Romualdez junks kickbacks tale as ‘complete fabrication’
By Maricel V. Cruz
A FORMER soldier yesterday claimed before the Senate Blue Ribbon committee that he delivered bags of money to the homes of Leyte First District Rep. Martin Romualdez and Rep. Zaldy Co. Romualdez, however, was quick to dismiss the testimony of Ex-Marines Orly Guteza, who was presented by Senator Rodante Marcoleta to the committee on the
'I will fight back— not with rhetoric, but with evidence.'
— Rep. Martin G. Romualdez
recommendation of former Rep. Mike Defensor. “I was deeply surprised to hear the allegation raised against me today before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee—that several pieces of luggage supposedly containing money were ever delivered to a residence associated with me,” Romualdez said. According to Marcoleta, former Anakalusugan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor called him on Wednesday and introduced him to
By Maricel V. Cruz, Charles Dantes, Ram Superable,
Joel E. Zurbano, and Katrina Manubay
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is reopening its investigation into the 2020 murder of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board secretary Wesley Barayuga.
EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Bersamin strongly denied accusations that his office accepted 15 percent kickbacks from infrastructure projects, calling the claim "not true" and "baseless." The allegation stemmed from the sworn testimony of former DPWH Undersecretary Ro-
—“— 'I stand by my untarnished record as a long-serving public servant'
On Sunday, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said he ordered the reopening of the cold case after whistleblower Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza told the House Quad Committee that he helped carry out the killing at the behest of ex-PCSO general manager Royina Garma. Mendoza narrated before con gressmen how Garma allegedly fa cilitated the PCSO official’s roadside assassination on July 30, 2020 by providing the necessary information about his schedule, details about his vehicle and the funding necessary to carry it out.
— Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin
berto Bernardo, where he claimed that a portion of unprogrammed DPWH funds, amounting to some P2.85 billion, was earmarked for the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). "I deny the imputation contained in the sworn statement … about the delivery of 'agreed 15% commitment' supposedly for the Office of the Executive Secretary. The imputation is not true,” Bersamin said in a statement. He clarified that the OES "has
By Ram Superable and Pot Chavez
FORMER Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary for operations Roberto Bernardo yesterday named more highprofile figures as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continued its inquiry into graftridden flood control projects.
In a sworn statement, the ex-DPWH official alleged that the extent of corruption involved former Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, former senator and now Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay, former Senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, Jr., Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Mario Lipana, and Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar.
Bernardo admitted he was aware of the dishonest contracting practices of the people below him including the so-called "BGC Boys," which include dismissed members of the DPWH Bulacan first district engineering office (DEO) such as Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, Jaypee Mendoza, and Arjay Domasig.
He, however, claimed he had no personal knowledge of the exact actions they took and relied on secondhand information from them.
The whistleblower also implicated incumbent National Police Com missioner Edilberto Leonardo in the planning of the murder.
Barayuga was a retired police general and lawyer who supposedly threatened to expose corruption with in the PCSO shortly before he was shot dead in Mandaluyong City.
Garma, herself an ex-police Lt. Colonel, allegedly gained the top spot at the PCSO because of her in
Yang's lawyer mocks probers amid heated inquiry
about his client’s supposedly sketchy past and his alleged ties with Philippine Overseas Gaming Operators (POGOs) and even organized crime.
Lawyer Raymond Fortun questioned the House Quad Committee’s impartiality and its ability to pin Chinese national Yang down for ay wrongdoing in a real criminal court.
By Charles Dantes
MALACAÑANG has ordered the suspension of work in government offices and classes at all levels in several provinces and regions nationwide for Friday, Sept. 26, asSevere Tropical Storm Opong is forecast to bring heavy rains and strong winds. Work in government offices and
adviser of former President Rodrigo Fortun, a lawyer who often finds himself at the center high-profile cases, apparently sought to mock congressmen, calling their probe “unacceptable.”
However, House members argued they did not come by their suspicions about Yang recklessly.
of illegal drugs and illegal activities associated with POGOs,” Suarez said in a mixture of Filipino and English.
By Darwin Amojelar
By Charles Dantes
TRANSPORTATION Secretary Jaime Bautista denied an online news report claiming that Malacañang was angry with the increase in airport fees without the approval of the Cabinet members.
“The Bilyonaryo article is malicious and unfounded,” Bautista said in a Viber message, referring to the website that published the said story. “Bilyonaryo is inconsistent,” he added. Bilyonaryo reported online that “Bautista and his long-time protege in Philippine Airlines, Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Bobby Lim, are at the center of the storm after it was
“I am very interested in how they [Quad Comm members] can prove this criminal network in court. In Congress, lawmakers act as both prosecutor and judge,” he said. Yang, who already admitted having a fake Philippine birth certificate, is the brother of Michael Yang, a presidential economic
classes at all levels in Metro Manila, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Masbate, Romblon and Sorsogon are suspended.
Classes at all levels are also suspended in Aklan, Albay, Antique, Batangas, Bataan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Cavite, Catanduanes, Guimaras, Iloilo, Laguna, Leyte, Marinduque, Negros Occidental, Oriental Mindoro, Rizal, and Quezon.
On Friday, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon presented a matrix showing Yang’s first appearance and his subsequent activities at the Quad Comm hearing.
The move follows the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure public safety amid forecasts of widespread rainfall brought by Opong.
“We saw a pattern, and we tracked it to the top of these corporations... we stripped it of its layers , to get to the top and through it all, we have discovered and identified at least two main actors or players in the issue
Opong is forecast to make landfall over Northern Samar or the northern portion of Eastern Samar today (Friday) early morning before heading
Navy spokes debunks China claim
By Rex Espiritu
The solons explained how the matrix details Yang’s connections to other individuals involved in illicit activities, including the operations of illegal POGOs.
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday rejected circulating claims of destabiliza tion and an alleged coup plot against President Fer dinand Marcos Jr., calling them a baseless and unfounded ‘‘malicious narrative.’’
Among the companies implicated are Brickhartz Technology Inc. and Xionwei Technology Co. Ltd., which are being linked to alleged kidnapping.
The two firms supposedly have connections with the Baofu Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which, in turn, can be directly traced to disgraced ex-mayor Alice Guo.
During Friday’s Quad Comm hearing, lawmakers cited Tony Yang in contempt for “lying” to about his businesses and business partners.
‘‘The Armed Forces of the Philip pines (AFP) rejects malicious narra tives about supposed plans to unseat the President or launch destabiliza tion efforts. These claims are base less, unfounded, and far removed from reality,’’ AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.
Sanchez wins 20th America’s Got Talent show
By Angelica Villanueva
FILIPINO-American singer Jessica Sanchez has been named the champion of America’s Got Talent (AGT) Season 20, capping off a journey that began nearly two decades ago when she first auditioned for the show as a child. The 30-year-old Texas-born performer, who is nine months pregnant with her first daughter, delivered an amazing rendition of Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’s duet “Die With A Smile” during Tuesday night’s (Wednesday in Manila) finale.
PAGASA
House leaders Aurelio Gonzales and David Suarez presented this matrix during the last QUAD Comm hearing which shows the operations of a criminal syndicate allegedly led by fugitive Michael Yang, then economic adviser of former President Rodrigo Duterte, that controlled the illegal activities of the POGOs and was involved in the drug
NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. Former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo, left, swears to tell the truth before naming Rep. Zaldy Co, Senator Chiz Escudero, Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay, former Senator Bong Revilla and DepEd Usec. Trygve Olaivar as allegedly involved in the anomalous flood control projects during the Senate Blue
LOWER POLICY RATE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with officials of the Bangko Sentral and Department of Finance where it was decided to lower the policy rate to 5% from 5.25% which is expected that this will also help in job creation and the continued stabilization of our economy.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
Bersamin,...
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no involvement in any way with budgetary allocations relevant to the DPWH" and "no dealings whatsoever" with either Bernardo or Education Usec. Trygve Olaivar.
"I stand by my untarnished record as a long-serving public servant, first as a career judicial officer and now as the Executive Secretary," Bersamin said.
Similarly, Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero rejected allegations of corruption raised against him by Bernardo, citing how the disgraced DPWH official admitted that they never directly spoke about the alleged scheme, calling the claims false and damaging to his reputation.
"It seems like there is a well-orchestrated plan to attack the Senate and its members to destroy and discredit the institution and to divert the public's attention from the real perpetrators... I will prove that he is lying about my alleged involvement," Escudero said.
"Nevertheless, I will face and fight this, and I will file the appropriate
Infra...
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“According to Brice Hernandez, their sharing is 20-20-20-40 percent from these activities. My understanding is that they had prepared and signed documents for purposes of collecting payments, which they then apportioned the profits among themselves,” Bernardo said.
“However, I must admit that I have no personal knowledge on the exact actions they took, accomplished in this scheme, and I can only be asked general questions on the systems in place that would have allowed this modus operandi to happen,” he continued.
Bernardo claimed he had neither knowledge nor participation in the
Romualdez...
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Guteza, who volunteered to disclose his knowledge about the subject of their ongoing investigation. The senator said he agreed to meet with Guteza and decided to bring him to the hearing for consideration by the committee.
Guteza said that he was hired as part of Co’s security aide in December 2024, who allegedly had personal knowledge and took part in the delivery of “suitcases” filled with money, which he referred
Sanchez...
From A1
The performance won over both the audience and the judges, including Sofía Vergara, Simon Cowell, Mel B, and Howie Mandel, securing Sanchez the title and a $1-million prize.
“You look like a little pregnant angel. I mean you look beautiful, your voice, I’ve never heard anything like that. Bravo Jessica,” Vergara told Sanchez on stage, while Cowell said it was her best performance ever.
Sanchez won over British rapper Chris Turner to take the crown, with fans online celebrating her win
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toward the Bicol Region, where it is likely to make another landfall in the vicinity of Sorsogon in the morning. Throughout today, Opong will move generally west-northwestward near or over Sibuyan Sea and traverse the mainland and/or island provinces of Bicol Region, southern Calabarzon, and northern Mimaropa, before emerging over the West Philippine Sea on Saturday early morning. Opong may reach typhoon category before making landfall. It will then weaken as it crosses the archipelago, although it will likely remain as a typhoon or severe tropical storm during its passage. Re-intensification is highly likely once Opong emerges over the West Philippine Sea.
There is a high risk of life-threatening storm surge with peak heights exceeding 3.0 meters within 36 hours over the low-lying or exposed coastal localities of Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Island, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Bicol Region,
charges against Usec. Bernardo for the baseless and unfounded accusations he has made," he added.
For her part, former senator and current Makati Mayor Nancy Binay also expressed dismay for being accused of receiving some P37 million from projects implemented in 2024, which she described as false.
"I am shocked and saddened that I am being implicated in the anomalies of the DPWH. The accusations against me are baseless," she said.
"It is easy to make false and damaging statements. But my performance in public service has always been above board and beyond a shadow of doubt," Binay added.
Meanwhile, former ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. and now Benguet Rep. Eric Eric Yap said he was “disheartened” by allegations that he delivered 46 suitcases containing money to Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co.
In a Facebook post, Yap said, “As a public servant, I am accountable to the people. That is why I welcome the chance to face the witness who implicated me, but in the proper forum and under proceedings where my constitutional rights are respected.”
ghost project transactions and pointed to Alcantara and his underlings as the ones responsible for the anomalous activities.
The former DPWH undersecretary also mentioned that Co once called him to inquire whether Alcantara was “easy to deal with” to which he said “yes.”
He said he was informed by Alcantara that the party-list lawmaker asked for 25-percent “commission” from the projects.
“Out of that amount two-percent was to be shared equally between Engr. Alcantara and myself. In his (Alcantara’s) words: ‘Boss, let us split the two percent between us.’ Furthermore, Engr. Alcantara would tell me every time that he made deliveries of cash to Congressman Zaldy Co in compliance with his commitment to Congressman
to as “basura” (garbage), in the residences of lawmakers accused of corruption.
Romualdez described Guteza’s statements as “an outright and complete fabrication—nothing more than a desperate attempt to link me to supposed kickbacks where none exist. Pilit na pilit (It was too forced),” he added.
The legislator also pointed out what he called the “most telling flaw” in the account.
“The witness’ claim that deliveries were made to McKinley beginning December 2024. Imposible iyan (That’s impossible). That property has been under renovation
as a long-awaited comeback story.
Her road to the title was paved with standout performances. For her audition, Sanchez sang Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” earning Vergara’s Golden Buzzer.
She subsequently advanced to the semifinals with JVKE’s “Golden Hour,” which similarly drew more praises from the judges, and set the stage for her final victory.
Sanchez initially auditioned for AGT in 2006 as a child, before gaining national attention on American Idol in 2012, where she finished runner-up. A year later, she released her debut album Me, You & the Music and later appeared in the TV series Glee.
Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte and Cebu.
The center of Opong was estimated at 195 kilometers east northeast of Guiuan, Eastern Samar or 225 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
It was moving westward at 15 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 135 km/h.Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 was raised in Sorsogon and the northern portion of Masbate (Uson, Dimasalang, City of Masbate, Mobo, Palanas, Baleno, Aroroy) including Ticao and Burias Islands, Northern Samar, the northern portion of Eastern Samar (San Policarpo, Arteche, Jipapad, Oras, Dolores, Maslog, Can-Avid), and the northern portion of Samar (Matuguinao, Calbayog City, San Jose de Buan). Signal No. 2 was hoisted in the eastern portion of Batangas (Padre Garcia, Ibaan, Rosario, Taysan, Lobo, San Juan, Batangas City), the southern portion of Quezon (Pitogo, San Andres, Buenavista, Lucena City, San Francisco, Calauag, Pagbilao, Tiaong, Lopez, Catanauan, Mulanay, Guinayangan, Unisan, General Luna, Plaridel, Quezon, San Antonio, Alabat, Candelaria, Lucban, Sampaloc,
Zaldy Co," Bernardo said.
With respect to Escudero, Bernardo said he was connected to him through their mutual “close friend” Maynard Ngu, who contributed to the lawmaker’s recent senatorial campaign.
Ngu is the chief executive officer and founder of Cosmic Technologies, the company behind Cherry Mobile.
The former undersecretary further claimed that Ngu accepted about ₱160 million on the senator’s behalf.
Bernardo said he was summoned to Escudero’s office during a confirmation hearing for then-DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan in August 2022.
He alleged that during a private conversation, Escudero suggested he
since January 2024 and was unoccupied except for construction workers. Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus—false in one thing, false in everything.”
“This is clearly political and the product of coaching. I will not allow these perjurious statements to pass unchallenged. Hindi ko ito palalampasin (I will not let this pass),” he emphasized.
Co has denied involvement in looting billions in flood control project funds and is now reported to be in Spain. The former appropriations committee chief had left the country for medical treatment in the US.
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Hosaka, a lawyer, previously served as commissioner of the Governance Commission for GovernmentOwned or -Controlled Corporations (GCG)—a position he assumed in 2023 after leaving the SC.
The ICI, created under Executive Order No. 94 earlier this month, is investigating alleged irregularities and corruption in flood control and public works projects spanning the last decade.
The commission is composed of Reyes, a retired SC associate justice; former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson; and SGV & Co. executive
Padre Burgos, Sariaya, City of Tayabas, Macalelon, Mauban, Dolores, Perez, Agdangan, Gumaca, Atimonan, San Narciso, Tagkawayan), Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, the rest of Masbate, Marinduque, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, the central portion of Eastern Samar (Taft, Sulat, San Julian, City of Borongan, Maydolong), the central portion of Samar (San Jorge, San Sebastian, Villareal, Zumarraga, Pinabacdao, Almagro, Talalora, Jiabong, Pagsanghan, City of Catbalogan, Motiong, Santo Niño, Tagapul-An, Tarangnan, Calbiga, Daram, Paranas, Hinabangan, Santa Margarita, Gandara), Biliran, and the northwestern portion of Leyte.
was aware of internal dealings in the DPWH and indicated his willingness to receive allocations.
"While we were drinking wine, [Escudero] told me, ‘I know how things work there in the DPWH. I’m fine with it, just tell Secretary Bonoan to release funds to me,’" Bernardo said.
Other individuals linked to the widening network of corruption include Lipana and Olaivar—the latter of whom was allegedly connected to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin —according to Bernardo.
Olaivar allegedly summoned him to discuss a cut from the unprogrammed funds supposedly for the Office of the Executive Secretary.
Bernardo then relayed it to the DPWH Bulacan DEO, after which Alcantara prepared a list of projects
Romualdez categorically reiterated his position. “I repeat: I have never received or benefited from kickbacks in any infrastructure project. I have never authorized, instructed, or allowed anyone to engage in any conduct that would betray the people or taint my name.” He also underscored his readiness to face scrutiny. “I welcome a fair, transparent, and impartial investigation to expose these falsehoods. I voluntarily resigned as Speaker of the House of Representatives precisely to demonstrate my full support for the inquiry into flood control issues.”
Rossana Fajardo. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong serves as special adviser and lead investigator.
As executive director, Hosaka will manage the commission’s day-to-day operations and support its investigative work, including drafting reports and coordinating with oversight agencies.
Malacañang said Hosaka’s appointment underscores the administration’s commitment to strengthening accountability and public trust in infrastructure spending.
The ICI will function independently from government agencies involved in project implementation to ensure impartial investigations and protect taxpayer money.
Signal No. 1 was in effect over the central and southern portions of Isabela (Alicia, San Mateo, Aurora, Ramon, Naguilian, Dinapigue, San Guillermo, Luna, City of Cauayan, Echague, Angadanan, Benito Soliven, City of Santiago, Reina Mercedes, San Agustin, San Manuel, Cabatuan, Gamu, San Isidro, Cordon, Jones, Burgos, San Mariano, Palanan), Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, the southwestern portion of Mountain Province (Bauko, Sabangan, Tadian), Benguet, the southern portion of Ilocos Sur (Sugpon, Alilem), La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, the rest of Batangas, Laguna, the rest of Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Cuyo Islands, Calamian Islands, the rest of Eastern Samar, the rest of Samar, the rest of Leyte, Southern Leyte, the northern portion of Cebu (Daanbantayan, Medellin, City of Bogo, Tabogon, San Remigio, Borbon, Sogod, Tabuelan, Catmon, Tuburan, Carmen, Danao City, Asturias, Compostela) including Camotes and Bantayan Islands, the northern portion of Negros Occidental (City of Escalante, Toboso, Calatrava, Sagay City, Cadiz City, Manapla, City of Victorias, Enrique B. Magalona, Silay City, City of Talisay), the northern portion of Iloilo (San Dionisio, Batad, Balasan, Estancia, Carles, Sara, Concepcion, Ajuy, Lemery, Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Banate, Anilao, San Enrique, City of Passi, Bingawan, Calinog, Lambunao, Dueñas, Dingle), Capiz, Aklan, the northern portion of Antique (Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi, Tibiao, Barbaza, Bugasong, Laua-An, Caluya), Siargao Island, Bucas Grande Islands, and Dinagat Islands. With Rio N. Araja
worth P2.85-billion.
Meanwhile, Remulla confirmed that those implicated by Bernardo are recommended for prosecution by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Those endorsed for prosecution now include Escudero, and former Senators Binay and Revilla, according to the DOJ chief.
Co was included in those earlier recommended for prosecution, along with Bernardo, Alcantara, Senator Joel Villanueva, Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, and former Congresswoman Mich Cajayon-Uy.
Among the charges being prepared by the NBI include malversation of public funds, indirect bribery, and violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, Remulla said..
Romualdez said he had “remained silent out of respect for the process,” but now that his name has been dragged into the controversy, he vowed: “I will fight back— not with rhetoric, but with evidence.”
“Kahit kailan, hindi ako nagnakaw ng pondo ng bayan. Hindi ko kailangan ang perang galing sa masama (Never have I stolen public funds. I do not need money that comes from evil source),” Romualdez declared.
“To the Filipino people, I give you this solemn assurance: I will never betray your trust,” the lawmaker added.
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Trinidad also emphasized that the military is loyal to the Constitution and to the Filipino people.
‘‘Our loyalty does not rest on politics or personalities, but firmly on the Constitution, the Republic, and the Filipino people. The AFP’s role is clear: to defend our democratic institutions, not to arbitrate political disputes,’’ he said.
‘‘We remain a professional and disciplined force, with the chain of command intact and united. Efforts to link the AFP to intrigue are nothing more than attempts to sow division, cast doubt on our leadership, and derail the President’s fight against corruption,’’ he added.
Trinidad further assured the public that the AFP will stick with its constitutional mandate.
‘‘We will remain steadfast in our constitutional mandate a force of principle and discipline, loyal to the flag, the Constitution, and the Republic,’’ he said. Meanwhile, the AFP on Wednesday cautioned the public against fake social media accounts impersonating its Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. In an advisory, the military said these bogus Facebook pages and online profiles use Brawner’s name, photos, and rank to deceive the public and spread false information.
The AFP stressed that the accounts are neither sanctioned by the General nor connected with the military.
‘‘We strongly urge everyone to exercise caution and refrain from engaging with or sharing content from unverified accounts,’’ the AFP said.
The public was advised to follow only the verified official social media platforms of the AFP and its Public Affairs Office for legitimate updates and announcements. It also urged netizens to report suspicious accounts to help prevent the spread of disinformation online. The AFP reiterated its commitment to transparency and maintaining open communication with the public through its official channels, saying its focus remains on fulfilling its mandate to defend the republic and protect democratic institutions.
RELIEF AIRLIFT. Air Force soldiers load 1,000 family food packs on board a C-130 cargo aircraft for Basco, Batanes, and to transport 88 stranded individuals, including locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and tourists back to Pasay City.
PBBM bids farewell to Chinese envoy Huang Xilian
By Charles Dantes
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. yesterday expressed appreciation for Ambassador Huang Xilian of the People’s Republic of China during the envoy’s farewell call at Malacañang, acknowledging both the diplomatic ties fostered during his tenure and the continuing challenges over territorial disputes.
“We will miss you,” President Marcos told Huang in a farewell ceremony in Malacañang.
“You have — I think you have made a very good second home already here in Manila,” he added.
While noting that progress on maritime issues had been limited, Mr. Marcos commended Huang’s efforts to prevent tensions from escalating amid continuing disputes.
“It’s unfortunate we didn’t make much progress on the difficulties that we have in the South China Sea, West Philippine Sea,” he said. “But I think, considering how difficult the situation was, we have managed to keep things at least away from too many problems. Thank you for your service,” he stated. Huang, who has served as China’s top diplomat in Manila since 2019, leaves his post as incidents in the disputed waters continue to strain relations between the two countries.
Despite a 2016 international tribunal ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping maritime claims, a decision Beijing rejects, confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels, including the use of water cannons and ramming tactics, have intensified in recent months.
Metro Manila fully ready for ‘Opong’, says MMDA
By Joel E. Zurbano
THE Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) convened on Thursday, September 25, to finalize contingency plans in preparation for the continued threat and potential impact of Severe Tropical Storm ‘Opong’ in the National Capital Region.
The meeting was held following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who instructed all concerned agencies to sustain relief operations, boost preparedness efforts, and allocate necessary resources to ensure a swift government response
to recent calamities and the looming threat of Opong. Council chief and concurrent Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes assured the public that Metro Manila is fully
prepared for the possible effects of the typhoon.
“I am confident to say that we are ready in terms of preparation for the typhoon,” Artes stated, while urging the public to avoid nonessential travel on Friday and over the weekend due to expected severe weather conditions. Currently, Metro Manila is under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.
To ensure a timely and effective response, the MMDA activated its Emergency Operations Center as early as 6:00 a.m. Thursday to closely monitor the on-ground situation.
Two women cops sue Teodoro for sexual assault
By Pot Chavez and Joel Zurbano
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Thursday the filing of complaintaffidavits against former mayor and now Marikina first District Rep. Marcelino ‘Marcy’ Teodoro for alleged acts of lasciviousness and rape by sexual assault.
The complainants were female police officers previously assigned as Teodoro’s close-in security.
“In line with Department Circular No. 20 (2023), the complaints will undergo case build-up and legal evaluation to determine sufficiency of evidence before any preliminary investigation. This ensures that any action, if warranted, will rest on a complete and substantiated record,” the DOJ said in a statement.
An officer alleged that Rep. Teodoro committed acts of lasciviousness punishable under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) during the early period of her assignment.
Global Symposium in Manila Advances Farmers’ Rights Agenda
THE Philippines hosted the 2nd Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights from September 16 to 19, 2025, at Conrad Manila, Pasay City, reaffirming international commitment to strengthening the role of farmers in safeguarding the world’s genetic resources.
Organized under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), the fourday event convened governments, representatives of the Contracting Parties, civil society groups, research institutions, and farmers’ organizations. Building on the inaugural symposium held in India in 2023, the Manila gathering translated broad commitments into actionable strategies to integrate Farmers’ Rights into national and global policy frameworks.
Farmers as Custodians of Biodiversity
In his welcome remarks, BPI Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, Ph.D., underscored the Philippines’ commitment to recognizing farmers as custodians of genetic resources and vital partners in food security. To further this effort, the Bureau of Plant Industry, through the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) and Plant Variety Protection Office (PVPO), has initiated a registry of traditional crop varieties to safeguard against misappropriation and strengthen the link between indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and agricultural resilience. Farmers and farming communities from Kalinga, Ifugao, Benguet, Albay, Bohol, and Lake Sebu were formally honored for their role as the “custodians” of traditional varieties.
“Farmers’ Rights are not only about laws and policies; they are about heritage, fairness, and ensuring that the food on our tables today and tomorrow is secured by protecting the people who make it possible,” said DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. in his message.
Global Perspectives, Local Realities
Country case studies presented during plenary sessions demonstrated varied approaches to operationalizing Farmers’ Rights: seed banks in Nepal, family farming legislation in Peru, geographical indication protection in Niger, biodiversity registers in Madagascar, and farmer-led seed systems across Africa and Papua New Guinea. Collectively, these examples highlighted how seed conservation, farmer empowerment, and agroecology are reshaping rural economies. At the same time, delegates noted persistent barriers, including restrictive seed regulations, weak institutional support, insufficient financing, and the growing impact of climate change. These challenges, they agreed, demand coordinated
responses that place farmers at the center of decision-making. Policy Alignment and Human Rights
A central theme of the symposium was the alignment of Farmers’ Rights with broader human rights frameworks. Delegates emphasized that the right to save, use, exchange, and sell seeds is not only a technical issue but a matter of equity and justice. Ensuring women and youth are included in these processes was identified as essential to advancing both social and economic development.
Practical mechanisms such as community seed banks, participatory breeding programs, and farmer field schools were presented as scalable tools for strengthening resilience and improving access to quality seeds. These initiatives, participants noted, must be embedded in national policies to be sustainable.
From Dialogue to Implementation
The symposium’s forward-looking discussions focused on creating inclusive, permanent platforms for dialogue between farmers and policymakers, reforming seed laws to protect farmer autonomy, and investing in farmer-led initiatives supported by sustainable financing mechanisms. Cross-regional knowledge-sharing was highlighted as key to ensuring long-term progress.
Roadmap to the Governing Body By its conclusion, the Manila symposium had advanced the global conversation on Farmers’ Rights, consolidating lessons learned and identifying policy pathways for adoption. The outcomes will inform deliberations at the 11th Session of the ITPGRFA Governing Body in November this year, where contracting parties are expected to consider stronger legal and institutional measures.
The gathering underscored a shared conviction: that Farmers’ Rights are indispensable to sustainable food systems, agricultural biodiversity, and global food security. As one delegate summarized, “Protecting Farmers’ Rights is not an option— it is a prerequisite for resilience.”
Delegates also undertook study visits to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the UPLB National Plant Genetic Resources Laboratory, and the BPILos Baños Field Genebank, where they observed ongoing efforts to conserve and utilize plant genetic resources. These visits reinforced the importance of linking research and science with community-led conservation practices.
Survey: 41% of families food-poor
By Katrina Manubay
FORTY-one percent of Filipino families rated themselves as food-poor and 10 percent as borderline, with home food production more common among borderline (63%) and food-poor (54%) households than among not food-poor families (42%), according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.
The survey showed that among families producing at least a portion of their food, 86% planted crops, 59% raised livestock, and 7% farmed fish. Crops
IN BRIEF
Cyber libel complaints vs. Davao content creator
CEBU CITY—Content creator Cassandra Vanessa
“Cassie” Japos is facing 38 counts of cyber libel, along with complaints for violation of the Data Privacy Act and unjust vexation in relation to cybercrime.
The cases were filed before the Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office. Three others—Wilwenrose Agor, Peter Paul Daradal, and Enecleto Coyme Jr.—were also charged for amplifying Japos’ defamatory posts.
The complaints came after Japos posted viral videos accusing Elites Empire of being a scam and claiming she was defrauded of ₱30,000. Screenshots she shared, however, contradicted her allegations and showed she had insurance coverage.
Elites Empire founder Pearl Hung filed additional complaints, saying Japos’ posts were “false and malicious statements” that damaged the group’s reputation. Other complainants, including Elites Empire members and AIM Global distributors, also stepped forward. Minerva Newman
Agents arrest 8 foreigners for Isabela illegal mining
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested eight foreigners engaged in illegal mining activities in Isabela province, officials said Thursday.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado identified the suspects as seven Chinese nationals and one Taiwanese, caught mining copper and gold in Sitio Dimakawal, Barangay Bukal Norte, Dinapigue.
The foreigners were found to be working without proper permits or visas and were undocumented, violating the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.
“Illegal mining not only destroys our environment but also deprives our country of valuable natural resources,” Viado said. He added that violators would face arrest, detention, and deportation.
The crackdown follows a similar BI raid in Masbate, where nine Chinese nationals were arrested for illegal mining. Vito Barcelo
PH, Cyprus strengthen bilateral ties at UN meet
FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Cyprus Foreign Affairs Minister Constantinos Kombos met in New York to boost bilateral ties, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.
The meeting took place during the 80th United Nations General Assembly on September 24. Both officials discussed strengthening cooperation bilaterally and in multilateral fora.
Kombos expressed gratitude to Lazaro in an X post, saying he looked forward to “further enhancement” of the Philippines-Cyprus relationship.
The Cypriot minister also reaffirmed his support for stronger relations between the Philippines and the European Union.
In 2024, former foreign secretary Enrique Manalo also met with Kombos, marking the first official visit of a Philippine foreign secretary to Cyprus. Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay
were the most common home-produced food in all regions, with Metro Manila registering 100 percent, followed by the Visayas (86%), Balance Luzon (85%), and Mindanao (85%).
Livestock was the second most common home-produced food, led by Mindanao (65%), Balance Luzon (58%), the Visayas (56%), and Metro Manila (17%). Fish farming was minimal, with 8 percent in Balance Luzon, 7% in the Visayas, 5% in Mindanao, and none reported in Metro Manila.
The survey also found that families producing a large share of their food were more prevalent in the Visayas (12%) and Mindanao (11%), compared with Metro Manila (1%) and Balance Luzon (7%). Rural households (13%) were more likely than urban households (3%) to produce most of their food.
The SWS survey was conducted from June 25 to 29, 2025, with 1,200 respondents nationwide. It reported sampling error margins of ±3% for national figures and ±6% for each regional breakdown.
BARMM POLLS. Members of the League of Bangsamoro Organization go to the Comelec office in Intramuros to press for the implementation of the BARMM election on October 13.
CIDG nabs most wanted fugitive with reward
By Vince Lopez
THE Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has arrested the country’s number one most wanted fugitive, who carried a ₱375,000 reward, during an operation in Purok 11, Sitio Masagana, Alabang, Muntinlupa City on September 22. The suspect, identified only as “Robert,” a native of Davao City, was wanted for murder under a 2022 arrest warrant issued in Panabo City, Davao del Norte. He had been in hiding in Alabang since fleeing Davao. Authorities said that on August 18, 2021, Robert shot dead an eatery owner in Panabo City and wounded her helper. The fugitive evaded capture for over three years before being tracked down by the CIDG Detection and Special Operations Unit (DSOU).
Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, acting director of CIDG, commended the DSOU for its “commitment and unrelenting effort in capturing the nation’s number one fugitive,” saying the arrest brings justice to the victims and their families.
“Rest assured that the CIDG is steadfast in enforcing all the laws, and relentless in capturing all criminals, wanted persons, and fugitives across the country. The CIDG means business,” Morico added.
PNP teams up with ICI, IBP for transparency, accountability
By Vince Lopez
THE Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., has partnered with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to strengthen transparency and accountability in government infrastructure projects.
The partnership was formalized on September 23, 2025, during a meeting at the Department of Energy’s Energy Center in Taguig City.
Nartatez was joined by PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Lt. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II, and Police Security and Protection Group Director Brig. Gen. Benigno Guzman.
The move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s guidance to ensure accountability in flood control and other infrastructure initiatives.
“The PNP’s primary role is to provide investigative and law enforcement support to ICI and its partner institutions,” Nartatez said. “Through a top-level task group, we will assist in building strong cases against individuals or groups involved in corruption, fraud, or irregularities in infrastructure projects.”
He added that the initiative underscores the PNP’s anti-corruption thrust: “Public trust is built when citizens see that government agencies are serious about accountability. Our involvement demonstrates that law enforcement stands firmly on the side of transparency and good governance.”
By Rio N. Araja
THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized P328.58 million worth of illegal drugs in nationwide operations from September 12 to 19, resulting in the arrest of 105 suspects in 74 separate raids. The operations targeted pushers, couriers, and drug den operators, and included the destruction of thousands of marijuana plants in the Cordillera Administrative Region. Among the seizures were 47.8 kilos of shabu, 14,710 marijuana plants, three kilos of dried marijuana leaves, and 1,000 seedlings. A major interdiction effort at NAIA Terminal 3 on September 14 yielded 5.9 kilos of shabu, while a buy-bust operation in Sta. Clara, Batangas City, on September 16 netted 40 kilos.
Other notable confiscations included 515 grams of shabu in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, and 510 grams in Dauis,
Norman Cruz
OPINION
Salus populi, not salus magnanakaw
SALUS populi est suprema lex. The welfare of the people is the supreme law.
This ancient maxim, traced back to Cicero and long embraced in modern Constitutions and jurisprudence, reminds us that every statute, every ruling, every policy must ultimately serve the people, not the powerful few, not the criminals who plunder public funds.
This principle should be the compass in the raging debate between Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla and Senator Rodante Marcoleta over the Witness Protection Program. The issue boils down to this: Should someone accused of corruption be allowed to enjoy state protection without first making restitution for what was stolen?
Senator Marcoleta says no. His argument is that Republic Act 6981 contains no explicit requirement for restitution. In his view, the law is meant to protect witnesses, period.
On paper this is a safe and literal reading of the statute. But law cannot be read in isolation from justice, and justice cannot be blind to the realities of corruption in this country.
Secretary Remulla, on the other hand, argues that before protection is granted, there must be restitution.
In plain terms, give back what you stole before you ask the State to shield you. It is a recognition that public welfare, not the welfare of thieves, is the supreme law.
Here the public must pay attention. Since time immemorial, we have witnessed one scandal after another involving officials who lived far beyond the means of honest service.
Mansions rise in exclusive villages.
Convoys of imported luxury cars clog gated driveways.
Private helicopters and jets are casually flown to weekend retreats.
Properties are hidden abroad, in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris and Madrid. Penthouse units become cash drop-off points, where billions are piled on billiard tables before being counted and delivered. Their children? Nepo babies of corruption, flaunting designer brands, jetting off to luxury vacations, posing with Ferraris and Lamborghinis bought with public money.
This stark disparity should outrage us. When crooked politicians flaunt their wealth, it is not just an insult. It is a direct theft of opportunities from ordinary Filipinos who endure rising prices, unreliable public transport, and underfunded hospitals.
We have seen this story before.
In 2012, Janet Lim Napoles shocked the nation with her pork barrel scam, exposing how billions were siphoned through bogus NGOs.
She, too, paraded unexplained wealth while ordinary Filipinos were left scraping by.
Did we ever learn?
Or are we simply allowing the same
scheme to repeat itself, dressed up with new faces, new nepo babies, and bigger toys?
How many corrupt presidents have we kicked out in the past, only to see the cycle repeat itself?
At the recent Senate Blue Ribbon hearing, a DPWH official named Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former senator Bong Revilla – both once jailed for corruption cases – along with Senator Joel Villanueva, as being involved in the corruption in flood-control projects.
All three strongly denied the charge.
It is yet another reminder that the cycle never really ends – old names resurface, new ones are added, but the shadow of corruption remains the same.
It is a recognition that public welfare, not the welfare of thieves, is the supreme law
Imagine the scene: a plunderer walks into the DOJ, applies for witness protection, and gets state funded security escorts while continuing to enjoy his stolen bounty.
The law may not explicitly forbid it, but common sense and public conscience do.
Should the State really prioritize the safety of thieves while the victims, the people, remain unprotected?
That is why Remulla’s stance resonates. Protection cannot be unconditional.
It must be tied to accountability.
It must demand restitution.
Because if the WPP becomes a loophole where the corrupt hide while clutching their loot, then it ceases to serve the public.
It becomes a shield for the very people it was meant to expose.
The maxim salus populi est suprema lex is not a Latin ornament. It is the heart of democratic governance.
The supreme law is the people’s welfare.
The people will never be served if the corrupt are allowed to keep their mansions, their fleets of cars, their air assets, their overseas houses, and their piles of cash in penthouses, while hiding behind witness protection.
So yes, Marcoleta is technically right that RA 6981 does not spell out restitution.
But Remulla is right where it matters: in the conscience of the law, in the eyes of the people, and in the enduring truth that no legal loophole can justify injustice.
The State must choose whose welfare is supreme: that of the plunderer, or that of the people.
In the end, the choice is clear. Salus populi, not salus magnanakaw. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
Proposed outcomes for anti-corruption protests
HENRY Alcantara, a former district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways, has shaken the political establishment with his testimony before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva, Bong Revilla Jr., and Rep. Zaldy Co were among those he alleged received kickbacks, some as high as 25 percent of project funds. The scandal shows how the national budget, meant for public service, can be twisted into a private racket. Worse, money was diverted from health, transport, and education into ghost or substandard projects designed to be looted. In the Philippines, public office has become a private trust, and that is what must change. The urgency grows as the Investigative Commission on Infrastructure prepares to release more disclosures. Its findings are expected to reveal corruption even broader and deeper than Alcantara’s affidavit alone suggests Davao City, Ilocos Norte, and the Bicol region should be prioritized for investigation next, but no city or province must be spared. Accountability must reach the top of the DPWH and Congress.
EDITORIAL
Ban on budget insertions by lawmakers
SHOULD the government ban insertions in its annual budget to prevent corruption, especially in big-ticket infrastructure projects?
That’s the proposal of Senator Panfilo Lacson, as he sees them as the root of systemic corruption in government spending, particularly in flood control programs.
He calls congressional insertions the “original sin” behind the multi-billion peso flood control scam.
He argues that these insertions create opportunities for corrupt officials in the Department of Public Works and Highways to misuse public funds.
Once inserted into the budget, these funds often end up in the hands of district engineering offices, where they become vulnerable to kickbacks and ghost projects.
The senator wants both houses of Congress to agree not to meddle in infrastructure allocations, saying lawmakers should focus only on institutional amendments.
He emphasized that unprogrammed appropriations – often used for flood control – are particularly susceptible to abuse.
As chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Lacson is leading a probe into the flood control scandal, where whistleblower Brice Hernandez linked Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy
Former secretary Mark Villar approved many of these projects, and former secretary Manuel Bonoan is accountable for those carried out under the Marcos administration.
Former Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senate President Francis Escudero must also be targeted for investigation.
The youth, working with mass movements, can bring down the rotten walls of corruption
President Marcos himself has said he is willing to be questioned by the ICI. Alcantara’s testimony is not a verdict. It is a detonator. Whether it triggers accountability or fizzles into another forgotten scandal depends on how institutions respond and how citizens demand action.
A Last Quarter Storm is coming, political not meteorological, though we will see plenty of typhoons as well. Like the First
Quarter Storm of 1970, it will be intense, and whether intended or not, it may lead to clashes like those already seen in Mendiola last Sunday.
The question is what our desired outcomes from these protests are.
Criminal prosecution is of course necessary. Budget and procurement reforms are also critical. Yet we have gone down that road before, only to see the cycle repeat.
Three deeper reforms are essential.
The first is the long-delayed implementation of the Constitutional ban on political dynasties.
A real anti-dynasty law must bar close relatives, up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, from simultaneously or successively holding elective office, whether local or national.
Only such a measure can break the monopoly of families who treat public office as private inheritance.
The second is the passage of a strict conflict-of-interest and asset disclosure law.
Current laws are riddled with loopholes and weak enforcement.
A new law must require real-time online disclosure of SALNs, contracts, and
Estrada to questionable insertions worth ₱600M and ₱355M, respectively. Lacson has not cleared either senator, citing budget documents that validate the allegations.
Lacson’s stance reflects a deeper call for self-restraint within Congress and a shift toward transparent, accountable budgeting
His proposal is part of a broader effort to restore public trust and prevent future misuse of taxpayer money.
He’s also coordinating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, created by President Marcos Jr., to investigate anomalies in public works projects. Lacson’s stance reflects a deeper call
beneficial ownership records. It must also address how dummies are used to evade divestment rules, a favorite tactic of corrupt politicians.
The third is an anti-oligarchy law to prevent regulatory capture.
In the Philippines, politically connected tycoons and conglomerates often shape the bidding process, influence appointments, and rewrite regulations in their favor.
Some of these oligarchs even fund their own political parties and have their tentacles all over the legislative, executive, and some say even judicial branches.
Left unchecked, regulatory capture institutionalizes corruption by turning public agencies into tools of the powerful. They are also a cause of inequality and development aggression.
These new laws cannot be left to dynasties or oligarchs to design, for they will weaken them from the start.
They must be drafted by citizens themselves, assisted by development and social change lawyers who can frame airtight provisions and close every loophole.
Protests must therefore focus on the very centers of power.
for self-restraint within Congress and a shift toward transparent, accountable budgeting.
The proposed ban on budget insertions fits into the broader history of pork barrel reforms in the Philippines, and what kind of systemic shift it might trigger.
The Priority Development Assistance Fund was a discretionary fund given to lawmakers to finance local projects. It was abolished in 2013 after the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional in a landmark decision.
The PDAF scandal, exposed by a whistleblower, revealed how billions of pesos were funneled into fake NGOs linked to businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles and complicit lawmakers. Despite PDAF’s abolition, lawmakers continued to influence budgets through insertions, often during bicameral committee meetings. These insertions are typically hidden in unprogrammed appropriations, which are standby funds released only when excess revenues or loans materialize. Critics argue these lack transparency and function as “pork barrel in disguise.” The Department of Budget and Management, however, defends unprogrammed funds as legitimate tools for contingency planning, citing strict release conditions and oversight mechanisms. Given this, do you think Sen. Lacson’s proposal will see the light of day?
Congress and the President must be compelled to act, even if it is against their self-interest and the interests of their families.
Tens of thousands of citizens must peacefully surround the House of Representatives, the Senate, and Malacañang in that order until lawmakers and the President enact the laws the nation demands. Only relentless pressure will force institutions captured by dynasties and oligarchs to legislate against themselves. Only the youth can lead this struggle. It is the young who have had the courage to go where others will not, to press forward when fear or fatigue overwhelms their elders.
It is the youth, including those who stood in Mendiola last Sunday, who can carry this movement to its end.
The youth, working with mass movements, can bring down the rotten walls of corruption and build in their place a government that protects the people and secures the future of this country. Facebook, X, Instagram, and BlueSky: tonylavs Website: tonylavina.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
Clean-up underway in south China
following
IN BRIEF
Drones observed over 4 Denmark airports
COPENHAGEN, Denmark – Drones were observed over four airports across Denmark, causing one of them to close for hours, police said Thursday after a similar incident this week prompted Copenhagen airport to shut.
Drones were seen at the airports in Aalborg, Esbjerg, Sonderborg and at the Skrydstrup airbase before leaving on their own, police said.
Aalborg airport, located in northern Denmark and one of the country’s biggest after Copenhagen, was shut down before reopening several hours later.
“It was not possible to take down the drones, which flew over a very large area over a couple of hours. At this time, we have not apprehended the drone operators either,” North Jutland chief police inspector Jesper Bojgaard Madsen said in a statement about the incident in Aalborg.
South Jutland police said they had “received several reports of drone activity at the airports in Esbjerg, Sonderborg and Skrydstrup,” late Wednesday evening.
The Esbjerg and Sonderborg airports were not closed as no flights were scheduled there until Thursday morning. AFP
North Korea could have 2 tons of uranium — Seoul
SEOUL – North Korea is believed to possess up to two tons of highly enriched uranium, South Korea’s unification minister said Thursday.
The North has long been known to hold a “significant” amount of highly enriched uranium, the key material used to produce nuclear warheads, according to South Korea’s defense ministry.
But in a rare public confirmation, South Korea’s unification minister said that “intelligence agencies estimate Pyongyang’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium –more than 90 percent pure – at up to 2,000 kilograms.”
“Even at this very hour, North Korea’s uranium centrifuges are operating at four sites,” Chung Dong-young told reporters.
“Only five to six kg of plutonium is enough to build a single nuclear bomb,” said Chung, adding that 2,000 kg of highly enriched uranium, which could be reserved solely for plutonium production, would be “enough to make an enormous number of nuclear weapons”. AFP
Taiwan jails 4 on China spying
TAIPEI – A Taiwan court handed jail terms Thursday ranging from four to 10 years to four people, including a former staffer in President Lai Ching-te’s office, for spying for China.
The four people were charged in June, a month after they were expelled from Lai’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party — which advocates for Taiwan’s sovereignty — over suspected espionage.
China claims democratic self-ruled Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to annex it.
Taipei accuses Beijing of using espionage and infiltration to weaken its defenses.
The Taipei District Court said in a statement the four were convicted of violating the Classified National Security Information Protection Act for leaking state secrets to China.
“The information they spied on, collected, leaked and delivered involved important diplomatic intelligence...which made our country’s difficult diplomatic situation even worse,” the court said. AFP
remove a
YANGJIANG, China – Hundreds of thousands of people in southern China were clearing up Thursday after powerful Typhoon Ragasa crashed through Guangdong Province, ripping down trees, destroying fences, and blasting signs off buildings.
Ragasa churned into Guangdong, home to tens of millions of people, with winds up to 145 kilometers per hour, on Wednesday after sweeping past Hong Kong and killing at least 14 in Taiwan.
AFP journalists at the impact point around the city of Yangjiang on Thursday morning saw fallen trees, while road signs and debris were strewn across the streets. A light rain and breeze still lingered as residents worked to clean up the damage. Electricity still had not returned in one residential district, a local restaurant owner told AFP, the roof of his business completely caved in on one side.
On Hailing -- an island administered by Yangjiang -- relief workers attempted to clear a huge tree that had fallen across a wide road. Cars drove on muddy tracks to get around the wreckage as the team worked to saw off branches.
Ragasa’s passage in Taiwan killed at least 14 and injured dozens more when a decades-old barrier lake burst in eastern Hualien county, according to regional officials who late
Judge orders Spain PM’s wife’s criminal trial
By that point authorities across China had already ordered businesses and schools to shut down in at least 10 cities across the nation’s south, affecting tens of millions of people.
Nearly 2.2 million people in Guangdong were relocated by Wednesday afternoon, but local officials later said several cities in the province started lifting restrictions on schools and businesses.
Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said Ragasa made its second landfall in Beihai, Guangxi, at 6:30 am on Thursday as a tropical storm.
Chinese authorities earmarked the equivalent of about $49.2 million to support rescue and relief work in regions hit by Typhoon Ragasa, Xinhua news agency said. AFP
He cited emails sent by Alvarez to third parties that “clearly seem to exceed her duties” in the prime minister’s office and constituted “sufficient evidence.”
Gomez’s “personal friendship” with Alvarez was “the reason for her appointment to the position of highest trust” in Sanchez’s office, Peinado wrote in his ruling.
The appointment “could represent a diversion of public resources in favour of private interests”, since Alvarez was working for Gomez at the same time, Peinado said.
MADRID – A judge investigating Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s wife Begona Gomez for alleged embezzlement has ordered her to stand trial, a court document showed Wednesday. The long-running probe is one of several into Sanchez’s family and former close allies that have embarrassed the Socialist leader and heaped pressure on his minority coalition. The investigation centers on whether an official employed in the premier’s office, Cristina Alvarez, also did work for Gomez while the latter held a position at Madrid’s Complutense University. Judge Juan Carlos Peinado said in a ruling dated Tuesday that his preliminary investigation showed that a jury trial was warranted and summoned Gomez to appear in court on Saturday.
Afghan returnees fuel potential ‘of terrorism’
KABUL – A massive spike in millions of migrants forced back into impoverished Afghanistan by Pakistan and Iran could fuel Islamic State militancy, diplomatic and security sources fear.
Around 2.6 million Afghans have returned since January, including many who have spent decades abroad or who are setting foot in Afghanistan for the first time.
“The risk that Islamic State Khorasan sees these newly arrived Afghans as a potential recruitment pool is high,”
Hans-Jakob Schindler, a former coordinator of the UN committee monitoring militant groups, told AFP.
Security in Afghanistan has vastly improved since the Taliban won their insurgency against the Nato-backed government and returned to power in 2021.
However, the local branch of Islamic State -- a rival jihadist group with a foothold in eastern Afghanistan -- carries out periodic attacks and remains a threat to Taliban rule and the wider region.
“Since August 2021, the group has continued to recruit disgruntled Taliban as well as Afghans that are not part of the new regime,” Schindler said.
The UN warned in July of a “permissive environment for a range of terrorist
Gomez can appeal and the ruling is not yet definitive. She denied wrongdoing during a court appearance before Peinado in Madrid two weeks ago.
Peinado set off the saga in April 2024 by opening an investigation to determine whether Gomez exploited her position as Sanchez’s wife for private benefit after complaints by groups with far-right ties.
Separate corruption probes have ensnared two former Socialist heavyweights, Santos Cerdan and ex-transport minister Jose Luis Abalos, as well as the prime minister’s younger brother David Sanchez. AFP
‘TICKING TIME BOMB.’ Afghan refugees with their belongings wait for deportation as they arrive in their trucks at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Torkham in this file photo taken on Sept 16, 2025. A massive spike in millions of migrants forced back into impoverished Afghanistan by Pakistan and Iran could fuel Islamic State militancy, diplomatic and security sources fear. Around 2.6 million Afghans have returned since January. AFP
groups... posing a serious threat to the security of Central Asian and other countries”.
It said the most serious threat is from the Islamic State, with 2,000 fighters, who have carried out deadly attacks in Russia, Iran and Pakistan in the past few years. While the Pakistani Taliban, a separate but closely linked group to the Af-
ghan Taliban, has triple the fighters, it is focused on a campaign against the Pakistan government’s security forces.
Islamabad has consistently accused Afghanistan’s rulers of giving safe haven to militant groups.
The Taliban government has repeatedly claimed that there are “no longer any terrorist organisations” operating in Afghanistan. AFP
Trump demands probe into UN ‘triple sabotage’
WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump demanded an investigation Wednesday (Thursday Manila time) into what he called “triple sabotage” after an escalator, teleprompter and sound system malfunctioned as he addressed the United Nations. The UN has said the events that happened while Trump was at its headquarters in New York on Tuesday were accidental, and partly blamed them on White House staff.
But in a long, angry social media post, Trump described the string of mishaps as “very sinister,” called for people to be arrested and said the Secret Service was also probing.
“This wasn’t a coincidence, this was triple sabotage at the UN. They ought to be ashamed of themselves,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
“I’m sending a copy of this letter to the Secretary General, and I demand an immediate investigation. No wonder the United Nations hasn’t been able to do the job that they were put in existence to do.”
Footage showed the 79-year-old president and First Lady Melania Trump getting on the escalator at UN headquarters on Tuesday before it stopped with a lurch, forcing them to walk up. Then, as he began his speech, he noted his teleprompter was not working.
He spent much of the rest of the speech bashing the world body, accusing it of funding illegal migration that was turning Western countries into “hell” and failing to support his peace efforts in Gaza and Ukraine.
But while Trump struck a mostly joking tone about the escalator, his mood hardened a day later.
“A REAL DISGRACE took place at the United Nations yesterday. Not one, not two, but three very sinister events!” he wrote.
Trump said the escalator stop could have been a “real disaster.”
“It’s amazing that Melania and I didn’t fall forward onto the sharp edges of these steel steps, face first,” he said. AFP
Netanyahu slams leaders recognizing Palestinian state ahead of US trip
JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced leaders who had recognized a Palestinian state, as he headed to the United States on Thursday for White House talks and an address to the UN General Assembly. His remarks came three days after France led a special summit on the sidelines of the General Assembly, which saw a slew of Western governments recognise the State of Palestine against the backdrop of the nearly two-year Gaza war. Netanyahu is due to address the assembly on Friday. “At the General Assembly, I will speak our truth -- the truth of the citizens of Israel, the truth of the (Israeli) soldiers, the truth of our
BATTERED LANDS. Workers cut and
fallen tree
the passage of Super Typhoon Ragasa in Yangjiang, southern China’s Guangdong province on Thursday. Fierce winds, pounding rain and rough seas battered southern China, as powerful Ragasa made landfall in Guangdong province after killing at least 14 in Taiwan. Hong Kong authorities said 101 people were treated at public hospitals for injuries sustained during the typhoon as of Wednesday evening, with more than 900 people seeking refuge at 50 temporary shelters across the city. AFP
a sky dive or free fall drill over Catanduanes province as part of their 4th Interoperability Exercise.
IN BRIEF
AFP grateful for ‘23 performance bonus
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) thanked President Marcos and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for approving the release of the 2023 performance-based bonus (PBB) for qualified military personnel.
“The PBB is a recognition of government workers’ performance that reinforces our commitment to remain faithful to our constitutional mandate and uphold our core values of honor, service and patriotism.” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters.
In a statement on Wednesday, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the windfall recognizes the “dedication and sacrifice” of soldiers who continue to defend peace and protect the Filipino people.
The PBB is an annual, merit-based incentive granted to government workers—including civilian employees and uniformed personnel—who meet performance targets and governance standards. Rex Espiritu
Batang Pinoy athletes get Cebu gov’s support
CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has expressed full support to the provincial delegation that will compete in the upcoming Batang Pinoy 2025 sports meet to be held in General Santos City Oct. 25-31 this year.
Baricuatro regretted however, that for six years, the local delegation had no aid or assistance from the province. She wanted to make up for the oversight with a promised rewards for those who would win gold medals in the competitions.
“I know you will compete in Batang Pinoy in General Santos, but I know that you are going there like Batang Cebu. Do your best and make Cebu proud. The Cebu Provincial Government fully supports the delegation,” the governor said as she wished the athletes the best of luck.
This elicited a wild round of applause and excitement from the delegation composed of athletes, coaches, and teachers during the greet-and-meet event with Baricuatro on Sept. 17 at the capitol complex. Minerva Newman
‘Cut DPWH budget in DOH favor’
By Ram Superable
SENATOR Risa Hontiveros urges Congress to realign part of the proposed P255 billion flood control budget in favor of the public health sector to boost the capacity of government hospitals to accommodate patients.
Hontiveros said augmenting the health funds could help meet the backlog of 90,375 beds in state-run hospitals.
The Department of Health (DOH) has disclosed that only 28,153 beds are currently available in public hospitals across the country, way below the 118,528 beds mandated by law.
“The gap is extremely wide. It would
be better to give the funds to the Department of Health to help reduce the hospital bed shortage. The overcrowding must stop,” said Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography.
She said the realignment would prevent patients from competing for limited hospital space and Commonwealth Ave. PUVs to undergo review
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to review the status of 3,972 public utility vehicles operating along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City upon orders by acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III gave assurance that the agency was focused on protecting the commuters’ welfare by making sure franchises were properly used.
“We will strictly implement the directive of the Department of Transportation to ensure that franchises are properly utilized,” Guadiz said.
“Our first priority is to protect the riding public and hold liable those that do not comply with their obligation,” he added.
A franchise holder who would be found inactive or not operating will be required to explain through a show-cause order, he warned.
Rio N. Araja
Cagayan
efficient health services.
Hontiveros pointed out that flood control projects should not take precedence over urgent health needs as public hospitals remain under-equipped.
“Even with hospital beds, we need a catch-up plan. It’s about time that Filipino patients stop having to compete for space and care,” she said.
According to Hontiveros, DOH initiatives could benefit from the budget realignment, including the Health Facilities Enhancement Program and the provision of medicines and medical assistance to indigent and financially handicapped patients.
GEN. TRIAS CITY FIESTA. Gen. Trias City in Cavite kicks off its week-long celebration of the feast of ‘Tata Kiko’ with a Holy Mass at the park officiated by parish priest F. Oliver Genuino. Dennis Abrina
DFA extols Filipino seafarers, marks World Maritime Day
By Katrina Manubay
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) marked on Thursday World Maritime Day by honoring Filipino seafarers, recognizing them as “not only the lifeblood of the global fleet, but as crucial navigators of the maritime industry’s green and digital transition.”
In a statement, the DFA emphasized its dedication to advancing policies to empower sailors with the next-generation skills required to command the sustainable, automated, and techno-
logically advanced vessels.
“The DFA will continue to advocate tirelessly for the rights, safety, and security of all mariners against peril in the high seas,” the statement read.
The DFA also reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy and international cooperation “that supports a sustainable blue economy and positions the Philippines at the forefront of this global shift.”
“We call upon all stakeholdersfrom ship owners and operators to port authorities and energy innova-
town unwraps grand pastoral festival
By Jessica M. Bacud
TUAO, Cagayan—This booming town of Tuao, Cagayan, gears up for its grand patronal festival to celebrating the feast of Sto. Angel Dela Guardia on Sept. 24 to Oct. 2, 2025.
This year’s festivities, dubbed “Sinabalu en Sukalti Festival,” promises to be an unforgettable experience for the devotees, showcasing the town’s rich cultural heritage and sumptuous delicacies.
Mayor William Mamba said, the ‘Sinabalu en Sukalti Festival “is a testament to our town’s vibrant culture and traditions.”
“We invite everyone to join in the fun, savor the local flavors, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the people of Tuao,” he added.
The affair will feature a variety of activities, including a trade fair, cultural performances, and a showcase of local products. The highlight of the festival will be the flavoured Sinabalu and Sukalti, two of Tuao’s signature delicacies that are sure to tantalize the taste buds of visitors. The ceremonies kick off with a tree-planting activity, followed by a Thanksgiving Mass, opening of a trade fair, and Miss Tuao pre-pageant.
Other exciting activities include the Sinabalu cooking contest where local chefs will showcase their culinary skills, and the Little Miss Tuao contest which will highlight the charm and talent of the town’s pretty lasses. The festival will also feature a Barangay Night, where the different ba-
rangays will showcase their unique culture and traditions.
A Fun Run will also be held, promoting health and wellness among the participants. The highly anticipated 3rd Enduro Cross will also take place, testing the skills and endurance of the participants. For the kids, a Playground Demo will be held, providing a fun and interactive way to enjoy the festival. The coronation night of Little Miss Tuao and Miss Tuao will be a highlight of the festival, where the winners will be crowned and awarded. To culminate the festival activities, a grand Parade for Little Miss Tuao and Miss Tuao will be held, followed by a Raffle Draw at the LNM Gymnasium 1. The raffle draw promises to give away exciting prizes to the lucky winners.
tors-to collaborate in building a maritime sector that is both economically vibrant and environmentally responsible,” the DFA stressed.
The agency further urged countries to constantly adhere to international laws, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and its dispute settlement mechanisms.
On September 3, the Philippines adopted the Manila Declaration on Seafarers’ Rights, Safety, and WellBeing which aims to protect the “dignity, welfare, and human rights” of seafarers worldwide.
She noted that Malacañang had previously identified these programs as eligible for funding realignment in the 2026 budget.
“Malacañang has already cleared the path. This will not happen if we just let the people’s money be swept away in a flood of corruption while two or more patients are crammed into a single hospital bed,” Hontiveros said. The senator pledged to collaborate with colleagues in the Senate to ensure the proposed 2026 budget prioritizes health reforms.
“I will make sure our taxes are well spent in exchange for the services that we all deserve,” she added.
18 Muslim extremists lay down arms in Maguindanao
By Rex Espiritu
EIGHTEEN Muslim extremists surrendered to the military in Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday afternoon, saying they were tired of evading government offensives, the Army disclosed on Thursday.
Lt. Col. Christian Cabading, commander of the Army’s 92nd Infantry Battalion, presented the surrenderees and their firearms to Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala, head of the 2nd Infantry Division, during the latter’s visit to Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.
The surrenderees were formerly associated with the Dawlah Islamiyah and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters which were operating in Maguindanao del Sur, specifically in the adjoining towns of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak, and Mamasapano.
“Their decision to lay down arms and return to the fold of the law reflects courage, reconciliation, and the hope of starting anew with their families and communities,” Cabading said in a statement. Aside from the 18 firearms turned over by the group, 24 other loose firearms were turned in through the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program. The surrendered weapons include rocket-propelled grenades, sniper rifles, grenade launchers, shotguns, pistols, and revolvers.
SKY DIVING DRILL. The Philippine Army (PA) and Philippine Air Force (PAF) paratroopers stage
CHOCOLATE AND RICE CAKE FESTIVAL. Tuao, Cagayan unveils its week-long grand pastoral festival with sukalati and sinabalu (chocolate drink and glutinous rice cake) on center stage. Mayor William Mamba invites everyone to partake of the festivities which include a trade fair, cultural performances, and a beauty pageants, among other events. Jessica M. Bacud
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Adamson seeks strong start; SBC
eyes solo lead
FANCIED Adamson University begins its bid for another crown in a clash with Jose Rizal University in Pool B of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup Friday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Bannered by Alas Pilipinas mainstay Shaina Nitura, the Lady Falcons march to center court for the 6 p.m. nightcap of the triple-header feature of the centerpiece tournament of the league backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
Adamson is coming in hot following a three-game sweep of the SSL National Invitationals Cebu Leg last month.
“Susubukan naming dalhin ‘yung kompiyansa na nabuo namin sa mga positive na naganap sa amin. We’ll bring it here sa Shakey’s (Unity Cup) to gain more confidence and experience para sa team namin,” said Nitura, who was named Best Player of the Invitationals’ Visayas stop.
Head coach JP Yude will also rely on Red Bascon, Lhouriz Tuddao, Abegail Segui, Frances Mordi and setter Bella Sapienza as the Lady Falcons look to go deep this year after a group stage exit in the previous edition.
Adamson snatched bronze in the contest’s inaugural staging in 2022.
On the other hand, the Lady Bombers are desperate for a win to stay in the hunt for a spot into the next round of the competition, supported by Asics, Mikasa, Smart Sports, Summit, Team Rebel Sports, Belo Deo, Eurotel- Apo View Hotel, Batangas Country Club, Executive Optical, Baic Auto Philippines, SM Tickets and PusoP.com as technical partners.
JRU suffered a 15-25, 9-25, 23-25, loss to Far Eastern University last Saturday before absorbing a heartbreaking 19-25, 18-25, 25-23, 25-16, 10-15 defeat to Arellano University the following day. Meanwhile, San Beda University seeks a second straight win and solo hold of the top spot in Pool A against debuting Lyceum of the Philippines University.
Game time is set at 4 p.m.
Gonzaga renew rivalry with Gumbao at PPS Tagum
AYL Gonzaga continues to build a reputation as one of the most dominant junior tennis players in the country as she looks to extend her winning streak in the Gov. Edwin Jubahib National Juniors Tennis Championships in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
The Group 2 tournament, which kicked off Thursday at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, drew over 200 participants across nine age categories –a testament to the growing excitement and grassroots momentum in Philippine junior tennis.
The week-long event is sanctioned by Philta and Universal Tennis and supported by ICON Golf & Sports, with ranking points and prestige on the line. At the center of the storm is Gonzaga, the 14-year-old sensation from Olongapo City, who has strung together a remarkable campaign across the Luzon and Mindanao legs of the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPSPEPP) nationwide circuit. With multiple titles already under her belt this year, Gonzaga is quickly becoming a name to watch in the local tennis scene.
Fresh off her impressive twotitle romp in the Isulan, Sultan Kudarat leg – where she captured both the girls’ 14- and 16-andunder crowns – Gonzaga enters the Tagum leg brimming with confidence and momentum. But her opponent in both Isulan finals – Justine Gumbao – returns with a renewed sense of purpose and a game plan focused on redemption.
Filipino Jiu Jitsu artists dominate Japan tourney
FILIPINO jiu jitsu artists made samplings of their prowess in international scene, winning three gold medals in the Sports Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (SJJIF) World Jiu Jitsu Championship 2025 and No-Gi Championship in Chiba, Japan over the weekend.
Joson Tessa and Jeon Dela Cruz stood at the forefront of the Filipinos exceptional showing in the tournament, with the former taking two medals and the later adding one after their convincing victories.
Tessa beat Aina Fugisawa of Evox BJJ on points to clinch the gold in the Gi Female Gray Kid 5 Light Feather. She then annexed the Nogi Female
Gray Kid 5 Light Feather by beating Sawka Lilly of Hi Grade Jiujitsu on points, for a twin-kill.
Tessa’s double gold victories was well complemented by Jeon De La Cruz who subdued Tomura Eishin of Carpe Diem Yokohoma to take the gold in the Gi Male Gray Kid 3 Rooster.
But the day definitely belonged to Callum Roberts in this arguably larg-
est Jiujitsu tournament ever held in Asia, as he triumphed in three categories to underscore the Philippines’ huge progress in the sport.
Roberts turned back Nakamura Goki of Infight Japan via straight arm lock in the Gi Ultra Heavyweight Male Blue (Adults 18) class.
Roberts then flashed his exceptional skills on the mat as he overpowered Nakahara Gustavo of Carlos Toyota BJJ via back take Colla Choke in the Gi Open Weight Male Blue (Adults).
As if that was not enough, Roberts, a member of the Ph Team, a Gi and NOgi World Champion and an Absolute Champion too, also dominated the NoGi Ultra Heavyweight Male Blue (Adults 18), stamping his class over Pchelnikov Nikita of ZR Team Blagoveshcensk with
Lua, Granada rule ICTSI Collegiate Tour
LIPA, Batangas—Julia Lua of La Salle-1 picked up right where she left off while College of St. Benilde-1’s Sean Granada recovered from a last-hole miscue to edge La Salle-1’s Zachary Castro in sudden death as they delivered contrasting victories in the Finals of the inaugural ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour, capping a landmark week for collegiate golf Thursday at the Summit Point Golf and Country Club here.
While Lua coasted to a four-stroke victory over CSB-1’s Natasha Bantug despite a 96 for a 181, Granada squandered a three-shot lead with three holes to play but regained his composure when it mattered most, clinching the crown with a routine par on the first playoff hole at the par-4 18th. Granada, who dominated the Splendido Taal leg under stormy conditions, had earlier three-putted the final hole to finish with a 73, enabling Castro, who drilled in a 12-foot birdie putt for
The Path to Redemption
The Designated Kit Man
Cabatbat
Erel
THE San Beda Red Lions were aiming to score backto-back championships in the basketball tournament of the National Collegiate Athletic Association last season. But they were ambushed in the Final Four by the College of Saint Benilde Blazers. From what The Designated Kit Man recalls, the Red Lions lost four straight games, including their semifinal defeat against the Blazers. The three consecutive losses in the elimination round not only derailed San Beda’s hopes of securing a twice-to-beat advantage but also signaled the beginning of the end for the boys from Mendiola. It was a bitter way for the then-defending champions—or any team, for that matter—to bow out of the tournament. A few days ago, I had the opportunity to talk with Jude Roque, the Red Lions’ long-time manager. While he remains optimistic about San Beda’s chances this season, he is also pragmatic, admitting that expectations are often far from reality. “Ang goal namin, siyempre, is top 2 pa rin. Dahil ang
hirap pagdating sa semis—you need to win twice. Ganoon ang nangyari last year. ’Yun nga lang, hindi ganoon kadali, especially with the new format introduced by the NCAA this year,” Roque explained. Under this new format, the 10 teams in the tournament are divided into two groups. Leading Group A are the defending champion Mapua Cardinals, along with the Lyceum Pirates, Perpetual Help Altas, San Sebastian Golden Stags, and Arellano Chiefs. Group B features the Red Lions, the Blazers, Letran Knights, Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, and the Emilio Aguinaldo Generals. Each squad will face its groupmates twice and the teams from the other group once.
The top three teams from each group after the elimination round will advance to the crossover quarterfinals, with the top two seeds enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage. The bottom two teams will battle in a play-in game to keep their season alive. The new format ensures that every game matters, as the tournament will be shorter than in past seasons. San Beda finds itself in a so-called “group of death,” having to go through the Blazers, Knights, Heavy Bombers, and Generals twice.
“This year, mabigat talaga ang mga challenges. Halos lahat ng teams nagpalakas. Tayo, lumakas din, pero naglakasan din lahat. So mabigat ang season na ito,” Roque admitted.
On the upside for the Red Lions, team captain Yukien Andrada will be playing his final season before moving on to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Andrada was picked sixth overall by the Magnolia Hotshots in the recent draft. It’s a given that the King Lion will go all out for a championship before turning pro. Incidentally, the Bedan forward was the highest NCAA product selected in the draft. Equally determined to deliver for the Mendiola faithful are Bryan Sajonia and Daniel Joe
a vicious Arm Triangle. “We are thrilled to announce our monumental achievement as we emerged as the OVERALL CHAMPIONS in both GI and NO GI categories at the largest Jiujitsu tournament ever held in Asia!,” said Alvin Aguilar of DEFTAC in his facebook post. “With over 300 teams and 5000 entries participating from all corners of the globe, our kids team came out on top, showcasing the incredible talent and hard work of our athletes,” added Aguilar. DEFTAC-Six Blades Jiujitsu Kids Team thus emerged as the overall champions at the 2025 ASJJF World Championships with 10 gold medals, 10 silvers and 13 bronze medals while Impacto BJJ placed second with 10 golds, five silvers and eight bronze medals.
a 71, to force a playoff at 146. In sudden death, Castro – the Pradera Verde leg winner – hit an errant drive and reached the green in four. He then missed a four-foot bogey putt before picking up Granada’s marker, effectively conceding the match. Granada, who had putted for birdie from the same spot in regulation, rolled his putt to within a foot of the cup to seal the win.
La Salle-2’s Arvin Ong also rallied with a 73 to claim the bronze at 151, edging out UP-1’s Miggy Roque and La Salle-1’s Miguel Fusilero, who faltered with rounds of 75 and 76, respectively, in the countback. “This win definitely means a lot – being one of the first winners of the ICTSI Tour is truly an honor. I’m proud to represent my school and bring its name to the top of the podium,” said Lua after sealing her victory and leading her team to the championship. While she remains focused on her collegiate career, Lua hasn’t ruled out a professional future. “There are no plans to turn pro just yet, but the doors aren’t closed,” she said.
Celzo, who will also move to the professional ranks after their collegiate careers. Sajonia was selected 39th overall by NorthPort Batang Pier, while Celzo was chosen 50th overall by TNT Tropang Giga. Alongside them, San Beda coach Yuri Escueta will rely on Nigel Gonzales and Bismarck Lina for added presence on the court.
While Roque sees the Cardinals, Blazers, Knights, and Red Lions as the teams to beat, he isn’t ruling out the rest of the field. He believes EAC, Perpetual, JRU, Arellano, San Sebastian, and Lyceum are capable of pulling off surprises.
“Mas filled up ang mga positions kasi may mga bago at exciting tayong mga players, may dalawang Fil-Ams. Bumalik din si Jomel Puno. Mas lumalim tayo at nagmature din from last year,” Roque added. The Red Lions will open their campaign against tournament favorites CSB Blazers when the 101st NCAA Men’s Basketball season tips off on October 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao. Before that, the Red Lions will be guests on Larong Pilipino on DZME RadioTV this Sunday to share more about what the Bedan community and the Red Army can expect from the team.
One thing is certain: the Red Lions will go all out for redemption. They know they cannot take for granted another opportunity to reclaim old glory and what they believe is theirs in the first place. But they will need to prove they want it more than anyone else. After all, any team in the tournament is capable of doing great things—if they put their mind to it, just like in life. And doing it one time, big time, is never the way to go. Stay safe. Stay happy, peeps! For comments or questions, you can reach The Designated Kit Man at erel_cabatbat@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter: @erelcabatbat
DEFTAC Six Blades
Jiu-jitsu kids pose for a group photo after winning the overall championships in Chiba, Japan recently.
Sean Granada and Julia Lua with ICTSI Global Corporate PR manager Bambi Marfil and Summit Point GCC general manager Vic de Guzman.
P93 billion
P491.2 billion
P3.52 trillion Infrastructure spending in July 2025 Gov’t disbursements in July 2025 Total disbursements in 7 months
Gov’t infra spending fell 25% in July
GOVERNMENT infrastructure and other capital outlays declined 25.3 percent to P93.3 billion in July 2025 from a year earlier, on a muted disbursement performance by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Thursday.
The DBM said in its latest disbursement report the drop was mainly due to project implementation schedules, delays in some procurement activities and incomplete submission of progress billings and documentary requirements by contractors.
It released the report before the DPWH froze new flood control projects on allegations of corruption.
Total national government spending in July reached P491.2 billion, up 1 percent from a year ago. The rise was led by a 33.7-percent increase in debt interest payments.
Data showed that for the first seven months of the year, national government disbursements reached P3.52 trillion, or 8.2 percent higher year-on-year.
The DBM noted that key spending drivers for the period were a 15-percent rise in maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) and an 18.7-percent increase in allotments to local government units (LGUs).
The DBM also said that infrastructure and other capital outlays for the first seven months were lower, mainly due to the combined impact of the election ban on public works during the second quarter.
Foreign investors sound the alarm over corruption
By Othel V. Campos
FOREIGN investors are raising concerns over a widening corruption scandal involving flood control projects, warning it could damage the Philippines’ business reputation and increase already high operating costs.
Florian Gottein, executive director of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), said the issue has become a “hot topic” among investors and has made international headlines, tarnishing the country’s image.
“Definitely, it’s not the best picture we’re sending out here,” Gottein told reporters at the Arangkada Philippines Investment Forum 2025 on Thursday.
“The question now is whether this is limited to flood projects or if it will spill over into other infrastructure projects as well,” he said.
The scandal has already affected ECCP members in the construction sector, with several projects stalled and dragging down sales of construction materials.
Gottein warned that deep-rooted corruption has long distorted the business playing field.
“When you want to participate in government-funded projects, there are kickbacks,” he said. “What we see now is 25 to 30 percent of project funds being siphoned off. That’s one reason why the cost of doing business is so high in the Philippines.”
While new investors have yet to raise red flags, existing firms are voicing concerns about the uncertainty caused by the scandal. Gottein said the government should conduct a swift and credible investigation and implement safeguards to prevent a recurrence.
“What’s essential now is how fast the government and responsible agencies investigate and act on the findings,” he said.
Gottein said corruption exacerbates the Philippines’ weaknesses in ease of doing business and competitiveness. He said that despite the Ease of Doing Business Law, many chamber members still struggle with its poor implementation.
Beyond the specific issue of flood control, Gottein said investor confidence would depend on whether the Philippines could enforce reforms, curb systemic corruption and restore trust in its infrastructure program.
IMF, AMRO expect PH economy to grow above 5.5% in 2026, 2027
By Othel V. Campos and Thony Rose Lesaca
THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) remain optimistic that the Philippines will continue to grow at a strong pace in 2025 and 2026.
A team from the IMF, led by mission chief Elif Saxegaard, visited the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) to discuss the Philippines’ latest macroeconomic per-
formance. The IMF projects the Philippines will see 5.5 percent growth in 2025 and 5.7 percent in 2026.
DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the country needs to continue strengthening policies and investments, particularly in technology, governance, and workforce skills, to support inclusive and long-term growth.
Meanwhile, AMRO said the Philippine economy continues to expand at a steady pace on strong household spending and a stable labor market, although it remains below its pre-
pandemic trend. The assessment followed AMRO’s annual consultation visit from Sept. 2 to 19, 2025, led by principal economist Jinho Choi.
“Despite external headwinds, the Philippine economy is expected to grow by 5.6 percent in 2025 and 5.5 percent in 2026,” Choi said. “Private consumption will drive growth, while investment and exports may face pressure from U.S. tariff policies. If sustained, these measures could weigh more heavily in 2026.” Choi said global trade tensions have
THE Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) has renewed its call for the government to restore the 35-percent tariff on rice imports to help address falling prices of palay.
The group said a tariff cut to 15 percent in June 2024, enacted under Executive Order 62 to temper retail rice prices, coincided with a global price slump. This flooded the local market and drove palay prices down to as low as P8 per kilogram during the April-June 2025 harvest. While prices briefly recovered after the government announced a 60-day import ban in September, FFF said its field reports show farmgate prices have again fallen to around P8/kg with the start of the wet season harvest.
“Palay traders expect cheap imported rice taxed at only 15 percent to flood the market once the ban is lifted in November. This compels them to buy low to stay competitive,” said Raul Montemayor, FFF national manager. “Extending the ban by 15 to 30 days will not change this perception,” he said. Montemayor said restoring the 35-percent tariff would encourage traders to raise their buying prices. He said that while import costs would rise, retail prices for consumers need not increase due to “large margins currently being
had a limited impact so far, cushioned by the country’s domestic orientation and diversified export markets. AMRO’s near-term outlook remains stable, supported by solid domestic demand and healthy financial indicators, including strong bank profitability and low non-performing loan ratios. However, it said sustaining momentum would require more effective public and private investment, greater resilience to climate shocks, and upskilling the workforce for the age of artificial intelligence.
By Thony Rose Lesaca
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects headline inflation to settle at 1.7 percent in 2025, falling below its 2 percent-4 percent target range.
The latest projection based on the August 2025 Monetary Policy Report is a slight increase from the 1.6 percent forecast in June, reflecting the spillover effects of typhoons in July and the potential impact of a rice import ban, the BSP said.
Inflation is projected to rise to 3.3 percent in 2026 and 3.4 percent in 2027, both within the target range.
“Higher electricity rates and possible base effects from higher food prices are expected to drive inflationary pressures in 2026,” the BSP said.
“Inflation is projected to approach the upper end of the government’s target range in Q4 2026 before easing in 2027, although it will remain above the midpoint, as global commodity prices stabilize,” the bank said.
Analysts surveyed by the BSP expect inflation to average 1.7 percent in 2025, down from 1.9 percent in July, with the probability of inflation remaining within the target range declining.
The analysts’ inflation forecast for 2026 also dropped to 2.8 percent from 3.0 percent, while it remained unchanged at 3.0 percent for 2027.
PSEi at 5-month low, peso slides to
By Jenniffer B. Austria
SELLING pressure dragged the local equities market to its fourth straight day of decline amid an ongoing investigation into corruption in the government’s flood control projects.
months.
The
to 58.17 versus
the U.S. dollar on Thursday from 57.461 on Wednesday.
All sectoral indexes closed in the red, led by mining and oil, which dropped 2.62 percent, while holding firms and property dropped 1.88 percent and 1.40 percent, respectively.
Analysts said investors are concerned that the ongoing investigation into corruption will prompt the government to cut infrastructure spending, which could slow the growth of
ABOITIZ SYNERGY. At the 2nd Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) Linkages Exchange (LinkX), Aboitiz Group representatives highlighted how the Group’s synergy in power, water, construction, and housing supports semiconductor and electronics locators at LIMA Estate, enabling businesses to grow and communities to thrive.
Megaworld to buy back P2b worth of shares to boost value
MEGAWORLD Corp. said Thursday its board approved a share buy-back program of P2 billion worth of common shares to boost shareholder value.
“The board believes that current market prices do not reflect the true value of the company’s shares and seeks to enhance shareholder value through a share buyback program,” the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.
The shares will be repurchased through the open market at prevailing market prices and the program will run for 24 months, Megaworld said.
Funding will come from the company’s internally generated funds, and shares bought back will be recorded as treasury shares.
Megaworld said that as of Aug. 31, 2025, it had an authorized capital stock of P45.7 billion, composed of 45.64 billion common shares and 6 billion voting preferred shares. Of these, 32.56 billion common shares and 6 billion preferred shares are issued and outstanding. The company holds 1.19 billion shares in treasury. Jenniffer B. Austria
the domestic economy.
“The market continued to decline today with pressure dominating and no green candles seen throughout the week,” said Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp. The weakening of the peso against the dollar also contributed to investor sentiment.
“The market seems cautious, watching whether fundamentals can support stretched valuations,” Limlingan said.
Value turnover amounted to P5.74 billion. The market closed with 64 gainers versus 134 decliners, while 50 stocks closed unchanged.
Shares of DigiPlus Interactive Corp. managed to end higher, rising 2.9 percent to P24.80. The stock price of Century Pacific Food Inc. dropped 8.13 percent to P35.60.
Asian stocks skidded Thursday as traders continue to pull back from the buying that has propelled markets to record highs in recent months, with upcoming US inflation and jobs data seen as likely to be the next catalysts for action.
Investors have been on a buying spree since shares hit deep lows in the wake of Donald Trump’s April global tariff bombshell, with sentiment buoyed by trade agreements and signs that the Federal Reserve was about to resume its interest rate cut program.
The US central bank -- citing a weak labour market and inflation that has not spiked -- last week announced
its reduction, and forecast there could be two more this year.
However, while traders have been banking on a period of easing, some Fed officials, including boss Jerome Powell, are trying to take a more cautious approach, citing still-elevated inflation.
His remarks this week that stocks are “fairly highly valued” and that there was “no risk-free path” on rates has tempered the euphoria on trading floors.
The bank will be keeping watch on the release this week of its preferred gauge of inflation -- the personal consumption expenditure index -- and next week’s non-farm payrolls report.
Tokyo held solidly in positive territory early Thursday, but most other markets trended lower.
Hong Kong dropped, with tech titan Alibaba in the red after Wednesday’s gain of more than nine percent in reaction to its chief executive saying it planned to ramp up spending on artificial intelligence. Its USlisted stock piled on more than eight percent.
And China’s biggest car exporter Cherry Automobile rocketed more than at the start of its 13 percent on its trading debut in the city, having raised about US$1.2 billion in its initial public offering. It ended up 3.8 percent. There were losses in Singapore, Wellington, Taipei, Manila, Mumbai and Jakarta, while Sydney and Bangkok edged up with Shanghai and Seoul barely moved. With AFP
Airports must brace for the holiday rush
THE month of October is fast closing in and pretty soon, the Christmas holidays will be around the corner.
The travel rush for the holidays, especially toward the Christmas season, is an annual thing that Filipino travelers look forward to. Chaos at the airport, road traffic congestion, missing luggages and canceled flights are the normal during these frenetic days.
It will, thus, not be a surprise if our local airports become a zoo during the holiday rush. Passenger traffic through the country’s airports is hitting record highs.
The Manila International Airport Authority reported 26.74 million travelers through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in just the first half of the year. The passenger volume is expected to reach 53.36 million by December this year.
The Clark International Airport is experiencing the same feverish pace. It sees a 20-percent jump in passenger volume this year to 3 million. These rising numbers reflect progress and confidence in the economy.
From September through December, balikbayans,Filipinos working overseas and tourists converge in record numbers. Are our airports up to the challenge?
Chaos at the airport... and canceled flights are the normal during these frenetic days.
AI integration is not about replacing immigration officers, it’s about giving them sophisticated tools for greater efficiency. Immigration officers and airport staff will access real-time insights, while passengers enjoy faster and smoother journeys. Efficiency and vigilance no longer need to be trade-offs.
The BI’s Bagong Immigration initiative, aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas vision, lays a foundation for reform. True modernization will demand integrated AI tools to reduce bottlenecks, assess the growing demand for scale and sharpen the balance between openness and protection.
Recent incidents involving foreigners linked to criminal activities underscore why stronger, smarter border control is a matter of national security. AI-driven tools that include crossdatabase identity checks, anomaly detection and real-time alerts will help authorities respond without undermining the flow of legitimate travelers.
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the estate of spouses Alberto P. Idioma, who died on October 19, 2004, in Daet, Camarines Norte and Herminia M. Idioma, who died on January 8, 2023 in Daet, Camarines Norte, has been settled extrajudicially among their heirs per Deed of Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate notarized on September 10, 2025 and entered into the Notarial Register of Atty. Jason G. De Belen as Doc. No. 161, pageno. 33, Book no. 484, series of 2025 (MS-SEPT. 19/26/OCT. 3, 2025)
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the estate of spouses Alberto P. Idioma, who died on October 19, 2004, in Daet, Camarines Norte and Herminia M. Idioma, who died on January 8, 2023 in Daet, Camarines Norte, has been settled extrajudicially among their heirs per Deed of Extra Judicial Settlement of Estate notarized on September 10, 2025 and entered into the Notarial Register of Atty. Jason G. De Belen as Doc. No. 161, pageno. 33, Book no. 484, series of 2025 (MS-SEPT. 19/26/OCT. 3, 2025)
NOTICE
NOTICE
Airports must serve passengers efficiently— quicker, in a seamless manner, and always convenient—while still enforcing strict border security.
The government and private stakeholders in response have rolled out several modernization programs. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has championed initiatives, including the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), eServices portal, eTravel system and electronic gates, all aimed to speed up clearance and strengthen border checks.
Other countries in Southeast Asia have already taken the leap modernizing their airports and passenger experience. Singapore has fully integrated biometric clearance, Thailand uses predictive traffic systems and Malaysia has deployed AI-enhanced surveillance.
These are not just technical upgrades—they redefine what seamless, yet secure travel looks like. For the Philippines to remain competitive as both a tourism and investment hub, authorities must also take the leap to go beyond hardware. It’s no longer optional, it’s urgent. Although the Philippines is on the right track, the work is far from finished. Rising passenger volumes and the so-called “Ber” month rush only highlight the urgency of the now. Authorities must escalate the initiatives with AI integration to ensure that today’s patchwork evolves into tomorrow’s smart airports.
Notice is hereby given that LAGUNA TECHNOPARK, INC. with office address at 2F, LTI Admin Bldg. 1, North Main Avenue, Laguna Technopark, Biñan, Laguna is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Operator of Domestic Industrial Zone (Batangas Technopark Phase 2), under Tier I (Preferred List
Notice is hereby given that LAGUNA TECHNOPARK, INC. with office address at 2F, LTI Admin Bldg. 1, North Main Avenue, Laguna Technopark, Biñan, Laguna is applying for registration with the Board of Investments (BOI) as a New Operator of Domestic Industrial Zone (Batangas Technopark Phase 2), under Tier I (Preferred List - Infrastructure and Logistics including LGU-PPPs) of the 2022 SIPP pursuant to RA No. 11534 (CREATE Act), as amended by RA No. 12066, with project site located at Brgy. Banay-Banay, Padre Garcia, Batangas. Any person with valid objection/s on the abovementioned project may file his/her objection in writing, under oath,
But the current system seems to work on one end at the expense of another. A passenger may breeze through an eGate but agencies juggle multiple systems that don’t always communicate with each other.
Advanced technology solutions that integrate artificial intelligence and data analytics tools have become pivotal for authorities to ensure passenger safety and airport security. AI systems, for one, can fuse these separate initiatives into a unified, responsive ecosystem. Predictive analytics can anticipate traffic surges, biometric verification can instantly sync with APIS data, and automated surveillance can flag high-risk individuals without slowing the clearance process.
With AI as the backbone of modernization, Philippine airports can redefine themselves as gateways that welcome the world while safeguarding the nation.
Fast, seamless and secure travel should not be an aspiration, it should be the standard. It is not about the number of airports serving the Philippines that matters—it’s all about efficiency.
E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com
CYAN MAGENTA
WB OFFICIAL. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (left) meets with newly-appointed World Bank vice president for East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Carlos Felipe Jaramillo on Sept. 25, 2025. Currently based in Singapore, the new World Bank regional hub for EAP, Jaramillo will oversee the operations promoting sustainable energy transition, strengthening human capital development through health and education, and enhancing resilience and digitalization. DBM’s Facebook page
ADB vows to fund new infra projects despite PH struggles
By Othel V. Campos
THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it would continue to finance new development projects in the Philippines, underscoring its confidence in its project monitoring mechanisms despite the government’s struggles with infrastructure funding.
(DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon had halted several government-funded flood control projects because of procurement and funding issues, ADBbacked initiatives were unaffected.
“Secretary Dizon has not stopped foreign projects because he has confidence in our close oversight,” Jeffries said.
preparation for future flood management investments.
“We don’t shy away from problems. Our role is to help our developing member countries solve problems,” Jeffries said, adding that the Philippines, as an ADB shareholder, remains a priority partner.
By Jenniffer B. Austria
an equity-based alternative for investors focused on environmental outcomes.
To be eligible for the label, a company should meet four key criteria. More than 50 percent of its revenue should come from green activities and over 50 percent of its capital and operating expenditures should support green activities.
“All of our projects have audited project-level financial statements from an auditor acceptable to ADB. So, we have all these things in place to make sure our project funds go where they’re meant to go,” Andrew Jeffries, ADB’s country director for the Philippines, said on the sidelines of the Arangkada Philippines Investment Forum 2025 on Thursday.
GOVERNMENT Service Insurance
System (GSIS) president and general-manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso announced a series of new initiatives to provide more support for government employees and pensioners.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay News Forum, Veloso cited GSIS’s financial stability. “GSIS is strong and continues to grow. Our focus is not on the past but on building a future where members and pensioners feel the full value of their contributions. We are committed to completing what we have started,” he said. Veloso announced a review of GSIS dividend policies; a proposed housing project at Manila North Harbor in partnership with Mayor Isko Moreno to redevelop idle GSIS property; and potential collaborations with the Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) and the Philippine Pharmaceutical Corporation to make medicines more affordable for government workers and retirees. He also announced plans to team up with the University of the Philippines to build hospital lodging and commercial facilities at UP-PGH and work with the Department of Transportation to establish a transportation hub, in line with a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Jeffries said that while Department of Public Works and Highways
The ADB has one flood protection project covering two river basins in Mindanao and one in northern Luzon, with another large-scale project still in the planning stage. The bank is also conducting river basin master planning for 13 sites across the country in
For the remainder of 2025, the ADB expects to secure board approval for several more projects, including the $500-million Business Environment Strengthening with Technology (BEST) program in partnership with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) and the Board of Investments (BOI).
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to rule on an application by National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for interim approval of 13 capital expenditure projects worth P93.675 billion.
The ERC discussed the projects in a recent open commission meeting. The applications were filed under Section 9 of Republic Act 9136, which requires the transmission operator to seek commission approval for any facility expansion or improvement plans.
The proposed projects include the Tuguegarao-Enrile 69-kV Transmis-
sion Line Project (P733.916 million), Dasol 230-kV Substation Project (P2.115 billion), Plaridel 230-kV Substation Project (P1.078 billion) and the Luzon Voltage Improvement Project 5 (2.598 billion pesos).
Other projects listed are the Pinamucan 500-kV Substation Project (P4.116 billion), Barotac ViejoUnidos 230-kV Transmission Line Project (P10.474 billion), Visayas Mobile Capacitor Bank Project (P403.248 million) and the Bolo 5th Bank Project (P2.52 billion).
The remaining projects are the Malaya 230-kV Collector Station Project (P2.673 billion), Magalang 230-kV Substation Project (P3.911 billion),
THE United Coconut Associations of the Philippines (UCAP) on Thursday expressed support for the government’s decision to maintain the coconut methyl ester (CME) blend in diesel at 3 percent, saying it creates stable local demand for coconut oil and gives the industry time to prepare for higher blending levels.
UCAP chairman Marco Reyes said the CME program reduces the country’s dependence on volatile export markets, where coconut oil sales represent only a small portion of global trade.
“Now we are able to lessen our dependence on the export market,”
Support (WAIS) loan program as of Sept. 12, 2025. He says this demonstrates “strong demand for financing solutions designed for women-led MSMEs.
Masiit 230-kV Collector Station Project (P2.792 billion), Sta. Maria 500-kV Substation Project (P15.85 billion) and the Cebu-Leyte Interconnection Lines 3 and 4 Project (P44.4 billion).
Alvin Ortega, head of the ERC’s tariff and rate and acting director for regulatory operations, said NGCP submitted the applications to begin construction.
“The due process under the 5th RP (Regulatory Reset) application is still ongoing... but because of NGCP’s intent to already pursue and start the implementation of certain projects... they have submitted this motion for issuance of intent relief,” Ortega said.
Reyes told a press briefing during the World Coconut Congress in Pasay City.
“With CME, we have a local captive demand for coconut oil, and that’s why we are happy with the 3-percent blend,” he said.
While some in the industry pushed for a 4-percent CME blend (B4), Reyes called maintaining the current level “a very sensible move” to give the supply chain time to adjust. He also noted that the benefits of the blend, such as up to 10-percent improved engine efficiency, are often overlooked by the Department of En
ergy (DOE). Othel V. Campos
IN BRIEF
2GO expands fleet with new reefer vans, ISO tanks
2GO Special Containers and ValueAdded Services, Inc. (SCVASI), a subsidiary of 2GO Group Inc., is expanding its fleet with new reefer vans and ISO tanks. This investment reinforces SCVASI’s commitment to strengthening its nationwide capacity.
The new assets will support agribusiness, food manufacturing, quick-service restaurants, and other essential industries that require bulk liquid and cold chain transport.
The new 40-foot reefer containers are equipped with advanced Thermo King Magnum refrigeration systems. These containers offer greater cargo capacity, faster cooling, and improved energy efficiency, with temperature control down to -40°C—10 degrees
Cebu Pacific has gained global recognition, clinching the Sustainability Aviation Lease Deal of the Year at the 2025 Airline Economics Sustainability Deals Awards in London.
The award recognized Cebu Pacific’s sustainability-linked Japanese Operating Lease with Call Option (JOLCO), which financed the delivery of a brand-new Airbus A321neo in December 2024. The Airline Economics Sustainability Awards honor companies and individuals in finance and leasing that drive meaningful progress in decarbonizing the aviation industry.
Cebu Pacific chief executive officer Mike Szucs personally received the award during the ceremony at the Natural History Museum in Cromwell Road, London.
Cebu Pacific is the only low-cost carrier (LCC) in Southeast Asia able to secure this type of financing—a structure often reserved for a select group of global airlines.
“Sustainability is integral to how we grow as an airline. By linking our financing to sustainability goals, we show that strategy and responsibility can work together. It strengthens the business, allows us to invest in modern fuel-efficient aircraft, and creates value for our customers,” said Mark Cezar, Cebu Pacific chief financial officer.
Under the deal, Cebu Pacific committed to measurable targets to reduce the carbon emission intensity of its fleet. Meeting these goals would entitle the airline to financial incentives.
The A321neo acquired through the JOLCO financing is part of Cebu Pacific’s long-term strategy to transition to an all-NEO fleet, an important step in its commitment to decarbonize operations. NEOs are 20% more fuel-efficient than oldergeneration aircraft, significantly reducing carbon emissions per flight.
colder than the industry standard.
The fleet expansion also includes 20-foot ISO tanks, which have internationally certified safety features to ensure the secure transport of food-grade liquids.
With this expansion, SCVASI has increased its overall transport capacity by nearly 50 percent, ensuring reliable and scalable logistics solutions for temperature-sensitive and bulk liquid cargo across the country.
“This investment reflects our commitment to continuously meet the evolving needs of our customers by providing more sustainable and efficient logistics solutions,” said Gener Lim, Business Unit Head of 2GO SCVASI. “By expanding our
fleet, we are supporting industries that keep communities supplied, strengthening nationwide logistics, and reinforcing our role as a partner in the country’s growth.”
The new reefer vans and ISO tanks are already in nationwide service, meeting customer demand and ensuring uninterrupted supply chains. With multimodal capabilities, SCVASI ensures goods are handled securely and efficiently end to end.
Through continuous investment in specialized equipment, 2GO SCVASI reaffirms its commitment to delivering efficient, safe, and customer-focused logistics solutions that sustain industries and contribute to nation-building.
DOTr addresses public transport shortage
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has instructed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to address the shortage of public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Metro Manila, particularly in Quezon City.
In a radio interview, Ramon Reyes, head of the DOTr’s Road Transport and Non-Infrastructure sector, said DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez had directed the LTFRB to solve the lack of PUVs on Commonwealth Avenue and other key areas of the capital.
“The objective is to solve the problem in Commonwealth and
CAVITE was the focus of the recent Biyaheng South Experiential Tour 2025, which highlighted top destinations made more accessible by Metro Pacific Tollway Corporation’s (MPTC) expressways, CAVITEX and CALAX.
Hosted by MPT South in partnership with the Department of Tourism Region IV-A and the Cavite Tourism Office, the tour showcased the province’s rich blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Copresented by mWell, the event also emphasized wellness, with participants using mWell watches to track their health throughout the journey.
Influencers and media partners, dubbed the “Ka-Biyaheros,” enjoyed a seamless two-day experience in stylish and comfortable vehicles from Chery Philippines, the official mobility partner.
The new Chery Tiggo Cross HEV, Chery Tiggo Grand Tour, and the all-new Chery Tiggo REV LE made every stop—from museums and scenic views to local dining spots— smoother and more memorable. Additional support for the event was provided by Quest Hotels, Profriends, Coffee Builders, and SkyRanch Tagaytay.
The adventure began with a
replicate it in other areas in Metro Manila,” Reyes said. “It’s a work in progress and it would be applied to other areas for a good experience for the commuting public.”
The directive follows a recent order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to accelerate and improve commuter travel.
Lopez said he has already told the LTFRB to determine if the 3,972 public vehicles with franchises on the Commonwealth route are operational.
“If there are 3,972 PUVs here, why do there seem to be so many waiting in line?” Lopez said during the launch of the Inter-Agency for PUV and Commuter Safety at the Batasan PUV stop. “So, we have to do something more. They [LTFRB] need to check if all of them have been given franchises and if they are operational.”
“If not, just give them to those who want the franchises because it would be a waste if they are not used,” he said.
The acting transport chief said the LTFRB has sent
to PUV terminals and Commonwealth Avenue to check the actual number of vehicles traveling.
“They [LTFRB] need to learn—no matter how much dispatching you do if the PUVs are not really operational, there are still many problems with the supply. We have a shortage and we have to rectify it and we have to do something about it,” he said.
Lopez has given the LTFRB until Sept. 26 to assess the situation and make recommendations for increasing the supply of vehicles.
To assist commuters on Commonwealth Avenue, the InterAgency for PUV and Commuter Safety has deployed personnel from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), LTFRB, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). They have been stationed at PUV stops in eastbound Tandang Sora and Don Antonio Heights, and westbound Batasan, Don Antonio Heights, and Philcoa.
Barriers have also been installed at the Tandang Sora and Batasan PUV stops to improve public transport flow and ensure commuter safety.
Lopez also thanked Slex/Skyway Management for their assistance in painting and adding reflectors to the barriers for the safety of motorists.
Darwin G. Amojelar
scenic drive along the CaviteLaguna Expressway (CALAX), demonstrating how the expressway makes Southern Luzon more accessible. The first stop was Coffee Builders in Silang for breakfast. Known for its artisan brews and cozy atmosphere, the café served house favorites like beef salpicao, salted egg chicken, and fish and chips, paired with their signature drinks.
How to get there: From Manila,
take CAVITEX. From Kawit, go to the CALAX Silang-Aguinaldo Interchange, then exit at the Silang East Interchange. Coffee Builders is just a few minutes away.
The group then got a special preview of the upcoming CALAX Governor’s Drive Interchange in General Trias, which is set to open in late 2025. This new section will extend CALAX’s operating area to General Trias, providing motorists with faster, more convenient routes and easing congestion on major roads. Next, the tour visited the Geronimo Berenguer De Los Reyes (GBR) Museum, a cultural gem in General Trias. The group was immersed in powerful exhibits about the Cavite Mutiny of 1872. The World Aviation History Exhibit was a standout, featuring impressive replicas of the Wright Brothers’ “Flying Machine” and NASA’s Lunar Roving Vehicle.
DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Nickie Wang
THE shy but mischievous Gilbert gets a fresh spin with Bagets
The Musical, reviving the 1980s coming-of-age classic for a new generation.
‘Bagets’ musical brings back Gilbert with new stars
Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez of P-pop boy group Alamat will alternate in playing the geeky barkada member made famous by Herbert Bautista in the 1984 hit. Comia, a stage actor with credits in Fun Home with Lea Salonga and The Secret Garden, said he was drawn to Gilbert’s awkward charm.
Pinoy Big Brother before joining Alamat and starring in films like Expensive Candy and The Ship Show, said he relates more to Gilbert’s playful side.
“We all have that experience of liking someone but not being able to share how we feel,” Comia said. “Gilbert is awkward, selfconscious, and still figuring himself out.” Rodriguez, who first appeared in
“Every barkada has a Gilbert, quiet but always game for mischief,” he said with a laugh. “That’s the part I connect with most.”
The musical will run from Jan. 23 to March 2026 at Newport
Performing Arts Theater. It is a joint production of VIVA Communications Inc., The Philippine STAR and NEXT by Philstar Media Group, and Newport World Resorts, with the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Plus guiding the creative team led by director Maribel Legarda, playwright J-mee Katanyag, and musical director Vince Lim
New music and a dream stage mark BGYO’s next chapter
Touchbass Yugel Losorata Miss O in Miss U
MISS Universe has, in recent years, been the major stage where Filipina beauty and wisdom are showcased, particularly since Venus Raj placed fourth in 2010. It’s a consistency in excellence, with a streak of 12 representatives earning semifinal placements, and two of them, Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray, even winning the title.
Be reminded too that Janine Tugonon born and raised in Bataan, came close to winning after being named first runnerup during the 2012 pageant, which nowhousehold name American beauty Olivia Culpo won.
On that note, another Filipina, a beauty queen in her own right, has been shining bright amid the glow of the most prestigious beauty pageant on Earth. Her name is Olivia Quido, fondly known in beauty circles as Miss O.
will once again remind the world that beauty is not skin deep—it is purpose, advocacy, and the power to inspire.”
On Nov. 21, the 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant will be held at the Impact Challenger Hall in Pak Kret, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Asked about the continuing popularity of Miss Universe among Filipinos, she said, “To my kababayans in the Philippines, thank you for being the heartbeat of Miss Universe. Your passion and unwavering support are unmatched, felt and admired across the globe. We are a nation that celebrates beauty with pride, and I hope you continue to see yourselves in every woman who steps onto that stage—brave, purposeful, and ready to inspire.”
All signs point to the position that now makes this woman a truly influential FilAm figure.
“Beyond business, it was my passion for beauty, empowerment, and creating impact that resonated. So, when the opportunity to lead global partnerships came, I saw it as both a blessing and a responsibility,” Miss O noted.
Quido, born and raised in Manila, immigrated to the U.S. and started small, what she humbly described as a tiny room in Artesia, California. She transformed herself into a beauty expert whose clinics became go-to places for beauty queens, celebrities, and women from other fields, all seeking to appear as the best versions of themselves.
By Jasper Valdez
FROM cramped rehearsal rooms to international festival stages, BGYO has steadily established its presence in the P-pop scene since its debut in 2021. This time, the five-member group is about to face a defining moment as they release new music and headline their very first solo concert.
On Sept. 16, the members— Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate—faced the press at World Kitchens PH in Gateway Mall 2, opening up about the mix of nerves and excitement that comes with two big dates. Their extended play Headlines is set for release on Sept. 25, followed closely by BGYO: The First Solo Concert at the New Frontier Theater on Oct. 4.
“All five of us are nervous because it’s our first solo concert,” JL admitted. “There’s a lot of pressure, but we’re excited at the same time to showcase what we’ve learned throughout the years. We’re excited to find out who BGYO is now.” That pressure, they explained, is balanced by preparation. Each member has their own routine before stepping on stage—individual practice, quiet reflection, and prayers that center them as one unit.
“Through time, we learned how to control the noises around us and just focus on what matters, which is our music and our growth as artists,” Akira said.
Gelo described it as muscle memory built through discipline. “When you’re prepared, it becomes automatic. Even though we have different mindsets and ideas, at the end of the day, we’re a team.”
The same focus carries over to their music. Mikki said
Headlines reflects the group’s evolution from experimenting with different sounds to developing a clearer identity.
“It’s very special to us. It shows how much we’ve grown through the years and how our music has evolved,” he shared.
While much of the new project was crafted with international collaborators, he added that fans can expect more Tagalog songs in the future.
Their confidence is also fueled by recognition abroad. BGYO recently earned its second nomination for International Artist on the Rise at Brazil’s BreakTudo Awards 2025, an acknowledgment Nate called both humbling and motivating.
“We were very surprised,” he said. “It’s a good reminder and motivation for
us to keep pushing because our music is being noticed internationally.”
Earlier this year, they made history as the first Filipino boy group to perform at the Summer Sonic festival in Bangkok. The experience gave them the chance to observe and learn from international acts they once only admired from afar.
“We were able to see and learn lessons on how to perform,” JL recalled. “We were also able to watch the international artists we look up to.”
For BGYO, every stage has been a step toward this moment.
With Headlines about to drop and their solo concert just weeks away, the group says they’re ready to let their music and their first solo concert speak for how far they’ve come.
Quido is the vice president of global partnerships for the Miss Universe Organization, a position she has held since January 2024. Her office has signed 136 countries to the Miss Universe franchise—a staggering number likely to increase further.
“For me, this role isn’t just a title—it’s a mission. It’s about building bridges, creating opportunities, and ensuring this iconic platform continues to empower women worldwide,” she said.
If she had actually joined the pageant and made it to the final question, her fluency and finesse would have made her a winner. Her journey with Miss U began the year after Catriona won, when Olivia Quido Skincare became the pageant’s official skincare partner in 2019. was also tapped to serve as a judge.
Universe coronation is more than a spectacle—it’s a global celebration of womanhood, courage, and diversity,” she described, adding, “This upcoming coronation
She came to Los Angeles at age 26 with, in her own words, “little money but a heart full of dreams.” She knew her calling was in aesthetics.
Becoming the master esthetician that she is now is a combination of many things: ample training to understand the science behind it, compassion for modern women’s needs, and perseverance to achieve ambitious, noble goals.
She explained, “I poured every ounce of passion into every client who trusted me. Over time, those moments built my skill and my character. Looking back, I credit my faith, my perseverance, and every client who believed in me. They shaped me as much as I helped them.”
The Olivia Quido brand has expanded into perfume and cosmetics with Olivia No.1 Eau de Parfum and Pressed Powder Blush.
Miss O’s success is largely the result of her upbringing. Teenage acne was part of her emotional journey as she would save school lunch money to buy creams and lotions. The struggle planted, in her mind and heart, “a hunger to learn, to heal, and to one day help others.”
She had long learned to focus on positivity: “Manila taught me resilience, creativity, and joy in the little things. It’s also where my love for beauty began. I dreamed that one day, I’d make a difference in how women see themselves.”
She stressed, “Manila isn’t just where I’m from—it’s the core of who I am.”
BGYO members Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate can’t hide their excitement for their first solo concert and the release of their new EP
BGYO shares with the press how it’s gearing up for the Oct. 4 concert at the New Frontier Theater
Noel Comia Jr. is a seasoned stage actor with notable credits in productions like ‘Fun Home’ and ‘The Secret Garden’
Tomas is one of the members of emerging P-pop group Alamat
Very Wang Nickie Wang
ACTING drunk when you’re stone-cold sober is tougher than it looks. Just ask JC Santos and Cherry Pie Picache , who found themselves walking that fine line while filming The Last Beergin
Both actors admitted the challenge went further than slurred words or stumbling steps because it demanded keeping the emotions of their characters raw and believable without slipping into parody.
“It can easily turn into a caricature, and that was our fear,” Santos told Manila Standard Entertainment during the film’s press event.
“The challenge was to make all the emotions of the character appear sincere onscreen. There’s a tendency to go over the top, to become a caricature or stereotype. What we wanted to achieve was sincerity, because alcohol is like a truth serum,” Picache echoed the struggle.
The Last Beergin is the latest round from
Sober truths on tap in ‘The Last Beergin’
will join the performance. Tickets are priced at P2,500, which includes a P2,000 entrance fee and P500 consumable amount. Reservations can be made through cafe.hardrock.com/ manila or by contacting (02) 8990-9809 or 0917144-9400. Jaya set for one-night show at Hard Rock Cafe Manila
Mae McDonnell was visibly emotional after being crowned Bb. Pilipinas-Globe 2025, a moment that showed her journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of the night’s winners. Now, McDonnell is ready to conquer the global stage as she competes in Miss Globe 2025 in Tirana, Albania. Radiant in a plunge-front, bare-midriff red maxi dress, the 25-yearold self-made woman met with members of the media during her sendoff held at Gateway Mall 2 in Araneta City.
“I’m happy to represent the country for the second time, and I’m just as excited as I was the very first time when I
competed in Miss Charm. I think that now I can definitely be more confident and more relaxed, enough to trust in myself, with the great training I had under Aces and Queens,” said the Consular and Diplomatic Affairs graduate from McDonnell, who began working at a young age selling bread and other goods to help support her family, draws from her own experience to use her platform in championing children’s rights, including their right to quality education, health, and nutrition, and to live free from abuse, discrimination, and violence.
The beauty queen continues to volunteer for the ‘Save the Children Philippines’ non-government organization, which helps underprivileged children reach their full potential through education and support.
Productions, the acclaimed studios behind Family Matters and Family of Two . Directed by Nuel Naval and written by Mel Mendoza-del Rosario, the film is described as a raw, resonant, and deeply Filipino dramedy that invites audiences to pull up a chair, raise a glass, and ask themselves: How much truth can you really take in one sitting?
Del Rosario said the movie was inspired by her own experiences observing people, especially friends, during drinking sessions.
“My reality is, I don’t drink. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t drink but is very observant during inuman . All the characters in the film are inspired by certain people or a combination of people I’ve observed while drinking. That’s where the story of The Last Beergin started. Through the years, I collected those stories. I picked the best ones and combined them,” she said.
The story follows five strangers, each carrying emotional baggage, who unexpectedly find themselves in a moment of connection. As they share a drink, they begin to share something far more potent: their truths, their stories, their pain. And in between the shots, something stronger is served: the chance to be seen, heard, and maybe—finally— valued.
Naval made it clear that the film does not fully revolve around alcohol. He said it’s about what spills out when people finally let their guard down.
Picache plays Tere, a woman quietly breaking under the weight of caregiving. Santos is RG, emotionally locked and unwilling to speak. Zaijian Jaranilla portrays Isaac, a young man in love but painfully invisible. Xyriel Manabat is Sandy, a privileged youth masking emptiness with attitude. Pepe Herrera takes on
the role of Hilo, a father running from the family he can no longer face.
“It’s a dream cast for me as a director because they are all good,” Naval said. “They all transformed during our shoot. They imbibe the characters. Like in the movie, they were basically strangers to each other but eventually gelled. I think that’s the beauty of it. Even if they weren’t close, because they’re talented and professional, they were able to bring the characters to life beautifully.”
In a culture where emotions are often served with laughter and pain is chased with silence, The Last Beergin captures the bittersweet reality of being Filipino in 2025: emotionally loaded, quietly hurting, and still showing up for one more round. The film hits Philippine theaters on Oct. 1.
In Albania, McDonnell wants to showcase Filipino culture through the many beautiful textiles from the different regions in the country to gain more exposure in the international market. She intends to use Philippine textiles in her wardrobe and national costume.
After her first runner-up placement in Miss Charm 2023, McDonnell has set her eyes on winning the country’s third Miss Globe title after Anne Colis in 2015 and Maureen Montagne in 2021.
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ALV Pageant Circle Queens honored at 3rd Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards
Five Filipina beauty queens who brought pride to the country were honored at the Third Gawad Dangal Filipino Awards held Friday night at Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan City. Miss Grand International 2024 Christine Juliane Opiaza,
Universal Woman 2024 Maria Gigante, and Face of Beauty International 2024 Jeanne Isabelle Belisano received the Most Empowered Woman in Pageantry award. Miss World Asia 2025 Krishnah Gravidez was named Empowered Beauty Titlist of the Year, while Reina Hispanoamericana 2025 Deanna Marie Mate was recognized as Outstanding Beauty Queen of the Year. Arnold Vegafria, president of ALV Talent Circuit and national director of Miss World Philippines, was cited as Exemplary National Pageant Director and Outstanding Pageantry Leader, while Miss World Philippines earned the title of Most Outstanding Pageant of the Year.
* * * Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 kicks off in Manila
PHILIPPINE bet Anita Rose Gomez looks forward to playing host and building lasting friendships
with her fellow candidates from around the world as they compete in the Miss Asia Pacific International 2025 pageant, which kicked off in Manila yesterday and will culminate in the finals in Cebu City on Oct. 8.
Gomez, a 24-year-old model and graduate with a degree in customs administration, is aiming to become the sixth Filipina to wear the MAPI crown since the pageant’s inception as Miss Asia Quest in 1965.
Gomez is competing on her platform of helping the indigenous community in her hometown of Subic, Zambales, through her Para Kay Juan at Juana outreach program, which she founded with the help of the teachers of Kolehiyo ng Subic and the Municipality of Subic.
The National Costume Competition is set for tomorrow (Saturday), and on Sept. 30 (Tuesday), the candidates will travel to Cebu for a series of preliminary activities and tourism events showcasing the culture, heritage, and warmth of the
From left: JC Santos, Cherry Pie Picache, Xyriel Manabat, and Zaijian Jaranilla
join director Nuel Naval at the press event for ‘The Last Beergin,’ opening in cinemas on Oct. 1
Cineko Productions and Obra Cinema
ANNABELLE
ALV Talent Circuit president Arnold Vegafria (third from the right) is recognized as
Pageant Director alongside Filipina beauty queens
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Nickie Wang
FARAH Models is turning the lens on its own story as it celebrates eight years in the business. Founded by model and CEO Farah Ramos in 2017, the talent management and modeling agency is setting its sights on bigger projects for its roster of talents.
Farah Models turns the camera on itself after eight years in fashion
Farah, who has carried on a family legacy of talent management that has shaped Philippine entertainment for decades, brings her own stamp to the business. Her aunt, the late Ethel Ramos, handled stars including Aga Muhlach, Angel Locsin, Claudine Barretto, and Ina Raymundo. Her mother, Chit Ramos, guided the careers of Maja Salvador, Niño Muhlach, and Matt Ranillo III
While raised in showbiz circles, Farah chose to carve her own path. She began as a professional model before launching her first agency in 2013, eventually establishing Farah Models. Today, the company represents 26 models with both local and international appeal.
Speaking with Manila Standard Life, Farah said her models represent “the different faces of Asia.”
“I’m speaking only for Farah Models’ experience, in recent years, most clients look for talents and models who are predominantly Asian looking. Most brands wanted that look not only because it’s a trend but because in this region, those are the looks that are very relevant to the public and audiences,” she said.
The anniversary event in Bonifacio Global City doubled as both a showcase and a gallery. Life-sized photographs of Farah’s top models lined the venue, offering a glimpse of the agency’s growing roster.
Among those introduced were Ronto Katsura, Laziz
AS A little girl, I have fond memories of scrutinizing the products on my mother’s dresser and watching her put on makeup with care and confidence. It was instilled in me early on that getting dolled up was part of good grooming. And while I admit that as an adult I sometimes skip this routine, I have always appreciated makeup as a form of art. For me, it is also about creativity, expression, and even joy.
That is why my friend Anna Cerezo and I counted down the days to a makeup masterclass by professional makeup artist Belle Rubio on Sept. 14 at the Marco Polo Hotel. I knew it was going to be special. Anna and I were so eager that we arrived early to secure what we thought would be the best seats in the house. But once the class began, I realized it didn’t matter where anyone sat. With 60 students filling the classroom, every single one had a good view, thanks to a large screen projecting Teacher Belle’s every move, making the experience both intimate and inclusive. Teacher at heart
Teacher Belle is no stranger to the makeup world. Known for her expertise in bridal makeup and for working with local celebrities for years, she could have easily carried the air of exclusivity. Instead, she exuded warmth and charm. Her sincerity was evident from the start. She welcomed us with ease, like a friend hosting a big gathering,
Rustamov, Riona Johnston, Venus Perol, Jane Chantal Sy, Kaela Alcantara, Su Jin Kim, and Vienne Shirin Katsura, who rose to fame on GMA’s “Foreignoy,” booked major campaigns in under a year with the agency. His striking features and versatility make him a standout as Asian representation grows on global runways.
Rustamov, a former Pinoy Big Brother housemate from Uzbekistan, has built a career in Manila with billboards, commercials, and roles in Batang Quiapo, Tadhana: Fake Love Beauty Empire, and The Iron Heart. A trained chef, he is also eyeing lead roles. Johnston, an Irish-Filipina and one of Farah Models’ first recruits, has grown from shy newcomer to runway regular. She has walked for Mark Bumgarner and landed a magazine cover, marking eight years with the agency.
Perol, named one of Mega magazine’s “50 Models of the Moment,” is recognized for her individuality. With AmericanFilipina heritage and bold features, she
The beauty of
has become a face of inclusivity. Sy, also cited by Mega, is praised for her professionalism and grace. With ChineseFilipina roots, she is among the agency’s most rebooked models and is setting her sights on international runways.
Alcantara, with her classic Filipina beauty, is preparing to enter pageantry. Her poise and eloquence have made her a contender for future crowns.
Kim balances modeling with her work as a TV reporter for Bilyonaryo News Channel. She recently won the “Boses ng Talino” award from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.
Shirin, a multi-hyphenate, has expanded into acting, hosting, and pageantry. She appeared in the film Beyond the Call of Duty and the series Love Before Sunrise, while continuing her advocacy for empowerment.
generosity
Getting real lessons on beauty from professional makeup artist Belle Rubio
speaking with humor and confidence, and making sure that everyone, from total beginners to working makeup artists, felt comfortable.
What set Belle apart was her ability to balance authority and approachability. One moment, she was breaking down techniques in precise detail; the next, she was laughing along with the class, sprinkling jokes that lightened the atmosphere without taking away from the learning. Unknowingly, Belle was crafting a beautiful experience for all of us.
Tools, techniques, and thoughtfulness
Every student received a small toolkit that included basic brushes, a mirror, and essential tools. For beginners like me, whose makeup stash hasn’t been updated since a workshop I attended 16 years ago, it was a lifesaver. And for those who didn’t have complete kits, Belle and her assistants (known as Team Belle) had us covered. They went around sharing product samples, ensuring no one was left behind.
This generosity extended to the techniques she shared. In an era when tutorials flood YouTube and TikTok, you’d think we’d seen it all. But in Belle’s class, we learned techniques that went beyond what’s available online. Seeing her do it firsthand, then practicing under her team’s guidance, was valuable. It was the difference
itself. Students came from different fields and converged—a cybersecurity expert, an architect, an engineer, an OB-GYN, media practitioners, and even aspiring makeup artists. The range of ages and professions made the room feel like a micro-community, all bonded by a shared desire to learn. It was clear that Belle thrived in this environment. She went beyond being a makeup artist that day because she served as a mentor who believed that knowledge grows stronger when shared. She wasn’t afraid of training potential competitors, and that, to me, is a rare kind of confidence. Her thriving career is proof that generosity, kindness, and success can go hand in hand.
Lessons beyond makeup By the end of the session, I realized I had taken away more than just technical skills. Yes, I learned how to blend better, identify my undertones, apply false eyelashes, and make makeup last longer. But more importantly, I learned that makeup is a tool for confidence and connection, and teaching it requires both skill and heart.
Belle reminded us that learning has no age limit. Whether you’re a teenager experimenting with eyeliner for the first time or a professional looking to polish your craft, there’s always room to grow. She also showed us that sharing knowledge is an act of generosity and, in turn, is its own form of beauty. Belle is out there not just to teach about makeup and physical beauty. Her kindness alone is a masterclass on the power of sincerity and generosity. Next week, get to know more about Belle. For your random thoughts, e-mail the author at randomrepublika@gmail.com.
Random Talk Kate Adajar
Teacher Belle Rubio leads a hands-on session, sharing techniques and tools with a 60-student class
The author with ABS-CBN reporter Anna Cerezo participate in professional makeup artist Belle Rubio’s masterclass at Marco Polo Hotel
Professional makeup artist Belle Rubio, known for bridal and celebrity work, underscores that generosity and skill can go hand in hand
The author (left) and TV5 reporter MJ Marfori relish the inclusive, learn-by-doing setup of Belle Rubio’s workshop
Uzbek actor-model Laziz Rustamov
Irish-Filipina model Riona Johnston, among Farah’s earliest recruits, marks eight years with the agency
Vienne Shirin balances modeling with acting, hosting, and advocacy work
From left: Top models Jane Sy, Venus Perol, Riona Johnston, Vienne Shirin, CEO and agency founder Farah Ramos, Laziz Rustamov, Kaela Alcantara, Su Jin Kim, and Ronto Katsura at the anniversary showcase and gallery in BGC
