By Ram Superable, Darwin Amojelar and Vito Barcelo
AS MUCH as P348 billion may be slashed from the proposed budget of
the Department of Public Works and Highways for 2026, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said.
Gatchalian said while the DPWH already reduced its initial proposed
By Joel E. Zurbano
THE Independent
Commission on Infrastructure said it will file dozens of cases with the Office of the Ombudsman in the next three to four weeks in connection with ghost and botched flood-control projects.
‘‘
It will be hard and sometimes, it will be painful, but it will be worth it because what we are fighting for is a country that our children will inherit – a nation they can be proud of.
–President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on corruption purge during yesterday’s ceremony for the 2025 recipients of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Award
“We will be filing at least 15 referrals with the Ombudsman in the next three to four weeks. We are targeting that and we
By Charles Dantes
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday said it would seek responsibility over the protection of witnesses in the flood control scandal who are currently in the protective custody of the Senate.
While the Senate gives the DOJ access to the witnesses, they “are only allowed to go to NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) or to the DOJ for the fact-finding.”
“But they are claiming that we need
Sotto confident Lacson will be back as Blue Ribbon head
By Ram Superable
SENATE President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday said Senator Panfilo Lacson is almost certain to return as chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
However, Lacson, currently Senate President Pro Tempore, cautioned that such a move could cost the majority bloc some members and even undermine Sotto’s leadership.
Sotto said Lacson was open to reassuming the contentious position after reflecting on his earlier decision to step down amid criticisms over his handling of the flood control investigation.
By Charles Dantes
to go to this place to get documents. We need to go to our homes to get these documents. We need to talk to some people to strengthen our position. But we cannot do that,” DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Andres said.
By Rio N. Araja and Ram Superable
“That’s why…we will soon file something formally that once we have accepted all of these whistleblowers as protected witnesses, without according them state witness status, we may be al-
FORMER filed plunder and graft complaints against former president Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go before the Office of the Ombudsman over alleged irregularities in government infrastructure projects amounting to ₱6.95 billion. Trillanes named Go as the “central figure” in the complaint, accusing Duterte of acting as his enabler. Go quickly fired back, accusing Tril lanes of reviving old, baseless allegations to damage his reputation and divert at tention from those truly responsible for corruption.
By Pot Chavez
THE Department of Justice (DOJ) through Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Charlie Guhit on Tuesday confirmed that the panel of prosecutors have submitted for resolution the complaints against those implicated in the case of missing sabungeros.
tention.
“As a matter of fact, the panel declared that the preliminary investigation is already submitted for resolution after the complainant manifested that they are not filing a reply or counteraffidavit to the respondents,” Guhit told justice reporters. Out of the 62 respondents, 57 filed counter-affidavits, including the alleged mastermind in the case Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang, his relatives, and celebrity Gretchen Barretto.
Among the charges in the complaints include murder and serious illegal de-
are looking into our current files and documents that we have gathered so far and the testimonies,” said ICI executive director Brian Keith Hosaka in a press briefing yesterday.
Hosaka, however, assured Filipinos it will not allow itself to be used to advance anyone’s political agenda even as it expressed willingness to receive information from the public.
“That’s why we’re being careful here that the commission isn’t used for any political agenda. We don’t want that to happen because it might derail things and mislead the commission,” he said.
This as a private citizen named John Santander on Tuesday submitted a letter urging the ICI to investigate the alleged connection between First Lady Liza Marcos and Maynard Ngu, a businessman who was linked to alleged kickbacks from the flood control projects.
“It is up to the commission to decide on that if there’s any reliable and competent basis for the commission to invite any personality that would lead to finding the truth,” Hosaka said when asked if the First Lady would also be invited to attend the fact-finding body’s hearings.
“The public should not simply believe these kinds of allegations, but of course, the commission will look into this matter. If there’s a basis for the investigation to continue, then we will move forward and we will investigate and we will make sure to call these people who will be responsible or who might be responsible for these anomalous flood control projects and other infrastructure projects,” he added.
Last week, Hosaka said there are 421 suspected ghost flood control projects across the country, of which 261 are in Luzon, 109 in the Visayas and 51 in Mindanao. Most projects are in Central Luzon (67), Bicol Region (49) and Eastern Visayas (45). In Mindanao, 30 projects in Davao region are being evaluated, he added.
Meanwhile, former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has once again asked the ICI to reschedule the hearing set today, (Wednesday, October 22).
“He did not mention what illness. We already asked for a medical certificate. The next hearings will be on Nov. 11 and 12,” said Hosaka.
While there is no specific timeline yet, Guhit vowed that the panel will resolve the case as soon as possible after reviewing the attached documents in the counter-affidavits filed by the respondents.
For his part, lawyer Manuel Ventura—the legal counsel for primary whistleblower Julie ‘Dondon’ Patidongan and his brothers—said they believe in the integrity, probity and uprightness of the panel of prosecutors to uphold the rule of law.
The Patidongan brothers also submitted their sworn statements.
Meanwhile, the camp of gaming tycoon Ang expressed confidence that the case will be remanded back to the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).
“The evidence submitted do not have enough credibility to establish what is called the quantum of evidence for prima facie case to have a probable outcome of a guilty verdict,” Ang’s lawyer Gabriel Villareal explained.
The Mandaluyong City prosecutor’s office on Monday dismissed the complaints filed by Ang against Patidongan for lack of prima facie evidence with reasonable certainty of conviction.
The DOJ also said the search for the possible remains of the victims in Taal Lake is still ongoing.
In a press briefing, DOJ spokesper-
rensic investigation,” he said.
lowed to be responsible for their protection in our safe houses,” he added.
Senate Finance Committee chairman Sherwin Gatchalian said he believed the Senate would “cooperate” with this request “ as long as the whistleblowers can substantiate their allegations.
Andres revealed that the resource persons are allowed access to their own phones.
“We are in the midst of an in-depth investigation and I am very confident that this will bear fruit. In fact, some of the whistleblowers have already surrendered their own cellphones for fo-
Gatchalian noted that the public was impatient with the pace of the probes, noting the DOJ’s admission that no freeze order has been issued against the accounts of any politician.
“I do not have right now copies of that. And if I may clarify, I think the freeze orders have not touched politicians. I mean government officials like DPWH officials are already part of the freeze orders,” Andres said.
“I think the public is growing really impatient (with) the investigation,” he noted.
According to him, everybody was investigating including Congress, but no politician’s assets had been frozen. So, the public is growing impatient. So, we need to really do
its oversight function.
“I think it’s very positive at this point...99 percent. He probably looked back at what happened during the hearings and considered what still needs to be pursued, as there are still many issues that remain undisclosed,”
Sotto said.
He said Lacson’s possible reconsideration came after appeals from colleagues and the public who want him to resume the investigation on the flood control scandal.
Sotto also said Lacson’s leadership would be instrumental in reinforcing the proposed Independent People’s Commission which aims to strengthen
Lacson resigned as head of the Blue Ribbon on Oct. 6, citing dissatisfaction among senators with the direction of panel’s inquiry into alleged ghost flood control projects.
In a separate statement, Lacson confirmed discussing the potential consequences of his return with Sotto, saying both must be prepared for the political fallout it may create.
He warned that his actions and decisions as chairman could result in losing some members of the majority bloc and, consequently, Sotto’s leadership of the Senate.
“A simple, practical question crossed my mind when I decided to resign last October 6: What BRC chairmanship are we talking about if we lose the majority to the current Cayetano-led mi-
terte administration, during which Go served as special assistant to the president and later as senator.
son Polo Martinez said a total of 60 operations were conducted from July until this month.
“35 [diving operations] of which have recoveries, 25 are without. Total number of bones recovered and submitted for examination is 981. This includes three sets of human remains consisting of 264 bones. Total number of human bones is 887,” he said. Martinez added that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is still searching for remains although the diving is no longer done on a daily basis. He said there was still no DNA match on the remains, but noted that the case can still proceed even without DNA results.
“It may add to whatever evidence we have now, but if the assessment by the panel of prosecutors is that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, given what we have on hand, there will be no need to look into the DNA evi-
something meaningful and drastic” Gatchalian said.
Andres gave assurances that they were “following through on the leads given by the whistleblowers.”
“ We are pursuing the case, but we are very circumspect about this. We already filed, through the assistance of the AMLC, freeze orders for those we believe should already be prosecuted in court,” Andres said.
And we have secured six freeze orders already. That includes the officials of the DPWH, some of the contractors, and some of those involved in the kickback mechanism,” he said.
The Witness Protection program meanwhile was seeking a higher budget for next year at P434 million, up from P424 million this year.
nority bloc?” he said.
“Having said all that, if I decide to get back the BRC chairmanship, that question will no longer be a factor,” Lacson added.
The Senate adjourned on Oct. 10 for the Undas break without any leadership changes despite speculations about a possible shake-up.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, earlier urged Sotto and Lacson not to involve the minority bloc in what he described as an internal dispute within the majority.
Cayetano asserted that Lacson’s resignation as head of the Blue Ribbon stemmed from dissatisfaction within the majority, not from pressure by the minority, adding that the committee should focus on accountability, not politics.
budget of P881.31 billion to P625.75 billion, it can still be cut further after the Senate Committee on Finance that he chairs found that over 6,000 projects worth more than P271 billion suffered from “red flags.”
“The amount that can be potentially removed is P348 billion. Those with red flags are already worth P271 billion. Then the overpricing at 20% across-the-board on roads – that’s another at least P70 billion. So more or less about P340 billion,” Gatchalian said.
The senator said the projects that had “red flags” include those that have multiple phases, those identified as being duplicate projects, and those that reappeared from the 2025 General Appropriations Act to the 2026 National Expenditure Program.
Of these, 4,566 road projects lacked station numbers, making it difficult to pinpoint their exact locations or verify their physical implementation, Gatchalian said.
He also cited engineering reviews indicating that certain projects for 2026 showed signs of possible overpricing by as much as 1,400 percent.
“That is our estimate for now. So if their budget now is at P600 billion plus, we remove the P340 billion plus. So they will have around P350 billion left,” Gatchalian said. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said he supports the Senate push to remove projects with potential “red flags.”
“We try our best to remove duplicate projects. If you still see any of them, by all means, we will remove those projects. We will fully support them,” Dizon said.
“It’s okay for me to reduce the DPWH budget just so we can ensure that no one steals,” he added.
Dizon said the DPWH is updating its Cost per Meter Database (CPMD) and Detailed Unit Price Analysis (DUPA) — unchanged since 2015 — to align project costs with current market prices and prevent overpricing.
Senator Loren Legarda earlier proposed an “across-the-board” 25 to 30 percent reduction in DPWH infrastructure line items, warning that Congress cannot approve a budget padded with excessive prices.
Senator Bam Aquino supported the move, suggesting an initial 20-percent cut pending the completion of the DPWH’s review.
“In conscience, we cannot sign off on a budget if we know the design and cost of materials are overpriced. Let’s go for the real price of these projects — that’s what the people deserve,” Aquino said.
“Starting today, only one RFID sticker is needed for our toll expressways across Luzon,” President Marcos said. “One account only, one sticker only, one system: One RFID for all tollways,” he added.
The project unifies the RFID systems operated by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), which handle
“You are barking up the wrong tree. If you’re really serious, why don’t you go after the real corrupt individuals? File cases against your financiers and contractors—you know who they are,” Go said.
Trillanes alleged that Go used his influence to corner more than 200 infrastructure projects for his family members, mostly in Davao City, when Duterte was still mayor.
Go’s father owns CLTG Builders, while his brother operates Alfrego Builders.
Both companies, Trillanes claimed, bagged billions of pesos worth of government contracts under the Du-
Autosweep and EasyTrip, respectively.
Both companies partnered with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to implement the project after years of consultations.
Mr. Marcos thanked SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon Ang and MPIC Chairman and CEO Manuel Pangilinan for working with the government to achieve the long-delayed interoperability plan.
“There is a lot that we are doing now that we cannot accomplish alone—it cannot be done by the government
In his 35-page complaint, Trillanes said CLTG Builders entered into a joint venture with St. Gerrard Construction, owned by the Discaya couple, to secure ₱816 million worth of public works contracts.
He argued that Duterte and Go could be held liable for violating the plunder law, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and the Code of Conduct for Public Officials.
Trillanes said his allegations were based on Commission on Audit (COA) data showing that CLTG Builders was awarded 125 projects in the Davao Region by the Department of Public Works and Highways from March 2007 to May 2018—many of which were part of Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” program. COA records also showed that CLTG Builders bagged 27 projects worth ₱3.2 billion in 2017 alone, while Alfrego Builders reportedly won 59 projects worth ₱1.74 billion between 2007 and 2018. In 2018, Alfrego allegedly secured 23 more projects worth ₱1.3 billion.
alone,” he said.
“So, we included and asked for help from our private sector partners. And I can say that when we ask for their help, they do not hesitate; they do everything they can to ensure we have a successful program like this,” the president added.
President Marcos said the unified RFID system will make travel more convenient and efficient for motorists by reducing delays and removing the need for multiple accounts and loads.
The president added that registration for the unified RFID is free and optional,
Go dismissed the allegations as a “rehash” of previously disproven accusations, maintaining that he has a clean conscience and no involvement in anomalous contracts. “Don’t act like you’re innocent here. Let’s stick to the truth,” Go said. “My conscience is clear. Unlike him, even his conscience is dirty. His only goal is to protect his financiers and the people behind this black propaganda.”
giving motorists the flexibility to retain their existing accounts if preferred.
“No charge. And above all, it’s up to you if you register here. This is optional,” Mr Marcos said. President Marcos said the government plans to launch group and fleet accounts next year, adding that private commuters were prioritized in the first phase of implementation.
He emphasized that the interoperability initiative reflects his administration’s broader goal to modernize infrastructure under his administration’s vision.
revelation that Duterte, who was also serving as Education secretary at that time, had received P612.5million confidential funds from 2022 to 2023, which the Commission on Audit (COA) later flagged for alleged misuse.
Duterte has repeatedly defended the allocation, saying the funds were used for “safe, secure, and successful” programs and operations of her office. Earlier, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said that he would look in to the letter submitted by the group.
The president also commended the cooperation of the toll operators and the TRB, saying the project succeeded through years of coordination and commitment.
“This project has been made possible because of the continued trust, commitment, and flexibility of our partner concessionaires, the operators, and ETC/RFID providers,” he said.
The “One RFID, All Tollways” project is part of the government’s push to create a faster, more connected road network across Luzon and improve daily mobility for Filipino motorists.
By Charles Dantes
DEPARTMEN t of Education (DepEd)
Secretary Sonny Angara said Tuesday that the DepEd is planning to overhaul its classroom construction system by involving local government units (LGUs) and exploring publicprivate partnerships (PPPs) to address the severe shortage of school buildings nationwide.
“Since 2018, only the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been given the authority to build DepEd class-
By Rex Espiritu
THE Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) on Tuesday extended condolences to the family of media practitioner Noel Bellen Samar, who died a day after being shot in Albay. Samar, 54, a broadcaster with Kadunong ITV and DWIZ, passed away around 2 p.m. on October 21 following a medical procedure, according to a PTFOMS statement. He was attacked Monday morning while driving along the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Morera, Guinobatan, Albay, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG “Samar”) has been created to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in identifying and arresting the suspects.
“This tragedy highlights the dangers faced by journalists in pursuing truth and accountability,” PTFOMS Executive Director Jose Torres Jr. said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to press freedom and journalist safety.
PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also condemned the killing, saying such violence has no place in a democratic society and that journalists play a vital role in promoting transparency.
By Ram Superable
THE Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday launched its “Trangkaso Bye-Bye” campaign to promote flu prevention habits as the country remains in flu season.
The campaign underscores the importance of regular handwashing, sufficient rest, and eating fruits and vegetables.
Health officials said the drive aims to remind Filipinos that small daily actions can protect families from influenza and other respiratory infections.
DOH data showed 6,457 cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) from September 28 to October 11, 2025 — a 25% decrease from 8,628 cases during the same period last year.
ILI is an acute respiratory infection caused by viruses such as Influenza A and B, RSV, and Rhinovirus. The DOH said prevention remains the best defense against seasonal illnesses.
rooms,” Angara said in an ambush interview in Malacañang. “We want to include provinces, cities, and even capable municipalities so the process can move faster.”
He attributed the delays in school construction to DPWH’s shifting focus toward flood control projects, saying classroom construction had stopped being a priority. Still, he expressed confidence that under the leadership of Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, the process would speed up. Citing Senate data, Angara said
only 22 classrooms have been completed so far, with about 900 pending construction. The country needs “close to 100,000 or even more than 150,000” new classrooms to meet demand.
To close the gap, DepEd is proposing a PPP approach modeled after a previous program that built 14,000 classrooms at once. Angara reaffirmed DepEd’s commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s target of building 40,000 classrooms before the end of his term. Ram Superable
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared special non-working holidays in five areas this November to allow residents to join their local anniversaries and festivities.
Under Proclamation Nos. 1064 to 1068, the holidays were set for communities in Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, Cavite, La Union, and Nueva
Ecija. Proclamation No. 1064 designates November 20 as a special holiday in Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, for the town’s founding anniversary. In Benguet, November 22 will be a holiday in Itogon for its 125th founding anniversary. Meanwhile, November 26 is declared a holiday in Dasmariñas City, Cavite, while
November 27 marks Burgos, La Union’s 100th anniversary.
In Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, November 20 will be a local holiday for the annual thanksgiving festival for a bountiful harvest.
The proclamations said the holidays are “fitting and proper” to give residents time to take part in the celebrations. Charles Dantes
The “Trangkaso Bye-Bye” campaign is part of DOH’s broader effort to strengthen health awareness during the rainy season. At the same time, the agency expanded its mental health programs for students after reports of panic attacks and anxiety during recent earthquakes.
Through its Peer Support Groups Playbook Program, now being rolled out in Cavite National High School, DOH aims to equip students with mental health tools and peer networks that can provide support during emergencies and personal crises.
Yacob elected new Bangsamoro speaker
COTABATO CITY—Dr. Mohammad Yacob has been elected as the new speaker of the Bangsamoro Parliament, succeeding the late Pangalian Balindong, who passed away on October 2 at age 83. Yacob, an agriculturist and a member of the Central Committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), was favored by members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament over Deputy Speaker Nabil Tan and Member of Parliament Jose Iribani Lorena. A longtime associate of the late MILF Chairman Salamat Hashim, Yacob holds a doctorate in philosophy and is widely recognized for his expertise in policy research and policymaking.
He previously served as the agriculture minister under then Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, and later as deputy senior minister under Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua. In both roles, he concurrently sat as a member of the Bangsamoro Parliament, helping shape key regional policies during the transition period. Nash B. Maulana
LTFRB suspends 22 buses over safety violations THE Land Transportation
to operators to comply with standards for safe and passenger-friendly operations,” Mendoza said. “Passengers are the lifeblood of your businesses, so serve them well.” The order followed inspections by Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, who found several terminals lacking proper
Over
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025 mst.daydesk@gmail.com
THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) marked on Tuesday, Oct. 21, a historic milestone with ground-breaking ceremony for the PCG General Hospital at M.L. Quezon Boulevard, New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City.
PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan presided at the opening rite, along with Taguig City councilor Darwin Icay representing Mayor Ma. Laarni Cayetano. The PCG also broke ground for the Coast Guard First Responder and Nursing Service Facility.
These infrastructure projects represented a transformative step toward providing accessible, high-quality medical care with modern medical facilities equipped to deliver comprehensive, quality healthcare services to PCG personnel, their families, and civilians, especially during emergencies and disasters, the PCG said. Vince Lopez
BI arrests Japanese, Nigerian fugitives
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested two foreign fugitives wanted in their respective countries in separate operations conducted in Cagayan de Oro City and Olongapo City.
In the first operation, BI’s Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), together with the Philippine National Police and Japanese authorities, nabbed Yoshihiko Kubura, also known as Yoshihiko Tashiro, in Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.
Kubura, 59, was wanted by the Kyoto District Court for assaulting a man in a karaoke bar in Kyoto City in 2013, causing serious facial injuries. Later that day, FSU agents, in coordination with the National Bureau of Investigation, arrested John Emmanuel Obasi, a 33-year-old Nigerian at a resort in Olongapo City. Vito
Manila, Aichi Prefecture strengthen bilateral ties
PHILIPPINE ambassador to Japan
Mylene Garcia-Albano and Aichi Prefecture Gov. Ohmura Hideaki exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation during the latter’s visit to the Philippine Embassy on October 9.
In a statement, Albano thanked Ohmura for his efforts to promote collaboration between the Philippines and Aichi Prefecture.
“The Aichi Prefectural Government can count on the unwavering support of the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo and the Consulate General in Nagoya for assistance and collaboration in empowering the Filipino community Aichi,” she said.
She also expressed interest in exploring opportunities to connect Philippine and Japanese businesses and to undertake joint initiatives in celebration of the 70th anniversary of normalized relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2026. Katrina Manubay
By Pot Chavez
SUPREME
Court (SC) Senior Associate
Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen called on tax accountants to take an active role in combating corruption.
Leonen made the call during the 1st Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) National Annual Tax Convention held last Oct. 8 to 9. “As tax and accountancy pro -
fessionals, you play a vital role in ensuring that our system is fair and just…Taxation should serve a noble purpose. It is necessary, and your efforts bring this law to life,” he said.
Leonen warned that corruption is becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect such that accountants must help expose and correct such injustices.
The magistrate encouraged the tax accountants to respond with courage, innovation, and collaboration—to adapt strategies, adopt new technologies, and strengthen networks in order to stay ahead of corrupt practices.
He reminded them that meaningful reform will not come eas-
ily. “It demands vigilance, ethical consistency, and the moral courage to challenge unfair systems and advocate for the marginalized,” he said.
“The work you do involves much more than just taxes. You are dedicated to creating a better and more equitable society, one where justice rules, inequality is addressed, and every Filipino has the chance to live with dignity and purpose,” Leonen stressed.
PRESIDENT Marcos on Tuesday honored this year’s 10 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos for exemplifying the “Bagong Pilipino” virtues of honesty, uprightness, and service with compassion.
“It is always with the greatest pride, honor, and pleasure that I honor the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos because you are exemplary individuals who have gone the extra mile to transform lives, to uplift communities,” said the President during the awarding ceremony at Malacañang.
The 10 awardees consisted of teachers, soldiers and police officers “who serve as an inspiration to correct wrong practices in government,” the Palace said in a statement.
“My countrymen, you manifested
genuine public service which cannot be measured by social status, but through a desire to deliver change among our people,” the Chief Executive said in Filipino.
“You are the face of Bagong Pilipino: loyal, dignified, and will wholeheartedly render service to fellow Filipinos,” he added.
The President said narratives of the awardees offer a renewed hope and reminder that integrity still lives within the government and that their honor still defines what it means to be a Filipino.
“Teacher, soldier, policeman. Whatever your profession is or method of service, you are a reminder that true greatness is in serving with honor and justice,” Marcos stressed.
“Every loyal soldier, teacher, police-
THE Philippine Navy has recovered what appeared to be debris from a Chinese rocket off the coast of Bataraza, Palawan, just days after Beijing conducted a rocket launch. According to the Navy, personnel aboard BRP Lolinato To-Ong discovered the metallic object bearing a Chinese flag during an operation on Monday in the West Philippine Sea, about 12.17 nautical
Last week, the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) confirmed that the Long March 8A rocket was launched from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Hainan Island at around 9:33 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16. PhilSA said possible drop points of these rocket debris were: 45 nauti-
cal miles (NM) away from Tubbataha Reef Natural Park; 118 NM away from El Nido, Palawan; 137 NM away from Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and 34 NM away from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan. Unburned debris from rockets, such as the booster and fairing, are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. In September, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) found a suspected rocket part off the waters of Cuyo town in Palawan also believed to be linked to a recent launch from China’s Long March rocket program. Rex Espiritu
man is triumph over irregularity and sarcasm plaguing our country. You are one of our inspirations to strive to correct the erroneous ways in the government,” the President stressed, This year’s 10 Outstanding Filipinos who received the Medallion of Excellence consisted of four teachers, namely Noel Sadinas, who was honored for turning a dumpsite into a learning space for indigenous students; Amando Perfecto Molin, whose acts of kindness brought inspiration to students across Southeast Asia; Dr. Mylene Uy, who pioneered natural products research in Mindanao; and Dr. Angelo Mark Walag, who championed experiential learning and empowered teachers in underserved schools. The President also conferred the
awards on Underwater Operationsman First Class Anro Anthony Turallo for his courage in helping reclaim communities from violent extremism; Col.Ricky Canatoy for helping rebuilding war-torn villages; and Col.Joey Fontiveros for establishing the nation’s first Cyber Battalion. In the police service, the Chief Executive honored Master Sergeant Ivan Velasco for community-driven programs that unite law enforcement and environmental protection; Major Elmira Relox for restoring the dignity of countless women and children through her rescue and reintegration efforts; and Colonel Frederick Obar for innovative reforms and digital learning system that have transformed the way the police serve the public. Charles Dantes
By Rex Espiritu
A RANKING leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was reported killed on Friday, Oct. 17, in an encounter with government troops in Norzagaray, Bulacan. According to Army, combined elements of the 80th Infantry Battalion under the 2nd Infantry Division and the 70th Infantry Battalion under the 7th Infantry Division launched a joint operation following reports from residents about the presence of armed men in Sitio Balagbag, Barangay San Mateo.
A brief shootout ensued, resulting in the death of Jordan Mopon, also known as “Boyong”, tagged as an NPA leader involved in extortion and other terror activities in the CALABARZON region.
Troops recovered from the encounter site an M14 rifle, eight jungle packs,
three sacks of assorted food supplies, and several subversive documents. Security forces are conducting hot pursuit operations against the escaping insurgents.
The Jungle Fighter Division assured the public that security operations in the area will be intensified to thwart any attempts by communist rebels to disrupt peace and development initiatives in the region.
Earlier, authorities nabbed in Bustos, Bulacan a suspected NPA member facing multiple criminal cases.
Police identified the suspect only as alias “Zaldy” who was apprehended in Barangay Bonga Mayor by operatives from the Albay Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Police Regional Office–Central Luzon, and other partner agencies.
THE latest dip in trust ratings of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte foreshadows a volatile political climate heading into the 2028 elections, with public frustration over corruption and governance likely to reshape alliances, narratives, and voter mobilization.
The Sept. 2025 Social Weather Stations survey revealed eroding trust and confidence in the country’s top two leaders.
President Marcos’ trust rating fell to 43 percent, down from 48 percent in June. Vice President Duterte’s rating dropped to 53 percent, a sharper decline from 61 percent. The survey was conducted days after the massive Sept. 21 anti-corruption protests, triggered by the flood control scandal involving billions in public funds.
What this signals is a shift in public mood resulting from economic pressures and governance failures.
Corruption is a flashpoint: The timing of the survey, held immediately after nationwide protests, suggests that corruption scandals are now directly impacting on the current political situation.
When the rains came this year, they didn’t just flood streets, they exposed the rotten system beneath them. The Philippine flood control scandal, now etched into public consciousness, has revealed a disturbing truth: corruption isn’t just about stolen money.
It’s about stolen futures, drowned communities, and broken systems that fail when they’re needed most.
In July 2025, President Marcos Jr. acknowledged in his State of the Nation Address what whistleblowers and watchdogs had long suspected: billions of pesos were siphoned off through “ghost” flood control projects.
These were not just accounting errors but were deliberate acts of collusion between public officials, lawmakers, and contractors.
A Pulse Asia survey found that nine in ten Filipinos believe there was collusion in the theft of flood control funds, cutting across regions and income levels.
The consequences have been staggering. Infrastructure meant to protect lives was either never built or grossly substandard. Communities in various areas in the country were submerged, not just by water but by betrayal.
The scandal triggered leadership changes in the Department of Public Works and Highways and Congress, but the damage runs deeper.
What the floods revealed is a system where oversight is weak, accountability is delayed, and public trust is fragile. The scandal is not an isolated incident, but a symptom of a governance model that prioritizes patronage over performance, opacity over transparency.
But this moment also offers a chance for reform. We must demand independent audits of all infrastructure projects, past and present.
We should pursue permanent citizen oversight mechanisms, especially in procurement and implementation. We must
intensify civic education that empowers young Filipinos to recognize and resist corruption. And we should also push for legal reforms that criminalize collusion and protect whistleblowers.
What the decline in the trust ratings of the top two national leaders after nationwide anti-corruption mobilizations suggests is that the balance in Philippine politics could drastically change, with traditional dynasties facing stronger scrutiny in the years ahead.
This decline could also open space for challengers who position themselves as clean, competent, and reform-oriented.
What this signals is a shift in public mood resulting from economi pressures and governance failures
We have witnessed in recent weeks the youth and civil society—or the organized citizenry—mobilizing against corruption. The protests were notable for their decentralized, youth-led character. This could signal a growing appetite for alternative leadership and reformist platforms.
How will current events impact on the 2028 presidential elections?
We see coalition politics intensifying in scope and breadth. We can also expect realignments as parties recalibrate their strategies. Politicians may distance themselves from scandal-tainted figures or double down on populist narratives to retain their base.
We also anticipate civic engagement to reshape the playing field. If the momentum from anti-corruption protests sustains, it could lead to higher voter turnout, more issue-based campaigning, and stronger demands for transparency.
There are concrete moves that could connect outrage to action. One is to call for participatory budgeting and oversight. Another is to create platforms that challenge patronage politics with integrity-based leadership. Still another is to mobilize the citizenry to demand transparency, accountability, and reform in the lead-up to the 2028 national elections.
It is important to point out that corruption and declining trust are systemic issues, not isolated scandals. Mass mobilization efforts should link flood control corruption to broader governance failures. Civic education should explain how patronage, dynasties, and weak oversight erode public trust.
The floods washed away more than homes, they washed away illusions. If we fail to act now, we risk rebuilding on the same broken foundations.
But if we seize this moment, we can reconstruct not just our roads and drainage systems, but our democracy itself. (Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)
CROCS. Baboy. Buwaya. Those are the invectives many of our haters hurl at us.
A quick scroll through social media is enough to show how political discourse in our country has sunk into the pit of namecalling and personal attacks.
Not that I mind being called names— it comes with the territory—but it’s just unfortunate how gutter language has become the new normal in what could have been an intelligent, truthful, and constructive discussion of issues that actually matter. What’s even more alarming is that the kind of behavior once associated with paid trolls now seems to be the default script—not just for anonymous keyboard warriors, but for some of our own elected officials.
Who would have thought we’d see senators calling each other tuta on live television, or hear congressmen refer to their peers as buwaya in public?
It’s like the whole nation is tuning in to a never-ending reality show where insults are the main event and reason has long been voted off the island.
Sometimes, I check my message requests on Facebook, and I already know what to expect—insults, threats, and personal attacks.
What’s shocking isn’t that they exist,
but that they’re written by real people, not bots. Some even have family photos and Bible verses on their profiles. It makes you wonder—how can people who seem decent, who probably teach their kids about kindness, become so cruel behind a screen?
It’s unfortunate how gutter language has become the new normal in what could have been an intelligent, truthful, and constructive discussion of issues
So what happened to civility in political discourse?
Gone are the days when our leaders, despite their differences, debated with dignity. Remember when disagreements were handled with reason and respect?
When speeches in the halls of Congress reflected ideas, not insults?
This is an AI-generated cartoon with the prompt: Horizontal panel. Foreground: a piggy-bank shaped like a vintage military helmet, labeled ‘Pension Fund.’ Above it hovers a bayonet-tipped letter-opener labeled ‘Sanctions,’, poised to crack open the helmet-bank. Reflected on the shiny surface: silhouettes of retired officers chanting (speech bubble fragmented). A young soldier-child (symbolizing future troops) stands beside the piggy-bank, holding a cracked coin labeled ‘Trust.’. Sparse background, sharp ink strokes. Caption: ‘Break the bank, break the bond?’
AT LEAST 30 business groups called on the Marcos Jr. administration to address, without delay, the “historic, massive, and unprecedented corruption scandal” in the government’s flood control and infrastructure projects.
The crisis, the business groups said, has eroded public trust and now threatens the country’s national security.
The businesses cited their immense contribution to national funds in the form of local and national taxes, and said that the money intended to protect communities from disasters have been squandered through ghost projects, substandard work, and inflated contracts.
“This is more than financial loss –it is a fatal breach of public trust that leaves our people vulnerable and outraged,” the groups said.
Going beyond general rhetoric, the groups specified their demands on the Marcos administration, which include calls to give the Independent Commission on Infrastructure greater authority, prosecute those involved regardless of affiliation, implement institutional reforms and reinstitute ill-gotten wealth, and provide regular
Today, it seems like everyone’s just throwing mud—louder, nastier, and often without even a shred of proof.
Here’s the sad truth: the way we talk about politics today reflects the kind of politics we now practice.
First, much of what passes for “criticism” isn’t meant to enlighten—it’s meant to enrage. The goal is no longer to clarify the issues but to anger the people, to manipulate emotions so that outrage becomes the only lens through which we see public life. It’s not about truth anymore— it’s about traction. It’s about crafting viral posts, catchy hashtags, and dramatic takedowns.
The louder the insult, the more it spreads.
But here’s the thing: anger might win attention, but it never wins understanding. And politics without understanding is just noise.
Second, many of these so-called discussions are not about seeking truth, but about building clout.
People twist facts, cherry-pick data, or outright invent stories to get likes, shares, or airtime.
Some politicians have learned that controversy pays more than character. Instead of being guided by principles, they chase
updates to the public on the progress of the investigations. Responding to the call, the Palace assured the group that it is taking cor-
These are results-oriented, information-driven executives used to making highstakes business decisions every day. The government should heed their recommendations
ruption issues seriously, even as the ICI said it would be a long way to jailing
popularity—and when popularity is the prize, decency becomes disposable. The result? A culture where facts are flexible, and where truth is whatever gets the most clicks. Third, there is no longer any respect in how we disagree. Courtesy used to be the unwritten rule in politics. You could attack someone’s position, but not their person. You could debate without demeaning.
Now, it’s all about one-upping each other, getting the best insult, and leaving someone humiliated.
We’ve forgotten that disagreement doesn’t have to mean disrespect.
Politics has turned into a shouting match where the only measure of victory is who can throw the nastier punch.
Sadly, the lack of civility in our discourse mirrors the brokenness of our politics. When leaders abandon respect, followers follow suit.
When those in power treat words like weapons, the people learn to do the same. We can’t expect a healthy democracy when our daily conversations are poisoned with hate. Democracy needs debate, yes—but debate that is grounded in reason, respect, and responsibility.
those guilty in the infrastructure scam.
These are groups composed of results-oriented, information-driven executives used to making high-stakes business decisions every day. Nothing would convince them – and the rest of the country – that the Marcos administration is indeed serious and acting in good faith more than heeding their recommendations, especially in terms of granting the ICI greater powers and jailing those accountable, whatever their political color.
The groups are correct to point out that the significant taxes they pay should redound to the benefit of the people, not line the pockets of shameless, doubletalking politicians and their collaborators.
Businesses carry with them their employees and the family members who depend on their salaries. They have earned the right to speak on behalf of millions, who are becoming angrier and more indignant with every new revelation and with every day that decisive action is not taken.
Good business thrives only in transparency and accountability. Corruption is bad for business, bad for governance, and bad for the people – except the ones who have milked the system for so long.
Without these, all we have left is division.
It’s time we bring back civility—not as a sign of weakness, but as a mark of strength. Respect doesn’t mean silence. Politeness doesn’t mean passivity. Civility is the courage to stand firm without tearing others down.
It’s knowing that disagreement doesn’t make someone your enemy, and that shouting doesn’t make your argument stronger.
Maybe it’s time we stop rewarding those who insult the loudest and start listening to those who speak with wisdom.
Maybe it’s time we stop sharing posts that divide and start amplifying voices that heal.
Because the problem isn’t just the noise we hear. It’s the silence of those who know better but choose not to speak up. In the end, politics is not just about power—it’s about people. And if we can’t talk to each other with decency, how can we ever work together for the common good?
The real test of leadership today isn’t just what we fight for—it’s how we choose to fight. And maybe, just maybe, the first step to fixing our politics is to remember our manners.
SAN FRANCISCO—Popular
internet services ranging from streaming platforms to messaging services to banking were offline for hours Monday (Tuesday Manila time) due to an outage in Amazon’s crucial cloud network, illustrating the extent to which internet life depends on the tech titan.
The disruption affected streaming platforms, including Amazon’s Prime Video service and Disney+, as well as Perplexity AI, the Fortnite game, Airbnb, Snapchat and Duolingo. Mobile telephone services and messaging apps Signal and WhatsApp were affected in Europe, according to Downdetector.
People also reported problems reaching websites including
Amazon’s own e-commerce shop. Some banks such as Lloyd’s were also impacted, and pointed to AWS as the problem.
Amazon said on an status page that the system at issue was back to “pre-event levels” and expected it would to take two hours to work through the data backlog caused by the problem.
Reports of problems with AWS plummeted at DownDetector but lingered.
A huge spike in disruption logged at Downdetector early Monday was followed by an even bigger jump some nine hours later, with the internet trouble tracker posting that it had received more than 11 million reports in total. AFP
WASHINGTON, DC – US President Donald Trump warned Hamas Monday (Tuesday Manila time) it would be “eradicated” if it breaches the Gaza deal with Israel, but said he would give the Palestinian militant group a chance to honor the truce.
President JD Vance headed to Israel shortly after Trump’s comments, joining two top US envoys after weekend violence threatened to wreck the fragile ceasefire.
“We made a deal with Hamas that they’re going to be very good, they’re going to behave, they’re going to be
TOKYO—Japan got its first woman prime minister on Tuesday after Sanae Takaichi, a China hawk and social conservative, forged an 11thhour coalition deal.
Japan’s fifth premier in as many years will lead a minority government and has a bulging in-tray, not least a scheduled visit by US President Donald Trump next week.
The lower house of parliament appointed Takaichi, an admirer of Margaret Thatcher, as prime minister on Tuesday, after she unexpectedly won a slim majority in a first round of voting. Looking serious, the 64-year-old stood and bowed several times to lawmakers.
The upper house then voted in her favour, although in a runoff after Takaichi fell short of a majority. Takaichi will formally take office after meeting the emperor later.
The former heavy metal drummer became on October 4 head of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which has governed almost non-stop for decades but is losing support.
Six days later, the Komeito party, uncomfortable about Takaichi’s conservative views and an LDP slush fund scandal, quit their coalition.
This forced Takaichi to form an alliance with the reformist, rightleaning Japan Innovation Party (JIP), which was signed on Monday evening. AFP
nice,” Trump told reporters at the White House as he hosted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“And if they’re not, we’re going to go and we’re going to eradicate them, if we have to. They’ll be eradicated, and they know that.” Trump helped broker the Gaza deal
nearly two weeks ago but it has repeatedly come under threat as Israel accuses Hamas of stalling on handing over dead hostages, and of launching attacks.
The US president has also warned the militant group to stop public executions of rivals and alleged collaborators as it seeks to reestablish its grip on the devastated territory.
Trump, however, insisted that American forces would not be involved against Hamas, saying dozens of countries that have agreed to join an international stabilization forces for Gaza would “love to go in.”
Meanwhile, the Trump administra-
tion has redoubled its efforts to bolster a fragile ceasefire in Gaza after a flare-up of violence, with Vice President JD Vance due in Israel on Tuesday hot on the heels of two high-level envoys. Despite incidents over the weekend, both warring parties have said they are committed to the US-backed truce, and Donald Trump himself said Monday that he would give Hamas a chance to “behave” or else be “eradicated.”
The ultimatum came as militants returned the body of another dead hostage under the ceasefire deal, with the Israeli military confirming the remains were back in Israel where they
WASHINGTON, DC—The agency responsible for safeguarding the US nuclear stockpile began placing most staff on enforced leave Monday, US media reported, as the government shutdown dragged into a fourth week.
Some 1,400 workers at the National Nuclear Security Administration were due to receive notices telling them they had been placed on unpaid furlough, CNN reported, leaving just 375 at their posts.
“Since its creation in 2000, NNSA has never before furloughed federal workers during funding lapses,” Energy Department spokesman Ben Dietderich told CNN. “We are left with
Ex-FBI chief Comey seeks dismissal of ‘spite’ charges WASHINGTON, DC—Former
no choice this time. We’ve extended funding as long as we could.”
The United States has an arsenal of 5,177 nuclear warheads, with about 1,770 deployed, according to the global security nonprofit Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists.
The NNSA, which oversees 60,000 contractors, is responsible for designing, manufacturing, servicing and securing the weapons.
The Department of Energy did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but CNN reported that the furloughs will initially hit sites that assemble nuclear weapons, such as Pantex
in Texas and Y-12 in Tennessee.
At 20 days, America is enduring the longest full government shutdown ever—the third-longest if partial stoppages are included.
President Donald Trump has been ratcheting up pressure on Democrats to vote with his Republicans to reopen the government, with increasingly ominous threats to slash public services and start mass layoffs.
“So we’re hoping the Democrats become much less deranged and that we will get the vote pretty soon. And I hear they’re starting to feel that way, too,” Trump told a college baseball event at the White House. AFP
would be positively identified. Prior to the latest handover, Hamas had given back 12 hostages’ bodies out of the 28 it had pledged to return, but it says it needs time and technical assistance to recover them all. The truce, which Trump helped to broker, came under threat over the weekend when two Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza’s south. In response, Israel carried out dozens of strikes targeting Hamas across the territory on Sunday—using 153 tons of bombs, according to Netanyahu—and accused the militant group of “a blatant violation” of the ceasefire, an accusation it denied. AFP
US, Australia sign rare earths deal as subs promised
WASHINGTON, DC—US President Donald Trump signed a deal on rare earth minerals Monday (Tuesday Manila time) with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and said Washington’s key ally would get its coveted nuclear-powered attack submarines.
The two leaders met at the White House to concentrate on a pair of areas -- defense and critical minerals -- in which Washington and Canberra are cooperating against what they view as an increasingly assertive China.
Albanese said the rare earths deal would lead to $8.5 billion in critical minerals projects in Australia and take relations to the “next level.”
The Australian premier has touted his country’s abundant critical minerals as a way to loosen China’s grip over global supplies of rare earths, which are vital for tech products.
Australia sits on deposits of lithium, cobalt and manganese as well as rare earth metals used in technologies from semiconductors to defense hardware, electric cars and wind turbines.
The Australian government said it and the US government would each invest more than $1 billion over the next six months, while the White House put the figure at $3 billion between the two countries.
Albanese had also been pushing for progress on the stalled 2021 AUKUS submarine deal between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States. AFP
JAN Cadee Dagoon and Krelz Gecolasa emerged as the biggest revelations of the Gentry National Juniors Tennis Championships at the Colegio San Agustin courts in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan over the weekend, each capturing twin titles to underscore their rise as future stars of Philippine tennis. Dagoon, a multi-titled campaigner, lived up to her billing as the second seed in the girls’ 16-and-under division, exacting revenge for top-seed and fellow Olongapo City rising star Ayl Gonzaga’s earlier loss to Izabelle Camcam in the semifinals. In a display of dominance, she blanked Camcam, 6-0, 6-0, to claim the crown. In the 18-and-U semis, she survived a tight battle with Gonzaga, 6-3, 7-6(3), before dismantling Dania Bulanadi, 6-1, 6-2, to complete her two-title romp. Her impressive campaign didn’t end there. Dagoon went on to claim a third crown, teaming up with Gonzaga to clinch the 18-and-U doubles title with a commanding 8-2 win over Bulanadi and Athena Liwag – a feat that stamped her class and showcased her versatility across both singles and doubles play in the tournament which featured some of the country’s most talented junior players, competing under the Palawan Pawnshop-Palawan Express Pera Padala (PPS-PEPP) national circuit.
Gonzaga, meanwhile, made her own statement by ruling her own age category. Just 14 years old, she showcased poise and maturity beyond her years, sweeping past Liwag, 6-2, 6-2, in the semis and then routing Vania Parawan, 6-0, 6-3, to rule her age division. Her performance confirmed her as one of the brightest prospects on the national junior tennis radar.
Gecolasa, hailing from Midsayap, North Cotabato, also completed a golden double with gritty performances in the boys’ side. He toppled top seed Brendan Morales in the 16-and-U finals, 4-6, 6-3, 4-0(ret.), after a clinical 6-1, 6-2 demolition of Muhammad Keyan Sarip in the 14-and-U championship. His consistency, court IQ, and coolness under pressure suggest a player with the tools to go far.
Spikers’ Turf pledges full support to Alas PH in SEAG
IN A continued show of unwavering support for Philippine volleyball, the Spikers’ Turf has reaffirmed its commitment to the national cause by giving full leeway to Alas Pilipinas as it gears up for the Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.
As the country’s premier and only men’s volleyball league, Spikers’ Turf is embracing flexibility, allowing national team members to focus on training, camps and preparations – even if it means missing club matches during the upcoming Invitational Conference.
“We’re really all-out in our support for the national team. That’s why we’re allowing them to practice or to go to camps or kung ano man yung plano ng national team,” said tournament director Mozzy Ravena during the recent press conference for the Invitational Conference held at Discovery Suites in Ortigas.
The decision underscores the league’s bigger-picture vision – not just for competitive club play, but for the broader development and success of Philippine men’s volleyball on the international stage.
Understanding that several local teams will be affected by the national call-up, the league has also introduced a fair solution – teams may bring in substitute players equivalent to the number of athletes they would lose to Alas Pilipinas.
Among the teams with national players are Cignal HD Spikers (Vince Lorenzo, Owa Retamar, Louie Ramirez and Lloyd Josafat), Criss Cross King Crunchers (Marck Espejo, Kim Malabunga and Eco Adajar), USTGameville (Josh Ybañez) and PGJCNavy Sealions (Jack Kalingking).
These athletes were part of the historic Alas Pilipinas lineup that broke through in the recent World Champinships held here, reaching the post-elimination round.
By Randy M. Caluag
THE Philippines proved its mountain biking power in Asia, with Shagne Yaoyao and three other riders crowned overall champions in the 2025 UCI Asia MTB Series after the final leg in Kumamoto, Japan.
Yaoyao finished third in Japan but her strong performances in the earlier rounds — three wins and one second-place finish — secured her the Women’s Elite overall title.
In the Men’s Elite, Go for Gold’s Adrian Nacario also took home the overall crown. He placed fourth in the final race but consistently landed on the podium throughout the series.
Fellow Go for Gold rider Thirdy Mana-ay dominated the Junior Men’s category to win the overall title, while Lexi Dormitorio completed the Philippine sweep after capturing both the Junior Women’s overall title and the Japan leg victory, her third win of the season. Aside from the medals and trophies, the Filipino riders also earned valuable UCI points — a big boost to their world rankings and their bid for a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
NEW HEIGHTS. Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural event at the
looks to
the
Trials Philippines to new
With an even bigger and more dynamic second edition on the
the event continues to cement the country’s reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most passionate running destinations.
The Philippine mountainbikers proudly wave the ag in Kumamoto, Japan.
men’s and women’s
By Peter Atencio
THE Philippine women’s team took the lead in Group B of the ongoing 2025 Pan Continental Curling Championships, also known as the 2025 United States Steel Pan Continental Curling Championships.
Led by Katie Sumbillo-Dubberstein, the Filipinas first repulsed Brazil, 13-5, and Puerto Rico, 8-6, to post their second straight victory in Eveleth, Minnesota.
The Filipinas had a close fight with the Puerto Ricans, who scored a point at the eighth end, 6-all.
But Dubberstein’s squad, also composed of Leilani Dubberstein, Jessica Byers and Lindsey Schmalz, sent in two stones in the ninth end for the win.
Team Philippines is seek-
ing qualification to the World Championships. And their bid will be starting in the 2026–27 curling season. The win put the Filipinas ahead of Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. Hong Kong turned back Thailand, 9-7, and Kazakhstan shu tout Chinese Taipei, 16-0.
Earlier, the Philippine team of Marc Pfister are entered in Group A of the men’s side over in Virginia. Pfister’s crew turned back Australia, 9-3, on Monday. With teammates Christian Haller, Enrico Pfister, Brayden Carpenter and Alan Frei, the Philippine side is in front with Team USA, Canada and South Korea. Through the men’s event, the Philippines will make a bid to qualify teams for the 2026 World Curling Championships.
Ueda sizzles early as local stars struggle at brutal
DAVAO City—Japanese Atsushi Ueda capitalized on an early tee time and near-ideal conditions to fire an impressive two-under-par 70, grabbing a one-stroke lead over five others in the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic here on Tuesday – a sizzling start that stood in stark contrast to the flat performances of the fancied local aces.
Playing in the day’s opening flight, Ueda – still riding high from a career-best third place finish at Del Monte – navigated the famously punishing layout with poise and precision. He carded five birdies to offset a bogey and a double bogey on the par-4 No. 15, where he hit a tree and found water.
“I got five birdies, my putting so good,” said the Nagoya native in halting English, beaming with confidence after taming the tricky greens that confounded many others.
His round was a clinic in recovery and resilience, with birdies on Nos. 16, 18, 1 and 3 inside six feet salvaging momentum after early missteps. Though he stumbled slightly on the par-3 fourth, his 70 was enough to pace the field and underscore his growing threat on the Philippine Golf Tour.
While Ueda flourished, many of the tournament’s pre-tournament favorites – particularly the homegrown aces – struggled to find rhythm on a course known as much for its tight fairways and firm greens as its demand for mental fortitude.
Tony Lascuña, a revered name here and on the Tour, had to dig deep after early miscues. But birdies on Nos. 14 and 18 helped him salvage a 73, keeping him within striking distance in the P3.5 million championship organized by Pilipinas Golf
Tournaments, Inc. at joint 12th with eight others. Similarly, Jhonnel Ababa, last year’s playoff champion over Guido van der Valk at this very venue, never got going, limping to a four-over 74 after a wobbly 39 at the front, marred by four bogeys against a birdie. He made two more bogeys against a birdie in the first three holes at the back but a late eagle on the par-5 18th breathed life into what could’ve been a forgettable start.
While the top guns stumbled, several local dark horses emerged from the shadows. Elee Bisera relied on intimate course knowledge and mental grit to post a steady 71, recovering from an early-over card with two late birdies. He was joined at one-under by a mixed pack that included fellow Davaoeño Zanieboy Gialon, Fidel Concepcion, James Ryan Lam and Arnold Villacencio, who all managed to navigate Apo’s relentless layout with enough savvy to stay within reach. Villacencio even held the outright lead after going two-under through 11 holes, only to tumble after a costly double bogey on No. 14. He birdied the 18th to claw back to a tie for second – a fitting symbol of how swiftly fortunes can change at Apo. Local talents Ramil Bisera and Elmer Salvador turned in even-par 72s to join van der Valk, Gerald Rosales and Nilo Salahog in a tie for seventh. “Apo demands a smarter approach off the tee,” said Concepcion, comparing the renowned course to Del Monte, where he tied for 12th with Lam and two others last week. “Unlike Del Monte, where you can pull out your driver on some holes, here it’s not really the case – you have to be precise with your tee shots.”
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
CANSINO IS PBA BEST PLAYER. CJ Cansino (right), the Meralco shooting guard, played a key role in the Bolts’ threegame, five-day swing in the second week of the 50th Season Philippine Cup. With his performance, Cansino, who averaged 15.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in that stretch, was named as PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period October 15 to 19.
MANAMA—The 3rd Asian Youth Games begin on Wednesday at the Exhibition World Bahrain here, with the 141-strong Philippine delegation, entering the event with an early gold medal, thanks to Kram Airam Carpio’s victory in Pencak Silat.
Carpio secured the gold in the girls’ 51–55 kg division, defeating Indonesia’s Qiken Dwi Tata Olifia 33-19 late Monday.
Following her win, Carpio urged fans to support the rest of the Philippine team in the 45-nation sports gathering.
“Thank you so much for your support. I hope our Filipino fans will continue to cheer for the entire team. We’re here to represent the Philippines, and together we can make the country proud.”
The Philippines has entries in volleyball, teqball, golf, triathlon, mixed
By Peter Atencio
THE Letran Knights’ fighting spirit saw them getting past the defending champion Mapua Cardinals in overtime, 85-82, on Tuesday in the 101st National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament.
Jimboy Estrada’s game-high 20 points and his winning charities in the last 15 seconds lifted the Knights to the season’s longest winning streak when the smoke of battle cleared at the FilOil Arena in San Juan.
Estrada held sway with five points in the extra period and his efforts saw the Knights improving to 4-3 in Group B, capped by a four-game winning streak.
“Palagi ko lang pinapaalala sa kanila na nanalo man tayo, tapos na ‘to. Move tayo sa next kalaban. Hindi dito natatapos. Hindi natin dito masusukat kung tayo na ‘yung magcha-champion,” said team skipper Jonathan Manalili on behalf of coach Allen Ricardo. Manalili, who had 14 points, sent the contest into an extra period with his two freebies in the last two seconds, 78-all.
Cyrus Nitura unloaded 15 points for the Cardinals, who now have a 3-3 slate.
Nitura drilled in five points in the last period, as the Cards fought their way out of a 10-point deficit, 53-63.
Marc Cuenco, who had 10 points, put the Cardinals ahead, 78-75, in regulation and in the last 44 seconds, with his trey.
martial arts, taekwondo, muay, athletics, boxing, cycling, weightlifting, table tennis, badminton, wrestling, swimming, jiujitsu and kurash.
The major youth sporting spectacle features over 4,300 athletes competing across 253 events in 24 sports.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino lauded Carpio for providing the spark for the delegation, and expressed confidence in the team’s potential to surpass it’s previous performance. “Sobrang taas ng morale natin nito. Definitely, this will be far different from the previous one, in 2013, when
we had two gold medals. With this
malamang malalampasan natin yan,” In the 2013 Nanjing Games, the last
Gold medalist Kram Airam Carpio (3rd from left) with POC chief Abraham Tolentino (4h from left) at the podium
MANAMA, Bahrain—Buoyed by the gold medal feat of Kram Airam Carpio in pencak silat, at least half of the Philippine delegation to the 3rd Asian Youth Games began arriving here with added confidence and motivation.
Contingents from combat sports along with athletics are now all accounted for in this West Asian country that plays host to the meet that’s making a c omeback after a 12-year absence.
Representatives from boxing, taekwondo, mixed martial arts, muay, and track and field had checked in here just in time for the colorful opening ceremony at the Exhibition World Bahrain on Wednesday night. Taekwondo, which produced one of two gold medals the country won in the last staging of the event in 2013 courtesy of Pauline Lopez, has one of the biggest Filipino delegates competing with 16 athletes, while boxing has six, mixed martial arts with five, muay with 12, and athletics with eight. They joined the advanced Philippine contingent here that included volleyball, teqball, pencak silat, kurash, and golf. Their arrival was welcomed with the good news of Carpio giving the Philippines its first gold medal even with the multi-sports event yet to formally open.
The charming pesilat from Santa Cruz, Laguna topped the girls’ 51-55 kg with a 33-19 romp over Qiken Dwi Tata Olifia of Indonesia on Monday as the Filipinos broke through the medal tally of the 45-nation meet. Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino and Chef De Mission Tats Suzara were on hand at the Exhibition World Bahrain World Hall 1 along with several Filipino delegates to celebrate Carpio’s triumph. Arriving in the next few days are athletes from triathlon, cycling, weightlifting, table tennis, badminton, wrestling, swimming, and jiujitsu. POC Pool
The Philippines is competing in the Asian Youth Games for the first time under Tolentino.
Asian Youth Games before a long hiatus, taekwondo jin Pauline Lopez and golfer Mia Legaspi delivered the gold medals for the Philippines.
“Iba yung spirit this time, we’re focusing on teamwork with the Philippine Sports Commission and lahat ng delegates.” Still, Tolentino urged restraint in pushing the young athletes beyond their limits.
TOP-SEEDED teams defending champion National University and University of Santo Tomas secured their spots in the Final Four after hurdling their respective foes in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday at the San Andres Gym in Manila.
Celine Marsh stepped up big time for the four-peat-seeking and twice-to-beat Lady Bulldogs as they turned back gritty San Beda University, 26-24, 25-27, 25-18, 25-16, to advance into the next round.
The sophomore open spiker took over the scoring role in the absence of Sam Cantada and Denesse Daylisan, who are currently
playing for the national team in the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, finishing with a game-high 23 points.
NU had a shaky start where it needed to stave off the pesky Lady Red Spikers in a tight, extended opening set before yielding the second frame.
With Marsh leading the way, the Lady Bulldogs got their rhythm going in the next two sets, building comfortable gaps to keep San Beda at bay to remain unscathed after seven starts in the league’s centerpiece tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.
“It was not our A-game. Mad-
ami pa talaga kaming need i-improve. Madami pa kaming need na connect and stuff. Ang ginawa namin sa mga remaining sets we really needed to be composed para makuha ang match na ito,” said Marsh, who had 21 kills and two kill blocks.
Abegail Pono had 12 points, Alexa Mata and Myrtle Escanlar added 11 markers each while Chams Maaya scored 10 for the Lady Bulldogs, who also rested skipper Vange Alinsug. Veteran setter Lams Lamin dished out 19 excellent sets to help NU outgun the Lady Red Spikers, 59-40 in attacks. Angel Habacon was the lone Lady Red Spiker in double figures with 17 points.
Avaricio surges to ICTSI Apo lead in redemption-fueled
DAVAO City—Chanelle Avaricio isn’t just chasing a trophy this week
– she’s chasing peace of mind. Still smarting from a back-nine collapse that cost her the Del Monte crown last week, Avaricio mounted a gritty rally in first round of the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic Tuesday here, carving out a gutsy 72 to seize a one-stroke lead and rekindle hopes of redemption.
Her charge came after a stumbling start on the front nine, marred by three bogeys at the demanding Apo Golf and Country Club layout.
But true to her reputation as a resilient competitor, Avaricio flipped the script with a composed and confident finish, birdying three of the final eight holes to claw her way back to
the top of the leaderboard in the P1 million championship marred by rain at the finish.
“It’s a difficult course, especially the greens,” said Avaricio, acknowledging the tricky conditions and sweltering heat that tested both skill and stamina. “I actually hit my irons better at Del Monte than here, but I really tried my best.”
What makes her opening-round lead more compelling is the emotional weight she’s carrying. Just days ago at Del Monte, Avaricio seemed poised for victory until a costly backnine slide opened the door for Sarah Ababa to steal the win in sudden death. It was a painful loss – but one that Avaricio appears determined to transform into fuel.
“I have no expectations, but I’ll do my best,” she said. “Hopefully, this time, it will be a great week.” Standing in her way, however, are not just the challenges of the Apo course, but also a surging local field hungry for their own breakthroughs.
Among them is Mafy Singson, the Eagle Ridge champion earlier this year, who posted a steady 73 to trail Avaricio by just one. Like Avaricio, Singson is also looking to rebound after a disappointing ninth-place finish at Del Monte. She leaned on course familiarity to stay in the hunt, despite an up-and-down round.
“I don’t think there was much difference in my mindset compared to Del Monte, but I’m more familiar with this course,” said Singson, who
By Othel V. Campos
PRIVATE equity firm Sierra Madre is preparing to divest several of its mature investments and raise a new fund worth $150 million to $200 million, according to company chairman Martin Lorenzo. Sierra Madre, founded in 2015, has reached the end of its five- to sevenyear investment cycle and is now in the process of exiting about five portfolio companies, Lorenzo said in a chance interview on the sidelines of the Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E).
“We’re fully invested and are now divesting or merging and divesting,” said Lorenzo.
“We’ve already passed our
investment period, so now we’re recouping the money and giving it back to our limited partners before raising the next fund,” he said. The new fund will target larger ticket investments in the range of $25 million to $50 million, a significant increase from Sierra Madre’s initial investment range of $5 million to $15 million when it started in 2015.
“Businesses have gotten bigger, and there are more companies at that size now,” Lorenzo said.
“But we have to choose very well, our partners and our investing companies, because it’s not easy. We can look at as much as $30 to $50 [million] companies before making a single investment.”
By Jenniffer B. Austria
The gross proceeds from the offer will be P34,334,610,000, assuming the full exercise of the overallotment option and the upsize option, the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Tuesday. COL Financial Inc. research head
April Lee Tan said the final offer price offers good growth prospects for future Maynilad shareholders. She said the offer price is similar to the valuation of Manila Water Co., the water utility firm by the Razon group that is listed on the local bourse.
The water utility firm will offer the public up to 1,660,317,400 common shares, with an overallotment option for another 249,047,600 shares and a preferential offer of up to 24,904,800 shares. It said the final offer price was determined through a book-building process and discussions among the company and the joint global coordinators and joint bookrunners. Maynilad has secured two lead cornerstone investors: International Finance Corp. (IFC) and Asian Development Bank (ADB), which have committed to acquire $100 million and $145 million in shares, respectively, at P15 apiece.
Leilani BarlongayMacasaet and public relations officer Denver Moreno.
BUSINESS leaders are calling on the government to strengthen transparency, digital innovation and economic inclusivity through a set of four major policy resolutions adopted at the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) 2025.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), which convened the country’s largest annual business gathering, endorsed resolutions urging the government to prioritize good governance and anticorruption, digital transformation, agriculture and energy resilience and MSME development as foundations
for sustainable national growth
PCCI pressed the government to curb “unabated and excessive corruption” in public projects by institutionalizing stricter monitoring, open governance systems and stronger accountability for both public officials and private contractors.
It also proposed creating multisectoral oversight bodies with private sector participation to ensure transparency and recover stolen public funds for poverty alleviation initiatives. On digitalization and innovation, the business group urged the government to invest in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and
THE Philippine motorcycle industry sustained its strong performance in September 2025, with sales of 171,155 units nationwide, a jump of 21.2 percent from 141,202 units sold in the same month last year, according to the Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association Inc. (MDPPA).
Data showed that from January to September, total motorcycle sales reached 1.39 million units, up 12.8 percent from 1.23 million units in the same period in 2024. The MDPPA attributed the sustained growth to the motorcycle’s appeal as a practical and affordable mode of transport for Filipino commuters amid rising fuel costs and persistent traffic congestion.
emerging technologies to modernize public service delivery and enhance national competitiveness.
PCCI called for a national AI and digital transformation roadmap, wider broadband and data infrastructure, and stronger publicprivate partnerships to develop secure digital systems and upskill the workforce for Industry 4.0.
To safeguard the country’s food and energy future, PCCI’s resolution on agriculture and energy proposed an integrated policy approach promoting smart farming, renewable energy, and investment-driven sustainability.
Othel V. Campos
“Motorcycles remain a popular choice among Filipinos due to several key factors. They offer an affordable means of personal mobility, especially at a time when economic uncertainties have placed pressure on household budgets. Their fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs also make them ideal for daily use,” said Toni Boi Acuesta, MDPPA marketing committee chairperson. Luzon
Malacañang denies Recto’s resignation rumors
By Charles Dantes
MALACAÑANG on Tuesday denied rumors that Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has stepped down from his post, assuring the public that he continues to perform his duties as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s economic team.
“Not true,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a message to reporters.
The denial came after unverified social media posts claimed Recto was preparing to leave the DOF and head of the economic team. Recto was appointed DOF chief in January 2024, succeeding Benjamin Diokno. Since assuming office, he has overseen efforts to sustain fiscal consolidation, attract foreign investment and strengthen revenue collection to support the Marcos administration’s infrastructure and social programs.
Earlier this year, Recto submitted his courtesy resignation following the order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The President, however, retained him as the Finance secretary. Recto earlier underscored the DOF’s key role in funding the nation’s progress despite operating on a relatively modest annual budget.
“We fund the nation’s progress and bring us closer to our Ambisyon 2040—a prosperous middleclass society, where poverty is eradicated,” he said. With only a P27.94-billion budget in 2024, the DOF and its attached agencies collected a record P4.42 trillion in revenues to support the government’s P5.925 trillion expenditure —equivalent to 16.7 percent of GDP, the highest in 27 years.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
HE Department of Energy has awarded a certificate of authority (COA) to 5hour Peak Energy Corp. (5hour) for the development of the 100-megawattpeak Caliraya Lake floating solar photovoltaic power plant in Lumban, Laguna.
Listed Nexgen Energy Corp. (Nexgen) disclosed Tuesday to the stock exchange that its subsidiary, 5hour, had applied for a floating solar energy operating contract (SEOC) with the DOE for the de-
EDC to retire Leyte geowthermal plant in phases
LOPEZ-LED Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is moving to decommission its 129-megawatt (MW) Upper Mahiao Power Plant (UMPP) in Kananga, Leyte, citing the facility has reached its maximum economic life. EDC disclosed to the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. that it submitted a letter of intent to the Department of Energy (DOE) to decommission the UMPP in phases. The company stated the plant “has reached its maximum economic life and its generation of electricity has become no longer technically viable.”
The UMPP, a geothermal facility commissioned in 1996, has key components with an economic life of about 15 to 20 years.
“The decommissioning will be implemented in phases, with the initial phase (two of the four units) targeted by 2026, and the rest by 2029,” said Ryan Velasco, EDC vice president. “We will be conducting site feasibility studies and look at various options including the potential repurposing or redevelopment of the area.”
With an installed capacity of nearly 1,400 MW, EDC accounts for approximately 17 percent of the Philippines’ total installed renewable energy capacity. Its geothermal portfolio, exceeding 1,000 MW, makes up about 56 percent of the country’s total installed geothermal capacity, solidifying the Philippines’ position as the world’s third-largest geothermal producer.
Alena Mae S. Flores
velopment of the Caliraya Lake floating solar project.
Nexgen said the COA is needed before the SEOC can be issued. It said the COA serves as the DOE’s exclusive endorsement for the so-
lar energy developer to conduct reconnaissance and other pre-feasibility studies, as well as secure necessary permits, certifications and tenurial instruments.
The issued COA is subject to terms and conditions and the pertinent issuances of the department, particularly Department Circular No. 2024-06-0018, otherwise known as the “Revised Omnibus Guidelines Governing the Award and Administration of Renewable Energy (RE) Contracts and Registration of RE Developers.”
Nexgen said that within pre-
scribed timelines stated in the COA and the DOE circular, 5hour shall obtain necessary permits, certifications, tenurial instruments and other possessory rights, as well as the pertinent studies.
“Nexgen undertakes to support its first-tier subsidiary to meet such terms and conditions in the COA and the DC, and succeed in this endeavor,” the company said.
Nexgen, formerly Just Solar Corp., was established on June 7, 2017, to be the wind and solar power development company of Pure Energy Holdings Corp. (PEHC).
By Othel V. Campos
Department of Agriculture (DA) spokesperson Arnel De Mesa detailed the country’s investment plan, which targets four key commodities: mango, abaca, seaweeds, and bamboo. The entire portfolio is projected to benefit more than 35,000 rural stakeholders. It boasts a high return, with a projected net present value (NPV) of $131.9 million and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 34.39 percent. The projects also support the country’s climate goals by aiming to sequester more than 280,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions.
The initiative leverages the Philippines’ global leadership in carrageenan production by introducing the multiple raft method to boost yields and improve seed quality. This project is expected to raise farmer incomes by up to 60 percent.
ABACORE Capital Holdings Inc. announced it has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to proceed with the distribution of previously declared property and cash dividends to shareholders of record as of June 28, 2022.
The company received the certificate of filing of the notice of property dividend declaration from the SEC on Oct. 16, 2025.
This approval clears the way for AbaCore to distribute property dividends valued at P376,734,100
and cash dividends totaling P41,859,341.
The property dividend represents 3,767,341 common shares of AbaCore’s wholly owned subsidiary, Philippine Regional Investment Development Corp. (PRIDE), with a par value of P100 per share. The declared cash dividend will also cover fractional shares resulting from the property dividend allocation.
PRIDE’s book value was P360.98 per share at the time of the stock declaration on June 3, 2022. That value
By Roy Tomandao
THE Conduit Showroom officially opened its doors on Oct. 18, 2025, marking a new chapter in modern architectural innovation and community development in Parañaque City. The grand opening ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, including Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Rep. Eric Olivarez, and other government and community leaders.
Following a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, guests were given guided tours of the showroom’s model units and viewed the architectural scale model of The Conduit, the upcoming project designed to redefine urban living.
The event, which highlighted The Conduit’s vision of merging modern design, functionality, and creative collaboration, was supported by Abenson and partly
sponsored by Adnos-CET, the project’s general contractor.
In his keynote message, Dr. Garibaldi Leonardo, chairman of the board for SDCC Realty Corp. (SRC), emphasized the company’s broader mission.
“SRC’s role extends beyond developing land,” Leonardo said. “Our true work is in building connections — between aspirations and opportunities, between Filipino families and a better way of living.”
has since increased to P405.17 per share as of Dec. 31, 2023, reflecting a growth of about 305 percent above par value.
AbaCore is now processing the settlement of applicable taxes and securing the certificate authorizing registration (CAR) from the Bureau of Internal Revenue. Payment and distribution dates will be announced after these requirements are completed, followed by the disbursement of cash dividends and the issuance of PRIDE share certificates.
“This development reflects AbaCore’s steadfast commitment to fulfilling our obligations to shareholders and delivering tangible value from our investments,” said Antonio Victoriano Gregorio III, AbaCore Capital chairman and president.
“With the SEC’s approval and the increase in PRIDE’s book value, we are confident that this distribution marks another step forward in strengthening shareholder confidence and sustaining our growth momentum,” Gregorio added.
THE Philippines and Japan have partnered to address critical energy and environmental challenges through a cooperation agreement.
The parties forged a landmark initiative called the Energy Partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) between the Philippines’ Department of Energy (DOE) and Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
This four-year collaboration marks a significant step toward a secure and sustainable energy future for both nations, underscored by a shared commitment to a cleaner, more resilient energy future for the region.
“This partnership with Japan is a long-term investment in a sustainable future,” said Energy Secretary Sharon Garin in a statement. “It reflects our unwavering commitment to addressing climate change and building a resilient energy sector that will power our economies for decades to come.
This is not just about reducing emissions; it’s about creating jobs, fostering innovation and improving the quality of life for our citizens. A sustainable energy sector is a foundation for a thriving economy and a healthy society.”
The MOC, grounded in shared values and a commitment to ambitious climate action, aligns with the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) principles, emphasizing the need for diverse energy options and tailored transition pathways for each country. AZEC, a regional initiative promoting cooperation toward achieving netzero emissions in Asia, recognizes that diverse pathways are necessary to achieve carbon neutrality based on each country’s unique circumstances. This partnership directly contributes to AZEC’s vision by fostering collaboration and innovation to accelerate the energy transition in both the Philippines and Japan. Alena Mae S. Flores
FRESH EXPANSION.
BDO Unibank Inc. supports Bounty Fresh’s expansion, from local infrastructure upgrades to major international ventures such as the acquisition of New Zealand’s Tegel Foods.
BDO’s financing has helped modernize operations, enhance logistics and establish new facilities nationwide, creating livelihood in rural communities.
They replaced former GSIS trustees Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez, Emmanuel Samson and Rita Riddle who had tendered their resignations. GSIS said the extensive experience of the new trustees would be “invaluable as we build on the pension fund’s historic gains.”
The development allows the GSIS leadership to work as a “solid and cohesive team,” focusing squarely on its “Ginhawa services.”
The state-run fund assured its 2.7 million members and pensioners that the institution is “stable, secure and more united than ever” in its commitment to provide responsive service and prudently grow the fund entrusted to it.
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is inviting foreign and local private sector partners to bid for the operations and maintenance (O&M) of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) through a public-private partnership (PPP).
The move aims to deliver a “reliable, safe, and world-class commuter rail service” and supports sustainable urban mobility, the DOTr said in an invitation to bid. The agency is seeking a highly
Electronics firms cautious, await US tariff clarity
By Othel V. Campos
FOREIGN investors, particularly in the electronics sector, are adopting a cautious but phased approach to expansion in the Philippines as they await clarity on US tariff policies and the government’s anti-corruption efforts, according to the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).
PCCI innovation chairman Perry Ferrer said investors are committing only partial funds initially, with the remainder contingent on progress in tariff discussions and addressing governance issues.
“They will invest, but in phases. For example, only half of the investment is coming in now, and the rest will depend on how tariff discussions and governance issues progress,” Ferrer said in an interview at the sidelines of the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E).
He said that ongoing corruption investigations have led some foreign firms to closely monitor developments, noting that if governance issues are not promptly addressed, they could weigh more heavily on investment decisions than tariffs.
“The tariff issue is still open, it’s fluid. But if you combine that with corruption, then that’s when investors begin to compare countries and reconsider,” he said.
The Philippines remains a favorable investment destination, according to Ferrer, who cited the country’s strong human resource base and improving economic fundamentals despite recent governance issues.
qualified private sector partner to ensure the efficient, effective and sustainable O&M of the NSCR in accordance with the highest industry standards throughout the concession period.
Several companies have shown significant interest, including Mitsubishi Corp., Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo Metro, Sumitomo Corp., Alstom Japan and French rail operators. Market sounding activities were previously conducted in Japan, Singapore, France and Manila.
Bidders may participate in the process and access the virtual data room upon paying a non-refundable participation fee of P1.16 million.
The instruction to riders were made publicly available on Oct. 20, and the tentative bid submission date is May 29, 2026.
Bidding is open to all interested for-
AN ADVOCACY group asked the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and Congress to launch a full investigation into the P1.5-trillion public-private partnership (PPP) deal for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) awarded to the San Miguel-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC).
The group, PUSO ng NAIA (Pagkakaisa ng mga Users, Stakeholders at Obrero ng NAIA), said the concession agreement between the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and NNIC exhibits “unmistakable signs of corruption and tailor-fitted provisions favoring private interest,” warning
that the deal could cost taxpayers billions.
PUSO ng NAIA said that a year after the contract’s award, there have been “no major improvement[s]... only the burden of new and excessive airport fees.”
PUSO ng NAIA, in an open letter to the ICI, outlined several grounds for their request for a probe. The group noted certain sections of the agreement (24.3.2, 24.5, 24.5.1, 27.1.3, and 31) that allegedly allow NNIC to impose “nonregulated fees,” granting the private corporation near-unchecked power to raise charges without government approval.
This, the group said, risks an
eign and local parties, subject to qualification conditions under the bidding documents, the Constitution, the PPP Code and PPP Code IRR and other applicable laws and jurisprudence.
The DOTr said, however, it reserves the right to reject any or all bids, declare a failure of bidding, modify the bidding documents or any aspect thereof, and/or not award the contract for any reason.
The NSCR, a flagship project under the “Build Better More” program, is a mega railway network spanning 148 kilometers, with 37 stations and 464 train cars.
It encompasses three segments: PNR Clark Phase one (Tutuban-Malolos), PNR Clark Phase two (Malolos-Clark) and PNR Calamba (SolisCalamba).
The mass transport project will run across 26 cities and municipalities in Central Luzon, the National Capital Region and Calabarzon.
The project aims to serve over 800,000 passengers daily once fully operational. The Clark to Valenzuela segment is scheduled to start operations by 2028. The NSCR is one of the key projects intended to help decongest Metro Manila roads.
allowed to invest in these securities only if non-residents owned no more than 10 percent of the fund. Nine out of 13 PERA-UITFs currently exceed the 10 percent non-resident ownership limit, which has barred them from investing in BSP securities. The change will allow these funds to diversify their investment portfolios. The BSP said its move is part of its ongoing effort to promote financial health and help Filipinos, both at home and abroad, build secure and sustainable retirement savings. It also aims to develop the country’s private pension system and strengthen domestic capital markets, it said.
excessive financial burden on travelers and transfers regulatory authority away from the state. The group warned the public could be “milked for 25 years” through guaranteed higher airport costs.
PUSO ng NAIA also alleged that San Miguel’s bid was far higher than competing offers, which they view as an “anomaly echoing patterns of rigged or non-competitive bidding.”
They also noted a lack of transparency due to redacted contract disclosures and limited stakeholder consultation.
The group raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest, citing the professional and/or business ties between San Miguel president
Ramon Ang and former and current DOTr officials, including former Transportation Secretaries Jaime Bautista and Vince Dizon, and current DOTr scting Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
PUSO ng NAIA said this overlap raises serious questions about whether undue influence shaped NNIC’s selection.
The group accused NNIC and MIAA of violating the contract’s transparency and accountability provisions by failing to hire an independent consultant to ensure project compliance and fair oversight before commencing activities. They called this a “clear violation of the concession agreement.”
THE Quezon City Film Commission (QCFC), in partnership with the QCinema International Film Festival, proudly announces the launch of the first- ever Quezon City Film Market (QCFM) — a new industry platform designed to connect Quezon City’s leading film and media companies with international partners and opportunities.
Set to take place on November 18–19, 2025, at the Monet Ballroom, Novotel Manila Araneta City, QCFM will feature fifteen (15) carefully selected exhibitors from Quezon City’s vibrant
By Robert Harland
NO trip to the Philippines is complete without tasting adobo. Whether made with chicken, pork, beef, fish or even shrimp, adobo is adobo. It holds a place in Filipino hearts much like fish and chips does in Britain - a delicious staple enjoyed in every corner of the country, each version reflecting local flair. Like many foreigners, my introduction to adobo was chicken - expertly prepared by the Negrense wife of a work colleague at their Manila home in 1979. Since then, I’ve sampled countless variations across the archipelago, each one memorable in its own way. The Silay Adobo Festival brings together culinary experts, cooking aficionados and budding chefs from all over the Visayas and beyond, challenging them to create new tastes for this triedand-tested Filipino dish. It forms part of the city’s Cinco de Noviembre celebrations, commemorating the day in 1898 when Negrense revolutionaries, armed with fake guns and cannons, bluffed Spanish forces into surrendering. The festival was started in 1998 by Lyn Gamboa, a passionate cultural advocate, heritage preservationist and dynamic community leader in Silay and Negros Occidental.
When I entered the festival in 2010, I knew little about adobo. But after a lot of research, I decided to try something a little different: Shrimp Adobo with a curry twist - a nod to the English love of curry. To top it off, I gave it a fancy French name: Adobo Crevette à l’AnglaiseEnglish-style Shrimp Adobo.
Amazingly, it won first prize - one of the biggest surprises of my life! Who would’ve thought? A British version of adobo winning in Silay - clear proof that this iconic Filipino dish thrives on reinvention and crosses culinary borders with ease. The honor of winning was all the greater knowing the judging panel was chaired by the late, much-admired chef and restaurateur Margarita Flores, recognized in 2016 as Asia’s Best Female Chef.
marine conservation group from Sarangani is gaining international recognition for its efforts to protect the endangered dugong— or “sea cow”—and the fragile seagrass ecosystems it depends on.
Project Lawud, founded by Patrick Lawrence Chiva, Diofel Tampoy, and Christian Dave Agregado, was recently named Seed Prize Winner 2025 by The Iris Project, a global award that celebrates youth-led environmental action. The group’s planned initiative trains local communities to map dugong habitats, monitor threats, and raise awareness to support long-term conservation of seagrass meadows and marine biodiversity in the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. In a Facebook post, the team said its mission goes beyond research. “We want to collaborate with different stakeholders to conserve dugongs in Sarangani Bay because we believe it is a shared responsibility to protect them and the place they call home,” Project Lawud said. Their initiative stood out among winners from 21 countries, alongside Breathe Mongolia, which received The Iris Prize ($15,000) for tackling air pollution through youth-led advocacy and realtime monitoring, and Viaje al Microcosmos de Nuevo León from Mexico, which won the STEM Prize ($10,000) for reconnecting communities with rivers through citizen science. Project Lawud received the Seed Prize ($5,000) for its proposal to blend science and community action in dugong conservation. Together, the three projects will receive portions of The Iris Project’s $43,000 prize fund, along with mentorship and training to help scale their work.
“The 2025 winners remind us why backing youth leadership is one of our most urgent commitments for the planet,” said Millie Edwards, director of The Iris Project. “These young project leaders are taking on toxic air, restoring rivers, and protecting endangered species, proving that youth-led action delivers impact where it matters most.”
film ecosystem, alongside international partners from the QCinema Project Market (QPM). Running from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, the two-day market will be open to QCinema Industry badge holders and registered day-pass guests, offering a dynamic space for networking, showcasing services, and developing global collaborations.
The QCFM is envisioned as a content and services marketplace — a city-led initiative modeled after global industry platforms such as the American Film Market and the Busan Asian
Film Market.
Participating companies will represent the diverse sectors that power Quezon City’s film and creative industries, including production, postproduction, equipment rental, distribution, and technical services.
The market will also welcome QPM’s international partners and award sponsors, including CMB Film Services Inc. (Philippines), Kongchak Pictures Ltd. (Cambodia), Barebones Inc. (Philippines), Pop Up Films (France), Mocha Chai Laboratories (Singapore), Kingyo Productions (Taiwan) and Terminal Six Post (Philippines).
à l’Anglaise
Wash shrimps and trim whiskers. Drain.
2. In a pan, combine all ingredients except cooking oil. Cook for 5 minutes. 3. Drain shrimps (with garlic) and set aside sauce. 4. Heat oil and fry shrimps and garlic until garlic is golden. 5. Add reserved sauce and sugar. Simmer until sauce thickens. Curry Sauce Ingredients:
Executive Director of the Quezon City Film Commission and Managing Director of QCinema Industry Liza Diño said, “The Quezon City Film Market is a statement of global readiness.”We’re showcasing that Quezon City companies can compete globally and that our creative ecosystem is equipped to serve both local and international productions. This is the beginning of building a Southeast Asian Film Market right here in the Philippines.”
Instructions: 1 Sauté onion in 1 tbsp butter over low heat until browned. Add garlic and ginger; sauté well. Set aside.
2. In a pot, melt remaining butter. Add flour and cook gently.
3. Stir in curry powder, then gradually add chicken stock, mixing well.
4. Return onion mixture to the pot. Simmer until thickened.
5 Add garam masala just before serving
retiring to Bacolod
with
Since its inception in 2022, The Iris Project has directed over £718,000 in funding and support to 28 youth-led projects across 21 countries, addressing the gap in climate funding for young people—who currently receive less than one percent of institutional climate aid. For Project Lawud’s young founders, the Seed Prize is both recognition and responsibility—a call to bring their dugong conservation plans to life and to continue protecting Sarangani Bay’s coastal communities and the marine life they call home.
SANTA Rosa, Laguna, has recently become a hub of history, heritage, and community pride, as dignitaries, stakeholders, and heritage advocates gathered at the historic Cuartel de Santo Domingo for a milestone celebration. The event underscored the city’s vibrant cultural legacy and brought together leaders and advocates in a shared commitment to preserve and honor Santa Rosa’s rich past. The event marked two anniversaries: the 20th year since the Cuartel was declared a National Historical Landmark, and the 25th founding anniversary of Kilusan Cuartel de Santo Domingo, Inc. (KCSD), the nonprofit organization championing its preservation. Among the guests were Laguna Governor Marisol Castillo Aragones-Sampelo, Representative Roy Gonzales, Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene B. Arcillas, Councilor Joey Catindig, Councilor Carmela Rosa Gonzales-Colmenar, Councilor Petronio Factoriza, and Councilor Eusebio Batitis Jr. Also present were former Ambassador to the Vatican Grace Relucio Princesa, Dr. Hereberto Jose Miranda of DepEd Santa Rosa Laguna, as guest speakers. SAF PNP
Director PMGen Mark D. Pespes, former Representative for 1-Rider Partylist Col. Bonifacio Bosita, Father Gabriel Delfino, the PNP, BJMP, and cultural institutions also graced the occasion. The three-day event held from September 24 to 26 opened with a Heritage Conference and several ceremonial launches at the Cuartel Admin Building, including the Santa Rosa Heritage Magazine, the KCSD official website, and an exhibit titled First of First, dedicated to Mayor Arcillas.
“Heritage preservation is more than protecting structures,” said Gemalin Batino, chairperson of KCSD. “It’s about keeping the stories alive and making sure younger generations understand why places like the Cuartel matter.” Day two featured dramatized portrayals at the Cuartel grounds, where cultural
formances showcased
history such as sugar milling traditions, heirloom products, and agricultural practices influenced by friars. These performances offered audiences an immersive look into Santa Rosa’s cultural roots.
GMA Network and the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, Inc. (FILSCAP) have renewed their partnership to safeguard the rights of Filipino music creators and uphold the value of original compositions.
The contract signing took place on Oct. 14 at the GMA Network Center in Quezon City.
GMA Network was represented by executive vice president and chief financial officer Felipe S. Yalong and senior vice president for finance and ICT Ronaldo P. Mastrili. Representing FILSCAP were president Arturo “Nonoy Tan” Lui Pio, vice president Rodolfo “Tito” Cayamanda, and other officers of the organization.
Yalong said the renewed alliance reflects the long-standing relation
ship between the two institutions.
“This is a testament to the relationship we have, from the time we first signed on twenty years ago up to now,” he said. “We are grateful and honored to be part of this arrangement, which enables us to honor original compositions and Filipino talents.”
Lui Pio thanked GMA for its continued recognition of music creators’ rights. “GMA was the first one to sign up with FILSCAP, giving respect to copyright,” he said. “With utmost gratitude, we thank GMA for this partnership, and we look forward to more years of advancing Filipino music worldwide.”
Under the renewed agreement, GMA Network is authorized to use copyrighted music across its various platforms—including GMA News TV, digital channels, and webcast programs—while ensuring that composers and songwriters receive proper recognition and compensation. FILSCAP, the country’s official
international music creators. It is a member of the Paris-based International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) and is accredited by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
By Jasper Valdez
FOUR decades after defining what it meant to be young in the ’80s, Bagets is making a comeback—this time as a full-blown stage musical for today’s audiences.
The film classic is finding new life at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. A collaboration between Newport World Resorts, The Philippine STAR, and VIVA Communications, Bagets: The Musical officially introduced its 2026 cast during a press event on Oct. 10. The new barkada, composed of ten young stars, will take turns playing the five characters fans of the original movie grew up with. Noel Comia Jr. and Tomas Rodriguez portray Gilbert, while Milo Cruz and Migo Valid take on Tonton. Ethan David and KD Estrada step in as Arnel, Jeff Moses and Sam Shoaf play Topee, and Mico Hendrix Chua and Andres Muhlach bring Adie to life—the same role once made famous by Andres’ father, Aga Muhlach Under the direction of Maribel Legarda, the musical promises to keep the spirit of the 1984 hit while giving it a fresh pulse that speaks to Gen Z. For the cast, many of whom started in television or pop groups, the transition to live theater has been both exciting and intimidating.
“There’s no take two in theater,” said KD, who returns to the stage after Walang Aray in 2023. “It comes with errors, but the good thing is that every show, you get better. By the end of the
said. “My dad started his career acting in Bagets, and now I get to play his character on stage. The biggest challenge is to bring back why people enjoyed it in the ’80s and translate that into a musical.” His co-actor Mico shares the challenge of reintroducing Adie to younger audiences. “There are big shoes to fill, but I want to put some modern twists so everybody can relate—both those who watched the original and people my age,” he said. Sam, alternating as Topee, described the jump from TV to theater as
“Everything is so much more exaggerated,” he said. “You have to be more open. It’s a big learning experience for us TV actors going into theater.” Jeff, also playing Topee, said the live stage pushes him to act “bigger” so the audience can feel every emotion, even from the back rows. Their shared energy offstage has built the kind of chemistry Bagets is known for. “Above everything, the chemistry we share as a group is really important,” Andres said. “We’d like to replicate that on stage.” Bagets: The Musical opens on Jan. 23 and runs until March 2026. Tickets run, you already know the blockings, the signals—you just get bigger every time.”
Noel, already a seasoned theater performer, said the rehearsals have reminded him what makes stage work special.
“We have to be consistent every time. Everything has to be specific and intentional,” he said. “We’re not just thinking about ourselves when we perform—we’re thinking about our co-actors and the whole production team.”
Andres, stepping into the same role that launched his father’s career, called the experience “surreal.”
“It’s really a full-circle moment,” he
By Nickie Wang
AS PART of Quezon
City’s continuing role in shaping Philippine cinema, its homegrown film event, the QCinema International Film Festival, has officially unveiled its full lineup for its 13th edition.
With the theme “Film City,” this year’s festival brings together global and local filmmaking talent across nine full-length sections and five shorts programs. Many of this year’s entries turn the camera inward, featuring stories about storytellers and films about the art of filmmaking itself.
Opening the festival is Couture by Alice Winocour, starring Angelina Jolie a film-within-a-film about an American filmmaker in Paris during Fashion Week.
Competition Sections
Leading the lineup are four competition categories: Asian Next Wave, RainbowQC, New Horizons, and QCShorts International.
The Asian Next Wave competition features entries from across the region, including Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke’s A Useful Ghost (Thailand, France, Singapore, Germany), Janus Victoria’s Diamonds in the Sand (Japan, Malaysia, Philippines), and Nigel
Santos’ Open Endings (Philippines).
The section’s Best Film winner will close the festival. The RainbowQC section highlights queer cinema with titles such as 3670 by Park Joon-Ho (South Korea), Bel Ami by Geng Jun (France, Taiwan), and Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingoes by
Diego Céspedes (Chile).
In New Horizons, the festival showcases daring first and second features, including Kristen Stewart’s Chronology of Water (USA, France, Latvia), Lloyd Lee Choi’s Lucky Lu (Canada, USA), and Reza Rahadian’s On Your Lap (Indonesia).
MORE than two decades ago, my first encounter with reflexology happened in San Juan, Metro Manila, courtesy of my former boss, Jullie Yap Daza. She was a wellness advocate long before “wellness” became a lifestyle buzzword. She told me to visit this Chinese-run reflexology place (now closed) because, as she said, “it’s not hao siao (not funny, stupid).” When I arrived, a Chinese gentleman handed me a towel. I assumed it was for a sauna.
The place was neat—clean bathrooms (always a plus), dim lounges, and kitschy panels painted with peonies and sparrows. You could choose between a Filipino or Chinese therapist. I picked the Filipino because the rate was cheaper: P850 for one hour and 20 minutes.
My therapist was a small woman, barely five feet tall. “Hard massage,” I told her.
“Like this?” she asked—and pressed on my instep so hard I nearly saw God.
“For your tears,” he said. He wasn’t kidding. I was gripping that towel like the Hulk while my feet were pummeled mercilessly. The man told me all my ailments— plural. The pain was excruciating, but I held my composure, sweating and swearing silently. When it was over, he laughed and patted my back. I walked out feeling strangely lighter. Since then, every massage and reflexology session has been judged by that impossible standard. Nothing ever came close—until recently. Feeling like crap for the past few weeks, I asked my Chinoy friends to recommend places. I used to go to Malate, but my friends now call it “basically South Korea.” One suggested I try a place in San Juan with a peculiar name: Cinese Foot Spa. No, that’s not a typo—it’s Cinese. The online reviews were sparse and, honestly, not great. But my friend isn’t hao siao, so I trusted him.
This 4’11” dynamo folded and kneaded me like dough. “Na-bugbog kayo, sir,” she giggled. (“You got beat up, sir.”) I usually handle pain well, but this time I was begging her to go easy. Afterward, I just sat there for twenty minutes, regaining the will to walk. I have mobility issues, yet after that session, I felt whole again. Sad, too—because I knew the feeling would vanish by tomorrow. Still, for one night, I had a spring in my step.
I’ve long relied on my Chinoy friends for great food and affordable yet high-quality services, and this place proved them right again. A father and son chatted in Fookien nearby, and I heard Mandarin from the next room—confirmation that Cinese Foot Spa was, indeed, not hao siao
Cinese Foot Spa is at 17 M. Paterno, San Juan City, Metro Manila. You may reach Chong Ardivilla at kartunistatonto@gmail.com or chonggo.bsky.social
The QCShorts International competition presents 21 short films, including six world premieres from Filipino grantees such as Norvin de los Santos’ Hoy, Hoy, Ingat!, Racquel “Lysa” Catolico and Jazmine Gin Pateña’s RUNO!, and The Serrano Sisters’ Surface Tension Exhibition Sections
Beyond competition, QCinema’s exhibition lineup underscores the diversity of world cinema.
The Screen International section features acclaimed titles such as Divine Comedy by Ali Asgari (Iran, Italy, France, Germany, Turkey), Hamnet by Chloé Zhao (USA, UK), and Once Upon a Time in Gaza by Tarzan and Arab Nasser (Palestine, France).
Before Midnight showcases restored and rediscovered works, including The Garden of Earthly Delights by Morgan Knibbe (Netherlands, Philippines, Belgium) and Rabbit Trap by Bryn Chainey (USA, UK).
Rediscovery revives cult classics
Almost Famous by Cameron Crowe, Linda Linda Linda by Nobuhiro Yamashita, and Showgirls by Paul Verhoeven QC Selects highlights Filipino and regional titles that made waves abroad, including Erik Matti’s Call My Manager Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit’s Human Resource (Thailand), and Lakambini: Gregoria de Jesus by Ar-
janmar Rebeta and Jeffrey Jeturian
Two new sections debut this year: Dokyu Days, a showcase of nonfiction storytelling, and Focus On: Sandra Hüller, honoring the acclaimed German actress. Now in its 13th year, QCinema continues to strengthen Quezon City’s position as the hub of Philippine film culture, bridging local voices and global cinema.
Greece slams ‘provocative’ British Museum fundraiser
GREECE’S culture minister on Monday slammed as “provocative” the British Museum’s first-ever fundraiser that had guests dining in a gallery hosting the Parthenon Marbles.
Saturday’s star-studded ball—seen as an answer to the Met Gala—drew the likes of Mick Jagger, Naomi Campbell, Janet Jackson, and Kristin Scott Thomas, in addition to London Mayor Sadiq Khan and former prime minister Rishi Sunak
“The safety, integrity, and ethics of the monuments should be the primary concern of the British Museum, which once again demonstrates provocative indifference,” Lina Mendoni said in a statement.
The ball was far cheaper than the Met Gala. Tickets were sold privately to around 800 people, costing £2,000 ($2,685) per head, compared to the whopping $75,000 price tag for a Met Gala pass.
“Repeatedly and consistently, the Ministry of Culture has condemned the dinners, receptions, and fashion shows organized in museum spaces where monuments and works of art are exhibited.”
“Such actions are offensive to cultural assets and endanger the exhibits themselves. This is exactly what the British Museum administration did last Saturday, once again
using the Parthenon Sculptures as decorative elements for the dinner it organized,” Mendoni said.
The British Museum, which boasts one of the largest permanent collections on the planet, said the ball would aim to “celebrate London’s status as one of the world’s leading cultural capitals” and become a new fixture of its social calendar.
Athens has for decades demanded the return of the priceless sculptures, saying they were looted in the early 19th century by Lord Elgin, British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. London insists they were legally acquired, and successive British governments have noted that the issue is up to the British Museum to decide. Under chairman George Osborne, the former Tory chancellor of the exchequer, the British Museum has been engaged in long talks with Greek officials on a formula that would allow the Marbles to be displayed in Athens. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has also repeatedly sought to raise the issue with his British counterparts. In December, Osborne said the London institution was exploring an “arrangement where at some point some of the sculptures” could be sent to Athens in return for Greece lending the museum “some of its treasures.” AFP
NCCA Gallery exhibits train spotlight on indigenous
IN HIS speech after his short film Figat won Best Screenplay at the recently concluded Cinemalaya, director Handiong expressed hope that, in the future, stories about indigenous communities would be produced by indigenous people themselves.
It is time to hear indigenous voices in a mainstream setting. For who else could best tell their stories and share their cultures than themselves?
Let’s start now, especially since we are celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Month and Museums and Galleries Month this October.
To know more about Philippine intangible cultural heritage, there are two exhibits you can explore—Haggiyo, Huwah! A Living Heritage of the Tuwali Ifugao of Hungduan, An Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and Community, Creativity and Continuity: The Story of the NCCA Schools of Living Traditions. Both are on display at the NCCA Gallery in Intramuros, on view until Oct. 30.
The exhibits are presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and curated by a team led by Renee Talavera, chief of the Program Management Division of the NCCA Secretariat.
The exhibits offer ways to show how rituals and traditions endure—through memory, practice, craftsmanship, and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next.
Haggiyo, Huwah! showcases an age-old tradition that continues to be practiced by the Tuwali Ifugao communities of Hungduan, a town in the
Cordillera highlands.
The Huwah, the post-harvest celebration of the communities of Hapao, Baang, and Nungulunan, culminates in the Punnuk, a tug-of-war game performed in the waters of the Hapao River.
“The Punnuk,” writes journalist, cultural researcher, and Gawad Urian-nominated documentary filmmaker Roel Hoang Manipon in the exhibition note, “is a convergence of ritual, memory, and play that closes the year’s labor on the terraces and reaffirms the ties of kinship and community.”
The Punnuk was inscribed in 2015 on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The exhibition displays samples of the kina-ag, an anthropomorphic figure used in the Punnuk; a jar where bayah or rice wine is stored, used for the baki or divination ritual; and traditional Ifugao attire. Wooden figures made by Hungduan carvers depict the guyyudan or tug-of-war, using the pakid, a wooden implement with a hook.
The exhibit is brought to life by Manipon’s photographs of the communities and the Huwah—the breathtaking Hapao rice terraces, the harvest of rice in granaries, the mumbaki performing a ritual and the guwe or announcement, the making of the kinaag, the dramatic tug-of-war, and the throwing of paraphernalia into the river.
Complementing the display is a short documentary written and directed by Manipon, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into the energy and devotion that animate the Punnuk—where the river becomes both a stage and a spiritual cleansing
IT WAS a night to remember for 17-year-old Wilhelmina Lorraine Tan, who held her solo recital at the GSIS Theater in Pasay City on Oct. 18. For this defining moment, the young singer was accompanied by none other than the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO).
Presented by the Manila Symphony Orchestra Music Academy, the event showcased Wilhelmina’s growth as a vocalist—a years-in-the-making performance shaped by her early lessons and culminating in her confident appearance alongside one of the country’s most respected orchestras.
A student of both classical and contemporary voice, Wilhelmina has spent seven years at the academy mastering technique and expression. She also studies at the British School Manila, where she takes Higher Level Music under the International Baccalaureate program.
In 2025, she earned the ABRSM Level 2 Certificate in Music Performance with Merit, receiving an impressive total of 18 academic credits.
Beyond the stage, Wilhelmina has already explored the professional side of entertainment. Earlier this year, she completed a shadowing program with GMA Network, gaining firsthand experience in television and music production.
Speaking with Manila Standard Life, Wilhelmina opened up about her musical influences, her early training with the MSO, and her fascination with an unlikely icon, Elvis Presley
“I really look up to Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo. But I also like Elvis,” she said. “He was one of the pioneers of the entertainment industry. He blended different genres in a way that felt ahead of his time. I actually did a research paper about him in school, which made me appreciate his artistry even more.”
Wilhelmina admitted that her admiration for Elvis grew after watching the 2022 biopic.
“I’ve seen the movie many times. It made me admire him even more,” she said.
Meanwhile, her connection with the MSO began
when she was about nine or ten. And she credits the celebrated orchestra for helping her discover her artistic range.
“My voice teacher was also connected with the orchestra. Some of my classmates trained with him too, and that’s how I eventually joined,” she recalled.
“When I started, it was mostly classical. Later, we began performing Disney songs, Broadway pieces, and eventually pop music. That variety helped me explore who I am as an artist.”
But Wilhelmina’s passion doesn’t stop at music. She is also the driving force behind an environmental project that turned plastic waste into something practical and inspiring.
As a Year 13 student, she spearheaded a studentled initiative at San Isidro High School in Santa Ana, Pampanga—transforming discarded plastic bottles into eco-brick benches for the school’s garden. The project involved over 1,100 students and produced around 1,900 eco-bricks, which were used to build 15 benches.
“When I was in 4th grade, my teachers introduced me to eco-bricks. We built a bench using plastic bottles filled with single-use plastics,” Wilhelmina, who is also a kart racing enthusiast, shared. “Even though I didn’t grow up in Pampanga, my mom and some of my relatives are from there. That’s why I wanted to help the community.”
Through collaboration with teachers and the local government, the project not only addressed waste management but also encouraged students to take part in environmental advocacy.
What used to be an unused patch of land is now a peaceful spot where students gather during breaks—a small but lasting reminder of how creativity and care can reshape communities.
ground for the community.
Running alongside Haggiyo, Huwah! is Community, Creativity and Continuity: The Story of the NCCA Schools of Living Traditions, which features the NCCA’s flagship program and shows how Filipino communities keep their traditional crafts and practices alive through teaching and learning.
The Schools of Living Traditions (SLT) are community-run centers where cultural masters pass on indigenous and traditional knowledge to the youth
through hands-on learning. Since its launch in 1995, over 300 SLTs have been established nationwide, from the Dumagat Remontado in Luzon to the T’boli in Mindanao.
Recognized by UNESCO in 2021 as a model of good safeguarding practice, the program promotes the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. The exhibition features crafts by SLT learners— woven textiles, mats, basketry, and attire—alongside Gerald Marcfred Dillera’s photos of cultural masters and apprentices. As Manipon notes, each piece tells a story of continuity and shared cultural memory. Like its companion show, the SLT exhibition is also accompanied by a short documentary written and directed by Manipon, School of Living Traditions of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts: Safeguarding Philippine Cultural Traditions, Empowering Communities. Viewed together, the two exhibitions create a tapestry of cultural vitality—one flowing with the rhythm of an Ifugao river, the other pulsing with the craft and creativity of communities across the archipelago. Haggiyo, Huwah! and Community, Creativity and Continuity are affirmations of a culture still alive, still moving, still teaching.
As the exhibitions remind us, heritage is not a relic preserved behind glass but a living current that binds the past and the future—like the rivers and hands that continue to shape it.