percent to P415.918 billion as of end-July this year, from P275.475 billion a year ago.
About P191.965 billion of the seven-month gross external financing was raised through global bonds, including the multitranche US dollar bonds ($2.25
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THE shock brought by the flash floods in various parts of Metro Manila’s largest city this weekend may not have an immediate impact on economic performance, but economists believe that this will certainly have a long-term effect on GDP growth and inflation.
On Saturday, in a span of a few minutes, parts of Quezon City struggled to keep afloat as floodwaters came rushing after a heavy downpour. This left Metro Manila residents and workers stunned as they watched floodwater engulf cars, homes, and just about everything in its path.
Quezon City, which was at one point named the capital of the Philippines, is now the most populous city in Metro Manila with over 3 mil-
lion residents. The National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila has a population of over 14 million as of 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
“It is not the floods themselves but the increasing frequency of unusually large amounts in key economic sectors that may be creating graver consequences. The increasing frequency of floods is creating cumulative economic damage,” Ateneo de Manila University economist Leonardo Lanzona Jr. told BusinessMirror
For former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante B. Canlas, the impact on the country’s GDP and inflation will depend on how temporary or permanent these occurrences are. Currently, he said, these are just temporary and will only have a moderate impact on the economy.
Canlas told BusinessMirror, however, that in non-agricultural areas like Metro Manila,
there may be a slight increase in inflation, but the impact on the rise of commodity prices may not be significant on the country’s GDP growth.
Nonetheless, Canlas said, the destruction of crops and fish fry in agricultural areas may take time to rebuild and this will have a negative impact on GDP. This is also expected to have a delayed effect on the price of food in Metro Manila.
“The more malevolent forces stem from the just-exposed flood-control project mess. Corrupted funds constitute wasteful public infrastructure spending,” Canlas also said.
Estimated losses, 2022-2050: $124B
CITING available studies, Lanzona said strong storms, heavy flooding and prolonged droughts may result in around $124 billion in losses to the Philippine economy between
2022 and 2050. Lanzona said this is despite billions worth of investments poured into flood control projects. He stressed that the country spent P545.64 billion on 9,855 flood control projects between July 2022 and May 2025, and “yet flood-prone communities remained
Australia’s best practices in grid management, expertise in clean energy technologies including energy storage, stronger financial mechanisms, among others, could be valuable lessons for the Philippines’s journey to a more sustainable energy future.
“Each country has had its successes and its challenges in the energy sector, but they share many similarities. One area where Australia might allow us to learn from and apply to
(RE) projects in the Philippines. In a visit to ACEN Australia’s 400 megawatt alternating current (MWac) Stubbo Solar, 400MWac New England Solar, and 200MW hour battery energy storage system (BESS)company executive chairman Jose Maria Eduardo P. Zabaleta said the Philippines has a lot to learn from Australia’s renewables journey.
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
EXPORTS of electronic data machines, pineapple juice, coconut oil, apparel, travel goods and handbags, are seen to be among the most affected by the 19percent reciprocal tariff slapped by Washington on Philippine goods, according to Trade Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty, the country’s chief trade negotiator. At a recent hearing of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs jointly with Foreign Relations and Ways and Means, Gepty was pressed by senators on which products may be the hardest hit by Washington’s unilaterally-imposed 19-percent reciprocal tariff on
Philippine goods.
“Well of course, the electronic data machines [this is] important because their major export is to US; then there’s pineapple juice which also has the US as a major market; pneumatic tires; travel and other insulated bags,” Gepty said, speaking partly in Filipino. He said coconut oil is also seen to be hit, “that’s why we are asking them to exempt this because they don’t produce coconut.” Gepty added aircraft parts, ignition wiring sets, other products, travel goods and handbags. “These are the main items we have identified,” Gepty told the Senate hearing.
The country’s chief trade negotiator explained that for the Philippines, 53 percent of its total ex-
“The answer is yes. Everything is of course subject to negotiation.” – PHL’s chief trade negotiator Allan Gepty, on the possibility the 19-percent reciprocal tariff imposed by Washington can still be brought down
ports to the US are semiconductors and electronics. Of which, he said, “23 percent are semiconductors
which are exempted.”
The problem lies in the remaining part of the pie—the electronic products, which are still subject to the 19-percent unilaterally-imposed reciprocal tariff by Washington. Without this tariff imposed by Washington, Gepty said the tariffs for these electronic products would have been zero, based on the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Information Technology Agreement (ITA).
However, he said the Philippine negotiating team is asking Washington to exempt these key products.
“That’s why we have submitted a list of exemptions and we told
A BITTER GOURD TO SWALLOW A vendor arranges fresh vegetables at a
August to accelerate due to rising food prices brought
award will not change the direction of the Kalinga Center, saying its programs will continue to focus on the poor and marginalized.
“Nothing will change as far as the mission [is concerned]...We would try to become more innovative and most certainly this would motivate me and the organization to reach higher, bigger dreams. The dreams of creating more centers, providing more opportunities for livelihood for our widows and orphans,” he said.
Villanueva added that a portion of the USD 50,000 prize money will be allocated to support the mission and vision of Kalinga to “recreating and empowering life.”
Joining Villanueva as 2025 awardees are Maldivian marine conservationist Shaahina Ali, recognized for her fight against plastic pollution, and India’s nonprofit organization Educate Girls, which mobilizes rural communities to improve access to education.
First given in 1958, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is regarded as Asia’s “premier prize and highest honor.”
The awarding ceremony is scheduled for November 7, 2025, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
Continued from A14
for investments in the first 8 months of the year are the Waste-to-Energy Consortium of Global Heavy Equipment and Construction Corporation, the Science
Independent body to probe FCPs; Dizon replaces Bonoan
By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla
FOLLOWING the recent resignation of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has formed a new independent commission to investigate the alleged anomalous flood control projects (FCP).
The chief executive has also appointed Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon as the new head of DPWH, and gave him the power to conduct a “full organizational sweep” of the agency.
Park of the Philippines Inc. (SPPI) ; Sta. Clara International-Saekyung Realty; and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas for developments in New Clark City. BCDA sealed the P4-billion wasteto-energy deal during the Philippine delegation’s state visit to India in early August 2025, which was spearheaded
Dizon is expected to take his oath of office before Marcos on 1 September 2025 once Bonoan’s resignation takes effect.
In a statement on Sunday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the independent commission
by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Meanwhile, in January 2025, BCDA inked a 50-year lease agreement with SPPI to develop a 100-hectare industrial park in New Clark City, with an investment commitment of P30 billion from the industrial estate leader and its locators.
Through its Camp John Hay prop-
“will conduct a comprehensive review of projects, identify irregularities, and recommend accountability measures to ensure public trust in infrastructure spending.”
“These decisions reflect the administration’s firm resolve to clean up corruption, strengthen institutions, and deliver honest and effective public service under Bagong Pilipinas,” PCO said.
DPWH is currently under hot water amid reports some of its FCPs were revealed to be defective, incomplete, or non-existent.
Earlier this month, the government launched its sumbongsapangulo.ph website, where the public can report anomalous FCPs.
Marcos has led 11 FCP site inspections in Marikina, Iloilo, Bulacan, and Benguet to verify the complaints against some FCPs.
erty in Baguio City, the BCDA said it bagged investments from Ayala Land, Inc., Stern Real Estate, Top Taste and Trading, Inc., Amare La Cucina and Prime Collective Corp. for developments in Camp John Hay.
In an earlier statement, the staterun firm revealed investments in the said Baguio property soared to P1 billion since its recovery of the property in January 2025. These investments include 75 residential and commercial lease agreements signed.
Following its successful recovery of Camp John Hay, BCDA announced its first order of business would be to conduct a review of the comprehensive master plan of the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ).
BCDA said investments in this Baguio City property are seen to reach P10 billion under its watch.
In the next few months, Bingcang told reporters that BCDA will participate in investment missions in Japan and Korea.
“I think Korea in September, Ja-
Amid the growing government scrutiny on DPWH’s operations, PCO Secretary Dave M. Gomez confirmed on Sunday that Marcos has accepted the resignation letter of Bonoan.
This comes just a week after Bonoan said he will not quit from his post unless he was instructed by the President to do so.
With Dizon’s new designation, Marcos has named DOTr Undersecretary for Administration, Finance, and Procurement Giovanni Z. Lopez as the agency’s acting secretary to prevent any interruption in its operations. Lopez is expected to continue the priority initiatives of Dizon, including “advancing transport modernization and supporting initiatives that prioritize commuter safety, efficiency, and seamless project delivery.”
pan in October. We will sign three agreements there in Japan,” the BCDA president told reporters. Bingcang said the three deals to be signed are on: ICT, Infrastructure for Clark and Waste-to-Energy, Renewable Energy.
“In Korea, we’re finalizing the agreement on the utilities for New Clark City,” he also noted. Meanwhile, Bingcang said BCDA is set to breach the P100-billion mark in terms of remittances to the national government this year.
From May 1993 to May 2025 or in a span of 32 years, BCDA said it has already remitted P96 billion to the National Government.
In the 2022 to 2025 period, BCDA remitted P22.8 billion or an average of P5.7 billion per year which it said is nearly double the “historical average” since 1993.
BCDA data showed in 2022, it remitted P7.5 billion to the National Government; P4.2 billion in 2023; P5.9 billion in 2024 and P5.2 billion as of May 2025.
billion) and euro-denominated bonds (€1 billion), in February. The government also obtained a total of P171.307 billion in program loans and P52.646 billion in project loans.
Meanwhile, gross domestic borrowings hit P1.341 trillion in the same period, up by 2.91 percent from last year’s P1.303 trillion. Most of the funds came from fixed-rate treasury bonds amounting to P881.837 billion. The rest of the amount was derived from fixed-rate treasury notes worth P300 billion and P159.850 billion contributed by treasury bills.
For the month of July alone, gross borrowings totaled P166.107 billion, an 11.95-percent decrease from P188.665 billion raised in the same month last year.
Foreign financiers lent more to the government during the month, as external borrowings surged by 68.26 percent to P13.567 billion from P8.063 billion a year ago. Local lenders, meanwhile, gave less at P152.540 billion, down 15.53 percent year-on-year from P180.602 billion. The government borrows to finance its spending requirements and plug its budget deficit.
Although the budget shortfall narrowed to P18.9 billion in July, the deficit still stretched to P784.4 billion during the seven-month period.
A budget deficit occurs when government spending exceeds the revenues it collects. A wider budget deficit could mean greater borrowing needs for the government to finance its spending requirements.
National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza earlier said the government will no longer tap the offshore bond market, having frontloaded its foreign borrowings earlier this year. The remaining financing requirement will be sourced from the domestic market, according to Almanza, given that local demand is “still stable” and “still liquid.”
The government targets to borrow P2.111 trillion and P488.174 billion from domestic and external sources, respectively, this year.
Treasury data showed that outstanding debt of the government soared to P17.27 trillion as of endJune, 11.5 percent higher year-onyear from P15.48 trillion.
Lanzona said corruption is difficult to approximate, especially because he thinks it permeates “all sectors of the economy and society.” As such, it affects hard and soft infrastructure projects as well as social services like health.
He added that corruption also impacts the country’s ability to adopt new technology and innovation which are crucial in the country’s growth and development.
Earlier, Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the country can boost productivity, which leads to faster and more inclusive economic growth, through innovation, new technology, and quality infrastructure.
“What corruption does is to transfer resources from these public goods to private goods such as luxurious houses and cars where the returns are limited to those causing the corruption. In the end, society ends up being bankrupt and dependent on these corrupt entities,” Lanzona explained.
Energy
THE problem with flooding is not just about corruption. Lanzona said it also reflects what he refers to as “the country’s inept energy program.”
He lamented that the carbon emissions of the country’s energy sector continue to increase and are expected to quadruple, making the country even more vulnerable to climate change.
Citing data from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Lanzona said carbon dioxide emissions from energy consumption in the Philippines amounted to approximately 152.6 million tons in 2023.
“The Philippines faces a particularly cruel irony: [it] is the third most vulnerable country to climate change, according to the 2017 world risk report “ReliefWeb,” yet its energy policies are contributing to the problem,”
Lanzona said. Lanzona also said four cities in the Philippines—Manila, San Jose, Roxas, and Cotabato—are included in the top 10 cities most vulnerable to sea level rise in the East Asia and Pacific region.
The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) earlier said climate change and economic inequality continue to pose significant threats to sustainable development.
ICSC: Coal has 60% share in power generation ONE way to address this in the energy sector is to veer away from using coal-fired powerplants. Coal remains one of the affordable and reliable sources of energy.
The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) said the country relied heavily on coal, which contributes almost 60 percent of the power generation mix.
“It is structurally broken. Climate scientists emphasize the urgency of change. However, current policies suggest this won’t happen quickly enough: The moratorium from 2020 allowed coal power plants that were in the pipeline at the time to move forward, which means that 2.6 Gigawatts of coal capacity will still come online by 2025. Coal will remain the dominant source of electricity generation for 2030 following current policy,” Lanzona said.
Water as ally
IN an economic note, Institute for Risk and Strategic Studies Chairperson Joey Sarte Salceda said despite the flood waters inundating a major city in NCR, water is not the enemy in the Philippines. Salceda said water is a formidable ally in the country’s economic development. Instead of making water abundance work for the economy, especially for agriculture, the government prioritized flood control projects that make water go away. The Philippines, he said, receives 2,348 millimeters of rainfall, one of the highest in the world. But many farmers struggle to get access to water for their crops.
“Only 2.15 million hectares of irrigable
land are currently supported by irrigation systems, compared to a potential of 3.1 million hectares. That gap means agriculture still lurches from drought to flood, with rice production heavily erratic,” Salceda said.
“The irony is stark. On one hand, the national budget for 2025 allocates P346 billion to flood control. On the other hand, irrigation receives only P69 billion, five times less, even though flood control merely curbs economic loss while irrigation builds productivity,” he added. One of the ways to address this is to find ways to finance irrigation. Salceda said “irrigators’ associations should be empowered to collect a modest irrigation contribution, fully ring-fenced for light maintenance.”
Apart from this, he said the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) should also adopt a performancebased incentive system that can used to gauge the performance of associations.
Salceda also said irrigation financing “must evolve” such as Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans for irrigation must be accompanied by a bond through NIA.
“These experiences should guide us today. If we are to borrow again for irrigation, we must design financing that does not stop at construction,” Salceda said.
“Bonds should not only build canals but also create permanent maintenance endowments. Otherwise, we will repeat the cycle: build with borrowed money, neglect for lack of funds, and then bail out with taxpayers’ money,” he added. These reforms are crucial, Salceda said, especially with production stabilizing. He noted that in 2025, palay production is on track to exceed 20.4 million metric tons.
This is riding on the 9.08 million metric tons of palay produced in the January to June period this year. Salceda considered this real agriculture productivity gains.
“Water is not an adversary to wall off. It is an asset to cultivate. It can harvest not just floods but everybody’s food security and prosperity,” Salceda said.
“If the country harnesses the combined power of community based management and durable financing, it can not only meet but also sustain record harvests. Flood control helps protect. Irrigation empowers,” he added.
Sotto moves to amend party-list law
By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM
FOLLOWING widespread
criticism of how established political dynasties have prostituted the constitutional intent of using party lists to ensure democratic representation of marginalized sectors, Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III filed Senate Bill 192, seeking to amend Republic Act 7941, otherwise known as the Party-List System Act, to realign the system with its original intent under the 1987 Constitution.
“Through the years, the interpretation of the law on party-list has expanded its qualification and has deviated from the intent of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, which is to truly represent the marginalized and the underrepresented,” Sotto stressed.
“The party-list system has also been abused and used as a vehicle to pursue advocacies that are not for the best interest of the government.” he added in a press statement on Sunday.
The measure outlined additional grounds for the cancellation of
registration of party-list groups, including failure to represent the marginalized and underrepresented sectors, instances where members or nominees do not belong to these sectors, direct or indirect participation in acts detrimental to the best interest of the government, ceasing to be a marginalized sector, and material misrepresentation of nominees.
Sotto emphasized that the deviation from the true mandate of the party-list system has instead created more inequality, the very evil that the framers of the Constitution sought to prevent.
“Amid the many issues hounding government officials, it is high time to revisit the true purpose of the party-list system, whether these groups are genuinely representing the marginalized, or merely hiding behind the guise of doing so for personal or political gain,” he concluded.
“If passed, the measure will strengthen the integrity of the party-list system, ensuring that it fulfills its intended purpose, to uplift the voices of the marginalized and underrepresented in Philippine society,” Sotto added.
Legislator asks DPWH: 39 flood projects for only 20 barangays?
AS the House of Representatives starts the investigation on September 2, a lawmaker on Sunday called on the Committee on Infrastructure to summon Public Works officials and the contractors behind 39 questionable flood control projects in Las Piñas worth P2.2 billion from 2022 to 2025.
Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos on Sunday revealed that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) poured a staggering P2.2 billion into 39 “questionable” flood control projects in the city from year 2022 to 2025.
Santos revealed that since President Marcos assumed office in July 2022, the DPWH has rolled out 10 flood control projects in different barangays in Las Piñas—yet flooding in the city remains unabated.
Santos said Public Works Undersecretary for Technical Services Ador Canlas confirmed that the Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office allocated P437.1 million for these flood control projects alone, not including several other multi-million-peso infrastructure projects whose impact on residents remains highly questionable.
On Friday, Santos exposed 16 out of 61 infrastructure projects of the DPWH in Las Piñas City this year as allegedly ghost or unfinished. Santos also discovered that the multi-million-peso projects were largely “cornered” by only four to five contractors, reportedly allies and relatives of powerful local politicians for decades.
The lawmaker was informed by Canlas that the DPWH Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office headed by embattled district engineer Isabelo Baleros allotted a total of P572.9 million for nine flood control projects in year 2023.
The biggest allocation went to I&E Construction Corp., which bagged P82.5 million for the construction of a flood control system in Pasong Baka Creek and another P67.5 million for Kantarilla Creek in Las Piñas City.
Meanwhile, the controversial E.F. Chua Construction Inc. secured four flood control projects from the Las Piñas–Muntinlupa District Engineering Office in 2023 alone, amounting to a
Bangsamoro leaders spar as Comelec pushes preparations for only 73 seats
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
ZAMBOANGA
CITY—Members
of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) are at odds over the recent signing of the redistricting law, which redistributes the seven parliamentary seats originally allotted to Sulu.
Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Pangalian Balindong denied signing Bangsamoro Autonomous Act (BAA) 77, insisting he never authorized anyone to affix his name.
He maintained that any signature attached to that measure was “unauthorized, void, and without legal effect.”
“For the record, I have neither signed nor authorized any person to sign on my behalf with respect to the said measure. The signature appearing as ‘for’ is unauthorized, void, and without legal effect, constituting a violation of law. Accordingly, BAA 77 cannot be deemed signed or enacted,” Balindong said.
staggering P220.3 million, according to Santos.
Santos further revealed that in 2024, the DPWH poured another P807.1 million into ten flood control projects in Las Piñas—funds sourced entirely from taxpayers.
“These are not just figures on paper—these are billions of pesos in taxpayers’ money,” Santos stressed. “Every peso wasted on questionable projects is a stolen opportunity for genuine solutions to flooding.”
Based on official documents from the DPWH Central Office, I&E Construction Corp. cornered at least four multimillion-peso flood control projects last year, while E.F. Chua Construction Inc. secured three more large-scale contracts.
For 2025, eight additional flood control projects are under construction in Las Piñas with a combined budget of P417.2 million. The single largest allocation—P101.8 million—was once again awarded to E.F. Chua Construction Inc.
Yet, records reveal glaring delays. The P101-million slope protection and flood control project in barangay Talon 2 remains unfinished, with only 33.98 percent accomplishment as of June 2025.
Similarly, the P98.5-million flood control project along Zapote River upstream and its tributaries, also awarded to E.F. Chua, has reached only 50 percent completion as of June 30, Santos learned.
“Las Piñas only has 20 barangays, yet there are 39 flood control projects—meaning there are almost two projects for every barangay. This raises serious questions about planning, prioritization, and whether taxpayer money is being spent wisely,” Santos said.
Santos vowed to push for a full congressional investigation into how these contracts were awarded and why Las Piñas residents continue to suffer from flooding despite billions being poured into socalled flood control projects.
“The people of Las Piñas deserve answers. How can billions be spent and yet flooding remains a persistent problem? This is a failure of planning, account -
“DPWH,”
Deputy Speaker Nabil Tan countered that the signing of the measure was valid and legally effective.
Citing Section 5 of Rule 4 of the BTA, he said deputy speakers may perform the duties of the
House
Speaker in cases of absence to prevent disruptions in parliamentary operations.
Tan explained that Balindong was marked “absent” in the roll call on August 26, and the Secretary General authorized him to sign on the Speaker’s behalf.
“The signing of the approved bill was undertaken to avoid any possible dereliction of duty and to ensure the protection of the Parliament in the faithful execution of its legislative processes. The ministerial act of signing was not an assertion of personal authority, nor was it intended to diminish the authority of the Speaker,” he said.
On August 28, the BTA announced that the interim chief minister had already signed the redistricting bill into law.
Earlier, however, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had
already warned that implementing the measure would be difficult since reconfiguring the automated election system would take at least two weeks.
After the law was signed, the Comelec said it would push through with ballot printing under the current setup and defer the implementation of BAA 77.
Chief Minister weighs in IN a text message to reporters, interim Chief Minister Abdularof Macacua questioned the Comelec’s decision to proceed with the older law, which only provides for 73 seats.
He acknowledged the commission’s mandate to run the elections but noted the need for clarity moving forward.
“If necessary, we will consult our legal experts to evaluate the implications of any non-implementation of BAA 77,” he said.
“Ultimately, our goal remains steadfast: to facilitate a fair, transparent, and credible election process, reflective of the will of our people,” he added. The conflicting statements have fueled uncertainty over the new law’s implementation, but the Comelec stressed that preparations for the October parliamentary polls remain on track.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin M. Garcia said the poll body will prepare for 73 seats as mandated
human-rights panel to invite Atong Ang, Gretchen to inquire on 34 missing sabungeros
By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie
THE House Committee on Human Rights is set to invite businessman
Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barreto to its investigation into the disappearance of 34 sabungeros during the Duterte administration.
Asked in a television interview if he would ask Ang to attend the inquiry, panel chairman Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. said, “I believe so.
Later on, ipapatawag din natin siya sapagkat he was charged for murder... even I think Gretchen Baretto.”
He said Ang’s and Baretto’s accusers, the Patidongan brothers, and 18 policemen allegedly involved in the case would also be invited.
The Patidogans and the missing sabungeros’ families have linked the two influential business personalities and the policemen to the disappearance of the
34 e-sabong enthusiasts.
The Ang and the others have denied the accusations.
In the same interview, Abante expressed disappointment over how the investigation being conducted by governments into the missing sabungeros’ case is going.
In fact, he said he has expressed such sentiment to the concerned officials.
“No, I’m not happy…In fact, I told them…because look, the DOJ [Department of Justice] is investigating, the CIDG [Criminal Investigation and Detection Group] is investigating, the Napolcom [National Police Commission] is also investigating. But so far, none has been charged in court,” he said.
“And one more thing. While the National Police has found 401 [pieces of] human bones [in Taal Lake, where the sabungeros bodies were allegedly dumped], they have not actually given us any DNA match of the missing sabungeros. So sabi ko, e kung
walang ganong bagay, di walang kaso,” he said. The Manila lawmaker added that he did not know the status of the investigation being conducted by DOJ, CIDG and Napolcom.
He lamented that the inquiry is alive only when the case is played up in the media.
“I don’t know if it stopped or actually nothing happened to it yet, so we’re gonna continue it… nakalagay iyan sa media for about a week, [after that] nakalimutan na…kung hindi namin pinag-usapan sa isang briefing saka na-ilagay na naman sa media,” he said.
“So we’d like to continue it. This is exactly a human-rights violation [issue]. Just imagine, I was even questioning them why do you only have 34 listed when you have been telling us that there are 100 of them na tinapon doon sa Taal Lake. So I was thinking siguro ang iba hindi sa Taal Lake tinapon... sa iba’t ibang lugar,” Abante said.
Gatchalian eyes ban on smartphones in classrooms
SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian is seeking a prohibition on the use of smartphones in classrooms in all schools, similar to an impending ban in South Korea.
Gatchalian originally filed the Electronic Gadget-Free Schools Act during the 19th Congress and refiled the measure upon the opening of the 20th Congress. Under the bill, the Department of Education shall promulgate guidelines on prohibiting the use of mobile devices and other electronic gadgets during class hours. The ban shall
apply to teachers and learners from Kindergarten to Senior High School. His bill, however, provides for exceptions: Those related to learning, such as classroom presentations; health and well-being, such as specific conditions that may require electronic gadgets; and the management of risks, such as activities outside schools or emergencies.
“Isinusulong nating ipagbawal ang mga smartphones sa oras ng klase upang hindi maabala ang ating mga mag-aaral. Nais nating paigtingin ang pagtutok
ng ating mga mag-aaral sa kanilang aralin [We are pushing to ban smartphones during class hours in order to avoid disrupting learning of our students. We want them to focus more intently on their classes],” said Gatchalian.
As vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, he had previously expressed serious concern over the declining quality of Philippine education, as reflected in the performance of Filipino student ans teachers in international assessment programs. Butch Fernandez
by the existing law.
“We understand the sentiment of the parliament. However, if we follow the new law, there will be no elections on October 13. We want to state that directly and make our people understand,” Garcia said. He clarified that the Comelec was not trying to get ahead of the BTA, stressing that the parliament had been given ample time to act on the matter since May. The poll body even postponed ballot printing last week to give lawmakers more room to decide. The Comelec explained that implementing the redistricting— which involves transferring certain municipalities to newly created districts—would delay preparations by at least two weeks because the automated election system would need to be reconfigured. Based on their estimates, enforcing the measure would push the completion of preparations to October 20—well beyond the October 13 polling date.
“We are not here to pick a fight with the Bangsamoro. We are partners of the Bangsamoro parliament in ensuring clean and orderly elections,” Garcia added. On Friday, the Comelec held a stakeholders’ briefing in this city with political parties, candidates, and voters to discuss the schedule and activities for the first-ever Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.
Go condemns corruption in infra projects
SEN. Christopher Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, assailed corruption in infrastructure projects on Saturday when he attended the turnover of a Super Health Center in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. Go’s expressed frustration as he drew a sharp contrast between the billions poured into questionable projects and the limited resources allocated to healthcare. His remarks come at a time following revelations of irregularities in flood control projects, including reports of ghost projects, subpar and incomplete works despite budget releases. The controversy has fueled calls for accountability as billions of pesos meant for infrastructure are now questioned for possible misuse. As the issue continues to unfold, Go reminded the public that the Senate blue-ribbon committee of which he is vice chairperson will continue to take up the matter in the coming days.
“Kaya pakiusap ko lang po. Kami ngayong Lunes, meron po kaming hearing sa Senado para sa flood control ito sa blue-ribbon committee,” he stated, vowing to press for accountability and to make sure taxpayers’ money is not wasted. The senator also underscored his commitment to strengthen reforms in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) as a genuine safety net for sick Filipinos.
“Ang PhilHealth po para sa health, hindi naman po negosyo. I balik ninyo ang kaltas sa sweldo ng taumbayan. Buwis namin ito na binabayad natin. Ginagamit ang subsidy ng PhilHealth, kaltas sa sweldo natin. Dapat iyong mapakinabangan ng taong bayan,” he said. He further added: “Kaya sabi ko, tututukan ko po bilang chairman ng Committee on Health sa Senado ang PhilHealth at ang health ng bawat Pilipino. At ako naman po ay
Workers can negotiate for higher pay–Dole
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
PRIVATE sector workers are not limited to waiting for government-mandated wage increases and may negotiate for higher pay with their employers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded over the weekend.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma explained that employees may pursue negotiations through bipartite arrangements, stressing that collective bargaining is a right guaranteed under the Labor Code.
By Manuel Cayon @awimailbox
faith negotiate an agreement on wages, hours of work, and other terms and conditions of employment.
This may be done whether or not there is an existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in the workplace.
Laguesma encouraged workers to go beyond simply seeking for higher minimum wages as minimum wages should only be viewed as a social protection floor to prevent underpayment.
He added that those seeking for higher pay should strengthen their case by investing in skills development.
its long-standing position that only Congress can pass such a measure.
Laguesma noted that the department can only provide technical inputs to lawmakers, but emphasized that policies must balance worker welfare with job preservation.
“Our bottom line is that we want to ensure that existing jobs are preserved. Secondly, through a balanced perspective, we hope to create additional jobs—not just simple jobs but quality jobs that will provide greater benefits to our workers,” he added.
DAVAO CITY—The General Santos City campus of the University of Santo Tomas has now 317 students two years into its opening.
The UST Office of Student Admissions and Records’ August 28 data gathered by its student publication, The Varsitarian, said there were a total of 317 students enrolled in UST General Santos for the first term of Academic Year 2025-2026.
Of this total student population, The Varsitarian reported that the GenSan campus admitted 213 first-year students to its five undergraduate programs. There were 104 sophomores enrolled this academic year.
Meanwhile, the UST GenSan campus shifted to the enriched virtual mode of instruction (EVM) for two days, on August 29-30 “to allow electrical repairs following an explosion at the campus’ electrical service entrance.”
The Varsitarian quoted Dennis Manejero, assistant director of the Facilities Management Office (FMO) at the GenSan campus, as saying that security personnel reported the explosion at 1:00 pm on August 25. “The Socoteco [South Cotabato Electric Cooperative] personnel informed security that the device at the substation tripped,” Manejero said. “Upon their investigation, they found out that our L1 XLPE power cable had burn indications,” he said, and the FMO ran a generator set on August 26 to offset the electrical tripoff.
“If you are my employer and I am the worker, I know that my skills give me the opportunity to negotiate with you, that I am not just for minimum wage. I should be receiving more than the minimum,” Laguesma said in a radio interview.
“Strengthening one’s skills, through upskilling and retooling, is geared toward getting better jobs, higher salaries, and better benefits. You should not stop at the discussion on minimum wage,” he said.
Under the Labor Code, the duty to bargain collectively means both parties must promptly and in good
But is it possible to have a uniform minimum wage nationwide? The labor department reiterated
At the opening of the 20th Congress on June 30, several legislators filed bills seeking an acrossthe-board salary increase.
Currently, the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila stands at P695, the highest in the country, while the lowest is in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at P411.
‘Honesty, transparency must be foundation of housing projects’
IBy Bless Aubrey Ogerio
N the wake of high-profile investigations into billions of pesos worth of alleged “ghost” and substandard flood control projects, housing and construction groups underscored that integrity must be the bedrock of public shelter programs. The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA), the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Employees Association (DHSUDEA), and the Construction Project Management Association of the Philippines (CPMAP) issued separate statements last week,
affirming that honesty and transparency should guide housing projects to ensure accountability and public trust.
“Integrity, transparency, and accountability are values that must guide every stakeholder as we work together with government to address the country’s housing needs,” SHDA said in a statement.
The group, one of the country’s four major developers’ associations, added that the sector’s role is not only to provide homes but also to help build trust and a better future for Filipino families.
For its part, DHSUDEA called its expression of support a collective pledge of honesty and integ -
rity from department employees, stressing that internal culture is as crucial as external partnerships in preventing irregularities.
“Corruption has no place in our mission of building communities and providing every Filipino with access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing…With great hope, it is through our collective vigilance and shared culture of honesty that we can build the housing sector every Filipino deserves,” the group said.
CPMAP, representing project managers in the construction industry, meanwhile, emphasized that even the smallest infraction should not be tolerated.
“Even 1 percent of corruption
is unacceptable,” it said, describing the department’s anti-graft position as a “call to action.” The group pledged to work with the housing agency and partner with government to ensure transparency in projects.
While the controversy involves a separate sector, the housing groups framed their declarations as a reminder that essential services such as housing cannot afford to be undermined by corruption.
Further, they hope to strengthen confidence in housing initiatives and prevent irregularities that could compromise programs meant to deliver one of the most basic needs of Filipinos.
Socialized housing projects to get free internet connection
THE Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) has signed an agreement with international nongovernment organization to provide free internet connectivity in socialized housing communities.
The memorandum of understanding was signed late last week by SHFC President and Chief Executive Officer Federico Laxa and Unconnected.org Country Manager Benjz Gerard Sevilla at the agency’s Makati office.
Continued from A3
“This is aligned with our twin vision of building homes and building lives,” Laxa said.
“Together with Unconnected. org, we will make sure that no Filipino family is left behind, not in housing and not in connectivity.”
For his part, Sevilla said internet access could help sustain the projects supported by SHFC by encouraging beneficiaries to stay in their communities.
“We are happy to join SHFC
in this mission by bringing connectivity to your communities,” he said.
The initiative will be rolled out in housing sites under SHFC’s programs, including the Expanded Community Mortgage Program (ECMP).
To date, the agency has approved 12 ECMP projects in Pasig and Valenzuela in Metro Manila; San Fernando City, Pampanga; Tabaco City and Daet in the Bicol Region; Iloilo City;
Cordon, Isabela; and Tanay, Rizal, covering over 2,200 families from the formal and informal sectors.
Unconnected.org, which operates in 17 countries, has previously provided internet access in two SHFC projects in Morong, Rizal, and Calamba, Laguna.
The agreement follows SHFC’s partnership with Water.org last week to expand access to clean water and sanitation facilities in its communities. Bless Aubrey Ogerio
The Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology tallied most number of freshmen enrollees with 99 students.
The tally of first-year students per program in the School of Health Sciences were as follows: BS Medical Technology (99), BS Pharmacy (45) and BS Industrial Engineering major in Systems Engineering (25).
In the School of Business and Accountancy, BS Accounting Information Systems and BS Entrepreneurship each welcomed 22 freshmen.
The report said the number of freshmen in the second year of operations almost doubled in number, from 126 pioneer students in the campus’ inaugural year.
UST GenSan capped this year’s freshmen onboarding activities with the ROARientation, Welcome Mass, and Welcome Walk on August 20, it added.
Orientation sessions were held for first- and second-year students on the first week of August.
“We coordinated with the administrators asking if it would be possible to have online class and work-from-home modalities while we find ways to repair the electrical connections,” Manajero said.
The Varsitarian said that UST GenSan posted on its Facebook account that it was implementing the EVM “while support staff would be on remote operations until Saturday, August 30.”
The UST General Santos City campus is located in a 82.2 hectare property some 15 kilometers northeast of downtown. Its building is seven storeys high and the facility has an approximate capacity of 15,000 students.
Metro Manila universities have been expanding their presence to Mindanao, with the campuses of Mapua and Lyceum of the Philippines already operating in Davao City and the National University and the Dela Salle University to open its Davao campuses soon.
27 paint products sold locally contain lead–group
By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga
ECOWASTE Coalition, a watchdog on toxic chemicals, called on the authorities on Sunday to implement stronger measures to halt the importation of paints tainted with lead despite the lead paint ban supposedly in effect in the Philippines. The group issued the call after confirmatory analyses they contracted along with Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), a global testing company, verified the presence of toxic lead in 27 paint samples imported from China and Thailand that are offered for sale in the domestic market, including on e-commerce sites.
Dismayed by this alleged breach of the law, the group called on the authorities to adopt stronger measures to reinforce the lead paint ban and thus protect public health.
paint production,” Jeiel Guarino, Global Lead Paint Elimination Campaigner, International Pollutants Elimination Network (Ipen) added.
“If listed, companies that export lead chromates or paints containing them will no longer be allowed to export these goods to a country that has not consented to import them.”
The list of 27 paints found to contain lead includes:
n Boston Spray Paint: antirust substrate gray (2,380 ppm);
He also appealed toPartylist Rep. Terry L. Ridon of Bicol Saro, head of the House Committee on Public Works and Highways, to expand the investigation to include all questionable and anomalous government infrastructure projects in Las Piñas, not just flood control.
Iloilo on track to be RE hub
“This is not just about flood control,” Santos added. “We must examine every project, every peso spent, to ensure transparency and hold the responsible parties accountable. The taxpayers deserve nothing less.”
ILOILO is positioning itself as a key hub in the country’s clean energy transition, with more than 1,300 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind (OSW) service contracts already awarded, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).
Rey Victor Garin, focal person for the province’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Desk, said Iloilo has secured 1,390 MW in offshore wind projects, including 990 MW in East Panay and Sicogon, 100 MW in Concepcion, and another 100 MW in the Iloilo Strait.
Beyond these, additional wind projects—both onshore and offshore— amounting to more than 350 MW are now in the pre-development pipeline.
“We’ve passed key ordinances such as the Iloilo Provincial Ordinance on Renewable Energy [I-PORE], which allocates a portion of the provincial budget for RE projects. Alongside this is the development of the Provincial RE plan, the Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan, and established local energy offices to support project implementation,” he said.
resources could cover as much as 35 percent of the country’s total electricity demand if fully realized.
EcoWaste said per laboratory test results, the 27 paints representing 11 brands were analyzed to contain lead in excess of 90 parts per million (ppm) making them illegal to import, distribute and sell in the Philippines, noting the country’s successful completion of the phase-out deadlines for lead-containing decorative paints in December 2016 and leadcontaining industrial paints in December 2019 in accordance with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources-issued Chemical Control Order (CCO) banning lead in paints and similar surface coatings.
However, he flagged the urgency of streamlining permitting processes and expanding local government participation to maximize this potential.
In the province, only Iloilo City has so far enrolled in the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS), which was designed to ease permitting requirements.
Beyond project approvals, stakeholders also called for a just and inclusive transition.
Gaspar Escobar Jr., grid modernization advisor at the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), pointed to the Energy Regulations No. 1-94, which ensures that host communities receive financial benefits from power projects.
H e said these could fund electrification, livelihood, and environmental programs while also creating jobs and boosting industries like steel and cement that support wind energy.
Iloilo has already begun expanding net-metered renewable installations in hospitals, redirecting energy savings toward healthcare improvements—an example, officials said, of how renewable projects can deliver direct community benefits. ability, and public service,” Santos said.
Pope John Sotto, senior policy officer of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), noted that the province’s offshore wind
Of the 27 paints, 19 were analyzed to contain lead above 10,000 ppm of which four had staggering lead concentrations exceeding 100,000 ppm, including two products bearing a “No Pb” pictogram despite evidence to the contrary (one product contains 117,000 ppm and the other has 138,000 ppm). Pb is the chemical symbol for lead from its Latin name plumbum.
“The discovery of lead in more imported paints sold locally points to the urgent need to enhance enforcement measures to address gaps and ensure that the lead paint ban is effectively implemented for public health and safety,” Manny Calonzo, EcoWaste campainer, said in a statement.
“We call on the authorities to jointly carry out such measures, including tightening customs controls, intensifying compliance monitoring, charging and penalizing violators, and nominating lead chromates for listing in the Rotterdam Convention, to reinforce the ban on lead, a multi-system toxicant, in paints and similar surface coatings.”
“We urge the government to join Cameroon, Morocco and Switzerland in advocating for the inclusion of lead chromates in the Rotterdam Convention as the treaty’s Prior Informed Consent [PIC] Procedure will help in controlling the global trade of this key ingredient in lead
n Collfria Spray Paint: orange red (3,050 ppm); n Colorz Aerosol Spray Paint: medium yellow (57,100 ppm), jade green (35,600 ppm) and flash red (1,900 ppm); n Colorz Chisai Acrylic Spray Paint: canary yellow (56,100 ppm), antirust brown (27,000 ppm), orange red (22,800 ppm), medium gray (3,790 ppm); n JMJAFA Spray Paint: deep yellow (94,700 ppm); n King Sfon Aerosol Spray: leaf green (62,100 ppm); n Koby Spray Paint: forest green (96,700 ppm); n Nikko Spray All Purpose Quick Drying High Gloss Acrylic: antirust primer red (8,340 ppm); n Standard Aerosol Spray Paint: medium yellow (182,000 ppm), light green (107,000 ppm); n Standard JR Spray Paint: medium yellow (138,000 ppm), art yellow (117,000 ppm), willow green (79,900 ppm); n Tiger Quick Drying Lacquer Spray Paint: orange (78,000 ppm); n Yatibay Acrylic Spray Paint: blackish green (16,900 ppm); and n YiAD Paint: orange (63,900 ppm), yellow (57,300 ppm), light green (45,500 ppm), green (39,000 ppm), pink (3,560 ppm), blue (5,290 ppm), light sky blue (3,900 ppm). None of these paints is manufactured, imported, or distributed by affiliates of the Philippine Paint and Coatings Association, Inc. (PPCAI), a partner of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint,
Editor: Angel R. Calso
Russia’s offensive in Ukraine continues amidst international efforts for peace
KYIV, Ukraine—Russia launched a large aerial attack on southern Ukraine, officials said Saturday, two days after a rare airstrike on central Kyiv killed 23 and damaged European Union diplomatic offices as US-led efforts to end the three-year war staggered.
Among other locations hit, the assault overnight into Saturday struck a five-story residential building, killing at least one civilian and wounding 28 people, including children, in the Zaporizhzhia region, Gov. Ivan Fedorov reported.
Russia launched 537 strike drones and decoys, as well as 45 missiles, according to Ukraine’s air force. Ukrainian forces shot down or neutralized 510 drones and decoys and 38 missiles, it said.
The Kremlin on Thursday said Russia remained interested in continuing peace talks, despite the air attack on Kyiv that was one of the largest and deadliest since Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
The attacks came less than two weeks after a presidential summit in Alaska between Donald Trump of the United States and Vladimir Putin of Russia that marked the end of Putin’s diplomatic isolation in the West but yielded few details on how the war might end.
Thursday’s strike was one of the few times Russian drones and missiles have penetrated the heart of the Ukrainian capital. Children were among the dead, and search and rescue efforts continued for hours to pull people from the rubble.
Hours after the attack, the United States approved an $825 million arms sale to Ukraine that will include extended-range missiles and related equipment to boost its defensive capabilities. Washington’s efforts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia appear to have stalled.
Russia accused of slow-walking peace talks as its troops press on UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday expressed frustration with what he called Russia’s lack of constructive engagement.
Ukraine has accepted a US proposal for a ceasefire and a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy, but Moscow has raised objections. Trump said last week he would know within two weeks whether Russia was serious about entering negotiations.
Ukraine’s European allies have accused Putin of dragging his feet in peace efforts and avoiding serious negotiations while Russian troops move deeper into the country.
Trump, in an interview with the Daily Caller, a conservative US news site, that was published Saturday, said he believed three-way talks involving Putin, Zelenskyy and himself would still happen.
After his separate meetings with Putin and Zelenskyy this month, Trump said he was arranging face-to-face talks between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders and then he might meet with the two if necessary. But in the Daily Caller interview, Trump expressed less confidence he will be able to arrange those bilateral talks.
“We got along. You saw it, we’ve had a good relationship over the years, very good, actually,” Trump said of Putin. “That’s why I really thought we would have this done. I would have loved to have had it done.”
Moscow’s forces are waging a “nonstop” offensive along almost the whole 1,000-kilometer (620mile) front line in Ukraine, and have the “strategic initiative,” the chief of Russia’s general staff said Saturday. Valery Gerasimov’s address to his deputies was published by Russia’s Defense Ministry.
Since March, Moscow has taken more than 3,500 square kilometers (1,351 square miles) of Ukrainian territory, and captured 149 settlements, Gerasimov said. It was not immediately possible to verify the situation on the battlefield.
Russian forces this month broke into Ukraine’s southeastern Dnipropetrovsk region, a Ukrainian military official said Wednesday, pressing into an eighth Ukrainian province in a possible bid to strengthen the Kremlin’s negotiating hand. Gerasimov on Saturday said Moscow’s troops have so far taken seven settlements in Dnipropetrovsk.
EU officials mull how to make Russia pay for invasion EUROPEAN Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU was advancing toward seizing frozen Russian assets to hand to Ukraine.
“It’s clear that the predator has to pay for what he did,” she said, referring to Putin.
Von der Leyen spoke Saturday in Estonia in a joint news conference with Prime Minister Kristen Michal, while on a four-day tour of European states bordering Russia or its ally Belarus.
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, said that “everyone agrees that Russia should pay for the damages, not our taxpayers,” but that there was disagreement within the EU about confiscating the assets.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said his government opposed the move, as it “would trigger a system financial instability, and also erodes trusts in the euro.” He said the assets should remain frozen until Russia pays Ukraine reparations. Kallas and Prévot spoke during a summit of EU foreign and defense ministers in Copenhagen. Over two days on Friday and Saturday, EU officials discussed sanctions on Russia, ramping up
defense supplies to Kyiv, postwar security guarantees and Ukraine’s prospects for joining the 27-nation bloc.
Ukraine hits more Russian oil refineries
SEPARATELY, Ukraine has continued to strike oil refineries inside Russia that it says have supplied Moscow’s war effort, the Ukrainian general staff reported Saturday. It said two facilities were hit overnight: in the Krasnodar region near occupied Crimea, and the Samara region farther northeast. Falling drone debris sparked a fire at a refinery in the city of Krasnodar, regional Russian authorities confirmed Saturday. They said the blaze was extinguished, damaging one of the facility’s processing units but causing no casualties. The Krasnodar refinery produces approximately 3 million tons per year of petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel.
A separate drone strike caused a fire at the Syzran Oil Refinery in the Samara province, according to the Ukrainian general staff.
Gas stations have run dry in some regions of Russia after Ukrainian drones struck oil infrastructure in recent weeks, with motorists waiting in long lines and officials resorting to rationing or cutting off sales altogether. To try to ease the shortage, Russia has paused gasoline exports, with officials Wednesday declaring a full ban until Sept. 30 and a partial ban affecting traders and intermediaries until Oct. 31.
Analysts expect the gasoline crisis to ease by late September as demand subsides and the annual summer maintenance for many refineries is finished. Still, the shortages have highlighted a vulnerability on the home front that Ukraine could exploit further as drone warfare evolves.
Former Ukrainian lawmaker shot dead IN a separate development, Ukraine’s former parliament speaker and a prominent proWestern politician was shot dead in the city of Lviv on Saturday, according to statements by Zelenskyy and local authorities. Little is known so far about the perpetrator, or why Andriy Parubiy was targeted. Zelenskyy decried Parubiy’s “terrible murder,” and vowed to open an investigation.
Parubiy, 54, was a lawmaker from the Lviv region who participated in Ukraine’s Orange Revolution in 2004 and led self-defense volunteer units during the Maidan protests of 2014, which forced proRussian President Viktor Yanukovych from office. He was parliament speaker from 2016 to 2019.
Press writers
A RESIDENT looks at his destroyed home following Russian air strike in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. AP PHOTO/KATERYNA KLOCHKO
Macron’s decision to recognize Palestinian state in September angers Israel and the US
By Sylvie Corbet The Associated Press
PARIS—French President Emmanuel
Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state, prompting similar moves from other Western nations, angered Israel and its US ally by putting a two-state solution back at the heart of diplomatic efforts to end the devastating war in Gaza.
In a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, Macron wrote that “our determination to see the Palestinian people have their own state is rooted in our conviction that lasting peace is essential to the security of the state of Israel.”
France’s diplomatic efforts “stem from our outrage at the appalling humanitarian disaster in Gaza, for which there can be no justification,” Macron added. Israel on Friday declared Gaza’s largest city a combat zone as the death toll surpassed 63,000 Palestinians, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, since the war started on Oct. 7, 2023, with a Hamas-led attack on Israel.
France, the UK, Canada, Australia and Malta have said they would formalize their pledge during the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN General Assembly, which starts Sept. 23. Some others, including New Zealand, Finland and Portugal, are considering a similar move.
Netanyahu rejects Palestinian state -
China’s Xi and India’s Modi vow to resolve border differences at meeting in Tianjin
By Huizhong Wu
The Associated Press
IANJIN, China— Chinese leader Xi
TJinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged on Sunday to resolve their border differences and bolster cooperation, ahead of the opening of a regional summit in Tianjin.
Modi is on his first visit to China since relations between the two countries deteriorated after Chinese and Indian soldiers engaged in deadly border clashes in 2020. Modi is visiting as part of India’s membership into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a regional political, economic and security group founded by China.
Modi said in his opening remarks that relations with China have moved in “a meaningful direction,” adding that “there is a peaceful environment at the borders after disengagement.”
Xi said he hoped the Tianjin meeting will “further elevate” and “promote the sustained, healthy and stable development of bilateral relations,” according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The two sides should “not let the border issue define the overall China-India relationship,” Xi said, adding that economic development for both countries should be their main focus.
“As long as they remain committed to the overarching goal of being partners, not rivals, and providing development opportunities, not threats, China-India relations will flourish and move forward steadily,” Xi said.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who arrived in Tianjin on Sunday, is also due to meet with both leaders in the coming days.
Earlier in August, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi flew to New Delhi, as the two sides announced their rapprochement. Both governments pledged to restart border talks, and resume issuing visas and direct flights.
Wang’s visit coincided with US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 50 percent tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil, but Delhi’s process of rebuilding ties with Beijing had been in the works for months.
hood and plans to expand the military offensive in Gaza.
Israel and US say recognizing a Palestinian state emboldens militants MACRON’S letter comes after Netanyahu accused him of “fueling” the “antisemitism fire” with his call for a Palestinian state, remarks Macron denounced as “abject.”
Last week, US Ambassador to France Charles Kushner also wrote a letter arguing that “gestures toward recognition of a Palestinian state embolden extremists, fuel violence and endanger Jewish life in France.” Kushner was summoned by the French foreign ministry and represented in his absence by his deputy. Such angry reaction “shows that symbols matter,” said geopolitics expert Pascal Boniface, director of the Paris-based Institute for International and Strategic Relations. “There is some kind of race against time between the diplomatic path, with the two-state solution back at the heart of the debate, and the situation on the ground (in
Gaza), which is every day making this two-state solution a little more complicated or impossible.”
Boniface said some supporters of a two-state solution showed disappointment at leaders’ decision to wait until September to officially recognize a Palestinian state, because they “fear that recognition will come when Gaza has even more become a graveyard.”
Calls on Israel to stop the Gaza offensive
MACRON and other international leaders have urged Israel to stop its offensive in the besieged territory, where most of its over 2 million residents are displaced, neighborhoods lie in ruins and a famine has been declared in Gaza City.
“The occupation of Gaza, the forced displacement of Palestinians, their reduction to starvation ... will never bring victory to Israel,” Macron wrote in his letter to Netanyahu. “On the contrary, they will reinforce the isolation of your country, fuel those who find pretext for antisemitism, and endanger Jewish communities around the world.”
More than 140 countries already recognize a Palestinian state in what is a mostly symbolic move.
“The world will be the same the day after,” said Muhammad Shehada, a Gaza political analyst and visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations think tank.
Still, it adds diplomatic pressure on Israel, he stressed. Heavyweight Western nations demonstrating strong support for a two-state solution “shatters the illusion that Netanyahu is trying to sell to the Israelis and to the international community that mass popu -
lation transfer or depopulation is the only way to solve the Palestinian issue,” Shehada said.
Strengthening moderate
Palestinians
FRENCH Foreign Minister Jean-Noël
Barrot insisted this week that diplomatic efforts led by France and Saudi Arabia also resulted, for the first time, in highly significant condemnation of the Hamas attacks against civilians by all 22 members of the Arab League. During a July conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia at the U.N., Arab League nations agreed in their New York Declaration that “Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.”
Shehada expects the move to strengthen the camp of moderate Palestinians, including by demonstrating to the public that the Palestinian Authority is gaining weight in negotiations.
He said it may weaken the most violent leadership in Hamas by “creating a diplomatic track that provides Palestinians with an alternative to violence, sending a message that diplomatic engagement will pay off and will lead to a Palestinian state, whereas violence will not take you anywhere.”
The Palestinian Authority hopes to establish an independent state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza— areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war. Hamas drove out the PA when it seized Gaza in 2007, a year after winning Palestinian parliamentary elections. After the Hamas takeover of Gaza, the PA was left with administering semiautonomous pockets of the Israelioccupied West Bank.
US job growth slows in August, unemployment rate seen rising
EBy Vince Golle & Craig Stirling
MPLOYERS in the US showed little enthusiasm to take on workers during August, and the unemployment rate probably ticked up to an almost four-year high, adding to evidence of a more subdued labor market.
Economists project about 75,000 jobs were added, based on the median of a Bloomberg survey, while the jobless rate is seen at 4.3 percent. Four straight months of sub-100,000 payrolls growth would mark the weakest such stretch since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Friday’s jobs data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics will be a crucial input for Federal Reserve officials ahead of their September policy meeting. Some are less concerned about the slowdown in payrolls growth because it’s being accompanied by a decline in the participation rate. They’re also wary of reducing borrowing costs when inflation is gradually increasing.
Others, like Governor Christopher Waller, say the sluggish hiring pace in recent months means the Fed should move forward with the first interestrate cut of the year.
Investors in the coming week will parse comments—albeit ahead of the jobs report—from Fed officials including regional bank presidents Alberto Musalem of St. Louis, John Williams of New York, and Austan Goolsbee of Chicago. The Fed will also release its Beige Book, a collection of anecdotes about the economy, on Wednesday.
The appetite for workers has gradually diminished as companies focus on containing costs such as higher import duties. Separate data due on Wednesday is projected to show a decline in July job openings from the prior month, to one of lowest levels since 2021.
“We expect nonfarm payrolls to add 93k jobs—a modest improvement from July, and consistent with the story told by a broad array of labor-market indicators. We expect local government, leisure and hospitality, and construction to drive the improved hiring,” said Bloomberg economists Anna Wong, Stuart Paul, Eliza Winger, Estelle Ou and Chris G. Collins.
With the goal of engineering stronger job growth, President Donald Trump is attempting to use tariffs to reverse trade imbalances, spark long-term investment, and spur the domestic output of critical goods and materials.
Markets will also be watching the next steps from the US administration after most of Trump’s global tariffs were ruled illegal by a federal appeals court that found he exceeded his authority by imposing them through an emergency law. Still, the judges let the levies stay in place while the case proceeds.
Other data in the coming holidayshortened week include the Institute for Supply Management’s August surveys of manufacturers and service providers. On Thursday, government figures will likely show a sharp widening in the goods and services trade deficit for July, after preliminary data indicated a surge in imported merchandise ahead of higher tariffs.
Full week ahead:
CANADA will also release jobs data, which are expected to show the labor market stayed soft in August in the face of trade tensions. Data on Friday showed the hit to commerce forced Canada’s economy into its first contraction for nearly two years.
Merchandise trade numbers for July will likely show a wide and persistent deficit, even as exports may slowly continue their bounce back from the lowest level in three years in April.
Elsewhere, inflation figures from the euro zone to Turkey, key testimony by UK policymakers, and activity data from around Asia will be among the week’s highlights.
Asia
IT’S a big week for Australia and South Korea, with a slew of data including second-quarter growth reports. Economists anticipate expansion picked up in Australia while remaining flat in South Korea in figures due on Wednesday. Australia also reports second-quarter inventories and building approvals on Monday, and exports and household spending figures on Thursday. South Korea announces export figures, with activity likely to have slowed in August, and consumer prices due Tuesday seen
By Claire Jiao, Grace Sihombing & Chandra Asmara
NDONESIAN President Prabo -
Iwo Subianto scrapped plans to travel to China to attend a major international summit, underlining the government’s growing concern about the violent protests that have rocked the Southeast Asian nation this week.
Prabowo has declined the invitation from the Chinese government, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said in a statement on Saturday evening. “Due to domestic dynamics, the President wishes to continue to monitor the situation directly, as well as to lead directly and seek the best solution,” he said.
Several world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian leader Anwar Ibrahim, are among those attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin that kicks off on Sunday.
easing on the month. A rush of purchasing managers activity indexes features Thailand and Vietnam.
Data published Sunday showed that China’s factory activity remained stuck in contraction in August, as a government crackdown on price wars holds back production and offsets the boost for manufacturers of the US’ extended trade truce.
Japan’s second-quarter capital spending and company profits are reported on Monday, and July cash earnings and household spending in the country round out the week. Indonesia and Thailand report consumer prices, while Taiwan and the Philippines release inflation data. Inflationary pressures are abating and the reports will likely show prices little changed in the month or easing.
Elsewhere, Hong Kong shows July retail sales figures on Monday and Singapore reports theirs on Friday. Malaysia’s central bank is likely to hold rates at 2.75 percent on Thursday.
Europe, Middle East, Africa
EURO-ZONE reports include unemployment on Monday, inflation the following day and a revised reading of GDP on Friday. The reports will adhere to a new protocol that no longer allows news organizations to access the numbers shortly before their release.
Following a mixed outcome from the euro zone’s four biggest economies on Friday, economists anticipate an inflation reading at just above the 2 percent level targeted by the European Central Bank. That may embolden officials already poised to keep rates on hold on Sept. 11.
Two ECB Executive Board members, Isabel Schnabel and Piero Cipollone, chair panels at the bank’s 2025 legal conference in Frankfurt on Monday, and President Christine Lagarde delivers a dinner speech. Lagarde also speaks on Wednesday in her role as chair of the European Systemic Risk Board, and Cipollone appears before lawmakers in Brussels the following day. Policymakers will begin a pre-decision quiet period on Thursday.
The last-minute cancellation comes soon after the demonstrations turned violent on Friday, leaving at least three people dead and dozens of public facilities destroyed.
Protests worsened overnight across Indonesia’s major cities, as demonstrators defied the President’s earlier call for calm. The demonstrations had begun on Monday due to rising discontent over jobs and wages, especially when contrasted with the perceived wealth of Prabowo’s lawmaker allies. The death of a motorcycle taxi driver, crushed by a police armored vehicle on Thursday evening, further fueled anger.
The president has ordered “firm measures” against “anarchic acts,” National Police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo said in a televised statement, alongside Indonesian Military commander Agus Subiyanto on Saturday.
While citizens have the right to expression and assembly, “demonstrations currently taking place in several regions tend to violate” the law, Listyo said, citing the burning of buildings and public facilities and the attacks on police headquarters.
Social media users in Indonesia also reported not being able to use TikTok Live—a platform that’s been widely used to broadcast demonstrations—on Saturday evening. In a statement, a TikTok spokesperson said the feature had been “voluntarily suspended” for the coming days in light of the escalating violence.
The Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs earlier this week urged ByteDance and Meta Platforms Inc. to help moderate hate-filled content related to the protests.
Prabowo, who came to power 10 months ago, is facing a major test as he attempts to execute his agenda to supercharge growth in Southeast Asia’s largest economy.
Analysts have cast doubt on official data showing economic growth accelerated last quarter, as consumers drastically pared back spending, while investments and factory activity also shrank.
The Ministry of Manpower reported 42,000 workers were laid off in the first half of 2025, a 32% jump from a year ago, though many suspect the number could be much higher. The job cuts are eroding the income of an already-shrinking middle class.
Three people died and five were injured in the eastern city of Makassar when protesters set fire to the regional parliament building during a plenary session on Friday evening, according to a report by CNN Indonesia. The mayor and other top officials were evacuated, it said. A number of people were also injured in Bandung, about 2.5 hours by car from the capital, Mayor Muhammad Farhan said in a text message on Saturday. Four buildings, including a legislative guest house, were completely destroyed by arson.
In Jakarta, looters on Saturday afternoon stormed the home of lawmaker Ahmad Sahroni, who recently sparked public anger after he called protesters “the most stupid people in the world” for calling for the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
According to a Tempo report, intruders damaged a car parked in Sahroni’s garage and took valuables inside the house, including watches, memorabilia and kitchen appliances.
That came just hours after violent demonstrations on Friday evening in the capital, where several police stations were targeted by crowds. One in the city’s east was pelted with Molotov cocktails, according to a report by Detik. Graffiti also filled the walls and sidewalks surrounding the Jakarta police headquarters, situated next to the Indonesian Stock Exchange in the central business district.
Portions of Jakarta’s inner city toll road remained shut on Saturday after seven toll gates, including those near the national parliament’s headquarters, were burned. The Transjakarta citywide bus services were also completely shut on Saturday after seven stops were burned overnight. Several subway stations were closed as a safety precaution.
The unrest in Indonesia comes in a week of political tumult for the broader region after a Thai court ousted Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for ethics violations.
The Indonesian president urged the public to be vigilant against “elements that always want to cause unrest and chaos.” Prabowo also criticized the police’s response, promised to hold officers accountable for the death of the motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, and visited his family home on Friday night to offer his condolences.
Amnesty International called for a thorough and independent investigation of the police crackdown and the killing of Kurniawan to “ensure that all perpetrators, including those at command level, face fair trials publicly, and not mere internal or administrative sanctions,” the group said in a statement on Friday.
With assistance from Harry Suhartono, Soraya Permatasari and Prima Wirayani / Bloomberg
Federal appeals court rules Trump’s global tariffs illegal, heightening uncertainty in trade relations
By Erik Larson & Laura Curtis
THE legal fight over President Donald Trump’s global tariffs is deepening after a federal appeals court ruled the levies were issued illegally under an emergency law, extending the chaos in global trade.
A 7-4 decision by a panel of judges Friday night in Washington was a major setback for Trump even as it gives both sides something to boast about.
The majority upheld a May ruling by the Court of International Trade that the tariffs were illegal. But the judges left the levies intact while the case proceeds, as Trump had requested, and suggested that any injunction could potentially be narrowed to apply only to those who sued.
for hundreds of billions of dollars in refunds on levies already paid.
“It’s very gratifying,” said Elana Ruffman, whose family-owned toy businesses Learning Resources Inc. won a separate lawsuit over Trump’s tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA. “It’s great that the court agrees with us that the way these tariffs are implemented is not legal.”
Mollie Sitkowski, a trade lawyer at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, pointed out in a note to clients on Friday that the ruling “does not directly apply” to tariffs on Brazil or India that were issued under the emergency law and may not address the separate removal of the “de minimis” exception for packages valued under $800.
Friday’s ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit held that Trump was wrong to issue tariffs under IEEPA, a federal law that the panel concluded was never intended to be used in such a manner. Indeed, the court noted that the law doesn’t mention tariffs “or any of its synonyms.”
crisis in the US, which he also said was a national emergency under IEEPA.
The decision also covers Trump’s so-called reciprocal tariffs that took effect Aug. 7 for dozens of nations that failed to reach trade deals with the administration by Aug. 1. Various carve-outs and extensions have been announced since then, leaving the final tariffs for some nations up in the air.
Trump’s tariffs were first ruled illegal in May by the US trade court in Manhattan. That decision was put on hold by the Federal Circuit for the appeal, allowing the administration to continue threatening tariffs during the negotiations
Israel to restrict humanitarian aid in northern Gaza amid escalating military offensive against Hamas
JBy Julia Frankel & Wafaa Shurafa
The Associated Press
ERUSALEM—Israel will soon halt or slow humanitarian aid into parts of northern Gaza as it expands its military offensive against Hamas, an official said Saturday, a day after Gaza City was declared a combat zone.
“Our trading partners must be dazed and confused,” Wendy Cutler, a senior vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute and veteran US trade negotiator, wrote in a post on LinkedIn. “Many of them entered into framework deals with us and some are still negotiating.”
Trillions of dollars of global trade are embroiled in the case, which was filed by Democratic-led states and a group of small businesses. A final ruling against Trump’s tariffs would upend his trade deals and force the government to contend with demands
It’s unclear exactly where the case goes from here. The Trump administration could quickly appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, or it could allow the trade court to revisit the matter and potentially narrow the injunction against his tariffs.
“Once again, a court has ruled that the president cannot invent a fake economic emergency to justify billions of dollars in tariffs,” New York Attorney General Letitia James, who is a party to the tariff lawsuit, said in a statement. “These tariffs are a tax on Americans—they raise costs for working families and businesses throughout our country, causing more inflation and job losses.”
The ruling applies to Trump’s “Liberation Day” global tariffs that set a 10% baseline and have been in effect for months that the administration says are meant to address a national emergency around US trade deficits. It affects the extra levies on Mexico, China and Canada that Trump said were justified by the ongoing fentanyl
Palestinian president urges US to reinstate his visa ahead of crucial UN meetings amid rising tensions
RBy Imad Isseid The Associated Press
AMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestinian president’s office on Saturday urged the US government to reverse its unusual decision to revoke his visa, weeks before he was meant to appear at the UN’s main annual meeting and an international conference about creating a Palestinian state.
The 27-nation European Union asked the Trump administration to reconsider the move, which drew broad criticism.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rescinded the visas of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials ahead of next month’s annual high-level meeting of the U.N. General Assembly, the State Department disclosed Friday, citing national security interests. Abbas has addressed the General Assembly for many years, and generally leads the Palestinian delegation.
“We call upon the American administration to reverse its decision. This decision will only increase tension and escalation,” Palestinian presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh told The Associated Press in Ramallah on Saturday.
“We have been in contact since yesterday with Arab and foreign countries, especially those directly concerned with this issue. This effort will continue around the clock,” he said.
He urged countries to put pressure on the Trump administration to reverse the decision, notably those nations that organized a high-level conference on Sept. 22 about reviving efforts for a two-state solution in Israel and the Palestinian territories. It is co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.
French Foreign Minister JeanNoël Barrot said he “deplores” the US decision.
“The U.N. headquarters is a sanctuary in the service of peace. It should
not be subject to any access restrictions,’’ he posted on X Saturday after meeting with his counterparts from around the EU.
The EU’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas issued a statement about the revoked visas saying: ‘’In light of the existing headquarters agreements between the U.N. and its host state, we urge for this decision to be reconsidered.’’
Abu Rudeineh also called for an end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza and “escalation in the West Bank, because none of this will lead to any solution.”
The move came as the Israeli military declared Gaza’s largest city a combat zone. Israel says Gaza City remains a stronghold of Hamas.
The Trump administration has taken several steps to target Palestinians with visa restrictions.
“It is in our national security interests to hold the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) and PA (Palestinian Authority) accountable for not
Hours before Friday’s ruling dropped, Trump cabinet officials told the appeals court that a striking down the president’s tariffs would seriously harm US foreign policy, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent saying it would lead to “dangerous diplomatic embarrassment” and undermine trade talks. On Friday night after the court move, Trump posted on X that if the tariffs went away, “it would be a total disaster for the Country.”
Cutler, who spent nearly three decades as a diplomat and negotiator at the Office of the US Trade Representative, suggested that the administration’s concerns about trade deals may now be a reality. She wrote in her post that India, hit by a 50% tariff, “must be rejoicing,” while China “must be weighing its stance in making concessions in ongoing talks.”
“EU efforts to secure domestic approval of its deal may be called into question, while Japan and Korea whom apparently have made oral deals with little in writing may choose to slow walk current efforts until there is more US legal clarity, while still pressing for lower auto tariffs,” Cutler said. Bloomberg
complying with their commitments, and for undermining the prospects for peace,” the State Department said in a statement.
The Palestinian Authority denounced the visa withdrawals as a violation of US commitments as the host country of the United Nations. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the world body would be seeking clarification from the State Department.
Associated Press writer Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.
Israeli airstrike kills Houthi rebel prime minister in Yemen’s capital
By Samy Magdy The Associated Press
AIRO—An Israeli airstrike
Ckilled the prime minister of the Houthi rebel-controlled government in Yemen’s capital Sanaa, the Houthis said Saturday. He was the most senior Houthi official killed in the Israeli-US campaign against the Iranian-backed rebels. Ahmed al-Rahawi was killed in Thursday’s strike in Sanaa along with a number of ministers, the rebels said in a statement. Other ministers and officials were wounded, the statement added without providing details.
The premier was targeted along
with other members of his Houthicontrolled government during a “routine workshop held by the government to evaluate its activities and performance over the past year,” the Houthi statement said. Thursday’s strike took place as the rebel-owned television station was broadcasting a speech by Abdul Malik al-Houthi, the secretive leader of the rebel group, in which he was sharing updates on the latest Gaza developments and vowing retaliation against Israel. Senior Houthi officials used to gather to watch al-Houthi’s prerecorded speeches.
Al-Rahawi wasn’t part of the inner circle around al-Houthi that runs the military and strategic affairs of
the group. His government, like the previous ones, was tasked with running the day-to-day civilian affairs in Sanaa and other Houthi-held areas.
The strike that killed the prime minister targeted a meeting for Houthi leaders in a villa in Beit Baws, an ancient village in southern Sanaa, three tribal leaders told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared repercussions.
On Thursday, the Israeli military said it “precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime military target in the area of Sanaa in Yemen.” Late on Saturday, the military in a statement confirmed killing al-Rahawi “along with additional senior offi -
cials.” It said senior officials among the dozens at the facility struck were responsible for “terror actions” against Israel.
“Yemen endures a lot for the victory of the Palestinian people,” alRahawi had said following an Israeli strike last week that struck a facility owned by the country’s main oil company, which is controlled by the rebels in Sanaa, as well as a power plant.
The Aug. 24 strike came three days after the Houthis launched a ballistic missile toward Israel that its military described as the first cluster bomb the rebels had launched at it since 2023.
The prime minister hailed from the southern province of Abyan, and was an ally to former Yemeni Presi -
The decision was likely to bring more condemnation of Israel’s government as frustration grows in the country and abroad over dire conditions for both Palestinians and remaining hostages in Gaza after nearly 23 months of war.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media, told The Associated Press that Israel will stop airdrops over Gaza City in the coming days and reduce the number of aid trucks arriving as it prepares to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people south.
Israel on Friday ended daytime pauses in fighting to allow aid delivery, describing Gaza City as a Hamas stronghold and alleging that a tunnel network remains in use. The United Nations and partners have said the pauses, airdrops and other recent measures fell far short of the 600 trucks of aid needed daily in Gaza.
“We left because the area became unlivable,” Fadi Al-Daour, displaced from Gaza City, said as vehicles piled high with people and belongings rolled through a shattered landscape. “No one is searching, and there are no journalists to film. There is nothing.”
Remains of another hostage are identified
PRIME Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
‘s office announced that the remains of a hostage that Israel on Friday said had been recovered in Gaza were of Idan Shtivi. He was kidnapped from the Nova music festival in the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that sparked the war.
Forty-eight hostages now remain in Gaza of the over 250 seized. Israel has believed 20 are still alive.
Their loved ones fear the expanding military offensive will put them in even more danger, and they rallied again Saturday to demand a ceasefire deal to bring everyone home.
“Netanyahu, if another living hostage comes back in a bag, it will not only
dent Ali Abdullah Saleh. He allied himself with the Houthis when the rebels overran Sanaa, and much of the north and center of the country in 2014, initiating the country’s longrunning civil war. He was appointed as prime minister in August 2024.
The United States and Israel began their air and naval campaign against the Houthis in response to the rebels’ missile and drone attacks on Israel and on ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis targeted ships in response to the war in Gaza, saying they were acting in solidarity with the Palestinians. Their attacks over the past two years have upended shipping in the Red Sea, through which about $1 trillion of goods pass each year. The US and Israeli strikes killed dozens of people in Yemen. One US strike in April hit a prison holding
be the hostages and their families who pay the price. You will bear responsibility for premeditated murder,” Zahiro Shahar Mor, nephew of hostage Avraham Munder, said in Tel Aviv.
A ‘massive population movement’ coming IN recent days, Israel’s military has increased strikes on the outskirts of Gaza City, where famine was recently documented and declared by global food security experts. By Saturday there had been no airdrops for several days across Gaza, a break from almost daily ones. Israel’s army didn’t respond to a request for comment or say how it would provide aid to Palestinians during another major shift in Gaza’s population of over 2 million people.
“Such an evacuation would trigger a massive population movement that no area in the Gaza Strip can absorb, given the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and the extreme shortages of food, water, shelter and medical care,” Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, said in a statement. It’s impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City can be done in a safe and dignified way, she said.
Killed while seeking food AP video footage showed several large explosions across Gaza overnight. Israel’s military Saturday evening said it had struck a key Hamas member in the area of Gaza City, with no details.
An Israeli strike on a bakery in Gaza City’s Nasr neighborhood killed 12 people including six women and three children, the Shifa Hospital director told the AP, and a strike on the Rimal neighborhood killed seven. Hamas in a statement called the strike on a residential building in Rimal a “brutal escalation against civilians.”
Israeli gunfire killed four people trying to get aid in central Gaza, according to health officials at Al-Awda Hospital, where the bodies were taken. Gaza’s Health Ministry said another 10 people died as a result of starvation and malnutrition over the past 24 hours, including three children. It said at least 332 Palestinians have died from malnutrition-related causes during the war, including 124 children. Shurafa reported from Deir-al-Balah, Gaza Strip.
African migrants in northern Sadaa province, killing at least 68 people and wounding 47 others. Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst with the Crisis Group International, a Brussels-based think tank, called the killing of the Houthi prime minister a “serious setback” for the rebels. He said it marks an Israeli shift from striking the rebels’ infrastructure to targeting their leaders, inc luding senior military figures, which “poses a greater threat to their command structure.” In May, the Trump administration announced a deal with the Houthis to end the airstrikes in return for an end to attacks on shipping. The rebels, however, said the agreement did not include halting attacks on targets it believed were aligned with Israel.
PALESTINIAN President Mahmoud Abbas addresses the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Sept. 26, 2024, at UN headquarters. AP PHOTO/FRANK FRANKLIN II
TRACTOR trailers wait in line at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, on the US-Mexico border in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, on Aug. 30. PHOTOGRAPHER: CARLOS MORENO/BLOOMBERG
DISPLACED Palestinians fleeing northern Gaza Strip move with their belongings along the Sea Road, near Wadi Gaza, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. AP PHOTO/ABDEL KAREEM HANA
Putin and Modi attend SCO summit hosted by Xi Jinping in China amid global tensions
By Bloomberg News
THE biggest event on China’s diplomatic calendar of the year kicked off Sunday, as world leaders gathered to map out the future of a Beijing-led bloc that wants to offer an alternative to a US world order.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
landed in the port city of Tianjin for the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit on Sunday morning, a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Other leaders expected at the huddle include Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Although the gathering was planned long in advance, rapidly developing world events are giving it more prominence. The summit offers
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the United States to exempt these products from the unilateral reciprocal tariff rate which they imposed because these are key products and complementary to the products in their market; while the other products, they are not really producing, which include agricultural products,” added Gepty.
Asked about the possibility to still bring down the 19 percent imposed by
Putin a chance to talk with Xi and Modi directly about the outcome of his meeting in Alaska with US President Donald Trump and the prospect of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
It’s also happening as India and China seek deeper cooperation as they deal with the economic fallout from the US trade war. Xi is holding bilateral talks with Modi on Sunday, who is in China for the first time in seven years. The US is slapping 50% tariffs on India, the
Washington, Gepty replied: “The answer is yes. Everything is of course subject to negotiation. In fact, even in the Executive Order issued by President Trump, there is a monitoring mechanism also. It can also be increased, depending on the progress of the negotiation and also the actions taken by the trading partner.”
Gepty explained the areas that need to be considered during negotiations.
“One is market access, but in the case of the Philippines, we’re very careful unlike other economies where they have offered to open fully their markets up to 99 per-
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Among data from individual euro-area economies, German factory orders may draw attention for early clues on how US tariffs are impacting manufacturing.
Inflation will be in focus around the wider region:
ON Wednesday, Turkey’s measure of annual price growth is expected to have slowed in August, albeit still landing above 30 percent. Evidence of weakening pressures may allow further rate cuts. Switzerland’s reading on Thursday is anticipated to have exceeded zero for a third month in the final report before the Swiss National Bank’s quarterly rate decision in September.
Sweden releases data the same day. Analysts forecast the CPIF gauge targeted by the Riksbank to have reached the highest since early 2024.
Latin America
MEXICAN President Claudia Sheinbaum opens the nation’s legislative year on Monday. Her comments will be parsed for any discussion of economic priorities, including tariffs on Chinese goods. Brazil publishes second-quarter GDP figures on Tuesday amid expectations of a slowdown. While it’s likely to see its 16th consecutive quarter of expansion, Bloomberg Economics projects growth of 0.4 percent on a quarterly basis and 1.9 percent annually, both down from prior readings.
Elsewhere, Chile releases economic activity data for July on Monday, with Bloomberg Economics expecting a rise of 2.2 percent from a year ago. Peru publishes August inflation readings the same day. Colombia closes the week with inflation data on Friday, with analysts surveyed by Bloomberg expecting it to accelerate above 5 percent on an annual basis.
With assistance from Laura
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chairs, and Senator Tulfo, to name a few. To set the record straight, no one is interfering in his work. We all want to have good governance,” Lacson said in Filipino in a radio interview.
In Marcoleta’s Aug. 29 TV program, he criticized Lacson for asking to reschedule the Blue Ribbon hearing scheduled for Sept. 1, because the Senate finance committee was to hold a hearing on the 2026 budget on the same date.
The Blue Ribbon hearing is set at 9 a.m., while the Finance Committee will hold its hearing at 10 a.m., with a briefing by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 National Expenditure Program.
Marcoleta questioned the need to re -
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the Philippines is planning and enabling the transmission and energy storage system needed now and into the future. There can be no successful energy transition and self-sufficiency without new transmission and energy storage capacity,” said Zabaleta, who is also the managing director at ACEN Corp., the energy arm of Ayala Corp. The Philippines is one market under the purview of one government while Australia comprises several different markets and regulations differ across project locations. “There are Federal regulations, but each state also has its own. ACEN Australia therefore works with all the different stakeholders in each location to enable the optimal outcome for each project. Both countries have deregulated energy markets and are working towards a sustainable energy transition,” added Zabaleta.
From 1,000MW of RE and BESS projects, ACEN Australia will add 2,000MW more. These are the 900MWac Valley of
highest on any South Asian country. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto scrapped plans to travel to China as violent protests rocked his country in recent days.
In parallel to the summit, other bilateral meetings are taking place on the sidelines.
On Saturday, Xi met with Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. They discussed “opposing foreign interference in Myanmar’s politics, China’s positive stance and future actions for the country’s stability and
cent. The Philippines does not intend to do that, that’s why there are only a few items that we offered to the US,” he said.
Another area to be factored in is the “immediate need” to negotiate for exemptions as the negotiating team aims to shield local industries whose main export market is the United States.
Depending on the flow of the negotiations, Gepty said, “We want to optimize the outcome because we want to come up with a mutually beneficial and advantageous deal with the United States” because not only is the US a major trading partner, “but
schedule the hearing, adding it seems that “talagang ayaw nila na makapagsisimula ako ng pagdinig [they don’t want me to chair the hearing].”
Lacson replied that his motion was not directed only at Marcoleta, as he pointed out that both hearings are very important.
“I was not asking for him to reschedule his hearing. merely asked either hearing to be held on another date, because they are both important. I am not belittling his committee’s hearing, and I recognize his mandate as chairman,” he said.
“I merely wanted to correct any misimpressions Sen. Marcoleta’s words may have created. I don’t want a fight but I won’t back down from one,” he added.
Lacson said he plans to attend the finance committee hearing at 10 a.m., but may attend the first part of the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing if it starts on time at 9 a.m.
For the DBCC briefing, Lacson said he plans to quiz the resource persons on five topics:
the Winds, 600MWac Birriwa Solar and the 600MWh Birriwa BESS.
“ACEN is on track to become a significant player in Australia’s energy market. By 2030, with projects like Valley of the Winds, Birriwa solar and battery hybrid and our Phoenix pumped hydro development, we will have built several gigawatts of solar, wind, and firming capacity.
This positions us to deliver fully green, fully firmed electricity to any customer in the NSW (New South Wales) market, supporting Australia’s ambitious goal of reaching 82 percent renewables by 2035,”
ACEN Australia Head of Development Killian Wentrup told reporters.
Meanwhile, ACEN Australia has secured approval for its 900MW Robbins Island wind project located in northwest coast of Tasmania.
ACEN Australia Managing Director David Pollington said the Federal approval is a key achievement and important for the Tasmanian economy. “It comes at a time when Australia faces a stalling energy transition and looming power shortages as coal exits the system. It also reflects the depth and rigor of ACEN’s work to address the assessment criteria and scrutiny ap -
Thoughts and prayers or action? Debate erupts after Minneapolis school shooting
By Peter Smith & Tiffany Stanley The Associated Press
THOUGHTS and prayers.
The invocation appears like a litany after every mass shooting—and the backlash is just as inevitable.
As if the slaughter of children amid screams and shattered stained glass wasn’t cause enough for grief, American opinion makers were convulsed once again this week in a debate over the role of prayer in the wake of a mass shooting, this time at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
Those who support some legal restrictions on guns, often Democrats, say that Republican politicians who appeal to prayer are trying to distract from their own inaction on such things as red flag laws or stricter background checks on gun purchases.
peace,” according to a statement from the Myanmar government.
Xi has also met the leaders of Kazakhstan, Nepal and Maldives.
Some guests including Putin will follow Xi to Beijing to attend a military parade on Sept. 3, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan and the end of World War II. North Korea’s Kim Jong Un will also be there.
With assistance from Sudhi Ranjan Sen / Bloomberg
the Philippines has been known as an ally and strategic partner of the US.”
Latest Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed the US remains to be the Philippines’s top export destination. Manila shipped $7.76 billion to the US in the January to July 2025 period, equivalent to 16 percent of the country’s exports pie. Hong Kong, meanwhile, was the Philippines’s second top export market in the seven-month period this year, as the Philippines shipped $6.83 billion or 14.1 percent share of the Philippine export receipts.
n Explanation by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on the government’s borrowings and disbursements.
n Explanation on why the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)’s 2025 budget surpassed that of the education sector, in violation of the 1987 Constitution.
n Explanation on how the DBM will implement Executive Order 82 strengthening the Regional Development Councils, when traditionally only 20 percent of the output of local development councils is adopted in the NEP when the local government units know the needs and priorities of their localities.
n Explanation on the government’s policy on unprogrammed appropriations, which were tapped by lawmakers in inserting P1.1 billion into the flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro.
n Explanation of the DBM’s efforts to promote transparency and educate the public on how their taxes are spent. Butch Fernandez
plied through the approvals process,” he said in a statement.
The wind project will also help the state and federal governments reach legislated emissions commitments, including Tasmania’s goal to double clean energy production by 2040, half by 2030.
The transmission line to connect the project to the grid is following a separate approvals process expected to be completed in 2026, allowing the project to start generating power in 2030.
ACEN said it will now work through the detailed approval conditions to understand implications for project design and ongoing environmental monitoring while continuing preparations for its transmission proposal, scheduled for assessment in 2026.
For Zabaleta, “this approval is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the ACEN Australia team. Over many years, they have worked closely with regulators, communities, and experts to address complex challenges and ensure the project meets the highest standards. Their achievement not only advances a AUD 3 billion investment for Tasmania but also shows how large-scale renewables can be responsibly developed to deliver long-term value.”
The debate after the Minneapolis attack quickly and starkly turned political.
Current and former White House spokeswomen also got into the mix. Jen Psaki, who was spokesperson for former President Joe Biden, stated on X: “Prayer is not freaking enough. ... Prayer does not bring these kids back.” Karoline Leavitt, spokesperson for President Donald Trump, retorted in a news conference: “In a time of mourning like this, when beautiful young children were killed while praying in a church, it’s utterly disrespectful to deride the power of prayer in this country, and it’s disrespectful to the millions of Americans of faith.”
Talking past each other
“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey told a news conference after the shooting, in which an assailant killed two Annunciation students and wounded 18 other people attending Mass.
Critics, especially on the right, chided the Democratic mayor.
“It is shocking to me that so many left-wing politicians attack the idea of prayer in response to a tragedy,” Republican Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, posted on X. “Literally no one thinks prayer is a substitute for action. We pray because our hearts are broken and we believe that God is listening.”
The debate is not just about the power of prayer. In the United States— with both a large religious population and the most mass shootings in the world—it’s also a polarized debate about gun control.
In other words, the episode set off rhetorical skirmishes along two of the biggest dividing lines in America’s cultural and political wars: God and guns. (That doesn’t even count the scrutiny over the motives and gender identity of the shooter, who died by suicide after the attack.)
Prayers good but ‘not enough’ FREY tapped into the principle of “Tikkun Olam,” in his Jewish faith, which speaks about repairing the world.
“The meaning there is, prayers are good, but they are not enough,” Frey said on CNN. “It’s only adequate if you can attach an action to the work. And in this case, we know what the solutions are. They’ve been the same solutions three years ago, five years ago, 15 years ago.”
He said if Vance would support legislation to curb gun violence, “maybe we’re not really having an argument.”
Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter was one of 17 murdered in the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, replied angrily to Vance’s post on X.
“I am not a left-wing politician. I am the father of Jaime who was murdered in the Parkland shooting,” Guttenberg posted on X. “YOU ARE MISERABLE AND WRONG. It is shocking to me how politicians like you mock and use the idea of ‘thoughts and prayers’ to cover for your prior and future inaction and the reality that I visit my forever 14 daughter at the cemetery.”
This has been a long-running debate. After a 2015 California mass shooting left 14 people dead, the New York Daily News ran a frontpage headline, “GOD ISN’T FIXING THIS,” surrounded by tweets from Republican politicians offering prayers in response. The newspaper opined that “cowards who could truly end gun scourge continue to hide behind meaningless platitudes.”
Similar sentiments followed the latest Minneapolis shooting. “America prays but does not act. Gun worship is killing us,” the Rev. Jacqui Lewis of Middle Collegiate Church in New York posted on X. Republicans, in turn, have framed mass gun violence in terms of a mental health crisis or, in cases such as the Annunciation attack, hate crimes against religious groups, while emphasizing the constitutional right to “keep and bear arms.”
JOHN FEA , a historian of American politics and religion, said politicians have long called for prayers in crises such as the American Revolution and the Civil War. Most religious traditions would say that “at least prayers are appropriate in a situation like this,” he said.
But both sides talk past each other about next steps.
Everyone wanting stricter gun laws “sees the idea of thoughts and prayers as not accomplishing anything,” said Fea, a fellow at the Lumen Center in Madison, Wisconsin. And to be sure, “a significant number of those who offer thoughts and prayers at these moments also oppose gun control,” he noted. It’s not that they don’t want action, but they are “raising questions of spiritual problems in the culture or mental health issues that need to be addressed,” Fea said. “Anything but gun legislation.”
The two major parties have starkly different religious constituencies, which reflects how they talk about prayer. Republicans have drawn strong support from conservative white and Latino evangelicals and other white Christians; Democrats have a more diverse coalition of minority racial and religious groups and secular voters. Catholics across the divide POPE LEO XIV focused on the spiritual in his response, sending “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child.”
While the first American pope didn’t address gun control this week, he appeared to do so when he was a lesser-known Bishop Robert Prevost in 2017, according to the Substack site Letters from Leo. After a mass shooting in Las Vegas, a Twitter account in Prevost’s name retweeted a senator’s post that castigated his colleagues for not approving more gun controls, saying their “cowardice to act cannot be whitewashed by thoughts and prayers.” Catholic bishops reflect the divide.
“While we join our prayers with others that those injured in body and spirit will heal and that the murdered children will be received into heaven, we must also cry out for action to prevent even one more such tragedy,” said Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich. In a statement, he called for “common sense” policies to limit guns’ availability, lamenting that such ideas “have been largely rejected in the name of a freedom not found in our constitution.” He also called for restoration in funding cuts to mental health.
Bishop Robert Barron called Mayor Frey’s comment’s “asinine,” in a Fox News Digital interview that he reposted on his Facebook page, which has 3 million followers. Barron is bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, but has a wider reach with his Word on Fire Ministries.
“Friends, prayer doesn’t magically protect us from suffering,” Barron added in his post. “At its core, prayer is raising the mind and heart to God, which is absolutely appropriate in times of deep pain.” Saint Paul and Minneapolis Archbishop Bernard Hebda, whose flock includes those at Annunciation, emphasized both prayer and action.
“We need an end to gun violence,” he said.
IN this photo provided by Indian Prime Minister’s Office, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, hold a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. INDIAN PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE VIA AP
‘PHL to raise coco methyl ester blend in 2026’
TBy Ada Pelonia @adapelonia
HE government will lift the suspension on the implementation of a higher biodiesel blend in 2026 owing to a projected increase in coconut output, according to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
PCA is a member of the NBB.
Mandaluyong City.
Buted is banking on the increased budget for the PCA’s fertilization program to prop up coconut production. The government has earmarked P1.8 billion for the agency’s fertilization projects this year and in 2026.
He said the P153 million previously allocated for the project could only fertilize 3 million of the 345 million standing coconut trees in the country every year.
With the additional budget, this could fertilize around 45 million trees, which signals an increase in yield to 55 nuts per tree from 44 nuts, he added.
ducing greenhouse gas emissions, and bolstering the local biodiesel and bioethanol sectors.
Earlier, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) projected that the suspension of the scheduled hike in biodiesel blend could dent the country’s production of the biofuel this year. The international agency said that if the B4 implementation is suspended, the Philippines will churn out only 360 million liters in compliance with the B3 mandate for the full year.
“We are reviewing the resolution, and in the first quarter of 2026, we are ready to implement the B5. It will be another set of agreements between the DOE,” PCA Administrator Dexter Buted told reporters on the sidelines of a recent coconut trade fair in
Last July, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued an advisory, suspending the hike in coconut methyl ester (CME) blend to 4 percent (B4) and 5 percent (B5), scheduled for October 1, 2025, and October 1, 2026, respectively. This followed the National Biofuels Board’s (NBB) recommendation to postpone the mandated increase in biofuels blend due to the surge in copra quotations, which could put pressure on pump prices.
FAO announces 3 new GIAHS designations
AFORMER iron sand mine transformed into a terraced agro-silvo-pastoral system, a landscape of stone-walled citrus orchards in Japan, and an iconic Mediterranean terraced system on the steep coastal slopes of Italy are the latest additions to the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS).
The new sites bring the number of GIAHS to more than 100 worldwide in the year that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) celebrates its 80th anniversary.
These systems were formally designated under the FAO flagship program during a meeting of the GIAHS Scientific Advisory Group last August 26. With these three new additions, the global agricultural heritage network now includes 102 systems across 29 countries, with Japan reaching 17 sites and Italy adding its third.
FAO said these dynamic and resilient systems embody rich agrobiodiversity, traditional knowledge, invaluable cultures, and landscapes, sustainably managed by farmers, herders, fisherfolk, and forest communities in ways that support local livelihoods and food security.
“FAO is honored to welcome these exceptional new sites into the family of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. Each site stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of rural and agricultural communities, showcasing sustainable farming practices that have been carefully maintained and adapted through generations,” said Kaveh Zahedi, Director of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment at the FAO.
Amalfi lemon orchards
PERCHED on steep terraces of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, centuries-old farming communities have shaped a striking landscape of lemon groves, olive trees, and vineyards overlooking the sea. The iconic “Sfusato Amalfitano” lemon is grown under chestnut pergolas using manual techniques and harvested by so-called “flying farmers” — a term coined by the way they balance and walk along the pergolas during harvest.
Terraces built with dry-stone walls prevent erosion, stabilize the land, and help regulate water and temperature. This territory holds up to 800 lemon trees per hectare, yielding up to 35 tons using low-
input, pesticide-free methods. It is also rich in biodiversity, with over 970 plant species, including rare Mediterranean flora.
Women play a key role, contributing to farm labour and traditions in this system.
The terraced system is also a recognized Unesco World Heritage site, serving as powerful example of sustainable Mediterranean mountain agriculture.
Japan’s mikan orchard
IN the mountainous Arida-Shimotsu region of Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, generations of farming families have cultivated mikan (Citrus unshiu) for over 400 years. This traditional system is built on stone terraced orchards, adapted to steep slopes and the region’s humid subtropical climate. The terraces maintain vital soil and water functions and support more than 30 mikan varieties adapted to local microclimates.
Rooted in small-scale family farming using time-tested methods, the system preserves traditional knowledge, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change. Traditional techniques and dry-stone walls help to regulate drainage, retain heat and prevent cold damage, while beekeeping, forestry, and intercropping with vegetables contribute to food security and economic resilience.
Festivals, culinary traditions, and stories associated with mikan varieties reflect the cultural practices and collective values in Arida.
In Japan’s Okuizumo region, degraded soils from former iron sand mining were transformed into terraced rice fields nourished by centuries-old, communitymanaged irrigation canals. There, farmers developed a unique circular system combining rice cultivation, forestry, cattle grazing, and buckwheat farming that reuses local resources.
Central to this system is the role of Japanese Black Cattle, which provide both income through high-quality beef and supply manure to enrich paddy soils. Buckwheat, adapted to upland slopes, serves as a key cultural crop alongside rice and vegetables.
Despite challenges such as depopulation, the system remains resilient due to strong cultural ties, landscape stewardship, and locally rooted innovation.
“We are positive (that the suspension will be lifted) because by this year, if we apply fertilizer, our production will increase, and that can be enough…for what we need for biodiesel.”
Buted expects the country’s coconut production to settle at around 17 million metric tons
(MMT) this year and 19 MMT in 2026. These figures are higher than the 14.77 MMT output recorded in 2024.
Under the Biofuels Act of 2006 or Republic Act (RA) 9367, all liquid fuels for motors and engines sold in the country should be blended with biofuels.
In 2007, the Philippines implemented a 1-percent biodiesel blend (B1) in compliance with RA 9367. This was increased to 2 percent or B2 in 2011.
The government raised it to 3 percent or B3 only last year, a move aimed at minimizing the country’s dependence on imported fuels, re -
“While coconut production is abundant in the Philippines, the bulk of coconut oil goes to traditional exports, reducing available supply for biodiesel producers.”
Coconut oil prices have recently skyrocketed to a historic $2,771 per metric ton (MT) in the international market, based on World Bank data. Industry sources attributed this to tight supply in top-producing regions.
EU, Japan potential markets for coconut products—PCA
WITH Washington announcing reciprocal tariffs on imports entering the United States, the Philippines could deliver more coconut products to other markets to cushion the trade policy’s impact on the country’s top farm export.
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Administrator Dexter Buted said diversifying the country’s markets for coconut products is an option that exporters could consider.
“The US is a big market, but there is a bigger market and that’s the European Union,” Buted told reporters on the sidelines of a recent coconut trade fair in Mandaluyong City.
“Japan and China are also potential markets where we can divert some of our products instead of sending them to countries with [bigger] tariffs...that’s one of our options.”
Buted noted the increasing de -
mand on coconut-based products from the EU, China, and Japan, particularly for virgin coconut oil (VCO), desiccated coconut, and coconut water.
However, the PCA chief said the US remains a critical market for the Philippines, even if the demand from other markets could corner the share that might be left by the US.
“We really can’t discount the US. It’s just that if we [get the] chop because of the tariff, we have to divert so we can still remain the number one top exporter for coconut in the world.”
Demand
EARLIER , the United Coconut Association of the Philippines (Ucap) expressed confidence in a potential rise in coconut shipments to the US despite getting the same tariff treatment as Indonesia, the leading producer of the crop.
Ucap Chairman Marco Reyes
said the additional tariffs would dent the demand for coconut imports as it would trickle into the cost of the product, which could spur a sharp pullback in consumer spending.
“Coconut importation from the Philippines will be 19 percent more expensive now to American consumers, compared to zero percent in the past. That will dampen the overall demand of coconut imports,” Reyes told the BusinessMirror.
However, he noted that recent developments in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could allow for more shipments of Philippine coconuts to the US.
“Exports to US might [as] well increase from two developments: the FDA has removed coconut as an allergen, and the FDA Commissioner said they might remove the cap on saturated fat in the US Dietary Guidelines.” He explained that under the
current rules, the ceiling on saturated fat stands at 10 percent. Coconut oil is the most saturated fat at 95 percent, he added.
“[Based on] their evidence, saturated fat does not cause cardiovascular disease.”
He also gave assurances that Philippine coconut would remain competitive against Indonesia.
“There will be no effect in terms of the competitiveness of Philippine coconut products as compared to Indonesia, since the tariffs are on parity.”
Reyes said the 19-percent duties slapped on the country’s coconuts would not affect their profit margin or price.
“Tariff is paid by the importing company. The Philippines’s coconuts also have a big demand in the EU.”
In the Philippines, earnings from coconut-based products surged to $1.67 billion in the first semester as supply constraints sent prices soaring. Ada Pelonia
Global pharma firm obtains FDA nod for bird flu vaccine
TOP pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim
Philippines said it has secured the approval of the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a vaccine against avian influenza or bird flu.
The company also vowed to support the country’s poultry industry through science-driven solutions that help curb transboundary animal diseases and “help farmers protect poultry, sustain livelihoods, and bolster the nation’s food supply.”
“The rollout of this vaccine strengthens the country’s programs on the fight against avian influenza, giving farmers the means to better protect their flocks,” Boehringer Ingelheim
Philippines Head of Animal Health Michael Banawa said in
a statement.
“We are committed to supporting the government’s national strategy and to ensuring that poultry health continues to safeguard food security for Filipino families.”
The Department of Agriculture (DA) recently announced that the FDA, an attached agency of the Department of Health, has approved Boehringer’s Volvac B.E.S.T. AI + ND, the country’s first vaccine against bird flu.
Boehringer Ingelheim said the vaccine can be administered to healthy chickens as early as 10 days old to protect against the deadly and highly contagious bird flu and velogenic Newcastle disease. It added that vaccinated flocks develop immunity within 10 to 14 days.
“With the approval of the country’s first avian influenza vaccine, widespread vaccination is now vital to strengthen long-term disease prevention, stabilize supply chains, and protect national food security.”
The company noted that since bird flu is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild birds, it should be controlled due to its significant impact on the poultry industry and global trade.
As such, bird flu remains a persistent threat to the poultry sector, leading to widespread culling, transport restrictions, and trade disruptions that jeopardize food supply.
SUNNY skies and mild temperatures this week greeted the biggest US farm show of the year. The contrast couldn’t be greater with the sentiment among attendees as low crop prices and trade tariffs squeeze the agricultural sector. The market for American crops is getting “pretty nasty,” said Scott Metzger, who drove more than 300 miles (482 kilometers) to attend. That helped to keep the mood subdued at the Farm Progress Show this week in Illinois. Metzger grows soybeans, corn and wheat
in central Ohio, and he said farmers are dealing with too much chaos to think about spending this year on big-ticket items like the gleaming tractors and combines on display. It’s the latest sign of trouble for the US farm economy. America’s farmers are expecting bumper crops this fall, but they’ve got little idea of where all the supplies will go. China, historically the biggest buyer of US soybeans, hasn’t inked a deal for a single cargo from this year’s harvest, which starts next month. Blowback from President Donald Trump’s trade war has
served to further chill the administration’s already icy relationship with the Asian country. Tariff tensions are making the North American farm market the most uncertain in the world even as conditions in Europe and Asia start to improve, according to Gerrit Marx, chief executive
Globally, the company noted that vaccination has proven effective as it reduced bird flu outbreaks in France from over 300 to 10 in one year. In China, modeling studies suggest it can lower bird culling by more than 90 percent during outbreaks, it added. Based on latest government data, nine provinces and 138 barangays remain affected by bird flu.
“As recurring outbreaks threaten farms, livelihoods, and national food security, long-term protection through enhanced surveillance, stricter biosecurity, and widespread vaccination has become the country’s best defense against avian influenza.” Ada Pelonia
However, Boehringer Ingelheim said vaccination serves as a critical layer of defense, limiting virus transmission, protecting flocks, and reducing the economic fallout of outbreaks.
US farmers are pulling back on spending in threat to rural economy
and
world’s top fertilizer producer Nutrien Ltd.
“Farming in the US will change,” Marx said in an interview, noting that growers are trying to figure out how to adapt to shifting conditions.
“The fields will all be green. The question is: What grows? And for
BusinessMirror file photo
House Resolution 201: Holding ‘funders’ of anomalous and ghost projects accountable
THE recent filing of House Resolution 201 by Deputy Speaker Ronaldo V. Puno, calling for an investigation into the funding of anomalous construction projects in the 2025 national budget, is a welcome, albeit overdue, step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in government spending. The allegations of “ghost” projects, signs of collusion among contractors, and the questionable role of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) paint a disturbing picture of potential corruption that demands immediate and thorough scrutiny. (Read the BusinessMirror story: “Puno seeks probe into ‘funders’ of ghost flood control projects,” August 28, 2025).
Senator Panfilo Lacson’s exposé, cited in the resolution, reveals a deeply troubling “systemic and institutionalized” pattern of abuse in the allocation and release of funds, particularly for flood control projects. The coded allocations, overinflated costs, and outright fabrication of projects are not mere “technical glitches,” as Puno rightly points out, but “clear red flags of corruption.” These alleged irregularities not only siphon off public funds but also leave vulnerable communities exposed to the very dangers these projects were supposedly designed to mitigate.
The DBM’s admission that certain funds from congressional insertions were intentionally withheld for later release, contingent upon specific conditions, further complicates the matter. While the rationale behind this practice may be justifiable on the surface, it raises serious concerns about transparency and potential manipulation. The selective release of funds creates an environment ripe for abuse, where political considerations can override the genuine needs of the public.
The investigation called for in House Resolution 201 must leave no stone unturned. It is imperative that the “funders” or sponsors of these anomalous projects are identified and held accountable. The role of the DBM in the release and withholding of funds must also be thoroughly examined to determine whether any irregularities or breaches of protocol occurred.
This investigation is not just about uncovering past wrongdoings; it is about restoring public trust in the government’s ability to manage public funds responsibly. Transparency is paramount. The public has a right to know how their tax money is being spent and to be assured that it is being used for the benefit of all citizens, not for the enrichment of a select few.
The House of Representatives must take this resolution seriously and conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation. The findings of this investigation should be made public, and those found responsible for any wrongdoing must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Only then can we begin to exorcise the “ghosts” in the budget and ensure that public funds are used effectively.
Deputy Speaker Puno’s resolution represents a crucial move to rebuild public trust in the government’s capacity to manage resources efficiently and ethically. The House of Representatives must seize this chance to examine funding processes closely and hold accountable those who exploit the system for personal gain.
The fight against corruption requires not only vigilance but also a collective effort to foster a culture of transparency and integrity in public service. Now is the time for action, before the machinery of corruption further entrenches itself at the expense of the Filipino people.
Navigating the cost crunch
IRISING
NFLATION may not be making headlines right now—this July, the country’s overall inflation rate dropped to just 0.9 percent, its lowest since 2019—but there is still tension for Filipino business owners this year. They worry about how labor costs, higher electric bills, and unreliable supply chains keep squeezing their margins.
The numbers only tell half the story. So when store owners start paying extra for delivery, for example, they need to get creative and look for better deals with wholesalers instead of relying on their usual supplier. It’s a delicate balancing act where one wrong move can mean losing loyal customers.
For bigger businesses, the stakes—and the lessons—are just as real. When a business decides to save on costs by switching to a cheaper ingredient or material, for example, customers will notice and sales will drop. There have been many
instances when I stopped patronizing certain products or establishments as soon as I noticed how the quality dropped. Some customers might even take to social media to voice their disappointment, and that is definitely not good for business. Sacrificing quality to cut expenses isn’t worth the risk.
Efficiency is now the mantra for many businesses. Fast-tracking automation, reengineering workflows, and relying more on outsourcing— especially to trusted Filipino remote teams—lets entrepreneurs save money and sustain quality.
Overall, winning trust is the real secret. Filipino customers notice when corners are cut, and many will walk away if quality drops. Shoppers respond best to companies that level with them, offer clear explanations, and reward loyalty. For most Filipinos, peace of mind isn’t just about low prices —it’s knowing those prices won’t suddenly change without good reason, and that what they’re buying is still worth their hard-earned money.
For instance, Zapier, an international automation firm, outsourced its customer service operations to the Philippines and achieved around 50 percent to 70 percent cost savings while also lowering wait times and improving customer loyalty. The Filipino agents helped Zapier deliver support that was both empathetic and highly responsive—showing that cost savings don’t have to mean sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction. But it’s not all about tech, though—
savvy CEOs negotiate harder with suppliers, look for new partners, and sometimes join forces to buy in bulk at lower prices. When it comes time to adjust prices, some leaders try to justify modest hikes by improving products and having honest talks with their customers. Others absorb the blow, lean harder into smart sourcing, or launch special promos to keep their regulars happy—even if their profits get a little thinner. Overall, winning trust is the real secret. Filipino customers notice when corners are cut, and many will walk away if quality drops. Shoppers respond best to companies that level with them, offer clear explanations, and reward loyalty. For most Filipinos, peace of mind isn’t just about low prices—it’s knowing those prices won’t suddenly change without good reason, and that what they’re buying is still worth their hard-earned money. In the end, survival will depend on how quickly businesses adapt. Those bold enough to embrace technology, build solid supplier relationships, and treat customer connections with care will last longer.
Ramon S. Ang: From beer to bridges, a nation’s architect
T. Anthony C. Cabangon
Lourdes
R. Calso, Dionisio L. Pelayo Ruben M. Cruz Jr.
Eduardo A. Davad Nonilon G. Reyes
D. Edgard A. Cabangon Benjamin V. Ramos Aldwin Maralit Tolosa Rolando M. Manangan
BusinessMirror is published daily by the Philippine Business Daily Mirror Publishing, Inc., with offices on the 3rd
817-1351, 817-2807. (Circulation) 893-1662; 814-0134 to 36. E-mail: news.businessmirror@gmail.com www.businessmirror.com.ph
TLITO GAGNI
HERE are men who count success in balance sheets, and there are men who measure it in highways and bridges. Ramon S. Ang belongs to the latter. Each expressway he completes is not merely concrete poured; it is a narrative of ambition, of nationshaping. And as his footprint spreads across energy, transport, and industry, one cannot help but ask: is this business, or a blueprint for leadership?
San Miguel Corporation, once a household name for beer, has transformed itself into a behemoth of infrastructure. From frothing foam to MRT lines, TPLEX roadways, and airport terminals—Ang’s empire reflects more than business. It mirrors a nation’s evolving needs. A nation still searching for direction, for progress that doesn’t falter. What sets Ang apart is that he has become, for many, the architect of their daily lives. Roads, power grids, railways—these are his lifeblood now, more than beer cans or bottles. In a sense, he has stepped forward building the pulse of a nation. His infrastructure has redefined what it means to lead in the Philippines. When others wait for policy, he builds. He doesn’t just carry the nation; he shapes it. Yet, as he strides across the coun-
try’s heartlands with his expressways, one must wonder—what does it say about the fractured spirit of the nation when it takes a businessman to build bridges where the government lingers? Our nation’s soul is cracked, but unyielding. Each infrastructure project Ang oversees adds another stitch to a nation’s torn fabric, a scar that doesn’t fade but reinforces.
This idea of “engineering solutions” goes beyond roads and railways. Ang’s mindset echoes something more profound, a fixer of nationhood’s cracks. As I remember Aber Canlas, the former DPWH Undersecretary, it’s clear: this engineering instinct is not foreign to the state’s bureaucracy. Canlas, in his time, built government projects with ease—often under the most impossible conditions. The Film Cen-
ter, controversial as it was, remains a symbol of how engineering and nation-building can blend. Ang, like Canlas, has become part of that lineage. Where others hesitate, he advances. He sees blueprints, not obstacles. And perhaps this is why he’s admired by many in both business and politics—he embodies that pragmatic belief that national problems can be solved with concrete and steel—solutions, not speeches.
However, this raises a question: does this nation, with its fractured backbone, need such businessmen to step in? The wounded spirit of the Philippines has long waited for the government to act, but often finds itself wanting. Now, it’s private capital filling the void, not public policy. Perhaps, that’s the hard truth of Ang’s rise: he isn’t just a businessman—he is, in some ways, a symbol of the gap between the state’s promise and the reality of its execution. What happens when the private sector becomes the standard-bearer for nation-building? When the state falters, does it open the door for private empires to step in?
This brings us to nationhood itself. Ang’s investments have undeniably shaped public infrastructure, and his success is measured in miles of highways, kilometers of rails, and airports that touch the sky. Yet, every project built highlights the gaping cracks in governance that led to such a dependence on private enterprises.
So, we find ourselves asking: when will the state finally take the reins? Or, perhaps, is it too late? With Ang’s powerful infrastructure projects, the country is certainly moving forward. But the question remains: when the day comes for Ang to transition from businessman to politician, will his blueprints translate into policy that heals this nation’s fractures? For now, Ang remains the architect—shaping the future with every tollway, airport, and power plant he creates. Whether he chooses to remain in the boardrooms or eventually steps into politics, one thing is clear: his influence on the nation is undeniable. Ang’s legacy is not just one of business; it is a roadmap for the future of the Philippines. RSA’s legacy, one built from the ground up—from frothing beer cans to expressways, airports, and MRT lines—reflects a mind in tune with the nation’s heartbeat, attuned to the pulse of progress and ambition. But the question lingers, as it often does when one has transformed an empire: What if that vision extended beyond concrete and steel? What if the very man who built the nation’s spine—its tollways, power grids, airports, and fuel depots—took his place at the helm of leadership? The true test for Ramon S. Ang, then, is not just about the tollways and terminals he has crafted, but the nation he will shape next—a nation bound by vision, unified purpose, and enduring strength.
SUN
Atty. Jose Ferdinand M. Rojas II
Plugging the tax leaks in public works flood control projects
ALet it rain
Joel L. Tan-Torres
DEBIT CREDIT
Part two
NOTHER vital enforcement tool that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) can deploy in tax investigations of these big-ticket contractors is the strategic use of incentives for informants and whistleblowers. In many cases, the most revealing leads on unrecorded or irregular financial flows come from insiders —employees, subcontractors, suppliers, or even government personnel—who have firsthand knowledge of questionable transactions. Civic-minded citizens can also communicate with the government authorities their observations of the status and progress of public work projects being done near their residences.
The National Internal Revenue Code (Tax Code) provides a direct mechanism for this under Section 282, known as the Informer’s Reward. This provision authorizes the BIR to grant a cash reward equivalent to 10 percent of the basic tax recovered or P1 million per case, whichever is lower, to any person (except certain government employees) who voluntarily provides definite and sworn information leading to the discovery of tax fraud and the collection of taxes and penalties therefrom.
In the context of these flood control contracts, such tips could involve:
n Unrecorded payments to political patrons or “sponsors” of projects. n Ghost purchases of materials, where receipts are fabricated to pad project costs.
n Understated revenues from subcontracting arrangements and intentional non-declaration.
n Side agreements that divert a portion of project funds away from legitimate expenses.
These are transactions that may never appear in formal accounting and tax records but can be proven through corroborating documents, bank transaction data, photos of unfinished projects, or the testimony or information from credible witnesses. By actively publicizing and enforcing the informers’ reward program, the BIR can encourage those with knowledge of these irregularities to come forward—secure in the knowledge that the law entitles them to a tangible share of the recovered taxes.
In recent months, BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. has emphasized citizen participation in exposing tax corruption and fraud. Commissioner Lumagui has opened a direct reporting line (commissioner@ bir.gov.ph) to receive whistleblower tips on tax fraud. Over the past months, the BIR has received leading information from the citizenry on tax irregularities about unregistered VAPE outlets and warehouses, and smuggled excisable articles such as cigarettes, alcohol products, and other tax shenanigans. These have led to the filing of criminal charges against these erring taxpayers with the Department of Justice. Even President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged the public to “name and shame” unscrupulous contractors involved in the massively funded but poorly implemented flood control projects in https://sumbongsapangulo.ph// The Department of Justice (DOJ) has also joined the bandwagon of whistleblower program proponents. DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla recently announced that the lawyer of a potential whistleblower on a “ghost” flood control project in Central Luzon reached out to DOJ. This has to do with projects worth about P5 billion, according to the DOJ secretary. He was given details on a modus operandi in relation to this. Secretary Remulla believes the possible whistleblower could name government officials involved in allegedly anomalous projects. The justice secretary added, the DOJ is ready to accommodate whistleblowers on flood control programs as it also has a witness protection program. If paired with strict confidenti-
ality safeguards and efficient case handling, this approach can break the code of silence that often shields entrenched corruption in both the public works sector and its private contracting partners. In high-value projects where billions of pesos are at stake, even one credible informant can mean the difference between a closed case and a multi-million-peso tax recovery.
The lesson that can be picked up from these developments is that a well-funded and credible whistleblower program encourages informants to break the code of silence that shields entrenched corruption and promotes revelations of information and evidences against inappropriate behavior. The Philippines could enhance its program by proceeding with the following measures: Strengthen informers’ reward mechanisms—Raise the P1 million ceiling on informer’s reward imposed by the Tax Code, accelerate payouts of these awards, and ensure anonymity of the informants.
Institutionalize Whistleblower portals—An online whistleblower reporting hub that is enabled by Artificial Intelligence and modern technology tools, including Block Chain, can be instituted.
Impose immediate and severe sanctions against erring contractors, their families, and conniving participants to the misdeeds. Beyond tax liabilities, Commissioner Lumangui has taken steps to blacklist serious offenders from bidding, pursue criminal charges against all members of the flood control project syndicate, and require restitution for damages caused.
Publish periodic results—Regularly report on whistleblower-initiated recoveries to build public trust and demonstrate accountability.
Promote the “name and shame” culture—A whole of country approach involving the academe, civil society organizations, government, private sector and business groups, should all collaborate to instill the mindset and behavior that these irregularities in government (and even in the private sector) should not be tolerated and all should be vigilant in detecting these situations and to report these to the proper channels.
These strategies go beyond traditional tax audits. They confine fraud in real time, preserve potential tax collections before these vanish, and create a climate of deterrence. The combination of financial restraints, public oversight, operational disruption, inter-agency cooperation and effective whistleblower programs can plug multi-billion peso leaks in both the private and public sectors.
To be continued
Joel L. Tan-Torres was a former Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. He has also held various positions, including Dean of the University of the Philippines School of Business, Chairman of the Professional Regulatory Board of Accountancy, Tax partner of Reyes Tacandong & Co., and SyCip Gorres and Velayo & Co., and director of various corporate boards. He is a Certified Public Accountant who ranked No. 1 in the CPA Board Examination of May 1979. He has his own tax and consultancy practice in JL2T Consulting and can be contacted at joeltantorres@yahoo.com.
Siegfred Bueno Mison, Esq.
THE PATRIOT
THE Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) led by Mayors Benjamin Magalong, Vico Sotto, and Joy Belmonte has demanded the immediate release of specific details and the names of contractors and officials behind multi-billion peso flood control projects.
Various groups have been doing their own investigation and doing what they can to know more about how a handful of contractors bagged that much government contracts. Civil society is angry and rightly so. Transparency is the start of accountability. But I am particularly amused and amazed how various bloggers/ vloggers on social media have exposed the anomalies in flood control projects in the country.
Mainstream media radio broadcaster Ely Saludar, political journalist Christian Esguerra (Facts First host), writer and blogger Chris Tan, and even a certain Poch O’clock using his “Relitiko” series (watches of politicians) have all used ingenious ways to share what the public ought to know about how corruption can be brazen and shameless in this day and age.
Some politicians and their families have recklessly or unwittingly exposed themselves by indulging in extravagant displays of wealth, contrary to what the 1987 Constitution provides in Article XI. Just look at how several State of the Nation Address (SONA) of the current and previous presidents have become an ostentatious display of wealth by some politicians and their families. Investigative journalists need not go further; they just have to look at how watches, bags, and cars, all luxury, have become “staple” for politicians of late. Looking back, the 1935 Constitution did not have a dedicated
article about accountability of public officers whereas the 1973 Constitution introduced the requirement that “public officers and employees shall serve with the highest degree of responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, and shall remain accountable to the people” (Article XIII). Perhaps as an offshoot as to how government officials during martial law displayed their wealth 40 years ago, the framers of the 1987 Constitution decided to add modesty as part of the core concept that public office is a public trust. “Lead modest lives” is a reminder for public officials to live modestly and never flaunt their wealth, even assuming they acquired such prior to public office.
I remember former President NoyNoy Aquino who, while affording to drive a Porsche, was publicly castigated for doing so. In the process, he gave up such luxury vehicle, although arguably he may have procured it without using public funds. Such a phrase means that public officials must live within their income from government.
Modesty is a product of humility, an attribute that only a handful in Congress and in government in general have in this generation. “Lead modest lives” is the very foundation of any lifestyle check, which was somehow abandoned during the past administration of former President Duterte, but fortunately revived by President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM).
During the launching of the
There is more to the rains than just a natural downpour. The rains these days that caused floods in certain areas have revealed ghost and substandard infrastructure projects.
M4GG, Mayor Joy Belmonte, in a pre-recorded video, reminded the public to be observant of the activities of their local government officials and to account those officials who do not abide by their oath of office in Quezon City. In the same way that President BBM have solicited the help of all Filipinos in unearthing the “not so mysterious” scheme in flood control projects, Mayor Joy sounded off the alarm for all QC residents to report any sign of wrongdoing by QC officials, not only in flood control projects.
In this city where I was born and raised, the rains the past few days and the floods that went with it would certainly expose the evils of unscrupulous officials in this local government. Even without a typhoon, some roads in QC went underwater a few days ago causing inconvenience to several motorists, businesses, and residents. So, I say, let it rain—not to cause discomfort to the people but to lead them to a more powerful being in combatting corruption. In the Bible, we were taught to be joyful, whenever we face trials of many kinds. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
(James 1:2-4) In biblical history, heavy rains symbolize destruction (Noah’s Ark) or washing away the old to make way for the new.
Yet, rain can also be seen as a symbol of God’s blessing, back then and now, since rain allows for the growth of crops. From another perspective, rain can be seen as a symbol of God’s grace and mercy, washing away sins and bringing new life to believers.
Wanted: A true ‘protector of the people’ for
(Statement of the Right to Know, Right Now! coalition)
THE flood of anomalies in flood control projects lays bare the systemic networks of collusion among politicians, contractors, and public officials. The controversy could very well be just scratching the surface, the tip of the iceberg so to speak.
Meanwhile, the people could only rage against the shameless display of ostentatious wealth and luxury by contractors and politicians, likely financed by ill-gotten public funds.
Amidst this impunity, the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) and the President must make a bold and correct choice for the next Ombudsman, on behalf of the best interests of the people and the public coffers.
The Ombudsman is neither a peripheral office nor merely a personal career destination in the legal profession.
It is the institution designed by the 1987 Constitution and The Ombudsman Act to confront corruption head-on.
The Ombudsman is vested with immense powers so it could vigorously investigate motu proprio, prosecute the powerful, discipline erring officials, and recommend reforms that cut through entrenched practices of corruption and abuse of state resources.
It was created to rise above political loyalties and serve as the public’s sentinel, the Protector of the People.
Presently the JBC is perform-
ing the crucial task of evaluating the qualifications of 17 applicants. The scheduled interviews started on August 28 and will be done by Tuesday, September 2. Forthwith, the JBC will then submit its recommendations and from this pool the President will appoint the next Ombudsman.
Transparency, accountability, and good governance are values that seem headed for total collapse, given the massive corruption in flood control projects.
And as sure as night follows day, the story repeats on a bigger scale in the procurement of roads and bridges, school buildings, medicine and medical equipment, information and communication tools, among other big-ticket goods and services.
A competent Ombudsman, fiercely independent, with unquestionable integrity, immune from partisan
The prophet Elijah was a man with a prayerful nature like most Filipinos. Elijah prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the sky poured rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” Elijah’s story (1 Kings 17-19) encourages us to look at the rain, or its absence, in a spiritual way. During the time of the prophet Elijah, rains were seen as supernatural signs that tested the people’s faith and pointed them to God. There is more to the rains than just a natural downpour. The rains these days that caused floods in certain areas have revealed ghost and substandard infrastructure projects. These rains, which presumably led several legislators to abuse their positions to make budget insertions for selfish reasons, have led to an angry President BBM, who I hope will make the audit of these flood control projects as his parting legacy to the country. May our President and the rest of the mayors in M4GG continue to encourage concerned citizens to pour out their contributions to help each other get rid of scalawags in government.
Placing ourselves in Elijah’s shoes, we must pray for spiritual rain to come pouring over our land to allow the Filipino to keep on praying for physical rains to expose the evils of government. Let it rain!
Siegfred has a diversified set of education and experiences which has made him a game changer and a servant leader in organizations such as the Philippine Army, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, a US based software development company called Infogix Inc, University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Airlines, SM Prime Holdings, Franklin Baker Company of the Philippines, and SONAK Corporation. His professional degrees came from the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.
Siegfred is a former soldier and a lawyer by profession, an educator and inspirational speaker by passion, and a book author, writer, and radio broadcaster with a mission.
Ombudsman
politics, and possessed of the courage to take on the most difficult and complex cases—this is our crying need, our fervent want, our desperate common prayer. We cannot afford an Ombudsman who is timid, compromised, or beholden. We need one who will not blink in the face of political pressure and who will use the office’s full powers to uncover, prosecute, and prevent corruption. The responsibility now lies with the JBC and, ultimately, with the President. Their choice will be a test of whether official pledges to fight corruption will translate to real and decisive action.
We need and want, and deserve, an Ombudsman who will send the crooks to jail and restore our faith in public accountability, transparency, good governance, and genuine public service.
China factory activity slump continues despite tariff relief
CHINA’S factory activity remained stuck in contraction in August, as a government crackdown on price wars holds back production and offsets the boost for manufacturers of the US’ extended trade truce.
The official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index was 49.4, versus 49.3 in July, the National Bureau of Statistics said Sunday. The median estimate of economists surveyed by Bloomberg was 49.5. A reading below 50 indicates contraction.
The non-manufacturing measure of activity in construction and services rose to 50.3 from 50.1 last month, the statistics office said. The forecast was 50.2.
The months-long slump for factories has fed into a slowdown in the economy, which weakened sharply in July even as trade ties with the US continued to stabilize after Presi-
dent Donald Trump extended a pause on higher tariffs for Chinese goods for another 90 days, into early November.
Extreme weather has disrupted construction and travel, and a worsening downturn in the housing market has put an additional drag on activity.
The government campaign to curb overcapacity at home is adding to the sting of tariffs. Local governments limited new investment in industries suffering from intense competition, according to analysts, with officials taking aim at practices they blame for sapping profits and driving deflation.
“China’s August PMIs showed the economy hasn’t shaken off July’s weakness—in line with our assessment that more than just bad weather is to blame. The sharp retreat in manufacturing let up only margin-
ally, with the details showing weak
demand. Construction contracted at its fastest pace since the pandemic, as the housing downturn piled on more pressure,” said Bloomberg economists Chang Shu and David Qu.
The lack of a more pronounced rebound in manufacturing has raised the prospect of greater support for economic growth from Beijing, especially if the trade war flares up again.
President Donald Trump has threatened 200% tariffs if China doesn’t deliver on shipping rare earth minerals that are critical to everything from electric vehicles to missiles.
While overseas shipments to nonUS markets have more than compensated for a drop in orders from America so far this year, it’s not clear if foreign demand will hold up in the coming months.
China has partly relied on third countries to circumvent tariff bar-
riers and for the manufacturing of final products or components. That trend is facing the test of tightening US scrutiny over rerouting of Chinese shipments, which could weigh on exports in the coming months. And there may be more headwinds ahead. The Mexican government plans to increase tariffs on China as part of its 2026 budget proposal, Bloomberg News has reported, satisfying a longstanding demand from Trump.
“On the positive side, the export activities managed to stay resilient despite higher tariffs from the US,” said Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management. “The macro outlook for the rest of the year largely depends on how long exports can stay strong and whether fiscal policy will become more supportive in fourth quarter.” With assistance from Tian Ying and Colum Murphy/Bloomberg
BusinessMirror
Not meddling in Marcoleta’s flood
control probe–Lacson
SEN. Rodante Marcoleta’s insinuation that he is meddling in Marcoleta’s work as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee in probing flood control projects drew a reaction on Sunday from Sen. Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson.
The Blue Ribbon is set to conduct on Monday (September 1) its hearing into the mess involving substandard and ghost flood control projects, after no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denounced the corruption behind hundreds of billions in flood control projects. This, despite a trail of substandard infrastructure that collapsed during the ongoing series of floods from typhoons and the southwest monsoon.
In reacting to Marcoleta, Lacson was referring to the senator’s insinuation in his television program that Lacson sought to adjust the schedule of the hearing because he did not want him to chair the hearing.
“In his TV program, he was criticizing some of us—myself, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, along with Senate minority leader Vicente Sotto III for proposing the creation of an independent body to investigate flood control anomalies in what he claims to be an attempt to undermine the mandate of the Blue Ribbon Committee which he
Freshly
MBCDA clears ₧57.5B worth of investments in 1st 8 months
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
STATE-RUN firm Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it approved P57.5 billion worth of investments in the January to August 2025 period, positioning it as the third top investment promotion agency (IPA) in the country.
At a briefing on Friday in Makati City, BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang told reporters: “So maybe we’ll be the third [top inves-
ment promotion agency]. Next to the BOI [Board of Investments] and Peza [Philippine Economic Zone Authority].”
BCDA is one of the country’s IPAs. The top IPA remains to be the Board of Investments (BOI), which approved P382.8 billion worth of investments in the first half of 2025, the latest data it presented to the public through the budget hearing for the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This is 22 percent of its P1.75-trillion target for investment pledges this year.
Another IPA, the Peza, greenlighted P105.38 billion in investments in the January to August 2025 period or 42 percent of its P250-billion target for 2025. While the state-run firm did not give the investment figures for January to August 2024, a statement it issued in July indicated that investments surged by 64 percent to P53.5 billion in the January to July 2025 period, compared to the P32.7 billion in the seven-month period in 2024. The BCDA said main contributors
FR. FLAVIE VILLANUEVA NAMED ‘25 MAGSAYSAY AWARDEE
By Justine Xyrah Garcia
CATHOLIC
priest Flaviano
“Flavie” Villanueva has been named one of the three recipients of the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award on Sunday.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation (RMAF) announced that Villanueva was chosen for his mission of serving the poor and marginalized, noting how his work has restored dignity to those who often find themselves excluded.
He is the 14th Catholic priest to receive the award since it was first conferred in 1958.
In 2015, Villanueva established the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center to provide food, shelter, and basic services to the homeless and marginalized in Manila.
During the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, the center also became known for assisting families of alleged extrajudicial killing victims, extending livelihood aid, psychosocial support, and spaces for grieving.
The RMAF highlighted how his efforts are grounded in truth and justice, reflecting the belief that healing requires acknowledging pain and directly confronting injustice.
According to RMAF trustee Josephine Lok, Villanueva has
consistently chosen to face the difficult realities of vulnerable communities, guiding them toward healing through compassion, dignity, and justice.
“As a wounded healer, Flaviano does not shy away from the harsh realities faced by the vulnerable. Instead, he embraces them, guiding communities toward a culture of healing, where compassion, justice, and dignity are the cornerstones,” Lok said.
Villanueva’s work has also gained recognition overseas. In 2021, he received the Human Rights Tulip Award from the Dutch government, becoming the first Filipino to be honored with the distinction. In an interview, Villanueva said he sees the recognition as a call to remain faithful to his mission.
“It’s a humbling occasion…I pray that like the many advocates of goodwill and justice…both the homeless and EJK victims whom we have been journeying with seeking for healing, they may also be enveloped with the greatness of spirit, along with my fellow awardees that they may never get tired seeking for that home and healing for a better world and tomorrow,” he said. He gave assurances that the
St.
Luke’s Medical Center’s Dr. Guinevere Dy Agra:
‘The best way to quit smoking is to just quit’
By Francine Medina
aintaining lung health is vital in overall healthcare. To further boost public awareness about its importance, National Lung Month is celebrated every August by virtue of Presidential Proclamation Number 1761, signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos on July 24, 1978.
Freshly Brewed
This year’s theme is “Healthy Lungs, Healthy Life,” and in observance of National Lung Month, BusinessMirror’s digital show, “Freshly Brewed,” recently invited Dr. Guinevere Dy Agra, Head of the Institute of Pulmonary Medicine of St. Luke’s Medical Center Global City. Host and Health and Fitness editor Anne Ruth Dela Cruz, sat down with her to discuss the state of the nation’s lung health and how to care for the lungs.
As chief of the department, Agra heads the operations and organizes training seminars for the team. Agra assumed the post in January 2020, a very challenging time, she said, “The pandemic became my baptism of fire.”
Despite overcoming the Covid-19 health crisis, Agra observed that the Philippines continues to reckon with pulmonary diseases as one of the prevalent illnesses in the country. “If you review the top 10
causes of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines, respiratory diseases are still in the list. Number four, for instance, would be pneumonia.”
“And if you look at world data, most of the rates of mortality are declining. In the Philippines, children below five years old showed a downward trend. But for the elderly, 60 and above, the mortality rate is still going high.”
She observed that the country still needs to improve the state of lung health, adding that AIDS-related infections and Tuberculosis (TB), are contributors to the prevalence of lung diseases.
“TB is highly prevalent; we’re number four in the world. We’re not proud of it. We exerted a lot of effort to contain it and promote treatment and early diagnosis. Among the noncommunicable pulmonary illnesses, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is also prevalent, although many patients
are underdiagnosed and untreated.
Lung cancer also remains among the top diseases in the country. And overall, pulmonary diseases are in the top 10 causes of mortality in the country; that’s why I think we’re not yet there in managing lung diseases.”
Agra gave several reasons why Filipinos are prone to respiratory diseases: “In the urban areas, there is overcrowding. There are problems such as poverty and malnutrition, which weaken our defenses. There are still many smokers and vapers. Indoor air pollution also trigger ailments. Other factors include occupational hazards such as exposure to chemicals and pollutants at work, and urban air pollution from vehicular emissions especially during heavy traffic.”
The truth about vaping
On April 4, 2025, the Department of Health issued an alarming statement noting that tobacco and vape can take a toll on one’s mortality. The statement was made in line with a 2023 National Nutrition Survey that
revealed an increase of adult tobacco consumption from 19 percent in 2021 to 24.4 percent among adults aged 20 to 59.
The DOH emphasized that smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. At the same time, it also added that vapes and vapor products also pose major health risks such as e-cigarette or vapor productassociated lung injury (EVALI), nicotine addiction, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, among others.
“The Philippines has already recorded and published its first case of E-cigarette or Vaping Useassociated Lung Injury (EVALI)related death in a 22-year-old athletic male who had no history of smoking or other vices, but started vaping at an early age,” the DOH statement added.
In the digital show, host Dela Cruz mentioned that vaping is believed to be one step forward in ceasing smoking. On the truth behind this notion, Agra clarified: “Vaping was
initially marketed or branded as a bridge to quitting smoking. From smoking, you switch to vaping, and then you stop. But, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and even our own DOH have released statements that this may not be true and it may cause harm.”
“Although knowledge about vaping is still limited, the chemicals used in vaping may vary, and some of these do not only have nicotine, but some of these chemicals may cause injury to the lungs, which means that they can impair lung function just like the way COPD and asthma harm the lungs. They can also cause accelerated inflammation of the lungs. EVALI, a form of lung injury caused by vaping, has been found to as fatal and may even cause death.” Agra cited cases where teenagers are brought to the hospital for immediate medical attention due to difficulty in breathing, incessant coughing, and chest pains. Apparently, these young patients have no comorbidity, but upon
checking their history, they have a strong vaping record.
In the short-term, she stated, vaping can lead to acute lung disease.
“Some patients would justify their vaping to quit smoking. Research shows that they may use both. Or, they just switch their dependence on nicotine use to vaping. Ultimately, I don’t think it’s a very good tool to quit smoking. Let’s shelve that idea that vaping will be your savior in quitting smoking.”
Quitting smoking is among the most difficult habits to break, especially due to its addictive effects and various social factors. Agra pointed out that there is no other way but to have the firm resolve to just stop.
“We always ask patients about their willingness and determination to quit smoking. Then, we advise them to set up an appointment with their doctor. Some would manage on their own by supportive measures such as counseling. But occasionally, some would need medication, especially if they are highly dependent on nicotine or are heavy smokers.”
“They could also use gum, spray, or patches to help them bridge the craving. Sometimes, they might also need some psychological support to overcome the addiction. But the most important of all is the determination to overcome, and the support of family and the people around them, so they can be reminded.”
For smokers and non-smokers alike, Agra suggested getting a check-up for possible lung ailments, especially if the following symptoms persist: “Prolonged coughing for two weeks, especially if there is a lot of phlegm and blood-streaked sputum. Chest pains when coughing or when taking a deep breath. Shortness of breath during exertion.
“Nowadays, an oximeter will come in handy. If you’re oxygen is decreasing on trend, you may have to consult a medical doctor,” she advised.
•Catch the full episode on BusinessMirror’s YouTube channel. Catch fresh episodes of “Freshly Brewed”onMondays,10a.m.onYT, BusinessMirror’s website, and on its social media handles.
FLOUR POWER Contestants proudly present their pastry creations during the final judging of URC Flour’s “Bida sa Masa 2025: Be the Next Bakerpreneur” held at Bridgetowne, Pasig City on Saturday, August 31, 2025. The competition is part of the Flourishing Pilipinas initiative, which trains aspiring bakers with both technical expertise and entrepreneurship skills to help grow home-based and professional ventures. NONIE REYES
See “Fr. Flavie,” A2
Dr. Guinevere Dy Agra, Head of the Institute of Pulmonary Medicine of St. Luke's Medical Center Global City Brewed
Dr. Guinevere Dy Agra, Head of the Institute of Pulmonary Medicine of St. Luke's Medical Center Global City, talks about the state of lung health in the country with BusinessMirror's Health and Fitness Editor Anne Ruth Dela Cruz.
BusinessMirror's Health and Fitness Editor Anne Ruth Dela Cruz
Editor: Jennifer A. Ng
Companies
BusinessMirror
B1 Monday, September 1, 2025
Exec: Dito to cut ’26 capex as focus shifts to upgrades
By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan
DITO Telecommunity Corp. will scale down its capital spending in 2026 as it shifts from rapid network expansion to targeted upgrades, particularly the conversion of its 4G sites to 5G.
Eric Alberto, the CEO of Dito, said the company will likely allot a “lower” capital expenditures (capex) program next year, as it has already reached 86 percent coverage.
“I think it’s more refinement (of the network). But we still have to do our budget,” he said on the sidelines of the launch of Dito’s new campaign called Kaya Dito.
Dito has allotted between P15 billion and P18 billion for capital ex-
AirAsia bolsters Cebu
Bnoting that the sharp decline in smartphone prices is driving consumer adoption of more advanced mobile services.
Dito, which initially set a target of 20 million subscribers, is facing stiff competition in reaching that milestone, with Alberto admitting growth has been challenging amid the tougher landscape,
Nonetheless, he said Dito remains optimistic about its ability to win more customers.
penditure this year, but Alberto said investments will taper off moving forward as the company consolidates its footprint and prioritizes quality enhancements.
“All the considerable capex that we will be doing will be network upgrades and conversion of our 4G sites to 5G, so that we can reach and deliver higher quality digital services to customers within the certain price points they can afford,” he explained,
“We built a network that can accommodate achieving at least a fair share of the market, which I tell my team is 30 percent,” he stressed. “We will do that as best and as efficiently as we can in fulfilling the potential and the investment that we have put on the ground—not only in terms of hardware and software, but also in terms of people and services.”
Alberto emphasized that 5G remains central to Dito’s long-term strategy.
“If the future is really 5G—and as we are seeing, it can really compete with legacy fixed structures and provide not only technological, but also economic sense for the player and the consumers—then we should continue to invest in that area,” he said.
According to Alberto, Dito holds a distinct advantage in stand-alone 5G technology, which allows the operator to deliver more customized services across different market segments.
“If you look at 5G, we have a good head start in stand-alone 5G, while the others are still in their legacy, non-SA. Among many things, you can deliver much more tailored products and services for different price points and different markets,” he explained.
Alberto noted that currently, only about 25 percent of the population is on 5G, leaving considerable room for growth.
BCDA earmarks ₧1B for SCTEX
By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan
TATE-RUN firm Bases Conver-
Ssion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it is investing at least P1 billion in the improvement of Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in the next two years.
“In SCTEX, my goal is to complete all the interchanges that were not done before due to lack of funds. Now that we have extra revenues on top of our payment to our JICA [Japan International Cooperation Agency] loan, it’s time to give back and reinvest in the facility,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang told reporters at a media briefing on Friday in Makati City.
Bingcang said the state-run firm aims to complete three road interchanges in SCTEX in the next two years.
“Even though the toll fees are
increasing, we want to show people that our service is improving. We’ll be completing three more interchanges in Luisita, Hermosa, and Mabalacat.”
Bingcang said the interchanges would cost at least P250 million each.
“We will also be installing road lighting especially in Subic because it’s dark there. Our target is to invest at least P300 million in road lighting, for every year.”
He said BCDA intends to build more service facilities in SCTEX, especially in Subic.
Last June, the state-run firm announced it collaborated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), NLEX Corp., and the local government of Hermosa, as they aim to connect the municipality of Hermosa in Bataan to the 94-kilometer SCTEX.
In its statement issued two months ago, BCDA said the Hermo -
sa interchange will create a “critical link” between Bataan’s emerging economic zones and industrial estates to other growth corridors in Central Luzon, such as the Clark Freeport Zone, New Clark City, and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
It said this will also improve access to the BCDA-administered Bataan Technology Park in Morong, the future home of the Philippine Marine Corps.
More than just an infrastructure, BCDA said this interchange will unlock a new gateway to economic opportunities for Central Luzon, providing “much-needed” support for the region’s growing logistics and manufacturing sectors, and generating more jobs for Filipinos.
Last July, the BCDA announced its plan to expand the road interchange connecting Luisita Access Road in Tarlac City to the 94-kilometer SCTEX.
During a joint site inspection on July 4, 2025, Bingcang, Tarlac Governor Christian Tell A. Yap, Tarlac Vice Governor Lita Aquino and other key stakeholders assessed the proposed construction site for additional entry and exit ramps that will complete the SCTEX Luisita interchange’s connectivity, and provide vital access points for motorists coming to and from the north.
Currently, the interchange only provides passage for motorists driving to and from the south.
The proposed construction of the new Luisita interchange will help ease travel for motorists heading to and from the northern part of Luzon, “significantly” improving accessibility and connectivity in the region.
BCDA said this will also reduce congestion along the MacArthur Highway and adjacent roads in Tarlac.
Abra Mining, directors indicted for fraudulent trading
By VG Cabuag @villygc
THE Department of Justice
(DOJ) has indicted Abra Mining and Industrial Corp. (AR), its directors, officers, transfer agent and certain stockholders for the unauthorized and fraudulent trading of shares from 2015 to 2019. In a resolution issued on August 12, state prosecutors found evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction to charge Abra Mining for violation of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC) in relation to the Revised Corporation Code.
The company’s shares were suspended for trading at the stock exchange since March 2021.
The DOJ also implicated its officers James G. Beloy, Amelia G. Beloy, Premy Ann G. Beloy and Joel Albert G. Beloy. Also implicated were stock transfer agent Asian Transfer and Registry Corp., as well as stockholders Joseph M. Acuesta, Andrei Vincent Freight Services Corp., Jubileum Air and Sea Logistics Inc., Ferdinand U. Collado, Leila Collado and Susan May I. Gacelo.
“The indictment of AR, its officers, stock transfer agent, and stockholders marks a vital step in upholding trust and confidence in our capital market,” SEC Chairman Francis E. Lim said. “The SEC remains steadfast in its commitment to hold accountable any entity found to have violated that trust, and ensure that they are brought before the proper venues to answer for their actions.” The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a criminal complaint before the DOJ in May last year after discovering that AR issued shares in excess of the 95 billion shares registered with the SEC and listed with the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).
These unregistered/unlisted shares of stock were then offered to the public, through the PSE, upon lodgment with the Philippine Depositary and Trust Corp. (PDTC).
An investigation by the SEC Markets and Securities Regulation Department revealed that the number of AR shares lodged with PDTC totaled 258.95 billion shares as of February 2021. However, the registration statement rendered effective by the SEC covered only 95 billion AR shares, while the number of shares authorized for listing in the PSE totaled only 72.94 billion AR shares.
The number of AR shares lodged with PDTC also exceeded the 99.29 billion issued shares, and 199.29 billion outstanding shares indicated in the company’s financial statements.
That AR issued or traded shares in excess of its registered or listed shares was reflected in the PSE’s database and the company’s public ownership report and general information sheet covering the years 2014 to 2019.
“It can be gathered from (AR’s) reported shares…that (the company) knew the existence of its unregistered shares considering the declarations made in the aforementioned public documents, which Abra submitted as part of its reportorial requirements,” according to the resolution.
The DOJ noted that circumstances relating to the unregistered shares from 2015 to 2019 appear to follow a specific scheme designed to defraud or deceive the public into investing in worthless securities.
The scheme involved AR entering into transactions with Leila and Ferdinand Collado, Gacelo, Jubileum Air and Sea Logistics and Andrei Vincent Freight Services involving the unregistered or over-issued shares.
Such shares were sold below par value and were not fully paid.
UDGET carrier AirAsia Philippines said on Sunday it is strengthening its operations out of Cebu with the reopening of three domestic and two international routes from Mactan Cebu International Airport.
Starting November 15, the lowcost carrier will resume flights from Cebu to Iloilo, Caticlan, and Davao, as well as to Kuala Lumpur and Macau. The routes will be served by Airbus A320 aircraft.
AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Suresh Bangah said the move reflects the airline’s confidence in Cebu’s robust travel demand, citing Department of Tourism data showing Region 7 posted 5.1 million tourist arrivals in 2024.
“Cebu remains a major driver in realizing our growth story in the Philippines. We recognize the value of this very important route, connecting via Cebu to key domestic and international leisure markets,” he said.
The reopening also coincides with AirAsia’s recruitment push to strengthen its flight operations, with hundreds of pilot, cabin crew, and ramp agent applicants being screened to support the expanded Cebu hub.
“We look forward to further broadening opportunities in the tourism sector, helping generate jobs and ultimately contributing to inclusive economic growth. This initiative also allowed us to
PAG -IBIG Fund is urging occupants of its acquired properties to legitimize their tenure by purchasing the homes they currently occupy, now made more affordable through a 10 percent discount under its ongoing Acquired Assets Super Sale. Buyers may choose among three available payment options, namely cash, short-term installment, or a Pag-IBIG Housing Loan. The offer runs from Aug. 25 and ends on Dec. 14. The offer applies to occupied properties currently in Pag-IBIG Fund’s acquired asset inventory, and forms part of the agency’s efforts to promote homeownership under the Marcos Administration’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino, or Expanded 4PH Program.
“We are taking all available steps and launching the necessary initiatives to help Filipino workers gain homeownership, consistent with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in providing access to dignified and secure housing for all,” said Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, chairperson of the PagIBIG Fund Board of Trustees and head of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.
“We recognize that our members face different circumstances that call for tailored solutions. That is why we are addressing their varied needs through this campaign by giving current occupants of our foreclosed properties the opportunity to become legitimate homeowners.”
Under the program, eligible occupants who receive an Invitation to Purchase or Lease (ITPL) from Pag-IBIG Fund may buy the homes they currently occupy. Those who are issued an ITPL during the promotional period shall enjoy a 10 percent discount. They may choose to purchase the property through cash, short-term installment of up to 12 months, or a Pag-IBIG Housing Loan. For members opting to avail of the housing loan, those with limited income may apply with co-borrowers to help meet the required income. Meanwhile, original borrowers whose accounts were previously cancelled or foreclosed may also seek approval
welcome new allstar pilots, cabin crew and ramp agents who will augment the manpower requirements,” Bangah said.
Bangah added that the timing aligns with the start of the peak travel period in the “ber” months, when more Filipinos book flights for holidays and family reunions.
Last July, the airline said it has set its sights on new domestic hubs outside Metro Manila as part of its expansion strategy to capture rising travel demand and optimize operations amid growing passenger volumes.
Bangah said the airline is conducting route studies and cost analyses to determine the viability of establishing new operational bases in key provincial gateways.
“In terms of growth, we are looking at probably having bases out of Manila. We are currently doing the route study, the impact, and we should have within this next month or so our plan for extension of routes out of Manila to other bases.”
Among those that are being studied are “Bohol, Clark, Cebu, Tacloban.”
“We now have to calculate the route revenue and the costs.”
Bangah noted that concentrating operations in Manila remains ideal in terms of cost efficiency, but slot constraints at the capital’s airport require the airline to explore other opportunities. Lorenz S. Marasigan
from the agency to qualify for another loan under the program.
“This is the best time for occupants of our acquired properties to take the step toward legal homeownership,” said Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta. “With the 10 percent discount under our Super Sale, they can purchase the homes they already live in at a more affordable price. This allows them to finally secure legal ownership of the property and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it.”
Acosta emphasized that proceeds from these sales are plowed back into Pag-IBIG Fund’s programs, staying true to the agency’s founding principle of mutual benefit among members.
“Every peso we recover from these units helps us serve more members,” she said. “The amounts originally loaned out to acquire these homes came from the collective savings of our members. So when current occupants purchase these properties, the funds return to Pag-IBIG Fund and allow us to help even more Filipino workers who also dream of having a home of their own. This is part of how we continue to fulfill our mandate of making homeownership affordable for every Filipino worker.”
The
Banking&Finance
World Bank unit provides $255M loan to Ayala Land
By VG Cabuag @villygc
THE International Finance Corp., a member of the World Bank group, said it is providing a second sustainability-linked loan of up to $225 million, or P12.87 billion to Ayala Land Inc., marking another milestone in sustainable finance in the real estate sector.
The loan will fund the development of Greenbelt 1 in Makati and Ayala Malls Evo City in Cavite, two large-scale commercial projects with an estimated gross leasable area of 89,000 square meters.
IFC will also collaborate with Ayala Land to implement the building resilience index, or BRI, across 50 commercial and industrial properties.
Ayala Land will be the first developer globally to embed BRI into its project development process.
This latest agreement builds on IFC’s first loan to the company last year of also about $250 million, which forms part of the company’s broader sustainability-linked financing program.
“IFC is proud to deepen our partnership with Ayala Land as it pushes the frontier for sustainable real estate in the Philippines,” Amena Arif, IFC country manager for the Philippines, said.
“This programmatic approach not only mobilizes financing, but also creates jobs and strengthens resil-
ience in a country prone to extreme weather events,” Arif said.
The investment is expected to generate over 1,000 direct jobs during construction and operations, while merchant activities in the new properties are projected to employ about 3,000 workers, creating vibrant commercial ecosystems in both districts.
“By embedding sustainability into our projects, we enhance customer experience, protect long-term value for our stakeholders, and set new benchmarks for the industry,” Anna Ma. Margarita B. Dy, Ayala Land’s president and CEO, said.
“Our partnership with IFC demonstrates that sustainable financing is not only achievable, it’s scalable. This is a model for how we will fund our growth in the future,” Dy said.
The loan is linked to Ayala Land’s achievement of specific sustainability performance targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 42 percent across its commercial leasing portfolio by 2030, and the EDGE Zero Carbon certification of 1.5 million square meters of office space by the end of 2025.
By leveraging IFC’s BRI and EDGE certification tools, ALI aims to address both climate mitigation and adaptation, positioning itself as the developer with the most significant EDGE Zero Carbon-certified and BRI-rated portfolio globally.
Banks advised to handle ‘self-learning’ AI with care
ABSP stays ban on licensing of VASPs, crypto traders
By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario
THE moratorium for the granting of licenses for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) was extended indefinitely by the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
In a statement, the BSP said the extension of the moratorium considers the heightened risks associated with virtual assets (VAs). These include any digital representation of value that can be digitally traded, transferred, or used for payment, such as, but not limited to, cryptocurrencies.
BSP explained that VASPs are the entities that facilitate the exchange or transfer of VAs, such as, but not limited to cryptocurrency exchanges.
“The BSP will periodically review the moratorium on VASP licensing in line with industry developments, as it strengthens its monitoring, surveillance, and enforcement capabilities,” the BSP statement read.
“This approach ensures that the BSP can effectively address emerging risks and respond to evolving trends in the domestic and global VA landscape,” it added.
By Reine Juvierre Alberto @reine_alberto
Tflooded despite the hundreds of billions of public funds that were poured into flood control projects.
Given this, the BSP reminds the public to exercise caution, conduct due diligence, and refrain from transacting with unlicensed/unauthorized VASPs.
To verify the registration status of a VASP, refer to the official list of BSP-registered VASPs on the BSP website (www.bsp.gov.ph).
The BSP also advises the public to immediately report unlawful or suspicious activities involving VAs and/or VASPs to the BSP through its Technology Risk and Innovation Supervision Department or the Consumer Protection and Market Conduct Office.
The extension of the moratorium on VASP licensing follows the Philippines’ removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s grey list in February 2025.
BSP said it remains committed to further strengthening the country’s anti-money laundering, counterterrorism financing, and counterproliferation financing of weapons of mass destruction framework.
The task includes close monitoring of VASPs so they operate in full compliance with regulations and international standards, and implement secure, transparent, and accountable practices.
Earlier, the BSP said the Philippines has been removed from the European Union’s (EU) list of high-risk third countries on 10 June 2025—its third exit this year. In its decision, the EU cited improved effectiveness in the country’s anti-money laundering/countering the financing of terrorism regime and resolution of technical deficiencies identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona said even with this latest development, the central bank remains committed to continue its fight with financial crimes and uphold global standards. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2025/08/20/ phl-makes-3rd-exit-from-dirtymoney-hubs-list).
his bid to crack down on anomalous public works.
By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes @brownindio
FINANCIAL technology firm is cautioning banks in the AsiaPacific region to tread lightly with agentic artificial intelligence.
The potential value and differentiation that ‘self-learning’ AI can deliver to the financial services sector is exponential; but so are the risks, according to Moneythor Pte. Ltd.
The Singapore-based fintech has cited that 70 percent of organizations in the region expect agentic AI to significantly disrupt their business models within the next 18 months.
This is particularly the case within the banking sector where agentic AI’s impact on bank productivity and efficiency is actually likely to ‘exceed expectations’ over the coming 3 to 5 years.
The firm’s statement quoted its Chief Product Officer, Vivek Seetharaman, as saying that “the deep banking platform for banks, for instance, the term ‘exponential’ can be applied equally to the risks as to the potential of the technology.”
“Agentic AI will help banks realize the true potential of what we call ‘Deep Banking’; personalized (individualized) experiences, that anticipate customer requirements, and have the potential to extend beyond the domain of traditional banking services. In this sense, the impact could certainly be described as ‘exponential’,” Seetharaman said. “But—make no mistake—so are the risks.”
According to him, the risks range from data integrity (misclassified data; an account overdraft mispresented as a balance, for instance), to heightened risk of security breaches (resulting from AI agents autonomously interacting with multiple proprietary and third-party data services).
“The ‘exponentiality’ stems from the nature of agentic AI—and the very aspect that makes it so compelling; layers of decisions being made, refined and repeated based on the same logic. Agents that ‘learn’ from inaccurate or incomplete data risk compounding their errors, and the consequences for a bank and its customers are evident,” said Seetharaman.
The company explained that traditional personalization and customer engagement techniques are based on predefined rules that govern the behavior of a system, “while Agentic AI can literally learn on the job.” Seetharaman describes the incorporation and deployment of such au-
tomated agents as “’the antithesis of ‘plug and play,’ particularly within the banking sector.
Moneythor offers certain principles to ensure the realization of Agentic AI’s full potential, rather than its risks.
One is the establishment of guardrails around specific language and contexts that could signal risk or potential incoherencies.
“Importantly, these guardrails should be appropriate and applicable irrespective of the LLM [large language model],” read the company’s statement. The Amazon Web Services explains LLMs as “very large deep-learning models that are pre-trained on vast amounts of data.”
By their very nature, LLM-specific rules can become entirely ineffective in the event of an update or LLM change (an inevitability across banks with multiple systems or the result of acquisitions, according to Moneythor.
Another principle forwarded by the company points to fully-documented governance procedures for the treatment and use of all data (including third party). These should be relevant and updated for whatever jurisdiction the bank is operating (or aspiring to operate) in.
Crucially, the incorporation of human judgement and control at regular intervals, throughout the process, Moneythor explained.
“Agentic AI has particular relevance to customer relationships—from acquisition to support—since agents can not only help brands to scale a coherent, personalized experience, they do this in a ‘humanistic’ and natural way, since the agent actually learns and adapts ‘on the job’; just like human employees. However, this potential is matched by risks if not implemented with due care and attention,” he concludes.
The Everest Group wrote in a blog entry. ( https://www.everestgrp.com/ blog/the-hidden-costs-of-agentic-ai-demystifying-the-fog-around-return-oninvestment-blog.html) that agentic AI
“is basically a set of systems that are designed to have autonomy, decisionmaking abilities and intelligence to execute workflows based on various inputs and achieve defined objectives for a user or an enterprise. From handling support tickets to drafting reports, the promise is that agents will do it all.”
The website of the Biz4Group LLC notes that a simple or basic agentic AI costs between $15,000 and $40,000 while an enterprise-grade agentic AI costs between $90,000 up to $150,000 or more. ( https://www.biz4group.com/ blog/agentic-ai-development-cost)
HE Department of Finance (DOF) announced its chief has directed the country’s two main tax-collecting agencies to speed up investigations for anomalies in the government’s flood control projects, following the President’s directives to strengthen anti-corruption measures.
A post on the social media account of the DOF read that Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto met with Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr. and Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno last Friday.
Fast-tracking investigations for irregularities in flood control projects, as well as accelerating lifestyle checks, were discussed during the meeting. The BIR and BOC were also ordered to expedite tax and customs fraud audits.
It all started when a series of heavy rains in July left parts of the country
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared in his recent State of the Nation Address that there will be an audit and performance review of the flood control projects to know where public funds are being spent.
Days after, Marcos himself revealed that only 15 contractors out of the 2,409 accredited contractors managed to get a substantial portion of the P545.64-billion budget allotted for flood control projects since the start of his administration.
Of the 15 contractors, he said Legacy Construction Corporation, Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp., St. Timothy Construction Corporation, EGB Construction Corporation and Road Edge Trading & Development Services bagged flood control projects nationwide.
Marcos has also commanded “independent” lifestyle checks for all government officials and personnel involved in flood control projects in
For the DOF’s part, Recto said the agency will make sure that the hard-earned money of Filipinos truly benefits them.
“We will protect public funds and ensure that every peso collected is channeled into programs and real solutions to the needs of our people,” Recto was quoted as saying in Filipino.
This year, the BIR and BOC will raise P4.178 trillion, or 92.43 percent, of this year’s P4.520-trillion revenue collection target to fund the government’s programs and projects.
But other than collecting taxes, the BIR and BOC also carry out enforcement duties to prevent tax evasion and guard against smuggling or misdeclaration, among others.
Last week, Lumagui instructed all BIR employees to conduct a parallel audit of the contractors involved in the government’s flood control projects.
Those who will be found with underpaid or evaded tax payments will not be given an updated tax
briefs
➔ Security Bank backs Malinao farmers
clearance, will be disqualified from joining future government procurements and will have the final settlement of their existing contracts suspended.
Lumagui also said the BIR is doing lifestyle checks on the contractors and their owners, noting that several individuals linked to flood control projects were observed to be “flaunting” their properties and assets. These findings, Lumagui said, will be matched against their declared revenues to determine potential tax evasion.
“In line with the directive of the President, we are also looking into government officials. We are looking at where our investigations will lead us because this will continue to expand. The aim for that is to ensure that their assets correspond with the taxes they have paid,” Lumagui said. As of end-July this year, the BIR collected P1.681 trillion, while the BOC raised P535.9 billion. These represented year-on-year increases of 12.34 percent and 1.51 percent, respectively.
TBy Andrea San Juan
HE Department of Trade and In-
dustry (DTI) is hoping to secure an additional P2 billion for6 its 2026 budget, particularly to help spur the creative industries, which has only been allotted 11 percent of the total amount requested, foreign trade and investment marketing, among others.
We’re hoping the P12.43 billion can still go up by about P2 billion as P1.5 billion of this is the loans of SB Corp.
“Based on the budget hearing, everybody wants to support the SMEs [small-scale and medium-sized enterprises] and, of course, the foreign trade,” Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque told reporters on the sidelines of the “Coconut Trade Fair.”
Roque told reporters that for the creative industries, only P50 million was earmarked in the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP).
“Actually we were asking for P450 million. We’re hoping for them to give [that allocation] because that’s where our edge is: the creative industries,” she said emphasizing that the creative industry “is a driver for trade and tourism.”
Apart from the creative industries, Roque said the agency would be needing around P1 billion for foreign trade and investment.
“This is to also [so we can] send our people abroad to do roadshows. Kasi we want the trillion-peso businesses; but we
need money also to get more,” she added.
“And then second is from the fair trade and consumer protection. So we need to also modernize our equipment, especially in the office and get more people to actually work on this monitoring and enforcing. Kasi diba kami na rin ang nagmo-monitor ng bigas,” the country’s Trade chief said. She added that the halal industry would also need more budget, particularly for the certification.
“We have so many products but they’re not halal-certified. Why? Kasi mahal ang certification. They gave us P45 million, not much, but we’re still hoping for more,” Roque said.
The Trade chief pointed this out as she underscored that the country has 3,000 halal products. “So we’re hoping to grow that.”
During the hearing for the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last week, Roque divulged that the agency has been allocated P12.43 billion which includes DTI’s attached corporations. This is 16-percent higher than the P10.75 billion allotted for the agency in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The Exports and Investments Development program has been given P931.94 million, based on the 2026 NEP, higher by 3.28 percent from the P902.30 million earmarked in the 2025 GAA.
Meanwhile, for industry development, the DTI was allotted P710.7 million, 8.58-percent higher than the P654.57 million in the 2025 GAA.
THE Security Bank Corp. announced last Friday it has partnered with Angat Pinas Inc. and nongovernment Beacon for the Upliftment of Status of Everyone (Busoe) Inc. to launch an integrated community development project in Malinao, Aklan. The lender’s statement read that the initiative aims to enhance food security, livelihood and sustainability for local farmers and solo parents in the community. Security Bank said its one-year grant to BUSOE will support cacao plantation, poultry raising, and wilderness rescue initiatives in Barangay Kinalangay Viejo, Malinao. The lender did not disclose the amount of the grant. The lender said it envisions the project as “a catalyst for broader change.”
➔ Mastercard study bares financial journey points
MASTERCARD Inc. announced last Thursday that a new study in collaboration with the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) reveals that culturally-attuned interfaces and design, trust-building features, and security-led engagement are key to transforming financial access into active financial participation in the Philippines. The findings offer a practical blueprint for financial institutions, fintechs, and policymakers seeking to advance meaningful, long-term financial inclusion in the Philippines, read a statement issued by RCBC. This Mastercard-led study draws on pseudonymized transactional data from over 25,000 RCBC DiskarTech consumers and 6,000 terminals of RCBC’s ATM Go partner-merchant network of mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) devices from January 2022 to October 2024, and qualitative findings from focus groups held in December 2024.
➔ Salmon says upgraded payments backbone SALMON Group Ltd., the operator of the Rural Bank of Sta. Rosa (Laguna) Inc., announced last week it has “finished the development and deployment of its proprietary in-house payment orchestration platform to power transactions across its lending and savings products.” A statement issued by Salmon read that the AI-powered payment infrastructure “supports all transactions within Salmon’s ecosystem—including loan repayments, deposits, and fund transfers—by connecting seamlessly with a wide network of local banks, e-wallets, and payment providers.” Unlike a standard payment gateway, Salmon’s proprietary platform uses real-time routing, automatic fallbacks, and smart retries to maintain transaction reliability in the face of network issues or downtime, according to the company.
AI APOCALYPSE?
Why language surrounding tech is sounding increasingly religious
By Krysta Fauria The Associated Press
AT77 years old, Geoffrey Hinton has a new calling in life. Like a modern-day prophet, the Nobel Prize winner is raising alarms about the dangers of uncontrolled and unregulated artificial intelligence.
Frequently dubbed the “Godfather of AI,” Hinton is known for his pioneering work on deep learning and neural networks which helped lay the foundation for the AI technology often used today.
Feeling “somewhat responsible,” he began speaking publicly about his concerns in 2023 after he left his job at Google, where he worked for more than a decade.
As the technology—and investment dollars—powering AI have advanced in recent years, so too have the stakes behind it.
“It really is godlike,” Hinton said.
Hinton is among a growing number of prominent tech figures who speak of AI using language once reserved for the divine. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has referred to his company’s technology as a “magic intelligence in the sky,” while Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, has even argued that AI could help bring about the Antichrist.
Will AI bring condemnation or salvation?
THERE are plenty of skeptics who doubt the technology merits this kind of fear, including Dylan Baker, a former Google employee and lead research engineer at the Distributed AI Research Institute, which studies the harmful impacts of AI.
“I think oftentimes they’re operating from magical fantastical thinking informed by a lot of sci-fi that presumably they got in their formative years,” Baker said. “They’re really detached from reality.” Although chatbots like ChatGPT only recently penetrated the zeitgeist, certain Silicon Valley circles have prophesied of AI’s power for decades.
“We’re trying to wake people up,” Hinton said. “To get the public to understand the risks so that the public pressures politicians to do something about it.”
While researchers like Hinton are warning about the existential threat they believe AI poses to humanity, there are CEOs and theorists on the other side of the spectrum who argue we are approaching a kind of technological
apocalypse that will usher in a new age of human evolution.
In an essay published last year titled “Machines of Loving Grace: How AI Could Transform the World for the Better,” Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei lays out his vision for a future “if everything goes right with AI.”
The AI entrepreneur predicts “the defeat of most diseases, the growth in biological and cognitive freedom, the lifting of billions of people out of poverty to share in the new technologies, a renaissance of liberal democracy and human rights.”
While Amodei opts for the phrase “powerful AI,” others use terms like “the singularity” or “artificial general intelligence (AGI).”
Though proponents of these concepts don’t often agree on how to define them, they refer broadly to a hypothetical future point at which AI will surpass human-level intelligence, potentially triggering rapid, irreversible changes to society.
Computer scientist and author Ray Kurzweil has been predicting since the 1990s that humans will one day merge with technology, a concept often called transhumanism.
“We’re not going to actually tell what comes from our own brain
versus what comes from AI. It’s all going to be embedded within ourselves. And it’s going to make ourselves more intelligent,” Kurzweil said.
In his latest book, “The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI,” Kurzweil doubles down on his earlier predictions. He believes that by 2045 we will have “multiplied our own intelligence a millionfold.”
“Yes,” he eventually conceded when asked if he considers AI to be his religion. It informs his sense of purpose.
“My thoughts about the future and the future of technology and how quickly it’s coming definitely affects my attitudes towards being here and what I’m doing and how I can influence other people,” he said.
Visions of the apocalypse bubble up
DESPITE Thiel’s explicit invocation of language from the Book of Revelation, the positive visions of
an AI future are more “apocalyptic” in the historical sense of the word.
“In the ancient world, apocalyptic is not negative,” explains Domenico Agostini, a professor at the University of Naples L’Orientale who studies ancient apocalyptic literature. “We’ve completely changed the semantics of this word.”
The term “apocalypse” comes from the Greek word “apokalypsis,” meaning “revelation.” Although often associated today with the end of the world, apocalypses in ancient Jewish and Christian thought were a source of encouragement in times of hardship or persecution.
“God is promising a new world,” said Professor Robert Geraci, who studies religion and technology at Knox College. “In order to occupy that new world, you have to have a glorious new body that triumphs over the evil we all experience.”
Geraci first noticed apocalyptic language being used to describe AI’s potential in the early 2000s.
Kurzweil and other theorists eventually inspired him to write his 2010 book, “Apocalyptic AI: Visions of Heaven in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Virtual Reality.”
The language reminded him of early Christianity. “Only we’re gonna slide out God and slide in… your pick of cosmic science laws that supposedly do this and then we were going to have the same kind of glorious future to come,” he said.
Geraci argues this kind of language hasn’t changed much since he began studying it. What surprises him is how pervasive it has become.
“What was once very weird is kind of everywhere,” he said.
Has Silicon Valley finally found its God?
ONE factor in the growing cult of AI is profitability.
“Twenty years ago, that fantasy, true or not, wasn’t really generating a lot of money,” Geraci said. Now, though, “there’s a financial incentive to Sam Altman saying AGI is right around the corner.”
But Geraci, who argues ChatGPT “isn’t even remotely, vaguely, plausibly conscious,” believes there may be more driving this phenomenon.
Historically, the tech world has been notoriously devoid of religion. Its secular reputation had so preceded it that one episode of the satirical HBO comedy series, “Silicon Valley,” revolves around “outing” a co-worker as Christian.
Rather than viewing the skeptical tech world’s veneration of AI as ironic, Geraci believes they’re causally linked.
“We human beings are deeply, profoundly, inherently religious,” he said, adding that the impressive technologies behind AI might appeal to people in Silicon Valley who have already pushed aside “ordinary approaches to transcendence and meaning.”
No religion is without skeptics NOT every Silicon Valley CEO has been converted—even if they want in on the tech.
“When people in the tech industry talk about building this one true AI, it’s almost as if they think they’re creating God or something,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said on a podcast last year as he promoted his company’s own venture into AI.
Although transhumanist theories like Kurzweil’s have become more widespread, they are still not ubiquitous within Silicon Valley.
“The scientific case for that is in no way stronger than the case for a religious afterlife,” argues Max Tegmark, a physicist and machine learning researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Like Hinton, Tegmark has been outspoken about the potential risks of unregulated AI. In 2023, as president of the Future of Life Institute, Tegmark helped spearhead an open letter calling for powerful AI labs to “immediately pause” the training of their systems. The letter collected more than 33,000 signatures, including from Elon Musk and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Tegmark considers the letter to have been successful because it helped “mainstream the conversation” about AI safety, but believes his work is far from over.
With regulations and safeguards, Tegmark thinks AI can be used as a tool to do things like cure diseases and increase human productivity. But it is imperative, he argues, to stay away from the “quite fringe” race that some companies are running—“the pseudoreligious pursuit to try to build an alternative God.”
“There are a lot of stories, both in religious texts and in, for example, ancient Greek mythology, about how when we humans start playing gods, it ends badly,” he said. “And I feel
there’s a lot of hubris in San Francisco right now.”
THIS late 1980s photo provided by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research shows computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton in Toronto. CIFAR via AP
DARIO AMODEI, CEO & cofounder of Anthropic, speaks at the convening of the International Network of AI Safety Institutes at the Golden Gate Club at the Presidio in San Francisco, Nov. 20, 2024. AP/Jeff Chiu, File
CENTENNIAL HIGH JEWELERY COLLECTION INSPIRED BY ROME’S FOUNTAINS
IN celebration of its centenary, the House of Fendi introduces Eaux d’Artifice, the 2025 High Jewellery collection designed by Delfina Delettrez Fendi. Drawing inspiration from Rome’s iconic fountains and their timeless interplay of water, light and stone, the collection pays tribute to the eternal city’s beauty and grandeur. Crafted in the Fendi high jewellery ateliers in Paris, the collection features three parures, three statement cocktail rings, and the one-of-a-kind centennial necklace. Each piece explores the fluidity, brilliance and spontaneity of water, translated into dazzling expressions of exceptional gemstones and diamonds.
At its heart is the Eaux d’Artifice centennial necklace, a masterpiece set with an extraordinary 20.25-carat Fancy Vivid Flawless Yellow diamond. Surrounded by a cascade of round and baguette-cut white diamonds, the design mirrors the arcs of a fountain in motion, with 100 pear-shaped yellow diamonds symbolizing each year of Fendi’s history.
The collection continues its exploration of liquid symmetry with the Cento set, showcasing sapphires and diamonds in rippling, fluid forms; the Ovato bracelet and ring, highlighting luminous Santa Maria aquamarines; and the Fortuna set, a striking helix-inspired design brought to life with cushion-cut rubies and flowing diamond curls. Completing the collection is a trio of radiant cocktail rings—Alba, Carmina, and Esperidi—that reinterpret the glow of Roman sunsets in bold, sculptural color harmonies.
With Eaux d’Artifice, Fendi reimagines the eternal dialogue between nature and artistry, celebrating a century of Roman creativity and craftsmanship through jewels that shimmer with perpetual motion and light.
Uniqlo revisits the classics for Fall/Winter 2025
IT’S officially the wet season. The flood-control funds may be missing, but what we are not lacking for are the options for stylish outfits during these stormy, chilly, moist times.
Japanese fast-fashion giant Uniqlo presented its LifeWear Fall/Winter 2025 collection featuring clothing that are true to its values of “simplicity, quality and longevity.”
“With the theme ‘Revisiting Classic,’ this collection takes a cue from timeless style, showcasing silhouettes, colors and patterns perfect for various lifestyles, while paying close attention to quality through our clothing technology,” said Geraldine Sia, Uniqlo Philippines chief operating officer.
“We want to give our customers fresh, versatile LifeWear that’s perfect for the season,” Sia added, “because nowadays, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to look good. Your clothes should make you feel good, too.”
At the launch held at the Gallio Events Hall, Aseana City, in Parañaque, the brand also reinforced its commitment to sustainability.
“We want to take this time to also showcase our key projects: the Peace for All Global T-shirt Charity Project, and our valued partnership with ABSCBN Foundation for the conservation of Philippine Oceans,” concluded Sia.
CELEBRITY PARTNERS
AS worn by celebrity partners, such as ABS-CBN actor Donny Pangilinan, GMA actresses Jasmine CurtisSmith and Solenn Heusaff, and volleybelle Kianna Dy, the clothing pieces referenced preppy styles inspired by life on the US East Coast.
■ Donny Pangilinan: “Everything, all the jeans that I usually wear, it’s really Uniqlo because of how wide they are. I just love when you’re going around places and you’re comfortable. When you’re traveling, you’re at work, you’re hanging out with your friends, it’s nice to wear a pair of jeans that you don’t need to think about as much.
“It would have to be, one, the wide tapered jeans.
“It’s cozy at the same time, but it’s also light. And then it gives you the nice, clean look. So, if you’re looking for this later, it’s the Merino Crew Neck Sweater. And it has many, many colors. So, you can take your pick.
It’s really my favorite. In fact, I’ve already been packing. So, 50 percent of my luggage are wide tapered jeans. And, the baggy jeans that I usually wear. It has to be something you’re very comfortable in. And something that you can just wear on the go.”
■ Kianna Dy: “I love Airism [from the Sport Utility lineup] because it’s very comfortable to wear. And also, I love this fabric so much because it’s easy to wear. You just put it on and then you’re ready. And since it’s a bra, you’re not going to worry about your straps falling or, you know, showing. “I also love that it’s Airism, my favorite fabric of Uniqlo because as an athlete, I sweat a lot. With this fabric, it keeps me super fresh all day and it’s very lightweight.”
■ Solenn Heusaff: “So, this skirt, you’ve probably seen it because I wear it over and over again. This is part of the knitwear collection which I am obsessed with. I have a light cashmere under. But this right here, for me, gives me a more structured feel. I like it because it’s so easy to put on.
Showering is not just about soap and water
WATSONS’ Bath & Body event, dubbed “Celebrate Every Body, Every Glow,” on September 5 at the Mall of Asia 7 Storefront will feature shower essentials that will make pre- and post-bath time even more fulfilling.
■ Jasmine Curtis-Smith: “I’m wearing the Cashmere HeatTech from the [Uniqlo: C special line, designed by creative director and British-born fashion designer Clare Waight Keller] and also my favorite, the PuffTech Vest. And I think, guys, aside from being warm when you go to a cold country or place, it’s also manipis when you wear it. So, it’s really perfect.
“The Cashmere Long Sleeve HeatTech is perfect for layering. If you want to wear sweaters on top of it like what Donny is wearing, that’s also OK because you won’t feel that it’s bulging in layers.
“So, I love it because this is enough. I can go to the airport with just the HeatTech Long Sleeve. So, when you arrive at the airport wherever you go on vacation or at the mall, you just layer your Puff Vest.”
JW ANDERSON STRAIGHT JEANS 2025
IN a separate event, GMA morning-show host and sportscaster Anjo Pertierra tried the JW Anderson
Straight Jeans, which anchors the 2025 Fall/Winter collection: “The Wide Straight Jeans easily blend with my everyday grind. As someone who often dresses in smart casual looks for shows, the wide silhouette adds the perfect contrast—it softens the sharpness of a fitted blazer or a sleek sweater and gives a more relaxed, effortless look.”
UNIQLO X COMPTOIR DES COTONNIERS 2025 ON Friday, September 12, a capsule collection between Uniqlo and contemporary French fashion brand Comptoir des Cotonniers will drop items in select colors and high-quality materials.
“The 2025 Fall/Winter collection features seven items to enjoy boxy cuts and matching sets. The thick corduroy series, which expresses the allure of French chic, includes curved pants, jackets and miniskirts that stand out in casual styling. The series can also be styled as a matching set,” reads a company statement.
“Knits with a discriminating focus on fabric and design create a simple yet sophisticated silhouette. Along with navy and off-white, a curated color palette of red, forest green and chocolate brown complement fall and winter outfits.”
Another Watsons event is the Watsons Bro Hub from September 2 to 6 at the SM Mall of Asia Main Atrium. This is a shopping event geared towards men care and grooming. There will be quality bundles, big discounts, must-have deals, and exciting prizes.
Three Nintendo Switch 2 consoles will be awarded to three lucky Watsons Club members, while 10 others will each receive an exclusive Watsons Duffle Bag featuring a curated set of hair, face and body care essentials. There will be segment talks and workshops
Showering is not just something you do before bed or leaving the house. It removes dirt, harmful bacteria and dead skin cells from your skin and hair. A cold shower has been found to help the body release endorphins when a person is having an anxiety or panic attack. Meanwhile, a hot shower is good for soreness. Showering has also been found to encourage better sleep. Palmer’s Moisturizing Body Oil is a good pre-shower product. Bio-Oil Skincare Oil, with continued use, helps fade marks and improves skin texture. For showering, Safeguard Lemon Fresh Body Wash and Watsons Naturals Coffee Shower Gel are good options. I like to wash with bar soap and then with a shower gel for an even fresher feel. Nivea Bright Extra Bright 10 Super Vitamins Serum is a good moisturizer after showering. Tip: Apply body lotion while skin is still moist. It makes all the difference. The Watsons Bath & Body event on September 5 will highlight products essential for showering and also feature self-care tips from experts.
in a special segment where they will share their personal routines and insights. Joining them
health and personal hygiene.
SELLING A NATION: A PR JOB THAT MAKES CORPORATIONS LOOK EASY
FOR over thirty years (gasp!), I’ve helped corporations navigate the treacherous waters of public opinion. I’ve seen CEOs through foot-in-mouth moments and turned potential PR disasters into...well, less-disastrous disasters. But when it comes to managing the reputation of an entire country, you’re playing a different ballgame altogether. The stakeholders are 115 million critics at home and 8 billion potential tourists and investors abroad. The crises are always impending.
Frankly, the Philippines has a fantastic product but nobody is in charge of marketing it constantly, consistently and credibly. We been blessed with riches: mesmerizing beaches, biodiversity, and a people whose friendliness and warmth are legendary. Couple that with a creative, English-speaking, Western-facing workforce, and you have a fivestar destination for both tourism and global business. So why does our international image sometimes feel like it’s being written by our worst critics? Because, as in any corporation, the narrative starts at home.
First, fix the internal disconnect
A GOVERNMENT cannot expect to be loved abroad if it isn’t trusted by its own people. The old playbook of keeping silent
CELEBRATING THE YEAR OF CREATIVE SUSTAINABILITY: ADOBO MAGAZINE WINS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE AT THE 21ST PHILIPPINE QUILL AWARDS
MANILA, PHILIPPINES—
True to its mantra of being the “word on creativity,” adobo Magazine has bagged the Quill Award of Excellence at the recent Philippine Quill Awards for its profound endeavor, the Year of Creative Sustainability, last August 27, 2025 at The Manila Hotel.
Following waves of breakthroughs in large language models (LLMs) and AI, the creative industry took hit after hit of criticism and confusion, begging to find an answer to the question: “How, then, can creatives survive this everchanging world?”
Born out of sheer tenacity and the quick wits to adapt, the Year of Creative Sustainability was a proud innovation of adobo Magazine’s stalwart writers and artists.
They sought to ride the tide of change, and cleverly navigate these uncharted waters— eventually conquering and slaying the proverbial dragon like true heroes. And the results noticeably spoke for themselves.
In the year-long quest for creative sustainability, the magazine’s own creatives pushed for inspiring innovations and solutions that would allow fellow makers to develop their skills and remain true to their core. One of these is the first-ever Portfolio Night Manila that joined 24 cities worldwide. This enlightening and encouraging event gathered the most brilliant, young minds for a unified celebration of craft and as a playground where young maestros could get a taste of their future success. Another is the adobo SheCreative Network that garnered a Gold Award at the prestigious 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. This blossomed to be an iconic platform for women in creativity, encompassing both mentorship and education in an exchange of knowledge. This also led the way for women empowerment and gender equity in the industry.
and hoping for the best is a way too risky.
Today, with every citizen a potential publisher or an opinionated but misinformed individual on their smartphone, silence is a vacuum that gets filled with cynicism and “fake news”.
The first step is for the government to stop acting like a distant entity and start communicating like a transparent partner. The national vision— whatever it may be—must be understood and imbibed across the organization, from the highest levels of cabinet down to the frontline civil servant. If you
Creative sustenance was also found in the form of education: all backed by dependable bases of knowledge. Thought-provoking, original editorial articles pursued higher cognizance that elevated the publication’s standing in the field. And engaging sessions from the newly launched adoboTalks Podcast fortified its voice among the clangor of AIgenerated materials.
And with each effort, a reinvigorated sense of camaraderie was felt among—and more importantly, enthusiastically forged by—those in the creative community. This web of meaningful, genuine connections allowed individuals in every pocket of the community to easily reach out to one another, and weather the storm of change together.
adobo Magazine’s commitment, moreover, the devotion of its own people and supporters to the discipline of creativity and its survival was something that was unexpected given the circumstances— and yet, it was also absolutely needed.
This remarkable feat is not only for the glory of adobo Magazine, but also in right -
want to project an image of a modern, efficient nation, the experience at a government office better not feel like a scene from a comedy flick.
Own the narrative THE administration must deliberately take the microphone and convey its goals and positions clearly. If it doesn’t, someone else will, and their version will likely be less flattering and have more reach. The power of social media showcases how sarcasm, disinformation and political mudslinging can sway a nation’s belief. Applied and utilized prop -
ful recognition of the notable virtuosi who made the Year of Creative Sustainability come alive. The spirit of creativity will continue to sustain those who adapt, evolve, and embody the ethos of artistry amid adversity.
CCP OPENS ITS DOORS WIDER: DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING YOUTH JOIN FRONT OF HOUSE APPRENTICESHIP MANILA, PHILIPPINES— Staying true to its vision of transforming lives through the arts, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) recently welcomed participants from the deaf and hard-of-hearing community into its Front-ofHouse (FOH) Apprenticeship Program.
Now on its latest run, the initiative organized by CCP’s Venue Operations Division continues to provide opportunities for differently-abled youth, equipping them with training in arts management, theater operations, and frontline service. This year’s program saw the participation of 10 deaf and hard-of-hearing apprentices, each eager to immerse themselves in the world of performance venues and
erly, the government’s platform can be very powerful, uniting tools.
Action, not propaganda INSTEAD of just claiming progress, showcase it with tangible results. Is a new piece of legislation passed? Explain how it benefits the average family. Is there a diplomatic win? Frame it in terms of national pride and economic opportunity. It has to be genuine, otherwise, it’s just greenwashing on a national scale. As with any successful brand we have known, tone and attitude are equally as important as the message it wants to impart. If we have good news, developments that will affect our countrymen, how it is conveyed is equally important.
Let’s take the recent PhilHealth Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) as an example. It’s a welcome development but knowing who one’s market is will be key. Keeping it on the government owned channels and platform won’t likely reached the very market that this program aims to benefit. However, a handful of credible and popular influencers taking time to explain creatively will get that news into the literal hands of millions who scroll daily.
Taking the show on the road
ONCE the house is in better order, you can confidently invite guests. This is where we leverage current developments to shape a compelling global story.
Let’s say we secure a major investment for a new tech hub. The old way is a dry announcement. The new way is to frame it as “The Philippines: Asia’s New Hub for Innovation, Powered by a World-Class Talent Pool.” We connect the news to our core strengths.
cultural work.
The program was made possible through CCP’s longstanding partnership with the Philippine School for the Deaf (PSD), which endorsed most of the participants and provided teacher-interpreters during sessions. For the 2025 edition, the Philippine Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (PRID) also joined hands with CCP, with executive director Pinky Earnhart and Dean Dimaguila deploying interpreters to ensure seamless communication throughout the workshops.
In just two weeks, the apprentices underwent a series of lectures and hands on workshops covering both FOH and technical aspects of theater operations. From ushering to backstage coordination, the program broadened their understanding of how live productions come to life.
Recognizing the importance of communication in customer service, CCP expanded its language repertoire to include sign language as a vital part of audience engagement.
“Communication in the frontline service is an important engagement with our public. We endeavour to harness
Local expertise beats global TO do this effectively, however, you cannot shout into the void from Manila. You need a coordinated, sophisticated global campaign. This requires a partner with boots on the ground in key markets—a network like, ahem, One Asia PR group, a band of independent PR firms of which I am a founding member. You see, a campaign that resonates in Japan will be different from one that works in Europe or North America. Having a coalition of seasoned professionals with reach across these diverse markets is crucial for translating our national story into a compelling local message. The task is monumental, but the formula is simple, if not easy: Imbibe the values throughout the nation, reach your global publics, and deliver the narrative consistently. The Philippines has an incredible story to tell. It’s about time we fixed the narrative with the right storytellers and, more importantly, gave them a reality that isn’t a stretch and is authentic from the inside out.
PR Matters is a roundtable column by members of the local chapter of the United Kingdom-based International Public Relations Association (IPRA), the world’s premier association for senior professionals around the world. Noel Rene Nieva, president and CEO of Perceptions, Inc., one of the country’s leading PR counsels, is the current national chair of IPRA Philippines.
When a new airport or railway is launched, the story isn’t about concrete and steel. It’s about connecting our beautiful, nature-rich islands to the world and opening up opportunities for communities that were once remote. It’s a human story of progress. Every international summit we host, every global accolade our artists or chefs receive, is a platform to reinforce this new narrative.
our mother tongue, English and a third language or dialect, with sign language not being any different. As we grow our pool of multi-linguals, we may b e more effective in addressing our audience members,” said Ariel Yonzon, CCP Production and Exhibition Department Manager.
To ensure inclusivity, CCP instructors and facilitators took the extra step of learning sign language. Participants were also paired with hearing partners, fostering deeper collaboration and mutual understanding.
For many of the participants, the apprenticeship went beyond skill-building. Interpreters Bing Domantay and Shelly Tesoro noted that the trainees not only enjoyed meeting new people but also gained self-confidence through the prospect of inclusive cultural work.
One of the participants, Dominique Kane Ison, signed how the apprenticeship program changed his life: “I love showing people how happy I am through my work. I realized that I’m also capable of ‘performing’ like the artists we see onstage.”
Handshakes, really, go awry at US Open
NEW YORK—There’s been a lot of talk about the unwritten rules of tennis during Week 1 of this US Open, whether it’s the necessity of a “sorry, not sorry” raised hand after a let cord or the proper way to warm up with an opponent or the legitimacy of an underarm serve.
A nother part of the game drawing attention—thanks to players’ complaints about each of the above—is the post-match greeting at the net, which usually involves shaking hands and, sometimes, a hug or kisses on the cheek. It would seem to be a simple act of sportsmanship, but every so often ends up going awry.
Not every contest in every sport displays that sort of civility, but it is an entrenched ritual in tennis, from kids starting out to the pros, even if the word “handshake” never appears in the 61-page Grand Slam rule book.
“ You do it in the juniors. You do it your whole life. It’s part of the fabric of our sport,” said Brad Gilbert, a former player and coach who is part of ESPN’s cast in New York. “You’ve got to win with class, and lose with dignity.”
Townsend-Ostapenko
back-and-forth scrutinized
CHRIS EVERT, who won 18 majors in the 1970s and ‘80s, said: “I never had a
bad moment at the net with anyone.”
T hat’s hardly the case for everyone—as a few episodes at the US Open showed.
Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion from Latvia, got into a dustup with Taylor Townsend, the No. 1-ranked doubles player from the US, after clasping hands following Townsend’s victory.
I nstead of going their separate ways, the athletes exchanged words, with Ostapenko pointing a finger at Townsend, who is Black, and saying she has “no education”— something Ostapenko apologized for Saturday via social media, explaining she meant to accuse Townsend of poor tennis etiquette.
Ostapenko was upset that Townsend didn’t apologize after a ball hit the net tape and went over (that’s not actually a rule) and started their warmup with volleys instead of groundstrokes (not a rule, either). “ It was,” Venus Williams said, ”a lot of drama.”
Handshake between Tsitsipas, Altmaier doesn’t go well, too ON Thursday, another net encounter went badly when the loser, two-time Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas, let the winner, Daniel Altmaier, know he hadn’t appreciated an underarm
serve—which is allowed.
R ather than engage, Altmaier turned his back on Tsitsipas.
Then, on Saturday, two players— Jaume Munar and Zizou Bergs—got into a post-match set-to over grunting.
“ In the heat of the moment, you can stay stuff which you [wouldn’t] normally...say [and] you regret afterward,” Altmaier said, adding that he’s not a fan of “discussions at the net.”
Neither is 20th-seeded Jiri Lehecka, who thinks conflicts are better resolved
Tension happening not just at US Open TENSE
a
TLady Falcons in semifinals
Shaina Nitura leads a triumvirate with Abby Segui and Fhei Sagaysay to send Adamson University past Mapua University, 25-15, 25-23, 25-11, and into the semifinals of the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila. The Lady Falcons are 5-0 wonlost while the Lady Cardinals drop to 1-5. PVL IMAGES
By Josef Ramos
LBy Aldrin Quinto
EO ORDIALES is owning his worth without overreaching and is confident he has a place on the Alas Pilipinas roster seeing action in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship next month. A warded Best Opposite Hitter in the Southeast Asian Volleyball League in Candon City in May, Ordiales sees himself contributing as a starter or thriving as a reserve.
S till, the 22-year-old pride of Talisay City in Negros Occidental does not discount the possibility of being cut when the 21-strong Philippine pool is trimmed to 14 for the elite event set for September 12 to 28 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.
For me, it’s not about age or experience. Whatever role is given to me—whether I’m in the first six, coming off the bench, or just in training—I’ll embrace it and give my all for the team,” Ordiales said. Still suiting up for the National University Bulldogs, Ordiales seeks a spot in a loaded position that also features professional players Steve Rotter, 27; Louie Ramirez, 25; and Ike Andrew Barilea, 21. Th at means the coaching staff led by Italy’s Angiolin Frigoni is well stocked with options as Alas Pilipinas tries to shine from a sleeper pool that features world No. 13 and tournament dark horse Iran, reigning African champion and world No. 23 Egypt and 11time African titlist world No. 43 Tunisia. A las Pilipinas takes on Tunisia at 6 p.m. on September 12 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena before an electrifying opening ceremony
HE easy part for Norman Black is to secure Justin Brownlee and Ange Kouame for the national team to the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand in December. The difficult part is to pick the 10 others who’ll be part of a system the multi-titled Philippine Basketball Association coach wants to build around the two naturalized players. I’m in the process of finding players who can actually play in the SEA Games,” said Black, who was appointed head coach by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas specifically for the SEA Games, where the Philippines is the defending champion.
Learning tennis from Italians?
Alas rising star Ordiales quietly confident as worlds approaches
featuring Korean pop group BOYNEXTDOOR and Cebuana singer Karencitta. Tickets to the world championships are available online via the official web site at www. philippineswch2025.com
“ My only goal is to give my best, especially since we’ll be playing in front of our fellow Filipinos,” Ordiales said. “Whatever happens in the world championship, I want people to leave the arena saying they were proud of how the team played.”
of tennis social media that chronicles every half-hearted handshake.
“ Some people don’t really have a lot of things to do throughout the day, so they pay a lot of attention to this,” said 21st-seeded Linda Noskova.
S o folks noticed when Ben Shelton and Flavio Cobolli had a back-andforth after a match in Canada this month. Or when Danielle Collins gave Iga Swiatek an earful about being “insincere” at the Paris Olympics.
O r when Taylor Fritz sarcastically told a Wimbledon opponent to “ have a nice flight home ” after beating him in 2024.
“Maybe if I didn’t like someone really, really hard, then probably— maybe—I wouldn’t want to shake hands with them,” said Swiatek, a six-time
M eanwhile, Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas head the outside spikers gearing up for the tournament, while Kennedy Batas, Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado are also raring to suit up after a fruitful Alas Pilipinas training camp that had stops in Morocco, Romania, and Portugal.
I’ll just fulfill whatever role is given to me.
Of course, it all starts with trust,” Ordiales said. “I trust them because they also trust me. We’re all helping each other.”
The Philippines battles Egypt on September 16 before taking on Iran on September 18 in the tournament featuring 32 of the best volleyball nations.
Of course, I’m honored because not everyone is given this kind of opportunity,” Ordiales said. “Out of the millions who play volleyball in the Philippines and the many young athletes who dream of this, I feel truly grateful to be given this chance.”
First, Black said, many of Gilas Pilipinas’s key players have commitments to their clubs in Japan and South Korea, and second, the PBA is active immediately before and during games set December 9 to 20.
“The PBA will not stop and so are the Japan B. League and Korean Basketball League,” Black said. “So it’s going to be difficult to get players. I need the players to commit.”
Black also named the University Athletic Association of the Philippines and even the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League as possible sources of players with the National
Collegiate Athletic Association a doubtful choice because it’s season won’t be over until December.
Before December, we are hoping to get a full practice as the players will be able to commit by then,”” Black said.
Black isn’t new to the SEA Games having coached the country to the gold medal in the 2011 Jakarta edition and even in the Asian Games where he was one of Robert Jaworski’s assistants in the all-PBA squad that clinched silver behind Chine in 1990 in Beijing.
The Philippines is the king of SEA Games basketball except in 1979 (lost to Malaysia in Jakarta), 1989 (also lost to Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur) and the most recent, 2022 in Hanoi where Gilas Pilipinas bowed to Indonesia in the final.
The truism in sports—build it and it will grow—has never been more true.
H ow the Federazione Italiana Tennis e Padel pulled it off is a mixture of a scientific approach and well some old school tactics. And it is something we can learn from.
L ike others
(LPGT) leg at Caliraya Springs—she opened with a 75 before firing backto-back 71s to finish in joint seventh—Singson is determined to build on her earlier season success, which includes a breakthrough playoff victory at Eagle Ridge and a runner-up finish at Forest Hills.
T he field remains deep and competitive although defending champion Princess Superal is skipping this week’s P750,000 tournament to undergo shoulder therapy after coming off a joint third-place finish at the Bangkok Ladies Championship.
S ingson is bracing for a tough three-day battle against a compact but talent-rich roster that includes Pauline del Rosario, Harmie Constantino, Sarah Ababa, Chihiro Ikeda, Florence Bisera, Tiffany Lee, Kayla Nocum, Martina Miñoza, Pamela Mariano, Seoyun Kim and Lois Kaye Go. Superal’s absence may slightly ease the pressure, but Singson knows the competition will be just as fierce.
C hief among her challengers is del Rosario, whose return from the Epson Tour brings both experience and intensity and is hungry for her first LPGT title in years.
C onstantino, the reigning Order of Merit champion, is also looking to bounce back after a lukewarm season, still searching for her first win of the year following a four-title haul in 2024.
Meanwhile, Bisera, Ababa, and Ikeda are eyeing another trip to the top in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., while rising contenders like Go, Mariano, Nocum and Miñoza are all itching for their breakthrough performance, and Koreans Tiffany Lee and Seoyun Kim adding an element of surprise and unpredictability to the already competitive field.
LEO ORDIALES in action against Thailand during the SEA V.League in Candon City last month. PNVF PHOTO
“in the locker room, behind closed doors,” instead of in front of a crowd and TV audience.
moments at the net are not merely
US Open phenomenon, and there’s a segment
ARYNA SABALENKA hugs Polina Kudermetova after their second round at the US Open last week. AP
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Monday, September 1, 2025
BusinessMirror ExecutiveViews
DICT SECRETARY HENRY AGUDA
Principal’s Son, Nation’s Technocrat: Aguda’s 3-Word Formula for Leadership
By John Eiron R. Francisco
FLearn. Work. Serve.
OR Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Henry Aguda, these three words are more than a motto. They are a compass for life, passed down by his mother, a public school principal in Valenzuela.
Mag-aral ka, magtrabaho ka, magserbisyo ka,” he recalled in an interview with the BusinessMirror Those simple words, spoken firmly by his mother, became the foundation of his values—and today, the cornerstone of his leadership. Growing up under the roof of a principal, discipline and education were constants.
Every day, it was study, study, study,” Aguda said with a smile. But when his mother retired from public service, she left him with a deeper lesson: learning and hard work must ultimately lead to serving others.
Th at philosophy now guides him as he steers the DICT, tasked with bridging the digital divide and bringing connectivity to the most remote corners of the country.
“At the end of the day, our real boss is the Filipino people,” he said. “We serve at the pleasure of the President, but everything we do must be measured by the service we deliver—whether that means connecting more people, reducing queues through e-governance, or cutting corruption through transparent systems.”
From boardroom to public service
Appointed DICT Secretary in March 2025, Aguda was no stranger to leadership or digital transformation. His career spans both public and private sectors, consistently bridging vision with execution.
A s Presidential Adviser on Digital Infrastructure (2022–2024), he helped set the groundwork for building 35,000 new mobile towers by 2028, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. He also worked on creating one million digital jobs and pushed for reforms in public finance systems that enabled digital payments and transparency.
In banking, he was a central figure in UnionBank’s digital pivot. As Chief Technology & Operations Officer and Chief Transformation Officer (2016–2023), he helped grow its customer base from under two million to 14 million, making it one of Asia’s leading digital banks. He later became President and CEO of UnionDigital Bank, which was the Philippines’ most profitable neo-bank by 2023.
He also chaired UBX Philippines, pioneering blockchain-based financial services and open finance frameworks, and served as Executive Chairman of CitySavings Bank, where profitability soared under his watch. Beyond banking, he held top technology roles at Globe Telecom, GSIS, and Sun Cellular, and began his career at Meralco in 1989.
With this mix of corporate and government experience, Aguda is seen as a technocrat who knows how to turn vision into tangible results. Yet he insists the fundamentals of leadership remain simple: set clear objectives, ensure transparency, and lead by example.
“In government, the challenges are magnified,” he admitted. “But the principles of leadership remain the same.”
100 days of transformation Aguda’s first 100 days at DICT reflected that philosophy. Rather than demanding courtesy resigna-
tions—a common practice for incoming officials—he chose to meet with employees across the agency, listening, building rapport, and setting a tone of trust.
“Perhaps my proudest moment was seeing our people step up,” he said. Despite resource gaps and operational hurdles, he credited the resilience of DICT staff and his commitment to giving clear direction. Th at approach was tested when a typhoon hit just weeks into his tenure. DICT teams stayed on alert,
coordinating with telecom providers to ensure cell sites remained online even during power outages. “It showed the new spirit of accountability and readiness within the agency,” Aguda said. Operational cadence improved, regional offices were empowered, and the agency began to establish a stronger presence nationwide. “We want DICT to be seen not as Metro Manila-centric or corporate-centric, but as an agency for the whole country,” he stressed.
Accelerating infrastructuredigital
“Everything we do has to be felt by the common man—whether a street vendor, a sari-sari store owner, an entrepreneur, or a farmer. Because in today’s world, digital technology touches everyone.”
One of DICT’s flagship projects under Aguda is the National Fiber Backbone (NFB), funded by the World Bank. Designed to link Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao through high-speed fiber connections, it is now running two years ahead of schedule.
Phase 1, completed in April 2024, laid 1,200 kilometers of fiber from Laoag to Quezon City. Phases 2 and 3 added another 1,800 kilo -
meters, extending to Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Mindanao. More recently, activations in Butuan enabled local governments to tap into the network and deliver internet access to underserved communities. Once fully operational, the NFB is expected to serve more than 600 government offices and improve connectivity for about 17 million Filipinos. Boosted by an additional US$300 million in World Bank funding, expansion in Mind-
anao is now a top priority. “Importante sa akin yung Mindanao kasi sila yung wala pang connectivity,” Aguda explained. “So kung binigyan mo ng connectivity, malaking impact sa kanila.”
Rights of a connected Filipino Aguda reframed the “Konektadong Pinoy” program into a citizen-centric initiative anchored on five rights: Access to connectivity – every Filipino must have the right to an internet connection.
• Affordability – pricing must be fair; those in rural areas should not be paying more.
Consumer protection – billing and service complaints must be addressed promptly. Reliability during disasters –connectivity must remain stable in times of crisis.
• Cybersecurity – Filipinos must be protected against scams, hacking, and digital threats.
These are the rights that Konektadong Pinoy must highlight,” he said. He pointed out that internet in some rural areas costs 30 percent more than in cities—a disparity that must be corrected by 2028. He also cited talks with SpaceX for satellite internet, a planned Telco Summit in September, and stronger collaboration with providers to push the Philippines from sixth place to the top two in Southeast Asia’s connectivity rankings.
Cybersecurity accountabilityand
DICT under Aguda has also ramped up its cybersecurity role. In his first months, the agency shut down nearly 9,000 illegal online gambling sites and moved quickly against deepfakes, scams, and other online threats. Plans are underway to launch a “bug bounty” program, offering incentives for citizens who report illegal online activities. Yet Aguda emphasizes that progress must go hand in hand with accountability. “To the critics, test us. To the people, trust us,” he declared. He makes it a point to face the public directly, standing by his commitments. “If I say I will deliver, then I must deliver. That is my responsibility.”
He called for balanced accountability: constructive criticism when goals are missed, but also recognition for DICT staff when targets are met.
“Nobody is perfect—we face bureaucracy and resource limits. But what matters is that it’s clear what we are all working toward: universal connectivity.”
Toward a Philippinesdigital-first Looking ahead, Aguda envisions a digital-first bureaucracy by 2028, where government services are transparent, trackable, and accessible online. This, he believes, will naturally reduce corruption and improve public trust.
He sees digital expansion not as a burden but as an opportunity for the Philippines to leapfrog into better technologies. “My mother used to say, it’s good that you don’t always have what others have—it makes you creative,” he recalled.
Th at creativity, Aguda said, is now key to transforming the Philippines into a nation where no community is left behind in the digital age.
“Everything we do has to be felt by the common man—whether a street vendor, a sari-sari store owner, an entrepreneur, or a farmer. Because in today’s world, digital technology touches everyone.”
For Aguda, the principal’s son who became the nation’s technocrat, the lesson remains the same: learn, work, and serve.
