Manila Standard - 2025 November 26 - Wednesday

‘Co part of destab plotters’

Sandro brands Co as ‘new champion of DDS cabal’

By Maricel Cruz

HOUSE Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos on Tuesday pushed back against resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, branding him as the new “champion of the DDS cabal” and accusing him peddling lies from abroad to destabilize the government and evade accountability.

“Anyone can sit in front of a camera from abroad and spew lies. The statements from the newly crowned champion of the DDS cabal, former Congressman Zaldy Co, are frankly as fantastical as they are false,” Marcos said.

“This is not revelation. This is destabilization,” the presidential son added.

“DDS” refers to “Diehard Duterte Sup -

backs Speaker

retention

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc. (PCFI) has signed a manifesto of support for House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III.

In a statement released to reporters covering the House of Representatives on Monday, the 44-member PCFI expressed its “continuous and unwavering support to Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ G. Dy IlI as the leader of the House of Representatives”.

By Pot Chavez and Rex Espiritu

ONLINE reports claimed former presidential spokesman Harry Roque was arrested in The Netherlands yesterday, but the Justice and Interior departments said they have not yet received official confirmation. Roque, however, denied circulating reports of his looming deportation to the Philippines.

On his social media page, Roque shared a copy of his boarding pass to Vienna, Austria. “There is no truth to the rumors that I have been arrested. I have a

By Joel E. Zurbano

Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Tuesday to refute allegations that they received kickbacks from flood control projects in their legislative districts. The lawmakers, Quezon City Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde and Caloocan City Rep. Dean Asistio, denied any wrongdoing. Atayde brushed aside allegations

By Katrina Manubay

By Vito Barcelo and Rex Espiritu

Quezon City 1st District Rep. Arjo Atayde

Asistio

House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos

Harry Roque/Facebook

By Rex Espiritu, Rio Araja, and Edwin Ombion

that he derived any material benefits from contractors, asserting that he has never interacted with them.

“Again, it’s all hearsay because, as I have said, it would be better to provide us with evidence against me before making accusations. Since September 8, they have not given out any evidence against me or my father, and my father is willing to go into the investigation,”

Atayde told reporters upon his arrival at the ICI office in Taguig City.

“We have nothing to hide. I will not hide and I will not fly to another

country. I am here to fight for my innocence,” he stressed.

Asistio, for his part, said he attended the scheduled hearing upon the invitation of the ICI to shed light on his alleged involvement in the anomalous flood control projects.

“We voluntarily came here to the ICI to help on the investigation so that we may also be given the opportunity to clear our names regarding the allegations made against me,” said Asistio.

Atayde and Asistio belied the accusations that they received a sum of money as asserted by Pacifico Discaya during a Senate hearing in September.

The two legislators maintained that there were no ghost projects in their

districts and reaffirmed the integrity of their offices and its initiatives.

Both congressmen asked the ICI for executive sessions. When asked why, Asistio said there may be sensitive information he could reveal to the commission, including the possibility of disclosing names.

“There might be a judgment by publicity,” Asistio said.

Atayde expressed his willingness to come back if requested by the commission.

The Department of Justice earlier placed Atayde and Asistio on an immigration lookout order, along with several other lawmakers and public works officials.

gle peso from corruption.

“He wants to topple the current administration so he can be absolved of his crimes,” Marcos said.

At the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing last September, Discaya identified Atayde and Asistio as among the lawmakers who received money from flood control project deals. Discaya claimed they had no choice but to cooperate. He said failure to cooperate would result in complications for the project awarded to them, either through termination or right-of-way issues, both of which would obstruct the project’s execution. He indicated that the kickbacks or percentage were delivered in cash, with each transaction accompanied by a voucher and a ledger detailing the date on which the funds were received by the intended beneficiary.

bers learned of his “insatiable greed and corruption.”

scheduled flight to Vienna, Austria today, November 25. Details to follow,” Roque said. Department of Justice spokesman Polo Martinez said the government has not yet received any official communication regarding the alleged arrest or travel of Roque.

But Martinez said Roque may be detained by immigration authorities if he travels without a valid passport.

“He should not be able to travel without a valid passport. Immigration authorities in any country can detain him for traveling without proper travel documentation. This fact is certain,” Martinez said.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said they have not received any official communication confirming Roque’s alleged arrest.

demand accountability from public officials.

David lamented what he described as a worsening culture of dishonesty in government, stressing that real reform cannot happen without consequences for wrongdoing.

“Nothing will change in government if those who should be held accountable are not held to account,” said David, the outgoing president of the CBCP.

He said Filipinos are tired of officials who act like “parasites” feeding on the nation’s lifeblood.

He urged the public to stand firm and declare that “wrong is wrong.”

David criticized the persistence of pork barrel–type allocations, comparing them to “tumors” in the national budget that must be completely extracted. These insertions, he said, are pushed by “shameless politicians” who rely on a system that breeds corruption.

“Corruption should never be normalized,” he added, emphasizing that transparency and integrity are essential to good governance and that public office is a “public trust” that must not be abused.

He warned officials not to betray the people’s confidence.

“Do not destroy the trust of the nation. Let us not allow lies to prevail; only truth should reign,” he said.

David also underscored that the fight against corruption rests not only on institutions but on citizens themselves. Protecting democracy, he said, requires continued vigilance and the collective refusal to tolerate abuses.

The cardinal reiterated his call for broad public participation in the “Trillion Peso March” on Nov. 30, a nationwide protest demanding transparency and accountability in government spending.

Aside from the main rally at the People Power Shrine on EDSA, simultaneous demonstrations are planned in Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and other cities.

In a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military will continue to support law enforcement authorities in maintaining public safety, but stressed that organizers play a key role in preventing disorder or violence during rallies.

“We trust the organizers and leaders of these gatherings to guide their members responsibly, observe the rule of law and we call on everyone to stand united in compassion and bayanihan.” Padilla said.

Amid domestic political noise, Padilla said the AFP continues to anchor itself to its constitutional mandate.

“Amid the noise, the AFP remains the country’s steady compass, always pointing to one direction—the Constitution and the Filipino people and constitutional processes,” Padilla said.

“Our chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.] has already clarified this multiple times that there is no such thing as a military junta within the AFP,” Padilla said at a press briefing.

“The AFP will never subscribe to any reset plot and our Constitution has no cheat codes. So we will always go to the side of the Constitution, the constitutional processes that are in place,” she added.

On Sunday, Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said he got offers to join a “civil-military junta” aiming to remove President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte from office.

The offer was allegedly made by some retired soldiers.

porters” — a spinoff from the “Davao Death Squad” acronym linked with the past administration.

Co on Tuesday accused the younger Marcos of being involved as well in the insertions in the 2025 budget.

Marcos, however, turned the tables on Co, saying he was the main “architect” of the flood control mess who continues to insult the Filipinos’ intelligence by saying he did not gain a sin-

Citing an intelligence report, the lawmaker hinted that Co may have “already struck a deal with those who stand to benefit” from any power shakeup.

Marcos said the public should remember that Co is “a person with no credibility whose vested interests are to release these videos to destabilize the government.”

He recalled that Co was removed as appropriations chair after House mem-

“To my fellow countrymen, Zaldy Co is neither a journalist nor a truth crusader. He is a criminal avoiding justice. Let us not allow ourselves to be scammed by him),” Marcos said.

As this developed, Justice acting Secretary Fredderick Vida said Undersecretary Jose Cadiz, who was mentioned by Co in his recent videos, was on leave since Nov. 21.

“Usec. Cadiz remains to be one of the undersecretaries of the department. He is on leave,” Vida said.

Net Gainers score fell by 14 points from June 2025 to September 2025 due to declines in all areas.

Compared to June 2025, Net Gainers dropped from very high to fair in Mindanao, down by 13 points from +16.

It also dropped from excellent to fair in

November 24, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Tuesday.

More than 46,000 people were affected, with 15,363 families dealing with flooded homes, impassable roads, and sudden evacuations.

At least 1,966 individuals are taking shelter in 19 evacuation centers, many of them in Caraga, while six houses were reported totally damaged in Butuan City.

The weather disturbance has also triggered class and work suspensions in 195 and 45 areas, respectively.

As of Tuesday, Verbena’s center was located 35 kilometers west of Cuyo, Palawan, moving west at 25 km/h with max-

the Visayas, down by 21 points from +22, figures decreased from very high to fair in Metro Manila, down by 18 points from +10, and slipped from high to fair in Balance Luzon, down by 10 points from +6.

The survey also revealed that compared to June 2025, Net Gainers fell from very high to fair in urban areas, down by 15 points from +10 to -5. At the same time, it fell from very high to high in rural areas, down by 13 points from +14 to +1.

imum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gusts up to 70 km/h. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over parts of Mindoro, Romblon, Palawan—including the Calamian, Cuyo, and Cagayancillo Islands, along with Antique and portions of Aklan. Verbena is forecast to cross the Sulu Sea and make landfall in northern Palawan Tuesday night before emerging over the West Philippine Sea early Wednesday. It may intensify into a tropical storm within 6 to 12 hours, with further strengthening expected. Meanwhile, in Negros Occidental, communities still recovering from Typhoon Tino and Verbena’s earlier onslaught were hit by massive floods after hours of relentless rainfall from Monday morning until early Tuesday.

Despite being under Signal No. 1,

According to SWS, since 1983, the survey question regarding the respondents’ assessment of their change in quality of life over the past 12 months has been asked 163 times.

They said that Net Gainers score was generally negative until 2015, when it turned positive, only to decline sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

Bacolod City saw knee- to hip-deep waters in several barangays, including Purok Mars in Singcang, where floods nearly reached rooftops, and Purok Carvic in Mandalagan, where raging waters forced hundreds to flee to higher ground. Major roads, including the stretch of Lacson Street and areas around SM City, were described by residents as resembling “Waterworld.”

The city’s disaster response office launched rescue and relief operations Tuesday morning, while Negros Power worked to restore feeders that tripped during the flooding.

“Reports of Atty. Harry Roque being arrested in the Netherlands are circulating. By virtue of the Red Notice issued by the Philippine government, authorities in the Netherlands have cause to arrest him and turn him over to Philippine authorities,” Remulla said.

“However, I would like to emphasize that no official communication confirming an arrest has been transmitted to us. We will make the appropriate announcement once an official confirmation is received,” the DILG chief added.

The Philippine National Police, for its part, said it has placed its intelligence and tracker teams on heightened readiness.

PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they are closely coordinating with the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) in Manila while awaiting official communication on the red notice request.

“We will be the primary enforcement arm once the red notice is approved. We ensure that all police units nationwide are alerted and prepared to act,” Nartatez said in a statement.

“We recognize Speaker Bojie Dy’s consistent efforts to promote dialogue, reduce tensions, and foster a collaborative atmosphere among members of the House--even during moments of political strain,” the group said.

“His approach to leadership focuses on bridging differences rather than deepening divides, making him a stabilizing and calming presence in the chamber. Our continued support reflects our confidence in his ability to guide the House with fairness and transparency during a crucial period for our nation,” it added.

PCFI President TGP Party-list Rep. Jose Teves Jr. led the signing of the two-page manifesto, with Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Andrew Julian Romualdez among those who signed the manifesto of support for the Speaker.

“As the nation faces divisiveness, the need for steady, unifying leadership in the House of Representatives has never been more critical,” the PCFI said. The group noted that it values “leadership that promotes inclusivity, stability, and genuine collaboration.”

It recovered to near pre-pandemic levels in June 2023 and remained stable from June 2024 to December 2024, but then fell to single-digit levels from January 2025 to April 2025 before bouncing back to double-digit levels in June 2025.

The nationwide survey was conducted from September 24 to 30, with 1,500 respondents aged 18 and above, and has a margin of error of ±3% for national percentages.

The Council of Concerned Citizens (C3) criticized local officials, saying the situation reports revealed failures in flood-control and drainage projects. Initial reports from provincial disaster units showed that southern Negros towns— including Bago, La Castellana, Hinigaran, Isabela, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, Sipalay, as well as Canlaon, Guihulngan, and Vallehermoso in Negros Oriental— also endured widespread flooding. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) intensified its disaster response operations as Verbena made landfall over Surigao del Sur in Caraga. Acting PNP Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said disaster response units have been activated and deployed in areas under Signal No. 1, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive through DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla to prioritize public safety. Nartatez urged residents to stay indoors, avoid flood-prone areas, monitor official weather bulletins, prepare emergency kits, and avoid sharing or believing unverified information.

FLOODED. Heavy rains dumped by storm ‘Verbena’ turn Lacson St, in Bacolod City into a virtual river. Contributed photo

Advocates warn dangers of lower interest caps

CITIZENWATCH Philippines

warned that the SEC’s proposed interest rate cap for small loans could trigger a credit crisis for the country’s most vulnerable borrowers, stressing that the draft circular risks a sweeping disruption of the unsecured loans relied on by ordinary consumers.

“This proposal strikes at the core of the small credit system that millions of Filipino families rely on every single day,” said Orlando Oxales, lead convenor of CitizenWatch Philippines.

“Ordinary Filipinos rely on small loans for emergencies, basic expenses, and the cash flow they need to keep their work or small businesses going. If the SEC pushes through with this cap, it will choke an accessible formal lending channel available to ordinary consumers.”

Under the draft circular published on October 29, 2025, the SEC seeks to cap the effective interest rate for unsecured loans of up to ₱20,000 at 10 percent per month starting December 1, 2025. These loans make up the bulk of the small, short-term credit used daily by low-income workers and microentrepreneurs who cannot qualify for bank loans due to strict documentation and income requirements.

Oxales noted that restricting access to small, short-term credit also runs counter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call in his last SONA to strengthen and grow the country’s MSMEs.

“You cannot support MSMEs while limiting a key source of financial resources they need to survive and expand,” he said.

He cautioned that if regulated lenders are forced to scale down or withdraw because their small-loan products become financially unsustainable under the new cap, millions of borrowers will be left with no formal options.

3 in flood control mess coordinate with embassies

THREE individuals accused of involvement in anomalous flood control projects are coordinating with Philippine embassies for their surrender, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) official Lito Magno said Tuesday.

Magno said the information came from Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.

He said there are already surrender feelers from those abroad. He added that Remulla reported the three have gone to and coordinated with Philippine embassies.

The Sandiganbayan has issued arrest warrants against former lawmaker Zaldy Co and 15 others in connection with the complaint filed by the Ombudsman over the alleged anomalous ₱289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

According to Magno, the individuals abroad may voluntarily return to the Philippines. They may coordinate and be picked up at local airports, or the government may send law enforcement personnel to fetch them if necessary. Meanwhile, he said the NBI is continuously monitoring Co’s movement, citing Remulla’s information that Co was last tracked in Japan.

Magno also said authorities were able to enter Co’s house while serving the arrest warrant and found vaults, suitcases, and boxes, but were unable to search them due to the absence of a search warrant. Pot Chavez

PBBM hails solar rooftop project in Naic, Cavite

By Charles Dantes

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday touted a world-first solar rooftop project built inside a socialized housing community, calling it a “win-win model” for clean energy generation and local livelihood that could be replicated nationwide.

Speaking before residents of Pasinaya Homes in Naic, Cavite, President Marcos visited the NING*NING

6.55-megawatt Solar Rooftop Project, a development led by Solaris, Raemulan Lands, and partner organizations.

The project installs solar panels across nearly 2,000 homes, allowing the community to produce clean, gridconnected electricity without consuming farmland or displacing livelihoods.

“This is the first utility-scale, gridconnected solar project in the world located in a socialized housing community,” President Marcos said.

“The energy we produce here will power a better life for the people who live in this community and help strengthen the grid beyond it,” he added.

President Marcos said the system is expected to offset more than 6,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, comparable to removing almost 1,000 cars from the road.

He described the project as an example of “new thinking and innovation” needed to confront climate change and transition away from fossil fuels.

Beyond power generation, part of the project’s revenue will fund roof repairs,

street lighting, waste management programs, a shared solar facility, and training for residents.

The Chief Executive praised the model for allowing communities to participate directly in clean energy development.

“There is a clear benefit to this community, but also to the entire energy system,” he said.

“It is that much-searched-for winwin solution,” President Marcos added.

The project has already gained international recognition, winning Gold for ESG Integration Excellence and Silver for Sustainable Renewable Energy Initiative of the Year at the Asian Power Awards 2025.

Mr. Marcos urged developers and local governments to replicate the model in other communities, saying the government would streamline processes to accelerate similar renewable energy initiatives.

Alleged human remains in Taal Lake

By Pot Chavez

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday shared the items recovered by a joint team conducting search and retrieval operations in Taal Lake in relation to the case of missing sabungeros.

Justice spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said the team was composed of personnel from various units of the police, Coast Guard, and investigative groups. Among the recoveries were a black fine net and three sacks containing three pieces of alleged human skeletal remains and black sand.

The pieces of evidence are now under the custody of the RFU4A team and CIDG Batangas for proper documentation and further investigation.

This marks the fourth date of operations, following the DOJ’s earlier announcement of the recovery of 57 bones on three separate da tes earlier this month.

A total of 60 operations were conducted from July to October, with 981 bone pieces submitted for examination.

IN BRIEF

President welcomes 5 new envoys to PH PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday formally welcomed five new non-resident ambassadors to the Philippines, underscoring the country’s intent to broaden diplomatic engagement across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific.

In a ceremony at Malacañan Palace, he received the letters of credence of Tunisian Ambassador Mohamed Trabelsi, Paraguayan Ambassador Miguel Angel Ubaldino Romero Alvarez, Burkinabe Ambassador Bibata Nebie/Ouedraogo, Marshall Islands Ambassador Anjanette Kattil, and Serbian Ambassador Ivana Golubović-Duboka.

The presentation of credentials marks the official start of each envoy’s mission and reaffirms Manila’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. Charles Dantes

CFO starts using new system against fraud

THE Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has begun using the PhilSys eVerify system across its core services, boosting safeguards against identity fraud and human trafficking involving Filipinos abroad.

Launched in Manila, the integration formalizes the CFO’s partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority, linking all OF-CORS and R&R applicants to a verified PhilSys digital identity.

CFO Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II said the initiative advances the administration’s push for modern, citizen-centered digital governance and supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve public services.

PSA National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said the system strengthens security and confidence for Filipinos overseas accessing CFO programs.

Supported by the DICT, the project reinforces efforts to protect migrants from fraud and exploitation while enabling more seamless and secure digital services.

Vito Barcelo

PH hosts forum tackling global plastic pollution

THE Philippines and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) kicked off the inaugural International High-Level Forum on Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics), highlighting scalable solutions to plastic waste through nuclear innovation.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the two-day event gathers global leaders, ministers, scientists, industry representatives, and development partners to advance nuclear technologies that address plastic pollution and accelerate realworld adoption.

The DFA noted that with the Philippines’ election to the IAEA Board of Governors for 2025–2027, the country is taking on a more active role in shaping international cooperation and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear technology. Katrina Manubay

BIKE DAY FOR KIDS. SM City Grand Central marks National Bike Day with a kids’ push bike ride featuring 68 young cyclists from Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela.

TRASLACION WALK. Quiapo Church conducts a walkthrough of the Traslacion2026 route with the MPD, MMDA, church marshals, and other agencies on Tuesday.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025 mst.daydesk@gmail.com

IN BRIEF

Man, 19, lands in jail for living in with minor

FOR living in with a girl four years his junior, a 19-year-old construction worker was arrested and jailed by the police.

The apprehension stemmed from a complaint filed by the girl’s family who sought the help of Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) director Jay De la Fuente.

The MDSW in turn coordinated with the Taguig City police who subsequently nabbed and locked up the construction worker.

Charges for violation of RA 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” were filed against the man before the Taguig Prosecutor’s Office. Itchie Cabayan

CHR: Laws on violence vs. women ‘ineffective’

THE Commission on Human Rights

(CHR) on Tuesday joined the national commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with the global theme “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls.”

Despite a surfeit of laws to protect the rights of the Filipino women, the CHR raised concerns over the failure to strictly implement them.

“The Philippines has long established robust legal frameworks such as the Magna Carta of Women, the Safe Spaces Act, and the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act,” it said.

“However, persistent gaps in implementation hinder the realization of a safe environment for all. The Commission calls on the government, as duty-bearer, to ensure that women’s rights are protected and fulfilled even in digital spaces,” the agency added. Rio N. Araja

Mayor cites Ilagan’s strides to ‘liveable city’

ILAGAN City—Mayor Josemarie

Diaz said the city has attained impressive and ambitious achievements in infrastructure, health, social welfare, education and youth development, economic growth livelihood, digital governance and innovation, environmental protection and disaster resilience, and good governance.

Diaz made this observation in his 2025 State of the City Address delivered on Monday at the Capital Arena here.

He said the city made “significant strides toward becoming a “liveable city” by 2030.

Diaz assured his constituents that his leadership remained committed to quality service, transparency, and accountability, adding that substandard or ghost projects would be allowed under his watch. Jessica M. Bacud

DOJ offers P1-m bounty on Ong

By Pot Chavez

THE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday announced a P1-million reward for information leading to the arrest of fugitive Cassandra Ong.

In a press briefing, Justice acting Secretary Fredderick Vida said the bounty is part of their efforts to ensure that the case against Ong will be brought to final conclusion.

“The Department of Justice is formally announcing that it will [give] P1-million reward for credible, actionable information that will directly lead to the lawful discovery, location, and

subsequent arrest by authorized law enforcement agent of Cassandra Li Ong who is presently the subject of an ongoing criminal proceeding before the Regional Trial Court of Pasig City,” Vida said. He noted that they recognize her capacity to move around, enter, and exit the country’s jurisdiction without being detected by authorities.

On that basis, they are not ruling out the possibility that Ong slipped through the back door, as the Bureau of Immigration has no record of any of

her departures. Last week, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission revealed that Ong was last tracked to Japan after being released from detention. Meanwhile, the RTC granted the motion to cancel the passport of Ong and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, along with several others declared as fugitives from justice by the Philippine government. Ong and Roque are facing qualified human trafficking case involving the Lucky South99 Scam

Gatchalian says SUCs to get P8.6b for infra upgrade

By Ram Superable

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday gave assurance that state universities and colleges (SUCs) will receive P8.6 billion for infrastructure upgrades that would enable them to admit more qualified students.

Gatchalian regretted that capacity limitations forced at least 168,493 qualified applicants to be denied admission to higher education during last the academic cycle.

“Our goal is to expand not only the buildings, but also (to grant) the dreams of every student who wishes to have a better future,” he said.

Data from 62 of the country’s 115 SUCs showed that 32, or 52 percent, were operating beyond their designed capacities.

Eleven of the surveyed SUCs, representing 18 percent, also reached full enrolment capacity.

“Under this fund, the construction of

classrooms and other facilities will be accelerated so that more Filipino youth can be given the opportunity to enter college,” said Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He urged SUCs to prioritize increasing academic capacity through strategic construction projects and resource investments. Improved facilities would also support the hiring of additional faculty to meet rising enrolment needs, the senator noted.

This initiative follows the senator’s statement back in August emphasizing that expanding SUC capacity and investing in education facilities are key to realizing free higher education for all qualified students.

“We will ensure there is sufficient and continuous funding for free college education until every young Filipino who dreams of graduating is reached,” Gatchalian said.

THE National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) will open a provincial outlet in Ilocos Norte following the signing of the Certificate of Turnover and Acceptance of the Arte Luna property in Paoay on Nov, 19, deemed as a major cultural milestone for the province.

Under a 25-year Deed of Usufruct, the Arte Luna’s property of the provincial government will serve as the future home of the National Museum–Ilocos Norte.

The NMP will oversee the preservation, conservation, and protection of both movable and immovable cultural assets within the site, ensuring that the province’s rich heritage is safeguarded and made accessible to the public.

The facility will serve as a hub for cultural research, exhibitions, education programs, and public appreciation of the province’s rich artistic, historic, and cultural heritage.

Preservation of the property aligns with the NMP’s mission to preserve the nation’s cultural treasures and make them accessible to the public.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Cecilia Araneta Marcos reaffirmed the province’s commitment to heritage conservation.

“The provincial government of Ilocos Norte will continue to stand with you, to collaborate with you and to champion every effort for our heritage that promotes cultural ties,” she said.

Vice Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc likewise highlighted the importance of the partnership.

“We are so glad to sign this agreement, something that is we have been working for many years, because it has been formalized, and soon [Ilocos Norte] will host a National Museum for the first time ever, this is truly remarkable, truly historic to the province of Ilocos Norte,” he said. The provincial government’s turnover of the Arte Luna to the National Museum is seen as a manifestation of the province’s commitment to safeguarding its cultural legacy and promoting heritage-driven education, tourism, and community engagement.

TUGUEGARAO City— More than 2,000 Catholic devotees from across Cagayan walked through the streets of Tuguegarao City on Sunday, Nov.23 in what was called a “Pilgrim Walk of Hope,” touting placards that

He added that such values are not merely administrative or political, but “deeply rooted in the Gospel’s call to justice and peace.

The event also marked the launch of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao’s new five-year pastoral plan, which will guide the religious sector from 2026 to 2031.

over corruption and misuse of public funds. Rooted in prayer and devotion, the gathering reflected broader demands for reform and accountability, echoing civic actions such as the Trillion Peso March, first held on Sept. 21 and set for a major repeat on Nov. 30. Fr. Manuel Vicente Catral, archdiocesan director of pastoral programs said the exercise was “a testament that we are a Church on the move, a shepherding Church. In these footsteps, we see a desire for a Church and society that values a governance structure of transparency, accountability, and collaborative leadership.”

THE PROTEST SHOW MUST GO ON. Members of militant organizations, notably the GABRIELA, commemorate the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women with protest actions denouncing massive corruption in the bureaucracy and state terrorism. Norman Cruz

Hub.

ARTE LUNA PAOAY GETS NEW CURATOR. Officials of the National Museum of the Philippines conclude a usufruct agreement with the Ilocos Norte provincial government led by Gov. Cecilia Araneta Marcos for the turnover of the Arte Luna gallery to the NMP.

LAMPS SHINE BRIGHTER IN THE DARK. The stretch of Cavite’s Aguinaldo Highway, from the Daang Hari Road to the Imus Boulevard in Imus City glows anew at night, bedecked with Christmas lanterns to welcome the Yuletide Season. Dennis Abrina

OPINION

A crucial test of

OUR upcoming chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations next year will take place amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea, where overlapping maritime claims have fueled confrontations between China and several Asean members, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

President Marcos Jr. has acknowledged the “enormous responsibility” of leading Asean during this period. He has vowed to implement the Asean Community Vision 2045 with “purpose and resolve.”

His pledge to pursue “mutually beneficial cooperation” with China while asserting our sovereign rights in the South China Sea demonstrates the delicate balancing act the Philippines must perform in the region.

Beyond ceremonial duties, the chairmanship offers a unique opportunity to shape the regional agenda.

President Marcos Jr. has already identified the long-delayed Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea as a top priority. This is a bold move, given that negotiations with China have stalled for years over issues of legal enforceability, geographic scope, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

The country’s dual-track approach— actively engaging China in the diplomatic sphere while openly asserting our maritime rights in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)—is not new. It echoes the “friends to all, enemies to none” approach that has long guided Philippine foreign policy, and which the President emphasized in his inaugural address in 2022. But the stakes are higher now.

The 2016 arbitral ruling in favor of the Philippines, which invalidated China’s expansive “nine-dash line” claim, remains unenforced. Meanwhile, Chinese maritime militias and coast guard vessels continue to harass Filipino fishermen and resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea.

In this vein, President Marcos’ call for “meaningful outcomes” must be more than rhetorical.

The Philippines must lead Asean in demanding a COC that is legally binding, time-bound, and consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Anything less risks legitimizing China’s gray-zone tactics and undermining Asean’s credibility as a rules-based community.

“The Philippines stands ready to work with Asean and China to translate our commitments into meaningful outcomes through mutually beneficial cooperation,” the President said during the 28th Asean-China Summit.

“It must be clear, however, that this cooperation cannot exist alongside coercion,” he pointed out.

regional diplomacy

Among the biggest challenges the Philippines will face is forging consensus within Asean itself.

Member-states have divergent interests in the South China Sea.

While Vietnam and Malaysia share Manila’s concerns, others like Cambodia and Laos have historically aligned more closely with Beijing.

This internal division has hampered the regional bloc’s ability to forge a united front.

To overcome this, the Philippines must invest in active coalition-building within Asean.

Engagement with China should not mean appeasement nor surrender

It can draw on its moral authority as the only country to have secured a legal victory against China’s aggressive maritime claims.

It can also leverage its democratic credentials and growing strategic partnerships with the United States, Japan, and Australia to rally support for a principled stance.

Engagement with China should not mean appeasement nor surrender.

The Philippines must be clear-eyed about the risks of over-reliance on Chinese goodwill.

While economic cooperation, such as joint development of marine resources, can be explored, it must not come at the expense of sovereignty or legal clarity.

The chairmanship also offers a platform to elevate maritime security cooperation within Asean.

Initiatives like coordinated patrols, information-sharing mechanisms, and capacity-building for smaller navies can help deter coercive behavior and build regional resilience.

President Marcos Jr.’s optimism: “At heart, I’m an optimist,” he said, is certainly welcome.

But such optimism must be matched by strategic clarity and political will.

The Philippines has a chance to lead Asean not just in managing tensions, but in redefining the region’s approach to peace, cooperation and international law.

This, we must emphasize, is not merely a diplomatic challenge, but also a test of regional leadership.

If the Philippines can steer Asean toward a credible and enforceable Code of Conduct while maintaining open channels with China in the economic sphere, it will do more than chair a summit, it will also help secure the region’s future.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

Where grace abounds all the more

SAINT Paul once offered a thought that is both unsettling and comforting: “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). It’s a strange pairing. Sin and grace. Darkness and light. Wounds and healing. One drags us down, the other insists on lifting us up. These past months, with accusations being fired from all sides, I find myself asking how deep our political troubles really are. And the more I reflect on it, the more I see that our problems run deeper than politics. They touch the moral core of our national life.

A friend and lay preacher once reminded me, “Eight out of ten Filipinos are Christian.” A simple line, but it forces us to look in the mirror. If most of us hear the same Gospel every Sunday, how do we still end up tangled in dishonesty, shortcuts, and corruption? How can a people known for kindness and generosity find themselves constantly struggling with issues of integrity?

This is part of what the Church calls mysterium iniquitatis—the mystery of evil. Knowing the good doesn’t always make us do the good. But this mystery is not an excuse; it is a wake-up call.

As I think about where we are, three things become clear to me.

First, our political controversies reveal deeper fractures within us. Corruption in public life often begins as small compromises in private life. Before a scandal becomes national, it begins with a decision in the heart—a decision to bend, to hide, or to take more than what is fair.

Maybe this is the time—not to point fingers, not to settle scores, but to let grace guide us back toward accountability, integrity and truth

Second, no system of governance survives without virtue. We can write the best laws and perfect our institutions, but if the people running them lack integrity, everything eventually collapses. Charac-

EDITORIAL

Spectacle

EIGHT of 18 individuals ordered arrested by the court in relation to the flood control anomaly were presented to the media Monday. There were the usual images of hoodies, face masks, covered wrists, and other means to hide their identities. Their mug shots of the orange-clad detainees circulated on social media: their faces, names, and official designations in full view of anyone who had an internet connection.

On Monday afternoon, the six male suspects were committed to the Quezon City Jail in Payatas, Quezon City. One female was brought to Camp Karingal, also in Quezon City. The other female was allowed to post bail.

Some of the accused surrendered while some were arrested. Those who are abroad – in Qatar, New Zealand, and the United States – have reportedly sent feelers that they intend to surrender soon, even as the most famous of them, former lawmaker Zaldy Co, remains at large.

We welcome the visuals of the first batch of arrests and hope the others would meet the same fate. The flood control scandal has taken much out of this nation in so many

ways: the human toll in flooding, taxpayers’ money that should have gone to legitimate flood-mitigation and other infrastructure, displacement and hours lost instead of working or studying, among others.

Satisfaction should not come from the show of arresting small fry

But we would also welcome the promise that the engineers and accountants of the Department of Public Works and Highways Region

IV-B would not be the only ones made to pay for this sordid mess. Sure, their cases must contain solid evidence of corrupt acts to merit an arrest. But it is also glaring that those now in jail are midlevel employees. They may have participated in the anomalies but they are in no way the only ones in on the game. We are heartened by the words of authorities that they are building solid cases against those whom they will charge, based on hard evidence instead of mere say-so by some personalities. By all means, leave no stone unturned in exposing massive corruption in our land, and leave no room for doubt in terms of proof. Then, satisfaction will come, not from the spectacle of arresting small fry but from the final conviction of big names who have milked the public coffers while also doing performative public service. We look forward to the next weeks and months when yet bigger names will be made to face the law. They must be held accountable for their sins against the nation. Our long-suffering people deserve no less. Only this will placate our outrage.

Malaysian scientists recruit bed bugs as crime scene sleuths

PENANG, Malaysia – Under glaring laboratory lights, a research assistant extends his forearm and carefully inverts a mesh-topped container onto his skin to allow a wriggling mass of bed bugs to feed on his blood, all in the name of science.

Long-loathed as itchy household pests, the blood-sucking insects have revealed a darker, more intriguing potential as Malaysian scientists have discovered they can be turned into unlikely crime-busting allies.

A team from the Science University of Malaysia in northern Penang has found that tropical bed bugs can retain DNA from human prey for up to 45 days after snacking on an unwary victim.

This makes the tiny critters, who love to lurk in headboard cracks, mattress seams and pillow covers, ideal evidence resources when it comes to pinpointing suspects at crime scenes.

From a speck of blood, police investigators may one day be able to piece together the full profile of an offender, if the critters are present at a crime scene.

Analyzing the insects could reveal gender, eye colour, hair and skin colour, entomologist Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid told AFP.

“We call bed bugs the ‘musuh dalam selimut’ (Malay for “the enemy in the blanket”),” Hafiz said, adding that “they can also be spies” to help solve crimes.

DNA profiling

In a laboratory tucked deep inside USM’s School of Biological Sciences, Hafiz and postdoctoral researcher Lim Li have spent nearly half a decade studying tropical bed bugs.

The bloodsuckers, scientific name Cimex hemipterus, are the most com-

ter is the true backbone of public service. Third, crises, for all their messiness, give us clarity. They force us to confront uncomfortable truths. They shake us awake. And sometimes, they open doors to renewal—personal and national.

In a recent statement, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David appealed to this very possibility of renewal. His challenge to corrupt officials was not about politics; it was about conscience. And he offered three essential steps toward genuine conversion.

The first step is admitting wrongdoings. This is hard. It demands courage. And it requires leaders to put truth before pride. But no healing can begin without honesty. A nation cannot move forward if its leaders will not even acknowledge the harm done.

The second step is repenting for sins. Repentance is more than a public apol-

mon species found in Malaysia and the tropics. The bugs are reared in containers under a laboratory bench, each wrapped in black plastic to mimic conditions the insects thrive in.

“We place folded pieces of paper inside the small containers so the bed bugs have something to climb on,” Hafiz said.

With the lab’s temperature kept at a constant 23C to 24C, the insects suck up 1.5 to 5.3 microlitres of blood at each feeding, an “amount less than a droplet”, Hafiz explained.

From a speck of blood, police investigators may one day be able to piece together the full profile of an offender, if the critters are present at a crime scene

Researchers found DNA extracted from bed bugs that had fed on human blood could recover basic “phenotypic profiling”, a person’s observable traits, as well as gender for up to 45 days.

Using so-called STR (Short Tandem Repeat) and SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) markers, specific DNA sequences extracted from the blood, researchers can determine the gender, eye, hair and skin color of potential suspects, long after they have fled the scene.

The USM study called “Human profiling from STR and SNP analysis of tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus”, was published in Nature’s Scientific

ogy. It is a change of heart—a willingness to confront what we have become and choose a new path. It is the inner transformation that gives meaning to every outward act of contrition.

The third step is returning stolen public wealth. This is where sincerity becomes measurable. Words can be crafted; statements can be scripted. But returning what belongs to the people shows the heart has truly changed. It repairs trust, even if slowly. It restores what was broken.

These three steps are not just for the accused. They are a mirror for all of us.

Because corruption thrives not only because of powerful people, but also because everyday citizens sometimes lose hope in honesty, excuse wrongdoing, or quietly look away. But let me add one more thing: in the middle of all this anger and disappoint-

Reports two years ago.

It was the first documented forensic use involving tropical bed bugs.

‘Perfect’ forensic tool Unlike mosquitoes and flies, bed bugs cannot fly, and once they have fed, “become engorged and can’t move around that much”, Hafiz said, adding that they can only move within six meters of where they’ve fed.

“That’s what makes them unique. We can say they are perfect to use as a forensic tool compared to mosquitoes that... fly away,” Hafiz added.

The bugs are particularly useful at crime scenes, where fluids have been wiped away to destroy evidence, as the critters are often well-hidden.

Back in the lab, researcher Lim did not hesitate to demonstrate a feeding session, even joking that she had been a “willing victim” for science.

“I let them feed on my blood when I wanted to test how long (it would take) the human DNA to degrade,” she said. Lim insisted that the inconspicuous bugs are “misunderstood creatures” and do not spread diseases -- even though their bite leaves an itchy rash that can last for weeks.

“Maybe we can try educating people because the bed bugs are not actually vectors. So even if you get bitten, they can’t transmit diseases to you,” she said. While the researchers imagined a future where tiny bed bugs at crime scenes could lead investigators to murder suspects, Hafiz said the insects weren’t a magic fix. Bed bugs have their limits -- especially when it comes to cracking cold cases, said Hafiz.

“It only gives investigators a time frame of 45 days to use bed bugs as evidence -- and only if they are available at the crime scene,” he said. AFP

ment, we must not lose sight of grace. Grace does not deny wrongdoing. Grace does not excuse it. Grace simply says: change is possible, conversion is possible, and forgiveness is possible—if we are brave enough to ask for it. The Philippines has been wounded many times before. But our story has never been one of despair. Again and again, we rise. Again and again, we rebuild. Again and again, God gives us another chance. So as we confront these moral and political storms, may we remember Saint Paul’s strange and hopeful promise. Yes, sin abounds. But grace abounds even more. And maybe this is the time—not to point fingers, not to settle scores, but to let grace guide us back toward accountability, integrity and truth, toward conversion of self and society, and toward the kind of nation we were always meant to be.

A6 WORLD IN BRIEF

Trump ends TPS for Myanmar nationals

WASHINGTON, DC – The Trump administration announced on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) that it was ending temporary protections shielding immigrants from Myanmar from deportation from the United States.

The move affects around 4,000 people from the Southeast Asian nation who have been living in the United States under what is known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

TPS protects its holders from deportation and allows them to work.

It is granted to people deemed to be in danger if they return to their home countries, because of war, natural disaster or other extraordinary circumstances.

President Donald Trump, as part of his sweeping immigration crackdown, has removed TPS for nationals from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela. AFP

China launches spacecraft for stranded station crew

BEIJING – China conducted an urgent unmanned spacecraft launch on Tuesday, after damage to a previous mission’s return capsule left the crew on its space station without a means of getting back to Earth.

The Long March-2F rocket carrying Shenzhou-22 lifted off shortly after midday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, footage from state broadcaster CCTV showed.

Recent Shenzhou missions have been used to crew China’s Tiangong space station, exchanging teams of three astronauts every six months.

Shenzhou-22 was originally slated for a crewed launch in 2026.

But it was launched early after a suspected space debris strike to the Shenzhou-20 return capsule made it unsafe for re-entry to Earth, leaving its crew briefly stranded. AFP

Taliban: Pakistan strikes on Afghanistan kill 10

KABUL – Pakistan strikes on neighboring Afghanistan killed at least 10 people, the Taliban government spokesman said Tuesday, a day after a suicide attack on a security compound in Pakistan’s Peshawar city.

“The Pakistani invading forces bombed the house of a local civilian resident... As a result, nine children (five boys and four girls) and one woman were martyred” in Khost province, spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid posted on X. Air strikes targeting the border regions of Kunar and Paktika wounded another four civilians, he added. Pakistan government officials and the military have not commented on the raids.

The bombardment follows a suicide attack that targeted the headquarters of Pakistan’s paramilitary Federal Constabulary force in Peshawar, killing three officers and wounding 11 others.

At tomb of Lebanon’s miracle saint, faithful await Pope Leo XIV

ANNAYA, Lebanon – Charbel Matar says a Lebanese saint saved his life when he was a child.

Now, he is among pilgrims of all faiths who visit Saint Charbel’s tomb, soon to be graced by Pope Leo XIV.

“My family and I have great faith in Saint Charbel and always visit him,” said Matar, 69, at the Saint Maron Monastery in Annaya in the mountains of north Lebanon.

“I almost died when I was five. He performed a miracle and saved me from death, and kept me alive for 64 more years,” said Matar, whose parents changed his name from Roger to Charbel to honor the saint.

In Pope Leo’s first trip abroad since becoming head of the Catholic Church, the US-born pontiff will travel to Turkey and Lebanon, arriving in Beirut on November 30 and visiting the Annaya monastery the following day. Saint Charbel has broad popular appeal in Lebanon even beyond the Christian community, with many seeing him not only as a miracle worker but also as a national symbol.

Depictions of the saint with a white beard, his eyes lowered in prayer and wearing black garb, can be found in homes, vehicles and workplaces.

Randa Saliba, 60, called Saint Charbel “a message of love... and the face of Lebanon”. The pope’s trip to his tomb was a must, she said during a visit to the monastery with her family.

The Catholic Church “can’t deny the miracles he performs and the people whose souls he transforms. He’s keeping the Christian message alive,” she added.AFP

Kyiv, Moscow exchange strikes as allies work to end deadly war

KYIV – Ukraine and Russia counted casualties Tuesday after trading deadly overnight strikes, as negotiators scrambled to revise a framework to end the nearly four-year conflict ahead of a US-imposed deadline.

Ukraine on Tuesday said a Russian overnight attack on the capital Kyiv that killed six people was Moscow’s “terrorist response” to diplomatic efforts to find an end to the war.

Russian President Vladimir “Putin gave his terrorist response to the United States’ and President (Donald) Trump’s peace proposals. With a barrage of missiles and drones against Ukraine,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said on social media.

US President Donald Trump has given Kyiv until Nov. 27 -- the American holiday of Thanksgiving -- to respond to his proposal to end the fighting, a timeline and blueprint that European leaders have baulked at.

Kyiv and its allies nonetheless spent the weekend hammering away at Washington’s 28-point plan, which initially hewed close to Russia’s hardline demands, re-

quiring the invaded country to cede territory, cut its military and pledge never to join NATO.

An updated version, aiming to “uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty”, was thrashed out over the weekend at emergency talks in Geneva.

Countries supporting Kyiv -- part of the “coalition of the willing” -- are due to hold a video call Tuesday to discuss the state of the plan.

On the battlefield, the adversaries ramped up pressure with a flurry of overnight attacks.

Before dawn Tuesday, Russia’s defense ministry said it had intercepted and destroyed 249 Ukrainian drones -- one of the highest figures reported.

In Russia’s Rostov region, acting governor Yuri Sliusar said at least three people were killed in the strikes.

“Tonight’s enemy attack brought great

grief,” Sliusar said.

In the Krasnodar frontier region, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev called the overnight bombardment “one of the Kyiv regime’s most sustained and massive attacks”.

Across the border in the Ukrainian capital, AFP journalists heard powerful explosions and saw people running for shelters as air raid sirens blared.

Authorities in Kyiv said at least two people died and seven were wounded in the capital, after a barrage of missiles and drones targeted the country’s beleaguered energy sector.

“We must be cognizsant that Russia will not ease its pressure on Ukraine,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said as his air force issued a nationwide missile warning.

Zelenskyy has described his country as being in a “critical moment”, after last week saying Ukraine risked losing either its “dignity” or Washington as an ally.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who welcomed the original US plan to end the fighting, has threatened to seize more Ukrainian territory if Kyiv walks away from the negotiations.

Russia’s military already occupies around a fifth of Ukraine -- much of it

ravaged by years of fighting.

Kyiv and its European allies say the war, the largest and deadliest on European soil since World War II, is an unprovoked and illegal land grab that has resulted in a tidal wave of violence and destruction.

Tens of thousands of civilians and military personnel have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukrainian, American and European officials met in Switzerland Sunday after the US proposal to halt the war was widely criticized as requiring too much capitulation.

A joint US-Ukrainian statement after the weekend talks announced an “updated and refined peace framework”. While the latest draft has not been published, the White House hailed it as progress, and the joint statement affirmed “any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty”.

Kyiv’s delegation said the latest draft “already reflects most of Ukraine’s key priorities”.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has thrown doubt on the ability to strike a deal by Trump’s November 27 deadline, saying that discussions would be a “lengthy, long-lasting process”. AFP

China’s Xi pushes Taiwan case, other issues in call with Trump to build on trade truce

BEIJING – Chinese leader Xi Jinping pressed the ever-sensitive issue of Taiwan in a phone call Monday with US President Donald Trump, as he stressed the need to build on a fragile trade truce between the two superpowers.

China’s foreign ministry said the call touched on other issues, such as Ukraine, but Taiwan featured prominently, with China embroiled in a weekslong diplomatic row with key US ally Japan over the self-governing island.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, and Xi told Trump that its return was an “integral part of the post-war international order” forged in the joint US-China fight against “fascism and militarism”, according to the department.

“Given what is going on, it is even more important for us to jointly safeguard the victory of WWII,” Xi told Trump.

Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai hit back at Xi’s comments, telling reporters on Tuesday that Taiwan “is a fully sovereign state” and “there is no such option as return.”

The latest bitter dispute between Tokyo and Beijing was triggered by new Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggesting this month that Tokyo could intervene militarily in any attack on Taiwan.

While the United States does not officially recognize Taiwan’s claim to statehood, Washington remains the island’s most important partner and arms supplier.

Trump praised “extremely strong” US-China relations in a social media post after the call, but made no mention of the contentious issue of Taiwan.

According to China’s foreign ministry, Trump told Xi during their discussion that the United States “understands how important the Taiwan question is to China”.

The US president’s statement also confirmed that he will visit China in April, and that Xi will go to Washington later in 2026. Meanwhile Takaichi said she also had a call with Trump and discussed his conversation with Xi, as well as US-Japan relations. AFP

‘that threatens us most’

Macron says France must not be ‘weak’ against Russia

PARIS – French President Emmanuel

Macron said Tuesday France must not be “weak” faced with the threat from Russia, while emphasizing it had no intention of “sending our young people” to fight in the Ukraine war.

“We would be wrong to show weakness in the face of this threat. If we want to protect ourselves, we French -- which is my sole concern -- we must demonstrate that we are not weak against the power that threatens us the most,” he told RTL radio in an interview.

Macron is expected to make an announcement later this week on a voluntary form of military service, after France scrapped compulsory service in 1997.

He told RTL he would be announcing a “transformation of national service into a

new form” on Thursday, but did not provide further details.

A source with knowledge of the matter, speaking anonymously because not allowed to speak to the press, has told AFP that the plan is for 2,000 to 3,000 people to be trained up in the first year, aiming to increase those signing up over time to 50,000 per year.

Macron however stressed that France had no intention of sending its youth to the frontlines.

“It is absolutely necessary, at least immediately, to dispel any confused idea suggesting that we are going to send our young people to Ukraine,” he said.

France’s top general last week caused alarm after warning that the country must be ready to “lose its children” against the background of the threat posed by Russia. AFP

RALLY VS. FASCISM. A woman holds a sign that depicts US President Donald Trump and reads ‘National Guard Costs 11 Million A Day Free DC Stop Waste’ as protesters gather near the White House on Tuesday in Washington, DC. The group Refuse Fascism held a rally and afterwards held hands in a long line holding yellow ‘Crime Scene

Cross’ tape along Lafayette Square near the White House. AFP

TAIWAN SLAMS CHINA. This combination of pictures created on Monday shows, left/rigjt, China’s President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Nov. 12, 2025 and US President Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on Nov. 22, 2025. Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump discussed bilateral cooperation and the issue of Taiwan in a phone call on Monday. Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai hit back at Xi’s comments, telling reporters Tuesday Taiwan ‘is a fully sovereign state’ and ‘there is no such option as return.’ AFP

Amoroto stuns 2-time champ Chua in All-Japan billiards’ tilt

By Randy M. Caluag

IN A stunning upset that capped a dominant run for Philippine cue artists, 23-year-old rising star Kyle Amoroto defeated compatriot and two-time champion Johann Chua, 11-5, to capture the prestigious All-Japan Championship title in Osaka.

Amoroto, one of the Philippines’ brightest young talents, showcased remarkable composure and shotmaking ability to overcome a difficult start, pocketing the top prize of $10,666 approximately P600,000).

The championship match against the highly favored Chua, who had previously ruled the event in 2015 and 2017, began ominously for the younger contender. Chua, known for his clinical execution, stormed out to a commanding 3-O lead appearing poised to claim a third All-Japan crown. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the fourth rack when Chua faltered, missing a key shot on the seven-ball. Amoroto seized the opportunity,

stringing together an impressive five consecutive racks to overturn the deficit and take a crucial 5-3 lead.

Displaying the poise of a seasoned veteran rather than an up-and-comer, Amoroto maintained control, consistently answering Chua’s attempts to rally. Though the veteran managed to close the gap to 7-5, Amoroto dominated the final four racks, sealing the 11-5 victory and the biggest title of his young career. The final result secured what was already a Pinoy triumph, as the tournament culminated in an all-Filipino Final Four. The semi-finals guaranteed that the title would return home, highlighting the deep pool of talent currently emerging from the Philippines.

In the first semi-final, Amoroto faced the tough challenge of Antonio Lining.

Amoroto once again demonstrated his ability to fight back, recovering from a 5-7 deficit to ultimately close out the match, 11-8, earning his spot in the championship round.

The other semi-final was a heartstopping thriller that pitted Chua against Rommel Santos. In a gruelling, back-and-forth affair, Chua prevailed in a tense hillhill battle, edging out Santos with a final score of 11-10 to set up the allPhilippine final.

The All-Japan Championship, officially the All Japan Open Championship, is one of the world’s most respected open tournaments, held annually in Osaka, Japan.

PH marks milestone moments despite heartbreaker to Morocco

Han shines as Balinggao, Lim win big in Charity Cup

THE Philippines fell to Morocco in a 2-3 heartbreaker Monday night but took consolation in scoring two historic goals in the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup in front of an electric home crowd.

Inday Tolentin and Cathrine Graversen got the honors as milestone goal-scorers for the country in the prestigious 16-nation meet backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Football Federation.

Tolentin struck off a free kick less than four minutes into the Group A match while Graversen followed suit in transition three minutes later, sending the roaring 1,171-strong supporters at the PhilSports

Arena to frenzy. But the Filipina5 failed to sustain the charge, allowing the Atlas Lionesses to steal the crucial win that kept them on the hunt for a quarterfinal spot at three points (one-win, one-loss).

The setback, which came after an opening 0-6 beatdown from Poland, pushed the home side to the exits with one match left in the campaign against quarterfinals-bound Argentina (six points on two wins) on Thursday.

Still, there’s a silver lining to be grateful for.

“It’s a World Cup, right, everybody wants to score so for me it’s a dream come true,” said Graversen.” To do it on your homecourt makes it more exciting and crazy. The atmosphere was just wild.”

Graversen took added pride in the fact that the Filipina5, despite relinquishing control with three successive goals from Nadia Laftah (10th), Siiham Tadlaoui (14th) and Jasmine Demraoui (17th), kept fighting.

“We created a lot of opportunities and we gave it our all. That’s all you can ask, basically,” she said. “And we fought until the very last minute, even tried ‘power play’ (strategy) to try something different (in the last five minutes).”

Monsalve shocks No. 1 Ababa in big Match Play reversal

STA. Rosa, Laguna – Marvi Monsalve made the most of a late opportunity to enter the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational – and then produced the most stunning result of the rain-hit Tuesday round by eliminating top seed Sarah Ababa in a composed and calculated performance befitting the match-play format’s unpredictability.

Originally outside the elite 16-player roster, Monsalve was elevated into the field only after Princess Superal and Chihiro Ikeda withdrew to compete in the Japan Q-School. But once in, she took full advantage, going shot-for-shot and putt-for-putt against the newly crowned Order of Merit champion before seizing control at the backside of the demanding TCC layout.

From there, she never let Ababa back in as Monsalve closed out a commanding 3&2 victory and barged into the quarterfinals of the P1.5-million season finale of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour. Monsalve credited her composure and putting for the victory – factors that often become decisive in head-to-head matches, where each hole is its own contest and emotional swings can be more impactful than scorecard numbers. “Putting,” Monsalve said simply when asked

what made the difference. “My game was steady today, and Sarah also had some bad breaks. She hit a couple of good shots that had bad bounces.”

Her win underscored one of match play’s defining quirks – rankings matter far less than momentum, patience and the ability to capitalize on isolated opportunities, especially when facing a player who has been consistent all season. Monsalve herself entered ranked No. 18 in the OOM, with her best performance a tiedsixth finish at Apo.

“I honestly didn’t expect to win. Sarah’s a very good player,” added Monsalve, who now moves on to face another formidable opponent, Daniella Uy, in the Last 8.

Uy, Florence Bisera and Tiffany Lee also advanced with authoritative wins, each showing the sharpness needed to make a deep run in the match-play format, where a single shaky stretch can end a campaign.

Uy, who narrowly missed wins at Pradera Verde and Bacolod, dispatched Gretchen Villacencio, 4&3. She seized control early with steady pars under drizzle and never let up, setting a collision course with Monsalve in the quarters of the season-ending event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

XForce GLS 1.5E courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors, while Lim won a Toyota Rize E MT from Toyota Silang, Cavite. The hole-in-one prizes – raffled off after no player scored an ace – were likewise claimed by several lucky participants. Michael Lopez won a sevennight Mexican Riviera cruise for two, inclusive of airfare, from Royal Caribbean International and Baron Travel. Other prize winners were Clarito Casano (brand-new Electric Golf Cart from MF Electric Golf Cart), Buboy Alvarez (Smart Vogue Plus Ogawa Chair from Ogawa), Hector Caunan (brandnew GSM 4000 from Gransportivo), Ian Tambunting (six-day Mongolia Tour package for two from Rakso Air Travel & Tours), and Theody Pascual and Jayden Juco (four-day vacation package for two to Seoul, Korea with airfare from Arce Tours & Travel).

Quezon eyes 2-0 lead over Binan quintet

QUEZON Province targets a more convincing win over Binan Tatak Gel in Game Two of the 747. LIVE presents Manny Pacquiao MPBL 2025 Season South Division Finals at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the Lucena Convention Center.

The Quezon Huskers squeaked past the Lagunenses, 57-55, in Game One of the best-of-five series on Monday, revving up their title retention drive despite a bumpy finish.

Ahead, 54-46, heading to the last four minutes, Quezon nearly buckled under the strain of Binan’s final assault, avoiding overtime when Binan veteran Marc Pingris overshot an open attempt inside with 1.1 seconds left.

A triple by Gab Banal against nine points by Binan in the homestretch averted total collapse by the Huskers, seeking a second straight National Finals appearance after being swept by the Pampanga Giant Lanterns last year. To repeat over Binan, Quezon will again lean on Judel Fuentes, Ljay Gonzales, Ximone Sandagon, Will Gozum, Vince Magbuhos, Jaymar Gimpayan, Emman Tagle and Banal.

The Huskers could have had a smoother victory ride if not for their poor free throw shooting, sinking only half of their 18 attempts.

Magbuhos snagged 12 rebounds as Quezon prevailed underneath, 45-43, while Tagle drilled in three straight triples in the second quarter to push the Huskers ahead, 30-24.

To level the series, underdog Binan will depend on Kenny Roger Roca-

served a one-game suspension in Game One.

Kyle Amoroto (with trophy) tops the All-Japan Championship in Osaka.

curva, Carlo Lastimosa, Warren Bonifacio, Jaymar Gimpayan, Enzo Subido, Pingris, and Pamboy Raymundo, who

Marvi Monsalve closes out a commanding 3&2 victory to barge into the quarterfinals. Manny Marcelo

Will Gozum of Quezon

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26,

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor

RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

EDGARD HILARIO, Asst. Editor

Super Spikers stun Japanese, stay in the hunt

RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL—Facing elimination, Cignal summoned all the courage and composure forged from its string of championship runs and dealt erstwhile unbeaten Kindai University its first defeat, 25-20, 25-21, 24-26, 25-18, to revive its semifinal hopes in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Tuesday at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

Just one loss away from kissing their four-peat bid goodbye, the Super Spikers responded with an inspired performance – redeeming themselves from a painful setback to the surging Savouge Spin Doctors on Monday and halting the Japanese squad’s threegame run.

Cignal improved to 2-2, still at No. 4, but very much back in contention.

“Sabi ko kanina sa huddle, hindi namin alam kung ano ang magiging sitwasyon namin. Ang pinaka-importante, ipanalo namin ‘yung remaining games namin, then bahala na si Lord kung saan kami dadalhin,” said Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor.

Still, Cignal’s fate is no longer fully in its control. The Super Spikers must sweep winless ProVolley Academy of Australia on Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre to keep their championship bid alive.

The Super Spikers nearly pulled off a sweep in the extended third set but refused to let the missed opportunity derail them. They roared out in the fourth, building a commanding 19-10 lead before cruising to a hard-earned, one-hour and 44-minute victory.

Junior Altas eye rubber match against Squires

By Dennis Abrina

DEFENDING champion Perpetual

Help Junior Altas look to secure a win against the Letran Squires on Wednesday, 5 p.m., in the NCAA Season 101 Juniors’ Basketball Tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. A win will force a rubber match against the Squires and strengthen the Junior Altas’ chances in the next round. The Las Piñas City-based squad will rely on key players like Lance Nitura, who recorded 21 points and 6 rebounds in their previous match against the Squires. Also to be counted upon by the Junior Altas are Louie Rosales, Jim Corpuz, Ezekiel Zamoras, Kurt Velasquez, Hanz Llupar, Jowitski Ignacio, Renzo Zanoria, Lord Dulanas, Jude Binagatan, and Kurt Patalinghug.

The Perpetual Junior Altas previously defeated the Letran Squires in a close match during the elimination round with a final score of 70-68 last October 14, 2025.

In the seniors’ division, the Arellano Chiefs (with a twiceto-beat advantage) face off against the Letran Knights at 11 a.m. The main game at 2:30 p.m. features the College of St. Benilde (with a twice-to-beat advantage) against defending champion Mapua Cardinals. In other juniors’ action, the Arellano University Braves (with a twiceto-beat advantage) and La Salle Greenhills clash at 9:30 a.m.

Japan training awaits Yulo

INTENSIFIED training awaits Karl Eldrew Yulo in Japan.

The 16-year-old Yulo said he will now focus on his transition at the senior level after earning two bronze medals (floor exercise and horizontal bar) at the recent the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, which the Philippines hosted.

“I will train, compete and repeat there,” said Yulo, who leaves for Tokyo on Thursday and be with Japanese mentor Munehiro Kugimiya, the same coach that molded his older brother in the past -- Paris Olympics gold medalist Carlos Yulo.

The younger Yulo hopes to sharpen his skills further before he steps into more challenges in men’s artistic gymnastics.

“I’m going to the senior level na. Maglalie low muna ako,” added Yulo, who seeks to join his brother in the national men’s squad, months from now.

For over a year, Kugimiya has been helping

Pirates maul Stags, keep semis hopes alive

THE Lyceum Pirates refused to give up on their semifinal hopes in the 101st National Collegiate Association men’s basketball tournament.

The Pirates showed their hunger in the final stretches, overpowering the San Sebastian Stags, 70-63, in the play-ins on Tuesday at the FilOil Arena in San Juan.

“Three years kaming nasa Final Four. I told them, I want you to show them (Stags) in our game that we were contenders in the past,” said Pirates’ coach Gilbert Malabanan to his team, made up of seven graduating players.

Veteran John Barba hit 22 points for the Pirates, who ad -

vanced to the quarterfinals, where they will face the twiceto-beat San Beda Red Lions on Thursday.

Under the new competition format, Malabanan is hopeful that the Pirates will survive the Red Lions and reach the best-ofthree semifinals. Making adjustments without injured big man Lance Aurigue, 6’4” Jonathan Daileg effectively filled up the power forward spot held and unloaded 14 points and seven rebounds.

Daileg’s presence allowed the Pirates to hold down the Stags to just five points in the third period. It was also Daileg’s trey which broke the last tie and put them ahead, with

Garalde stuns Concepcion

1:06 left, 50-47.

“We had a bad start. Ang importante is how you finish,” added Malabanan.

Barba’s split charity and Daileg’s trey with 75 ticks left saw the Pirates moving out of range, 66-60.

Renz Villegas, who also shot 14, made seven in the last period, with his two charities with six seconds left, handing the Pirates a seven-point edge when the game ended.

In junior action, Khaizer Castillo nailed 23 points for the San Sebastian Staglets to defeat the Lyceum Junior Pirates.

The win put the Staglets in the quarterfinals with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Brigadiers.

STA. ROSA, Laguna – Randy Garalde sizzled in the rain and delivered the biggest shock of opening day, scoring a commanding 7&5 victory over third seed Fidel Concepcion to crash the party of the tournament favorites at the start of the ICTSI The Country Club Invitational at the TCC here on Tuesday.

Ranked 30th in the 32-man field, Garalde walked into the match with nothing to lose and everything to gain – yet walked out as the day’s most stunning giant-killer.

Playing pressure-free amid relentless drizzle and rain at the demanding TCC layout, he produced one of the cleanest rounds of his career – three birdies, several clutch par saves, and a flawless bogey-free card through 13 holes.

“My driving, short game and putting were all good. I also saved a lot of pars, hit three birdies and no bogeys,” said Garalde, who bowed out in the very first round last year after falling to Jay Bayron.

“I just got lucky. Basta sinabi mong TCC, nasa isip na namin na it’s a tough course, typically mahirap. But I just played my game and enjoyed under the rain,” said Garalde. His clinical performance not only dismantled the fancied Concepcion – fresh from a breakthrough win at Apo and a No. 3 finish in the Order of Merit –but also propelled Garalde into a Round-of-16 showdown with Gabriel Manotoc, who earlier escaped Dino Villanueva in a tense 1-up duel.

Meanwhile, top seed Angelo Que showed exactly why he rules this year’s Order of Merit race.

Still bothered by stomach issues that forced him to withdraw from last week’s Valley Golf Challenge

out on the development of the young Eldrew, after coach Reyland Capellan asked him to come aboard.

“Halos isang taon na akong tinutulungan ni coach Mune,” said Yulo’s coach Reyland Capellan. Yulo, who tinkered with moves for the first time during the four-day meet, revealed that he will be laying low for awhile and get ready for more challenges ahead.

When he saw action at the Junior World Championships, Yulo was doing new tricks for the first time, routines that he only does while in training with Capellan.

“I got emotional after my routine (high bar). That was my cleanest, and I stuck my landing,” said Yulo.

One of the new moves that Yulo did well was done in the last stage of his high bar event, the Cassina 1 with full twist and crutch, a trick known as a Kolman. Yulo then ended it with a triple back dismount.

The Cassina 1 is a skill that involves the execution of a laid-out and backward somersault over the horizontal bar, while executing a full 360-degree twist.

“Marami siyang bagong skills na ginagawa ngayon,” said Capellan.

finale, Que mustered the composure of a champion, shaking off an early push from Jerson Balasabas before taking control at the back nine.

Hole after hole, the three-time Asian Tour winner steadily built a decisive lead until Balasabas retired after 14 holes, sealing Que’s 4-up victory. Out to cap his season with another highlight after clinching his first-ever OOM crown on a sweep of the Philippine Golf Tour’s first two legs at Pradera Verde and Eagle Ridge and a couple of runner-up finishes, Que advanced to a second-round duel with Ryan Monsalve, who needed 21 holes to finally eliminate last year’s surprise champion Arnold Villacencio.

Elsewhere, No. 2 seed Keanu Jahns, past OOM winner Jhonnel Ababa, two-time TCC Invitational titlist Guido van der Valk, and veteran star Tony Lascuña all advanced in contrasting fashion. But on a day drenched with weather-driven drama, it was Garalde’s fearless brilliance and Que’s steady dominance that defined the tournament’s opening salvos. Jahns, the tour’s back-to-back champion at Caliraya Springs and Bacolod, turned back Kristoffer Arevalo, 2&1, to secure a Last 16 duel with Ababa, who imposed his will early and dismissed Zanieboy Gialon, 5&4, while van der Valk also advanced with a 4&3 rout of Rico Depilo for a duel with Atsushi Ueda, who delivered the day’s first emphatic result – a commanding 6&5 romp over Elee Bisera.

“I won because I hit so many birdies,” said Ueda, who buried birdies on Nos. 3, 4, 10 and 13 to overwhelm Bisera. “TCC is long and a tough course, but I got so many

Jay Rack dela Noche

Karl Eldrew Yulo

Pirate John Barba goes for a layup.

Randy Garalde produced one of the cleanest rounds of his career – three birdies, several clutch par saves, and a flawless bogey-free card through 13 holes. Manny Marcelo

PBA CARES. Talk ‘N Text’s Calvin Oftana leads the PBA Donation Drive in Brgy. Cotcot, Liloan Cebu at the Don Bosco Boys Home Covered Court for the victims of Typhoons Uwan and Tino. Oftana, who was helped in the donation drive by teammate RR Pogoy, distributed relief goods composed of rice, blankets and mats to some 1,500 Cebuano recipients.

BUSINESS

DOTr announces lot acquisition for Mindanao Railway

By Darwin G. Amojelar

THE

Department

of Transportation (DOTr) said Tuesday it has started acquiring properties for the construction of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP), with an initial allocation of P148 million for the relocation of 178 families.

DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency is moving quickly on the right-of-way (ROW) acquisition, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expedite the start of the first railway project in Mindanao.

“The president said we need to expedite the acquisition of the right-of-way for the Mindanao Railway Project because our countrymen have been waiting for it here in Mindanao for a long time. That is why we are also rushing it,” Lopez said.

“We need to start it immediately because many passengers will definitely benefit from it,” he said.

The initial phase will see 96

families relocated to the “Tagum Train Village” in the first quarter of 2026. The remaining 82 families will be moved immediately upon completion of all requirements.

DOTr assistant secretary for ROW and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) IC Calaguas visited Tagum City to inspect the relocation site and coordinate with Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy to speed up the processing of affected families.

The local government maintains the Tagum Train Village under the supervision of the DOTr and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

Phase 1 of the Mindanao Railway Project, costing P81.6 billion, will span 100.2 kilometers with eight stations.

Once operational, the line is expected to serve 122,000 passengers daily and cut travel time from Tagum City to Digos City from three hours to one hour.

The entire 1,544-kilometer rail system, once completed, will connect key provinces including Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao and Malaybalay to stimulate Mindanao’s economy.

Electronics exports seen growing

P148 million

Cost of relocating 178 families

P81.6 billion

Cost of railway’s first phase

100.2 km

Length of railway’s first phase

5% in 2026, driven by AI demand

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine electronics industry is forecasting a 5-percent exports growth in 2026, led by rising global demand for components used in artificial intelligence, data centers and telecommunications, according to the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (SEIPI).

SEIPI president Dan Lachica said the industry board settled on 5-percent growth as the most realistic outlook for 2026, slightly below the 5 percent to 7 percent estimate discussed in a recent meeting. Lachica said the uptick follows a flat performance this year and that signs of a mild rebound are already emerging. While the Philippines does not produce advanced AI chips, it manufactures hundreds of crucial mid-range and supporting components required for the entire system, which continue to anchor export orders.

The anticipated growth will be largely fueled by the demand for devices supporting AI, data centers, telecommunications and power technologies.

Lachica downplayed concerns that Philippine export gains were an artificial boost from the US tariff situation, describing the increase as “front-loading” rather than a structural shift.

He said that Philippine electronics currently enter the US at zero tariff, although this could be jeopardized by the outcome of a legal challenge before the US Supreme Court.

“If they remove the zero tariff, then we are at risk,” he warned.

DOLE partners with WAPES to boost public employment services

AS PART of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s ongoing initiative to develop Public Employment Services (PES) across the country, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), led by Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, reiterated its dedication to enhancing PES through its involvement in the World Association of Public Employment Services-Asia-Pacific Regional Conference 2025 (WAPESAPRC), held from November 6 to 7, 2025 in Clark, Pampanga. With the theme “The Future of Work: Inclusive Public Employment Services Adapting to Demographic Realities in the Asia-Pacific,” the conference served as a strategic forum for discussion, partnership, and sharing of initiatives among PES and key stakeholders in the region. In a video message, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the crucial role of public employment services offices (PESOs), as they “bridge aspirations and opportunities, enabling workers to get a job that meets their goals and that suits their skills.” The President also emphasized the need to align policies and practices to ensure effective delivery of PES under the current administration.

the

FILM FESTIVAL. French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel and SM Supermalls executive vice president for marketing Joaquin San Agustin lead the launch of the 28th French Film Festival at SM City Manila on Nov. 24, 2025.

This year’s edition—organized by the Embassy of France in the Philippines and Micronesia in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema—features a diverse lineup of Filipino-French films highlighting co-productions, feminist voices and contemporary animation. Norman Cruz

OUTSTANDING FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT. The Department of Labor and Employment, led by Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, receives its Outstanding Accounting Office Award from the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP), making it a Hall of Famer for its performance in strictly complying with government accounting and auditing standards. (Photos from

Office of Undersecretary Warren M. Miclat)

PH stocks slip below 6,000 on profit-taking, peso depreciates

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE local stock market succumbed to profit-taking on Tuesday, closing below the 6,000 level as investors capitalized on the market’s recent run-up.

The main-share Philippine Stock Exchange index, or PSEi, shed 45.42 points, or 0.75 percent, to close at 5,976.17. The broader all shares index, however, advanced by 39.64 points, or 1.12 percent, to 3,574.82.

The peso also closed lower against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday at 58.91 from 58.87 on Monday.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.

head of sales Michael Ricafort said the market’s decline was a healthy correction after the index recently breached and retreated from the 6,000 mark.

The decline followed growth projections being lowered for the Philippine economy for 2025 and 2026 by New York-based S&P Global Ratings and the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), citing local and international headwinds.

Four of six sectoral indexes closed in negative territory, led by the Property index, which declined 2.54 percent, while industrial dropped 1.71 percent.

Mining and oil gained the most, increasing by 5.7 percent, while financials went up by 0.47 percent.

AB Capital Securities noted that the PSEi fell as foreign selling dominated the session despite steady local buying. Value turnover remained robust at P7.5 billion.

Among the top index gainers were Bank of the Philippine Islands (+3.64 percent), San Miguel Corp. (+1.84 percent), ACEN Corp. (+1.65 percent), and Puregold Price Club Inc. (+0.99 percent).

SMGP eyes $300-m bond issuance, exchange offer

By Alena Mae S. Flores

SAN Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. approved Tuesday an offer and issuance of up to $300 million in senior perpetual capital securities.

The company, a power unit of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), said its board approved the issuance during a special meeting. The final amount of the issuance is subject to management’s determination.

SMGP also approved an offer to exchange any and all of their existing securities, issued in January 2020 and listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST), for an equal principal amount of new U.S. dollar-denominated securities.

The board also approved the listing of the exchanged new securities and any additional new securities on the SGX-ST.

SMGP appointed Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Deutsche Bank AG, Singapore Branch, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Singapore Branch, and Standard Chartered Bank as the dealer managers, and Sodali & Co Limited as the exchange and tender agent for

the exchange offers. For the issuance and listing of the new securities on the SGX-ST, the company appointed Standard Chartered Bank as sole global coordinator, and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Deutsche Bank AG, Singapore Branch, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Singapore Branch, and Standard Chartered Bank as joint lead managers.

DB Trustees (Hong Kong) Limited was appointed as trustee, and Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, Hong Kong Branch, was appointed as paying agent, calculation agent, transfer agent, and registrar. Latham & Watkins was appointed as the listing agent.

JobStreet, SM Supermalls expand tie-up to boost MSME recruitment access

By Othel V. Campos

SM SUPERMALLS and JobStreet by SEEK have expanded their partnership to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) streamline hiring and gain wider access to digital recruitment tools. The two groups launched the 2025 MSME Summit on Tuesday.

Dannah Majarocon, managing director of JobStreet by SEEK, said the collaboration aims to bring hiring support closer to entrepreneurs nationwide by combining JobStreet’s

technology with SM’s on-ground presence across its mall network.

She said the initiative is designed to make recruitment simpler, faster and more accessible for small businesses that often struggle to find time and resources for hiring.

“Distance should never decide opportunity,” Majarocon said. She added that the summit, which starts in 2026, is the first of many that will be rolled out in SM malls from Luzon to Mindanao to reach more MSMEs.

Majarocon highlighted the critical

role of MSMEs, which make up 99 percent of the country’s 1.2 million registered businesses and account for more than 60 percent of jobs. Despite this, many small business owners continue to juggle sales, operations, finance, human resources and logistics, on top of hiring.

Majarocon said JobStreet’s platform of over 15 million registered candidates allows MSMEs to tap talent across all job types, from drivers and cashiers to finance managers and general managers. Under the partnership, MSMEs

attending the summit received toolkits, hiring materials and QR code door signs to promote job openings. They were also encouraged to create company pages and post jobs for free through JobStreet.

“Our mission is to provide a job for every Filipino. This partnership allows us to bring both human connection and technology together to support the growth of our MSMEs. We’re one step closer toward growth and stability. Let’s make running small businesses simpler and more connected,” Majarocon said.

YUCHENGCO-LED Buhawind Energy Northern Luzon Corp. (BENLC), a subsidiary of PetroGreen Energy Corp. (PGEC), recently launched a multistakeholder collaboration for the feasibility studies of the planned 2,000-megawatt Northern Luzon offshore wind power project.

Three key activities kicked off during the ceremonial event on Nov. 20: the commissioning of two scanning LiDAR units and a second meteorological mast to validate prior satellite and three years of actual site wind measurement from a pre-existing met mast; the start of a comprehensive environmental and social impact study led by global firm ARUP for the project’s environmental compliance certificate (ECC); and the formalization

of an academe-industry partnership for workforce development in Ilocos Norte, with Mapúa University and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU).

“By engaging third parties to conduct resource validation and environmental impact study of our offshore wind project, we are taking a responsible, deliberate, and transparent approach to development,” said Maria Victoria Olivar, BENLC vice president for operations.

“Equally important is the start of our workforce development program with Mapúa and MMSU, with the support of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) and the Royal Embassy of Denmark, which symbolizes the power of international and cross-sectoral collaboration to foster knowledge-sharing that will benefit not only

SM PRIME Holdings Inc. (SMPH) is investing P3 billion to develop a flagship eco-resort community called M Village within Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas.

The investment will be channeled through SMPH’s leisure resort residences arm, Costa Del Hamilo Inc., which is currently developing Hamilo Coast.

The P3-billion project, M Village, is a 12-hectare development situated on the western seaboard of Batangas, facing the West Philippine Sea. It is surrounded by naturally sheltered coves, including Papaya Cove, which offer safer docking and anchorage compared with exposed beaches, according to the company. “M Village is a unique property because it combines upscale coastal living with seamless access to both nautical adventure and nature,” said Shirley Ong, executive vice president and business unit head of SM Leisure Resort Residences.

The development was recently recognized as Highly Commended Best Subdivision Development at the 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards. It is designed to offer a marina lifestyle with waterways, green corridors and open spaces as central features. More than 60 percent of the estate will remain dedicated to open space and natural systems. Over four hectares are reserved for shared amenities such as a clubhouse, bilevel pools, a rain garden, family parks, an esplanade, and a large lawn for gatherings.

The first phase of the project includes over 170 residential lots, which will allow homeowners to station 4- to 6-meter boats and jet skis at their doorstep. The project is being planned with WATG Singapore as concept planner and Joel Luna Planning and Design as master planner. WATG’s portfolio includes Regent Bali Canggu, Nobu Residences Los Cabos, and several Four Seasons properties.

Jenniffer B. Austria

our project but the entire region,” Olivar said. Organized by BENLC and the Ilocos Norte provincial government, the event was supported and attended by representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE), the Board of Investment (BOI), the Royal Danish Embassy, GWEC, Aprendio, ARUP, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Taisei Corp., Mapúa, MMSU, Divine Word College of Laoag, Philippine Marines, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Education (DepEd), and the local government units of Burgos, Bangui, and Pagudpud. Alena Mae S. Flores

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

packs to

communities in Cebu and Bacolod. YGC mobilized teams and joined local organizations to help communities affected by typhoons Tino and Uwan. A total of 450 families living in Cebu’s hardest hit barangays including Gawad Kalinga in Talisay, Barangay Nangka in Consolacion, and Barangay Cotcot in Liloan received relief goods amounting

family.

KFC SAN PEDRO. KFC Philippines expands its footprint in San Pedro, Laguna, with the opening of its fourth store in the city, located along National Highway, Barangay Nueva. Photo shows (from left) KFC operations manager for South Luzon Flor Reyes; Nardel Commercial Leasing CEO Leonardo Partoza; KFC Philippines general manager Jojo Marcelo; and KFC senior business development manager Maribel Cruz at the opening rites.

AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Department of Agriculture (DA) is restructuring the country’s minimum access volume (MAV) system for pork imports to prioritize the needs of meat processors, hoping to gain leverage to negotiate for lower, or at least stable, processed meat prices.

Tiu Laurel said the DA has requested authority from the Office of the President to activate a “MAV plus” standby volume, between 115,000 and 150,000 metric tons (MT), on top of the current 53,000 MT MAV for pork.

The additional quota will only be used “if needed,” he said, noting that it is not the right time to raise MAV outright because farm-gate prices remain low.

Under the revised policy now being finalized, the DA plans to allocate as much as 70 percent of pork MAV to processors, with the remaining 30 percent divided among importers,

traders and Kadiwa channels.

“The bigger chunk, I will be giving it to the processors,” Tiu Laurel said, noting that the concentration of MAV entitlements in the hands of a few importers has long distorted prices.

“If a handful controls 70 percent of the MAV, they control the price. Processors, traders, and ordinary importers need equal MAV volume so they can compete. Competition brings down prices or keeps everybody honest,” he said.

He said the DA intends to use the expanded access of processors to ne gotiate consumer benefits.

“We need to ask if we can talk to our processors, if they will be given MAVs or additional MAVs, to lower the price of pork products,” he said. Ensuring a stable supply for proces sors, he added, should help prevent price increases in processed meats like tocino and longganisa.

THE Board of Investments

(BOI) has approved the registration of the P400 million complex energy efficiency project of Philippine DCS Development Corporation’s (PDDC), making it the first project of its kind to receive fiscal incentives under Republic Act 12066, or the CREATE MORE Act.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo met with PDDC officials during a courtesy visit on Oct. 20, where they discussed project details and implementation plans.

The project, to be located in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, involves the retrofitting and upgrading of a facility’s cooling system to improve reliability and energy performance.

According to the BOI, the system is expected to cut energy use by 36 percent annually, equivalent to about 168 gigawatt-hours in savings, and avoid an estimated 118,040 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

The agency said the approval signals the emergence of more energy efficiency investments in the country under the CREATE MORE framework.

PDDC, a joint venture between Filinvest and French energy firm Engie, serves as a third-party project developer, providing clients with technical expertise and capital for long-term operational savings and emissions reduction.

The BOI said it continues to encourage enterprises to adopt energy efficiency measures, noting that such projects lower costs, reduce environmental impacts and enhance the competitiveness of local industries. Othel V. Campos

By Othel V. Campos

AGRICULTURE Secretary

Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has called on farmers, local governments and citizens to help monitor the construction of farm-to-market roads (FMRs), warning that inefficiencies and corruption in rural infrastructure continue to hinder food production and suppress farmer incomes.

To tighten oversight, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing to launch an “FMR Watch” platform where the public can upload photos, report project progress, and flag issues directly from construction sites.

“We will do a number of things like the FMR Watch website, wherein our netizens, ordinary citizens or local government officials can help monitor projects and upload photos so we at the DA can track their progress, or lack thereof,” Tiu Laurel said.

The DA will also build a portal where stakeholders can see the exact location of the road projects so they can check and inspect the FMR.

“We need everyone’s help to monitor these FMR

projects to ensure they are done properly and at the fastest possible time. These initiatives will help keep everyone honest and ensure public funds do not end up in unscrupulous hands,” the DA secretary said, noting that broad participation is crucial to prevent abuses.

Beginning in 2026, responsibility for developing FMRs will shift back to the DA from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The DPWH is currently facing corruption allegations involving hundreds of billions of pesos in substandard, incomplete, or non-existent flood-control projects.

The DA estimates the country needs around 131,000 kilometers of FMRs, but more than 60,000 kilometers remain unbuilt, which, at current funding levels, could take decades to complete.

The agency is auditing some 5,000 kilometers of recently completed FMRs to verify whether they meet technical specifications.

To strengthen transparency, the DA has submitted to the Senate a detailed list of FMR projects, including map coordinates, for inclusion in the 2026 General Appropriations Act.

Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting held on 15 December 2022, 14 December 2023, and 18 December 2024

December 2024 4. Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws 4.1. Change of Principal Office Address to 1505 Princeton Street corner Shaw Boulevard, Barangay Wack-Wack, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City

Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws 4.1. Change of Principal Office Address to 1505 Princeton Street corner Shaw Boulevard, Barangay Wack-Wack, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City 5. Management Report Approval of the Parent Company and Consolidated Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2022, 31 December 2023, and 31 December 2024

Management Report

Approval of the Parent Company and Consolidated Audited Financial Statements as of 31 December 2022, 31 December 2023, and 31 December 2024 7. Ratification of all legal acts, resolutions, and proceedings of the Board of Directors and of Management, done in the ordinary course of business from 15 December 2022 to 12 December 2025

7. Ratification of all legal acts, resolutions, and proceedings of the Board of Directors and of Management, done in the ordinary course of business from 15 December 2022 to 12 December

8. Election of Directors

8. Election of Directors

9. Appointment of External Auditor

9. Appointment of External Auditor

10. Other Matters

10. Other Matters

11. Adjournment

The Board of Directors of GEOGRACE has fixed the RECORD

DATE for stockholders entitled to vote at this annual meeting to be on

The Board of Directors of GEOGRACE has fixed the RECORD DATE for stockholders entitled to vote at this annual meeting to be on 28 October 2025.

The 2025 Annual Stockholders‘ Meeting of GEOGRACE will be conducted virtually. Stockholders of Record may attend/participate via proxy, remote communication or vote in absentia. For the detailed registration and voting procedures, please visit https://geograceholdings. com/ and refer to the “ Communication and Voting in Absentia and through Proxy

The 2025 Annual Stockholders‘ Meeting of GEOGRACE will be conducted virtually. Stockholders of Record may attend/participate via proxy, remote communication or vote in absentia. For the detailed registration and voting procedures, please visit https://geograceholdings. com/ and refer to the “Guidelines for Participation via Remote Communication and Voting in Absentia and through Proxy”.

Stockholders who wish to participate in the meeting through remote communication and to vote in absentia should notify the Office of the Corporate Secretary through a Letter of Intent to be sent via e-mail to g.geograce@yahoo.com.ph on or before 23 November 2025. Validated stockholders will be provided access to the live streaming of the meeting and can cast their votes in absentia on or before 4 December 2025 through GEOGRACE’s secure online voting facility. All votes cast shall be subject to validation.

Stockholders who wish to participate in the meeting through remote communication and to vote in absentia should notify the Office of the Corporate Secretary through a Letter of Intent to be sent via e-mail to g.geograce@yahoo.com.ph on or before 23 November 2025. Validated stockholders will be provided access to the live streaming of the meeting and can cast their votes in absentia on or before 4 December 2025 through GEOGRACE’s secure online voting facility. All votes cast shall be subject to validation.

GEOGRACE is not soliciting for proxies. Stockholders who are unable to join the meeting but wish to vote on items in the agenda by proxy must submit their duly accomplished proxy forms via email to g.geograce@yahoo.com.ph, not later than 4 December 2025.

GEOGRACE is not soliciting for proxies. Stockholders who are unable to join the meeting but wish to vote on items in the agenda by proxy must submit their duly accomplished proxy forms via email to g.geograce@yahoo.com.ph, not later than 4 December 2025.

Stockholders of Record may send their queries and comments to the Management Report and other items in the Agenda to g.geograce@ yahoo.com.ph on or before 4 December 2025.

Stockholders of Record may send their queries and comments to the Management Report and other items in the Agenda to g.geograce@ yahoo.com.ph on or before 4 December 2025.

The Definitive Information Statement containing the attendance/ voting (through remote communication) and election procedures, along with the Notice, Agenda, Proxy, Management Report, SEC Form 17-A, and other information related to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting can be accessed at https://geograceholdings.com/.

The Definitive Information Statement containing the attendance/ voting (through remote communication) and election procedures, along with the Notice, Agenda, Proxy, Management Report, SEC Form 17-A, and other information related to the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting can be accessed at https://geograceholdings.com/. Very truly yours, (SGD.) ARSENIO C. CABRERA, JR. Corporate Secretary

Othel V. Campos

ANARA VENTURE. Pammy Olivares-Vital, president and chief executive of Ovialand Inc. and Hiroshi Iwamoto, director of Takara Leben Co. Ltd., sign their third venture together for the development of Anara in Baliuag, Bulacan.

The project will bring Ovialand’s signature Premier Family Living experience—offering premium finishes, efficient precast construction, and the HousEasy service commitment—to this rapidly growing Central Luzon community.

REAL ESTATE EXPO.

Clark Development Corp. (CDC) president and chief executive Agnes Devanadera (front, second

Sun Life official expects below-target GDP growth

said. He noted that the administration’s move toward increased transparency, including updates from President Marcos on arrest warrants issued in relation to the controversy, could help rebuild trust. SLIMTC’s forecast for 4 percent to 5 percent GDP growth through 2025 is primarily due to the slowdown in public spending. “We’ll have to ride this in the next three quarters before we see any significant movement,” Enriquez stated. Support from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, particularly through policy rate cuts to spur consumer spending and capital formation, will be crucial. He said private investments should help bridge the gap left by slower government projects.

Othel V. Campos

PCC clears Veterans Bank-UCPB deal

By Othel V. Campos

THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has cleared the proposed P2.7-billion acquisition by Philippine Veterans Bank of 97.55 percent of the issued shares of UCPB Savings Bank Inc.

The deal covers a share purchase agreement signed on July 8, 2025, between Veterans Bank and Land Bank of the Philippines, the ultimate parent of UCPB Savings.

STI’s net income soars 134% on earlier calendar

By Jenniffer B. Austria

STI Education Systems Holdings

Inc. saw its net income attributable to shareholders more than double in the first fiscal quarter ended September 2025, led by an earlier start to the academic calendar and a change in its revenue recognition method.

The education provider’s net income for the July to September 2025 period reached P611.5 million, marking a 134-percent increase from the P261.1 million recorded in the same quarter last year. Gross revenues also jumped 39 percent to P1.44 billion from P1.04 billion a year earlier.

It attributed the significant growth to classes at its primary subsidiaries, STI Education Services Group (STI ESG) and STI West Negros University (STI WNU), opening on July 28, more than two weeks earlier than the Aug. 12 start in the prior year.

Both institutions shifted to recognizing tuition and school fees based on actual instructional days rather than the previous monthly method, resulting in higher recognized revenues for the period.

Operating income climbed to P657.5 million from P285.3 million, a result of the increased revenues and improved cost efficiencies.

Despite the strong financial performance, total enrollment across the STI network for the SY 2025–2026 declined 4 percent to 132,941 students.

It follows the privatization of UCPB Savings under Memorandum Order No. 28 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Aug. 6, 2024.

LandBank filed its notification with the PCC on July 16, while Veterans Bank submitted its filing on July 24.

Veterans Bank is a private commercial bank offering deposit, lending, trade finance, fund transfer, treasury, foreign exchange and trust services. It also owns the New Rural Bank of Agoncillo Inc. UCPB Savings is a domestic thrift bank engaged in deposit-

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Philippine Biodiesel Association (TPBA) on Tuesday warned that a proposed measure allowing for the suspension of coco-biodiesel blending, House Bill 4151 (HB 4151), jeopardizes the livelihood of millions of coconut farmers, threatens public health and undermines national environmental goals.

The group said the debate over the bill, which proposes suspending the mandate when blended diesel becomes 5-percent more expensive than pure diesel, goes beyond simple fuel costs. TPBA claims the 6 percent to 10 percent improved

mileage of blended diesel often offsets any nominal cost difference at the pump, generating net annual savings of P17 billion to P32.6 billion for consumers.

“When you remove stability from the coconut market, you don’t just affect companies—you affect families, entire communities, and 25 million Filipinos whose livelihoods depend on coconuts,” said TPBA executive-director Ramon Taniola.

The current coco-biodiesel mandate, known as B3, is a stable income anchor for coconut farmers and supply chains nationwide. TPBA warned that any disruption to demand

taking, lending, fund transfers and treasury operations. The PCC said its review found no horizontal or vertical links between the parties, noting that they serve different customer segments and operate under distinct classifications, whether universal/commercial, thrift and rural banks, subject to separate regulatory frameworks of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Their financial products are also differentiated, the agency said. The PCC also said that even under a broad market definition covering core banking services such as deposits and loans across all bank types, the acquisition is unlikely to substantially lessen competition.

It noted that the parties’ have minimal market shares, and numerous competitors are in the banking sector.

PAL resumes seasonal nonstop flights between Manila, Sapporo

By Darwin G. Amojelar

FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) resumed its seasonal nonstop flights between Manila and Sapporo, Japan, effective Nov. 24, 2025, with operations scheduled to run until March 27, 2026.

The re-launched route connects Manila to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS) three times a week: every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

PAL said it is using its 168-seater Airbus A321neo aircraft for the service, which features 12 seats in business class and 156 seats in economy class. The aircraft offers extensive inflight entertainment options and WiFi connectivity.

“By re-launching this seasonal route, we are opening a gateway for

threatens farmer incomes, slows rural development and weakens the viability of the government’s ambitious program to plant up to 100 million new coconut trees over the next three years.

Taniola called the mandate “the bridge between today’s rural incomes and tomorrow’s modern coconut economy,” adding that HB 4151 puts that bridge at risk.

TPBA also stressed the public health impact, noting that cocobiodiesel reduces soot by up to 95 percent, preventing an estimated P1.86 trillion to P2.2 trillion in annual pollution-related health costs.

“Cleaner air is a national

travelers to experience Philippine Airlines’ world-class service and signature heartfelt hospitality while supporting demand for flights between the two destinations,” said PAL president Richard Nuttall.

He said the returning service expands the airline’s presence in Japan and boosts connections across the region.

The seasonal service aims to boost travel to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and a popular winter destination known for its world-class ski resorts and the annual Snow Festival. The route also allows Japanese travelers to easily explore the Philippines’ culture and hospitality.

PAL offers the largest network of destination points and routes between the Philippines and Japan.

benefit, not an industry perk. The health savings alone outweigh any temporary difference in pump price. Protecting biodiesel means protecting the health of every Filipino,” Taniola said. The association lauded the Department of Energy (DOE) for consistently advancing policies that uplift rural communities and safeguard public health.

TPBA urged policymakers to recognize biodiesel as a strategic national tool, warning that weakening the mandate would jeopardize the country’s longterm economic and environmental trajectory.

from left) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Real Estate Construct & Furnishing Expo at SMX Clark Convention Center, marking a milestone in promoting innovation and collaboration in the real estate and construction sectors. With Devanadera are (from left) Superl general manager Alex Fung, Soroptimist International of Pampanga’s Dr. Leticia Yap, CDC chairman Ed Pamintuan, Haulsands Group founder Wilfredo Tan and Angeles City information officer Jay Pelayo.

CREDIT EDUCATION. Global information and insights company TransUnion signs a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to develop and implement a national-level credit education module on the BSP E-Learning Academy (BELA). Signing the agreement are (from left) Natassia Fortea, legal counsel, TransUnion Philippines; Peter Faulhaber, president and CEO, TransUnion Philippines; BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat; and BSP managing director Charina De Vera-Yap.

DIGITAL ECONOMY. Google, Temasek and Bain & Company launches the 10th edition of the e-Conomy SEA 2025 Report, titled ‘From Digital Decade to AI Reality: Accelerating the Future in ASEAN’. Leading the event are (from left) Prep Palacios, country manager at Google Philippines; Bennett Aquino, partner at Bain & Company; and Nikki del Gallego, data and insights lead at Google Philippines.

SPOTLIGHT

Vanguard Academy pushes for disability-inclusive workplaces

By Robert Harland

THE Vanguard Academy, a trailblazer in inclusive education, has officially launched its Transcend Hub at The Pebble in Mandaluyong City — a first-of-its-kind space in the Philippines designed to empower people with disabilities through education, employment pathways and independent living support.

The launch coincided with the “Champions of Inclusion” celebration at Acqua Private Residences, where educators, students, parents, corporate allies and community leaders gathered to honor individuals and organizations advancing accessibility and opportunity.

The Transcend Hub anchors the Academy’s flagship Transcend Program, which equips learners with disabilities for real-world success through customized curricula, corporate internships and life-skills coaching.

Its mission: not just to prepare individuals for employment — but to reshape the employment landscape itself.

Start the festive season on the fairway at the 7th PGC Golf Cup

THE holiday season is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to welcome it than with a refreshing day on the fairway.

Highlights included awards for Outstanding Internship Partners and a showcase of inclusive internships involving over 40 companies including Cebu Pacific, Shell Pilipinas, Mumuso and HealthCube.

By Lyschelle Joy Armijo

But beyond the applause, the Academy issued a clear call to action: employment equity for adults with disabilities remains elusive in the Philippines. Stigma, inaccessible workplaces and limited training continue to shut many out of the workforce.

Jen Trinidad-President and CEO of SPRINGBUILD

Based in Makati City, The Vanguard Academy offers inclusive programs from preschool to adult training. Through the Transcend Program, it bridges education and employment, empowering learners with disabilities to thrive in both personal and professional spheres.

The Academy is calling on more companies to become Champions of Inclusion — to help build a future where disability is not a barrier, but a dimension of diversity that strengthens every workplace.

This perspective was on full display during the blessing of SPRINGBUILD’s new headquarters in Barangay Pasong Camachile II, General Trias, Cavite. The event gathered employees, partners, and local guests in a celebration of the company’s growth and commitment to delivering value-driven communities.

“We’ve always said that growth requires humility,” shared Jen Trinidad, CEO of SPRINGBUILD.

“Every step of this journey has taught us something. That even when you think you’re opening a new door, what’s waiting on the other side might be a whole obstacle course. But it’s worth it. Because each challenge shows us how much more we can do for the Filipino family.” she added.

Trinidad, who brings 23 years of experience in the Philippine real estate industry and has worked with some of the country’s largest developers, now leads SPRINGBUILD with a vision to grow thoughtfully while staying close to the people they build for.

Now with a permanent home base and an expanding development footprint, SPRINGBUILD continues to craft homes grounded in simplicity, function, and a deep understanding of the modern Filipino family.

Stagnant Philippine farms linked to widening rice gap

AS of 2022 alone, Filipinos were eating 2.3 million metric tons more rice than the country produced—an 18 percent shortfall that has locked the Philippines into deeper dependence on imported rice despite years of government programs to boost local harvests.

Regional differences in total production of unmilled rice in the Philippines from 2013 to 2023, based on PSA data. Source: Bartelet et al, 2025

This widening gap is the focus of new research from Ateneo de Manila University’s John Gokongwei School of Management and Department of Environmental Science. They found that national rice output has been largely stagnant since 2017, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

In the ten years leading up to 2023, total production of palay (unmilled rice) grew just 9 percent, from 18.4 to 20.1 million metric tons, even as rice consumption and the population itself continued to rise. Rice farmland barely expanded, increasing by just 1 percent (from 4.7 to 4.8 million hectares), while average yields improved by only 7 percent, from 3.9 to 4.2 metric tons per hectare.

The myth of urbanization

Contrary to the common belief that urbanization encroaches on farmland and takes away farmland resources, the researchers did not find strong evidence that city expansion alone explains farmland stagnation. Instead, they point to a combination of limited farmland expansion, slow yield growth, climate shocks, and uneven public investment in rice areas as the main constraints on domestic production.

The 7th Pinoy Golf Catalogue Golf Cup sets the tone for a meaningful and festive year-end celebration on November 29, 2025, Saturday, at the South Forbes Golf Club in Silang, Cavite. This tournament brings together golf enthusiasts who enjoy friendly competition while supporting a worthy cause.

With an entry fee of ₱5,500, participants will receive green fee access, golf cart use, lunch, and a mulligan to make the game even more enjoyable. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your skills, spend time outdoors, or enjoy a day of camaraderie before

the holiday rush, this tournament offers it all — from exciting prizes to the opportunity to support a meaningful cause, as part of the proceeds will benefit the Jesus is Alive Community.

Sponsored by: Cathayland, South Forbes Golf Club, Swiss-Belresort Pecatu Bali, Napoleon VSOP Brandy, Parikit Manila, Casino Filipino, Makina Café, Maybank, K&G Golf, GO Hotels Manila Airport Road, 3 Strokes, Ideal Vision Center, KFK, Balai Palmera Pasalubong, Usana, Aqua Sweet Purified Water, and Home Beauties.

Manila Standard is a proud media partner.

For reservations, contact: 0918909-9032; 0917-849-3665; 0960-8670883; 0917-147-4405

By Bernadette Araño

SPLENDIDO Tagaytay Hotel and Country Club marked a meaningful milestone as it held its first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 22 led by Rebecca Coquia, Splendido Resident Manager; Hon. Lyndon Bruce, Mayor of Laurel; and Carlo Librea, Enderun Hotels Director & Cluster General Manager. Local officials, residents, and guests gathered for the celebration, which highlighted community-centered initiatives. The program featured giftgiving for Chosen Children Foundation Inc., with all donations collected during the event dedicated to supporting the children under the foundation’s care.

During his remarks, Laurel Batangas Mayor Lyndon Bruce acknowledged Splendido’s ongoing involve-

ment in community development and cited its ₱1-million donation for a classroom building in Laurel—a contribution emphasizing collaboration between the municipality and its private partners. Standing as the centerpiece of the celebration was a 24-foot sustainable Christmas tree, crafted from reclaimed mahogany wood and branches gathered from across the area during past typhoons and regular maintenance work. Its decorations such as native baskets, salakot, and lanterns highlight traditional craftsmanship and local materials. The tree took two months to assemble and design. With its first lighting ceremony, Splendido opened the holiday season by bringing residents together and supporting causes that matter to the community, setting the tone for a meaningful celebration in the city.

Packing

Towel art in training: Vanguard special needs interns turn practice into presentation at Aruga Apartments by Rockwell

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2025

NOVEMBER 26, 2025

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

SHOWBIZ

ANGELICA Writer Writer

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Very Wang Nickie Wang

FANS screamed and cameras flashed as KMJS Gabi ng Lagim The Movie made its big screen debut at TriNoMa Cinema Monday night. Some of GMA Network’s biggest names joined the premiere, including Dingdong Dantes, Barbie Forteza, Ysabel Ortega, Jak Roberto, and National Artist Ricky Lee, showing full support for the film, which seasoned journalist Jessica Soho calls the network’s most popular storytelling brand from Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.

The stars of the movie—Sanya Lopez, Miguel Tanfelix, and Jillian Ward—walked the black carpet, but the loudest cheers came when Jillian Ward appeared on the venue’s video wall for an interview. She was greeted by celebrity guest Eman Bacosa Pacquiao with a warm hug, after which the two formed a heart shape with their hands, sending waves of kilig through the crowd.

Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs and distributed by Columbia Pictures for Sony Pictures Releasing International, the film comes from the team behind the Philippines’ longest-running, mostwatched, and most acclaimed television news magazine program. The same producers were behind the 2023 and 2024 MMFF Best Pictures Firefly and Green Bones

‘KMJS Gabi ng Lagim’ haunts big screen in star-studded premiere

Kung natuwa po kayo sa handog ng KMJS na Gabi ng Lagim—‘yung aming yearly Halloween special—ito na po ‘yung next level, mapapanood na ang Gabi ng Lagim sa big screen,” Soho said. The seasoned journalist added that presenting the

Musical sequel tops box office in magical debut

UNIVERSAL’S musical sequel Wicked: For Good stole the box office spotlight in its North America debut this weekend, with a record-setting haul to the tune of $150 million, industry estimates showed Sunday.

Variety said the film’s debut was the highest ever for a Broadway musical adaptation.

Tony Award-winner Cynthia Erivo and pop star Ariana Grande return as the magical land of Oz’s most notable witches—the green-skinned, outcast Elphaba and popular pink-wearing Glinda—to wrap up the storyline introduced in last year’s blockbuster part one.

The Wizard of Oz retelling is based on the long-running Broadway musical, itself adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel.

Part two follows Glinda and Elphaba—now dubbed the Wicked Witch of the West—as they struggle against the nefarious machinations of The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). In second place at the US and Canadian box office, according to Exhibitor Relations, was Lionsgate’s Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, with $9.1 million. The third installment in the crime heist franchise dropped from the top spot a week prior, when it took in over $21 million.

The film reunites Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, and Woody Harrelson as Robin Hood-style illusionists targeting dangerous criminals. With $6.3 million, third place went to 20th Century’s Predator: Badlands, the latest installment in the decades-old sci-fi horror franchise.

Paramount’s The Running Man take on Stephen King’s dystopian novel about a murderous game show— fell two spots since its debut last weekend to fourth place, with $5.8 million.

Fifth place went to Searchlight’s Rental Family, starring Brendan Fraser as a struggling actor who takes on odd stand-in roles in Japan.

Rounding out the top 10 were Sisu: Road to Revenge with $2.6 million, Regretting You with $1.5 million, Nuremberg with $1.2 million, Black Phone 2 with $1.0 million, and Sarah’s Oil with $770,000. AFP

TV special on the big screen allows viewers a complete experience: surround audio, bigger scares, more cinematic special effects, and heightened reactions from the audience.

The film features three hair-raising stories drawn from meticulously researched real events, directed by acclaimed filmmakers Yam Laranas, Dodo Dayao, and GMA Public

By Eton Concepcion

NEWLY crowned Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Mary Tiglao was treated to a spectacular homecoming victory parade around Ayala Triangle in Makati on Monday afternoon.

Tiglao, looking radiant in a redorange floral dress atop a floweradorned float, basked in the cheers and adulation of crowds lining Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, and Makati Avenue. The scene drew comparisons to the raucous reception enjoyed by Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray during her own victory parade. Her win, succeeding fellow Filipina Christine Joy Opiaza, who was crowned Miss Grand International 2024 in June, made Tiglao only the fourth Filipina to achieve a rare back-toback victory in global pageants. It also completed the Philippines’ collection of the ‘Big Five’ pageants, making the country only the third in the world to reach this milestone. At 30, Tiglao, who bested more than 70 candidates worldwide, is the oldest Filipina to win a major international pageant.

Affairs’ homegrown talent King Mark Baco In Pocong, Miguel Tanfelix stars as a cadet seafarer whose first voyage turns terrifying when he encounters hauntings aboard his ship. Written by Onay Sales-Camero and Yam Laranas, and directed by Laranas, the story also features Kristoffer Martin, Jon Lucas, Phi Palmos, Art Acuña, Karl Medina, Arra San Agustin, Elijah Alejo, Gilleth Sandico, and Eva Darren. The pocong, a spirit from Indonesian and Malay folklore, serves as the film’s chilling focus. Sanya Lopez and Elijah Canlas headline Berbalang , written and directed by Dodo Dayao. When a freshly murdered body disappears from the town morgue, the police chief suspects a local, only to discover whispers of a flesh-eating creature. The cast also includes Rocco Nacino, Mikoy Morales, Joel Saracho, Nicco Manalo, Jojit Lorenzo, and Charles Salazar Jillian Ward leads Sanib, where a young girl becomes possessed

by an unspeakable evil, forcing a priest-in-training to confront his deepest fears and test his faith.

Directed by King Mark Baco and written by Anton Santamaria and Onay Sales-Camero, the film also stars Martin Del Rosario, Epy Quizon, Ashley Ortega, Therese Malvar, Rolando Inocencio, Vince Maristela, Cheska Fausto, Nikki Co, Eli Padilla, Philippe Shoaf, and Lotlot de Leon

For over a decade, Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho’s Gabi ng Lagim has been the most popular Halloween special on Philippine television, showcasing ghost stories, supernatural encounters, urban legends, and demonic possessions grounded in real events.

The program is also the country’s most viewed Halloween special online, with over 700 million views since 2013. Its cinematic reenactments, directed by some of the nation’s top filmmakers, complete the show’s unforgettable experience.

KMJS Gabi ng Lagim The Movie opens in cinemas today, Nov. 26.

“Words are not enough to describe how I feel during the parade. I want to thank all of you. You know how many times you made me cry, but maybe the lesson I can share with you through my journey is not to give up on your dream. Many times I placed as runner-up, but this time our ‘not yet’ became ‘finally.’ Don’t give up— soon your not yet will also become

Cynthia Erivo (left) as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda return to Oz in ‘Wicked: For Good’

Newly crowned Miss Grand International 2025 Emma Mary Tiglao meets her Filipino fans at her grand victory parade around Ayala Triangle Tiglao beams with pride as she celebrates the Philippines’ back-toback Miss Grand International win

Young boxer Eman Bacosa Pacquiao (left) meets his celebrity crush Jillian Ward at ‘Gabi ng Lagim’ premiere night

Miguel Tanfelix plays a young seafarer in the segment ‘Pocong’ Sanya Lopez walks the black carpet

Jillian Ward leads the ‘Sanib’ segment of KMJS’ ‘Gabi ng Lagim The Movie’

Glazing Life

IN A world that is constantly rushing forward, I have learned that the best journeys are the ones that invite you to pause, breathe, and be. That’s exactly what Nueva Ecija has given me— every visit, every memory, every slow, sun-soaked moment feels like a gentle reminder to reconnect with what matters.

For me, Nueva Ecija is not just a destination; it is a place stitched with personal stories, a province that feels both familiar and endlessly surprising.

It is the quiet mornings in Lupao, a small town in Nueva Ecija, where my cousins live. I remember waking up to the soft hum of the countryside, with roosters crowing in the distance,

Sojourn in Nueva Ecija

the smell of freshly cooked breakfast drifting from the kitchen, and the early light spilling over wide stretches of rice fields.

In Lupao, even the simplest moments—sitting outside with my cousins, sharing stories, or watching farmers start their day—feel grounding, as if time itself pauses just long enough for you to appreciate the calm. It is where life seems to move at its own unhurried rhythm.

It is also the vibrant, joyful chaos of the Carabao Fiesta in Talavera. I once wandered through the thick, lively crowds with my friend Julie Mainit. We cheered as the carabaos thundered past during the races, with their handlers proudly showing off strength and tradition. Afterward, we hopped from one home to another, tasting every dish generously prepared by the homeowners.

And then there is the impromptu camping trip to Minalungao Nature Park, with towering limestone rising dramatically on both sides of the emerald river. The way the sunlight hits the water makes it shimmer. We pitched our tent near the riverbank, cooked over a small fire, and stayed up late talking under a blanket of stars. Minalungao felt like another world entirely, a place where nature has carved out its own perfect sanctuary.

There are other places you can check out if your soul is calling for quiet, fresh air, and green spaces. There is the cozy haven, The Nest Resort and Campground, which offers cabins and a serene environment that allows you to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. The Giron Botanic is a serene botanical garden that showcases local flora and fauna, an activity you

ANG Ilustrador Ng Kabataan (Ang INK) is paying tribute to its late founder, award-winning artist Robert A. Alejandro , with its 2025 annual exhibit, Guhit, Bulilit, Guhit!

The show, held in partnership with All Together in Dignity (ATD) Fourth World–Philippines and Museo Pambata, highlights Alejandro’s dedication to children and art. Alejandro, who died in 2024, was a founding member of Ang INK and volunteered his design skills for nonprofits, including Museo Pambata, the Philippines’ first interactive children’s museum. He was also active in ATD’s Street Library program, inspiring children and volunteers alike through workshops and community activities. Instead of focusing on his career achievements, the exhibit celebrates Alejandro’s impact on communities he cherished. “He believed that art is for everyone,” Ang INK said. “This exhibit honors his passion for bringing the experience of creating and appreciating art to Filipino children

rarely get to enjoy in the city, while the Nature Escape Farm and Resort lets you experience farm life. This destination provides a holistic getaway with farm amenities and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for genuine recharge.

Discover Nueva Ecija’s culture and heritage in Katha Arts Space, a cultural space in Cabanatuan City where visitors can explore local art and even participate in creative workshops. For a dose of history and culture, the Museo de Bongabon provides a fascinating look into the province’s heritage and local way of life.

I would suggest visiting the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. John the Baptist during the Taong Putik Festival. It is an interesting experience to see devotees cover themselves in mud and banana leaves

to honor St. John the Baptist’s humility. Known for its miraculous healing powers, it continues to draw pilgrims seeking renewal and grace. Check out also the architecture of the Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de las Saleras.

If you happen to be at the Science City of Muñoz today, Nov. 26, you might want to attend the Himig ng Pasok, Alay sa Inyo concert, featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) and Nueva Ecija’s homegrown talents. Under the baton of Resident Conductor Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, the orchestra will perform with the Voices of the City of Muñoz and the CLSU Maestro Singers, alongside opera singer Gerphil Flores and soloist Gian Carlo Gonzales. The concert will begin at 6:00 p.m. on November 26 at the Science City Gymnasium in the Science City of Muñoz. The concert in Nueva Ecija is free and open to the public.

Part of the outreach program of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the PPO concert in Nueva Ecija aims to promote its brand of music to different regions, broadening its audience reach and making world-class orchestral music accessible outside the CCP Complex.

If you have not been to Nueva Ecija and want to explore it, you might want to check the newest Lakbay Norte Travel Guide. It will give you a glimpse into what you can expect from the “Rice Granary of the Philippines.” Thanks to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), your escape up north is now smoother and more scenic, because here, the journey is already part of the experience.

MR. AND MS. Chinatown Global

(MMCG) has appointed Nicole Cordoves as pageant director and Cassandra Chan as assistant pageant director and pageant manager for its 2026 edition, the organizers has announced following the official venue signing at the Araneta Coliseum.

Cordoves, a Binibining Pilipinas alumna who won Miss Grand Philippines 2016 and Miss Chinatown 2014, has also been the longest-running host of Binibining Pilipinas, appearing on the Araneta stage for six consecutive editions. She said she aims to guide a new generation of cultural ambassadors while honoring the pageant’s heritage.

“Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global is where tradition meets tomorrow, a platform that honors our heritage and empowers a new generation to lead with pride,” Cordoves said.

Joining Cordoves, Chan, Miss Chinatown Philippines 2022 and Miss World Philippines Charity 2022, discussed the pageant’s global reach.

“It’s not just about beauty or competition—it’s about shared pride, creativity, and culture coming together on one global stage,” she said.

The pageant, produced by CHiNOY TV, is entering its second year after gathering candidates from the United States, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong in its inaugural edition. MMCG Year 2 officially begins Jan. 28, with Winners Night set for Feb. 10 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Nicole Cordoves (left) and Cassandra Chan take the helm of Mr. and Ms. Chinatown Global 2026

Breakfast with a view at The Nest Resort and Campground in Palayan City The Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora de las Saleras in Aliaga remains a landmark of faith and devotion in Nueva Ecija

The Giron Botanic Culture and Arts Center celebrates local flora and creative expression through vibrant works inspired by Philippine identity

Glaiza Lee

C4 LIFE

WEDNESDAY,

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

THE energy inside Conrad Manila’s Gallery C shifts as visitors move from one canvas to the next. The hotel’s newest Of Art and Wine installment, Return & Remember: Places & Home by FilipinoCanadian artist J.A. Tan turns the space into an exploration of memory and belonging, guided by an artist whose perspective expands how visitors experience art.

Running until Jan. 17, the exhibition gathers 36 paintings drawn from Tan’s life across Vancouver, the Philippines, Europe, and the United States. The works are less about mapping where he has been and more about revealing how each place has shaped him. Layers of color and emotion come together to form a sense of home that evolves with every memory.

The artist, who is on the autism spectrum, brings forward a viewpoint rarely showcased in major galleries. His expressive style carries sensory depth and emotional clarity, giving visitors an opportunity to engage with neurodiverse storytelling through visual form. Inside Gallery C, his canvases shape an atmosphere where lived experiences are fully felt. Conrad Manila underscored this commitment during the opening event. General manager Rupert Hallam emphasized the hotel’s focus

and place

on inclusivity and the significance of featuring Tan in the 38th edition of its art series. For Tan, the exhibition serves as a gathering of moments that influenced his understanding of self.

“Inclusivity has always been at the heart of our values at Conrad Manila,” said Rupert Hallam, general manager of Conrad Manila. “This new exhibit is especially meaningful to us, as it features the world-class talent of J.A. Tan. We are honored to provide a platform for his story and perspectives that resonate deeply with human experience.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together leaders in hospitality, arts, and advocacy, including SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation president Elizabeth Sy, executive vice president Peggy Angeles, Autism Society Philippines national spokesperson Mona Magno-Veluz guest of honor Maribel Calma, Hallam, and Tan.

Inclusivity guided the evening’s auction as well. A limited-edition reprint of Tan’s Rice Fields, merchandise based on his works, and a special Montecorneo 570 Albe 2021 Grechetto Passito dessert wine were offered to guests. All proceeds went directly to the Autism Society Philippines.

To extend the experience beyond the gallery, C

Collectors’ playground

By Nickie Wang

OLLECTING coins, banknotes, and memorabilia in the Philippines is no longer just a niche hobby. What used to be a quiet pastime has grown into a vibrant community where history, artistry, and investment come together, and Minted Manila’s year-end show has just proved it.

On Nov. 22 and 23, The Westin Manila in Ortigas became the ultimate hub for collectors, enthusiasts, and curious visitors at Minted Manila’s two-day event. The show had it all: rare coins, vintage paper money, medals, historical artifacts, and even fashion.

One of the biggest highlights? The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) made a rare appearance, bringing heritage items, rare coins, and books for attendees to explore and buy. For collectors, this was a game-changer, and for Minted Manila, it was a big step forward.

“For us, it’s very important to have government support. Now it feels almost like retail, you can just go and get what you need,” said Minted Manila founder Sigrid Carandang . “They’re part of the hobby and supporting collectors. They brought stunning book pieces that are on display and for sale. They also have books and some heritage items for the public to view.”

Inside the Sonata Ballroom, displays ran the gamut from Spanish colonial-era coins to quirky 1980s collectibles and modern releases. Attendees could also get items graded and certified onsite through PCGS Asia, NGC, PMG, and CGC, making sure their prized pieces stay authentic and valuable.

The show’s auction stole the spotlight, featuring some of the rarest coins in Philippine history. Among them

were the Spanish-era “Firme V Feliz Por La Union” coin and the Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos 5,000-peso gold coin. The Spanish coin, originally from Peru, tells a story of 19th-century monetary fixes under Queen Isabella II, with holed and stamped designs that survived decades of history.

The Marcos gold coin, especially its Red Edition, is one of the rarest in the country. Only 100 were made, most were lost after 1986, and its deep ruby-red finish makes it a standout piece of craftsmanship and history. Both coins came in elegant cases with certificates of authenticity.

Fashion was also a highlight of the event, as students from the SoFA Design Institute presented modern Filipiniana collections. Each outfit offered a creative interpretation of Filipino identity, connecting cultural heritage from the past with fresh, modern design sensibilities.

Founded in 2016, Minted Manila has grown beyond a collectibles fair into a platform where history, culture, and personal stories meet.

“This is where you see tangible pieces of the past you can actually hold,” Carandang said. “Every piece tells a story, and we want people to feel the joy of collecting while connecting with our heritage.”

afternoon tea set inspired by Tan’s vibrant palette. Available throughout the exhibition’s run, the menu includes roasted pumpkin feta mousse tartlet, pork adobo polenta cake, smoked salmon yuzu cream on rye, roasted mung bean chocolate coconut shell, Valrhona guanaja moist chocolate cake, and mango calamansi mousse with crispy black rice—served with tea or coffee for two.

Return & Remember: Places & Home is open to the public at Gallery C. For artwork inquiries, call +632 8833 9999 or email Conrad.Manila. info@conradhotels.com. For C Lounge reservations, guests may reach MNLMB.FB@ ConradHotels.com.

Lounge launched an

From left: Maribel Calma, Rupert Hallam, Elizabeth Sy, J.A. Tan, Peggy Angeles, and Mona Magno-Veluz lead the wine toasting

An auction featuring Tan’s works and merchandise raises funds for the Autism Society Philippines

Minted MNL chairman Sigrid Carandang (left) meets the members of the media during the event’s first day

A collector dressed as José Rizal presents a ‘Noli Me Tangere’ replica

Featured artist J.A. Tan shares the inspiration behind his art collection

Collectors browse rare coins and medals, including an Emperor Meiji 100thanniversary piece, at the Minted Manila year-end show

The ultra-rare Red Edition Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos 5,000peso gold coin is one of the weekend’s auction highlights

A full panel of Andres Bonifacio centennial coins draws heavy attention from visitors inside the Sonata Ballroom

Hobbyists and enthusiasts closely inspect graded and vintage coins at the exhibit floor