Manila Standard - 2025 October 15 - Wednesday

BASE ACCOUNTABILITY ON FACTS, NOT POLITICAL NOISE—ROMUALDEZ

By Joel E. Zurbano and Maricel V. Cruz

FORMER House Speaker and Leyte

1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez yesterday said the

search for accountability is about facts and evidence—not just political noise or speculation.

This was his message after submitting his affidavit to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)

and voluntarily answering commissioners’ questions concerning his role in the budget process.

“I thanked the ICI for giving me the opportunity to share my side. For now,

Remulla lifts SALN restrictions

Circular opens to public access SALNs filed from 20 years ago

Marcos inaugurates new water impounding project in Cagayan

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the inauguration of the Union Water Impounding Dam and irrigation project in Claveria, Cagayan as a model of effective and transparent infrastructure, contrasting it with growing concerns over

alleged “ghost” flood control works and farm-tomarket roads in other regions.

Speaking at the opening event, the President said the project, developed through the collaboration of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), demonstrated that the government

By Katrina Manubay

A MAJORITY (83%) of Filipino adults support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to publicly expose corruption in government flood control projects, even if it could have political repercussions, according to the latest survey by the OCTA Research Group. The Tugon ng Masa survey found that support for the President’s stance is strongest in the National Capital Region (91%), followed by Balance Luzon (90%). Agreement is lower in the Visayas (64%) and Mindanao (78%), where ambivalence is more pronounced, at 24% and 16%, respectively.

can deliver reliable infrastructure when planning, design and implementation are done properly.

The President also vowed to eliminate “palakasan” or political favoritism in the allocation of farm-to-market road (FMR) projects, stressing that infrastructure for agriculture will no longer

ICC disqualifies chief prosecutor Khan

By Rio N. Araja and Pot Chavez

OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday scrapped restrictions on public access to the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) of public officials.

The memorandum circular signed by Remulla covers the President, Vice President, the heads of Constitutional Offices, and local government officials, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said.

It effectively reversed the 2020 memorandum of former Ombudsman Samuel Martires that previously restricted access to SALNs by requiring the consent of the public official for disclosure.

““This decision is guided by a simple principle: The public has a legitimate right to know how those in government acquire and manage their wealth. Transparency in this area is not a slogan – it is a safeguard against corruption and a deterrent to abuse of power. As the Ombudsman has emphasized, transparency is the

DOJ hands flood control findings to Ombudsman

By Pot Chavez and Charles Dantes

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has forwarded to the Office of the Ombudsman its findings on the alleged ghost flood control projects in Bulacan.

In a press briefing yesterday, Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon disclosed that the five cases submitted were the result of a preliminary investigation involving several district office officials and contractors.

By Rex Espiritu and Katrina Manubay

A MOTHER’S LEGACY. In celebration of Founder’s Day, the St. Michael’s College of Laguna (SMCL) community led by Director Anthony

L. Almeda, right photo, held the groundbreaking ceremony of the three-story Beatriz Limaco Almeda (BLA) Hall. The new BLA Hall, left photo, will rise on a 480-square-meter property adjacent to the St. Therese Food Court and

AT THE ICI. Leyte

By Pot Chavez

WATER FOR FARMS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (inset), led the inauguration of the Union Water Impounding Project, top photo, in Claveria, Cagayan, which

Search continues for 2 HK OFWS

By Katrina Manubay

THE Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong has confirmed that the Philippine Consulate is working closely with the Hong Kong police and Immigration department to locate two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who have been reported missing since October 5.

The missing Filipinas were identified as Imee Mahilum Pabuaya, 23, and Aleli Perez Tibay, 33. In a statement, the Department of

could reasonably perceive bias warranting the Prosecutor’s disqualification. Mr Khan did not disclose his conflict of interest – of which he was aware from the beginning – until 6 March 2025... Mr Khan should, as a result, be disqualified from any further involvement in the case against Mr Duterte,” the request said.

In February 2021, Khan was elected prosecutor of the ICC. Prior to his election, he served as Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and served as the first Special Adviser and Head of the United Nations Investigative Team to promote accountability for crimes committed by Da’esh/ISIL in Iraq (UNITAD) between 2018 to 2021.

name of the game,” Clavano said.

“There is no need for consent on the part of the public officer whose SALN is being requested. The only thing that the requesting party needs to show is an ID and to make sure that he or she is not a fictitious person,” he added.

Clavano, however, clarified that certain details such as the permanent address and information on minor children will be redacted to ensure compliance with the Data Privacy Act.

Clavano added that SALNs dating back from 20 years ago are covered by the new memorandum since the prescriptive period for the filing of charges against those liable for graft is

Migrant Workers (DMW) Officer-inCharge Antonio Villafuerte said that the two were last seen on October 4 in the Tsuen Wan District.

“The search efforts are focused on the Tsuen Wan District, where the women were last seen. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information that may help in locating Pabuaya and Tibay,” the statement read.

The MWO has also urged the Filipino community in Hong Kong to come

20 years.

“Since the law provides for 20 years, then that will also be the period for which you can access SALNs. So, even SALNs filed during the previous Memorandum Circular in the past administration are now open for public viewing,” he said.

“At a time when trust in institutions is tested, the best way to rebuild confidence is through openness backed by concrete access to information. This step is not about politics; it is about accountability. The public deserves proof, not promises, that integrity still has a place in public service,” he added.

The Office of the Ombudsman also called on all agencies that keep official copies of SALNs — the Civil Service Commission, the Office of the President, Congress, the Judiciary, and local government

forward with any information regarding the whereabouts of the missing OFWs. In a statement, the DMW said it is standing by and ready to provide all necessary support — from legal, medical, emergency, to emotional assistance — for their families.

“ We continue to coordinate with local authorities to ensure their safety and immediate reunification,” the DMW said .

units — to align their practices with the new policy.

Malacañang on Monday expressed support for the lifting of restrictions on public access to SALNs, saying the executive branch, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will comply with transparency measures.

“Whatever is proper, lawful, and helpful in fighting corruption will be followed by everyone in the Executive branch. Everyone in the Executive department is ready,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.

Last month, Speaker Faustino Dy III also backed efforts to make SALNs accessible.

“Not just those in the lower house, but in Congress as a whole. Everyone’s SALN should be transparent, so we can show our fellow citizens and restore their trust in us,” Dy said.

Fadullon noted that the cases include malversation of public funds, falsification by public officers, and perjury as prescribed under pertinent articles in the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Law. He echoed the statement of Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, who acknowledged that this development marks a critical moment in the agency’s investigation into the alleged anomalous flood control projects.

The DOJ is awaiting the Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s order on whether the preliminary investigation can continue.

“This does not mean that this is the end. There are many more to come, but we have a process that we are told must be followed, where we make sure that there is evidence before we file a case. This is also in accordance with our regulations in the DOJ,” Fadullon explained.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is still conducting lifestyle checks on government officials, over a month after President Marcos ordered the audit in response to a corruption scandal.

“The BIR has been tasked to carry out the audit, and the lifestyle checks are ongoing,” she told reporters in Filipino.

However, the Palace spokesperson could not provide a timeline for when initial findings would be released.

Castro said that the President is still awaiting updates from the BIR on the progress of the probe. Malacañang previously stated the need for lifestyle audits on public officials, starting from executives of the Department of Public Works and Highways, as part of the probe into anomalous flood control projects.

be dictated by personal connections or party affiliation.

“Not like before, where it was just a matter of who you know. ‘Let’s be a bit friendly, when we’re a bit buddy-buddy, oh sure, approved.’ That system is over,” Marcos said while speaking with farmers in Cagayan.

The President said the government has adopted a nationwide master plan for FMR construction to ensure that each road directly supports food production, benefits farmers, and connects agricultural areas to markets and trading hubs.

He emphasized that projects will undergo consultation with local government units to validate routes and prioritize genuine needs.

“Every road must serve productivity, not politics,” Marcos said.

“The Union Dam is proof that when plans are well-thought-out and execution is sincere, it can deliver projects truly beneficial to the people,” the President said.

He emphasized that the facility not only prevents flooding but also secures year-round irrigation for more than 1,000 farmers across seven barangays.

Additionally, weirs, drainage systems, and riverbank revetments downstream are expected to further regulate water flow and protect farmlands across the valley near the Sierra Madre mountain range.

He noted that such structures are now being designed with multiple functions, including potential tourism and energy generation. He encouraged local governments to explore installing solar components at irrigation sites to produce power.

The President’s remarks came amid congressional probes into alleged nonexistent or unfinished flood control and farm-to-market road projects costing hundreds of millions of pesos.

“This project proves that with proper planning, sound engineering, and honest execution, the government can build infrastructure that truly serves the people,” he said.

Turning to agricultural concerns, Marcos acknowledged the farmers’ struggles with declining palay prices.

The Chief Executive said the National Food Authority (NFA) will expand its procurement, buying wet palay at P18 to P19 per kilo and dry palay at P21 to P23, to protect farmers from traders offering as low as P8.

He also announced the planned distribution of P10,000 in assistance to farmers who suffered losses, adding that the government is studying the imposition of safeguard duties on rice imports.

it’s about facts and evidence—not just political noise or speculation.

The ICI commissioners asked me many questions, and I was able to answer them. I feel very happy and welcome this opportunity to share all I know,” he said after appearing before the ICI commissioners.

“I’m glad to have shared my personal knowledge on information with the ICI because I want to talk to the ICI in its investigation, to support the investigation, and the fact-finding to resolve the issues surrounding the concerns of the ICI,” he added.

Romualdez said the ICI has requested him to return next week and expressed his willingness to cooperate.

“I am ready to come back to the commission anytime. If I’m asked for more information, I will do so,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and collaboration.

The Commission invited the former House Speaker to address questions related to flood control and other infrastructure projects.

These projects include those identified by the commission as potentially irregular and involving alleged “budget insertions” within the proposed national budget for 2025.

Romualdez was asked to clarify his “familiarity and personal knowledge” as Speaker of the House regarding the alleged insertions.

ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka said the former Speaker explained the budget process, detailing his role as Speaker during the budget preparation.

“He also submitted an affidavit this morning. After the hearing, the commission invited him back to address questions related to that affidavit, so he will return next week,” he added.

When inquired about the usefulness of Romualdez’s testimony for the commission, Hosaka remarked, “It has somewhat clarified his role and the actions of his colleagues in the budget preparation.”

Amenah Pangandaman, the secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), along with her staff, also appeared before the ICI and provided testimony.

Hosaka said the DBM secretary and her team elucidated the budget process, starting from the proposal stage by various agencies, through its consolidation into the National Expenditure Program (NEP), and its approval as outlined in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“Basically, it’s just the budget process wherein it was explained, and there was an exchange between the ICI and the DBM secretary, probably certain improvements that can be undertaken by the DBM,” he added.

Meanwhile, Romualdez declined to comment on former Ako Bicol Party-list representative Elizaldy Co, who is currently overseas and refuses to come home.

about the issue and that coordination is ongoing among the Navy, the PCG, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for an appropriate response.

The Navy probe comes despite China’s unilateral move to declare Panatag Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, as an environmental nature reserve.

“We have received certain reports of structures underwater which we are verifying,” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson for West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a regular military press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo. Since its effective takeover in 2012, China has enforced what experts call an “exclusion zone enforcement” around Panatag. In 2016, however, an arbitral tribunal declared the shoal a traditional fishing ground for the Philippines, China and Vietnam.

Trinidad said the Navy has informed the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)

He noted that while there are indications of barriers and possible concrete piles, verification is still underway to determine whether these are new constructions or remnants of old installations.

According to Trinidad, similar structures had been seen before, including a steel marker erected by China in 1997, which was destroyed by the Philippine Navy, and building blocks that were likely remnants from the period when the U.S. used the area as a bombing range.

Trinidad stressed that all reports are being closely investigated. “They could be remnants of old structures that were there on Bajo de Masinloc, we are checking everything,” he added.

“For the first time, we also monitored this yellow floating buoy at the center of Bajo de Masinloc. For so many times that we have flown here,

He also brushed aside allegations made against him by ex-Marine Orly Guteza during a recent Senate hearing.

“The witness [who was] presented [has] already been discredited due to falsified documents, and the testimony has been denied,” Romualdez pointed out

He also denied that Guteza, who has since gone underground, served as one of his bodyguards or security officers.

Last month, Senator Rodante Marcoleta introduced Guteza as a “surprise witness” who was referred to him by former congressman Mike Defensor during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing without giving the panel advance notice.

As this developed, Malacañang did not rule out Romualdez gaining state witness status if the information he presents sheds light on the investigation into corruption in flood control projects.

In a briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the matter would be up to the Department of Justice (DOJ) to decide.

“It depends on what he will reveal in his testimony, and on the Department of Justice, whether he can be considered a state witness. It depends on what will happen. So, [right now] we cannot say whether he can be a state witness or not,” she explained in Filipino.

For his part, Romualdez clarified that the DOJ has not invited him.

“I am not being invited to the DOJ,” he said.

we’ve seen floating barriers at the entrance, but not this kind of floating buoy in the middle,” Tarriela said.

He added that aside from the buoy, the team also spotted a seemingly man-made structure on the southeastern part of the shoal.

“We cannot really tell whether these are steel, concrete, or wooden structures. We cannot confirm whether these are just debris, wooden remnants, or metal parts from previous activities. But this is the first time we’ve seen something like this in that area,” he said.

The PCG is currently conducting further verification to determine the nature and possible origin of the buoy and the unidentified structure.

O n Monday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also reported the largest deployment of Chinese vessels to date in Pagasa Islands.. According to Tarriela, this was observed during Sunday’s humanitarian mission for local fishermen in the area.

OCTA said the findings suggest that sustained transparency and concrete reforms could further strengthen public confidence in government integrity and leadership.

The survey also revealed that 60% of adult Filipinos feel anger or outrage when thinking about corruption, particularly in flood control projects. Outrage is slightly lower in Mindanao (46%) compared to the Visayas (63%), Balance Luzon (64%), and the NCR (59%). Fear or anxiety is higher in Mindanao (38%), while sadness is more pronounced at 16%.

A strong majority (68%) also called for holding corrupt officials and contractors accountable, followed by the recovery of lost or misused public funds and the imprisonment of those found guilty—both cited by 58% as key to restoring trust in government.

Nearly half of respondents (46%) said the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) is the most suitable body to lead the probe into the flood control mess, followed by the Senate (23%).

The face-to-face survey was conducted from September 25 to 30 among 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above. It has a ±3% margin of error at a 95% confidence level, with ±6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The flotilla, consisting of more than 15 Chinese maritime militia ships, five China Coast Guard vessels, a People’s Liberation Army Navy ship, and a helicopter, came as close as 1.6 to 1.8 nautical miles from the island’s shores.

“This is the closest the Chinese Coast Guard has harassed and bullied BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) vessels,” Tarriela said in a media briefing. “It is very close to Pagasa Island.”

Chinese ships also used water cannons against BFAR vessels during the aid distribution for local fishermen.

The Chinese flotilla’s proximity falls well within the territorial waters of Pagasa Island, which is part of Kalayaan town in Palawan province.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it will file a diplomatic protest against China after a Chinese ship “deliberately rammed” BRP Datu Pagbuaya that was providing cover for Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.

Palace defends unprogrammed funds

MALACAÑANG

on Tuesday underscored the importance of unprogrammed appropriations (UAs), as calamity funds run low.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro allayed some lawmakers’ concerns over the possibility that UAs could be used as a “pork barrel” or “magic fund.”

“The government, especially the DBM, believes that the budget —particularly the unprogrammed appropriations— is necessary, now more than ever,” Castro said.

“As we know, the NDRRM Fund is being depleted due to the increasing number of calamities we are currently experiencing.”

Meanwhile, the vice chair of the House of Representatives committee on appropriations voted “no” to the approval on third and final reading of the proposed P6.793 Trillion national budget for 2026.

Batangas First District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste, the panel vice chair, was among the 12 lawmakers who opposed the approval of General Appropriations Bill (House Bill 4058), saying the Department of Public Works and Highways budget “funds more kickbacks for 2026.” Leviste’s vote was unprecedented since leaders of the House appropriations committee customarily supportive of the Palace-backed budget measure.

Castro said the UAs will be utilized once other funding sources, such as the Contingent Fund, are exhausted. She ensured the prudent use of unprogrammed appropriations, emphasizing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s resolve to keep the proposed PHP6.793-trillion national budget for 2026 clean and free of irregularities.

Escudero asserts donation broke no election laws

By Ram Superable

SENATOR Francis Escudero maintained that the ₱30-million campaign donation he received from a construction firm during the 2022 national elections was legal, properly declared, and compliant with election laws.

In a counter-affidavit submitted to the Commission on Elections on Tuesday, Escudero’s camp said the contribution from Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., did not violate any election-related prohibitions.

The senator’s legal counsel, Atty. Ramon Esguerra, said Escudero’s team filed their response ahead of the deadline to show respect for the Comelec process and confidence in the donation’s legality.

“Our position is clear: the donation was legal, fully declared, and follows long-standing practice. The law is on our side, and we are confident the Comelec will find no fault,” Esguerra said.

According to him, the contribution was duly reported in Escudero’s Statement of Contributions and Expenditures in accordance with existing laws and procedures.

Gov’t readies hospital plan for ‘Big One’ quake

By Ram Superable

THE Department of Health on Tuesday identified key hospitals across Metro Manila that will lead emergency response efforts in the event of a powerful earthquake, known as the “Big One.”

During a press conference, the agency outlined contingency and emergency response plans for a large-scale seismic event.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology earlier warned that a magnitude 7.2 earthquake along the West Valley Fault could kill more than 33,000 people and collapse about 168,000 buildings in Metro Manila alone.

Citing the National Harmonized Contingency Plan, the DOH said casualties across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon could exceed

TEEN ICON. Miss Teen Icon Philippines Maria Kathleen Monjardin poses with her family during a meetthe-press launch. Jun N. Aguirre

52,000, with around 679,000 injuries and more than 5.3 million residents displaced.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said hospitals within four geographic quadrants of Metro Manila have been designated as primary response facilities during a disaster. The designations were based on each hospital’s location and population coverage rather than being built specifically for earthquake response.

In the northern quadrant—which includes Caloocan, Quezon City, Valenzuela, San Juan, and Mandaluyong—the Lung Center of the Philippines, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, East Avenue Medical Center, and Philippine Heart Center were named as lead facilities. Supporting hospitals include the Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, and Dr.

Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium.

For the eastern quadrant, covering Marikina, Pasig, Mandaluyong, and parts of Quezon City, the Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Rizal Medical Center, and Quirino Memorial Medical Center were designated as lead hospitals. In the western quadrant, covering Manila, Malabon, and Navotas, the Tondo Medical Center will serve as the lead facility, supported by Dr. Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, and the National Center for Mental Health.

For the southern quadrant, which includes Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Taguig, Pateros, and Pasay, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center will take charge.

TINGOG urge OK of education bills

By Maricel V. Cruz

Two lawmakers appealed to the Senate to support two House-approved education reform measures that aim to make education more accessible, equitable, and inclusive for every Filipino learner. TINGOG Party-list Reps. Andrew Julian Romualdez and Jude Acidre made the appeal as they welcomed the approval on final reading of House Bill 4744, or the Private Basic Education Vouchers Assistance Act, and House Bill 4745, or the Last Mile Schools Act. The Private Basic Education Vouchers Assistance Act, a priority measure under the LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory

Council (LEDAC) Common Legislative Agenda, institutionalizes a national voucher program to help families afford private schooling. It also establishes the Bureau of Private Education under the Department of Education (DepEd) to oversee and enhance assistance programs for students, teachers, and schools. “Education should never be a matter of privilege or proximity. Through the Private Basic Education Vouchers Assistance Act and the Last Mile Schools Act, we are making sure that learning opportunities reach every Filipino learner—whether in private school classrooms or the most remote villages,” TINGOG said in a statement.

IN BRIEF

DILG: Integration of Sulu to Zamboanga underway

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said the seamless transfer of the Province of Sulu to Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) is progressing as planned, in line with Executive Order No. 91, s. 2025. The order ensures uninterrupted delivery of services during the transition.

As vice chair of the Technical Working Group, the DILG is coordinating with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Civil Service Commission, Bangsamoro Government, and Sulu’s local government units to maintain stability and continuity in operations. The department emphasized the need for collective effort, careful planning, and strong partnerships in the reintegration process. Vince Lopez

No untoward incident on first day of strike: PNP

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a peaceful first day of the three-day transport strike led by Manibela, with no untoward incidents recorded.

Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assured that police personnel remain deployed in key areas to monitor the situation and assist stranded commuters.

Nartatez said police vehicles are on standby to provide transportation if needed and reiterated that the PNP will maintain its heightened presence to ensure peace and order throughout the protest. He also urged transport groups to keep their demonstrations peaceful and orderly.

The strike, which began along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, was launched to protest alleged harassment by the Department of Transportation’s Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation. Vince Lopez

Tarragona under state of calamity after quake

THE Municipality of Tarragona in Davao Oriental has been placed under a state of calamity following the October 10 earthquake, but Mayor Art Benjie Bulaong said the local government continues to help residents recover.

All 10 barangays were affected, with over 10,000 families now staying in evacuation centers.

Bulaong said residents will not be forced to return home while they remain traumatized and aftershocks persist. He thanked the Department of Social Welfare and Development for providing food assistance and expressed relief that power and water services remain stable. Cherrie Anne Villahermosa

CAGAYAN BRIDGE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspects the

nearly completed Camalaniugan Bridge in Cagayan, which will cut travel time from Aparri to Ballesteros from nearly two hours to just 20 minutes. The bridge will serve over 6,000 travelers daily and speed up the transport of goods to and from Aparri Port.

IN BRIEF

P109.8-m shabu seized from Pasay warehouse

AGENTS of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday (Oct. 6) seized some P109.8 million worth of shabu from a warehouse in Pasay City. The contraband, declared as ecommerce consolidated packages, arrived from Hanoi, Vietnam.

Following the detection of suspicious images during x-ray screening, a thorough physical examination was conducted on the shipment, resulting in the discovery of three styrofoam boxes containing twenty-six packages of white crystalline substances concealed alongside packs of coffee powder.

Field testing conducted by CAIDTF and PDEA yielded positive results for methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu.

Cops told to enforce PDZ around Kanlaon

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed all police units in the Negros Island Region to assist local government units in ensuring the strict enforcement of the four-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) around Kanlaon Volcano following recent ash emission.

Nartatez emphasized the need for heightened alertness and preparedness among all police units in Negros as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Alert Level 2 status over the volcano.

Under Alert Level 2, a sudden phreatic eruption (steam-driven) or magmatic eruption (caused by rising magma) remains possible.

Vince Lopez

Taiwan donates $200k for Cebu quake victims

THE Taiwan government has donated $200,000 (roughly P11.6 million) for victims of the 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu, in conjunction with the celebration of the 114th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on Saturday, Oct. 12.

In a social media post, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office said the donation will support the communities affected by the earthquake in Cebu.

“In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, the Taiwan government announced a US$200,000 donation to support communities affected by the Cebu earthquake, to be coursed through MECO to the Cebu Provincial Government, followed by the provision of relief materials,” the post read. Katrina Manubay

JICA CHARITY. Japanese ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya and Japanese International Cooperation Agency Philippines chief representative Baba Takashi turn over relief items to Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro and Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 7 director Shalaine Marie Lucero for the earthquake victims in the province.

COA adopts reforms, probes ranks amid flood control controversies

THE Commission on Audit (COA) has announced sweeping reforms to strengthen transparency and accountability in response to the flood control project anomalies that rocked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

During the Senate Finance Committee hearing on Monday, Oct. 13, COA chairman Gamaliel Cordoba said they are currently investigating its own ranks for possible negligence or complicity in the irregularities, while at the same time rolling out new safeguards such as mandatory geotagging for all infrastructure projects nationwide.

COMRADES IN ARMS. Philippine and United States forces open their two-week Marine Air Support Activity 2025 (MASA 25), a bilateral drill to be held across several parts of the country. The exercise, conducted under the Mutual Defense Board–Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) framework, will unfold in multiple locations including Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Cavite, Taguig City, and Palawan.

“Fraud auditors also look into the possible negligence or complicity of our resident auditors on the ground,” Cordoba said during the hearing, confirming that an internal probe is underway. He said findings from these audits are being submitted to COA’s Internal

while those elevated to the Office of the Ombudsman have already resulted in the suspension of DPWH engineers implicated in ghost or non-existent projects.

Cordoba explained that the investigation covers the DPWH–Bulacan First District Engineering Office, where resident auditors handled 11 municipalities and three cities, a workload that may have contributed to oversight lapses.

“We are looking at every layer of accountability. Those who failed to act or allowed wrongdoing to happen will be held responsible,” Cordoba said.

Cordoba also addressed questions

Sandigan gives RTC green light to try former ARTA officials

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Sandiganbayan has ordered the Cainta Regional Trial Court (RTC) to proceed with the graft trial of former Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) director general Jeremiah Belgica and four co-accused.

In a 31-page resolution dated Oct. 9, 2025, the Sandigan Sixth Division denied motions for reconsideration filed by Belgica and his co-defendants, upholding its Aug. 18, 2025 decision. The anti-graft court rejected the

defense’s argument that two pending Supreme Court cases (involving NewsNet vs. NTC and NOW Telecom vs. NTC) should halt the proceedings.

The Sandiganbayan ruled that these cases—which question ARTA’s overall authority to issue Orders of Automatic Approval (OAAs)—are not intimately related to the graft charges.

The criminal case focuses specifically on the regularity of a March 1, 2021 OAA that allegedly favored NOW Telecom by granting it 3G mobile frequencies already assigned to

DAGUPAN’S PRIDE. Vendors sort out their fresh catch of bangus (milkfish) at a market in Dagupan City, the so-called Bangus Capital of the Philippines. Dagupan’s bangus is widely sought by consumers due to its reputed superior taste attributed to being raised in the city’s brackish waters. Edd Castro

Dito Telecommunity.

“As this court discussed at length in the assailed decision, the issues in the criminal case and those in the Newsnet and Now Tel cases are not intimately related. Thus, there is no ground for suspending the proceedings on the basis of prejudicial question,” the court ruled.

It explained that the Supreme Court cases centered on whether ARTA has the authority to issue Orders of Automatic Approval (OAAs) that override NTC actions.

The graft case, on the other hand, focuses on the regularity of a specific OAA issued on March 1, 2021, which affected frequencies already assigned to Dito Telecommunity.

Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez penned the ruling, with Associate Justices Kevin Narce B. Vivero and Lord A. Villanueva concurring.

Belgica’s co-defendants are ARTA deputy director general Eduardo Bringas, division chief Sheryl PuraSumagui, and directors Jedrek Ng and Melamy Salvadora-Asperin.

BOC-FPI tie-up vs. smuggling lauded

CONSUMER advocate CitizenWatch Philippines on Tuesday expressed full support for the newly forged partnership between the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) to combat smuggling.

The group said it was a crucial step toward protecting legitimate businesses, ensuring fair competition, and defending public health.

The agreement, formalized during the 2025 Business Summit at the Manila Polo Club by Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and FPI chairperson Elizabeth Lee, aims to strengthen intelligence sharing, reporting mechanisms, and transparency measures in antismuggling operations.

CitizenWatch lead convenor Orlando Oxales lauded the initiative, saying the collaboration sends a strong message that government and industry are united in fighting the “illicit trade that continues to harm consumers and manufacturers alike.”

“Smuggling doesn’t just rob the government of revenues. It robs Filipinos of jobs, hospitals, and medicines,” Oxales said. “Every illegal shipment that enters the country weakens our industries and endangers the health of millions through unregulated, substandard goods.”

According to BOC data, the agency seized ₱34.7 billion worth of smuggled goods from January to August 2025 during 653 operations nationwide.

pana, who was mentioned during the Senate investigation into the flood control anomalies.

He said Lipana has been on medical leave since Aug. 1 and has extended his absence until Oct. 30, while the Ombudsman continues its investigation.

“While COA has no disciplinary authority over an impeachable official, we are fully coordinating with the Office of the Ombudsman,” Cordoba said. To prevent conflicts of interest, Cordoba said COA will now require all officials and personnel to declare any possible personal or financial interest related to their assignments.

By Rex Espiritu

THE Philippines and the United States have opened the Marine Air Support Activity 2025 (MASA 25) joint drills to be hold across several parts of the country.

MASA 25 is a two-week bilateral exercise, conducted under the Mutual Defense Board–Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) framework which will be staged in multiple locations including the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Cavite, and Palawan, as well as Taguig City.

It aims to strengthen interoperability and air-to-ground operation skills of the Marine forces of both countries.

“This year’s MASA is specifically designed to enhance interoperability and air-to-ground operational skills, and strengthen coordination, with a primary focus on the use of aviation assets,” the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) said. The exercise will focus on the deployment of aviation assets and feature key activities such as coastal defense and maritime strike simulations, military free fall operations, helicopter emergency training, and subject matter expert exchanges.

Participants include members of the PMC and Marine Reservists, along with personnel from the Naval Air Wing, the Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Coast Guard, working alongside their counterparts from the US Marine Corps.

Col. Armando Custodio, superintendent of the Marine Corps Force Development Center, led the opening ceremony as keynote speaker, joined by Col. Robb McDonald, commanding officer of the Marine Rotational Force–Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

In his remarks, Custodio underscored that MASA 25 is not only a training exercise but also a reaffirmation of the long-standing defense partnership between the Philippines and the United States.

“It is about building the foundation for true interoperability, the ability of our forces to operate seamlessly as one cohesive unit in complex and dynamic environments,” Custodio said. “ Through MASA

OPINION

BARMM ex-chief minister should face the music

RECENT reports on the alleged misuse by Ahod B. Ebrahim, the former Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, of its P6.4 billion Local Government Support Fund, demand immediate action.

The House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Accounts has already called for a comprehensive fraud audit by the Commission on Audit, indicating a pivotal move toward transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.

The evidence presented in Committee Report 1502 is disturbing. It paints a picture of an illegal scheme to redirect public funds away from their intended purposes, particularly timed ahead of the planned 2025 BARMM parliamentary elections that has been postponed to a later date.

The rate of disbursement—approximately P1.5 billion per month under Ebrahim—raises red flags that cannot be ignored.

Such a concentrated release of funds, particularly to Local Government Units aligned with the ruling United Bangsamoro Justice Party, suggests a blatant attempt to manipulate financial resources for political gain.

What stands out in this investigation is not just the potential financial irregularities, but the alarming pattern of coercion described by local officials.

Reports of unrequested projects and pressure to return portions of funding through an informal “return-to-sender” arrangement shake the very foundations of transparent and accountable governance.

When financial resources intended for the collective improvement of communities are diverted to select individuals or groups with political connections, we not only witness a misuse of funds but also observe a systemic undermining of democratic processes.

The allegations extend beyond mere political favoritism. They point towards a broader failure in governance, where accountability and standards are overlooked in favor of convenience and expedience.

This is especially concerning in BARMM, a region that deserves special attention and support to foster its development and autonomy after years of armed conflict. The principles of fiscal autonomy must never come at the expense of transparency, accountability, and ethical governance.

As the House Committee on Public Accounts calls for a specialized forensic investigation by COA, we must understand what this means for the future of governance in BARMM. A thorough examination of financial flows and procurement processes should lay the groundwork not only

for potential legal actions against those implicated in these irregularities but also for systemic reforms that ensure accountability in the future.

This investigation is more than just a response to alleged corruption; it is an opportunity to reinforce the rule of law and good governance in a region rich in potential yet often overlooked.

The outcome of this fraud audit will not only shape the immediate political landscape but will also set a precedent for how public funds should be managed in the BARMM moving forward.

This is a test case not just for the Commission of Audit, but also for the new Ombudsman, Jesus Crispin Remulla, to prove his mettle

Ultimately, we must remain vigilant and proactive in demanding accountability from our leaders. The misuse of public funds is a betrayal of the trust placed in officials by the very citizens they are supposed to serve.

The people of the Bangsamoro region deserve to see their development funds utilized for meaningful projects that genuinely benefit their communities, rather than being siphoned off through corrupt practices.

Former Chief Minister Ebrahim cannot just sweep under the rug the alleged anomalies in his office and other BARMM agencies during his term. Witnesses have come forward to validate the accusations.

This is a test case not just for the Commission of Audit, but also for the new Ombudsman, Jesus Crispin Remulla, to prove his mettle.

The postponement of the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections, which was earlier scheduled for Oct. 13, 2025, is a blessing in disguise. It has given the government, particularly the Commission on Audit, the opportunity to investigate the alleged fund mismanagement, and the Bangsamoro people to scrutinize the discovery of suspected anomalies unfolding before their very eyes, mostly committed under the previous administration.

As we await the audit results, we hope they become a catalyst for change. The Bangsamoro people must stay vigilant in ensuring that no misappropriation of funds goes unchecked and that all those responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable. future of BARMM as the embodiment of self-rule and socio-economic progress really depends on it. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

BY NOW, everyone has heard about the flood control scandal. The ghost projects. The billions wasted. The broken promises. But beneath the outrage, what really hurts most is not the money lost—it’s the trust that’s been betrayed. Think about it. What was lost was not just public funds but public faith—the trust of families who expected protection but saw the waters rise unchecked; the trust of communities who believed their government would build something real but discovered only ghost projects on paper; the trust of citizens who looked to their leaders for safety but found betrayal instead.

Let the light in

WE AWAIT with much hope and anticipation the release of the Ombudsman’s order on the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth of our government officials.

The Ombudsman, former Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, has vowed to provide Filipinos greater access to the financial condition of public servants. His immediate predecessor, Samuel Martires, eroded the public’s trust in the office once known as the Tanodbayan. Martires issued a circular saying that SALNs may only be made available if the official in question gives a notarized consent to release his or her SALN, if there is a court order, or if it would be part of a government investigation.

He also openly proposed that the law be amended to imprison anybody who makes a comment on the SALN of any official. It appeared that the issue hit close to home; Martires lashed out at those who observed that his personal wealth increased by P15 million between the months of August and December 2018.

But now the recently appointed Remulla has a good opportunity to

You can’t restore trust by creating another committee or producing another audit report that ends up gathering dust. What we need is not just a technical fix—it’s moral repair. We need to mend the heart of governance itself. And that healing begins with integrity in leadership. Everything begins with integrity.

restore the people’s confidence in a constitutional office mandated to “investigate on its own, or on complaint by any person, any act or omission of any public official, employee, office or agency, when such act or omission appears to be illegal, unjust, improper, or inefficient.”

More than ever, the public should be able to look at our officials’ SALN when we want to

The public nature of the SALNs is of even greater significance these days, as the country contends with revelations of the extent of corruption and collusion in government projects. In flood-control projects in a specific province alone, the degree of

shamelessness has been unprecedented – what more if we consider other projects in all other geographic regions?

It would also be easier to assess whether the living standards of our public officials – and their privileged families who often cannot help flaunting their luxuries – are commensurate with the actual salaries they earn from taxpayers’ money. The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees should be enough of a guide to those working in government, on whatever bureaucratic level, to live simply and within their means. It does not take a giant leap of the imagination to understand that assets not listed on the SALN but conspicuously flaunted in real life, or on social media constitute actionable proof of wrongdoing and abuse of power.

We are struggling to build our reputation as a country of reform and transparency, despite drowning in the mess created by our own leaders. Genuine transparency in the financial resources of our public officials will show our willingness to change. Any step, however small, toward the light, will always be a step in the right direction.

The tragedy was not only financial loss. It was the corrosion of hope— the rupture of the bond that should tie

If corruption is a heart problem, then accountability is its daily therapy

citizens to their government.

So how do we move forward from this? How do we heal from something that cuts this deep? The truth is, you can’t heal a broken heart with paperwork.

When leaders choose transparency over excuses, when they admit mistakes instead of hiding them, they show that truth and accountability still have a place in public life. Imagine a government where officials voluntarily open their books, where contractors are publicly named and tracked, and where project updates are easily available for citizens to see.

We often say sunlight is the best disinfectant—but integrity is the best prevention. It keeps us from reaching the point where scandals define us.

Let leaders be the first to do what is right, even when it’s inconvenient. Because real leadership is not about image; it’s about conscience.

From integrity, we must move to accountability in our systems. Integrity alone isn’t enough. Systems must make doing right easier and wrongdoing harder.

That means strengthening internal

controls, using technology to track public works, and making sure that oversight bodies have both the resources and independence to do their jobs. Every peso spent should be traceable. Every contractor must be verifiable. Every complaint must be heard and acted upon. We need to shift from reactive investigations to proactive prevention—before the next flood control scandal happens. When accountability is built into the system, corruption becomes not only risky but also unnecessary. If corruption is a heart problem, then accountability is its daily therapy. It keeps the heart of governance beating strong and steady.

Finally, the real test is whether integrity becomes part of our culture. Because if we still cheer for those who “get away with it,” or laugh off small acts of dishonesty as “part of the system,” then no reform will ever last. Integrity must become the social norm, not the exception.

It begins in schools, where children learn that public service is a trust, not a privilege. It continues in communities, where citizens refuse to vote for those who buy their silence or loyalty. And it grows in workplaces, where ordinary employees do the right thing

even when no one is watching. We rebuild culture one honest act at a time—an auditor who refuses to sign what isn’t right, an engineer who insists on quality, a teacher who accounts for every peso. When multiplied, these quiet acts become policy; when sustained, they become culture. We now stand at a crossroads. One path leads deeper into cynicism, where people give up on government and politicians give up on integrity. The other path—the harder one— is the path of healing. It demands courage to confront our failures, conviction to correct our ways, and consistency to keep doing what’s right even when no one notices. The flood control scandal exposed more than corruption—it exposed our collective responsibility to change the system that allowed it. We can keep blaming, or we can start building. We can stay angry, or we can begin to heal.

Let’s mend the heart of governance—one leader of integrity, one accountable system, one culture of honesty at a time. Because if corruption is the breaking of the heart, then transformation is the mending of it. And when that healing begins, hope will no longer be rare—and trust will no longer be fragile.

Trump hails ‘tremendous day for M. East’

and

IN BRIEF

80 South Koreans missing in Cambodia

SEOUL – Eighty South Koreans who were possible victims of fake jobs or scam centers were unaccounted for in Cambodia, South Korea’s foreign ministry told AFP Tuesday.

A foreign ministry official said that between January and August this year, 330 South Koreans were reported to have gone missing or been held against their will after entering Cambodia. As of August, “The safety of about 80 people has yet to be verified,” a foreign ministry official told AFP.

The ministry added that they are crosschecking the figures with police data at home to avoid overlap. While there were around 21 cases of kidnapping or confinement involving South Koreans in Cambodia in 2023, the figure jumped tenfold to 221 last year and further surged to fifteenfold as of August, lawmaker Yoon Hu-duk said in a parliamentary hearing.

The recent death of a Korean college student in Cambodia -- reportedly kidnapped and tortured by a local crime ring -- has shocked South Korea. AFP

Flights cancelled as strike hits Belgium

BRUSSELS – A national strike over a government savings plan grounded flights and disrupted public transport in Belgium on Tuesday, with tens of thousands expected to join a demonstration in Brussels. Brussels airport -- Belgium’s largest -canceled all departures as security workers downed their tools. Charleroi Airport, a major European hub for low-cost airline Ryanair, said it could not operate any flights due to lack of staff. The strike is the last in a series to hit the European country since Flemish nationalist Bart De Wever took office as prime minister in February. Grappling with a budget deficit whose size violates European Union rules, the government is looking to reform pensions and make other savings that have infuriated trade unions. AFP

Google to invest $15-b for largest AI hub

NEW DELHI – Google said Tuesday it will invest $15 billion in India over the next five years, as it announced a giant data centre and artificial intelligence base in the country.

“It is the largest AI hub that we are investing in anywhere outside of the US,” Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian said at a ceremony in New Delhi. Demand for AI tools and solutions is surging among businesses and individuals in India, which is projected to have more than 900 million internet users by year’s end.

Kurian announced “capital investment of $15 billion” over the five years and a “gigawatt-scale AI hub in Visakhapatnam,” a port city in the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh.

Google plans for the center to scale to multiple gigawatts, he added, comparing the project to “a digital backbone connecting different parts of India together”. Globally, data centers are an area of phenomenal growth, fueled by the need to store massive amounts of digital data, and to train and run energy-intensive AI tools. AFP

SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt – US President Donald Trump hailed a “tremendous day for the Middle East” as he and regional leaders signed a declaration meant to cement a ceasefire in Gaza, hours after Israel and Hamas exchanged hostages and prisoners.

Trump

“This is a tremendous day for the world, it’s a tremendous day for the Middle East,” Trump said as more than two dozen world leaders sat down to talk in the resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

He later declared that the assembled leaders had “achieved what everybody said was impossible.”

“At long last, we have peace in the Middle East,” Trump said in a speech.

According to the declaration, the signatories pledged to “pursue a comprehensive vision of peace, security and shared prosperity in the region,” and also welcomed “the progress achieved in establishing comprehensive and durable peace arrangements in the Gaza Strip.”

But the statement -- released in full on Monday night by the White House -- was

WHO calls for urgent focus on brain health

GENEVA – The World Health Organization called Tuesday for urgently scaling up care for neurological conditions, which impact more than three billion people globally, insisting many could be prevented or treated with the right services.

Neurological conditions affect more than 40 percent of the global population, while disorders claim more than 11 million lives each year, the WHO said.

The top 10 neurological conditions contributing to death and disability include stroke, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, meningitis,

SpaceX launches Starship rocket on lucky flight

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas –

SpaceX’s massive Starship rocket soared through Texas’s golden-hour skies Monday before splashing down successfully, as the US company vies to silence critics who doubt Elon Musk’s startup can deliver NASA’s lunar projects on time. In its 11th test voyage, the enormous rocket took off Monday from Space X’s south Texas launch facilities just after 6:25pm local time (7:35 am Tuesday in Manila), according to a live video feed which also featured resounding applause from engineering teams.

Its rocket booster known was Super Heavy landed in Gulf waters as planned, while the upper stage, also known individually as Starship, cruised through space and ran through tests, charting a similar path to the last successful mission in August.

It blazed into the Indian Ocean a little over an hour post-liftoff, having released mock satellites as it had on its previous flight. There was no recovery of the vehicle planned.

NASA plans to use the mammoth Starship -- the world’s largest and most powerful rocket -- in its efforts to return astronauts to the Moon. It is also key to Musk’s zealous vision to take humans to Mars. AFP

and idiopathic epilepsy, according to the latest numbers, from 2021.

But structural, financial and social barriers are hindering progress against such conditions, while widespread prejudice and misconceptions are preventing people from seeking treatment, the UN health agency warned.

“WHO is calling for urgent, evidencebased and coordinated global action to prioritise brain health and expand neurological care,” it said.

Only 63 countries have a national policy on neurological disorders, while only 34 report having dedicated funding.

“With more than one in three people

in the world living with conditions affecting their brain we must do all we can to improve the health care they need,” said WHO assistant director-general Jeremy Farrar.

“Many of these neurological conditions can be prevented or effectively treated, yet services remain out of reach for most -- especially in rural and underserved areas, where people too often face stigma, social exclusion and financial hardship.”

The WHO report found that low-income countries have more than 80 times fewer neurologists than high-income nations. AFP

vague about the path ahead for peace between Israel and its neighbors, including the Palestinians, making no mention of a one- or two-state solution.

“We’re talking about rebuilding Gaza. I’m not talking about single state or double state or two state,” Trump told reporters en route back to the White House. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah alSisi said the Gaza deal “closes a painful chapter in human history” and sets the stage for a two-state solution.

As part of Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war, Hamas on Monday freed the last 20 surviving hostages it held after two years of captivity in Gaza. In exchange, Israel released 1,968 mostly Palestinian prisoners held in its jails, its prison service said.

“For so many families across this land, it has been years since you’ve known a single day of true peace,” Trump told Israel’s parliament, where he received a standing ovation.

“Not only for Israelis, but also for Palestinians and for many others, the long and painful nightmare is finally over.” AFP

Indicted Trump foe defies him at NY rally

NEW YORK – New York’s top law officer Letitia James, charged with crimes by Donald Trump’s justice department, defiantly threw her weight Monday behind mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, another fierce critic of the US president. In her first comments in public since her indictment, New York state attorney general James, who successfully pursued Trump for fraudulently exaggerating his wealth, said she feared “no man” -- a veiled reference to the 79-year-old Republican leader.

“I know what it feels like to be attacked for just doing your job,” she said at a rally in the Washington Heights district of Manhattan after giving a clenched fist salute to the cheering audience.

“I will keep fighting the aggressive policies of Washington, DC, and I will not stop, I won’t give up, and I won’t give in.

“I fear no man.”

James, 66, a Democrat, was indicted by a grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia on one count of bank fraud and a count of making false statements to a financial institution.

She oversaw a case against Trump that saw him handed a $454 million civil penalty for exaggerating his wealth to gain more favorable terms on financial products, but the nearly half-billion-dollar fine was tossed on appeal while the court ruling against the president was upheld.

“Now is our time to fight for you,” 33-year-old Democratic socialist Mamdani said of James.

“His authoritarian administration is waging a scorched earth campaign of retribution against any who dared oppose (him).”

The New York City mayoral election will take place on November 4 and the latest polls, conducted by Quinnipiac University between October 3 and 7, put Mamdani 13 points ahead of his closest rival, former governor Andrew Cuomo.

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. AFP

North Korean refugees long for own families behind impenetrable

GYODONG, South Korea – After taking a bow and making an offering of fruit and a dried fish, Ryh Jae-hong tosses a cup of alcohol towards the thick barbedwire fence that protects South Korea’s Gyodong Island from North Korea. South Koreans perform this funeral ritual during the autumn harvest festival Chuseok at altars erected along the border to honour ancestors who remained in the North. Just two kilometers from the Manghyangdae altar, on the northern tip of Gyodong, farmers work the land beneath red flags and a slogan in giant letters on a nearby hilltop reads: “Long live socialism!”

are there, I just

border

Island, which

at the mouth of the Han

thousands of displaced people during the war. Many crossed the water in small boats to Gyodong or swam across when Chinese forces -- allied with North Koreans -- advanced on the town of Yeonbaek. Little did they know this would be their last crossing. Those displaced have found some consolation

EMOTION AND SADNESS. People carry flowers and Israeli flags upon the arrival of vehicles transporting the bodies of four hostages handed over following a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza, in front of the National Center for Forensic Medicine in Tel Aviv on Oct. 13, 2025. According to the declaration, the signatories pledged to ‘pursue a comprehensive vision of peace, security and shared prosperity in the region.’

SECOND SPACE RACE. People gather to watch the 11th test flight of SpaceX’s Starship megarocket on Tueday (Manila time) from South Padre Island in Texas.

soared

PhilCycling

2026 national road championships set

in Tagaytay

THE PhilCycling National Championships for Road 2026 will be held from February 17 to 20 next year, the International Cycling Union—the sport’s international federation known by its acronym UCI, announced on its website recently.

The national road championships will again be staged in and around a technical course with Tagaytay City as the main hub and the municipalities of the Eighth District of Cavite and First District in Batangas Province as the other major routes.

PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, also the president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, said the 2026 nationals will also showcase the brand new Tagaytay CT Velodrome, which will host the 2026 Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC)—headed by Malaysian Dato’ Amarjit Singh Gill—Track Championships from March 25 to 31.

This marks the first time in 31 years that the Philippines is hosting the Asian track championships—the last time was in 1995 when the country hosted both the Asian Road and Track Championships at the Amoranto Velodrome—which was demolished to give way to a football pitch—in Quezon City and Subic.

The 2026 nationals will actually begin with the Criterium races on February 16, followed by the Individual Time Trial on February 17 and the Road Races from February 18 to 20.

Valdez defies odds, bags bronze in SEA shooting tilt

Perpetual Altas eye fifth straight win against Letran

By Dennis Abrina

THE Perpetual Altas aim to extend their unbeaten run to five games as they face the Letran Knights today, October 15, 2025, when Group A and Group B action resumes in the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. Both squads are coming off hard-fought victories—Perpetual edging Arellano, 72–67, and Letran escaping Emilio Aguinaldo College, 84–80—setting the stage for a highly anticipated 2:30 p.m. showdown. Altas head coach Olsen Racela cautioned his players against complacency despite their strong start, emphasizing the need to maintain focus and effort as they begin to face tougher opponents.

“I like the way they are responding doon sa gusto namin mangyari. They believe in the system we’ve put in. Grabe ‘yung

effort ng team, and that’s what we need. We may not be as talented as other teams, so we have to make up for it with hard work and more effort,” Racela said. Leading Perpetual’s balanced offense are Patrick Sleat, Mark Gojo Cruz, and Josh Alcantara, who scored 13, 12, and 11 points, respectively, in their previous win over the Chiefs. The Altas’ 4–0 record marks their best start in the past decade. Racela will again rely on his deep rotation, including John Abis, John Paul Boral, Jearico Nuñez, JM Tulabut, Shawn Orgo, Allen Maglupay, LA Casinillo, Angelo Gelsano, Kenji Duremdez, JD Pagulayan, Jan Roluna, Aries Borja, Kevin Guibao, and Emman Pizarro. Meanwhile, in the juniors division, the defending champion Perpetual Junior Altas will try to rebound from back-to-back losses to Mapua (57–65) and Arellano (95–97) when they face the Letran Squires at 8:30 a.m.

Las Nieves triumphs as Mindanao hosts largest IP Games edition

THE municipality of Las Nieves emerged as the overall champion in the Mindanao leg of the 2025 Indigenous Peoples (IP) Games, banking on two first-place finishes, two second-place showings, and a third-place result in five events to secure the top spot. Co-hosted by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte and the municipality of

Buenavista, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-initiated event drew around 500 participants from 11 local government units (LGUs), including Butuan City—making it the biggest and most successful leg in the history of the IP Games. It was also one of the most well-supported editions, with Governor Angel Amante

and Mayor Joselito Roble ensuring full logistical and community support in partnership with the Department of Education and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

“We are very grateful to the Philippine Sports Commission for giving us this opportunity, and we intend to make this traditional games competition a regular event here every October in celebration of IP Month,” said Gov. Amante, who served as an inspiration to all participating LGUs. For his part, Mayor Roble admitted that when Buenavista accepted the hosting job last year, he was unfamiliar with the full scope of the program.

“But after witnessing the coming together of different tribes in friendly competition, I can say it was all worth it,” he said.

Representing the PSC at the event was Lito Cinco, who attended in place of Commissioner Matthew Gaston, currently abroad. In his closing remarks, Cinco praised the exceptional collaboration and organization of the host LGUs.

“The two LGUs raised the bar to a new level. It will be a big challenge to match this in future legs. The cultural night added this year was a wonderful touch—we hope to make it a regular feature,” he noted.

FILIPINO shooter Carlo Deniel Valdez won a bronze medal in the men’s 50-metre free pistol at the 47th Southeast Asia Shooting Championship in Bangkok, overcoming equipment troubles to secure the Philippines a podium finish in the event.

Valdez scored 546 points across six series (87, 93, 93, 96, 85, 92), finishing behind Kiettikul Sudkhet of Thailand, who took gold with 551, and Pham Quang Huy of Vietnam, who earned silver with 549.

The 22-year-old Valdez competed using a borrowed pistol after being unable to use his own, but maintained composure throughout the final to edge Thailand’s Pisit Singkarat (540) and Vietnam’s Nguyen Dinh Thanh (535) for third place.

The men’s 50m free pistol featured nine shooters from Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian nations. Sudkhet led all six rounds to claim the gold medal, two points ahead of Pham. Philippine shooting officials said Valdez’s result was a boost for the national team, underscoring the country’s potential in regional competition despite limited resources and equipment access.

Ex-WWE star Lane topbills Sari-Sari Slam’

By Nissi Icasiano

INDEPENDENT wrestling promotion

Dexcon is set to host another high-profile event, “Sari-Sari Slam,” at Brawl Pit Bulusan in Quezon City on October 19, featuring former WWE star Lacey Lane as the headliner.

Lane, a Filipina-American best known for her run in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) under the ring name Kayden Carter, will face homegrown standout Chelsea Marie in the main event.

During her WWE tenure, Lane captured both the WWE and NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships alongside partner Katana Chance.

After her WWE release this past May, Lane signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Ring of Honor (ROH).

The 37-year-old Florida native made her ROH debut on the September 25 episode of Ring of Honor Wrestling, unsuccessfully challenging Mina Shirakawa for the Interim ROH Women’s World Television Championship.

Lane also appeared on AEW’s Dynamite: Title Tuesday last October 7, where she accepted Mercedes Moné’s open challenge for the AEW TBS Championship. She also fell short in that bid.

Her appearance at Sari-Sari Slam marks a homecoming of sorts for Lane, whose Filipino roots have long resonated with fans in the country.

Since launching in 2023, Dexcon has gained attention for bringing internationally acclaimed performers to the Philippines, including Zack Sabre Jr., Yoshi Tatsu, and Chris Brookes, matching them against local wrestlers.

Rather than competing with other promotions, Dexcon has collaborated with several local groups, including the now-defunct Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF), World Underground Wrestling Philippines (WUW), and the newly established PUSO Wrestling.

The upcoming card will also feature several international matchups, including a highly anticipated encounter between “The Filipino Fighting Rooster” Jake De Leon and “The Protagonist” Kidd Bandit.

A special meet-and-greet session with participating wrestlers is scheduled to take place before the show at Hobby Stadium in Quezon City on October 18.

It will be a mix of international performers at Dexcon’s Sari-Sari Slam.

PHILCYCLING president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino with ACC head Dato’ Amarjit Singh Gill. POC Facebook Photo

JM Tulabut (#15) of Perpetual Altas blocks the drive of Ernest Geronimo of Arellano Chiefs in this action on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Perpetual Help won, 72-67. Dennis Abrina

The Indigeneous Peoples Games in Buenavista in Agusan del Norte also featured cultural dances from the participating tribes.

Filipino shooter Carlo Valdez makes a podium finish despite competing on a borrowed pistol.

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Bibat back in form, sizzles with 65 to take ICTSI lead

BUKIDNON—Michael Bibat, seeking redemption after a stretch of underwhelming finishes, delivered a blistering 65 to grab the first-round lead at the ICTSI Del Monte Championship here on Tuesday, upstaging a fast-starting Elee Bisera and a record-breaking Taewon Ha at the Del Monte Golf Club.

Bibat, who has been largely off the radar since his last win at Eagle Ridge in 2022, finally showcased the form that once made him an Asian Games bronze medalist. His bogey-free round in hot and humid conditions at this mountain-top course marked a potential turning point in his career resurgence.

“I didn’t expect to shoot this low, pero naging maingat lang kaya walang bogey,” said Bibat, who strung together a flawless 31-34 round that showcased his precision off the tee, sharp iron play and superb putting.

“The goal was to lessen the mistakes – hit the fairways and greens – then be aggressive with the putter,” he said. “I gave myself so many chances to make birdies.”

Despite emerging as the early front-

Strong fighting chance in Bahrain AYG—Tolentino

THE 141-strong Philippine delegation carries a big fighting chance when it plunges into action in the Third Asian Youth Games set October 22 to 31 in Manama, Bahrain.

“We’ll train and do our best to get a medal,” said boxer Leo Mhar Lobrido, one of the country’s flag bearers in the 10-day, 45-country quadrennial meet during the national team’s photo shoot on Monday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Lobrido, a Bago City (Negros Occidental) native who turned 16 only last Friday, is one of the nation’s top bets for a medal, most probably a gold, being a decorated internationalist after having won in the Fourth Greater Area Bay Youth Boxing Challenge in Shenzhen, China, late last year.

High school volleyball star Harlene Serneche, the other Filipino flag-

bearer, is also optimistic that they will make the country proud.

“We have potential and hopefully we’ll be competitive there,” said the 18-yearold incoming National University freshman also during the photo shoot that featured 30 athletes to rally support for the delegation led by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and the organization’s partners Avel Bacudio, Milo, and Oishi.

“Yes, this team has a strong fighting chance,” said Tolentino, adding the goal is to match or surpass the gold medals won by taekwondo’s Pauline Lopez and golfer Mia Legaspi—along with three silver medals—in the games’ last

Red-hot Avaricio sizzles with bogey-free round for a perfect start

CHANELLE Avaricio summoned the same brilliance that earned her a dominant Forest Hills triumph, shooting a bogey-free 67 in a composed, clinical start to the ICTSI Del Monte Championship here on Tuesday in Bukidnon.

With her driver and putter both working in harmony, the former Order of Merit champion carved a twostroke lead over defending champion Daniella Uy after 18 holes, rekindling a budding rivalry that promises a thrilling climax over the next two rounds.

Navigating Del Monte’s tight, tree-lined fairways for the first time, Avaricio showed no signs of discomfort. After opening with a string of seven steady pars, she ignited her round with a birdie blitz starting at No. 8, reeling off three straight. Her control only sharpened from there, closing with two more birdies on Nos. 15 and 16 to cap a five-under round devoid of blemishes.

“I didn’t expect to have no bogeys today because it’s my first time here and the course is pretty tight,” said Avaricio, who has been diligently working on her swing mechanics and putting stroke following a rocky return on the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour.

The Del Monte Championship marks her first real crack at redemption since finishing sixth at Negros Occidental – an unfamiliar spot for the usually con-

who skipped the Caliraya Springs and Bacolod legs. But on Tuesday, her renewed focus and refined form returned in full.

“My driving and putting really clicked. Hopefully I can maintain this momentum,” she added. “I’ll just try to keep the ball in play and keep giving myself birdie chances.”

Lurking just behind is Uy, who carded a 69 but rued a costly bogey on the 17th that kept her from pulling within a stroke. After a quiet front nine with just one birdie and one bogey, Uy surged to life on the back nine with four birdies in eight holes, briefly applying pressure on Avaricio before stumbling late.

“I was just trying to survive today and focus on the process,” said Uy, whose gritty performance hinted at the form that won her this title two years ago. “I hit a lot of fairways and greens, and luckily my putting worked today.”

Having also endured a seventh-place finish at Marapara, Uy knows exactly how volatile the leaderboard can get – and how much ground can be gained or lost with a single swing.

“I just want to stay locked in on each shot – hit greens, read putts well, and take what the course gives me,” said Uy.

The Avaricio-Uy duel, forged from their shared status as past champions and Philippine golf standouts, now sets the tone for a riveting battle heading into the second round.

8K runners bring anime to life at One Piece Run 2025

ABOUT 8,000 runners embarked on the adventure of a lifetime as the highly anticipated One Piece Run 2025 turned the streets around SM City Fairview into a vibrant voyage across the Grand Line on Sunday. Leading the pack in the 10K category were John Christian Balonso (39:28) and Maria Rozy Zepeda (50:04), both displaying speed and endurance worthy of the Pirate King himself. In the men’s division, John Paul Enriquez (41:39) and Cedric Joshua Parcellano (43:13) completed the top three, while Marjorie Braza (51:52) and Jyra Lahay Lahay (58:27) joined Zepeda on the women’s podium.

The fun run transformed into a lively sea of Straw Hat Pirates, an-

ime fans, and fitness enthusiasts, blending health and fandom in an atmosphere bursting with energy and color. The event was staged in partnership with SM Fairview, SM Fandom, and Toei Animation, and organized by RUNRIO.

In the 5K race, Mark Angelo Biagtan (17:49) ruled the men’s division, followed by Joruss Delgado (18:24) and Joeross Simangan (18:57). Among women, Jo Punay (22:42) claimed the top spot, trailed by Jamie Del Rosario (27:45) and Hannah Dacanay (27:50).

The 3K category saw Cavin Vidal (10:53) emerge as the fastest male runner, ahead of Zed Icarus Balanday (12:51) and Lyndon Gatasi (13:02). Rochelle Nina Pingol (18:35) topped the women’s side, followed closely by Asti Nasayao

runner, Bibat was quick to keep expectations in check.

“Just don’t get ahead of myself in the next three rounds,” he said, knowing full well that consistency will be key to turning his strong start into a longawaited championship finish in this P3.5 million event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Starting on No. 10, Bibat picked up two early birdies before catching fire on the front, birdieing No. 1 and then rattling off three straight from No. 4. He capped his round by taming the par5 ninth with another birdie, edging out Bisera by one.

Bisera nearly matched Bibat’s brilliance, birdieing three of his last five holes to post an impressive 66 and briefly tie for the lead – until Bibat’s final-hole birdie pushed him ahead.

“My target was to shoot even-par, but everything just clicked – from driving to my short game. But my putting was especially on point,” said Bisera in Filipino, who took full advantage of the receptive greens to create several birdie chances.

‘Alas’ pairs eye main draw in Beach

Pro Tour Qualifiers

THREE Philippine women’s pairs led by Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons and two men’s tandems target spots in the main draw in the qualification matches for the Volleyball World 2025 Beach Pro Tour Challenge on Wednesday at the Nuvali Sands Court by the Ayala Land in the City of Santa Rosa in Laguna. Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Varga and Edwin Tolentino, and Larry John Francisco kick off Alas Pilipinas’ campaign against foreign opponents at 9 a.m., as seeded athletes James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla drew a bye in the qualification round.

“It’s good that we are seeded in this event and we do not need to play in the qualification that will keep us fresh in the main draw,” said Buytrago, who, along with Abadilla clinched a bronze medal in the Cambodia 2023 Southeast Asian Games. The specific pairings will be known only after the preliminary inquiry, which was scheduled late afternoon Tuesday.

Buytrago and Abdilla are one of the 24 men’s teams seeded in the 32pair main draw that starts Thursday.

“We’re hoping to improve on our quarterfinal finish in last year’s BPT, although it will not be easy,” added Buytrago, as he acknowledged the rigorous training they’ve been getting under Brazilian coach Joao Luciano Simao Barbosa.

“I’ll be playing with an injured index finger, so we’ll just give our best,” he said.

Jenny Gaviola and Alexa Polidario, Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez and Kly Orillaneda and Gen Eslapor will also plunge into action in the qualifiers of the FIVB Volleyball World tournament hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, headed by Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

The popular tandem of Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, ranked 137th in the world, will see action on Thursday in the main draw.

and

In the 1K fun run,

took first place in the men’s division, beating

Dela

ta

and

Ayra

led the women’s

ahead of Francesca

and Tiara

was supported

Michael Bibat flashes his old, deadly form on the opening day of the ICTSI Del Monte Championship. Manny Marcelo

edition in 2013 in Nanjing, China.

Also in the photo shoot wearing classic uniforms designed by renowned Avel Bacudio were Pi Durden Wang-

kay and Lorainne Batalla (athletics), Jan Brix Ramiscal (Muay), siblings Charlie and Travis Ratcliff (MMA), and Rhose Alemndralejo (volleyball).

sistent Avaricio,

Whether runners sprinted like Zoro, dashed stylishly like Sanji, or explored with Lu y’s boundless curiosity, the true treasure of the One Piece Run 2025 was the shared experience — the laughter, teamwork, and memories created along the way.

Proudly wearing Avel Bacudio’s signature design are (from left) Pi Durden Wangkay and Lorainne Batalla (athletics), Jan Brix Ramiscal (Muay), Harlene Serneche (volleyball) and Leo Mhar Lobrido (boxing), siblings Charlie and Travis Ratcliff (MMA) and Rhose Alemndralejo (volleyball). POC Photo

Chanelle Avaricio shoots a bogey-free 67 for a twostroke lead over her closest rivals. Manny Marcelo (18:43)

Rachel Anne Balverde (18:50).

Joseph Fontamillas (5:12)

Arjay

Cruz (5:17)

Ernie Vie Estoque (6:46).

Jerica Acos-

(7:05)

race,

Dominique Apolinario (7:09)

Jerisse Medina (7:17). The event

by Clover Chips, Leslie’s Snacks, Farmer John Premium Potato Chips, Nacho Corn Chips, Chippy, Mr. Chips, Film Concerts Philippines, Surf, Vaseline, Dove Soap, Dove Body Wash, Park Access, and Salonpas as sponsors; SIP, SIP Plus, and Nutrifizz as official hydration partners; and Hey! Salad as a food partner.

IKEA opening new shop in TriNoma to tap north Metro Manila market

By Othel V. Campos

IKEA

opened its

is

the largest number of the company’s kitchen and wardrobe orders nationwide, according to IKEA Philippines country retail manager Ricardo Pinheiro.

“With this format, we get IKEA closer to many Filipinos in Quezon City,” said Pinheiro.

“A big store takes time to build, but this shop allows us to bring our range and identity closer to our customers while we study future opportunities for larger stores in the north,” he said.

The majority of the investment was spent on training and developing 14 design specialists who are ready to assist customers with personalized interior design solutions, Pinheiro said.

Gov’t readies ‘catch-up’ plan amid weather, spending lag

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Philippine economy is facing a potential slowdown in the third quarter due to weak government spending and disruptions from adverse weather conditions, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said, while expressing optimism for an “upside” in the coming months.

Recto said the government has prepared a “catch-up plan” to mitigate the potential slump, focusing on the accelerated implementation of highmultiplier effect projects.

“To mitigate this, we have prepared

a catch-up plan that prioritizes the accelerated implementation of projects with high multiplier effects,” Recto said.

The government’s strategy is to prioritize high-impact, fast-disbursing

projects to maintain full-year gross domestic product (GDP) growth within the Development Budget and Coordination Committee’s (DBCC) projected range, he said. Priority areas for investment include education, agriculture, health, and information and communications technology (ICT).

The Philippine economy expanded by 5.5 percent in the second quarter, a slight increase from 5.4 percent in the first quarter of the year.

The DBCC projects 2025 GDP growth of 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent, followed by 6 percent to 7 percent from 2026 to 2028.

DOTr vows to fast-track big-ticket transport projects

DEPARTMENT of Transportation

(DOTr) acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Tuesday the Philippines is positioning itself as a vital investment hub by fast-tracking various bigticket transportation projects across aviation, railways, maritime and road sectors.

Speaking during a meeting with the EU-ASEAN Business Council, Lopez said the DOTr is accelerating construction on major infrastructure to boost economic growth and ease commuter congestion, fulfilling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive.

“We are filled with optimism

Devanadera (center) receives the award after Clark Freeport Zone is named Asia’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination at the 32nd World Travel Awards (WTA) for Asia and Oceania at the InterContinental Grand Stanford in Hong Kong. Joining her at the ceremony are Noelle Mina Meneses, vice president for business development and business enhancement group; Elenita Lorenzo, manager for tourism promotions division; Astrud Aguinaldo, manager for communications division; and Ian Paulo Mejia, tourism officer III.

that EU-ASEAN Business Council sees the boundless opportunities in the Philippines that will drive our economic growth and address the social needs of our people,” Lopez said, adding that the meeting comes at an “opportune time as the Philippines continues to position itself as a dynamic investment hub and an emerging gateway country to Asia.” Lopez sought the council’s assistance in improving the transport infrastructure to ensure commuter efficiency through a reliable public transportation system.

He cited the DOTr’s commitment to partnering with the council to help

achieve President Marcos’ goal of improving the lives of commuters.

The acting transport chief discussed several initiatives where the Philippines and the council could support each other and expedite completion, including coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on railway infrastructure projects, strict implementation of air, seaport and road transport rules, the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP), the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme in transport projects and road safety.

Darwin G. Amojelar

Vikings Group acquires Makati property

VIKINGS Group has acquired a prime commercial lot in Magallanes, Makati City which will serve as the site for its new office headquarters, with Jones Lang LaSalle Inc. (JLL) successfully brokering the transaction.

The transaction paves the way for the establishment of Vikings Group’s new office headquarters in one of Metro Manila’s most soughtafter business locations. JLL acted as broker and consultant for the deal, leveraging its market expertise to facilitate the acquisition.

The Magallanes property is seen as a strategic asset for Vikings Group as it expands its presence within the country’s central business district.

The deal highlights the sustained demand for high-quality commercial properties in Makati, where both multinational firms and expanding enterprises seek prime spaces that offer accessibility, prestige and longterm value appreciation.

“This transaction exemplifies JLL’s deep understanding of Manila’s commercial real estate market and our ability to match clients with properties that align perfectly with their strategic objectives,” JLL representative Miguel Poblador said. He said Makati

5.5% 5.4% 50.1 million

GDP growth in second quarter

GDP growth in first quarter Number of employed Filipinos

ADB lending $400m to boost insurance sector

By Thony Rose Lesaca

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Tuesday it approved a $400-million policy-based loan to support reforms to raise the efficiency of the Philippine insurance industry.

The loan, known as the Insurance Reform Program, Subprogram 1, is designed to foster a more efficient, consumer-oriented and technologically advanced insurance market, which will help stimulate stronger economic growth and strengthen climate risk management and disaster resilience, the ADB said.

It said the program supports broader financial sector development reforms in regulation and supervision, including greater intermediation of long-term credit for government infrastructure projects.

The loan will be implemented in three sequenced subprograms in close partnership with the Insurance Commission, supporting comprehensive reforms that include digitalization and climate finance to enhance resilience, financial inclusion and consumer trust.

“This program is a strategic investment in the Philippines’ sustainable and inclusive economic future,” said ADB country director for the Philippines Andrew Jeffries.

“By modernizing the regulatory framework, we are not only strengthening the insurance industry itself—we are building a critical line of protection for the nation, mobilizing long-term capital for development, and ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach every Filipino entrepreneur and household,” said Jeffries.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025

extrastory2000@gmail.com

PH shares

climb

on positive cues from Wall Street, bargain-hunting

LOCAL shares closed higher Tuesday, extending gains on positive cues from Wall Street and continued bargain hunting.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose 23.89 points, or 0.40 percent, to finish at 6,076.22. The broader all shares index also ended higher, gaining 13.04 points, or 0.36 percent, to 3,668.63. Meanwhile, the peso closed slightly stronger against the U.S. dollar, ending at 58.215 from 58.245 on Monday.

“The local market extended its climb as investors continued with their bargain hunting,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research head at Philstocks Financial Inc. He added that the recent decline in long-term treasury yields, amid the dovish outlook

of the Bangko Sen-tral ng Pilipinas, continued to support the local bourse.

Wall Street also closed sharply higher after the United States expressed its intention to hold talks with Chinese officials, easing uncertainties between the two nations.

Among the sectoral indices, mining and oil led the gainers, rising 2.4 percent, followed by the industrial sector, which climbed 0.89 percent. Only the services sector declined, falling 1.1 percent.

Trading remained tepid, with value turnover reaching only P5.2 billion, below the year-to-date average of P5.92 billion.

Gainers edged out losers, 102 to 87.

Foreign investors remained net sellers with outflows totaling P345.88 million. Jenniffer B. Austria

FDC to merge 8 hospitality subsidiaries in restructuring

assumes no obligation to compensate/indemnify the bidder for any expense/loss that may be incurred in the preparation of the bids, nor does it guarantee that an award will be made. For more information, prospective bidders may visit the Provincial Treasurer’s Office, Rizal Provincial Government, Ynares Center Complex, Antipolo City or call telephone no. 8256-3000 during office hours and look for Ma. Teresa E. Lasquety, Provincial Treasurer (Sgd.) ATTY. ERICA T. GATAN Vice-Chairperson Committee on Awards Rizal Provincial Government List of Properties for Disposal NO. LOCATION TD#/TCT#AREA PROPOSED FLOOR PRICE

1 Brgy. Concepcion, Baras, Rizal18-BA-001-017097,163 sq.m. P 50.00/sq.m. or P

2 Brgy. Concepcion, Baras, Rizal18-BA-001-0171010,050 sq.m. P

or P 502,500.00 3 Brgy. Sto. Domingo, Cainta, Rizal

By Jenniffer B. Austria

GOTIANUN-LED

Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC) announced that its board of directors has approved a plan to merge eight whollyowned subsidiaries under its hospitality division as part of an internal corporate restructuring.

The eight entities will be merged under FDC’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Filinvest Hospitality Corp. (FHC). The subsidiaries are Boracay Seascapes Inc., Dauin Seascapes Inc., Duawon Seascapes Resort Inc., Dumaguete Cityscapes Inc., Gensan Cityscapes Inc., Mactan Seascapes Services Inc., Princesa Cityscapes Inc., and Zamboanga City-scapes Inc.

The move is intended “to streamline the organizational and operational structure of the Filinvest Group’s hospitality business,” FDC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday. The conglomerate noted the merger involves only unlisted subsidiaries, and no new FDC shares will be issued. The transaction will be accounted for as one between enti-ties under common control and is not expected to have a material financial effect on the consolidated group. FDC formed FHC in 2021 to serve as the primary developer and owners’ representative of group-owned hotel and resort properties. As of the end of 2024, FHC operates a total of 1,751 keys across the country, including the 470-room Quest Hotel in Cebu, the 345-room Crimson Hotel in Alabang, and the 304-room Quest Plus in Clark, Pampanga.

During the first half of the year, FHC’s net income jumped 33 percent to P204.9 million, while revenues went up 7 percent to P2.18 billion. The growth was attributed to higher room revenues from improved occupancy, growth in the food and beverage segment, and higher spending per guest in other revenues, such as at Mimosa Golf. Aside from hospitality, FDC also has investments in banking, real estate, sugar, and power generation.

GESG: Strong corporate leadership vital for growth

By Othel V. Campos

GLOBAL Executive Solutions Group (GESG), one of the country’s top executive search firms, is reinforcing its role in developing strong corporate leadership, which it says drives both organizational success and national economic growth.

Ray Canilao, GESG president and chief executive, said effective leadership remains vital to sustaining the competitiveness of Philippine industries, from large conglomer-ates and multinationals to small and medium enterprises.

“Great corporate leadership does not only guide a company—it also contributes to a nation’s economic development, and cultural and social progress,” Canilao said. “A great corporate leader has a vision for the future that drives not just an organization but also sustainable growth and stability for the country.”

Canilao noted that GESG has spent more than two decades refining a five-point evaluation framework that combines technical competence with cultural alignment. The framework assesses candidates based on organizational culture fit, career trajectory, leadership style, financial and operational stability, and work-life integration.

SM PRIME’S AWARD. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of Southeast Asia’s leading integrated property developers, has once again been recognized as one of the Hubexo Asia Top 10 Developers for 2025, marking its 11th consecutive year of inclusion since 2015. (From left) Carla Cruz, brand marketing head at Concepcion Carrier; Alphonso Rodriguez, director for business development at Concepcion Carrier; Noel Torres, senior vice president of SM Prime;

Alexis Ortiga, vice president and head of SM Offices at SM Prime; John Nai Peng Ong, chief finance officer at SM Prime; Shannan Golding, head of events at Hubexo-Asia Pacific; and Paolo Rellama, data partner manager at Hubexo-Asia Pacific attend the awarding ceremony on Sept. 26, 2025 at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila.

AirAsia offers 99% discount on 15m seats for 2026 travel

the imme-diate travel rush this season.

By Darwin G. Amojelar

AIRASIA Philippines is offering more than 15 million seats with discounts of up to 99 percent off to encourage passengers to travel.

The budget airline said the limited-time promotion encourages guests to book early for their 2026 travel plans.

Discounted one-way base fares start at just P1 for select domestic routes such as Iloilo and Bacolod, and P2 for Cebu, Puerto Princesa, and Roxas City.

For international travelers, one-way fares are offered for as low as P398 to

Taipei and P542 to Macao.

The booking period runs from Oct. 13 to 19, 2025, for travel between March 1 and Nov. 30, 2026, flying direct to Manila or Cebu.

“We understand that many Filipinos are working hard this season while already dream-ing about their next travel adventure. The 99 percent off sale is our way of helping them turn those travel goals into reality by booking early at the best possible value,” said AirAsia Philippines head of communications and corporate affairs FO Steve Dai-lisan.

“This is our way of ensuring that all purposeful journeys come to life without the need to break the bank.”

While encouraging 2026 planning, AirAsia Philippines is also preparing for

The airline has increased its flight frequencies ahead of the expected surge of travel-ers for All Saints’ Day, with load factors projected to rise from 85 percent to 90 percent.

From Manila, flights to Caticlan have increased from 46 to 54 times weekly; Cebu from 47 to 56; Iloilo from 28 to 32; Tacloban from 24 to 26; Tagbilaran from 21 to 24; Puerto Princesa from 20 to 21; Kalibo from 17 to 19; and Cagayan de Oro from 14 to 16 times weekly.

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five ASEAN countries: Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. It has served over 800 million guests across more than 130 destinations. The airline currently operates more than 200 aircraft.

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines and Brunei Darussalam signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and fisheries, pushing for regional food security, trade, and sustainable development.

ing in both agriculture and fisheries.

The deal also provides for joint research, technical exchanges, and capacitybuilding initiatives, including training programs, technical visits, and the sharing of studies, publications, and data.

The agreement was signed between the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture (DA) and Brunei’s Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Ministers of Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) meeting in Manila. It builds on a letter of intent signed by the two countries in May 2024.

Under the MOU, the two Southeast Asian nations will collaborate on agrifood trade, agro-biotechnology, aquaculture, and precision agriculture. The cooperation covers livestock and poultry development, disease prevention, high-yield crop technologies, and downstream process-

Private sector participation is a key feature of the partnership, with both countries agreeing to facilitate investment and trade through information sharing, particularly on sanitary and phytosanitary standards and market access requirements.

“This agreement re-

flects the shared goals of the Philippines and Brunei, good neigh-bors in Southeast Asia, to strengthen agri-fisheries systems and enhance food security through collaboration, innovation, and responsible development,” said Agriculture Sec-retary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

The MOU also establishes mechanisms for policy coordination, intellectual property protection, and confidentiality in handling research outputs and technical information.

Company/Employer:

College Degree in Operations or Business Management, or related courses. • 5 to 10 years of working experience in FMCG manufacturing operations; experience in Noodles manufacturing is required • Exposure to different areas manufacturing including, but not limited to, production operations, maintenance, production management, quality assurance, risk management and safety regulations • Advanced proficiency in Japanese language is required

Company: Nissin-Universal Robina Corporation Company Address: 9 Floor Tera Tower, Bridgetowne, Brgy. Ugong Norte, Quezon City, 1110

Nature of Business: Manufacturing

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position:

Name: MAKOTO HORIUCHI

Address: Unit – 101-904, The Sharp Clark Hills Jose Abad Santos Ave. CFZ Pampanga Intended period of employment: One (1) year

For Interested candidates, you may submit your application to: Alex Gomez (Alex.Gomez@urc.com.ph or through +639688778868) You may also contact: Kevin Stanley C. Enriquez (stan. enriquez@urc.com.ph or through +639988402400) or through Nissin-Universal Robina Corporation at +632.516.9888 Nissin-Universal Robina Corporation hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment – National Capital Region located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila

Position title – BRAND MANAGER - INTERNATIONAL

Job Description:

• Provide coordination from Nissin Japan to Nissin-Universal Robina Corporation on projects and programs related to the development of new instant noodles products and/or new segments & categories following standard operating procedures, technologies and innovation principles of Nissin Japan.

• Participate in developing, and planning sales promotion & marketing of new products and new categories with NURC and Nissin Japan

• Collect and analyze market, competitor, product and channel information related to instant noodles segment in the Philippines, and use such information

• Participate in Agile Ways of Working, cadences and ceremonies for Noodles Build Squad Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training):

• Candidate must possess at least a Bachelor’s/ College Degree in Operations or Business Studies/ Administration Management, Marketing, Advertising or equivalent.

• At least 3 years of working experience in brand marketing preferably in FMCG company, preferably Japanese company.

• Exposure to different areas of marketing especially in promotions, brand building, P&L analysis, insighting, and product development

• Experience in Agile methodologies and ways or working in Noodles or Noodle-related category marketing and product development • Advanced proficiency in Japanese language is required

For Interested candidates, you may submit your application to: Alex Gomez (Alex.Gomez@urc.com.ph or through +639688778868) You may also contact: Kevin Stanley C. Enriquez (stan.

• Tie product development initiatives with Nissin technology in executing and realizing product launches based local Philippine market insights

Company/Employer: Company: Nissin-Universal Robina Corporation Company Address: 9th Floor Tera Tower, Bridgetowne, Brgy. Ugong Norte, Quezon City, 1110 Nature of Business: Manufacturing Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position:

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

DENR DIALOGUE. Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael Lotilla (center) leads a dialogue with private sector leaders at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Central Office in Quezon City. The meeting, which included member companies of the CarbonPH Coalition and the NBS Industry Group, focused on advancing policies for forest carbon projects and the operationalization of Article 6 in the Philippines. Discussions highlighted the importance of government and business collaboration to encourage investments in nature-based solutions and advance the country’s climate goals.

DTI slaps P14 safeguard duty on imported cement

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippines will impose a safeguard duty on imported cement for a period of three years, amounting to P14 per 40-kilogram bag, or P349 per metric ton, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque. The DTI adopted the Tariff Commission’s recommendation, which covers ordinary portland cement type one and blended cement. It said the recommended rate represents only about 3 percent to 4 percent of prevailing retail prices and is intended to level the playing field between domestic manufacturers and importers. The measure is not expected to be passed on to consumers as it applies

solely to imported cement. The safeguard measure, classified under AHTN 2022 subheading nos. 2523.29.90 and 2523.90.00, will be subject to monitoring and periodic review to ensure that prices remain stable and supply is adequate, according to Roque.

The DTI also clarified that any excess cash bond paid by importers, which is the difference between the provisional and final duty, will be refunded once the corresponding department order is issued.

Roque said the government remains mindful of the recent earthquakes that have affected several areas of the country, underscoring the critical need for cement in rebuilding and rehabilitation efforts.

Solar farm to rise in Paoay sand dunes

By Alena Mae S. Flores

PACIFICSUN Renewables Corp. plans to build a 120.96-megawatt-peak solar power project in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, costing P4.9 billion, according to documents submitted to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The project is designed to enhance energy security and reliability, contribute to a cleaner environment and boost local economic development in the northern Philippine region.

PEZA promotes PH as regional aviation hub

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is widening access to its economic zones for aviationrelated industries and aerotropolis developments as it seeks to position the Philippines as a competitive regional hub for aviation, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

PEZA is “nurturing a growing ecosystem of locators that are quietly powering the aviation and aerospace value chain of the Philippines,” said ecozone development department manager Ludwig Daza at the 2025 Philippine Aviation Summit in Pasay City on Oct. 9, 2025.

PEZA’s new projects include establishing aerotropolis parks, which are specialized ecozones designed to link industries with airports and integrate aviation into the broader industrial landscape.

The agency hosts 16 registered aviation and aerospace projects, which have generated over P26 billion in investments and more than $1 billion in exports in 2024. These projects have created jobs for over 11,500 skilled Filipino workers. Daza said these numbers showcase the country’s strong potential to become a major player in the highvalue aviation and aerospace sector, which demands precision, reliability and world-class standards.

The two-day Philippine Aviation Summit was organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) in partnership with the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA).

Othel V. Campos

“The Paoay Solar Power Project mitigates the adverse impacts of global warming and climate change in the region, coupled with reducing the environmental impacts generated

by fossil fuels,” the company said in the documents.

The solar farm will occupy 81.81 hectares of government-identified land within the Paoay sand dunes, an area the company said is not included in the province’s tourism master plan, minimizing potential land-use conflicts.

Its site was chosen for its high solar irradiance, flat terrain and proximity to existing road networks, making it suitable for a utility-scale solar development.

PacificSun said the project will

THE Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) expects to turn over the 796.64-megawatt (MW) CalirayaBotocan-Kalayaan (CBK) hydro power plant complex in Laguna province to the Thunder Consortium in February 2026, following the consortium’s P36.266-billion winning bid.

PSALM said it is evaluating the sale for clearance with the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC).

“We are hoping for full payment on December 2025,” said PSALM president Dennis dela Serna.

The Thunder Consortium, composed of Aboitiz Renewables Inc. (ARI), Sumitomo Corp. and Electric Power Development Co. Ltd., received the notice of award on July 18, 2025, as the winning bidder for the privatization.

The consortium, through its project company Cleanergy 9 Power Inc., signed the relevant project agreements with PSALM and the National Power Corp. (Napocor) in August 2025. The closing of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions, including securing the necessary regulatory approvals such as from the PCC.

ARI parent firm AboitizPower Corp. said earlier it views the opportunity to

help recognize the Ilocos region as a renewable energy hub, reduce carbon emissions and promote a green economy. It will also help the Philippines meet its Philippine Energy Plan goal of increasing the market share of renewable energy to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

The Paoay solar project has received support through Resolution No. 2025-03-432 from the Ilocos Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board). It is also part of a P75-billion clean

SEC

energy investment portfolio granted Green Lane Certification under Executive Order No. 18, which aims to streamline permitting processes and accelerate project implementation. The company expects the project to require about 800 personnel during construction.

PacificSun, an affiliate of Sta. Clara Power Corp. (SCPC) and Sta. Clara International Corporation (SCIC), plans to fund the overall project through a combination of 70-percent debt and 30-percent equity infusion by the shareholders.

warns public vs. investing with De Guzman Consumer Goods

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Tuesday advised the public against investing with De Guzman Consumer Goods Trading and a certain individual named Christabel Arroyo over their alleged unauthorized solicitation of investments.

The SEC said in an advisory posted on its website that it found De Guzman Consumer Goods Trading has been inviting the public through Facebook to become an investor or co-partner in its farming and trading business, promising potential returns of 60 percent to 200 percent within 30 to 60 days.

The company, however, is not

manage and operate CBK as a way to support the country’s aspirations for a cleaner and more dynamic grid.

registered as a corporation or partnership and does not have the required license to solicit investments, according to the SEC. Separately, the SEC identified Christabel Arroyo for allegedly offering investment opportunities involving bitcoin mining trading without the required certificate of registration. Arroyo allegedly urges the public through her Facebook account to invest a minimum capital of P5,000 with a promised earning of P50,000 within 24 hours. The corporate regulator also flagged certain individuals or groups who falsely represented themselves as personnel or representatives of brokerage firm COL Financial Group to lure and scam the public.

“Pump storage hydro is an integral part of the Philippine energy system. As a clean energy resource, it can reduce peak power prices and support deeper penetration of variable renewable energy [RE] in our energy system, well-aligned with the Philippine Energy Plan’s aspiration of 50 percent RE in the power mix by 2040,” the company said. The CBK complex plays a crucial role during peak demand periods and emergency situations, supplying a significant share of the electricity used in Metro Manila.

MPower, Mr. Freeze expand power supply deal

MPOWER, the local retail electricity supplier (RES) of Manila Electric Company (Meralco), has deepened its collaboration with Mr. Freeze Tube Ice Inc. by enrolling several of the ice manufacturer’s plants into the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP). Under the expanded partnership, Mr. Freeze aggregated several of its ice plants across Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Bulacan to participate in the contestable market and purchase power in bulk through MPower. This reinforces the shared goal of Meralco and MPower to empower businesses with innovative energy solutions.

MPower has established itself as the preferred local RES, holding more than 30 percent share of the competitive retail electricity market within Meralco’s franchise area.

RAP allows smaller electricity end-users to aggregate multiple accounts within the same franchise area and purchase power in bulk from retail electricity suppliers.

“This partnership is not just about business, it’s about the shared goals we believe in: sustainability, responsible energy use, and putting the customer first. MPower is more than just a supplier, we’re a partner committed to growing with you and supporting what matters most,” said Meralco first vice president and head of MPower Redel Domingo. Alena Mae S. Flores Construction supplies’

PSALM manages the assets and liabilities of Napocor, as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. Alena Mae S. Flores

Data from the PSA showed this was primarily due to the index of carpentry materials, which recorded an annual decline of 0.1 percent from an increase of 0.3 percent in August.

Another factor was the slower annual increase was observed in the cost of plumbing materials at 0.1 percent in September, down from 0.4 percent in the previous month.

Other slower annual mark-ups were also posted in the indices of electrical materials (1.8 percent from 1.9 percent), masonry materials (1.4 percent from 1.5 percent) and miscellaneous construction materials (0.2 percent from 0.4 percent). Thony Rose Lesaca

GSIS offers loans for Davao quake victims

THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) said it is prepared to extend financial aid to its active members and old-age or disability pensioners in Davao Oriental after twin earthquakes struck the province and surrounding areas.

Qualified members and pensioners who live or work in the affected regions can borrow up to P40,000 if they have an existing emergency loan, or up to P20,000 if they do not, under the GSIS Emergency Loan Program.

“We are closely monitoring the situation in Davao and stand ready to provide immediate financial assistance to help our members and pensioners recover from the effects of the earthquakes,” said GSIS president and general-manager Jose Arnulfo Veloso.

The loan is payable over 36 months at 6-percent annual interest, with the initial payment due after three months.

WELLNESS PROGRAM. AIA Philippines expands its flagship wellness program, AIA Vitality, through a new partnership with Anytime Fitness, giving Vitality members access to exclusive discounts at all Anytime Fitness locations across the country. The announcement of the new partnership coincides with AIA Vitality’s 10th year in the country, and is just one of many enhancements AIA is launching to mark this milestone.

AGRI SUPPORT. More than 1,400 farmers from the municipalities of Aborlan, Bataraza, Brooke’s Point, Narra, Quezon, Rizal and Sofronio Española in Palawan gather for the rollout of Land Bank of the Philippines’ AGRISENSO Plus Lending Program in the province, bringing low-interest financing and capacity-building support closer to more agricultural communities nationwide. CHINABANK-SSS

SPOTLIGHT

Creative local workmanship and delicacies thrive

2nd OBRA MIMAROPA hits P13m in sales

QCinema and Film Academy of the Philippines forge new partnership

QCinema International Film Festival (QCinema) and the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) have officially launched a new strategic partnership to strengthen support for film industry programs.

In a recent meeting between FAP Director-General Paolo Villaluna, QCinema Industry Head Liza Diño, QCinema Film Foundation President Manet Dayrit, and QCinema Artistic Director Ed Lejano to discuss a shared vision for collaboration and capacity-building in the local film sector.

A key highlight of the partnership is FAP’s funding support for QCinema 2025, which includes contributions toward festival programming and residency programs that hone the skills of emerging Filipino talent.

“Given the rising contributions of Philippine cinema to the global film community, putting forth initiatives that drive professional development and film education are crucial,” Liza Dino shared.

“For our local screen talent to showcase their skill to the nation and beyond, we have to presently nurture their educational needs. This is the reasoning behind our strategic partnership.”

The collaboration will also extend to one of QCinema Industry’ 2025s programs—the Asian Next Wave Film Forum (ANWFF). Director-General Villaluna, along with leaders from various Philippine film guilds, will participate in the forum’s industry panels and roundtable discussions, lending institutional insight into the current landscape of Philippine cinema and regional cooperation in Southeast Asia.

As part of the ongoing partnership, FAP will host a dedicated night during QCinema 2025 on November 18, dubbed FAP Night. The event will serve as an official introduction to FAP’s revitalized initiatives, including programs from affiliated film guilds, and will provide a platform to celebrate industry professionals across disciplines.

The QCinema Industry 2025 will take place from November 18 to 23, 2025. For more information on the QCinema Industry 2025, kindly contact hello@ qcinemaindustry.ph.

PERSONAL Collection (PC), one of the leading Filipino-owned direct-selling companies, continues to champion sustainable innovation with its recent win at the ESG Business Awards for its Biodegradable Packaging program under the Green Packaging Solutions category and its #GreenLifeGreatLife Movement under the Initiative Award - Philippines Environmental Impact.

In 2021, PC took a bold step in becoming the pioneer of biodegradable packaging in the Philippines, and has since then encouraged households to transition from recyclable packaging to biodegradable alternatives, demonstrating its commitment to driving sustainability forward.

This initiative has enabled quicker breakdown of packaging under landfill conditions, preventing over 7,900 tons of plastic waste from polluting the environment.

In research conducted by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), an estimated 164 million sachets are consumed daily in the Philippines, accounting for 52% of the country’s

By Numina Molod

THE second OBRA MIMAROPA Trade Show was a lively celebration of local workmanship and delicacies, lasting from October 2 to 5, 2025, at the Glorietta Activity Center, generating ₱13 million in sales and commitments.

The annual trade expo, with the theme “Marami pa sa MIMAROPA,” brought together more than 120 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. It also had booths from national and local government agencies, which brought in thousands of people from Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The Department of Trade and Industry–MIMAROPA hosted this year’s event, which had more attendees than the 2024 event, indicating that more people are interested in MIMAROPA’s local products and industries that are beneficial for the region. environment.

The trade fair wasn’t simply for selling things; it was also a place to learn and meet new people. Daily “Info Talks” addressed useful topics including digital payments, packaging trends, supply chain logistics, coconut innovations, and export opportunities.

Celebrity chef Rosebud Benitez entertained the audience with a live cooking presentation that used coconut-based ingredients from MSMEs in Palawan and Marinduque.

The third day focused entirely on the arts. The event features workshops in ceramic pottery, photography, advertising, and dance, and Jay Lin Ramos from Raya Fiber was a guest on DTI MIMAROPA’s Buhay Isla Podcast, where he advised MSMEs to look for export markets. A demo of blending coconut drinks showed even more how abundant the region’s agriculture is.

DTI MIMAROPA gave out several awards at the closing ceremony. For the second year in a row, Sea Warrior’s Furniture from Romblon won the Overall Top Seller Award.

residual plastic waste. Due to its archipelagic geography, the country is also vulnerable to ocean pollution and is the third largest contributor to ocean plastic pollution.

As part of its commitment to addressing plastic pollution, PC revolutionized the packaging of its products by transitioning to biodegradable materials. Bio additives are used to help microbes break down plastic surfaces naturally within five to ten years, leaving no harmful residues on the planet.

Aside from the biodegradable solutions, the #GreenLifeGreat Movement also includes initiatives such as coastal and community cleanups, tree-planting activities, and educational and awareness programs for employees, dealers, and communities.

Recognized for its excellence, this movement was also lauded by the Anvil Awards, Stevie International Business Awards, and Araw Values Awards. Additionally, PC’s Home Care Natural products were honored at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.

On the other hand, the City Government of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro won the Best Bayanihan Exhibit Award for showing a modern and new picture of the province’s trade and commerce center.

Meanwhile, Buhay Isla from Marinduque received the Most Innovative Product Award for its tuba drinks that come in unusual flavors like uraro and tablea. The Melvin Upcycled Sea Litter Handicraft from Marinduque obtained the Most Creative Product Award for its eco-friendly art. Furthermore, the Negosyo Center of Marinduque State University was awarded an award for making the Best Reel, which showed off Buhay Isla’s products and fit this year’s theme.

OBRA MIMAROPA succeeded by working closely with the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. – MIMAROPA, the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro, the Provincial Government of Marinduque, the City Government of Calapan, the Department of Agriculture – MIMAROPA, the Department of Tourism – MIMAROPA, the Department of Science and Technology – MIMAROPA, the Department of Information and Communications Technology – MIMAROPA, the Department of Migrant Workers –MIMAROPA, and GCASH.

Every year, OBRA MIMAROPA takes place in Metro Manila and has become the best place for entrepreneurs, artists, and government partners in the region to meet. It is more than simply a trade fair; it is a dynamic platform for promoting local products, giving MSMEs more power, and making MIMAROPA’s economy more visible on a bigger stage, showcasing the region’s innovation, strength, and limitless potential.

Pier Giorgio Frassati, O.P. Building. Across two days of ceremonies from August 18 to 20, the Faculty of Arts and Letters (AB) honored its students, faculty, and staff for outstanding academic and professional performance. The Saint Thomas More Excellence Award was first introduced in 2023 under the administration of then-Acting Dean Jacqueline Lopez-Kaw, DCL, of the Faculty of Arts and Letters at the University of Santo Tomas. Named after the Faculty’s patron saint, the event was created to recognize outstanding academic performance within the community.

In an interview, current AB Dean Prof. Melanie Turingan, PhD, explained that the award ceremony evolved from its earlier version known as the Dean’s Circle, which only recognized the top ten students per batch. Under Turingan’s administration, the awarding has become more inclusive, now honoring all

Dean’s Listers and outstanding teaching and non-teaching personnel within the faculty. Reflecting on her own experiences as a student, Dean Turingan expressed her support for the dean’s lister awardees. “Parang ang sarap [sa] feeling na ‘yung efforts mo are not put into waste, dahil may mga tao na … sees that certificate [as] just a simple certificate, but it matters because it is [a] living proof that I excelled, I did well,” she said. Looking ahead, Turingan also shared plans to include recognition for research in next year’s awarding procedures, aiming to further highlight academic excellence within the faculty. James Audrey Perez, a fourthyear student from UST taking up his bachelor’s degree in Literature, now Dean’s Lister Awardee. He expressed what the award meant to him, “I thought, I had to catch up to my other family members… getting the award it felt like I finally joined them.”

By Julliana Estrecho, Stefan Mendoza, and Mariane Pal-ing AT the University of Santo Tomas,

Personal Collection Malaysia Managing Director Elaine Too receives the Green Solutions Award and the Initiative Award – Philippines Environmental Impact during the ESG Business Awards ceremony held at The Westin Kuala Lumpur.

(Photos by DTI MIMAROPA)

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025

OCTOBER 15, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA Writer Writer

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

By Jasper Valdez

GMA Network’s newest afternoon drama, Hating Kapatid, unites the Legaspi family for the first time on television, with twins Cassy and Mavy shedding their long-held “sweet image” for more mature, dramatic roles.

After years of appearing in commercials and variety shows, the siblings now headline a fulllength series alongside their parents, Carmina Villarroel and Zoren Legaspi The family stars together in a story about love, family, secrets, and forgiveness.

During the show’s media conference held Oct. 7 at GMA Network, Cassy said working with her parents felt both comforting and intimidating.

“There’s always that pressure because they’re my parents,” she admitted. “I try to remain calm

SHOWBIZ

the family agreed to set clear boundaries— different cars, different routines, and no interference during filming.

“We each have our own work ethics,” he said. “Once we’re on set, the director is the referee.” He also said he waited a long time for the right project that would bring them together.

“I was looking for a proper storyline. At this stage, I want to do roles that mean something, that have value.”

Carmina echoed the same sentiment, saying she had to consciously set aside her “mom mode” while filming. “When we’re on set, they’re not my kids or my husband. I’m an actor,” she said. She admitted she couldn’t help feeling proud whenever she saw her children deliver their scenes.

“I’m such a proud mama,” she said. “They come prepared, they know their lines, and they show respect to everyone on set. I must’ve done something right.” The twins’ growth shows not just in their acting but in how they handle expectations that come with their family name.

Mavy said he’s learned to stay grounded despite the pressure.

Mavy and Cassy Legaspi embrace grown-up roles in ‘Hating Kapatid’

and professional, but deep down, there’s still pressure. I’m just really thankful they let us be. They let us grow as artists.”

For Cassy, who plays Belle, the series offers a new, more serious side of the Legaspis.

“If we were to work together, I expected it to be a sitcom,” she said. “This is a bigger blessing. I think Hating Kapatid is a very good venue to show a different side of the Legaspi family.”

She described her character as “a shy girl who always feels like an outcast but remains rooted in love.”

Watching the teaser for the first time, she shared, “I actually cried. It made me realize that this project is bigger than it seems. I’m so proud of everyone here. I haven’t seen my family so passionate about acting.”

Hating Kapatid builds on real emotions drawn from family bonds. Mavy, who portrays Tyrone, described the project as their “love letter” to viewers, saying, “All the love, pain, blood, sweat, and tears are in this show. We’re a very loving family. We don’t like conflict. This is our love letter to all our viewers.”

On his character, Mavy shared, “Tyrone is very relatable. His dream isn’t fame or success. He just wants to see his family happy. There are people like that. Their only dream is peace and happiness for their loved ones.”

Both siblings said their parents treated them as co-actors, not children. “They gave us the freedom to act and be professional. They let us fly.”

Cassy agreed, saying, “It helped that they didn’t micromanage us. We respected each other.”

Before accepting the project, Zoren explained,

screen comeback

By Nickie Wang

PHILIPPINE screen icon Hilda Koronel makes her return to cinema with the world premiere of Jun Robles Lana’s SISA, which has been selected for the Official Competition of the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) this November.

Koronel, celebrated for her roles in Lino Brocka’s Insiang and Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag, has been a leading figure in Philippine cinema for over four decades. She went on hiatus in 2012 after moving to Los Angeles and now returns to collaborate with acclaimed director Jun Robles Lana, whose award-winning films include Bwakaw, Barber’s Tales, and Die Beautiful Northern Europe’s largest film event, Tallinn Black Nights is an FIAPF-accredited “A-list” festival, ranking alongside Cannes, Venice, and Berlin. SISA’s selection in the Official Competition highlights both the film’s artistic merit and the global appeal of Filipino storytelling.

“Returning to Tallinn after his acclaimed

About Us But Not About Us, Jun Robles Lana shifts from the intimate to the epic. With his signature emotional precision and a searing performance by Hilda Koronel, SISA is both a historical thriller and an urgent elegy,” said festival programmer Milani Perera

For international audiences, Koronel is a living link to the golden age of Filipino social realism, with performances that have become landmarks in world cinema. SISA offers a new generation a chance to witness her enduring artistry through a story that blends local history with universal themes.

The film will have its world premiere on Nov. 20 at the Black Nights Film Festival in Tallinn.

Both Lana and Koronel are scheduled to attend the premiere and awards ceremony.

SISA was supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the Film Philippines Office. It was produced by The IdeaFirst Company, Octobertrain Films, Quantum Films, Cineko Productions, CMB Films, YayWati International, in association with Kidlat Entertainment.

GMA Network continued its strong ratings performance in September, with both its afternoon and primetime shows topping television viewership across the country, according to Nielsen TV Audience Measurement’s Urban Philippines data.

The afternoon drama My Father’s Wife, starring Gabby Concepcion, Jak Roberto, Kazel Kinouchia, and Kylie Padilla, posted an average people rating of 7 percent from Sept. 28 to 30, leading its timeslot and generating strong engagement on social media.

The series, which airs Mondays to Saturdays, explores themes of deception and betrayal in relationships.

Family drama Cruz vs Cruz, featuring Vina Morales, Niel Sese, and Gladys Reyes, also performed strongly with a 7.4 percent average people rating on weekdays. The show has earned praise for its emotional storytelling and focus on forgiveness.

“We let our work speak for us,” he said. Cassy added, “At the end of the day, we just want to show people that this is who we are—passionate and genuine.”

Directed by Adolfo Alix Jr., Hating Kapatid airs weekdays on GMA Afternoon Prime.

Meanwhile, Akusada, led by Andrea Torres, Benjamin Alves, and Lianne Valentin, recorded a 6.8 percent average people rating. The series follows a woman’s fight for justice despite a painful past.

On primetime, Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre continued GMA’s dominance, earning a combined 13 percent average people rating on GMA and GTV. The fantasy series, starring Bianca Umali, Faith Da Silva, Angel Guardian, and Kelvin Miranda, maintained its lead over FPJ’s Batang Quiapo airing on A2Z, TV5, and Kapamilya Channel. It has also remained a top-trending topic across digital platforms.

Action-romance series Sanggang Dikit FR, featuring Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado, scored a combined 8.9 percent average people rating, ahead of its rival It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, airing on A2Z, TV5, Kapamilya Channel, and Jeepney TV. Beauty Empire, starring Barbie Forteza, Kyline Alcantara, and Ruffa Gutierrez ended its run with a 4.2 percent combined average people rating from Monday to Thursday, outperforming competing drama Sins of the Father. The show also ranked as the most-watched series on streaming platform Viu for six consecutive weeks.

GMA Network said its consistent viewership success reflects continued support from audiences nationwide. The company plans to close the year with two upcoming dramas, Hating Kapatid and Never Say Die

Hilda Koronel is Sisa in

Seasoned actress Hilda Koronel returns to the big screen in Jun Robles Lana’s historical thriller ‘SISA,’ premiering at the 29th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

From left: Mavy Legaspi, Carmina Villarroel, Cassy Legaspi, and Zoren Legaspi pose for the cameras at the ‘Hating Kapatid’ media conference

Barbie Forteza’s series ‘Beauty Empire’ is one of GMA Network’s most-watched dramas on Viu

Cassy Legaspi, who plays Belle, says their new drama series reveals a more mature side of the Legaspi family

Mavy Legaspi portrays Tyrone in ‘Hating Kapatid,’ a character driven by love and his dream of keeping his family happy

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

Viva makes foray into vertical streaming with new platform for microdramas

By Nickie Wang

VIVA Communications Inc. has officially announced its entry into vertical storytelling with the launch of Viva Movie Box, a new mobile streaming platform featuring short-form Filipino dramas designed for on-the-go viewing.

The announcement was made during an intimate lunch hosted by Viva at the Greyhound Café in The Podium, attended by company executives, including Viva Films president and COO Vincent del Rosario and Viva Communications senior vice president for Production and Broadcast Valerie del Rosario

Set to launch on Nov. 10 as part of Viva’s 44th anniversary celebration, Viva Movie Box will feature serialized microdramas filmed in vertical format, optimized for mobile screens. Each episode will run between one and three minutes, catering to audiences looking for quick, engaging stories.

“Chinese microdramas are often over the top, but unlike foreign content, our titles are not necessarily exaggerated but definitely soapy. At the heart of it though, it still feels like a

kwentong Pinoy na laging may puso ,” Valerie del Rosario said.

She added that the platform complements Viva’s existing streaming services. “If you just want something quick to watch, you go to Viva Movie Box. If you have more time and want a youthful series, there’s Viva One. If you’re in the mood for action, there’s VMX. And if you want the full movie experience, you go to the cinema,” she explained.

Among the launch titles are Akin Ka Lang

Elisa: Batang Kabit Maid for Revenge Love Forbids Inagaw na Anak A Mistress’ Guide to Moving On She’s Not My Sister , and Kapatid, Kaagaw . The series features familiar names such as Nathalie Hart, Ryza Cenon, Louise delos Reyes, Denise Esteban, and Meg Imperial, directed by notable filmmakers including Christian Lat , Sigrid Polon, and Easy Ferrer

CCP honors trailblazing Filipino artists

THE number thirteen is often seen as unlucky in popular culture, tied to superstitions, fear, and bad luck, to the extent that some buildings avoid labeling a 13th floor. But this belief doesn’t hold true everywhere.

In the art community in the Philippines, thirteen takes on a very different meaning. For instance, the CCP Thirteen Artists Awards, which was launched in the 1970s by the Cultural Center of the Philippines after the Thirteen Filipino Modernists led by National Artists Victorio Edades, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, Hernando Ocampo, and Cesar Legaspi, along with other distinguished artists of their generation in the 1920s.

For the CCP Thirteen Artists Awards, the number thirteen here became a marker of creativity, rebellion, and cultural significance,

Glaiza

celebrating bold, innovative Filipino artists who pushed the boundaries of contemporary art.

In the early 1970s, the late CCP curator Roberto Chabet created a curatorial project to put the spotlight on innovative young Filipino artists who introduced new ways of artmaking. Soon, CCP

Museum director-artist Ray Albano elevated the project and turned it into the award program that we know today.

This year, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) honored 13 Filipino artists whose work has significantly impacted the country’s artistic and cultural landscape during a ceremony at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila.

The 2024 Thirteen Artists Awardees are Catalina Africa, Denver Garza, Russ Ligtas, Ella Mendoza, Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan, Issay Rodriguez, Luis Antonio Santos, Joshua Serafin, Jel Suarez, Tekla Tamoria, Derek Tumala, Vien Valencia, and Liv Vinluan. They were recognized for their unique artistic practices reflecting contemporary human experiences.

The awarding coincided with the opening of a special exhibition of the awardees’ works, open daily until Jan. 12, 2026.

Exhibit curator Mervy C. Pueblo said the

Elisa Tan’s works featured in new MCAD Commons exhibition

Commons, a project by the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) that aims to bring contemporary art programming to a wider audience and encourage creative exchange and curatorial dialogue. Tan, who studied in Manila before spending a decade in the United States and Europe, gained recognition in the 1970s for her large-scale paintings. After moving to Paris in the 1980s, she developed a following for her conceptual work merging text, image, and daily life. Her “envelope” series—which she described as “containers for thought”—explored color, abstraction, and the subtle power of small-scale art.

A spiritual crisis later led Tan to withdraw from public artmaking. She converted to Christianity and lived quietly in Baguio, where she passed away. Her works are now preserved by her estate.

The exhibition revisits Tan’s archive and presents a “poetic constellation” of her ideas

2024 awardees reveal “a Philippine art that is awake, attentive, and insistently present,” exploring memory, care, nature, and material through media including video, sculpture, tapestry, watercolor, and installation.

Highlights include Russ Ligtas’ installations exploring memory and resisting erasure; Henrielle Baltazar Pagkaliwangan’s prints and artist books on identity as process; Tekla Tamoria’s tapestries on Filipino women’s social history; and Catalina Africa’s sculptural “personal cosmology.” Issay Rodriguez fuses humanist and ecological ideas, while Liv Vinluan reimagines extinct flora. Ella Mendoza critiques the quiet that accompanies violence. Luis Antonio Santos transforms galvanized iron into palimpsests of history, and Vien Valencia examines the spaces we inhabit. Denver Garza and Jel Suarez create participatory works that allow communities to engage with burdens and fragments, while Joshua Serafin and Derek Tumala confront cultural and ecological erasure.

CCP president Kaye C. Tinga said, “Out of 108 nominations, thirteen artists were chosen to carry the legacy forward. These artists will redefine and provoke the social order while reflecting their truths and realities.”

CCP artistic director Dennis Marasigan added that the award recognizes artists “not just for their excellence but also their potential to inspire and influence the future of Philippine art.”

National Museum director general Jeremy Barns welcomed the artists, noting ongoing upgrades at CCP and the museum: “We need more space, better facilities to house more works of art, works of heritage.”

The CCP Thirteen Artists create not only artworks but also statements on current social landscapes, using bodies, materials, and spaces to make Filipino culture and history visible and relevant for past, present, and future generations. It shows that the meaning we attach to numbers often depends on context, and sometimes what is considered unlucky can actually stand for something groundbreaking.

For more information on the TAA, visit the official website (www.thirteenartists. culturalcenter.gov.ph). To get the latest news on CCP’s events and programs, you may follow the official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.

Juan and art lecturer Dr. Flaudette May Datuin was held on Oct. 11. Juan, a faculty member at SOAS University of London, focuses on transnational Philippine cultural studies and ethical restitution. Datuin, from the University of the Philippines Diliman, specializes in art theory, gender studies, and art and healing.

Elisa Tan: Container of Distance will run until Nov. 16. Viewing hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday, except holidays. Admission is free.

ELISA Tan: Container of Distance brings the body of work of the late Filipino-Chinese conceptual artist to Space63 Comuna in the City of Makati. The show is part of the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD)

Viva said the platform will offer weekly access to all titles and episodes for P59.

Viva Films president and COO Vincent del Rosario (left) and Viva Communications SVP for Production and Broadcast Valerie del Rosario introduce Viva Movie Box, the company’s new mobile platform for vertical-format Filipino microdramas

The Museum of Contemporary Art and Design (MCAD) Commons presents ‘Elisa Tan: Container of Distance at Space63 Comuna’

An artwork from Elisa Tan’s envelope series, which she describes as ‘containers for thought’ that reflects her exploration of abstraction and everyday spirituality

Elisa Tan’s collage piece embodies her poetic approach to language and faith, tracing her evolution from conceptual art to spiritual reflection

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) recognizes the 2024 Thirteen Artists Awardees for their groundbreaking contributions to contemporary Philippine art during a ceremony at the National Museum of Fine Arts

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

INTERNATIONALLY

acclaimed artist and Philippine Navy Goodwill Ambassador

Kristine Soguilon recently concluded her solo exhibit, This Is Bethel, a personal showcase that transformed her struggles into a mission of hope and healing.

This

is

on a Mission Kristine Soguilon unveils a soul-baring exhibit of faith and healing

Held from Oct. 7 to 10 at The Groove in Araneta City, Cubao, the exhibit was a fundraising initiative for the Citizen’s Support Your Navy Foundation, supporting the mental health of troops and fishermen stationed at the West Philippine Sea.

“Each piece is a psalm, a prayer painted in the wilderness. Part of the proceeds will go to support our Navy Foundation,” Soguilon said. “This initiative will help our fishermen and troops stationed at the West Philippine Sea, specifically to support their mental health.”

She explained that the public often underestimates the toll such work takes.

as her most intimate body of work yet. The exhibit was a collection of handwritten letters, sketches, and paintings created during her recovery from depression and therapy.

“Bethel means ‘House of God’ in Hebrew,” she explained. “For me, it wasn’t a temple with golden altars, it was the white walls of a hospital room, the silence between sobs, and the moments when I finally saw grace.”

Soguilon said her creative process has evolved from self-expression to a form of service, and this was very much evident in her latest work.

“As much as possible, I don’t paint based on my mood or circumstances. I

artwork

‘This

Very Wang Nickie Wang

paint what God is speaking to me through my artworks. It’s not about me,” she stated. “When we use our God-given talents, it should go beyond ourselves. The purpose of our talents is to serve others, not to be self-serving.”

Across the ages: Rod Paras-Perez and his ‘Florante at Laura’ prints

ROD ParasPerez is widely recognized as a major figure in Philippine art. Some of his notable works are celebrated for their dynamic use of line and color, and his contributions have been pivotal in shaping the visual language of Philippine culture. His mission to strengthen this unique visual identity remains vital as the country continues to grow and define itself.

Paras-Perez played a unique role in Philippine art history. He combined deep scholarship with a clear curatorial vision, supporting Filipino artists who broke away from tradition. He encouraged looking beyond Western influences and helped build important art collections and archives, including his involvement with the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ collection. His writing was thoughtful and aware of the cultural and political issues in art.

“Sometimes we don’t understand what they’re going through. From the outside, it seems like, ‘It’s nothing, it’s just their job.’ But it’s not that simple,” she said. “They’re far from their families and loved ones. They face many fears and, at times, even question why they’re there. But we owe them everything.”

“Their very lives are their investment,” she added. “And if that’s the case, if your life is what’s at stake, of course it affects your mind. It stays with you and can take a toll on your mental health. So we really have to help them in that aspect as well.” Known in art circles as “Artist on a Mission,” Soguilon presented This Is Bethel

Asked what she hoped her exhibit conveyed to those facing similar struggles, she said, “I just hope they realize their life is not their own. It was given by God for a purpose. We can’t just say, ‘I’m done, I give up.’ I said those words before, too, but I learned that we shouldn’t.”

Following This Is Bethel, Soguilon opened another exhibit, Velvet and Vines, on Oct. 11 at Wine Story, EDSA Shangri-La, a lighter, more celebratory continuation of her journey, where she interpreted wines from around the world through color and texture.

By focusing on local stories and experimental work, he showed that Filipino modernism has its own identity—not just one borrowed from abroad. His influence lives on through his writing and in the many artists and scholars who learned from him. He set an example for cultural work that is thoughtful, engaged, and rooted in local experience, and he reminded cultural institutions that their job is not just to preserve, but also to inspire.

Paras-Perez was also a strong supporter of printmaking. He created prints for Francisco Balagtas’ epic poem Florante at Laura

These projects were major efforts. He did more than just illustrate the poem—he captured its magical and romantic spirit, sparking the imagination. This is clear in his prints of the lovers’ embrace and in a dramatic battle scene inspired by classical art.

Using just two colors, he achieved striking intensity and emotion through his skillful use of bold lines.

Paras-Perez often employed the woodcut technique, which involved carving images into a block of wood, inking the surface, and pressing it onto paper. This method allowed him to create rich textures and contrasts, giving each piece a vivid presence. His use of symbolism was equally potent; for instance, the lovers’ embrace symbolizes unity amidst adversity, while the battle scene reflects the enduring struggle for freedom.

Flourishing at a time when the nation was at a cultural crossroads, particularly in the late 20th century, these prints resonated powerfully with the Filipino people.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) once published a special book featuring these beautiful woodcut prints, celebrating an important part of Philippine culture. What made this book especially significant were its insightful essays, detailed commentary, and the inclusion of rare images that offered readers a deeper understanding of Rod Paras-Perez’s artistry and vision. Although the book is now out of print, the prints can still be purchased at the Sanso Foundation’s Scholarship Café.

You can see Paras-Perez’s prints at the Scholarship Café, along with other great works of art at Fundacion Sanso, located at 32 V. Cruz, Brgy. Sta. Lucia, San Juan, Philippines. You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social.

Primer Chong Ardivilla

The exhibit held at The Groove in Araneta City, showcases

Kristine Soguilon’s most intimate collection of letters, sketches, and paintings

Framed pieces from the exhibit reflect transformation of personal struggle into a mission of hope and healing

Each

in

Is Bethel’ serves as what Soguilon describes as ‘a psalm, a prayer painted in the wilderness’

Filipino artist Rod Paras-Perez used the woodcut techinique in creating his prints inspired by Francisco Balagtas’ epic poem ‘Florante at Laura’