Manila Standard - 2025 October 11 - Saturday

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By Pot Chavez and Maricel V. Cruz

Heading heading 2 strong quakes hit Davao

By Cherrie Anne Villahermosa, Charles Dantes, Rex Espiritu, Rio Araja, Ram Superable, Katrin01a Manubay, Alena Mae Flores, Maricel Cruz and Vince Lopez

TWO powerful earthquakes struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday—a magnitude 7.4 in the morning and a magnitude 6.8 in the evening, killing at least six people and triggering mass evacuations, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

By Rio N. Araja

THE Office of the Ombudsman yesterday announced that it will allow public access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of public officials, including those of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., and Vice President Sara Duterte. In his first press briefing in the new

post, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said he will issue a new memorandum detailing the guidelines for requesting copies of SALNs of civil servants, including the highest ranking ones, by next week.

“That (memo) is what we have to prepare for, the guidelines, parameters that have to be spelled out. And also

By Vito Barcelo and Vince Lopez

OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remul-

la on Friday said the government eyes at least one state witness involved in alleged anomalous flood control projects. Meanwhile, the Commission on Audit (COA) has submitted four new Fraud Audit Reports (FARs) to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), uncovering more ghost and

questionable flood-control projects under the Bulacan’s 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“We are considering one state witness. You’ll find out soon. We are about to be done with the evaluation. We already have one,” Remulla said in

AFTERMATH. The City Hall of Tagum City suffers damage from the powerful 7.4 earthquake that struck off Manay, Davao Oriental. Inset shows patients camped out the Southern Philippine Medical Center. Adonis Laurente/Karlo Flores/PIA Davao Region

Members

ICC...

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necessary," the ICC said in a heavily redacted ruling dated October 10. When considering the request for interim release, judges weighed whether he remained a flight risk, whether he could hinder the case if freed, and his medical condition.

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The evening quake was tectonic in origin, while the one earlier in the day was triggered by a movement of the Philippine Trench, Phivolcs said.

"These two earthquakes, M7.4 and M6.8, may be possibly considered as doublet earthquake. They are distinct or different earthquakes in almost the same area with two (or more) main shocks that have slight difference in magnitude. This happens when faults or trenches are causing the stress to trigger a sequence of events," Phivolcs said.

The latest earthquakes struck 11 days after a 6.9-magnitude one killed 75 and injured 1,271 others in Cebu province and neighboring areas.

Three miners tunnelling for gold were killed when their shaft collapsed in the mountains west of Manay, rescue official Kent Simeon of Pantukan town told Agence France Presse. One miner was pulled out alive and several others were injured, he said.

"Some tunnels collapsed, but the miners managed to get out. In that particular area, only one incident was reported," Simeon said, adding that rescuers were withdrawing from the remote site of Gumayan, accessible only by dirt bikes.

One person was killed when a wall collapsed in Mati city, the largest population hub near the quake's epicenter, while a local man suffered a fatal heart attack, local officials said.

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his first ever press briefing as the government’s chief prosecutor.

Asked why only one, Remulla explained that granting a state witness status cannot be done haphazardly since current laws have limitations.

“Our state witness law was not created for a multitude of crimes committed by one person. Usually, those who apply as state witness as also complicit in the crime, but not the most guilty. Besides, there should only be one incident, two at most,” he added.

“But here, there are hundreds of cases. Various cases; bid rigging, malversation, malversation through falsification of public documents. You’re talking about a multitude of crimes so it is not easy to grant state witness status and give them blanket immunity (from suit),” Remulla said. Remulla also said cases are expected to be filed against those in-

Akbayan light candles in front of the Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA in Quezon City on Friday, as they continue the call for accountability and show full commitment against corruption. Danny Pata CBCP,... From A1

Meanwhile, police forces in Metro Manila were alerted to ensure that sufficient security assistance will be provided to public assemblies to be held every Friday, starting Oct.10, acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., said. This as CBCP president and Caloocan Archbishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David called on the Filipino people to reject calls for snap elections and coup attempts, citing the need for constitutional processes.

The PPCRV, on the other hand condemned corruption and demanded accountability from government leaders, underscoring the need for leaders with integrity.

The CBCP and the PPCRV jointly encourage voters to hold leaders accountable and prioritize the rule of law, saying long prison terms for plunderers are more effective than

Another person was killed in Davao City, a city government statement said without giving details.

The Office of Civil Defense, however, said it was still validating the reported three deaths.

More than 100 aftershocks have been recorded, some of them with at least a magnitude of 5.0.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered full government mobilization to help affected residents and activate emergency communication lines.

"We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe," the President said in a statement.

"To our kababayans in the affected regions, please stay alert and calm. Move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe. Your safety is our top priority.”

"We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it," Mr. Marcos added.

Wes Caasi, a local official in Tagum city, northwest of Manay, said a government event at the city hall was thrown into chaos as "the people panicked, they screamed and ran."

Confirming videos that circulated on social media, Caasi said she saw city workers scrambling down a metal Christmas tree they were decorating when the quake struck.

Other witnesses said they saw students and workers pour out of schools, office buildings and shopping malls.

A portion of the Tagum City Hall in Davao del Norte also suffered minor damages.

volved in the flood control mess by November.

“I don’t have a specific timeline, but it’s sooner than many people would think. It is hard to make a promise to file it within the month, so I would say by November,” he added.

The latest batch of assailed projects, worth a total of nearly P360 million, covers those implemented by M3 Konstract Corp., SYMS Construction and Trading, and Amethyst Horizon Builders and General Contractor and Development Corp.

Among them was the construction of a riverbank protection structure at Barangay San Roque in Baliuag, worth P96.4 million which was found built in a site other than the approved location.

The COA said DPWH-Bulacan

DEO personnel pointed to a site different from the approved project location and gave no explanation.

Inspectors also found an existing but defective structure for a different

snap elections.

The PPCRV also urged voters to remember the victims of corruption and poor governance, particularly those affected by flood control controversies, and to hold leaders accountable in the next elections.

By promoting values-driven leadership and emphasizing the importance of accountability, PPCRV aims to guide Filipinos in choosing leaders who prioritize the common good and uphold moral principles.

In a statement, the PPCRV encourages voters to be discerning and not forget the impact of these projects on affected communities.

“To our countrymen, fellow Filipinos, the unbridled corruption of some of our leaders underlines the urgent need for discernment in selecting our leaders,” the PPCRV said.

Christine Sierte, a teacher in the town of Compostela, said she was in the middle of an online meeting when the violent shaking started.

"It was very slow at first, then it got stronger.... That's the longest time of my life. We weren't able to walk out of the building immediately because the shaking was so strong," she said.

"The ceilings of some offices fell, but luckily no one was injured," she said, adding that some of the school's approximately 1,000 students "suffered panic attacks and difficulty in breathing."

Dianne Lacorda, a police officer in Davao Oriental province, said power and communication lines had been severed and authorities were struggling to assess the damage in some areas.

The provincial government said on Facebook that it had suspended classes "until further notice" and had sent nonessential public workers home.

Earthquakes are a near-daily occurrence in the Philippines, which is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an arc of intense seismic activity stretching from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.

According to acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, all airports and seaports in Mindanao and even in the Visayas are operational following the strong earthquake.

Lopez, however, ordered the postponement of the Siargao International Surfing Cup 2025, which is scheduled from October 23 to 31.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed troops to assist in

project altogether, while the approved site also contained a structure tied to another project.

The state auditors bared that the district office failed to submit critical documents and even produced conflicting papers on contract cost, variation order amount, and contractor identity.

Those found potentially liable included district engineer Alcantara, assistant district engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, and several other state engineers, along with Louis Raphael Tiqui, and other officers of M3 Konstract Corp..

Two projects under SYMS Construction and Trading were also cited by state auditors. SYMS has been named in both the Senate and House inquiries into the flood-control scandal.

SYMS owner Sally Santos, earlier told senators she withdrew P457 million in cash tied to flood-control contracts.

Those found suspects in the two SYMS projects included Alcantara,

Nartatez said police commanders in Metro Manila and other areas where public assemblies would be held were already advised to prepare to ensure the safety of those who would join, including coordination with the organizers.

“We understand the importance of these activities for people who seek the truth, for people who seek justice, for people who call for justice amid allegations of wrongdoings involving taxpayers’ money,” Nartatez said.

“On the part of the PNP, our police commanders on the ground, especially in Metro Manila, were already alerted of these series of protests every Friday leading to the November 30 rally,” he added.

rescue and relief operations in areas affected by the earthquake, military chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said.

The Philippine National Police also mobilized assets and personnel to aid affected individuals, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development's Field Office 11- Davao Region also activated its Mobile Command Center, a fullyequipped operations hub enabling realtime communication, monitoring, and coordination with field teams, even in areas where communication lines may be unstable.

DSWD Field Office 11 has 103,614 family food packs (FFPs), 5,000 ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes, and 30,019 non-food items (NFIs) strategically prepositioned in the region.

The NFIs include 4,640 family kits, 124 hygiene kits, 5,893 kitchen kits, 7,109 sleeping kits, 504 family tents, 11,108 modular tents, 291 laminated sacks, and 350 tarpaulin rolls.

United Nations Philippines Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral said the global organization is currently assessing the situation in the country after it experienced successive earthquakes in Cebu and Davao Oriental.

Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Philippines Maya Faisal likewise mentioned that they offer cash assistance as part of their initiative to promote climate resilience. With AFP

Hernandez, Ernesto Galang, John Michael Ramos, Lemuel Ephraim Roque, Jolo Mari Tayao, Irene Ontingco, Jefferson Buendia, and Michelle Cruz, and a certain Santos.

The fourth project, titled “Construction of Riverbank Protection Structure along Balagtas River, Barangay Dalig, Balagtas, Bulacan,” also worth P96.49 million, was undertaken by Amethyst Horizon Builders and General Contractor and Development Corp.

While a flood control structure existed at the approved site, COA said DPWH-Bulacan 1st DEO “pinpointed the project at another location where the structure did not match the approved plan.” Again, no justification was offered for the discrepancy.

Those found allegedly complicit in this were likewise included Alcantara, Hernandez, Galang, Ontingco, Ramos, Jaypee Mendoza, Cruz, Jasmine Jean I. Gonzaga, and Rochelle R. Campos of Amethyst Horizon Builders, as well as the company’s officers and board members.

any serious threat to national security, PLTGEN Nartatez said they are always monitoring the situation to ensure appropriate response in case of violations of the law.

“While we assure the police of their active role in securing these activities, we are always ready for any eventuality, especially those who would dare to exploit these public assemblies to sow violence and openly violate the law,” said Nartatez.

“The PNP’s mandate is to ensure peace and order and uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, we will keep that commitment in the interest of the Filipino people and the dulyconstituted authorities,” he stressed.

The ICC found he "continues to pose a flight risk and detention is necessary to ensure his presence during the pre-trial proceedings and possible trial."

Judges pointed to Duterte's "necessary political contacts" and "network of support within that country," including his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.

This network "may help him abscond," judges pointed out.

The ICC also found there was a risk that Duterte and his network "would pose a threat to (potential) witnesses, either directly or indirectly through his supporters."

Finally, the judges said that the medical reports provided by the defense showing Duterte suffers from cognitive decline were insufficient to allow release.

"The Chamber notes that the Defense limits itself to argue that Mr. Duterte is 80 years old... without substantiating how detention is so detrimental that it justifies his release. Similarly, it does not explain to what extent Mr. Duterte [REDACTED] and how that would justify his interim release," read the public version of the ICC decision.

ICC prosecutors have charged Duterte with three counts of crimes against humanity, alleging his involvement in at least 76 murders as part of his "war on drugs."

However, judges stressed that this assessment related only to the issue of interim release, not to the determination of whether he was fit to stand trial.

Meanwhile, ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti expressed relief following the denial of Duterte's request for interim release, citing the latter's continuing detention as necessary.

"The judges have clearly listened to all parties, and most especially the victims, in their decision-making. We are relieved that this shows a fair amount of trust and respect for victims, often overlooked in international law, and a balanced consideration of arguments of the suspect/accused," she told Manila Standard.

She added that the pending issues before the court are substantial and will determine if the case proceeds, whether the court has jurisdiction, and whether Duterte is fit to stand trial.

Conti noted that while the rejection of the former leader’s interim release is 'mollifying' to the public, it also reminds them of the Duterte clan’s influence.

As such, the human rights lawyer said she expects drug war victims and witnesses in the country to be more emboldened to participate.

"We await and hold on to the maxim: the wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine. Justice for all victims of Duterte's crimes against the people," stressed Conti.

Likewise, House deputy minority leader and ML Rep. Leila de Lima welcomed the ICC's decision. With AFP

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the undertaking of the requesting party,” he said.

“Hopefully by Wednesday next week,” he added.

Remulla, however, pointed out that the release of public officials’ SALNs to requesting parties must still comply with the country's laws on privacy.

“It cannot be free for all. It doesn't work that way because there are data privacy and security problems that can arise,” he noted.

Furthermore, Remulla said, “I will ask them to make available this information, but of course, we need requesting parties to ask for specific information, not the whole file,” he added.

The Ombudsman further explained that some information from the SALNs may have to be redacted to prevent them from being “weaponized.” Additionally, he said applicants will have to explain in writing how the information will be used.

Part of the preparations is to ensure that the peaceful assemblies will be secured from rioters similar to what happened on September 21 when a group of people, including minors, were exploited to sow violence.

“When the SALN is open to the public, it becomes harder to cover up for ill-gotten gains. It’s about time that all civil servants open their SALNs and restore the public’s trust,” the lawmaker wrote in a statement in Filipino. NO

“It is our all-important vote which places government leaders in the positions of power which they may wield correctly or, as we have seen, powers which some have wielded for self-aggrandizement,” it added.

While the PNP has not monitored

Nartatez also said that a police security plan from small to big gatherings of the people and the instruction to ground commanders is to conduct regular adjustments depending on the situation on the ground.

Aside from police forces on the ground, he said a sufficient number of personnel will be on standby to respond to any eventuality.

Meanwhile, Akbayan party-list Representative Chel Diokno said Remulla’s move “is a long-overdue correction to a policy that weakened transparency and accountability by restricting public access to SALNs.”

of White Ribbon and the

DA accepts role to build farm-tomarket roads

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Agriculture

(DA) has formally accepted the Senate’s challenge to take the lead in farm-to-market road (FMR) projects. a role long held by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

During the Senate Committee on Finance hearing for the DA’s proposed 2026 budget on Friday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. declared the agency’s readiness to spearhead the construction of vital infrastructure projects designed to boost rural development, increase farmers’ incomes, and ensure a steady supply of affordable food.

“At the last Senate hearing on the Department of Agriculture’s 2026 budget, we were issued a direct challenge: to take charge of farmto-market road projects ourselves. Instinct tells us to steer clear. To play it safe. But this is no time for hesitation… and so, we rise to meet the moment,” Laurel said.

Alluding to the controversy surrounding the DPWH over various infrastructure projects, the DA’s move responds to concerns over alleged misuse of public funds in previous FMR projects managed by the DPWH.

During a previous budget hearing, finance committee chair Senator Sherwin Gatchalian flagged potential overpricing of up to P10 billion in the construction of 70,000 kilometers of roads which he said is enough to fund a two-lane highway from Manila to Aparri.

DOJ to help revoke Co’s passport

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Faustino Dy III on Friday disclosed that he promptly sought the intervention of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to cancel the passport of former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co following the Bicolano lawmaker’s resignation from the House of Representatives last Sept. 29.

Dy said he immediately contacted then-Justice Secretary, now Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to request swift action to restrict Co’s travel abroad amid investigations into alleged

irregularities in public works projects linked to the former lawmaker.

“Right after we received his (Co’s) resignation letter, I immediately called then DOJ Secretary Remulla,” Dy said

in a radio interview.

The Speaker said he asked Remulla for the most effective way to revoke Co’s passport to limit the cashiered lawmaker’s movements overseas.

“That’s what we did; we immediately cooperated with the DOJ,” Dy said.

Dy explained that while the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has authority to cancel passports, the House sought the assistance of the DOJ because it oversees the Bureau of Immigration and can help expedite the coordination process.

FRUITS, VEGGIE FESTIVAL. Katipunan Kartilya in Manila rolls out its food festival offering fresh fruits and vegetables from Mindanao at affordable prices. Norman Cruz

Marcos reshuffles chiefs of key transportation agencies

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reshuffled the land transportation agencies, Malacañang announced Friday.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro made the announcement without additional directives or timelines from President Marcos.

Markus Lacanilao was named chairman of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) vice Vigor Mendoza II who was reassigned to

head the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) replacing Teofilo Guadiz III who was appointed chairman of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives (OTC).

Lacanilao previously held roles in government service involving regulatory and administrative functions. He also served as the Philippines’ special envoy for transnational crime under the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

As LTO chief, Lacanilao will be responsible for overseeing driver licensing, vehicle registration, and enforcement of land transportation policies.

Senate Blue Ribbon chair still up for grabs

SENATE President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Friday indicated there was no clear decision yet on who will succeed Senator Panfilo Lacson as chairman of the powerful Senate Blue Ribbon Committee..

Sotto earlier formalized the designation of neophyte Senator Erwin Tulfo as the acting chairperson of the committee.

Sotto said the Blue Ribbon Committee will hold a meeting after Tulfo comes home from his official trip abroad. Then they will discuss the chairmanship as Senator Pia Cayetano has also expressed interest on the position.

“We will meet first, then we will discuss the possibilities, Sotto told reporters.

Asked if Pia Cayetano has the upper hand on account of seniority and the fact

they would

On the other hand, Mendoza is a lawyer and former public official with experience in transport regulation and legal compliance. He returns to the LTFRB which supervises public utility franchises and fare regulation.

Guadiz, also a lawyer, earlier served as LTFRB chairman before being reassigned to the OTC. The agency oversees accreditation and development of transport cooperatives nationwide. Further details on transition plans and policy priorities are expected in the coming days as the new agency heads formally assume their posts.

previously

to consult with

Dy said Remulla had assured him that the DOJ would take the fastest possible course of action to revoke Co’s passport.

He added that while the DOJ had been requested to coordinate, communications with the DFA had also begun. Dy recalled that Co’s last letter to the House before resigning stated that he was leaving the country for medical treatment in the United States. However, the Speaker acknowledged receiving reports that Co might now be in Europe.

IN BRIEF

SC finds ex-QC dad guilty of malversation

THE Supreme Court (SC) announced on Friday its decision upholding the conviction of former Quezon City District III councilor Dante Manzano De Guzman in connection with over P6 million worth of ghost projects. The ruling, penned by Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, affirmed the Sandiganbayan’s verdict that found De Guzman guilty for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

In August, the anti-graft court found De Guzman guilty of graft and corruption for misusing public funds through falsification of public documents.

In 2009, the former councilor was found to have facilitated the procurement of tents, kiddie raincoats, rain boots, food supplies, and sports equipment for purported distribution to different barangays in his district, but the items were never delivered to the intended beneficiaries. Pot Chavez

Taguig cops nab NCR’s ‘most wanted criminal’

TAGUIG City policemen have arrested the National Capital Region’s (NCR) alleged “Most Wanted Person,” identified as Jomar Salik in a raid conducted Wednesday (Oct. 7) in Barangay Upper Bicutan, Taguig City.

Salik, 21, a resident of Barangay Maharlika, was the subject of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Marivic Cudilla Vitor, with no bail recommended.

The suspect was also believed to be a member of the notorious John Rol De Guzman Carnapping Group which has been on the police watch list since last year. Meanwhile, Taguig City Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano commended the Taguig City police for their swift and coordinated action, saying peace and order remained a top priority of her administration. Vince Lopez

Manila councilor faces sexual harassment raps

MANILA Vice Mayor Chi Atienza gave assurance that the city council will fully cooperate with independent investigations involving alleged acts of sexual harassment by a city councilor.

Atienza issued the statement following the accusations of Manila 4th District councilor Eunice Castro of repeated sexual harassment acts by fellow councilor, Ryan Ponce. I want to emphasize that both parties are entitled to due process. These are serious allegations, and it would be unfair to pass judgment without a proper and impartial investigation... Rest assured that the council will cooperate fully with any independent investigation that may be conducted. What matters now is truth, fairness, and justice — not politics,” the vice mayor said. She stressed that the city council does not tolerate any form of harassment or inappropriate behavior, inside or outside the session hall. Pot Chavez

Oldest solon pushes for more social benefits for seniors

By Maricel V. Cruz

A LAWMAKER on Friday pushed for stronger social protection and medical support for senior citizens, saying many of them are “living their twilight years in poverty, illness, and neglect.”

Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto made the appeal as he voiced concerns over several challenges faced by the elderly, such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, social neglect, and digital exclusion.

“Many of our senior citizens have no stable source of income after retirement,” Pleytosaid in a privilege speech.

“Those who do rely on their SSS or GSIS pensions find that the amount is not enough to meet even their basic needs—especially amid the rising prices of food, utilities, and medicines,” added the oldest member of the House at 83. Pleyto stressed, “Old age comes with illness,” yet many seniors “struggle to afford medicines, diagnostic tests, or hospital care.” Despite the expansion of PhilHealth coverage, he said “gaps remain, especially for maintenance drugs, geriatric care, and long-term treatment.”

He also lamented the “social neglect and loneliness” suffered by many elderly Filipinos, as some are left alone when family members move away for work.

Pleyto also noted the growing digital divide affecting seniors even as he urged government agencies to make these systems more accessible to seniors, especially in rural areas.

Solons: Remove unprogrammed funds in budget

By Maricel V. Cruz

TWO members of the House of Representatives minority bloc on Friday have called for the removal of “unprogrammed appropriations” in the annual national budget, saying it has become a backdoor for discretionary spending that weakens fiscal discipline and oversight.

Rep. Chel Diokno of Akbayan Party-list said there must be zero unprogrammed appropriations under the 2026 national budget.

“The decision of the House Budget Amendments Review Subcommittee to reduce the Unprogrammed Appropriations (UA) by P40 billion is not enough, because more than P200 billion is still hidden in it,” Diokno said in a social media post.

“Stop making excuses to insert the UA. If additional funds are needed for loan obligations, there is a legal and clear way: supplemental budget. And for the calamity and emergency mentioned by Malacañang, there is an existing Contingent Fund of P13 billion and Calamity Funds of P31 billion,” Diokno added. He said the Filipino people deserve to know where their taxes go.

“The people deserve to know where their taxes go. We must bring down to zero the unprogrammed appropriations,” Diokno said.

House Assistant Minority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal echoed Diokno’s call.

“If we had our way, there would be no unprogrammed funds at all. If there are

new or excess revenues, let us just pass a supplemental budget,” Nazal said in a separate statement on Friday.

He recalled that during the plenary deliberations on the 2026 national budget, he said he questioned the need to retain unprogrammed funds, calling them “a source of flexibility, perhaps too much flexibility.”

He warned that special provisions allowing the Department of Budget and Management to shift funds among authorized purposes defeat the intent of lineitem budgeting and turn unprogrammed funds into a discretionary lump sum.

“These provisions let DBM move funds around to cover deficiencies elsewhere. That should concern all of us who fought for transparency. In light of the Supreme Court rulings on lump sums and pork barrel, shouldn’t we consider deleting these provisions altogether?” he said.

He said in times of urgent fiscal need, Congress can pass a supplemental budget to ensure transparency and proper legislative scrutiny.

“That’s how we preserve the power of the purse and protect taxpayers’ money,” Nazal added.

IN BRIEF

GSIS rolls out new loan for digital tools

THE Government Service Insurance System has introduced a new loan to help government workers purchase laptops, tablets, and mobile phones needed for work or study.

Starting yesterday, members may apply through the GSIS Touch mobile app, allowing a quick, paperless process.

Approved loans will be credited directly to the member’s GSIS ATM account within one to three banking days after agency approval.

GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said the initiative recognizes the growing need for digital tools among public servants adapting to remote and hybrid work arrangements.

“We know the reality. In workfrom-home and online learning, computers and gadgets are necessities, not luxuries. That’s why we launched the Digital Ginhawa loan to help our members acquire the tools they need for work and study,” Veloso said.

LGUs get solid waste management tools

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has provided a range of tools for solid waste management (SWM) to 185 barangays in 13 local government units in the National Capital Region.

The initiative aimed to empower communities to enhance SWM practices, contributing to cleaner waterways and improved management as part of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project Phase 1, through the Community-Based Solid Waste Management Program. Representatives from Barangays Hagonoy, Katuparan, New Lower Bicutan, San Miguel, Bambang, Calzada, Sta. Ana, and Wawa in Taguig, along with representatives from Barangays Martires del 96 and San Pedro in Pateros, received the tools on Thursday. Joel Zurbano

Taguig opens modern baseball stadium

TAGUIG City has opened the Felino Marcelino Sr. Baseball Stadium in Barangay Ususan, which will serve as a hub for local sports teams and aspiring athletes, providing them with a state-of-the-art facility to train and compete.

The stadium reflects the city’s drive to strengthen sports development and promote wellness and active living among Taguigeños, especially the youth.

The initiative aims not only to enhance athletic skills but also to foster community spirit and encourage a healthy lifestyle among residents.

Located along Cayetano Boulevard, the stadium can accommodate 850 spectators. Joel Zurbano

5,700 families to get COEs under admin’s flagship housing program

By Rio N. Araja

AFTER decades-long wait, over 5,000 families occupying lots covered by four presidential proclamations are set to receive certificates of entitlement (COEs) under the sustained implementation of President Ferdi-

P109-m shabu shipment seized

By Joel E. Zurbano and Vito Barcelo

GOVERNMENT agents assigned to Ninoy Aquino International Airport have seized a smuggled shipment of shabu worth over P109 million at a Customs-bonded warehouse in Pasay City.

The operation was carried out by a composite team from the Bureau of Customs, Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA, and the NAIA Inter-Agency Drug Interdiction Task Group (NAIA-IADITG).

The shipment, declared as towels and clothes, arrived from Hanoi, Vietnam.

Following the detection of suspicious images during X-ray screening on Monday, a 100-percent physical examination was conducted, which led to

nand Marcos Jr.’s flagship Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.

Housing czar Jose Ramon Aliling said a total of 5,700 families are targeted to benefit from the distribution of COEs covering Presidential Proclamations No. 550 of 2004 for Los Ba-

nos, Laguna; No. 463 of 2003 for Lucena City, Quezon; No. 1538 of 2008 for Iloilo City, and No. 397 of 2003 for Caloocan City.

“The order of the President is to provide security and a more dignified life for our countrymen. That is what we seek in granting the COEs to families

who have long been living on lands that are not titled to them,” he said.

DHSUD is eyeing the distribution of the COEs for Iloilo City, Lucena City, and Los Banos as part of the highlights of the National Shelter Month 2025 celebration with the theme “Build Homes, Build Happiness.”

the discovery of 16,150 grams of shabu in three styrofoam boxes.

The seized illegal drugs were turned over to PDEA for proper disposition and further investigation.

The two representatives of the consignee logistics company were arrested on-site in violation of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno praised the swift action of the personnel involved.

“This interception highlights the Bureau’s vigilance and dedication to preventing drug syndicates from using legitimate trade channels for illicit operations. Our commitment to border protection remains steadfast and uncompromising,” he said.

DOWNTIME. Fishing boats are docked in Tanza, Navotas City, known as the fishing capital of the Philippines, on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025. Fishers navigate between the waterways of Navotas and Malabon through the floodgate, which is lowered during high tide or inclement weather to prevent flooding. Joan Bondoc

OPINION

Where the PNP’s true loyalty lies

By Jose Antonio Goitia

I HAVE been hearing closely, as have so many others, the whispers and rumors attempting to sow division within the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

As Chairman Emeritus of four civic-oriented organizations, including ABKD and PADER, I understand the importance of a strong, unified institution.

Frankly, I’m fed up with the baseless intrigue. That is why I stand firmly behind Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and the entire police force. Their recent actions—especially Nartatez’s immediate and clear rejection of a supposed “loyalty check”—are precisely the proof we need that the PNP remains an institution of integrity.

True loyalty, after all, isn’t something you proclaim; it’s something you show through service. Nartatez and the dedicated men and women of the PNP have consistently demonstrated that their allegiance is not to fleeting political winds or individual personalities.

Their allegiance is to the Filipino people and the sacred Constitution.

A Force That Refuses to Play Politics

It has been a testament to the PNP’s growing maturity that they have consistently managed to stay above the partisan noise.

While others are busy sowing discord and intrigue, our police officers continue to do the difficult, essential work of serving and protecting. That, to me, is the true mark of professionalism.

I especially laud the Acting PNP Chief’s calm, decisive leadership.

He didn’t waste time on distractions.

He spoke with a clarity that reassured the ranks, reaffirmed the importance of discipline, and reminded everyone where the PNP’s duty lies: to protect, not to play politics.

That kind of decisive action is precisely what keeps morale high and the institution focused on its mission.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s confidence in the current police leadership is clearly well placed.

The President needs a police force that upholds order and integrity, and trust between the Commander-in-Chief

and his police is absolutely vital for maintaining peace and implementing necessary reforms across the nation.

Unity as the Cornerstone of Reform

The question of the PNP’s unity is inextricably linked to the President’s broader anti-corruption campaign.

Let’s be clear: You cannot effectively fight corruption with a divided force.

The PNP’s strength is, and must always be, rooted in its unity and credibility. Every internal audit, every reform measure, and every swift dismissal of wrongdoing is an act of courage and conscience that builds that credibility.

Loyalty to the Republic means a steadfast loyalty to peace, to justice, and to good governance

This is why I urge the public to choose support over suspicion.

Our police officers put their lives on the line every single day.

They have earned our trust and our respect. Under Nartatez’s leadership, I have no doubt the PNP will continue to serve our nation honorably, cleanly, and with deep pride.

The time for suspicion is over; the time for unity is now. The PNP, alongside our military and the Filipino people, must stand as one behind President Marcos.

Loyalty to the Republic means a steadfast loyalty to peace, to justice, and to good governance.

The PNP has proven where its loyalty lies—with the President, with the people, and with the nation.

(The writer, who holds a doctorate in philosophy, serves as Chairman Emeritus of four civic-oriented organizations: Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement, through which he continues to advance the causes of sovereignty, reform, and the dignity of the Filipino people.)

Myanmar air strikes force youth into bunker schools

THABEIKKYIN, Myanmar – Before a Myanmar student descends into a classroom entombed in a concrete bunker, she prays for compassion and her community’s safety, knowing her appeal will go unanswered.

“May the fighter jets not come. May the pilots show kindness to us. May the bombs not explode,” 18-year-old Phyo Phyo said, recalling her unspoken wishes. She is enrolled in a class of around a dozen at the subterranean academy, founded in June after a junta strike obliterated a nearby school and killed at least 20 pupils and two teachers, according to witnesses.

“Our school days used to be free and full of fun,” said Phyo Phyo, a pseudonym used for security reasons.

“Ever since the air strikes started, we’ve lost our happiness,” she added.

“The students have grown quiet.”

Myanmar’s military has increased air strikes every year since it triggered civil war with a 2021 coup, conflict monitors say -- a response to guerrilla factions opposed to junta rule besieging its ground forces.

The deluges and gales of the May to September monsoons typically offer a reprieve.

But partial data from this year’s wet season shows the military conducted more than 1,000 air and drone strikes, killing more than 800 people, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data organization, which tallies media reports of violence.

A Myanmar junta spokesman could not be reached for comment.

The junta is waging a campaign to recapture territory ahead of elections it has said will start on December 28.

But rebels have pledged to block the polls in their enclaves, and analysts describe the vote as a ploy to disguise the continuation of military rule.

In a rebel-held area, around 110 kilometers north of Mandalay city where junta jets scour the skies, Phyo Phyo and her classmates learn in the dank and dark but relative safety of their underground classroom.

It was built in the jungle with donations and resembles a spartan prison cell.

“We want education, no matter the obstacles,” Phyo Phyo said. ‘Superior air power’

Bowing her head to study Burmese literature -- her favorite subject -- the teenager is watched over by a poster of Aung San Suu Kyi, the democratic leader ousted by the military in Feb. 2021.

Myanmar’s military has increased air strikes every year since it triggered civil war with a 2021 coup

Democracy activists formed guerrilla units and found common cause with myriad ethnic minority armed groups, which have long fought the military for self-rule.

Their scattered organization failed to make much headway until a combined offensive starting in late 2023.

The back-footed military then stepped up its aerial campaign using China- and Russia-supplied jets against rebels who possess neither their own air fleets nor anti-air defenses.

“The reason they use air strikes is they feel our revolutionary armed groups have the power to take them down,” said Zaw Tun, a member of the democracy movement’s self-declared National Unity Government in a rebel-held area of northern

EDITORIAL

Challenge from climate change

THE southwest monsoon or habagat season ended this week, with meteorologists declaring a noticeable shift in the weather patterns caused by strengthening high pressure system over East Asia.

There is now the southward movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, suggesting the Philippines, battered by an average 20 typhoons annually, is entering a transition period towards the northeast monsoon or amihan, the cool and dry season.

The transition signals a shift to cooler, drier winds following the end of the rainy season in the country’s western parts.

While this annual weather pattern change is not directly indicative of increased climate change risk, it occurs within the larger context of global warming, already causing more extreme weather events like intense rain, floods, and rising sea levels in the Philippines, requiring adaptation and mitigation efforts.

To the ordinary people, the end of the habagat means the strong, rainy winds from the southwest are weakening, and a high-pressure system over East Asia is beginning to influence the weather, leading to the transition to the northeast monsoon.

Sagaing region.

“They can’t win the ground battle, but they have the power to attack us with air strikes,” he said.

Rarely a week passes without civilians being killed in a mass-casualty bombing, often of schools or monasteries occupied by children or monks, and sometimes also sheltering people already displaced by fighting.

“The military targets crowds intentionally because they want to incite fear,” said ACLED Asia-Pacific analyst Su Mon Thant.

“When people are more uncertain with their life and desperate, they don’t want to support the resistance cause.”

But while “superior power in the air” allows the military to stave off defeat, she said, it is not enough to secure victory -- creating a stalemate where casualties mount but front lines stay largely

While the monsoon ending is a normal event, it happens in an era of significant climate change impacts.

The Philippines is vulnerable to climate risk, experiencing rising temperatures, increasing sea levels, more frequent heavy rainfall events, and shifts in seasonal patterns.

Climatologists say dealing with climate change now is key to ensuring sustainable development

As the country rolls over to the weekend, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, and the rest of Mimaropa are threatened with cloudy skies, scattered rains with thunderstorms.

The rest of the country will have cloudy with isolated rain showers or

unchanged. While there is no official death toll for Myanmar’s war and estimates vary widely, ACLED reports more than 85,000 people have been killed on all sides.

Of those, nearly 3,400 were civilians killed by state forces in targeted air or drone strikes.

Under cover of darkness State media has previously described reports of civilian casualties as “false information” being spread by “malicious media.”

But for farmers, who slosh through paddies in Sagaing region to tend their rice crops by torchlight, the threat is real.

“We transplant paddies at night so that we can focus on hiding in the daytime,” said one farmer who did not share their name. During daylight hours, in central Mandalay region’s Thabeikkyin township,

thunderstorms.

This means climate change is projected to increase the intensity and frequency of extreme rainfall and tropical cyclones, leading to more devastating floods and landslides –with investigations on infrastructure projects, nearly all ghost – continuing while the public are crying for transparency and accountability with billions of pesos aimed at funding these projects missing.

With the transition in weather patterns, the country must continue to monitor these changes and develop strategies to adapt to and reduce the risks associated with climate change, especially in vulnerable sectors like agriculture and water resources.

Climate risk, one of the most basic challenges ever to confront humanity, has adverse impacts which are seen and may intensify exponentially over time if nothing is done to reduce further emissions of greenhouse gases.

Climatologists say dealing with climate change now is key to ensuring sustainable development, poverty eradication and safeguarding economic growth.

Scientific assessments indicate the cost of inaction now will be more costly in the future. Thus, economic development needs to be shifted to a low-carbon emission path.

rebels surveil the skies and use crackling walkie-talkies to relay the last-known location of junta jets — an improvised air raid warning system.

Thwat Lat sounds the siren up to 15 times daily, voicing the most urgent warnings through a pink and gold microphone plugged into a system of speakers that can be heard from eight kilometres away, sending residents skittering to bunkers.

“Every time a person’s life is saved, I feel what I’m doing is worthwhile,” he said during one of his recent 19-hour shifts. But bunkers and siloed schools cannot protect their occupants from psychological wounds.

“I have no words to express how nervous I am,” said Khin Tint, 67.

“Sometimes I think I am already dead but my heart is still pounding.” AFP

‘Massive attack’ cuts power in Kyiv

KYIV – The Ukrainian capital was plunged into darkness early Friday by what the air force called a “massive attack,” as Russia pummeled Kyiv’s infrastructure, cutting off water and energy supplies.

The Kremlin has escalated aerial attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities and rail systems over recent weeks, mirroring similar campaigns launched over the previous three winters that left people without heating in frigid temperatures.

AFP journalists in Kyiv heard several powerful explosions on Friday and experienced blackouts at their homes across different districts of the city.

“The capital of the country is under an enemy ballistic missile attack and a massive attack by the enemy strike drones,” the Ukrainian air force said, urging people in Kyiv to remain in shelters.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Washington and NATO allies were “stepping up the pressure” to end the war in Ukraine, though his attempts to negotiate with Russia’s Vladimir Putin have so far failed to achieve a ceasefire.

Trump hosted Putin in Alaska in August, after which Russia’s attacks on Ukraine escalated.

Russia said this week that momentum towards a peace deal had largely vanished.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko said Russian

IN BRIEF

TAIPEI – Taiwanese President Lai Ching-

te vowed Friday to speed up construction of a multi-layered air defense system as part of efforts to counter “enemy threats.” Lai’s government has been under US pressure to improve its ability to defend itself against a potential attack by China, which claims the island is part of its territory.

“We will accelerate our building of the T-Dome, establish a rigorous air defense system in Taiwan with multi-layered defense, high-level detection, and effective interception,” Lai said during Taiwan’s National Day celebrations.

Lai said Taiwan was determined to “maintain peace through strength” and called on China to “renounce the use of force or coercion to change the status quo across the Taiwan Strait.”

Lai’s speech followed a bruising year for the president, a staunch defender of Taiwan’s sovereignty who is loathed by Beijing.

A failed effort this year to unseat dozens of opposition lawmakers left the government weakened, while US tariffs on Taiwanese shipments eroded confidence in the key relationship. AFP

MDs, nurses ‘depressed’

COPENHAGEN – One in three doctors and nurses in Europe report suffering from depression or anxiety, a study published Friday by the European branch of the World Health Organization said.

The rate is five times higher than that among the general population in Europe, the report said.

“The mental health crisis among our health workers is a health security crisis, threatening the integrity of our health systems,” WHO Europe director Hans Kluge said in a statement.

“More than one in 10 have thought about ending their lives or hurting themselves. This is an unacceptable burden on those who care for us,” he said.

Doctors and nurses who experience violence, work consistently long hours, and work in shifts (especially at night) are much more likely to be depressed and anxious and to have suicidal thoughts, the report said. AFP

Judge halts Trump’s Chicago troop deployment

CHICAGO – A federal judge on Thurs-

day (Friday, Manila time) ordered a temporary halt to President Donald Trump’s deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops in the Chicago area as part of his sweeping crime and immigration crackdown.

Trump’s administration has argued the troops are necessary to protect immigration agents and facilities in America’s third largest city, falsely depicting it as a “war zone.”

But local Democratic officials have said police and other law enforcement are perfectly sufficient, while arguing that Trump is purposefully provoking pro-

Morocco youth ask for king’s ear at rallies

RABAT, Morocco – Young Moroccan protesters took to the streets again to demand reforms and a change of government on Thursday, the eve of a keenly anticipated annual speech by King Mohammed VI.

“We no longer have confidence in the government. We’re waiting for the king to talk to us, he has to save his people,” Raghd, a 23-year-old engineer who did not want to give his last name, told AFP at the protest in the capital Rabat.

Similar gatherings of dozens of protesters also took to the streets in Casablanca and Tangier.

Ahead of Thursday evening’s demonstrations, government spokesman Mustapha Baitas made fresh calls for dialogue with the youth collective GenZ 212, whose members have been staging nationwide protests since late September to demand reforms and a change of government.

“The message has been received,”

Baitas said. “The government is working quickly to mobilize resources and address shortfalls.”

The protesters have taken to the streets almost every night over the past weeks, with the unrest rocking the usually stable north African country. AFP

tests with its heavy handed operations.

In her ruling from the bench, District Judge April Perry said she had doubts about the Trump administration’s reliability and worried the troops’ presence would “only add fuel to the fire,” the Chicago Tribune reported. She ordered an immediate halt to the troop deployment, lasting until October 23, rejecting the government’s argument that Trump cannot be second-guessed over such matters.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who has accused Trump of unconstitutional authoritarianism, hailed the ruling, saying on X: “Donald Trump is not a king -- and

his administration is not above the law.”

At the same time, a three-judge appeals court panel in San Francisco was expected to rule on whether to lift another judge’s temporary block of a similar deployment in Democratic-ruled Portland, Oregon. Illinois and Oregon are not the first states to file legal challenges against the Trump administration’s extraordinary domestic use of the National Guard. Democratic-ruled California filed suit after the Republican president first sent troops to Los Angeles earlier this year to quell demonstrations sparked by a crackdown on undocumented migrants. AFP

DICTATOR.’ Some 500 US troops deployed in the Chicago area on Thursday (Friday Manila time) as part of President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration crackdown, despite strenuous objections of local leaders seeking a judge’s order to block the mobilization. District Judge April Perry was set to hold a hearing on the issue, a day after Trump called for jailing the Democratic governor of Illinois and mayor of Chicago for resisting his military-backed mass deportation and anti-crime campaign. AFP

forces had targeted “critical infrastructure” and wounded at least nine people, five of whom were taken to hospital.

“The left bank of the capital is without electricity. There are also problems with water supply,” Klitschko posted on Telegram.

Ukrainian Energy Minister Svitlana Grynchuk said Russian forces were “inflicting a massive strike” on the grid.

“Energy workers are taking all necessary measures to minimise the negative consequences,” Grynchuk wrote on Facebook.

“As soon as security conditions allow, energy workers will begin clarifying the consequences of the attack and restoration work,” she said.

Fearing an incoming hypersonic Kinzhal missile -- which are harder to detect and intercept -- Ukraine put the entire country on alert on Friday.

Russia also hit the southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia with at least seven overnight drone strikes, killing a seven-yearold and wounding at least three people, according to Ivan Fedorov, the head of the regional military administration. AFP

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James, who successfully prosecuted Donald Trump, was indicted on Thursday (Friday in Manila), the second foe of the US president to be slapped with criminal charges in recent weeks. James, 66, a Democrat, was indicted by a grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, on one count of bank fraud and a second one of making false statements to a financial institution.

The charges against James were brought one day after another prominent Trump critic, former FBI director James Comey, pleaded not guilty to charges of making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. The cases against James and Comey were filed by Trump’s handpicked US attorney, Lindsey Halligan, after the previous prosecutor resigned saying there was not enough evidence against them.

The case against James concerns allegedly false statements she made to obtain favorable loan terms for a property she purchased in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2020. In a statement, James rejected the charges as “baseless” and said they are “nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system.”

“The president’s own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution,” she said.

Trump recently publicly urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against James, Comey and others he sees as enemies in an escalation of his campaign against political opponents.

After Trump left the White House in 2021, James brought a major civil fraud case against him, alleging he and his real estate company had unlawfully inflated his wealth and manipulated the value of properties to obtain favorable bank loans or insurance terms.

A New York state judge ordered Trump to pay $464 million, but a higher court later removed the financial penalty while upholding the underlying judgment. AFP

UN unveils 60-day full aid plan for Gaza once ceasefire starts

CREATING CHAOS. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of wanting to sow ‘chaos’ in Ukraine by launching strikes on his country’s energy grid and railway infrastructure, in comments published on Thursday, released just hours after fresh Russian attacks damaged energy infrastructure in the southern Black Sea region of Odesa, where port facilities were also struck. This handout photograph taken and released by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on October 9, 2025, shows a fire at the site of a drone attack in the Odesa region, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP

‘WANNABE

Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado wins Nobel Peace Prize

THE Nobel Peace Prize was on Friday awarded to Venezuela’s opposition leader and democracy activist Maria Corina Machado, forced to live in hiding in what has become a “brutal” state, the Nobel jury said.

Machado, who has lived in hiding for the past year, was honored “for her tireless work promoting democratic rights for the people of Venezuela and for her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy,” said Jorgen Watne Frydnes, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo.

“I am in shock,” the opposition leader could be heard saying in a video sent to Agence France Presse (AFP) by her press team.

Venezuela has evolved from a relatively democratic and prosperous country to a “brutal authoritarian state that is now suffering a humanitarian and economic crisis,” Frydnes said.

“The violent machinery of the state

is directed against the country’s own citizens. Nearly eight million people have left the country,” he said.

The opposition has been systematically suppressed by means of “election rigging, legal prosecution and imprisonment.”

In this context, Machado has been a “key, unifying figure in a political opposition that was once deeply divided.”

The committee hailed her as “one of the most extraordinary examples of civilian courage in Latin America in recent times.”

“Despite serious threats against her life, she has remained in the country, a choice that has inspired millions.”

Ahead of Venezuela’s election in 2024, Machado was the opposition’s presidential candidate, but the regime

blocked her candidacy.

She then backed reluctant, littleknown ex-diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia as her stand-in.

Machado’s Nobel win was a surprise, her name not among those mentioned as possible laureates in the run-up to Friday’s announcement.

Trump’s hopes for prize

US President Donald Trump had made no secret of his desire to win this year’s prize.

Since returning to the White House for his second term in January, the US leader has repeatedly insisted that he “deserves” the Nobel for his role in resolving numerous conflicts—a claim observers say is broadly exaggerated.

But Nobel Prize experts in Oslo had insisted in the run-up to Friday’s announcement that Trump had no chance, noting that his “America First” policies run counter to the ideals of the Peace Prize as laid out in Alfred Nobel’s 1895 will creating the award.

Frydnes insisted the Norwegian Nobel Committee is not swayed by

lobbying campaigns to get the prize.

“In the long history of the Nobel Peace Prize, I think this committee has seen every type of campaign, media attention,” he said.

“We receive thousands and thousands of letters every year of people wanting to say, what for them, leads to peace.”

“We base our decision only on the work and the will of Alfred Nobel,” he added.

Last year, the prestigious prize went to the Japanese anti-nuclear group Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots movement of atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The prize comes with a gold medal, a diploma and a prize sum of $1.2 million.

It will be presented at a formal ceremony in Oslo on December 10, the anniversary of the 1896 death of the prizes’ creator, Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel.

The Peace Prize is the only Nobel awarded in Oslo, with the other disciplines announced in Stockholm.

On Thursday, the Nobel Prize in

List of major earthquakes since 1968

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gestures during a demonstration to protest over the presidential election results in Caracas, Venezuela on August 3, 2024. Machado has won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on October 10, 2025. AFP Literature was awarded to Laszlo Krasznahorkai, considered by many as Hungary’s most important living author, whose works explore themes of postmodern dystopia and melancholy. The 2025 Nobel season winds up Monday with the economics prize. AFP

ON GUARD. Troops of the the 67th Infantry Battalion deploy in quake-hit areas in Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur. 67th Infantry Battalion PA

LOVE WINS. A netizen shared photos showing the wedding ceremony of four couples that continued outside the Panabo City Hall despite the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental yesterday. Francis Paculanang, Panasonic City Information O ce.

HARD-HIT MANAY. Quake damage to several structures and road sections after the rst quake struck Manay, Davao Oriental. PNP Manay,

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11,

RIERA U. MALLARI,

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst.

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Adamson rips FEU in Game 3, soars to V-L Collegiate crown

ADAMSON University unleashed an unstoppable storm, demolishing Far Eastern University in a straight-set rout, 25-19, 25-19, 25-14, to claim the 2025 Women’s V-League Collegiate Challenge crown in emphatic fashion Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

After suffering a disappointing 1325, 22-25, 25-15, 23-25 loss in Game

2 last Wednesday, the Lady Falcons regrouped with determination and stormed back to overpower the Lady Tamaraws, securing their fourth overall title in a Sports Vision-organized tournament.

This is Adamson’s third V-League title, having previously won in 2008 and 2010 under coach Dulce Pante with standouts Pau Soriano and Lizlee GataPantone. They also captured the 2019 PVL Collegiate Conference crown with Lerma Giron calling the shots and Trisha Genesis and Louie Romero leading the way.

What was anticipated to be a tightly fought decider after the teams split the first two games turned into an anticlimactic finish, as the Lady Falcons’ relentless attacking display became the defining factor, overwhelming FEU with a 47-23 edge in attacks in the onehour, 23-minute contest.

“First of all, we praise God for the win because sa mga hectic ng games the Lord sustained ‘yung strength ng mga bata so siguro the first thing na nangyari na kinaibahan ng Game 2 is una pa lang they stuck to the plan. ‘Yung pinag usapan namin kagabi, ‘yung inaral namin kagabi, they stuck to it,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.

“Then may joy sila, naka-focus and may happiness sila. ‘Yun lang, ‘yun ‘yung kulang namin nung Game 2 eh, ‘yung application na gussto namin mag-champion that time pero ‘yung application kulang sa loob ng court. Gumana talaga lahat ng pinagaralan namin kagabi,” Yude added.

Tournament MVP Shaina Nitura stood at the center of the Lady Falcons’ onslaught, delivering 17 points alongside 13 digs and 10 receptions, and claimed Finals MVP honors after dominating the best-of-three series with an average of 23.33 points.

“Una po talaga, thank you Lord. Kasi grabe po yung mga learnings na pinapadaan sa amin ni Lord—as a team talaga, talagang pinapatibay Niya kami. And I’m very grateful talaga sa talo namin kasi I don’t think na may matutunan kami kung nanalo kami doon,” said Nitura.

Nigerian outside spiker Francess Mordi spearheaded the Adamson’s attack in Game 3 with 19 points—18

of which came from attaccks—while adding four excellent receptions, as Eloi Dote powered through with 11 points, including three aces.

Best Setter Fhei Sagaysay commanded the floor with precision, dishing out 23 perfect sets and adding three points and seven digs, keeping the Lady Falcons’ offense relentless from start to finish.

Adamson capped a dominant tournament run with an impressive 11-1 record, their lone loss coming at the hands of FEU in Game 2 of the Finals.

On the other hand, the Lady Tamaraws placed second for the third consecutive time, having lost to College of St. Benilde in 2023 and University of Sto. Tomas in 2024.

Jaz Ellarina shone as the lone bright spot for the Lady Tamaraws, who had battled back from a tough 18-25, 2426, 25-23, 23-25 loss in the opener to force a decider, contributing 11 points on four attacks, four kill blocks, and three aces.

Shakey’s Super League: Lady Stags upset playo s-bound Blue Eagles

SAN Sebastian College-Recoletos pulled off a reverse sweep over Ateneo de Manila University, 19-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 15-8, to exit the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup with its head held up high on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Lady Stags finished with a 1-2 win-loss record in Pool D, tied with the Blue Eagles. However, Ateneo punched the last ticket to the second round with a 4-2 match points advantage over SSC-R.

Graduating winger Kath Santos poured 20 of her 21 points from kills in her last game as a Lady Stag in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

“‘Di namin ini-expect itong panalo sa game na ‘to. Talagang in-effortan namin ‘yung game namin ngayon, nagtulong-tulong kami. Natalo kami ng dalawang set pero sinabi ni coach Clint (Malazo) na i-enjoy namin ang

game na ito,” said Santos, who scored 10 points in the fourth set.

SSC-R carried the momentum of its third and fourth set wins into the deciding frame as it raced to a comfortable 10-4 advantage capped by Juna Gonzales’ back-to-back hits.

A service error by Ana Hermosura widened the Lady Stags’ lead to 13-6 before May Tsunashima pounded consecutive hits to bring the Blue Eagles back to life.

Santos answered with a hit before Tsunashima committed the last of Ateneo’s 34 errors with an overcooked spike to end the two-hour, two-minute contest.

Hermosura had 15 points while Faye Nisperos got 13 for the Blue Eagles, who will take on Adamson University to kick off their single round-robin second round campaign in Pool E on Sunday.

In the first game, University of the Philippines completed a three-game sweep of Pool C in an emphatic 25-22, 25-18, 25-19 crushing of listless Letran.

FLORENCE Bisera heads into the ICTSI Del Monte Championship unfolding Tuesday (Oct. 14), brimming with confidence, riding a wave of momentum and a game trending steadily upward.

Fresh off a sensational back-to-back performance last month – a dramatic come-from-behind win in Negros Occidental followed by a breakthrough international triumph in Thailand – the rising Davaoeña star has emerged as one of the hottest names on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

Yet, despite her recent surge, the reigning Match Play champion remains grounded, adopting a measured approach despite being the player to beat this week.

Her humility belies a lethal combination of form, confidence and competitive fire – one that has caught the attention of the entire field.

With a P1 million purse and another shot at glory at stake, Bisera steps into the Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon as a marked player, the centerpiece of a compact and determined field.

Bisera’s recent string of victories has not only elevated her status but also raised the stakes. Her dramatic finish in Negros Occidental showcased her ability to handle pressure, while her overseas win in Thailand proved she could rise to the occasion be-

yond home turf – a critical milestone for any player with aspirations for the global stage.

A win at Del Monte would solidify her standing as the new force in Philippine women’s golf and mark her third consecutive title, a feat that would underscore her readiness to dominate the tour.

But standing in her way is a loaded cast of elite challengers.

Chief among them is Daniella Uy, the reigning Del Monte champion and LPGA of Taiwan campaigner, who’s eager to bounce back after a lukewarm finish in Negros. A return to a familiar venue could be just what she needs to reignite her game and defend her crown.

Joining the fray are other proven winners: Chanelle Avaricio, Mafy Singson, Sarah Ababa, Chihiro Ikeda and Harmie Constantino – each one capable of delivering a title-worthy performance.

Marvi Monsalve, making her LPGT comeback, is another name to watch, along with young gun Tiffany Lee, looking to recapture her form from a brilliant pro debut at Splendido Taal. Local knowledge could also come into play, with Bukidnon natives Martina Miñoza, Velinda Castil, Pamela Mariano, and amateur Zero Plete expected to leverage their familiarity with the demanding mountain-top course.

Lady Maroons, Bulldogs launch title defense in UAAP badminton

NATIONAL University and the University of the Philippines kick off their title defenses in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, as the UAAP Season 88 Badminton Tournament serves up a full day of action today (Saturday) at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Malate, Manila.

The Bulldogs will rely on reigning MVP Lanz Zafra and former national team standout James Villarante in their bid for a 10th UAAP championship in 12 years. For long-time head coach Jaime Llanes, however, defending the crown will be no easy task, with every team fielding competitive lineups.

“My thoughts regarding this season are, actually, all the schools are already competitive na. We will try our very best to defend our title this season,” said Llanes.

“Our biggest competitor this season will be all of them, since all the schools have strong players. So every game we play, we’ll consider it a challenge for us.” NU will be hard-pressed as they enter the season undermanned, without Solomon Padiz Jr. and Mark Velasco, but the seasoned tactician considers it a test of character for his remaining players.

“Yes, we are a little shorthanded, but I always tell my players that this season will be a big challenge for us. And I believe my players are up to the challenge,” he shared.

The Bulldogs open their campaign against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons at 8 a.m.

Ateneo de Manila University will count on Arthur Salvado Jr. for his final year, hoping to reclaim the title the Blue Eagles lost last season.

Former junior standout Jamal Pandi and Season 86 co-MVP Lyrden Laborte will support Salvado’s charge. Meanwhile, Jelo Albo and returning Kervin Llanes will spearhead UP’s attempt to end a streak of third-place finishes in the men’s division.

In the women’s division, the Fighting Maroons return with Season 87 MVP Anthea Gonzalez and Susmita Ramos, aiming for an 11th UAAP crown. They open against the Adamson Lady Falcons at 1 p.m.

Indonesia says ban on Israeli gymnasts backed by world body

INDONESIA’S gymnastics federation said Friday that the sport’s international governing body supports the country’s decision to deny Israeli athletes entry for the upcoming world artistic gymnastics championships in Jakarta.

The event, scheduled for October 19–25 in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, is expected to feature more than 500 athletes from 79 countries.

Israeli athletes were reportedly among those set to compete, but a cabinet minister said Thursday the government would not allow them entry, citing support for Palestinians.

Indonesia’s gymnastics federation said Friday it had informed the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) of its position.

“The FIG today has officially stated through a phone call to me that they supported the Indonesian government’s decision,” Indonesian gymnastics federation chairwoman Ita Yuliati told a press conference.

“Their (the Israeli athletes’) visas have been rejected by the immigration,” she said.

FIG did not immediately respond to AFP’s request for comment.

Raja Sapta Oktohari, head of the national Olympic committee, said Indonesia was ready to accept any consequences for blocking the Israeli athletes from competing.

“We will review the consequences after the event,” he said.

Indonesia has expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics.

The coordinating minister for legal affairs and human rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra, said Thursday that the government would not allow the Israeli athletes entry. AFP

A ‘groupie’ shot completes the celebration for the Lady Falcons. Tournament MVP Shaina Nitura (center) with her trophy and teammates.

San Sebastian’s Juna May Gonzales makes sure San Sebastian will bow out in style. Roman Prospero

All eyes will be on Florence Bisera, who is aiming to complete her hat trick.

$1.27 billion

FDI net inflows in July 2025

$376 million $1.37 billion

FDI net inflows in June 2025

Foreign direct investments dropped 7.5% to $1.3b in July

By Thony Rose Lesaca

NET inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines fell 7.5 percent year-on-year to $1.3 billion in July 2025, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday.

The year-on-year drop was largely due to a 39.4-percent decrease in nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments, which fell to $711 million from $1.2 billion in July 2024, the BSP said.

These consist mainly of intercompany borrowings and lending between foreign direct investors and their Philippine subsidiaries or affiliates.

FDI net inflows in July 2024

Japan vows to continue funding PH infra projects

By Jenniffer B. Austria

JAPAN will continue to fund infrastructure projects in the Philippines, with the concerns over massive corruption in government flood control projects not negatively affecting Japanese investments, said Minister for Economic Affairs Yokota Naobumi at the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

“No, it is not affecting negatively,” Naobumi said Friday at a forum conducted by the Financial Executives of the Philippines in Taguig City, when asked about the possible impact of governance issues on current and future Japanese-backed initiatives.

“We don’t see any Japanese ODA [overseas development assistance] affected by what is discussed right now,” said Naobumi, whose country is the Philippines’ largest official development assistance provider.

Naobumi sees potential Japanese investments and partnerships with the Philippines in areas such as renewable energy, environmental technology and climate-related initiatives.

The Department of Public Works and Highways earlier acknowledged Japan’s role in helping fund nearly P1 trillion worth of infrastructure projects in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairman Manuel Pangilinan, speaking at the same forum, urged financial executives to embrace integrity, competency and courage amid issues of corruption.

“Corruption survives not because people are smart but because good people are absent,” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan noted the adverse effects of corruption on economic growth, including reduced government spending which could slow down growth.

The remaining portion of net investments in debt instruments are in-

vestments made by nonresident subsidiaries or associates in their resident direct investors. This is known as reverse investment.

Data showed that the decline in investments in debt instruments was tempered by a 450.6-percent increase in equity capital investments, which rose to $418 million from $76 million a year earlier.

Most of these equity capital placements came from Japan and the

United States, and were invested into wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing and real estate.

Reinvestment of earnings also grew 14.3 percent to $139 million from $122 million in the same month last year.

Data showed that on a month-onmonth basis, the $1.3 billion was higher than the $376 million recorded in June, breaking from the six-month low level of net FDI inflows.

The BSP said net FDI inflows in the first seven months went down by 20 percent from $5.9 billion to $4.7 billion.

BSP said its FDI statistics cover actual investment inflows, differing from the approved foreign investments data published by the Philippine Statistics Authority which represent investment commitments that may not necessarily be fully realized.

vice president for marketing and operations Chermaine Fulgencio, CBPI Group director James Bonzon and Precious Balquin of UPS. Norman

DTI steps up price monitoring ahead of holidays

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has intensified its nationwide market monitoring to ensure the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities remain stable and affordable ahead of the holiday season, in line with a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The move aims to safeguard consumers from unwarranted price hikes, which are a concern as demand typically rises during the festive period.

As part of the DTI’s Consumer Welfare Month celebration, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque led

an inspection at the Taguig People’s Market on Thursday. Monitoring teams checked 68 units of basic necessities and prime commodities— including canned goods, milk, coffee, noodles and condiments—for price compliance.

“Our monitoring is non-negotiable, especially when we see positive outcomes like this,” Roque said.

“The DTI continues to coordinate closely with manufacturers to ensure there will be no price increases on basic necessities and prime commodities,” she said.

The DTI’s monitoring team, working with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the City Government of Taguig, also inspected

9 PH firms among world’s best employers

NINE Philippine companies were named among the world’s best employers for 2025 by Forbes magazine, with San Miguel Corp. (SMC) leading the local list at No. 42 globally.

Forbes compiled the list of 900 world’s best employers in partnership with market research firm Statista, which surveyed more than 300,000 employees across more than 50 countries.

Companies were eligible for the ranking if they employed more than 1,000 people and operated globally. The online surveys asked respondents where they worked via an open-ended

question. SMC was the highest-ranked Philippine company, followed by Ayala Corp. at 139, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. at 154, Land Bank of the Philippines at 187, LT Group at 421, Century Pacific Group at 453, Jollibee Foods Corp. at 455, BDO Unibank Inc. at 585 and Cebu Air Inc. at 770. The world’s top ten employers were identified as Microsoft Corp. (US), Delta Airlines (US), Alphabet (US), Adobe (US), BMW Group (Germany), NVIDIA (US), Sony (Japan), IBM (US), Apple (US), and Lego Group (Denmark).

nearby wet market stalls selling rice, meat, fish, and vegetables. Two Timbangan ng Bayan, or public weighing scales, were checked to ensure fairness in trade.

“We are intensifying our price monitoring efforts now to guarantee that affordable goods are accessible to every Filipino household, especially as the holiday season is fast approaching,” Roque said, underscoring the agency’s proactive stance.

The DTI is set to release its annual Noche Buena Price Guide in the coming weeks to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions as Christmas products begin to fill store shelves.

DIGIPLUS Interactive Corp. said Friday it paused operations of its Brazilian platform “GamePlus” less than one month after its soft launch. The company said it is now preparing for a full rollout of online games in early 2026. The threeweek soft launch was used as a live learning laboratory, capturing valuable insights into Brazilian player behavior, cultural preferences, and entertainment dynamics, according to a disclosure to the stock exchange.

DigiPlus chairman Eusebio Tanco said the move is strategic. “We are taking the strategic step to pause GamePlus in Brazil, so we can come back stronger with a digital entertainment offering that is not only locally relevant but also resonates deeply with Brazilian culture and entertainment habits,” Tanco said.

The findings from the soft launch will be instrumental in sharpening the company’s research and development and guiding the design of a uniquely local game experience, the company said. The pause is part of a long-term strategy focused on quality, cultural resonance and sustainability, it said. Teams from the Philippines headquarters and Brazil are now collaborating on a self-developed, locally tailored game, which DigiPlus aims to fully launch in early 2026. Jenniffer B. Austria

NEW DPWH OFFICIAL. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon (third from left) administers the oath of Nicasius Conti (second from left) as Undersecretary for planning, in place of Maria Catalina Cabral on Oct. 9. 2025.

Stocks fall on rate cut signal of weak PH economy

PHILIPPINE shares ended the week in the red as investors raised concerns that the recent rate cut signals weakness in the domestic economy.

The weakening of the peso against the dollar also weighed on investor sentiment.

The peso closed at 58.24 to the U.S. dollar on Friday from 58.235.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index shed 19.61 points on Friday, down 0.32 percent to 6,037.79, while the broader all-shares index slipped by 8.57 points, or 0.23 percent, to 3,658.44.

“The local market declined as investors worry over the effect of the Philippines’ corruption issues on its economic prospects,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc.

“This comes following the BSP rate cut, citing the weakened local economic growth outlook with the corruption issues as the main culprit,” he added.

Among the sectors, only the industrial closed with gains, up 0.26 percent. Mining and oil was down 2.9 percent.

Value turnover was tepid at P5.62 billion. Advancers edged decliners 97 to 79.

Foreign investors were net sellers with outflows at P1.01 billion.

Manila Electric Co. was the main index gainer, rising by 1.92 percent to P558, while AREIT Inc. was the main index laggard, declining by 5.42 percent to P42.75.

Jenniffer B. Austria

SSI

Group’s Huang join ‘Business of Fashion’ 500

ANTHONY Tantoco Huang, SSI Group Inc. and Rustan Commercial Corp.’s president and chief executive, has been named to The Business of Fashion (BoF) 500 Class of 2025, becoming the first Filipino to be included in the executive category of the definitive index of people shaping the global fashion industry.

The BoF 500, which recognized 100 new members from around the world this year, cites individuals redefining the global fashion landscape. Under Huang’s leadership, the SSI Group— the Philippines’ largest specialty retailer—has built one of Asia’s most dynamic lifestyle retail portfolios. Huang’s inclusion in The BoF 500 follows the continued growth of the SSI Group and the recent acquisition of Rustan Marketing Corp., which further enhanced the family’s legacy retail businesses.

“This recognition by The Business of Fashion is a profound honor that I share with the entire SSI Group and Rustan Commercial Corporation teams,” said Huang.

“It underscores the passion and commitment of the Filipino retail community and validates the strategy we have pursued in bringing the world’s best retail concepts to the Philippines while championing our heritage and vision for the future of Filipino consumption. We are proud to represent the Philippines on this global stage,” he said.

The honorees come from 30 countries, representing 40 nationalities. As part of the BoF 500 Class of 2025, Huang joins a distinguished group of creatives, executives, designers and innovators, including Giambattista Valli, Rachel Scott, Ralph Lauren chief executive Patrice Louvet, Loewe chief executive Pascale Lepoivre and artists Kendrick Lamar, Tems and Doechii.

ALI gets SEC nod for P15-b sustainability bond offer

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) said Friday it secured approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to offer up to P15 billion in ASEAN Sustainability-Linked Bonds.

AirAsia PH boosts domestic flights for

By Darwin G. Amojelar

AIRASIA Philippines has increased flight frequencies on its major domestic routes this October to prepare for the All Saints’ Day long weekend.

From Manila, flights to Caticlan increased from 46 to 54 times weekly; Cebu, from 47 to 56 times weekly; Iloilo, from 28 to 32 times weekly; Tacloban, from 24 to 26 times weekly; Tagbilaran, from 21 to 24; Puerto Princesa, from 20 to

21; Kalibo, from 17 to 19 times weekly; and Cagayan de Oro, from 14 to 16 times weekly.

“As one of the country’s busiest travel periods approaches, AirAsia is fully prepared to serve our kababayans who will be paying respect to their departed loved ones or spending quality time with family during the long weekend,” said Capt. Suresh Bangah, AirAsia Philippines president and chief executive.

“These frequency upgrades are

Honda CR-V marks 30 years,

By Othel V. Campos

SSI Group and Rustan Commercial Corp. president and chief executive Anton Huang (right) is named to The Business of Fashion (BoF) 500 Class of 2025, becoming the first Filipino to be included in the executive category of the definitive index of people shaping the global fashion industry.

tops 15m sales

HONDA is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its iconic SUV, the Honda CR-V, which debuted in 1995 as part of the company’s “Creative Mover” series.

First launched in Japan, the CR-V quickly gained global popularity and is now sold in about 150 countries, with cumulative sales exceeding 15 million units as of August 2025, making it Honda’s best-selling automobile over the past decade. Originally standing for “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle,” the CR-V pioneered the concept of the “urban SUV,” blending car-like comfort with versatile performance through six generations.

In 2022, Honda introduced the sixth-generation CR-V lineup, led by the hybrid CR-V e:HEV featuring the two-motor hybrid system for dynamic yet efficient driving. The model has been warmly received, particularly in North America and China, and is set to be launched in Japan soon.

Ahead of its market debut, the CR-V e:HEV Prototype will be showcased at the Japan Mobility Show in October to November 2025.

Honda also became the first Japanese automaker to develop a fuel-cell vehicle with plug-in charging capability, the CR-V e:FCEV, launched in July 2024. Built on the sixth-generation platform, it combines SUV utility with next-generation environmental technology.

All Saints’ Day weekend

designed to offer more seats and flight options for our guests, ensuring a smooth and convenient travel experience,” he added.

Last year, AirAsia Philippines recorded an impressive 83% load factor during the Undas season, and the airline expects a higher demand this year.

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries — Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia.

The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 800 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 130 destinations.

Today, as one of the largest airlines in the region, AirAsia is expanding to become the world’s first global low-cost network carrier. It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant order book for the next decade. AirAsia leads in sustainable aviation with green initiatives and a net-zero target by 2050.

P14-b Terra Solar grid link obtains approval from ERC

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved the application of Terra Solar Philippines Inc. to develop the P14.247 billion dedicated point-to-point limited transmission facilities to connect the country’s largest integrated solar facility to the Luzon grid.

Terra Solar is developing the 3,500-megawatt (MW) solar project with a 4,500-megawatt-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) located in Nueva Ecija and San Miguel in Bulacan.

The project shall be carried out in two phases. Phase 1 will have an approximate capacity of 2,500 MW plus 3,300 MWh or 825 MW BESS, while Phase 2 has an approximate capacity of 1,000 MWDC and 1,200

MWh or 300 MW BESS.

Based on its application, Terra Solar set the target commercial operation date (COD) for Project Phase 1 on Feb. 26, 2026, and Phase 2 on Feb. 26, 2027. The first phase is now 61 percent complete.

The ERC said a review of the evidence showed that approving TSPI’s application to connect its Terra Solar Project through a bus-in connection to the Nagsaag-Marilao/ San Jose 500 San Isidro 500 kV Substation as the final connection scheme “will redound to the benefit of the electricity consumers in terms of continuous, quality, reliable, and efficient power supply as mandated by Section 2 of the EPIRA.” The ERC directed Terra Solar to pay P106,859,651.48 as a permit fee for the dedicated facility.

BUSINESS

PSALM told to return $60m bond to SMC

By Alena Mae S. Flores

AREGIONAL Trial Court (RTC) in Mandaluyong City has directed the state-run Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) to return $60 million to South Premiere Power Corp. (SPPC).

The amount represents the performance bond for the 1,200-megawatt (MW) Ilijan power plant.

SPPC parent firm San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. disclosed to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. that it received the Mandaluyong RTC decision through its legal counsel, Poblador, Bautista and Reyes Law Offices, on Oct. 5, 2025.

The Mandaluyong RTC, Branch 212, rendered a decision on the complaint filed by SPPC on Sept. 8, 2015, and docketed as Civil Case No. MC 15-9629, entitled: “South Premiere Power Corp. v. Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation” on June 13, 2025.

On Sept. 4, 2015, PSALM, despite ongoing discussions, unilaterally ter-

minated SPPC’s administrator contract over the Ilijan natural gas plant because of the latter’s alleged failure to settle outstanding generation payments, and called on the performance bond.

The court said PSALM’s acts of terminating its agreement with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) relative to the administration of the Ilijan natural gas plant, drawing on the performance bond and issuing the cessation notice, “are unauthorized and without factual and legal basis.”

“Thus, PSALM is ordered to 1. return to SPPC, the amount of $60 million, the amount performance bond drawn on or forfeited by defendant, with interest on such amount at the rate of 6 percent per annum from Sept. 8, 2015, the date of judicial demand,” the court said.

DTI bans manufacture, sale of vape open pods

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has banned the manufacture, importation, distribution and retail sale of vape open pods. This measure, taken to safeguard consumer well-being, targets pods that allow users to refill cartridges with uncertified e-liquids that may pose serious health and safety risks.

The DTI has removed an open pod model from the scope of a holder’s Certificate of Philippine Standards

(PS) License, ensuring that only compliant vapor product systems remain available to the public.

Following this, Phantom Vape Group, Inc. voluntarily narrowed the scope of its PS License No. Q-00002, removing all open pod models under its VAGEND brand, including the VPRIME Device, XLIM PRO 2 Device, NEXLIM Device, XLIM GO Device and XLIM SQ PRO 2 Device. These products are no longer authorized for manufacture, importation, distribution or sale in the Philippines.

4th Philippine Tourism Fair at SMX Manila offers over 1,700 jobs

OVER 1,700 tourism jobs are available at the 4th Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso: Philippine Tourism Job Fair, happening at the SMX Convention Center Manila from Oct. 9 to 11, 2025.

Launched in 2022 under the Marcos administration, Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso is a joint initiative of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in support of the push for inclusive recovery and sustainable employment opportunities

Manila-New Delhi flights restore vital tourism link–DOT

DIRECT air connectivity between the Philippines and India resumed on Oct. 1, 2025 as Air India launched its inaugural non-stop service between Manila and New Delhi.

The milestone was hailed by the Marcos Administration as a significant boost to tourism and bilateral relations.

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco called the restored link vital, noting that it had been absent for more than a decade.

“India stands among the fastestgrowing outbound travel markets in the world, and with this inaugural Air India flight, we restore a vital connection that has been absent for more than a decade. This renewed link opens our doors to warmly welcome more Indian visitors to our shores, while deepening cultural exchanges and strengthening people-to-people ties. It is a milestone that echoes the Marcos Administration’s vision of connectivity and tourism as powerful engines of sustainable growth and nation-building,” Frasco said.

The inaugural flight carried 143 passengers from Delhi, who were greeted at Gate 2 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 by the DOT through its Route Development Unit and DOT - Metro Manila.

Air India will operate the Manila–Delhi route five times weekly—daily except Tuesdays and Thursdays— using an Airbus A321, with a flight time of six hours and 50 minutes.

The relaunch follows reciprocal visa liberalization measures between the two countries. Since June 8, the Philippines has granted 14-day visafree entry to Indian tourists, while the Indian government announced free e-visas for Filipino travelers during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s state visit in August.

for Filipinos.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco visited the job fair on opening day, engaging with job seekers and employers and witnessing on-the-spot hiring that reflected strong demand for skilled workers in the sector.

“In 2024, over 6.75 million Filipinos, or nearly 14 percent of the workforce, were employed in tourism, showing how the industry continues to create opportunities and sustain livelihoods,” Frasco said. “Through the Trabaho, Turismo, Asenso Job

Fair, we are opening doors for Filipinos to build meaningful careers in a growing industry that uplifts communities.”

Now in its fourth year, the job fair remains a national platform connecting job seekers with over 50 employers offering opportunities in tourism, hospitality, wellness, accommodation, food and beverage and travel industries.

Positions available include room attendants, guest service agents, baristas, chefs, dining staff, kitchen

helpers, restaurant supervisors, customer care, sales, logistics, administrative roles, travel and tour staff, warehouse personnel, production helpers and vehicle operators.

The fair runs alongside the 16th Hotel and Foodservice Suppliers Show and Beauty + Health and Wellness Manila 2025, providing additional opportunities for career growth, training and networking within the industry.

Othel V. Campos

Isuzu PH, Cebu dealer deliver essential supplies to 200 families in San Remigio

ISUZU Philippines Corporation (IPC), in partnership with its Cebu dealer Iconic Dealership, Inc. (IDI), delivered essential relief supplies to 200 families in Barangay Poblacion, San Remigio, one of the areas hardest hit by the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake in northern Cebu.

The move extended IPC’s role as a responsible partner providing quality vehicles.

Led by IPC department head for dealer sales Mario Ojales and Isuzu Mandaue branch head Eufemio Ybanez, the team transported food packs and bottled water from Mandaue City to San Remigio, which has been placed under a state of calamity.

“At Isuzu, we believe being a responsible partner means stepping up when communities need us most,”

Ojales said. “We are committed not only to powering businesses but also to empowering lives, especially in times of crisis.”

Isuzu’s Mobile Medic trucks, typically used for on-site vehicle assistance, were repurposed to deliver the relief goods to affected residents.

Ybañez said the experience made them proud to be part of an organization that values compassion and action.

The Isuzu team was warmly received by Barangay Captain Rey Tamboboy and other local officials, who assisted in distributing the goods.

Isuzu vowed to further commit to corporate social responsibility, noting that its mission extends to driving positive change in communities.

Othel V. Campos

The DTI’s action comes amid public concerns over vape products allegedly containing synthetic cannabinoids, chemicals that mimic cannabis, recently detected in “Tuklaw” cigarettes reported by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). In response, the DTI’s Office for the Special Mandate on Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products (OSMV) is finalizing an issuance to formalize the nationwide ban on vape open pods and uncertified e-liquids.

LTO’s 9-month revenue hit P25.4b, eyes P34-b record haul this year

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) said it collected P25.4 billion in revenues from January to September this year, putting the agency on track to achieve a record P34 billion collection target in 2025. LTO Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said the agency’s revenue of P25,469,343,321.16 as of Sept. 30 represented about 75% of the ambitious 2025 target he set after implementing policy reforms.

“With this collection rate, we are on the right track of achieving the revenue collection target for 2025, which will be the highest in LTO history,” Mendoza said. He said the feat “is a vindication of what we fought for last year.”

The LTO’s Central Office in Quezon City has already surpassed its 2025 collection goal of P906 million, reaching P1.4 billion as of Sept. 30. Mendoza expressed confidence that all regional offices would meet their respective targets in the remaining three months of the year.

The money collected is used for various government services and programs under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas initiative. Mendoza lauded the LTO personnel for believing in him when he introduced policy directions to put the agency’s fiscal house in order after assuming the top post in 2023.

“The job is not yet done; we still have P8 billion to collect, and with your dedication and cooperation, we will achieve this goal together,” he said.

TENT CITY. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is working tirelessly to construct tent cities in various parts of north Cebu in response to the President’s order to

the construction of temporary shelters for residents affected by the recent strong earthquake there. Around 93 tents have been installed and are currently being used by 79 families in the Bogo Tent City.

AGRITALK. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. attends the “AgriTalk:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com

RODERICK

DOTr: EVs, hybrids don’t need certificate for coding exemption

THE Department of Transportation

(DOTr) said Friday owners of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) do not need to secure a separate certification from the Department of Energy (DOE) to be exempted from the country’s number coding scheme.

DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez made the announcement to “settle this issue once and for all,” saying the DOTr and Land Transportation Office (LTO) wanted to inform the public, traffic enforcers, and deputized traffic enforcers that DOE certification is not required for their vehicles to be used and to be exempt from the coding system.

The clarification follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure the proper implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA). The EVIDA law mandates EVs and HEVs are coding-exempt to encourage motorists to use such vehicles to help address climate change and promote sustainable transportation, Lopez said.

The LTO noted that all EVs and HEVs come with a DOE certification as it is a requirement before they can be sold to the public. The DOE had said that EV and HEV owners do not need to obtain certification from the agency.

BSP seen cutting rates twice more—Citi

THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected to reduce its key policy rates by another 50 basis points (bps) with cuts in December 2025 and February 2026, following a surprise rate adjustment on Thursday, US financial group Citi said in a report.

Citi projects the central bank’s terminal policy rate to be 4.25 percent, down from its previous forecast of 4.5 percent.

“Following ]Thursday’s] cut, we continue to expect 25 bps cuts each in December 25 and February 26, with a lower terminal rate of 4.25 percent,” Citi said.

The BSP, which surprised the market by cutting its reverse repurchase (RRP) rate by 25 bps to 4.75 percent, has been prompted by a downwardly revised inflation outlook and a “weakened” growth outlook.

The BSP’s latest move came against the consensus of 19 out of 26 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg, who had ex-

Return of P60b leads to expansion of PhilHealth benefit packages—DOF

THE return of P60 billion in unutilized funds to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) strikes a balance between fiscal discipline and delivering stronger health benefits for Filipino families, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).

The DOF said the restoration of the funds—which were initially swept to bankroll urgent government projects— has allowed for the expansion of PhilHealth’s benefit packages, illustrating how fiscal rules and improved health services can be aligned.

The return order followed the DOF’s earlier recommendation to the President, citing PhilHealth’s improved revenue performance and expanded service obligations. The DOF said the restoration was also made possible by fiscal space created from the termination and suspension of select flood control projects, which freed up resources for more urgent health concerns.

The funds had been swept from Phil-

Health under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which directed the DOF to gather idle and unused balances of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), including PhilHealth.

The DOF implemented the mandate with clearance from the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), and Commission on Audit (COA).

The P60 billion swept from PhilHealth was initially channeled into urgent health programs, according to the DOF, including P27.45 billion paid the long-delayed Health Emergency Allowances of COVID-19 frontliners; P10 billion for the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIP); P4.10 billion for vital medical equipment for DOH and local government unit (LGU) hospitals; P3.37 billion for three new DOH health facilities; and P1.69 billion for the Health Facilities Enhancement Program.

pected a hold.

The BSP’s statement and subsequent press conference were seen as “clearly dovish,” with inflation risks now viewed as “limited” and the outlook for domestic growth, particularly due to the impact on business confidence of governance concerns, having “weakened,” Citi said.

BSP Governor Remolona noted that the “Goldilocks” policy rate— the non-inflationary neutral rate—is now possibly closer to 4 percent, compared to a previous estimate of 5 percent.

He also saw a greater probability that growth would be “slightly

below” the official 2025 target of at least 5.5 percent and the 2026 target of 6 percent. Citi forecasts economic growth of 5.3 percent for both 2025 and 2026.

The BSP maintained its 2025 inflation forecast at 1.7 percent, but lowered its 2026 forecast by 20 bps to 3.1 percent and its 2027 forecast by a sizeable 60 bps to 2.8 percent. Citi said it expects the next 25 bps cut at the Dec. 11, 2025 meeting, consistent with Remolona’s comments that one more cut in 2025 is “possible.” The second 25 bps cut is expected at the February 2026 meeting, it said.

BSP official named ‘woman influencer’ for promoting Islamic finance in PH

BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas

(BSP) senior assistant governor

Arifa Ala was honored with the “Woman Influencer in Financial Services Industry” award by the World Financial Innovation Series (WFIS) on Sept. 24, 2025, for her leadership in promoting Islamic banking in the Philippines.

Ala, who serves as the BSP’s lead advocate for Islamic Banking, was recognized for driving transformative change and positioning Islamic banking and finance as a viable pillar for inclusive growth within the Philippine financial sector.

PH grapples with cyber risk in digital push THE Philippines faces a critical dilemma over how to protect its data sovereignty and national security without isolating its economy, as the country accelerates its digital transformation under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “connected

Ala dedicated the award to women and shared the honor with her BSP colleagues, government partners and the financial industry.

Ala reaffirmed her commitment to growing Islamic banking and finance as a force for inclusion, equity and sustainable development. She played a major role in the

The award affirms the BSP’s commitment to “create space for Islamic banking to thrive alongside conventional finance so that every Filipino, regardless of faith, could access fair and meaningful opportunities responsive to their needs,” said Ala.

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) announced on Friday the opening of BPI Wealth in Marina Bay, Singapore, marking a significant step in the bank’s regional expansion across Asia.

The new Singapore office, a wholly-owned subsidiary, reflects BPI’s ambition to grow with its clients into a wider global market, according to the bank.

“Singapore is where next-generation wealth conversations are happening,” said BPI chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.

“To serve our clients well, and to serve them for generations, we must

enactment of the Islamic Banking Law in 2019 and its prompt implementation by the BSP. She also championed a wholeof-government approach to develop the Islamic finance ecosystem through the Islamic Finance Coordination Forum. The coordination has led to the licensing of two new Islamic banks and four Islamic insurance (takaful) operators.

be present in this ecosystem. By being here, we reinforce our ability to connect the Philippines to the region, and to the world,” Zobel de Ayala said.

The launch comes as BPI approaches its 175th anniversary in 2026, reaffirming its commitment to bridging the Philippines and the world.

“As the first bank in the Philippines and the oldest in Southeast Asia, BPI’s nearly 175 years of history have been built on trust and stewardship,” said BPI president and chief executive Jose Teodoro Limcaoco.

“This new office is a bridge—connecting the Philippines and Singapore, our clients to global markets, and our heritage to the future,” he said.

BSP PARTNERS. Monetary Board Member Benjamin Diokno (top row, center) and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)

Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (top row, right) lead the recognition of outstanding

of the BSP Visayas Regional

in Iloilo Citty on Sept. 23, 2025.

Beyond the fold: OPPO Find N5 powers the next chapter in mobility

THE OPPO Find N5 continues to set the benchmark for foldable smartphones with its approach to power, endurance, and charging.

Designed for professionals who demand reliability and elegance, the OPPO Find N5 delivers uncompromising performance that supports both hectic schedules and refined lifestyles.

Connecting Seamlessly Across Devices with O+ Connect Beyond power and performance, the OPPO Find N5 ensures that work and life move without interruption through O+ Connect. This intelligent feature allows users to transfer files, mirror screens, and collaborate effortlessly across macOS, Windows, and other OPPO devices.

From finishing presentations on a laptop to instantly sharing visuals with colleagues, O+ Connect streamlines workflows and eliminates barriers between devices—empowering professionals to stay productive wherever they are.

Powering Productivity with Smarter Energy and Accessories

With up to 25 hours of video playback or 8.6 hours of uninterrupted teleconferencing, the OPPO Find N5 features a revolutionary 5,600mAh Silicon-Carbon Battery—30% larger and thinner than its predecessor, redefining what’s possible in a foldable. This power ensures executives get through demanding days without compromise.

Supporting 80W SUPERVOOC wired and 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging, the OPPO Find N5 offers unmatched flexibility for users on the move. In just minutes, it powers up enough to last for hours—eliminating the need for long charging breaks.

Driving Performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite

To ensure seamless multitasking with numerous apps running to keep users productive through the day, the OPPO Find N5 is equipped with the Snapdragon® 8 Elite chip—engineered for high-performance computing and sustained efficiency. Be it cross-continent calls, analyzing reports, or streaming content, users experience smooth, consistent power that adapts seamlessly to both productivity and entertainment.

Globe AT HOME and Xiaomi Bring the Gift of Connectivity

THIS coming holiday season, Globe AT HOME and Xiaomi are coming together to offer something truly meaningful: the gift of innovation and connectivity. In a season built on togetherness, the partnership brings warmth, joy, and digital access to Filipino families—making every home feel closer, brighter, and more empowered.

Abigail Cardino, Head of Broadband Brand Management at Globe, expressed her enthusiasm during a media conference held on October 6, 2025, at The Globe Tower in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. She announced the continuation of Globe’s collaboration with Xiaomi, highlighting exclusive offers designed to elevate the digital experience of Filipino households.

“Globe AT HOME and Xiaomi are bringing the gift of connectivity this holiday season,” Cardino shared. “This partnership underscores our mutual passion in providing homes with heightened comfort and convenience, transforming the way we experience everyday life, blending reliable internet with cutting-edge devices so families can stay connected, entertained, and productive through the holidays and beyond.”

From September 19 to November 19, 2025, families who purchase any Xiaomi IoT device can enjoy GFiber Prepaid installation worth ₱1,499 for just ₱1, along with one-day free internet at speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Whether it’s the family watching their favorite holiday movie, a parent video-calling loved ones abroad, or siblings setting up new devices together, this offer ensures that the magic of connection begins the moment the box is opened.

serves you effortlessly, whether you’re at home, on the road, or anywhere in between.”

This partnership is more than a promotion—it’s a shared promise to uplift Filipino lives through technology that connects, empowers, and brings people closer. With Globe and Xiaomi, every Filipino home can celebrate the season with stronger bonds, joyful moments, and the comfort of knowing they’re never far from the ones they love.

foodpanda celebrates partners at nationwide CRAVE Summit finale

PANEL discussion featuring vendors and foodpanda representatives who shared their innovative initiatives and successful campaigns. Manila, Philippines—After successful stops in Davao and Cebu, foodpanda capped off the CRAVE Partner Summit & Awards 2025 in Manila on October 7.

CRAVE, which stands for Celebrating Relationships & Advancing Valuable Experiences, is foodpanda’s nationwide series that recognizes partner achievements and strengthens collaboration. The Manila leg gathered top vendor partners to highlight milestones and discuss ways to drive continued growth.

From Davao to Cebu and finally Manila, CRAVE emphasized how partnerships with foodpanda help businesses stay competitive in today’s fast-paced market. The finale featured cultural showcases, live entertainment, and networking, culminating in the CRAVE Awards, which recognized vendors across five categories: Pau-Pau’s Top of Table, Momentum Master, Brand Spotlight, Operational Excellence, and People’s Palate. Awardees were celebrated for sales leadership, year-on-year growth, campaign performance, operational efficiency, and customer preference.

Adding to the festive mood, raffle prizes included travel getaways and shopping treats. More than these, the evening closed with a resounding message: CRAVE is not just an event but a movement to celebrate partnerships, strengthen communities, and build shared success.

Highlighting the strength of its vendor partnerships, foodpanda welcomed insights from Margot Torres, VP of Marketing at McDonald’s Philippines, who emphasized the value of collaboration in driving growth. She noted that about 70% of McDonald’s delivery orders now come from third-party platforms like foodpanda, helping the brand reach customers wherever they are. Even as pandemic restrictions eased, the delivery habit persisted, making food delivery an important complement to in-store sales.

Additionally, panel discussions included Kellda Centeno, Chief Digital & IT Officer at Shakey’s, and Lhydie Guanzing Guianan, Owner of Mango Royal Milkshake, who offered insights into their creative strategies, innovative initiatives, and campaigns that have driven engagement and growth. The conversation emphasized how partnering with foodpanda and embracing digital solutions has helped these businesses reach more customers and adapt to evolving market trends.

foodpanda also shared programs for their partnered vendors like foodpanda Capital in collaboration with GoTyme Bank. The initiative empowers MSMEs with flexible financing solutions, removing barriers like collateral and lengthy requirements, and helping vendors scale their businesses with confidence.

VALORANT, and for the first time in Predator League history, League of Legends. The battle horn has sounded, and teams have answered its call. Online and offline qualifiers started last September 19, giving every aspiring esports professional the chance to showcase their skills and kickstart their careers.

“We’re excited to kick off the Predator League 2026 PH Qualifiers. Acer has always supported the growth of esports talent in the Philippines, and the Predator League has served as its proving ground,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Managing Director of Acer Philippines. The competition is fierce, but the rewards are massive! Dota 2 and VALORANT champions will claim the lion’s share of P200,000, while runnersup will receive P120,000. Third and fourth place finishers will earn P50,000 each, and fifth and sixth place finishers won’t leave empty-handed with P20,000. For League of Legends, the winning team will get P100,000, and the runner-up will take home P50,000. Third and fourth place finishers will receive P15,000 each, while fifth and sixth place finishers will walk away with P5,000. Besides the prize money, winning Dota 2 and VALORANT teams are also guaranteed a spot as the Philippine representatives for the Asia Pacific Predator League 2026 Grand Finals, scheduled to take place in India early next year. For more information and updates about the Predator League, follow Predator Gaming on Facebook

From left: Hans Conti, Globe AT HOME Head of Channel Activations and Partnerships; Wil-R Saldua Globe AT HOME Head of Customer Field Services; Abigail Cardino, Globe AT HOME Head of Brand Management; Tomi Adrias Xiaomi Philippines Marketing Head; Brian Shaun, Xiaomi Philippines Head of Sales; and Robert Collantes Xiaomi Philippines Sales Manager for Operator Channel

TCL, the No. 1 brand in global air conditioner sales and a Triple Global Top 1 TV brand, as well as the No. 1 Panel TV brand in the Philippines, has officially launched its inaugural Air Conditioning Training Program in partnership with TESDA Regional Training Center-NCR (RTC-NCR). This landmark collaboration reflects TCL Philippines’ strong commitment to developing a highly skilled technical workforce.

The newly inaugurated TCL–TESDA Center in Taguig City will serve as a training hub where trainees can gain hands-on experience and industry-ready expertise in air conditioning technology, thereby strengthening the local talent pool and driving long-term workforce productivity.

TESDA officials, Jerry O. Taroy, Supervising TESDA Specialist, and Eugene P. Agcaoili, Center Administrator of the Regional Training Center–NCR, presented a Plaque of Appreciation to TCL Philippines’ team composed of Joseph Cernitchez, Brand Manager; Guia Anne Tilbe, PR Officer; and Vincent Tobias, Assistant Product Manager for Air Conditioners.

This training fulfills TCL’s commitment to empowering aspiring Filipino technicians by providing them with essential, hands-on training using industry-standard equipment. This focus on real-world skills ensures graduates are fully job-ready, thereby boosting both individual employability and long-term sector productivity.

“This marks a special milestone for us—the very first batch of the TCL–TESDA Training Program. It’s a huge privilege to officially welcome the pioneer batch for the TCL Training Program at TESDA RTC-NCR. Our goal is to empower a new generation of highly skilled workers. We anticipate many more successful training cycles and look forward to endorsing our

TCL equips TESDA trainees with AC technology skills

future graduates to TCL’s authorized service centers, where they can apply their skills and explore career opportunities,” Joseph Cernitchez, Brand Manager of TCL Philippines, said. For TESDA’s part, this training program represents a significant step in providing trainees with the essential hands-on experience needed to launch their technical HVAC careers. “Today

marks a significant milestone for TCL, TESDA, and, more importantly, for our trainees who are about to embark on a journey that combines knowledge, skill building, and future-ready opportunities. TCL as an industry partner, is also opening doors to potential employment pipelines through its service centers and networks,” Eugene P. Agcaoili, Center Administrator of TESDA

Students who completed the program proudly received their certificates from TCL Philippines, in recognition of their hard work and dedication, presented by TESDA officials Jerry O. Taroy, Supervising TESDA Specialist, and Eugene P. Agcaoili, Center Administrator, alongside the TCL Product and Service Teams: Vincent Tobias, Assistant Product Manager – Air Conditioner; Cristobal Bacanto Jr., HVAC Engineer; Wyette Paul Pre, Training Officer; and Paul Andrew Anisco, Whitelines Supervisor.

IN the wake of Typhoon Opong in South Luzon and the recent earthquake that struck Cebu, countless families have been left struggling to rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Roofs were torn apart, communities displaced, and lives upended. Yet amid the destruction, the Filipino spirit endures—steadfast, compassionate, and full of hope.

To help ease the burden, MOONTON Games, through a long-term partnership with ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya, reached out to affected communities, bringing with them not just goods, but a message of care and shared strength. Volunteers and local partners came together to distribute relief packs filled with essential goods to families most affected by the typhoon and earthquake. Each pack includes rice and canned goods, basic necessities that provide comfort and sustenance for families trying to recover in the Bicol Region. The relief effort continues across

some of the hardest-hit areas in Cebu, such as Bogo City, San Remigio, Medellin, and Daangbantayan.

Jose Chua, Jr., Brand Marketing Manager at MOONTON Games, said, “With every relief pack we share, we hope families feel the warmth, care, and compassion that come with it. This is more than just providing aid, it’s also about reminding every Filipino that they are not alone, that a community stands with them through every hardship. As a gaming company, our purpose has always gone beyond the screen. We are a community bound by connection, empathy, and shared strength. And in times like these, that sense of unity matters more than ever.”

As relief operations continue, both organizations reaffirm their commitment to stand with every Filipino family affected by disaster, carrying with them the simple but powerful belief that hope multiplies when shared. Know more about MOONTON Games via: https://en.moonton.com/

RTC–NCR, expressed. The first TCL Training Program welcomed 25 motivated trainees for a one-day training program at the newly opened TESDA-TCL Center, located within the flagship training center of TESDA RTC-NCR. The training focused on air conditioning repair, installation, and maintenance. This expertise was directly provided by key personnel from the TCL Product and Service teams, who served as

trainers and shared their specialized knowledge.

The training also provided trainees with in-depth knowledge of TCL’s air conditioning innovations, specifically highlighting unique technologies like FreshIN and VoxIN. Beyond discussions on installation, repair, and maintenance, the program placed special emphasis on the distinct functions and technical points of TCL appliances.

Trainees also gained essential handson exposure to TCL’s smart features, including Voice Command and the TCL Home App, which collectively set the brand apart in the market. At the culmination ceremony, trainees received their certificate of completion, officially preparing them for the next step. Their newly acquired skills and certification will directly assist them when applying to TCL’s authorized and partner service centers. This pioneering training program strategically positions TCL as a vital industry enabler in the Philippines. By taking the lead in creating specialized educational opportunities, TCL is actively driving the development of a highly skilled technical workforce to support long-term growth.

“It reflects our shared vision with TESDA to empower Filipino talent through education, innovation, and hands-on experience. This commitment ensures that the Filipino air conditioning sector has a reliable, futureproof talent pipeline, allowing TCL not only to meet current market demands but also to shape the future of air conditioning installation and maintenance across the country,” Vincent Tobias, Assistant Product Manager for Air Conditioner, concluded.

More than a game: TNT Tropang 5G and PLDT High Speed Hitters

thank fans for standing strong through every season

THE One Ayala Mall Activity

Center was filled with cheers and gratitude as TNT Tropang 5G and PLDT High Speed Hitters hosted their joint Grand Fans Day, “Champions Together.” The event brought together thousands of supporters in a celebration of loyalty, resilience, and shared victories. Fans from across Metro Manila and nearby provinces came to meet their sports idols. Hendrix Manaoat from Valenzuela shared, “Para sa TNT, pumunta talaga ako dito. Kahit umulan, kahit malayo. Yung puso, nandito.”

A ka-Tropa since 2011, Robin Delgaco from Caloocan added, “Dream ko talaga makita sila. Kahit SIM card ko, TNT pa rin.” For TNT’s Kim Aurin, the event was a reminder of the team’s purpose. “Sobrang excited kami makita yung fans kasi sila talaga ang nagbibigay buhay sa amin bilang players,” he said. “Maraming salamat sa malupitang suporta ninyo. Gagawin namin ang best namin sa 50th anniversary ng PBA.”

PLDT’s Kim Kianna Dy, who recently returned from injury, expressed deep appreciation. “It was a long wait, and I’m super grateful the fans kept cheering even when I wasn’t playing. They’re one of the reasons I kept going.” She also reflected on the

team’s journey: “Hard work always works. It wasn’t easy to get a back-toback championship. We just worked hard, stayed together, and trusted the process.”

Yul Solajes, a fan and volleyball player from Taguig, shared how Dy inspired him: “She’s a natural. As a player myself, I relate to her journey. She’s an inspiration inside and outside the court.”

The event featured interactive booths, games, and exclusive merchandise, but the highlight was the connection between athletes and fans. Jude Turcuato, FVP and Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart, said, “We don’t just build teams—we build communities. Today showed us that the heart of sports isn’t just in the game, but in the people who believe in it.” The message was clear: “Champions Together” is more than a slogan— it’s a commitment to the fans who continue to support, celebrate, and stand by their teams through every season.

Trainees who completed the inaugural TCL–TESDA Air Conditioning Training Program were joined by TESDA and TCL Philippines representatives during the certificate awarding ceremony at the TCL–TESDA Center in Taguig City.

Trainers from TCL Philippines conducted in-depth sessions on TCL’s air conditioning innovations, emphasizing FreshIN and VoxIN technologies alongside practical training in installation, repair, and maintenance.

SHOWBIZ

Very Wang Nickie Wang

choreographer when he was still a teenager. Even then, I saw his action skills,” Ong recalled.

After years of Cuenca focusing on dramatic roles, the two reunited for The Iron Heart. That experience convinced Ong to cast him as Roden, the conflicted son of a crime boss.

“It was always a dream to work with Jake again because I know how brave and dedicated he is as an actor,” Ong explained.

Cuenca, who immediately accepted the part, said working with Geisler and Ong made the project special.

“When we finished filming, mutual respect was given. It’s almost like when you talk about fighting—you share something intimate inside that ring, and I feel like me and Baron shared something intimate inside this movie,” he noted.

Ong shared that Cuenca’s support went beyond performance. “I told

Baron Geisler, Jake Cuenca

lead Netflix’s ‘Delivery Rider’

WHEN director Lester Pimentel Ong began developing Delivery Rider , he immediately knew who could bring the film’s two complex leads to life, Baron Geisler and Jake Cuenca

Ong said he saw Geisler’s range early in the process, describing him as an actor who could move audiences with his sheer acting skill.

“We immediately saw his talent in acting, his ability to move you with his performance,” Ong told Manila Standard Entertainment during the film’s media conference.

He added that Geisler faced one of his most challenging roles yet, portraying Santo, a

delivery rider on the autism spectrum.

“It was a difficult character to portray because his character is highly functional, someone who works and lives independently. Baron really took on the challenge,” Ong said.

For Cuenca, Ong’s decision came from a long-standing working relationship that began years ago.

“Jake and I go way back. I was the action

him about the budget limitations, and he said, ‘Don’t worry about the budget. Let’s just work.’ That kind of support meant a lot to us,” Ong emphasized. .

Meanwhile, Ong also hopes Delivery Rider will help raise the bar for Filipino action films and inspire the industry to aim for global standards.

“Our goal is to slowly improve the quality of Filipino action films so we can reach an international level,” he said. “We can’t compete with Korea or Hollywood when it comes to budgets, but our actors’ talent, passion, and discipline are worldclass. Instead of complaining about limitations, we focus on what we have, and that’s what will take us there.”

Delivery

Revival King drops original Christmas anthem

SINGER Jojo Mendrez, dubbed the “Revival King,” is releasing a new holiday track, “Ngayong Pasko’y Ikaw Pa Rin,” under Star Music this The song, composed by award-winning songwriter Jonathan , is described as an emotional piece that evokes themes of love and longing, drawing comparisons to OPM Christmas classics “Pasko Na Sinta Ko” and “Sana Ngayong Pasko.” Mendrez said he feels honored to have a song written for him by Manalo, adding that he hopes it will touch listeners the same way the Gary Valenciano and Ariel Rivera have become part of Filipino Christmas traditions.

“This is truly one of the biggest honors of my career. I’m honored to have a song written for me that I hope will touch listeners the same way,” he said. Mendrez is known for his revival hits such as “Magkabilang Mundo,” “Somewhere in My Past,” “Tuyo ng Damdamin,” “Sana,” and “Handog,” which earned him the Revival Song of the Year award at the 2018 PMPC Star Awards for Music. He has also released original tracks, including “Basta Ikaw,” “Diwa ng Pasko,” and “Nandito Lang Ako.”

Victoria Beckham reveals struggle to reinvent herself in Netflix series

EX-SPICE Girl turned designer Victoria Beckham describes herself as someone who “desperately wanted to be liked” in a new threepart documentary about her life.

In the Netflix series due to launch on Thursday, the 51-year-old once known as “Posh Spice” recounts her battle to reinvent herself as a fashion designer after the British girl band split.

“People thought I was that miserable cow that never smiled,” she said, referring to her straight-faced public persona.

Performing had been her “dream,” she said, but when the band came to an end, she found fashion to be a “creative outlet.” Beckham, who frequently becomes emotional in the series by director Nadia Hallgren, said she struggled to establish herself as she came up against a world that said, “She’s a pop star, she’s married to a footballer, who does she think she is?

Former Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour admitted to initially having her own doubts

“Most of the celebrities who get involved in our world are not true designers,” Wintour said. “I was sceptical. I think we can all be a little bit snobby in the fashion business and think maybe this is a side gig, but Victoria was one that totally proved us wrong.”

Designer Tom Ford said his first reaction on hearing that Beckham planned to

Singer Jojo Mendrez, dubbed the ‘Revival King,’ releases his new holiday single ‘Ngayong Pasko’y Ikaw

Rider, starring Baron Geisler, Jake Cuenca, and child actor Euwenn Mikaell, will stream on Netflix across Asia Pacific and the Middle East starting Oct. 23. The film was a 2024 grantee of the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ CreatePHFilms Funding Program.

Jake Cuenca plays Roden, a conflicted son of a crime boss, in Netflix’s upcoming action film ‘Delivery Rider’

Baron Geisler (left) portrays Santo, a delivery rider on the autism spectrum

Director Lester Pimentel Ong (center) with stars Jake Cuenca (left) and Baron Geisler (right)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025

C4 LIFE

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

Editor

NICKIE WANG,

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA,

JASPER VALDEZ,

Writer

Writer

IN TODAY’S fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves.

The constant noise of work, expectations, and social media often drowns out our inner voice, leaving us feeling lost and disconnected.

This is where Kimberly Macatangay Pozzi, also known as Lakhaw-Ayan Bituon, steps in. As a meditation teacher and facilitator of the Hayahay Circle, she offers a gentle space for people to pause and reconnect, not through strict teachings, but through an open invitation to come home to themselves.

The name itself is a clue to her philosophy. Lakhaw-Ayan Bituon translates roughly to “wandering star,” a poetic nod to a journey that is both personal and universal. Kimberly is less a distant guru and more a compassionate companion on the path inward. Her own journey through the landscapes of meditation and self-inquiry has equipped her with a deep, practical understanding of how to guide others out of their mental tangles and back to a place of inherent peace. Her presence is grounding. In a world that prizes intensity and speed, she embodies a different rhythm—one of slowness, acceptance, and profound listening.

At Diwa Siargao, the team offers more than just a vacation—it’s a holistic experience built on sustainability, local connection, and wellness rooted in the island’s culture. Guests are invited to take part in an immersive stay that values community and the preservation of Siargao’s natural beauty.

One of its signature experiences, Diwa’s Hayahay Group Meditation, is a six-week program

Finding your inner compass: An invitation to Hayahay with Kimberly

Dee-tails

Ardee de los Angeles

Judy Ann Santos gives chef’s kiss to food chain’s popular menu

ENCHANTED Kingdom, the country’s first and only world-class theme park, will mark its 30th anniversary with a two-day celebration on Oct. 18 and 19 featuring concerts, parades, and the reopening of two major attractions. The event, themed “Forever Enchanted,” will highlight the park’s milestone with performances, projection mapping shows, and pyromusical spectacles.

Guests will witness the park’s first-ever projection mapping presentation, Wheel of Fate: The Magical Journey of Eldar the Wizard, along with the Echoes of Enchantment Grand Parade featuring EK’s well-loved Storyverse characters.

Enchanted Kingdom staff gather in front of the AGILA building to celebrate the park’s 30th anniversary and the reopening of ‘AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY’

ACTRESS and chef Judy Ann Santos has given her “chef’s kiss” approval to McDonald’s Philippines’ new Golden Curry Fillet, the fast-food chain’s latest offering that blends spice, sweetness, and creaminess in a curry-inspired dish.

Building on the popularity of its Crispy Chicken Fillet and Chicken Fillet Ala King, McDonald’s introduced the Golden Curry Fillet, featuring a curry sauce made richer with coconut milk, a flavor combination familiar to many Filipino diners.

“We are so proud of our new Golden Chicken Curry Fillet getting a chef’s kiss from the one and only Juday,” said Ada Almendras-Lazaro , McDonald’s chief marketing officer. “Curry is not always easy to get right, but with our new product, mapapa-chef’s kiss ka talaga sa sarap.”

The Golden Curry Fillet is served with rice and is also available as part of the

led by teacher Kimberly. It focuses on deep rest and soul alignment through weekly sessions that blend breathwork, chanting, lana anointing, and sensory meditation. Each session honors a different aspect of the self, helping participants reconnect with their inner peace and clarity.

“Hayahay is a Filipino word for rest and breath, but beyond that, it’s a journey of remembering presence, gratitude, and self-love.

A session feels like renewal—releasing negativity and guilt while reconnecting with lightness, en-

ergy, and grounding,” Pozzi said. Hayahay was born from Kimberly’s journey to reconcile her Ivatan heritage with meditation studies abroad and guidance from a Babaylan mentor. She discovered that true clarity is found within, through ancestral Filipino wisdom like Kapwa, the belief in our shared inner self. She now shares this practice globally as a reminder that this deep, healing presence is a universal human inheritance.

“The pito or seven soul vessels, honors the body as more than physical—it holds memory, spirit, and experience. Each vessel (head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, arms, and legs) is acknowledged for its gifts, with coconut oil anointing as a ritual of healing and gratitude. The number seven itself carries sacred meaning in Filipino tradition, symbolizing balance and wholeness,” Pozzi continued.

In a culture that often equates busyness with worth, Hayahay offers a gentle but powerful counterpoint: a return to the basics of breath, body, and present-moment awareness. This approach is not about striving for a perfected state of mind but about honoring oneself exactly as one is. Diverging from more rigid or austere forms of meditation, Hayahay is intentionally sensory, grounding, and adaptable. By meeting individuals where they are, this practice makes the profound benefits of mindfulness not just accessible but also deeply relevant to the demands of modern, fast-paced life.

Both will begin at 6:00 p.m. The celebration on Oct. 18, Gabi ng Saribuhay: An Enchanting Filipino Concert, will feature former EK performers Gigi de Lana and Rita Daniela, along with singersongwriter Rob Deniel and the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra GMA Sparkle artists Mauie Francisco and Mitzi Casacop will also perform. The evening will conclude with The Magic of Saribuhay: A Pyromusic Spectacle On Oct. 19, Forever Enchanted Live: EK’s 30th Anniversary Concert will headline OPM icons Parokya ni Edgar, Cup of Joe, and Over October. The night will close with the Memories of Magic: Sky Wizardry EKstravaganza, a pyromusical display celebrating three decades of the park’s legacy.

A major highlight of the anniversary is the reopening of AGILA The EKsperience: SARIBUHAY, the country’s first flying theater attraction. The updated version features a new film showcasing the Philippines’ biodiversity and natural landscapes.

“SARIBUHAY is more than just an experience—it is a powerful call to action,” said Dr. Cynthia Mamon, Enchanted Kingdom’s chief operating officer. “Beyond promoting the

At Diwa Siargao, wellness is not a goal to achieve but a rhythm to rediscover— the rhythm of the tide, the rustling

years of magic

beauty of the Philippines, AGILA reminds us to conserve the environment and protect our wildlife.”

She added that the attraction is included in the park’s regular day pass as part of EK’s educational program, which welcomes over 600,000 students annually for interactive learning activities such as Physics Behind the Rides and Botany in the Park.

The park will also reopen its iconic Space Shuttle roller coaster with upgraded ride technology and a refreshed theme. To mark the milestone, EK’s in-house artists will debut new original songs—Forever Enchanted by P-pop girl group SMS and Enchanting Memories by vocal group Kingsmen Guests can also enjoy limited-edition food offerings, including Agila

The iconic entrance of Enchanted Kingdom welcomes guests for its anniversary celebration featuring concerts, parades, and pyromusical shows

A participant practices sound healing during a Hayahay session, part of the wellness offerings at Diwa Siargao

Meditation teacher Kimberly Macatangay Pozzi, also known as Lakhaw-Ayan Bituon, leads the Hayahay Circle, a space for rest, reflection, and reconnection

Kimberly Macatangay Pozzi facilitates a Hayahay group meditation session at Diwa Siargao, blending breathwork, chanting, and sensory healing