Bersamin, Pangandaman quit
Recto new executive secretary, Go takes over Finance post
• Resignations ‘out of delicadeza’ • Toledo is DBM officer in charge
By Charles Dantes
XEACUTIVE
ESecretary Lucas Bersamin and Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman have resigned “out of delicadeza” after their names were mentioned during ongoing investigations into alleged anomalous flood control projects, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said.
Arrest warrants out by Dec. 15 vs. 3 sitting, 2 ex-senators Remulla
By Pot Chavez
ARREST warrants against Senators Francis Escudero, Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, as well as former senators Bong Revilla Jr. and Nancy Binay, may be out by Dec. 15, Ombuds-
Beware of false prophets, warns church leader
By Vito Barcelo
LINGAYEN-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas cautioned the public against individuals or groups using public frustration over government corruption to advance personal or political interests.
In a pastoral statement, Villegas said rising public anger has created an environment vulnerable to manipulation by those seeking influence through “intrigue and innuendo.”
He urged the faithful to be wary of “false prophets” and “ambitious adventurists” who offer quick solutions that often mask self-serving motives.
“We must be cunning in recognizing those who sow intrigue, as well as those who promise quick freedom or immediate fixes,” the archbishop said, adding “They often serve their own political ambitions rather than the common good. Not everything that glitters is gold.” Villegas, a protégé of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin and former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, rejected any call for violence or military intervention to
man Jesus Crispin Remulla said. In an interview with Facts First, Remulla said resigned Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, former special envoy to China Maynard Ngu, and more than 20 members of the House of Representatives will be charged in the ini-
tial batch of cases.
He said his office is also investigating Sen. Mark Villar as well as former senators Sonny Angara, now Education secretary, and Grace Poe.
Incorporators of various private contractors, including spouses Curlee and
Sara Discaya, will also be charged. Remulla explained that Revilla, Binay and Estrada were mentioned in the signed affidavit of former Public Works Usec. Roberto Bernardo, while Villanueva was in the affidavit
INC ends rally, says protest goals achieved
By Pot Chavez Charles Dantes and Ram Superable
THE Iglesia ni Cristo yesterday announced it was ending its rally after achieving its call for transparency and accountability in the government’s ongoing corruption
probe into the flood control projects.
Police estimated a massive crowd of 600,000 at the Rizal Park in Manila as of 7:00 p.m last night.
“It did not need three days to achieve the goal of sending the message that we are calling for justice, accountability,
transparency, and peace,” according to Ka Edwil Zabala, spokesperson of INC. Prior to the announcement, Brother Rommel Topacio, INC’s minister for evangelism, stressed that the principle of government is centered
ICI to treat Co’s allegations with ‘grain of salt’
By Joel Zurbano
THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) announced on Monday it will treat the allegations made by former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co, against President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. with ‘a grain of salt.’
In a three-part video series aired online from Friday to Sunday, Co claimed that the President gave instructions to insert P100 billion in the 2025 budget and received payoffs amounting to P25 billion. He also alleged that former Speaker Martin Romualdez threatened to kill him if he returned to the country.
The ICI emphasized its commitment to focusing on factual evidence and objective assessments in its ongoing investigation. It reiterated that its recommendation to the Office of the Ombudsman will be based solely on verified information.
On the allegations of Co, ICI Executive Director Brian Hosaka said the ICI cannot consider it as evidence, saying it was not verified.
“Under the rules of evidence, if
ment of Education’s priority list to address the severe classroom shortage, the funds meant for Filipino students were allegedly treated like pork barrel
By Vince Lopez
Lucas Bersamin Amenah Pangandaman
Ralph Recto Frederick Go
Biz groups reaffirm trust in PH
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippine business community yesterday reaffirmed its confidence in the country’s long-term economic prospects, saying key market institutions remain stable and the private sector continues to invest despite the current political turbulence.
These institutions, they noted, ensure market integrity, prudent risk management, and strong investor protection, with the Philippines consistently meeting international benchmarks for capital adequacy, disclosure, and corporate governance.
The sustained level of capital spending, they said, shows that businesses continue to expand capacity and invest in long-term growth.
of former DPWH district engineer Henry Alcantara.
Bernardo has already applied to become state witness amid the probe on anomalous flood control projects, Independent Commission for Infrastructure executive director Brian Hosaka said.
Bernardo also mentioned in his affidavit Escudero, Co, Poe, Angara, Villar, and Ngu.
In a joint statement, business organizations led by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Makati Business Club, the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) and the Philippine Finance Association (PFA) said the country’s economic fundamentals “remain solid,” supported by a well-regulated financial system, a stable banking sector, and companies that continue to expand operations in the Philippines.
on public accountability.
“In this principle, public servants are accountable to the people for their actions, decisions, and the performance of their duties. This ensures that they serve with integrity, efficiency, and responsibility, and are accountable for the use of public funds. This concept is central to good governance, promoting transparency, citizen participation, and public trust,” he said in Filipino.
He added that leaders involved in corruption who have lost honor, integrity, and justice in the discharge of their duties — along with their complicit companies and personnel — should be held accountable.
Topacio recalled individuals linked to the 2025 budget insertions and anomalous flood control projects. In an interview on Monday, Ombudsman Boying Remulla said charges will be filed against several senators, solons, and DPWH officials by mid-December.
Topacio said none of the identified high-profile personalities implicated in corruption have been found guilty despite ongoing investigations by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, the Ombudsman, and the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI).
They emphasized that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) continue to operate independently and rigorously, upholding regulatory frameworks aligned with global standards.
Business groups added that corporate earnings reflect the economy’s resilience. Even during major global disruptions - from the 2008 financial crisis to the COVID-19 pandemic - publicly listed companies maintained steady revenues and margins, and quickly rebounded as conditions improved.
Private sector investment has likewise remained robust. Gross fixed capital formation has accounted for 22 percent to 27 percent of GDP over the past decade, with total investments exceeding P6 trillion in 2024.
The groups acknowledged, however, that investor confidence also depends on governance and policy consistency. They urged public institutions to uphold the rule of law, ensure policy stability, and act decisively on corruption concerns.
Transparent decision-making and consistent enforcement, they said, are essential to sustaining growth and maintaining investor trust.
Despite heightened political tension, the organizations stressed that the private sector remains committed to responsible leadership, ethical practices, and continued collaboration with government.
Wave of armed robberies set back Japanese restos
By Kyodo News
A WAVE of armed robberies targeting
Japanese nationals has plunged Japanese-run restaurants in Manila into crisis, forcing many to shut their doors and others to band together for survival.
Since October last year, more than 20 robbery cases involving Japanese victims have been reported, according to the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines.
The violence has led Japanese companies to restrict evening outings for employees, draining customers from popular nightlife districts once frequented by expatriates and business travelers.
“Sales have fallen to one third or half of what they used to be,” said Masaaki Ema, who operates an izakaya restaurant and a bar in the city of Makati, part of metropolitan Manila. “Fellow restaurant owners are closing down one after another.”
Makati is home to the “Little Tokyo” area known for its cluster of Japanese eateries.
Most robberies have involved victims being confronted at gunpoint while walking at night, though one occurred inside a restaurant during business hours.
Shuzo Shimakawa, who runs an eel restaurant in Makati, said the environment became even more tense in
August when two Japanese men were killed in downtown Manila.
They were gunned down by a man who approached them after they got out of a taxi, according to the embassy. The man then fled on a motorcycle.
While it is widely believed that the victims were involved in disputes with criminal groups rather than being random robbery targets, the killings exacerbated public anxiety about venturing out after dark.
“It reinforced the strong impression that going out at night is dangerous,” said Shimakawa.
Shimakawa now leads the Metro Manila Restaurant Association, a coalition of Japanese restaurateurs formed in April to coordinate security measures and improve the area’s reputation.
The downturn has also affected broader business activity. Hisatoshi Yada, secretary general of the Philippine-Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said many Japanese firms— spanning manufacturing and service sectors—have instructed employees to avoid nighttime outings.
“A wide range of companies have imposed some form of nighttime curfew,” Yada said, adding that member companies are worried because they don’t know when the restrictions can be lifted.
“The tough environment for the food and beverage industry may persist for some time,” he said. Authorities have taken steps to ease public concern. In mid-October, Makati police chief Reycon Garduque met with around 20 restaurant owners and other members of the local Japanese community in Little Tokyo, stating that suspects linked to past robbery cases had been apprehended.
Garduque said the police believe they have arrested all perpetrators involved in incidents targeting Japanese nationals within their jurisdiction.
Responding to restaurateurs’ requests, the Makati City Police Department from September began deploying five to six officers to patrol Little Tokyo daily from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Shimakawa welcomed the increased police presence but noted that returning to normal will take time.
“Safety is sufficiently guaranteed now,” he said. “But people’s fear doesn’t disappear overnight. We hope customers will come back soon.”
For now, Manila’s Japanese restaurateurs continue to navigate uncertainty—balancing safety concerns, dwindling nighttime activity, and the hope that a united effort can revive the once-bustling streets of Little Tokyo.
Remulla said the congressmen included in the first batch will likely face conflict of interest raps.
“This (conflict of interest) is also a serious case because if we find malversation, it is also non-bailable,” the Ombudsman said.
Earlier, the ICI said it intends to file cases against three more incumbent or former senators in connection with the flood control projects mess.
Without divulging names, ICI chairman Andres Reyes Jr. said this would bring to five the number of sitting and former senators to be charged in the corruption mess.
The ICI previously recommended to the Ombudsman the filing of charges against Villanueva, Estrada, Co, Bernardo, Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, and former Caloocan Rep. Mitch Cajayon-Uy.
He said complaints of abandonment of duty, gross neglect and insubordination will be filed against the officials before the Office of the Ombudsman.
“It’s almost complete. So, we will file the corresponding cases at the Ombudsman for the blatant violations they did. Whoever needs to be punished will be punished,” Remulla said.
The DILG previously ordered all elected and appointed local officials to suspend their travels abroad as the consecutive typhoons unleashed deadly floods across the nation.
Remulla also reminded local leaders that under the law, they are the chairpersons of their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs), which means they should be physically present during all phases of disaster management — preparation, response and recovery.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted their resignations yesterday, and appointed Finance Secretary Ralph Recto as the new Executive Secretary.
Presidential assistant for investment and economic affairs Frederick Go will succeed Recto as DOF Secretary, while Budget Undersecretary Rolando Toledo was tapped as DBM officer-in-charge.
“Both officials (Bersamin and Pangandaman) respectfully offered and tendered their resignations out of delicadeza, after their departments were mentioned in allegations related to the flood control anomaly currently under investigation and in recognition of the responsibility to allow the administration to address the matter appropriately,” Castro said.
“These leadership changes reinforce the President’s commitment to strengthening institutions, improving
coordination across government, and keeping the administration focused on delivering stability, opportunity, and security to Filipino families,” the Palace official added.
Former Public Works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo earlier said the Office of the Executive Secretary benefitted from the alleged anomalous flood control projects, an accusation that Bersamin has denied.
Pangandaman, for her part, was mentioned by resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co in his videos on the alleged insertions made in the 2025 budget.
Recto, a veteran economic policymaker, is Mr. Marcos’ third executive secretary since he took office in 2022. Bersamin previously replaced Vic Rodriguez, who served only for less than three months.
“Secretary Recto’s long record in economic policymaking, fiscal legislation, and national planning positions him well to oversee the day-to-day operations of government and coordinate
the Philippines falling behind in educational advancement.
the implementation of high-impact programs,” Castro said.
In an ambush interview at the Senate, Recto said he was “surprised” but added that “work has to continue.”
“You know, there is really no such thing as a ‘little president.’ You cannot do miracles, but having said that, your job is to improve governance,” Recto said.
“Essentially, I think the role of ES (Executive Secretary) is just governance – how do you improve government services, get the departments to move faster, and ensure you follow the Philippine development plan,” he added.
As for Go, Castro said he has been central to investment promotion, investor confidence efforts, and economic policy alignment across agencies.
“He will now oversee the country’s fiscal direction and the implementation of the administration’s economic agenda,” she said, adding that the position of Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs remains vacant.
rounding the approval of a budget that allegedly deprived Filipinos of billions.
it’s a video, it needs to be untampered. This was shown in tranches. It might be difficult for us to submit it to the court and for them to accept it as evidence. We’re taking it with a grain of salt. Because it’s not verified. We just have to take it at that,” said Hosaka.
“But in the meantime, it would be better if there was such information; if anyone has such information, they can go to the Commission and testify under oath, so that the evidence that the Commission can get is really strong so that it can be given or included in our referrals, and we can submit it to the Office of the Ombudsman,” he added.
Hosaka also confirmed that the summon sent to Co’s residence was not accepted.
“There is a return already, and it was not accepted. The legal team will now look into the possibility of filing any petition before the regional trial court for indirect contempt,” he said.
The ICI also confirmed that former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo has expressed willingness to become a state witness, intending to provide testimony against individuals, including lawmakers, involved in several anomalous flood control projects in the country.
According to Hosaka, Bernardo sent a letter to the commission explaining that the Witness Protection Program (WPP) has confidentiality provisions under Republic Act No. 6981.
Bernardo said this provision prohibits him from providing any information related to his application to the WPP.
Hosaka said this is the reason why Bernardo’s appearance before the ICI was postponed on Monday afternoon.
But he said the former DPWH official submitted his second supplemental affidavit to the commission, which is the same one he read during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing last Friday.
fast-track justice. He said peace can only be achieved through justice and dialogue, not “unchecked ambition or force disguised as heroism.”
He acknowledged that delays in delivering justice can make drastic measures appear tempting, but stressed that faith requires adherence to truth, due process, and respect for the law.
“The pursuit of justice must never compromise the principles of truth and due process that uphold human dignity,” he said.
and divided among lawmakers close to those in power,” she said.
Duterte resigned in June last year as Secretary of Education and as vice chairperson of the government’s anticommunist task force.
According to then-Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil, she did not provide a reason for her resignation.
Last August, Malacañang described Duterte’s tenure as head of the Department of Education as a “complete failure,” following her comments about
However, Duterte refuted the allegations, saying President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. even tried to persuade her to reconsider her resignation from her position as secretary.
“I chose not to join in deceiving the public. When I resigned as DepEd secretary, I faced attacks from all sides, including impeachment threats, which were allegedly aimed at covering up corruption in the 2025 budget,” Duterte said.
The Vice President also said the administration is facing a ‘crisis of confidence’, citing unclear corruption probes and unresolved issues sur-
“I stand with the millions of Filipinos who are dismayed and disgusted by a government consumed by insecurity and insatiable greed,” she said.
“Our right to speak and express ourselves is the foundation of democracy. The government must listen — not dismiss or ignore us. We Filipinos deserve better,” she added.
Castro said Filipinos “deserve better” in their call for a clean government, as she urged Duterte’s team to respond to controversies linked to her tenure at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and previously, the Department of Education (DepEd).
“Do not pretend to be clean if you are not. Do not act like a hero if you are not.” Castro said during a Malacañang press briefing. She said Duterte’s camp should first clarify unresolved questions surrounding the use of confidential funds, and the release of funds for alleged “ghost students” and “ghost food packs” under her watch.
“It’s true Filipinos deserve better — which is why earlier issues involving the Vice President, such as alleged corruption in confidential funds, DepEd ghost students, and DepEd ghost food packs, should be explained if they truly believe in transparency and accountability,” she said.
2026 PHILIPPINE CHAIRSHIP
Navigating Our Future, Together
The Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairship in 2026 at a defining moment for the region. Home to nearly 700 million people and the world’s 5th largest economy, ASEAN stands at the crossroads of unprecedented opportunity and evolving global challenges. By 2030, ASEAN is poised to become the 4th largest economy in the world —a powerful testament to the strength of its cooperation, diversity, and shared aspirations.
As Chair, the Philippines embraces this responsibility with resolve and vision. Guided by the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together,” the 2026 Chairship reflects the Philippines’ commitment to leading ASEAN with unity, clarity, and purpose. It is a call to steer our region toward greater resilience, deeper connection, and meaningful change that places our people at the center of progress.
Rooted in ASEAN’s founding values of peace, stability, and inclusive growth, the Philippines’ Chairship is shaped by three strategic priorities :
• Peace and Security Anchors: Championing peace and regional stability through dialogue, adherence to international law, and strengthened cooperation on emerging and non-traditional security threats.
• Prosperity Corridors: Building systemic connections towards a shared prosperity through economic integration, digital transformation, and inclusive and sustainable development that benefits all ASEAN people.
• People Empowerment: Empowering ASEAN’s people by fostering social inclusion, protecting vulnerable groups, and promoting a sense of shared identity and community.
Together, these priorities serve as our compass— anchoring our decisions, guiding our initiatives, and shaping a future where peace, prosperity, and people are not only aspirations, but enduring foundations of the ASEAN community.
This Chairship also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), a timely opportunity to reaffirm ASEAN’s founding principles and collective vision.
As we confront the future, the Philippines invites all Member States and partners to walk this path not apart, but side by side. Because the only way to truly move forward is by navigating our future, together
ANTICORRUPTION
MARCH.
Kabataan
DOE reports 4 million households now with power
Partylist members and students march along Recto Avenue in Manila during a protest against corruption on Monday. They were stopped by barricades and blocked from heading to Mendiola. Norman Cruz C
IN BRIEF
Army: 3 suspected NPAs dead in Jaro, Leyte clash
THREE suspected members of the New People’s Army were killed in an armed encounter in the hinterlands of Barangay Pange, Jaro, Leyte on Monday, the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division said.
The 93rd Infantry Battalion was conducting a focused military operation in response to reports from residents about alleged armed individuals coercing communities.
“As the soldiers approached the vicinity, the armed elements opened fire, prompting the troops to retaliate,” the 8ID said in a statement.
The military said the fatalities were believed to be remnants of the Island Committee Levox of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
The 8ID reported no casualties on the government side. Rex Espiritu
Tama Na groups gear up for anti-corruption rally
VARIOUS civil society groups, sectoral organizations, and faith-based groups held a unity meeting over the weekend to finalize plans for the Trillion Peso March II on Nov. 30, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Andres Bonifacio.
The initiative was led by the One Negros Ecumenical Council, whose members agreed to form a broad alliance called “Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance” or TAMA NA. The coalition said former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co’s testimony implicating top government officials reinforces suspicions of organized and systematic corruption in flood control and infrastructure budgets.
Lawyer Renecito Novero of the Council of Concerned Citizens PH said Co’s motives or timing are irrelevant because the testimony highlights the persistence of corruption “from top to bottom.” He added that Co’s revelations undermine President Marcos Jr.’s denials and portray him as directly responsible for approving budget insertions involving billions in public funds. Edwin Ombion
Total death toll from Tino, Uwan nears 300: NDRRMC
THE combined reported fatalities from Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan have risen to 297, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s Monday update.
Deaths from Tino reached 269, with the highest numbers recorded in Cebu, Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental. The NDRRMC also listed 113 people missing and 523 injured.
Fatalities from Uwan rose to 28, mostly from the Cordillera region, with additional deaths recorded in Catanduanes, Capiz, Samar and Sulu. Uwan also left 52 injured, with cases reported mainly in Ifugao, Benguet, Camarines Norte, and Nueva Vizcaya. Two people remain missing from
By Alena Mae S. Flores
ELECTRICITY has now been restored to 4 million of the 4.8 million affected households and businesses by Typhoons Tino and Uwan as government-led power restoration efforts accelerate nationwide, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Monday.
“Acting on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are ramping up our power restoration efforts and have made significant progress with 4 million households energized. With safety and building better as our top priorities, our Energy Family teams continue to work 24/7 in the aftermath of Tino and Uwan,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.
The DOE said significant progress has been made in restoring critical energy infrastructure across various regions, with several areas now fully energized.
It said key facilities such as the Sabangan Hydroelectric, GIFTC2 Biomass, Morong Solar, and FLS Hydroelectric plants have been successfully brought back online, strengthening available
supply for the grid. In Catanduanes, vital transmission infrastructure has been fully restored, including the Virac-Codon, Virac-San Miguel, and San Miguel-Viga lines, along with the 20 MVA Marinawa Substation. Meanwhile, numerous private distribution utilities across Luzon have achieved full restoration, among them La Union Electric Company, Subic Enerzone Corporation, Olongapo Electricity Distribution Corporation, Clark Electric Distribution Corporation, Angeles Electric Corporation, San Fernando Electric and Light & Power Company, Cabanatuan Electric Corporation, and Tarlac Electric Inc., as well as Dagupan City, San Carlos City, and San Jacinto.
In the Visayas, Mactan Electric, More Electric and Power Corp., and Bohol Light Co. Inc. have also achieved complete power restoration, while Bacolod City is now fully energized.
Bureau, said international petroleum prices fluctuated last week “due to the latest US sanctions on Russian oil and optimism over a potential end to the US government shutdown.”
“But this was capped by a prediction that rising supply will outweigh demand,” Romero said.
On Nov. 11, oil firms also increased the prices of gasoline and diesel by P0.50 and P1 per liter, respectively.
By Vito Barcelo
CARDINAL Luis Antonio Tagle ap-
pealed to Filipinos to show greater concern for the poor, saying there is “no excuse” for ignoring those in need.
Speaking at Mass for the ninth World Day of the Poor at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome on Sunday, Tagle reminded the faithful that the observance calls everyone “to be mindful of our brothers and sisters in need.”
“We all came to this world with nothing. We’re all naked. All pretensions that ‘I’m higher, I’m richer’ are temptations,” said Tagle, who serves as proprefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization.
He emphasized that neither wealth nor social status should prevent people
from recognizing Christ in the marginalized or sharing solidarity with those living in poverty.
“There’s no excuse for the lack of communion with everyone because in the end all of us are made of dust. We are all poor. We all depend on God’s providence,” he added.
Later in the day, Pope Leo XIV led a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica to mark the Jubilee of the Poor, attended by about 6,000 pilgrims. In his homily, the pope urged world leaders to heed the cries of the most vulnerable and exercise justice and compassion in public service.
“There can be no peace without justice,” he said, noting that unchecked migration and widespread suffering expose a “myth of progress” that leaves many behind.
By Maricel V. Cruz
THE Sandiganbayan has allowed the Office of the Ombudsman to withdraw, for further study, six of eight graft cases against government officials and Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. executives involving the purchase of over P4.1 billion worth of medical kits for the government’s COVID-19 response in 2020. In a resolution dated Nov. 7, the antigraft court granted the Ombudsman’s request, acknowledging its authority to revisit and reverse earlier decisions, saying it acted within its powers in moving to pull out the cases.
“Settled is the rule that a sitting Ombudsman has the power to revoke or alter the rulings of a predecessor within the bounds of law,” the court said. The prosecution withdrew the cases after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Oct. 13 that “some details are lacking,” making a review necessary before refiling. Remulla succeeded retired Ombudsman Samuel Martires. Respondents included former Procurement Service–DBM Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao, former overall deputy Ombudsman Warren Rex Liong, Director IV Christine Maria Lecaros Suntay, Procurement Management Officer V Webster Marmol Laurenana, Procurement Management Officer Paul Jasper Villanueva De Guzman, Procurement Management Officer VI Augusto Menchavez Ylagan, and Procurement Division VI chief Jasonmer Lagarto Uayan. Also charged were Pharmally president Twinkle Dargani, treasurer Mohit Dargani, director Linconn Uy Ong, director Justine Garado, board member Huang Tzu Yen, employee Krizzle Grace Ukkong Mago, and financial manager Lin Weixiong.
OPINION
Marcos allegedly begs Congress: ‘P100-b pang-proyekto lang po’
CONGRATULATIONS, Philippines:
your President (the guy who literally writes the national budget before breakfast) reportedly turned into a bicam beggar holding a cardboard sign that reads “₱100B pang-proyekto lang po, God bless.”
That, dear reader, is the blockbuster accusation dropped by former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co from the safety of wherever he is hiding abroad.
And the entire country is asking one devastating question: if you literally own the budget before Congress even sees it, why would you wait until the smoky, chaotic bicam to beg for your own money?
Former Budget Secretary Butch Abad called it “cheap.”
Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco called it “unbecoming.”
Former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno called it flat-out “dumb.”
Even Senate Blue Ribbon warhorse Panfilo Lacson shook his head and muttered the story has “no probative value” until someone swears to it on Philippine soil.
They all agree on one thing: presidents do not beg. They command. They insert in the NEP. They do not line up at the bicam like a contractor waiting for his SOP.
Yet according to Zaldy Co, that is exactly what happened. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. allegedly handed him a personal wish list, relayed through Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and confirmed by presidential liaison Adrian Bersamin, while cousin Speaker Martin Romualdez nodded along.
One hundred billion pesos, mostly for Department of Public Works and Highways flood control and roads, slipped in at the last minute like a desperate latenight Foodpanda order.
Let us be perfectly clear: Zaldy Co is no angel. His family owns Sunwest and Hi-Tone Construction, companies neck-deep in the very flood-control anomalies now under Ombudsman investigation.
Walls collapsed in Oriental Mindoro after a few rains. Contractors tied to him appear on the same “Top 15 cartel” list Marcos himself denounced months ago. Then, poof, he resigns, flees, and suddenly becomes the nation’s conscience from a country with no extradition treaty. Convenient.
The Palace calls it “wild accusations.” Malacañang dares him to come home and swear under oath.
Zaldy answers with another video and
a partial list that mysteriously omits every single project linked to his own firms. Selective martyrdom is still martyrdom, I suppose.
The favorite conspiracy theory making the rounds: they chose bicam because it “guarantees the 25 percent kickback.”
In the gutter logic of Philippine pork, that almost sounds clever.
Bicam is dark, rushed, chaotic, perfect for overpriced projects awarded to pre-selected contractors who know exactly how much to return upstairs.
Nobody is even shocked anymore
Except it’s the dumbest possible way to run a heist.
If you want a quiet, reliable cut, you do it in the NEP, your private kingdom, where DBM technocrats salute and nobody asks questions.
You do not invite 50 legislators, their chiefs of staff, and a dozen senators into the room and pray none of them ever talks.
Bicam is the opposite of discreet; it is the noisiest, riskiest, most leak-prone stage of the entire budget process.
If the goal was kickbacks, then congratulations: you have invented corruption so loud it comes with its own press conference.
So here we are. Two possibilities, both catastrophic.
If Zaldy Co is telling the truth, we have an administration so arrogant and so incompetent at graft that it cannot even steal properly. It turned the most powerful office in the land into a bicam tambay begging for its own money.
If Zaldy Co is lying, we have a political system so rotten, a public so jaded by ghost projects and collapsed walls, that the most ridiculous accusation instantly sounds believable.
Either way, the Filipino loses.
That ₱100 billion, whether inserted by presidential whim or congressional sleight-of-hand, came from our taxes.
While they argue over who held the begging bowl, we are left with flooded streets, crumbling walls, and the bitter knowledge that the next scandal is already loading.
Welcome to Philippine democracy: where the most powerful man in the country can allegedly become a tambay asking for “pang-proyekto lang po,” and nobody is even shocked anymore.
Until the next bombshell,
Drama isn’t proof – Co’s claims still empty
By Jose Antonio Goitia
REP. Zaldy Co’s latest video was pure theater, a calculated attempt to stir up massive noise. It was dramatic, emotional, and aimed squarely at suggesting serious misconduct at the top levels of our leadership.
But drama is not proof.
Claims that touch the integrity of the Office of the President and the Speaker of the House demand one thing: real, verifiable evidence. We cannot accept cinematic videos filmed abroad as substitutes for facts.
The claim collapses immediately Co’s most explosive statement is his claim he personally delivered suitcases of cash to Malacañang and to Speaker Martin Romualdez.
This allegation collapses the moment it’s scrutinized.
A claim of this magnitude—personally handing money to the President or the Speaker—cannot be accepted based on words alone. It requires a
clear, indisputable trail: documents, records, or logs.
Co showed pictures of luggage, claiming they contained cash for the Palace. I call that what it is: a picture of bags. There is zero verification of where they were taken, who handled them, or, most importantly, what they contained. There’s no proof these bags even made it to the Palace.
We cannot accept cinematic videos filmed abroad as substitutes for facts
If these deliveries truly happened, there would be a paper trail. The silence where that evidence should be is far louder than the claim itself. Contradictions tell the story
EDITORIAL
Make the allegations under oath
ALLEGATIONS of a serious nature, especially those forming the basis of a criminal complaint, must generally be made under oath.
This is a basic requirement in criminal procedure and legal proceedings in Philippine jurisprudence to establish credibility and legal accountability of an accuser and the accused.
These things emerge, with allegations, aired in social media platforms purportedly edited from abroad, made by absent from the Philippines former Rep Zaldy Co, who left the country soon after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. publicly criticized ghost flood control projects in his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 28.
The airing of the videos came a couple of days before the first of scheduled three days peace rally spearheaded by the Iglesia ni Cristo, a protest against corruption and a search for transparency and accountability, where some political groups who wanted to join were not allowed because they appeared to the organizers to have a different agenda.
We heard the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and the Protestant churches saying they are not officially participating in the three-day rally at Luneta and the EDSA Shrine, with the former cautioning the public against “political
exploitation” of Co’s unsworn allegations – that the President sought P100 billion in insertions in the proposed national budget.
Unsworn allegations, as those made in social media, without the benefit of cross examinations... cannot be considered in formal legal proceedings, which crushes the credibility of any accuser
Philippine jurisprudence is clear: allegations that may morph into a criminal “complaint” must be in a sworn written statement, with the person making statements under oath exposing himself, if he is making false allegations, to penalties for perjury which are fines and jail terms under existing laws.
Unsworn allegations, as those
made in social media, without the benefit of cross examinations, direct examinations, re-cross and re-direct, cannot be considered in formal legal proceedings, which crushes the credibility of any accuser.
In other words, serious allegations, as those made by Co, require a sworn statement to ensure the veracity and allow for legal action if the allegations are found to be false.
Some have called Co’s allegations “cheap,” “unbecoming,” “dumb,” and “without probative value.” Allegations without an oath, while they may be made in written pleadings – which are not automatically considered evidence with probative value – are typically part of the initial legal process but must be proven with other evidence. Otherwise, the out-of-court statement offered to prove the truth of the matter it asserts is hearsay and is generally inadmissible in court as it lacks the opportunity for crossexamination.
The allegation, if it must have probative value, must have the ability to prove a fact to be admissible under the rules of evidence.
For the lay person, the non-existence of probative value essentially means the presented evidence does not help resolve the core issue of the criminal charge.
Carbon capture promoters turn up in numbers at COP30, says NGO
BELEM, Brazil – Companies and groups backing carbon-capture technology, which critics slam as an excuse to keep burning fossil fuels, have deployed more than 500 participants to the COP30 climate talks, according to a list compiled by an NGO and shared exclusively with AFP.
The list, assembled by the Center for International Environmental Law, names oil and gas giants such as ExxonMobil, Shell and BP, along with Brazil’s state-owned Petrobras and China National Petroleum Corp.
CIEL’s inventory is broad, with the likes of US tech giant Amazon, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and Canadian company West Fraser Timber joining more obvious groups such as the Global CCS Institute.
CIEL classified a total of 531 attendees at the UN talks in Belem, Brazil, as “lobbyists” for firms or groups that promote carbon capture and storage.
Their number “highlights the large amounts of energy and power the fossil fuel industry is investing to secure its future by selling the idea that governments and companies can ‘clean’ their use of coal, oil, and gas by capturing and ‘managing’ emissions,” CIEL said.
The NGO said there were 475 CCS lobbyists registered at COP28 in Dubai and 480 at COP29 in Baku -- both of which had more total participants than the conference in Belem.
CCS is a controversial technology.
The IPCC, the UN’s expert scientific panel on climate change, says carbon cap-
A truth-based story is consistent. Co’s narrative is riddled with contradictions, immediately raising questions about his credibility:
• Co claims he delivered money, yet
• Co claims he never received money.
• Co claims he acted under pressure, yet
• Co claims he is now exposing the truth. You can’t present two opposing statements and expect both to be true.
When a story conflicts with itself, it’s not the truth—it’s a sign that the narrative is fundamentally broken. Show the Evidence Where It Matters
ture is one option for reducing emissions, including in heavy polluting sectors like cement and steel.
CCS equipment captures CO2 at its source -- such as power plants or industrial facilities -- or pulls it directly from the air before it is stored in deep underground rock formations.
CCS equipment captures CO2 at its source -- such as power plants or industrial facilities -- or pulls it directly from the air before it is stored in deep underground rock formations
But it remains expensive and technically complex to deploy at scale, giving it a tiny part in addressing the climate crisis for now.
“We need carbon capture because we will overshoot (the goal of limiting warming to 1.5C),” US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat and advocate for strong climate action in Congress, told AFP in Belem.
“It just can’t be the excuse for polluting more,” Whitehouse said.
If Co’s allegations were truly grounded in truth, he knows what he needs to do: present them here at home, under oath, before the institutions empowered to test their validity. His choice to film a video overseas, safely removed from cross-examination, is glaring. The public record already shows President Marcos Jr. vetoed (P194 billion) in questionable budget items.
A leader who demonstrably removes dubious allocations is not one secretly inserting them.
Co’s story changes. What remains unchanged, despite the drama, is the complete absence of proof . If there is no evidence, then it is not
CIEL said oil companies are using the energy demand from the booming AI sector as justification to keep drilling.
“CCS cannot make fossil fuels ‘clean’ -- it just keeps them burning,” said CIEL fossil economy director Lili Fuhr.
“The world doesn’t need fossil-fueled tech-fantasies justifying business as usual for big polluters and Silicon Valley billionaires,” Fuhr said.
A separate analysis by Kick Big Polluters Out found that more than 1,600 attendees were part of companies or groups with ties to the fossil fuel industry.
‘Problematic’
CIEL said that to be classified as a carbon capture lobbyist, a company or organization has to be involved in a CCS project, have a track record of lobbying for the technology or state that its purpose includes promoting CCS.
The NGO verified the information on company websites, the International Energy Agency’s CCS project database, news sources or lobbying registers, among other sources.
More than 40 “CCS lobbyists” are part of national delegations at COP30, including Russia, Gulf countries and Brazil, according to CIEL.
Barnaby Pace, senior researcher at CIEL, acknowledged that the NGO cannot be certain if a company was sending someone to talk about CCS at COP30.
“We can’t quite predict that, but it is going to be part of their agenda if they are going down this line and we think that’s problematic,” he told AFP. AFP
truth. The nation should not be distracted by allegations that have nothing solid behind them. Noise can stir chaos, but it cannot rewrite facts.
Until Co submits real evidence— under oath, in the proper forum—his allegations remain just what they are: stories told from afar, not truths tested at home.
(The writer, a doctor of philosophy holder, serves as Chairman Emeritus of Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), Peoples Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (PADER), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and the Filipinos Do Not Yield (FDNY) Movement.)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
UNSC to vote on int’l force for Gaza
UNITED NATIONS, New York – The UN Security Council is set to vote Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) on a US-drafted resolution bolstering Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, especially the deployment of an international force, as Washington warns that a failure to act could lead to renewed fighting.
The draft, which has been revised several times as a result of high-stakes negotiations, “endorses” the plan, which allowed for a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to take hold on Oct. 10 in the war-wracked Palestinian territory.
The Gaza Strip has been largely reduced to rubble after two years of fighting, sparked by Hamas’s attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
The latest version of the text, seen by AFP, authorizes the creation of an International Stabilization Force (ISF) that would work with Israel and Egypt and newly trained Palestinian police to help secure border areas and demilitarize the Gaza Strip. The ISF also would work on the “permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups,” protecting civilians and securing humanitarian aid corridors.
In addition, it would authorize the formation of a “Board of Peace,” a transitional governing body for Gaza -- which Trump would theoretically chair -- with a mandate running until the end of 2027.
Unlike previous drafts, the latest version mentions a possible future Palestinian state.
Once the Palestinian Authority has carried out requested reforms and the rebuilding of Gaza is underway, “the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood,” the draft says.
That eventuality has been firmly rejected by Israel.
“Our opposition to a Palestinian state on any territory has not changed,” Netanyahu said at a cabinet meeting on Sunday.
The UN Security Council vote is set for 5:00 pm Monday. AFP
US military says aircraft carrier now in Caribbean
WASHINGTON, DC – A US aircraft carrier is now in the Caribbean Sea to bolster an anti-narcotics campaign, the military announced Sunday -- a move sure to anger Venezuela -- as US forces struck another
alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific. President Donald Trump has ordered a troop buildup in the Caribbean as part of an anti-trafficking initiative, but speculation has abounded that Washington may be contemplating mili-
tary intervention against Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduro. The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees American forces in Latin America and the Caribbean, had previously said that the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group had entered its
area of responsibility. On Sunday, it announced in a statement that the strike group had entered the Caribbean Sea, saying the move follows Trump’s “directive to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations and counter narco-terrorism in defense of the Homeland.”
The strike group includes the most advanced US aircraft carrier, two guidedmissile destroyers, and other support vessels and aircraft. It joins several warships already in the Caribbean, with the deployment dubbed “Operation Southern Spear.”
As part of that operation, Southcom announced that a new strike took place on Saturday in the eastern Pacific, killing three suspects.
Since launching the anti-trafficking military campaign in September, US forces have killed at least 83 people accused of ferrying drugs in international waters, according to an AFP tally of publicly released figures.
The United States has released no details to back up its claims that the people targeted -- in both the Caribbean and eastern Pacific -- in the more than 20 strikes were actually traffickers. Experts say the deaths amount to extrajudicial killings even if they target known traffickers. Caracas meanwhile views the military buildup as an explicit threat.
The United States does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president and has issued a $50 million bounty for his capture to face charges of leading a drug cartel.
Amid reports that Trump held meetings with military advisors on potential options for Venezuela, the US president on Friday told reporters he had “sort of” made up his mind on the issue. AFP
DEEPENING CRISIS. Border Guard Bangladesh personnel stand guard along a road in Dhaka on Sunday, ahead of the court’s verdict in the crimes against humanity trial of fugitive former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Bangladeshi judges will deliver their verdict Monday – no time announced – in the crimes against humanity trial Hasina, 78, who defied court orders that she return from India to attend her trial about whether she ordered a deadly crackdown against a student-led uprising that ousted her in Aug. 2024.
Comelec warns vs. fake online service offers
By Vito Barcelo
THE Commission on Elections
(Comelec) on Monday warned the public against a phishing website posing as its online appointment system for voter registration.
In an advisory, the poll body said the fake portal—hosted on Google Forms and featuring an InstaPay QR code—was not created, authorized, or connected to the Comelec in any way.
The Comelec reminded the public that voter registration is completely free, and that the agency will never ask for or accept payment for appointments or services.
Comelec urged the public not to click the link, scan the QR code, or provide any personal information, such as full name or birth details, as these may be used for identity theft and other fraudulent activities.
The agency stressed that any portal or page asking for payment for voter registration is “fake and unauthorized.”
The public was also advised to use only the official Comelec website and channels for information and appointments.
DSWD to launch new phase of KALAHI-CIDSS
By Maricel V. Cruz
DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary
Rex Gatchalian will lead the launch of the ‘Panahon ng Pagkilos’ Resilience Project on Wednesday (Nov. 20), marking a new phase of local empowerment under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) Program.
“Resilience begins with empowered communities. Through KALAHI-CIDSS, we strive to build a nation where people can lead the change they wish to see. This event serves as an opportunity to kickstart our successor project,” said lawyer Bernadette Mapue-Joaquin, national program manager of KALAHI-CIDSS.
The ceremony, which will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City, will include the pinning of a commitment and oath of support, emphasizing strong partnerships among national agencies, local government units (LGUs), and development partners, said Mapue-Joaquin.
The launch of the Panahon ng Pagkilos: The Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP) coincides with the Annual Local Chief Executive (LCE) Forum and the Tatak KALAHI-CIDSS Local Government Unit (LGU) Awards.
The event’s theme, “Sustaining Gains for Resilient Communities,” emphasizes the government’s commitment to empower local communities through a Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach that focuses on inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience, said Mapue-Joaquin. The event will also feature the release of the “20-Year Journey” Coffee Table Book, a publication highlighting two decades of community transformation.
Gov’t beefing up PNP efficiency with new tools
By Vince Lopez
INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla has affirmed that the government is strengthening the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) mobility and patrol capabilities in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to boost peace and order efforts nationwide
Remulla emphasized the need to address long-standing mobility gaps within the PNP at the blessing of newly acquired police equipment in Camp Crame, Quezon City,.
“The biggest problem of our PNP is mobility. For Metro Manila especially, we have more than 40,000 police officers but only 500 police vehicles,” said Remulla.
He added that the government is targeting a significant increase in resources in the next two years.
“So, our strategy with the rest of 2026 and 2027, we should increase our force readiness from the current value, we should add another 2,000 police vehicles for the Philippines,” Remulla said.
Among the newly procured equipment are 608 personnel carriers and transport vehicles, 438 light and heavy motorcycles, 4,989 protective gears, 322 drones, 505 mobile devices, and 3,155 firearms.
Remulla also announced that the
PNP is projected to receive an additional 500 vehicles by January 2026 and 600 more by July to be deployed nationwide.
To improve communication capability, the DILG chief said around 2,000 cellular phones will be purchased before the year ends.
These devices integrate a body camera, cellphone, and radio in one unit.
“Before, the radios used by our police were not that efficient, and then cellphones were expensive. Now our POCs, it’s a body cam, it’s a cellphone, it’s a radio all at once. Very efficient way of communicating,” he said.
Remulla also commended the PNP for its role in the recent peace rally.
“Our police were very good yesterday, excellent work. We saw that there were no incidents, traffic management was good.”
PUBLIC SAFETY COME FIRST.
La Loma’s display of mouth-watering lechons will be missed for a brief period of time as the Bureau of Animal Industry orders their tentative closure amid an outbreak of African swine fever which necessitated the spraying of sanitary chemicals on the stores. Norman Cruz
Terrorist leader dies in clash with troops
By Rex Espiritu
GOVERNMENT forces have reportedly neutralized Najib Laguindab, a key sub-leader of the Daulah Islamiyah–Maute Group (DI-MG) and a suspect in the 2023 Mindanao State University (MSU) bombing, following a series of clashes in Brgy. Padas, Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur, the Philippine Army’s 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division reported.
The encounters occurred between November 14 and 15, when troops from the 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade engaged DI-MG members in two separate firefights early Saturday morning.
Najib Laguindab, also known as Abu Jihad, was listed as the number two personality in the Periodic Status Report (PSR). Military said
has involved in the deadly 2023 MSU bombing, which killed and injured several students and personnel on campus. He was the second two known members of the group still at large.
Two other individuals were apprehended during the operations. Troops also recovered an M16 rifle, a .45 caliber pistol, gunbattle.
One Army soldier was critically wounded during the clashes and later died while being evacuated. Military officials honored his sacrifice, highlighting his courage and dedication.
Brig. Gen. Yasser Bara, commander of the 1101st Infantry Brigade, lauded the troops’ efforts, emphasizing the impact on DI-MG operations:
IN BRIEF
Cebu to host 31st AsiaPacific space forum
THE 31st Session of the AsiaPacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-31) will be held in the Philippines on Nov.18 to 21 in Cebu, bringing together leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in the field of space science and technology to drive spaceenabled solutions, and stronger regional cooperation.
Organized by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), the event is recognized as the largest space-related conference that seeks to strengthen space capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. With over 30-years of history, the APRSAF has served as a vital platform for governments, space agencies, international organizations, academia, and industry to share knowledge, establish regional partnerships, and pursue joint space activities that deliver benefits to communities across the region. Rex Espiritu PH to uphold COC commitments
DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Theresa Lazaro yesterday said the Philippines will uphold the commitments made by regional leaders in 2023 on the South China Sea Code of Conduct (COC), adding that it aims to finalize the agreement by 2026 when the country assumes the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairship.
In a press briefing on the Philippine ASEAN Chairship for 2026, Lazaro said ASEAN and China share the sense that a Code of Conduct could be concluded.
“All ASEAN member states are involved and very much entrenched, we have been discussing this for a long time… In fact there are certain discussions on the milestones and definition of terms,” she said. Katrina Manubay
Taguig-ECPay tie-up relaxes tax payment
THE Taguig City government has entered into a partnership with Electronic Commerce Payments, Inc. (ECPay) to introduce a more accessible and efficient payment system for city taxes and fees. This initiative aims to streamline transactions for residents and businesses alike, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices. By embracing digital solutions, the local government hopes to enhance revenue collection while providing convenience to its constituents.
Under the agreement, residents and business owners in Taguig will soon be able to pay real property taxes and other city dues through GCash via ECPay. The new platform aims to provide more secure, accessible, and seamless payment options right at the taxpayer’s fingertips. Mayor Laarni Cayetano underscored how the initiative advances Taguig’s on-going digital transformation. She noted that the partnership strengthens the city’s move toward a smarter, more responsive government. Joel E. Zurbano
TRYING IT FOR SIZE. Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro and 1st District
Rep. Marcy Teodoro admire some footwear as they lead the opening of the Marikina Christmas Shoe Bazaar at the city’s Freedom Park, featuring a wide array of products from local shoemakers. Manny Palmero
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor
RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor
Familiar rivals await LPGT stars in Taiwan
THE Ladies Philippine Golf Tour (LPGT) regulars are once again stepping onto familiar battlegrounds – and facing equally familiar adversaries – as they chase a long-awaited breakthrough victory in the Taiwan LPGA Tour. Thai standouts P.K. Kongkraphan and Cholcheva Wongras, Taiwan’s Ching Huang, Hsin Lee and Yu Ju Chen, Japan’s Yuna Arakawa and Singapore’s Amanda Tan headline the international field that will stand in the way of the Filipina contenders. These players have repeatedly crossed paths with the LPGT’s finest across the region, carving out a rivalry built on shared fairways, close finishes and hard-won respect.
Kongkraphan edged Harmie Constantino and three others at the Luisita Ladies International last year. Huang has also proven her mettle on Philippine soil with a victory at Tagaytay Midlands, while Lee, Chen, Arakawa and Tan have all been long-running fixtures in the Party Golfers Ladies Open. For the Filipinas, these names are anything but new – and that familiarity fuels belief that this could finally be their year.
The NT$5 million Party Golfers Ladies Open unwraps Wednesday (Nov. 19) at the Lily Golf and Country Club in Hsinchu, with the Philippine contingent exuding confidence after a grueling but rewarding LPGT season.
Chanelle Avaricio, Princess Superal, Mafy Singson and Florence Bisera – all LPGT leg champions this year – lead the charge, eager to convert their local success into international glory.
Bisera is particularly eager, riding momentum from her maiden international win in Thailand last September. Superal, meanwhile, is determined to reassert her dominance overseas. After becoming the inaugural winner of the Asia Pacific Up in 2022, the multi-titled campaigner has been on a roller-coaster run – winning some events while struggling in others. Consistency continues to elude her this year as well – she captured the Caliraya Springs leg but faltered in a couple of title bids.
Que seeks Order of Merit crown
ANTIPOLO—The Philippine Golf Tour winds up its 10-leg nationwide circuit with the ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge today (Tuesday), a season finale brimming with storylines –none bigger than Angelo Que’s determined push for a maiden Order of Merit title and the growing cast of contenders eager to disrupt his longawaited coronation.
“It would be a great achievement since I’ve never won the OOM before,” said Que, who dominated the first two legs at Pradera Verde and Eagle Ridge and added a pair of runner-up finishes to take control of the OOM derby. “It would be truly satisfying to accomplish that.”
But the spotlight also swings back to breakout sensation Jeffren Lumbo, whose stunning victory as a club invitee at the ICTSI South Pacific Classic in Davao last month continues to reshape the tour’s narrative. Lumbo, who survived a tense five-hole playoff against Russell Bautista for his first-ever PGT win, enters the P2 million championship with a calm approach yet undeniable momentum.
“Ie-enjoy ko lang laro ko pero gagawin ko yung best ko sa laro every day,” said the Sarangani native, whose poised demeanor and newfound confidence make him a legitimate threat to the tour’s elite – Que, Fidel Concepcion, Guido van der Valk, Rupert Zaragosa, Reymon Jaraula, Tony Lascuña and Clyde Mondilla among them.
All 74 countries accounted for in World Jr Gymnastics
ALL 74 countries and their respective gymnasts vying in the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships kicking off on Thursday at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom within the Newport World Resorts in Pasay City are all in and accounted for.
“We would like to welcome all our athletes, coaches and officials who are taking part in the world juniors and we are grateful for their enthusiastic response to our international competition,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion yesterday after being informed of the development.
The moving force behind the staging of the global gymnastics spectacle, Carrion said that the contingents began streaming into the country over the weekend for five days thrilling days of action in the tournament
backed by the Office of the President, Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Tourism. She noted that those who will take part in the elite meet sanctioned by the International Gymnastics Federation, known by its French acronym FIG, have already exceeded its past two stagings.
The second World Junior Championships held in Antalya, Turkey drew 64 nations and 283 athletes while the current one likewise supported by Smart/PLDT with Cignal TV as the official broadcaster has already
surpassed double the number of campaigners to close to 750.
“This shows the growing interest in this beautiful and dynamic Olympic sport worldwide, so FIG member countries are fielding their promising young gymnasts knowing that this a major stepping stone to their development,” added Carrion of competition also supported by Milo, Pocari Sweat and Sen. Pia Cayetano.
Given that this was a golden opportunity for local young gymnasts to be exposed to top caliber play, she was grateful that world gymnastics body allowed the Philippines to field boys and girls squads in the tournament. They will bannered by Karl Eldrew Yulo, fresh from intensive training in Japan, and Elizabeth Antone, who bagged a silver in the men’s vault and bronze in the women’s all-around, respectively, in the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Junior Championships in Jecheon, South Korea last June.
PH memory team wins 7 golds in Asian tourney
By Randy M. Caluag
THE Philippine Memory Team swept the competition in key categories at the Asia Open Memory Sports Championship 2025 in Hyderabad, India, over the weekend, bringing home a staggering total of seven gold medals, seven silvers and one bronze and underscoring a successful campaign that also netted a major trophy.
The delegation, comprising athletes from Dr. Yanga Colleges in Bulacan and the Philippine Mind Sports Association, competed against six other nations, including the host country India, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the USA.
Venir Manzalay III was the top individual performer, bagging three gold medals in the binary numbers, random images and marathon cards disciplines.
The young athlete added four silver medals (marathon numbers, dates, random words, and spoken
THE Alas Pilipinas girls’ under-16 team rose to world No.25 in the latest FIVB Girls’ U17 rankings after qualifying for next year’s world championship in Santiago, Chile. Alas jumped 17 spots from world No.
numbers) and a bronze in names and faces. Manzalay was recognized for his overall performance by securing one of the tournament’s major trophies for placing 2nd overall in the Kids Division with a total score of 1,638.46 points.
Jarell Rivera also contributed significantly to the Philippines’ gold haul, winning three gold medals in marathon numbers, dates and spoken numbers. Rivera secured additional medals with two silver finishes in binary numbers and marathon cards.
The country’s seventh gold medal was awarded to Jabriel Bulaclac, who received special recognition as the Youngest Player in the entire tournament.
Rounding out the medalists was Jessica Raine Rellora, who bagged a silver medal in the names and faces discipline of the Juniors Division hybrid online event.
The team was coached by AB Bonita, representing the Philippine Mind Sports Association and The Brain Republic.
42 after finishing fifth in the 2nd Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship in Amman, Jordan, last week. The program started ranked No.57. “Awesome leap from 57 to 25! We
FIVB world rankings
didn’t realize that our small wins in the Asian Qualifying were that instrumental in raising our country’s standing to a higher rank,” said Alas U16 coach Edwin Leyva. “It just shows that the level of play here in the Philippines has improved and is slowly catching up with our top Asian counterparts.”
Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara labeled the under-16 team’s achievement as “big” and stressed that the federation’s grassroots program has developed in the last four years.
“We are now reaping the fruits of the grassroots program that the PNVF has started four years ago,” Suzara said.
The PNVF was established in postpandemic 2021 and has since nurtured the growth of volleyball—Alas Pilipinas Men and Women making impacts in the world and Asian levels, the country hosting the world championship for men and for Suzara, his election as president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and appointment as executive vice president of the FIVB.
The youngest national team is now the highest-ranked Philippine volleyball squad, leading Alas Women at 46th and Alas Men at 80th place. Leyva said that despite the achievement, the work doesn’t cease.
“Being in the top 25 is already a milestone. Why stop dreaming? Let’s train hard, play harder!” Leyva said. “We have the momentum and we are highly motivated. First, win a set or two, then work up from there. It’s up to us to keep the fire burning.”
The Philippine U16 team earned 14 ranking points after a 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-22 victory over Thailand to secure the last Asian ticket to the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship. China had qualified automatically as defending world champion even before the Final Four, while the other Asian representatives for the world meet are newly crowned AVC U16 champion South Korea, runner-up Chinese Taipei, and fourth placer Japan. The Philippines, against all odds, earned its rightful place among them.
Angelo Que
The PH memory team displays the national flag
The Alas Pilipinas girls’ team in a playful mood
BACK ON TRACK. Barangay Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar fights for ball possession with Phoenix’s Kai Ballungay and Jason Perkins in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Sunday night at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. The Kings are back on the winning track after pulling away for a 102-93 win over the Fuel Masters.
Cynthia Carrion
Remittances increased 3.7% in September
By Thony Rose Lesaca
MONEY sent home by overseas Filipinos (OFs) climbed 3.7 percent to $3.12 billion in September 2025, supported by higher foreign exchange rates that encouraged workers to remit more funds.
The figure, recorded by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), was higher than the $3.01 billion reported in September last year. The increase was driven by inflows from both land-based and sea-based OFs. Cash remittances from land-based OFs accounted for the bulk of the amount at $2.49 billion, while sea-based OFs accounted for the remaining $631.43 million. Both segments grew 3.74 percent yearon-year from $2.40 billion and $608.69 million, respectively. Most of these remittances came from the United States, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia, the BSP noted.
The cumulative nine-month cash remittances reached $26.03 billion as of end-September, up by 3.2 percent from
billion Cash remittances in September
$3.46 billion Personal remittances in September $25.23 billion Cash remittances in 9 months
$25.23
Gov’t unveils spending catch-up plan to speed up fourth-quarter GDP growth
By Darwin G. Amojelar
THE government is rolling out a comprehensive catch-up plan to accelerate economic growth by aligning budget disbursements with national priorities, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said Monday. Recto said the economy remains fundamentally strong, with stable foundations and intact investment opportunities. He cited the government’s commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability, characterizing the current situation as a government reforming itself from within, rather than a leadership crisis. Rector urged Congress to pass a 2026 national budget that reflects the government’s priorities and reform agenda. He called for prioritizing spending with the highest multiplier effects, enforcing fiscal discipline and imposing targeted austerity measures on travel, maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) and
non-essential government expenses.
The government, Recto said, will work with Congress on key legislative reforms. These include pursuing the anti-political dynasty law, rationalizing and strengthening the party-list system, enforcing campaign finance transparency, institutionalizing freedom of information and, most importantly, eliminating all unprogrammed appropriations except those essential for emergencies.
Recto also announced an intensified fight against tax evasion and smuggling.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) will aggressively pursue major cases with time-bound investigations and swift prosecution, promising no delays, exemptions, or sacred cows, he said.
Recto assured the public that the country’s fiscal consolidation path is on track, adding that everything moving forward is
the upside.
By Alena Mae S. Flores
PRIME Infrastructure Capital Inc., led by businessman Enrique Razon Jr., has finalized its P50-billion acquisition of a controlling stake in gas assets from Lopez-owned First Gen Corp. in Batangas City.
The financial close on Monday gives Prime Infra a 60-percent controlling stake in four operating gas-fired power plants: the 1,000-megawatt (MW) Santa Rita, the 500-MW San Lorenzo, the 450-MW San Gabriel and the 97-MW Avion.
Prime Infra also now holds a 60-percent stake in the proposed 1,200-MW Santa Maria Power Plant. First Gen retains 40-percent ownership of these power generation assets.
Prime Infra now also controls 60 percent of the offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, with First Gen owning 20 percent and Japan’s Tokyo Gas holding the remaining 20 percent.
Prime Infra president and chief executive Guillaume Lucci cited the deal’s role in strengthening energy security and accelerating the country’s transition to sustainable energy.
“These gas-fired power plants have played a critical role in supporting the Philippine economy and advancing the decarbonization of our energy mix,” Lucci said.
“Our goal is to continue growing this platform together with First Gen to accelerate the country’s transition away from a power system that is still coaldependent,” he said.
The acquisition fully connects Prime Infra’s assets
across the energy value chain, from upstream to downstream, according to Lucci.
The gas assets are synergistic with the company’s subsidiary, Prime Energy Resources Development B.V., which operates the Malampaya deep-water gasto-power project, the country’s only indigenous gas field.
Prime Energy and its consortium partners are undertaking phase 4 drilling and exploration to maximize Malampaya’s indigenous gas resources.
First Gen president and chief operating officer Francis Giles Puno expressed optimism for the strategic partnership.
“This partnership marks not just a new chapter but a renewed commitment to the work that powers this nation every day, to grow our gas platform responsibly, to strengthen our country’s energy security and to help ensure that the Philippines transitions to clean energy,” Puno said.
Lucci and Puno led a joint town hall for gas plant employees, outlining the strategic vision for the assets and emphasizing a commitment to operational excellence and safety.
Prime Infra is the infrastructure arm of the Razon Group, focusing on sustainable energy, water and waste management. Its other assets include publicly listed water utility Manila Water Company Inc. which supplies water to over 7.7 million Filipinos and Prime Waste Solutions.
First Gen operates the country’s largest portfolio of renewable energy, including geothermal, hydro wind and solar power.
on
Prime Infra and First Gen leaders conduct a joint visit to the Batangas clean energy complex, a strategic facility comprising the gas-fired power plants and offshore LNG terminal, critical to the country’s energy security.
BEST DESTINATION. Towering cliffs and still emerald waters capture the calm that earned Palawan a spot on Frommer’s Best Places to Go in 2026. The honor highlights destinations embodying authenticity, connection and care for the planet, reaffirming Palawan’s long-held reputation for stunning beauty and local efforts toward sustainability.
PH stocks rebound after Friday sell-off, peso stronger at P58.931
SHARE prices rebounded strongly Monday, with the main index surging nearly 200 points as investors looked for bargains following last Friday’s steep decline.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose 194.77 points, or 3.29 percent, to close at 5,779.12. The broader all-shares index added 20.54 points, or 0.63 percent, to finish at 3,280.80.
The peso also closed stronger at 58.931 to the U.S. dollar on Monday, up from 59.065 on Friday.
Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp., said traders took advantage of Friday’s steep drop to accumulate stocks at bargain prices.
However, Limlingan noted there are still no prevailing catalysts that could drive long-term market momentum, as uncertainty remains regarding the
country’s economic growth. Investors are also worried that the U.S. Federal Reserve will delay interest rate cuts.
All sectors except for mining and oil, which declined by 0.30 percent, ended significantly higher on Monday. Financials jumped 4.73 percent, followed by property, which advanced 4.14 percent. Services rose 2.97 percent, while holding firms and industrial gained 2.07 percent and 1.80 percent, respectively.
Value turnover reached P6.74 billion.
Advancers edged decliners, 115 to 74.
Foreign investors were net sellers, with net outflows totaling P171.20 million.
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. was the day’s top gainer, increasing 8.01 percent to P26.10. Universal Robina Corp. was at the bottom, declining 0.92 percent to P64.50.
Jenniffer B. Austria
and
MPIC’s nine-month profit rose 7% to P24.8b
By Jenniffer B. Austria
METRO Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), the Philippine investment holding unit of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., saw its reported net income attributable to equity holders increase 7 percent to P24.8 billion in the first nine months of the year, up from P23.1 billion recorded in the same period a year ago.
The growth was largely driven by higher energy sales and improved performance of power generation companies, as well as increased contribu-
tion from a water utility firm, based on the unaudited report disclosed by First Pacific.
The nine-month reported net income was boosted by a one-time gain from the sale of Philippine Coastal Storage & Pipeline Corp.
Excluding nonrecurring income and expenses, MPIC reported core net income rose 13.5 percent to P23.6 billion from P20.8 billion.
During the period, Manila Electric Co.’s core net income contribution to MPIC reached P17.6 billion, up 15 percent year-on-year.
SEVERAL decades ago, American pop song
Billy Joel wrote a great song that has significance for all that is happening – and not happening –in this country today. The song was “Honesty”, and its great two lines were “Honesty is such a lonely word. Everyone is so untrue”. Billy Joel’s lyrics are not one bit less true today than when he wrote them. Honesty is such a lonely word today, and there are so many dishonest people in our society. Where I would differ from Billy Joel is that in Philippine society today, dishonesty very often takes the form not of non-honesty, but of non-transparency. There is so much non-transparency in this country today. Filipinos in policymaking positions in both the private and the public sector, lawyers and non-lawyers alike, go to great lengths to cloak and dissimulate their real intentions with the use of seemingly noble language and altruistic sounding expression of intent. It all sounds good, but in the end, it is one blow after another for non-transparency.
Water utility firm Maynilad Water Services Inc. also delivered higher net income contribution, mainly from tariff adjustments implemented in January 2025. Core net income contribution of toll road unit Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. dropped 8 percent to P4.4 billion as higher traffic and toll rate increases were offset by higher interest expenses.
Railway unit Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) registered higher losses of P436 million despite higher average daily ridership. The increased
National University expands four campuses amid surging demand
NATIONAL University (NU), a member of the SM Group, is expanding four of its campuses to accommodate more students amid surging demand for accessible, quality education.
NU will expand its campuses in Clark, Mall of Asia, Fairview, and its main campus in Sampaloc, Manila, the SM Group reported Monday.
“Anchored on NU’s mission to democratize education, we are expanding where demand and opportunity meet,” NU president Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita Jr. said in a statement.
“Clark, in particular, has shown the fastest student growth in the 2024–2025 academic year because of its strategic location. These expansions will allow us to serve more students with programs in Engineering, Architecture, Tourism, Psychology, Accountancy, and other in-demand fields,” he added.
NU, which the SM Group acquired in 2008, has focused on situating
Honesty is such a lonely word today, and there are so many dishonest people in our society.
The bad part about this state of affairs is that lawyers inevitably become involved whether as legislators, law enforcers or bureaucrats, which is why all too often lawyers are asked the question: if they are trained to promote societal good and protection of the rights of the citizenry, they are usually at the forefront of efforts to defeat these goals?
Their designation by panel laws as crimes makes illegal acts identifiable and therefore less risky for society, but policy actions that are passed off as more acts of non-transparency arguably pose greater dangers for society. Examples of this usually present themselves in existence s that involve individual rights vs. societal rights.
An excellent example of this is the continuing unwillingness of the legislature to revoke or at least liberalize the nearly-century-old Bank Secrecy Act. Economists continue to argue that the original intent of the law - to encourage people to save in banks – has long
been served, but legislators, for reasons that can only be described as dubious, continue to resist the opening up to lack deposits to legitimate scrutiny.
Another example of public officials’ opting to exercise their discretion in favor of private individuals and against society in general is the decision made several years ago by the former Ombudsman to restrict the rights of journalist to obtain access to the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Income (SALNs)of public officials.
Society clearly stands to gain more – a whole lot more – from the honest performance of their duties by the civil service than the protection of the individual rights of a few probably dishonest government officials.
Going back to one of my favorite songwriters, yes, Billy Joel, honesty was a lonely word in the New York City of your day and transparency is such a lonely word in the Philippines of today. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com
losses were largely due to additional amortization on concession assets related to the five new LRT stations inaugurated in November 2024. Because of the losses, MPIC chairman Manuel Pangilinan last week hinted at plans to divest its 35.8 percent stake in LRMC. MPIC also has investments in the agriculture and health care sectors. Aside from MPIC, First Pacific also has investments in other Philippine companies, including PLDT Inc., Philex Mining Corp. and Roxas Holdings Inc.
campuses within SM developments to create convenient, connected learning environments.
“Being within SM complexes gives our students immediate access to essential services like public transport, bookstores, and dining areas,” Ermita said. “These shared spaces evolve into vibrant learning communities where education and everyday experiences intersect.”
Under expansion plan, NU’s Clark campus will build a new academic tower with classrooms and laboratories. NU Mall of Asia will add two floors for additional classrooms and labs, while NU Fairview will construct a new academic tower. The NU Manila campus will add 24 classrooms, faculty rooms, a learning resource center and an auditorium.
NU currently has more than 83,000 students across 14 campuses and aims to reach 100,000 by 2027, with new campuses planned for Davao, Iloilo, and Urdaneta. Jenniffer B. Austria
Alternergy to acquire 95% of Cebu wind project
By Alena Mae S. Flores
ALTERNERGY Holdings Corp. said Monday it is acquiring a majority interest in the 80-megawatt (MW) Alegria Cebu Wind Power Project, marking the company’s first wind power venture in the Visayas Grid.
The estimated project cost for the Alegria Cebu Wind Power Project is P7.93 billion, according to a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). Alternergy Wind Holdings Corp. (AWHC), the company’s wind investment holding unit, will acquire a 95-percent equity stake in MC Project Solutions Inc. (MCPSI), which is developing the project under Wind Energy Service Contract No. 2024-05-402.
The Alegria Cebu Wind Power Project is in the pre-development stage and has an estimated capacity of at least 56 MW up to 80 MW. It was one of the winning bidders in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Fourth Green Energy Auction (GEA-4) held on September 2, 2025, and has a committed delivery date in late 2028 under GEA-4.
“We are excited to develop our first wind project in Cebu which marks a significant step in expanding our renewable energy portfolio into the Visayas Grid,” said Alternergy president Gerry Magbanua. The acquisition will contribute to Alternergy’s goal of achieving 1 gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030. TUESDAY,
PARTNERSHIP SIGNING. ACX Holdings and CP Axtra expand their partnership to explore the development of new businesses and co-investments in the Philippines and Thailand. Joining the partnership signing are (standing, from left): Department of Information and Communications Undersecretary Faye Condez de Sagon; Bran Ferrer Reluao, special envoy of the president to the Kingdom of Thailand; Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Makawadee Sumitmor;
Department of Trade and Industry Director Lilian Salonga. Seated, from left, are: Ayala Corporation head of corporate strategy and business development Mark Uy; Ayala executive director and ACMobility CEO Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala; Ayala chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala; CP Axtra Group chief wholesale business officer Tanit Chearavanont; and CP Axtra chief strategy and planning officer Shaun Wong.
National University expands its campus in Clark to accommodate more students and meet the growing demand for accessible, quality education.
Del Monte Pacific’s Q2 profit jumped seven-fold to $16.8m
By Jenniffer B. Austria
DEL MONTE Pacific Limited (DMPL), the canned fruit maker and producer, reported a sharp improvement in profitability in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, which ended in October, as the company continued to implement strategic initiatives to strengthen its capital base and support growth plans.
Net income for the quarter rose seven-fold to $16.8 million from $2.3 million. Sales expanded by 10 percent to $234.9 million, driven by both the domestic Philippines and international businesses, particularly fresh pineapple exports. Second-quarter sales in the Philip-
pines rose 9 percent to $121.7 million on higher volume and better pricing. DMPL said strong demand for packaged pineapple and the expanded year-round use of mixed fruits led the Philippine growth. International sales in the second quarter grew by 7 percent to $90.6
million with increased volume of fresh pineapple, juice, and frozen pineapple. The fresh fruit business led the growth with a 23 percent expansion.
The juice segment grew by 49 percent, primarily due to higher sales in China and Europe, while frozen pineapple sales rose 21 percent from a favorable product mix and strong pricing.
For the first half of fiscal year 2026, DMPL’s net income jumped to $22.3 million from $2.7 million in the same period last year, a result of higher sales and strong margin expansion.
First-half sales increased by 11 percent to $438.6 million, backed by a 16 percent increase in fresh pineapple sales and 10 percent growth in the Philippines.
Gross margin improved by 580 basis points to 33.4 percent from 27.6 percent in the first half, driven mainly by better pricing across all segments, as well as lower production cost from higher pineapple recovery.
AIRBUS A330 LANDING. The first Airbus A330, a 459-seater wide-body aircraft operated by Cebu Pacific on the Manila–Tagbilaran route successfully lands at the Bohol–Panglao International Airport (BPIA) on Nov. 16, 2025. This marks the first time a wide-body aircraft of this scale has been deployed to BPIA, showcasing the airport’s upgraded capability to handle larger jets and signaling a significant leap forward for Bohol’s tourism and economic potential.
Cebu Pacific’s October passenger traffic dipped amid engine issues
By Darwin G. Amojelar
CEBU Pacific on Monday reported a slight drop in October passenger traffic, primarily due to engine supply chain issues and weather disruptions.
The Gokongwei-led airline carried 2.1 million passengers in October 2025, down 1 percent from the same month last year. The overall seat load factor (SLF) decreased to 79.3 percent from 80.5 percent last year, while seat capacity rose by 0.6 percent. Domestic passengers decreased by 4.5 percent year-over-year on 6.1 percent lower seats, resulting in a domestic SLF of 82.5 percent. International passenger traffic, meanwhile, grew 10.7 percent year-over-year, with seat capacity up 22.2 percent. International SLF fell by 7.4 percentage points to 71.4 percent.
For year-to-date 2025, Cebu Pacific has flown more than 22 million passengers, marking a 12.3 percent increase from 19.6 million in 2024. Domestic passengers grew 10.8 percent to 16.4 million, while international passengers grew 17 percent to 5.6 million. Overall SLF averaged 84.3 percent for the period, while overall capacity in seats was up 12.5 percent to 26.1 million.
“October reflected our active capacity management, as we navigated ongoing supply chain challenges, particularly those related to Pratt & Whitney engines, as well as weather-related disruptions. Capacity growth was internationally moderated to ensure operational resilience ahead of the peak travel season,” said Mark Cezar, chief financial officer of Cebu Pacific.
Citicore nears 1,000-MW target, energizes more solar power plants
By Alena Mae S. Flores
CITICORE Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) is on track to complete its 1,000-megawatt (MW) target by the end of 2025, with a total combined gross installed capacity of 526 megawatt-peak (MWp) to date.
CREC said in a statement on Monday it recently energized the 42 MWp Citicore Solar Pampanga 1 Power Plant and the 197 MWp Citicore Solar Batangas 1.
The Batangas facility is equipped with a 320 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system, allowing it to mitigate solar intermittency and potentially dispatch power 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The company said it will continue to energize projects in Pangasinan, Quezon, Batangas, and Negros Occidental to reach the completion of its first 1-gigawatt (GW) goal for 2025—part of its greater 5 GW in 5 years roadmap.
“At CREC, we don’t just build renewable energy facilities, we create a holistic positive impact anchored on our innovation and approach to nation-building. Our Batangas solar plant, with its battery energy storage system and also equipped with our pioneering AgroSolar Initiative, proves that reliable, round-theclock renewable power is possible in the Philippines,” said Oliver Tan, CREC president and chief executive.
By Othel V. Campos
THE Philippine automotive industry maintained a largely stable performance in the first ten months of 2025, with total vehicle sales reaching 383,424 units, or 0.2 percent below the 384,310 units sold in the same period last year, according to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA).
Commercial vehicles (CVs) dominated the market, capturing nearly 80 percent of total sales. CV sales climbed 7.9 percent in 10 months to 305,963 units, but passenger car (PC) sales dropped 23.2 percent to 77,461 units.
October sales reflected a steady month-on-month consumer demand despite persistent economic challenges, rising 5.2 percent to 40,014 units from 38,029 in September. It was also slightly higher than 40,003 units sold in October 2024.
CVs were the primary growth engine for the month, with sales rising 5.9 percent to 31,859 units from 30,081 in the previous month. PC sales posted modest growth, inching up 2.6 percent month-on-month to 8,155 units from 7,948 in September.
Electrified vehicles (xEVs)—a mix of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles—also gained traction, accounting for 6.33 percent of total industry sales with 24,265 units sold over the tenmonth period.
October data recorded a 62.1 percent year-on-year jump in xEV sales to 3,603 units. Hybrids continued to lead
the segment with 19,379 units sold, driven largely by Toyota’s lineup.
Battery electric vehicle sales reached 3,941 units, with Tesla topping the category at 2,165 units year-to-date.
Plug-in hybrid sales totaled 945 units.
Light commercial vehicles remained the strongest CV driver, expanding 9 percent to 225,820 units, followed by Asian Utility Vehicles and MPVs, which grew 5.1 percent to 70,544 units. Heavy-duty trucks posted the fastest growth rate, surging 46.3 percent to 825 units.
Toyota Motor Philippines continued to lead the automotive sector with a 48.3-percent market share, equivalent to 185,201 units sold from January to October.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines followed with 18.97 percent or 72,734 units, while Ford, Nissan, Suzuki, Honda and Isuzu completed the roster of top-performing brands.
Despite the sustained weakness in the passenger car category, industry players remain optimistic that strong CV demand, rising interest in electrified mobility and stable monthly sales momentum will support full-year growth prospects.
Online sellers ask DTI to halt soaring e-commerce charges
ONLINE sellers asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to intervene against what they call crippling, layered fees imposed by major e-commerce platforms, warning that the charges are forcing small entrepreneurs out of business.
The sellers are also appealing to the DTI to stop the rollout of its proposed Trustmark system, arguing the voluntary certification is redundant and places another financial and logistical burden on micro-entrepreneurs.
Online Negosyo Empowerment Community (ONEC) president Anna Magkawas said platform charges, which include commissions, transaction fees and promotional costs, have soared, leaving many merchants with barely any profit, especially with a new P5 processing fee per transaction across several platforms.
“First, it was Shopee. Then Lazada followed, and now TikTok has announced a similar add-on fee,” Magkawas said in a briefing Monday.
“It’s becoming too heavy for
sellers. There are percentage fees, transaction fees, and now an additional P5 per order. Many small sellers were forced to shut down,” she said.
Magkawas said that while platforms justify the processing fee as infrastructure improvement, the cost is unfairly passed to merchants instead of being covered by the platforms’ investment in service upgrades.
Overall commissions, she said, can reach as high as 20 percent depending on the product category and participation in programs, compounded by fees for visibility, promotional campaigns and paid features like free-shipping or ad placements.
ONEC also is pushing the DTI to abandon the planned Trustmark initiative, which aims to certify legitimate online sellers with an official badge. Magkawas said the requirement would duplicate existing business permits and fail to address the core problem of fake online stores, as scammers can easily present falsified documents.
Campos
Othel V.
By Thony Rose Lesaca
THE Philippines and Canada signed a letter of understanding (LOU) on bilateral development assistance, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) said Monday.
Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Canadian Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai agreed to the framework during a high-level meeting on Nov. 12. The Department of Finance will serve as a co-signatory for the Philippine government.
The LOU outlines the collaboration framework, guiding future programs focused on long-term sustainability, resilience and inclusive growth.
The agreement is aligned with national priorities, as laid out in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.
Canada ranks 14th among the country’s top bilateral development partners as of September 2025, providing support across key sectors including health, climate adaptation and governance.
Since June 2025, the two countries have also co-chaired the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Southeast Asia Regional Program for 2025–2028.
PAGCOR’S ASSISTANCE.
State-run Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) allocates P32.85 million in assistance to families affected by Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan which left widespread devastation in various parts of the country. PAGCOR chairman and chief executive Alejandro Tengco says the agency utilized the amount to procure 31,500 relief packs containing food and non-food essentials for distribution to hard-hit provinces.
BLENDED FINANCE. Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. speaks at the ‘Blended Finance Forum for the Philippines’ on Oct. 15 to 16, 2025 at the BSP head office in Manila. Remolona says blended finance can play a transformative role in scaling adaptation finance.
ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY
PH vows to guard wetlands, migratory birds
THE Philippines has committed to protect migratory waterbirds and their wetland habitats by ensuring favorable conditions and strengthening conservation efforts.
“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,” said Mariglo Rosaida Laririt, assistant director of the Biodiversity Management Bureau of
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Laririt stressed the shared mission of ensuring favorable conditions for migratory birds and people by safeguarding the ecological and cultural value of wetlands.
The Philippines hosted the 12th
Meeting of Partners (MOP12) of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) for the first time, highlighting the country’s crucial role in protecting migratory waterbirds and their wetland habitats.
The meeting organized by the DENR and BMB and ran from Nov. 10 to 14 at the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary (OIWS), near Mactan Island in Cebu.
Olango Island, designated as a Ramsar site or a Wetland of International Importance, is the country’s first Flyway Network Site (FNS).
Leaders push for more rapid climate action
By Felipe de Carvalho
COP 30 opened in Belém last week with a clear message: the era of halfmeasures is over. Climate change is here, devastating communities and driving up costs, but solutions are within reach. Clean energy is surging, resilience saves lives, and cooperation can still bend the curve further.
“This is the moment to match opportunity with urgency,” said Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, calling for a decisive defeat of climate denial and faster action to keep the 1.5°C goal alive.
As negotiations begin at the annual two-week summit, held this year in a city at the mouth of the Amazon, UN climate chief Simon Stiell urged delegates not to “squabble,” but to focus on turning ambition into action.
“Your job here is not to fight one another—your job here is to fight this climate crisis, together,” he said. “This is the growth story of the 21st century—the economic transformation of our age.”
A sense of cautious optimism marked the first day of COP30, following the announcement that dozens of new national climate plans—known as NDCs – pushed the tally to 113 countries now committed to curbing global warming. Together, they represent nearly 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions—a significant step forward in the race to keep temperatures in check.
A preliminary assessment by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which convenes the yearly COPs, suggests these pledges could cut emissions by 12 percent by 2035. It’s progress, but not yet enough to guarantee the 1.5°C goal. The challenge now is turning promises into action at a pace that matches the scale of the crisis.
In his opening remarks, Stiell said that commitments and agreements made by successive COPs were beginning to show impact, with the global emissions curve now starting to bend downward.
He acknowledged that much work remains but highlighted that Belém – “home to the mouth of the mighty Amazon River”–can serve as inspiration.
“The Amazon is not a single river, but a vast system sustained by more than a thousand tributaries,” he said. “In the same way, implementation of COP outcomes must be driven by multiple streams of international cooperation.” UN News
The OIWS is a crucial stopover and wintering ground for thousands of migratory waterbirds, including globally threatened species, such as the Asian Dowitcher, Chinese Egret, Far Eastern Curlew and Great Knot.
The DENR said that the MOP12, which brings together EAAFP partners, experts and observers, is a platform for knowledge exchange, strengthening partnerships and advancing science-based approaches to wetland and waterbird conservation.
The event was attended by over 300
delegates from more than 20 countries, including government officials, nongovernment organizations (NGOs), academics and Flyway site managers.
The EAAFP connects 22 countries along one of the world’s most significant migratory bird routes, from Alaska and Russia, down to Australia and New Zealand, supporting more than 50 million migratory waterbirds, including endangered species like the Far Eastern Curlew, Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Black-faced Spoonbill. Marita Moaje/PNA
Guterres eyes ‘fair, fast and final’ transition to
clean, cheap energy
UN Secretary-General António
Guterres is continuing his campaign to accelerate the global switch from fossil fuels to clean energy―“the cheapest source of new electricity in nearly every country.”
The latest push came in remarks to the recent Energy Transition Roundtable in Belém, Brazil, held just days before the formal opening of the COP30 climate change conference.
“The fossil fuel age is ending. Clean energy is rising. Let us make the transition fair, fast, and final,” he said.
The UN chief told world leaders that “the global energy landscape is changing at lightning speed.” Green energy sources accounted for 90 percent of new power capacity last year, while investment in them reached $2 trillion, or $800 billion more than fossil fuels.
“The renewables revolution is
here,” he said. “But we must go much faster―and ensure all nations share the benefits.”
The international community must ensure a “just, orderly and equitable” transition from fossil fuels, triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by the end of the decade.
However, countries are falling short.
Even if new national climate action plans are implemented, global temperature rise is still expected to exceed 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial era.
“That means more floods, more heat, more suffering―everywhere,” he warned.
“To return below 1.5 degrees by century’s end, global emissions must fall by almost half by 2030, reach net zero by 2050, and go net negative afterwards.” UN News
Korea donates smart water portal to monitor Pampanga River basin project
THE National Water Resources Board (NWRB) received a smart water portal from South Korea that will monitor water and rainfall levels of the Pampanga River basin.
The NWRB obtained the Integrated Water Resources Management Information System (IWRMIS) for the Pampanga River Basin Project during a recent ceremony at the NWRB Conference Hall and Data Center.
NWRB Officer-in-Charge
Executive Director Ricky A. Arzadon said the project represents more than just a technological advancement.
“This embodies our collective aspiration for a future where water governance is guided by accurate data, sound science, and a strong spirit of cooperation,” he said.
“Through this system, we are better equipped to manage, protect, and allocate our water resources efficiently and sustainably,” he added.
He pledged the NWRB’s commitment to keeping the system running long-term by providing steady funding and support through a clear sustainability plan.
The handover ceremony brought together key officials and representatives, including Korea Minister and Consul General Sang Seung Man.
A main component of the project is the Water Resources Information Portal System (WRIPS), which features 67 sensors across 68 rivers in the Pampanga River Basin,
monitoring rainfall, water levels and flow discharges around the clock.
The data streams to an online portal accessible to government agencies and the public alike.
The Pampanga River Basin, where the Angat Dam is situated, supplies drinking water to millions in Metro Manila and irrigates the rice fields that make Central Luzon the nation’s food basket.
Managing competing demands― households, farms, power plants― has always been challenging. The new system improves decision-making
with science-backed information.
Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and developed with Dongbu Engineering and K-Water, the project included comprehensive training for Filipino water professionals in system operation, data analysis and monitoring rivers using drone.
Success in the Pampanga River Basin has sparked plans to expand the system to four more major river basins (RB) in Luzon by 2030: Cagayan RB, Agno RB, Abra RB and Abulog RB, creating a Luzon-wide
Leading the ribboncutting ceremony for the Integrated Water Resources Management Information System at the National Water Resources Board Conference Hall and Data Center are (from left) Susan P. Abaño, NWRB chief of Policy and Program Division; NWRB executive director Ricky A. Arzadon; Korea International Cooperation Agency Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Sang Seung Man and KOICA country director Jung Youngsun. NWRB photo
water monitoring network.
The portal is already live and publicly accessible. Students, journalists, researchers and curious citizens can all view the same realtime data that guides government decisions towards transparent governance.
For the millions who depend on the Pampanga River Basin, the project unfolds a new opportunity towards improved water resources management where science guides policy through cutting-edge technology. DENR News
1.7b suffer lower crop yields due to land degradation
Conclusion
To measure this, the report applies a debt-based approach, comparing current values of three key indicators—soil organic carbon, soil erosion, and soil water—against conditions that would exist without human activity under native or natural states.
These data are processed through a machine-learning model that integrates environmental and socio-economic drivers of change to estimate the land’s baseline condition in the absence of human interference.
In terms of the human toll of land degradation, the report estimates that around 1.7 billion people worldwide live in areas where crop yields are 10 percent lower due to humaninduced land degradation.
Of these, 47 million are children under 5 years of age who are suffering from stunting. In absolute numbers, Asian countries are the most
affected—both because of their accumulated degradation debt and their high population densities.
Yet, the report also offers hope: reversing just 10 percent of humaninduced degradation on existing croplands (for example by adopting sustainable land management practices such as crop rotations and cover cropping to preserve soil health, reduce erosion and contribute to biodiversity) could restore enough production to feed an additional 154 million people every year.
These figures are not abstract, they represent real opportunities to strengthen food security, ease pressure on natural ecosystems, and build more resilient agrifood systems. To achieve this, SOFA 2025 calls for integrated land-use strategies and policy interventions—including regulatory measures like deforestation controls, incentive-based
programs and cross-compliance mechanisms that link subsidies to environmental outcomes.
Land degradation affects farms of all sizes. However, the report highlights that policies must be tailored to farm structure, since smallholders face distinct financial constraints compared to larger farms, which manage most land and have greater capacity for scaled implementation.
Policies tailored to countries’ specific farm distribution and associated challenges and opportunities reduce land degradation by incentivizing sustainable farming practices and discouraging deforestation and overgrazing.
FAO’s role
The international community has recognized land degradation as a critical global challenge, with more than 130 countries pledging to achieve Land Degradation Neutrality under the United Nations Con-
vention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
FAO is at the forefront of efforts to avoid, reduce and reverse land degradation through data, policy guidance, and on-the-ground initiatives.
As the custodian agency for SDG Indicator 2 (Zero Hunger), FAO monitors and updates the global distribution of agroecological yield gaps using its Global Agro-Ecological Zoning (GAEZ v5) system–which is used in this report. It also provides critical soil health data through the FAO Global Soil Organic Carbon Map (GSOC Map).
“In 2025, FAO is reaffirming its commitment to sustainable land management. This edition of The State of Food and Agriculture is part of this commitment to provide a comprehensive evidence base to guide policy, investment and action at all levels,” the director-general wrote. FAO News
WINGED VISITOR. One of the country’s avian visitors, the Siberian Sand-Plover (Anarhynchus mongolus), is spotted at the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, the first Flyway Network Site in the Philippines. DENR Central Visayas
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025 lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
ASIAN pop girl group Quadlips has released a new holiday single, “Love Letter,” aiming to bring a festive touch to listeners’ playlists.
The song is a piano-driven R&B ballad described as warm and romantic, capturing the spirit of love and connection during the holiday season. It was released under U.S.based talent management company A-Nexus Inc. and is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.
Formed in 2023 as part of the AKB48 Group, Quadlips includes members Feni (JKT48), Cole (MNL48), Fame (BNK48), and the newest member Mashiro (KLP48), representing Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia. The group said the song draws from personal experiences and is meant to remind listeners to cherish loved ones.
“Christmas is all about love and connection, and we wanted to create something that captures those feels,” Feni, the group’s lead, said.
“Love Letter” follows Quadlips’ previous releases, including “IDGA,” “Wings Grow Back,” “Over Drive,” and “Lipstick,” continuing the group’s evolution in the Asian pop scene.
Quadlips made history as the first unit in the AKB48 network to feature selected members from different groups across Asia. The unit debuted officially on Oct. 29, 2023, with activities spanning Southeast Asia.
Manila as a city of danger and desire
IN THE neon-lit alleys of Makati’s Poblacion district, a fleeting encounter sparks a night of danger, music, and survival in Shadow Transit, the new neonnoir film directed by Pedring Lopez
The story follows Celeste, played by UK-born singer-songwriter and photojournalist Qymira, who is in Manila on a 24-hour layover. She crosses paths with Kai (Yoshi Sudarso), an Indonesian-American DJ, and what begins as a chance meeting quickly escalates into a high-stakes flight through the city when Kai’s past catches up with him.
Lopez, best known for the hit action film Maria, has long expressed a desire to push Philippine cinema beyond local borders.
Shadow Transit, premiering under OCinema International Film Festival’s Selects roster marks his first English-language feature. He cast Qymira and Indonesian-American actor Yoshi Sudarso, choices he described as both practical and strategic.
“The Philippines is such a small place. Why can’t we create our own actors and just go out? Like what Indonesia, Thailand, and Korea are doing,” Lopez said during an intimate press junket.
Lopez also noted a shortage of local action stars trained in advanced stunt work. Sudarso, who has worked with Hollywood stunt team 8711 and appeared Bullet Train alongside Brad Pitt, became a natural choice for the high-intensity fight sequences.
“There’s no one who can actually do actual stunts, actual fights,” Lopez said.
Filmed mostly at night during Manila’s rainy season, Shadow Transit uses handheld cinematography to turn the city into a living character. Rain-soaked streets, neon reflections, and chaotic alleys set the stage for a story that
blends action and human drama. “Manila is beautiful and chaotic, just like the lives of Celeste and Kai and their relationship,” Lopez said. “I wanted to capture the electricity of a city at night—its beauty and its brutality—and the fragile moments that exist between them.”
Qymira, arriving straight from an award ceremony in France, said her first leading film role was intense but rewarding.
“This isn’t just action; it has art, it has human elements,” she told Manila Standard Entertainment. “Every day, you’re surrounded by people you genuinely enjoy being around. That’s why when filming wrapped, it almost felt like an anti-climax.”
The 21-day shoot included Filipino-American actor KC Montero and hundreds of local extras. Some of the most challenging scenes, including a fight staged inside the old Clark airport, were filmed during a typhoon. Qymira trained under Hollywood stunt director Sonny Sison and performed most of her own stunts.
Lopez said the film’s live soundtrack, city soundscapes, and original music, including the theme “Shade of My Shadow,” were designed to mirror the tension and intimacy between the lead characters.
Shadow Transit is about how a single night can change you,” Lopez said.
The film, which premieres at QCinema and runs until Nov. 23, explores connection, grief, and survival in a city that never sleeps.
‘The Atom Araullo Specials: POGOLAN’ bags the Best Documentary at the 2025 AIB Awards in London
Quadlips marks the holiday season with the
Director Pedring Lopez’s ‘Shadow Transit’ premieres at QCinema International Film Festival
Nickie Wang
Qymira (left) and Yoshi Sudarso in a scene from the film ‘Shadow Transit’
Qymira stars as Celeste in Pedring Lopez’s neon-noir thriller film ‘Shadow Transit’
LIFE & SHOWBIZ
By Nickie Wang
D
ISNEY legend Lea Salonga , who performed at Hong Kong Disneyland’s grand opening in 2005, will return for a one-night-only concert as part of the resort’s 20th anniversary holiday celebrations.
Lea Salonga returns to Hong Kong Disneyland for holiday concert
NOW You See Me: Now You Don’t—the third installment in the crime heist franchise about a group of magicians—debuted atop the North American box office, besting the Glen Powellfronted remake of The Running Man, industry estimates showed Sunday.
Lionsgate’s Now You See Me—which reunites Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, and Woody Harrelson as Robin Hood-style illusionists targeting dangerous criminals— raked in $21.3 million from Friday to Sunday, Exhibitor Relations said.
This time out, the original Four Horsemen— who first appeared on screen in 2013—are joined by three younger magicians: Ariana Greenblatt, Dominic Sessa, and Justice Smith
Paramount’s The Running Man, a new take on Stephen King’s dystopian novel about a murderous game show, opened in second place with $17 million in ticket sales in the United States and Canada.
It comes 38 years after a loose adaptation starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987.
Predator: Badlands from Disney’s 20th Century Studios dropped from first to third place, taking in $13 million.
The latest installment in the decades-old scifi horror franchise stars Dimitrius SchusterKoloamatangi as an outcast Predator who is the hero this time, teaming up with an android (Elle Fanning) on an epic journey to prove himself.
Paramount’s Regretting You, the latest film adaptation of a Colleen Hoover romantic novel, came in fourth at $4 million.
And Universal’s horror sequel Black Phone 2, once again starring Ethan Hawke as a devilish villain, came in fifth place at $2.7 million.
Rounding out the top 10 were Nuremberg with $2.6 million, followed by Keeper with $2.5 million and Sarah’s Oil with $2.3 million.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc and Bugonia each earned $1.6 million. AFP
THE Ayala Group has received prestigious workplace certifications from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), recognizing its commitment to health, well-being, productivity, and sustainability.
Ayala Corporation’s headquarters at Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower Two in Makati City earned a WELL v2 Platinum Certification, the highest level under IWBI’s latest WELL Building Standard. It is the first corporate headquarters in the Philippines and one of the few in Southeast Asia to receive the distinction.
Ayala Land received a WELL Gold Certification for ATG Tower Two, its newest office development hosting offices of leading Philippine companies, international firms, and embassies. This marks Ayala Land’s first WELL Gold for an office property.
The certifications were conferred on Nov. 12 at Ayala Corporation’s headquarters. IWBI Senior vice president and head of Asia Pacific Jack Noonan presented the awards to senior leaders, including Ayala Corporation chairman Jaime Zobel de Ayala, president and CEO Cezar P. Consing, Corporate Resources group head Francisco Romero Milán, People Experience head Sherry M. Gosiengfiao, and Ayala Land Offices vice president Carol T. Mills and Business Development head Gail S. Yambao
“These certifications reflect the importance we place on creating workspaces that promote wellbeing and sustainability. Superior workspaces foster productivity, creativity, teamwork, and a sense of purpose,” Consing said.
“The WELL certification strengthens our commitment to building not just world-class developments, but places that uplift people and communities. Ayala Triangle Gardens Tower Two exemplifies our goal of integrating wellness into every aspect of the built environment,” Mills added.
WELL is a global rating system for buildings and organizations focused on human health and well-being through evidence-based design and operational practices. Certified offices are evaluated on factors including air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.
“We’re delighted to celebrate the Ayala Group for its inspiring leadership in championing health and well-being in the workplace,” Noonan said. He added, “Achieving WELL Certification at the Platinum level for its own headquarters and at the Gold level for a building supporting other organizations reflects Ayala’s belief that people’s health is central to business success. By creating spaces where employees and partners can thrive, Ayala is setting a powerful example for organizations in the Philippines and Asia Pacific.”
From left: Dominic Sessa as Bosco,
From left: Ayala Corporation
Support Services manager Christopher Edward S. Sandoval, Corporate Resources group head and chief Human Resources Officer Francisco
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com
NICKIE WANG, Editor
ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer
JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
By Nickie Wang
PUREGOLD president Vincent Co spoke about the familiar rhythm of community retail shops, more popularly known as sari sari stores, from the morning restocks to the handwritten credit lists and the steady flow of neighbors picking up daily essentials. He emphasized why these small community shops remain central to the company’s strategy.
Puregold president Vincent Co emphasizes why sari-sari stores remain central to the company’s strategy of supporting grassroots community retail
not only as business collaborators but also as proud Filipino icons. Puregold remains committed to ensuring that the humble tindahan continues to thrive and remains a meaningful part of every community.”
The company’s strong performance in the third quarter shows how important these partnerships continue to be.
Longtime sari-sari store owners and neighborhood retailers remain key drivers of Puregold’s growth, relying on the retailer as a steady supplier and business ally.
Through the series, Puregold honors these small shops while reaffirming its commitment to inclusive growth. The initiative aims to raise awareness of the essential role sari sari stores play in supporting grassroots commerce and keeping local economies active.
Puregold’s Sari-Sari Stories series highlights the essential role of neighborhood retailers in sustaining grassroots commerce in the Philippines.
Retail giant reaffirms commitment to sari sari store partners
Across the Philippines, sari sari stores are trusted fixtures. They fill access gaps in far-flung or underserved areas, offer small quantities that fit tight household budgets, and often extend credit based on long-standing relationships. These stores support
hyperlocal economies and help shape the country’s retail landscape. Puregold, one of the country’s largest retailers, has long connected its growth to the strength of these microentrepreneurs. Its wide network of sari sari store partners has built its national
Where worn favorites get a second chance
By Jasper Valdez
THE refreshed Uniqlo BGC High Street store has reopened, focusing on clothing care and personalization, and inviting shoppers to repair, customize, and extend the life of the pieces they already own.
Manila Standard Lifestyle attended an exclusive preview of the four-level space on Nov. 5, ahead of its public reopening on Nov. 7. UNIQLO Philippines chief operating officer Geraldine Sia said the goal was to build a retail space that fits into how people in BGC move through their day.
“We are truly excited to bring an elevated, world-class shopping experience with a wide array of pieces
presence and given the company a deeper understanding of how retail works at the most local level.
That mindset drives the company’s Sari Sari Stories project, an initiative Co has championed. The series focuses on the people behind these
nice way to remake, repair, and bring them back to life. Even if something has a hole or needs stitching, it doesn’t mean you have to let it go.”
Lim pointed out examples of how clothing can be repaired, from fixing small holes to reinforcing seams and replacing buttons. She emphasized that the goal isn’t to hide signs of use but to help pieces remain wearable.
“They can repair your clothes— revive them,” she said. “It’s a way to contribute to a circular society and bring back life to your well-loved pieces.”
for every person and lifestyle,” she said. She added that one of the store’s priorities is creating spaces where clothing can be made personal and worn longer.
“Our personalization service gives customers an opportunity to give their LifeWear a personal touch, truly making each piece unique,” Sia said. That idea comes through clearly in the Re.Uniqlo Studio, which offers mending and embroidery services.
The studio encourages shoppers to bring in well-loved pieces to repair instead of replacing.
Lifestyle content creator Chynna
Lim walked guests through the area and explained how it worked.
“Wear and tear is inevitable. We all have pieces we really love and use often,” Lim said. “So this studio is a
The studio also features an embroidery counter that offers designs created by Cats of BGC, a volunteer group caring for the neighborhood’s community cats that the Japanese clothing brand partnered with.
“They have a ton of designs—some Christmas-themed, and also different dogs and cats,” Lim said. “You can embroider shirts, sweaters, hats, even the tote bag that went viral. And if you want something more personal, you can do initials or lettering in different fonts and sizes.”
Donation boxes are also present in the space for pieces that are no longer worn but still have wear left in them. It’s less about making clothes look new again and more about holding on to the pieces we actually use.
Because more often than not, the pieces we’ve had the longest end up feeling the most like us.
neighborhood shops and shows how they contribute to community life and the broader economy.
“Puregold’s continued success reflects the unrelenting hard work of our sari sari store members,” Co says. “With Sari Sari Store Stories, we aim to celebrate them
It shows how these microbusinesses provide accessible purchasing options and credit to households as trusted community institutions.
Through Puregold, Vincent Co recognizes how integral microretailers are to the growth and reach of the broader retail sector.
ARANETA City ushered in the holiday season with the lighting of its iconic giant Christmas tree on Nov. 6, kicking off its 2025 celebration, “Christmas Glows in the City: Built by memories, lit by hope.”
The tree, standing between the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Fiesta Carnival, is decorated in red and gold, with 3,000 pine garlands, 8,000 lights, and colorful ornaments. It has long been a centerpiece of the city’s festive celebrations since it was first lit near the Big Dome entrance in 1981. After moving locations over the years, the tree returned to its original spot in 2024. The lighting ceremony featured performances and appearances by Vice Ganda, Joshua Garcia Pinoy Big Brother Collab Edition winners Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo with Bianca De Vera and Klarisse de Guzman , P-pop group BGYO , and “Tawag ng Tanghalan” alumni Ian Manibale, Miah, and Bryan Chong . Quezon City and Barangay Socorro officials, Araneta Group
executives, select residents and tenants, and the reigning Binibining Pilipinas queens also attended. Alexa Ilacad and Jeremy G hosted the event. The evening also launched Araneta City’s “Dashing Through The Glow” car raffle promo. Customers receive a raffle entry for a Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM 2025 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle SUV with every P1,500
memories and look forward to brighter days ahead,” she said. Other attractions across the city include the Parolan bazaar near Farmers
The ‘Sari Sari Stories’ series honors the role of neighborhood shops in strengthening hyperlocal economies across the Philippines
SB19’S Stell Ajero (right) in a scene from ‘Sari Sari Stories,’ a series that reflects the everyday rhythm of community shops, from credit lists to neighborhood essentials
The Re.Uniqlo Studio encourages shoppers to repair, customize, and keep clothing wearable instead of replacing it
Uniqlo Philippines chief operating officers Geraldine Sia (center left) and Osamu Ikezoe (center right) at the Uniqlo BGC High Street store opening