, Bamboo, intensifies the stage of the IS Philippines x BingoPlus Music Festival with his song pieces, “Tatsulok,” “Himala,” and “Hallelujah.”

Singh, Head of the International Series; Mr. Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO of the Asian Tour; Mr. Tommy Hu, Chief Diaz during BingoPlus Foundation’s donation of P8 Million to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

Johnson tackles the International Series Philippines, emerging as one of the most anticipated golfers during the tournament.

(PSC) Chairman; and Christina Garcia Frasco Department of Tourism Secretary share a toast during the International Series Philippines (ISP) and BingoPlus Welcome Gala 2025.

By Reine Juvierre S.

By Ma Stella F. Arnaldo

Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA). Its president Loleth So told the BusinessMir-

ror : “For the Undas long weekend, most city hotels are experiencing moderate occupancy [50-60 percent], as many families and travelers have opted to spend the break in nearby destinations rather than stay within the metro.”

According to AirAsia MOVE data, among those who booked flights from October 30 to November 2, at least 81 percent

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

THE aftermath of the bilateral talks between economic superpowers—the United States and China—at the ongoing 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in South Korea, can make or break the Philippines’ business deals at the sidelines of the international forum, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The chief executive said he is eagerly waiting for the result of the meeting between US President

Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping since it will “color everything” he will engage in at the Summit.

“Because the agreements or the arrangements that are made between the two of the largest economies of the world will certainly affect every citizen of the world, and so that makes this APEC meeting much different from others that we have attended,” Marcos said in his predeparture statement at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday.

Trump initiated a trade war with

China earlier this year when he imposed additional tariff on all of US trade partners. Beijing retaliated by slapping its own tariffs on its American imports.

The US-China trade war as well as the tariffs imposed by the US have resulted in a bullish economic outlook in the coming months.

As the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, he will try to impress on APEC participants that “working in silos impede the region’s potential.”

“Real growth and lasting prosperity are achievable when we

break down barriers, share knowledge, and collaborate across sectors, industries and communities,” the chief executive said. Marcos said the end of the trade war between the two APEC members will be crucial in spurring global economic growth, since the regional bloc accounts for 46 percent of the global trade in goods and commercial services, and generates roughly 61 percent of global gross domestic product.

“This means that the growth and stability of this region are directly The magical celebration featured EK’s first-ever

This divergence highlights the geopolitical and strategic tensions in space governance, especially as debris incidents test the limits of current international law.

The Philippines’ participation in the Accords builds on a decade of steady progress in space development. The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) was established in 2019 through the Philippine Space Act (RA 11363), with a mandate to advance national space policy, satellite development, and international cooperation.

Key milestones include:

The launch of Diwata-1 and Diwata-2, Earth observation microsatellites developed with Japanese partners.

The deployment of Maya-series CubeSats, used for communications and scientific experiments.

The construction of PhilSA’s headquarters in New Clark City, envisioned as a hub for space research and innovation.

PhilSA’s programs focus on disaster resilience, food security, maritime domain awareness, and STEM education, using space technology to address national development goals.

Joining the Artemis Accords reflects the Philippines’ intent to be a responsible and proactive player in global space governance—ensuring that the benefits of space exploration and Yamang Kalawakan are shared by all. This milestone will be featured at the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-31) in Cebu from November 17 to 22, where PhilSA will highlight its role in advancing regional space safety and cooperation.

600 private projects violate socialized housing law

By Bless Aubrey Ogerio @blessogerio

NEARLY

600 real estate projects by private developers have been found to violate the Balanced Housing Development Program (BHDP) requirement under Republic Act 10884, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said.

The department said the violations were discovered during its ongoing Zero Backlog Program, which reviews pending regulatory cases in all regional offices.

“We intend to correct this soonest to enhance production of socialized housing projects for the benefit of the underprivileged Filipinos,”

Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said. “We are mandated to implement the law, and we will do just that.”

Republic Act 10884, which amended the Urban Development and Housing Act (Republic Act 7279), requires developers of new residential

subdivisions and condominium projects to allocate a portion of their developments for socialized housing.

This is about 15 percent for subdivisions and 5 percent for condominiums, or to comply through approved alternative schemes.

Moreover, these may include developing socialized housing in another site, entering joint ventures with accredited entities, or contributing to a socialized housing fund under the incentivized compliance mechanism.

The law imposes penalties for violations, including half a million fine for first offenses and cease-and-desist orders (CDO) against non-compliant projects.

“In compliance with the law and existing rules, we already started sending orders against these developers for them to start complying,” Aliling said.

On average, the erring developers face around P600,000 in penalties, aside from the CDOs that halt the sale of their housing units until the violations are corrected and the orders are lifted.

DHSUD undersecretary Sharon Faith Paquiz said the cases were uncovered through a backtrack review of regulatory backlogs across the agency’s regional offices.

“We need to strictly implement the law and our guidelines. We will continue to issue necessary orders to the concerned developers for their compliance,” Paquiz said.

Aliling said he plans to meet with leaders of the country’s major real estate developers for a dialogue on strengthening compliance with the law and ensuring the production of socialized housing units nationwide.

Continued

of Quality Infrastructure (QI).

She cited the small number of staff, insufficient budget, lack of feedback mechanism and the absence of a coordinating council, leading to weak or no formal coordination with agencies involved in standardization activities, among others.

Laggard in region

CITING international reports on Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII), Mendoza said the Philippines placed 6th among the 9 Asean countries, as it only ranked 57th while Vietnam ranked 52nd, Malaysia,33rd; Singapore, 39th; Thailand, 28th; and Indonesia, 27th.

Mendoza explained that the GQ11 2023 study showed a high 88-percent positive correlation between QI development and exports of goods and services and 90 percent correlation between QI and imports, indicating that QI development and expansion also “enhance the protection of domestic consumers.”

“The low GQII and QI4SD standings of the Philippines are reflective of its relatively weak QI, domestic, and export growth,” Mendoza said as she cited international studies.

As for export rejection, literature finds three main reasons for rejection of exports from the Philippines in specific commodity groups: poor compliance with quality standards, lack of proper documentation, and breaches of law.

She noted that geopolitical issues play a role in such rejections.

Citing a study by Andal in 2025, the UPLB professor emeritus said: “To improve export

prospects, the PHL should target certain value chains and develop specific measures for such value chains, develop a respective compliance database to provide guidance and a compliance implementation system that set corresponding policies, and develop a quality control enhancing program to evaluate product, and process quality and craft respective strategies.”

PCCI joins call IN a statement on Thursday, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has joined the “mounting call” from business and industry associations and other development stakeholders for Congress to fast-track passage of the NQI Act, to establish a unified and modern framework for quality standards and competitiveness across Philippine industries.

At the NQI Conference, PCCI Executive Vice President Ferdinand Ferrer cited the “crucial role” of a strong NQI system in improving productivity, ensuring product quality, and expanding market access for local industries.

“Without common standards, calibration, testing and conformity assessment systems functioning reliably, exporters face technical barriers.”

Ferrer said that in today’s global economy, “Quality infrastructure is no longer a luxury— it is a necessity, a prerequisite to market access.” Technical barriers remain one of the biggest challenges for Filipino exporters, he added.

The “National Quality Infrastructure Development Act” bills are pending at the Senate and House of Representatives.

are traveling domestically, while 19 percent are heading abroad. The data includes other carriers available for booking on the online travel agency, and not just that of AirAsia.

While Holy Week remains the year’s biggest travel season, Undas isn’t far behind, with trips during the break now close to 53 percent of Holy Week’s total bookings, according to MOVE. “This highlights how deeply rooted the tradition of going home and paying respect [to dead relatives] remains, even as travel habits evolve with time,” it said in a news statement.

Most of the flights originated from Manila, Cebu, Tacloban, Iloilo, and Bacolod, which are considered major aviation hubs. Manila remains both a top origin and destination, being home to the Manila North Cemetery, the country’s largest, which welcomed 1.6 million visitors last year.

Taiwan, Japan top destinations THE same top origin cities were also top destinations except for Bacolod, which was replaced by Boracay, a key tourist attraction for locals. Filipinos are also booked for flights to Taipei, Tokyo, Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul.

Meanwhile, HSMA’s So said that leisure destinations within driving distance from Manila, particularly Batangas, Tagaytay, Subic, and Clark, are enjoying slightly higher occupancies, “with some resorts reporting near-full bookings since mid-week.”

She noted that compared to last year’s Undas period, “this year is marginally better, reflecting a steadier travel sentiment and consistent weekend movement, although the holiday’s proximity to payday weekends also played a role in driving short-stay bookings.”

She said the market remains largely locals, “with many travelers favoring quick getaways over extended vacations, which is typical for the All Saints’ Day period.”

For those taking flights, AirAsia MOVE said most Filipinos booked two to four weeks before their intended departure, with nearly 34 percent finalizing plans 15 to 30 days before leaving. The peak travel date is October 30, a day earlier than the official long weekend.

1.3M to pass through Naia THE online booking platform also said 49 percent of travelers “booked a three to four-day trip duration, while 21 percent opted for five to six days, indicating that many Filipinos combined remembrance with rest and short vacations.”

AirAsia MOVE is a one-stop app for flights, hotels, and experiences that connect travelers across Asean and beyond.

As this developed, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) assured the public that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) is fully prepared for the projected surge of passengers this Undas break.

In a separate news statement, MIAA General Manager Eric Jose Ines said, “With the joint efforts of Department of Transportation, MIAA, and New Naia Infrastructure Corp., we are ready to make travel safe, smooth, and convenient for all passengers this Undas. Our goal is to deliver a world-class airport experience even during the busiest days of the year.”

NNIC has projected more than 1.3 million passengers passing through the three terminals of Naia from October 27 to November 5, averaging about 135,000 to 140,000 passengers daily. To manage the influx, the government has activated Oplan Undas 2025, which calls for the deployment of additional staff for passenger assistance, security screening, and crowd management. Ines added they have strengthened the coordination with airlines, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and other government agencies “to maintain efficient terminal operations and on-time flights.” Passengers are reminded to arrive early three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures and “to pack smart by avoiding prohibited items,” such as power banks, which should be hand carried.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Palace assures stability at BARMM

OLLOWING the decision

Fof the Supreme Court (SC) to postpone the first evert Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, Malacañang assured the continuity of governance and stability at the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“The Office of the President reiterates its commitment to peace, self-governance, and inclusive development in the region,” the Palace said in a statement.

Malacañang made the assurance on Thursday, a day after gunmen attacked the town center of Tipo-Tipo in Basilan. Some nongovernment organizations such as the Institute of Autonomy and Governance and Climate and Conflict Action said the poll suspension can spark more unrests in Mindanao.

The National Police (PNP) has reported that the situation in the town is now under control at that it tightened security in the province together with the Armed Forces (AFP).

Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman linked the attack to the killing of Ustadz Nadzmi Tarahin, a barangay councilor and in Lamitan City last week.

Armed followers of Tarahin accompanied by rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front

gunmen attacked TipoTipo town proper in an effort to confront barangay security men they suspect of involvement in the killing.

Citing Republic Act 12123, the OP noted that since no elections were Bangsamoro parliamentary polls was held on 13 October 2025, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which is under the supervision of the OP, “shall continue to serve as the legitimate governance body of BARMM.”

“This ensures continuity of governance, legal stability, and an orderly transition in the Bangsamoro, consistent with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Republic Act 12123, and the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ali v Comelec [Commission on Elections],” it noted.

The OP added that there was no need for the BTA members to be reappointed since they will continue to hold office until replaced or succeeded.

The Court deferred the BARMM polls, declaring that the redistricting law of BTA related to Sulu, are unconstitutional since it was done during the election period.

The SC set the new date of the said elections to be not later than March 31, 2026. Samuel P. Medenilla

A lie–Lacson on Defensor’s claim that Guteza is in Marines’ custody

SBy Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

ENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Thursday called the claim that former TSgt. Orly Guteza is under the custody of the Marines “a lie.”

Lacson did not hide his disgust in wondering aloud, “How much more fakery can we take?” referring to the series of controversies that have involved the former soldier turned security consultant who was thrust onto Lacson’s Blue-Ribbon committee hearing into the flood-control fund mess without prior permission or notice.

Lacson said on Thursday the false claim that Guteza is in the custody of the Marines led by Maj. Gen.Vincent Blanco III was false as proven by Blanco himself who said Guteza was never ever in the Marines’ custody, contrary to the initial claim of former Quezon City Rep. Michael Defensor.

It was Defensor who referred Guteza to Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who presented Guteza as a “surprise” witness in the September 25

Blue-Ribbon committee hearing. Marcoleta is Lacson’s predecessor at the Blue Ribbon, and the two senators have had verbal skirmishes in the past.

“As per verification made with the Marine Commandant, Maj. Gen. Vince Blanco-PMA Cl ’91] through fellow cavaliers [Philippine Military Academy graduates], Guteza is not, and has never been, in their custody. How much more fakery can we take?” Lacson said in a post on X.

PMA graduates are bound by the code of conduct of never lying, cheating or stealing at least to each other.

On Wednesday, Defensor told a television interview that Guteza is in Marines custody.

Earlier this week, Lacson said the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court in Manila

found that the signature in Guteza’s notarized affidavit was not that of lawyer Petchie Espera. The Executive Judge recommended that Guteza and those responsible for presenting his affidavit undergo preliminary investigation for falsification.

Also, Lacson said a review of Senate CCTV footage showed Guteza arrived at the Senate at 8:27 a.m. of Sept. 25 and stayed at the office of Marcoleta for some 30 minutes before going down to the gallery of the session hall where the hearing was being held.

Guteza had claimed that he delivered suitcases of cash to the homes of ex-Rep. Elizaldy Co and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Romualdez denied the allegation.

Lacson noted however that while Guteza’s statement before the BlueRibbon committee “remains valid,” the development may affect his credibility.

Guteza not in PN custody NONE of its units have custody of Guteza the Navy (PN) said on Thursday.

“The PN emphasizes that Mr. Orly Regala Guteza has been retired from the Marine Corps [PMC] since June 30, 2020. As a retired serviceman, he no longer falls under the administrative authority of the PN. Any engagements or interactions he may have at present are undertaken in his personal capacity,” the Navy spokesperson, Capt. Marissa Martinez, said in a statement. Martinez made the statement in response to reports claiming that Guteza is in the custody of the PMC for security reasons.

Martinez stressed that Guteza is not being protected by the PMC which has no involvement in his personal affairs.

“The PN remains committed to its mandate as a professional and non-partisan organization, dedicated to upholding national sovereignty and serving the Filipino people with honor and integrity,” she added. With Rex Anthony Naval

FMJr signs lifelonglearning law

TO further enhance the capabilities of the workforce, President Marcos signed Republic Act 12313 or the Life Long Development Framework (LLDF), by expanding the powers of the Philippine Qualifications Framework-National Coordinating Council (PQF-NCC).

Signed on October 23, the law expanded the powers of the PQFNCC to craft and then later update the Lifelong Learning Development Framework (LLDF), which aims to promote continued enhancing of the knowledge and skills of workers at the grassroots level.

It also included the Departments of the Interior and Local Government and of Trade and Industry, among the members of the Council.

Prior to the enactment of the new law, the PQF-NCC members are the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), and the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole).

RA 12313 stressed that life-long learning granted to all citizens should be voluntary, and not exploited as a tool for political propaganda and personal prejudice.

Among the main objectives of the LLDF is to promote functional literacy at all levels of society, enable on-thejob learning through the better implementation of the Public Employment Service Office Act of 1999, and extend the use of modern learning technologies.

It puts special emphasis on enhancing digital literacy, particularly on cybersecurity awareness and exposure to emerging technologies.

The LLDF will be implemented through the Lifelong Learning National Master Plan within six months from the effectivity of RA 12313.

The masterplan will contain details to promote lifelong learning in cities, towns, or barangay.

Aside from updating the LLDF, the new law also empowered the PQFNCC to implement the Philippine Credit Transfer System across different levels and modalities; support the capabilities of covered local governments (LGU) to achieve the targets set under LLDF.

RA 12313 enables LGUs to use a portion of the Special Education Fund for the implementation of their LLDF-related initiatives.

The PQF-NCC will issue the implementing rules of the new law within 90 days from its effectivity.

Samuel P. Medenilla

Philhealth released ₧218B in Jan-Sept, vows support for those seriously ailing

By Reine Juvierre S. Alberto @reine_alberto

THE Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) announced it has released over P217 billion in claims payment to healthcare facilities in the first nine months of the year.

In a statement on Thursday, PhilHealth said it disbursed a total of P217.93 billion from January to September 2025, higher by 94.18 percent from the P112.23 billion released in the same period last year.

Of the total amount, P127.79 billion went to private facilities, while public hospitals received P90.14 billion in reimbursements.

“This surge in payments solidifies PhilHealth’s financial support and marks a major achievement in its drive to provide prompt and reliable financial support to Filipino patients and healthcare providers,” read the statement of the state-run insurer.

PhilHealth said that the increase in benefit payouts was

driven mainly by claims for catastrophic illnesses under its Z Benefit Packages, including heart surgeries, cancer treatments and kidney transplants, as well as the growing number of patients undergoing outpatient hemodialysis.

“This commitment ensures that members diagnosed with lifethreatening or complex illnesses receive sustained, high-value financial support,” PhilHealth said.

The state health insurer also reported an improved claims processing turnaround time, averaging 22 days as of the end of September, following the President’s directive to improve its efficiency and responsiveness.

PhilHealth President and CEO

Edwin M. Mercado said PhilHealth is actively pushing for a shift to the Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) payment system to ensure that it can sufficiently cover the complexities of modern medical treatment.

“[The] DRG will better account for the severity and resources needed for patient care, thereby ensuring that our healthcare providers are compensated accurately and sustainably for treating complex conditions,” Mercado, also a physician, was quoted as saying in the statement.

The DRG is a patient classification and provider payment system that groups patient cases, including services received, into standardized case groups according to diagnosis and treatment or procedure received.

Nartatez to public: Be always on the lookout

AS the police secure communities during the coming Undas holidays, the acting National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., on Thursday called on the public to be on the lookout against common crimes that historically occur during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

In a statement, Nartatez said that citizen awareness is the crucial first line of defense against opportunistic offenders.

“Traditionally, the common incidents during Undas are theft, snatching and robbery. These are offenses that thrive in large, distracted crowds where people let their guard down,” he said.

“We want to empower our people to protect themselves and their families by being alert in crowded areas like cemeteries, terminals, and public transport hubs,” Nartatez added.

He advised the public to avoid carrying large amounts of cash when visiting cemeteries, columbaria, and other memorial sites.

He also reminded people not to place gadgets or mobile phones in back pockets as such items could easily be targeted by pickpockets in crowded areas.

To prevent altercations and maintain peace, the PNP noted that liquor is not allowed in certain areas.

The police likewise reminded the public to refrain from bringing prohibited items such as weapons, sharp objects, and illegal drugs inside cemeteries.

The PNP urged the public to exercise extra caution and look after children, senior citizens, and pregnant individuals who may be vulnerable in large crowds.

In line with this, police intelligence units were tasked to proactively monitor potential criminal groups and threat groups.

More than 50,000 police personnel have been deployed na -

tionwide as PNP is placed on a heightened alert from October 29 to November 3 to provide visible presence and deter criminal activity for this year’s Undas.

In addition, police assistance desks have been established across the country to provide immediate help to the public and facilitate the rapid reporting of lost items, emergencies, or suspicious activities.

DSWD on alert

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is on heightened alert nationwide in preparation for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2.

Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group, who also serves as the DSWD spokesperson, assured the public that the agency has sufficient stockpiles of relief goods, including readyto-eat food (RTEF), family food packs (FFPs), and other essential items, particularly for individuals who might get stranded while traveling.

“We have prepositioned family food packs in our warehouses and ready-to-eat meals in various ports. Our food and non-food supplies are more than adequate,” Dumlao emphasized.

She said the agency aims to ensure immediate assistance to families and individuals who may need support during the long holiday period.

“Secretary Rex Gatchalian has issued a directive to all regional directors to make sure that our field offices are fully prepared to assist travelers returning to their provinces,” she said.

She added that DSWD Quick Response Teams (QRTs) across the country are also on standby to respond to emergencies and provide support to local governments (LGUs) if additional assistance is required.

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

ATOTAL of 27 government contractors contributed to the campaign of several candidates in the 2022 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed on Wednesday.

The confirmation came after the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued a certification confirming that the construction companies involved had ongoing government contracts at the time they made the donations.

“Commissioner [Rey E.] Bulay immediately directed our Political Finance and Affairs Department to begin the process for the 27 firms certified by the DPWH as government contractors,” Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia told reporters.

“After we receive their explanations, we will also require the candidates who accepted contributions from these contractors to respond.”

Garcia said the Comelec will also release the full list of candidates—whether they won or lost—who received donations from these contractors.

“Once we issue the show cause orders, we will also disclose to the public the reason for these orders and the names of the candidates who may have received contributions from the contractors,” he said.

Garcia clarified, however, that being asked to explain does not automatically mean guilt.

“At DSWD, disaster preparedness is a year-round effort. We never stop working, even during Undas, to ensure we can immediately provide aid to those affected by the influx of travelers returning home,” Dumlao said.

Red Cross ready

THE Red Cross (PRC) will deploy more than 2,200 volunteers and setting up nearly 300 first aid stations nationwide to ensure the safety and well-being of travelers and cemetery-goers during the observance of Undas (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) from October 30 to November 2.

During a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on Wednesday, PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang said the organization began preparations two weeks ahead by enlisting volunteers and conducting refresher trainings, briefings and orientations to ensure readiness.

“So, this year, mayroon po tayong isi-setup na 295 first aid stations, 66 ambulance units na idideploy natin [This year, we will set up 295 first aid stations and deploy 66 ambulances all over the country],” she said.

“Mayroon po tayong 190 ambulances, pero 66 lang idi -deploy natin, iyong the rest po ay nakastandby sa ating mga Red Cross offices... sa mga chapters natin nationwide [We have 190 ambulances nationwide, but 66 will be deployed, the rest will be on standby in our Red Cross chapters],” she added.

To complement the operations, the PRC will also deploy 100 foot patrol teams in areas where vehicles cannot enter, such as narrow cemetery paths, resorts and crowded public spaces.

Another 59 mobile units and 155 welfare desks will be stationed across key locations, Pang said.

“We are still giving them the chance to respond. The candidates may have valid defenses… This is being done for purposes of transparency, and they should not be immediately judged as guilty,” Garcia added.

He also said the Comelec is open to coordinating and sharing documents with the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) and the Office of the Ombudsman, which are conducting separate investigations into alleged anomalies involving floodcontrol projects.

“These are public records. If another government agency such as the Ombudsman or even the [Bureau of Internal Revenue] is investigating possible tax violations or undeclared income, we will definitely share these documents with them,” he said.

The Comelec has, likewise, submitted a list of 31 possible government contractors who donated during the 2025 midtem elections, pending DPWH’s confirmation on which of them currently hold government contracts.

THE Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) is closely monitoring a low-pressure area outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

In an advisory, the state weather bureau said, the LPA was last seen at 3:00 a.m. on October 30, about 1,515 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao.

The LPA has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone in the next 24 hours, but weather forecaster believes it may eventually develop into a tropical cyclone as it approaches the Philippines.

licly funded schools, civil service officials, members of the armed forces, and all foreigners or foreign corporations.

Both donors and recipients found guilty of violating the law face

Under Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, government contractors and suppliers are prohibited from making any contribution—directly or indirectly—to partisan political activities. The same prohibition applies to financial institutions (except for legitimate loans), utilities, companies with government franchises or contracts, natural resource extractors, recipients of large government loans,

The LPA is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Sunday or Monday. The weather bureau identified two possible scenarios. The LPA, once it develops into a tropical cyclone, may generally move northwestward and slowly move and possibly become stationary in the Philippine Sea because of a possible interaction with a stationary front in the area. Because of this, landfall may occur in Northern Luzon by November 9. Another scenario is when it moves faster, generally westnorth-westward, and may make landfall in Eastern Visayas by November 4.

Palay production rises to 3.75MMT in Q3

TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

HE country’s palay output in the third quarter rose to 3.75 million metric tons (MMT) on the back of expanded harvest area, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Data gathered by the PSA indicate that palay output in July to September increased by 12.6 percent from the 3.33 MMT posted in the same period last year.

The production of irrigated farms grew by 7.15 percent,

reaching 2.79 MMT from the previous year’s 2.6 MMT. Rainfed farms produced 958,322 metric tons (MT), 32.17 percent higher than the 725,064 MT recorded in 2024. In addition, PSA data indi -

cated the expansion in area harvested to 916,772 hectares buoyed the production during the lean months.

The area harvested increased by 15.7 percent from 792,221 hectares in the same period last year.

Within target

THE country has lost nearly 480,000 MT of palay supply so far this year after weather-related shocks, particularly typhoons, ravaged plantations.

Since January, the local rice sector has incurred 479,813 MT of palay losses as of October 22, based on the latest damage reports of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The latest figures, however, were yet to breach the average annual palay output losses ranging from 500,000 MT to 600,000 MT, according to agriculture officials.

“If you look at these losses incurred by the rice industry, it’s a mix of both partially and totally damaged crops,” DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa had told the BusinessMirror

Estrada seeks Senate oversight of AFP modernization program

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

WITH tensions continuing and escalating in the West Philippine Sea, and persistent acts of harassment against Filipino fishermen and maritime personnel as well as emerging cyber threats, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has filed a resolution urging the Senate to exercise oversight functions in examining the implementation of the Armed Forces (AFP) Modernization Program.

Estrada said the move aims to identify possible legislative interventions to enhance the country’s defense capabilities in light of mounting security challenges in the region.

“Our defense posture must

evolve rapidly. We cannot afford delays when the safety and security of the Filipino people are at stake,” the veteran lawmaker stressed.

In filing Senate Resolution 161, the Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security expressed concern over the sluggish progress of the AFP Modernization Program despite its strategic importance in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Estrada noted that its implementation has been hampered by delays and underfunding.

As of 2025, several modernization projects remain incomplete: 15 from Horizon 1 (2013–2017), 73 from Horizon 2 (2018–2022), and 37 under Horizon 3 (2023–2027).

He lamented that the Department of National Defense’s (DND) proposed P133.74 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 was drastically reduced to P90 million in the National Expenditure Program—P50 million of which falls under unprogrammed appropriations, meaning its release will now depend on excess revenue collections and foreign grants.

“This stark gap between proposed and actual funding reflects the budgetary constraints that continue to hinder progress,” Estrada said.

“These figures reveal a glaring mismatch between our defense needs and actual funding support. Our soldiers are ready to defend the country, but we must equip them with the tools

and technology necessary to do so effectively,” he said.

Estrada also underscored the importance of newly enacted laws such as the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act (Republic Act No. 12024) and the New Government Procurement Act (Republic Act No. 12009) as vital steps toward enhancing local defense production and procurement efficiency. However, he stressed that these measures must translate into concrete results on the ground.

“The threats we face today are no longer hypothetical—they are real and immediate. From territorial incursions to disinformation campaigns, the Philippines needs a defense force that can respond

See “Estrada,” A8

“The partially damaged areas have a chance of recovery, meaning some of them can be harvested while others cannot.”

As such, the DA official assured the industry that palay output this year would not dip below the 2024 level, when it reached 19.09 MMT, the lowest in four years.

De Mesa also said the agency remains optimistic that the country could reach its revised target of 20.3 MMT palay output in 2025, citing “improvements” in the third quarter harvest.

Scale back

THE department had scaled back its palay output forecast this year to 20.3 MMT owing to torrential downpours, which is lower than its initial projection

of 20.45 MMT.

It added that erratic weather patterns could further lower expected paddy rice output in 2025 to as low as 20.09 MMT. If realized, the projected range would still be higher than the record 20.06 MMT in 2023.

In the first semester of the year, the country’s palay harvest hit an all-time high of 9.077 MMT, indicating a 6.41 percent growth from the 8.53 MMT posted in the same period last year.  The last time unmilled rice production breached the 9-MMT mark in the first half of the year was in 2023, when it reached 9.026 MMT.

Historically, the second half of the year accounts for over 55 percent of total rice production.

Congressmen hail signing of anti-Pogo law

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

LAWMAKERS on Thursday said the enactment of the law banning all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (Pogos) is a decisive victory for morality, justice, and national integrity.

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. described President Marcos’ signing of Republic Act 12312, or the Anti-Pogo Act of 2025, as “a blow against avarice and vice— one that will resonate across our nation as a reaffirmation of moral governance and respect for the rule of law.”

Marcos on October 23 signed Republic Act 12312, which bans all offshore gaming operations and related service providers in the Philippines.

Abante, one of the principal authors of the measure and a longtime anti-gambling advocate, said the law is a concrete step toward restoring morality, order, and safety in the country after years of crimes and corruption linked to Pogo operations.

“For years, we have been warning about the dangers of Pogos—not only because they violate our values, but because they

have become breeding grounds for crime, corruption, and exploitation.” He recalled that even when Pogos were defended as revenue generators, “no amount of taxes can justify a trade that results in the misery of our countrymen.”

“Pogos have tainted our reputation abroad, turned parts of our cities into crime zones, and corrupted public officials. The supposed benefits never outweighed Pogos’ moral and social costs,” he stressed.

Abante vowed to monitor the implementation of the ban to ensure that all Pogo operations are fully shut down and that no illegal online gambling operations emerge under a different name.

The Young Guns bloc in the House of Representatives also lauded the President for signing into law Republic Act 12237.

“The House Quad Committee hearings revealed the full extent of Pogo-related atrocities, from sex trafficking rings hidden in upscale condominiums to sophisticated scams that defraud innocent victims worldwide,” said Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega. “These operations, masquerading

See “Pogo,” A8

Personalize your style, your way at SM Store Mall of Asia’s Custom Lab

IN a world where individuality matters more than ever, SM Store is stepping up with an innovative concept that allows every shopper to make their mark with The Custom Lab. With its pilot branch located at SM Store Mall of Asia (MOA), The Custom Lab offers a space where personalization meets creativity, and where products transform into meaningful, one-of-a-kind treasures. The Custom Lab is designed for the modern shopper who wants more than just a product—but a reflection of his or her own individuality. Whether it’s a tote bag embroidered with a nickname, a water bottle engraved with an inspiring quote, or a tshirt printed with a special artwork, The Custom Lab turns everyday items into personal statements. From embroidery, engraving

and stamping, shoppers can choose from a range of customization options to suit their taste, occasion, or mood. The process is easy, engaging, and adds just the right amount of magic to an ordinary shopping trip.

The pilot store at SM Store MOA showcases the full potential of this new concept. The thoughtfully designed space is equipped with stateof-the-art machines for embroidery, engraving, and stamping, as well as a friendly team to guide customers through the customization process. And it’s not just limited to apparel— The Custom Lab is also open for accessories, homeware, and stationery.

The Custom Lab also answers the growing demand for personalized gifting. In a sea of mass-produced items, a customized present stands out for its intention and

THE ULTIMATE CORPORATE GIVEAWAY: SM GIFT PASSES AND GIFT CARDS

WHEN it comes to corporate gifting, the best presents are those that are thoughtful, practical, and meaningful. This Christmas, give your employees, clients, and business partners the ultimate gift of choice with SM Gift Passes and Gift Cards.

SM Gift Passes and Gift Cards are more than just giveaways; these are great tokens of appreciation to your employees, clients and business partners. Instead of giving generic items that may not be used or appreciated, you’re providing them the Gift of Choice and flexibility to choose from a wide selection of products that can be found across the entire SM Retail Network. From fashion and lifestyle finds, to gadgets, home essentials, food, and so much more, recipients can enjoy a shopping experience tailored to their personal needs and preferences. People value gifts that won’t go to waste and reflect their individuality. SM Gift Passes offer just that—the flexibility to pick what’s truly useful and meaningful to them. This makes the SM Gift Card and SM Gift Pass the perfect gifting solution. Beyond convenience, they also carry the prestige and reliability of the SM brand. Easy to purchase and

simple to use, SM Gift Passes make corporate gift-giving seamless, efficient, and memorable.

This holiday season, go beyond the ordinary. With SM Gift Passes and Gift Cards, your company can deliver not just a present, but an experience of choice, joy, and appreciation that will truly make a lasting impression. The SM Gift Cards and SM Gift Passes are available for purchase at the SM Store Customer Service counter.

thoughtfulness. It’s the perfect solution for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, housewarmings, or any moment worth commemorating.

More than just a trend, customization is a retail movement— and SM Store is at the forefront of it. The Custom Lab reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to enhancing customer experience, adding value, and bringing inspiration to everyday shopping.

So whether you’re a minimalist looking for subtle details or a bold spirit ready to create a standout piece, The Custom Lab at SM Store MOA welcomes you to make your mark.

Nature-based solutions for flood management

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

ARTICIPANTS of a public fo -

Prum held in Quezon City on Thursday pitched the call for a safe and sustainable society in harmony with nature.

Dubbed “Rooted Solutions: A Public Forum on Nature-Baed Solutions for Flood Management,” the event brought together scientists and thought leaders from academe, government, private and civil society sectors to share their expertise and insights on how Nature-Based Solutions (NbS)—such as mangrove conservation, sustainable urban design and eco-friendly engineering— can address our flooding problem while simultaneously solve many other of the most pressing chal -

as legitimate businesses, have inflicted immeasurable harm on our communities.

President Marcos’ bold action today closes this dark chapter and restores integrity to our nation’s economic landscape.”

“This law is not just a ban; it’s a shield for our people against exploitation and a signal to the world that the Philippines stands firm against criminal enterprises,” stated Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun. “The Quad Committee’s findings—detailing billions in allegedly laundered funds and thousands of

lenges of our time, including public transparency, climate change and biodiversity loss.

“Nature offers solutions that are no less effective than engineered ones, but more inclusive, sustainable, and transparent. By learning from

victims—galvanized us all. We thank the President for championing this cause and turning our collective resolve into reality.”

The new law mandates the immediate shutdown of all Pogo operations, revokes all related work permits and visas, imposes life imprisonment and hefty fines on violators, and authorizes law enforcement to seize assets tied to these activities. It also includes provisions for the rehabilitation of victims and the conversion of Pogo-affected properties for legitimate economic use.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the enactment of the ban reaffirms the government’s resolve to cleanse the system

and working with natural systems, we can protect communities, restore ecosystems, and build a future that thrives on balance and resilience,” Mary Antonette Beroya-Eitner, project manager of GeoHazards International; said in her keynote message.

“This forum reminds us that the path to a safe and sustainable future is not apart from nature—it is with nature.”

Speakers and participants alike underscored the need for multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral collaboration, urging both the public and private sectors, as well as the different government units, to embed NbS principles into their policies, plans, and corporate practices. The forum concluded with a resounding message: “A society rooted in nature is a society built to last.”

of corruption and criminality.

“We witnessed firsthand how Pogos eroded trust in our institutions and fueled inequality. The hearings exposed their ties to corruption at every level, from local enforcers to international syndicates,” he said.

For her part, House Deputy Minority Leader Leila M. de Lima said the enactment of the Anti-Pogo Act institutionalizes a long-overdue policy shift that prioritizes national integrity and security over profit.

“We have been a vocal critic of these Pogos—a Duterte administrationsponsored Chinese creeping invasion that catered to the interests of Chinese criminals

The Rooted Solutions: NbS Public Forum serves as a springboard for continued dialogue and joint action. Organizers encourage communities, businesses, and policymakers to integrate nature-centered approaches into local development, aligning with the Philippines’ commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The public forum was organized by GeoHazards International, a USbased global organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing human suffering caused by disasters, in cooperation with UP National Engineering Center and GeoThink.Org.

Through innovative research, science-based planning, and community partnerships, GHI empowers at-risk communities worldwide to build resilience ahead of disasters and climate impacts.

and pro-China government officials,” de Lima said.

She called for the strict and sustained implementation of the law to ensure that no illegal online gambling operations resurface under different names. “We must ensure the strict implementation of this law so that it cannot be circumvented by those with selfish interests, especially under future administrations,” she said.

Meanwhile, Party-list Rep. Eddie Villanueva of Cibac described the enactment as a “moral and social victory” against what he called a national menace, citing the industry’s links to human trafficking, money laundering, and other crimes.

The PRC will operate in over 200 cemeteries, including major ones, and in 25 areas located near cemeteries or popular tourist spots.

Volunteers will also be assigned to airports, seaports, highways, bus terminals, barangay halls and fuel stations.

The welfare desks, according to Pang, will assist lost children and individuals needing help to contact family members or report missing belongings.

These stations will also support stranded passengers by providing food packs and assistance.

In 2024, the PRC assisted more than 11,000 individuals during Undas, most of whom suffered from minor injuries such as abrasions, burns, insect bites, dizziness,

with speed, precision, and technological readiness,” he added.

Estrada, likewise, called for a whole-ofgovernment and whole-of-nation approach in achieving the country’s defense modernization

chest pain and high blood pressure.

A few major cases, including heartrelated incidents, severe burns, and fractures, required hospital transport.

Pang reminded the public to stay in good physical condition before traveling and to secure their homes before leaving.

She also cautioned against announcing travel plans on social media and to inform only trusted neighbors or relatives to watch over their homes.

For motorists, Pang recommended performing the “Blowbagets” safety check—Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires, and Self—before hitting the road.

She also emphasized safety reminders against distracted and drunk driving. For emergencies, the public is urged to call PRC’s Hotline 143 for immediate assistance. Rex Anthony Naval, Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz and Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

goals, emphasizing that national security is not solely the responsibility of the military but a shared commitment of all sectors.

“The modernization of the AFP is not just about purchasing equipment,” Estrada concluded. “It’s about ensuring that the Philippines remains sovereign, secure, and ready to protect every Filipino—whether at sea, in the air, on land, or online.”

Meanwhile, because of the northeast monsoon and the easterlies, a shearline is now affecting Luzon. A shearline is expected to bring scattered rains in Isabela, Aurora, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and, Quezon), as well as Metro Manila.

Owing to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), meanwhile, there is a high chance of rain in the Bicol Region and the island provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan or Mimaropa Region. Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon is expected to bring rain in Batanes, Cagayan, and Ilocos Norte. Jonathan L. Mayuga

MPTC GEARS UP FOR UNDAS 2025

Enhanced traffic management, shoulder lane regrading, and motorist assistance set across MPTC expressways

METRO Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) is reactivating its “Biyaheng Arangkada” Motorists Assistance Program to ensure safe and convenient travel during the Undas season. With an expected surge in traffic across NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CALAX, CAVITEX, and CCLEX, MPTC is intensifying operations through increased personnel deployment, 24/7 traffic monitoring, and quick-response teams.

Free towing for Class 1 and Class 1M (for CCLEX) vehicles to the nearest exit will be available from 6:00 AM of October 30 to 6:00 AM of November 3 to assist motorists, while roadworks will be suspended from October 29 to November 3, except for emergency repairs, to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

To reduce bottlenecks, NLEX Corporation has regraded shoulder lanes in key areas to support counterflow operations. Motorists are advised to plan their trips ahead and avoid peak hours, particularly during the following periods:

n Afternoon of October 29

n Afternoon of October 30 to evening of October 31

n Morning of November 1

n Afternoon of November 2

n Morning until noon of November 3

Around 2,000 traffic, toll, and emergency personnel will be on duty across MPTC expressways, in coordination with the PNP, LGUs, and key agencies. At CAVITEX, “Biyaheng Arangkada” will be implemented with PEA Tollway Corporation, a subsidiary of the Philippine Reclamation Authority.

Motorists can use the MPT DriveHub app for real-time traffic updates, RFID reloading, and assistance. As part of the MVP Group’s efforts, Maynilad will provide free bottled water, while Smart Communications will offer free Wi-Fi and charging stations in select areas.

MPTC encourages motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good condition and RFID accounts are sufficiently loaded before traveling.

For updates, follow @NLEXexpressways, @OfficialCALAX, @ CaviteXpressway, and @CCLEXexpressway on Facebook, or call 1-35000 for 24/7 assistance.

MPTC is the tollways infrastructure unit of the Manuel Pangilinanled Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.

Editor: Angels R. Calso

Trump and Xi agree to ease trade tensions, US to cut China tariffs

By Josh Boak, Chris Megerian & Mark Schiefelbein

The Associated Press

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE—

President Donald Trump described his face-to-face with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday as a roaring success, saying he would cut tariffs on China, while Beijing had agreed to allow the export of rare earth elements and start buying American soybeans.

The president told reporters aboard Air Force One that the US would lower tariffs implemented earlier this year as punishment on China for its selling of chemicals used to make fentanyl from 20 percent to 10 percent. That brings the total combined tariff rate on China down from 57 percent to 47 percent.

“I guess on the scale from 0 to 10, with ten being the best, I would say the meeting was a 12,” Trump said. “I think it was a 12.”

Trump said that he would go to China in April and Xi would come to the US

“sometime after that.” The president said they also discussed the export of more advanced computer chips to China, saying that Nvidia would be in talks with Chinese officials.

Trump said he could sign a trade deal with China “pretty soon.”

Xi said Washington and Beijing would work to finalize their agree -

ments to provide “peace of mind” to both countries and the rest of the world, according to a report on the meeting distributed by state media.

“Both sides should take the longterm perspective into account, focusing on the benefits of cooperation rather than falling into a vicious cycle of mutual retaliation,” he said.

Sources of tension remain

DESPITE Trump’s optimism after a 100-minute meeting with Xi in South Korea, there continues to be the potential for major tensions between the world’s two largest economies. Both nations are seeking dominant places in manufacturing, developing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and shaping world affairs like Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs

since returning to the White House for a second term, combined with China’s retaliatory limits on exports of rare earth elements, gave the meeting newfound urgency. There is a mutual recognition that neither side wants to risk blowing up the world economy in ways that could jeopardize their own country’s fortunes.

When the two were seated at the start of the meeting, Xi read prepared remarks that stressed a willingness to work together despite differences.

“Given our different national conditions, we do not always see eye to eye with each other,” he said through a translator. “It is normal for the two leading economies of the world to have frictions now and then.”

There was a slight difference in translation as China’s Xinhua News Agency reported Xi as telling Trump that

having some differences is inevitable. Finding ways to lower the temperature

THE leaders met in Busan, South Korea, a port city about 76 kilometers (47 miles) south from Gyeongju, the main venue for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

In the days leading up to the meeting, US officials signaled that Trump did not intend to make good on a recent threat to impose an additional 100 percent import tax on Chinese goods, and China showed signs it was willing to relax its export controls on rare earths and also buy soybeans from America.

Officials from both countries met earlier this week in Kuala Lumpur to lay the groundwork for their leaders. Afterward, China’s top trade negotiator Li Chenggang said they had reached a “preliminary consensus,” a statement affirmed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent who said there was “a very successful framework.”

Shortly before the meeting on Thursday, Trump posted on Truth Social that the meeting would be the “G2,” a recognition of America and China’s status as the world’s biggest economies. The Group of Seven and Group of 20 are other forums of industrialized nations.

But while those summits often happen at luxury spaces, this meeting took place in humbler surroundings: Trump and Xi met in a small gray building with a blue roof on a military base adjacent to Busan’s international airport.

The anticipated detente has given investors and businesses caught between the two nations a sense of relief. The US stock market has climbed on the hopes of a trade framework coming out of the meeting.

Pressure points remain for both US and China TRUMP has outward confidence that the grounds for a deal are in place, but previous negotiations with China this year in Geneva, Switzerland and London had a start-stop quality to them. The initial promise of progress has repeatedly given way to both countries seeking a better position against the other.

“The proposed deal on the table fits the pattern we’ve seen all year: shortterm stabilization dressed up as strategic progress,” said Craig Singleton, senior director of the China program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. “Both sides are managing volatility, calibrating just enough cooperation to avert crisis while the deeper rivalry endures.”

The US and China have each shown they believe they have levers to pressure the other, and the past year has demonstrated that tentative steps forward can be short-lived. For Trump, that pressure comes from tariffs.

Ken Moritsugu in Beijing and Seung Min Kim and Michelle Price in Washington contributed to this report. Boak reported from Tokyo and Megerian reported from Busan, South Korea.

PRESIDENT Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands before their meeting at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. AP PHOTO/MARK SCHIEFELBEIN

HEALTH THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

How regulatory efficiency, partnerships can build a resilient PHL pharma industry

By Candy P. Dalizon Contributor

OVER the last two decades, the Philippine pharmaceutical market has seen robust demand growth alongside regulatory efforts focused on increasing affordability.

The market is demonstrably significant: the Board of Investments (BOI) projects the sector to generate nearly $2 billion in revenue in 2025, with steady growth expected to continue at an annual rate of 4.1 percent through 2029. However, despite this vast local market potential, the industry remains heavily dependent on imports.

According to BOI Industry Development Services (IDS) Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa, data from 2019 to 2024 shows a consistent surge in pharmaceutical imports, peaking in 2021. Meanwhile, local production for export is negligible and continues to shrink. In the first half of 2025 alone, exports dropped by 25 percent while imports grew by five percent compared to 2024 figures, underscoring a deepening trade imbalance.

During the recent PCPI’s 2nd General Membership Meeting, Dichosa also encouraged the pharmaceutical industry to work closely with the government to strengthen the sector, ensuring it can meet the population’s needs, especially during epidemics and pandemics.

The PCPI, or the Philippine Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry Inc., is an organization composed of Filipino pharmaceutical manufacturers and traders/ distributors.

Steady growth

THE Philippine pharmaceutical market is experiencing steady growth, fueled primarily by high and increasing demand and by government-led affordability mandates.

Demand is driven by a growing and aging population; a higher prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer; and an expanding, more health-conscious middle class with greater disposable income, leading to increased overall spending on healthcare.

Government initiatives, notably the Generics Act of 1988 and the Cheaper Medicines Act of 2008 (RA 9502), have successfully steered the market toward more affordable options. This legislative environment, combined with the push for Universal Health Care (UHC), has resulted in a surge in demand for generic drugs and branded generics due to significant cost savings. It also led to an increase in government healthcare budgets, expanding benefits and subsidies, driving overall medicine consumption.

Key challenges

DESPITE robust demand, the pharmaceutical industry in the Philippines faces several structural and operational challenges, including high import dependence. The local market relies on foreign sources for finished goods and raw materials, making it vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and currency fluctuations.

Limited local manufacturing capacity remains a significant hurdle. There is also pressure on pric-

ing and margins. Government regulations, such as the Generics Act and the Cheaper Medicines Act, coupled with the implementation of Universal Health Care (UHC), mandate affordability and promote the use of low-cost generics. While beneficial for the public, this places constant downward pressure on drug prices and limits profit margins for local manufacturers.

Navigating the regulatory environment, especially concerning pricing, registration, and quality, is a continuous operational challenge for the industry due to its complex and frequent evolution.

Dr. Diana M. Edralin, president of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), attributes the decline in local manufacturing and the pullout of foreign investors to the lack of a conducive investment climate. The core issue is that current fiscal and regulatory policies. Mandatory drug price controls imposed without volume guarantees undermine the economic viability of operating a manufacturing site, making investment in local production too risky.

Established in 1946, PHAP is a non-profit, non-stock trade association. It represents the research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare sector, serving as the trusted voice for companies that provide quality, life-saving medicines nationwide.

“Some of the global manufacturers are not investing or pulling out of the country. And the reason may be because of the lack of ease of doing business. At the end of the day, you want to put up a manufacturing site when there is also a guarantee that the business will thrive,” said Dr. Edralin

“If you put up a manufacturing site, but even in our own country, you cannot guarantee any sales. Then it might not be viable for those pharmaceutical companies to continue to invest,” she added.

Dr. Edralin is also the Vice President of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) and the General Manager for the Philippine affiliate of Basel, Switzerland-based Roche since October 2021.

The interdependence of the pharma sector

THE PHAP president stressed that the industry should not be viewed as a contest between multinational and local pharmaceutical companies. In a comprehensive healthcare system, every player has a vital role.

While most PHAP members are research and developmentdriven multinationals that focus on specialized innovations, local manufacturers often concentrate on producing essential medicines, such as paracetamol and anticough treatments.

The recent rise in imported drugs reflects the evolution of medical science and the limitations of local manufacturing. Dr. Edralin said imports are increasing primarily due to the industry’s shift toward addressing high-incidence diseases.

Despite rising demand, high import dependence and strict price controls keep medicine costs volatile in the Philippines. Industry leaders urge policy reforms and investment incentives to ensure affordable, locally made medicines for Filipinos.

R&D-driven multinationals heavily invest in complex drugs to combat the higher incidence of cancer and other chronic diseases. The development of biologics and targeted therapies for cancer is also a major trend. These advanced treatments, which are often administered via infusion or injection, require sophisticated research and manufacturing capabilities that the Philippines currently lacks.

Newer cancer drugs are designed to target only harmful cells that express specific tumor biomarkers, a vast improvement over older pharma products that indiscriminately attacked healthy cells.

The observed surge in imports, including the high demand for Covid-19 vaccines during the pandemic, is also a direct result of the reliance on these specialized, imported innovations developed by R&D-focused companies, Dr. Edralin pointed out.

The value of clinical trials

A SIGNIFICANT differentiator and investment that local companies are not heavily pursuing is clinical trials. Dr. Edralin said clinical trials are one of the R&D investments that far surpass manufacturing costs and drive the crucial “first access” of innovative medicines provided by the pharmaceutical industry and PHAP members.

Clinical trials, which often run for 10 to 15 years, require substantial capital. For perspective, Dr.

Edralin said the investment per trial can be estimated at around P20 million per year, a cost that increases depending on the disease and study size.

“In 2022 alone, we are aware of at least 82 clinical trials that were initiated in the Philippines. The more difficult the diseases are, the higher, of course, the investment. It can go as high as P100 million per year, depending on how difficult the studies are,” said Dr. Edralin.

These investments yield three primary benefits to the healthcare system: namely, employment and capacity building, free access to advanced medicine, and global relevance.

Phase III clinical trials create employment opportunities in research centers and major public and private hospitals. Crucially, they enhance the capability of our local healthcare professionals to conduct world-class research.

Clinical trials provide patients, particularly those with conditions that lack existing treatment options (such as many types of cancer), with free access to cutting-edge medicines.

The notion that participants are being used as “guinea pigs” is outdated.

“So, when there is a clinical trial, I think we should do away with the thinking that we’re going to be used as guinea pigs,” said Dr. Edralin.

The most advanced nations, like the US, Europe, Japan, China, and Singapore, actively demand that clinical trials be conducted within their borders. These countries have the highest participation rates because they recognize the profound benefits and direct access to innovation that these research investments provide.

Dr. Edralin shared that the value PHAP members bring extends beyond manufacturing; they also foster sustainable growth through investments in clinical research and shared services centers.

Regulatory barriers and accessibility

PHAP has consistently partnered with the government to ensure access to medicine accessibility for the population. A key area of cooperation is addressing major regulatory hurdles that deter investment. Dr. Edralin said the most significant obstacle is the lack of a transparent and predictable regulatory pathway for drug approval.

Historically, regulatory timelines are prolonged, often exceeding 12 months, with no assurance of completion. This stands in stark contrast to the global standard, where an applicant expects approval within three months of application.

PHAP aims to bridge this gap by sharing global best practices and helping the Philippine FDA build capabilities aligned with

more efficient systems in countries like Singapore, Europe, and the US.

Beyond regulation, the other major limitation is the severe lack of medicine accessibility in public hospitals, which stems from a stagnant Philippine National Formulary (PNF), as it has not been significantly updated in over a decade.

While advancements have been made in treating diseases like cancer (e.g., newer targeted therapies for breast, liver, and lung cancers), these innovations are unavailable in the PNF. This stagnation severely limits the options available through the Universal Health Care law and prevents a significant reduction in citizens’ outof-pocket spending.

Dr. Edralin pointed out that the existing challenges highlight the need for the Department of Health (DOH), PhilHealth, and the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to open discussions and forge partnerships with the private sector.

“We intend to make medicines accessible and to provide the data, not only here in the Philippines, but also globally.”

“If the Philippine National Formulary remains stagnant, progress toward accessible healthcare will not move forward. And when healthcare is not accessible, then it’s also not attractive for manufacturing sites to either expand or invest in the Philippines,” said Dr. Edralin.

Blakes Tower brings new perspective in city living

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At Blakes Tower, success is defined not only by milestones achieved but by the quality of everyday living. More than just a place of residence, it is envisioned as a space that inspires ambition, supports productivity, and elevates daily life. Discover where success lives. Discover Blakes Tower. Visit www. eton.com.ph to learn more.

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The World

RSF fighters kill hundreds, including patients, in el-Fasher hospital attack

By Samy Magdy The Associated Press

CAIRO—Sudan’s paramilitary forces killed hundreds of people at a hospital, including patients, after they seized the provincial capital of North Darfur over the weekend, according to the UN, displaced residents and aid workers, who described harrowing details of the atrocities.

The 460 patients and their companions

were reportedly killed Tuesday at Saudi Hospital by fighters from the Rapid Support Forces in the city of el-Fasher, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization.

As part of their assault on el-Fasher, RSF fighters also went from house to house, beating and shooting at people, including women and children, witnesses told The Associated Press. Many died of gunshot wounds in the streets, some while trying to flee to safety, witnesses said.

Two years of fighting for control of Sudan has killed over 40,000 people—a figure rights groups consider a significant undercount—and has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis with over 14 million displaced. The capture of el-Fasher by the powerful Arab-led force raises fears that Africa’s third-largest nation may split again, nearly 15 years after oil-rich South Sudan gained independence following years of civil war.

Sudanese residents and aid workers revealed harrowing details of atrocities by the

RSF after it seized the army’s last stronghold in Darfur following more than 500 days of siege.

Fighters from the RSF “cold-bloodedly killed everyone they found inside the Saudi Hospital, including patients, their companions, and anyone else present in the wards,” according to the Sudan Doctors Network, a medical group tracking the war.

“The Janjaweed showed no mercy for anyone,” said Umm Amena, a mother of four children who fled the city on Monday after two days, using a Sudanese term for the RSF.

RSF commander Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, who is sanctioned by the US, acknowledged what he called “abuses” by his forces. In his first comments since the fall of el-Fasher, posted Wednesday on the Telegram messaging app, he said an investigation was opened. He did not elaborate. The Associated Press has not been able to independently confirm the hospital attack and death toll.

See “RSF,” A14

CONSTRUCTION EXEC CALLS FOR ETHICAL COMEBACK AS CORRUPTION ROCKS INDUSTRY FIRMS

SOHBDC head Phebie Jame A. Dy believes that any company will always generate profit as a natural outcome of ethical operations, not something achieved instantly.

By John Eiron R. Francisco

MID the flood-control accu-

Asations against major construction firms, a multi-industry executive urged a shift back to ethical business practices in the sector to ensure transparency, fair profit, and credible project delivery.

Phebie Jame A. Dy, chairperson of Stone of Hope Builders & Development Corp. (SOHBDC), told BusinessMirror she is baffled by contractors who tolerate such practices, highlighting that the misuse of public funds not only undermines industry credibility but also sends a troubling message to future business leaders.

“If business owners and industry players follow proper compliance, we complement the sector,” she said. “It’s also important to call out those who do not.” Dy emphasized that conducting business with integrity benefits the industry as a whole and noted that any company will always generate profit as a natural outcome of ethical operations, not something achieved instantly.

“Profit doesn’t come from just building a facility or running a business with the mindset of immediate gain. Any business requires sacrifice. You cannot expect one-time, big returns,” Dy explained.

She said that a two- to threeyear recovery period is generally sufficient for recouping investments, noting that complaints about not earning anything often ignore the realistic timeline for returns. As regular government contractors since 2018, Dy said, payments cannot be advanced. First, contractors must mobilize and accomplish their work— only then will they receive their down payments.

“Then you see in the news that

they took the money through corruption,” she remarked, mentioning that some of the projects their company bid on have yet to be paid.

‘System at stake’ Dy acknowledged that corruption is not an isolated case, but a systemic issue that requires strengthening the overall framework of governance and business practices.

She explained that accountability must be fully integrated in the system itself, with the executive, legislative, and judicial branches all playing a proactive role.

“We take part in our growth and nation-building, but how can we make it possible if existing policies and government actions are turned into political maneuvering against certain parties ahead of the next elections?” she stressed.

She pointed out that her company deliberately avoided political entanglements, focusing instead on legitimate avenues such as land development and mass housing, creating jobs and sustainable projects without exploiting others.

“You don’t need to be successful at the expense of others’ misery. Ethical business can still generate income, create opportu -

nities, and set a benchmark for the industry,” Dy said.

She added that contractors caught in corruption often have little chance of extricating themselves, which is why she chose to diversify into sectors like land development and mass housing. This strategy allowed her to provide decent jobs, establish sustainable projects, and create opportunities for the next generation.

“I opted out of politically influenced projects and created opportunities in a different industry. Now I can deliver decent homes for everyone and prove that it is possible to succeed ethically,” she said.

‘Building synergy’

Established in 2010, SOHBDC is an ISO-certified, AAA-licensed general contractor composed of three divisions: Stone of Hope Defense (SOHD), Stone of Hope Fuels (SOHF), and Stone of Hope Enterprise (SOHE).

Dy explained that the company’s integrated structure was developed from years of experience dealing with unreliable suppliers and inefficiencies in the construction supply chain.

She recalled instances where supposed suppliers turned out to

be brokers posing as distributors.

“You’ll notice the names in the receipts are different, and by the time you trace it, the materials have passed through several middlemen before reaching the site,” she said.

These experiences prompted Dy to streamline operations by handling logistics and importation directly through SOHE. With her husband’s expertise as a licensed customs broker, the company began sourcing materials directly from accredited foreign suppliers to ensure quality and accountability.

Dy said the company is currently piloting solar-powered warehouses and improved delivery systems to minimize energy consumption. The company also partners with local cooperatives and small enterprises to promote sustainable sourcing practices.

“We’re starting small but thinking big,” Dy said. “Even in the early stages, we want our supply chain to reflect accountability and environmental awareness.”

The model later expanded to include SOHF, which manages the importation and distribution of petroleum products and lubricants.

“Everything we do from construction to logistics and fuels complements one another,” Dy

said. “It’s a system that helps reduce costs, ensure transparency, and sustain operations even during disruptions.”

She added that around 40 percent of its current business development is focused on renewable and hybrid energy systems, including its ongoing Energy Mobility Pods project that combines solar, EV charging, and hydrogen power technologies.

“Our roadmap aims for a 70 percent renewable transition by 2030, beginning with hybrid pilot facilities in Luzon and Visayas,” Dy noted, adding that the company seeks to reduce fossil fuel dependency by at least 30 percent within the next five years through renewable integration and cleaner production systems.

Under SOHD, the firm provides integrated defense, cybersecurity, and intelligence solutions.

One of its flagship projects is an AI facial recognition system already introduced in law enforcement agencies and commercial establishments to enhance security and public safety.

“This focus on technology aligns with the company’s broader goal of strengthening local capabilities and promoting sector-wide

collaboration,” she said. “We’ve explored establishing domestic manufacturing and technology transfer to reduce reliance on external sources.”

She emphasized that addressing national challenges requires collaboration across sectors, including private enterprises and communities, rather than relying on a single entity or authority.

“The drive in my business is to contribute to meaningful change in the community,” Dy said. “My ultimate goal is to be part of nationbuilding efforts and help the Philippines advance toward first-world standards.”

Dy noted that when she travels abroad, she sees similar technologies and facilities in other countries. She believes, however, that the Philippines has the potential to achieve the same.

Despite the facilities and development potential in urban and provincial areas such as Makati, BGC, Cebu, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro, broader recognition and support are still needed.

Highlighting underserved communities, such as the Agta, Dy stressed the importance of providing basic utilities, education, and opportunities while respecting local culture.

“Communities don’t need to abandon their traditions; they need access to schools, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Building these facilities helps preserve culture while promoting development,” she said.

Asked if there is still hope for the industry, she said there is, pointing to social media as a tool that can help the next generation. However, for those already entrenched in the current system, which she described as being mired in corruption, escaping its influence will be a difficult challenge.

Federal Reserve cuts key rate yet Powell says future reductions are not locked in

By Christopher Rugaber AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON—The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate Wednesday for a second time this year as it seeks to shore up economic growth and hiring, even as inflation stays elevated.

But Fed Chair Jerome Powell also cautioned that further rate cuts weren’t guaranteed, citing the government shutdown’s interruption of economic reports and sharp divisions among 19 Fed officials who participate in the central bank’s interest-rate deliberations.

Speaking to reporters after the Fed announced its rate decision, Powell said there were “strongly differing views about how to proceed in December” at its next meeting and a further reduction in the benchmark rate is not “a foregone conclusion—far from it.”

The rate cut—a quarter of a point—brings the Fed’s key rate down to about 3.9 percent, from about 4.1 percent. The central bank had cranked its rate to roughly 5.3 percent in 2023 and 2024 to combat the biggest inflation spike in four decades before implementing three cuts last year. Lower rates could, over time, reduce borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards, as well as for business loans.

The move comes amid a fraught time for the central bank, with hiring sluggish and yet inflation stuck above the Fed’s 2 percent target. Compounding its challenges, the central bank

Continued from A12

‘It was a like a killing field’ MINI Minawi, the governor of Darfur, shared a video online that purported to show RSF fighters inside the Saudi Hospital. The minute-long footage shows bodies lying on the floor in pools of blood. A fighter fires a single shot from a Kalashnikov-style rifle into a lone man sitting up, who then slumps to the floor. Other bodies could be seen outside. The AP could not independently verify the date, location or condition under which the video was recorded.

Amena was among three dozen people, mostly women and children, who were detained for a day by RSF fighters in an abandoned house close to the Saudi Hospital in el-Fasher.

The AP spoke with Amena and four others who managed to flee el-Fasher and arrived exhausted and dehydrated early Tuesday in the nearby town of Tawila, around 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of el-Fasher, which already hosts over 650,000 displaced.

The U.N. migration agency said more than 36,000 people have fled el-Fasher, mostly to rural areas around it, since Sunday.

U.N. refugee agency official Jacqueline Wilma Parlevliet said the new arrivals told of widespread killings motivated by ethnic and political differences, including reports of people with disabilities shot dead because they were unable to flee, and others shot as they tried to escape.

“It was a like a killing field,” Tajal-Rahman, a man in his late 50s, said over the phone from the outskirts of Tawila. “Bodies everywhere and people bleeding and no one to help them.”

Both Amena and Tajal-Rahman said RSF fighters tortured and beat the detainees and

is navigating without the economic signposts it typically relies on from the government, including monthly reports on jobs, inflation, and consumer spending, which have been suspended because of the government shutdown.

Financial markets largely expected another rate reduction in December, and stock prices dropped after Powell’s comments, with the S&P 500 nearly unchanged and the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing slightly lower.

“Powell poured cold water on the idea that the Fed was on autopilot for a December cut,” said Gennadiy Goldberg, head of US rates strategy at TD Securities. “Instead, they’ll have to wait for economic data to confirm that a rate cut is actually needed.”

Powell was asked about the impact of the government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1 and has interrupted the distribution of economic data.

Powell said the Fed does have access to some data that give it “a picture of what’s going on.” He added that, “If there were a significant or material change in the economy, one way or another, I think we’d pick that up through this.”

But the Fed chair did acknowledge that the limited data could cause officials to proceed more cautiously heading into its next meeting in midDecember.

“There’s a possibility that it would make sense to be more cautious about moving (on rates). I’m not committing to that, I’m just saying it’s certainly a possibility that you would say ‘we really can’t see, so let’s slow down.’”

The Fed typically raises its shortterm rate to combat inflation, while it cuts rates to encourage borrowing and spending and shore up hiring. Right now, it sees risks of both slowing hiring and rising inflation, so it is reduc -

shot at least four people Monday who later died of wounds. They also sexually assaulted women and girls, they said. In Tawila, a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders received many patients since Oct. 18 suffering from injuries related to bombings or gunshots, according to Giulia Chiopris, a pediatrician at the hospital.

She said the hospital also received a high number of malnourished and severely dehydrated children, many of them unaccompanied or orphaned, who had fled el-Fasher.

“We are seeing a lot a lot of cases of trauma related to the last bombing and a huge number of orphans,” she said.

She recalled receiving three young siblings, ranging in age from 40 days old to 4 years, whose family was killed in the city. They were brought to the hospital Monday night by strangers, she said.

Satellite imagery suggest mass killings IN a report late Tuesday, the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab said that RSF fighters continued to carry out mass killings since they took over el-Fasher.

The report, which relied on satellite imagery from Airbus, said it corroborated alleged executions and mass killing by the RSF around the Saudi Hospital, and at a detention center at the former Children’s Hospital in the eastern part of the city. The AP accessed and analyzed the same imagery, seeing objects and red stains on the ground at the sites that the lab identified as blood and bodies.

The lab also said that “systematic killings” took place in the vicinity of the eastern wall, which the RSF built outside the city earlier this year.

Sheldon Yett, the UNICEF representative to Sudan, said in an interview that the situation in el-Fasher, was “an absolute catas -

ing borrowing costs to support the job market, while still keeping rates high enough to avoid stimulating the economy so much that it worsens inflation.

Yet Powell suggested the Fed increasingly sees inflation as less of a threat. He noted that excluding the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, inflation is “not so far from our 2 percent goal.” Inflation has slowed in apartment rents and for many services, such as car insurance. A report released last week showed that inflation remains elevated but isn’t accelerating.

The government recalled employees to produce the report, despite the shutdown, because it was used to calculate the cost of living adjustment for Social Security.

At the same time, the economy could be rebounding from a sluggish first half, which could improve job growth in the coming months, Powell said. That would make rate cuts less necessary.

“For some part of the committee, it’s time to maybe take a step back and see if whether there really are downside risks to the labor market,” Powell said. “Or see whether in fact that the stronger growth that we’re seeing is real.”

Two of the 12 officials who vote on the Fed’s rate decisions dissented Wednesday, but in different directions. Jeffrey Schmid, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, voted against the move because he preferred no change to the Fed’s rate. Schmid has previously expressed concern that inflation remains too high.

trophe,” with thousands of children already suffering from disease and famine before the takeover of the city by the RSF.

“Now it’s hell on Earth with lots of guns,” Yett said.

Aid groups said a death toll has been difficult to determine since RSF overran elFasher, given a near communication blackout.

The report from Yale said satellite imagery can’t show the true scale of the mass killings, and that an estimated death toll is likely an undercount.

Before the latest bout of violence, some 1,850 civilians were killed in North Darfur, including 1,350 in el-Fasher, between Jan. 1 and Oct. 20 this year, according to UN spokesperson Farhan Aziz Haq.

Global outrage FOOTAGE of the attacks triggered a wave of outrage around the world. France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the European Union all condemned the atrocities.

Mohamed Osman, Sudan researcher with Human Rights Watch, said that footage coming out of el-Fasher “reveals a horrifying truth: the Rapid Support Forces feel free to carry out mass atrocities with little fear of consequences.”

“The world needs to act to protect civilians from more heinous crimes,” he said.

Massad Boulos, the US senior adviser on Arab and African affairs, condemned the attacks.

“The deliberate targeting of vulnerable populations through acts of violence and retribution is both abhorrent and unacceptable,” wrote Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman who is the father-in-law of President Donald Trump’s daughter Tiffany.

Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report.

Wall Street waffles around its records after Fed cuts rates but won’t guarantee more

By Stan Choe AP Business Writer

NEW YORK—US stocks bounced around their records on Wednesday after the Federal Reserve made moves to boost the job market but also warned that more help isn’t guaranteed.

The S&P 500 finished virtually flat and edged down by less than 0.1 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 73 points, or 0.2 percent, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.5 percent. All three indexes were coming off an all-time high.

Fed governor Stephen Miran dissented for the second straight meeting in favor of a half-point cut. Miran was appointed by President Donald Trump just before the central bank’s last meeting in September.

Trump has repeatedly attacked Powell for not reducing borrowing costs more quickly. In South Korea early Wednesday he repeated his criticisms of the Fed chair.

“He’s out of there in another couple of months,” Trump said. Powell’s term ends in May. On Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the administration is considering five people to replace Powell, and will decide by the end of this year.

The Fed also said Wednesday that it would stop reducing the size of its massive securities holdings, which it accumulated during the pandemic and after the 2008-2009 Great Recession. The change, to take effect Dec. 1, could over time slightly reduce longer-term interest rates on things like mortgages but won’t have much overall impact on consumer borrowing costs.

Without government data, the economy is harder to track, Powell said. September’s jobs report, scheduled to be released three weeks ago, is still postponed. This month’s hiring figures, to be released Nov. 7, will likely be delayed and may be less comprehensive when finally released. And the White House said last week that October’s inflation report may never be issued at all.

Associated Press Writer Alex Veiga in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Stocks had been on track for modest gains in the afternoon after the Fed cut its main interest rate for the second time this year in hopes of helping the slowing job market. But the market snapped lower after Chair Jerome Powell later warned that it “is not a foregone conclusion” that the Fed will cut again in December at its next meeting, “far from it.”

“That needs to be taken off the board,” Powell said.

The warning hit Wall Street because traders saw a cut in December as a near certainty, along with potentially more in 2026, and they had already driven stock prices to records in part because of it. Powell said officials had “strongly differing views about how to proceed in December.”

Even Wednesday’s decision to cut came with less authority than expected. One member of the Fed’s committee, Jeffrey Schmid, voted to keep the federal funds rate steady now instead of lowering it.

In the meantime, the deluge continued of big US companies reporting how much profit they made during the summer, and the frenzy in artificialintelligence technology is driving growth. The pressure is on companies to deliver gains because that’s one way they can quiet criticism that their stock prices have shot too high.

Teradyne soared 20.5 percent% for the biggest gain in the S&P 500 after the company, which makes automated test equipment and advanced robotics systems, reported stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. CEO Greg Smith credited strength related to artificial-intelligence applications and said “AI-related test demand remains robust.”

Nvidia, meanwhile, climbed 3 percent. The poster child of the AI boom became the first company valued at $5 trillion on Wall Street, just three months after it was the first to break through the $4 trillion barrier. Even Caterpillar, the company known for its construction and mining equipment, is feeling a boost because of AI. It rallied 11.6 percent after reporting stronger profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The strongest growth came from Caterpillar’s business that provides equipment for big data centers that are powering AI.

On the losing end of Wall Street was Fiserv, which plunged 44 percent for its worst day since its stock began trading in 1986. The payments and financial technology company reported weaker profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected, slashed its profit forecast for the year and revamped its board of directors and leadership team.

Mondelez International fell 3.9 percent, even though it reported stronger results than analysts expected. The company, whose brands include Oreo cookies and Toblerone chocolate, has been dealing with sharp increases for the cost of cocoa. It expects challenging conditions to continue in some markets, though it hopes that price increases are moderating for cocoa. All told, the S&P 500 edged down by 0.30 to 6,890.59 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 74.37 to 47,632.00, and the Nasdaq composite rose 130.98 to 23,958.47. In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in Europe following a stronger finish in Asia. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 jumped 2.2 percent to another record, while Seoul’s Kospi rose 1.8 percent to its own all-time high after President Donald Trump met with South Korea’s leader following his visit in Japan. Stocks rose 0.7 percent in Shanghai ahead of a meeting between Trump and China’s leader, Xi Jinping. The world’s two largest economies have been locked in an escalating trade war, with Washington imposing high tariffs and tightened technology controls and China retaliating with curbs on rare earth shipments, one of its key sources of leverage.

AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed.

Germany’s economy stagnates as France unexpectedly surges

By Alexander Weber & William Horobin

GERMANY’S economy stagnated in the third quarter, avoiding a recession but falling far short of the surprisingly strong expansion recorded in France.

Gross domestic product was flat in the three months through September, matching analysts’ estimates. France, meanwhile, grew by 0.5 percent—the fastest pace since 2023 thanks to trade and domestic demand. Italian output was unchanged.

The reports are part of a bumper day of data from the euro zone—on top of an interest-rate announcement from the European Central Bank—and show how the 20-nation bloc is coping with the tariff turmoil unleashed by Donald Trump. Beyond persistent outperformer Spain, most countries are banking on higher military and infrastructure outlays next year providing a new growth impetus.

Other third-quarter economic readings in the region have been mixed. While the Netherlands saw growth of 0.4 percent, Belgium 0.3 percent, Austria 0.1 percent and Portugal 0.8 percent, Ireland, Finland and Lithuania all contracted.

Analysts reckon the euro area expanded 0.1 percent in the third quarter—the same as in the previous three months. With the ECB unsure additional monetary easing will perk output up much, and inflation in check, borrowing costs will probably be left at 2 percent this afternoon. They may stay there for the next two years, according to a recent Bloomberg poll.

Separate figures from Spain showed consumer prices rose 3.2 percent from a year ago in October, exceeding expectations for

a 3 percent increase.

Germany’s third-quarter performance came as investments in machinery helped make up for a drop in exports, the statistics office said. Europe’s biggest economy has been jolted by US trade policy that boosted activity at the start of 2025 as firms rushed to avoid higher tariffs, before later weighing on it in a reversal of that trend. Output fell by a revised 0.2 percent between April and June.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz is trying to leave behind two years of contraction by splashing hundreds of billions of euros on infrastructure and defense. While firms are grappling with weak demand, optimism has risen markedly of late.

“We expect the German economy to gain a bit more momentum toward year-end, driven mainly by stronger activity in services, while elevated US tariffs continue to weigh on manufacturing. Growth should strengthen next year as government spending on defense and infrastructure ramps up,” said Bloomberg economist Martin Ademmer. The government in Berlin is still being pushed to do more—specifically to address competitive disadvantages including excessive bureaucracy and rising welfare costs. Economic advisers envisage public spending will lift growth next year, but they warn that momentum won’t last if underlying issues aren’t addressed.  Despite France’s strong third-quarter growth, which Finance Minister Roland Lescure described as “remarkable,” its

FEDERAL Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell speaks at a news conference after the Federal Open Market Committee meeting Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at the Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington. AP PHOTO/MANUEL BALCE CENETA

Friday, October 31, 2025

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

HEALTH

FROM ACCESS TO EXCELLENCE: How healthcare in the Philippines is evolving

By Anne Ruth Dela Cruz

HEALTHCARE is becoming more accessible to Filipinos, prompting hospitals to step up and raise their standards of care. This increasing access can be attributed to the many benefits that the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has introduced over the years, as well as the signing of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act.

In an interview with  BusinessMirror, Dr. Beaver Tamesis, President and CEO of Asian Hospital and Medical Center, pointed out that the healthcare industry in the Philippines has seen many remarkable changes, one of which is the increasing number of generic drugs in the market.

“Number one is the fact that there are so many new, so many drugs have become genericized. Many life-changing drugs have really gone off patent. So suddenly, healthcare in terms of spending for drugs has become so much more affordable,” he said.

The Generics Law’s lasting impact

THE Generics Act of 1988, also known as Republic Act 6675, promotes the use of generic drugs to ensure an adequate supply of affordable and effective medicines. It mandates the use of generic names in prescriptions, procurement, and distribution by government agencies and medical professionals to make medicines more accessible— especially to indigent patients.

“Drugs that cost usually P50 can now be had for P5 to P10. Chemotherapy, which used to be in the hundreds of thousands of pesos, now costs P10,000 to P15,000. That’s the impact of the Generics Law that was passed during the time of former Health Secretary Alfredo R.A. Bengzon,” Dr. Tamesis said.

He noted that with increased access, many hospitals are realizing that they need to level up their quality of care.

“Since access is improving,

suddenly people want to get into health. They want to start investing in health. When you do that, competition becomes fiercer and they have to keep leveling up,” he said.

“Hospital groups like Metro Pacific Health, Mount Grace, Ayala Health, The Medical City, and St. Luke’s Medical Center are now fiercely competing with each other, which in turn raises standards. The bar becomes higher, so that can only be good for patients as patients now get to experience quality that is deliberate,” he added.

Gone are the days when people only had to depend on word of mouth for a good doctor referral. With the rising standards, Dr. Tamesis said the likelihood of people getting a good doctor is relatively high.

Living longer, facing new health challenges

WHILE healthcare access has improved, a new set of problems has risen. More people are coming down with non-communicable diseases like heart disease and cancer. According to Dr. Tamesis, the life expectancy of Filipinos has improved quite dramatically over the past 20 years. Today, the expected average life expectancy is 70 to 71 years old for both men and women.

“The fact that we live longer is both good and bad. As we live longer, the chances for these noncommunicable diseases to come out is high. People who have a longer lifespan are expected to have atherosclerosis. The longer we live, the greater the chances for this atherosclerosis to prog -

ress,” he explained.

“If you look carefully at our top 10 mortality causes, number one is ischemic heart disease and the third is brain ischemic strokes. These are basically atherosclerosis processes,” he added.

There are also other patients who have not been diagnosed with heart disease but end up with cancer, which, Dr. Tamesis explained, “is a combination of environmental factors, pollution, and some genetics.”

“Changing diets, less fiber in our meals, more red meat, processed meat—all these lead to the development or exposure of our linings to malignancies and tumors. The good thing is that we are realizing that there are ways to actually control that early, except that we need to get that message out to a wider community,” he said.

“We need to start refocusing not just on detecting and treating cancer, but actually preventing cancers,” he stressed.

PhilHealth’s expanding role in prevention

THERE is one government agency that can help campaign for cancer screening and early diagnosis—

and that is PhilHealth. PhilHealth has been in the news lately for its YAKAP program. YAKAP, or Yaman ng Kalusugan Program, is the new name for the enhanced primary care benefit package, formerly known as Konsulta. It focuses on prevention and wellness by providing members with benefits like free consultations, laboratory tests, prescribed essential medicines, and certain cancer screenings to help detect illness early and prevent them from becoming more severe.

In terms of outpatient cancer screenings, YAKAP covers mammogram, breast ultrasound, lowdose chest CT, Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP), liver ultrasound, and colonoscopy.

“To be honest, when I first began my private practice, I didn’t pay attention to PhilHealth. I ignored it because I poured my life and my talent and all the years of experience just to get a P100 compensation,” Dr. Tamesis recalled.

“Today, suddenly, PhilHealth is important to doctors because it has become a significant portion of the professional fees and support to the patients so that they can actually go through the necessary

Health has reprioritized in terms of their spending and how they are going to actually give out the benefits to more people, more to our countrymen. So that’s remarkable—the PhilHealth change,” Dr. Tamesis noted.

UHC and private hospitals

PHILHEALTH is also the implementing body of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, which automatically enrolls all Filipinos into the National Insurance Program to provide equitable access to quality, affordable healthcare services.

When asked how the UHC would affect hospitals like Asian Hospital, Dr. Tamesis said “it’s always a good thing to really filter patients first through primary care.” This primary care doctor can take care of the entire family and then send the complicated cases to tertiary hospitals.

“Asian Hospital has recognized that we have to now set up also our own primary healthcare services, our own preventive healthcare services, because that’s how we reach out to the community. By setting these up, we can engage better with the community. We can actually use that as case finding to help find out more complicated cases, then we can put that into our systems,” he said.

Lessons from the pandemic A REVIEW of the last 20 years would not be complete without mentioning the Covid-19 pandemic. One important lesson from the pandemic is that health is for everybody—and that Covid had no respect for socioeconomic status.

“We became aware that we have to do better in terms of preventing and anticipating pandemics because there will be another one. This happens approximately every 20 years. This also saw the emergence of EMR or electronic medical records and telemedicine,” he said.

Dr. Tamesis also noted that these epidemics usually involved respiratory ailments, emphasizing the need to be always prepared for this.

“The first SARS was about 40 years ago. There was actually a second wave of potential SARS, MERS, Covid and all that. That was about 20 years after. So it’s really important that we have readiness, preparedness, and we have to be able to reach out to whole communities because we have to protect both the

and the

he said.

“With

ACCESS AMID THE PANDEMIC The Pinagkaisahan Barangay Hall and Health Center in Makati City displays the PhilHealth logo in this May 13, 2020 photo, taken at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. As the nation grappled with lockdowns and strained hospital capacities, PhilHealth’s community-based programs laid the groundwork for broader access to primary care—an effort later strengthened through the YAKAP initiative under the Universal Health Care law. ED DAVAD

5 arrested in Louvre crown jewels heist as probe continues, treasures still missing

PBy Angela Charlton & Thomas Adamson

The Associated Press

ARIS—Five more people have been arrested in the investigation into the theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum, but the treasures remain missing, the Paris prosecutor announced Thursday.

The five were detained late Wednesday night in separate police operations in Paris and surrounding areas, including the Seine-Saint-Denis region, Prosecutor Laure Beccuau told RTL radio. She did not release their identities or other details.

One is suspected of being part of the four-person team that robbed the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery in broad daylight Oct. 19, the prosecutor said. Two other members of the team were arrested Sunday and given preliminary charges Wednesday of criminal conspiracy and theft committed by an organized gang.

Both partially admitted their involvement, according to the prosecutor.

“Searches last night and overnight did not allow us to find the goods,” Beccuau said.

It took thieves less than eight minutes to steal the jewels valued at 88 million euros ($102 million), shocking the world.

The robbers forced open a window, cut into cases with power tools and fled with eight pieces of the French crown jewels. French police have acknowledged major gaps in the Louvre’s defenses, turning the dazzling daylight theft into a national reckoning over how France protects its treasures.

One of those who has been charged is a 34-year-old Algerian national who has been living in France since 2010, Beccuau said. He was arrested at Charles de Gaulle airport as he was about to fly to Algeria with no return ticket. He was living in a suburb north of Paris, Aubervilliers, and was known to police mostly for road traffic offenses. His DNA was found on one of the scooters used by robbers to leave the scene, she said.

The other suspect, 39, was arrested at his home in Aubervilliers. The man was known to police for several thefts, and his DNA was found on one of the glass cases where the jewels were displayed and on items the thieves left behind, she added.

Video surveillance cameras showed there were at least four people involved, Beccuau said.

Four of the suspects arrived onboard a truck equipped with a freight lift that two of them used to climb up to the museum’s window. The four of them left onboard

two motor scooters along the Seine River toward eastern Paris, where they had some other vehicles parked, she said. Beccuau said nothing suggests that the robbers had accomplices within the museum’s staff. She made a plea Wednesday night to those who have the jewels: “These jewels are now, of course, unsellable … Anyone who buys them would be guilty of concealment of stolen goods. There’s still time to give them back.”

Information about investigations is meant to be secret under French law to avoid compromising police work and to ensure victims’ right to privacy. Only the prosecutor can speak publicly about developments, and violators can be prosecuted. Police and investigators are not supposed to divulge information about arrests or suspects without the prosecutor’s approval, though in high-profile cases, police union officials have leaked partial details.

HEAD of the brigand of banditry repression Pascal Carreau, left, and Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau attend a news conference at the Paris courthouse Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, on the judicial investigation into the jewels robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. AP PHOTO/EMMA DA SILVA

Friday, October 31, 2025 A20

SC asked to rule on ICI's constitutionality and scope of authority

ABy: Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

SENIOR high school instructor on Thursday asked the Supreme Court (SC) to rule on the constitutionality of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s executive order creating the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate the multi-billion anomalous flood control projects of the government.

The petitioner, John Barry Tayam, said he has a legal standing to file the petition being a taxpayer, a citizen, and a registered voter.

He noted that Executive Order No. 94, which created the ICI, involves the appropriation and expenditure of public funds.

Aside from the constitutionality of EO 94, the petitioner also asked the Court to “determine the scope of authority” of the ICI.

In his petition, Tayam raised two issues—whether the EO 94 is unconstitutional and whether the functions of ICI are contrary to law or existing jurisprudence.

He said EO 94 may face challenges to its constitutionality based on previous Court’s decisions and principles of separation of powers.

Tayam likened the ICI to the Philippine Truth Commission (PTC) formed by the late President Benigno Aquino III in 2010 by virtue of an Executive order to probe alleged corruption and other controversial cases under the Arroyo administration.

The SC, however, declared it unconstitutional in the same year for violation of the equal protection clause, which is guaranteed under the Constitution.

The Court held that while PTC’s intention to investigate graft and corruption was noble, it could not ignore that its mandate was focused on a single administration.

While the ICI may not be identical to the PTC, Tayam said a conflict of interest may arise as the investigation being conducted by the former centers on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which is under the Executive branded headed by Marcos.

“While the current structure may offer some difference from the PTC, defining the scope as the last 10 years from 2025 creates a potentially biased outcome,” the petitioner argued.

“This limited timeline would only allow for a partial investigation of the latter half of the PNoy administration [2015-2016], yet it would cover the entirety of the Duterte administration [2016-2022],” the petitioner stressed.

Likewise, Tayam said there is no provision in the assailed executive order excluding the remaining years of the Marcos administration from the ICI investigation.

“This situation also constitutes unfairness and a violation of the equal protection clause,” the petitioner said.

He added that the creation of ICI only prolongs the investigation and creates redundancy with existing government bodies such as the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice.

Tayam also noted that the Senate and the House of Representatives already have existing committees which can assist with the investigation or case buildup against those involved in the flood control scandal.

“This excessive bureaucracy effectively deprives the public of its right to a speedy trial, a right crucial for a frustrated populace demanding quick resolution regarding the individuals involved in the flood control issues,” he pointed out. Tayam also questioned the legality of ICI’s policy not to publicize its hearings and the records of its previous hearings which runs counter to the public transparency policy.

“Collectively, these actions clearly violate the people’s constitutional right to public information…this approach directly contradicts the President ‘s own calls for improved transparency made in 2023,” the petition stated.

DILG enjoins LGUs to conduct infrastructure audit on buildings to strengthen quake readiness

TO help communities prepare for the threat of high-magnitude earthquakes, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on all Local Government Units (LGUs) to conduct comprehensive infrastructure audits on both public and private buildings within their jurisdictions.

The DILG emphasized that assessing the structural integrity of buildings is crucial to ensure public safety and reduce the risk of casualties and damage during major seismic events. Beyond auditing key public facilities such as hospitals, schools, government offices, and emergency response centers, the DILG aims to expand the infrastructure audit to include privately owned structures.

“With the increasing frequency and intensity of earthquakes, proactive preparedness is our best defense,” the DILG said. “Through harmonized audits, stronger partnerships, and evidence-based planning, we can build safer, more resilient communities across the country.”

In 2024, the DILG partnered with key government agencies and stakeholders, including the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, to develop the Harmonized Infrastructure Audit Tool (HIAT). The HIAT provides a standardized framework for evaluating building resilience and identifying potential vulnerabilities before seismic disasters.

To date, the DILG has trained 18 high-risk LGUs from the National Capital Region (NCR), CALABARZON, and Central Luzon, areas traversed by the West Valley Fault (WVF), to carry out infrastructure audits. As of October 15, another 12 LGUs in NCR and 20 LGUs in Cavite which are outside the WVF corridor have completed a similar training, with 10 LGUs in Central Luzon set to follow suit by the end of the month.

As part of the national roll-out, the Department has also developed a corps of trained coaches composed of technical experts from professional organizations, academic institutions, the DILG, and local government functionaries from 74 LGUs nationwide. These coaches are equipped to mentor local audit teams and cascade the use of HIAT across their respective regions.

The DILG is also encouraging the private sector to partner with regional government agencies, engineering associations, and academic institutions through the Local Infrastructure Learning Hubs which will be established by the Department’s regional offices. These hubs will support local audit teams chaired by local chief executives and composed of building and disaster management officers. By institutionalizing innovative safety mechanisms and strengthening intersectoral collaboration, the DILG reaffirms its commitment to building disasterready localities and ensuring a safer infrastructure sector for all Filipinos.

Vice mayor to assume Tarlac City post after mayor’s disqualification

By Justine Xyrah Garcia

TARLAC City Vice Mayor Katrina

Theresa Angeles is set to take over as the city’s chief executive following the final decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) disqualifying Mayor

Susan Yap-Sulit.

Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia confirmed that the poll body will soon issue a certificate of finality and entry of judgment after the camp of Yap-Sulit failed to secure a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Supreme Court within five days of the ruling’s promulgation.

“Our rules state that a Comelec en banc decision becomes final and executory five days after promulgation unless a TRO is issued by

the Supreme Court. As of now, no TRO has been granted. Once final, the Comelec decision will be implemented by the [Department of the

Interior and Local Government],” Garcia said, mostly in Filipino.

The Comelec en banc earlier disqualified Yap-Sulit from the May 2025 elections for failing to meet the one-year residency requirement under the Local Government Code.

The ruling also said Yap-Sulit could not establish that she was a resident of Barangay Tibag, and thus nullified her proclamation as mayor.

Garcia acknowledged that Yap-Sulit garnered the highest number of votes but clarified that it does not automatically mean she was a qualified candidate.

He added that the poll body retains jurisdiction even after a candidate’s proclamation

“As the Supreme Court held in Velasco vs. Comelec, the will of the people cannot prevail

ICI leads multi-agency effort to recover stolen flood funds

Tover the rule of law. If one is elected under the belief of being qualified, but in truth is not, then from the very start that person was never a candidate,” Garcia explained.

Yap-Sulit, meanwhile, called on the Comelec to respect the will of the people.

“If this is not corrected, this will lead to the disenfranchisement of Filipino voters. It’s a crucial blow to a basic, fundamental, and constitutionally guaranteed human right – the right of constituents to choose their leaders,” she said in a statement.

The unseated mayor also maintained that her victory represents the people’s mandate.

“A technicality once dismissed cannot erase a mandate freely given. Tarlac City is my home, my life, and my heart. Respect and uphold the people’s vote.” she emphasized.

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Thursday held its first meeting with various government agencies in a bid to recover stolen public funds intended for flood control and other infrastructure projects of the government.

Among those present during the meeting were representatives from Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), Department of Justice (DOJ), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and

Highways (DPWH), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Insurance Commission (IC), Land Transportation Office (LTO), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The said agencies are part of the ICI’s Asset Recovery-Technical Working Group (AR-TWG) which is tasked to recover public funds and assets related to the flood control corruption scandal.

The Thursday meeting of the AR-TWG focused on establishing a unified framework for inter-agency coordination, data sharing, and legal processes related to the recovery of public funds and assets linked to irregular or anomalous flood control projects.

The group also outlined operational

guidelines, timelines and priority actions in relation to ICI’s initiatives to hold those responsible for the anomalies accountable and recover government properties and assets from them.

“Your participation and representation in this meeting will be highly valuable as we move toward a more coordinated and effective approach in recovering what rightfully belongs to our citizens,” ICI chairman and retired SC Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. said in his opening statement.

The ICI said the AR-TWG is closely coordinating “to prevent overlap on investigations, and to promptly address any bottlenecks that may arise in gathering documents and carrying out the necessary administrative and legal procedures—this unified process ensures efficiency and robustness.”

DND chief Teodoro to attend 19th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting, 12th

By Rex Anthony Naval

EPARTMENT of National Defense

D(DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will be representing the Philippines at the 19th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 12th ADMM-Plus which will be held from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia.

Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s attendance at the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits, held from Oct. 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur, Secretary Teodoro’s

ADMM-Plus in Malaysia

participation underscores the Philippines’ continued commitment to advancing regional cooperation and collective security under the President’s leadership,” the DND said in a statement on Thursday.

The ADMM and ADMM-Plus serve as key platforms for dialogue and practical cooperation among ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners to promote regional peace, stability, and resilience amid evolving security challenges.

In line with the 15th Founding Anniversary of the ADMM-Plus, Teodoro will deliver remarks highlighting the

Philippines’ commitment to strengthening multilateral defense cooperation and promoting the rules-based international order in the region.

The DND chief will also participate in the Chairship Handover Ceremony, during which Malaysia will formally turn over the ADMM and ADMM-Plus Chairship to the Philippines.

On the sidelines of the meetings, Teodoro is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with his counterparts to further enhance defense cooperation and partnerships.

189 Pinoys still trapped in Myanmar scam compounds; DFA urges patience amid complex rescue efforts

AT least 189 Filipinos remain trapped in scam compounds controlled by Border Guard Force (BGF) allied with Myanmar junta, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Thursday.

These scam hubs are part of a broader network of Chinese-run cyber scam hubs operating in Myanmar’s conflict-ridden border regions. Foreign nationals, including Filipinos, are trafficked into these compounds and forced to carry out online fraud schemes.

In a related development, 14 Filipinos were recently rescued from the Hexin compound in Myawaddy, a notorious scam enclave reportedly controlled by the insurgent Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and operated by Chinese criminal syndicates.

“The Philippine government wishes to assure the families of the 14 Filipinos rescued from Hexin, and all those concerned for their well-being, that all efforts are being exerted towards their safe return

Continued from A1

tied to the opportunities and welfare of all Filipinos,” he said.

This year’s APEC Summit, from October 30 to November 2 in Gyeongju, South Korea, has the theme: “Building Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper.” Two sessions of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting will finalize four outcome documents: the leaders declaration as well as three statements on artificial intelligence, on demographic change and cultural creative industries.

Marcos said these APEC initiatives are aligned with his administration’s priorities,

back to our country,” DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said in a statement. The rescued individuals are currently undergoing repatriation procedures.

The DFA emphasized that Philippine embassies in Bangkok and Yangon are actively coordinating with both Myanmar and Thai authorities to secure the necessary clearances for the safe passage of affected nationals. However, the process has been complicated by the sheer number of foreign trafficking victims stranded in the border area.

A recent report by the Thai Enquirer estimates that between 200 and 300 victims from various countries remain trapped in scam compounds in Myawaddy township.

These facilities are allegedly protected by the BGF and run by Chinese syndicates. Victims are often lured with promises of legitimate employment, only to be detained, abused, and coerced into cybercrime operations targeting global victims.

particularly on promoting digital services and financial inclusion, seamless movement of people and goods through infrastructure investments, and supply chain resilience.

During the Summit, Marcos will also attend the Leaders’ Dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) and deliver a speech at the APEC CEO (chief executive officers) Summit, where he will promote the Philippines as an investment destination geared towards a “innovationdriven economy.”

“The Philippines is not merely ready. We are a reliable, forward-looking partner in the Asia-Pacific. Invest in the Filipino,” Marcos said. In Korea, he will also meet with members of the Filipino Community in Busan and

The report also details harrowing conditions inside the compounds, including physical abuse, threats, and inhumane treatment.

Some victims are reportedly sold multiple times between operators. International human rights groups and regional governments have called for urgent, coordinated action to dismantle the trafficking networks and rescue those still held.

In the meantime, the DFA said it has mobilized contacts on the ground to provide welfare assistance to the stranded Filipinos.

“The situation and the safety of our nationals appreciate an abundance of patience and guarded discretion,” Escalona said, underscoring the sensitive nature of the ongoing rescue efforts.

Families of those affected are encouraged to remain in contact with the DFA for updates.

The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safe return of all Filipino nationals caught in these transnational trafficking networks. Malou Talosig-Bartolome

with business leaders and executives from sectors such as semiconductors.

He will cap his trip with a wreath laying and tree planting ceremony at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan to honor the 7,420 Filipino soldiers who fought during the Korean War. Marcos’ flight left Manila at 12:45 am and arrived in South Korea at 5 pm (Korean time) Gim Hae International Airport. The President designated Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III and Department of Education Secretary Juan “Sonny” M. Angara as caretakers of the government until he returns from South Korea.

trillion, as the government paid off more borrowings.

The Treasury said total repayments exceeded new issuances by P117.29 billion, more than offsetting the P3.16-billion upward revaluation from the peso depreciation against the retail dollar bonds.

Meanwhile, external debt inched up by 1.9 percent to P5.482 trillion as of end-September from P5.381 trillion as of end-August.

The weaker peso caused the value of foreign obligations to rise, as this movement more than offset the P1.30 billion in net loan repayments and P2.1 billion in third-currency fluctuations, the Treasury explained.

“The continued decrease reflects the government’s sound fiscal discipline, strategic borrowing strategy, and proactive liability management, supported by steady market conditions and robust domestic investor confidence,” the Treasury said in a statement.

Despite this, the government’s outstanding debt jumped by 9.83 percent year-on-year from P15.893 trillion. Local debt grew 9.48 percent from P10.936 trillion as of end-September last year, while external debt rose by 10.60 percent from P4.957 trillion.

‘Finally aware’ of wastage ATENEO de Manila University economist Leonardo A. Lanzona told the BusinessMirror that the flood control scandal has made the government “finally aware” of the wastage from indiscriminate use of resources for projects or investments that don’t generate enough return.

“This can reduce the debt for some time. But the weaknesses of the peso and the continued trade deficits can result in even higher debt in the future,” Lanzona warned. The peso depreciation makes the debt problem “worse” by making the peso value of foreign obligations more expensive, which creates a “challenging” cycle that requires careful fiscal management from the government. Trade deficits can also force the government to borrow as the country needs to pay for its imports, Lanzona added.

The government is targeting to reduce its outstanding debt to P17.359 trillion by the end of the year. But as the peso weakens, Lanzona said this would be “challenging” for the government to achieve.

“The September figures affirm the Marcos, Jr. administration’s strong fiscal discipline and proactive debt management, ensuring that government financing remains sustainable, strategic, and supportive of the country’s growth priorities,” the Treasury said. The country’s debt-to-GDP ratio, or the outstanding debt as a share of the overall economy, jumped to 63.1 percent in the second quarter of this year from 60.9 percent in the same period a year ago. The government estimates the debt-to-GDP ratio to ease to 61.3 percent by the end of 2025, and further decline to 58 percent by end2030.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

In the struggle between man and nature, what are our chances of winning?

URBANIZED CITIES UNDER SIEGE

By Jonathan L. Mayuga

EXTREME weather conditions brought about by climate change, and the corruption surrounding flood control projects, have magnified the government’s failure in disaster risk reduction, particularly in flood prevention.

This highlights the vital role of flood management as a key element of disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. In densely populated megacities like Metro Manila, the need is more urgent. The city continues to grapple with environmental vulnerability, strained infrastructure, limited resources, and unchecked urban sprawl, all of which make communities increasingly prone to severe flooding.

In a report dated October 10, 2025, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando, and Opong left 40 dead, 41 injured, and 15 missing. More than 4.5 million people in 9,285 barangays across 754 cities and municipalities were affected, with 814 areas flooded, mostly in Luzon.

The downside of urbanization

WITH an estimated population of 15 million, Metro Manila is highly susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Its rapid population growth also puts pressure on limited resources, such as food, water, and energy, compounded by solid waste management issues. These problems were already predicted decades ago. Scientists have long warned that extreme weather events such as typhoons, droughts, and heavy rains will inten-

sify each year due to climate change.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has confirmed that human-induced climate change increases the frequency and intensity of rain and flooding events. A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, resulting in heavier downpours.

While the government has stepped up efforts to prevent flooding through the construction of sea walls, river embankments, massive reforestation, river rehabilitation, and coastal cleanups, these efforts are often overwhelmed by the sheer force of nature.

Flawed planning and missed opportunities

WHEN asked why the situation remains dire, Architect Felino Palafox, a renowned urban planner, said everything seems to be flawed in the Philippines. To address flooding, he explained, many factors must be considered.

“It should start with urban regional planning, master planning, then demographics, land use, zoning, transportation, and various infrastructure like water, power, solid waste management. Then we can go into drainage and flood control, schools and hospitals, and the open spaces,” said Palafox, principal architect, urban planner, and founder of Palafox Associates. Flood-related problems, he

(TOP) Floodwaters submerge Barangay Meysulao in Calumpit, Bulacan, on Monday,

The low-lying area, which serves as a natural

remains heavily

and unfinished

due to land

In Metro

for

from

and

take part in the Bayanihan sa Estero cleanup drive on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Lambingan Bridge, Aurora Boulevard, San Juan City. The operation, part of the capital’s broader floodmitigation efforts, aims to restore the natural flow of waterways, reduce siltation, and promote environmental responsibility amid intensifying urban flooding. NONOY LACZA

added, can be addressed in many ways. For instance, in frequently flooded areas, houses should have electrical outlets positioned higher above the floor to prevent accidents. But more importantly, he said, solving flooding requires a broader perspective.

“At Palafox, we always do it from ridge to reef. Floodwaters do not respect political or property boundaries. We should have done it comprehensively. It should not only be about hard engineering but also green infrastructure,” he said.

In Metro Tokyo, for instance, there are a series of small waterimpounding areas—an idea that could also work for Metro Manila. Rainwater harvesting, he added, is another solution the government should consider.

The country’s forests, however, are heavily denuded, reducing the natural environment’s capacity to absorb water and prevent flooding in low-lying areas.

“Plant, plant, plant. That is

what we should do,” Palafox emphasized.

Reforestation and its limits

At a public hearing conducted by the Senate Finance Committee led by Senator Loren Legarda, Environment Undersecretary Ana Teh said that under the National Greening Program (NGP) from 2011 to 2016, P32 billion was allocated for the program. Under the expanded NGP from 2017 to 2025, an additional P28 billion was allocated, bringing the total to P62 billion.

The NGP is the flagship program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the government’s response to climate change. These budget allocations translated to 2.2 million hectares of degraded and denuded forests planted with 1.8 million assorted trees.

According to the Forest Management Bureau (FMB), as of 2020, the country had a total forest cover of 7.22 million hectares, represent-

ing a 3-percent increase over the past five years. This is 24.09 percent of the country’s total land area of 30 million hectares classified as forest land and alienable and disposable lands.

In a telephone interview, FMB Assistant Director Ray Thomas Kabigting said flooding continues because the country’s forest cover remains inadequate. Still, he believes the Philippines is on the right track with its massive reforestation efforts.

Trees, he said, take about 20 years to fully mature and only then can their full water-absorbing and soil-protecting capacities be realized. However, with budget cuts expected in 2026, the DENR’s target will be reduced to just 17,000 hectares, or 1,000 hectares per region.

A global challenge

“CHANGES in climatic conditions know no boundaries. We need to look at the global scale, beyond the Philippines’ reforestation and rehabilitation efforts. Just because we are rehabilitating denuded areas here does not mean strong typhoons will be lessened or avoided,” said Alexis Louise C. Revilleza, head of FMB’s Information, Education, and Communication Unit.

“A global effort is necessary. Other countries must also do their part in rehabilitation and reforestation. Industries in and out of the country must lessen their carbon emissions,” she added.

Revilleza noted that the Philippines is more resilient now compared to 20 years ago, with forest cover slowly recovering and increasing.

“There is also better technology that allows us to predict when it will rain, how strong the rain will be, and how much water these events will produce,” she said.

The urban reality

AS urbanization continues, highly urbanized cities attract more local migration, leading to an increase in informal settlers building homes along rivers and creeks. Many of the country’s rivers have become

degraded and silted.

In 2010, the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) launched the Adopt-an-Estero Program, in response to a Supreme Court Mandamus to clean up Manila Bay and its tributaries.

As of September 2025, the DENR-EMB reported that 38 esteros and rivers have been adopted for rehabilitation.

Atty. Michael Drake Matias, Regional Executive Director of the DENR-EMB for the National Capital Region, said efforts to address flooding are continually overtaken by negative factors, including rapid population growth.

In Metro Manila alone, Matias said there are an estimated 25,000 illegal structures that encroach on waterways.

“This is just the result of the initial survey we conducted. The survey is ongoing,” he said.

The DENR-EMB is now working with other government agencies to recover the three-meter easement on both sides of waterways as part of a broader strategy to enhance flood prevention.

Shared responsibility MATIAS emphasized the importance of working with the private sector, citing San Miguel Corporation President Ramon Ang’s offer to help address flooding in Metro Manila and other areas through massive river-dredging activities.

“This is a welcome offer. In a way, this is a bigger version of the Adopt-an-Estero Program,” Matias said, admitting that with limited resources, the government cannot address such complex, multifaceted problems alone.

As a way forward, he said a multi-stakeholder partnership, involving government agencies, the private sector, the academe, and the scientific community, is crucial to tackling environmental problems that worsen flooding.

With the worsening impacts of climate change, the question remains: Will the country be ready for the next deluge?

September 8, 2025.

catch basin

overflow

the Pampanga River,

inundated

subsidence, rising sea levels from Manila Bay,

flood-control projects. (Above)

Manila, volunteers

workers

Alas stands tall amid heartbreak

By Aldrin Quinto

RIFFA, Bahrain—Jai

Adrao reflected on Alas Pilipinas’s struggles to close out sets despite staying toe-to-toe with their opponent and vowed to do better the next time they wear the national colors.

The Philippine girls’ volleyball team fell just short of the podium in the Asian Youth Games as Thailand pulled off a 26-24, 25-20, 26-24 victory in the battle for bronze on Wednesday night at a packed Hall B of Isa Sports City.

“As we can see po, we were closing in on the Thais, but we missed out,” said Adrao, who had five points including two blocks. “That’s what our coach [Karl Dimaculangan] has told us that it went down to a battle of

Swho shows finess at crunchtime.”

“Our errors, our lapses, they showed up,” she added. For the Philippines, the line between glory and heartbreak proved razor-thin on Wednesday.

Several jiujitsu fighters also came within striking distance of the podium, but it was the young spikers who came closest to a medal, fighting point for point and refusing to fold as an appreciative crowd of mostly Filipinos roared with every rally.

ABABA weaved another of her signature back-nine rallies to fire a 65 and snatch a breathtaking one-stroke victory over hometown ace Florence Bisera in the International Container Terminal Services Inc. South Pacific Classic in Davao on Thursday. Just two weeks after staging a similar comefrom-behind win at Del Monte—where she edged Chanelle Avaricio in two playoff holes—Ababa found herself in an eerily familiar position: chasing, doubted yet undeterred.

This time, she trailed by three shots with nine holes to play and her opponent wasn’t just anyone—it was Bisera, a player who practically owns the South Pacific course, having mastered its every undulation and breeze.

Rhose Almendralejo led the charge with a match-high 15 points, while Harlyn Serneche and Samantha Cantada chipped in eight apiece.

Thailand countered with a balanced attack—Natthawan Phatthaisong fired 13 points, Sasithorn Jatta added 12, Nattharika Wasan tallied 11, and Wisaruta Sengna chipped in 10—sealing the victory in one hour and 29 minutes.

Adrao held her head high despite the heartbreak.

“I’m so thankful because of this

Bisera looked unstoppable early, blitzing the front nine with a blistering seven-under 29 built on five straight birdies from No. 5. Her red-hot assault left the gallery buzzing and her rivals gasping that even Ababa admitted to a flicker of doubt as Bisera seemed to have the tournament all but wrapped up.

“I sort of doubted myself after her front nine,” Ababa said with a laugh. But Papa said “no one wins after only nine holes, there are nine more to go. That’s where I rallied.” Ababa started her counterattack on the inward nine with quiet determination—a birdie on the par-four 12th reignited her momentum and another on No. 14 sent a murmur through the crowd—Bisera’s once-

Santor makes Manila proud with six golds

Patricia Mae Santor bagged her sixth gold medal on the final day of competition to bring her total medal haul to seven in the 2025 Batang Pinoy National Championships at the Antonio Acharon Sports Complex in General Santos City. Santor, a student-athlete at the University of Santo Tomas, secured her second gold in the team event after leading Manila to victory in the 4x50-meter medley relay alongside teammates Kristine Jane Uy, Naomi Sy and Eliana Isabel Rodriguez. The quartet clocked 2:08.86, finishing ahead of Bacolod City and Mandaue City in the final swimming event of the Philippine Sports Commission-organized multisport tournament. Santor emerged as the most bemedaled female swimmer of the games with four individual and two team golds, plus a silver. Mabalacat City’s FJ Catherine Cruz, Aklan’s

Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir.

Adam Fernani of Saudi Arabia beat Zeus in the battle for bronze by submission with one minute and 19 seconds left in the boys’ -85 kgs class.

Babanto earlier beat Kuwait’s Dhari Alfouzan, 3-0.

The Philippines’ Sachi Khonghun also fell short of a podium spot, getting edged out by Mongolia’s Munkhjin Batbold, 3-0, in the girls’ -52 kgs bronze medal match. Jin Gabriel Ong also dropped his bronze medal match to Kyrgyzstan’s Abdusomad Thnchtyk Tynchtykbekov in the boys’ -56 kgs division.

In cycling at the Nasser bin Hamad

experience which you just can’t go through that easily…we fought with our very best,” Adrao said. She also credited the unwavering support of Filipino fans, whose presence in Bahrain made the team feel at home.

“It felt like home with the fans cheering us,” she said.

Tough Run

PODIUM places also proved elusive for the Philippines in jiujitsu at

commanding lead had shrunk to just one.

As the Davao heat bore down, Bisera’s touch cooled and the putts that fell so easily earlier began to slide past the edges.

Meanwhile, Ababa looked reborn and then came the 17th.

After splitting the fairway with a laser drive, Ababa stood 70 yards out—she lofted a wedge that landed inches past the cup, spun back, and nearly dropped for eagle.

A tap-in birdie tied her with Bisera at 10-under, setting up a heart-stopping finish.

“That was so tight, but I got the yardage on my side in the last two holes,” Ababa said. “That 70 yards at 17 and 110 yards at 18, they’re my comfort distance.”

RUSSELL BAUTISTA held his ground with steely resolve and a fighter’s heart to fashion out a five-under-par 67 to surge past Jeffren Lumbo and into the lead of the International Container Terminal Services Inc. South Pacific Classic in Davao on Thursday.

From enduring Wednesday’s wet, soggy grind to surviving Thursday’s searing conditions, Bautista showed the maturity and patience of a seasoned campaigner.

Starting the day three shots behind, he methodically carved out a bogey-

(68 total), followed by Quezon City with 20-19-23 (62 total) and Zamboanga City with 16-12-3 (31 total). PSC

officially handed over the hosting duties to Bacolod City Mayor Greg G. Gasataya.

Lee Wan Chun of Hong Kong won the 99.6-kilometer race in two hours, 23

2:24:15, the Filipino ending up 12th on the leaderboard, while Carl Laurence Espinosa and Joelian Abdul Hamid did not finish.

free six-under card through 17 holes, climbing steadily up the leaderboard.

Then came the only blemish—a three-putt bogey on the 18th that slightly tempered what could have been a career-defining round for the Tuburan (Cebu) native.

Still, his five-under total and a 54hole aggregate of nine-under 207 proved more than enough to propel him past two-day leader Lumbo and the equally surging Ramil Bisera, giving him a twoshot cushion heading into the final round. It was a commanding yet unlikely position for Bautista—one that thrust

him from the shadows of anonymity into the tournament spotlight.

“I didn’t expect to lead because three of my idols are here,” Bautista admitted, referring to one of them, Angelo Que, who swept the first two legs of this year’s circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Bisera eagled the par-five No. 12 for a solid 67, matching Bautista’s output and seizing solo second at 209, while Lumbo, who held the lead until Bautista drained his fourth birdie on No. 12, slipped to third at 211 after carding a 74. Guido van der Valk made a late

surge, firing three birdies in the last four holes for a 68 that lifted him to fourth at 212 and Clyde Mondilla also made his move, eagling No. 3 and adding six birdies to offset two bogeys for a 66, climbing into a share of fifth at 213 with Kuresh Samanodi and Jaehyun Jung, who turned in 68 and 72, respectively. Que and Marvin Dumandan matched 71s to tie for ninth at 214, while Kristoffer Arevalo rebounded with a 68 to join Keanu Jahns (72), Michael Bibat (73), and Ryan Monsalve (76) in a share of 11th place.

The DBM’s choice: Uphold integrity or risk corruption?

THE warnings sounded by two of our most respected economic minds—Solita Monsod and Jesus Estanislao—at the recent Fiscal Policy Conference demand substantive action, not just bureaucratic acknowledgment. Their urgent call for the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to champion genuine fiscal integrity, transparency, and accountability cuts to the core of why our economic potential remains frustratingly unfulfilled. (Read the BusinessMirror story, “Ex-Neda chiefs: DBM must take lead in push for integrity,” October 28, 2025).

Despite government pronouncements on fiscal discipline, Monsod’s analysis is characteristically incisive and deeply troubling. She paints a picture of “wasteful and misallocated projects,” specifically highlighting the DBM’s apparent failure in its fundamental oversight role. Her pointed question—“If the DBM didn’t see that flood control projects were being conducted in unnecessary places, who would?”—resonates with the justified cynicism of taxpayers weary of seeing their hard-earned pesos squandered.

Perhaps most alarming is Monsod’s spotlight on the explosive growth of “Unprogrammed Appropriations.” Her characterization of it as potentially “a modern and deadlier version” of the disgraced PDAF should send shivers down the spine of every citizen. The sheer escalation—from below P200 million pre-2023 to hundreds of billions in recent budgets—is staggering and inherently suspicious. Her piercing questions about whether release conditions are truly enforced, and whether lowballed revenue targets create a “moral hazard” enabling uncontrolled spending, expose a potential loophole large enough to drive a truckload of public funds through. This demands immediate, rigorous investigation and transparent justification.

Both Monsod and Estanislao transcend the purely technical. Monsod rightly asserts that fiscal integrity is not just about balanced spreadsheets; it hinges on “governance, honesty, and a moral sense of responsibility.” Estanislao elevates the national budget beyond a financial tool to “a moral document” reflecting the government’s true values and priorities. This is the crucial point. Technical competence within the DBM is necessary but utterly insufficient without an unwavering ethical backbone.

Estanislao’s call to establish systems that enhance transparency and accountability in all agencies is essential. His declaration that “Our fiscal future depends on restoring trust in public institutions” strikes at the heart of the matter. Citizens cannot and will not support a government they perceive as fiscally reckless or corrupt. Trust is the bedrock of sustainable development, and it is crumbling under the weight of questionable spending and opaque processes.

The economists’ consensus is clear: confronting the fiscal challenges requires moral courage. The problems Monsod and Estanislao highlight—misallocation, potential slush funds disguised as appropriations, weak oversight—are symptoms of a deeper malaise: a deficit of ethical governance and accountability.

The DBM is at a crucial point where it must decide its future role. It can either continue as a simple processor of funds, which would lead to a loss of public trust and limit economic growth, or it can fully embrace its responsibilities in “Management” as well as “Budget.” This involves several key actions: First, the DBM should adopt radical transparency by allowing real-time tracking of all expenses, especially for Unprogrammed Appropriations, accompanied by clear justifications. Second, it needs to enhance oversight by ensuring thorough checks before funds are released, rather than just auditing them afterward. Additionally, the DBM should enforce conditions so that Unprogrammed Appropriations are only available when there is actual revenue overperformance, which would help prevent misuse of funds. Implementing performance-based budgeting is also essential to ensure that every peso spent achieves measurable results. Lastly, the DBM should encourage citizen engagement by making its processes and records open for public scrutiny, allowing citizens to act as watchdogs. The insights from Monsod and Estanislao highlight the vital role of moral courage in tackling systemic corruption. For the Philippines to progress, it must confront the root issues that hinder good governance. The country’s fiscal health hinges on trust, which can be restored by the DBM living up to its name, not just in budgeting but in comprehensive and ethical management of public resources.

BusinessMirror

T. Anthony C. Cabangon

Lourdes M. Fernandez

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio

Cherubims as symbols of unborn children due to abortion

FKuwentong Peyups

IGURES of cherubim or “little angels” in cemeteries are often used to signify the graves of infants or children.

A cherubim, often depicted as childlike winged angel, symbolizes the soul’s journey to heaven or represents a child who has died. A cherubim can also represent a soul in spiritual transition and innocence.

The cherubs’ childlike faces symbolize a shift in the perception of death, transforming it from a biological endpoint (represented by skulls) to a step in the journey toward another life.

Some cemeteries, such as the Manila South Cemetery, have des-

ignated sections for the remains of unborn children lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion.

Abortion is the willful killing of the fetus in the uterus, or the violent expulsion thereof from the maternal womb, which results in the death of the fetus.

Abortion is illegal in the Philippines. The 1987 Philippine Constitution (Art II, Sec 12) states that the state “shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception.” This provision is interpreted as a constitutional ban on abortion.

Under Article 256 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), there are three ways by which abortion is committed: (1) by using violence upon the person of the pregnant woman; (2) by acting, but without using violence, without the consent of the woman

Seasonal economy

SG. Reyes

D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa Rolando M. Manangan

(Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.businessmirror.com.ph

EAGLE WATCH

EASONALITY is the term used to describe the case when there is regular variation observed in data across different seasons. This is typical in economic data where observations in certain quarters (or months) display substantial differences compared to observations in other quarters (or months).

Philippine economic output as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) is highly seasonal, for instance.

One can break down the changes in economic output over time into a trend (or long run) growth component and seasonal variation component. In the almost quarter of century from 2000Q1 to 2025Q2, real GDP has been growing an average of 1.2 percent from quarter to next quarter. This is the trend growth of GDP for the period.

There is high seasonality, however, in that fourth quarter GDP was typically about 12 percent higher

compared to first quarter GDP, and second quarter GDP was typically about 6 percent higher compared to first quarter GDP. There is no significant difference between first and third quarter GDPs.

So, the seasonal pattern is that GDP starts low in the first quarter, rises in the second quarter, falls in the third quarter, and then reaches its annual peak in the fourth quarter. It falls in the following first quarter, but is higher than what it was in the previous first quarter because of the trend growth.

Philippine GDP growth is officially reported on a year-on-year basis—

(e.g., by administering drugs or beverages upon her without her consent); and (3) by acting (by administering drugs or beverages) with the consent of the pregnant woman.

The Supreme Court has not decriminalized abortion and has consistently upheld its illegality under Philippine law.

In the 1961 case of Geluz v. Court of Appeals (GR L-16439 July 20, 1961), the Supreme Court ruled that a husband could not recover damages for his wife’s abortion because the unborn fetus lacks legal personality and therefore has no right to claim damages.

Three years ago, the US Supreme Court issued a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (No. 19–1392, June 24, 2022) reversing the doctrine in the 1973 landmark case  Roe v. Wade (410 US 113).

I first encountered Roe vs Wade in my constitutional and criminal law classes at the UP College of Law in the early 1990s.

The US Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that the US constitution generally protects a pregnant woman’s liberty to choose to have an abortion.

The case noted that the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment protects against state action the right to privacy, and a woman’s right to choose to have an abortion falls within that right to privacy. A state law that broadly prohibits abor-

meaning the comparison is between the first quarter of the current year to the first quarter of the previous year, the second quarter of the current year to the second quarter of the previous year, and so on—precisely to take out the seasonality effect in the computation of growth rates.

We are smack in the middle of the most productive quarter of the Philippine economy. What accounts for this high seasonality of economic output?

Two primary reasons: the timing of agricultural harvest and holiday spending. While agricultural output has been slow to grow in the past 25 years, averaging only half a percent growth from quarter to quarter, it is highly seasonal. Fourth quarter agriculture output is 29 percent higher compared to the third quarter, 25 percent higher compared to the second quarter, and 18 percent higher compared to the first quarter.

In terms of rice, for instance, it is estimated that 40 percent of domestic rice output is harvested in the fourth quarter. These are the rice planted from July to September and harvested from October through December.

tion without respect to the stage of pregnancy or other interests violates that right.

The case discussed abortion rights in three periods of the pregnancy. In the first trimester, the state may not regulate the abortion decision; only the pregnant woman and her attending physician can make that decision.

In the second trimester, the state may impose regulations on abortion that are reasonably related to maternal health.

In the third trimester, once the fetus reaches the point of “viability,” a state may regulate abortions or prohibit them entirely, so long as the laws contain exceptions for cases when abortion is necessary to save the life or health of the mother.

In the consolidated case of Imbong v. Ochoa (GR 204819, April 8, 2014), the Supreme Court ruled that the Reproductive Health Act of 2012/RA 10354 (RH Law) actually proscribes abortion, that it recognizes that the fertilized ovum already has life and that the State has a bounden duty to protect it.

The Court said that life begins at fertilization, not at implantation.

When a fertilized ovum is implanted in the uterine wall, its viability is sustained but that instance of implantation is not the point of beginning of life. It started earlier. The Court found that the RH Law itself clearly mandates that protecSee “Gorecho,” A27

Agriculture-dependent households, such as many rice farmers, thus collect bulk of their income in the last quarter of the year. Christmas season-fueled demand for goods and services accounts for most of the rest of the seasonality in economic output, as it drives greater industrial and services production within the country.

Household private consumption, which has been growing 1.2 percent quarter to quarter, on average, in the past 25 years is 14 percent higher in the fourth quarter compared to each of the first and third quarters. This is partly supported by overseas remittances, which is also highly seasonal. Over the past two decades, remittances in the month of December have been, on average, about $300 million higher compared to remittances in any other month. On the production side, industry, which has been growing at 1.2 percent from quarter to quarter, on average, has fourth quarter output that is typically 11 percent higher than the first quarter and 15 percent higher than the third quarter. Services output, which

Dr. Geoffrey Ducanes

Dennis Gorecho

How failure worked its magic on J.K. Rowling

FAILURE spares no one. Some struggles bruise the ego; others break the soul. We cope in different ways—through faith, therapy, or travel—but too many turn to vices that only deepen the pain.

None of these were options for British novelist J.K. Rowling when she hit her lowest point. Her life had all the ingredients of an epic failure —one that could’ve driven others to the brink of insanity—but instead, she looked inwards and harnessed all her inner strength to survive and succeed well beyond her wildest dreams.

“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life,” said J.K. Rowling in the 2008 Harvard Commencement Address, a line that has become a mantra for anyone clawing their way out of despair and searching for hope.

In 1993, at 28, J.K. Rowling’s oneyear marriage to Portuguese journalist Jorge Arantes collapsed, and she was thrown out of their home in Portugal. The relationship had been marked by control and abuse, forcing her to leave. But it wasn’t that simple—her four-month-old daughter, Jessica, was still with Arantes, and Rowling had to seek police help to get her back.

She left Portugal and moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, with her daughter. At this point, she was a single mother, unemployed, on a dole receiving an equivalent of US$103 a week from Social Security and housed in a flat that she described as “mouse-ridden.”

That ordeal would be terrifying for anyone, especially as she grappled with the trauma of abuse. But that was the “picnic” part of her misery—the greater burden was the crushing economic distress she faced. Simply put, J.K. Rowling was broken and broke.

At this point, she saw nothing in her but failure. Every force that could break a person’s sanity weighed on her. Crushed by poverty (perhaps not the kind we see in the Philippines, but it is poverty just the same) and haunted by despair, she sought professional help to keep herself from committing suicide.

Says Rowling:  “The fears that my parents had had for me and that I had had for myself had both come to pass, and by every usual standard, I was the biggest failure I knew….That period of my life was a dark one…”

She recovered from depression after months of therapy, was able to move to a better flat, and found a teaching job. It was because of hardship that she was able to focus on a dream: finishing the book she had started several years earlier. Failure became a weapon rather

. . continued from A26

tion be afforded from the moment of fertilization. It is replete with provisions to protect the fertilized ovum and that it should be afforded safe travel to the uterus for implantation. Women’s rights advocates fought for the decriminalization of abortion arguing that women in the Philippines are forced to undergo clandestine and unsafe conditions to get an abortion, putting themselves at serious risk.

Some 1.1 million induced abortions occur in the country annually, while some 1,000 Filipino women die each year from post-abortion complications.

Magnificent obsession—from Bugasong to Barcelona

COMPELLING does not quite capture the contribution of this book, Bugasong to Barcelona, on the life and works of Felix Laureano. It is great work of recuperation and recovery as accomplished by the writer Francisco G. Villanueva, who is described by Ana Maria Theresa Labrador as having written a “meticulous, well-written and scrupulous publication.”

than a cross she was bearing. She examined it and looked at failure in a different light and began seeing the benefits rather than drawbacks, and used them to full advantage.

“So why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me,” said Rowling. In the midst of misery, she saw magic. She was writing any chance she got: in cafes while waiting for her daughter to finish school and in her quiet moments at home. The book series, as we all know, is Harry Potter, in which magic becomes the animating force and inspiration.

In 1995, two years after her troubles began in Portugal, she finished the first Harry Potter book. In December 1998, it hit The New York Times Best Sellers list. She completed the series and was released within 10 years, from 1997 to 2007, selling over 600 million copies.

With Warner Bros. purchasing the movie rights to her books, she officially became a multimillionaire in 1998 and reached billionaire status in 2004, according to Forbes. Her success is nothing short of magical— just like the lifeblood of the  Harry Potter books she wrote.

The magic didn’t end with her escape from poverty. She also met Dr. Neil Murray, whom she married in 2001. She found belonging, purpose, success, and love—all because she refused to give up when everything around her was falling apart.

Let me share with you paragraphs about failure from her Commencement Speech in Harvard from 2008—because nobody else could say it better:

You might never fail on the scale I did, but some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you fail by default.

Failure taught me things about myself that I could have learned no other way. I discovered that I had a strong will, and more discipline than I had suspected

The knowledge that you have emerged wiser and stronger from setbacks means that you are, ever after, secure in your ability to survive. You will never truly know yourself or the strength of your relationships until both have been tested by adversity.

SC Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said in the Imbong case that unwanted pregnancies may be the result of lack of knowledge of the consequences of the sexual act, or it could be due to the lack of information and access to safe and effective reproductive technologies. Leonen said: “A law that mandates informed choice and proper access for reproductive health technologies should not be presumed to be a threat to the right to life. It is an affirmative guarantee to assure the protection of human rights.”

Peyups is the moniker of the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho heads the Seafarers’ Division of the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For comments, e-mail info@ sapalovelez.com, or call 0917-5025808.

To quote another scholar, Maria Araceli Garcia Martin, of the Biblioteca Nacional de España, “Bugasong to Barcelona immerses readers in the cultural effervescence of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.”

Felix Laureano was born on November 29, 1866 in Patnongon, Antique. His father was a friar from Zamora, Spain. His biographer mentions how he was admitted to Ateneo Municipal de Manila in 1883, where he was assumed to have been exposed to the then new arts and technology of photography. It is said he probably worked as an apprentice in a photography studio. In the said period, Spanish photographers Francisco Pertierra and E.M. Barreto were among those who dominated the scene.

The late 19th century saw the rise of expositions, exhibits and compe-

titions. The book notes how the era was a witness to the “peak of imperial European nations scrambling to acquire territories in South America, Africa, and Asia” and “encouraged investments in faraway lands usually by the process of exoticization of the natives and their culture.”

Laureano benefited from the technology and advancement of the period. At the age of 21, he participated in the 1887 Exposicion General de Filipinas in Madrid where he received an Honorable Mention. The next year, his work gained a similar acclaim. From hereon he extended his stay in Spain, where it is written he gained more experiences.

Being part of the growing intelligentsia, we expected Laureano to focus mainly on the ruling class and yet if there is a great curiosity about this book, it is that we find in the collection images of the quotidian, the ordinary and everyday occurrences.

Marvel at the cover, which is part of the collection of “Costumbres” or Genre. It shows two young boys comfortably atop a carabao, behind them is a cart—“en la carroza y en los lomos y ancas del carabao”—with five more children. It is a vanished scene, one that perhaps we will never see again in farms, or anywhere.

In that set, we find even rarer images like the wedding procession, where a young bride is shown on a caleche or calesa on the way to the church. The carriage is drawn by

By Megawati Wijaya

THE Asia Pacific private credit market is projected to grow to $92 billion in 2027 from $59 billion in 2024, representing a 16 percent compound annual growth rate, according to an industry report released this week.

This growth is driven by strong demand from institutional and wealth investors seeking yield and diversification, according to a joint report from the Alternative Investment Management Association, via its private credit affiliate the Alternative Credit Council, law firm Simmons & Simmons, advisory firm Ernst & Young and financial data provider Broadridge. There is also accelerating inflows from the wealth segments, driven by new products and digital access, the report said.

Earlier this year, Asia-based digital wealth management platform Endowus launched two alternative asset class portfolios, providing high-net-worth-individual clients access to multiple, semi-liquid private market funds, Bloomberg News reported. In Australia, several firms have introduced new credit invest-

percent from quarter to quarter, on average, is also seasonal, although it is the least seasonal of the three major sectors. Fourth quarter services output is typically about 10 percent higher than the first quarter and 6 percent higher than the third quarter.

These are all reflected in the unemployment rate. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the seasonal

two horses and behind them follow a small orchestra. The next page shows a photograph of a “Sinulog” or “Moromoro,” a plein air photograph that appears in Recuerdos de Filipinas. Classic is the imagery of a cockfight in another photograph, one of the prints that appears in the Biblioteca Nacional de España. And yet nothing beats in rarity the image of a corrida or bullfight right in Iloilo. The photo essay notes how there had to be “enough corrida aficionados to warrant the construction of the city’s bullring made with bamboo.” The said paragraph is also worthwhile to note how it has been appropriated by Manila-centric writers claiming it to have taken place in Manila.

In Recuerdos de Filipinas, Laureano even went so far as to identify a man as having effeminate ways. He is shown with three other women washing clothes along the river of Bugasong. The essay indicates how this could be the first mention of a “gay” character in a historical document.

Laureano did not stay only in Antique; he ventured out to take photographs of the Puerto de Manila and the Luneta de Manila. He has very clear photographs of the arrabales such as Paco and Santa Ana as he articulated visual documents of the 19th century landscape in the Philippines.

With the devastation brought by the bombing of Manila during World War II, the extant photographs of the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church, to take massive examples, are wondrous memories of the grandeur of Intramuros. The Calle Real de Intramuros comes alive with its wide street that appears to stretch beyond any imagined wall. And yet nothing can take away the lambent charm of the quiet Calle Real de Iloilo where the stately shadows of the buildings loom over the tiny calesas plying below. Laureano has not spared anything—he has covered them all, including the Los Ultimos de Filipinas, the Defensores de Baler, a reference to the last 54 Spanish soldiers who defended themselves in the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa church against the Philippine revolutionaries in 1898.

To celebrate Felix Laureano, however, is also to honor the writer behind the biography and he is Francisco G. Villanueva, a lover of history and scholar who labored over archives and libraries to bring back both the memories and moments of an artist.

I thank Dr. Vic Salas, a dear friend, who gave me this book Bugasong to Barcelona

E-mail: titovaliente@yahoo.com

ment vehicles to capture the growing demand for higher returns by wellheeled locals.

The growth of Asia Pacific’s private markets comes against the broader backdrop of mounting headwinds. Globally, fundraising for the asset class slowed this year to $70 billion in the period through July 22, accounting for just a tenth of the alternative asset inflows, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. Default rates for private credit deals are at 5.4 percent, which is in line with that observed in the syndicated loan market, according to JPMorgan.

“While global credit markets face near term strain, Asia’s structural growth story endures,” said Kher Sheng Lee, managing director for Asia Pacific at AIMA. Expanding economies, regulatory progress, and bank disintermediation are providing opportunities for private credit,

pattern was that unemployment rate in the fourth quarter was lower by 0.7 percentage-point compared to the first quarter. This was equivalent to about 300,000 more people with work during the Christmas season.

Think of the additional people working in markets, malls, and restaurants during the holiday season. Post-pandemic, the pattern was still lower unemployment rate but now by just 0.5 percentage-point (about 250,000 workers) in the fourth quarter compared to the first quarter.

The growth of Asia Pacific’s private markets comes against the broader backdrop of mounting headwinds. Globally, fundraising for the asset class slowed this year to $70 billion in the period through July 22, accounting for just a tenth of the alternative asset inflows, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co.

he said in an accompanying press release.

Opportunities for private credit include the region’s infrastructure sector, where emerging Asia, excluding China, faces an estimated annual financing gap of $1.7 trillion, the report said. Renewable energy, transport, and digital infrastructure, including data centers and telecom towers, were identified as high-growth areas for deployment, it added.

Despite its growth potential, Asia’s private credit funds continue to face competition from traditional lenders. Asian borrowers remain highly price-sensitive, often opting for bank loans that are typi-

Why does seasonality matter?

Understanding seasonality in economic data can enhance economic management and improve policy responsiveness. For instance, the agricultural output pattern clearly suggests that farming households typically have less income and are most vulnerable during the middle of the year. This then should be the period when government has to be most responsive to shocks that affect them, including typhoon shocks and global price shocks. The high seasonality of remit-

cally 200 basis points to 400 basis points cheaper than private debt, the report said. This is because private credit funds need to meet specific yield hurdles for their debt investments.

In one recent example, Southeast Asia telecom tower operator EdgePoint Infrastructure secured a $475 million loan from a consortium of banks, with terms too tight for private credit funds to participate, Bloomberg News reported. Beyond pricing, banks offer a suite of comprehensive services—including cash management, revolving credit lines and transaction banking—that private credit funds struggle to match, said the report.

Still, private credit funds retain a competitive edge in serving underbanked small and mid-sized enterprises and mid-market borrowers —segments often overlooked by traditional lenders, said Ester Chow, a partner at Simmons & Simmons. Their ability to offer bespoke, flexible financing and respond quickly to complex or non-standard needs helps fill critical funding gaps, she said. Bloomberg

tances means exchange rate fluctuations will have the most impact on the income and consumption of remittance-receiving households if it occurs in the month of December, as what is happening now. In general, recognizing seasonal effects can help the government avoid overreactions and improve the timing of its fiscal and monetary interventions.

Development.

Tito Genova Valiente ANNOTATIONS

2nd Front Page

UN, PCCI pushing passage of NQI law to boost exports

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

THEPhilippines is losing export revenues due to the lack of a National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) law, a measure that aims to ensure local industries’ compliance with international standards, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) noted.

Teddy G. Monroy, UNIDO Country Representative, Philippines, explained to reporters that having this measure in place will help the country navigate global headwinds such as the Washington-imposed tariffs, because this law will play a crucial role in diversifying the country’s exports amid the rise of protectionist policies.

“There have been a lot of studies indicating a clear correlation between National Quality Infrastructure and how the country performs in terms of its exports and participa-

PHL signs Artemis Accords amid rising space safety concerns BusinessMirror

By Malou Talosig-Bartolome

THE Philippines formally joined the Artemis Accords during the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in Kuala Lumpur, reinforcing its commitment to peaceful, transparent, and sustainable exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond.

Led by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), the signing aligns the country with a growing coalition of nations working to strengthen space governance and safety.

The Artemis Accords outline principles for responsible behavior in outer space, including transparency in mission planning, registration of space objects, and deconfliction to avoid accidents and debris generation.

These provisions are especially relevant to the Philippines, which has repeatedly faced risks from falling rocket debris.

Debris incidents in PHL waters

IN recent months, Chinese rocket launches have resulted in debris falling into Philippine territory, raising alarms over safety and accountability:

On October 19, 2025, the Philippine Navy recovered suspected debris from China’s Long March 8A rocket off Bataraza, Palawan, just two days after its launch from Hainan.

Earlier, on August 4, 2025, debris from China’s Long March 12 rocket fell into Philippine archipelagic waters, prompting official concern from the Department of Foreign Affairs and calls for responsible space conduct.

• PhilSA issued multiple debris warnings for areas near El Nido, Tubbataha Reef, and Basilan, citing projected drop zones from Chinese launches.

These incidents underscore the urgent need for international norms that prioritize safety, transparency, and mutual respect—principles at the heart of the Artemis Accords.

“By signing the Accords, the Philippines reaffirms its commitment to be an active stakeholder in space

governance and in the shaping and maintenance of international law,” said PhilSA Officer-in-Charge Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez.

“This reflects our readiness to stand alongside like-minded nations in advancing transparency, sustainability, and shared benefit beyond our borders and above our atmosphere,” she added.

Expert insight from Batongbacal ATTY. JAY BATONGBACAL, a maritime law expert from the UP College of Law–Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, who has recently taken interest in space governance, welcomed the signing as a strategic move.

“It’s good in the sense that it is an indication that we are ramping up our space activities. There is potential for technology transfer, and participation in international space activities,” he said.

“The Accords essentially reiterate commitment to the outer space treaties, which we are in the process of ratifying anyway.” He noted, however, that the Artemis Accords will not directly resolve the Philippines’ concerns over China’s rocket launches and debris incidents.

“That’s a different problem. But the Accords’ section on deconflicting space activities adds weight to the existing rules on the responsibility [and liability] of states for their space objects and space activities, including if they fall and cause damage,” he told the BusinessMirror Batongbacal added that while the Accords promote cooperation and peaceful uses of space, “it has also been criticized as catering too much to commercial interests.”

Contrast in space governance WHILE 56 countries have signed the Artemis Accords as of October 2025, China is not among them. Instead, it pursues independent space initiatives—such as the Tiangong space station and Chang’e lunar missions—outside the Artemis framework.

tion in global value chains,” Monroy told reporters on the sidelines of the 1st National Quality Infrastructure Conference.

Amid the tariff policy put in place by the United States, Monroy said: “It’s important [to pass this law] so that we can, number one, diversify our products.”

Without this measure in place right now, the Philippines, he explained, does not have the elbow room to grow its exports due to the presence of non-tariff barriers.

“That’s our problem, there are only a limited number of products that we can export because not all of them are able to meet the standards so if you’re able to have this law, and other products can meet the standards, then we can enter other markets,” he told reporters, speaking partly in Filipino.

While he could not provide data, Monroy underscored that it’s usually the agriculture exporters who incur losses owing to their inability to meet international standards.

Citing an instance, the UNIDO official said: “We don’t have a system that would test if we are meeting the standards required. Nobody’s doing that. So we are not that strong, sometimes our products get

through because it looks like they passed the standards but when they reach the destination, they get thrown away.”

On the issue of wastage, he further explained: “You will have to pay if the goods [are] returned to the country. Who’s going to pay for the return? So the exporter would just opt to have the product thrown away, they won’t bother to retrieve them because they will pay again for shipment of an item that’s already spoiled by the time it returns here.”

As such, UNIDO’s representative prodded Manila to fast-track enactment of the measure for an NQI law, legislation that he stressed will address the exporters’ woes.

“Because once we have this law, we will be able to earmark funds to strengthen the entire ecosystem. Because that’s the role of legislation, to put money into that. So with the legislation, there will certainly be funds to build the whole ecosystem,” added Monroy.

Evelyn Mae T. Mendoza, Professor Emeritus at the Crop Biotechnology Division of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, revealed the country’s inadequacies in terms

See “UN, PCCI,” A2

END-SEPT COCONUT EXPORT EARNINGS SOAR 46%

By Ada Pelonia

THE country’s export earnings from its coconut-based products soared to $2.62 billion as of the end of September.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the value of coconut-based exports leaped by 46 percent to $2.62 billion as of end-September from $1.79 billion in the same period last year.

Exports of coconut oil led the product group among other products, as it surged by 45 percent to $2.12 billion in the reference period from $1.47 billion last year, based on PSA data.

Historical figures from the World Bank showed that the average price of coconut oil rose to $2,589 per metric ton (MT) in October.

The World Bank projects coconut oil prices to average at $1,800 per MT this year, higher than the average price of $1,519 per MT posted in 2024.

Industry sources noted that prices of coconut oil have been on an upward trend, driven by tight supply from leading coconut-producing nations due to weatherrelated shocks and the surge in quotation for other vegetable oils.

If this trend continues, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said the country’s export receipts from coconut oil alone will reach a

TO $2.6B

new record high in 2025. This outlook stemmed from growing demand and surging prices of the tropical oil in the world market. Last year, coconut oil earnings grew to an all-time high of $2.22 billion.

Meanwhile, the country’s outbound shipments of desiccated coconut skyrocketed by 76 percent to $376.87 million in January to September from $214.6 million in the previous year. Export earnings of other coconut products also grew by 52 percent to $89.84 million from $59.10 million.

However, revenues from the outbound shipments of copra meal or cake slumped by 44 percent to $28.72 million from $51.10 million.

Meanwhile, PSA data also showed that the country’s revenues from fruits and vegetables exports during the reference period jumped by 21 percent to $2.11 billion from $1.74 billion. Banana shipments led the category, growing by 30 percent to $1.17 billion from last year’s $897.8 million, based on PSA data. Exports of pineapple juice grew by 24 percent to $104.94 million from $84.61 million a year ago. However, shipments of canned pineapple dropped by 5.2 percent to $156.5 million from $165.09 million.

Sept exports up 15.9%; trade gap still narrowing

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

THE Philippines’ exports grew 15.9 percent in September while the trade deficit continued to narrow despite the implementation of US tariffs, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicated. Based on the International Merchandise Trade Statistics of the Philippines, the country’s exports grew 15.9 percent to $7.25 billion from the $6.26 billion in the same month a year ago. Meanwhile, the balance of trade

in goods, the difference between the value of exports and imports in September 2025, amounted to $4.35 billion, indicating a trade deficit with an annual decline of 14.7 percent. From January to September 2025, the country’s outbound shipments amounted to $63.02 billion, up 13.1 percent from the $55.71 billion in the nine-month period a year ago. By commodity group, PSA noted that electronic products continued to be the country’s top exports in September 2025, with earnings of $4.02 billion—or 55.5 percent

of the country’s exports pie in the said period. This was followed by other mineral products, with an export value of $413.79 million (5.7 percent), and other manufactured goods with $375.10 million (5.2 percent). As to the country’s trading

ARTEMIS ACCORDS: LITERALLY FOR SAFE SPACE PhilSA Officer-in-Charge Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez (left) shakes hands with US Undersecretary Jacob Helberg after signing the Artemis Accords on behalf of the Philippines on October 27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The signing, part of the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit, marks the Philippines’ commitment to peaceful, transparent, and

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

CPG invests ₧8.4B to build 13,150 housing units

By VG Cabuag @villygc

THE Century Properties Group Inc. announced last Thursday its plan to invest some P8.39 billion to build some 13,150 awarded housing contracts. The company also promised the delivery of these units by the end of the year.

These new units will be built by its horizontal subsidiary Phirst Park Homes Inc. across nine project locations nationwide, as there are meet the increasing demand for affordable, high-quality homes for Filipino firsthome buyers.

To ensure timely delivery and maintain construction efficiency, the projects have been awarded to its in-house construction arm, Phirst Build, alongside long-standing partner Megawide Construction Corp.

The 13,150 new units consist of its economic, affordable and mid-income home models. The company said it will handle the construction of 6,326 units in several Luzon locations, including the newly-launched Phirst Park Homes Santo Tomas and Phirst Park Homes Magalang East. Meanwhile, Megawide will deliver 5,824 precast housing units valued across five projects located in key growth areas such as Cavite, Laguna and Batangas. About a thousand more units are currently in the contract awarding stage and are expected to complete this year’s development plan. As of the end of last year, the company had already awarded 29,306 units to dedicated construction firms since its founding in 2017. This upcoming batch of homes will significantly expand Phirst’s portfolio, increasing its total housing stock to 42,456 units.

Conntinued on B2

Editor: Jennifer A. Ng

PXP Energy posts net loss on troika of headwinds Cebu-Pac inks deal with Bulgaria Air

By Lenie Lectura @llectura

PXP Energy Corp. reported a net loss of P32.8 million at end-September this year, nearly double from the P17.8 million posted in the same period last year.

The company cited softer crude prices, lower production volumes from Galoc operations, and higher interest charges as reasons for the decline.

Consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the parent company ballooned to P37.9 million at end September this year from P16.7 million in the same period last year.

Consolidated revenues stood at P50.3 million, reflecting a 13.5% decline in sales volume to 414,124 barrels and a 13.8% drop in average realized crude price

to $70.0 per barrel amid weaker global crude benchmarks. Galoc operations continued to deliver stable output despite being at the tail end of field life, it added.

The Department of Energy (DOE) awarded last month three petroleum service contracts (SCs) to PXP and its joint venture partners—SC 80 and 81 in the Sulu Sea, and SC 86 (Octon Block) in Northwest Palawan. The signing of these contracts marked a major expansion of PXP’s exploration portfolio. The Sulu Sea blocks (SC 80 and SC 81) are jointly administered

by the DOE and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao through its Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy. SC 86, meanwhile, covers the Octon Block in Northwest Palawan, an area adjacent to established producing oil fields. These new contracts reinforce PXP’s strategic upstream position and align with the Philippine government’s efforts to boost domestic energy self-sufficiency. The company continues to maintain

prudent operations across its portfolio and is preparing to participate in technical work programs committed to the government under these newly awarded blocks.

“The company remains focused on preserving liquidity and maintaining operational readiness while progressing early-phase technical assessments for SC 80 and SC 81, alongside further subsurface work and building on studies previously conducted by the former SC 6A Consortium in SC 86,” the PXP said

Despite the continuing force majeure over SC 72 and SC 75, the PXP and Forum Energy Ltd. remain steadfast in their commitment to the long-term potential of these strategically important West Philippine Sea assets. Two additional service contracts located in the highly prolific Northwest Palawan Basin are currently under final review by the government and are expected to be awarded within the next few months.

TBy Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

HE operator of budget carrier Cebu Pacific has entered into a damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air to expand its fleet capacity during the peak holiday travel season.

Under the agreement, Bulgaria Air will provide two Airbus A320ceo aircraft to operate on four key domestic routes from Manila – Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro – from December 2025 through January 2026. Each aircraft will be configured with 180 seats.

The damp lease arrangement means Bulgaria Air will supply the aircraft along with pilots, maintenance, and insurance, while Cebu Pacific will deploy its own cabin crew to staff the flights.

“We are continuously exploring ways to expand our fleet and ensure operational resilience,” said Cebu Air Inc. President and Chief Commercial Officer Xander G. Lao. “Our damp lease agreement with Bulgaria Air will allow us to meet strong travel demand from December 2025 to January 2026.”

December and January are traditionally the busiest months for the local aviation industry, as overseas workers return home and families travel for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

This marks the second time Cebu Pacific has partnered with the Bulgarian carrier for seasonal capacity. The airline previously signed a similar damp lease agreement in late 2023 for two A320ceo aircraft that were utilized in 2024.

Bulgaria Air, the national carrier of Bulgaria, has extensive experience in aircraft leasing, having partnered with airlines worldwide to provide flexible capacity solutions.

“We are pleased to partner with Cebu Pacific – one of the most dynamically developing airlines in Asia,” said Chairman of the Management Board of Bulgarian Airways Group Hristo Todorov. “This collaboration is yet another testament to the high level of trust and professionalism that our team delivers in the implementation of international leasing projects.”

Cebu Air did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement.

BingoPlus Mall Tour Bridges Fun, Charity as BingoPlus Foundation Donates US$150,000 for Sports Development

BingoPlus, the country’s no. 1 digital entertainment platform, is gathering the finest local artists on an activity-filled mall tour at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on October 21 to 23, 2025 and SM City Sta. Rosa on October 21 to 26, 2025. The mall tour supported the week-long celebration of the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus as the brand’s effort to give world-class entertainment for everyone.

As part of the brand’s effort to bring world-class entertainment to the Filipinos, Claire Ruiz, a FilipinoAustralian actress known for her role in the `television series “Be Careful with My Heart” as Josephine “Joey” Acosta, rocked the Mall of Asia Music Hall with her performance. It was then followed by P-pop boy group 1621BC, who stole the hearts of the crowd with an electrifying performance of their own. You can also catch Fana Louise Lagueras, a Filipina

they also had the chance to win tickets for the much-anticipated The International Series Music Festival presented by BingoPlus that was scheduled at the Aseana Concert Grounds last Saturday, October 25.

Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ Mall Hours for Undas 2025

MEGAWORLD Lifestyle Malls adjusts its operating hours for the observance of this year’s Undas from October 31 to November 2, 2025. Megaworld Lifestyle Malls ensures that establishments will remain accessible, offering a convenient place for everyone to gather, dine, and prepare for their respective family occasions during this solemn holiday weekend.

Please be guided by the following adjusted operating hours:

TAGUIG CITY Uptown Bonifacio

October 31 and November 1 – 10 am to 11 pm

November 2 – 10 am to 10 pm

Venice Grand Canal at McKinley Hill

October 31 to November 2 – 10

Aside from these performances, BingoPlus also prepared activities that mall tour goers take part in. They were able to try games like virtual golf, golf bowl, golf Skee, golf dart, golf bing, and giant bingo putt-ern, all of which they can win exciting BingoPlus merchandise like BingBing plushies and exclusive BingoPlus caps designed to commemorate the International Series Philippines presented by BingoPlus. There were also raffles each day where participants had the chance to win a 55-inch TV, gift certificates, an iPad 11th gen, and a Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro. Furthermore,

In light of this exhilarating event, the true highlight of the mall tour last October 21 was the ceremonial check turnover of BingoPlus Foundation to established golf entities known for developing aspiring athletes who want to turn their dreams into reality. Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation, handed over US$100,000 to Anthony Kang, board member of the Asian Development Tour, and US$50,000 to Myka Romulo, the Executive Director of the National Golf Association of the Philippines. The donation was set to inspire and help athletes pursue their careers in golf.

ACMobility, Basic Energy Partner to Power Renewable EV Charging Nationwide

ACMOBILITY, the Ayala Group’s end-toend mobility arm and leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions and infrastructure in the Philippines, has partnered with Basic Energy Renewable Corporation (BERC) to accelerate the rollout of renewable-powered EV charging stations across the country.

Under this collaboration, ACMobility will codevelop and manage charging hubs in select locations developed by Basic Energy. The initiative combines ACMobility’s expertise in charging infrastructure and digital mobility with BERC’s renewable energy capabilities to deliver a reliable and sustainable charging experience for Filipino EV drivers.

“This partnership reflects our shared vision of a future where EV charging is not just available, but reliable, seamless, and powered by clean energy,” said Carla Buencamino, Head of Mobility Infrastructure,

ACMobility. “By combining forces with Basic Energy, we’re accelerating the rollout of a charging network that supports the real needs of Filipino EV drivers that will be made visible through our Evro app.” Grounded in Basic Energy Corporation’s renewable energy roadmap, which covers solar, wind, geothermal, and energy storage, this collaboration marks its natural progression into e-mobility. The collaboration also complements Basic Energy’s thrust to support the EV transportation sector by providing electric vehicle charging stations to the public.

“Our partnership with ACMobility signifies Basic Energy’s strong commitment to advancing clean energy and sustainable transport,” said Oscar L. de Venecia, Jr., CEO of Basic Energy Corporation. “Together, we aim to make EV charging more accessible, convenient, and powered by renewable energy — enabling Filipino motorists to take part in

the journey toward a greener future.”

In line with this shared goal, all charging stations under the collaboration will connect to Evro, ACMobility’s all-in-one charging app that allows users to locate, monitor, and pay for charging sessions with ease. By integrating every site into one digital platform, the partnership ensures a consistent and seamless experience for EV drivers across the country.

Meanwhile, the rollout will begin with the installation of co-branded Basic RePower–ACMobility charging facilities at the Total station along South Luzon Expressway (SLEX Northbound) in Sta Rosa, Laguna. This pilot will serve as the foundation for future installations and demonstrate how collaboration among energy and mobility leaders can accelerate the adoption of EVs nationwide.

Building on this momentum, ACMobility continues to expand its EV charging footprint across the Philippines. Currently, ACMobility operates multiple hubs in Luzon and is extending its reach to Visayas and Mindanao, while developing digital tools that make charging simpler and more rewarding for both individuals and businesses.

With over 100 locations already operational and ready, and 70 more on the way, ACMobility is well on track to achieve its goal of 700 charge points nationwide by the end of 2025. This growing network forms the backbone of the Philippine EV Spine, connecting cities and provinces from Pagudpud in the north to Pagadian in the south, and ensuring that drivers remain connected to reliable charging wherever their journeys take them.

Together with partners like Basic Energy, ACMobility is driving the Philippines’ transition toward electrified mobility and helping shape a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future—one charge at a time.

To know more about this venture and for those interested in establishing an ACMobility charging station or exploring partnership opportunities, visit https://acmobility.ph/.

Converge loads exclusive Viva content on Xperience Hub

quality Filipino entertainment anytime they want. We’re proud to be part of this groundbreaking platform that champions local creativity,” said Vicente G. del Rosario, President of Viva Communications Inc. Viva One is home to wildly popular Wattpad adaptations such as Bad Genius, Mutya ng Section E, and many more. The stars of Viva One’s latest premier series,

CEBUANA Lhuillier is giving Filipino consumers unparalleled confidence in luxury purchases through its ongoing partnership with Entrupy, the global leader in AI-powered authentication. This collaboration is a testament to Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment to providing Filipinos with authentic premium products and ensures that every purchase at Re-Find, its latest retail venture at Festival Mall, Alabang, delivers genuine, verified pieces. By integrating Entrupy’s proprietary AI authentication with Cebuana Lhuillier’s in-house expertise in verifying jewelry, gold, and diamonds, Re-Find combines technological precision with the brand’s decades-long reputation for credibility. The partnership was further cemented through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed by Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO; Philippe André Lhuillier, Senior Vice President; Rob Afzelius, Retail Business Head; and Vidyuth Srinivasan, President and CEO of Entrupy. This initiative reflects both companies’ shared vision of innovation, transparency, and consumer protection. Through this collaboration, Cebuana Lhuillier underscores its commitment to Filipino consumers— ensuring that authenticity, integrity, and trust remain

at the heart of every Re-Find purchase. Clients can shop with confidence, knowing that every verified preloved designer handbag or leather good is genuine and of the highest quality.

“Authenticity and trust are the foundation of Cebuana Lhuillier,” said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO. “Through Re-Find and our partnership with Entrupy, we are setting a new standard for luxury retail in the Philippines. Every verified designer handbag or leather item is a promise kept to our clients—a guarantee that what they invest in is genuine, highquality, and worthy of their trust.”

Vidyuth Srinivasan, President and CEO of Entrupy, added, “Partnering with Cebuana Lhuillier allows us to deliver the highest level of authentication to Filipino consumers. Shoppers can purchase designer handbags and leather goods with total confidence, knowing they are getting verified, authentic luxury every time.”

Through Re-Find and its ongoing partnership with Entrupy, Cebuana Lhuillier continues to extend its legacy of trust-driven innovation beyond financial services, providing Filipinos access to authentic luxury products backed by technology, expertise, and decades of credibility.

and content on the Converge Xperience Hub, and among the most important steps to do this is partnering with production companies that know what Filipinos want,” said Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy during the ceremony held Monday at the sidelines of the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo which he chairs. The Converge and RBU executives, joined by Viva Communications Inc. President and COO Vicente G. del Rosario and Studio Viva President Valerie Del Rosario, marked the collaboration through a ceremonial toasting at the Tech Expo. “At Viva, we’ve

with the Filipino

Viva One and VMX. Expansion of this content is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot more in store for Converge subscribers,” noted Bryan Kendrick Uy, President of RBU.

“For the Xperience Hub, we already have international fare with our Netflix Bundle. We’ve made BlastTV part of our line-up from the very beginning so, now we are expanding this line up with original, Filipino content through Viva One and VMX. The Xperience Hub is a gateway not just to entertainment but to more functions,” said Uy.

For those who want the bundled Converge connectivity with the Xperience Hub, Converge has the Super FiberX plans; Filipinos

have a 400 Mbps-connection that comes with a Wi-Fi 6 modem and the Xperience Hub for just P 1,599/ month.

In the photo are, from left, Oscar L. de Venecia, Jr., Chairman, Basic Energy Renewables Corporation; Luisito V. Poblete, President, Basic Energy Renewables Corporation; Ma. Alicia Carla G. Buencamino, Head of Mobility Infrastructure, ACMobility; and Sharyn Theresa V. Jacobsen, Group of Chief Finance Officer, ACMobility.

In the photo, from left, are Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President of Cebuana Lhuillier; Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhullier; Vidyuth Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer of Entrupy; and James Robert Afzelius, Head of Retail and Strategic Partnerships of Cebuana Lhuillier.

Bing Bing entertains the crowd during the BingoPlus Mall Tour at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall

Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy (center-right) and RBU President Bryan Kendrick Uy (third from right) with Viva Communications Inc. President and COO Vincent G. del Rosario (center-left) and Studio Viva President Valerie Del Rosario (rightmost). Several artists from Viva were also present during the partnership ceremony including (from left) Chloe Jenna, Bea Binene, Wilbert Ross, and Shiena Yu (second from right).

actress and a recording artist under Star Music, on October 22, and OPM band Soapdish on October 23 at the SM MoA Music Hall. Hale and Lily will also grace the stage together with boy band group VXON and DJ Xiao Yunnah.

Banking&Finance

Associations Summit 13 to spotlight ‘Power of Unity’

THE Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE) will convene its 13th Associations Summit (AS13) on November 6, 2025 at the Clark Event and Conference Hall in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, with the theme “Power of Unity: Connect, Convene, Collaborate.”

Hosted by the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and supported by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the event will bring together a hundred association leaders, business professionals, and stakeholders from across the Philippines and the region.

Now on its 13th year, the annual Summit is PCAAE’s flagship event designed to empower associations and amplify their impact as key partners in nation building. This year’s edition underscores the growing importance of cross-sectoral collaboration among government, private institutions, and the nonprofit sector in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.

The PCAAE’s partnership with the CDC and the TPB demonstrates the potential of associations as drivers of growth and innovation. The CDC’s transformation of Clark into a modern economic hub and the TPB’s mandate to promote the country as a premier meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination align with the PCAAE’s mission to strengthen associations as catalysts for change in their respective industries and communities.

The one-day program will feature four dynamic segments designed to inspire learning, connection, and recognition.

Part 1: Setting the Stage

The opening plenary will feature thought leaders and subject-matter experts discussing the role of unity in community and nation building, emphasizing how associations contribute to social and economic progress.

Part 2: Learning and Sharing

This includes two learning blocks: a panel discussion on challenges and opportunities in digital transformation, sustainability, and leadership, followed by plenary sessions that explore green practices, digital trends, and strategies for nurturing resilient and future-ready association leaders.

Part 3: Insightful Talks

Focused sessions will present fresh ideas and real-world insights, including a special presentation on innovative membership and revenue models, and a CEO fireside chat featuring association trailblazers who will share their leadership journeys.

Part 4: Ang Susi Awards

The Summit will culminate with the much-anticipated “Ang Susi Awards 2025, PCAAE’s annual celebration of association excellence.

“Ang Susi” stands for “Associations nurture National Growth through Social Unity and Sustainability Innovations.”

The awards honor individuals

and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to the association sector. The Association Executive of the Year recognizes a professional who has effectively led and managed an association with sustainable impact, while the Association Board Member of the Year celebrates exemplary volunteer leadership and good governance.

The Outstanding Project Awards will highlight associations whose initiatives have significantly benefited society, business, and the environment, across six areas: environmental impact, people empowerment, community service, industry development, technology innovation, and change catalyst.

The PCAAE will also confer its Certified Professional Association Executive (CPAE) designations, acknowledge the event’s sponsors and supporting organizations, and recognize Lifetime Honorary Members for their enduring service and legacy in advancing the association management profession.

Through the “Power of Unity,” the AS13 aims, not only to connect and inspire association professionals, but also to reaffirm their collective role in building a stronger, more collaborative, and sustainable Philippines.

Octavio Peralta is founder and volunteer CEO of the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), the “association of associations.” The PCAAE will hold its 13th Annual Associations Summit on November 6, 2025 at the Clark Freeport Zone. The views he expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror E-mail: bobby@pcaae.org.

Higher Oct inflation seen on rising prices

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

RISING electricity, rice, and fish prices are seen to have fueled inflation in October, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

In its month-ahead inflation forecast, the BSP projected October 2025 inflation to settle within the range of 1.4 to 2.2 percent.

“Upward price pressures for the month may stem from higher prices of rice, fish, vegetables, and electricity, as well as the depreciation of the peso,” the BSP said. However, these pressures could be

partially offset by lower prices of oil, meat and fruits, the central bank added.

If inflation reaches 1.4 percent in October, this would be the lowest in three months since the 0.9 percent recorded in July. But if it turned out to be 2.2 percent, this would be the fastest in nine months or since the 2.9 percent posted in January.

The October 2025 inflation data will be released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on November 5.

In September, inflation accelerated to 1.7 percent, faster than the 1.5 percent posted in August but was slower than the 1.9 percent recorded in September 2024.

“Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor evolving domestic and international developments affecting the outlook for inflation and growth in line with its data-dependent approach to monetary policy formulation,” the central bank said.

Meanwhile, Bank of the Philippine Islands Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri Jr. said headline inflation likely rose to 1.8 percent in October on higher rice,

Octavio Peralta A ssociation World

Banking&Finance

Customs seizes counterfeit apparel from Bangladesh

By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto

THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced last Thursday that its personnel intercepted nearly half-a-billion worth of counterfeit branded apparel bearing popular and local brands from Bangladesh.

According to the BOC, members of its Intellectual Property Rights Division seized P482-million worth of counterfeit branded apparel contained in 1,287 boxes of the fake

items that were also misdeclared as socks.

The containers, which arrived at the Port of Manila last August, were initially routed through Singapore to evade the bureau’s profiling system, according to the BOC. Each item was estimated to have a market value of P2,500, amounting to a total of P482.625 million, the BOC added.

Following intelligence reports of possible misdeclaration and suspected intellectual property rights infringement, Customs officials conducted a physical inspection on October 9, confirming the contents to be counterfeit items.

The counterfeit apparel carried the trademarks of several international and local brands, including

Jag, Bench, Zara, Givenchy, Fubu, Lee, H&M, Lacoste, Burberry, Essentials, Champion, Jordan, Levi’s, Bathing Ape, Oakley, RRJ, Calvin Klein and Off-white.

The BOC has issued a Warrant of Seizure and Detention on October 28 for violations of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA) and the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 8293).

The goods are now subject to condemnation and, according to the BOC, it will file criminal charges against the importers.

“The sale and distribution of counterfeit products not only deceive consumers but also harm honest businesses that comply with the

law,” Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip C. Maronilla said. “This operation reflects our continuing resolve to ensure that only legitimate goods enter the Philippine market.”

The operation follows earlier enforcements by the BOC to curb the growing scale of counterfeit trade in the country.

This adds to the BOC’s seizure of P1.041 billion worth of counterfeit apparel and accessories as of the end of August this year.

The BOC has carried out 653 seizure operations from January to August this year, confiscating P34.725 billion worth of illicit items, such as various goods, natural resources, cigarettes and illegal drugs.

OFCs’ domestic claims rose to ₧10.745T in Q2

DOMESTIC claims of other financial corporations (OFCs) grew to P10.745 trillion in the second quarter of the year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Based on their recent OFC Survey (OFCS), these non-bank financial institutions reported domestic claims of P10.745 trillion in the second quarter of 2025, up from P9.211 trillion in the same period last year.

Quarter-on-quarter, domestic claims of OFCs posted a marginal growth of 0.1 percent from P10.733 trillion.

The BSP attributed this to larger investments in equity shares issued by other non-financial corporations, higher holdings of government securities, and an increase in loans extended to households.

“However, the growth in the sector’s domestic claims was slightly tempered by the decline in its holdings of bank-issued debt securities,” it added.

OFCs are institutional units providing financial services other than banks, non-banks with quasibanking functions, non-stock savings and loan associations and the central bank.

These institutional units are comprised of non-money market funds of trust institutions, trust corporations, and investment companies, private and public insurance corporations, holding companies, government-owned or -controlled

corporations engaged in financial intermediation, and other financial intermediaries and auxiliaries.

Based on BSP’s data, OFCs’ claims on the private sector rose to P4.917 trillion in the second quarter from P4.489 trillion a year ago. Meanwhile, the

The BSP said this was mainly due to the increase in OFCs’ issued shares of stocks and higher insurance technical reserves.

Insurance technical reserves refer to the amounts set aside by insurance companies to meet future insurance liabilities.

Furthermore, OFCs recorded higher net foreign assets at P685.376 billion in the second quarter from P477.603 billion in the same period last year, due to higher claims on nonresidents.

The OFCS serves as an analytical tool that provides more comprehensive financial data to support the BSP’s monetary and financial stability mandates. It covers data of non-money market investment funds, other financial intermediaries, financial auxiliaries, captive financial institutions and money lenders, insurance corporations and pension funds. Reine Juvierre S. Alberto

Maya Named Apex Company of the Year at the 2025 Asia CEO Awards

MAYA, the country’s leading all-in-one finance platform, was named Apex Company of the Year at the 2025 Asia CEO Awards—recognizing its impact in reshaping how Filipinos access payments and banking through technology.

The award celebrates organizations that deliver exceptional economic and social impact. Maya was recognized for using its technology to make payments and banking simpler, more inclusive and more efficient for millions of Filipinos.

Maya also received a Circle of Excellence citation for Technology Company of the Year, following its 2023 win as Most Innovative Company of the Year.

Rebuilding Banking for the Digital Generation

Traditional banking in the Philippines has historically relied on branch networks and slow credit processes, leaving out many young, digital-savvy Filipinos with limited financial history. Maya changed that.

Powered by Maya Philippines for payments and Maya Bank for digital banking, Maya’s all-inone platform connects deposits, credit, payments and investments through a single ecosystem: the Maya app for individuals, the Maya Business app for MSMEs and Maya Business Manager for enterprises.

All are built on Maya’s proprietary technology and AI-driven decision engine, enabling instant credit evaluation, personalized offers, and faster, more accessible services.

“Our mission has always been to reimagine how banking works for Filipinos—by making it simpler, more inclusive, and deeply integrated into their everyday lives,”

said Shailesh Baidwan, Maya Group President and Co-Founder of Maya Bank. “This recognition from the Asia CEO Awards affirms how technology, when done right, can drive

both economic value and meaningful social impact.”

Technology as the Core Advantage

“We build technology that can see, learn and respond in real time,” said Alfred Lo, Maya Group Chief Technology Officer. “That’s how we make financial services faster, safer and more personal.”

Maya has one of the largest fintech technology and data teams in the Philippines, building and maintaining a unified architecture for payments, lending and banking.

Built on a cloud-first, mobile-first infrastructure, Maya has evolved into an AI-first organization, with models that automate credit scoring, optimize pricing and personalize engagement in real time. This structure allows rapid product innovation while keeping risk and compliance tightly integrated.

Driving Financial Inclusion and National Impact

Beyond building a powerful digital finance ecosystem, Maya is com-

mitted to advancing financial inclusion and supporting national development. Through its MSME programs, Maya enables thousands of small entrepreneurs to access digital payments, credit and business tools—helping them scale and compete in an increasingly digital economy.

Maya also works with public and private institutions to promote financial literacy and inclusion among key sectors. These initiatives include financial education

programs for students and teachers in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), partnerships that support national athletes through its collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and collaborations with government agencies to modernize payments and improve service delivery.

By empowering individuals, communities and institutions, Maya contributes to building a more inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem for the country.

Central banks snap up gold despite record-high prices

By Preeti Soni

CENTRAL banks accelerated gold purchases in the third quarter, as several returning buyers braved record-high prices to bet on bullion’s value as a hedge against a vulnerable US dollar.

The 220 tons purchased in the July-September period marked a 28 percent increase over the preceding quarter and reversed a slowdown in the early part of the year, according to a report by the World Gold Council. The National Bank of Kazakhstan was the largest single buyer, while Brazil’s central bank bought gold for the first time in more than four years.

Central banks added 634 tons of bullion to their reserves in the year through September—below the equivalent period in each of the last three years but comfortably above the pre-2022 average, before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The WGC forecast full-year purchases for 2025 within a range of 750 to 900 tons.

“Heightened geopolitical tensions, stubborn inflationary pressures and uncertainty around global trade policy have all fueled appetite for safe-haven assets,” WGC senior markets analyst Louise Street said in a statement accompanying the report’s release on Thursday.

Despite a recent pullback, gold has gained around 50 percent in value this year and struck a recordhigh above $4,380 an ounce earlier this month. The scorching rally has been fueled in part by central-bank buying, as well as a push by main-

World Banking Yen weakens as investors see Ueda’s comments as dovish

By Mia Glass, Naomi Tajitsu and John Cheng

THE yen slumped to an eightmonth low after Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda said that the central bank did not risk falling behind the curve following its decision today to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged.

stream investors to safeguard their portfolios against risk.

The WGC said the surge in prices was “likely a limiting factor” to purchases in the first half of the year, while the pick-up in demand in the third quarter “is evidence that central banks continue to add gold strategically.” The council also estimated that 66 percent of the latest quarter’s demand remains unreported.

Investor appetite for bullion grew 13 percent quarter-on-quarter as surging prices fueled a fear of missing out on further gains, the WGC said, while gold’s status as both a haven and a hedge drew increasing traction—a trend that the council sees persisting for the remainder of the year.

The third quarter was a record for gold-backed exchange-traded funds, the report added, with global inflows reaching $26 billion.

Expectations of further monetary easing and concerns about the health of the US economy also drove participants into gold during the quarter, the WGC said. The Federal Reserve on Wednesday delivered a widely expected quarter-point rate cut, although Fed Chair Jerome Powell said a further reduction in December was “not a foregone conclusion.”

The high gold price, meanwhile, pushed third-quarter jewelry consumption to its lowest since 2020 in volume terms, prompting the WGC to lower its expectation for the full year. Still, consumer spending on jewelry grew 13 percent year-on-year to $41 billion, a consequence of the higher price. Bloomberg

The Japanese currency fell as much as 0.5 percent to 153.54 to the dollar, its weakest since mid-February. Japanese stocks ended off their intra-day highs, with the Topix index closing up 0.7 percent and the Nikkei 225 eking out a gain to reach a fresh record.

Japanese assets were caught in choppy trading across global markets as US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up their highly-anticipated summit in South Korea, which had briefly pushed the US dollar index lower.

“Based on his rhetoric, the market is seeing a risk of a further delay in rate hikes beyond even January,” said David Forrester, senior FX strategist at Credit Agricole CIB in Singapore, suggesting a dovish tone from Ueda.

The decision was expected by 90percent of economists surveyed by Bloomberg. While investors had been on alert for the prospect of

ECB holds rates steady amidst trade tensions

TBy Jana Randow

HE European Central Bank is set to keep interest rates unchanged for a third meeting, awaiting year-end projections that will offer greater clarity on harm caused by trade tensions and France’s fiscal crisis.

The deposit rate will be held at 2 percent on Thursday, according to all respondents in a Bloomberg survey. Analysts expect borrowing costs to remain at that level through 2027—unless December’s updated outlook reveals a significant undershoot in inflation.

Officials have echoed President Christine Lagarde in recent weeks, describing monetary policy as being in a “good place” for the time being with inflation near the 2 percent goal and the region’s 20-nation economy eking out expansion. But while growth should perk up next year, dangers lurk. US-China sparring over trade could spill over into Europe, and political uncertainty at home is feeding a reluctance to consume, with French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu battling credit downgrades and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s party trailing the far-right in polls.

Third-quarter reports from Europe’s top economies, arriving in the hours before the 2:15 p.m. rate announcement, will show how much of a toll such factors have already taken. More color should come from Lagarde’s 2:45 p.m. press conference, which takes place in Florence,

Italy — this year’s choice for the one policy meeting a year held away from Frankfurt.

The decision will come less than a day after the Federal Reserve lowered rates by a quarter-point for a second straight time, citing slowing jobs gains.

Interest rates

Despite almost no chance of a cut today, several officials—including France’s Francois Villeroy de Galhau and Lithuania’s Gediminas Simkus—aren’t abandoning the idea of a ninth reduction of the cycle at some point, citing downside risks to inflation.

Others, like Slovenia’s Primoz Dolenc and Austria’s Martin Kocher, seem less concerned about the possibility of consumer-price gains undershooting the 2 percent target, saying the ECB’s next move could actually be an increase.

“Some officials may think that another interest-rate cut could move the ECB from the ‘good place’ to a ‘better place,’ Goldman Sachs’s Chief European Economist Jari Stehn said. “But for the majority, the arguments for keeping rates steady seem to dominate—they want to continue monitoring how uncertainty, for example about tariffs, evolves.”

“We expect the ECB to leave rates unchanged for the foreseeable future. However, the euro-area outlook still points to the need for further monetary support, leaving risks skewed toward additional easing in 2026,” said Bloomberg econ-

omists David Powell and Simona Delle Chiaie.

A Bloomberg survey shows economists predict the deposit rate will remain at 2 percent for the time being, even as a third of respondents expect at least one more decrease and 17 percent anticipate one or more hikes by end-2026.

Traders are similarly minded. They see few chances of another cut in the coming months, with the odds rising to close to 50-50 by next September.

Inflation and growth WHAT happens beyond this week will depend to a large extent on fresh inflation projections due in December. At that time, the ECB’s economists will revise forecasts currently showing price pressures falling short of 2 percent in 2026 and 2027.

The new outlook will offer a first glimpse of 2028. A reading of 1.6 percent is seen as the tipping point that could trigger another reduction in interest rates.

The economy, meanwhile, is awaiting a boost from higher government spending. The prospect of billions of euros of outlays on defense and infrastructure have helped send business confidence in Germany to its highest level since 2022.

French third-quarter GDP numbers also surprised to the upside, with the economy unexpectedly growing at the fastest pace since 2023. With assistance from Mark Schroers, Joel Rinneby, Barbara Sladkowska and Harumi Ichikura/Bloomberg

more board members calling for a hike, the only two dissenters were Naoki Tamura and Hajime Takata, as was the case at the last meeting.

“Overall, it seems like the BOJ board consensus is still geared towards a cautious and careful approach to policy normalization, despite the hawkish dissenters Tamura and Takata,” said Felix Ryan, a strategist at ANZ Group Holdings Ltd. in Sydney.

The yen has fallen more than 3 percent against the greenback this month, underperforming all of its G-10 peers, as markets price in Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s tilt toward easy monetary policy and fiscal expansion. That backdrop is seen complicating the BOJ’s policy path, while a key price measure picked up

pace on higher energy costs, keeping the central bank on track for further rate hikes.

Overnight index swaps suggest traders are pricing in nearly a 50 percent chance of a rate hike by December, and around a 80 percent chance by January.

In its latest quarterly economic outlook report, the BOJ revised its growth forecast for the current fiscal year to 0.7 percent from 0.6 percent in the previous projection. The central bank also noted that the consumer price index is likely to decelerate below 2 percent next year, while keeping its view that underlying inflation will meet its goal in the second half of the BOJ’s three-year projection period through early 2028.

“The decision—with the same two dissenters as September, CPI expected to fall below 2 percent next year and a modest GDP upgrade— reinforces the view that policy normalization will be slow and cautious,” said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Markets in Singapore. “To prevent the yen from weakening further, Ueda may need to balance this decision with a bit of a hawkish tone.”

“Yen traders will be emboldened to push the currency weaker after the Bank of Japan noted that CPI is likely to decelerate below 2 percent next year. The central bank also kept

its other economic forecasts broadly unchanged. This means there is a high bar to convince traders that a rate hike is coming in December. Indeed, Governor Ueda will need to be definitively hawkish—which he hasn’t been so far—in his media briefing later Thursday, otherwise the yen could face stronger selling pressure,” said Bloomberg strategist Mark Cranfield. With the yen still seen as undervalued and domestic inflation running hot, the risk of a near-term rate hike remains on the table. Japan’s minister for growth strategy Minoru Kiuchi recently said that he will keep monitoring the weak yen’s impact on the economy, while Ueda indicated earlier this month that the central bank will continue normalizing policy if confidence in achieving its economic outlook strengthens. Meanwhile, Japanese bonds have found some support on investor bets that Takaichi’s fiscal policies will be less aggressive than previously feared. While Takaichi is known for her past support of aggressive monetary and fiscal stimulus, she has tempered her stance more recently, pledging instead to pursue expansionary but responsible fiscal policies.

Still, any large-scale fiscal push may upend that view by reviving bond supply concerns and steepening the yield curve. With assistance from Matthew Burgess/Bloomberg

and Sybilla Gross

GOLD has gained around 50 percent in value this year and struck a record-high above $4,380 an ounce earlier this month. BLOOMBERG PHOTO

Wilcon Depot CEO awarded at Stargate People Asia Women of Style & Substance 2025

Wilcon Depot

President and CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan was named as one of Stargate PeopleAsia’s “Women of Style & Substance 2025” on October 20, 2025, at The Bellevue Manila in Alabang.

Belo-Cincochan donned a sophisticated rose gold suit that embodied femininity and confidence, fitting the theme “Suit yourselves”. This was aimed to defy stereotypes that professionalism, business, and success which are tied to men’s tuxedos.

In her speech, she expressed gratitude for the various opportunities she had experienced, which enabled her to foster meaningful relationships with customers and business partners at Wilcon Depot.

“I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to help build something meaningful—a business grounded in a culture of integrity.”

This year’s theme, “Suit yourselves,” shows women confidently styling themselves with pieces of traditionally male attire: tuxedos and suits. This

Wilcon Depot CEO Lorraine Belo-Cincochan.

diversion to stereotypes implies that professionalism, business, and success know no gender when ignited by determination and courage.

In a featured story of Stargate PeopleAsia, Ms. Belo-Cincochan shared that collaboration is a highly important skill to practice in leadership. While it might take time to build ties, every moment is worthwhile for the cultivation of knowledge and connection. When it comes to it, an

From renter to owner: How Filinvest’s Rent it. Own it.

F OR many Filipinos, owning a home seems like a distant dream, especially with the rising cost of houses, residential lots, and building materials in today’s fast-paced economy. As a result, renting often becomes the goto temporary solution.

But what starts as a short-term fix often becomes a long-term struggle. Rent prices continue to rise, yet every payment goes nowhere. Why settle for that cycle when you can rent with a purpose?

That’s where trusted developer Filinvest Land steps in. With its Rent it. Own it. Easy. program, the company is

breaking the cycle of endless renting and opening up a smarter, more attainable path to homeownership. With Rent it. Own it. Easy., you can leave the usual burdens of renting behind. No more surprise rent hikes and no wasted payments. The program offers an easy payment scheme of 10 years to pay, zero percent interest, and fixed monthly costs. Bank loan approvals and proof of income documents are not required. You can start paying rent right away and move in within 30 days upon securing your unit. No more waiting around—just

open mind is important when dealing with people, since understanding different outlooks can expand one’s horizons.

The yearly recognition is bestowed on influential Asian women who thrive in diverse vocations such as social work, healthcare, entertainment, and business.

This year’s lineup of honorees features Solicitor General Darlene Berberabe, Makati Medical Center’s Dr. Catherine Teh, journalist Karmina Constantino, Miss Universe Philippines Ahtisa Manalo, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, St. Luke’s Medical Center’s Dr. Elsie Pascua, and Wilcon Depot CEO Lorraine BeloCincochan.

Wilcon Depot is deeply honored by this extraordinary recognition bestowed upon its President and CEO. The company remains committed to empowering women who lead with elegance, intelligence, and strength. Under her proactive leadership, Wilcon Depot continues to thrive as a powerhouse, delivering exceptional products and services that improve Filipino lives.

For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or subscribe and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88945266) for inquiries.

Easy. Changes the Game

straightforward move in. Each Filinvest Land rent-to-own condo is ready for occupancy and part of a vibrant community complete with refreshing amenities and everyday conveniences—so you can enjoy the lifestyle you deserve from day one.

Unlike traditional renting, every peso you pay to Filinvest Land goes toward ownership. 100 percent of your monthly rent builds your future as a homeowner, not your landlord’s. On top of that, you can enjoy up to 20 percent discount on the total unit price, making the path to homeownership even more attainable.

For over 50 years, Filinvest Land has been helping Filipinos achieve their dream homes—from peaceful subdivisions with house-and-lot packages to dynamic midrise and high-rise condo communities. Now, the company takes it further by making rent-to-own homes available in prime locations across Metro Manila and Cebu. Participating projects include resort-inspired Oasis communities, family-friendly mid-rise enclaves, and mixed-use high-rises that blend work, leisure, and home life.

By removing barriers like heavy upfront costs and complicated loan requirements, Filinvest empowers more Filipinos to finally take that big step from renter to owner. Rent smarter with your future secured. Explore your options today at https:// rentit-ownit-easybyfilinvestland.com.

MPTC gears

for Undas 2025 with ‘Biyaheng Arangkada’

METRO Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) is reactivating its “Biyaheng Arangkada” Motorists Assistance Program to ensure safe and convenient travel during the Undas season. With an expected surge in traffic across NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CALAX, CAVITEX, and CCLEX, MPTC is intensifying operations through increased personnel deployment, 24/7 traffic monitoring, and quick-response teams.

Free towing for Class 1 and Class 1M (for CCLEX) vehicles

to the nearest exit will be available until 6 am of November 3, 2025 to assist motorists, while roadworks will be suspended from until November 3, except for emergency repairs, to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

To reduce bottlenecks, NLEX Corporation has regraded shoulder lanes in key areas to support counterflow operations.

Motorists are advised to plan their trips ahead and avoid peak hours, particularly during the following periods:

• Evening of October 31

• Morning of November 1

• Afternoon of November 2

• Morning until noon of November 3 Around 2,000 traffic, toll, and emergency personnel will be on duty across MPTC expressways, in coordination with the PNP, LGUs, and key agencies. At CAVITEX, “Biyaheng Arangkada” will be implemented with PEA Tollway Corporation, a subsidiary of the Philippine Reclamation Authority. Motorists can use

BingoPlus Celebrates Asian Drag Excellence as Drag Race Philippines Slaysian Royale Concludes

THE drag community celebrated uniqueness, talent, and Asian excellence with BingoPlus as Asia crowned the firstever “Drag Race Philippines Slaysian Royale” winner during the finale watch party held on October 15, 2025 in Taguig City.

This season holds historical significance for the Asian drag community as it featured Filipino queens competing alongside other Asian queens from various Drag Race franchises. From 12 Filipino and international contestants, the competition narrowed down to four finalists—Drag Race Philippines Season 1 queens Brigiding and Viñas Deluxe, Drag Race Philippines Season 2 runner-up Arizona Brandy, and Drag Race Canada Season 2 contestant Suki Doll—vying for the coveted title.

The Philippines’ leading digital entertainment platform, BingoPlus, made the first Slaysian season even more special by introducing mini and maxi challenges with cash prizes, culminating in a grand cash reward of P2 million for the winner.

During the watch party, BingoPlus lit up the night with performances from its brand mascot Bing-Bing and official girl group, the Bing Girls. The event also featured interactive games with exclusive prizes, while attendees received free BingoPlus merchandise, adding to the fun and prideful vibes.

The highlight of the evening was the crowning of the first Drag Race Philippines Slaysian Royale winner. In the final episode, the top four queens showcased their talents, with Brigiding and Viñas Deluxe emerging as the top two. The two finalists then went headto-head in a lip-sync battle for the crown, with Brigiding ultimately taking home the title. Meanwhile, Suki Doll was crowned Miss Congeniality of the season.

In an exclusive interview, Brigiding shared her gratitude and excitement for the win. “It feels special. I never imagined that this is going to happen. I am thankful for where my career is headed—from Season 1 to being the Slaysian Royale Queen today,” she said. Reflecting on her journey, Brigiding shared that she approached this season with a more relaxed mindset, choosing to enjoy each episode as it came. Rather than worrying about future challenges, she focused on what was immediately ahead—preparing for each task and doing her best. Realizing that overthinking only led to anxiety, she embraced the process one step at a time. Brigiding also expressed her appreciation for BingoPlus and shared her hope for more responsible play among its users. “BingoPlus, thank you for choosing Drag Race Philippines and believing in the show. I hope more players become responsible in playing online games,” she added.

Marking 800 Strong: Honda Expands Its Commitment to Every Filipino Rider

HONDA Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the No. 1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country, celebrates another milestone with the opening of its 800th shop nationwide through the newly inaugurated Transcycle Bagac, Bataan branch, operated by Gentrade International Philippines, Inc. (GIPI), further expanding HPI’s dealership network and bringing world-class motorcycles and reliable service closer to more Filipino riders. This milestone not only broadens HPI’s reach but also reaffirms the brand’s unwavering commitment to regional development and customer convenience across the country.

The new Honda Bagac, Bataan branch is designed to be a one-stop hub for the riding community in Bataan. Spanning a 243-sqm floor area, the modern facility offers complete lineup, ranging from efficient automatic, cub, and business units to powerful sports bikes and innovative electric vehicles. Furthermore, the store ensures premium ownership experience with a fully equipped service bay featuring special tools, Honda genuine parts, and highly trained mechanics. For

added comfort, customers can unwind in the dedicated lounge area with complimentary Wi-Fi and refreshments while waiting for their preventive maintenance service.

The inauguration ceremony, held last October 16, 2025, was graced by key leaders symbolizing the strong partnership behind this milestone: HPI President Takeshi Kobayashi; and General Manager for Sales Office 1 Hervic Villa. Representing their valued partner with Transcycle Managing Directors Jose “Nonoy” Siy Cha and Atty. Juanita Siy, together with Matthew Siy Cha, Chief Executive Officer of Transcycle and Mark Dioniso See, Business Development Head of Transcycle who joined local riders and customers from Bataan in the celebration.

“The opening of 800th Honda 3S Shop marks a significant achievement as we take pride in providing trusted products and services. Honda is committed to deliver mobility solutions that uplift lives and empower Filipinos to achieve their dreams.,” said Kobayashi. Echoing the same spirit, Sy Cha said,

“this new branch is more than just a building. It’s a commitment to serve our customers better, to bring the Honda experience closer to the community, and to create opportunities for growth, both for our people and our city.”

This milestone underscores HPI’s market leadership and its enduring commitment to nation-building. As the company continues to drive growth and inspire customer loyalty, the opening of its 800th shop stands as a testament to the “Power of Dreams” moving forward with every Filipino family.

The new Transcycle Bagac, Bataan is open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Mondays to Saturdays. For more information, visit www. hondaph.com. Stay updated on HPI’s newest products and promos by following Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook at facebook.com/hondaph, Instagram at instagram.com/hondaph_ mc/, YouTube at Honda Philippines_ Motorcycle, and TikTok at tiktok.com/@ hondaphilippines. For inquiries, contact (02)-8581-6700 to 6799, and 0917-8846632.

Sorrento Oasis Clubhouse

In the photo are, from left, Matthew Siy Cha, Transcycle Chief Executive Officer; Jose “Nonoy” Siy Cha, Transcycle Managing Director; Takeshi Kobayashi, Honda Philippines, Inc. President; Atty. Juanita Siy, Transcycle Managing Director; Mark Dionisio See, Transcycle Business Development Head; and Hervic Villa, Honda Philippines, Inc. Sales Office 1 General Manager.

First Drag Race Philippines Slaysian Royale winner Brigiding receives the P2 million cheque prize powered by BingoPlus

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos • businessmirror.lifestyle@gmail.com

Following meteoric success–and some criticism–‘Nobody Wants This’ evolves in Season 2

BY K�YSTA FAURIA e Associated Press

LOS ANGELES—When the first season of Netflix’s Nobody Wants This premiered last year, the series exploded in popularity in ways its creator and stars could never have imagined. It spent six weeks on Netflix’s Global English Top 10 TV List and was viewed 57 million times in three months, according to the streaming service.

“I think we just kind of won the lottery with how ready people were for this kind of story,” said star and executive producer Kristen Bell ahead of Season 2’s recent release.

The romantic comedy follows the relationship between a hip but devout Reform rabbi, Noah (Adam Brody), and Joanne (Bell), an agnostic woman who hosts a podcast about dating and sex.

But with the internet’s collective swooning over Brody’s hot rabbi, there also came swift criticism and think pieces about how the show played into

antisemitic tropes, especially in its depiction of Jewish women. Noah’s sister-in-law, Esther, and his mother, Bina, were often decried as bitter and controlling antitheses to Joanne and her sister, Morgan (Justine Lupe).

“When it first came out and I watched the first episode, I was so uncomfortable,” said Rabbi Elan Babchuck, the executive vice president of the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership. “There’s a lot that I would want to change about it.”

He took issue with a host of the show’s depictions of Judaism, which he thinks was often presented as a “test to pass rather than a tradition to pass on,” as well as the frequent use of the word “shiksa,” a derogatory term for non-Jewish women (that is noticeably absent from Season 2).

Eventually though, Babchuck went back and watched the entire season. Although his critiques remained, he ultimately had a change of heart. “I celebrate the show. I think representation matters

ON C2

This’ evolves in Season 2

board,

when it’s

flawed form,”

ON-SCREEN AND OFF-SCREEN CHANGES IN SEASON 2 WHEN Nobody Wants This was renewed for a second season last year, Netflix announced that HBO’s Girls alums Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan would be taking over as showrunners, while Erin Foster, the show’s creator who loosely based the story on her own life and conversion to Judaism, would stay on as an executive producer.

“We love the show. It’s Erin’s voice. It’s Erin story,” Konner said. “Our job is literally to protect her voice and to show her stuff she may not know because she hasn’t done this job before.”

As things get serious between Joanne and Noah in the first season, the couple must navigate the inevitable questions that come with their disparate backgrounds about conversion, family and Noah’s job. The second season finds them dealing with the fallout of Noah being passed up for head rabbi at his temple because Joanne wasn’t ready to convert.

But Season 2 also shows a different side of Bina and explores more of Esther’s story, something Foster maintains was always part of the plan.

“If you are a Jewish woman who has felt like you didn’t like how you’re portrayed in the world or how people view you and this sort of reaffirmed that, I can understand the sensitivity. Definitely it was never the intention,” she said. “I think that the characters evolve in Season 2 in a way that they always naturally were going to.”

FIELDING CRITICISM

FOR the most part though, Foster and the rest of the cast are taking the critiques with a grain of salt.

“Not everyone should be allowed to put their opinion publicly everywhere,” she said.

“Obviously, one show or group of characters can’t stand in for a whole civilization,” Brody added. Jackie Tohn, who plays Esther, said she was surprised by some of the feedback.

Following meteoric success–and some criticism–‘Nobody Wants

“The two craziest characters on this show are undoubtedly Joanne and Morgan,” she said. “I feel like if anything, the Jewish women are following the rules and they’re grounded. They might be a little ordering their husbands around, but good luck arguing with that point.”

Foster said she took seriously how she was representing Jewishness on the show and that they, from the beginning, employed a rabbi consultant who “read every script” and was present in the writers room.

FINDING FAITH IN ‘NOBODY WANTS THIS’

ALTHOUGH Nobody Wants This explores Judaism as a religion and whether Joanne will ultimately embrace it, Foster maintains the religious elements are meant to be “more of a backdrop” for their love story than a focal point of the series.

“There is no intention for it to feel heavy-handed. I think that people really grabbed onto the right amounts of religion in the show,” she said.

But for some, the show’s engagement with Judaism and conversion is what makes it unique and attractive.

“To have a Netflix series be so popular and be around conversations of what it means to be Jewish in an uplifting way, in a curious way, I don’t see how we can be critical,” Guzik reflected. “I know that there are going to be different pieces of a Jewish narrative that I may not necessarily ascribe to or align with. But that’s also the Jewish story, right? We are widely diverse.” CONTINUED FROM

Rabbi Nicole Guzik of Sinai Temple, a Conservative synagogue in Los Angeles where parts of Nobody Wants This were filmed, recalled Brody for both seasons asking her to go over his Hebrew pronunciations with him. “It was so sweet and so authentic that he cared very much about playing the role accurately,” she said.

New Year toast to a night with the stars of 2026

USHER in the new year with spectacular New Year’s Eve Gala bringing in a night of icons and mouth-watering meals at the Solaire Resort North Grand Ballroom this December 31. Celebrate the arrival of 2026 with an unforgettable evening of music, indulgence, and merry-making to the fullest with world-class live performances alongside decadent flavors and drinks all night long.

Secure an exclusive experience to a New Year’s Eve celebration unlike any other with a private table reserved just for you with freeflowing beverages to keep you going for the night, all with a lavish buffet to excite your palate past midnight.

Be part of this remarkable night and secure a table with prices starting from P12,888+ per head available at the Ticketworld website.

Captivating live performances are lined up to accompany guests through the most anticipated evening with legendary

vocals from Rachelle Ann Go, the brilliant serenades of Martin Nievera, and megastar Sharon Cuneta’s timeless charm. Straight from dinner, catch the magic of three iconic crooners brought together under the masterful musical direction of Maestro Louie Ocampo and Marvin Querido from 10 pm onwards. Enjoy a night of sensational acts

alongside succulent dishes for dinner. Fill your plates with a sumptuous meal from a buffet stacked with global flavors ready for each seat at the table and keep the energy high for the night with free-flowing sparkling wine, vintages beverages, and refreshing selections to indulge in throughout the revelry.

This New Year’s Eve, don’t miss out on

a party to remember. Reserve a table for your group with tickets available in packages of 2, 3,

of

will

to

counted and make a move that excites you. A partnership looks promising, but caution is necessary regarding shared expenses. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Stay calm, put your emotions aside and focus on your words and what you are trying to achieve. Communication can determine your success, and a reserved and knowledgeable account of what you want is your rite of passage. Don’t forget to reward yourself when all is said and done. ★★★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Socializing will spark your imagination and set you on a creative journey. Put your emotions aside to make room for exploring possibilities and gaining insight into diversifying your skills, knowledge and experience. Make plans that lead to the peace of mind that generates personal freedom. ★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Build strong relationships with open and honest communication. How you present what you want and what you expect in return will determine the outcome. Invest time, money and energy into your lifestyle and the surroundings you create. Practicing freedom of speech and doing as you please only work if they are reciprocated. ★★

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Work hard, play hard and enjoy life to the fullest. You’re in control of your destiny; wise choices offer long-term benefits. Trust your instincts, use your skills and experience, and shoot for the stars. Take the initiative to instill healthy habits. Say no to indulgent behavior, and walk away from those who set a poor example. ★★★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Pay attention to detail, finances and taking care of your health and well-being. A positive attitude and a fitness routine will go hand in hand when it comes to your

PISCES

RACHELLE ANN GO

MARTIN NIEVERA

SHARON CUNETA

Explosive cinema

APOWERFUL nation wakes up one morning to find that its existence is forever changed.

Reporting for duty, its most important officers and movers, the military strategists and tacticians, have been informed that an unidentified missile attack has been launched against the United States of America.

The filmmaker Kathy Bigelow leads us into a sort of labyrinth when the stakes become so high for a powerful nation facing the possibility of nuclear annihilation. The narrative is typical of the scare that Hollywood is able to capitalize on—the fear and anxiety when at last the warning of a nuclear holocaust becomes terribly real and gripping. That, in fact, it can happen at all is at the core of this terror.

As with this kind of narrative, the film Dynamite opens with a lovely, busy, regular morning. The streets are open and light; the gardens are airy and the clouds fair. The fathers are off to work, the mothers are busy in the warm kitchen. In the case of one household, the wife is Captain Olivia Walker, played by Rebecca Ferguson, who is in charge of the emergency situation room of the White House. In the opening scene, she wakes up early in the morning, as she attends to her son who is nursing a fever. The boy hands his favorite toy dinosaur to his mother, a sort of ominous thing for the danger that is about to occur.

In the situation room, we encounter other members of the team. They are all too human, attributes that will come handy as we begin to feel the impending disaster.

There is the Secretary of Defense Reid Baker as played by Jared Harris. He immediately contacts his daughter who he finds out is seeing someone. There is an implied tension between the father and the daughter and this even heightens the fact that the father could not entirely divulge to his daughter the real danger that is about to happen. In what is the most prosaic.

In the control room is Tracy Letts who plays General Anthony Brady. He seems laidback at first, a military strategist who has seen it all but who cannot believe that he is finally facing the real thing. He is calculating at first but as the circumstances become clearer and grimmer, we realize he is after all a human being.

In what is a typical tool in this kind of plot, A House Made of Dynamite employs a minor person who, for some reason, becomes the big man of the moment. Here he is Gabriel Basso who essays the character of Jake Baerington. He is not even the top guy but the deputy national security advisor who is given the unenviable task of talking to the Russian representative who must be convinced that the United States will not retaliate. In their conversation, even the simple word “trust” assumes an altogether difficult meaning.

At the center of all this of course is the most powerful person in the room—the president of the United States of America. Idris Elba, the charismatic

British-African actor, acquits himself so well. He first appears as “Potus,” a voice behind the screen. We only feel this president but we know that it is his voice that ultimately decides the direction of the battle.

In fact, the narrative is presented from three angles—the side of the ordinary individuals as they navigate their own personal psychologies, the strategy in the situation room, and the turmoil of the president himself. Amazing it is to contend with the pressure on this one person, the president. With an officer beside the president equipped with a menu of options for retaliatory attack, only one person decides the fate of millions of people.

As with disaster movies, the preparation—the anxiety and the rush—is where the excitement of this thriller emanates. We do not know what will happen to the world and part of the morbid excitement is in the countdown to explosion...and destruction. Or the fact that only few people know what sort of doomsday is about to fall upon the population.

There are positive notes but they are short lived, as in the case of the launch of the two ground-based interceptors—one fails and the other is not able to neutralize the attack. We are shown next the officer rushing out of the headquarters and falling down on his knees.

We are almost seeing a dress rehearsal for a nuclear war with this film that calls our home—this earth—a dynamite, one that has the capacity not only to explode but ruin once and for all human lives on this earth.

In a spoiler, we are shown the Secretary of Defense arriving at the top of a building and walking unceremoniously up to its edge to die. We are not shown at the end what happens when the ballistic missile does hit the target—it’s Chicago on the screen.

But the suicide of this genial defense secretary appears to sum up the dark, dreary point of this adventure, that in the event of a nuclear blast the losers are us, the human beings and the communities we inhabit.

PRESSURE BUILDS ON PRINCE ANDREW TO VACATE MANSION HE RENTS FOR THE NOMINAL SUM OF A PEPPERCORN

LONDON—The latest chapter in the saga haunting the House of Windsor could be called “The Prince and the Peppercorn.” Prince Andrew, who recently relinquished his formal titles after new revelations about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is under pressure to vacate his royal digs where he lives nearly rent-free near Windsor Castle. The demoted duke occupies Royal Lodge, a sprawling mansion that eclipses its modest name, for the sum of a single peppercorn a year—a nominal figure that dates back centuries to when the spice was rare and fetched a heftier price. A steady stream of negative headlines about Andrew and Epstein in the past two weeks led the prince to renounce his titles, including Duke of York, as the monarchy tried to distance itself from decades of tawdry headlines about Andrew’s suspicious business deals, inappropriate behavior and controversial friendships.

But that has not been enough to silence critics who have called for more severe measures—including an act of Parliament to officially strip him of his dukedom, pry away his title as prince or oust him from his luxurious home. King Charles III, who has skirted the scandal, nearly had to confront it face-to-face on Monday when a heckler hollered at him outside Lichfield Cathedral.

The man was shouted down by others and eventually pulled from sight, but not before questioning how long he had known about his brother and Epstein and then asked: “Have you asked the police to cover up for Andrew?”

The incident captured on video was broadcast on evening

newscasts. The Daily Telegraph’s front page headline on Tuesday said: “Headache for the palace as King heckled over Andrew.”

British news outlets have reported that Charles previously wanted to evict his brother from Royal Lodge in the past over other uncomfortable revelations. But questions about Andrew’s housing have multiplied after emails emerged earlier this month showing he had remained in contact with Epstein longer than he previously admitted. That news was followed by publication of a posthumous memoir by Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who alleged she had sex with Andrew when she was 17. Nobody’s Girl detailed three alleged sexual encounters with Andrew, who she said acted as if he believed “having sex with me was his birthright.” Andrew, 65, has long denied Giuffre’s claims, but stepped down from royal duties after a disastrous November 2019 BBC interview in which he attempted to rebut her allegations. Andrew paid millions in an out-of-court settlement in 2022 after Giuffre filed a civil suit against him in New York. Giuffre died by suicide in April at the age of 41. Andrew has occupied Royal Lodge for two decades. He signed a 75-year lease in 2003 with the Crown Estate, a portfolio of properties that is nominally owned, but not controlled, by the monarch. With Andrew no longer a working member of the royal family, though, people have begun to ask how he can afford the upkeep with no known source of income beyond a modest pension from his 22-year Royal Navy career. AP

Headlining the topic “From Prompts to Purpose: AI and the Future of Video Content Creation,” Escarda discussed the real-world applications of AI in video production from ideation and storyboarding, and further highlighted its role in enhancing creative possibilities while ensuring content and stories remain purposeful, authentic, and deeply human. With nearly two decades at GMA NMI, Escarda is a seasoned and dynamic leader who guides the digital content production and creative vision of NMI Studios, and aims to further elevate creative standards and empower others to explore the intersections of storytelling and technology. He has earned multiple industry recognitions, which include finalist honors at Animate Australia, Project Odyssey, Unhuman Shorts, and Curious Refuge for 2024 and 2025. DigiCon 2025 revolved around the theme The Age of I: The Power of Personalization. Through various discussions, the event explored how AI creates ultra-personalized experiences by analyzing real-time customer data, its impact on datadriven decision-making, and the power of machine learning, analytics, and predictive algorithms.

A House of Dynamite is written by Noah Oppenheim. It is produced by Greg Shapiro, Kathy Bigelow, and Noah Oppenheim. Cinematography is by Barry Ackroyd. The film streams on Netflix.

RAMIL ESCARDA, head of NMI Studios

Digital Congress (DigiCon 2025) on October 16 and 17. One of head of NMI Studios.

HE Christmas season is officially on.

TSure, the Christmas trees and colorful tinsel trimmings have been up in most malls, but nothing spells Pasko than having superstar singer Mariah Carey singing her most popular yuletide hit, All I Want for Christmas is You,” live in Manila.

Mimi was recently in town for a one-night concert, and while she has been firmly saying on a viral video “Not yet!” in many ways, she knows her Pinoy fans so well. So she made a special exception for them, and with that particular song, she made their already exciting evening even more amazing.

Maraming salamat, Mimi!

Now for those covering the tourism or lifestyle beats, the definite signal that the holiday season is at our doorstep, is when we start getting invitations for Christmas-tree lighting ceremonies.

The first one for the year for me is that of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria’s, which was held on Monday. This year’s ceremony, which carried the theme “Sparkle with Hope,” “symbolizes light and resilience amid the many crises and natural disasters the world continues to face,” said cluster general manager Patria Puyat Palanca.

So she wanted the event to encourage guests to find and share hope, “a reminder that even in challenging times, the human spirit can still shine bright.”

The lovely Pat, along with JG Summit Holdings president and CEO Lance Gokongwei, officially lit the two iconic hotels’ sustainable Christmas trees, marking the beginning of a celebration rooted in hope, compassion and sustainability.

Pat later explained to me that they always “reuse our tree and ensure that our decor are recycled”—a worthy effort considering how many yuletide trimmings end up in the trash bins of most companies.

Gokongwei—fondly called “Papa Lance” by women business journalists—was all smiles as he switched on the Christmas tree set in the welcoming lobby of Crowne Plaza. He later chatted enthusiastically with guests and even gamely posed for selfies. (As readers probably know, JG Summit owns both properties through its Robinsons Land Corp., and made huge investments recently to give both properties a glowup, so to speak.)

In the spirit of giving, these popular hotels in the Ortigas business district partnered with Project Pearls for their Toy Drive and Art for Peace by featured artist Wendy Rondaris Initiative, in a bid to spread joy and creativity to underprivileged children.

The evening featured a heartwarming flash mob, a toy-giving activity, and a display of eco-friendly, upcycled décor that reflected the hotels’ continued commitment to sustainability.

We were also treated to an enchanting performance by Bernadette Mamauag, dubbed the Nightingale,” who joyfully warbled into the hearts

of guests with her glorious rendition of—wouldn’t you know it—“All I Want for Christmas”. It was a performance even Mimi would be proud of.

Other guests included representatives of the Department of Tourism, Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, Miss Earth 2025, and Project Pearls. The latter endeavors to ensure that no child goes hungry, providing daily breakfasts for hundreds of children in Tondo, Manila.

Project Pearls also supports 700 scholars in Tondo; Bocaue, Bulacan; Naic, Cavite; and Zamboanga Sibugay, with particular attention to girls who are sometimes left out of educational opportunities in other communities in the countries. It also hosts “LitClubs” and various community learning activities that further enhance the literacy, and artistic and social skills of children and youth.

In partnership with organizations and individuals, Project Pearls also brings critical medical and dental services to impoverished communities; its Health Clinic in Tondo, for instance, provides free medicines and free check-ups.

Lastly, the organization provides opportunities for scholars to develop their capabilities and skills by immersing them in different kinds of workshops and training. It also empowers women in these communities by providing them resources to create a sustainable livelihood.

Pat later handed out colorfully braided wristlet key chains handcrafted by the women of GROW (Giving Resources and Opportunities for Women), a livelihood initiative under Project Pearls. Each purchase of GROW’s products supports a meal for one child or senior covered by the organization’s program. What is also admirable about this particular project is that every GROW product bears the name and photo of the woman who made it. In my case, it was made by Cristina, so, thank you.

As the world faces many challenges, from natural calamities to global uncertainties, this season reminds us that light will always find a way to shine,” said Pat, as she addressed the guests at the lighting ceremony.

“Our celebration today is not just about lighting our Christmas trees, but about igniting hope within

PINOY BAND SINGCO MANO CONFRONTS FEAR OF LOSS WITH NEW SINGLE ‘ULAN’

PA’NO kung masaktan? Pa’no kung hindi na? Pa’no kung matapos? ” Filipino band Singco Mano releases an emotional track with new single “Ulan,” distributed by AltG Records. The track talks about the painful weight of broken promises and the heartbreaking battle between what the eyes see and what the heart knows.

“Ulan” (which is “rain” in English) is a personal track from the band. The song, with music and lyrics by band members Paul Santana (lead vocals), Gello Roque (lead guitar), David Legaspi (keys), Nate Mendoza (bass), and Ernest Suing (drums), was written as a confrontation with their deepseated fear of hurt.

The band described the essence of the song as addressing a specific kind of “sharp loss—one that cuts deepest when people are being mourned while they are still physically alive, yet tragically out of emotional reach.”

“It is based on a profound, personal loss,” said Singco Mano’s lead vocalist Paul Santana. “This was a loss I grew so attached to, one I never fully learned how to live without. It was precisely from experiencing that kind of severance that I discovered my ultimate, biggest fear: the very real fear of losing.” The production, handled by Singco Mano, features the

meticulous work of Jessie Ocampo (recording engineer and drummer of the band Nior) and Yoosol Park (mixing and mastering engineer).

Singco Mano hopes the listeners “confront, relive, and ultimately part ways with the fear of loss. We want listeners to realize that this specific fear is not a burden worth carrying. Instead, they should only leave genuine lessons and happiness that came before the storm arrived.”

“Ulan” by Singco Mano is now available on major streaming platforms under AltG Records.

Lighting up the Christmas season with hope and sustainability

our communities. May every sparkle remind us that kindness and compassion can light up the world,” she added. With their steadfast commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria continue to champion meaningful hospitality

inspiring guests to celebrate the holidays joyfully, responsibly, and with purpose.

■ More information about Project Pearls can be found at www.projectpearls.org. For inquiries and reservations, call 8790-3100 for Crowne Plaza Manila, or 8790-9400 for Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria.

JG Summit Holdings Inc. president and CEO Lance Y. Gokongwei helps light up the sustainable Christmas trees of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn & Suites Manila Galleria on Monday, October 27, 2025, with (from left) cluster general manager Patria Puyat Palanca, Tourism assistant secretary Sharlene Batin, Miss Earth 2025 candidate Joy Barcoma, and Ivannovich Dmitriv Agote of DOT-NCR.

THE “Nightingale,” Bernadette Mamauag, performs Christmas songs for the guests at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, as Santa Claus brings holiday cheer to children-beneficiaries of Project Pearls. PHOTO BY STELLA ARNALDO

Pearls’

program. PHOTO BY STELLA ARNALDO

D1 Friday, October 31, 2025

THREE JAECOO SUV MODELS ARRIVING IN 2026

Story & photo by Randy S. Peregrino

JAECOO Philippines is serious about pushing the boundaries of the local SUV market. During the recently concluded global brand conference in Wuhu, China, the Philippine media contingent was among the first to see the three upcoming SUV models in their metal form.

Confirmed for 2026 are the arrival and official distribution of the highly advanced iCAUR (locally known in China as iCAR) line under the Jaecoo marquee. The Chinese automaker claims this move integrates an era of intelligent, off-road-capable, electric, and range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) into its portfolio. Moreover, it reinforces the brand’s position as a leader in electrified adventure mobility. The upcoming models

electrified offerings, ushering in a comprehensive lineup of smart, tech-forward, and offroad-capable vehicles.

Available electrified models

JAECOO currently offers two competitive electrified SUVs in the Philippines. One is the J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System) PHEV. This Plug-in Hybrid model’s electrified powertrain system delivers a combined output of 275 HP and 365 N-m of torque. It achieved an

outstanding combined range of 1,488.8 kilometers as verified by the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP). The other existing model in the lineup is the EJ6 EV. Now available in showrooms, the EJ6 (known as the iCAR 03 in China) sets the benchmark for intelligent off-roading. The AWD version achieves 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.5 seconds. Its foundation is the safety-focused, innovative, allaluminum multi-cavity cage body.

Jaecoo J6 REEV THIS compact crossover SUV is a smart, range-extended, electrified vehicle designed for superior off-road capability and uncompromising performance. Available in both AWD and RWD variants, the powerful dual-motor AWD system delivers rapid, allelectric-biased performance.

The vehicle utilizes a Gold Range Extender system, featuring a dedicated engine with a classleadingding thermal efficiency of 45.79%. It is equipped with an intelligent i-AWD electric fourwheel drive system, featuring 8+X all-terrain drive modes and suspension components derived from Land Rover Defender technology.

Moreover, the vehicle features a proprietary, full-aluminum, multi-chamber cage body that provides exceptional torsional stiffness.

V23 EV

WHILE the local nameplate is currently under deliberation, this upcoming subcompact SUV targets younger customers, focusing on versatility, high-tech features, and ultimate safety. Also available in both AWD and RWD configurations, despite its compact size (4,220mm length), it offers superior off-road geometry, featuring an impressive 43° approach angle and 41° departure angle.

The electric SUV features a 3.3kW external discharge function, making it suitable for use as an ample entertainment space for camping and gaming.

Safety-wise, the V23 is built with high-strength steel, comprising over 70% of the body structure. Its battery safety is secured by an industry-leading low failure rate of just one in a billion at the cell level.

The Flagship V27 REEV

LIKEWISE , the local model name is yet to be determined. Positioned as a large, flagship model, the V27 blends retro off-road aesthetics with powerful Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology. Available in both RWD and AWD variants, it boasts a bold, nearly five-meter body length and an angular silhouette. It blends retro classic aesthetics with modern technology, including halo headlights and a technology island.

The vehicle features an industry-first dual elongated moonroof and a side-swing tailgate that can be optionally equipped with a spare tire or a “storage bag”. The design, which features a vertical front end windshield and an industry-leading approach angle, further enhances its rugged appearance.

This strategic expansion confirms Jaecoo’s commitment to providing Filipino consumers with a comprehensive and exciting lineup that successfully combines rugged design, long-range capabilities, and intelligent safety features.

Motoring

BYD Philippines and ACMobility brought members of the motoring media to Zhengzhou, China, to experience the newly opened all-terrain circuit—one of the first in China designed specifically for new energy vehicles (NEVs). Since the site’s opening last August 14, 2025, the Philippine contingent was the first from the ASEAN region to experience the unique test track.

Unlike conventional single-track designs, the BYD Zhengzhou All-Terrain Race Track redefines expectations by uniting diverse national terrains in one location. Drivers can encounter extreme scenarios— including navigating floating water, climbing desert dunes, and simulating ice and snow— without extensive travel. It is the first circuit in China to provide a broad range of driving environments for testing safety, performance, and off-road capabilities. The circuit includes eight experience zones: Indoor Sand Dune, Low-Friction Ring, KickPlate, Wading Pool, Dynamic Paddock, Race Track, Off-Road Park, and Camping Area. While delivering exceptional driving experiences, the circuit also serves as an ideal place for demonstrating safety technologies in NEVs.

Sand Incline

THE demonstration kicked off at the “Sand Incline,” an indoor sand dune facility. The structure features a 29.6-meter vertical drop and a 28-degree slope. It was constructed with 6,200 tons of sand to replicate the granular composition of the Alxa Desert, offering a genuine dune-bashing experience for passengers.

The entire presentation was for us to witness how the allwheel drive test vehicle would climb the long and difficult slope, swiftly and effortlessly. The presented test vehicle was the Yangwang U8 luxury SUV, powered by two groundbreaking technologies: the e4 platform and the DiSus-P Intelligent Hydraulic Body Control System. The unique BYD E4 is the world’s first massproduced four-motor independent drive technology platform. Compared with conventional fuel

vehicles, it precisely controls the dynamics of all four wheels through four-motor independent vector control, providing rapid sensing, precise recognition, and robust control capabilities. With over 1,000 horsepower at its disposal with a sprint ability from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds, the Yangwang U8 launched like a beast and swiftly reached the top of the climb in no time—as if the path was levelled. Interestingly, the Zhengzhou indoor sand dune has been certified by Guinness World Records as the highest and largest dune climbing facility for car testing.

Water wading redefined NEXT was the 70-meter-long water crossing pool, exclusively designed for the Yangwang U8. There is an underwater observation glass for visitors to witness the vehicle effortlessly maneuvering forward, turning, or reversing in the water under the control of the e4 platform.

Again, the luxury SUV demonstrated its unprecedented capability, but this time, in an unlikely path – through a more than two-meter-deep portion. As expected, the task was easy for the vehicle. The Yangwang U8 effortlessly floated and moved back and forth as if it were a legitimate amphibious vehicle. However, BYD was clear enough

to claim that the capability is designed for an emergency scenario involving a deep-water plunge. Guaranteed to handle the task within 30 minutes, which should be enough time for the occupants to exit through the vehicle’s sunroof and avoid drowning inside. This vehicle’s capability has redefined the safety standard in extreme driving scenarios.

Skids and drifting

THE following sessions were to experience the “Kick-Plate” and “Low Friction Circle” test tracks. This time, we get to experience the ride in the test vehicles. The test path simulates icy road conditions on a wet, polished cement surface. There are also movable suction plates to simulate the loss of control. After boarding the BYD L EV model, the driver accelerated and then slammed the brakes. The scenario allowed us to feel emergency situations in a controlled environment, while the vehicle showcases its ability to maintain stability and control.

Next was the behind-the-wheel experience at The Low Friction Circle, China’s first 44-meterdiameter circular track, which consists of 30,000 smooth basalt bricks and features a threemillimeter water-covered surface. This ensures a constant friction coefficient between ice and snow. While driving the Denza Z9 luxury

sedan, we experienced stable induced drifting, thanks to BYD’s millisecond-level electronic control response and intelligent body control system. It made the session rather fun and intense due to the slow drifting action.

Dynamic paddock

OUR next session focused on the slalom and braking test, which involved navigating coned paths. The 15,300-square-meter dynamic paddock features over a dozen scenarios, such as standard slalom, moose testing, and automated parking, showcasing the full range of BYD’s intelligent technology.

First, we had a shotgun ride with the expert drivers testing the BYD eMax 9 DM-i luxury MPV. The minivan impressively sliced through the technical paths like a small car, in great form. Then, it was our turn to drive the Tang DM-i and Seal EV on the same course. Truth be told, it was an entirely different experience pushing the two vehicles while making sharp turns and braking. Moreover, the Seal EV has its staggering power from all wheels. Off-Road fun

ON to the next demonstration. The off-road section features 27 distinct projects, replicating famous routes such as the SichuanTibet line and Chengdu Slope. These cater to a range of skill levels, from beginner to advanced. But this time, we were passengers. We boarded the Bao 5 4x4 PHEV SUV, and the driver took us to the various terrain setups. Mostly, these are standard off-roading courses to showcase

Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino

THE wading pool THE

THE Sand Incline facility

THE façade of the BYD Zhengzhou all-terrain circuit

Celebrating 20 Years of BusinessMirror Motoring

A MILESTONE IN AUTOMOTIVE JOURNALISM

NOT TOO HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

By Tet Andolong

2 005 was the year that BusinessMirror debuted on the newstands. Its appearance made waves because of the large format, avant garde layout, and well-balanced mix of interesting content and colorful visuals that proved attractive to the reading public.

BusinessMirror Motoring covered both foreign and domestic developments and events in the automotive world, ranging from new car launches by industry stalwarts Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Isuzu, Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Kia, Hyundai, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, Jaguar, Maserati, Ferrari, Porsche, Audi, Alfa Romeo, Volvo, Peugeot, Chevrolet, and Ford, interviews with car company executives, international motor shows, legislation affecting the local industry, road safety, new technologies, motorsports like Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the “Chinese Invasion” led by

Hongqi, BYD, MG, Geely, Jetour, Great Wall Motors, Changan, GAC, Chery, Foton, BAIC, JAC, Lynk & Co., Omoda and Jaecoo. These accomplishments were what made BusinessMirror Motoring popular among car lovers, manufacturers, and motorsports enthusiasts. For its efforts to bring automotive news coverage to a new level, BusinessMirror Mororing was recognized as the Best Motoring Page by the Henry Ford Awards for Motoring Journalism for four consecutive years, as well as two best motorsport stories and best Ford Feature Story in 2015 titled “Thank you, Henry” penned by this humble writer.

As we mark two decades of BusinessMirror Motoring, we reflect on the evolution of the automotive industry and our role in shaping the conversation. Since our inception, we’ve been committed to delivering insightful coverage of the latest trends, innovations, and market shifts. A Legacy of Excellence Over the past 20 years, BusinessMirror Motoring has established itself as a trusted source of automotive news, test drives and analysis. Our team of dedicated journalists has worked tirelessly to bring readers in-depth features, expert commentary, and timely updates on the industry. Key Highlights and Milestones

n Early Years: Our journey began with a focus on local automotive news, providing readers with essential information on new model launches, industry events, and market trends. • Expansion and Growth: As the industry evolved, we expanded our coverage to include international news, technological advancements, and in-depth analysis of market shifts.

n Digital Transformation: With the rise of digital media, we adapted to new formats, including online articles, social media, and multimedia content, ensuring our readers stay informed across platforms. Looking Ahead As we celebrate this milestone, we’re excited about the future of BusinessMirror Motoring. With the automotive industry undergoing rapid transformation, driven by Hybrid and electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and sustainability initiatives, we’re committed to continuing our tradition of excellence, providing readers with authoritative insights and expert analysis. Here’s to many more years of delivering topnotch automotive journalism!

LAND CRUISER FJ STARS

IN JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW

GOD willing, I’ll be in Tokyo covering the Japan Mobility Show (JMS) while you are reading this. As I said, I’ve been in the car show since 1993. That long. That’s how much I love the event. Magically magnetic.

the sixth station of the world-famous Mount Fuji. “Since then, it has fulfilled its mission of delivering safety and security to all types of people in places that only the Land Cruiser can reach,” Toyota said in a statement. Toyota’s flagship model for over 70 years now has a cumulative sales of more than 12 million units in over 190 countries and regions around the world.

3 key features

into consideration the habitability and cargo capacity that successive generations of Land Cruisers have prioritized. It expresses a lean, strong sense of mass and fun through a rectangular body with a dice motif and chamfered edges. The front and rear express a powerful sense of stability through a composition of powerful bumpers and flared fenders on a taut, simple body. Both front and rear corner bumpers are removable, segmented types, allowing only

TOURISM THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

How PHL tourism and aviation took off: 20 years of growth, grit, and game-changers

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror

BETWEEN 2005 and 2025, the Philippines’s tourism and aviation industries evolved from fragmented growth to integrated engines of economic development.

While these industries initially operated largely independently—tourism attracting inbound visitors and aviation providing the routes—they became deeply connected, each driving the other’s expansion and resilience through challenges like infrastructure bottlenecks and external shocks like the Covid-19 pandemic.

Diversification of destinations, marketing FOLLOWING global challenges like the SARS pandemic and the Iraq War in 2003, the Philippine government focused on playing catch-up with its neighbors.

In 2005, the Philippines recorded 2.62 million inbound tourists, significantly trailing Malaysia (16.3 million) and Thailand (11.5 million). Even Vietnam, which used to be a regional laggard, recorded 3.2 million inbound tourists that year.

The Department of Tourism (DOT), under Secretary Ace Durano, revitalized the “WOW Philippines” brand and implemented a diversification strategy, moving focus from Metro Manila, Cebu, and Boracay to emerging destinations like Bohol, Iloilo, and Siargao.

He also expanded into emerging markets and focused on high-value tourists who like diving, golf, and are into wellness.

Despite these efforts, challenges in global perception persisted. Jose C. Clemente III, president of the pioneering destination management company (DMC) Rajah Tours Philippines, recalls that “it was a hard sell to promote the country 20 years ago,” as they had to grapple with buyer’s inquiries about the “peace and order situation, political instability, and other questions, which had to do with the perception of the Philippines.”

In the hospitality industry, veteran Agnes Caparas Pacis, Vice President-Commercial of SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC), notes that the industry was then “predominantly conventional, focusing more on physical amenities and brick-and-mortar comfort—in terms of physical spaces or infrastructure—over holistic, guestcentered experiences.”

The rise of LCCs

THE aviation industry recognized that connectivity was strategic for the archipelagic nation, leading to infrastructure and business reforms.

Domestic carriers expanded frequency, and airports such as Clark International Airport in Pampanga and regional airports started upgrades.

A significant catalyst was the transformation of Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) into a low-cost carrier (LCC) between 2004 and 2007. Alexander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer, says this move “drew significant attention, as many did not

yet understand how the LCC model worked—especially how the airline could offer ‘piso fares’ while operating brand-new aircraft.”

This LCC model stimulated tourism demand, encouraging more Filipinos and foreigners to travel deeper into the archipelago as airfares dropped.

This competition became a force for industry evolution. Former Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, who was then president of the pioneering carrier, Philippine Airlines (PAL), admits to “moments of anxiety” when CEB, and later, AirAsia, entered the market.

However, he underscores that “more importantly, they became catalysts for innovation. Competition forced us [PAL] to become more efficient, customer-focused, and adaptive. In the end, this diversity of business models expanded the overall market, democratizing air travel for millions of Filipinos.”

This democratization resulted in domestic travel surging to 37.5 million by 2011, up from 24 million in 2005, as per data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Viral campaigns, infrastructure milestones

FROM 2013 to 2018, the Philippines saw sharper growth in inbound tourism and improved air services.

The launch of the iconic “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” brand campaign in 2012, under then Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr., rekindled the global imagination through its smart use of social media and out-of-house advertising, such as billboards, transit ads, along with increased peopleto-people engagement through social activations in public spaces.

The impact was immediate: visitor arrivals jumped 9.07 percent that year to 4.27 million, crossing the 4-million mark for the first time. This, despite DOT working with a budget of just P3 billion.

Clemente says the “fun” slogan “put us back on the radar of many foreign markets and captured the essence of the Philippines and our people.” It is the main reason that he had always pushed for the slogan’s retention when he was president of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines. “It’s difficult to find a replacement slogan that encapsulates and captures what the destination and the people are all about.”

Despite challenges like Supertyphoon Yolanda, diplomatic issues with Taiwan and Hong Kong, and Tanim-Bala at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of international arrivals remained robust at 8.6 percent from 2012 to 2019, while the DOT used this slogan, notes former Albay Second District Rep. Joey Salceda.

Arrivals of Foreign Tourists from 2005 to 2025* * Includes Philippine passport holders

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

How PHL tourism and aviation took off: 20 years of growth, grit, and game-changers

The period also featured a critical commitment to sustainable tourism, demonstrated by the six-month closure of the world-famous Boracay Island starting in April 2018.

Then Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said this action signified the government’s willingness to invest in sustainable tourism and infrastructure, raise standards, and implement enforcement.

Upon its reopening, she noted that many original stakeholders “welcomed the stricter environmental guidelines,” observing that “The main beach is immaculate and peaceful now.”

Elevating global standing

THE aviation industry made significant strides in game-changing infrastructure during this time.

Bautista recalls that “One of the major turning points was the restoration of Category 1 status by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2014, after years of oversight improvements... This was followed by the lifting of the European Union ban, both of which reaffirmed the Philippines’s commitment to international safety and compliance standards.”

Infrastructure improvements directly enabled greater tourism access, such as the opening of the Bohol–Panglao International Airport in November 2018, which allowed direct international flights to a key tourism destination. This integration confirmed that tourism development (hotels, resorts, attractions) made aviation investments more viable.

Also, upgrades to Mactan-Cebu and other gateways improved capacity, efficiency, and experience for inbound tourists.

By the end of 2019, international arrivals surged to a historic high of 8.3 million, with the industry contributing 12.7 percent to the entire GDP that year. Tourism jobs averaged a 13-percent share of total employment from 2015 to 2019, up from a 10.5-percent share from 2005 to 2009.

Total airline passenger traffic reached a record-breaking 60 million in 2019, double the 30.85 million who traveled in and out of the country in 2010, as per data from the Civil Aeronautics Board.

Pandemic and the pivot to resilience

SADLY, the global spread of COVID-19 in early 2020 abruptly halted this momentum.

While the pandemic crippled many hotels, the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA)  worked closely with the DOT in converting member-hotels into quarantine accommodations for returning overseas Filipinos.

Pacis, who is also HSMA Director for Education, notes that “Filipino hospitality workers’ ingenuity, creativity, and passion to survive surfaced. We redefined our operations and pursued online bookings, hybrid setups, pivoted and repurposed our convention and event spaces, and established strict health protocols that gave a new meaning to ‘safe luxury’.”

For DMCs, business was “a complete zero,” according to Clemente. Yet, he avers that due to a strong collaboration with the DOT, “we were able to keep the Philippines on the radar of our markets by conducting product updates, market updates, and other activities, which kept some momentum despite two years’ inactivity.”

Similarly, the aviation industry suffered massive losses. In a letter to shareholders, then CEB President Lance Gokongwei reported that flights in 2020 dropped 71

percent, and “Bottom line, we lost P22.2 billion, a major downturn vs. our net income of P9.13 billion posted in 2019”.

Aviation used the downtime to reorganize, exemplified by PAL successfully exiting Chapter 11 bankruptcy after restructuring its finances and cutting over $2 billion in debt, which allowed it to have a stronger balance sheet.

The DOT, meanwhile, pivoted to domestic tourism, pushing for more local destinations to reopen, earning some revenue for the tourism and aviation industries. Between 2020 and 2022, domestic tourism grew by over 137 percent, from 27 million to 64.1 million. Domestic revenue was recorded at P564 billion in 2020, and swelled to P1.4 trillion as Filipinos took advantage of the lowered quarantine restrictions to travel to local destinations.

When borders fully reopened in February 2022, a “revenge travel” boom ensued. Clemente says, “Arrivals were more than what we had initially anticipated.” By the end of that year, inbound tourists reached 2.65 million, which is higher than the 1.7 million the DOT had targeted.

PAL recorded a significant turnaround that year with a fullyear operating income of $297.2 million, supported by a 214-percent surge in passengers.

Uneven recovery BY early 2024, the hospitality industry saw “almost a total recovery,” as “hotel occupancy and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) bookings had been steadily increasing,” according to Pacis.

Travel preferences, however, substantially changed. Clemente observes that “tourists are now looking more for tactile and authentic experiences when they travel.” He notes that tourists now “want to experience the world in a deeper way than just by being passive tourists.”

Pacis concurs, stating that “today’s traveler is more discerning, well-informed, savvy, and quite demanding,” and that “convenience and luxury are no longer enough, unlike two decades ago.”

Despite the momentum, inbound tourism in 2024 reached only 5.95 million, falling short of the DOT’s 7.7-million target.

GATEWAYS OF GROWTH The sleek interior of Clark International Airport in Pampanga reflects the Philippines’s drive toward modernized aviation infrastructure. Once a military base, Clark has evolved into a vital gateway supporting the decentralization of air traffic from Metro Manila and serving as a model for public–private partnerships in airport development. TANG90246 DREAMSTIME.COM

TAKING FLIGHT A foreign tourist strikes a playful flying pose over the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, one of the Philippines’s most iconic landscapes. With the Bohol–Panglao International Airport boosting access, the island continues to international visitors as part of the country’s post-pandemic tourism recovery. ALDAR DARMAEV | DREAMSTIME.COM

Friday, October 31, 2025

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

How PHL tourism and aviation took off:

20 years of growth, grit, and game-changers

The current DOT chief, Christina Garcia Frasco, has blamed the lackluster performance in the inbound travel sector on a low marketing budget and the tepid arrivals from China due to visa challenges. Ongoing diplomatic tensions between Manila and Beijing over the West Philippine Sea held back the rollout of an electronic visa (e-visa) scheme in China.

Her leadership launched the “Love the Philippines” brand campaign in June 2023, which was highly criticized, especially when its first promotional video was found to have used foreign scenes to depict local popular destinations.

The lower arrivals have impacted many tourism businesses. Clemente stresses, “Lower arrival numbers have affected most DMCs this year. We feel that we need to reestablish the Philippines as a destination by creating more buzz or noise in the global market... We need to raise the destination’s profile again.”

PPP for airport modernization

THE aviation industry is faring better, though. The privatization of Naia—the main gateway to the

Philippines—is considered a major milestone. One year after the Ramon S. Ang-led New Naia Infrastructure Corp. won the bid to manage the airport, significant changes have been implemented that have enhanced the traveler experience.

“For years, limited airport capacity, particularly at Naia, has constrained growth. But in recent years, through public-private partnerships (PPP), the public has seen a strong movement: the Naia rehabilitation project, the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, and the expansion of Clark and Cebu airports. These developments are helping decentralize air traffic and open new growth corridors,” says Bautista, under whose term as Transportation chief, all these improvements have been fasttracked.

Another industry milestone is CEB’s landmark purchase agreement with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney for up to 152 A321neo aircraft, equipped with P&W GTF engines. Deemed as the largest plane order in Philippine aviation history, valued at some $24 billion (P1.4 trillion), this is intended to strengthen the carrier’s services while maintaining a lower carbon footprint.

To ensure strategic and sustainable growth, local carriers advocate for a unified roadmap.

Speaking at the recent Aviation Summit of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, PAL Chief Operating Officer Carlos Luis Fernandez argues for an airport development master plan, stating: “We need a master plan standardizing second-

ary airports through night-rating, runway extensions, and upgraded air navigational aides so they can serve as reliable mini-hubs.”

CEB’s Lao agrees, noting that because airlines typically plan 10 years, “the aviation sector requires a clearly defined short-, medium-, and long-term development roadmap. This will ensure that growth is strategic, sustainable, and

aligned with national goals.”

Total passenger traffic is projected to expand to 66 million by 2028, up from 53 million in 2023.

Remaining challenges

STAKEHOLDERS emphasize that strong policy and regulatory alignment are crucial for continued growth.

n Affordability: The rising cost

of airfare is a major concern. Pacis says, “Fluctuating room rates and unstable airfares have turned affordability into a critical factor in travel decisions.”

n Government focus:  Philippine tourism continues to play catchup with its neighbors in terms of attracting inbound visitors. Clemente stresses that “tourism is very dependent on the government, especially as it pertains to how much value it places in this industry, and who is put  in charge of the DOT and its related agencies.”

n Regulatory reform: Bautista pushes for the strengthening of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines “by granting it greater autonomy, improving technical capability, and aligning its governance with ICAO [International Civil Aviation Organization] best practices.”

Looking ahead, as long as the industries maintain integration—airports and airlines aligned with destination development, with regulators that are enabling rather than constraining, and private-public partnerships thriving—the Philippines is wellpositioned to survive not just future shocks, but to thrive as an Asia-Pacific tourism and aviation hub into the next decade.

Enhanced PPPs, K-12, linkages seen as keys to elevating PHL’s education

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

THE country’s educational sector is currently beset by challenges, many of them inherited by the current leadership at the Department of Education from the previous administration.

It is clear that the government cannot solve by itself the herculean problems in uplifting the educational sector from the doldrums.

For one, public-private partnerships (PPPs) have been proven as a viable solution to the challenges in several sectors—mainly in education. It can fast-track construction of much-needed classrooms and facilities, addressing critical shortages that force students into cramped, multi-shift conditions. They bring private investment and resources to the education sector, supplementing government funds for educational projects and programs.

By integrating private sector expertise and resources, PPPs can lead to more efficient project delivery, higher-quality infrastructure, and improved management of educational services.

Executive Director Hanibal Camua of the Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) told the BusinessMirror that the advocacy group has long emphasized collaborations between government and industry as essential to improve the quality of the education system in the country.

“Through [PPPs], we can address funding gaps in education,” Camua

emphasized. “Government resources alone are insufficient to meet the growing demands of learners, especially in infrastructure, technology, and teacher training.”

He said that, by engaging the private sector—whether through scholarship programs, capacitybuilding, curriculum development, or facilities provision—the state can maximize resources and deliver quality education more efficiently.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. insisted on the importance of PPPs in strengthening the country’s educational sector. With his directive, Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara has aggressively been forging alliances with private education stakeholders through the Public-Private Complementarity Framework to address persistent challenges and implement the administration’s Five-Point Reform Agenda.

“As you all know, DepEd faces long-standing challenges, but we continue to collaborate with our private partners to bring our projects to life and transform our education system,” Angara confirmed. Continued on F4

Cocolife Wellness Forum Nurtures

Health and Family Security through Kalinga and Agapay

AT the recently held Alagang

Cocolife Wellness Forum in Alphaland Makati last September 19, 2025, Cocolife highlighted that true wellness is not only about staying healthy but also about creating a secure and sustainable future for families.

Mr. Janus Dellava, Sales Training and Recruitment Head, shared that the company goes beyond offering products—it provides Filipinos with peace of mind in uncertain times through Cocolife Kalinga and Cocolife Agapay.

Cocolife Kalinga: Life and health protection made simple Kalinga is designed for budgetconscious Filipinos who want protection without the heavy financial burden. For as low as P20 a day (based on a 10-year plan for a 25-year-old), Kalinga provides:

nDaily hospitalization

to ease the burden of confinement expenses

nCost-effective premiums that make comprehensive protection within reach At a time when healthcare costs continue to climb, Kalinga bridges the gap by ensuring essential coverage. It is built to give families peace of mind, knowing they have financial support during life’s most difficult moments.

Cocolife Agapay: Grow your wealth while protecting your healt Agapay goes a step further by combining protection with financial growth opportunities. It is designed for individuals and families who want to secure their health while building wealth for long-term goals. For only P67 a day (based on a 10-year plan for a 25-year-old),

Agapay offers: nP1

to

serious health challenges nDaily hospitalization benefits for added financial support during medical confinement

nProfessionally managed investment opportunities that grow savings over time Agapay helps clients prepare for the unexpected while working toward future milestones such as education, retirement, among others. Agapay empowers Filipinos to pursue financial independence without sacrificing protection.

A Trusted and Caring Partner for Filipino Families

Through initiatives like the Alagang Cocolife Wellness Forum and its suite of health and financial protection products, Cocolife continues to uphold its promise of alaga—providing protection, peace of mind, and family security for Filipinos nationwide.

#Cocolife #AlagangCocolife #CocolifeBelievingInTheFlipino #AlagangCocolifeWellnessForum #Hmophcom #HmophSupportsAlagangCocolife.

PARTNERSHIPS FOR LEARNING Students from a public school in Parañaque perform morning exercises before classes on June 16, 2025.

The Department of Education under Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara is tapping public-private partnerships (PPPs) to

Digitalization and AI are now

ACCORDING TO ASSOCIATE JUSTICE JOSE MIDAS MARQUEZ, DIGITALIZATION AND AUTOMATION ARE THE MOST GAME-CHANGING REFORMS IN THE JUDICIARY OVER THE LAST TWO DECADES.

By Joel R. San Juan

FOR the past 20 years, the Philippine judiciary has been struggling with mounting case backlogs, clogged dockets, and aging cases that have severely affected its efficiency in delivering justice to individuals seeking it.

Litigants have had to endure manual processes of filing cases, delayed and prolonged litigations, slow release of decisions, resolutions, and orders, as well as limited access to courts that usually result in extended detention for individuals awaiting trial.

For more than a century, law graduates have shouldered the financial and logistical burdens of traveling from their provinces to Metro Manila just to apply for and take the Bar examinations.

These challenges may be attributed to the judiciary’s slow adoption of digital infrastructure and tools that could have significantly improved court operations and promoted a transparent, efficient, and accessible judicial system.

But the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the judiciary to hasten the implementation of the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations (SPJI)—a five-year blueprint for judicial reform spearheaded by Chief Justice Gesmundo.

A key initiative under the program is the development of the eCourt PH app, which is available on the Philippine Judiciary Platform (PJP), a unified online portal for court services.     eCourt PH aims to digitalize court processes, including the electronic filing of cases and realtime tracking and monitoring of cases.  Through eCourt PH, both the judges and parties can readily access the pleadings online.

The SC has also launched the Judiciary e-Payment Solution (JEPS) for online payment of court fees.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez considers “digitization and automation” as the most “game-changing” reforms in the judiciary over the last two decades.

Marquez is a “homegrown justice” of the High Court, where he began his career in 1991, or 34 years ago.

In an interview with BusinessMirror, Marquez said he considers hearings conducted through videoconferencing as the most significant judicial reform in the past 20 years. It marks the integration of modern technology in the country’s judicial processes.

Due to security and logistical considerations, VCH has enabled remote participation of parties in court cases, including those based outside the Philippines.

“Today, however, long after the pandemic, the courts continue to use VCH and have even expanded its coverage beyond our shores to allow Filipinos and court users abroad to appear online before our courts in real time,” Marquez noted

“All they have to do is go to our embassies and consulates abroad. This has enabled cases to move faster.”

VCHs have also been beneficial for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Bureau of Corrections. They no longer have to appear in court for their hearings, unless required by the judge.

This system has reduced the risk of escape during the transport of inmates to court, lessened transport costs for BJMP and BuCor, and allowed courts to save resources.

“More than 1.6 million VCHs have been recorded recently with a success rate of 91 percent,” according to Justice Marquez.    “

“From manual processes with practically every step arising from human intervention, legal and court processes are now automated, have become more efficient,

and are less prone to misconduct,” Marquez added.

“The courts have also become much more accessible to the court users, who do not have to go to court anymore. They can go online,” he added.

In 2022, the SC pioneered the digitalized and regionalized professional licensure examination geared towards promoting accessibility and equal opportunity.

The digitalization and regionalization cover both the regular and Sharia bar examinations for aspiring lawyers.

The system includes the online submission of applications through the Bar Applicant Registration Information System and Tech Assistance (BARISTA), the Court’s new online application platform. It also includes the release of the results directly to the examinee on their digital devices.

Through BARISTA, there is no need for bar examinees to troop to Manila during the Bar exams because they can now choose from 15 to 20 bar sites across the country where to take the exams.

The Court is also currently pilot testing eCourt v.2, a management tool that enables the online monitoring of the progress of cases from the first-level court all the way up to the SC.

“A much-improved version of v.1, eCourt v.2 is expected to be fully implemented by next year,” Marquez noted..

Artificial intelligence (AI) has already been integrated into judicial processes with the rollout of Scriptix, an AI-powered voice-totext transcription platform.

An assessment conducted by the SC on Scriptix showed an average transcription accuracy rate of 80–90 percent, which takes into consideration the audio quality, speaker clarity, and the complexity of the content. Scriptix has also reduced the entire transcription process from two weeks to just three to four days.

Marquez said the Court is currently searching for other AI technologies that can do plain language translation.

“Many of our fellow Filipino citizens struggle to fully understand the legal processes that affect them. By translating legalese into accessible language, AI can help bridge this critical gap to ensure that people know what happened in their case and what fur-

ther steps they can pursue next,” he said.

“Thus, we are looking to see if Scriptix can also cover real-time transcription and translation from English to Tagalog and other prominent languages in our jurisdiction,” he announced.

Scriptix, according to Marquez, would not only improve courtroom efficiency but also give litigants a clearer understanding of what is being said and decided during proceedings, through the elimination of apparent language barriers and misunderstood legal jargon.

Chief Justice Gesmundo has assured that no one would lose their job because of these innovations.

“This modernization is not a disruption, but a direction. It is a move toward  a Judiciary that is responsive, inclusive, and sustainable,” he said

20 landmark decisions over the past 20 years

OVER the past 20 years, the Court has also issued landmark decisions that shaped the country’s social, political, judicial, and economic landscape.

1On February 15, 2008, the SC distinguished between content-neutral and content-based restrictions on speech, holding that the latter are presumed unconstitutional and must be evaluated against the clear and present danger rule.

The Court further explained that this rule applies to all forms of media, including broadcast media.

The decision, penned by former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, stemmed from the alleged destabilization plot against the administration of then-President  Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo following the release of the so-called “Hello Garci” audio tapes.

The late Solicitor General Francisco Chavez filed a petition against the Department of Justice (DOJ)  and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) over their issuances that threaten to prosecute media practitioners

for violation of the anti-wiretapping law should they publish or air the tapes.

Chávez argued that the issuances constitute a violation of the freedom of expression and of the press.

The SC pointed out that any government action “that restricts freedom of speech or of the press based on content is given the strictest scrutiny, with the government having the burden of overcoming the presumed unconstitutionality by the clear and present danger rule.”

It further held that not every violation of a law will justify “straitjacketing the  exercise of freedom of speech and of the press.”

2

In the case of The Secretary of National Defense v.   Raymond Manalo and Reynaldo Manalo the  Court exercised its expanded power for the first time to promulgate rules that would protect constitutional rights under the 1987 Constitution.

In its ruling issued on October 7, 2008,  the SC affirmed the Court of Appeals’ grant of the privilege of the writ of amparo to the Manalo brothers, who were survivors of enforced disappearance.

The SC  emphasized that  “the writ of amparo is a tool that gives voice to the prisoners of silent guns and prisoners behind secret walls.”

3In De Castro v. Judicial and Bar Council,  the SC issued a ruling on March 17, 2010, which held that the prohibition on midnight appointments under Section 15, Article VII of the Constitution does not apply to judicial appointments.

The Court held that the process by which judicial appointments are made (e.g., involvement of the Judicial and Bar Council) eliminates the danger that appointments to the judiciary can be made for the purpose of buying votes in a coming presidential election.

4In Greco Belgica v. former Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, et al., the Court declared on  November 19, 2013, that the “pork barrel system” is unconstitutional due to its violation of the principle of separation of powers and delegating the power to decide how public funds should be spent to individual legislators, among others.

5In the case of Maria Carolina Araullo v. former President Be-

nigno Aquino, the Court ruled on July 1, 2014,  to invalidate several practices under the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), which allowed for transfers of savings from one office or branch to another, such as from the Executive to the Judiciary.

The SC also held that the DAP system impermissibly allowed the premature identification and use of “savings” from ongoing projects.

6In a ruling issued on November 10, 2015, in the case of Carpio Morales v. Court of Appeals, the SC abandoned the condonation doctrine, which held that a public officer’s re-election precludes administrative liability for offenses committed during a previous term.     However, the Court held that its abandonment of the condonation doctrine should be prospective in application.

7The Court made another landmark ruling in April 5, 2016 in the case of People v. Jugueta, when the High Tribunal set out the proper amounts to be awarded by courts by way of civil indemnity, moral damages, and exemplary damages in crimes involving death of a victim where the penalty consists of indivisible penalties, rape, complex crimes, special complex crimes, and rebellion.

The Court also held that when no documentary evidence of burial or funeral expenses is presented in court, the amount of PHP 50,000.00 should be awarded in temperate damages.

8In its ruling issued on November 8, 2016, in the case of   Ocampo v. Enriquez, the Court denied the petitions seeking to stop the burial of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani (LNMB).      The Court held that the issue was a political question and that there was no law or rule prohibiting the burial of President Marcos at LNMB.

9On July 4, 2017, the Court ruled in the case of the late Rep. Edcel Lagman et al. v. former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea et al. the Court dismissed the petition assailing the constitutionality of then President Rodrigo Duterte’s Proclamation No. 216 declaring a state of martial law and suspending the privilege of the writ of ha-

CONTINUES

now gaining more court appeal

beas corpus in Mindanao for up to 60 days.

The SC declared that while the Constitution authorizes it to review the sufficiency of the factual basis of a declaration of martial law, which must be based on what was known by the President at the time of the declaration, there was sufficient factual basis for Duterte’s declaration.

10In the case of Estipona v. Lobrigo, the SC ruled on August 15, 2017, that Section 23 of Republic Act No. 9165 was unconstitutional for violating the Court’s rulemaking power under Section 5(5), Article VIII of the 1987 Constitution.

The invalidated provision prohibited plea bargaining in drug cases, and the Court held that plea bargaining is a rule of procedure within the Court’s sole jurisdiction.

11 In the unprecedented case for quo warranto filed by the government against then SC Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno (Republic v. Sereno, G.R. No. 237428), the Court distinguished between quo warranto and impeachment as remedies to remove impeachable officers, holding that quo warranto may be availed of when the subject act or omission relates to an official’s qualifications to hold office such that the appointment or election is invalid. Such an act or omission was committed before or at the time of appointment or election.

On the other hand, acts or omissions committed by the impeachable officer during his or her incumbency as a validly appointed and/or validly elected official cannot be the subject of a quo warranto proceeding, but rather impeachment if the act or omission constitutes an impeachable offense.

The SC ruled to grant the quo warranto petition, which invalidated Sereno’s appointment as Chief Justice.

12In a decision issued on July 31, 2017, in the case of  Cagang v. People, the High Tribunal provided guidelines for analyzing claims of violation of the right to speedy disposition of cases or the right to speedy trial.

Among others, the Court held that the right to speedy disposition of cases is different from the right to a speedy trial, which may only be invoked in a criminal case. In addition, malice on the part of the prosecution warrants automatic dismissal of the case.

13In the case of GiosSamar, Inc. v. Department of Transportation and Communication, the SC  ruled on March 12, 2019, that the doctrine of transcendental importance does not permit parties to bring factual questions before the Court.

14In

the case of Lara’s Gifts & Decors, Inc. v. Midtown Industrial Sales, Inc., the Court clarified, in a decision dated August 28, 2019, the rules on interest previously laid down by the Court in the case of Eastern Shipping Lines v. Court of Appeals (1994).

The decision distinguishes between conventional and compensatory interest and held that “interest on interest” is fixed by law and there -

fore not subject to the standard of “unconscionability.”

The Court provided a table setting out the applicable interest for different obligations, along with the relevant reckoning dates.

15In Madera v. Commission on Audit, the Court provided guidelines regarding the refund of amounts disallowed by the Commission on Audit, as well as the persons liable for such refund.

It ruled that approving and certifying officers are liable to return disallowed amounts if they acted in bad faith, along with recipients, unless the latter can show that the amounts they received were genuinely given in consideration of services rendered.

16Meanwhile,  on May 11, 2021, in the case of Tan-Andal v. Andal, the Court held that the term “psychological incapacity” under Article 36 of the Family Code is “neither a mental incapacity nor a personality disorder that must be proven through expert opinion.”

Moreover, not being an illness in a medical sense, psychological incapacity is not something that can be analyzed from the perspective of whether it is curable or not.

17In another landmark ruling issued on December 7, 2021, the Court in Calleja v. Executive Secretary resolved several petitions that assail the validity of Republic Act No. 11479, or the AntiTerrorism Act of 2020.      While the Court upheld the validity of the law for the most part, it held that the proviso “which are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person’s life, or to create serious risk to public safety” in the definition of terrorism under Section 4 is unconstitutional.

18In Sula v. Commission on Elections (Comelec), the SC ruled on January 10, 2023, that the Court dismissed the petition assailing the validity of the plebiscite conducted by the Comelec regarding the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, as required under Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

19Meanwhile, in the case of Macalintal v. Comelec, the Court on June 27, 2023, declared Republic Act No. 11935 as unconstitutional.

R.A. 11935 postponed the holding of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), from its initial schedule of December 5, 2022, to the last Monday of October 2023.     The Court held that the free and meaningful exercise of the right to vote, as protected and guaranteed by the Constitution, requires the holding of genuine periodic elections which must be held at intervals which are not unduly long, and which ensure that the authority of government continues to be based on the free expression of the will of electors.

It added that Comelec does not have the power to postpone elections on a nationwide basis, especially since such power lies with Congress.

20 On February 25, 2025, in the case Fili-

pino Society of Composers and Publishers v. Wolfpac Communications, Inc., the Court applied the fourfactor test for determining whether use of a copyrighted work qualifies as fair use, i.e., it examined (1) the

purpose and character of the use, including whether it is for profit or non-profit educational purposes; (2) the nature of the work; (3) how much of the work is used; and (4) the effect of the use on the value of

the work.

Thus, the Court ruled that letting customers listen to a short 20-second sample of a ringtone before buying it does not violate copyright laws.

The SC also said the previews do

not harm the composers or replace the value of the copyrighted work.     According to the Court, the samples are not for entertainment and cannot be downloaded. Thus, they do not substitute for the paid ringtones.

CAPITOL MEDICAL CENTER PARTNERS WITH NOVARAD TO

ELEVATE

CARDIOVASCULAR CARE AND HOSPITAL INNOVATION

Quezon City, Philippines — Capitol Medical Center (CMC) proudly announces its partnership with Novarad, marking another milestone in its commitment to world-class healthcare and innovation. The hospital has successfully implemented NovaCardio CPACS integrated with EncaptureMD Structured Reporting, a cutting-edge cardiology solution that modernizes CMC’s workflow and enhances diagnostic accuracy.

This powerful integration enables CMC’s cardiology team to efficiently view, analyze, and report cardiovascular studies on a single platform—seamlessly connected with the hospital’s information system. Supporting multiple cardiac modalities such as echocardiography, vascular ultrasound, and cardiac CT/MRI, the NovaCardio–EncaptureMD system ensures faster reporting, better data accuracy, and improved clinical efficiency.

Through this collaboration, Novarad empowers Capitol Medical Center to deliver a fully digital, integrated, and patient-centered approach to cardiovascular care— strengthening its position as one of the most technologically advanced hospitals in the Philippines.

Furthering its leadership in cardiovascular care, CMC has adopted Boston Scientific’s AVVIGO™+ System in its Catheterization Laboratory. This advanced technology combines intravascular imaging and blood flow measurement to assist cardiologists in performing safer, more precise procedures such as angioplasty.

The institution continues to strengthen its commitment to innovation and high-quality healthcare through the installation of advanced medical technologies and diagnostic systems designed to improve accuracy, safety, and patient outcomes.

For pulmonary health, the hospital offers Body Plethysmography, a non-invasive and highly accurate lung function test that aids in diagnosing and managing conditions such as asthma, COPD, and restrictive lung diseases. It also supports preoperative assessments and early detection of lung impairment.

In the field of ophthalmology, CMC’s Specular Microscope and Corneal Analyzer provide detailed corneal imaging and mapping to detect abnormalities, monitor post-surgical healing, and ensure precise eye care. These advanced tools allow specialists to assess corneal health with unmatched clarity and precision.

Among the newest advancements at CMC is the 3D Mammography System, which provides high-resolution imaging for earlier and more accurate detection of breast abnormalities. This stateof-the-art technology, also known as Digital Breast Tomosynthesis, enhances breast cancer screening by reducing false positives and improving diagnostic precision, especially for women with dense breast tissue.

Capitol Medical Center also takes pride in being one of the few hospitals in the country to offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) — a painless, non-invasive treatment that enhances the body’s natural healing process by delivering 100% pure oxygen under high pressure. Available at the CMC Wound Care Center, a Level 3 Certified Facility under the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF), HBOT accelerates wound healing, fights infection, and supports tissue recovery.

Through these groundbreaking technologies, Capitol Medical Center reaffirms its mission to deliver the Right Care, Right Here—combining compassionate service with world-class medical innovation for every patient.

October 31, 2025

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

Enhanced PPPs, K-12, linkages seen as keys to elevating PHL’s education

Angat Buhay contribution

THE Angat Buhay Foundation is one of the major players in the PPP in education. It has built low-cost, high-quality classrooms, improved literacy and numeracy through programs like “Bayan Ko, Titser Ko,” providing essential school supplies and feeding programs to address malnutrition, and creating safe learning and living spaces through initiatives like student dormitories.

To address the dearth of classrooms in the public sector, the foundation has been building fully furnished classrooms—at a lower cost, and in a shorter time compared to traditional methods, addressing the significant backlog of classrooms in the country.

According to Angat Buhay, it can construct a one-story, twoclassroom facility for early-grade learners for P800,000 to P1 million per classroom. This is significantly lower than the figure of at least P3.5 million or more for some government-constructed projects, while maintaining quality and durability. Furthermore, these classrooms are fully furnished and

built in three to four months, demonstrating a model for faster and more cost-efficient classroom construction.

It also focuses on improving student outcomes through targeted interventions. “Bayan Ko, Titser Ko” improves the literacy and numeracy of struggling Grade 2 pupils, while involving parents and guardians in the learning process. To ensure students are ready to learn, the foundation implements feeding programs to address malnutrition and provides initial school supplies.

Crucially, Angat Buhay goes beyond immediate aid by fostering a community-wide commitment to education. It mobilizes volunteers nationwide through the Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network, and strengthens partnerships with civil society and the private sector such as SM Supermalls and the Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation to fund and implement sustainable educational projects.

Beyond reading, Angat Buhay also conducts interventions to enhance numeracy and equip students with skills for future employment, promoting a love for learning.

Likewise, the foundation implements feeding programs to address malnutrition, ensuring that early-grade learners have the nutritional status needed to learn effectively.

As part of its classroom initiatives, Angat Buhay provides initial school supplies to students, ensuring they have the basic materials needed for their studies.

Moreover, it strengthens its Angat Bayanihan Volunteer Network to mobilize unique volunteers nationwide, amplifying civic participation and community-led educational initiatives.

What needs to be done?

DESPITE a high basic literacy rate, Camua pointed out that the quality of local education remains a major concern. The country consistently ranks at or near the bottom in global evaluations like the Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA for reading, math, and science.

For the past years, PBEd has observed efforts by the government to address the learning crisis and improve the quality of education in the country, including the performance of learners in PISA.

“Because these challenges stem from decades of neglect in the education sector, we must now intensify efforts to confront the crisis head-on,” the PBEd official explained. “This calls for a wholeof-society approach and the implementation of targeted, sustained reforms to secure lasting improvements.”

Camua believes that, to improve learning outcomes, systemic reforms need to be implemented in teacher quality, curriculum alignment, and assessment systems.

He said it is also equally important for the government to prioritize early-grade literacy and numeracy, improve teacher training and support, and ensure learning resources reach schools.

At the same time, the private sector should be tapped as a partner in bridging gaps. “Businesses and education advocates can support teacher upskilling, provide modern learning tools, and strengthen work-readiness programs.”

“No less important is institutionalizing collaborations [among Government-Industry-Academe or GIA which brings employers, schools, and policymakers together to align curricula with labor market needs,

as well as] expand work immersion and apprenticeship opportunities,” Camua remarked. “We’ve seen in PBEd’s programs the critical role of a GIA Council in ensuring that there is inclusive learning– that what students gain in school translates to real-world skills.

Strengthening K-12

PBED recognizes that the K-12 reform has not fully met its promise, particularly in employability of graduates among senior highschool students.

“However, together with the industry, we reaffirm our support for the strengthening of the K-12 system,” said Camua. “As with any major reform, we underscore that the full impact of its benefits take time to materialize. We should not mistake the challenges of implementation as flaws of the system itself. The K-12 framework is globally recognized and proven to be effective.”

Besides strengthening core skills, the program is designed to bridge the school-to-work gap and give students practical, preparatory and employable skills. Thus, Camua averred, “the additional two years is a necessary and worthwhile investment in

our children’s education.”

Instead of dismantling the program, PBEd believes the government must focus on strengthening its implementation by addressing foundational core skills and aligning education outcomes with needs of the economy. It also urges the national government to also recognize the critical role of the local government units in education. Camua urged that “we must give schools, LGUs, and local school boards more authority and resources to innovate, adapt curriculum, and manage work immersion programs that respond to their own regional industries.”

By transferring decision-making close to the ground, the public and private sectors must ensure that the K-12 program is not only compliant with national standards but also responsive to local labor market realities.

“At the same time, we must continue to build on current reforms—including the pilot roll-out of the enhanced SHS curriculum, to work in partnership with private education, and expand the work immersion program to boost employability,” Camua commented.