Manila Standard - 2025 November 11 - Tuesday

to probe local execs who went abroad during ‘Tino,’‘Uwan’

By Charles Dantes and Vince Lopez

5 dead as ‘Uwan’ exits PH

Super typhoon leaves trail of destruction in Luzon, Visayas

Uwan, with a footprint that spanned nearly the entire archipelago, slammed into the eastern seaboard as a “super typhoon” Sunday evening, uprooting trees and swamping towns in its path. It landed days after Typhoon “Tino” swept through the Visayas,

DOH eyes diseases in Cagayan Valley evac centers

By Maricel V. Cruz

By Vince Lopez

By Vito Barcelo

By Alena Mae S. Flores

HOT MEALS. Volunteers from the offices of former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and Tingog Party-list

By Maricel V. Cruz

By Charles Dantes, Rio Araja, Rex Espiritu, Alena Mae Flores, Maricel Cruz, Vito Barcelo and Pot Chavez

UWAN’S WRATH. Aerial view, top photo, of flooded houses and rice fields in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan province, north of Manila, after a river overflowed yesterday following heavy rains brought about by Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong). Bottom left photo shows President

R. Marcos Jr. with DILG

Remulla in

Command

Center. Bottom right photo shows evacuees taking shelter at Delpan Sports Center. AFP, PCO, Norman Cruz

ICC mum on Bato arrest order

By Ram Superable and Pot Chavez

THE International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday clarified that it cannot confirm reports claiming an arrest warrant has been issued against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.

ICC spokesperson Fadi El-Abdallah said official updates from the tribunal can only be verified through its communications channels and press releases. He made the statement after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla claimed the ICC had released a warrant for Dela Rosa.

government’s anti-drug campaign.

Meanwhile, Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting denied social media posts attributing a statement to Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo regarding an alleged ICC arrest warrant for Dela Rosa.

Ting said the Chief Justice never made such remarks, and the posts misrepresent the High Tribunal’s position.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) also said it is still verifying the information cited by Remulla regarding the supposed ICC warrant.

“Firstly, we need to assess this: what are their true intentions in going to another country, and whether this (foreign trip) actually affected the swift action for our fellow citizens who experienced the onslaught of the storm,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

and their families, as well as for the injured and displaced,” he said. He also shared the same message of sympathy and prayer on his official X account.

Last week, Typhoon Tino battered Cebu province, raising the death toll to 224, with 109 people still missing and 156 injured. Yesterday, the Philippines geared up for Typhoon Uwan, which prompted several areas in Luzon to be placed under storm signal no. 5.

As of press time, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has reported two fatalities due to Typhoon Uwan. Earlier, the Archdiocese of Manila appealed to schools, churches, and other institutions to open their doors and provide temporary shelter to displaced families as typhoon “Uwan” swept multiple parts ofthe country.

In a statement, the archdiocese’s Ministry with Persons in Street Dwelling Situations urged establishments with available covered spaces, restrooms, and clean facilities to extend assistance to the needy during the storm.

“Kindly offer your spaces for our Persons in Street-Dwelling Situations during this time of need,” the archdiocese said. The Church also reminded the public to remain vigilant, follow official weather advisories, and extend compassion to those most in need as Uwan continues to move closer to the country’s landmass.

Dela Rosa’s lawyer, Israelito Torreon, said they were aware of unverified reports circulating online but were awaiting official confirmation before issuing any statement.

The senator has not been charged, although former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV earlier named him among officials under ICC investigation over the

El-Abdallah stressed that based on the court’s records, only one case remains active, against former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained in The Hague.

online on the supposed impact of Super Typhoon Uwan in the country,” he said. “Be critical because some of these are deepfake videos that may cause fear or apprehension among our countrymen.”

Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) clarified a photo showing an elderly couple waiting to be rescued in the midst of floods, noting that it was taken in Mexico and not in the Philippines, as claimed by netizens.

The PNP, according to Nartatez, continues to support government efforts to maintain public safety, situational awareness, and proper preparedness amid natural disasters.

He also emphasized that spreading fake information, whether deliberately or not, can be misleading, and in some cases, could incite unnecessary fear and panic among communities.

The acting chief also encouraged netizens to share verified information instead, such as infographics and official advisories, that help communities prepare for the ongoing bad weather.

“Let us refrain from spreading fake photos, videos and disinformation just for content or any other purposes. Instead, let us all be responsible and do our share in helping, at least by sharing informative and helpful messages,” said Nartatez.

Highlighting the seriousness of misinformation, he noted that sharing false content can have legal consequences.

“Not everything you see online is true, so we need to double-check. Sharing misinformation or fake news on social media can also be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Nartatez said.

Police also reminded the public to remain discerning and verify information from official sources, especially during periods of natural calamities, to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.

moving away from Ilocos Region even as wind signals of up to Signal No. 2 remained raised in several parts of northern Luzon.

State weather bureau PAGASA said “Uwan” will follow a recurving path and turn northward today (Tuesday) while moving over the waters southwest of Taiwan.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday directed government agencies to maintain nonstop relief operations and road rehabilitation efforts in areas battered by “Uwan.”

The Department of Social Welfare and Development reported that around 100,050 families in the Bicol region were affected by the typhoon. In Camarines Sur alone, some 44,000 families were displaced, while another 20,000 were affected in Quezon province.

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense also reported that Pangasinan was the hardest hit by flooding, prompting preemptive evacuations of more than 426,000 families. Floodwaters have since begun to subside, but rescue and clearing operations remain ongoing in the province.

“For those seeking confirmation about quotes attributed to the Chief Justice on social media, please be advised that these posts are false,” Ting told reporters.

The fake statement, which claimed that an ICC warrant cannot be implemented without Supreme Court approval, was shared by several Facebook pages, including Teacher Celo, Readers Portal, MD TV Channel, and Better Philippines News.

The Department of Public Works and Highways has begun repairing damaged roads and clearing debris to restore access to affected areas and expedite the delivery of relief goods.

State-run National Electrification Administration said more electric cooperatives (ECs) reported total power outages, affecting almost 4.8 million consumers as of yesterday.

The President also praised local governments, first responders, and volunteers for their swift action as “Uwan” tore across Luzon, saying preemptive evacuations carried out were key to saving lives.

“Your prompt action made a huge difference,” Mr. Marcos said in a social media post.

Cleanup efforts were underway yesterday from Cagayan province in the far north to hard-hit Catanduanes island.

In Cagayan, provincial rescue chief Rueli Rapsing said a flash flood in neighboring Apayao province had caused the Chico River to burst its banks, sending nearby residents scrambling for higher ground.

“We received reports around six in the morning ... that some people were already on their roofs,” he said.

More than 5,000 people were safely evacuated before the overflowing Ca-

and feed-in,” Zaldarriaga said.

200 kWh a month will see an increase of about P30 in their total bill, mainly due to higher transmission and feed-in tariff allowance (FIT-All) charges.

“The generation charge actually went down. The transmission went up by P0.0147. We announced an increase in the feed-in tariff allowance by P0.09, rounded off, and other charges of less than P0.02. So what drove the increase is actually the transmission

Party-list at the Samar National High School, one of the main evacuation centers in the city.

“Hindi pa man lubos na nakakabangon mula sa Bagyong Tino, muling sinalanta ng Bagyong Uwan ang Catbalogan. Kaya patuloy tayong magdadala ng tulong hanggang sa makabangon ang ating mga kababayan (While it has not yet fully recovered from

He said this month’s transmission charge rose by P0.1468 per kWh due to higher ancillary service charges from the reserve market incurred by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).

Also contributing to the increase was the P0.0884 per kWh hike in FITAll, following the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) directive to implement a new FIT-All of P0.2073 per kWh starting November, up from P0.1189 per kWh previously.

Tempering the increase was the

Typhoon Tino, Typhoon Uwan once again ravaged Catbalogan. So we will continue to bring help until our countrymen recover),” Romualdez said, as his team distributed rice, canned goods, noodles, biscuits, coffee, blankets, and pails to affected families.

Catbalogan City was among the areas hardest hit by Super Typhoon Uwan, which left extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.

Romualdez emphasized that relief efforts are being carried out in coordination with local officials and commu-

nerable groups have immediate access to medical care.

In a related development, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano underscored that the rule of law and due process must prevail in all judicial proceedings.

“No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection,” Cayetano said. “Every Filipino, whether senator or citizen, deserves equal treatment and the full measure of due process. The same Constitution that shields the powerless from abuse also holds the powerful accountable.”

gayan River buried the small city of Tuguegarao about 30 kilometers away.

“Tuguegarao is underwater now,” Rapsing said.

The storm’s death toll rose after five-year-old twins and an elderly man in two northern Luzon provinces were reported killed in landslides.

The children were killed at around 2 a.m. as their family slept inside their home, said civil defense officer Alvin Ayson. A mudslide killed the man barely an hour later, local authorities said.

The storm’s first fatality came a day earlier in Samar province, which was also hit hard by Typhoon “Tino” a week earlier.

Another death was confirmed on Catanduanes island, where storm surges sent waves hurtling over streets and floodwaters into homes by early Sunday morning.

“The waves started roaring around 7:00 am. When the waves hit the seawall, it felt like the ground was shaking,” resident Edson Casarino, 33, told Agence France Presse on Sunday.

There was also major flooding in southern Luzon’s Bicol region, where verified video showed streets transformed into raging torrents of water.

More than 1.4 million people nationwide were evacuated in the face of the storm. With AFP

generation charge, which dropped by P0.1008 per kWh to P7.9000 from P8.0008 in October, mainly due to lower charges from power supply agreements (PSAs) and the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

Meralco’s PSA rate fell by P0.2985 per kWh on lower fuel costs, offsetting the impact of the peso’s depreciation against the US dollar. WESM rates also decreased by P0.6273 per kWh despite tighter supply in October, due to downward billing adjustments.

nity leaders to ensure that help reaches those most in need.

“Ang ating puso ay nasa mga pamilyang nawalan ng tirahan at kabuhayan. Sa tulong ng Tingog Party-list at ng mga lokal na pamahalaan, sisikapin nating mapabilis ang kanilang pagbangon,” the Leyte solon added. (Our hearts go out to the families who have lost their homes and livelihoods. With the help of the Tingog Party-list and the local governments, we will try to speed up their recovery) Hot meal distributions were also

A document released by Department of the Interior and Local Government showed at least eight local chief executives were issued travel authorities by Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro to attend events in London between late October and early November.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla also confirmed that Isabela Governor Rodolfo Albano III was in Germany for an agricultural fair when Uwan ravaged Isabela late Sunday.

“I personally spoke with him on Saturday when he was in Germany Saturday morning…I told him Rodito, you’re coming back here, and he said he is going to get the first available flight home, but credit to the Isabela officials they were very prepared,” Remulla said.

“We have sanctioning powers for him. We can recommend disciplinary measures. Actually, I called for a meeting with my undersecretaries in local government and legal to study the implication of these matters because there are many local government officials who are not here now and it is strictly forbidden for them to leave,” he added.

Among those listed as being in the United Kingdom were Pilar Mayor Manuel Santiago, Poro Mayor Edgar Rama, Tudela Mayor Greman Solante, Liloan Mayor Aljew Fernando Frasco, San Francisco Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr., Catmon Mayor Avis Ginoo-Monleon, Compostela Mayor Felijur Quiño, and Cebu provincial board member Andrei Duterte.

The DILG list also showed that Borbon Mayor Nico Dotillos canceled his planned trip to London.

Aside from the local officials, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco earlier confirmed she was in London on Nov. 4 to lead the Philippine delegation to the World Travel Market (WTM), the same day that “Tino” made landfall in Cebu. Her husband, Cebu Rep. Duke Frasco, was also part of the delegation.

“Given the severe situation in Cebu, I took a flight the very next day, November 5, to return to the Philippines. When we arrived today, November 6, we proceeded directly to Liloan,” she said in a statement.

The DILG earlier issued a memorandum temporarily disallowing foreign travel and official leaves for local officials to ensure all hands were on deck for disaster response and recovery following Typhoon Tino, which struck parts of the Visayas last week, and in preparation for Super Typhoon Uwan. Remulla said the travel restriction on local officials of typhoon-hit areas will last until No. 15.

“Those who are applying or about to leave, their travel leaves are cancelled,” he said.

conducted at Barangay Silangan Elementary School in Quezon City for evacuees temporarily staying in Metro Manila and Pasig City, according to Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre.

Tingog Party-list has been working closely with the Office of Civil Defense and local government units in Eastern Visayas to preposition relief goods and mobilize support for Samar and Leyte residents affected by the consecutive storms. Romualdez said the relief drive is part of their continuing commitment to assist disaster-stricken communities in the region.

plies and ₱1.4 million in vitamins and medicines for common illnesses.

The medical aid included antibiotics like cotrimoxazole, amoxicillin, mefenamic acid, paracetamol, oral rehydration salts, lagundi, vitamin A, and skin ointments.

Dengue rapid diagnostic tests are being conducted for the evacuees, while non-communicable diseases like hypertension continue to be monitored.

In Bicol, the DOH prioritized the health and safety of senior citizens amid the impact of Uwan.

Evacuation centers received maintenance medicines, treatments for cough and fever, and regular health assessments for elderly residents.

DOH Bicol maintains coordination with local governments to ensure vul-

In Aurora, medical services continued despite power outages caused by the typhoon.

In Metro Manila, the DOH also coordinated with local governments to conduct health monitoring and assessments in evacuation centers.

Over a year after the Permanent Evacuation Centers Act was signed into law, former Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate urged the government to “realign a significant portion of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget to fund disaster-resilient evacuation centers.”

“The law was a measure that the progressive Makabayan bloc has championed since the 16th Congress, calling it a vital step towards disaster preparedness and climate resilience. Now, it needs to be fast-tracked and funded adequately,” Zarate said in a statement.

“After more than a decade of persistent advocacy by Bayan Muna, we finally have a law mandating the establishment of permanent, well-equipped evacuation centers in every municipality and city. Given the devastation brought by Typhoon Tino and the thousands of evacuees, the need for these centers cannot be overstated,” he added.

Zarate traced the origins of the law to House Bill 3648, which Bayan Muna filed on December 19, 2013, in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda.

“We must accept that climate change has intensified natural calamities, making them more disastrous and deadly. Thus, we have to adjust to this reality and take positive steps to mitigate the effects of disasters, which could be worse than we can imagine,” the statement read.

“No one thought Typhoon Yolanda would release sustained winds of up

to a record-breaking 315 kph. Before Yolanda, the strongest typhoon on record was Hurricane Camille in 1969 with 305 kph sustained winds. Coupled with a storm surge that brought waters rising up to almost 20 feet high, the victims faced a tsunami-like event that inundated and literally flattened their communities,” it added.

“Now we have super typhoons almost every year, floods with every high tide or rain, and more frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions,” Zarate noted.

The former lawmaker emphasized that the law’s implementation must be closely monitored to ensure facilities “are built according to standards, in strategic locations, and do not fall victim to patronage politics and corruption.”

Zarate also called for a comprehensive review of environmental policies, noting that the need for evacuation centers points to deeper issues.

IN BRIEF

Cops arrest suspects in fast food heists

LESS than a day after robbing a fast food chain in Bulacan, two suspects were arrested in a swift and coordinated operation by the Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon).

The suspects were caught during a hot pursuit operation on November 10 around 10 a.m. in Barangay 175, Caloocan City, following robbery incidents in Bustos and Santa Maria, Bulacan, the previous day.

Authorities recovered a gray Toyota Avanza, two sets of plate numbers, a .38 caliber revolver with live ammunition, ₱10,000 in bills, ₱13,000 in coins, and various tools believed used in the crime.

Central Luzon Police Director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr. commended the teamwork and prompt action of the units involved, saying it showed the professionalism and vigilance of the region’s police force.

He said the operation supports Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.’s focus on proactive and intelligence-based policing, adding that security operations will tighten during the Christmas season. Vince Lopez

Zambo Marines bag award at PMC anniversary

THE Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 (MBLT-1) received the prestigious Kahusayan Award during the 75th founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) held in Parañaque City. This marks a back-to-back win for MBLT-1, recognized for its outstanding performance, discipline, professionalism, and dedication to both operational and civic missions.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who served as guest of honor, personally presented the award and lauded the Marines for 75 years of valor, excellence, and service.

The Kahusayan Award honors the consistent efforts of MBLT-1 personnel to uphold the proud traditions of the Marine Corps. Rex Espiritu

BI denies entry to four convicted sex offenders

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has denied entry to four foreign nationals previously convicted of sex crimes abroad.

BI officers at the Ninoy Aquino, Clark, and Mactan-Cebu international airports implemented exclusion orders against the offenders, including Americans Julian Johnson and Charles White, New Zealander Stefan Andrew Alletson, and Canadian Leo Paul Houle. Johnson, convicted in the U.S. in 1996 for lewd acts with a minor, arrived at Clark from Taipei, while Alletson, a former football coach, was convicted in New Zealand for sending obscene photos to minors. Houle was stopped in Cebu for child pornography and sexual conspiracy offenses, while White, convicted in 2007 for a sexual act with a 15-year-old, was barred at NAIA.

“The Philippines will never be a safe haven for convicted predators,” BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said, adding that all four have been permanently blacklisted. Vito Barcelo

DOJ suspends initial probe on flood projects

By Pot Chavez

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday said the initial hearing of the preliminary probe against respondents in the ghost flood control projects in Bulacan has been postponed following the suspension of work due to Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong).

“In view of the suspension of work in government offices due to the super typhoon, the initial hearing for preliminary investigation originally scheduled on November 10, 2025, for the five cases related to flood control

projects in Bulacan shall be moved to November 14, 2025 (Friday), at which time respondents will receive copies of the complaints,” Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez told reporters. The probe was originally scheduled

at 1 p.m. today, following the service of subpoenas to the respondents last month.

Among those involved in the case are Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, Arjay Domasig, and Jaypee Mendoza.

In earlier statements, the DOJ said it aims to conclude the preliminary investigation within a month to allow for the prompt filing of charges in court. The DOJ was previously deputized by the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the anomalous projects.

WESCOM on alert after ‘rocket’ explosion

By Rex Espiritu

A LOUD explosion reverberated across Puerto Princesa City late Monday morning following the reported launch of China’s Long March 12 rocket from Hainan, prompting the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (WESCOM) to mobilize maritime and coastal assets to locate possible debris.

In a statement, WESCOM said the explosion was heard at around 10:56 a.m. and was linked to the launch conducted by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan.

According to the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA), remnants of the rocket are projected to fall roughly 29 nautical miles off Puerto Princesa

and about 20 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reef. The debris could pose serious risks to vessels, fishing operations, and the marine environment.

“WESCOM immediately directed its forces to deploy all available maritime and coastal assets to conduct a comprehensive sweep of the projected and presumed impact areas to locate, mark, and secure debris,” the command said, adding that all units, in coordination with civil defense and local government authorities in Palawan, are now on alert to monitor for debris washing ashore.

While WESCOM assured the public that there is no immediate danger to coastal communities, it urged residents and mariners to remain cautious and avoid touching or retrieving any suspected debris due to potential toxicity.

DBM releases response funds after typhoons

By Darwin Amojelar

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of ₱1.684 billion to replenish the quick response funds (QRF) of key government agencies leading post-disaster relief and recovery efforts following the onslaught of Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan.

The DBM said the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will receive the calamity funds upon the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to fast-track rehabilitation in areas battered by recent calamities, according to a news release Monday. Of the total amount, ₱1 billion was released to the DA to strengthen rehabilitation programs in regions hit by African swine fever and recent storms, as well as to prepare for upcoming weather disturbances.

The DA’s replenished QRF will fund crop and livestock inputs, repair of agricultural facilities, and cash aid or equipment for affected farmers and fishers under the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

Meanwhile, ₱631.023 million was released to the DSWD to support the distribution of family food packs and non-food items, stockpiling of relief goods, and emergency cash transfers for nearly 59,000 families affected by recent disasters.

“This replenishment of QRF for DSWD will ensure that our affected kababayan continue to receive needed financial aid, relief goods, and livelihood assistance to help them recover from disasters,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.

By Maricel V. Cruz

A LEGISLATOR on Monday expressed concern over what he described as the prolonged lack of strong environmental oversight in the Senate, following nearly nine years of leadership of the Senate Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change under former Senator Cynthia Villar, whose family is engaged in large-scale real estate development.

Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos noted that this key committee is now chaired by her daughter, Senator Camille Villar, who has yet to convene a committee hearing since assuming office as senator last July.

The neophyte lawmaker pointed out that the National Land Use Act (NLUA), a long-standing reform vital to sustainable planning and climate resilience—remains unenacted despite decades of advocacy.

While the House of Representatives passed its version (HB 8162) in May 2023, the measure has not advanced at the Senate committee level.

In July, Santos urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent the passage of the NLUA, a proposed measure that has remained stalled in Congress for decades. There have been different versions of the bill since 1994.

BEACH TRASH. Debris piles up along Manila Bay near the Manila Yacht Club as strong waves lash the coast following Super Typhoon Uwan. Norman Cruz

HONORING THE MARINES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presents the Kahusayan Award to the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 during the Philippine Marine Corps’ 75th founding anniversary celebration in Parañaque City. PMC

HK okays pay hike for foreign domestic

workers

THE Hong Kong government has approved a 2.2-percent increase in the minimum allowable wage (MAW) for foreign domestic workers, including Filipinos.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac expressed gratitude to HK Labor and Welfare chief Chris Y H Sun, JP, for the raise which he said, would mean a salary hike from HK$4,990 to HK$5,100 per month for Filipino domestic workers.

“This provides more than the US$500 minimum wage for Filipino domestic workers as prescribed under Department Advisory No. 3, series of 2025, or the Enhanced Reforms for Domestic Workers, Cacdac said.

“We see Hong Kong as a promising opportunity where Filipino domestic workers can improve their skills and receive training. We have shown the world that our nation values human care,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sun said he also visited the OFW Global Center Hong Kong in Admiralty, established by the Philippine government, during his meeting with Cacdac on Sunday.

The OFW Global Center Hong Kong occupies about 20,000 square feet and offers a wide range of government services and assistance to Filipino overseas workers in the city.

Sun said that seeing the lively Filipino domestic workers gather during the visit gave him a deeper insight into their lives in Hong Kong.

“More than 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are employed in Hong Kong, providing essential care for local families and helping ease their household burdens. During our meeting, both sides exchanged views on the protection and well-being of Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong, and we agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation to ensure the best possible support for them,” Sun said in a separate statement released on Monday.

DAR condones mortgage arrears, awards land titles

By Rio N. Araja

THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has awarded land titles and condoned unpaid mortgage payments of agrarian beneficiaries in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon comprising the Calabarzon region.

DAR recently distributed 1,907 certificates of condonation with release of mortgage (COCROMs), collective land ownership awards (CLOAs), and electronic land titles (e-Titles) to 1,663 agrarian reform beneficiaries in the region.

Field Operations Office chief Undersecretary Kazel Celeste spearheaded the initiative, saying land ownership “empowers farmers, increases productivity, and contributes directly to the nation’s food security.”

“This is not just DAR’s triumph. It is the triumph of every farmer and every Filipino family,” she said. At least 286 were e-Titles issued under Project SPLIT (Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling). a government program that aims to subdivide previously awarded collective CLOAs into individual land titles.

MAKESHIFT EVACUATION

CENTER. The San Isidro Labrador parish church in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City opened its doors to families displaced by super typhoon ‘Uwan’ in keeping with the Catholic hierachy’s call to help people in need amid the storm. Edd Castro

DSWD’s BBM Service App hits180-k clientele

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE newly launched Basta Beripikado Mabilis (BBM) ang Serbisyo App of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) surpassed the 180,000-mark of legitimate and registered beneficiaries.

Director Jimmy Francis Schuck of the DSWD’s Social Registry Office (SRO) said the BBM Serbisyo platform aims to accelerate the verification and identification process of beneficiaries under the DSWD’s Know-Your-Customer (KYC) system.

“BBM Serbisyo is the online platform that all clients and beneficiaries of the DSWD can use to find out if

they have a national ID released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA),” Schuck said.

“It is important for the DSWD to know if there is a national ID so that the DSWD can make sure that every client, every beneficiary who queues up, or is currently receiving assistance such as 4Ps, SLP and other programs, are legitimate individuals. That means not fake, not bogus, not fictitious identities and really have an identity,” he added/

The BBM Serbisyo App contributes in protecting the DSWD’s programs and services from corrupt practices, ensuring that only legitimate and existing beneficiaries are served,” he explained.

This new breakthrough in the DSWD’s digitalization initiative is in line with President Marcos’ directive to usher governance to the digital era. Under the program, beneficiaries with the PSA national ID, either in digi-

tal or printed form, can register using the BBM Serbisyo digital platform. Schuck also clarified that registering a national ID in the BBM Serbisyo app benefits both the DSWD and its beneficiaries, as this helps prevent ghost recipients and duplicate benefits while speeding up the verification and approval of DSWD assistance.

“When we know that our clients and beneficiaries really have a national ID, we have assurance that these people we give aid to are not bogus and not fake people. Second, we ensure that there is no duplication of individuals on our list. This means that if you have already received this service, you can prevent it from happening again,” he said.

DSWD beneficiaries can also authenticate both printed and digital IDs through the BBM Serbisyo app, with those who lost their ID can also access their digital copy via the app.

PH hosts int’l meet on migratory birds

THE Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) which operates under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is hosting the 12th Meeting of Partners (MOP) on Nov. 10-14 this year, deemed as a recognition of the timely and global significance of the country’s contributions to migratory waterbird conservation and habitat protection.

The event is a first for the BMB for the first time since the launch of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP).

The Philippines is considered home to the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, the country’s first Flyway Network Site.

Some 300 delegates from over 20 countries are coming to Manila, representing governments, intergovernmental organizations, non-gov-

ernmental organizations, academic institutions, and flyway network site managers from across the EAAF and nearby regions. Attended by EAAFP partners, experts and observers, the MOP is a platform for knowledge exchange, strengthening partnerships, and advancing science-based approaches to wetland and waterbird conservation.

Uniting diverse communities across the Flyway, this year’s MOP is hemed “Weaving Connections: Celebrating Migration, Traditional Knowledge, and Innovation across our Flyway.”

“Let us ensure that conservation is not pursued in isolation, but integrated with our aspirations for sustainable development, climate resilience, and the well-being of our people,” BMB assistant director Mariglo Rosaida Laririt said.

IN BRIEF

PHA welcomes tie-up with DILG on CPR

THE Philippine Heart Association (PHA) welcomes its partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) promoting public awareness on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and 911 emergency hotline among Filipinos. Dr. Don Robespierre Reyes, chairman of the PHA Council on CPR, underscored the need for a timely response and inter-agency coordination to save lives during cardiac emergencies.

“An immediate CPR is a bridge to life for cardiac arrest victims to increase survival by 30 percent,” he said during PHA’s Usapang Puso sa Puso Media Conference in Quezon City. For his part, Emergency 911 National Office executive director Francis Fajardo said he would suggest to the 911 Commission to include PHA and integrate CPR in its 911 operations.

Rio N. Araja

BI nabs Chinese linked to massive online scam

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a Chinese national allegedly involved in large-scale online scam during a joint raid with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Pasay City.

The suspect, identified as Xiang Longyiyu, also known as Sam Lee, 33, was collared at the Central Park Condominium on D. Jorge Street. Authorities The suspect was linked to online fraud and phishing activities targeting local and foreign victims.

According to the BI’s Fugitive Search Unit, the operation stemmed from a police request to track down Xiang following reports that he continued running scam operations under a “work-from-home” setup, even after a Makati scam hub was dismantled earlier this year.

Vito Barcelo

3-way tie-up forged on PH peace efforts

THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has forged a partnership with the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center For Tropical Agriculture to vigorously push peacebuilding initiatives in the country. .

The three-way tie-up was formalized during the second day of the 5th Peace Research Conference, themed “From Insights to Impact: Bridging Research and Action For Peace,” which gathered together representatives from the academe, civil society organizations, security sectors, researchers, and private peace partners to share best practices on peacebuilding and present innovative practices on peace research.

“This MOU (memorandum of understanding) we are signing today symbolizes a collaborative effort to enhance OPAPRU’s research capacity and expand its thematic reach by integrating CGIAR’s scientific expertise into our peace-building mandate,” said OPAPRU chief Carlito Galvez Jr. Rex Espiritu

LEADERSHIP IN FAIR AND BAD WEATHER. Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, accompanied by her team from the city hall, hands out food to families who sought shelter at a local evacuation center at the height of typhoon ‘Uwan.’ Andrew Rabulan

SHE’S NOT HEAVY; SHE’S MY SISTER. A young boy carries his sister while navigating a flooded street in Navotas City in the aftermath of typhoon ‘Uwan.’ Andrew Rabulan

OPINION

Prioritize a Department of Disaster Resilience

WITH all the calamities and disasters hitting the country, which resulted in the loss of many lives, livelihood projects and loss of agriculture and infrastructure, I believe it is time for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to realize he should prioritize the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience.

This has been pending in the Senate with only one Senator Christopher “Bong” Go pushing for it.

There is of course the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council), an ad hoc body under the civil defense body of the Department of National Defense, but, my gulay, what we need is a permanent body with its own budget allocation. The Philippines has been judged as the most disaster and calamity prone country in Southeast Asia. It’s a calamity itself for the government and its national leaders not to realize the need for creating a permanent body like a DDR to handle everything.

First, there is a need for a DDR with its own budget allocation so that whenever there are typhoons, floods, landslides, and earthquakes there is already a permanent body assigned to take care of everything, including rescue, relief and rehabilitation.

Right now, it is a calamity itself that we have to wait for foreign aid to help in the mitigation of these disasters and calamities

Secondly there is a need for the government to already study, strategize and prioritize areas that are prone to calamities and disasters. Every time a calamity or disaster hits a particular area, the government is at a loss on what to do and it takes them some time to find out what could be done before the calamity or disaster hits to prevent loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure and the loss of livelihood.

I feel like I am repeating myself because I have been writing about this need for government to prioritize the creation of a DDR, but nobody seems to mind it, not even President Marcos Jr. himself, unfortunately.

It is strange and a calamity itself for a government not to have a permanent body like a DDR to call upon whenever disaster and calamities strike.

I am not exaggerating when I say the inability or rather, the lack of priority in the creation of a DDR is a disaster itself because of the negligence or the refusal of our leaders to prioritize the need for it.

World leaders must be wondering why a country like the Philippines, prone to disasters and calamities, does not have a per-

manent body to attend to this problem. It’s bad enough, Santa Banana, that we have anomalies because of corruption in the government .

When a killer typhoon hits a place, we have to wait till it leaves the area of responsibility to find out the result: often the loss of lives, the destruction of government infrastructure and livelihood of people.

Every time a calamity or disaster hits a particular area, the government is at a loss on what to do

I had felt earlier after writing this column that nobody seems to understand the urgent need to prioritize the creation of this DDR because when a calamity hits the Philippines, the first thing we should attend to are the 3 Rs (rescue, relief and rehabilitation), which will be in the structure of the DDR itself.

Santa Banana, I do not like to repeat myself in urging our national leaders, the Senate, the House of Representatives, especially the President himself on the need to prioritize the creation of a DDR because it is pitiful for our country to be dependent on outside relief and rehabilitation.

Yes, we have the capacity to provide rescue, relief and rehabilitation whenever calamities and disasters hit us, but the problem is these are only temporary or ad hoc attempts to mitigate a disaster or calamity that hits the country.

What we need is to prioritize a permanent national DDR that will take care of every calamity or disaster that hits the country. I don’t know if President Marcos realizes the importance of such a department and is aware that in the final analysis it depends on him on how to mitigate any disaster and calamity that hits the country without waiting for himself declaring a state of calamity for the country when he realizes the impact of such a disaster or on the nation itself.

Santa Banana, we can never predict when the next earthquake, flood, or calamity will strike next, but it might affect you and your loved ones next time, God forbid!

Magalong’s curious Davao inspection

IT WAS a picture that said a thousand things and clarified none: former Baguio City mayor Benjamin Magalong, wearing his trademark air of reformist rectitude, inspecting Davao City’s “questionable” flood-control projects alongside ex-PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin and a Department of Public Works and Highways team.

To the casual observer, it was a noble scene — public servants rolling up their sleeves to confront corruption.

To the trained legal eye, however, it looked more like a procedural circus masquerading as a moral crusade.

A Chain of Command, or a Chain of Selfies?

Let’s begin with the basics: what was Magalong doing there? Davao City is not within his jurisdiction, and he holds no statutory authority over DPWH operations or infrastructure audits.

The inspection was supposedly led by the “Independent Commission for Infrastructures,” a newly minted body with no clear legal personality under existing law.

The presence of a local executive from far-flung Baguio at a DPWH-led audit of Davao projects raises more questions than it answers — questions that go to the heart of administrative law, ethics, and political propriety.

Under COA Circular 2009-006, audit processes follow a strict chain of command — observation, suspension, and disallowance, all handled by authorized COA auditors. Likewise, DPWH Department Order 246, s. 2024, along with earlier orders on project monitoring and design audit procedures, formalizes a similar discipline: every inspection and report must pass through duly designated officials.

Nowhere in these issuances does the law imagine a “guest inspector” parachuting from Baguio to Davao under a banner of

moral inspiration.

Good Intentions, Bad Precedents

Defenders of Magalong will argue he’s simply helping.

After all, who wouldn’t want an incorruptible police general and a hands-on mayor lending credibility to a national audit?

But this is precisely where good intentions become dangerous.

If public trust is to be rebuilt, it won’t come from reformers posing beside rubble

In administrative law, authority is not contagious — it is conferred.

The moment someone not duly empowered participates in a formal inspection, the chain of accountability frays.

If irregularities are later contested in court, defense lawyers can easily invoke procedural infirmity, arguing the inspection was tainted by unauthorized participation.

In other words, Magalong’s presence might have given erring contractors the perfect technical loophole — the kind that turns a righteous audit into a reversible finding.

The Ethics of Overreach

The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials (RA 6713) mandates public officers to perform their duties “with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty.” It also cautions against using one’s position to unduly influence or interfere in matters outside one’s function.

TLessons learned

HIS time, while much of the country is whacked by severe typhoon Uwan, the 21st to thrash the country in 2025, many critical lessons in disaster management must already be on the tables of our leaders and the masses.

Such lessons primarily stress proactive preparedness, communitybased solutions, strong infrastructure, climate change adaptation, and effective communication.

Proactive preparedness is pivotal since survival is not just about having basic supplies but about thinking ahead and preparing for the worst before it happens.

This includes equipping households with emergency kits, identifying evacuation routes, and familiarizing oneself with local geography.

Our local leaders must by now be persuaded that effective response is often centered at the local level (barangay/village, town, city) and empowering Local Government Units to assess risks, develop early warning systems, and lead their communities in times of crisis is essential for a more effective and timely response.

Yet another lesson is the acknowledgment of the need to build more durable and earthquake-resistant infrastructure, especially critical facilities like schools, hospitals, and evacuation centers.

Lessons from past events, like

Typhoon Haiyan 12 years ago this month which damaged the Tacloban airport highlight the need for sturdy infrastructure and backup systems, like preparing alternate airports for aid delivery.

—“—

When the disasters are gone and better forgotten, we must urgently recognize the provision of mental health support and care

We must not forget that establishing clear, reliable communication networks, from community levels up to national government agencies, is essential during and after a disaster which would assure the officials and those on the ground that everyone is accounted for, urgent needs are communicated, and real-time information aids decision-making and search and rescue efforts.

By Juan “Yuan” Santos

THE Philippines, despite its vibrant digital growth, faces a persistent financial inclusion deficit.

Nearly half of adult Filipinos remain outside the formal banking system, with 40 million unserved or underserved by traditional credit institutions.

This is a stark reality for millions of micro-entrepreneurs, freelancers, and rural residents struggling to access the capital they need to live.

While well-intentioned, the imposition of rigid interest rate ceilings, to protect consumers, paradoxically deepens this exclusion and stunts the very growth we seek.

The fundamental flaw lies in ignoring the basic principle of free-market risk pricing. Interest rates which are designed to reflect a borrower’s risk profile, operating costs, and the cost of capital.

A uniform interest rate ceiling forces lenders to treat high-risk and low-risk borrowers identically, creating a dangerous mismatch.

As the seminal work by Stiglitz and Weiss (1981) demonstrated, such price ceilings on credit lead to credit rationing, where lenders, unable to compensate for higher risk through pricing, simply approve fewer loans.

The outcome isn’t cheaper credit for vulnerable segments but, often, no credit at all.

In a truly free market, interest rates adjust naturally: they rise to offset higher risks and fall in stable environments.

By artificially capping these rates, regulators inadvertently discourage lenders from serving the financially vulnerable and geographically remote financial inclusion aims to uplift.

Consider the ripple effect on financial inclusion itself. While rate caps are often framed as a consumer fairness measure, their real-world impact can be devastating.

In a country already marked by pronounced regional and income inequalities,

While Magalong’s motives may be pure, his participation blurs the boundary between moral activism and administrative overreach — a slippery slope where even virtue can become vanity.

The Davao Drama

And then there’s the politics — that irresistible Philippine seasoning. Davao City is not just any city; it is the symbolic citadel of the Dutertes, where “accountability” has traditionally meant loyalty to the family brand.

For a northern mayor to stride through Davao’s muddy construction sites under the gaze of former generals and DPWH officials is not merely an audit — it’s political theater.

It projects a narrative of reform and confrontation, a rebranding of oversight into

We need to remind ourselves that Haiyan and the recent Kalmaegi typhoons serve as stark reminders of the increasing intensity of tropical storms linked to climate change. Which strongly suggests longterm recovery and development plans must integrate climate action and adaptation strategies, including environmental protection, responsible urban planning, and sustainable development practices to reduce future vulnerability.

We should recognize and incorporate local and indigenous knowledge and traditional building practices that can lead to tailor-made, resilient solutions for housing and survival, as these communities have time-tested coping mechanisms.

We know international aid will be flown in from all directions – after all the world has become a global village – but such aid must be coordinated and sustainably integrated into recovery plans.

We are aware the affected communities are in the best position to decide what they need, requiring a customized response rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

During the recovery process, when the disasters are gone and better forgotten, we must urgently recognize the provision of mental health support and care – doubtlessly indispensable for the overall healing and well-being of the affected communities.

How interest rate limits hurt financial inclusion in PH

online lending platforms have emerged as crucial lifelines, reaching those ignored by traditional banks.

However, if a strict cap is imposed, these digital lenders, driven by economic realities, will inevitably retreat to lower-risk urban areas.

—“—

The imposition of rigid interest rate ceilings, to protect consumers, paradoxically deepens this exclusion and stunts the very growth we seek

The result is a widening urban-rural finance divide, leaving rural communities with even fewer options. We need only look to Kenya’s 2016–2019 rate ceiling, which saw a 38 percent drop in SME lending and a 40 percent reduction in micro-lenders’ footprint.

A policy intended to protect borrowers instead stifled the institutions driving grassroots inclusion.

The consumer-protection paradox is perhaps the most insidious consequence.

On paper, a rate ceiling appears to champion the consumer. In practice, it often leads to increased total borrowing costs through hidden charges, shorter loan terms, and restrictive conditions. When compliant online lenders are forced to pull back due to unviable margins, borrowers facing urgent cash-flow needs (for school, medical bills, or utilities) are left in a vacuum. This vacuum is not filled by benevolence but by illegal loan apps offering easy cash at

spectacle.

Yet in trying to expose substandard flood-control projects, the inspection itself may have drowned in procedural shortcuts. The Supreme Court’s admonition in prior rulings reminds us that even noble purposes must bow to procedural propriety. “The end does not justify the means” is not just a moral cliché; it’s a Constitutional principle.

Reform Without Grandstanding If the ICI truly intends to reform infrastructure governance, it must begin by respecting the very laws it claims to uphold. Real reform is not achieved through photo-ops or improvised inspections, but through meticulous institutional compliance.

the cost of violent collection practices, privacy violations, and data leaks.

Rather than eliminating predatory behavior, rate caps drive borrowers underground, as confirmed by data from the IMF (2020) and World Bank (2020) on the correlation between restrictive price controls and the rise of informal lending.

Philippine media reports in 2022 evidenced a surge of illegal lending ads on social media platforms after compliant digital lenders reduced their activity.

Well-intentioned consumer protection here backfires, increasing household financial fragility and trapping vulnerable Filipinos in cycles of unregulated debt.

A rigid interest rate ceiling chills the burgeoning fintech investment climate in the Philippines. While the country is rapidly emerging as a fintech hub, investor confidence hinges on regulatory certainty. Philippine fintech foreign direct investment lags significantly at only $50–60 million, compared to over $4 billion in Indonesia (Tracxn, 2024).

A rigid ceiling risks diverting venture capital and technology partners to more flexible markets like Vietnam or Indonesia, which utilize adaptive approaches such as Vietnam’s “risk-band” model, allowing rate flexibility within defined risk categories.

The Philippines stands at a pivotal moment. By courageously rethinking rate ceilings and fostering a smarter financial policy environment, the country can unlock broader access to credit, attract vital investment, and firmly secure its place as a regional fintech leader in Southeast Asia. The future of financial inclusion in the Philippines depends on it.

(The writer, former territory manager and sales representative at a business newspaper in the Philippines, is a part-time university instructor while pursuing MA in Public Administration at Rizal Technological University.)

Otherwise, it risks replicating the very culture it condemns — one where good men do the wrong things for the right reasons, and legality becomes optional when intentions are pure. In the end, Magalong’s Davao cameo may not send anyone to jail, but it quietly erodes the rule of law. The flood that destroyed Davao’s dikes may have been an act of nature, but the flood of grandstanding that followed was entirely man-made.

If public trust is to be rebuilt, it won’t come from reformers posing beside rubble — but from those who remember that integrity is not only about being good; it’s about staying within the law while being good.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

South Korea indicts ex-president Yoon for aiding enemy

SEOUL – South Korean prosecutors in-

dicted former president Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday on new charges of aiding the enemy, alleging he ordered drone flights over North Korea to strengthen his effort to declare martial law.

North Korea said last year it had “proved” that the South flew drones to drop propaganda leaflets over its capital Pyongyang, an act that Seoul’s military has not confirmed.

State prosecutors opened a special investigation this year to examine whether sending the drones was an illegal attempt by Yoon to provoke the North and use its reaction as a pretext for declaring military rule.

Prosecutor Park Ji-young told reporters on Monday that the special counsel team had “filed charges of benefiting the enemy in general and of abuse of power” against the former president.

Yoon and others “conspired to create conditions that would allow the declaration of emergency martial law, thereby increasing the risk of inter-Korean armed confrontation and harming public military interests,” said Park. She added that compelling evidence had been found in a memo written by Yoon’s former counter-intelligence commander in October last year, which pushed to “create an unstable situation or seize an arising opportunity”.

The memo said the military should target places “that must make them (the North) lose face so that a response is inevitable, such as Pyongyang” or the major coastal city of Wonsan. AFP

IN BRIEF

LONDON – She lived a life of luxury that earned her the nickname “goddess of wealth,” but Chinese businesswoman Zhimin Qian now faces a long jail sentence after police made the UK’s largest-ever cryptocurrency seizure of Bitcoin worth over $6 billion.

The 47-year-old, who used the alias Yadi Zhang, defrauded more than 128,000 victims through a scheme in China from 201417 and stored the illegally obtained funds in Bitcoin assets.

Qian played a leading role in the scam.

After fleeing China in 2018 using false documents, she came to the UK where she attempted to launder the proceeds, according to police and prosecutors.

She faces up to 14 years in prison.

The Chinese national, who pleaded guilty to acquiring and possessing criminal property on September 29, will be sentenced after a two-day hearing on Monday and Tuesday at London’s Southwark Crown Court. AFP

Authorities: 31 died in Ecuador prison

QUITO – Authorities said at least 27 inmates were found dead by asphyxiation Sunday afternoon at an Ecuadoran prison where an armed riot left four others dead and dozens injured in the morning.

In a statement, prison authorities said the 27 individuals found dead at the Machala prison in El Oro province had “among themselves committed asphyxiation, which caused immediate death by suspension.” Authorities said they were still working to “fully clarify the facts,” and forensic medical personnel were on site to verify information.

The deadly day at Machala’s prison marks the latest spasm of prison unrest in the South American country.

Ecuadoran prisons have become operational centers for rival drug-trafficking gangs, with over 500 inmates killed in fighting between groups competing to control the lucrative but illegal trade. AFP

Senators have deal to end shutdown

WASHINGTON, DC – US senators reached a bipartisan deal Sunday that would resume federal funding and end a shutdown which has stretched to a record 40 days and forced many government operations to grind to a halt.

The deal between Democratic and Republican senators — just the first step to halting the shutdown — came as authorities warned US air travel could soon “slow to a trickle” as thousands more flights were canceled or delayed over the weekend.

Outlets including CNN and Fox News reported lawmakers had reached a stopgap agreement to fund the government

through January after wrangling over health care subsidies, food benefits and President Donald Trump’s firings of federal employees. As news of the breakthrough emerged, Trump told reporters when he arrived at the White House after a weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida: “It looks like we’re getting very close to the shutdown ending.”

The Republican-led Senate swiftly held a procedural vote Sunday aimed at moving the legislative measure forward, and the vote appeared to have support from enough Democrats to advance. Once it clears the Senate, it would need to pass the House of Representatives, also in Republican control, and then head to Trump’s desk for his signature -- a process that could take days.

Earlier Sunday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said that if the shutdown continued, the number of flights being snarled or cut would multiply while Americans gear up to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday later this month.

By Sunday evening, the number of cancellations of flights within the United States and to and from the US had sur-

BBC chief resigns after row over Trump docu

LONDON – The director general of the BBC announced his resignation Sunday following a row over the editing of a documentary about Donald Trump as the US president attacked “corrupt journalists.”

Tim Davie and the broadcaster’s head of news, Deborah Turness, resigned after accusations that a documentary by its flagship Panorama program had edited a speech by Trump in a misleading way.

Reacting to the news, Trump said “corrupt journalists” had been exposed, adding “these are very dishonest people who tried to step on the scales of a Presidential

Election”.

Announcing his resignation Davie said in a statement posted on the BBC website: “Like all public organizations, the BBC is not perfect, and we must always be open, transparent and accountable.

“While not being the only reason, the current debate around BBC News has understandably contributed to my decision... I have to take ultimate responsibility.”

The latest controversy follows a Daily Telegraph report this week that said concerns were first raised in the summer in a memo on impartiality by Michael

Amazon poised to host toughest climate talks in years Nov 10-21

BELEM, Brazil – An odor of oil hung over last year’s UN climate conference in Baku, capital of fossil fuel-rich Azerbaijan.

Starting Monday, the 50,000 participants of COP30 will instead feel the heavy, humid air of the Amazon rainforest in Belem, Brazil, where they face the daunting task of keeping global climate cooperation from collapsing.

Unfazed, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva insisted on holding the event here despite a dire shortage of hotel rooms.

His aim: to make the Amazon itself open the eyes of negotiators, observers, businesses and journalists — in a city where locals carry umbrellas both to shield themselves from the blazing morning sun and from the tropical downpours that follow in the afternoon.

“It would be easier to hold the COP in a rich country,” Lula declared in Au-

gust. “We want people to see the real situation of the forests, of our rivers, of our people who live there.”

The Amazon rainforest, which plays a vital role in the fight against global warming through its absorption of greenhouse gases, is itself plagued by a host of ills: deforestation, illegal mining, pollution, drug trafficking, and all manner of rights abuses against locals, especially Indigenous peoples.

While the Brazilians have been active on the diplomatic front for the past year, they’re lagging behind on logistics. Many pavilions were still under construction as of Sunday.

“There is great concern about whether everything will be ready on time from a logistical standpoint,” a source close to the UN told AFP. “Connections, microphones, we’re even worried about having enough food,” the source added. AFP

passed 2,700, with nearly 10,000 delays, according to data from tracking platform FlightAware. Airports that were particularly hard hit included the three New York City area airports, Chicago’s O’Hare, and Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta. Newark’s Liberty International Airport -- a major northeastern US hub -was among the worst-hit. At New York’s LaGuardia Airport more than half of all outbound flights were delayed. Without a deal, Duffy warned that many Americans planning to travel for the November 27 Thanksgiving holiday would “not going to be able to get on an airplane, because there are not going to be that many flights that fly if this thing doesn’t open back up.” AFP

UN says refugees stuck in vicious cycle of conflict

GENEVA – Millions of refugees are trapped in a vicious cycle of conflict and climate extremes, the United Nations said Monday, urging the COP30 summit to provide financing for the most vulnerable.

UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, said that within 15 years the places currently hosting nearly half the world’s refugees could be facing extreme exposure to climate-related shocks.

“Climate change is not only amplifying existing vulnerabilities -- it is also fueling displacement trends, creating complex and compounding risks for refugees... leaving many with no escape from its impacts,” it said in a report.

It said climate shocks were increasing humanitarian needs and amplifying the risks of repeated displacement. UNHCR said that by mid-2025, 117 million people had been displaced by war, violence and persecution. Of those, three in four are living in countries facing high-to-extreme exposure to climate-related hazards, it said.

It added that over the past 10 years, weather-related disasters had caused around 250 million internal displacements within countries.-

Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBC’s editorial standards committee.

Earlier Sunday, the UK Culture, Media and Sport Minister Lisa Nandy called the allegations “incredibly serious”.

The BBC has promised “a full response” to parliament’s culture media and sport committee on Monday.

The criticism emerged over clips spliced together from sections of a Trump speech on January 6, 2021, when he was accused of fomenting the mob attack on the US Capitol seeking to keep him in power despite losing his re-election bid. AFP

“Extreme weather is... destroying homes and livelihoods, and forcing families -- many who have already fled violence -- to flee once more,” UN refugees chief Filippo Grandi said in a statement.

“These are people who have already endured immense loss, and now they face the same hardships and devastation again. They are among the hardest hit by severe droughts, deadly floods and record-breaking heatwaves, yet they have the fewest resources to recover,” he said. AFP

TOKYO – Hideko Hakamada campaigned for almost six decades to get her little brother, the world’s longestserving death row inmate, cleared. But at 92 she refuses to relax, campaigning against capital punishment in Japan and beyond.

“Courts are run by people and they obviously make mistakes,” Hideko told AFP in an interview at a congress in Tokyo on the death penalty in East Asia where she was a keynote speaker.

“I fought for 58 years. I cannot just be sad and slow down,” she said at the weekend event that included campaigners from China -- the country that executes the most people, rights groups say -- North Korea and elsewhere. Her brother Iwao Hakamada was finally exonerated in 2024 after being

convicted for a 1966 quadruple murder, in one of Japan’s biggest miscarriages of justice in modern history. The ex-boxer spent 46 of those years waiting to be hanged, mostly in solitary confinement. In Japan, death row inmates are only informed that they will be executed on the morning of their final day.

In his acquittal, a court ruled that police tampered with evidence and that Iwao suffered “inhumane interrogations” to force a confession, which he later withdrew. Cheery and lively, his sister said that Iwao, 89, now spends his days taking naps and going for drives with his supporters, but that he is a broken man. The lasting effects of his incarceration “cannot be cured,” she said. AFP

ENDING THE SHUTDOWN. The air traffic control tower at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on day

HALTING RUSSIA’S WAR. Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro (right) and European Council President Antonio Costa greet each other during a joint statement after the plenary session of the CELAC-EU Summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, on Monday, Manila time. Czech Republic Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky told AFP Sunday (Monday

By Randy M. Caluag

BRENDA Zinampan

once again proved why she’s the undisputed queen of Philippine masters athletics after completing a sensational four-gold medal sweep at the 23rd Asia Masters Athletics Championships in Chennai, India.

The 47-year-old powerhouse capped her stellar campaign with a commanding win in the women’s 45+ 400m hurdles, sealing a perfect 4-for4 golden performance that solidified her reputation as one of Asia’s finest masters athletes.

Zinampan also struck gold in the 100m dash, 80m hurdles, and pole vault, showcasing her versatility and grit despite battling through injury.

“God is good all the time,” an emotional Zinampan told RP2 Sports Radio, grateful for the strength to overcome pain and fa tigue on her way to another recordbreaking feat.

A bronze medalist in the pen tathlon at the World Masters Indoor Championships in Gainesville, Flor ida earlier this year, Zinampan has long been the standard-bearer for Fil ipino veterans. She is also the backto-back MVP of Philippine Masters Athletics, and her latest triumph only adds to her growing legacy.

Zinampan’s golden sweep inspired her teammates to deliver podium-worthy performances of their own.

Maricar Gammad powered through the women’s 50+ 300m hurdles to capture a silver medal, while Lorelie Sermona hurled her way to another silver in the women’s 40 hammer throw.

Veteran sprinter Salve Bayaban added to the country’s medal tally with a silver finish in the women’s

Zinampan’s 4 golds boost PH Masters in Asian meet

RnR Series Manila brings the beat back

THE AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Manila presented by ASICS returns on Nov. 29 at the Rizal Park, transforming the city’s streets into a vibrant festival of movement, music and Manila pride. More than just a run, it’s a cultural celebration – a rhythmic journey through the heart of the capital where every stride tells a story, every beat echoes with community spirit, and every finisher crosses more than just a finish line.

It’s also a showcase of Filipino creativity and community. Every kilometer pulses with local color: from the rhythm of live bands and street performances to the cheers of volunteers and spectators lining the roads. This year’s event promises new tech, louder beats, and bigger celebrations, drawing thousands of runners and spectators for an unforgettable weekend of fitness, fun and Filipino pride. For more information and registration details, visit www.runrocknroll. com/manila.

This year, the world’s most dynamic running party gets an upgrade as ASICS steps in as the presenting sponsor, taking the Manila edition from iconic to unforgettable.

“This alliance with ASICS isn’t just a sponsorship – it’s an upgrade,” said Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc., the organizing force behind the local leg of this global running phenomenon. “Together, we’re transforming race day into a festival of movement, music, and Manila’s unwavering spirit.”

Part concert, part race – and all heart – the running series has electrified cities like Las Vegas, Madrid and Tokyo, blending fitness and entertainment in one unforgettable experience. The Manila edition captures the city’s soul, featuring live music stages, themed water stations, costumed cheer squads, and commemorative finisher medals that celebrate both achievement and culture.

Defense & Sporting Arms Show returns to original home

UST’s Ybanez is Spikers’ Turf Player of Week

IT’S no easy feat being a collegiate squad competing in a league filled with stars and seasoned veterans.

But University of Santo Tomas-Gameville has been holding its own, giving powerhouse teams a run for their money in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.

Despite joining the tournament as a late replacement, the Golden Spikers have made a strong impression in their first appearance since 2018— thanks largely to the all-around brilliance of versatile open spiker Josh Ybañez.

UST-Gameville’s impressive 3-1 win-loss record mirrors Ybañez’s consistent excellence on the court.

The Alas Pilipinas standout showcased his offensive and defensive prowess when the Golden Spikers survived a grueling five-set thriller over Alpha Insurance Protectors, 26-24, 25-22, 35-37, 19-25, 22-20, last Friday.

Ybañez tallied 20 points built on 18 attacks, one block, and one ace, while also contributing 30 excellent receptions in the marathon match that pushed both teams to their limits.

For his stellar all-around play, Ybañez earned a well-deserved recognition as the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week powered by Pilipinas Live for the period of November 5 to 7.

“Of course, I’m always proud sa mga teammates ko. I’m so happy na we ended up getting the result that we want,” said Ybañez.

“Gusto lang namin manalo, and sa kanila [sa team] naman siguro… kailangan pa namin magensayo ng maayos pa.”

Ybañez was a unanimous choice for the weekly honor, beating out his UST-Gameville teammates Al-Bukharie Sali and Edriel Alabar in deliberations by print and online reporters covering the pioneering men’s volleyball league organized by Sports Vision.

EXPERIENCE the country’s premier showcase of firearms, safety and responsible ownership on November 18 to 21, 2025.

The Association of Firearms and Ammunition

Dealers of the Philippines, Inc. (AFAD) proudly announces the return of the Defense & Sporting Arms Show (DSAS) Part 2 to its original home –the Megatrade Hall, SM Megamall – for the last gun show of the year.

After a successful mid-year edition at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, DSAS concludes 2025 with an event that highlights the best of the local firearms community – bringing together the country’s trusted dealers, hobbyists, collectors, and advocates of responsible ownership in a more personal and engaging setting.

“This year’s show is more than an exhibit, it is a celebration of community and progress,” said Aric Topacio, AFAD Spokesperson.

“We’re proud to see more Filipinos embracing responsible firearm ownership and viewing shooting as part of a disciplined, active lifestyle. DSAS continues to be where passion and responsibility meet.”

More than 40 top exhibitors will showcase the latest in locally manufactured and imported firearms, ammunition, optics, and accessories. Visitors can also take part in seminars and workshops on responsible ownership, safe handling and maintenance and offering valuable insights for both first - time buyers and seasoned collectors.

Law enforcement agencies will be on-site to assist attendees with License to Own and Pos-

sess Firearm (LTOPF) and Firearm Registration processes. AFAD continues its close collaboration with Philippine National Police (PNP), ensuring that DSAS remains a one-stop venue for responsible and legal firearm ownership.

“Education and partnership are at the heart of what we do,” Topacio added, “Every visitor will leave the show with a deeper understanding of safety and discipline which are the pillars of responsible gun ownership.”

Among the participating exhibitors are PB Dionisio & Co. Inc., Squires Bingham International, Twin Pines Inc. (Tactical Corner), Hahn Manila, Stronghand, Armscor Shoot-

ing Center, Espineli, Topspot Guns, and many others representing the best of the Philippine firearms industry. Looking ahead, AFAD is taking bold steps to widen its reach across the Philippines. As the organizer of the country’s premier firearms and sporting show AFAD recognizes the importance of making the latest technology for personal defense accessible to Filipinos nationwide.

In 2026, AFAD will expand the Defense & Sporting Arms Show to major cities including Cagayan de Oro and Davao, alongside its regular shows in Metro Manila. This move will allow enthusiasts from Mindanao and Visayas to experience the same high standards of education, safety advocacy, and product showcase that have made DSAS the nation’s trusted platform for responsible firearm ownership.

‘It’s about relationships,” Topacio concluded. “AFAD recognizes the necessity of bringing quality products, education, and safety advocacy to firearm owners all over the Philippines. As the country’s premier gun show, DSAS continues to grow not just in size, but in reach and purpose, uniting communities from Luzon to Mindanao under one shared commitment to responsibility and national pride.”

Join us and be part of the Defense & Sporting Arms Show 2025 – a landmark gathering that continues to uphold AFAD’s mission to promote safety, education, and responsible ownership among Filipino firearm enthusiasts.

OZAMIZ—FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri

stunned International Master Miroslav Vlasenko of Russia in 61 moves of a Nimzovich duel to emerge the blitz champion in the open section of the 6th ASEAN Individual Chess Championships-Gov. Henry Oaminal Cup at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Aquamarine Park here Sunday.

The reigning national junior champion and Asian juniors rapid king was unflinching against the Russian’s ploy of confusing him by using a rarely used opening line and when the smoke of battle dissipated, the Filipino ended with a queen up, the full point and the title.

“I just played my game and took it as an opportunity, good thing I won,” said Nouri, who will turn 20 on Dec. 12. Nouri actually ended up tied at No. 1 with Grandmaster Daniel Quizon with eight

points apiece, but the former had a higher tiebreaker to claim the gold.

Interestingly, Nouri stunned Quizon when they faced off in the seventh round. Quizon, who bested IM Christian Gian Karlo Arca in 47 moves of a King’s Indian Attack, settled for the silver.

Indonesian GM Novendra Priasmoro turned back newly minted IM Mark Jay Bacojo in 31 moves of a Sicilian, seized the bronze with seven points.

In the women’s side, WGM Janelle Mae Frayna pocketed a pair of bronzes in rapid and blitz while WFM Allaney Jia Doroy defied the odds and grabbed the blitz silver.

Russian WFM Anna Zhurova ruled the women’s rapid while Vietnamese WIM Nguyen Hong Anh grabbed the blitz gold.

Topping the men’s rapid side was Vietnam’s IM Nguyen Quoc Hy.

Brenda Zinampan seals a perfect 4-for-4 golden performance solidifying her reputation as one of Asia’s finest masters athletes.

FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri

60+ 200m, proving that speed truly has no age limit. Meanwhile, Marichu Gaston doubled up on hardware, claiming bronze

medals in both the women’s 55+ 100m and 400m events. On the men’s side, Colin Gordon turned in an impressive showing for

Team Philippines, capturing gold in the men’s 65+ 800m and silver in the 400m, rounding off a strong campaign for the Filipino contingent.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025 RIERA

5-peat nets PH teen driver Cañete overall drift crown

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia—With the Philippine flag proudly displayed beside her name on her Yakult-themed BMW E36, 14-year-old Filipina drift prodigy Bella Cañete of Akuma Drift Team once again proved why she is one of the brightest rising stars in Asian motorsport.

Despite battling a shifter issue throughout her run, Cañete delivered a commanding performance in the Women’s Drift Challenge (WDC) Pro-Am Division of the 2025 Indonesian Drift Series (IDS) at the Mandala Krida Stadium. In the final round, Cañete set the tone early by taking Top Qualifier honors with 99.67 points. She then went on to defeat Emilie Mesya of Palifornia Motorsports in the semifinals and

Negin of Rizqy Motorsports x Team AAA in the finals, securing her fifth consecutive WDC Pro-Am championship trophy.

The victory marks the first time in IDS history that a driver has swept all five rounds of the WDC Pro-Am Championship, finishing the season with a perfect score of 560 points, the highest ever recorded in WDC Pro-Am history. IDS – New Gen Category Competing in the New Gen class as

well, Cañete qualified 8th, advanced to the Top 8 after defeating Zanetta Salsabila of Zetta Racing Team, and narrowly fell short against Athariz Fairel of BTX All Star, the top qualifier.

Throughout the 2025 season, Bella consistently impressed, earning three championship trophies (Rounds 1–3) and second place in Round 4

Record-Breaking Achievements

Cañete closed out the 2025 Indonesian Drift Series season with multiple historic milestones, namely 5-time WDC Pro-Am Top Qualifier; 5-time WDC Pro-Am Champion; youngest Filipina to win an overall champion trophy in the Indonesian Drift Series; youngest female Southeast Asian drifter to be crowned as overall WDC Pro-Am Champion; first Filipina drifter to sweep all WDC ProAm Champion trophies and achieve a

perfect total score of 560; and first Filipina crowned as the Overall WDC Pro-Am Champion Overcoming Adversity

Cañete’s triumph comes after a turbulent lead-up to the finale, when one of the IDS directors, Akbar Rais, attempted to reject her registration and remove her from the standings due to his personal reasons that were not related in any way to Bella’s performance, readiness, or compliance as an athlete.

Thanks to the intervention and support of the shareholders of PT Indonesian Drift Series, the legal team from Ichwan Law Office, AAP Motorsports, the Indonesia Drift Commission, IMI, the Philippine Embassy in Indonesia, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, justice prevailed, allowing Cañete to rightfully compete and defend her title.

GAP launches World Junior Gym Meet music video ‘Going for Gold’

IN keeping with the millennial vibe and beat, organizers have elevated the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships by producing a music video of the competition’s catchy and captivating official theme song “Going for Gold.”

Performed by the popular KO Jones rock band, with music and lyrics by band guitarist Warren Norton, the son of Gymnastics Association of the Philippines Cynthia Carrion, the upbeat music video vividly captures what the elite meet for young gymnasts from all over the world is all about.

“I asked my son Warren if he could come up with a theme song for the junior worlds. Without a second thought, he came up with it at once,” Carrion noted of the theme song of the event opening on Nov. 20 at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom inside the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

“As far I know this is the first time that an international FIG competition has had a theme song and music video, to boot, setting ours a cut above the rest,” she said

with pride of the vibrant theme song of the gymnastics showcase supported by the Office of the President, Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

To be released to the public for the first time on the GAP Facebook account today (Tuesday), the nearly three-minute music video soars at once with the attention-getting intro “Fly like a champion,

uh…oh oohh, Fly uh oh oooh…”

The full music video can be seen on this link: https://www.facebook.com/ reel/1167507908667128

The bouncy and lively opening is spliced with scenes of Paris Olympic double gold medalist and newlycrowned world vault champion Carlos Edriel Yulo in action in various successful international forays that gave pride and glory to the country.

The inspirational opening verse -

“Welcome to the world stage, Lights are burning bright , Young hearts rising , Ready for the fight, 80 flags are flying, Gold is on the line Flip flying landing This is your time” – captures the aspirations and ideals of those who will be vying in the meet.

This prime motivation for the young gymnasts to shine continues in the chorus with lyrics they can identify with:

“Fly like a bird and let it go, Spin through the sky, feel the freedom flow, Gold, silver bronze let the story unfold, At the Junior World’s, they’re going for gold!”

Cabanda surpasses world junior qualifying standard in UAAP

By Peter Atencio

BATANG Pinoy standout Ivan Cabanda is headed to the 2026 World Junior Championships in Oregon.

Cabanda earn his spot in the national team after he made history clocking 52.99 seconds in the men’s 400-meter hurdles in the junior divison of the 88th University Athletic Association of the Philippines Athletics Championships on Sunday at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac

The 17-year-old Cabanda eclipsed the long-standing record of 54.78 seconds set by Jaime Mejia of University of the Philippines Integrated School on February 2, 2012, in Pasig.

Cabanda’s time went under the World Juniors qualifying standard of 53.00 seconds.

This made him the second Filipino

Basketball Hall of Famer Wilkens dies

LOS ANGELES—NBA great Lenny Wilkens, a Hall of Famer as both a player and a coach, has died at the age of 88, his family said Sunday. A graceful point guard in his 15-year playing career, Wilkens was a ninetime NBA All-Star and twice led the league in assists. He served as a player-coach for four seasons, three with the Seattle SuperSonics and one with the Portland Trail Blazers, before launching a full-time coaching career that would prove legendary.

“Lenny Wilkens represented the very best of the NBA -- as a Hall of Fame player, Hall of Fame coach, and one of the game’s most respected ambassadors,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

“So much so that, four years ago, Lenny received the unique distinction of being named one of the league’s 75 greatest players and 15 greatest coaches of all time.

“But even more impressive than Lenny’s basketball accomplishments, which included two Olympic gold medals and an NBA championship, was his commitment to service –- especially in his beloved community of Seattle, where a statue stands in his honor.

“He influenced the lives of countless young people as well as generations of players and coaches who considered Lenny not only a great teammate or coach but also an extraordinary mentor who led with integrity and true class.”

Wilkens led the SuperSonics to their only NBA title in 1979 and also coached the Trail Blazers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks in a career on the sideline that spanned 1969-2005. AFP

Crucial tests for Angels, Crossovers

to secure a slot for the global meet, after Naomi Cesar did in the 800-meter girls’ 2025 Asian Youth Games Championships. He is set to represent the Philippines in the ASEAN School Games in Brunei and the ASEAN Youth Championships in Medan, Indonesia.

Cabanda’s great showing comes two weeks after winning two golds for Manila at the 2025 Batang Pinoy National Championships in General Santos City, also in record-breaking fashion.

The first gold came in the boys’ under-18 400m hurdles when Cabanda set a new meet record of 53.23 seconds, bettering another runner’s best time of 55.01 seconds last year. The second mint was in the 110m hurdles when Cabanda hit a low time of 13.98 seconds, surpassing the old course mark of 14.25 seconds.

WITH just five playdates left in the final stretch of the two-round prelims of the PVL Reinforced Conference, every match now carries do-or-die stakes – especially for teams still battling to secure a quarterfinal berth. Among them are the Petro Gazz Angels and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, both desperate to keep their campaigns alive. The Angels, two-time Reinforced champions, are in a precarious position at No. 7 after an inconsistent showing in the first phase. They aim to regain footing as they take on the surging Farm Fresh Foxies – currently boasting an impressive 4-1 record that has virtually assured them of a Top 8 finish. Their 4 p.m. showdown at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan promises fireworks, with Petro Gazz going allout not just to halt Farm Fresh’s run but also to strengthen its own bid for a spot in the knockout quarterfinals of the year-ending tournament organized by Sports Vision. The excitement continues in the 6:30 p.m. main game, where Chery Tiggo seeks to keep its flickering quarterfinal hopes alive against a revitalized Capital1 Solar Spikers side.

Carrying a dismal 1-4 card, the Crossovers can’t afford another slip. But with Capital1 on a hot streak –coming off back-to-back straight-set wins over Cignal and Choco Mucho to climb to No. 5 – the task is easier said than done.

Led by Ukrainian import Sasha Bytsenko and energized by locals Bella Belen, Pia Abbu, Leila Cruz and Chel Austero, the Solar Spikers have shed their former cellar-dweller image to become legitimate contenders. Meanwhile, Chery Tiggo, the 2021 PVL Open Conference titlist, continues to search for rhythm. Cuban import Yunieska Batista has delivered steady double-digit outings, but the Crossovers’ locals must rise to the occasion if they hope to derail Capital1’s playoff charge and keep their own bid alive.

Ivan Cabanda in action in the UAAP meet in New Clark City

Bella Cañete (center)

Lenny Wilkens

SM Prime likely to top record 2024 net profit

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH) expects its full-year 2025 net income to match or even surpass the record P45 billion it booked in 2024, despite anticipating slower domestic economic growth in the second half of the year.

The company’s nine-month profit reached P37.2 billion, up 10 percent from P33.9 billion a year earlier on stronger contributions from the mall and convention center segments. Net income in the third quarter rose 8 percent to P12.8 billion from P11.8 billion.

SMPH said it expects its malls and hotel businesses to sustain growth momentum in the fourth quarter, although it will not be at the same pace as the first half due to the reported slower domestic economic growth.

FDI net inflows in August 2025

$494 million $830 million

FDI net inflows in August 2024

$5.2 billion

FDI inflows in eight months

FDIs hit $494m in August, $5.2b in first eight months

By Thony Rose Lesaca

NET inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) into the Philippines dropped 40.5 percent year-on-year to $494 million in August on lower net investments in debt instruments, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Monday.

The August figure marks a significant decline from the $830 million recorded in August 2024 and the $1.3 billion registered in July 2025, according to the BSP.

The decrease was led by a 73.8-percent fall in nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments, which includes intercompany borrowings between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries or affiliates in the Philippines. These investments fell to $145 million in August from $553 million a year earlier.

Equity capital inflows showed strength, rising 121 percent year-on-

year to $146 million in August from $66 million a year ago. Reinvestment of earnings saw a 3.6-percent yearon-year drop from $210 million to $203 million.

Despite the monthly fall, the BSP said net FDI inflows remained positive in August 2025, with manufacturing and Japan-sourced funds leading the way.

Data showed that total net FDI inflows amounted to $5.2 billion in the first eight months of 2025, reflecting a 22.5-percent decline from $6.7 billion recorded in the same period in 2024.

Economists pointed to a challenging global and domestic environment as reasons for the slump.

Ruben Carlo Asuncion, chief economist at Union Bank of the Philippines, said the BSP cited weaker global trade, geopolitical uncertainties, and higher US tariffs for the FDI downturn, which dampened investor sentiment.

San Miguel waives toll for gov’t relief vehicles

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) said Monday its infrastructure arm has waived toll for marked government vehicles mobilized for relief and recovery operations in areas hit by Typhoon Uwan.

SMC chairman and chief executive Ramon Ang, said toll operations teams are coordinating closely with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) to facilitate the implementation of the President’s order.

“Our priority is to make sure responders get to affected communities as quickly as possible,” Ang said.

“We have always worked with government in times of calamity. It’s part of our responsibility to help and to make sure aid reaches those who need it,” he said.

SMC said tollway personnel have been deployed across its expressways to assist

emergency convoys and ensure their safe and unimpeded passage.

SMC Infrastructure operates more than 200 kilometers of expressways in Luzon, including the Skyway System, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), STAR Tollway, Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX) and NAIA Expressway.

Ahead of Typhoon Uwan’s landfall,

SMC deployed maintenance crews to inspect and clear drainage systems, secure roadside signages and billboards and preposition quick-response teams and heavy equipment in flood-prone areas to keep expressways passable.

It advised motorists to observe traffic rules and speed limits at all times, and to exercise extra caution when driving in inclement weather.

The company also said that for more than a year during the pandemic, SMC waived over P230 million in toll for medical frontliners across all its expressways.

Revenues from January to September went up 4 percent to P103.4 billion from P99.8 billion. Mall revenues, accounting for 59 percent of consolidated revenues, increased 7 percent to P61.0 billion from P57.3 billion, with the addition

“So overall, I think we should still be able to grow our Q4 numbers, although it might not be the same level as what we have seen in the past,” said SMPH president and chief executive Jeffrey Lim in a virtual news briefing.

Lim said 2025 has been a challenging year due to a series of calamities and broader uncertainty, which weighed down on both sentiment and confidence.

The residential segment, which contributed over 31 percent of total revenues, saw a 2-percent dip to P32.6 billion from P33.1 billion on slower revenue recognition from midsegment developments.

Lim said the company hopes that easing interest rates will help boost residential sales.

Hotels and convention centers registered the strongest growth at 9 percent, rising to P6 billion from P5.5 billion. Revenues from offices and warehouses remained steady at P4 billion, representing almost 4 percent of the total.

“The residential and office segments were tempered by macroeconomic conditions, but recovery initiatives are underway,” Lim said.

Korea and Philippines strengthen rice supply chain with new rice seed processing and storage facilities

THE Philippines and Korea marked a significant milestone in their agricultural cooperation today with the inauguration and turnover of a modern rice seed processing facility and a warehouse with cold storage at the Department of Agriculture Philippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) Central Experiment Station (CES). The ceremony celebrated the successful completion of the facilities and reinforced the longstanding partnership between the two countries in supporting the Philippines’ rice industry and food security.

The program began with the unveiling of markers and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for the two new facilities, followed by congratulatory remarks from representatives of both countries celebrating the successful progress of the Korea–Philippines agricultural cooperation project. A formal signing ceremony officially transferred the facilities and equipment to the Philippine government. The event also featured a project briefing and video presentation led by Dr. Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang, which highlighted the project’s achievements and outlined proposals for follow-up initiatives.

The newly inaugurated facilities include a modern rice seed processing facility with an integrated processing line and a warehouse with cold storage. Developed under the ongoing ODA project, “Improving the Rice Supply Chain to Ensure the Quality of Seeds and Milled Rice for Distribution and Buffer Stocks in the Philippines,” launched in 2023 through collaboration between the governments of Korea and the Philippines, the facilities are expected to enhance efficiency and quality throughout the rice supply chain.

Equipped with advanced processing equipment, the facilities enable faster and more efficient rice seed processing while significantly improving seed quality compared with traditional methods that relied heavily on manual labor and sun-drying. The upgrades reduce processing time, address challenges during the rainy harvest season, and, together with the cold-storage warehouse, extend seed preservation, allowing for more flexible, reliable, and quality-assured distribution nationwide. This four-year project (2023–2026) represents a total investment of US $4.5 million and aims to strengthen the Philippines’ rice-seed production and distribution capability. To date, it has established a rice-seed processing facility and three cold-storage warehouses at DA-PhilRice CES, Isabela, and Batac, and supplied key agricultural and logistics equipment including forklifts and upgraded information system hardware. The project has also implemented capacity-building activities such as technical training for equipment operations, consulting for information system development, and an invitational training program in Korea. Through this ODA project, Korea and the Philippines strengthening the national rice supply chain by increasing the availability of high quality seeds, bolstering the Philippine rice industry and reinforcing national food security.

As the project enters its final year in

both governments reaffirmed their shared commitment to achieving sustainable agricultural growth and ensuring a stable and high-quality rice supply chain in the Philippines.

2026,

At the event, Korean representatives included Counsellor Hyun-Jung Jung of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, officials from MAFRA and KRC including Shin Jae Kim, director of the Global Agricultural Development Team at MAFRA and Chan Won Choi, director of the Global Project Office at KRC, the lead agencies overseeing the ODA initiative. Also present were representatives from the project’s implementing organizations, Global Agricultural Policy Institute (GAPI) and its Philippine counterpart, Orient Integrated Development Consultants Inc. (OIDCI). On the Philippine side, assistant secretary for Operations U-Nichos A. Manalo of the Department of Agriculture (DA) led the

DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Clark Development Corp. (CDC) vice president for engineering services group. Teresito Tiotuyco leads site inspections across Clark Freeport on Nov. 9 as the agency monitors drainage systems and prepares infrastructure.

SMPH president and chief executive Jeffrey Lim

PH stocks hit five-year low amid FDI drop, typhoon impact worries

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PHILIPPINE

shares opened the week in the red as investor confidence continued to weaken amid a drop in foreign direct investments (FDI) and concerns over the economic impact of the typhoons that struck many parts of the country.

The main-share Philippine Stock Exchange Index hit a five-year low of 5,702.64 before closing at 5,738.18, down 21.19 points, or 0.37 percent. The broader all-shares index ended at 3,509.04, lower by 5.53 points, or 0.16 percent.

The peso strengthened to 58.96 to the U.S. dollar on Monday from 59.04 on Friday. FDI declined 40.5 percent year-onyear in August, primarily due to reduced net investments in debt instru-

ments, which dropped to $529 million versus $675 million last year.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

chief economist Michael Ricafort said the market declined on worries that the series of storms could further slow growth of the domestic economy.

Other factors that affected investor sentiment include the higher electricity rates in November and the latest round of fuel price hikes.

Sectors ended mixed with mining and oil and industrial closing in positive territory, rising by 4.28 percent and 0.04 percent, respectively.

On the other hand, the services sector declined the most, down 1.02 percent. Financials, property, and holding firms were also lower by 0.47 percent, 0.25 percent, and 0.04 percent, respectively.

SMFB net profit up 11% on strong demand

SAN Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. (SMFB) reported consolidated net income of P33.7 billion for the first nine months of 2025, up 11 percent from the same period last year, driven by strong performances across its food, beer and spirits divisions.

Consolidated revenues rose 4 percent to P302.9 billion, supported by firm demand, efficient pricing and sustained brand initiatives despite weather-related disruptions during the period.

across multiple segments and markets,”

SMFB chairman Ramon Ang said.

“We will continue to strengthen our supply chain, improve productivity and expand capacity to capture more opportunities and deliver long-term value for our consumers and shareholders.”

lia brand with nationwide campaigns highlighting its legacy.

Operating income grew 32 percent to P12.9 billion , while EBITDA increased 27 percent to P20.0 billion , aided by margin improvements and cost discipline.

limited-edition can.

Operating income rose 2 percent to P23.9 billion, while EBITDA was up 4 percent to P30 billion, reflecting sustained profitability and effective cost management.

Operating income grew 12 percent to P44.7 billion, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization climbed 13 percent to P58.4 billion , improving margins to 19 percent.

SUPPORTING

ARTISTS. SM Supermalls features the works of acclaimed visual artist Anna Vergel RS at its corporate headquarters at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, and on its website, reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting Filipino artists. Vergel RS, a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, creates works exploring themes of “mythology, transformation, and femininity.”

“Our performance shows the effectiveness of our strategy to grow

San Miguel Foods posted P143.5 billion in revenues, up 7 percent yearon-year, as volumes and demand rose across key categories including dairy and coffee, poultry, and prepared and packaged food. The company marked the 100th anniversary of the Magno-

P RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. must have received word that the Filipino people were becoming impatient with his administration’s response to the worst scandal in the government’s history and were counting the days that have elapsed since the start of operations of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) that he created to deal with the scandal.

About a week ago, President Marcos called a press conference to deal with the palpably growing impatience of the Filipino people. Mr. Marcos, a non-lawyer told his audience that prosecution cases have to be brought forward on the basis of strong evidence, otherwise they risk being dismissed. Gathering strong evidence that will sustain a case takes time, the Chief Executive said, and the government will take the time necessary to obtain, such evidence. Mr. Marcos ended the press conference with this forthright statement: “I have a choice between handling a case quickly and handling a case properly; I will choose to handle a case properly.”

The option that President Marcos spoke

of suggests one of two things – either (1) that lawyers, specifically government lawyers, are incapable of producing good work if they have to work speedily or (2) that government lawyers, and other lawyers for that matter, will be able to produce good cases, including good prosecution cases, only if they are given much time within which to do their work. In other words, Mr. Marcos was telling the Filipino people that limitation of time and quality of work are opposed to one another.

The Chief Executive’s opinion in this regard is unwarranted, insensitive to the need of the times and damaging to the reputation of the Philippine legal profession.

The legal services of the government –especially the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) - have on their staff lawyers who are highly competent and are capable of producing strong prosecutional work under difficult conditions, including limited time. Their difficult work is rendered easier when abundant documentary and testimonial evidence exists upon which to build

San Miguel Brewery reported P110.7 billion in revenues, supported by growth in international markets and stable domestic sales.

It celebrated its 135th anniversary with events including San Miguel Oktoberfest and the release of a San Miguel Pale Pilsen 135th Heritage

Ginebra San Miguel Inc. posted a 7 percent rise in revenues to P48.7 billion, supported by brand campaigns, efficiency gains and disciplined execution.

The company’s initiatives included Kabayani Kita sa One Ginebra Nation and nationwide Ginumanfest events to reinforce market presence.

Puregold’s nine-month income rose 5.6% to P7.3b on strong sales, margin gains

GROCERY retail leader Puregold Price Club, Inc. (PGOLD) on Monday reported a consolidated net income of P7.3 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a 5.6 percent increase from P6.9 billion in the same period last year.

The company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange that the profit growth was led by strong sales and slightly improved gross margins.

Consolidated net sales rose 10.6 percent to P168.08 billion in the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2025, up from P151.98 billion a year earlier.

The sales increase was supported by positive same-store sales growth (SSSG) of 4.8 percent from Puregold stores on higher basket size and increased customer traffic. S&R Warehouse Clubs

With all the evidence, documentary and testimonial, that the Congressional hearings and other official investigations have unearthed this country’s private-sector lawyers would have been ready, weeks ago, to do battle with the flood-control malefactors.

strong cases; this is the situation in the flood-control fraud cases. At this point, the prosecutors of DOJ and OSG are already capable of putting together dismissal-proof cases against the erring DPWH personnel, legislators and contractors.

In saying what he said, President Marcos demonstrated insensitivity to the mood of the Filipino people. The people are mad, Mr. President. They want bad things to

also contributed with a 5.4 percent SSSG, with higher traffic. Puregold’s consolidated gross profit grew 13.5 percent to P31.39 billion, equivalent to an 18.7 percent gross margin. This compares with P27.65 billion, or an 18.2 percent margin, in the same period of 2024. Other operating income increased 15 percent to P2.82 billion from P2.46 billion. Operating income stood at P11.26 billion, a 25.3 percent increase from P10.40 billion in 2024.

As of September 2025, Puregold was operating 772 stores nationwide, consisting of 673 Puregold stores, 31 S&R Membership Shopping Warehouses, and 68 S&R New York Style quick-service restaurants.

Jenniffer B. Austria

happen to the malefactors at the earliest possible time. What you said was the most wrong thing at the most wrong time.

Finally, without intending to do so, President Marcos did a disservice to the Philippine legal profession. The legal staff of the top law firms in this country include lawyers who can compare with the best lawyers in this part of the world. You didn’t have to tell them that cases filed with Philippine courts must be supported by evidence that renders them impervious to dismissal; they already know that.

With all the evidence, documentary and testimonial, that the Congressional hearings and other official investigations have unearthed this country’s private-sector lawyers would have been ready, weeks ago, to do battle with the flood-control malefactors.

In sum Mr. President the option that you spoke of does not exist as a rule, and it does not exist under the present circumstances. Limited time and good legal work can go together.

(llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

TRIPLE HONORS. Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS) Philippines, the global capability center of insurance and asset management leader Sun Life, enters the Circle of Excellence in three categories: Top Employer of the Year, Diversity Company of the Year, and Woman Leader of the Year at the 16th Asia CEO Awards 2025. For the second consecutive year, SLGS has made it to the Circle of Excellence for its workplace culture and inclusive leadership, further cementing its reputation as a driving force shaping the future of work in the Philippines and beyond.

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR. EastWest Bank executives, leaders and representatives accept the National People Program of the Year Award for the ‘People Experience Made Easy’ program during the 2025 PMAP Awards Night organized by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP). The award recognizes EastWest’s innovative and sustainable approach to enhancing the employee experience through automation, people analytics and scalable engagement initiatives.

By Othel V. Campos

MAYNILAD Water Services

Inc. (Maynilad), the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines, plans to increase its total water storage capacity from 779 million liters in 2024 to 960 million liters by 2026.

This expansion will be achieved through the construction of two new reservoirs in Quezon City and Valenzuela City, the company said in a statement.

The new facilities are strategically designed to enhance supply reliability and maintain stronger water pressure during peak demand, especially in elevated areas often affected by high water withdrawal from lower zones.

“By building more strategically located reservoirs, we are strengthening our distribution system and ensuring better service for customers, especially in areas

that experience low pressure during peak demand,” said Maynilad president and chief executive Ramoncito Fernandez.

The expansion is part of the company’s P31.9-billion capital expenditure plan for operations support programs covering 2025 to 2029.

Maynilad said the project aligns with its long-term water infrastructure program, supported by strategic cost management, process efficiency and the use of renewable energy to ensure economic and environmental sustainability.

Maynilad serves the west zone of the Greater Manila Area, which includes portions of Manila, Quezon City, and Makati; the cities of Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas, and Malabon; and the cities of Cavite, Bacoor, and Imus, and the municipalities of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario in Cavite province.

Maynilad operates eight water treatment plants, 39 reservoirs, 41 pumping stations and a 7,886-kilometer distribution network.

It also maintains 21 serviceable deep wells as backup sources during supply interruptions.

IN BRIEF

NHMFC grants 1-month payment moratorium

THE National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) has granted a one-month moratorium on loan payments to more than 1,800 housing loan borrowers in Central and Eastern Visayas affected by Typhoon Tino.

The payment suspension covers monthly amortizations from Nov. 4, 2025 until Dec. 3, 2025, with no penalties or surcharges to be accrued during this period.

The decision was made pursuant to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a state of national calamity through Proclamation No. 1077. It also followed a directive from Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling to provide relief to borrowers in areas massively damaged by the typhoon, and in anticipation of the landfall of Typhoon Uwan.

NHMFC president Renato Tobias stated the initiative is the corporation’s way of extending support to families struggling with the storm’s impact.

“We understand the tremendous challenges our borrowers are facing right now,

By Jenniffer B. Austria

PROPERTY developer Ayala Land

Inc. (ALI) reported a net income of P21.4 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, nearly flat compared to the same period last year on lower revenues from its residential business.

The developer’s consolidated revenues declined 3 percent to P121.8 billion, with sales from property development dropping 1 percent to P75.9 billion.

“Ayala Land continues to navigate market challenges with discipline and focus,” said Ayala Land president and chief executive Anna Ma. Margarita Bautista-Dy in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday.

Residential sales, a major component of property development, were down 2 percent to P63.1 billion, as sales from upscale projects softened by 4 percent to P60.9 billion. Sales of office and lots for sale inched up 3 percent to P21.8 billion.

Total reservation sales for residential products improved 3 percent year-on-year to P111.7 billion on steady take-up of premium projects and improving demand for affordable residential, office and lot projects.

The company’s leasing and hospitality business saw a 6-percent rise in sales to P35.1 billion. Mall revenues increased 4 percent to P17.4 billion, boosted by increasing contributions from new malls.

Office leasing revenues climbed 6 percent to P9 billion, which the company attributed to an occupancy rate that was better than the industry average.

Hospitality revenues grew 4 percent to P7.4 billion, supported by stable portfolio occupancy and the contributions of the recently acquired New World Makati Hotel.

ALI launched P51.3 billion worth of property development projects in the first nine months of 2025, including AyalaLand Premier’s Laurean Residences at the Makati central business district.

The Bistro Group’s Helm, led by Chef Josh Boutwood, is the first in the Philippines to be awarded 2 Michelin Stars. The achievement highlights the country’s rising status in global gastronomy, with three other restaurants— Ember, Juniper and The Test Kitchen—receiving Michelin Selected listings.

Ayala Land’s 9-month profit flat at P21.4b Bistro celebrates Helm’s 2 Michelin stars

THE Bistro Group (TBG) is celebrating a major achievement in Philippine gastronomy after its flagship fine dining restaurant, Helm, was awarded 2 Michelin Stars, an unprecedented accolade for a restaurant in the country. The honor cements Helm’s status as one of the nation’s most innovative and renowned dining destinations, joining the world’s list of elite restaurants.

Helm is acclaimed for its immersive, thematic tasting menus, which feature bold explorations of flavor and technique inspired by imaginative themes like timelines, cinemas and colors. The dining experience is deeply personal, featuring globally-inspired dishes crafted with the finest ingredients sourced both locally and internationally, all showcasing the culinary mastery of Chef Josh Boutwood.

The historic award is part of a broader recognition for Boutwood’s culinary portfolio. Three other concepts under his direction—Ember, Juniper, and The Test Kitchen—were all included in the Michelin Guide’s “Michelin Selected” listings. These awards, The Bistro Group said, demonstrate the commitment of both the company and Boutwood’s concepts to world-class quality and innovation.

Chef Boutwood joined The Bistro Group in 2012 as executive corporate chef, overseeing the company’s various restaurants’ research and development and innovation. He was later entrusted with the creative reins to conceive the bold and daring ideas that resulted in his fine dining concepts.

“We congratulate Chef Josh and the entire Helm team for this truly outstanding achievement,” said The Bistro Group president Jean Paul Manuud.

“Their dedication, hard work and creativity has made this possible. For The Bistro Group, this is greatly inspiring to say the least. We are happy to support Chef Josh and are proud to be his partner. And, it is only the beginning,” Manuud said, hinting that the company’s continued growth will propel Philippine dining to loftier heights.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025

Gov’t bolsters efforts to curb plastic wastes

THE Philippines has taken a major step toward tackling plastic pollution and advancing circular economy through a systemic change and efforts to strengthen regulation.

Led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippines’ National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP Philippines) gathered around a hundred participants from government, business, civil society, academia, development partners and communities to refine and validate the draft National Plastic Action Roadmap.

The convergence to develop the road map comes at a crucial time as the country continues to confront the challenges of mismanaged plastic waste.

According to a 2021 World Bank study, the Philippines generates 2.7 million tons of plastic waste each year, with 20 percent leaking into the ocean. This underscores the urgency of whole-of-society solutions to address plastic pollution and support the country’s shift to a circular economy.

The public consultation forms part of NPAP Philippines’ broader co-creation process to polish and finalize the road map, which proposes key action points to drive systemic change.

The action points are indicative and will be further shaped with stakeholders as part of the consultative process of finalizing the road map.

The measures seek to strengthen regulation to include ambitious policies across the plastic lifecycle, and improve governance, monitoring and enforcement.

They also aim to improve border monitoring and customs coordination with trade partners and improve the economics of waste management system to unlock funding for new infrastructure.

The measures seek to support expansion of market for secondary materials and run national campaigns to encourage a shift in consumer behavior.

“We understand that any Roadmap may set ambitious goals, but they matter because they show what can be achieved and where to begin. The National Plastic Action Roadmap outlines concrete and actionable steps that move us closer to our shared vision of sustainability and circularity,” said DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones. Floradema Eleazar, team leader of the Climate Action Program Team of the United Nations Development Program in the Philippines (UNDP Philippines) said his agency envisions the road map to be closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals on responsible consumption, climate action and life below water, among others. UNDP Philippines News

PH, Germany push initiative to fight climate change

THE Philippines and Germany vowed to continue to push for transformative climate and biodiversity action through a joint initiative that strengthens climate governance, empowers communities and protects ecosystems.

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) stressed the need to turn climate projects into lasting systems and institutional reforms that sustain impact beyond project cycles and empower communities to take climate action that endures.

“The Philippines’ climate response must move beyond isolated pilot projects toward coherent systems that sustain impact beyond budget cycles,”

CCC vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje told the partners from Germany, the United Nations, other government agencies and non-government organizations during the 2nd Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting on Oct. 28.

“Our partnership must move beyond

1.7b suffer lower crop yields due to land degradation

First of 2 parts

ROME, Italy—Approximately 1.7 billion people live in areas where crop yields are falling because of human-induced land degradation— a pervasive and silent crisis that is undermining agricultural productivity and threatening ecosystem health worldwide.

The alarming figure comes from the latest The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), released last week during an event at its headquarters in Rome. The report delivers a clear message: land degradation is not just an environmental issue—it impacts agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods and food security.

SOFA 2025 provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of how human-driven land degradation impacts crop yields, identifies global vulnerability hotspots, and examines where these losses intersect with poverty, hunger and other forms of malnutrition.

Drawing on the most recent global data on farm distribution, sizes and crop production, the report outlines actionable opportunities for integrated sustainable landuse and management practices, alongside tailored policies. These measures aim to avoid, reduce and reverse land degradation while improving food production and

farmers livelihood.

“To seize these opportunities, we must act decisively. Sustainable land management requires enabling environments that support longterm investment, innovation and stewardship,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu wrote in the report’s Foreword.

The impact of land-degradation FAO defines land degradation as a long-term decline in the land’s ability to deliver essential ecosystem functions and services.

Land degradation rarely stems

from a single cause; it typically results from a combination of factors. These include natural drivers, such as soil erosion and salinization, and human-induced pressures, which are increasingly dominant.

Activities like deforestation, overgrazing and unsustainable cropping and irrigation practices are now among the leading contributors. Given its profound impact on agricultural productivity, the report focuses specifically on human-induced land degradation.

(To be continued) FAO News

pilots. It must translate innovation into institutional practice, and good practice into national policy,” he said.

Germany and the Philippines agreed to push climate measures through the Transformative Actions for Climate and Ecological Protection and Development (TRANSCEND) Project.

German Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke reaffirmed Germany’s support, saying climate change is a shared responsibility requiring collective resolve.

“Our two countries will continue to work as strong and constructive partners in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of humankind,” he said last week.

The ambassador added that the warming of the planet should not be viewed merely as a threat but as a challenge that calls for a stronger commitment.

He said this should motivate na-

Tourism

OLANGO ISLAND, Cebu—CSP

Travel and Tours Inc. teamed up with the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS) and the Olango Island EcoTour Association (OIETA) to conduct a mangrove planting activity in Barangay Talima, Olango Island.

The activity started with a briefing led by Genaro Soon, Protected Area Warden of OIWS, who provided essential background information on the planting site and stressed the importance of selecting appropriate mangrove species and ensuring proper planting techniques.

Twenty six participants contributed to the planting of 130 Ceriops tagal seedlings. Members of OIETA were present to supervise the planting process, ensuring adherence to established protocols and prioritizing participant safety.

Their expertise was invaluable in educating participants about the ecological significance of mangroves and the potential impact of the reforesta-

tions to push harder toward ensuring a sustainable and livable planet for future generations.

The 2nd PSC meeting reviewed project progress and ensured strategic alignment for the coming years, including monitoring and evaluation systems to measure tangible outcomes such as reduced risks, restored ecosystems and improved access to sustainable services.

Jointly implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the CCC, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the TRANSCEND Project embodies the Philippines–Germany partnership’s shared commitment to climate and ecological transformation. It aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to integrate climate and biodiversity priorities into planning, investment and policy—ensuring that climate action and ecosystem protection advance hand in hand.

CCC News

tion effort.

The initiative underscores the crucial partnership between the tourism and environmental sectors in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable tourism practices.

OIWS actively supports such endeavors, demonstrating that while promoting a fruitful tourism industry, they also recognize the contribution to long-term commitments aimed at preserving vital ecosystems and maintaining biodiversity.

This event aligns with CSP’s #GiveBackToThePhilippines project and serves as a platform to raise awareness regarding the collective responsibility to safeguard the Philippines’ natural resources and heritage.

Moreover, collaboration with the tourism industry opens opportunities to amplify effective conservation efforts, creating a network for environmental stewards as the spirit of volunteerism ignites. DENR News

Baguio bares 3-year environment plan

By Liza Agoo

BAGUIO CITY—The city government has laid down a comprehensive three-year plan costing P100 million aimed at preserving, protecting, and restoring the environment while maintaining ecological balance by 2028.

In an interview last week, city information officer Aileen Refuerzo said the Environmental Action Plan is anchored on three key goals: environmental regeneration, reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and improvement of waste management systems.

“The plan is part of the ExecutiveLegislative Agenda currently being finalized, charting the city’s developmental direction from 2025 to 2028,” she said.

Among the plan’s main objectives are a 5-percent decrease in GHG emissions from 2026 baseline levels, a 10-percent reduction in landfill waste (from 300 to 270 tons per day), the completion of a central Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and the establishment of three additional barangay MRFs by 2028.

The programs, divided into several phases, are supported by P100 million in funding that will cover road network completion, environmental compliance, and the installation of new waste processing equipment, including food waste and plastic shredders.

The city also aims to protect air, water and soil quality, complemented by programs promoting behavioral change in waste management, in partnership with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). For liquid waste management, the plan includes the modernization and upgrade of the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Septage Facility by 2028. This involves rehabilitating high-risk sewer lines, expanding new connections and achieving 70=percent collection efficiency for sanitation and environmental users’ fees. The city targets the rehabilitation of sewer networks equivalent to 5,000 new connections. For hazardous waste management, Baguio aims to establish an institutionalized hazardous waste collection and disposal system by 2028, covering e-waste, used oil and other materials. PNA

The Climate Change Commission (CCC) led by vice chairperson and executive director Robert E.A. Borje joins partners from Germany, United Nations, government agencies, and non-government organizations at the 2nd Project Steering Committee Meeting of the TRANSCEND Project to review progress and align strategies for nature-positive resilience on Oct. 28, 2025. CCC photo

THE DAY POLAND TURNS RED AND

WHITE

Poland National Day brings a nation together

By Peter Paul Duran

EVERY November 11, Poland turns red and white.

Flags hang from windows, car horns honk and people fill the streets. It’s National Independence Day, the country’s biggest celebration of freedom since it got back its independence in 1918 after 123 long years under Russia, Prussia and Austria. It’s a day that’s loud, proud and full of life.

Back in 1918, Poland didn’t get its freedom by chance. The country had been cut up and ruled by three empires for more than a century.

When World War I ended, Polish leaders like Józef Piłsudski helped bring the nation back together again. That’s why every parade, every song and every flag means something deep, serving as a reminder that freedom wasn’t given. It was earned.

In Warsaw, the biggest celebrations happen at Piłsudski Square. Soldiers march, brass bands play songs that everyone seems to know, and officials stand before the crowd to lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. People clap, cheer, and record the moment on their phones. When the flag rises, the sound swells.

Out in smaller towns, it’s simpler but just as warm. Kids perform poems in school auditoriums, churches ring their bells, and grandparents tell stories about what independence used to mean. Some families cook pierogi or kielbasa, setting long tables after the parades. It’s not fancy—just family, food, and that feeling of being home.

The holiday wasn’t always this free. During the communist years, Independence Day was banned. Only in the late ’80s did people get to celebrate again. Older Poles remember those quiet years well—the fear, the waiting, the hope that someday the flags would fly again. For the younger ones, it’s more about identity. Some go to concerts, others post photos of flags online. It’s

Baltic Container Terminal in the Port of Gdynia: the first stop for some of the highest quality steel parts fabricated in Poland’s manufacturing hubs.

BCT in the Port of Gdynia is dubbed as Poland’s “window to the world”. It provides strong support for the country’s steel products manufacturing industry, which is a major supplier to European markets.

The region’s leading steel exporters—companies that operate according to the most exacting standards of production—value BCT’s top-of-the line standards, equipment portfolio, and management. BCT is solidly and strategically positioned as a long-term partner of this thriving industry.

Even far from home, Poles still celebrate. In the Philippines, the Polish Embassy and local groups hold small events—flag ceremonies, film screenings, and cultural nights that mix old songs with new friends. It’s not a big crowd, but it’s enough. For them, the day is a piece of Poland that never fades, no matter where they are.

The white eagle, the candles the red-and-white flags— small things, but heavy with meaning. Whether in Warsaw or Manila, it’s the same truth: Poland remembers, celebrates, and keeps moving forward.

On this day, the country doesn’t whisper about its past. The people sing it together.

Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki speaks at the beginning of the National Security Council convened by him at the Presidential Palace in Warsaw. AFP

Gydnia

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Lauper, Outkast, White Stripes power up this year’s Rock Hall class

CYNDI Lauper, Outkast, White Stripes, and Soundgarden were among the performers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday.

Lauper, known for her colorful punk style and hits including “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “True Colors,” and “Time After Time,” was inducted by singer Chappell Roan. Roan praised Lauper’s “four-octave range” and her unapologetic style, saying she has been an icon for artists often labeled “too much, too loud, too eccentric, or all of the above.”

Detroit rock band the White Stripes were inducted by Iggy Pop, who described their music as “coming from a foundation of love, not revolution.” Singer-guitarist Jack White accepted on behalf of himself and drummer Meg White, who did not attend, thanking industry peers and “the homeless and the powerless and the forgotten.”

Other American performers inducted included Atlanta hip-hop duo Outkast, known for “Hey Ya,” “Ms. Jackson,” and “The Way You Move,” and Seattle grunge band Soundgarden, famous for “Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman.”

English singer Joe Cocker, who died in 2014, was honored posthumously for hits including “You Are So Beautiful,” his Beatles cover “With a Little Help from My Friends,” and the Grammywinning duet “Up Where We Belong” with Jennifer Warnes. Other inductees included arena rock band Bad Company and singer Chubby Checker

New York hip-hop trio Salt-N-Pepa received the Musical Influence Award. Grammy-winning singer Missy Elliott called the group “the bricklayers to the foundation that holds hip-hop together” before introducing their performance.

English session pianist Nicky Hopkins was honored with the Musical Excellence Award for his work with The Rolling Stones, The Who, David Bowie, and The Beatles. Mick Jagger highlighted Hopkins’s contribution to “Sympathy for the Devil.”

The ceremony featured performances by Elton John, Bryan Adams, Olivia Rodrigo, Twenty One Pilots, Doja Cat, Tyler, the Creator, and

By

Kim Chiu sheds old image for daring role in ‘The Alibi’

leaving them bound to a deal neither can simply walk away from.

The project marks another reunion for the pair, but Kim said this one pushed her to reveal a side of herself she hadn’t shown on screen before.

“At 35, I’m done with 16-year-old, teeny-teeny roles,” Kim said. She shared that taking on Stella felt like the right moment to move toward something daring and heavier. “I just want to show that I can do it,” she said, adding, “I want to prove that I can do more than what they know.”

Paulo noted that the role isn’t about being bold for the sake of it—it reflects Kim’s growth and her readiness for mature material.

Why

IN A recent TV interview, Kyline Alcantara shared her thoughts on beauty enhancements.

“Well, I’m all about self-love, self-confidence, and knowing your worth,” she said. “Maybe some people are not confident enough to show it. For me, I’m okay with enhancing yourself or your features!”

Has she tried it yet?

“No, not yet. But I wish I could. I’m not afraid to try it when it’s needed. As I said, I’m not afraid to go under the

“It’s not about showing skin,” he said. “It comes with the maturity of the role and what the story needs. We’re both dedicated to our characters.”

According to Kim, portraying her character required clear communication and a sense of trust.

“I really trust Dreamscape. And of course, Paulo—I can see the respect he has for me,” she said. “That made the more sensitive scenes easier to approach, because I knew he wouldn’t let me feel uncomfortable or unsupported.” Paulo said he felt the same way. “When you have scenes that are delicate,

and Angelina Cruz join the ensemble cast of Dreamscape and ABSCBN Studios’ new mystery-thriller series

you really think about whether your coactor is comfortable,” he said, explaining that he always checks in before filming intense takes.

Kim acknowledged that some scenes can still feel awkward at first. “What we do varies. The intensity [of the scenes] is different every time,” she said. “But we’re both professionals, so we’re able to handle it well,” she added.

While The Alibi leans into heavier emotional territory, Director Onat Diaz said the chemistry between Kim and Paulo remains effortless.

already feel there’s something there.”

He explained that the romantic pull in the show isn’t fan service. “Everything is done in the service of the story. So, you’ll still root for them—it’s really built into the two,” he said.

“Even with the drama, the action, the tension, you’ll still look for reasons why they should end up together. And I think that’s the most rewarding kind of kilig we can offer.”

Rounding out the all-star cast of The Alibi with Kim and Paulo are John Arcilla, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Sofia Andres, Sam Milby, Rafael Rosell, Robbie Jaworski, and Angelina Cruz

The series is now available for streaming on Prime Video.

knife, so to speak. I’m okay with enhancements as long as you feel confident afterward and, most importantly, won’t regret it. It’s your body, right?”

Kyline also addressed rumors that she had her cheeks done.

“I’ve heard about that, even my dimples and chin. Some say they’re not real. But the truth is, I haven’t had any beauty enhancements yet. If I do, I’ll tell the public!”

How did she feel when Gloria Diaz called her one of the prettiest faces in showbiz?

“The kind of kilig from Kim and Paulo is very innate and organic,” Onat said. “It’s not forced. Even before I do anything, you can

“Honestly, it’s a big honor coming from the country’s first Miss Universe! Wow! I didn’t know she thought that way about me.” Does she plan to join beauty pageants in the future?

“Nope! I don’t think I’m cut out for that. I’d rather be a lady soldier. I was supposed to start training as a reservist this year, but my schedule won’t allow it. I have many relatives on my father’s side who are soldiers and policemen.”

Despite past relationships that didn’t work out, Kyline says she’s not giving up on love.

“Yes, never! I’m not afraid to feel all the emotions God wants me to feel in life because it helps me grow as a person!” What does she look for in a guy?

“I’m more into attitude. I want someone mature, mentally stable, kind, respectful to my family, and who will respect me not just as a woman but as a person,” Kyline said.

***

LOVI Poe shared her joy as a new mom to her first child with husband M onty Blencowe In a recent Instagram Reel, she was seen holding her baby. Her caption read, “The moment I met you, instinct took over. Welcome to the world, my love.” Some celebrity friends congratulated her, including Anne Curtis, Megan Young, and Benjamin Alves Benjamin said, “Can’t wait to meet the newest addition! Congrats [Monty Blencowe]!” Megan wrote, “Congratulations, Babe! So happy for you and Monty!” Last September, Lovi announced her pregnancy with a Bench Instagram post. In the photo, she wore underwear that showed her baby bump. Lovi and Monty, who married in

Jasper Valdez

IM Chiu is done playing it safe.

At the blue carpet premiere and media conference of The Alibi

held Nov. 4 at Trinoma Mall in

Quezon City, the actress spoke about taking on a more grown-up and emotionally layered role in the new mystery-thriller series opposite Paulo Avelino

In The Alibi, Kim plays Stella, a headstrong woman who makes a choice for her family and becomes tied to Vincent, played by Paulo, just as he faces a murder accusation—

2023.

Shticks

Joseph Peter Gonzales

Kyline Alcantara says she supports beauty enhancements as part of self-love and confidence

Paulo Avelino (left) and Kim Chiu at the premiere of ‘The Alibi’ in TriNoma

BOLD & DRAMATIC. Kim Chiu embraces a more mature and emotionally layered role in ‘The Alibi’

Robbie Jaworski (left)

Kim Chiu’s Stella (left) and Paulo Avelino’s Vincent confront tense emotional stakes in ‘The Alibi’

Cyndi Lauper performs during her Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony

LIFE & SHOWBIZ

By Nickie Wang

ON A humid Manila morning, a crowd gathered around a newly polished marker outside the first McDonald’s store in the country. In the heart of the University Belt, the scene felt like a moment, a pause to honor history.

The marker, unveiled on Oct. 28 by McDonald’s Philippines president and CEO Kenneth S. Yang and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno , is dedicated to Dr. George T. Yang , who brought the brand to the Philippines. Students hurried past, parents guided toddlers, and office workers paused to take photos.

Inside the store, familiar sounds—the clatter of trays, the hum of conversation. And just like the store, the location, Morayta, has always been a backdrop for many stories that students, in particular, can relate to, like exam week breakfasts, late-night cram sessions, first dates, and long lunches between classes. The atmosphere carried decades of shared memories, to say the least.

Over 40 children from the Manila Child Development Center arrived for a McDo Party, while employees gladly helped with games and party preparations.

Dr. Yang recalled the early vision of opening just 10 branches. “Fortyfour years later,” he said, “the Philippines now ranks as one of the top 10 McDonald’s markets in the world, with more than 800 stores.” Morayta, the original store, remains a testament to that growth. He underscored another key legacy: the first batch of working students, who balanced school and work to gain experience. That tradition continues today, with 70

convenience meets everyday safety at the door

By Jasper Valdez

FILIPINO households have always been built around shared space— grandparents, parents, siblings, and sometimes extended family living under one roof. In homes like these, even something as simple as opening the front door can reveal how different generations live side by side. This sense of shared living framed how the Philips Home Access’ newest smart lock was introduced, not as a fancy device, but as something that fits into the familiar rhythm of home.

The demo framed the features in terms of ease of use, showing how each unlocking option suits a different member of the household.

Richard Ang, from Larx Trading, the distributor of Philips’ smart lock line in the Philippines, explained how the Philips DDL902-MFVP-11HWS smart door lock aims to answer a common scenario in Filipino homes: everyone opens the door differently.

Back to where it all began

McDonald’s Morayta marks 44 years of memories in Manila

percent of McDonald’s workforce still made up of working students. Small gestures, like an employee adjusting a child’s party hat, reflected the company’s enduring commitment to its people. Significant milestones followed.

In 2005, McDonald’s Philippines became fully Filipino-owned, and earlier this year, Dr. Yang secured a new 20-year license to operate.

Kenneth Yang emphasized that consistency drives this growth and stability, where customers expect the same taste and service across all 800-plus stores nationwide, a standard that the Morayta store embodies.

McDonald’s Philippines employs over 70,000 people and remains the only quick-service restaurant practicing direct hiring,

“For grandma, she doesn’t need to use a fingerprint. She can just scan her palm, and the door opens,” Ang said. “Kuya might prefer a card, and your dad might use a fingerprint [to open the door].”

This is where the Philips DDL902MFVP-11HWS smart door lock stands out. The lock supports multiple unlocking methods—palm recognition, facial recognition, fingerprint, keycard, PIN code, and a mechanical key—so each person uses what feels natural.

the door,” Ang said. “You can check in real time, like having a CCTV view. There’s no need to open the door right away, especially if there are children or elderly at home.”

Larx Trading’s Avelyn Lim added that security isn’t just about keeping strangers out. It’s also about making sure everyone who should be able to come home can do so easily and confidently.

“Sometimes older adults or people with dry hands have trouble with fingerprint scanners,” Lim said. “Palm vein recognition reads the veins, not the skin. It’s easier, and it feels more natural.”

Doorways in shared homes tend to stay active throughout the day. The lock accommodates that movement by allowing anyone at home to quickly confirm who is outside, offering security that works alongside everyday routines rather than interrupting them.

with no contractualization since 1981. Training programs support

employees’ growth both within the company and beyond. The company was named Employer of the Year by the People Management Association of the Philippines this year, highlighting its commitment to talent development.

Outside, the marker stands against the constant motion of Manila, a reminder of beginnings, of working students chasing dreams, and of communities shaped by meals and shared moments. After 44 years, McDonald’s Morayta continues to hum with energy, its legacy alive in every visitor, employee, and memory created within its walls.

PREDATOR: Badlands, the latest installment in the sci-fi horror franchise that began nearly four decades ago, devoured the competition at the North American box office, opening with $40 million, industry estimates showed Sunday.

in $7.1 million over the Friday-toSunday period, Exhibitor Relations reported.

Directed by Josh Boone, the romantic drama follows a mother, played by Allison Williams, and her teenage daughter, played by McKenna Grace, as they deal with life and love after tragedy.

The Philips DDL902-MFVP11HWS smart door lock will be exclusively available on the Philips Home Access Flagship Store on Lazada during the 11.11 sale, with discounts and additional purchase perks offered for a limited time. The Philips DDL902-MFVP-11HWS smart door lock features palm vein recognition, making it easier for older adults to unlock the door without using fingerprints

A lock that can recognize familiar people, record visitors, and allow remote access when needed becomes an extension of daily coordination at home, not an added complication.

Rather than introducing new habits, the lock fits into existing ones, providing a straightforward way to manage entry and stay secure day-to-day.

Rather than asking a household to adjust to it, the device adjusts to them. But just as important as convenience is security that works in real, everyday situations. The DDL902-MFVP11HWS is equipped with three built-in cameras—two facing outward and one inside—that allow homeowners to see who is at the door in real time, whether it’s a delivery rider leaving a parcel or a relative arriving late.

“You can immediately see who’s at

The 20th Century Studios film stars Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi as an outcast Predator who becomes the hero, teaming up with an android played by Elle Fanning on a journey to prove himself. It is the ninth entry in the franchise launched in 1987 with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role.

In second place was Paramount’s , the latest adaptation

Universal’s horror sequel Black Phone 2, again starring Ethan Hawke as a menacing villain, placed third with $5.3 million in ticket sales in the United States and Canada.

Debuting in fourth place was Sarah’s Oil, MGM’s faith-based drama inspired by history, about a young Black girl in early 20thcentury Oklahoma who inherits land she believes is rich in oil. It earned $4.5 million.

Fifth place went to Sony’s Nuremberg, which recounts the postwar Nazi trials with a focus on Hermann Goering, Hitler’s righthand man. The film earned $4.1 million.

Russell Crowe’s portrayal of the Luftwaffe commander has generated early Oscars buzz.

Rounding out the top 10 were Chainsaw Man – The

McDonald’s Philippines chairman Dr. George T. Yang (right) joins president and CEO Kenneth S. Yang (left) and Mayor Isko Moreno (center) in unveiling the commemorative marker at the first McDonald’s store in the Philippines

Dr. George T. Yang (left) stands beside Ronald McDonald at the newly unveiled marker honoring McDonald’s Morayta

Dr. George T. Yang (rightmost) is seen with one of the earliest service crews at McDonald’s Morayta during its opening in 1981

MADDOX

Jewelry’s Marikina showroom glimmered under soft lights, with diamond earrings catching every ray, bracelets neatly displayed, and necklaces seeming to glow from within their glass cases.

Lady entrepreneur Charo Cordial was assisting customers and members of the media with her characteristic warmth and ease.

Curious, I asked if the shop was always this busy. “Yes,” she replied. “Actually, today is a bit quieter compared to our busiest days.”

I couldn’t help but remark, “So it’s really a booming business.”

“It is, and I can only be grateful,” Charo said. Her vision extends beyond Marikina. Her goal is to expand, to serve other areas of Metro Manila and

Charo Cordial speaks about Maddox Jewelry’s growth and her vision to make diamonds accessible to more Filipinos

All that glitters

Jewelry company proves that diamonds are for everyone

even outside the National Capital Region.

“We’re taking it one step at a time. This building is just a year and a half old, and we hope to open more shops to accommodate more customers,” the businesswoman said.

Charo’s journey to diamonds began in the middle of the pandemic, long before Maddox became a recognized name in online jewelry. A licensed agricultural engineer by training, she spent 15 years selling farm tractors and harvesters for a Japanese multinational—often as the only woman on a male-dominated team. Jewelry was far from her world. She rarely wore it and didn’t even own much.

PLDT Home turned a media event into a full-on celebration Wednesday night as it announced the addition of HBO Max to its Fiber Unli All Plans, joining Netflix and Cignal in the company’s lineup of streaming partners. The announcement was the highlight of the night at KAO Manila, Newport World Resorts, where PLDT Home celebrated its latest move to deliver the ultimate home entertainment experience for Filipino families.

New and existing subscribers of the Fiber Unli All Plan 2499 and Plan 3199 now get an HBO Max Standard subscription as part of their fiber connection, on top of access to Netflix and Cignal. The plans offer internet speeds of up to 700 Mbps and 1 Gbps, unlimited calls, and unlimited streaming through over-the-top services.

“PLDT Home continues to evolve the way Filipinos experience entertainment, ensuring they can stream all these shows instantly, effortlessly, and in stunning quality,” said John Y. Palanca , PLDT senior vice president and head of consumer business.

“With HBO Max now part of our Fiber plans, alongside Netflix and Cignal, we reaffirm our position as the leader in delivering home entertainment for Filipino families.”

Subscribers can now enjoy HBO Max hits like IT: Welcome to Derry, The White Lotus, and The Last of Us, along with classics such as Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, and blockbusters including Superman and A Minecraft Movie The celebration featured live performances, keeping the

When lockdowns came, her usual busy life paused. She started selling her old bags online, and the sales were fast, boosting her confidence. Jewelry soon followed: smaller, easier to ship, and just as eye-catching. She ordered a few pieces from trustworthy sellers and priced them carefully—a rare practice in fine jewelry, but one that would set her apart. Then came the unexpected.

“One supplier offered to send me a box of jewelry to sell—no payment upfront, just trust,” Charo recalled. “When it arrived, we went straight to a friend’s pawnshop to check if the diamonds and gold were real, and I couldn’t believe it. The lot was worth about five million pesos.”

Instead of backing away, Charo embraced

Stand-up comedians Alex Calleja, Yuri Horikoshi, and Israel Buenaobra brought laughs, while drag artist Budalyn and rock band Kjwan delivered music and entertainment. Calleja recently starred in his Netflix show Tamang Panahon

Lifestyle content creators Mellan Bernardino, Chael Tiong, Lance De Ocampo, Gio Acosta, and Chill Paloma Albasin attended to witness the announcement, along with rising star and former Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition housemate Vince Maristela. Host Mister Pilipinas Eco International 2025 Kitt Cortez and DJ Arra Gunio rounded out the lineup, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Palanca emphasized PLDT Home’s extensive fiber network and market leadership. “We are always here for our customers, enriching their digital

the risk. She sold the pieces within two weeks, settled payment, and built a business on the quiet foundation of trust. Maddox Jewelry was born, named after her youngest son—not out of favoritism, she stresses, but because the name is unique and memorable.

From a one-woman live-selling operation, Maddox has grown into a 100-strong team with a multi-level headquarters in Marikina. Charo now spends her days surrounded by diamonds, identifying quality at a glance and designing custom pieces for clients from all walks of life, including aspiring entrepreneurs who want to create their own signature collections.

Her engineering background gives her an edge in creating bespoke jewelry, allowing her to instantly understand structure, balance, and dimensions. Maddox offers a wide range of jewelry, but the philosophy behind the brand shines brightest: diamonds are for everyone.

“Natural diamonds should be affordable, something every Filipino can own,” Charo says. “We offer fair prices without compromising quality. Men are also getting into it now, diamonds are truly everyone’s best friend.”

Visiting the showroom, it’s easy to see the appeal. Pieces range from classic studs and drop earrings to statement tennis bracelets and necklaces. There’s a mix of natural and lab-grown stones for every taste and budget, all set with precision and accompanied by proper certification.

Even as the business grows, Charo remains hands-on. She doesn’t hire celebrity endorsers, yet stars like Ara Mina, Aubrey Miles, Polo Ravales, and Jomari Yllana attend her events and support her designs. She treats every client equally, from household helpers buying P8,000 pieces to highend buyers investing millions.

To celebrate another year of growth, Charo is closing 2025 with a private, holiday-themed mini fashion show at her headquarters, featuring her jewelry on some of her celebrity friends. “It won’t be extravagant,” she says, “just our jewelry on display.”

From live online sessions every Wednesday and Saturday on Facebook to walk-ins at the Marikina showroom, Charo Cordial is proof that trust, hard work, and staying true to your values can create something lasting and, as they say, sparkling. Maddox Jewelry’s showroom is located in Marikina City’s AZDM Building.

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

From left: Lifestyle content creators Mellan Bernardino, Chael Tiong, Lance De Ocampo, Gio Acosta, and Chill Paloma Albasin attend the PLDT Home media event at KAO Manila

PLDT Home’s John Y. Palanca highlights the addition of HBO Max to Fiber Unli

A curated selection of diamond and gold pieces from Maddox Jewelry’s Marikina showroom, featuring necklaces, bracelets, and earrings designed to suit different styles and budgets

Business entrepreneur and Maddox Jewelry owner Charo Cordial