THE Department of Trade and Industry yesterday announced a 60-day “automatic” price freeze on all basic necessities nationwide,
Enormous storm ‘Uwan’ to unleash heavy rains
By Rio N. Araja, Katrina Manubay, Rex Espiritu, Joel Zurbano and Maricel Cruz
THE looming Super Typhoon “Uwan” will bring heavy to intense rains that may affect around 8.4 million people across Luzon and Visayas.
The Office of the Civil Defense said the storm’s adverse effects would be massive with its diameter spanning from Batanes to Bohol.
“Its 1,400-kilometer diameter –that is very big – could have an effect from Batanes to Bohol,” OCD assistant secretary Rafael Alejandro IV said in a press briefing.
“This severe weather will have a widespread impact,” he added.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Leo Quintilla said most of the possible affected population will be from the Ilocos Region (3.5 million), Cagayan Valley (2.03 million), the Cordillera Administrative Region (1.4 million) and Central Luzon (1.3 million).
The state weather bureau said “Uwan” may be as strong as Super Typhoon Pepito that caused widespread devastation in November last year.
PAGASA administrator Nathaniel Servando said the highest wind signal that may be raised during Uwan’s onslaught is Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5, just like what happened during Super Typhoon Pepito. As of yesterday, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over
By
By Alena Mae S. Flores and Rio N. Araja
CONSUMERS can expect a mixed oil price movement next week with diesel and kerosene prices going up while gasoline may go down, if not a possible minimal increase. Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has started consoli
By Katrina Manubay, Pot Chavez, and Vito Barcelo
following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’ declaration of a state of national calamity.
Charles Dantes, Maricel V. Cruz, and Rex Espiritu
ONE AFTER ANOTHER. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. surveys the scale of destruction along the Mananga River in Talisay City, Cebu where homes were wiped out by
‘Form Truth Commission on drug war EJKs’
CALOOCAN Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo”
David and families of extrajudicial killing (EJK) victims have appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to create a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate the full extent of the war on drugs and help the nation heal from years of systemic violence.
In a letter signed by David, civil society leaders, and families of EJK victims, the group urged Mr. Marcos to establish a body modeled after truth commissions in countries that emerged
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the southeastern portion of Quezon, the eastern portion of Romblon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, the northern and central portions of Cebu, including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, the northeastern portion of Bohol, the northern portion of Negros Occidental, the northeastern portion of Capiz, the northeastern portion of
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From A1 the top down to their subordinates,” he said.
In a Facebook post on Friday, November 7, the Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot urged the public to gather at Luneta and demand accountability for those involved in corruption.
“From Luneta to various parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, let us demand that everyone involved in corruption be held accountable,” the post read.
Beyond demanding accountability for those implicated in the flood control corruption scandal, protesters will also push for a full investigation
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Bellas said diesel prices may increase by P0.50 to P0.70 per liter while gasoline may have a rollback or increase of P0.10 per liter.
“While crude price benchmarks have eased down slightly week-onweek as demand weakened due to significant refinery turnarounds and worries of a potential supply glut, prices of refined fuel products have remained elevated due to supply concerns,” Bellas said.
He said an increase in Singapore diesel price markers reflects tightening supply due to reduced outflows from Northeast Asia amid refinery maintenance shutdowns, with inventories remaining on the lean side for the near term as major regional refiners could potentially reduce output should producers lose access to cheaper Russian crude.
“Global diesel prices remain supported following Western sanctions on Russia, which is a major exporter of the middle distillate,” he said.
Rodela Romero, director of the Department of Energy’s Oil Industry Management Bureau said kerosene may increase by around P0.35 per liter. For his part, LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II said there was a
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The initial government commitments still fall far short of what is needed for the fund to attract the private investment it seeks, but Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva still described the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) as unprecedented.
Ultimately, Brazil – the fund's political sponsor – seeks to create a $125 billion facility that would pay out a share of profits to developing countries for every hectare of forest they leave standing. Private investors would also receive a return from funds invested mainly in emerging market bonds.
"Such a fund, which will help us, comes at the right time," Abe Assamoi, an Ivory Coast representative, told AFP in Belem, a city at the edge
from periods of conflict and human rights violations.
“We humbly appeal to Your Excellency to consider creating a National Truth and Reconciliation Commission,
Iloilo, Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte.
“Uwan” is forecast to make landfall over the southern portion of Isabela or the northern portion of Aurora on Sunday late evening or on Monday early morning.
After making landfall, “Uwan” will traverse the mountainous terrain of Northern Luzon and emerge over the West Philippine Sea on Monday morning or afternoon, PAGASA said.
It is forecast to rapidly intensify and may reach super typhoon category Saturday evening or Sunday morning.
The OCD on Friday called on all
of the proposed 2026 national budget. According to the BAYAN coalition, the November 30 rally is expected to gather around 100,000 attendees.
Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso announced on Friday the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public and private schools in the city on November 17 to 18 to give way to Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) rally in Luneta.
“I am ordering the suspension of face-to-face classes in all levels on November 17 and 18. All schools are advised to implement Alternative Delivery Mode or ADM,” he said. Domagoso added the city government will provide perimeter support
need to address the petitions since initial consultations showed that several public utility vehicles were forced to stop operating as they could not cope with the high operations, cost as well as prohibitive fuel and maintenance costs.
The petitions for fare increase were among the more than 37,000 petitions and motions that remained pending before the LTFRB and were seen as one of the major reasons of the public transportation problems in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
The LTFRB said Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez described the issue as “chaotic and war-like.”
“But we need to balance everything, we need to come up with the best solution that is acceptable both to the PUV sector and the commuters and other stakeholders that will be directly affected by any fare increase,” Mendoza said.
Based on the LTFRB data, five major transport groups filed a petition for fare increase as high as P5 increase in the first four kilometers, or minimum fare, in 2023 and at least P1 for every succeeding kilometer.
Mendoza said they have acknowledged the urgency of the situation due to the series of oil price hikes and the inflation that included the spare parts of vehicles, adding the LTFRB immediately acted but only P1 provisional increase was approved.
of the Amazon rainforest.
"We have certainly lost a lot of forests, but we have implemented a comprehensive strategy to reforest our country... We have ambitious goals," but these require money, he added.
The fund was launched in Belem as heads of state and government met ahead of an annual round of UN climate talks starting next week.
The designers of the fund envision raising $10 billion in initial contributions from governments within a year – a figure revised downward in the face of an initial lackluster response.
The $10 billion should be increased to $25 billion in the longer term – startup money that will then attract private investments worth another $100 billion.
Brazil hopes the fund will create a reliable, long-term revenue stream, an alternative to tropical countries cutting down forests for economic gain.
Earth's forests are often described
modeled after those established in other countries emerging from periods of systemic violence,” the letter read.
David emphasized that the proposed commission would not seek revenge but would “establish truth, promote accountability, extend compassion to victims, and help our country move forward with honesty and moral clarity.”
The commission, he said, could provide a safe venue for victims and witnesses to be heard, review unresolved deaths under investigation, and recommend reparations and institutional reforms to prevent future abuses.
local government units, particularly those along the projected path of “Uwan,” to carry out all necessary preemptive and preparatory measures to lessen its potential impact.
"This severe weather will bring widespread impact. Our NDRRMC is in full force and on red alert and we are urging our local government units to implement preemptive evacuation until Sunday, especially in areas susceptible to floods and landslides," Alejandro said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government said LGUs should not wait for conditions to worsen before acting.
including traffic, parking, police, and medical assistance throughout the event to ensure order and public safety.
“While we know that the INC is very organized whenever it holds a rally, the City Government of Manila will deploy teams to monitor and provide assistance outside Rizal Park... We want to make sure the surroundings remain orderly even beyond the main rally grounds,” he said.
Fourteen ambulances will be stationed in key locations surrounding the area for medical emergencies.
Meanwhile, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David has called on indi-
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“Your leadership in establishing such a commission would send a powerful message: that our nation chooses courage over fear, accountability over impunity, and reconciliation over silence,” he wrote. The Caloocan prelate, whose diocese became one of the epicenters of drug war killings during the Duterte administration, questioned the pattern of missing CCTV footage and blacked-out street lights during police operations.
“Why is it that so often there are no CCTV footages? Why is it that during
“We are calling on all local chief executives to complete the evacuation of residents in high-risk areas no later than Sunday. Early evacuation saves lives,” the DILG said. In preparation for Uwan's possible onslaught, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has asked the managements of various shopping malls across Luzon to provide overnight free parking to motorists who may be affected by the storm.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said providing free parking would be a great help for motorists, especially those living in low-lying areas.
viduals involved in corruption scandals, particularly those linked to the flood control mess, to take responsibility for their actions through three crucial steps: admission, repentance, and restitution.
He said that corruption is a “moral sin” that weakens communities, drains national resources, and keeps people dependent on short-term relief instead of long-term progress.
“The stolen money must be returned, and the corrupt system must be eliminated, as it feeds on public wealth and personal interest,” David said.
“When there is admission, repentance, and restitution, it becomes easier to achieve true forgiveness and reconciliation,” he added.
The DTI, which chairs the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), said it is working around the clock with manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to ensure sufficient and steady stocks of basic necessities.
It placed all its regional and provincial offices on heightened alert and mobilized them to enforce compliance with the price freeze.
Similarly, the Department of Health said that a 60-day nationwide price freeze was in effect on 146 essential medicines.
It said the measure aims to ensure that drug prices remain reasonable during emergencies and protect consumers from overpricing amid ongoing natural disasters.
The list of affected medicines includes maintenance drugs, antibiotics, fever and cough medicines, and other essential health products used during disaster response operations.
The health agency reminded pharmacies, distributors, and manufacturers to comply with the mandated price ceilings and warned against any violations.
For its part, the Department of Agriculture (DA) advised farmers to harvest mature crops, move stored seeds and farm tools to elevated areas, prepare food and medicine for evacuated livestock, clear irrigation canals to prevent flooding, and monitor weather updates from the state weather bureau.
Fisherfolk were likewise urged to bring their boats and fishing gear to higher ground, postpone sea travel due to rough waters, and coordinate with local authorities for fishing advisories.
Meanwhile, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development ordered its four key shelter agencies to impose a nationwide moratorium on housing amortization.
DHSUD Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling directed the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), National Housing Authority, Social Housing Finance Corporation, and National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation to impose the moratorium immediately.
"In accordance with the declaration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we have encouraged our attached agencies to implement a temporary moratorium on housing amortization... This is DHSUD's immediate contribution to the President's call to extend government assistance to those affected by the calamity," he said. Othel V. Campos, Ram Superable, and Rio N. Araja
as its lungs, expelling oxygen and taking in planet-warming carbon while housing a rich variety of animal and plant life.
Brazil had put in the first $1 billion pledge for the fund, matched by fellow forest nation Indonesia.
The UK said it would not contribute, while Finland's government told AFP it would be "difficult to find new resources" in an uncertain economic climate.
"Things can change, this is a longterm project," Brazil's chief climate negotiator Mauricio Lyrio told AFP about countries that have not yet joined the initiative.
Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad was also positive, saying "we have already surpassed fifty percent of what we envisioned" to raise until the next climate conference in 2026.
France pledged a conditional 500 million euros, Portugal added a more modest $1 million, and Germany made
police operations, the streetlights are turned off?” David said.
“This is the truth that must be established. Those who must admit should admit—that is the road to reconciliation,” he added.
Several widows and orphans of drug war victims joined the appeal, saying they have yet to see justice for their loved ones.
Earlier, former House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan had urged the President to appoint an independent fact-finding commission to investigate EJKs tied to the prior drug war.
Marcos... From A1
situation briefing at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, noted that Tino’s devastation came not from strong winds but from torrential rain that overwhelmed flood control systems.
"The damage came from the floods, not the wind. The existing protection structures simply could not handle the amount of water that came down," Mr. Marcos said.
Mr. Marcos announced the release of cash assistance in the amount of P5,000 for households with partially damaged homes and P10,000 for those whose houses were completely destroyed.
"This will help them start rebuilding their homes and lives," he said. During his visit to the province, the President inspected evacuation centers to witness firsthand the progress of relief efforts.
He first visited the Tiltilon Elementary School in Barangay Cotcot, Liloan, one of the areas hardest hit by the typhoon.
The school is serving as an evacuation center for 126 families, or 509 individuals.
Mr. Marcos distributed family food packs, health kits, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), while hot meals were being served to evacuees.
After Liloan, the chief executive then proceeded to the Talisay Sports Academy in Talisay City, which currently shelters 276 families, or 1,110 individuals.
Mr. Marcos also inspected the nearby Mananga Bridge in Talisay City, which sustained damage from flooding.
In a statement following the inspection, the Presidential Communications Office reported that one lane of the crucial bridge remains impassable due to cracks and other structural damage.
Before flying off to Cebu from Manila, the President paid tribute to fallen Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel at the PAF Mortuary at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base. They were part of a six-man Super Huey crew conducting Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) operations in areas affected by Typhoon “Tino” when their aircraft went down.
Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, who joined the President during the visit, assured that food and relief aid remain sufficient for all affected residents in Cebu province.
"Our supply is more than enough. We have a repacking center in Cebu that continues to operate. There is already a stockpile, but repacking continues uninterrupted," Gatchalian said.
The DSWD has so far distributed 69,000 family food packs to various local government units (LGUs), including Cebu City, Mandaue, and Talisay, the areas most affected by Typhoon Tino.
The agency targets to deliver 200,000 food packs to LGUs by Saturday.
an unspecified commitment.
Norway on Thursday pledged 30 billion kroner ($3 billion) for loans, but with strings attached.
"It is vital to stop deforestation to reduce the impacts of climate change and limit biodiversity loss," the Norwegian government said in a statement.
Some countries and observer groups have expressed reservations about the design and oversight of the fund.
Greenpeace has "cautiously" welcomed the TFFF, with its Brazilian executive director Carolina Pasquali telling AFP that "weaknesses remain."
"For example, where the money will be invested, what industries are out. We think it's a good step forward, but it needs work," she said aboard the organization's Rainbow Warrior flagship, docked in Belem.
Brazil has identified more than 70 developing countries that could be eligible for annual payments from the fund. AFP
Gatchalian also met with Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito Ouano to assure that the national government is committed to helping the city recover from Tino’s devastation.
“We assured him that, upon the directive of the President, DSWD stands ready to augment the needs of the typhoon victims in the city, from family food packs to other essential kits. After this, recovery cash assistance will also be processed,” the DSWD chief said in his social media post on Friday.
The DSWD chief likewise met with Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. to discuss ways to restore normalcy to the hard-hit city.
As this developed, Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), appealed to the faithful to continue helping those affected by the spate of natural calamities, the latest of which was Typhoon Tino.
Tension erupts at Ombudsman amid protest
By Rio N. Araja and Pot Chavez
TENSION gripped the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City on Wednesday when disaster survivors and police officers clashed during a protest over alleged corruption in flood control projects.
The rallyists, belonging to the People Surge National Alliance of Disaster Survivors, Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment, Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot, and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, gathered outside the Ombudsman around 10 a.m. to demand an investigation into billions worth of government infrastructure and flood control budgets.
Personnel from the Quezon City Police District were deployed after protesters began banging on the agency’s gates. Police and demonstrators pushed each other as authorities tried to stop the groups from entering the compound.
The protesters called for “a full, independent, and transparent investigation” into 414 infrastructure projects worth P26.7 billion in Cebu, allegedly linked to favored contractors and budgetary irregularities under both the Marcos and Duterte administrations.
The protest later turned more heated when rallyists chased the convoy of Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla as it entered the compound, leading to a scuffle between demonstrators and police. Some protesters spraypainted images of Remulla, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte, and a contractor’s logo they accused of causing severe flooding in Cebu during Typhoon Tino.
PBBM honors fallen airmen
By Rex Espiritu
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. paid tribute to the fallen Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel on Friday, visiting the PAF Mortuary at Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base to honor their service and sacrifice following a fatal helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur earlier this week.
The victims were identified as pilots Captain Paulie Dumagan and Second Lieutenant Royce Louis Camigla, and aircrew members Sergeant Yves Sijub, Sergeant John Christopher Golfo, Airman First Class Ericson Merico, and Airman Ameer Khaidar Apion.
They were part of a Super Huey crew conducting Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) operations in areas affected by Typhoon “Tino” when their aircraft went down.
PAF Acting Vice Commander Major Gen. Pablo Rustria and other senior Air Force officials welcomed President Marcos, who serves concurrently as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
During the solemn visit, he personally extended his condolences to the bereaved families of the late servicemen.
The President offered prayers and paid
tribute to the courage and dedication of the fallen airmen, recognizing their selfless devotion to duty and their ultimate sacrifice in the service of the Filipino people.
“We mourn the loss of our brave men of the Philippine Air Force who gave their lives in the line of duty, serving our people and our nation until their final moments. Their courage and selfless service in bringing aid to those in need will never be forgotten,” Mr. Marcos said.
The PAF, meanwhile, rendered full military honors to the six airmen who perished in the Super Huey helicopter crash on November 4 while conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in typhoon-hit areas.
On Thursday evening, the remains of Dumagan, Camigla, Golfo, and Merico arrived at Villamor Air Base in Pasay
TRUTH COMMISSION. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David joins Church and civil society leaders, along with EJK widows and survivors, in calling for a Truth Commission on drug war killings during a press conference at
ERC orders relief measures for Typhoon ‘Tino’ victims
By Alena Mae S. Flores
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has directed all concerned electric power industry stakeholders to implement measures to ease the burden of consumers affected by the widespread devastation caused by Typhoon Tino.
In its advisory, the ERC ordered distribution utilities (DUs) in areas placed under a state of calamity due to the typhoon to suspend electricity disconnections for both residential and non-residential customers in their captive markets for non-payment of bills covering the pe -
riod from November 4 to December 31, 2025.
The ERC also directed DUs in the affected areas to provide flexible payment options to help ease the financial burden of consumers recovering from the disaster.
It said DUs must implement a payment scheme allowing customers with monthly consumption not exceeding 100 kWh to defer payment of their bills for the covered period and pay on a staggered basis for at least two months from receipt of the bill.
“The DUs may offer alternative payment terms, provided these are mutually agreed upon by the DU and the affected consumers. Consum-
Santos to submit docs on Villar-linked projects
By Maricel V. Cruz
LAS Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos on Friday affirmed his readiness to submit documents, communications, and other relevant records to the Office of the Ombudsman’s newly formed special task force investigating alleged irregularities in multibillion-peso flood control projects in southern Metro Manila.
The projects, which cover areas in Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, and Bacoor, have drawn public attention following claims that portions of the developments may have indirectly benefited properties linked to the Villar family, including former Senators Manny and Cynthia Villar, as well as incumbent Senators Mark and Camille Villar.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla confirmed that the task force will examine the construction of the Zapote River Drive and related flood control infrastructure.
ers are encouraged to contact their respective DUs to inquire about available payment options or request special terms to settle outstanding bills during the covered period,” the ERC said.
The regulator added that generation companies (GenCos), the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), National Power Corporation (NPC), National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), independent power producers (IPPs), independent power producer administrators (IPPAs), and the market operator (MO) must extend the same payment scheme to DUs.
City aboard a C-130
Sergeant
was received with full honors at Rajah Buayan Air Station in General Santos City, while Airman Apion was brought home to Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City. The arrival ceremonies were attended by the airmen’s families and loved ones, alongside Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, and other senior officers who paid tribute to the aviators’ courage and dedication to service.
In recognition of their valor and commitment to duty, the six airmen were posthumously awarded the Distinguished Aviation Cross, one of the highest honors conferred upon PAF personnel for acts of heroism during flight operations.
IN BRIEF
QC cops arrest fugitive wanted for homicide
THE Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has arrested a fugitive wanted under an Interpol Red Notice at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, marking another success in its campaign against fugitives. Police identified the suspect, alias “Maria,” a resident of Bobon, Northern Samar, who has an outstanding warrant of arrest for homicide issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 76.
She was involved in the killing of a victim in 2002.
Investigators found that she fled the country in 2021, prompting coordination with the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime–Interpol for the issuance of a Red Notice.
After nearly nine years in hiding, she was tracked down in Rome, Italy, and repatriated to the Philippines, where she was arrested upon arrival.
QCPD Acting Director Col. Randy Glenn Silvio commended the operatives, saying the arrest proves that “no criminal, no matter how elusive, can escape the long arm of the law.” Vince Lopez
BIR extends e-invoicing deadline for select taxpayers
THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has extended the deadline for the implementation of the Electronic Invoicing System (EIS) for select taxpayers from March 2026 to December 2026 to help businesses transition.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. said the extension gives companies enough time to prepare and upgrade their systems for modern, accurate, and efficient tax compliance.
The extension applies to large taxpayers, online and e-commerce businesses (except microenterprises), and those covered by the Ease of Paying Taxes Act.
Lumagui said many businesses are still reconfiguring their accounting systems to meet e-invoicing standards, noting that the process requires time, budget, and careful planning.
Manila LGU council backs ‘Emman Atienza’ bill
THE Manila City Council has expressed support for the “Emman Atienza Bill,” which seeks to protect Filipinos, especially the youth, from online harassment.
Vice Mayor Chi Atienza, the bill’s advocate and aunt of the late Emmanuelle “Emman” Atienza, said the measure honors her niece’s mental health advocacy and fight for kindness online.
“Emman used social media to find her voice. This bill is for her and every child navigating the digital world,” Atienza said.
She also called for more measures to protect young people and those with mental health conditions, stressing that social media can have harmful effects if left unchecked.
The bill, filed by Senator JV Ejercito, aims to turn Emman’s advocacy into a legal safeguard for the next generation. Pot Chavez
aircraft from Davao Air Station.
Sijub
Villa San Miguel, Mandaluyong City. Manny Palmero
ROAD SAFETY. Advocates and experts speak at a VICOAP forum in BGC marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The roundtable urges data-driven reforms, noting nearly half of PUVs failed brake safety tests this year. Manny Palmero
SC defines work, trial stoppage
By Pot Chavez
THE Supreme Court (SC) disclosed on Friday its approval of uniform guidelines for the suspension of work and court operations in the lower courts.
The guidelines, ratified by the SC en banc last Oct. 28, set clear procedures for suspending work and trial court operations during typhoons and other natural calamities, transport strikes, interruption of utility services, holidays, and similar situations.
“While the Chief Justice retains the power to suspend work and court operations, the guidelines allow limited
Laguesma says PH labor market resilient, stable
By Vito Barcelo
THE Philippine labor market remains “resilient and stable” despite a minimal decline in employment rate, according to Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.
Citing results of the September 2025 Labor Force Survey (LFS), Laguesma said the country’s employment rate stood at 96.2 percent, slightly lower than 96.3 percent in the same period last year.
The unemployment rate inched up to 3.8 percent from 3.7 percent in September 2024, though it improved compared to the previous month’s 3.9 percent.
While the youth unemployment rate rose by 1.6 percentage points year-on-year, the number of unemployed young adults dropped by 44,000 on a month-to-month basis.
“The labor market remains strong and adaptable. “Our continuing goal is not only to create jobs, but to build sustainable careers that uplift Filipino families,” Laguesma said.
Numerous industries recorded notable employment gains, including construction with +514,000, fishing and aquaculture +313,000, accommodation and food service sector +307,000, health and social work +183,000, and agriculture and forestry, +126,000.
delegation of the authority to the Office of the Court Administrator (OCA), including the Office of the Regional Court Manager (ORCM) for their respective areas, and Executive Judges for their stations. In a press statement, the SC said the norms were meant to ensure equitable and consistent procedures across all trial courts.
During emergency situations such
as typhoons and heavy rainfall, the ORCM may suspend work and court operations for up to three consecutive days, based on national and local advisories, weather forecasts, rainfall and typhoon warnings, and the area’s vulnerability to flooding or landslides.
For more dire conditions such as earthquakes, fires, landslides, or volcanic eruptions, the Executive Judge may declare suspension for a period not exceeding one day and must submit a report to the ORCM within one day. The report must state the basis for the suspension, the condition of court personnel and facilities, and whether an extension is needed. The ORCM may extend the suspension for up to two more
consecutive days as necessary.
Any suspension beyond three consecutive days requires clearance from the Court Administrator.
For transport strikes and other large rallies, the Executive Judge must notify the ORCM within one day of receiving information.
The ORCM may suspend work and court operations in the affected trial courts for up to three consecutive days, considering relevant factors, such as national and local government advisories, the scale and location of the event, and its impact on court personnel.
In cases of sudden, unannounced strikes or rallies, the Executive Judge may also suspend work on the same day.
CEREAL OF LIFE. Workers unload sacks of imported rice for distribution to market retailers at Dagupan Street, Sampaloc, Manila. Incidentally, President Marcos has approved the extension of the rice import ban until the end of the year to help stabilize farm gate prices of the cereal. Norman Cruz
IN BRIEF
PHP chief cites cops’ role in anti-drugs war
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., underscored the strategic role of law enforcers as the nation’s first line of defense against global narcotics trafficking.
Nartatez issued the statement following the recovery of suspected cocaine valued at over P127 million from the sea off Palawan. T he retrieval affirmed the police force’s commitment to securing the country’s vast maritime domain from organized drug syndicates. Nartatez lauded the operation as a clear victory of inter-agency cooperation. Vince Lopez
Lazaro meets with KAS secretary general Speich
FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro has met with German political party foundation Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) secretary general Mark Speich in a bid to deepen ties between the two countries.
In a social media post, Lazaro highlighted the foundation’s more than 60 years of partnership in strengthening Philippine-German relations.
“Productive discussions today with Konrad Adenauer Stiftung SecGen Mark Speich on his first PH visit,” she said.
“Over 60 years, KAS has been a very good partner in deepening robust PH-Germany ties. Looking forward to more engagements in ASEAN 2026 in [the Philippines],” she added. Katrina Manubay
HPG rolls out drive vs. colorum vehicles
THE Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group (HPG) on Friday bared its successful operation against colorum transport vehicles in Pasay City following complaints from legitimate transports groups in the area.
HPG spokesperson, Lt. Nadame Malang told reporters that the apprehended drivers were issued citation tickets while their unlicensed vehicles were impounded.
“There was a so-called anti-colorum operation or implementation of RA 11659 pertaining to our Public Service Act wherein we got a tip from different transport groups that there were allegedly groups or individuals using these colorum vehicles that were traveling from Manila or Pasay going to Southern Luzon area or even here in Cavite, Dasmarinas and any part of Southern Luzon,” Malang said.
This was verified by our Task Force Limbas two weeks ago. Six were arrested for violating this said law and we also confiscated or impounded their vehicles, Malang said. Vince Lopez
UP prof cites need for reforestation to curb persistent floodings
By Rex Espiritu
A UNIVERSITY of the PhilippineS professor and noted resilience expert has underscored the imperatives of reforestation for a more “sustainable and effective solution to recurring floods during typhoon season.”
UP Resilience Institute executive di-
rector Dr. Mahar Lagmay said that forest areas lost over the past two decades must be rehabilitated to help curb flooding. He said there must be a retention basin, as well as flow-through or mini dams that could help control floods. He also suggested the conduct of rain water harvesting and the establishment of pumping stations to expel the water out to the sea.
MMDA, WB tackle urban resilience issue
By Joel E. Zurbano
OFFICIALS of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the World Bank met on Thursday to review the findings of the Philippines Urban Diagnostic Report and to discuss measures aimed at enhancing urban resilience and governance in the National Capital Region (NCR). The discussions centered on tackling the issues posed by urbanization, climate-related risks, and the necessity for improved infrastructure, enhanced public services, and more effective collaboration among agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the private sector.
Lagmay stressed that the construction of dikes must be the last option. He added that dikes would be more effective if there are less floods on account of reforestation.
On Wednesday, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon visited Talisay City and Mandaue City in Cebu, which
were among those heavily flooded at the height of Typhoon Tino. “Dalawang rivers ang talagang umapaw ng todo-todo. ‘Yung Mananga River na nag-o-originate sa mga bundok sa Cebu City pababa ng Talisay (Two rivers overflowed their banks., The Mananga River which originates from the hills going down to Talisay),” the Dizon said.
MMDA chairman Romando Artes highlighted the agency’s ongoing programs that prioritize disaster preparedness. He said the agency possesses various resources for clearing operations, search and rescue missions, including waterborne search and rescue operations. We have a very good working relationship with the LGUs and other agencies in NCR, which is a key factor in performing the tasks assigned to us,” said Artes. The World Bank reaffirmed its dedication to assisting the MMDA in the execution of solid waste management initiatives as part of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project.
Artes expressed his appreciation for the World Bank’s support under the Flood Management Project and other flood control efforts.
BELENISMO ENTRY. This is an entry of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway to the 18th Belenismo sa Tarlac in Tarlac City contest showcasing 52 oversize replicas of the iconic Nativity, classified into Community, Church, Monumental, Grand Non-Municipal and Grand Municipal categories. Avito Dalan
OPINION
Dubious degrees
AT A social event earlier this year, I found myself standing beside a middleaged school owner from a province down south. Our small talk about young people being digital natives eventually veered toward higher education. He casually tossed in the fact that he had a PhD in Education.
I was impressed. Here was a person who cracked jokes every so often, freely talked about his family, his few business ventures to augment the family income, and his love for traveling whenever his schedule and budget allowed it.
Who would have guessed that this easygoing fellow had what it took to actually finish a postgraduate degree in one of the most challenged sectors in our society today?
“Wow,” I could not help exclaiming.
“Congratulations, sir!”
He smiled self-consciously even as he muttered: “Thanks!”
Now I was really interested. College is difficult enough. Taking an MA/MS and PhD, hurdling its financial demands, juggling it with a full-time job and/or a business, not to mention personal responsibilities as husband and father, are unlocking a different level of achievement.
“What did you write about for your dissertation?” I asked. Imagine getting to know a specific aspect of your field of study, reading so much about it, conducting actual surveys or analyses, looking at your results, summing it all up and hazarding a new insight based on what you found. The man must be a fountain of knowledge about his topic. I was genuinely interested and thought a discussion would be better than the generalizations and trite observations people usually make during small talk.
“Uhmmm...” he paused. “Ahh.. naku nakalimutan ko na e (I forget).”
I thought he was saying he had spent too much effort on his dissertation, he was glad it was done, and he wanted to finally forget about that difficult part of his journey.
But he sincerely had no idea what his paper was about. This was perplexing because some acquaintances who had written dissertations talked about how this document ruled their existence for years on end. They were always working on it, writing it, revising it, rethinking it. They sacrificed time for it. It even inhabited their dreams, or nightmares – that’s how big a figure it was.
It was grace to be finally allowed to defend it. I tried to defuse the awkwardness.
“Naku sir baka na-trauma kayo sa sobrang hirap tapos naka-block na sya ngayon sa memory nyo!”
We laughed. And then he added: “Ang mahal nga ng nagastos ko sa PhD na yan,” he said.
“Ay sobrang mahal na nga ho magaral talaga ngayon, lalo na kung private school,” I said. “Saan ho ba kayo nagenrol?”
“Sa (certain university),” he said, naming his alma mater.
“Mataas pala ang tuition sa (certain university). Is the price comparable to Ateneo or La Salle?”
“Ay hindi, ibig ko sabihin ang laki ng
nagastos ko sa mga Lacoste na pinagbibili ko para sa panel ko!” I failed to muster a response to this, simply hoping that he was still on Dadjoke mode.
***
All these came back to me when I read about the Second Congressional Commission on Education’s (Edcom 2) findings that diploma mills offering master’s and doctoral degrees were proliferating.
What moral right do we have to demand or expect children to do better?
Data between 2012 and 2024 showed that more than half of the total enrollment in graduate programs was concentrated in the field of education. This is driven by the vertical qualification requirements and point-based promotion systems within DepEd, Edcom 2 said.
But the study, undertaken through a research fellowship with Ateneo de Manila University, found systemic issues in the production of advanced degrees especially in education and public administration. Incentives from government policies meant to raise the level of educator quality are inadvertently degrading instructional quality.
“There is a strong public perception that the pursuit of advanced degrees has at times become transactional—a means to gain promotion points rather than to enhance teaching competence. This sentiment is fueled by a perceived failure to properly regulate institutions, leading to a situation where, as many have pointed out, low-quality or ‘fly-by-night’ schools provide the same career benefits as highquality universities. This reality undermines the very purpose of professional development and points to an urgent need for systemic reform,” Executive DIrector Dr. Karol Mark Yee said in a statement on the EDCOM 2 page.
Advanced degrees are always desirable, even if they are not for everyone. For those in the field of education, having advanced degrees confers upon them a presumption of expertise and credibility that would affect their promotion, if they are employees, or perhaps enrollment rates if they are school owners. Degrees equate to merit, and this is always better than promotions given on a whim or because of connections.
But if the degrees themselves become the sole aim, without regard for quality or the manner in which they are attained, then it becomes a free-for-all pursuit that denigrates, instead of elevates, education.
In the end, how can we face the children we are supposedly teaching knowing that the degrees we claim to have were obtained through subpar and devious means? What moral right do we have to demand or expect them to do better?
adellechua@gmail.com
Proving loss of earning capacity due to death
IS LACK of documentary evidence fatal to a claim of loss of earning capacity? The answer is in the negative.
Testimony from a competent witness familiar with the deceased’s salary is sufficient basis to determine his income before his death.
Damages are recoverable for death caused by a crime or quasi-delict. “The defendant shall be liable for the loss of the earning capacity of the deceased, and the indemnity shall be paid to the heirs of the latter…” (Article 2206, Civil Code)
“[S]uch indemnity shall… be assessed and awarded by the court, unless the deceased [is suffering from] permanent physical disability not caused by the defendant… at the time of his death.”
“If the deceased was obliged to give support…, the recipient… may demand support from the person causing the death…” (Op cit.)
“In Pestaño v. Spouses Sumayang, [the Supreme] Court applied Article 2206 of the Civil Code and awarded compensation for the deceased’s lost earning capacity... [It] is meant to compensate the heirs for the in-
come they would have received had the deceased continued to live.” (cited in Torreon and Abellana v. Aparra, et al., G.R. 188493. Dec. 13, 2017)
TEDITORIAL
Prioritizing safety
HE Philippines, still wobbling from the unforgiving jab by typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi), has come under a state of national calamity, with the 21st cyclone roaring closer from the vast Pacific and may hit land by earliest tomorrow.
The 20th typhoon to hit this country, which averages that number annually, has left a sorrowful swath of death and devastation: at least 188 dead, 127 missing; and initial estimates of P6.3 million worth of infrastructure damage and P13.3 million of agricultural damage.
With this typhoon-prone archipelago under a state of national calamity, rescue and relief officials would have “quicker access” to emergency response funds and procurement process as well as aid distribution.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said: “We don’t have to go through the usual bureaucratic procedures and we can immediately provide assistance to the victims of the storms,” adding a declaration of calamity also puts in place price freezes on basic goods to prevent profiteering during crises. Malacañang eventually announced the release of P760 million fund for several areas hit by Tino. But while the Visayas are slowly standing up in their post-disaster recovery, po-
tential super typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong) is slowly moving westward and may reach peak intensity Sunday afternoon, just offshore the Bicol region, according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
We join officials in urging residents to prioritize safety by monitoring official updates from the state weather bureau
The US JTWC said Uwan’s maximum sustained winds may reach 212 km/h, with 259km/h gusts, far stronger than Tino which registered maximum sustained
By Jose Antonio Goitia
winds of 120 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 150 km/h. We join officials in urging residents to prioritize safety by monitoring official updates from the state weather bureau, preparing an emergency kit, securing their homes, and being ready to evacuate if in-
A debt we can never fully repay: Remembering Capt. Deiparine
I READ the news about Police Capt. Joel Deiparine and felt a familiar, heavy ache. It’s the ache every citizen should feel when one of our protectors falls—a deep, frustrating sadness mixed with immense pride.
Deiparine, an officer of the CIDG Regional Field Unit 7, was ambushed and killed in the line of duty in Cebu City. His death isn’t just a headline; it’s a profound, personal loss for the entire community he swore to keep safe.
The reaction from the Philippine National Police, particularly the actions of Acting Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., struck me as a crucial display of leadership and humanity.
The True Cost of the Badge
When Nartatez made the trip to Talisay City to personally pay his respects and offer financial assistance to the Deiparine family, he wasn’t just performing an official duty.
He was affirming a core principle: the PNP cares for its own.
That quiet gesture of empathy—standing beside the bereaved, offering condolences, and providing tangible support—is the kind of leadership that rebuilds trust and validates the sacrifice.
It’s easy to see law enforcement in the abstract, but the news reminds us that every uniform conceals a life dedicated to peace.
Deiparine’s role as Assistant Chief of Intelligence suggests he was often operating in the shadows, dealing with critical threats.
His final moments, ambushed during a
“Jurisprudence provides that the first factor, i.e., life expectancy, is computed by applying the formula (2/3 x [80 -- age at death]) adopted in the American Expectancy Table of Mortality or the Actuarial Combined Experience Table of Mortality.
As to the second factor, it is computed by multiplying the life expectancy by the net earnings of the deceased…”(Op cit. citing Pleyto v. Lomboy).
surveillance operation, tragically illustrate the unpredictable and often merciless nature of the danger they face daily.
As Nartatez said, Deiparine was a man who served with “heart, courage, and commitment.” This wasn’t a desk job; this was quiet heroism.
justice for every officer who chooses service over self-interest.” This is the oath being upheld, post-tragedy.
Reflection and Gratitude Deiparine’s sacrifice demands reflection from all of us. We must acknowledge that these brave men and women stand between ordinary citizens and chaos.
His life, and the manner of his passing, is a solemn reminder of the risks silently borne by those who wear the badge.
Deiparine’s story isn’t just about a fallen hero; it’s a lasting reminder that honor is found in lives lived for others
Justice as a Vow
Testimony from a competent witness familiar with the deceased’s salary is sufficient basis to determine his income before his death —“—
“It is well-settled in jurisprudence that the factors that should be taken into account in determining the compensable amount of lost earnings are: (1) the number of years for which the victim would otherwise have lived; and (2) the rate of loss sustained by the heirs of the deceased” (Op cit. citing Pleyto v. Lomboy).
“In fixing the amount,… the ‘necessary expenses of his own living’,… should be deducted from his earnings. Thus, it has been consistently held that earning capacity… is necessarily his net earning capacity or his capacity to acquire money, ‘less the necessary expense for his own living’” (Op cit. citing Villa Rey Transit, Inc. v. Court of Appeals).
“Stated otherwise, the amount recoverable is not loss of the entire earning, but rather the loss of that portion… which the beneficiary would have received. In other words, only net earnings, not gross earning, are to be considered…” (Op cit. citing Villa Rey Transit, Inc. v. Court of Appeals).
In the case of Torreon and Abellana v.
The subsequent and swift action by the PNP—issuing a half-million peso reward and launching a nationwide manhunt—was commendable. It sends a powerful, unambiguous message: an attack on an officer is an attack on the rule of law itself, and it will not be tolerated.
The rapid surrender of one of the suspects, who admitted to feeling the “pressure” of the manhunt, proves the effectiveness of this immediate, focused response. Justice must be delivered not just as a legal requirement, but as a moral imperative to honor Captain Deiparine’s memory and reassure every officer still out on patrol.
As Nartatez vowed, “Justice for him is
Aparra, et al., Rodolfo Torreon (Rodolfo), and his daughters arrived with Felomina Abellana (Abellana) at the municipal wharf of Jetafe, Bohol. They came from Cebu City aboard M/B Island Traders, a motor boat owned and operated by Carmelo Simolde (Simolde). (Op cit.) Rodolfo, his daughters and Abellana boarded the cargo truck owned by Simolde which was on its way to the poblacion of Jetafe.
Abellana was seated in front, while Rodolfo and his daughters were at the back of the truck.
“While the passengers were getting on board the truck, Felix Caballes, the official truck driver, approached and talked to Simolde leaving the engine running. Unknown to the latter, Generoso Aparra, Jr. (Aparra), Simolde’s chief diesel mechanic, started driving the truck.”
“Upon seeing the truck move, Caballes instead of taking control of the vehicle allowed Aparra to drive.” Trying to avoid hitting a parked bicycle and another individual, Aparra swerved causing the truck to fall off the wharf resulting to the death of Rodolfo
I believe the greatest way we can honor him is not just through words, but by supporting the police in their mission and by demanding accountability—both from the public they serve and from the organization itself.
Deiparine’s story isn’t just about a fallen hero; it’s a lasting reminder that honor is found in lives lived for others.
May his courage inspire us, and may his family find solace in the knowledge that his life was dedicated to the highest form of service. He was a true reflection of the best ideals of the Philippine National Police. He will not be forgotten.
(The writer, a doctorate degree holder, serves as Chairman Emeritus of four civicoriented organizations: Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement, through which
and the dignity of the Filipino people.)
and one of his daughters.
“In civil cases, Vivian [the widow of Rodolfo] is only required to establish her claim by a preponderance of evidence.”
“Allowing testimonial evidence to prove loss of earning capacity is consistent with the nature of civil actions” (Op cit.).
“In determining if this quantum of proof is met, [the Supreme] Court is not required to exclusively consider documentary evidence.”
“Nothing in the Rules of Court requires that only documentary evidence is allowed in civil cases” (Op cit.).
“All that is required is the satisfaction of the quantum of evidence, that is, preponderance of evidence. In addition, the Civil Code does not prohibit a claim for loss of earning capacity on the basis that it is not proven by documentary evidence” (Op cit.). Hence, “[t]estimonial evidence… bears the same weight as documentary evidence.” Similar importance or weight is given to the testimonies of the deceased’s spouse, parent, or child “because these individuals are presumed to know the income of their spouse, child, or parent.” (Op cit.).
US facing travel chaos with flights cut
WASHINGTON, DC – Travelers across the United States were left scrambling to rebook flights as the government shutdown heaps pressure on the country’s air traffic control system, prompting hundreds of Friday flight cancellations at major American airports.
Airlines starting Friday will begin implementing up to a 10-percent reduction in flights for 40 high-traffic areas of the country, complying with a Federal Aviation Administration order made on safety grounds.
More than 750 US flights scheduled for Friday have been preemptively canceled Thursday, according to tracking website FlightAware.
American Airlines said in a statement it was reducing its flight schedules
“amounting to 220 flights canceled each day.”
Delta Airlines was axing about 170 flights scheduled for Friday, the carrier said, while broadcaster CNN reported Southwest Airlines nixed around 100 flights set for that day.
The shutdown has left tens of thousands of air traffic controllers, airport security staff and others without pay, causing personnel shortages.
On Thursday, more than 6,400 US flights were delayed, with some 200 cancellations, FlightAware data showed, as passengers faced long lines at security checkpoints.
‘Systemic racism’ hard-wired into London police
LONDON – Decades of “systemic racism” within London’s Metropolitan Police mean discrimination is “embedded” into its systems, leadership and culture, a new review of the force said Friday -- 26 years after another report reached similar conclusions.
The independent probe, commissioned after a landmark 2023 study found the Met -- Britain’s biggest force -- “institutionally racist, sexist and homophobic”, warned its racism impacts internally and in public-facing policing.
It also permeates into other forms of discrimination, the 126-page report concluded.
Authored by Shereen Daniels, a leading expert on human resources and addressing systemic racism within complex organizations, it tries to “diagnose” why the force has struggled to reform despite decades of similar warnings.
A string of scandals in recent years have rocked confidence in UK policing, in particular the 2021 kidnap, rape and murder of Londoner Sarah Everard by serving Met officer Wayne Couzens.
“This is not an account of individual incidents but a diagnosis of the structures that makes racial harm a consistent recurring pattern,” Daniels said in a statement unveiling the report, named “30 Patterns of Harm”.
“This entire body of work demonstrates how institutional racism operates in practice,” she added.
“It traces how racial harm becomes built into systems, behaviors and leadership norms that normalize discrimination and protect the organization from consequence.”
The Met welcomed the report and said it “recognizes the scale of the challenges it sets out”.
“This is a moment that calls for reflection, and further change,” it said in a statement.
It comes 26 years after the Macpherson Report found the force institutionally racist in the wake of the 1993 murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence, recommending dozens of reforms. AFP
Major airports were impacted, with travelers at Boston and Newark airports facing average delays of more than two hours, and those at Chicago’s O’Hare and Washington’s Reagan National more than an hour.
Authorities said they wanted to act before an accident occurred.
“We’re not going to wait for a safety problem to truly manifest itself, when the early indicators are telling us we can take action today to prevent things from deteriorating,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
The reduction measures come as the country enters its busiest travel time of the year, with the Thanksgiving holiday just weeks away.
As millions of Americans face likely travel chaos amid a shortage of air traffic control personnel, President Donald Trump’s administration sought to reassure people that flying remained safe.
“It’s safe to fly today, tomorrow, and the day after because of the proactive actions we are taking,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said late Thursday on X. AFP
Kazakhstan says to join Abraham Accords
WASHINGTON, DC – Kazakhstan said Thursday (Friday Manila time) it will join the Abraham Accords between Israel and mainly Muslim nations, in a largely symbolic move aimed at boosting US President Donald Trump’s push for Middle East peace.
The central Asian republic has had diplomatic ties with Israel for decades, unlike the four Arab states that normalized relations with Israel under the original accords signed in Trump’s first term.
But with Trump aiming to shore up his fragile Gaza ceasefire deal, Washington is pushing to get as much support as possible behind a wider peace initiative.
Peru declares Mexican leader persona non grata
LIMA – Peru’s Congress voted to declare Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum persona non grata on Thursday (Friday Manila time), after her country granted asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister on trial for allegedly aiding a 2022 coup attempt.
The two Latin American countries have had strained diplomatic relations for years, but tensions rose on Monday when Mexico granted asylum to ex-PM Betssy Chavez, prompting Peru to break off formal ties.
Chavez was Peru’s prime minister in December 2022 when then-president Pedro Castillo was ousted for trying to dissolve Congress following a monthslong standoff.
The declaration against Sheinbaum was passed on Thursday in a 63-33 vote by Peru’s Congress, which also recently removed Castillo’s highly unpopular successor, Dina Boluarte. Fernando Rospigliosi, the right-wing acting Congress president, said “it has been clearly established” that Sheinbaum interfered in Peru’s affair, “not only in words” but also by granting Chavez asylum. AFP
to death on the tourist island of Bali in 2013 after she was convicted of trafficking drugs. AFP
The announcement comes as Trump hosts Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the leaders of the other four central Asian republics -- Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan.
After the leaders arrived at the White House, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he, Tokayev and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had held a “great call.”
An official signing ceremony will be announced soon, Trump said, adding that “there are many more Countries trying to join this club of STRENGTH.”
Kazakhstan said Thursday it was “natural and logical” for it to join.
IN BRIEF
“Our anticipated accession to the Abraham Accords represents a natural and logical continuation of Kazakhstan’s foreign policy course -- grounded in dialogue, mutual respect, and regional stability,” the country’s government said in a statement. US special envoy Steve Witkoff said earlier that a new country would join the accords, sparking initial speculation -- later quashed -- that it could be the elusive prize of Saudi Arabia. Kazakhstan will be the first country to join since the original Abraham Accords in 2020, when the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco normalized ties with Israel. AFP
President
UK grandmother, 69, on Indonesia’s death row flies home after 12 years
DENPASAR, Indonesia – Two British drug convicts including a grandmother on death row flew home early on Friday, as part of a deal to return them on humanitarian grounds. Indonesia has some of the world’s toughest drug laws, but has moved to release more than half a dozen high-profile detainees in the last year. Lindsay Sandiford, 69, was sentenced to death on the tourist island of Bali in 2013 after she was convicted of trafficking drugs. She was repatriated along with Shahab Shahabadi, 36, who was serving a life sentence for drug offences after his arrest in 2014. Both left Bali on a Qatar Airways flight to London via Doha, an official from Indonesia’s law and human rights ministry confirmed to AFP on Friday. They had been presented before the media in a handover ceremony at Kerobokan jail a day earlier, with Sandiford covering her face. Their “detention will be moved to the United Kingdom” under the bilateral deal, the official, I Nyoman Gede Surya Mataram, told reporters. “For Lindsay and Shahab, after we hand (them) over to the United Kingdom govern-
ment, (they) are fully responsible for the legal decision that will be given there but still respecting our legal decision.”
Sandiford wound up behind bars after Indonesian customs officers found cocaine worth an estimated $2.14 million hidden in a false bottom of her suitcase when she landed in Bali in 2012. Sandiford admitted to the offenses but said she had agreed to carry the narcotics after a drug syndicate threatened to kill her son. The repatriation comes after Indonesia’s senior law and human rights minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, signed a deal with British foreign minister Yvette Cooper last month for the transfer of Sandiford and Shahabadi. Both prisoners are suffering from severe health problems. Yusril said last month that Sandiford was “seriously ill”, while Shahabadi was “suffering from various serious illnesses, including mental health issues”. Matthew Downing, Britain’s deputy ambassador to Indonesia, said the two were being repatriated on “humanitarian grounds.”.
“When they first arrive in the UK, the priority will be about their health,” he said. AFP
document by their biological sex at birth rather than their gender identity. The move is the latest blow to the rights of transgender and nonbinary Americans from the conservative-majority court, which includes three justices appointed by Republican President Donald Trump. Trump, after taking office in January, issued an executive order declaring that only two genders would now be recognized -male and female -- ending recognition of a third gender, denoted by an “X” on US passports. In line with the order, passports issued by the State Department are now required to state the biological sex -- “M” or “F” -- of their holder at birth. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenged the move and a district court judge ordered the State Department to resume issuing “X” passports to transgender and nonbinary people affected by the policy change. AFP
GOODBYE BADUNG. This handout photo taken and released by Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections on Thursday shows British death row inmate Lindsay Sandiford before being repatriated under an agreement between Indonesia and the UK, at Kerobokan Prison in Badung regency on the resort island of Bali. Sandiford, 69, was sentenced
PEAK TRAVEL SEASON. Frozen chicken sit on boxes as people arrive in vehicles to receive free food from the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank on Friday, Manila time, in City of Industry, California. The US government shutdown became the longest ever, topping the 35-day record set during Donald Trump’s first term, as his administration warned of holiday air travel chaos and threatened Americans’ benefits in
begin implementing
Federal Aviation Administration order made on safety grounds. AFP
WIDER PEACE INITIATIVE. US President Donald Trump (center), seated next to Vice President JD Vance (;eft) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, delivers remarks during a dinner with leaders of Central Asian countries in the East Room of the White House on Friday, Manila time, in Washington, DC. Trump hosted
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedow of Turkmenistan, President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan, and President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan. AFP
Southwoods gears up for Chairman’s Charity Cup
MANILA Southwoods Golf and Country Club is revving up for another edition of one of its most anticipated annual events – the Chairman’s Charity Cup, which gets going on Nov. 20-23 at the club’s world-class Legends and Masters courses in Carmona, Cavite.
Long regarded as the club’s flagship tournament, the Chairman’s Charity Cup has become a tradition that blends spirited competition with generosity and community spirit. Each year, members and guests eagerly look forward to this celebration of golf, fellowship and philanthropy – a hallmark of the Southwoods culture.
This year’s staging, presented by CSL Construction and Pro-Envirotek, Inc., promises to be even bigger and more festive, featuring not only topnotch play but also an array of fabulous prizes, fun hole challenges and a raffle draw offering premium giveaways.
Registration is now open, with the entry fee set at P8,000 (plus VAT) per player. The package is loaded with value, including a Pro Shop gift certificate worth P7,000, additional golf items, breakfast, fairway snacks and an awards lunch.
Players will also have a chance to win hole-in-one prizes and other raffle rewards – exclusive to tournament participants. Deadline for entries and cancellations is on Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. To ensure a smooth pace of play, slots for the final round will be limited, with Southwoods residents encouraged to schedule their rounds during the first two days. For registration and inquiries, email clubtournament.msgcc@gmail.com or visit the Front Desk for assistance.
The event, backed by year-round sponsors Mitsubishi Motors, Phils. Corp., Royal Caribbean/Baron Travel and Toyota Silang, Cavite, is open to club members, spouses and dependents in good standing. Participants may sign up individually or with a partner. Solo registrants will be paired by the Committee prior to the start of the competition.
National U, Santo Tomas begin title showdown
FOUR-PEAT-SEEKING National University takes on a hungry University of Santo Tomas side in an ultimate duel for supremacy as intense and explosive action in the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup best-of-three championship kicks off Saturday at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Facing off in an exciting rematch of the 2023 edition’s title showdown, the two proud and star-studded teams meet at center court at 4 p.m., looking to draw the pivotal first blood.
The Lady Bulldogs and Tigresses punched their way into the finale of the league’s centerpiece tournament, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, PeriPeri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea, by sweeping their respective Final Four opponents two weeks ago.
NU, gunning for a second straight season sweep following its conquest of the National Invitationals Davao Leg, rolled past Far Eastern University, 25-20, 27-25, 25-21, in their semifinal match despite the absence of a couple of key players.
“Itong game na ito is very important for us para may madala kami paangat sa finals,” said winger Celine Marsh, who connived with skipper Vange Alinsug to provide the Lady Bulldogs the much-needed firepower to get past the Lady Tamaraws.
But this time, NU will have its full arsenal with the return of top rookie Sam Cantada and Denesse Daylisan following their national team tour of duty.
Lady Bulldogs head coach Regine Diego will also bank on decorated setter Lams Lamina, Chams Maaya, Alexa Mata, Josline Salazar and libero Shaira Jardio.
Player close to LeBron pleads not guilty to gambling crimes
EW YORK—
NFormer NBA player Damon Jones, once close to LeBron James having worked alongside him at the Los Angeles Lakers, pleaded not guilty Thursday in two separate cases involving illegal gambling.
In the first case, he is accused with several others of participating in a rigged betting scheme based on sharing confidential information from the locker room.
He allegedly advised members of the network to bet on the Milwaukee Bucks against the Lakers, knowing that LeBron was injured and would not play.
Hours later, James announced his withdrawal, and the Lakers were defeated.
The second case involves a national network of Mafia-linked rigged poker games involving around 30 people and the use of highly sophisticated cheating equipment including X-ray tables.
Jones allegedly used his notoriety to lure victims into the rigged games, before receiving a share of the profits.
Coach Chauncey Billups, who won the NBA championships in 2004 with the Detroit Pistons, is charged in the illegal poker case.
and plead not guilty to both.
The undrafted 49-year-old former
player joined the NBA for a modest career across 11 different teams, notably the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005 to 2008, where he played alongside LeBron. He later became an assistant coach, working again for the Cava-
liers from 2016 to 2018 during LeBron’s second stint in Ohio. Jones served as James’s personal coach during the 2022–2023 season after the star joined the Lakers, without being employed by the team. AFP
Perpetual Altas battle Stags, eye 9th NCAA victory
By Dennis Abrina
classic against San Beda University last October 29.
In their first meeting against the Stags, team manager Anton Tamayo’s Perpetual Altas won by a score of 76-54.
Racela will also rely on John Abis, Shawn Orgo, Jearico Nuñez, John Paul Boral, Josh Alcantara, LA. Casinillo, Allen Maglupay and support from Gelo Gelsano, Emman Pizarro, JM Talabut, JD Pagulayan, Kenji Duremdes and Aries Borja.
Perpetual only needs one win to secure the top spot in Group A and secure the first seat in the quarterfinals, where it will hold a twice-to-beat advantage and await the winner in the playoff for the 4th spot in Group B starting on November 24.
The first two slots in Groups A and B after the elimination round will get twice-to-beat incentives, while the 3rd and 4th places must win twice. The best-of-three Final Four will begin on November 30, 2025, while the best-of-three finals start on December 7 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Quezon rips Gensan; Binan trips Batangas in MPBL
QUEZON Province battered Gensan, 103-75, on Thursday and boosted its South Division crown retention bid in the 747. LIVE Manny Pacquiao presents MPBL 2025 Season at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
The Quezon Huskers blitzed the Gensan Warriors, 10-0, and led by as far as 50-16 to surpass Binan’s 72-67 victory over Batangas earlier and move a win away from the best-of-five division finals.
Judel Fuentes tallied 19 points, highlighted by four triples out of five tries, to lead four other Huskers who delivered double figures.
Will Gozum sparked the Huskers’ early breakaway by pouring in 10 of his 13 points in the first quarter. Ximone Sandagon contributed 13 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists, LJ Gonzales 10 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists, and Alfrancis Tamsi 10 points.
Diego Dario made all of his 9 points from triples and Topeng Lagrama went 2 of 3 from afar as the Huskers pooled 17 triples from 34 attempts for an impressive 50 percent clip.
Gensan got 18 points from Joel Lee Yu and 13 points, 4 rebounds and 4 steals from Mark Cruz, but no other Warrior contributed twin digits.
Quezon and Binan will try to forge a finals tussle on Monday when they battle Gensan and Batangas, respectively, at the Batangas Province Events Center.
While Quezon handily won, Binan needed to
foil Batangas’ last-ditch rally that saw the Tanduay Rum Masters cluster 11 points to knot the count at 60.
Kenny Roger Rocacurva, Marc Pingis and Carlo Lastimosa, however, struck back for Binan Tatak Gel, 66-62, with 2 minutes and 56 seconds to go.
Cedric Ablaza drove in to push Batangas within, 64-66, but Jaymar Gimpayan rose to the challenge and bunched 6 points to seal the outcome, 72-64, only 9.2 seconds left.
Rocacurva posted 18 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists, Lastimosa 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, and Gimpayan 8 points plus 3 assists.
Binan controlled the first half, leading by as many as 22-11 before Batangas rallied through Jong Baloria and Ablaza to cut the deficit, 33-30, at the buzzer.
Batangas seized control at 42-37 only to be stifled by Rocacurva, who poured in 11 points as Binan restored order, 52-42.
The Rum Masters got 15 points and 4 rebounds from Baloria, 14 points and 5 rebounds from Ablaza, 11 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists from Levi Hernandez, and 10 points plus 4 rebounds from Joshua Torralba.
The North Division semifinals continue on Wednesday, with games pitting Caloocan against Abra at 6 p.m., and Pangasinan against San Juan at 8 p.m. at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Abra and Pangasinan won the series openers and would arrange a best-of-five division finals if they repeat over their opponents.
Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones (center) arrives for his arraignment at Brooklyn Federal Court on charges tied to illegal sports betting and poker game scheme in New York City. NBA coach Chauncey Billups, player Terry Ro-
Damon Jones, were among 34 people arrested in late October 2025
The Perpetual Altas team celebrates with coach Olsen Racela after the team won its eighth match at the expense of San Beda University on October 29, 2025. Dennis Abrina
Judel Fuentes delivers for the Quezon Huskers.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI,
RANDY M. CALUAG,
EDGARD HILARIO,
Savouge’s
Zinampan bags 2nd gold in Asian Masters athletics
By Randy M. Caluag
BRENDA Zinampan proved she’s not settling for anything less than gold.
The Filipino track veteran bagged her second gold medal at the 23rd Asia Masters Athletics Championships after ruling the Women’s 45–49 80-meter hurdles event, reinforcing her status as one of the Philippines’ brightest stars in the meet being held in Chennai, India. Her latest triumph came just a day after she sprinted to her first international title in the Women’s 45–49 100-meter dash—a remarkable feat considering it was her debut appearance in the sprint event on the international stage.
Zinampan, who is competing in four
disciplines—100m, pole vault, 80m hurdles, and 400m hurdles—has become one of the early standouts for Team Philippines in the weeklong competition. Adding to the country’s medal haul, Marichu Gaston clinched bronze in
the Women’s 55–59 100-meter sprint, giving the Philippines an early doublepodium finish in the women’s division.
Earlier, Olin “The Flash” Gordon set the tone for the Filipino campaigners after capturing the country’s first gold
Canino, Frayna force 5-chesser logjam at 2nd
OZAMIZ—Ruelle Canino caught another big fish while Janelle Mae Frayna opted for a quick draw to remain in the title race after the sixth round of the 6th ASEAN Individual Chess Championships-Gov. Henry Oaminal Cup at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Aquamarine Park here.
Canino, a 17-year-old Woman FIDE Master and an Olympiad veteran who is the reigning national women’s champion, sustained her giant-slaying spree after she slew fifth seed Woman International Master Laysa Latifah of Indonesia in 36 moves of a Sicilian duel. Frayna, the country’s first and only Woman Grandmaster to date, couldn’t find anything out of their Reti encounter and decided for a truce with WGM Hoang Thi Bao Tram in 26 moves.
Those results sent the two Filipinas in a five-player logjam at second spot with 4.5 points each, or just half a point behind solo leader IM Evgenija Ovod of Russia. Also in that chase group were Hoang, Vietnamese WGM Nguyen Thi Mai Hung and another Russian in WIM Ekaterina Smirnova.
The eighth-seeded Ovod split the point with Viet-
namese WGM Nguyen Thi Mai in 30 moves of a Queen’s Gambit Declined to hold sway at the helm in this nine-round meet sponsored by Misamis Occidental , backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and sanctioned by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.
It was Canino’s masterful victory over the sixthseeded Latifah that emerged the biggest of the round as she, playing black, pounced on an early blunder by the latter to go an exchange up and defended well enough in the end to preserve the win.
The Cagayan de Oro lass ended Latifah’s agony with a rook sacrifice on an empty space that will lead, if captured, into losing more materials including the 19-yearold Idonesian’s last strong piece—the queen.
In the open section, Filipino IMs Pau Bersamina and Christian Gian Karlo Arca preserved their energy and halved the point in just 18 moves of a Catalan to stay in a five-man jam at No. 3 with four points each.
They trail co-leaders IMs Munkhdalai Amilal of Mongolia and V S Raahul of India, who outlasted local bets in IM Jem Garcia and Kim Steven Yap, respectively.
in the Men’s 65–69 800-meter run, leading wire-to-wire with a commanding finish.
The strong opening performances underscored the determination and depth of the Philippine Masters Athletics Team, which is fielding athletes across various age brackets and disciplines—from sprints and throws to long-distance runs and race walks.
Among the other Filipino competitors are Florida Gonzales (Women’s 35–39 5000-meter race walk); Maricris Gammag (Women’s 40–44 discus throw, shot put, javelin throw, and hammer throw); Loralie Sermona (hammer throw); and Revelyn Marcos (100m, 200m, and long jump).
The Philippine delegation is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Masters Games Association as it continues to chase medals and pride for the country in the ongoing championships in Chennai.
Yulo, Centeno lead PSA sports achievers in October
OLYMPIC golden boy Carlos Yulo, pool ace Chezka Centeno, boxing champ Melvin Jerusalem and top gol fer Miguel Tabuena took turns flying the Philippine flag high in top-caliber competitions throughout October.
Yulo, the history-making double-gold medalist in the Paris Olympics, extended his brilliance to the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, copping top honors in vault (14.866) while snaring the bronze in floor exercise (14.533 points).
Centeno reigned supreme in the WPA Women’s 10-Ball World Championship in Bali, beating Rubilen Amit in an exciting all-Filipina finale, 3-2, to join the latter in the record books as the competition’s only two-time champions. Centeno previously won in 2023.
Headlining the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ commemorative event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Jerusalem dispatched South African challenger Siyakholwa Kuse by unanimous decision to retain his World Boxing Council minimumweight title.
And with a dazzling show in front of adoring home supporters at Sta. Elena Golf Club, Tabuena pulled off an emotional triumph at the International Series Philippines, the largest golf event in the country in 30 years in terms of field and prize money.
Spin Doctors regain rhythm, foil Griffins for rebound win
SAVOUGE Aesthetics shook off a shaky start and stormed back to crush VNS in four sets, 20–25, 25–20, 25–21, 25–16, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Still reeling from a shutout loss to the Criss Cross King Crunchers, the Spin Doctors came out flat and disorganized in the opening set, allowing the young Griffins to dictate the early pace. But after a huddle led by head coach Sydney Calderon, Savouge found its groove – and never looked back.
“Lahat kasi emotional sa pagkatalo namin sa Criss Cross kasi na-sweep kami so understandable,” Calderon admitted. “Pero sabi ko nga sa kanila, kapag nag-dwell tayo doon, hindi tayo makakapag move forward. Slow start talaga kanina pero nabuhay naman nung sabi ko kumuha muna ng momentum nung second set tapos dire-diretso na.”
Once Savouge settled down, its trademark cohesion and crisp execution returned. From being sluggish in the first frame, the Spin Doctors suddenly played with purpose – their attacks sharper and their blocks more precise.
Ahead by just two points in the fourth set, 15-13, Savouge uncorked a decisive eight-point barrage anchored by the troika of Shawie Caritativo, Giles Torres, and Lorenz Señoron, sealing the one-hour, 52-minute victory.
Caritativo led the way with 17 points built on 13 spikes, three aces, and a block, while also shining on defense with 16-of-19 excellent receptions and five digs – a complete performance that steadied Savouge’s ship.
Torres was equally impressive, also finishing with 17 points, including five blocks, while Mark Calado and Reymark Betco chipped in 16 and 10 points, respectively.
Axel Book and RK Medino fought valiantly and led VNS with 16 points apiece, but it wasn’t enough to stop Savouge’s mid-match resurgence as the Griffins fell to 0-4. Book also recorded 17 excellent receptions in a strong two-way effort.
Tabuena scored a three-stroke victory against a stacked field bannered by major champions and banked $360,000. The four shared billing as the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s top achievers for the 10th month of 2025. There were more noteworthy victories from fellow stalwarts of Team Philippines. Grandmaster Rogelio ‘Joey’ Antonio Jr., 63, ruled the 50-above category of the blitz event of the FIDE World Senior Championships in Gallipoli, Italy, leading a 1-2 finish with FIDE Master Mario Mangubat. Olympian weightlifter Elreen Ando claimed the bronze in clean and jerk (131kg) in the women’s 63kg division of the IWF World Championships in Forde, Norway. Woman FIDE Master Jemaicah Mendoza, 13, placed third in the Girls U14 category at the World Youth Chess Championships in Durres, Albania with 8.5 points and Paralympian Achelle Guion, competing in the women’s up to 54 kg class, got a podium finish in the Best-Legend event (80kg) in the World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo.
By Peter Atencio
TALKS of streamlining the future stagings of the Batang Pinoy and the Palarong Pambansa are continuing.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio said this following his recent meetings with Department of Education secretary Edgardo “Sonny” Angara.
The two government bodies are seeking to streamline and harmonize the format of the two sports meets for the youth.
“We are not unifying. We are streamlining and harmonizing it, make it into an age-group level competition,” said Gregorio.
By 2026, Gregorio hopes that the format of the Batang Pinoy will cater to the 8 to 15-year-old category and the Palarong Pambansa will change to a 16 to 21-year-old level of competition.
Gregorio said that these changes will align with the initiatives of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
The POC is gearing to have programs that that will have national athletes compete in the Asian Youth Games and the Youth Olympic Games.
“Tinututukan na natin ito,” added Gregorio.
At the moment, the agency is strengthening its ties with local government units in building regional training centers for sports.
The agency has
Angelo Reyes neatly scores against two VNS defenders in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Ruelle Canino
Brenda Zinampan
Carlos Yulo AFP
Thursday
the
Philconstruct
4.0%
GDP growth in Q3
4.1%
Household spending growth in Q3
5.6%
GNI growth in Q3
THE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) said Friday it will implement new quality standards and a maximum claim limit for surgeons performing specific eye procedures effective Nov. 15, 2025, to enhance member protection and guarantee high-quality care. The national health insurer issued PhilHealth Circular No. 20250021, which sets clear clinical guidelines for Pterygium Excision with Graft and Ocular Surface Reconstructive Surgeries (OSR).
It said the initiative, which also limits the amount eye surgeons can claim, aims to standardize care, prevent complications and align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s health agenda to ease the burden on Filipinos with these conditions.
“This is our step to ensure that every PhilHealth member receives the highest possible standard of eye care,” said PhilHealth president and chief executive Dr. Edwin Mercado.
“We are working with expert doctors and strengthening our monitoring systems to successfully fulfill PhilHealth’s mandate to deliver quality benefits,” he said.
BUHAWIND Energy Northern Luzon Corp. (BENLC), a subsidiary of PetroGreen Energy Corp., and China’s Mingyang Smart Energy Group Ltd. (Mingyang) have signed an agreement to conduct a feasibility study for BENLC’s planned 2-gigawatt (GW) offshore wind project in Ilocos Norte. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the joint feasibility study on Nov. 6, 2025. BENLC, the Department of Energy’s (DOE) service contractor for the project, is a member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies, with Japan’s Kyuden International Corp. (KIC) as a significant minority partner.
2025, the country’s
construction
Philippine Institute of Architects president Daniel Terence Yu and other industry leaders.
Flood control mess dragged GDP growth to 4.0% in Q3
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippine economy grew at its slowest pace in nearly five years in the third quarter of 2025, dragged down by disruptions to government spending linked to a flood control corruption scandal and weakened investor confidence.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported Friday that the gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 4.0 percent year-on-year in the third quarter. This marks the slowest growth since the economy contracted by 3.8 percent in the first quarter of 2021 and is slower than the 5.5-percent growth in the second quarter and 5.2 percent in the third quarter of 2024.
This result pushed the average GDP growth for the first three quarters of the year to 5.0 percent, falling short of the government’s revised target range of 5.5 percent to 6.5 percent for 2025.
The Makati Business Club (MBC) directly linked the sluggish growth to the corruption scandal. “The significantly lower third-quarter GDP growth result of four percent
illustrates how the corruption scandal has begun to affect our macroeconomic performance,” MBC executive-director Apa Ongpin said in a statement. Ongpin said the scandal did not directly slow growth, but “it slowed government spending, as many programmed infrastructure projects are on hold or even in limbo, as the DPWH and the ICI investigate them. Government spending is an important driver of economic growth.”
The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) echoed the alarm, calling the weak growth a “wake-up call” due to weak consumer demand, delayed government spending and investor hesitation amid corruption probes and policy uncertainty.
By Jenniffer B. Austria and Charles Dantes
MAYNILAD Water Services Inc. plans to expand outside its current west zone concession area after the success of its initial public offering (IPO) which raised about P34.3 billion.
The water concessionaire’s share price closed slightly lower on its debut at P14.98 compared to its P15 IPO price.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded the public listing, calling it a milestone that reflects investor confidence, economic strength and a renewed commitment to transparency in the country’s business sector.
Speaking at the listing ceremony in Taguig City, the president said the company’s IPO “signals confidence in our
“We are excited to work with Mingyang, one of the world’s leading innovators in offshore wind turbine technology and development,” BENLC president Francisco Delfin Jr. said. Delfin said the cooperation would contribute significantly to “de-risking the project further and identifying pathways for viable commercial development,” alongside ongoing site wind measurement surveys and environmental impact studies.
“Both parties accept the long-term nature of offshore wind development and we clearly recognize the enormous technical, commercial, and infrastructure challenges that need to be overcome,” he said. Alena Mae S. Flores
markets and in our people,” marking a significant step for both the water industry and the national economy.
Maynilad’s IPO was 2.7-times oversubscribed, indicating strong demand from both overseas and domestic investors, Maynilad chief finance officer Ricardo de los Reyes said, despite the volatile Philippine market.
He said of the P34.3 billion total proceeds, foreign cornerstone investors, which include the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Corp. (IFC), accounted for P18.4 billion, and domestic cornerstone investors P2.6 billion.
The remainder was accounted for by foreign and domestic long-only investors, hedge funds, and domestic retail investors.
The IPO is expected to strengthen the company’s capacity to finance expansion and capital expenditure programs aimed at improving water and wastewater services.
Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez said in a news briefing that while the company’s priority remains improving services within its existing concession area, Maynilad is now studying opportunities to extend water and wastewater services to nearby local government units (LGUs).
“Our priority continues to be improving the services to our customers inside the West Zone,” Fernandez said. He noted that the company plans to provide services to two major reclamation projects that are nearing completion.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
UNIOIL Petroleum Philippines Inc.
announced Friday the successful closing of its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned firm Aramco, one of the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals companies. Aramco now holds a 25-percent equity stake in Unioil, marking the beginning of a collaboration that strengthens Unioil’s position and ushers in a new era for the Philippine energy sector. The partnership gives Unioil access to Aramco’s world-class refining, supply and logistics network, providing a reliable source of fuel supply to meet the Philippines’ growing demand. This enhances Unioil’s ability to support the country’s energy security and economic development.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome Aramco as our strategic partner,” said Unioil chief executive Janice Co Roxas-Chua.
“This marks a new chapter in Unioil’s journey—one defined by innovation, excellence, and a deepened commitment to serving our customers and communities across the Philippines. With Aramco’s partnership, we are confident in our ability to scale our operations, drive innovation, and strengthen our leadership in the wholesale and retail fuels market,” said Roxas-Chua.
CONSTRUCTION SHOW.
Manila
premier
event organized by the Philippine Constructors Association Inc. (PCA), opens
at
SMX Convention Center Manila and World Trade Center Manila. With the theme ‘Shaping the Future of Construction’ which reflects the expo’s focus on sustainability, efficiency and modernization, this year’s four-day event will run until Nov. 9, with over 1,000 participating companies and thousands of innovative offerings featuring sustainable and eco-friendly materials, smart construction technologies, prefabricated and modular construction solutions and cutting-edge architectural designs. Leading the opening rites is PCA president Gerardo Pancho (ninth from left), along with PSVARE president Alfredo Pantaleon,
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., together with Maynilad Water Services Inc. chairman Manuel Pangilinan and Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) chairman
PH stocks hit by weak GDP growth; peso slides to 59.04
LOCAL stocks plummeted on Friday, triggered by the announcement that third-quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) slowed to 4 percent, marking the lowest growth in over 4.5 years.
The benchmark 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plunged by 76.22 points, or 1.31 percent, to close at 5,759.37, while the broader all shares index declined 0.81 percent. The peso likewise weakened, falling to 59.04 against the U.S. dollar on Friday from 58.94 on Thursday.
COL Financial research head April
Tan noted that the 4 percent GDP growth was “significantly below” the consensus expectation of 5.2 percent and the 5.5 percent recorded in the second quarter.
“GDP growth breakdown was surprising as weak consumption and investments were the main culprit of the disappointing Q3 print,” Tan said.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort attributed the slower growth largely to weather/calamity-related disturbances and recent political noise surrounding corruption allegations.
Looking ahead, Ricafort suggested that “investor confidence could improve... if reform measures, especially to further improve governance standards, are taken seriously.”
Trading activity saw a value turnover of P8.41 billion, boosted by the maiden listing of Maynilad Water Services Inc., whose shares closed slightly lower at P14.98.
The market ended with 117 decliners versus 72 gainers. Foreign investors remained net buyers with inflows totaling P4.97 billion.
Top gainer was DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (+4.55 percent), while SM Prime Holdings (-5.05 percent) was among the biggest losers.
Asian stocks on Friday tracked Wall Street losses propelled by investors weighing weak US jobs data against signals the Federal Reserve won’t again cut interest rates this year.
Growing worries that valuations, particularly among tech companies, are far too high following this year’s blockbuster rally added to the sense of unease on trading floors.
Austria with AFP
Jenniffer B.
RL Commercial REIT revenues jump 30% after mall infusion
RL COMMERCIAL REIT Inc.
(RCR), the real estate investment trust of Robinsons Land Corp., announced that nine-month revenues jumped by 30 percent year-over-year, driven by the infusion of nine lifestyle malls into its portfolio and sustained high occupancy.
In a disclosure to the stock exchange Friday, RCR said revenues from January through September reached P7.66 billion. Third-quarter revenues rose 31 percent to P3.07 billion.
The Securities and Exchange Commission approved the transfer of nine mall properties from RLC to RCR via a property-for-share swap on Sept. 5. Revenues and expenses for these properties were accrued to RCR effective Aug. 1, 2025. This share-swap deal represents RCR’s fourth asset infusion to date.
“The recent infusion of nine malls into RCR’s portfolio underscores our continued commitment to growing the company,” said Jericho Go, president and chief executive of RCR.
“The P30.67 billion infusion is another large-scale infusion done by RCR.” Go noted the company benefits from the variable rent structure of its malls, which offers strong potential for revenue growth. “Since our listing in 2021, we have nearly tripled our gross leasable area and expanded our footprint from nine to 25 key locations nationwide,” he added.
The RCR board also approved a third-quarter 2025 regular cash dividend of P0.1060 per outstanding common share. The dividends will be payable on Dec. 2, 2025, to shareholders on record as of Nov. 21, 2025. For the first three quarters of 2025, RCR has declared a total of P5.37 billion in cash dividends, equivalent to more than 90 percent of its unaudited distributable income.
Jenniffer B. Austria
URC’s third-quarter net income jumped 55% to P2.2b
By Jenniffer B. Austria
Food manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. (URC) on Friday reported a 55-percent net income growth to P2.2 billion in the third quarter of 2025 from P1.42 billion in the same period last year.
The strong quarterly performance contributed to a solid nine-month result, with net income rising 5.6 percent year-on-year to P8.47 billion. Consolidated revenues in the third quarter inched up by 1.5 percent to P38.73 billion from P38.13 billion a year ago, while nine-month revenues
SHELL WORKSHOP. Shell Helix brand manager Jensen Garcia engages participants at the Shell Fast Track: Auto Workshop Business Summit in Cagayan de Oro. This key summit continues its mission to bring together auto workshop owners, entrepreneurs, and Shell Helix partners to exchange insights, strengthen ties, and drive business growth.
reached P124.623 billion, a 4-8 percent increase from the previous year. Sales from URC’s branded consumer foods (BCF) segment rose 4.3 percent to P85.763 billion from P82.234 billion in 2024.
Domestic operations were a key driver, posting a 4.8-percent increase
in net sales to P58.994 billion, fueled by strong volume growth in snacks and ready-to-drink beverages.
International operations also saw a growth of 3.2 percent to P26.769 billion from P25.950 billion, led by resilient volumes in Malaysia and Indonesia. The commodities business delivered strong results, with revenues increasing 11.4 percent to P28.959 billion from P25.989 billion. This was led by its sugar and renewables segments. The sugar business saw a 21.6-percent jump in revenue to P17.529 billion, while renewables climbed 5.5 percent to P5.326 billion.
The flour business grew 2.1 percent to P4.706 billion from P4.608 billion on the back of higher volume. The animal feeds business declined 7.1 percent, with sales falling to P9.902 billion from P10.661 billion on lower volumes in hog feeds and dog food. The company’s gross profit increased 2.1 percent to P33.040 billion from P32.365 billion. This was achieved despite a 5.9-percent increase in the cost of sales, which rose to P91.583 billion from P86.520 billion, mainly attributable to higher material costs, particularly coffee.
DMCI’s nine-month income fell 22% on energy, construction weakness
DMCI Holdings Inc. reported a consolidated net income of P11.8 billion in nine months ended September 2025, a 22-percent drop from P15.1 billion in the same period last year, the diversified engineering conglomerate said Friday in a stock exchange disclosure. The decline was attributed to weaker earnings from the group’s integrated energy and construction segments, alongside the ongoing integration of its recently acquired cement business.
DMCI’s diversified portfolio provided resilience, as stronger perfor-
mances from its real estate, nickel mining and off-grid power generation businesses, coupled with higher equity earnings from associates, partially offset the decrease. It said third-quarter consolidated net income fell 33 percent year-onyear to P2.7 billion, on softer energy markets, weather disruptions in mining operation, and higher production and operating costs across the group.
Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), the group’s integrated energy arm, contributed P5.8 billion to
ACEN income dips 78% on impairment charges
By Alena Mae S. Flores
ACEN Corp., the listed energy platform of the Ayala group, reported that consolidated net income attributable to equity holders of the parent company amounted to P1.79 billion for the first nine months, a 78 percent drop from P8.14 billion year-over-year. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, ACEN reported a total net income of P2.2 billion during the period, down from P8.97 billion in 2024.
The company said the sharp decline was primarily driven by a non-cash impairment provision made for two Vietnam wind projects, Lac Hoa and Hoa Dong, and various operational challenges across regions. Financial performance was also affected by lower spot prices in the Philippines and Australia, weaker solar irradiance in key markets and offline wind turbines in Northern Luzon, which have since been mostly repaired and brought back online. Despite the earnings dip, ACEN’s
attributable renewables output rose 16 percent year-over-year to 4,843 gigawatt-hours (GWh), fueled by new contributions from Stubbo Solar in Australia and Monsoon Wind in Lao PDR.
“We continue to build on the momentum across our various markets, with new capacity coming online and a robust pipeline driving future growth,” said Eric Francia, ACEN president and chief executive. “We remain focused on scaling our renewables portfolio and accelerating investments in energy storage.”
International assets generated 3,539 GWh, a 26 percent increase year-over-year, due to additional operating capacity and strong contributions from all markets. Stubbo Solar in Australia reached full operations in late October, and Monsoon Wind in Lao PDR achieved full commissioning in August. This expansion increased ACEN’s operating capacity to approximately 4.3 GW, or 61 percent of its global portfolio.
the nine-month total, a 34-percent decline from P8.9 billion last year, due to weaker coal and electricity prices and higher production costs. The company noted that record-high shipment volumes and power generation helped cushion the impact.
DMCI Homes, the real estate segment, posted a contribution of P2.7 billion, an 11-percent increase from P2.4 billion, which was led by higher residential revenues from newly recognized accounts and increased rental and finance income.
The group’s construction arm, D.M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI), contributed P187 million, down from P467 million, as project delays, higher costs and conservative revenue recognition weighed on its performance.
DMCI Power posted its highest nine-month contribution of P985 million, up 4 percent from P947 million, supported by stronger energy sales, the commissioning of a new bunkerfired plant in Palawan and a new power supply agreement in Antique. Jenniffer B. Austria
Globe net profit falls 14% due to competition, weather
By Darwin G. Amojelar
GLOBE Telecom Inc. reported Friday that its net income for the first nine months of 2025 fell by 14 percent, citing operating environment challenges.
The Ayala-led telecommunications company posted a net income of P17.7 billion in the January-to-September period, down from P20.6 billion in the same period last year. The company attributed the lower earnings to intense industry competition and localized economic disruptions caused by typhoons. Core net income, which excludes non-recurring items such as gains from asset disposals, forex move-
ments and mark-to-market adjustments, was P15.5 billion, down from P17.6 billion a year earlier.
“Our third-quarter results underscore Globe’s consistent performance and our ability to create impact beyond connectivity,” said Carl Raymond Cruz, Globe president and chief executive. “Mobile and broadband sustained their growth momentum in the third quarter, while corporate data revenues rose 13 percent quarter-on-quarter, signaling an emerging rebound in enterprise digitalization efforts.”
Cruz added that Mynt (Globe’s fintech platform) continued to be a key contributor to earnings, “reaffirming the expanding role of our digital platforms.”
UPPER WAWA DAM. East Zone concessionaire Manila Water reinforces its commitment
through the official takeover of operations of the Upper Wawa Dam, following the successful acquisition of WawaJVCo.
Finance chief touts Batangas port as future logistics hub
By Darwin G. Amojelar
FINANCE Secretary Ralph Recto expressed optimism Friday about the future of the Port of Batangas, stating that upcoming developments will solidify its role as the logistics powerhouse of Southern Luzon.
Recto cited the Phase II expansion of the Batangas Container Terminal and the entry of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) as key drivers of this growth.
Recto also praised the port for its information and communications technology (ICT) initiatives, such as the Marine Traffic App, the ATI Mobile Port App and the VIN Decoder App, which track vessels in real time. The port also uses a centralized dashboard to track collections and cargo, as well as a Doc Tracker to streamline document processes.
“For we know that every delay cut, every leak plugged, every peso saved from corruption — is a peso earned for the Filipino people,” Recto said.
The Port of Batangas boasts an average annual collection of P224 billion, representing 24.5 percent of the total revenue collection of the Bureau of Customs. It has performed strongly this year with a revenue collection of P194.73 billion from Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, 2025, which is 5.53
POWER RESTORATION.
Portions of National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ Calongcalong-Asturias
69kV Line in Cebu were buried in mud and debris due to the flashfloods brought about by Typhoon Tino. NGCP continues to conduct restoration activities.
percent higher than the same period last year.
Handling an average of 133 vessels per month, or about four vessels daily, the port moves more than 1.6 billion metric tons of goods monthly and processes around 374 containers each day, making it one of the busiest and most productive ports in the country.
In August 2025, Batangas was recognized as a top performing port after its actual collection of P20.01 billion surpassed the Development Budget Coordinating Committee (DBCC) target of P19.68 billion. For the month of October, its actual revenue collection of P22.96 billion also exceeded its DBCC target by 5.90 percent.
Motor vehicles and oil remain the top revenue drivers of the port, accounting for over 85 percent of total collections. Its top importers — Toyota Motor Philippines, Shell Pilipinas and Unioil Petroleum — together contribute over 38 percent of total revenues.
Pangasinan town wants to host nuclear plant
THE small municipality of Labrador in Pangasinan has invited the development of a modern nuclear facility, marking a rare, community-driven declaration of consent that could serve as a national template for the Philippines’ future energy strategy.
About 65 percent of registered voters in the town, which has fewer than 30,000 residents, signed a notarized petition inviting the government or private companies to build a nuclear power plant there.
The decision was the central focus of the “Stand Up for Nuclear (SUFN) 2025” town hall meeting on Wednesday, organized by the non-stock, non-profit organization Alpas Pinas.
The decision is rooted in the urgency to address the Philippines’ chronic issue of rising electricity costs. A recent Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) report indicates that 94.8 percent of Filipino households are connected to the grid, but for millions, surging bills strain incomes and erode eco-
nomic opportunities.
Pangasinan Second District Rep. Mark Cojuangco, a staunch nuclear advocate and principal author of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom) Law, recalled challenging the local community to formally express its desire to host the plant.
“I challenged them [citizens of Labrador], I said if this is what they want, write to the government that you will invite companies or the government to build a nuclear plant here in Labrador,” Cojuangco said.
Mayor Noel Uson expressed full support for the project, while stressing prudence.
“We are in full support of nuclear energy utilization,” Uson said,
“But safety and security will always come first,” he said.
Vice Mayor Melchora Yaneza said strict oversight and preparedness would be key to earning public trust.
Woggle resumes mineral exploration in Nueva Vizcaya
WOGGLE Corp. on Tuesday resumed mineral exploration activities in Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, reaffirming its full compliance with Philippine law and pledging continued dialogue with local communities amid allegations questioning the validity of its operations.
The resumption followed a temporary restraining order, or TRO, issued Oct. 18 that authorized the Philippine National Police to remove barricades erected by antimining groups.
The company stated that all exploration activities are being conducted in full compliance with the Philippine Mining Act and that it has secured the necessary permits and approvals from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (DENR-MGB), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and local government units.
“Our work is governed by the law, guided by science, and built on respect,” Lorne Harvey, Woggle’s general manager for operations, said in a statement. “We are
committed to transparency and to sharing accurate information about our operations.”
Woggle also addressed claims that village representatives were misled into signing documents to secure the permit, clarifying that attendance sheets used during community meetings have never been used as consent forms. The company said all documents supporting its application were certified by the appropriate authorities, calling the allegations of deceit a misrepresentation of the process.
Woggle further noted that an NCIP Certificate of Non-Overlap confirms no registered Indigenous Cultural Communities or Ancestral Domains exist within the exploration area.
The company stated that community consultations were held both before and after the exploration permit was issued, with certificates and documentation submitted to the MGB Regional Office. Consultations were conducted in Barangay Bitnong, Barangay Oyao and Barangay Parai, as well
as before the Sangguniang Bayan and Sangguniang Panlalawigan. While some local councils declined to issue post-consultation certificates, Woggle noted that video documentation of the meetings has been made publicly available.
“We recognize that consultation must go beyond compliance. That’s why we’re expanding efforts to engage communities directly through open forums, information sessions, and ongoing dialogue,” Harvey said. The exploration aims to scientifically assess the area’s mineral potential. The company believes that if the project proves viable, it could help transform the economic footprint of host communities and the Province of Nueva Vizcaya into a sustainable center of growth.
FLOOD CONTROL PUSH. Laguna Governor Sol Aragones and San Miguel Corporation (SMC)
president Ramon Ang sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for a collaborative flood control initiative in the province. The signing officially launches a free dredging project—Ang’s “birthday gift” to Aragones— addressing Laguna’s persistent flooding at no cost to the provincial government. Roy Tomandao
Pangasinan,
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025
extrastory2000@gmail.com
RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor
ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
JFC welcomes ‘Konektadong Pinoy’ implementing rules
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippines took a major step toward providing faster, more reliable and affordable internet access across the nation with the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Konektadong Pinoy Act, or Republic Act No. 12234, according the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC).
The JFC, a coalition of American, Canadian, European, Japanese, and Korean chambers, commended the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the prompt issuance of the IRR, calling the law a “landmark
measure for digital inclusion.”
The IRR, signed at the DICT headquarters on Nov. 5, 2025, establishes performance standards and cybersecurity safeguards to ensure that internet services are not only accessible but also safe and dependable. It also simplifies registration and streamlines processes for smaller and community-based providers, making it easier for them to bring connectivity to underserved areas.
The JFC said the move reflects the government’s strong commitment to expanding digital connectivity and promoting greater inclusion nationwide.
PH banks sustain strong asset growth
By Thony Rose Lesaca
THE Philippine banking system sustained its growth momentum in the first half of 2025 on broad-based asset expansion and solid profitability, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Friday.
The system’s total assets grew 7.7 percent year-on-year to P28.2 trillion as of end-June 2025, supported by stable domestic deposits and strong capital and liquidity buffers, the BSP said in its first semester report on the Philippine financial system.
Combined profits of Philippine banks rose 4.1 percent year-on-year to P198.1 billion.
Loans and investments accounted for 84.2 percent of the total assets,
which kept the system’s overall asset quality satisfactory. System-wide loans expanded 10.9 percent to P15.9 trillion in June.
The real estate sector was the largest borrower, accounting for 18.1 percent of total loans. This was followed by household (14.8 percent), electricity (10.6 percent), wholesale and retail trade (10.4 percent) and manufacturing (7.9 percent).
The report also highlighted that
DENR launches probe into compliance of Monterrazas de Cebu housing project
THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said Friday it launched a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder investigation into the Monterrazas de Cebu Project to ensure its compliance with environmental laws and its environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
It issued the statement following heated online discussions about the mountainside residential project endorsed by engineer and content creator Slater Young following the massive flooding in Cebu province.
The DENR said it convened a joint inspection, investigation and assessment team to begin a thorough on-site investigation.
It said the team of technical experts includes representatives from DENR Region 7, the Environmental Man-
agement Bureau (EMB-7), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cebu, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Cebu City, the Cebu City Government and Barangay Guadalupe.
The team was tasked to determine the project’s adherence to the conditions of its ECC and other environmental regulations; the effectiveness of its drainage, slope protection and runoff management systems; the stability of slopes and potential risks of landslides and flooding; possible alterations to the natural landform and its proximity to timberland areas; and evidence of erosion, siltation or obstructions in nearby tributaries and waterways.
banks continued to advance inclusive growth. Loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) climbed 11.2 percent to P544.8 billion. Total financing to agriculture, fisheries and rural development reached P2.4 trillion, surpassing the mandated lending quota.
The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of the banking system improved to 3.3 percent in June, down from 3.5 percent a year earlier. NPLs grew at a slower pace of 5.5 percent to P530.3 billion.
Trust and foreign currency deposit units (FCDU) also posted robust double-digit asset growth in June, accounting for 28.2 percent and 15.9 percent of the banking system assets, respectively. Both operations remained profitable.
Net profits increased by 12.2 percent to P4.6 billion for trust opera-
tions and 22.6 percent to $437.6 million for FCDUs.
Total deposits in the banking system rose 5.9 percent to P20.7 trillion, while total capital increased 10.6 percent to P3.5 trillion in the first half of the year.
“The banking system’s solid performance underscores its strength in seizing opportunities, navigating emerging risks, driving innovation, and championing inclusive and sustainable growth,” said BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr.
“In line with this, the BSP will continue pursuing policies that further strengthen the banking system. This supports an environment that helps banks to continue growing, supporting economic activity, and responding to the evolving needs of Filipinos,” Remolona said.
Spanish companies study Philippine defense, energy, maritime investments
THREE Spanish companies have expressed interest in investing in the Philippines, particularly in maritime infrastructure, renewable energy and defense-related projects, following a meeting with the Board of Investments (BOI). Spanish firms GEOMYTSA (Geofísica Mar y Tierra S.A.), PROES Consultares and AISTER Aluminum Shipyard presented their investment interests and explored potential collaboration frameworks with Phil-
ippine counterparts at the BOI office in Makati City in October.
The delegation, which met with Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo, showcased their expertise in marine geophysics, coastal and port engineering, renewable energy and naval platforms.
Rodolfo underscored opportunities in shipyard rehabilitation, naval base development, offshore wind port facilities and subsea cable landing areas. He expressed the BOI’s support
in linking the Spanish firms with local stakeholders to advance collaboration in these key sectors.
GEOMYTSA committed to bring in marine and terrestrial geophysical surveying, offering bathymetry, seabed mapping and environmental monitoring services.
PROES, as part of Spain’s Amper Group, is a multidisciplinary engineering and architecture firm with projects in water, energy, transport and sustain
able infrastructure. AISTER Aluminum
is a global leader in aluminum workboats, supplying patrol and search-andrescue vessels to over 30 countries including the Spanish Navy.
The BOI presented the government’s fiscal incentives and the “Green Lane” initiative, which fast-tracks permits and licenses for strategic projects. It also presented the Self-Reliance Defense Posture (SRDP) Act, which could open opportunities for Spanish defense-related investments to qualify for incentives. Othel V. Campos
DA announces temporary ban on Dutch poultry imports after new bird flu outbreak
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said Friday it imposed a temporary ban on the importation of all wild and domestic birds and poultry products from the Netherlands following a new outbreak of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
The suspension, ordered to safeguard the country’s poultry population, covers poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen used for artificial insemination of breeders.
The ban comes after Dutch veterinary authorities reported the H5N1 outbreak in Aa en Hunze, Drenthe, on Oct. 6, which affected domestic birds, to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) on Oct. 8.
The suspension was ordered by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. upon the recommendation of
the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Tiu Laurel said the poultry sector is crucial for food security and is a key source of investments and employment. He also directed the BAI to suspend the processing and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for poultry commodities from the Netherlands. Under Memorandum Order No. 68, shipments already in transit, loaded or accepted at ports before the order took effect will be allowed entry, provided the products were slaughtered or produced on or before Sept. 22, 2025. All covered shipments arriving after the ban will be confiscated by veterinary quarantine officers at ports of entry, with the exception of heattreated products. Othel V. Campos
PH data center firms form alliance LEADING data center operators in the Philippines have joined forces to create the Data Center Operators of the Philippines (DCPH) to solidify the country’s position as Southeast Asia’s next digital hub. The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing involving representatives from VITRO Inc., ST Telemedia Global Data Centers (Philippines), YCO Cloud, Digital Edge Philippines, Digital
and A-FLOW. These companies, which collectively represent 473 megawatts of
power capacity, will serve as a unified voice for the Philippine data center industry, driving stronger collaboration across stakeholders. The alliance’s common vision is to strengthen the Philippines’ regional competitiveness in the global digital economy through robust data center infrastructure development. A key focus for the DCPH is to champion data localization for data processed and stored by the public sector. The group underscored that keeping government data within the country safeguards national security and protects citizen data.
They noted that neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia have already implemented strong data localization policies, recognizing citizen data as a strategic national asset that underpins data sovereignty and economic growth. Darwin G. Amojelar
Tobacco agency warns vs. illicit products
THE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) said Friday it launched an intensified public information campaign, distributing 50,000 posters and materials to “sari-sari” stores nationwide to warn retailers of the severe legal consequences of selling fake or smuggled tobacco products. The initiative aims to curb a booming black market that advocacy groups say is eroding the livelihoods of legitimate store owners.
The NTA posters detail penalties for violators, including fines from P50,000 to P200,000 and two to five years in prison for selling counterfeit cigarettes. Distributing untaxed products carries a penalty of five to eight years in jail, while selling items without graphic health warnings can result in fines
Zuckerbergs put AI at heart of pledge to cure all diseases
SAN FRANCISCO
—The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a nonprofit launched by Mark Zuckerberg and his wife aimed at curing all disease, on Thursday announced it was restructuring to focus on using artificial intelligence to achieve that goal.
The move narrows the focus of the philanthropic organization founded in 2015 with a vow to devote most of the couple’s significant wealth to charitable causes, including social justice and voter rights.
Zuckerberg is among the highprofile tech figures who has backed away from diversity, equality and factchecking initiatives after US President Donald Trump took office in January.
The organizaiton this year ended its diversity efforts, curbed support of nonprofits that provide housing and stopped funding a primary school that gave education and health care to underserved children, according to media reports.
The philanthropic mission created by the Meta co-founder and his spouse, Priscilla Chan, said that its current priority invovles scientific teams centralized in a facility called Biohub.
“This is a pivotal moment in science, and the future of AI-powered scientific discovery is starting to come into view,” Biohub said in a blog post.
“We believe that it will be possible in the next few years to create powerful AI
systems that can reason about and represent biology to accelerate science.”
Biohub envisions AI helping advance ways to detect, prevent and cure diseases, according to the post.
The mission includes trying to model the human immune system, potentially opening a door to “engineering human health.”
“We believe we’re on the cusp of a scientific revolution in biology -- as frontier artificial intelligence and vir-
tual biology give scientists new tools to understand life at a fundamental level,”
Biohub said in the post.
The first investment announced by the Zuckerbergs when the initiative debuted nearly a decade ago was for the creation of a Biohub in Silicon Valley where researchers, scientists and others could work to build tools to better study and understand diseases.
Alibaba Cloud recognized as a leader in 2 Gartner reports
ALIBABA Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, recently announced that it has been named a Leader in Gartner 2025 Magic Quadrant for Container Management and the 2025 Magic Quadrant for Cloud-Native Application Platforms.
Alibaba Cloud believes these recognitions underscore Alibaba Cloud’s continued commitment to leading innovations that empower global enterprises and drive digital transformation.
“Our multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers have built incredible technologies to observe, measure and program biology,” Biohub said of its progress.
Meta is among the big tech firms that have been pouring billions of dollars into data centers and more in a race to lead the field of AI.
Shortly after it was established, the initiative bought a Canadian startup which uses AI to quickly read and comprehend scientific papers and then provide insights to researchers.
Infinix XPAD 20 Pro: Perfect for work, study, everything in between
THE way we live has changed. Our “office” can be a coffee shop, our “classroom” can be a park bench, and our “me-time” often starts with a screen and a playlist. The Infinix XPAD 20 Pro was made for exactly that kind of life, fast-paced, flexible, and full of moments that matter.
Bundled with keyboard and pencil, the XPAD Pro Keyboard and X Pencil 20 Pro, this tablet is ready for anything right out of the box, whether you’re working on a project, taking notes in class, or sketching your next big idea. Sleek, smart, and stunning, it’s not just another gadget, it’s your everyday companion for creating, connecting, and chilling in style.
Work From Anywhere, Look Good Everywhere
Setting up for a morning coffee work session? Prop up your XPAD 20 Pro on the café table and breeze through emails or quick edits while sipping your latte. The 12-inch 90Hz high-definition screen makes everything from spreadsheets to TikTok videos look sharp and fluid. And thanks to TÜV Rheinland-certified eye protection, even long study nights or post-work
binge sessions feel easy on the eyes. Its slim, all-metal unibody feels light but luxe, the kind that turns heads when you pull it out in class or at a co-working space. Choose between Titanium Gray, cool and grounded, or Mist Blue, soft and breezy, both stylish enough to match your vibe whether you’re in your minimalist era or your pastel-core phase.
Power That Doesn’t Quit
Ever tried running multiple apps while video calling and your device just freezes? Not here. The MediaTek G100 Ultimate processor with 4G connectivity gives you smooth multitasking and longlasting performance all day long. You can take notes and stream lectures with Split Screen, reply to DMs
while finalizing your report with floating windows, or plan your next trip by checking maps and hotel deals side by side. It’s like having multiple screens in one without the chaos. And when inspiration strikes at 2 a.m., the XPAD 20 Pro’s AI Image Generator lets you turn random ideas into visuals in seconds. Whether you’re mocking up a poster, designing an IG story, or just letting your creativity roam free, it’s like having your own digital art studio at your fingertips.
Other built-in tools like AI Writing, AI Art, and Photo Problem-Solving make tasks faster, smarter, and way more fun. Even better, the Infinix Learning Center transforms screen time for kids and teens into interactive lessons, so parents can chill knowing their little ones are learning something new while they scroll.
Smarter Ways to Stay Connected
If you’re constantly joining virtual meetings or collaborating across time zones, the XPAD 20 Pro’s real-time translation feature is a total game-changer. It translates text, speech, and even live conversations instantly. Say goodbye to awkward translation app moments.
“We believe being recognized by Gartner as a Leader in both Container Management and Cloud-Native Application Platforms reflects our unwavering focus on delivering solutions that meet the rapidly evolving technology needs of today’s businesses. With digital competency quickly becoming a non-negotiable, we’re fully committed to making the adoption of digital tools as easy and effective as possible while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in these technologies,” said Jiangwei Jiang, Senior Researcher and General Manager of Infrastructure Products, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. According to Gartner, “Leaders distinguish themselves by offering a service suitable for strategic adoption and having an ambitious roadmap.”
For Container Management, Alibaba Cloud has a comprehensive container service portfolio, which delivers strategic flexibility across public, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments.
The container management market reached over USD2.5 billion in value in 2024, and by 2028, 95% of new AI deployments will use Kubernetes, up from less than 30% today, according to the Gartner report. For Cloud-Native Application Platforms, Alibaba Cloud’s leadership position is attributed to its full-featured modern development environment, which integrates developer productivity, AI, and serverless compute. Its Serverless App Engine (SAE), Function Compute, and Container Compute Service (ACS) enable organizations to rapidly build, deploy, and scale AI-enabled applications with ease. The cloud-native application platform market exceeded $3.5 billion revenue in 2024, with worldwide spending growing at a double-digit, year-overyear rate of 16.4%. This market is projected to exceed the $7 billion revenue mark by 2029, at a five-year CAGR of 15.1% from 2024 through 2029 in constant currency, according to Gartner. Alibaba Cloud believes it is wellpositioned to capture the resulting opportunities as its key strengths include empowering developers with advanced toolchains and serverless orchestration; driving AI innovation through offerings such as AI models, AI gateways, and one-click AI application templates; and strong market awareness underpinned by a product strategy designed to meet growing demand for scalable, flexible, and secure solutions.
Samsung TVs, sound devices make home the best place to be this holiday season
SOME of the best holiday memories are made right at home, from family movie marathons and cozy nights by the tree, to laughter echoing over shared meals and festive music. This season, global number 1 TV brand Samsung is making sure every Filipino household feels the magic even more with big holiday offers and promos on its line of premium televisions and sound devices valid until December 31, 2025. Designed to bring next-level entertainment and effortless convenience, Samsung TVs blend cinematic brilliance, AI-powered intelligence, and smart connectivity, transforming every home into the perfect place to celebrate the holidays. Bring Home Big Screens and Smarter Experiences
This holiday season, Samsung makes every moment at home feel brighter, cozier, and more connected with Samsung televisions. Whether it’s watching your favorite Christmas movie or gathering for the holiday countdown, these TVs make every occasion more memorable for you and your loved ones.
The Neo QLED Vision AI TV shines the brightest this season. With NQ8 AI Gen 3 Processor and AI Upscaling technology, watching classic Christmas specials turn into a dazzling spectacle of vibrant contrasts and crisp details even in low light. For cozy nights at home, the Samsung OLED 4K Vision AI TV brings holiday magic to life with a billion shades of color, rendering the deepest blacks with VDE-certified Real Black and Pantone-validated Real Color, mak-
ing every festive scene feel richer and more immersive than ever.
The QLED Vision AI TV adds vibrance to your holiday celebrations or movie marathon traditions with bold, lifelike colors powered by Real Quantum Dot Technology with the industry’s first cadmium-free quantum dots and 100% Color Volume. Have guests belt out their favorite holiday tunes with an impromptu karaoke session. Simply connect your mobile to the TV and start using it as a mic for karaoke. For those who love hosting big holiday gatherings at home, the Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV is the showstopper your space deserves. With Crystal Processor 4K and 4K Upscaling, it turns your home into a hub of crystal-clear entertainment — all while it safeguards your data and privacy with Samsung Knox Security. With Vision AI, Samsung’s Neo QLED, QLED, and OLED TVs deliver bigger, brighter, better experiences through upscaled entertainment, enhanced convenience, improved customization, and more, making every celebration feel easier, warmer, and more connected than ever.
The Vision AI TVs’ suite of AI-powered features optimize picture and sound to match every scene and your surroundings, which you can easily control with a flick of your hand through your Galaxy Watch. With One UI Tizen, you get a personalized screen experience. The Samsung Tizen OS delivers all the latest innovative features to your screen, bringing all your favorite apps, streaming platforms, and connected devices to-
gether in one place. Acting as your smart home’s command center, the super big televisions, like the 115” and 100” Neo QLED Vision AI TVs or the 98” Crystal UHD TV, help you monitor and manage your devices’ energy consumption, or
keep an eye on your pets while you’re out for another holiday party. Amplify the Sound of the Season’s Celebration Every great holiday moment deserves a soundtrack that fills your home with festive cheer. This season, Samsung’s soundbars and sound towers bring that extra layer of magic, turning every
to a holiday comedy, every note rings beautifully with this soundbar. Meanwhile, the B450 2.1ch Soundbar adds depth and energy to your holiday entertainment with a powerful bass that fills the room. In Game Mode, this soundbar is the perfect companion to level up gaming nights with family and friends this holiday season.
Co-CEO of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Dr. Priscilla Chan (right) and US journalist Emily Chang speak onstage during a featured session “A Future Without Disease: A Conversation with Dr. Priscilla Chan and Emily Chang on Shaping The Next Era of Science with AI” at the 2025 SXSW Conference and Festival at Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas. AFP
Sleek, smart, and stunning, the Infinix XPAD 20 Pro is your everyday companion for creating, connecting, and chilling in style.
Celebrate the magic of the season with bigger, smarter experiences that make every moment more memorable with Samsung TVs and sound devices.
Kingston FURY adds its largest capacity client PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSD
KINGSTON FURY, the highperformance division of Kingston Digital, Inc., the flash memory affiliate of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., has rounded out the recently named PCWorld “Editor’s Choice” Kingston FURY Renegade G5 line with an 8192GB full capacity option for high-power uses from video editing, 3D rendering, to gaming and more.
Optimized for those who need a system that can keep up with their workflow or gaming needs, Kingston FURY™ Renegade G5 PCIe 5.0 NVMe M.2 2280 SSD utilizes the latest PCIe Gen5 x 4 controller and 3D TLC NAND to reach speeds up to 14,800/14,000MB/s read/ write1 and over 2M IOPS to provide extreme performance and endurance, and now with over 8TB to store more of your favorite games and media without losing system responsiveness.
“Whether for work or play, users need more power and space,” said Kingston. “We’re happy this 8TB addition to Kingston FURY Renegade G5 SSD can provide high-power users and hardware enthusiasts both.” Kingston FURY Renegade G5 is available in full capacities from 1024GB to 8192GB and is backed by a limited five-year warranty3, free technical support, and legendary Kingston reliability. For more information visit kingston.com.
YYouTube supercharges shopping ecosystem in PH
OUTUBE announced updates to the YouTube Shopping affiliate program to further fuel the thriving video commerce in the Philippines, including Lazada onboarding onto the program, as well as new and upcoming features to make Shopping experience more seamless on YouTube.
Southeast Asia has been shaping the future of shopping with a deeply engaged video-first audience, a profitable digital economy and a vibrant creator community.
According to a Kantar Survey, majority (85%) of surveyed respondents in Southeast Asia said they use YouTube Shorts in their shopping journey , demonstrating viewers’ trust in creator recommendations and their desire for authentic product reviews.
Also, it is one of the world’s fastestgrowing e-commerce markets, with video commerce having surged to 20% of the region’s e-commerce gross merchandise value in 2024.
These, combined with the thriving creator ecosystem in the Philippines has fueled the growth of YouTube Shopping over the past year. Since its launch in Southeast Asia last year, the YouTube Shopping affiliate program has been empowering creators across the region to diversify their revenue and fans to shop product recommendations directly from their favorite creators, without ever leaving the video they are watching. There has been a 5X increase in global YouTube Shopping Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV), as well as over 70% increase in shopping related watchtime in the Philippines year-over-year.
YouTube Shopping has also proven to be effective in helping viewers
find their new favorite product, with 81% of survey respondents who used Google/YouTube in their shopping journey likely to buy the same brand again and 90% saying they are satisfied with their purchase. In addition, with YouTube Shopping, brands can also tap into highly engaged audiences through powerful creator-led partnerships.
To further scale this growing Shopping ecosystem, YouTube is welcoming Lazada to the YouTube Shopping affiliate program for the Philippines. Lazada, one of the leading eCommerce platforms, has been connecting consumers with sellers and brands in the region. With the partnership, creators will have access to a wide range of products to tag on their videos, while viewers will be able to get recommendations for more diverse products while watching content from their favorite creators. This will also open up more op-
portunities for brands to drive traffic and sales on Lazada by partnering with creators.
“We’re excited to empower our Lazada Affiliates with new earning opportunities through YouTube Shopping,” said Carlos Barrera, Chief Executive Officer, Lazada Philippines. “By connecting the country’s premier online destination for authentic brands with one of the most engaged video communities, we’re seamlessly bringing together content and commerce. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to helping brands and creators thrive, and to driving the next phase of digital commerce across the Philippines.” YouTube continues to invest in features to make the shopping experience more seamless. Based on valuable feedback from the creator community, YouTube introduced Stickers on Shorts, which add an engaging visual pop-up to tagged products for
instant shopping, Timestamps, which show shopping tags exactly at the moment products are showcased, and the new YouTube Shopping Chrome Extension which allows creators to easily save products to tag in their videos later. In addition, YouTube recently updated the product tagging guidelines for creators, sharing tips and best practices for creators and providing clarity on frequently asked topics.
YouTube is also leaning on AI to enhance the shopping experience for creators. YouTube recently introduced Auto Timestamps, which leverages an AI-powered system to automatically display the product tag at the exact moment they’re mentioned in a video, capturing viewer interest when it’s highest and saving creators’ time. YouTube will also begin testing the ability to automatically identify and tag all eligible products mentioned in videos later this year.
Epson’s heat-free tech: Smarter printing, sustainable business
FOR decades, Epson has built a legacy of innovation and reliability, earning the trust of businesses across the globe. In the Philippines, that trust continues to grow as companies seek smarter, more sustainable solutions to meet modern challenges. Today, businesses are tasked to boost efficiency while shrinking their environmental footprint. Most office equipment are significant energy consumers, driving up electricity bills and contributing to carbon emissions. But what if there was a printing solution that delivered on both fronts, saving money and the planet? Enter Epson’s heat-free technology, a cornerstone of the company’s “Engineered for Good” campaign. Unlike conventional laser printers, Epson’s inkjet printer does not require heat in its ink-ejection process. The result? A cooler, more efficient printing process with significant benefits for both your
THE holiday shopping rush is just around the corner, and Logitech is turning this November into every tech lover’s dream.
As the global leader in gaming and PC peripherals, Logitech and Logitech G are hosting its biggest sale on premium mouse, keyboards, headsets, and more for both gaming and productivity enthusiasts. Enjoy free shipping, exclusive product discounts, Lazada vouchers, and zero-interest Lazada PayLater options for up to three months installment on select items in this 11.11 Lazada sale. Even better, early shoppers can score exclusive Logitech G vouchers during the sale:
P350 off with a minimum spend of P3,000 P500 off with a minimum spend of P4,500 P1,500 off on G923 Trueforce Racing Wheels With Logitech and Logitech G’s’s lineup of elite gaming gears and productivity-boosting devices, there’s something for everyone.
Footprint Imagine a printer that uses 85%
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“Our heat-free technology is innovation that is making a tangible difference to our customers,” states Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines Corporation. “By consuming less energy, we empower businesses to reduce their environmental footprint while simultaneously cutting operational costs. It’s a win-win for productivity and the planet.” Enhanced Productivity, Reduced Waste
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YouTube Shopping a liate program has been empowering creators across the region.
SHOWBIZ
By Jasper Valdez
FROM a city-led film showcase to a regional powerhouse for collaboration, QCinema is stepping into a new era—one where movies are not only screened but also conceived, funded, and shared across borders.
QCinema expands as regional hub for Southeast Asian filmmakers
At the QCinema Industry 2025 media conference held on Oct. 27, executive director Liza Diño spoke about how the festival’s role has evolved from financing individual films to cultivating a regional ecosystem.
“When we built QCinema Industry, our goal was simple, to create an ecosystem that supports filmmakers beyond the screen,” she said. “We wanted a space where stories could grow from idea to development to collaboration to impact.”
She added that this new direction goes hand in hand with making QCinema a more dynamic learning space for creators.
“Our goal is to have a sustainable platform where we don’t just watch films,” Diño said. “We also understand how films are made and
how we can work together on continuing for our films to be made locally and internationally.”
This shift gave rise to the QCinema Project Market, a space where filmmakers from the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia can pitch their stories directly to investors, distributors, and festival programmers.
“When people come to QCinema, they can meet the same partners they would meet in Cannes,” she said. “That’s the vision…to make Quezon City the hub for Southeast Asian cinema.”
The festival’s growing industry arm also introduces new platforms designed to nurture collaboration, equality, and innovation.
Among them is HER CITY, a women-led initiative co-presented with the French Embassy
and France’s CNC, which will gather Southeast Asian and French women leaders in film—from cinematographers to CEOs—to discuss gender parity and leadership.
Another key program is the Asian Next Wave Film Forum, led by Manet Dayrit, which aims to spotlight the craftsmanship behind the screen through talks with professional guilds and creative organizations.
Documentary filmmaking takes the stage as well through Kara Alikpala’s Dokyu Days, a daylong forum exploring the power of nonfiction storytelling to drive social change. The lineup includes Atom Araullo, Howie Severino, and Baby Ruth Villarama, along with international guests from Australia and South Korea.
To complete the lineup, the newly launched
QCinema Film Market will connect Quezon City–based production and post-production companies with regional partners, positioning the city as a hub for world-class film services in Southeast Asia.
For Festival director Ed Lejano, the expansion marks a natural step in QCinema’s journey. “We remain committed to the same vision that started it all—to champion diverse voices and tell stories that matter,” he said. “These initiatives aren’t isolated events. They’re threads in a much larger tapestry that connects art and industry.” QCinema Industry 2025 unfolds from Nov. 17 to 23, gathering more than a hundred industry professionals from Southeast Asia for a week of panels, project pitches, and collaborative exchanges.
THE newest installment to the blockbuster Grand Theft Auto video game franchise has been delayed again, this time until November 2026, its creators announced Wednesday.
“We are sorry for adding additional time to what we realize has been a long wait, but these extra months will allow us to finish the game with the level of polish you have come to expect and deserve,” Rockstar Games said in a post on X.
confidential information in a public forum, a violation of our company policies.”
But the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB), which called the demonstration, rejected that claim, arguing that the sacked workers were all members of a private discussion channel linked to the union.
Rockstar did not immediately respond to an AFP inquiry.
“GTA VI” is on course to become
Release of the game had already been pushed from late 2025 to early 2026. Rockstar said it will now come out on Nov. 19 of next year.
Shares of Rockstar-parent Take-
Two Interactive sank more than eight percent in after-hours trades.
Word of the delay came the same day dozens of people protested outside Rockstar offices in Edinburgh, Scotland, accusing the multi-billion dollar studio of “blatant union busting” by firing 31 people. Rockstar, whose upcoming sixth edition of the cash-cow series is among the hottest releases of 2026, has accused the employees of “distributing and discussing
one of the biggest entertainment product launches of all time.
As popular as it is notorious for its sexual and violent content, the franchise has allowed players to roleplay as criminals doing dirty deeds across sprawling cityscapes since its first entry in 1997.
The new game, originally set for release later this year, is set in a Miami-like Vice City and features the franchise’s first female protagonist.
Despite its popularity, the Grand Theft Auto series has long drawn criticism for glorifying violence and criminal behavior, accusations that publisher Take-Two Interactive has denied. AFP
THE country’s most anticipated band competition, Red Horse Beer
Pambansang Muziklaban, is back for 2025, giving local musicians a chance to showcase their talent and compete for the title of this year’s champion.
For more than two decades, Pambansang Muziklaban has served as a launchpad for Filipino artists, producing some of the most recognized names in the local music scene, including Mayonnaise, the 2004 grand champion. This year, the search continues as new groups take the stage
with their own sound and energy.
Registration is now open through tinyurl.com/PML2025BandRegistration
Bands nationwide are invited to sign up and perform for a shot at national recognition. Participants will gain exposure, experience, and the opportunity to perform before live audiences alongside established artists who once joined the competition. Red Horse Beer, known as the world’s No. 1 extra-strong beer, continues to celebrate Filipino musicians who embody boldness and
ADVERTISING, PR, music, and media professionals are coming together for Lakihan mo Logo: Benefit Gig for Judee, a fundraising concert to support Judee Ganayo wife of former Stratworks vice president for strategic planning Rey Ganayo, who is battling cancer.
Organized by GIGIL and Stratworks, the event will take place on Nov. 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the 70s Bistro in Anonas, Quezon City. The lineup will feature OPM band Moonstar88, known for hits such as “Torete” and “Migraine,” alongside The Doomrockets, Semiclone, Pink Trash Project, The Vowels They Orbit, Syke Ward, and Ultimate Ube. Stratworks’ in-house band, The Strat Pack, will also perform. Tickets are priced at P500. The event will include a special auction segment, with all
determination through Pambansang Muziklaban.
The competition will feature multiple stages—from online screenings to live eliminations, semifinals, and the Grand Finals, where the top bands will vie for the 2025 championship title. Winners will receive prizes, performance slots, and a place in the event’s growing roster of champions.
For more details and updates, visit the official Red Horse Beer Muziklaban Facebook page at facebook.com/ redhorsebeermuziklaban.
Rockstar Games confirms ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ will now launch in November 2026, citing the need for more development time
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025
C4 LIFE
VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
THE Christmas travel season is back, and so is the chaos. Group chats are arguing over destinations, flights are selling out faster than your 13th-month pay arrives, and prices seem to double overnight. Planning a holiday getaway feels like a sport, and your wallet might not survive the warm-up.
But before you cancel those travel dreams, GCash is rolling out three ways to help Filipinos make it to their destinations without the stress or the financial strain. Here’s how to keep the holidays merry instead of heavy.
Book now, pay later—even if you missed the seat sale Holiday prices skyrocket fast, so booking early is key. GCash’s GGives lets users lock in flight and hotel deals worth up to P125,000, then pay later through light, flexible installments. No down payment needed, no “book now, cry later” moments—just smarter planning and enough budget left for pasalubong.
Keep your budget steady with a flexible credit line
Between fuel, food, and last-minute gifts, travel spending adds up quickly. GCredit gives eligible users a revolving credit line of up to P50,000 to cover unplanned expenses, helping you keep the trip smooth and your wallet in check. Perfect for those “I deserve this” moments that tend to pop up along the way.
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Nothing ruins a trip faster than lost luggage or flight delays. With GInsure, travelers can stay protected with coverage for travel inconveniences, emergencies, and personal accidents—up to P2.5 million. Premiums start at P299 for international trips and P103 for local travel. Because while you can’t control delays, you can control your peace of mind.
So whether you’re chasing beaches or family reunions, there’s no need to put off your plans. With GCash, traveling this Christmas can actually feel like a vacation—lighter on the wallet and easier on the nerves.
THE story of Lokal Lab is one of local passion and shared purpose, championed by Siargao native Analyn Dulpina In 2015, nurse-turned-farmer Analyn founded Bayatakan Farm, Matin-ao’s first women’s farming association, to promote nature-based farming and food access. Bayatakan Farm began with a dual dream: to support a women’s association and establish a sustainable farm that would empower the local community. As a first initiative, the farm actively participated in every event facilitated by the Department of Agriculture, demonstrating its commitment to showcasing its products and connecting with potential partners. It was at one such exhibition that the founders of Bayatakan Farm first met Mark Pintucan and Iris Aroa. They shared a similar vision for empowerment sparked by the informal beginnings of Lokal Lab. This partnership led to the 2018 launch of Lokal Tabo, a vibrant market that became a crucial hub for farmers and artisans to connect, sell goods, and build a
IT STARTED with a random scroll on TikTok one evening, an endless loop of dances, memes, and recipe hacks, until one video caught my attention. The quality immediately stood out, creative and polished yet still unmistakably made for TikTok. Despite its clean production, it kept that familiar vertical charm that makes viewers feel connected rather than distant.
The home cook and content creator was mixing Tapuy Sangria using local rice wine. The creator was JM Granado, and from that moment, I knew I had stumbled upon a rising culinary star.
Granado’s latest TikTok miniseries follows a simple but clever idea: take one ingredient and build five holiday dishes around it. His first choice, the everyday Filipino staple rice, turned into a showcase of creativity. Instead of using plain white rice, he explored its local variations such as galapong, balatinaw, and rice wine.
In the same video, he used galapong to make ube cheese tupig rolls, turning familiar flavors into something fresh. In another, leftover rice became crispy rice bites, transformed from kitchen scraps into something crave-worthy. Then there was the Tapuy Sangria, a cocktail infused with Filipino warmth and a playful twist. Each post felt like a
celebration of how far a single ingredient can go in the hands of someone inventive.
Granado’s 138,000 followers eagerly wait for every new upload, drawn to his way of making local ingredients exciting again. His approach is simple yet inspired, taking comfort food and giving it a touch of freshness. And that mix of originality and creativity, I learned, has earned him features on GMA and ABS-CBN, along with collaborations with Knorr, Heinz, Selecta, and Grab.
As the holidays approach, Granado’s TikTok feed has become a source of festive ideas and inspiration, showing that good cooking comes from imagination and heart.
And to think, it all began with one casual scroll on TikTok.
And if his content catches your interest or you’re curious to learn more about his work, you may reach Sphere Celebrity and Influencer Management at 09178017876 or inquiriesphere. ph@gmail.com.
Content creator creates holiday food magic on TikTok
support network.
An immediate and strong connection was forged, rooted in a shared, sincere passion for community development.
This meeting marked the beginning of a transformative partnership.
Mark and Iris provided unwavering support to the Burgos community.
Their collaboration led to the establishment of a “Tabo” market for local farmers, providing a vital platform for
commerce. This initiative was soon followed by the creation of Lokal Lab, an NGO dedicated to broader community development. Through this partnership, Bayatakan Farm’s connections grew, leading to formal collaborations with various government organizations.
This strong partnership proved resilient, especially during times of adversity. Through
the challenges of the pandemic and devastating typhoons, Mark and Iris stood firmly with the community, offering crucial support until Bayatakan Farm and its partners could recover and stand on their own feet.
Thanks to the opportunities created by this collaboration, Bayatakan Farm has since developed a robust and far-reaching network of farmers across the entire island, a testament to the power of dedicated partnership and shared vision.
Lab pivoted to focus on island food security. They also established PASALO, a youth-led journalism club to amplify local voices.
Aroa
Despite operating informally, the group was highly active. They self-funded cultural events, workshops, and Siargao’s first Fête de la Musique, driven by the belief that sustainability and community development are intertwined.
In 2019, they formalized as a registered nonprofit, Lokal Lab Siargao Inc., and were joined by Kara Rosas, who helped expand their reach and partnerships.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Lokal
The true test came with Super Typhoon Odette in 2021. Lokal Lab mobilized a massive relief effort, leveraging its deep community ties to attract support. By 2024, they had successfully achieved their typhoon recovery goals—from distributing construction materials and providing meals to establishing a vocational school that equips the community with skills to rebuild stronger and more resiliently.
“For me, ‘being lokal’ is being mindful of our roots, which is preserving, promoting, and reinforcing Lumad’s culture and tradition. Lumad is the indigenous people of Mindanao in the Philippines—a non-Muslim, non-Christian group that has its own ancestral lands, cultures, languages, and belief systems,” Analyn shares.
“In history, the Lumad were one of the original settlers on the island, and because of that, we would like to preserve, promote, and reinforce the authentic culture and tradition of the group to the new generations, minimizing the effect of the meltdown of our culture and tradition due to the global influence of the tourists around the world on us,” she added. The true measure of Lokal Lab’s work is visible in the strengthened local economy and the empowered network of farmers and entrepreneurs in Siargao. By providing essential structure and sustained support, the organization has become a cornerstone of the community’s long-term resilience.
Mark Pintucan co-founded Lokal Lab, supporting grassroots development and Siargao’s farmer network from the ground up
Iris
strengthens Lokal Lab’s community partnerships, helping expand support systems for local farmers and artisans across Siargao
Analyn Dulpina leads Bayatakan Farm and Lokal Lab initiatives that empower Siargao communities through sustainable, women-led agriculture
GCash offers flexible booking, credit, and
protection options to help Filipinos navigate the busy holiday travel season with ease
Content creator JM Granado showcases inventive holiday dishes using local ingredients in his viral TikTok food series