Manila Standard - 2026 August 14 - Friday

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Sanctions loom over lawyers for impeachment trial conduct

By Ram Superable, Charles Dantes, Maricel V. Cruz LAWYERS participating in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could face fines, reprimands, suspension or other sanctions over social media posts and public comments

VOL. XL • NO. 181 • 3 SECTIONS 18 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026

on the proceedings, the Senate Impeachment Court said.

Court spokesperson Regie Tongol said Presiding Officer Senator Francis Escudero is expected to issue a ruling

by Monday on possible misconduct by trial attorneys who allegedly violated Next page

LEADERSHIP FUND

Ping: Worst form of ‘pork’

Palace: PBBM unaware; Bonoan: Fund created amid Marcos’ concerns

By Charles Dantes and Joel Zurbano

T

HE controversial “Leadership Fund” implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways from 2024 to 2025 was the worst version” of the pork barrel funds, Senator Panfilo Lacson said.

Lacson said the mechanism, which he also called “allocables,” allowed lawmakers to influence the budget even before Congress begins deliberations.

“The Leadership Fund is not only a descendant of the outlawed ‘pork barrel’ but also its worst version. Why would members of Congress dip their hands in the budget preparation phase outside of the local development councils preparation of their local development plans where they are allowed to represent their districts?”

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IN FOCUS . President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. unveils IN FOCUS: MARCOS PRESIDENCY exhibit which shows photos of his activities during the launch at Likha Filipino Gallery in Pasay City.

With him are First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Presidential Communications Secretary Dave Gomez. Revoli Cortez

Gibo calls out China for arrest of over 100 Pinoys

By Rex Espiritu DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Thursday slammed China’s Immigration move against more than 100 Filipinos as “plain and simple extortion and blackmail.”

“We strongly condemn both the attempt by China to interfere in our law enforcement processes and the blatant blackmail against Filipinos,” Teodoro said in a statement.

China’s Foreign Ministry earlier said the Filipinos were subjected to an Im-

migration operation over alleged illegal employment and overstaying.

“China’s national immigration authorities have made consistent efforts to strengthen supervision of foreigners illegally entering, living or working in Next page

PBBM okays entry of COS, JOs in SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth

By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered government agencies to facilitate voluntary contributions to state-run social insurance and housing programs for contract of service and job order workers, expanding their access to social protection benefits.

President Marcos issued Administrative Order No. 43 on June 3, directing government agencies to facilitate the voluntary deduction and

remittance of contributions to the Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., and PagIBIG Fund from the compensation of COS and JO workers.

The order requires the prior consent of workers and compliance with Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018; Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act; and Republic Act No. 9679, or the Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009.

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PAGASA eyes ‘Nangka’ as rains continue to pour RESILIENCE.

Teenage boys take to it like ducks in floodwaters in a flooded street in Baseco in Manila’s Tondo district. Inset shows a landslide blocking traffic in a Benguet highway.

Norman Cruz, Dave Leprozo

By Rio N. Araja, Maricel Cruz

CONFIRMED. Members of the Commission on Appointments (CA) pose for a photo

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is tracking another tropical storm spotted outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

Meanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported that infrastructure damage Next page

move to drop Bonoan as an accused, according to public interest and human rights lawyer Antonio Zoleta Bucoy.

Bucoy said in a DZMM interview that he was not surprised by the court’s action, arguing that prosecutors took a

DepEd reminds employees not to engage in ‘Sangla-ATM’

By Gabriel Oliva

Bonoan’s discharge as witness faces hurdles THE Ombudsman’s plan to make former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan a state witness against former Speaker Martin Romualdez faces significant legal hurdles after the Sandiganbayan rejected the government’s

with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete and Philippine Air Force Reserve Brig. Gen. Michael Odylon L. “Mikee” Romero, and 36 other senior and flag officers. Lino Santos

shortcut by seeking to remove Bonoan as an accused in the flood control scandal cases through Rule 110 of the Rules of Court instead of following the stricter procedure under Rule 119

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THE Department of Education (DepEd) reminded its personnel—including teachers, school administrators, and other staff—not to engage in ‘Sangla-ATM’ (automated teller machine) cards, or the act of using payroll accounts as collateral in loans, describing such practice as “abusive,”

and “high-risk” on Wednesday.

DepEd Memorandum No. 49, s.

2026, signed Aug. 12, reiterated the department’s strict prohibition against using or surrendering ATM payroll cards as loan collateral, citing Office Memorandum (OM) OSEC-2020-006.

According to the OM dated April 18, 2020, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Next page

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Gibo...

From A1 China and carried out special operations in accordance with the law. Actions have been taken in accordance with the law against over 100 Philippine nationals for illegally working or living in China,” China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in a press briefing in Beijing.

A Chinese-language newspaper based in Manila reported that China’s action against the Filipinos—including possibly those in Hong Kong and Macau—was a countermeasure against Teodoro, following Philippine law enforcement operations involving Chinese nationals.

The report traced the dispute to the May 2026 operation at the Philippine Sanjia Steel Corp. in Misamis Oriental, where 69 Chinese workers were found handling harmful or noxious materials.

Teodoro said the operation was conducted based on search warrants issued by Philippine courts, and accused Chinese authorities of focusing on the workers’ passports and visas while refusing to address the alleged illegal activities that led to their arrest.

“This is an admission by them that indeed, the acts of these individuals were illegal under Philippine law,” he stressed.

Teodoro also rejected any comparison between the Filipinos subjected to Immigration action in China and Chinese nationals arrested in the Philippines.

“Filipinos in China have neither the intent nor the capacity to commit violations of Chinese law, much less in the scale perpetuated by Chinese nationals here,” the Defense chief said.

Teodoro also accused the Chinese government of “actively covering up” for the Chinese nationals, saying this is evidence of their “complicity in the nefarious acts” committed by them.

“If these Chinese nationals were not involved in defrauding the Filipino people which is now amplified by the cover up done by Chinese authorities, then they will be treated in the same way as other law-abiding foreigners residing in the Philippines,” he added.

DepEd...

From A1 (BSP) has tagged ATM Card pawning as a dangerous scheme, because it exposes borrowers to identity theft, and breach of personal data that may possibly be used for illegal acts.

“Also, BSP finds that this practice unduly promotes over-indebtedness,” it added.

According to education department, it exposes DepEd personnel to unmonitored withdrawal of money, subjects them to financial exploitation, and excessive debiting.

The agency also urged its personnel and staff to practice prudence, and pay borrowed money on time for them to not fall prey to unauthorized lending schemes that impose high rates, and oppressive and unfair terms.

It added they should secure their ATM payroll accounts and personal and sensitive information at all times.

Meanwhile, instead of subscribing to informal lending schemes the DepEd advised its staff to avail only accredited, authorized, and government approved loaning mechanisms including the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), DepEd Provident Fund, the Land Bank of the Philippines, Pag-IBIG Fund among others.

“Duly licensed lending companies, and other DepEd-accredited private lending institutions, which provide transparent, accountable, and reasonable lending terms and conditions,” it added.

Bonoan’s...

From A1 for discharging an accused to become a state witness.

“Their method of using him as a state witness is improper. They used a shortcut through Rule 110, or by amending the information to remove former Secretary Bonoan as an accused,” Bucoy said.

He said Rule 110 gives prosecutors greater latitude to amend an indictment, while Rule 119 imposes stringent requirements before an accused may be discharged to become a state witness.

Ping:...

From A1 the senator said.

Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan on Wednesday testified before the Sandiganbayan that all senators during the 19th Congress in 2024 received at least P500 million each from the Leadership Fund.

He said those who held committee chairmanships received up to P1 billion each.

Malacañang, however, distanced itself from the controversial “Leadership Fund,” which Bonoan said totaled P24 billion.

“If the President knew about it, that would not have happened, right?” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said.

Castro said the fund arrangement could have been a private understanding between Bonoan and other officials.

Sanctions...

From A1

“if the President knew about it, he would not have tolerated it, and it would not have happened. But sometimes, these kinds of arrangements are kept secret,” she added.

But in Bonoan’s affidavit obtained exclusively by GMA News, the former Public Works chief said the Leadership Fund was created after the President expressed alarm over congressional insertions.

As this developed, Castro said the administration’s proposed 2027 DPWH budget does not contain a similar fund. “(There is) no leadership fund under the 2027 budget. All projects proposed in the 2027 DPWH budget are based on the needs of the local and regional government,” she added.

Lacson, for his part, confirmed that the 2026 budget no longer contained the Leadership Fund.

While Lacson acknowledged that the

Leadership Fund was not illegal, he said it was definitely improper.

Meanwhile, more senators from the 19th Congress who were named by Bonoan have denied the allegations of the ex-DPWH chief.

Senators Bong Go and Robin Padilla said they did not submit any list of priority projects to former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.

“It’s difficult to react to an issue when we don’t know what it is based on or what the motive is. Perhaps it would be better to return the question to the person who raised it,” Go said.

Go also questioned the authenticity of Bonoan’s statements and sought clarification on the alleged project list.

According to Bonoan, the total Leadership Fund reached P24 billion, with then Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri having discretion to increase the allocations.

Bonoan also disclosed that Padilla and Senator Imee Marcos thanked him for his “assistance.”

Zubiri immediately denied the allegation, saying he had never requested, possessed or managed any list of project requests from senators.

“No proposed budget amendments have passed through our office. The senators are aware of this. All requests are processed through the Senate Committee on Finance, which oversees the budget process in the Senate,” Zubiri said.

Marcos said she was not aware of Bonoan’s claims: “I don’t know what expression of thanks he was referring to.”

Asked by Associate Justice Ronald Moreno if Lacson was among those who availed of the leadership fund, Bonoan said no.

He said Lacson was not yet an incumbent senator when the leadership fund for 2025 was being prepared in 2024.

of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, which prohibit trial by publicity.

The court is also expected to resolve remaining evidentiary disputes when the trial resumes Monday. House prosecutors are scheduled to present four witnesses next week, beginning with House Legislative Records Officer Marivic Pareja, who is expected to testify on committee transcripts.

Office of the Vice President and Department of Education special disbursing officers Gina Acosta and Edward Fajarda are scheduled to testify on cash disbursements, while Lemuel Ortonio has been added to the schedule as the court seeks to maintain its target pace of one witness per day.

Group, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police.

PBBM...

From A1

Co: Court must apply its rules fairly, even to VP

Tolosa said the sub judice rule covers not only lawyers but the parties themselves, including the respondent, and that an attack on the court’s integrity could potentially go beyond a sub judice violation and constitute contemptuous conduct.

The prosecution said it would respect the court’s ruling and accept responsibility for any missteps in its public statements but expected the rule to be applied equally to all parties.

Meanwhile, Diokno said courtroom conduct should be governed by respect, decorum and proper behavior, rather than expectations that opposing lawyers be kind to one another.

“All covered government agencies are hereby directed to facilitate the voluntary deduction of prescribed SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund contributions from the compensation of COS and JO workers, subject to the prior consent of the worker and in accordance with RA Nos. 11199, 11223, and 9679,” President Marcos said in the order.

Government agencies must establish mechanisms to enable workers to participate and provide them with information on available social protection coverage.

The directive applies to departments, agencies, bureaus, offices, and instrumentalities of the national government, as well as government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges that engage individual COS and JO workers.

Local government units are also encouraged to adopt the provisions of the order.

Under AO 43, agencies will directly remit workers’ deducted contributions to the SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund and ensure their timely payment.

They are also directed to enter into agreements with the three institutions to facilitate implementation.

The order, however, does not change the existing contractual relationship between government agencies and COS or JO workers.

The President also directed the Department of Budget and Management, Civil Service Commission, Commission on Audit, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund to jointly issue rules, guidelines, and accounting procedures for the implementation of the policy.

The move builds on Joint Circular No. 1, issued by the CSC, COA, and DBM in 2025, which allows COS and JO workers to receive a premium of up to 20 percent of their compensation to cover voluntary or self-employed contributions to government-mandated social security programs.

The order gives COS and JO workers a formal mechanism for paying into government social protection programs while retaining the voluntary nature of their coverage.

from the combined effects of typhoons “Luis” and “Maymay” and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) has reached P2.65 billion.

As of Thursday 8 a.m., the storm named “Nangka” was estimated at 2,755 kilometers east northeast of extreme Northern Luzon.

It was packing maximum winds of 65

kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 80 kph, and moving northeastward at 20 kph.

PAGASA, however, said the storm will not yet affect the country.

Malacañang suspended government work and classes in public and private schools in several areas on Aug. 13 starting at 3 p.m. due to continuous heavy rainfall in parts of Luzon, as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured the public of its readiness to respond to possible

effects of Tropical Storm Nangka.

The suspension covered the National Capital Region, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Cavite, Batangas, Rizal, Laguna and Quezon.

“Agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services are hereby directed to continue their operations and render the necessary services,” Malacañang

said in Memorandum Circular No. 125.

“Further thereto, the localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or work in government offices in other areas may be implemented by their respective local chief executives, pursuant to relevant laws, rules and regulations,” it added.

The suspension of work in private companies and offices was left to the discretion of their respective heads.

Today, the southwest monsoon is expected to bring occasional rains in Zambales and Bataan.

Under Rule 119, Bucoy said, the prosecution must establish that the accused’s testimony is absolutely necessary, that there is no other direct evidence available, that the testimony can be substantially corroborated on material points, and that the accused does not appear to be the most guilty.

Bucoy said the Sandiganbayan’s rejection of the Rule 110 approach could make it even more difficult for prosecutors to secure Bonoan’s discharge under Rule 119.

“The first issue is corroboration. Who will corroborate him? If there really is another witness, then Bonoan would

no longer be necessary. There must be another witness who can corroborate him,” he said.

More importantly, Bucoy questioned whether Bonoan could meet the requirement that a state witness should not appear to be the most guilty among the accused.

“Bonoan does not appear to be the least guilty. He appears to be the most guilty because he was the architect of the public works budget. He was at the center, he managed the funds, and he was also the one who released the money,” Bucoy said.

Bucoy said the rejection of the pro-

posed amendment made the government’s plan to use Bonoan as a state witness even more difficult.

He also questioned the evidentiary basis of the case against Romualdez, contrasting it with the prosecution’s case against Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada.

“In the case of Senator Jinggoy, they had evidence from the very beginning.

There were people who pointed to him, and there were witnesses,” Bucoy said.

“In the case of former Speaker Martin, they are now proposing to use former Secretary Bonoan as a state witness because there has been a lack of evidence from the very begin-

ning. That is why they are scrambling now,” he added.

Bucoy accused the Ombudsman of appearing desperate to obtain testimony against Romualdez by turning to Bonoan.

“They are desperate. They will use as a witness the person who appears to be the most guilty,” he said.

Bucoy maintained that, apart from the proposed testimony of Bonoan, he had yet to see other evidence directly linking Romualdez to the alleged irregularities.

“I have not seen any other evidence except this proposal to use the testimony of former Secretary Bonoan,” he said.

court rules by commenting on the case and engaging in personal attacks on social media.

Malacañang meanwhile said misleading questions raised during the trial are not permissible in cross-examination, as Palace Undersecretary Claire Castro defended the need for proper documentation and accountability in the use of confidential funds.

“As a lawyer, basic, this is so basic. Misleading questions are not allowed especially during cross examination,” Castro, also a lawyer, said in a Palace briefing.

The House prosecution panel, for its part, said that if the impeachment court is to call out anyone for undermining its proceedings, it should be Duterte for her repeated statements questioning the court’s integrity.

“Ultimately, if the impeachment court should cite anyone, it is VP Sara,” House prosecution spokesperson Rep. Renee Co of Kabataan Party-list said.

Defense hits prosecution comments online

The court’s announcement came after the 15th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial on Wednesday and followed a manifestation by lead defense counsel Sheila Sison, who cited prosecutor Atty. Amando Ligutan for allegedly commenting online on a dispute involving misleading questions during cross-examination.

“Posting and commenting about the merits of the case are prohibited for our counsels, parties, private counsels, and even the senator-judges. That includes posts that damage the integrity and credibility of the impeachment process.

We will know the ruling of the presiding officer this Monday,” Tongol said.

Tongol said lawyers could face indirect contempt charges, with penalties that may include detention or revocation of their authority to appear before the court. Lesser administrative sanctions include reprimands, admonitions and fines, while cases could also be referred to the Supreme Court for possible suspension or disbarment.

The court is determining whether the attorneys violated Rule 18 of the impeachment rules and the Code

PAGASA...

From A1

‘Framed questions could keep witness from providing context’

Meanwhile, Palace spokesperson Castro explained that questions framed in a way that force a witness to answer only “yes” or “no” could prevent the witness from providing full context.

Castro also addressed questions raised during the trial about the reported spending of P125 million in just 11 days. She said confidential funds remain subject to liquidation and accountability requirements.

“Confidential funds do not mean that because they are called confidential, you no longer have to report them properly,” she said.

“Receipts are needed to prove that transactions, negotiations and activities related to national security and peace and order actually took place,” Castro added.

She cited the government’s Joint Circular 2015-01, which provides rules on the use and liquidation of confidential and intelligence funds. Supporting documents may be kept under seal and in the custody of the concerned agency but must be available when questioned by the Commission on Audit.

“There is nothing wrong with confidential funds if they are used for the true reason or purpose and if they are based on the mandate of the agency,” Castro said.

She also questioned the reported use of confidential funds for Duterte’s personal security, noting that the vice president already receives security and information support from the Vice Presidential Security and Protection

Co cited Duterte’s remarks that the impeachment process involved “bending the law,” as well as her earlier claim that evidence against her had been fabricated and that the proceeding was a waste of public resources.

The lawmaker said the Senate court must protect its authority and apply its rules fairly to everyone.

“If it is forbidden to insult the impeachment court, it should be forbidden for everyone,” she said, stressing the prosecution’s call for “one court, one standard.”

Lawyer Benjamin Tolosa Jr., counsel and spokesperson for the House prosecution panel, said parties may criticize what happens during proceedings, but no one should be allowed to attack the integrity of the court itself.

“Instead of attacking the integrity of the impeachment court, she should face it and directly answer the serious accusations against her,” Tolosa said.

House prosecutor Rep. Chel Diokno of Akbayan Party-list stressed that the sub judice rule should be applied fairly and does not prohibit factual reporting of what happens during a hearing or reasonable explanation of legal principles.

“The call from all sides, of course, is simply for the application of all Senate rules on impeachment cases to be fair and even-handed,” Diokno said.

He urged the tribunal to apply the same standards to the prosecution, defense and senator-judges.

Tolosa: Sub judice rule covers all parties

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Palace to Erice: ‘Don’t speak for Pres. Marcos’

By Charles Dantes MALACAÑANG on Thursday rebuked Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice for claiming President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. could not afford to jail former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, challenging the lawmaker to prove he had direct knowledge of the President’s position on those implicated in the flood control scandal.

At a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Erice should not speculate on President Marcos’ intentions without having spoken directly with him.

“Has he spoken directly with the President to know his sentiments toward those involved in the flood control mess? If he has not spoken with the President and does not know his sentiments, then he should not speak,” Castro said.

Castro’s remarks came after Erice questioned whether Mr. Marcos could politically afford to have Romualdez jailed, arguing that alleged insertions in flood control projects could not have been carried out for years without the cooperation of government officials.

Castro dismissed the claim as speculation, saying Erice was presenting his own assumptions as if they reflected the President’s thinking.

“He has no right to speak on behalf of the President unless he replaces me here,” Castro said.

The Palace official challenged Erice to bring his allegations directly to the Office of the Ombudsman if he has evidence against Romualdez.

Castro said Mr. Marcos has been receiving reports from witnesses who allegedly have information against the former speaker and believes cases should be filed once investigators have sufficient evidence.

Senate panel probes tainted steel from China

By Ram Superable AN ONGOING Senate investigation on Thursday revealed that substandard and radioactively contaminated steel rebars from Chinese-run plants have entered the Philippine market and may already have been used in vital public and private infrastructure.

Senate Committee on Economic Affairs chair Risa Hontiveros linked the defective construction materials to a recent building collapse in Angeles, Pampanga, that killed 30 people.

“If substandard steel caused the collapse of buildings and homes in Pampanga and Mindanao, the manufacturers responsible must be held accountable. It is also unacceptable that agencies tasked with consumer safety and protection, such as the DTI, are absent today,” she said.

“Now that budget season is approaching, we will exercise oversight over the budgets of these agencies and ask why they appear to be failing in their mandates,” Hontiveros added.

The National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that four local steel manufacturers have been flagged for distribution violations following raids on facilities in Misamis Oriental and Pampanga.

Authorities are also investigating whether the illegal steel operations are linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators after discovering numerous undocumented Chinese workers at the raided manufacturing sites.

ROAD INSPECTION.

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon and Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie Gatchalian inspect and assess rehabilitation work along Maysan Road in Valenzuela City on Thursday.

Andrew Rabulan

Palace: Weigh facts amid 2028 surveys

By Charles Dantes

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ALACAÑANG on Thursday urged Filipinos to scrutinize the evidence and not rely solely on opinion surveys when assessing potential candidates for the 2028 elections, amid a reported lead by the Leni Robredo-Raffy Tulfo tandem over the Sara Duterte-Imee Marcos pairing.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro made the statement when asked whether the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could influence voters’ presidential preferences in 2028.

An OCTA Research survey reportedly showed former Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Raffy Tulfo leading a possible presidential-vice presidential matchup, ahead of the Sara Duterte-Imee Marcos tandem.

Castro said voters should look beyond survey results and assess the available evidence.

“I think our fellow Filipinos should look at the truth. They should be aware of the evidence before them and discern what is true,” Castro said.

She cautioned, however, against making sweeping judgments about polling organizations, saying that while many firms conduct credible surveys, some could potentially be used for political purposes.

“There are many reputable survey firms, and we are not generalizing.

But some survey firms may be used for political purposes, creating mind conditioning to boost their preferred candidates,” she said.

Castro said Filipinos should consider

all available evidence rather than base their decisions on a single survey.

“It would be better to look at all the evidence rather than rely on what one survey says. Looking at the truth will help every Filipino make better decisions. They should simply be discerning,” she said.

Castro also questioned whether respondents in a separate Social Weather Stations survey were fully aware of recent developments that could affect their assessment of the administration.

She was responding to a query on the latest SWS survey, which showed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s net satisfaction rating rising to +1 from –13 in March, even as public ratings of his administration’s efforts to curb inflation and fight corruption remained in negative territory.

Castro pointed to the government’s recent announcement of a decline in the country’s inflation rate, suggesting that awareness of such developments could affect survey responses.

CHED pushes proper AI use in China-ASEAN THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is pushing for stronger regional cooperation in higher education through the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) at the Sixth ChinaASEAN Education Research Network Meeting in Guizhou, China.

CHED Executive Director Cinderella Filipina Benitez-Jaro said AI is transforming teaching, research, governance, quality assurance, and innovation, and should be used to improve educational quality, inclusivity, and resilience.

She said the Philippines is advancing the digital transformation of higher education through policies and international partnerships aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of preparing a technology-ready workforce.

CHED said the initiative is part of its ACHIEVE agenda, launched in 2025 to modernize higher education by 2030 through lifelong learning, research, international collaboration, and digital innovation. Gabriel Oliva

Imee seeks clarification on Toboso operation MUSTHAVE.

Umbrellas of various shapes and sizes are displayed for sale at a stall in Manila’s Divisoria commercial district on Thursday, as shoppers prepare for the rainy season.

Yancy Lim

SENATOR Imee Marcos on Thursday expressed concern and sought clarification over the military’s anti-insurgency operation in Toboso, Negros Occidental, that left 19 people dead, including a University of the Philippines student, a journalist, and peasant advocates.

During the Commission on Appointments hearing on the promotions of 38 Armed Forces of the Philippines officers, Marcos asked whether an official report had been released on the April 19 operation.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said the investigation is ongoing, adding that humanitarian and human rights groups have engaged affected communities and that local chief executives supported the operation. Joel E. Zurbano

Pakistanis in PH urged to heed flood advisories

VP camp confirms plea vs. threats charges

By Ma. Katrina Manubay and Charles Dantes

RELIEF EFFORTS. Philippine Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang joins volunteers in repacking more than 2,850 relief packs at the organization’s national headquarters in Mandaluyong City on Thursday for distribution to residents affected by southwest monsoon flooding. Manny Pamero

IN BRIEF

VICE President Sara Duterte’s camp on Thursday confirmed it had filed a motion to quash the grave threats charges against her, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction over the cases.

In a statement, Duterte’s legal counsel in the National Bureau of Investigation grave threats case, Paul Lawrence Lim, confirmed the filing but declined to discuss its details.

“We confirm having filed a motion to quash the grave threats informations filed against the Vice President on the ground of lack of jurisdiction,” Lim said.

“As lawyers bound by our Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, however, we cannot give

any further discussion on this matter that is now sub judice,” he added.

Earlier this week, Lim said they had anticipated the filing of three counts of grave threats against Duterte and expressed confidence the cases would eventually be dismissed.

He also argued that Duterte, as a sitting impeachable official, may not be prosecuted for an alleged offense that is also the subject of an impeachment case.

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that a complaint for grave threats had been filed against the Vice President before a Quezon City court.

Duterte is currently on trial before the Senate impeachment court for alleged betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes.

THE Embassy of Pakistan in Manila on Thursday urged Pakistani nationals in the Philippines to stay alert and follow weather and flood advisories issued by Philippine authorities amid heavy rains and flooding.

The embassy advised its nationals to avoid low-lying and floodprone areas, limit travel during periods of heavy rainfall, and contact the embassy in case of emergencies.

It also expressed its thoughts and prayers for everyone affected by the severe weather across the country.

The Office of Civil Defense said infrastructure damage from Tropical Cyclones Luis and Maymay, along with the enhanced Southwest Monsoon, has reached P2.65 billion. Ma. Katrina Mikaela Manubay

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House approves measure versus cyberattacks

By Maricel V. Cruz THE House of Representatives on Wednesday night approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to strengthen the country’s defenses against cyberattacks and protect critical information infrastructure and essential services.

Voting 198-3-1, the House passed House Bill No. 9605, or the proposed National Cybersecurity and Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Act of 2026, a Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority measure.

With the approval, the House has now passed 28 of the 60 LEDAC priority measures on third and final reading.

The measure seeks to address threats including fraud, identity theft, data breaches and ransomware, as well as cyberattacks capable of disrupting electricity, telecommunications, banking and other essential services.

House Speaker Faustino Dy III expressed hope that the measure would soon become law.

“The more our lives become dependent on digital systems, the greater the threats posed by cyberattacks. The House recognizes that we need to strengthen the government’s ability to protect our countrymen against these threats,” Dy said.

“If there is a cyberattack on critical systems used in electricity, telecommunications, banks, and other important services, it is possible that thousands of Filipinos will be affected. We need to be prepared before this kind of incident happens,” he added.

A key provision of HB 9605 establishes the National Cybersecurity Agency (NCSA) under the Office of the President as the primary government body responsible for national cybersecurity policy, planning, coordination and implementation.

The proposed agency would set minimum cybersecurity standards, audit critical information infrastructure, coordinate responses to cyber incidents and strengthen threat-intelligence sharing.

“Cybersecurity is not just a matter of technology. It is a matter of security, service, and the welfare of every Filipino. There must be clear standards, a focused agency, and the ability to respond immediately when there is a threat,” Dy said.

The bill requires operators of critical information infrastructure to conduct regular risk assessments and continuous monitoring, submit authenticated cybersecurity audit and riskassessment reports at least once every two years, and report critical and high-risk cyber incidents.

WELCOME WALK.

Cadet honor guards provide added attraction to University of Santo Tomas’ traditional Welcome Walk for more than 10,000 college freshmen entering the iconic Arch of the Centuries that greeted generations of Thomasians since the school’s founding 415 years ago. Norman Cruz

Comelec lifts 3-month expiration of teachers’ poll service credits

By Gabriel Oliva

T

HE Commission on Elections (Comelec) has scrapped lifted the three-month expiration period of Department of Education (DepEd) public school teachers’ credits earned by rendering election-related duties.

Comelec Resolution No, 11212-A, promulgated on Aug 11, states teachers may now claim and utilize their service credits following their poll duties without needing to worry about the mandated expiration date previously mandated by the poll body.

“The service credit may be availed of

at any time after the date of the election or electoral exercise,” the measure said.

According to the Comelec, service credits refer to leave credits granted under the Election Service Reform Act (ESRA) to qualified government officials and employees in recognition of poll services rendered during regular

or special elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referendums, or recall proceedings.

These include national and local elections (NLE), Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), and the Bangsamoro Parliamentary elections (BPE).

Public school teachers who serve during elections are entitled to a fixed five-day service credit, which may be extended to up to 10 days depending on the conditions at the ground.

DepEd said more than 600,000 public school teachers from the basic education sector served as electoral board members, and as frontliners of the

IN BRIEF Attack on Army soldiers leaves one dead, 2 hurt ONE Army soldier was killed while two others were wounded when the troopers were fired upon by two motorcycle riding men Wednesday morning in Indanan, Sulu.

According to the Army’s 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, the unprovoked attack was staged near Barangay Tagbak while the soldiers were on their way to a training camp.

The military condemned the assault even as follow up operations were launch to identify and arrest the suspects. Rex Espiritu

PH, Canada hail okay of visiting forces pact REFURBISHED ARMORY. An Army chaplain blesses the Army’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division’s refurbished firearms prior to turnover to the troops in a bid to strengthen their operational efficiency at the battle fronts. Army photo

SC: Illegally dismissed employees have rights to back wages

By Pot Chavez THE Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that illegally dismissed employees are entitled not only to full back wages, but also to the remittance of their Social Security

democratic process of the country.

According to Education Secretary Sonny Angara, the removal of expiration came after teacher organizations such as the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) raised concerns on the need for flexible leave entitlements.

“This is a big relief for our teachers.

Serving in the elections is not a joke.

They encounter hard work, sleeplessness, and sometimes dangers—just to protect the sanctity of the ballots,” Angara noted.

He added that a strict deadline should not be imposed to enable the teachers to get their well-deserved rest and benefits.

System (SSS) contributions.

In its decision, the SC’s Third Division held that an employer’s obligation to remit SSS contributions continues during the period covered by an employee’s illegal dismissal.

It cited Article 294 of the Labor Code which provides that illegally dismissed employees are entitled to full back wages and other benefits.

The High Court explained that unlawfully dismissed workers are con-

sidered to have remained employed during the period covered by their back wages.

As such, they are entitled to the rights and benefits that would have accrued during the same period.

PNP says drug rings recruiting fishermen

By Vince Lopez

FINANCIAL AYUDA. A local resident receives cash assistance under the government’s subsidy program called TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers). More than 300 villagers in Morong, Bataan receive their equal share during a payout of the aid. Photo courtesy of Rep. Gila Garcia

DRUG syndicates are increasingly targeting local fishermen as potential recruits, prompting the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify monitoring of its anti-illegal drug operations and prevent criminal groups from developing new strategies, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Wednesday.

Nartatez cited a recent operation in Tawi-Tawi, where a local drug syndicate reportedly recruited fishermen as clients.

The operation, conducted with the participation of Philippine Navy personnel, resulted in the death of a suspected drug dealer and the seizure of more than P1.8 million worth of illegal drugs.

Nartatez said the emerging tactic underscored the need to monitor anti-drug operations down to the police station level and immediately identify and address new modus operandi.

“We are on the right track in the campaign against illegal drugs and we will continue to pursue strategic measures to deny drug syndicates the opportunity to establish and sustain their operations in any part of the country,” Nartatez said.

More than P122 billion worth of illegal drugs have been confiscated over the past four years, while more than 206,000 drug personalities have been arrested, including thousands of high-value targets, according to the latest report of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the lead agency in anti-illegal drug operations.

THE Philippine Embassy in Canada on Thursday (Philippine time) welcomed the Senate’s unanimous approval of the Philippines-Canada Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA), saying the treaty advances efforts to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.

In a statement, the embassy reaffirmed its commitment to promoting stronger bilateral relations.

“The Senate’s concurrence marks another step forward in the operationalization of the Agreement and the broader defense partnership between the Philippines and Canada, anchored on 77 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries,” the statement read. Katrina Manubay

Judges submit study on trial courts to SC DELEGATION from the Kapunungan sa mga Pilipinong Hukom (HUKOM) has presented a study on procedural fairness in jurisprudence to Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

HUKOM, an organization of first- and second-level trial court judges, made the presentation during a courtesy call on Monday at the SC headquarters in Manila.

Gesmundo thanked the judges for the initiative and underscored the importance of evidence-based policy implementation under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022–2027 (SPJI). Pot Chavez

OPINION

A5

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

Bringing travel, convenience, and rewards together PLANNING a vacation today involves far more than simply booking a plane ticket.

Travelers compare airline fares, hunt for hotel bargains, arrange airport transfers, pay utility bills before leaving home, top up mobile phones, and increasingly expect everything to be available through a single digital platform.

One company, Trip Travel & Tours Agency, positions itself to meet those expectations. Founded by businessman Ceazar Fradejas, it is based in Taguig City and has evolved beyond the role of a traditional travel agency by combining travel booking services with digital payment solutions and a customer rewards program.

The result is an integrated platform designed to simplify travel planning while rewarding customers for every journey they take.

Operating through its ET (Earning While Travelling) platform, the company enables customers to book both domestic and international flights, reserve hotel accommodations, and purchase travel packages through one secure online system.

Whether the destination is a Philippine beach resort or a major city overseas, travelers can compare available options and complete their bookings without navigating multiple websites.

The company describes itself as “Your Trusted Online Travel Agency—One App for All Your Travel Needs,” a concept reflected in its effort to combine travel planning with everyday digital services.

One of the platform’s distinctive features is the ET Credits System. Instead of relying solely on conventional payment methods, users may top up ET Credits through secure payment channels, including Xendit, UnionBank, and Wise. These credits can then be used to pay for future bookings, providing added flexibility for frequent travelers.

Beyond making reservations, the ET platform encourages customer loyalty through its rewards program. Qualified bookings earn cashback and reward points, while additional incentives are available through referrals and selected promotional activities. Registration is free, allowing users to begin accumulating rewards as soon as they start using the platform.

The agency’s services extend well beyond airfare and hotel reservations. Travelers can arrange customized vacation packages, sightseeing tours, and travel itineraries tailored to different interests and budgets. The agency also caters to corporate clients by organizing meetings, incentive travel, conferences, and exhibitions, commonly known in the tourism industry as MICE travel.

For travelers with more specialized needs, the agency also facilitates medical tourism for those seeking healthcare or wellness treatments, as well as cultural tourism that showcases heritage sites, mu-

seums, historical landmarks, and local traditions. Leisure travelers, meanwhile, can choose from beach holidays, island escapes, adventure tours, and resort vacations.

Through partnerships with airlines serving destinations worldwide, the agency offers customers access to a broad selection of routes and competitive fares.

It likewise works with hotels in the Philippines and abroad, including properties offering discounted package rates and promotional accommodations.

—“—

It’s not just about reaching a destination.

Its tour offerings now extend to more than 50 countries, providing travelers with access to curated sightseeing experiences and guided tours around the globe.

What further distinguishes this travel agency from others is the integration of lifestyle services into its digital platform.

Users can pay utility bills online, purchase prepaid mobile eLoad for major telecommunications providers, and participate in surveys and engagement activities that may earn additional rewards. By bringing together travel reservations, payments, and customer incentives, the company has created a platform that serves not only travelers but also everyday digital consumers.

Security is another area where the agency places significant emphasis. Bookings are processed through secure systems designed to protect customer information and financial transactions. Customers may pay directly or use ET Credits, depending on their preference.

Recognizing that travel plans do not always go as scheduled, the agency also maintains 24-hour customer support to assist passengers facing itinerary changes, booking concerns, or urgent travel issues.

Assistance is available through its customer support email that gives travelers access to help whenever they need it.

For Filipino travelers planning a local getaway, an overseas vacation, a business trip, or a specialized tour, the agency offers an alternative to juggling multiple booking sites and payment platforms.

By combining tourism services with digital transactions and loyalty incentives, it seeks to make every journey not only easier to arrange but also more rewarding.

In an increasingly connected world, travel is no longer just about reaching a destination. It’s also about how efficiently and smartly the journey begins. That’s the niche this travel agency hopes to fill through its growing digital travel ecosystem. ernhil@yahoo.com

‘Imposing ignorance’: US climate science under siege

By Issam Ahmed A BENCHMARK US report on the fastchanging state of the Arctic has been canceled. The nation’s top research body has removed a chapter on global warming from a reference manual for judges.

After the mass layoffs and budget cuts of the early days of President Donald Trump’s second term, the administration is barreling ahead in its war on climate science, at a time when the world’s oceans and land masses face record-breaking heat.

In 2025, the Arctic Report Card, cancelled this week, found the polar region had experienced its hottest year since records began, with cascading impacts from melting glaciers and sea ice to greening landscapes and disruptions to global weather.

“The Arctic is a bellwether of climate change,” Rick Spinrad, a former administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), told AFP. “They’re imposing ignorance on the system in the hopes that that will address the challenges that are real associated with climate change.”

Global impact The Arctic is warming several times faster than the global average, a phenomenon known as “Arctic amplification” -- and the effects aren’t confined to the North Pole.

For example, losing sea ice injects more freshwater into the North Atlantic, making surface waters less dense and salty and hindering their ability to sink and drive

the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, which helps keep Europe’s winters milder.

NOAA, which has published the Report Card annually since 2006, did not explain its demise, saying only that “Coordination of the 2026 Arctic Report Card will not be facilitated through NOAA” and that prior data would remain publicly available.

—“—

It is the latest in a long line of actions by the Trump administration against science documenting the impacts of human-caused climate change.

It is the latest in a long line of actions by the Trump administration against science documenting the impact of human-caused climate change.

Last week, the National Academy of Sciences, a Congressionally-chartered yet independent body, removed from its website a chapter on climate science from a manual for judges.

It came after Trump took to Truth Social to blast the chapter as “fraudulent, biased and misleading” and accuse the NAS of being run by “Radical Left Democrats.”

A statement by the NAS alluded to “considerable scrutiny,” adding it had determined “that questions about the proc-

T

HE temporary restraining order recently issued by the Pasig Regional Trial Court against the ₱85 minimum-wage increase in Metro Manila is a big blow to workers whose incomes have already been eroded by the relentless rise in the cost of living.

The wage order was designed to raise the NCR daily minimum wage from ₱695 to ₱780 through a staggered increase. But just as the first tranche was about to take effect, the court stepped in and suspended its implementation.

The legal issues surrounding the TRO should be resolved according to law. But its immediate economic consequence is clear: workers continue to receive wages that are increasingly inadequate for the necessities of daily life.

The timing is disturbing. Philippine inflation reached 6.2 percent in July, following 6.4 percent in June, while average inflation for the first seven months of 2026 stood at 5 percent, or well above the government’s 2-to-4 percent target range.

For a low-income family, inflation is not an abstract statistic. It means fewer kilos of meat or fish, higher transportation costs, more expensive electricity, rent, school expenses and medical

ManilaStandard

ONLINE

FORMER senator Bong Revilla has been temporarily released. The Sandiganbayan 3rd Division granted his bail petition. The case involves an alleged P92.8-million flood control project.

The project was a ghost flood control scheme in Bulacan. Revilla faces both graft and malversation charges. He was arrested in January this year. He spent more than six months in detention. He was held at New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.

The case proceeded before the antigraft court. The proceedings tested the strength of the prosecution’s evidence.

The court reviewed arguments from both sides. It then granted Revilla temporary liberty.

Associate Justice Fritz Bryn Anthony M. Delos Santos penned it. The prosecution had not shown sufficiently strong evidence of guilt. That evidence could not justify detention for a non-bailable offense.

The court set bail at one million pesos.

Revilla subsequently posted the amount.

The ruling concerns only his provisional liberty. It does not amount to an acquittal.

His criminal case still remains pending.

Associate Justice Karl Miranda, one of the most hardworking and honest justices I know (we worked together when he was in the Office of the Solicitor General), filed the lone dissent. He serves as the division’s Presiding Justice. He found the evidence sufficiently strong for detention.

He saw Revilla’s role in the scheme as indispensable.

Miranda called Revilla the alleged project proponent. The former senator had received advance kickbacks. That made his participation central to the criminal design.

Miranda examined the case within a broader “kalakaran.” This established scheme allegedly identified and funded projects. A percentage was reserved as a commitment. Resulting shortages were concealed through false accomplishment reports. The evidence should not be read in isolation.

Revilla’s actions belonged within the wider scheme. The relationships among the players also mattered. This context esses used to develop the chapter warrant an independent review, and the chapter will not appear on our website while that review is underway.”

A spokesperson told AFP on Wednesday: “We expect to complete the review this fall.”

The decision attracted attention particularly because the NAS had weeks earlier released a comprehensive review of climate attribution science.

That review examined whether individual extreme weather events can be linked to climate change and found the science robust for many phenomena -- a question pivotal to dozens of cases against oil and gas companies working their way through

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

—“—

A decent wage is not a luxury at all but a basic requirement for economic survival.

This is why wage increases are crucial at this point. A wage adjustment is not merely a concession to labor; it is an essential mechanism for preserving workers’ real purchasing power. When prices rise substantially while wages remain frozen, workers effectively suffer a pay cut even if their nominal salary remains unchanged.

showed substantial evidence for the prosecution. It supported keeping the former senator detained.

Contractors allegedly advance kickbacks as a project-cost percentage. They must then recover this from the allocated funds. Only that way could they turn a profit.

Miranda’s dissent put it plainly: “In short, a portion of the project’s budget would be diverted to the contractor as reimbursement for the kickback it paid the proponent.”

—“—

The wider legal questions about Revilla’s case remain.

“This has been confirmed through the testimony of Engr. Alcantara when he admitted to the court that only 30%-35% of the project budget would be left for the actual project implementation.”

Miranda then flagged an incongruous result. The court released Revilla but detained his co-accused. Their participation and financial gain also raised questions.

His dissent read the evidence and circumstances differently. Context, he stressed, should guide any bail decision.

A lawyer-friend raised a wider concern about the ruling. It could touch other flood-control corruption cases. Many such cases involve sitting legislators. The reasoning, if sustained, could help accused lawmakers.

The majority found the kickback timing significant. The advance payments came before project implementation. The money was then still considered private.

The majority separated Revilla’s role from later stages. Those stages included falsified accomplishment reports. They also included the release of public funds. This distinction raises an important legal question.

Legislators should not join actual project implementation. Their role stays legislative and budgetary. Agencies like US courts.

‘Broad attack’ Carly Phillips, a senior scientist with the nonprofit Union of Concerned Scientists, said she saw a “broad attack on attribution science that’s been happening for many months,” including from Republicans in Congress, who are pushing to outlaw climate accountability lawsuits.

“Judges need reliable scientific information about climate change so that they can evaluate those cases on their merits,” she told AFP. These developments follow the administration’s rescission in February of the “endangerment finding,” the 2009 determination that greenhouse gas pollu-

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser

the DPWH handle implementation. So prosecutors may lean heavily on conspiracy. Conspiracy links their acts to the eventual misuse.

A legislator may secure a project’s budget slot. He allegedly takes an advance kickback from contractors. Officials and contractors then handle the rest.

Procurement, implementation, and payment fall to them. The participants need not perform identical acts. Their coordinated actions form one criminal design.

This is where the bail ruling worries prosecutors. Accused lawmakers may borrow its logic.

They could cite involvement before implementation. The same holds before any fund release. From there, they might disclaim later diversion. The falsification would then seem beyond their reach.

Still, the ruling does not decide other cases. Bail proceedings differ from a full criminal trial. The Supreme Court would settle the broader question.

The ruling still carries real weight.

Prosecutors must now show the early link clearly. Budgetary intervention must connect to the larger conspiracy. This makes the Ombudsman’s possible challenge important. A Supreme Court review could clarify the standards.

It could define the boundaries of conspiracy. It could weigh the role of advanced kickbacks. It could fix the responsibility of legislators. The stakes reach far beyond Revilla’s liberty.

The bail grant could reshape related legislator cases. Accused lawmakers may argue early, pre-implementation involvement. That could sever them from the later misuse.

Proving conspiracy therefore grows more important. Prosecutors must show a coordinated criminal scheme. It must bind legislators, contractors, and officials. The Ombudsman may seek Supreme Court review. Such a review could clarify the legal standards.

Revilla’s bail is not an acquittal. His criminal case continues before the court.

The wider legal questions remain open.

Their answers could shape many floodcontrol prosecutions. tion endangers human health and must be regulated.

Its immediate effect was to wipe out federal vehicle emissions standards. But the same framework underpins limits on power plants, just as the AI boom drives a surge of new natural gas projects.

The administration’s attacks are “a losing effort given the piling up of evidence and the fact that people are seeing and feeling the consequences of climate change so dramatically this summer with the heat domes and wildfires,” climatologist Michael Mann, co-author of the new book “Science Under Siege,” told AFP. “But that doesn’t mean they won’t continue to try.” AFP

Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

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MEMBER

bills. A worker earning the minimum wage cannot simply postpone buying food because prices have risen. Nor can a family compensate for inflation by drawing on savings that it does not have.

There is also a broader economic argument for higher wages. Filipino workers are consumers, and household consumption is a major engine of the Philippine economy. When workers have more disposable income, they spend more in neighborhood stores, markets, transport services and other businesses. That spending supports employment and economic activity.

The argument that wage increases automatically cause inflation also deserves careful treatment. Businesses certainly face higher labor costs, particularly small enterprises. But that does not mean workers should permanently absorb the burden of inflation through declining real wages. The proper response is a balanced wage policy combined with measures that improve productivity, reduce business costs, support small enterprises and keep food, electricity and transportation prices well under control.

The government should now move with urgency to protect the wage increase, while allowing the courts to resolve the underlying legal issues expeditiously. In an economy where prices have risen far faster than workers’ incomes, a decent wage is not a luxury at all but a basic requirement for the economic survival of our working class.

Bail, but not absolution

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

Published Monday to Sunday by Philippine Manila Standard Publishing Inc. at 6/F Universal Re Building, 106 Paseo de Roxas, corner Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026

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Spain darkens as solar eclipse races south from the Arctic

Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • Graduate of any business-related course • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Vietnamese and English language • Experience working in an international and crosscultural environment • Courteous with strong customer service orientation.

• Must be fluent in Vietnamese and English speaking, reading, writing, and listening • Skilled in multi-tasking; including the ability to be flexible and adapt to changes quickly.

• Demonstrate patience in all customer contact situations, including maintaining a pleasant and professional tone and manner • Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills • Experience in software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Outlook and Internet • Clarity of verbal communication (pace and tone) • Excellent written communication (grammar) Applications may be sent to: PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix.com

‘Final phase’ for Colombia quake search; toll hits 265 P LEGAL NOTICE

Manila

Standard

TODAY

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company/ Employer Company Name: Concentrix CVG Philippines, Inc. Complete Address: 10th 11th 12th 14th 15th Floors GBF Center 2 Bridgetowne C5 Road Ugong Norte District 3, Quezon City 1110 Nature of Business: Business to Business IT

This handout composite image from NASA shows the progression of a total solar eclipse over San Millán de los Caballeros, Spain. People in Europe were able to see a total eclipse, while northern parts of the US were able to see a partial eclipse. AFP

my body,” he said.

“It was magnificent... the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in my entire life.”

The eclipse – a first in mainland Europe since 2006 – cast its shadow through parts of Greenland, racing south to smother Keflavik, some 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, before arcing across the Atlantic Ocean towards northern Spain.

Reykjavik had not seen a total solar eclipse since 1433, with the next one not due until 2196.

In Spain, the lunar shadow moved diagonally in a narrow path from the northern coast to the Balearic Islands, where tourists and locals, many dressed in swimming costumes accessorized with protective glasses, gathered to watch on the beach. AFP

BURGOS – Day briefly turned to night in Spain on Wednesday, as the country witnessed its first total solar eclipse in more than a century, plunging it into eerie darkness in one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

The spectral glow of the Sun’s outer corona, shimmering out of the edges of the shadowy Moon, drew gasps and cheers from huge crowds, just 90 minutes after it first appeared in the remote Arctic region of northern Russia.

“It’s a sight I never would have imagined seeing,” said Isabel Troyano, a 56-year-old homemaker, watching with her son in Tarragona, on Spain’s Mediterranean coast.

“I got goosebumps,” she told AFP. Alejandro Cuesta, a 30-year-old nanoscience researcher, called it “incredible... I almost burst into tears. I got chills all over Position Title: Advisor I, Customer Service Job Description: • Assist external users of the client’s technical products or services; identify, investigate, research and provide resolution to user questions and problems • Ensure service delivered to our customers meets contractual Key Performance Indicator (‘KPIs’) • Listen attentively to customer needs and concerns; demonstrate empathy while maximizing opportunity to build rapport with the customer.

• Participate in activities designed to improve customer satisfaction, team camaraderie, and business performance.

• Participate in activities designed to improve customer satisfaction, team camaraderie, and business performance.

• Troubleshoot basic and routine customer issues that are technical in nature; including hardware, software, networking, or other designated client products • Follow appropriate escalation paths to resolve technical issues; including making follow up outbound calls to customers or other parties as needed • Solve problems that are generally unstructured and require extensive use of conceptual thinking skills • Greet customers in a courteous, friendly, and professional manner using agreed upon procedures

SPECTACULAR DISPLAY.

Name: Doan Thi Nhu Ngoc Address: Quezon City Nationality: Vietnamese Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) Years

Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Notice is hereby given to the public that an EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE OF CECILLE BUENO VERZON WITH SIMULTANEOUS WAIVER/ RENUNCIATION OF RIGHTS AND INTERESTS had been executed by the heir of the late CECILLE BUENO VERZON following her intestate death on July 13, 2021 at Peterborough, United, Kingdom, involving that parcel lands, covered by Transfer Certificate of Title No. 86307 (undivided ½ share with improvements) located at Quezon City, Transfer Certificate of Title No. 0442025005660 (undivided 1/2 share) located at Subic Province of Zambales, and Transfer Certificate of Title No. 0182019002495 (undivided 1/8 exclusive paraphernal Property of Cecille Verzon with Improvement) located at Baguio City, respectively, docketed as Doc. No. 79; Page No. 17; Book No. 19; Series of 2026, in the Notarial Registry of Atty. Lourdes Maita Cascolan Andres, a notary public for and in the City of Baguio.

(MCS-AUG. 14/21/28, 2026)

Career Opportunity in Sumisho Motor Finance Corporation Position Title: Assistant to the President / Sales Planning and Administrative Department Head Job Description: • Assist the President in the overall implementation of the Corporation’s procedures and guidelines.

• Checks and monitors that the compliance of guidelines is in accordance with the Philippine laws; and • Recommend process improvements beneficial to the Company and its shareholders without compromising the risks, prudent controls, and the interest and welfare of the stakeholders.

• Prepare and edit correspondence, reports, presentations, and other documents for the President.

• Conduct research and gather information on a variety of topics to support the President’s decision-making.

• Plan and coordinate events, meetings, and conferences for the President and other senior executives.

• Manage confidential information with discretion and maintain the highest level of professionalism.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, donors, and community leaders.

• Lead and monitor sales planning, forecasting, budgeting, and performance management to achieve corporate revenue and profitability objectives.

• Analyze business performance, market trends, and operational data to develop strategies and recommendations that support business growth and continuous improvement.

• Oversee administrative operations, company

resources, policies, internal controls, and support services to ensure organizational efficiency and compliance.

Manage and supervise administrative personnel, cross-functional initiatives, and operational projects to ensure timely execution of corporate priorities.

Prepare management reports, business reviews, and strategic recommendations for the President and senior leadership.

Provide support to the President on special projects and initiatives as needed.

• • •

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, or a related field.

• Experience in Creating business Synergies and Developing Partnership for Business Diversity • Experience working in an international or crosscultural environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Japanese and English.

• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Knowledge in Corporate Governance • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.

Applications may be sent to: Andrea R. Icaro aricaro@sumisho.com.ph

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company/ Employer Company Name: Sumisho Motor Finance Corporation Complete Address: 12/F Psbank Center, 777 Paseo De Roxas Cor. Sedeño Street, Makati City Nature of Business: Financial Intermediation

Name: Junki Matsumoto Address: Taguig City Nationality: Japanese Intended Period of Employment: One (1) Year

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION Notice is hereby given that CITYLAND FOR SOCIAL PROGRESS FOUNDATION, INC., has shortened the term of its existence to February 28, 2025, thereby dissolving the said Foundation on said date after having been approved and adopted by majority of its Board of Trustees and at least 2/3 of the members.

All persons having claims against the said Foundation are requested to present the same at its office address located at Room 301, 3/F Cityland Condominium 10, Tower II, 154 H.V. Dela Costa St., Makati City.

This announcement serves as notice to all concerned of the legal dissolution of the aforesaid Foundation. This notice has been published in compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission Memorandum Circular No. 05, Series of 2022.

(SGD.)ATTY. EMMA G. JULARBAL President (MS-JULY 31/AUG. 7/14, 2026)

EREIRA – Colombia’s earthquake rescue efforts entered what officials called the “final phase” as rescuers searched CYAN for signs of life beneath collapsed buildings before the critical first 72 hours came to an end.

The magnitude 7.4 quake, the strongest to hit Colombia this century, has killed 265 people, injured more than 3,500 and left almost 500 missing, according to local authorities.

In the city of Pereira, crews focused on a collapsed bakery where they believe a street vendor trapped since Monday’s earthquake may still be alive beneath the rubble.

Using equipment that detects vibrations, rescuers said they had picked up possible signs of life from Pablo Loaiza, prompting anxious relatives to gather outside the wreckage.

“They tell us it could be him,” said 16-yearold Sara Loaiza, his niece. “My heart is about to burst out of my chest,” she cried.

Relatives said the trapped man appeared to respond when rescuers asked him to knock twice, then three times from beneath the rubble, drawing applause from those gathered at the scene.

Crews are approaching 72 hours since the quake, a period when survivors are considered most likely to be found alive beneath collapsed buildings.

“We’re entering the final phase,” Cali Mayor Alejandro Eder said Wednesday. “That doesn’t mean there won’t be survivors afterwards, but it is more difficult.”

In Cali and Pereira, emergency crews pre-

pared to work through a third night with their bare hands, cranes and sniffer dogs, stopping not to rest, but to listen for signs of life.

“Every half hour we make everyone be quiet to see if we can find people alive,” volunteer rescuer Johana Sanchez told AFP. “So far, three people have been pulled out alive and three dead.”

Colombia’s newly installed president has declared the disaster an “economic emergency” and announced three days of national mourning.

“We will do what is necessary,” Abelardo de la Espriella said in a statement, vowing to “emerge again as a country and as a society.”

According to official figures, more than 11,000 dwellings have been destroyed and thousands of families have been rendered homeless.

Many have already spent consecutive nights outdoors, either because their homes were damaged or because they feared aftershocks.

In the mountain town of El Cairo, residents gathered at community kitchens Tuesday while power outages persisted and many remained reluctant to return home.

“People don’t want to go inside their homes, people don’t want to sleep, people don’t know what to do,” resident Adriana Gonzalez told AFP. AFP

Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Career Opportunity in Hinduja Global Solutions Limited Position title: Customer Support Representative (Bilingual) Vacancies (2) Job Description: • Creates an exceptional experience for the customer by using professional customer service techniques, personalizing and focusing on adding value to the call • Retains existing customer/services through the use of proactive customer service/consulting techniques and enabling customers to perceive value in the service • Consistently improving product knowledge and understanding, participating in ongoing training in keeping with changing business strategies Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • •

Must have completed at least Senior High School/High School Native Filipino or German. Must have above-average communication skills in the respective language Ability to work in a non- scripted environment.

Proficient in MS Office and internet browsing Amenable to work in shifting schedule, weekends and holidays Willing to work onsite in Bridgetown Quezon City Applications may be sent to: Name of Company HR: Andrea De Guzman Email address: andrea.deguzman@teamhgs.com

• • • •

Company/ Employer Company Name: Hinduja Global Solutions Limited Complete address: 19th-21st Floor Bridgetowne Zeta Tower E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue Ugong Norte District 3, Quezon City 1110 Nature of business: to engage in customer contact service business and business process outsourcing

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name: Md Sharukh Khan Address: Quezon City Nationality: Indian Intended period of employment: One (1) Year Name: Sravani Dampetla Address: Quezon City Nationality: Indian Intended period of employment: One (1) Year

Hinduja Global Solutions Limited hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Manila Bureau of Local Employment 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Employment Ave. Intramuros, Manila 1002. If there are any objections or inquiries, please contact the concerned DOLE Regional Office.

Standard

TODAY

Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at Department of Labor and Employment Bureau of Local Employment 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave. Intramuros, Manila 1002 after this publication

Ê

Please inform Department of Labor and Employment – NCR, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national.

Career Opportunity in Telephilippines Incorporated Position title: Vice President Vacancy (1) Job Description: • • • •

Accountable for centralized contact/call center operations within a shared services and outsourcing environment.

Oversees contact/call center traffic management and workforce scheduling.

Leads voice process inbound and outbound operations.

Manages customer service and sales representative functions across the contact center.

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • • • •

Recognized specialist and thought leader in the area of expertise.

Strong strategic planning and execution capabilities.

Ability to influence business and leadership decisions.

Expertise in contact center operations and service delivery management.

Applications may be sent to: Name of Company HR: Rachel Majito-Cacabelos Email address: mobility@teleperformance.com

Company/ Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name:

Name: Amit Puri Address: Parañaque City Nationality: Indian

Telephilippines Incorporated Complete address:

Intended period of employment: two (2) years

1st to 5th floors, Five West Campus, Le Grand Avenue Mckinley West, Barangay Pinagsama, Taguig City Nature of business: a domestic corporation primarily engaged in contact center management, Telephilippines Incorporated hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila.

If there are any objections or inquiries, please contact the concerned Bureau of Local Employment Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may file an objection at Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila after this publication. Please inform Bureau of Local Employment, if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by the foreign national

A MOMENT OF SILENCE. Rescue workers ask for silence as they search for survivors at the site of collapsed buildings after an earthquake in Cali, Colombia. Rescuers, soldiers and volunteers searched through collapsed apartment blocks and office buildings, racing to find survivors after the country’s strongest earthquake in a MAGENTA century killed at leastCYAN 265 people and leftYELLOW many moreBLACK homeless on August 10, 2026. AFP

Putin visits Kuril islands, sparks protest from Japan MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the far-eastern Kuril islands for the first time on Thursday, prompting a “strong” protest

by Japan which also claims the territory.

Russian-Japanese relations have long been dogged by tensions over the contested islands, known in Japan as the Northern Territories and seized by the Soviet Union in 1945.

The Kremlin posted a video of Putin in the Kuril Islands, with Russian media saying he visited a fish-processing plant where he was given caviar.

Putin travelled to the Kurils after visiting the nearby Russian island of Sakhalin, where Russia’s navy was conducting drills.

In Sakhalin, Putin held a meeting “on ensuring the security of Russia’s eastern borders,” RIA Novosti said.

Japan, whose ties with Russia have worsened further since the fullscale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 – just as Moscow’s relations with China and North Korea have warmed – objected strongly.

“The Northern Territories... are an inherent part of Japan’s territory both historically and under international law, and the government of Japan strongly protests this visit,” Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said in a statement.

The Soviet Union took the strategically located volcanic archipelago north of Hokkaido in the final days of World War II, and has maintained a military presence there ever since.

In 2010 then president Dmitry Medvedev became the first Russian leader to visit the disputed territory. Medvedev also went there several times subsequently as prime minister. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

SPORTS

A7

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026

Stacked field in V-League collegiate tilt A STACKED field awaits as the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge begins tomorrow (Saturday).

Defending UAAP champion National University, reigning NCAA champion College of Saint Benilde, and last year’s V-League champion Far Eastern University headline the men’s field in the tournament, which will be held every weekend at the newly constructed Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

For the past 22 years, the tournament has served as an early test for varsity squads preparing for their respective collegiate tournaments.

Also competing in the men’s field are the University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Mapua University, and Arellano University.

Meanwhile, the women’s tournament is bannered by UAAP semifinalists UST Golden Tigresses and the Adamson University Lady Falcons, along with NCAA champion Letran Lady Knights and runnersup CSB Lady Blazers.

Completing the women’s cast are the University of the East Lady Warriors, Perpetual Help Lady Altas, San Beda Lady Red Spikers, and Arellano Lady Chiefs.

The preliminary round will see all teams compete in a round-robin format, with two men’s games and two women’s games played on every playdate.

The top four teams in each division will advance to the bestof-three semifinals, with the top seed facing the fourth-ranked team while the second- and third-placed squads square off.

The finals will also be a bestof-three series, while the battle for bronze will be decided in a winnertake-all match.

Patrick Coo (left) is shown at the podium with champion Asuma Nakai (center) and bronze medalist Ryo Shimada (right), both from Japan.

Asian Cycling Federation

Puerto Princesa Coo bags Asian BMX to host 2 world elite silver in Malaysia tablenet meets F

By Randy M. Caluag

ILIPINO BMX standout Patrick Bren Coo reaffirmed his place among the continent’s top riders after capturing the silver medal in the men’s elite division of the 2026 Asian BMX Racing Continental Championships held recently at Arena BMX Nilai in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.

“Second at the Asian Champs.

Some good form, some rust, but plenty to build on. Good to get some racing in before the Games. See you soon,” the 24-year-old Coo said in a social media post.

Japan’s Asuma Nakai powered his

way to the continental crown, while Coo secured the runner-up spot ahead of another Japanese contender, Ryo Shimada, who settled for bronze.

Japan’s Ryota Nakabayashi placed fourth, followed by Thailand’s Komet Sukprasert, Indonesia’s Fasya Ahsa-

na Rifki, China’s Haochao Lin and Indonesia’s Rio Akbar.

The silver continued Coo’s impressive run in Asian BMX racing and marked his second runner-up finish in three editions of the continental championships.

He also won silver at the 2024 tournament in Thailand before taking bronze at the 2025 edition in Japan.

Coo has now reached the men’s elite podium in three consecutive Asian Championships, underscoring the consistency that has made him one of the Philippines’ most accomplished BMX riders.

His latest medal added to his vast medal haul, highlighted by a bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023.

Abra, Batangas crush foes to keep lead in MPBL DEFENDING champion Abra Solid North and Batangas City beat their opponents on Wednesday to keep top spots in their divisions in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season at the Batangas City Coliseum.

The Abra Weavers routed the Bulacan Kuyas, 110-84, in the first game, while the Batangas City Tanduay Athletics thwarted the Imus Yangkees, 88-80, in the nightcap of another triple-bill in the round-robin elimination phase of the two-division, 26-team tournament.

Abra extended its winning run to 17 and climbed to a 19-1 record in the North division, ahead of San Juan (162), Caloocan (17-3) and Ilagan Isabela (13-8) in the chase for playoff spots.

Batangas quelled Imus’ final rally to rise to 16-3 in the South division, where it towed Quezon Province (133), Binan (17-4), Gensan (15-4) and Cebu (17-5).

The Cebu Greats trounced the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, 80-52, in the second game to keep in line for a top 4 finish and the homecourt advantage that goes with it in the

quarterfinal playoffs.

Mark Meneses led Cebu with 14 points and 11 rebounds, followed

by Wowie Escosio with 10 points and 6 rebounds, homegrown Elmer Echavez with 9 points and 3 rebounds, and Cebuano legend Dondon Hontiveros with 9 points, all from triples.

Simon Camacho was chosen the SportsPlus best player, however, with an all-around 6 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and 1 steal.

Impressive as the Greats were, Camacho warned they could play even better.

“I feel this isn’t our best yet. This team has something more to offer,” said the 6-foot-5 Camacho.

Only Jayboy Solis hit his stride for the Cowboys with 10 points and 3 rebounds, while Arth Dela Cruz settled for 6 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 blocks.

Dave Ildefonso, the reigning MVP, posted 23 points, 7 assists and 2 rebounds to capture his fifth straight best player honors for Abra.

Alfred Batino supported with 13 points and 6 rebounds; Raven

Gonzales, last year’s top rookie, contributed 13 points and 4 rebounds; Jake Figueroa chalked up 10 points, 7 assists, 5 steals and 4 rebounds; and 6-foot-8 Drex Delos Reyes carded 10 points plus 2 rebounds.

The Weavers dominated both boards, 47-30, and exploited this advantage to outscore the Kuyas, 72-26, in the paint.

Bulacan slipped to 5-16 despite Benedict Benedictos’ 29 points, laden with nine triples, 3 assists and 2 rebounds, Andrei Acop’s 12 points and 7 rebounds, and Jeremy Cruz’s 12 points and 2 assists.

Batangas led as far as 63-38, midway through the third quarter, but Imus turned hot in the fourth and threatened, 78-81, after back-toback triples by Dylan Darbin and Meray Merada.

Batangas’ Ino Comboy, however, drilled in a triple and Oliver Arim drove in to seal the outcome, 86-78, with 41.3 seconds left.

Rhinwill Yambing paced Batangas with 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, Cedrick Ablaza with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 2 assists,

Batangas City’s Rhinwill Yambing

homegrown Nikki Perez with 11 points and 4 rebounds, and Jhan Nermal with 9 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals.

Travis Kelce says wedding to Taylor Swift was ‘best night of my life’

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift watch the game between the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. AFP

NEW YORK— American football star Travis Kelce described on Wednesday his secretive early July wedding to pop sensation Taylor Swift as “the best night of my life.”

“I appreciate everybody who came out and celebrated and, you know, had fun with us,” the Kansas City Chiefs player told a briefing.

“That’s pretty much all I’m taking away from that night. It was a crazy night. It was full of a lot of celebration.”

The couple, both 36, tied the knot over two days of celebrations at Madison Square Garden in New York on July 2 and 3.

“It’s kind of cool to be able to, you know, live out my childhood dream of being in that venue and, you know, the mecca of all sports venues, being able to get married in there,” the three-time Super Bowl winner told a briefing.

The event remains shrouded in mystery, as no images have been released. The wedding was only subsequently confirmed by a statement from Swift’s spokeswoman and a message on

the giant screens of the storied concert hall and sports venue.

Little is known, other than that the ceremony was officiated by comedian/actor Adam Sandler, the couple were dressed by Jonathan Anderson for Christian Dior, and Swift wore Louboutin shoes.

A thousand people attended including many celebrities, requiring nearby streets to be blocked off and a heavy police presence.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani revealed that the newlyweds paid the city $160,000 to cover the resulting costs.

Journalist George Stephanopoulos said it was “so personal and so intimate,” despite venue’s cavernous size.

The head of the AMC cinema chain, Adam Aron, posted on X and then deleted a message describing the couple’s vows as “long, entertaining, personal, charming, emotional, irreverent and endearing.”

The couple made their relationship public two years ago and got engaged in August 2025. AFP

MORE than 600 entries from 20 countries are set to see action in two international table tennis events that the city of Puerto Princesa will host next month.

The World Table Tennis Youth Contender Series kicks off the two-meet festivities from Sept.

3 to 6, and then followed by the World Table Tennis Feeder Series from Sept. 8 to 12 at the Edward S. Hagedorn Coliseum.

Both tournaments will feature 20 countries each, with the Philippines fielding the biggest entry of 60 athletes led by national team member Kheith Rhynne Cruz, along with a team from no less than Puerto Princesa.

“Malaking tulong ang mag-host ng isang international event dito sa ating bansa. Una, dahil ma-minimize natin ‘yung gastos and at the same time, nakakalaban mo ‘yung mga worldclass players,” said Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. president Ting Ledesma in the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission media room on Tuesday.

“And makaka-experience sila ng world-class event and world-class players. Kaya yung mga players natin ngayon kumpara sa dati, hindi na sila nagugulat sa mga kalaban nila or sa malaking venue kasi they’re already at ease,” added Ledesma in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, and the country’s 24/7 sports app ArenaPlus.

Competition manager Daniel Deleniana, who is also a board member of PTTF Inc., along with Executive Assistant IV and City Sports Director Atty. Gregorio Austria joined Ledesma in the same Forum to discuss the two-inone event being hosted by Puerto Princesa for the fourth straight time.

Deleniana said the Youth Series features 19-and-under athletes numbering 426 entries, while the Feeder Series is an open category which attracted 165 entries.

“So meron tayong pambata and meron din for seniors,” he said.

Categories are divided into U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17, and U-19 both boys and girls, while mixed doubles will also be held in the U-15 and U-19 categories.

Participating countries in the Youth Series are Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, USA, Oman, Brunei, and Slovakia.

In the Feeder Series, seeing action are Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, Chinese Taipei, Oman, Brunei, Slovakia, and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Austria acknowledged that hosting the event is again a boost to Puerto Princesa being the country’s top tourism sports hub after staging other national and international meets in the past such as the Batang Pinoy, BIMP EAGA, Ironman Triathlon, and the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships.

SPORTS

A8

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026

RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor

Swiatek sinks Svitolina to set up Rybakina title showdown TORONTO—Iga Swiatek outlasted Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 on Wednesday to book a Toronto title showdown with world number two Elena Rybakina.

Australian Open champion Rybakina delivered another gutsy comeback, beating fourth-seeded Coco Gauff 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 to reach Thursday’s final in the hard court warm-up for the US Open.

Former world number one Swiatek, seeded seventh, is in her first final of the year, having last lifted a trophy in Seoul almost a year ago.

She improved to 5-3 against Svitolina, who had narrowed their head-to-head record with two wins over the Polish star this year.

In a match delayed more than an hour by rain, six-time major champion Swiatek raced to a 4-0 lead in the opening set.

The Ukrainian made Swiatek work to serve it out, saving a pair of set points in the final game of the first.

Energized, she raced through the second set before Swiatek rebounded in the third, breaking Svitolina to love for a 5-3 lead before holding serve to secure the win.

“Against Elina it’s always tough, so I’m happy that I won this one,” said Swiatek.

“Especially that I came back in the third set playing better. So, yeah, that’s for sure a big improvement. I’m proud of myself.”

Svitolina, who won the Canadian crown in 2017, was seeking her third 1000 level final of the season after winning at Rome and finishing runner-up in Dubai.

But she couldn’t hang on as Swiatek upped her game again in the final set.

“Mostly I just wanted to adjust the quality,” Swiatek said. “Because tactics can’t do much if you’re just not hitting the ball right. I knew I can do it, because I did it in the first set.

I’m happy that I was patient enough to do that and didn’t get disappointed or didn’t give up.”

Rybakina, who also rallied from a set down to beat Naomi Osaka in the quarter-finals, is on the cusp of her third title of the season after her triumph in Melbourne and a trophy in Stuttgart.

Her Canadian run has her inching closer to No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the rankings as the August 31 start of the US Open approaches. AFP

Alexandra ‘Alex’ Eala (left) will get an early taste of the 2026 US Open spotlight when she faces American friend Iva Jovic (right) in the Stars of the Open exhibition event

Eala-Jovic rematch adds spark to US Open buildup

By Jeremiah Sevilla

F

ILIPINA tennis star Alexandra “Alex” Eala will get an early taste of the 2026 US Open spotlight when she faces American friend Iva Jovic in the Stars of the Open exhibition event on August 27 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York.

The world No. 20 Eala is set to take on No. 17 Jovic in one of four featured friendlies before her expected appearance in the main draw of the year’s final Grand Slam tournament.

The exhibition begins at 6 p.m. (local time), with Eala and Jovic scheduled to play the third match

of the evening.

Other featured matchups include Amanda Anisimova against Marta Kostyuk, Joao Fonseca versus Learner Tien, and Arthur Fils against Alex Michelsen.

All matches will be played in a one-set format, with the first player to six games declared the winner.

The event also has a charitable purpose, as a portion of the proceeds will go to the United States Tennis Association Foundation.

Eala will have a chance to get some measure of revenge against Jovic in the Stars of the Open.

The 20-year-old Filipina lost to the 18-year-old American in both of their previous meetings at the French Open first round and Queen’s Club Championships second round earlier this year.

More importantly, though, Eala is seeking to gain confidence before launching her US Open campaign.

Before heading to New York, the Philippine tennis pride still has one last tournament to sharpen her swings in the WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open in Ohio.

Korea offense too much for Philippines in world tourney LOS ANDES, Chile—The Philippines matched Korea in grit, but not in firepower, dropping an entertaining Round of 16 match, 25-21, 25-18, 2514, on Wednesday in the FIVB Volleyball Girls U17 World Championship on Wednesday.

With Xyz Rayco’s steady play and Caera Celis’s persistent offense, Alas Pilipinas Girls held slim leads in several instances at the Liceo Mixto Los Andes.

The Philippines managed to apply some pressure with timely attacks and showed improved cohesion during extended rallies, but Korea was simply superior in delivering sharp attacks out of scrambling sequences.

While Alas Pilipinas—supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and Asics—kept it close in blocks, 5-7, and hit four aces against six, the Koreans’ ability to score off-system gave them a 45-29 advantage in attacks.

Soyeon Son had 19 points, including 13 attacks, while Minseo Eo scored

15, with 14 coming from attacks as Korea advanced to the quarterfinals against Turkiye, which swept Japan, 25-18, 25-7, 25-23.

Celis again paced the Philippines with 14 points on12 attacks, a block and an ace, while Rayco had a near all-around performance, scoring nine and contributing on defense.

The Philippines gears up for battle against Japan in the playoffs for 9th to 16th on Thursday in the capital city, Santiago after the tournament break on Wednesday.

In Santiago, Thailand pulled off the upset of the tournament so far as the Asian power that underachieved in pool play with a 2-3 win-loss record in Pool A turned back Pool C winner Poland, 25-19, 25-21, 10-25, 25-23.

China, meanwhile, suffered its first dropped set of the tournament, overcoming a stiff challenge from the Dominican Republic, 25-18, 17-25, 25-19, 25-17, in San Felipe.

Chinese Taipei routed Venezuela, 25-21, 25-19, 25-22, making it four Asian teams in the final eight.

The PH’s Caera Celis smashes one in.

The USA extended its streak without dropping a set, defeating Argentina, 25-15, 25-23, 25-15.

Italy marched on with a 25-13, 25-11, 25-13 drubbing of Peru, while Croatia rolled past Czechia 25-21, 25-21, 25-19.

Sarines, South rivals renew battle in ICTSI JPGT Finals

Lisa Sarines

A RECENT national championship showdown gets a compelling sequel when the ICTSI Elite Junior PGT Finals blasts off Tuesday (Aug. 18) with North’s Lisa Sarines and Team South’s Tashanah Balangauan and Precious Zaragosa renewing their rivalry in the girls’ 15-18 division at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.

Sarines comes into the Ryder Cup-style showdown with bragging rights firmly in hand after dominating Balangauan and Zaragosa in the National Stroke Play Championship at Pradera Verde. But while the North ace proved her mettle in a pressure-packed individual battle, Zaragosa has since shown signs of a strong bounce-back, particularly in head-to-head competition.

Zaragosa emerged as the top performer among the three in the National Match Play Championship, advancing all the way to the final before settling for runner-up honors to champion Grace Quintanilla. Sarines, meanwhile, placed third, while Balangauan also saw action in the tournament. The three, however, did not cross paths, leaving Zaragosa without a chance to face Sarines directly.

Still, Zaragosa’s deep run in match play provides a timely boost heading into the team showdown, where she and Balangauan will look to turn the tables on Sarines and the North squad. And with the South players boasting greater familiarity with Pueblo de Oro, the rematch could take on a much different complexion from their previous encounter.

Balangauan and Zaragosa will be driven not only by the desire to avenge their recent setbacks but also by the confidence that comes with playing on familiar turf. Pueblo de Oro’s rolling terrain, deep natural ravines and five interconnected lakes provide a demanding test, but one that the local players know perhaps better than anyone in the field.

That familiarity could prove especially valuable in a format where teamwork, strategy and momentum can be just as decisive as individual shot-making.

Sarines, teaming up with twin sister Mona, Rafa Anciano and Kendra Garingalao, will likewise have ample opportunity to get acquainted with the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed layout before the matches begin. But Balangauan and Zaragosa will have the added advantage of rediscovering the lines, breaks and nuances of a course they call home.

Seeded 17th, Eala has received a first-round bye and is set to start her campaign in the second round (round of 64) on Saturday (Philippine time).

The Pinay lefty ace will face the winner of the opening-round match between Magda Linette of Poland and Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania.

A deep run in Cincinnati could set Eala up potential duels with several top 10 players, including Anisimova, Linda Noskova, Jessica Pegula, and either Iga Swiatek or Elena Rybakina.

The Cincinnati Open will serve as Eala’s last major tune-up before she returns to Flushing Meadows, where she will aim to surpass her second-round finish last year.

Optimum safety measures set for 4th SEA Open Water swim meet LOCAL organizers will implement optimum measures for the safety, security and well-being of swimmers in the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission from Aug. 21 to 23 at the Boracay Newcoast in Malay, Aklan.

“The safety of all our athletes is our top priority now, ensuring they will have a secure and safety environment during the competition,” said Philippine Aquatics Inc. vice president Jojo Quilop following the recent interagency coordinating meeting for the event.

“What PAI and the local organizing committee have done is submit a comprehensive plan to Asia Aquatics on the safety protocols, including how many kayaks, rubber life boats and jet skis that will be required for the meet, for its approval” Quilop revealed.

“We also are looking at whatever loopholes that are left so that our safety measures are airtight,” said the PAI official, adding that they also will also be supported by the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police once the regional open water showcase unfolds.

“Meetings with the provincial risk reduction and management officials of Aklan have taken place while next week we will have another meeting with the municipal risk reduction and management officials,” he said.

Quilop noted that the inaugural international open water swimming meet that the country will host would be within the popular resort island’s cove “so that the waters and weather will be calmer compared to the other side of Boracay.”

Supplementing these measures, he said, was the assistance of Philippine Lifesaving, which will send five highly trained lifeguards daily while the races are going on.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF PLDT sees stronger second semester

PLDT Inc. said Thursday it expects profit to improve in the second half of 2026, after first-half earnings declined amid slower growth in its core telecommunications business.

The company reported net income of P16.4 billion in the January-June period, down from P17.4 billion a year ago.

PLDT and Smart chairman and chief executive Manuel Pangilinan said the company expects conditions to improve in the second half as it builds on recent momentum and maintains disciplined execution.

“Growth remains measured, but we are optimistic that the second half of the year will be better, as we build on our momentum and focus on executing with discipline,” Pangilinan said.

Gross service revenues rose 2 percent to P108.7 billion in the first half, while net service revenues, after interconnect costs, grew 1 percent to P97.8 billion.

Data and broadband remained the main growth drivers, generating P84 billion, or 86 percent of net service revenues, compared with 85 percent a year earlier. Net service revenues would have grown 2 percent excluding the drag from legacy services.

Darwin G. Amojelar

DICT reshuffles senior officials

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Thursday announced a reshuffle of several senior officials, expanding oversight under the Office of the Secretary while consolidating regional development and attached-agency coordination functions elsewhere.

Under Department Order HRA-020, DICT director Maria Teresa MagnoGarcia was designated, in a concurrent capacity, as officer-in-charge (OIC) chief of staff of the Office of the Secretary, effective immediately.

She will oversee the department’s dayto-day administrative and operational functions, including functional oversight of its bureaus, services, project management teams and delivery units.

DICT also designated assistant secretary Christian Mark Guingcangco as OIC Undersecretary for Special Concerns. It also named director Emmy Lou Delfin as OIC assistant secretary for regional development.

Undersecretary Leonido Pulido III was designated vice chairperson of the organizing committee and chairperson of the ASEAN Technical Working Group, established pursuant to Department Order HRA-005, series of 2026.

The DICT said the changes were made in the exigency of the service and pursuant to existing laws, rules and regulations. The designations took effect immediately and will remain in force until further orders. Darwin G. Amojelar

PAL’s revenue rose 5.9% in first half

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) said Thursday it revenue grew 5.9 percent in the first half of 2026, supported by stronger passenger yields and robust cargo growth.

The Lucio Tan-led airline posted total revenue of $1.74 billion in the January-June period, up from $1.64 billion a year ago.

Passenger revenue rose 4.5 percent to $1.47 billion, supported by higher yields and fare adjustments. Cargo revenue jumped 30 percent to $98.2 million, helped by stronger freight performance and rate adjustments. Ancillary revenue also continued to grow as more passengers purchased travel-related products and services.

The revenue gains came even as passengers carried declined 3.1 percent to 8.2 million, with load factor easing to 78.9 percent from 81.6 percent a year earlier.

PAL said it moved quickly to protect performance, implementing targeted fare and capacity adjustments on selected domestic, Middle East and regional routes, while keeping its long-haul international network largely stable to capture continued strength in international travel demand.

Domestic demand has been more sensitive to higher fares, PAL said, but its domestic operations remain profitable. Darwin G. Amojelar

B1

SSS to invest overseas, support local market

By Thony Rose Lesaca

T

HE Social Security System (SSS) is expanding its investment portfolio into overseas markets to diversify further while continuing to support the domestic capital market, SSS president and chief executive Robert Joseph de Claro said.

De Claro said the pension fund’s improved financial position gives it greater capacity to pursue investments abroad.

“We are very conservative, but at the same time, we are also in a very good position now because of our surplus, that for the first time, we have an opportunity to help in nation-building,” de Claro said in a statement.

SSS posted P1.27 trillion in consolidated investments across various asset classes in the domestic market as of end-June 2026. These included P629.05 billion in government se-

curities, P179.44 billion in equities, P154.56 billion in property, P151.90 billion in member loans and P96.34 billion in corporate notes and bonds, among others.

The diversified portfolio generated P27.16 billion in actual investment income in the first half of the year, equivalent to an annualized return on investment of 4.53 percent. SSS said the figures exclude realized gains from the sale of equity securities classified as fair value through other comprehensive income.

SSS said the planned overseas ex-

pansion would not replace its existing domestic investments but would complement its local portfolio by providing greater diversification across markets and asset classes. The pension fund aims to grow its reserve fund to P2 trillion by 2030.

De Claro also said generating around P100 billion in net income annually is sufficient to ensure the sustainability of the pension fund.

Reporters asked de Claro whether SSS expects the decline in its net income to continue after the fund previously reported a 27.8-percent drop in net income in the first half of 2026, to P48 billion from P66.45 billion a year earlier.

“No, we don’t expect any drop in net income. We have other programs to ensure that we maintain a certain level because you always balance,” de Claro told reporters on the sidelines of the SSS Loan Lite launch on Tuesday.

He said that as a pension fund fo-

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

P1.27 trillion SSS investments

P27.16 billion Investment income in first half

25 years

SSS fund life cused on social protection, SSS needs to balance income generation with providing additional benefits that could better serve its members.

PH gets 200-m euro loan from France’s AFD

MARKETING EXCELLENCE. Jollibee Foods Corp. brings home 11 awards at the 2026 Marketing Excellence

THE Department of Finance (DOF) said Thursday it secured 200 million euros from French development bank Agence Française de Développement to support policy reforms protecting marine ecosystems and promoting investments in the country’s blue economy.

The Marine Ecosystem for Blue Economy Development (MEBED) 1 program is expected to generate more sustainable livelihoods for over 3 million Filipinos, particularly in fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.

Awards, including Gold for Marketing Team of the Year, adding to the brand’s recent recognition at the YouTube Works Awards Philippines. Jollibee is recognized across categories covering digital commerce, customer engagement, content marketing, influencer marketing, advertising, and mobile marketing, further highlighting the breadth of its marketing work across platforms and consumer touchpoints.

US, PH, Japan to launch Luzon Economic Corridor forum

By Othel V. Campos THE United States, the Philippines and Japan will convene investors and government officials in Manila next month to discuss opportunities in advanced manufacturing, digital connectivity, energy, transportation

and logistics and infrastructure financing under the Luzon Economic Corridor.

The inaugural Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum, set for Sept. 10 to 11, is expected to draw about 600 international investors, industry leaders, project devel-

WATER SUPPLY. Manila Water Company says it will add 200 million liters per day (MLD) of treatment capacity for its east zone customers when its East Bay Phase 2 Water Supply System Project (WSSP) is completed by September 2026. The P7.84billion project will source raw water from the eastern flank of Laguna Lake and reduce reliance on Angat Dam, the primary water source for Metro Manila. It is expected to serve about 2 million customers in Pasig, Pateros, Taguig and parts of Rizal province once operational.

opers and government officials to showcase projects seeking financing and commercial partners.

The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is sponsoring the forum, which will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, project showcases and business-matching sessions focused on turning priority infrastructure projects into commercially viable investments.

USTDA deputy-director Thomas Hardy said the forum reflects the commitment of the US and its partners to advancing high-quality infrastructure and economic development in the Indo-Pacific.

The event will also provide investors with updates on the Philippines’ investment climate, economic priorities and policy reforms shaping growth along the corridor.

Organizers will present a pipeline of priority projects seeking investors, commercial partners and project development support during the forum, alongside an expo, deal-making room and networking sessions involving senior government officials, investors, developers, technology providers and financiers.

Organizers plan site visits to prospective projects in Subic Bay, Clark and Batangas.

AFD country director for the Philippines Benedicte Gazon

The Asian Development Bank is co-financing the program, the DOF said, adding that MEBED 1 is expected to boost national income and enhance coastal community resilience.

“By securing our marine resources, we are protecting the livelihoods of millions of coastal residents and strengthening our defenses against climate change. Cleaner oceans mean a healthier, more productive blue economy,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said.

French Ambassador Marie Fontanel said the program represents an important step forward in marine biodiversity protection and plastic marine debris reduction while also promoting sustainable economic opportunities.

“France and the Philippines share a long-standing partnership grounded in joint action for sustainable growth and the resilience of ecosystems and population. As a development partner, the French Development Agency is proud to help translate these shared commitments into concrete projects and tangible impact,” AFD country director for the Philippines Benedicte Gazon said. Thony Rose Lesaca

BUSINESS

B2

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com

SME TRUST REGISTRY.

PSEi drops below 6,300 as property drags market PHILIPPINE shares fell Thursday to close below the 6,300 level, dragged down by a sharp sell-off in property stocks led by SM Prime Holdings Inc. and Ayala Land Inc. The peso also slipped against the U.S. dollar, closing at 61.343 from 61.18 on Wednesday.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index shed 78.39 points, or 1.23 percent, to close at 6,288.25, while the broader all shares index fell 26.76 points, or 0.77 percent, to 3,437.23.

The property index plunged 3.74 percent, or 73.56 points, posting the steepest decline among sectoral gauges. SM Prime (SMPH) fell 7 percent following a share placement, while Ayala Land (ALI) dropped 6 percent following its downgrade from the MSCI Philippines Standard Index to the Small Cap Index.

AB Capital Securities said institutional investors sold 430 million SMPH shares—up from an initial 275 million—at P18.12 apiece, representing a 7.5 percent discount to Wednesday’s closing price. The shares offered represented about 1.5 percent of SM Prime’s total outstanding shares.

Meanwhile, Ayala Land was downgraded to the MSCI Small Cap Index following a recent decline in its share price.

The mining and oil index fell 2.7 percent to 18,393.75, while services lost 1.26 percent and holding firms declined 1.09 percent. Industrial stocks slipped 0.02 percent, while financials was the sole gaining sector, up 0.14 percent.

Trading was active, with total value turnover reaching P14.25 billion from 1.34 billion shares traded across 93,624 transactions.

Jenniffer B. Austria

From left: Department of Trade and Industry Bureau of Small and Medium Enterprise Development officer-incharge Myrtle Faye Solina, DTI Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona, ADVANCE. AI chief executive Dennis Martin, and ADVANCE. AI and ADVANCE.CBP director and country manager Michelle Anne Chan sign a memorandum of understanding to build the Philippines’ first MSME credit registry in Manila.

The SME Trust registry aims to strengthen verified business profiles and improve access to formal financing for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Puregold’s H1 profit rose to P5.87b

By Jenniffer B. Austria

G

ROCERY chain operator Puregold Price Club Inc. posted a consolidated net income of P5.87 billion in the first half of 2026, up 10.8 percent from P5.3 billion a year earlier, driven by stronger sales and higher gross margins.

Consolidated net sales rose 10.6 percent to P121.48 billion from P109.88 billion in the same period last year, the company said Thursday in a stock exchange disclosure.

First-half revenue growth outpaced the company’s full-year target of 5 percent to 7 percent.

Same-store sales growth for Puregold stores reached 3.7 percent, driven by larger basket sizes,

while S&R Membership Shopping Warehouses posted 12.9 percent growth due to higher customer traffic.

Gross profit increased 12.9 percent to P23.66 billion from P20.95 billion a year earlier. Gross operating income rose 12.4 percent to P25.63 billion, with the gross operating margin improving to 21.1 percent.

Other operating income gained

5.9 percent to P1.97 billion during the six-month period.

Operating expenses rose 11.7 percent to P16.74 billion from P14.99 billion a year ago. Other expenses, net of other income, totaled P1.24 billion, up from P966 million in the same period last year.

Puregold ended June with 794 stores nationwide, consisting of 688 Puregold stores, 33 S&R Membership Shopping Warehouses, and 73 S&R New York Style locations.

The company earmarked P8.8 billion in capital expenditures this year to roll out additional stores nationwide.

Shares of Puregold slipped 0.12 percent Thursday to close at P41.

DOE accelerates 400-MW waste to energy auction to curb flooding

By Alena Mae S. Flores THE Department of Energy said Thursday it has received strong investor interest for its upcoming wasteto-energy auction in October, with total proposed capacity reaching 400 megawatts.

“We are seeing significant interest from developers, but our objective is not simply to award capacity,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

“We want projects that are technically sound, environmentally compliant, supported by sustainable feedstock, commercially viable, and capable of delivering electricity to the grid.”

Developer interest in waste-toenergy, or WTE, projects has been growing across Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.

The DOE emphasized that proposed capacity does not automatically translate into project awards. Bidders must demonstrate an adequate waste supply, technical and financial capability, environmental compliance, competitive costs, and realistic development timelines.

The agency is accelerating its WTE program following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s renewed call to turn residual waste into energy to

help tackle garbage accumulation in waterways and reduce urban flooding.

“The President has underscored the need for a more integrated approach to addressing our waste challenges,” Garin said. “Waste that can no longer be reused or recycled should not simply end up in landfills or waterways.

Subject to strict environmental safeguards, appropriate residual waste can be converted into useful energy and contribute to our power supply.”

Last month, the DOE resumed its Special Auction Round for Wasteto-Energy under the Green Energy Auction Program. The agency raised the installation target from 230 megawatts to 400 megawatts and revised auction terms to encourage broader participation.

The official auction is scheduled for Oct. 13. Winning developers are expected to achieve mechanical completion by late 2028 and begin commercial operation by late 2029.

Metro Manila generates an estimated 9,000 metric tons of municipal solid waste daily. DOE estimates indicate the capital region’s waste stream could support up to 200 megawatts of WTE capacity, depending on feedstock availability and technical requirements.

CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS. Executives from Visa and USSC Money Services

Inc., alongside government officials, launch U Accept, a contactless payment feature in the uGrow app. Present at the event are (from left) Maria Peralta, director for growth products at Visa Accept; Jeffrey Navarro, country manager of Visa Philippines; Jose Xavier Gonzales, president and CEO of USSC; J. Richard Soriano, chief marketing officer of USSC; Leandro Aguirre, Department of Information and Communications Technology undersecretary for strategic initiatives; and Armand Lorenze Sapitan, Department of Tourism assistant secretary for brand and marketing.

FDC’s income steady at P7.36b in six months

MONEYGURADO SERIES. Justine Nycole Abad, Metrobank brand

development officer, discusses financial mindfulness, scam awareness, and the impact of social media on spending decisions during the Moneygurado Campus Series at Centro Escolar University in Manila. More than 100 students attended the session,

BCDA, Double 11 break ground on P200-m commercial hub in New Clark City

By Othel V. Campos THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Double 11 Properties Corp. broke ground July 9 on the first phase of the D11 Super Station, a 2-hectare mixed-use commercial development in New Clark City, Tarlac.

The project is being developed under a long-term lease agreement with Double 11 Properties, which has committed P200 million to the development—allocating P100 million for the initial 1-hectare phase and another P100 million for the second phase.

“As New Clark City continues to grow, developments like the D11 Super Station provide the commercial and mobility infrastructure needed to support its expanding communities and businesses,” BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang said.

Targeted for completion in 2027, the D11 Super Station will feature a full-service fuel station with electric vehicle charging facilities, food establishments, retail stores, and other commercial spaces.

The development is envisioned as a key commercial gateway for New Clark City, serving residents, workers, motorists, and visitors while

complementing the city’s growing portfolio of projects.

Upon completion, the project is expected to expand food and retail offerings, create local jobs for Tarlac residents, and generate revenues for the government.

“With the ongoing partnerships, flagship openings, and upcoming projects masterplanned by BCDA, it is suitable to launch a mixed-use commercial development that caters to visitors, motorists, vicinity residents, and employees within New Clark City,” Double 11 Properties president Romeo Siccion said.

Siccion added that the company aims to establish the station as a premier stopover destination for dining, shopping, fuel, and EV-charging needs.

Double 11 Properties is a Filipino-owned firm that develops and operates commercial hubs, industrial parks, and themed attractions. Its portfolio includes the Mega Station at KM 64 along the North Luzon Expressway, Shell of Asia at KM 36 on NLEX Southbound, Northwalk Clark, Northwalk 1 and 2 in San Fernando, Pampanga, and the PTT Station along the Subic-ClarkTarlac Expressway.

GOTIANUN-LED Filinvest Development Corp. posted an attributable net income of P7.36 billion in the first half of 2026, down slightly from P7.43 billion a year earlier, as gains in its real estate and hospitality units helped offset lower banking profits.

First-half revenues rose 10 percent to P64.3 billion. Banking remained the conglomerate’s largest revenue source, accounting for 52 percent of total revenues, followed by real estate at 24 percent and power at 14 percent.

FDC’s real estate and hospitality businesses posted strong profit growth during the six-month period, up 53 percent and 35 percent, respectively.

However, those gains were offset by a 23 percent decline in banking profit due to higher loan-loss provisions.

“Filinvest Group’s diversified portfolio enabled us to generate healthy revenue growth and steady profit performance despite very challenging economic conditions,” FDC president and chief executive Rhoda Huang said.

“We expect steady performance to continue in the months ahead, despite persistent macroeconomic challenges, and remain confident in a strong medium- to long-term recovery,” Huang added.

EastWest Bank, FDC’s banking arm, reported standalone net income of P3.4 billion. Its net interest income increased 21 percent to P23.1 billion, while non-interest income rose 14 percent to P5.3 billion.

FDC’s real estate business—comprising Filinvest Land Inc., Filinvest Alabang Inc., and Filinvest REIT Corp.—posted a 16 percent increase in revenues to P14.7 billion, driven by commercial lot and residential sales.

Residential sales grew 23 percent, supported by stronger demand for ready-for-occupancy units and higher construction completion rates. Mall and rental revenues remained stable, with slight improvements in occupancy and foot traffic.

The power business, FDC Utilities Inc., generated P9.1 billion in revenues and other income, down 5 percent as some bilateral contracts expired and contracted demand declined. The drop was partly offset by favorable spot market prices.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Manila

Standard

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026

TODAY REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT MANDALUYONG CITY BRANCH 279 E-mail: rtc1mdI279@iudiciary.gov.ph Tel. No. (02) 72383904/ (02) 8532-5001 Ioc. 894 Mobile No. 0917-317-5049

14.3. After due proceedings, the Rehabilitation Court found that the Borrower’s financial rehabilitation was no longer feasible. Consequently, on 28 July 2021, Rehabilitation Court issued a Liquidation Order, converting the proceedings into corporate liquidation.

14.4. Pursuant to the provisions of the Credit Agreement, the filing of a Petition for Rehabilitation and the subsequent declaration of insolvency and liquidation, as well as the failure to pay when due, both constitute separate and distinct Events of Default. Consequently, all unpaid loan obligations of the Borrower have become immediately due and payable. Thus:

PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS,

Plaintiff,

CIVIL CASE NO. R-MND-25-01369-CV -versus- For: Collection of Sum of Money and

Damages with Prayer for Issuance of

Writ of Preliminary Attachment SPOUSES ALLAN PIERRE D.CHUA and GEMMA L. CHUA,

Defendants. x---------------------------------------------------x SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION TO:

ALLAN PIERRE D. CHUA No. 10 North Polytech, University Hills Subdivision, Malabon City

10. Events of Default. The Borrower shall be considered without need of any other or further act or deed in case any of the following events (“ Event of Default”) shall occur: 10.1 . The Borrower shall fail to pay when due any amount payable hereunder; xxx 10.5. The Borrower or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates shall become insolvent or unable to pay its debt as they mature, shall commit an act of bankruptcy or insolvency, or shall file any petition for dissolution, suspension of payments or any action for relief under any bankruptcy, reorganization, rehabilitation, insolvency, moratorium, or other laws for the relief of debtors, or any dissolution, insolvency or bankruptcy petition or proceeding shall be commenced or filed against the Borrower or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates under such laws, or any judgment or order is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a receiver, trustee or the like to take charge of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower, its subsidiaries or affiliates; x x x 11. Consequences of Default. If any Event of Default occurs: 11.1 PBCOM may, at its sole discretion, treat the whole obligation, its principal and accrued interest and other charges, penalties, if any, as immediately due, payable and defaulted, without the necessity of demand, presentment or notice by PBCOM to the Borrower, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower and its guarantors and sureties, if any. Where applicable, PBCOM shall declare the Credit Facility under this Agreement terminated and the obligation of PBCOM to maintain the Credit Facility shall terminate; x x x

GEMMA L. CHUA No. 10 North Polytech, University Hills Subdivision, Malabon City GREETINGS: You are hereby required, within sixty (60) days after the last publication of this Summons, to file with this court and to serve to the plaintiff your answer, together with its annexes, if any, to the complaint.

You are reminded to observe restraint in filing a Motion to Dismiss, and instead allege the grounds thereof as defenses in the answer pursuant to IBP-OCA Memorandum on Policy Guidelines dated March 12, 2002. th

WITNESS my hand under the seal of the Court, this 15 day of June 2026, Mandaluyong City.

(Sgd.) ATTY. RAYSON M. MAYOR Branch Clerk of Court

RTC279 / ARMM/ egh

14.5. In the same manner, the Promissory Notes provide that in case of failure to pay when due any amount payable to the Plaintiff, the whole sum remaining unpaid shall become immediately due and payable: “Upon the happening of any of the following Events of Default, the whole sum remaining unpaid under this Note shall become immediately due and payable without demand or notice: a . The Borrower shall fail to pay when due any amount payable hereunder; x x x” (Emphasis and underscoring supplied) 15. As of 29 October 2025,12 the outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD amounted to THREE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED PESOS (Php 3,851,200.00), representing the unpaid principal amount, inclusive of partial interests, as shown in the Plaintiff ‘s Statement of Account on even date.

40. In this case, the grave and irreparable injury necessary to justify the issuance of the writ of preliminary attachment arises from the Sureties’ actions which constitute a pattern of fraud, bad faith, and malicious evasion that far exceeds a simple inability to pay.

41. As will be further explained below, the sequence of events surrounding the execution and performance of the obligation herein conclusively established the foregoing fraudulent scheme of the Sureties, focusing on the malicious roleof the Defendants, particularly MR. CHUA’s calculated involvement in each stage of evasion.

42. First, it must be stressed that MR. CHUA served as both the President and Chairman of the Board of ONE WORLD. He is likewise the single majority shareholder, the ultimate beneficial owner, the authorized representative of the Borrower, and the single individual who executed the Credit Agreement, the Domestic Bills Purchase Line Agreement, the various Promissory Notes, and all other key loan documents of the Borrower, for and on behalf of ONE WORLD. Consequently, this places full knowledge and control over the Borrower directly on him.

43. During the negotiations for the application of its credit facilities, ONE WORLD, through MR. CHUA, made commitments to the Plaintiff that its outstanding loan obligations will be paid as they fall due or mature.

44. The Plaintiff approved the application of the credit facilities of ONE WORLD based on its representations, warranties, and covenants that it has good business, sufficient cash flow and resources, and generally more than adequate ability to repay its debts.

45. These representations, warranties and covenants made by ONE WORLD, through MR. CHUA, are constantly acknowledged in the loan and other related documents it executed in favor of the Plaintiff.

45.1. Under the Credit Agreement, ONE WORLD, through MR. CHUA, made the following representations, warranties, and covenants with respect to its existing credit facilities with the Plaintiff: 6. Representation and Warranties. The Borrower represents and warrants that: xxx 6.10. The maintenance of the Credit Facility is premised on the Borrower’s continued ability to service its obligation to its creditors. Accordingly, the Borrower hereby warrants that while any of the Credit Obligations remain unpaid, the Borrower shall at all times have sufficient liquid assets to meet operating requirements and pay all its/his debts as they fall due. Failure of the Borrower to pay any maturing interest, principal or other charges under the Credit Facility shall be conclusive evidence of violation of this warranty.

6.11 PBCOM’s approval and release of the borrowed funds is by reason of the Borrower’s representation and warranties, and the purpose for which the loan is approved. The Borrower affirms that a violation of its representations and warranties, including the purpose for which the loan is approved is tantamount to fraud or false pretense, punishable under Philippine penal laws. xxx

16. Considering that the Borrower had already defaulted and all its loan obligations became immediately due and payable, the Defendants, pursuant to the Continuing Surety Agreement they executed, shall also be jointly and severally liable upon notice of said default.

16.1. In their Continuing Surety Agreement with the Plaintiff, the Defendants bound themselves jointly and severally liable with ONE WORLD to unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the full and complete payment when due of any and all credit accommodations that have been granted or may be granted, renewed and/or extended by the Plaintiff to ONE WORLD, to wit:

Republic of the Philippines National Capital Judic ial Region REGIONAL TRIAL COURT Mandaluyong City, Branch___

B3

demonstrable physically; it must of necessity be proved in many cases by inferences from circumstances shown to have been involved in the transaction in question.” (Emphasis and underscoring supplied)

7. Affirmative Covenants. The Borrower covenants and agrees that during the term of the Credit Facility and until full payment of the full amount due hereunder, unless PBCOM shall otherwise consent in writing, the Borrower shall: xxx 7.5. Pay promptly when due, any and all sums becoming due under this Agreement before the same shall become in default; (Emphasis and underscoring supplied)

“l . LIABILITIES OF SURETIES PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS,

1.1 The SURETIES, jointly and severally with the PRINCIPAL, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the full and complete payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, or otherwise, of any and all Credit Accommodations that have been granted or may be granted, renewed and/or extended by the BANK to the PRINCIPAL.

Plaintiff,

-versus-

Civil Case No. R-MND-25-01369-CV For: Collection of Sum of Money and Damages with Prayer for Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment

xxx 1.5 The liability of the SURETIES shall be direct and immediate and not contingent upon the pursuit by the BANK of whatever remedies it may have against the PRINCIPAL or the securities or liens it or they may possess, and the SURETIES will, at any time on demand, whether due or not due, jointly and severally pay to the BANK any obligations of the PRINCIPAL.

SPOUSES ALLAN PIERRE D. CHUA AND GEMMA L. CHUA,

Defendants. x-----------------------------------------------------x

COMPLAINT

Plaintiff Philippine Bank of Communications (“PBCOM” or “Bank”), by counsel, and unto this Honorable Court, most respectfully states: Nature of the Complaint 1 . This is a Complaint for Collection of Sum of Money and damages based on the Defendants’ breach of a contract of suretyship, which guaranteed the full and complete payment of the loan obligations extended by the Plaintiff to ONE WORLD MUSIC AND SPORTS INC. (“ONE WORLD” or “Borrower”).

2. This action seeks to enforce the primary obligation of the Sureties, with prayer for the provisional remedy of a Writ of Preliminary Attachment based on the fraud employed by the Sureties herein who are the authorized officers of the Borrower, in order to prevent the Defendants from evading their lawful obligation.

The Parties 3. Plaintiff is a universal banking corporation duly organized and existing under Philippine laws with principal office address at PBCOM Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue corner Rufino Street, Makati City 1226.

3.1 . Plaintiff is represented herein by ATTY. GIRLIE ISABEL D. UMALI-REQUIZO, Head of PBCOM’s Remedial Management Division (“RMD”), as evidenced by a Special Power of Attorney and a Secretary’s Certificate. 1 Plaintiff may be served with notices, orders, and other court processes at the address and/ or e-mail addresses of the undersigned counsel.

4. Defendants ALLAN PIERRE D. CHUA (“MR. CHUA”) and GEMMA L. CHUA (‘Mrs. Chua”) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Sureties”) are both of legal age, married, Filipinos, with postal and/or residential address at 10 Northern Polytech University Hills Subdivision, Malabon City, where they may be served with summons, notices, orders, writs, and other court processes.

5. The defendant spouses, ALLAN PIERRE D. CHUA AND GEMMA L. CHUA, are being sued jointly in accordance with Rule 3, Section 4 of the Revised Rules of Court, which provides that “husband and wife shall sue or be sued jointly, except as provided by law.”

Venue of Action 6. The instant complaint is filed before the Regional Trial Court of Mandaluyong City pursuant to the Plaintiff’s exercise of its sole option and discretion in choosing the venue of suit under pertinent provisions of Surety Agreement, to wit:2

xxx

3.1. If the BANK shall declare the obligations of the PRINCIPAL to be due and payable because of the happening of any of the events of default as defined in the instruments evidencing said obligations, the SURETIES, upon receipt of written notice from the BANK, shall forthwith pay to the BANK the full amount of said obligations, without need of demand, protest or notice of any kind, other than the notice provided herein, all of which are likewise expressly waived by the SURETIES.” (Emphasis and underscoring supplied) 17. Accordingly, the Plaintiff sent a Final Demand Letter to the Defendants as Sureties of ONE WORLD on 29 October 2025, demanding the payment of the outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD as a matter of course,13 18. The letter was served at the Defendants’ address on record at 10 Northern Polytech University Hills Subdivision, Malabon City, and was duly effected through the following modes: a. Via Private Courier: Receipt was duly acknowledged by one Meriam Lopez, who identified herself as a housemaid at the residence stated above.

As proof thereto, the Affidavit of Service executed by Mr. Mario E. Cabungcal, Jr. dated 11 November 2025,14 the LBC Track and Trace, and the LBC Receipt No.: 81216650128 dated 30 October 2025,15 are all attached hereto as part of the annexes; b. Via Personal Service: The letter was served to one Nancy Anne Lopez who identified herself as a house caretaker at the address above-stated.

As proof thereto, the Affidavit of Service executed by Mr. Mario E. Cabungcal, Jr. dated 30 October 2025 and the receiving copy of the letter are likewise attached hereto as part of the annexes. 16 19. Despite formal written demand, however, the Defendants failed and refused, and continue to fail and refuse to settle ONE WORLD’s outstanding loan obligations to the Plaintiff.

20. Thus, by reason of the Defendants’ continued failure and unjustified refusal to pay the outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD, the Plaintiff was constrained to file the instant action with prayer for issuance of writ of preliminary attachment.

First Cause of Action (Sum of Money)

xxx

statement of Facts 7. ONE WORLD MUSIC AND SPORTS INC. is one of the clients of the Plaintiff. The company is engaged in the business of buying and selling of general merchandise including but not limited to sports equipment, music instruments, accessories and other related products.3 8. Based on its 2019 General Information Sheet,4 the ownership and management structure of ONE WORLD is as follows:

Name

Plaintiff hereby pleads and incorporates by reference the foregoing allegations and further states:

Chairman

Plaintiff hereby pleads and incorporates by reference the foregoing allegations and further states:

Ma. Cristina M. Ong

23%

2,875

Member

24. The pertinent provisions of the Civil Code of the Philippines allow for the recovery of attorney’s fees where the defendant’s act or omission compelled the plaintiff to litigate or incur expenses to protect their interest, or where the defendant acted in gross and evident bad faith in refusing to satisfy the plaintiff’s plain valid, just, and demandable claim.

Patricia Anne C. Mateo

5%

625

Member

25. In the instant case, the unjust refusal and failure of the Defendants to comply with their clear obligations, despite formal demands from the Plaintiff clearly and indispensably compelled PBCOM to file the present action.

Ryan C. Garganta

2%

250

Member

Gisella Andrea L. Chua

20%

2,500

Member

26. The conduct of the Defendants constitutes an unwarranted and arbitrary disregard of the Plaintiff ‘s rights, necessitating the expenditure of considerable time, effort, and expense to secure judicial relief. Such actions fall squarely within the exceptions of Article 2208 of the Civil Code.

c. Various Promissory Notes,10 showing the outstanding availments under the Loan Line, with the following details:

Promissory Note No.

Promissory Note Date (month/day/ year)

Maturity Date

Original Loan Amount

1. LD1919243957

07/11/19

01/07/20

P 2,573,000.00

2. LD1931040507

11/05/19

04/28/20

P 2,427,000.00

3. LD1932420001

11/20/19

04/28/20

P 1,079,367.30

TOTAL

Second Cause of Action (Attorney’s Fees, Exemplary Damages and Costs of Suit)

27. In view of the foregoing, PBCOM has been constrained to incur and will continue to incur expenses for legal services and costs of litigation, for which the Defendants must be held liable. The Plaintiff is, therefore, entitled to recover reasonable attorney’s fees in the amount of TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php 200,000.00).

28. Moreover, Article 2232 of the Civil Code provides that ”[i]n contracts and quasi-contracts, the court may award exemplary damages if the defendant acted in wanton, fraudulent, reckless, oppressive, or malevolent manner.”

29. As will be extensively discussed in the allegations in support of the prayer for preliminary attachment, it will be shown that the Defendants acted in a fraudulent manner in contracting the obligation and in the performance thereof.

30. Thus, to serve as an example for the public good, and to deter the Defendants from committing the same fraudulent acts and misrepresentations, they shall also be adjudged liable to pay the Plaintiff exemplary damages in the amount of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php 500,000.00).

Allegations in Support of the Prayer for Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment Plaintiff hereby pleads and incorporates by reference the foregoing allegations and further states: 31. In Davao Light & Power Co., Inc. v. The Court of Appeals et al.,17 the Supreme Court laid down the requirements for the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment: “The only pre-requisite is that the Court be satisfied, upon consideration of “the affidavit of the applicant or of some other person who personally knows the facts, that a sufficient cause of action exists, that the case is one of those mentioned in Section 1 ... (Rule 57), that there is no other sufficient security for the claim sought to be enforced by the action, and that the amount due to the applicant, or the value of the property the possession of which he is entitled to recover, is as much as the sum for which the order (of attachment) is granted above all legal counter claims.” (Emphasis and underscoring supplied) 32. The aforementioned requirements are present in the instant case.

A sufficient cause of action exists against the Defendants

P 6,079,367.30

11 . As an indispensable condition for the grant of the loan facility, the Bank required a solidary guarantee to secure the obligations of ONE WORLD. Thus, a Continuing Surety Agreement11 was likewise executed by MR. CHUA in his personal capacity. The same was duly notarized on 05 November 2018 and signed with marital conformity of MR. CHUA’s wife, Gemma L. Chua (“MRS. CHUA” ).

12. By virtue of the surety agreement, the Defendants Spouses CHUA bound themselves solidarily and jointly liable with the Borrower for the prompt payment of the entire loan, including all interests, penalties, and charges.

Thus: “ 1. LIABILITIES OF SURETIES 1.1 The SURETIES, jointly and severally with the PRINCIPAL, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the full and complete payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, or otherwise, of any and all Credit Accommodations that have been granted or may be granted, renewed and/or extended by the BANK to the PRINCIPAL. xxx 1.5 The liability of the SURETIES shall be direct and immediate and not contingent upon the pursuit by the BANK of whatever remedies it may have against the PRINCIPAL or the securities or liens it or they may possess, and the SURETIES will, at any time on demand, whether due or not due, jointly and severally pay to the BANK any obligations of the PRINCIPAL. 13. Ultimately, the Plaintiff subsequently approved the application of the credit facilities of ONE WORLD based on the following considerations: 13.1 ONE WORLD, through MR. CHUA as its President and Chairman, made representations, warranties and covenants during the negotiations for the application of its credit facilities that it has good business, sufficient cash flow and resources, and generally more than adequate ability to repay its debts.

13.2 The Continuing Surety Agreement executed by MR. CHUA in his personal capacity, with marital conformity of Mrs. Chua, provided an absolute and unconditional guarantee for the full and complete payment of the entire obligation of the Borrower.

14. Subsequently, however, ONE WORLD, defaulted on the loan obligations, as follows: 14.1. After the availment of its last credit facility on 20 November 2019, the Borrower started incurring past due obligations, failing to meet the scheduled principal and interest payments beginning January 2020.

14.2. Worse, on 14 December 2020, the Borrower filed a Petition for Rehabilitation with the Regional Trial Court of Valenzuela City, docketed as SP Proc. No. 19-V-20.

51 . Subsequently, MR. CHUA personally verified the Petition for Rehabilitation20 as the authorized representative of ONE WORLD in December 2020. As will be further discussed below, the timing of this petition which is one year after receiving the credit and just months after defaulting, provides conclusive proof that the Borrower and MR. CHUA himself employed fraudulent schemes to evade payment to its creditors.

52. It bears emphasis at this point that the filing of the said Petition for Rehabilitation, as calculated by the Defendants, immediately resulted in the issuance of a Stay Order, which placed a moratorium on all legal proceedings against the Borrower, thereby unjustly frustrating the Plaintiff’s attempt to collect its legitimate debt.

53. The further conclusive proof of the Defendants’ bad faith lies in the finding of the Rehabilitation Court itself.

The said court, after reviewing the facts and the proposed plan, subsequently determined and ruled that the Borrower’s rehabilitation was no longer viable. This clearly demonstrates that the initial filing was a sham, made with the primary intent to use the protective shield of the law to delay rather than to rehabilitate, thus manifesting malice and fraud on the part of ONE WORLD and its Sureties.

54. Most importantly, the filing of the Petition for Rehabilitation, regardless of its ultimate goal, confirms the Sureties’ bad faith in dealing with the Plaintiff. Assuming arguendo that the intent to rehabilitate was genuine, this necessarily means that the Sureties, particularly MR. CHUA, in his leadership role, was fully aware of the Borrower’s bad financial status and imminent insolvency at the time the debt was incurred.

57. It thus bears emphasis that this is not a simple case of non-payment. To reiterate, all the Promissory Notes were availed from the months of July to November 2019. The Borrower started incurring overdue on January 2020, barely two (2) months after the last two (2) Promissory Notes were availed of Less than a year later after the said default, the Borrower filed a Petition for Rehabilitation.

6,250

b. Domestic Bills Purchase Line Agreement9 duly notarized on 05 November 2018 for the acceptance of the bills purchase line extended by Plaintiff to ONE WORLD;

50. Second, the fraudulent scheme became more apparent when at the time that MR. CHUA was still the Chairman of the Board, a Board Resolution of ONE WORLD was issued to file for corporate rehabilitation,19 essentially admitting the company’s financial inability to meet its obligations.

23. Hence, the Defendants must be ordered to pay the Plaintiff, jointly and severally, the sum total of the outstanding loan obligations due to the Plaintiff amounting to THREE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED PESOS (Php 3,851,200.00), representing the unpaid principal amount, inclusive of partial interests as of 29 October 2025.

50%

a. Credit Agreement8 duly notarized on 13 November 2018 for the short-term credit accommodations extended by Plaintiff to ONE WORLD;

49. Unfortunately, the records readily reveal that this representation was fraudulent, as the Borrower began incurring overdue accounts and default just two (2) months after the final availment. This swift failure, occurring almost immediately after securing the funds, shows that the Borrower either lacked the capacity to pay from the outset or that they had no genuine intention to make good of its obligations as they fall due. What is clear in both instances, however, is that MR. CHUA, as the President and Chairman of ONE WORLD, misrepresented that they had the power to perform the obligations under the Credit Agreement and Promissory Notes, which is tantamount to deceit, fraud or false pretenses.

56. Even more telling is the subsequent finding of the Rehabilitation Court that the Borrower’s rehabilitation is no longer possible further confirmed the Borrower’s legal and factual inability to satisfy its obligations.

Allan Pierre D. Chua

10.2. The following loan and other related documents were executed by ONE WORLD, all of which were signed by MR. CHUA, under the approved credit facilities:

48. To emphasize and at the risk of being repetitive, when the Borrower, through MR. CHUA, availed the credit facilities in July and November 2019, the Borrower represented, among others, that (1) it possessed the financial capacity and solvency necessary to honor these substantial obligations; and (2) its outstanding loan obligations will be paid as they fall due or mature.

22. Similarly, the Sureties, who bound themselves jointly and severally liable with ONE WORLD, must be held answerable to pay the whole amount of the Borrower’s outstanding loan obligations with the Plaintiff.

Board

10.1. The said approval was contained in a Letter Approval Advice6 dated 17 October 2018 which was duly conformed, accepted and signed by ONE WORLD, through MR. CHUA, amounting to a total of Seven Million Pesos (Php 7,000,000.00). The approved credit facility consisted of a Loan Line in the amount of Five Million Pesos (Php 5,000,000.00) and a Domestic Bills Purchase Line amounting to Two Million Pesos (Php 2,000,000.00).7

47. From the foregoing, it is clear that the Plaintiff would not have approved and granted the credit facilities of ONE WORLD if not for the foregoing warranties, representations and covenants. The Plaintiff evidently relied in ONE WORLD’s representations that it would comply with its obligations in good faith.

55. Proceeding from this theory, the filing which came less than one year after the Borrower defaulted in its obligations supports the finding that the Borrower lacked the capacity to pay from the very moment the credit facility was availed of, rendering the initial representations of solvency and capacity fraudulent and misleading.

S h a r e s Subscribed

10. Sometime in 2018, ONE WORLD, through its President and Chairman, MR. CHUA, applied for the establishment of a credit facility with PBCOM to support its short-term working capital requirements, particularly inventory purchases. On 17 October 2018, PBCOM approved the credit facilities for One World.

46. Article 1159 of the Civil Code provides that “obligations arising from contracts have the force of law between the contracting parties and should be complied with in good faith.”

21 . Since the Borrower, ONE WORLD, defaulted in the payment of its loan obligations starting 14 December 2020, the entire amount of its loan obligations to the Plaintiff had already become immediately due and demandable.

Ownership

9. Defendant Allan Pierre D. Chua (“MR. CHUA”) is the single majority controlling stockholder and ultimate beneficial owner of ONE WORLD. In addition to being the controlling stockholder of the Borrower, MR. CHUA is the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President of the Corporation, as well as the duly authorized representative of Corporation in the loan transaction with PBCOM.5

The Bank’s approval and release of the borrowed funds is by reason of the Borrower’s representation and warranties, and the purpose for which the loan is approved. The Borrower affirms that a violation of its representation and warranties, including the purpose for which the loan is approved is tantamount to fraud or false pretense, punishable under our penal laws. (Emphasis and underscoring supplied)

3. DEFAULT

9. GOVERNING LAW AND VENUE

9.2. Any action or suit under this Agreement or any other document related thereto shall be instituted in the proper courts of Makati City or any venue at the sole option of the BANK. (Emphasis and underscoring supplied)

45.2. In the same manner, ONE WORLD likewise acknowledged in the Promissory Notes it executed in favor of the Plaintiff that the latter’s approval and release of the borrowed funds is by reason of borrower’s representation and warranties, and that a violation of the same is tantamount to fraud or false pretense, to wit:

33. By virtue of the Continuing Surety Agreement, the Defendants had the corresponding obligation to answer for the payment of the loan obligations of ONE WORLD in case it defaulted in the payment thereof.

34. When ONE WORLD defaulted in the payment of its loan obligations to the Plaintiff starting January 2020, it became liable to the Plaintiff to pay the whole amount of its outstanding loan obligations which all became immediately due and payable.

35. In the same manner, upon default of the Borrower and upon notice of said default, the Sureties became liable jointly and severally with ONE WORLD for the payment of the whole amount of the outstanding loan obligations due to the Plaintiff.

36. Notwithstanding the formal demand for payment made to the Defendants as Sureties of ONE WORLD, however, they failed and refused, and continue to fail and refuse to settle the Plaintiff’s just and valid claim.

37. Hence, due to the Defendants ‘ unjustified refusal to honor its loan obligations, the Plaintiff has sufficient cause of action to proceed against the Sureties since they had irrevocably guaranteed the performance of ONE WORLD’s obligation for the payment of its loan obligations to the Plaintiff.

The instant case falls under Section 1 (d) of Rule 57 of the Rules of Court - the Defendants committed fraud in contracting the obligation and in the performance thereof.

38. Under Section 1 (d) of the Rules of Court, a Plaintiff may have the property of the adverse party attached as security for the satisfaction of any judgment that may be recovered in an action against a party who has been guilty of fraud in contracting the debt or incurring the obligation: “Section 1. Grounds upon which attachment may issue. - At the commencement of the action or at any time before entry of judgment, a Plaintiff or any proper party may have the property of the adverse party attached as security for the satisfaction of any Judgment that may be recovered in the following cases: xxx (d) In an action against a party who has been guilty of a fraud in contracting the debt or incurring the obligation upon which the action is brought, or in the performance thereof; x x x” (Emphasis and underscoring supplied) 39. In the case of Republic of the Philippines v. Mega Pacific eSolutions, Inc. et al. 18, the Supreme Court explained the term fraud in relation to the above-mentioned provision, to wit: “Fraud may be characterized as the voluntary execution of a wrongful act or a wilful omission, while knowing and intending the effects that naturally and necessarily arise from that act or omission. In its general sense, fraud is deemed to comprise anything calculated to deceive-including all acts and omission and concealment involving a breach of legal or equitable duty, trust, or confidence justly reposed resulting in damage to or in undue advantage over another. Fraud is also described as embracing all multifarious means that human ingenuity can device, and is resorted to for the purpose of securing an advantage over another false suggestion or by suppression of truth: and it includes all surprise, trick, cunning, dissembling, and any other unfair way by which another is cheated.

While fraud cannot be presumed, it need not be proved by direct evidence and can well be inferred from attendant circumstances. Fraud by its nature is not a thing susceptible of ocular observation or readily

58. Clearly, the circumstances surrounding the Borrower’s rapid default and the judicial finding that rehabilitation was no longer feasible, lead to the inescapable conclusion that the Defendants, particularly MR. CHUA, the President, Chairman, and majority shareholder of ONE WORLD, guaranteed the financial capacity of ONE WORLD with fraudulent intent.

59. Third, even the Borrower’s own audited financial statements belie its representations and warranties that it will make good of its obligations as it fall due.

60. Based on the records of ONE WORLD’s Petition for Rehabilitation, the Borrower’s 2019 Audited Financial Statement21 reflected the amount of P1,472,022.67 in its 2019 Retained Earnings. On the other hand, its interim Financial statement22 reflects a substantial increase in ONE WORLD’s corporate equity, reporting approximately P26,012,058 in Retained Earnings in the year the Petition for Rehabilitation was filed and the period immediately succeeding the loan availment.

61. The existence of these substantial retained earnings shows that the Borrower could have had the financial means to fulfill its obligation to the Plaintiff before the Petition for Rehabilitation was filed. Despite this, MR. CHUA, who directs the corporate funds as the President, Chairman, and ultimate beneficiary of ONE WORLD, maliciously chose to withhold payment and instead directed the corporation to file for rehabilitation.

62. Instead of directing the readily available retained funds toward honoring a legitimate short-term loan, MR. CHUA authorized the transfer or reclassification of that equity into nonoperational purposes. By reclassifying the foregoing corporate assets into retained earnings, MR. CHUA abused his position as President and Chairman to ensure that when the Petition for Rehabilitation was filed, the Borrower’s assets were legally siphoned off, making ONE WORLD appear insolvent while preserving his control over the converted value.

63. This reclassification effectively hollowed out the Borrower, ensuring that while the financial statements might still reflect large paper assets, ONE WORLD was deliberately stripped of the cash necessary to satisfy its creditors.

64. Verily then, the fact that MR. CHUA, the individual who executed the loan documents, is also the same person who had the corporate authority to direct the funds and signed the Verified Petition for Rehabilitation, confirms the malicious and calculated intent behind this fraudulent scheme, which severely prejudiced the Plaintiff’s ability to recover its debt.

65. Fourth and finally, the Sureties’ guarantee of full and complete payment was likewise a false representation made to the Plaintiff in order to assist ONE WORLD in securing the credit facilities. In fact, the Sureties themselves had no true intention of honoring their commitments and obligations under the surety agreement, which constitutes fraud in the contracting the obligation and in the performance thereof.

66. To emphasize and at the risk of being repetitive, MR. CHUA was the President, Chairman, and majority shareholder of ONE WORLD. It is clear that he had full knowledge and information of the transactions pertaining to the application of ONE WORLD’s credit facilities, as well as the supposed imminent risk of the Borrower’s insolvency.

67 . Despite this, the Sureties still made guarantees to the Plaintiff in its Continuing Surety Agreement that the loans will be paid in full when due. The pertinent provision of which states: The SURETIES, jointly and severally with the PRINCIPAL, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the full and complete payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, or otherwise, of any and all Credit Accommodations that have been granted or may be granted, renewed and/ or extended by the BANK to the PRINCIPAL. (Emphasis and underscoring supplied).

68. As it turned out, MR. CHUA already had a preconceived intention of not honoring ONE WORLD’s outstanding loan obligations with the Plaintiff. When ONE WORLD started to default shortly after the Promissory Notes were availed of, and subsequently filed a Petition for Rehabilitation less than a year after the said default, it became clear and unmistakable that the foregoing warranties, representations, covenants of MR. CHUA in his personal capacity and as a representative of ONE WORLD were all untrue.

69. Moreover, the records show that from the time the account of ONE WORLD defaulted in January 2020 up to the present and, notwithstanding the Bank’s demand to pay in the Letters dated 29 October 2025, not a single payment was received by the Bank from the Sureties, and there was no concrete proposal at all from the Sureties on how they intend to settle the loans, evincing an intentional evasion of the normal fulfillment of their obligations.

70. Clearly, MR. CHUA not only consented to the foregoing fraudulent inducement, he himself employed the same in his personal capacity and as the representative of ONE WORLD. In other words, his involvement is direct and personal.

71. With the foregoing, it is indubitable that the conduct of the Defendants, particularly MR. CHUA, established a fraudulent design or scheme to Induce PBCOM to approve the credit facilities of ONE WORLD. 72. Verily then, the combined effect of the Sureties’ own acts and personal control over the Borrower clearly demonstrates the imminent risk that the Sureties will render a final judgment in favor of the Plaintiff illusory and ineffectual. Absent the protective writ, the Surety is highly likely to continue in its fraudulent acts, causing the Plaintiff an injury that cannot be remedied by mere monetary compensation.

There is no other sufficient security for the claim sought to be enforced by the action against the Defendants.

73. ONE WORLD’s outstanding loan obligations with the Plaintiff were only secured by a Continuing Surety Agreement23 dated 05 November 2018 executed by the Defendants.

74. On the other hand, as of 29 October 2025, the total outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD amounted to THREE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED PESOS (Php 3,851,200.00), representing the unpaid principal amount, inclusive of partial interests, as shown by the Plaintiff’s Statements of Account on even date.

75. While the contract of suretyship is a valid and binding contractual instrument, it is merely a paper promise or a contractual right. In the context of the present action, this security is rendered utterly insufficient because the Defendants are in active breach of their obligation.

76. The purpose of the suretyship was to guarantee the payment of the principal loan. The Defendants’ continued refusal to pay upon demand converts the security instrument itself into the claim sought to be enforced, meaning the Plaintiff is suing on the security rather than relying on the security to cover the claim.

77. Given that the Borrower is judicially declared insolvent and in liquidation, and the Sureties as the remaining obligors are deliberately refusing to honor their absolute commitment, the Bank has no property, chattel, or monetary deposit that can be foreclosed or applied to the debt.

78. Thus, even if a favorable judgment is obtained by the Plaintiff against the Defendants, there will be no sufficient security for the enforcement of its claim since there is a huge disparity between the claim of the Plaintiff and the existing security.

79. The only recourse left to the Plaintiff to ensure that the eventual money judgment is not illusory is the

Manila

Standard B4 FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026 TODAY

immediate application for the writ of preliminary attachment against the Sureties’ tangible properties. The writ of preliminary attachment is thus mandatory to secure the satisfaction of the judgment and prevent the total loss of the Bank’s recovery.

The amount due to the Plaintiff, or the value of the property the possession of which it is entitled to recover, is as much as the sum for which the order is granted above all legal counterclaims.

80. The amount due to the Plaintiff is sufficient to warrant the issuance of the writ of preliminary attachment, consistent with the requirement of Rule 57 of the Rules of Court that the sum granted must be above all legal counterclaims.

81 . The Plaintiff’s cause of action is based on a demandable obligation arising from the executed Promissory Notes by the Borrower and guaranteed by the Surety. The amount due is fixed as detailed in the preceding paragraphs and supported by the annexed documents.

82. As previously pointed out, as of 29 October 2025,24 the outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD amounted to THREE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY -ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED PESOS (Php 3,851,200.00), representing the unpaid principal amount, inclusive of partial interests, as shown in the Plaintiff’s Statement of Account on even date.

83. The foregoing amount, plus the estimated amount for Attorney’s Fees and Exemplary Damages as herein prayed for can be secured by the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment over the above-stated properties in case an order be issued granting the same.

84. Furthermore, the Defendants’ obligation cannot be denied, being evidenced by the fully executed loan documents as exhaustively discussed above. Crucially, the fraudulent scheme orchestrated by the Sureties is designed purely to evade payment. Allowing a defense or counterclaim based on these malicious acts would reward the Defendants’ fraud and violate the principles of equity.

85. Accordingly, the Plaintiff’s total claim should stand above all valid legal counterclaims and is consequently entitled to the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment.

86. Based on the foregoing, all the requisites for the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment are present. The overall conduct of the Defendants showed the commission of fraud both in contracting the obligation and in the performance thereof, which warrants the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment against them.

87. The Plaintiff identifies herein properties of the Sureties which may be subjected to a writ of preliminary attachment:

Title Number CCT No. 004- 202000326225 CCT No. 004-202000260226

Location

Registry of Deeds

Parking Slot 226 Podium Level 2, Grass Residence Tower 4, Quezon City

Quezon City

Unit 2337 Fern @ Grass Residence

Quezon City

88. The Plaintiff is ready and willing to post a bond in the amount determined by the Honorable Court in its order upon the granting of the writ of preliminary attachment executed in favor the Defendants, conditioned that it will pay all the costs which may be adjudged to them, and all damages which they may sustain by reason of attachment, if the Honorable Court shall finally adjudge that the Plaintiff was not entitled thereto.

92. The Plaintiff will present the following documentary and object evidence in support of the Complaint:

ANNEX

DOCUMENT

A

Special Power of Attorney

B

Secretary Certificate

Gisella Chua

Articles of Incorporation

D

2018 General Information Sheet

E

Secretary’s Certificate of One World Music and Sports, Inc. duly notarized on 05 November 2018

F

Letter Approval Advice

G

Credit Agreement Domestic Bills Purchase Line Agreement

I

Promissory Note No. PN LD 1919243957

J

Promissory Note No. PN LD 1931040507

K

Promissory Note No. LD 1932420001

L

Continuing Surety Agreement

M

Statement of Account as of 29 October 2025

N

Final Demand to Pay doted 29 October 2025

O

Affidavit of Service duly notarized on 11 November 2025

P

LBC Track and Trace

P-1

LBC Receipt No.: 81216650128 dated 30 October 2025

Q

Affidavit of Service duly notarized on 30 October 2025

Q-1

Receiving copy of the Final Demand to Pay

R

Secretary’s Certificate of One World Music and Sports, Inc. duly notarized on 07 December 2020

S

Verification and Certification for the Petition for Rehabilitation duly notarized on 07 December 2020

T

2019 Audited Financial Statement of One World Music & Sports, Inc.

U

Interim Financial statement of One World Music & Sports, Inc. duly notarized on 07 December 2020

X

Affidavit of Merit executed by ATTY. GIRLIE ISABEL D. UMALI-REQUIZO

Y

Judicial Affidavit of Girlie Isabel D. Umali-Requizo

3. To prove that ONE WORLD executed in favor of PBCOM a Credit Agreement, a Domestic Bills Purchase Line Agreement and various Promissory Notes under the approved credit facilities evidencing its loan obligations with PBCOM; 4. To prove that the existing loan obligations of ONE WORLD were secured by a Continuing Surety Agreement executed by Defendant Mr. Chua which was duly notarized on 05 November 2018, and signed with marital conformity of Mr. Chua’s wife, Mrs. Gemma L. Chua (“Mrs. Chua”) (collectively, Mr. and Mrs. Chua will be referred to as “Sureties”) ;

WHEREFORE, premises considered, it is respectfully prayed that the Honorable Court: 1. Immediately upon filing of the instant Complaint with the attached Affidavit of Merit, and the posting and approval of the requisite bond, ISSUE a WRIT OF PRELIMINARY ATTACHMENT against the properties, real or personal, including the garnishment of bank deposits of Defendants Mr. Allan Pierre D. Chua and Mrs. Gemma L. Chua; and 2. After trial on the merits, render judgment in favor of Plaintiff PBCOM, and against Defendants Mr. Allan Pierre D. Chua and Mrs. Gemma L. Chua ordering them to pay jointly and severally as follows:

11. To prove that as of 29 October 2025, the outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD amounted to THREE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED PESOS (Php 3,851,200.00), representing the unpaid principal amount, inclusive of partial interests, as shown in the Plaintiff’s Statement of Account on even date.

12. To prove that the Sureties shall be jointly and severally liable upon notice of the default; 13. To prove that PBCOM sent a final demand to pay to the Sureties demanding the payment of the outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD; 1 4. To prove that despite written formal demand, the Sureties, failed and refused, and continue to fail and refuse to settle ONE WORLD’s outstanding loan obligations; 15. To prove that by reason of Defendants continued failure and unjustified refusal to pay the outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD, PBCOM was constrained to initiate a legal action against the Defendants; 16. To prove the veracity and due execution of the Affidavit of Merit executed relative to PBCOM’s application for issuance of writ of preliminary attachment; 17. To prove that PBCOM is entitled to the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment; 18. To prove that: (i) PBCOM has sufficient cause of action against the Defendants when the Sureties unjustifiably refused to pay the obligations of One World; (ii) the Defendants committed fraud in contracting their obligation and in the performance thereof; (iii) there is no other sufficient security for the Plaintiff’s claim; and (iv) the amount due to the Plaintiff is as much as the sum for which the order may be granted above all legal counterclaims.

19. To prove that the Defendants employed acts constituting fraud in the course of ensuring that ONE WORLD would be able to secure the approved credit facilities; 20. To prove that PBCOM is entitled to claim for Attorney’s Fees and Exemplary Damages.

21. To identify documents relevant to the above captioned case including her judicial affidavit; and 22. To prove all other related matters, facts, and circumstances relevant and material to the Complaint.

Member

7. Sometime in 2018, ONE WORLD, through its President and Chairman, MR. CHUA, applied for the establishment of a credit facility with PBCOM to support its short-term working capital requirements, particularly inventory purchases. On 17 October 2018, PBCOM approved the credit facilities for One World.

Promissory Note. Date (month/day /year)

MaturityDate

Original Loan Amount

1. LD1919243957

07/11/19

01/07/20

P 2,573,000.00

2. LD1931 040507

11/05/19

04/28/20

P 2,427,000.00

3. LD1932420001

11/20/19

04/28/20

P 1,079,367.30

TOTAL

6,079,367.30

8. As an indispensable condition for the grant of the loan facility, the Bank required a solidary guarantee to secure the obligations of ONE WORLD. Thus, a Continuing Surety Agreement was likewise executed by MR. CHUA in his personal capacity. The same was duly notarized on 05 November 2018 and signed with marital conformity of MR. CHUA’s wife, Gemma L. Chua (“MRS. CHUA”).

9. By virtue of the surety agreement, the Defendants Spouses CHUA bound themselves solidarily and jointly liable with the Borrower for the prompt payment of the entire loan, including all interests, penalties, and charges.

Thus:

1.1 The SURETIES, jointly and severally with the PRINCIPAL, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the full and complete payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of any and all Credit Accommodations that have been granted or may be granted, renewed and/or extended by the BANK to the PRINCIPAL. xxx 1.5 The liability of the SURETIES shall be direct and Immediate and not contingent upon the pursuit by the BANK of whatever remedies it may have against the PRINCIPAL or the securities or liens it or they may possess, and the SURETIES will, at any time on demand, whether due or not due, jointly and severally pay to the BANK any obligations of the PRINCIPAL.

10.1. ONE WORLD, through MR. CHUA as its President and Chairman, made representations, warranties and covenants during the negotiations for the application of its credit facilities that it has good business, sufficient cash flow and resources, and generally more than adequate ability to repay its debts.

10.2. The Continuing Surety Agreement executed by MR. CHUA in his personal capacity, with marital conformity of Mrs. Chua, provided an absolute and unconditional guarantee for the full and complete payment of the entire obligation of the Borrower.

11. Subsequently, however, ONE WORLD, defaulted on the loan obligations, as follows: 11.1 After the availment of its last credit facility on 20 November 2019, the Borrower started incurring past due obligations, failing to meet the scheduled principal and Interest payments beginning January 2020.

2.2. The amount of TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php 200,000.00) as attorney’s fees;

11.2. Worse, on 14 December 2020, the Borrower filed Petition for Rehabilitation with the Regional Trial Court of Valenzuela City, docketed as SP Proc. No. 19-V-20.

2.3. The amount of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (Php 500,000.00) as Exemplary Damages;

11.3. After due proceedings, the Rehabilitation Court found that the Borrower’s financial rehabilitation was no longer feasible. Consequently, on 28 July 2021, Rehabilitation Court issued a liquidation Order, converting the proceedings into corporate liquidation.

2.4. Interests on th e obligation until fully paid; and

11.4. Pursuant to the provisions of the Credit Agreement, the filing of a Petition for Rehabilitation and the subsequent declaration of insolvency and liquidation, as well as the failure to pay when due, both constitute separate and distinct Events of Default. Consequently, all unpaid loan obligations of the Borrower have become immediately due and payable. Thus:

2.5. The c osts of suit.

Other reliefs just and equitable under the premises are likewise prayed for.

Makati City for Mandaluyong City, ___________________

10. Events of Default. The Borrower shall be considered without need of any other or further act or deed in case any of the following events (“Event of Default”) shall occur:

JOHN PAUL M. REFUERZO Roll of Attorneys No. 50514 IBP No. 508758/PPLM Chapter/01-15-2025 PTR No.1 0476025/ Makati City/1-08-2025 MCLE Compliance No. VIII-0036263/05-27-25 Email: JPMRefuerzo@pbcom.com.ph

10. To prove that after due proceedings, the Rehabilitation Court found that the Borrower’s financial rehabilitation was no longer feasible.

After which, Rehabilitation Court issued a Liquidation Order, converting the proceedings into corporate liquidation.

2,500

2.1. The total of the outstanding loan obligations amounting to THREE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY –ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED PESOS (Php 3,851,200.00), representing the unpaid principal amount. inclusive of partial interests as of 29 October 2025.

6. To prove that PBCOM likewise approved the application of ONE WORLD’s credit facilities based on its representations, warranties, and covenants during the negotiations for the application of its credit facilities that it has good business. sufficient cash flow and resources, and generally more than adequate ability to repay its debts which were constantly acknowledged by ONE WORLD, through its President and Chairman, Mr. Chua, in the various representations, warranties and covenants it declared in the loan and other related documents it executed with PBCOM;

9. To prove that ONE WORLD filed a Petition for Rehabilitation with the Regional Trial Court of Valenzuela City, docketed as SP Proc. No. 19-V-20.

20%

10. Ultimately, the Plaintiff subsequently approved the application of the credit facilities of ONE WORLD based on the following considerations:

PRAYER

REFUERZO AGNES AND ASSOCIATES Counsel for Philippine Bank of Communications 2nd Floor PBCOM Tower 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City 1226 Tel. No.: 8830-7000 litigationdivision@pbcom.com.ph

8. To prove that shortly after the availment of the Promissory Notes, ONE WORLD defaulted in the payment of its loan obligations starting around January 2020;

Member

“1. LIABILITIES OF SURETIES

93. The Plaintiff respectfully reserves the right to present additional documents and other related evidence, with leave of court, as shall become necessary and desirable in the course of the trial, Further, Plaintiff reserves the right to mark and adopt, as its own, documents which the Defendants may present that are not available to the Plaintiff or are currently only in the possession of Defendants.

5. To prove that PBCOM allowed the approval of the credit facilities of ONE WORLD conditioned upon its commitment to payoff the due, maturing and demandable loan obligations;

7. To prove that in addition to the representations made by ONE WORLD through Mr. Chua, PBCOM approved the application of the credit facility pursuant to the security made by the Sureties themselves which provided an absolute and unconditional guarantee for the full and complete payment of the entire obligation of ONE WORLD.

250

6. Defendant Allan Pierre D. Chua ( “MR. CHUA” ) is the single majority controlling stockholder and ultimate beneficial owner of ONE WORLD. In addition to being the controlling stockholder of the Borrower, MR. CHUA is the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President of the Corporation, as well as the duly authorized representative of Corporation in the loan transaction with PBCOM.

Promissory Note No.

Witness to be Presented and Summary of Intended Testimony

2. To prove that the approval of the application of the credit facilities of ONE WORLD was contained in the Letter Approval Advice dated 1 7 October 2018 which was duly conformed, accepted, and signed by ONE WORLD, through its President and Chairman, Defendant Allan Pierre D. Chua (“Mr. Chua”) amounting to a total of SEVEN MILLION PESOS (Php 7,000,000.00);

2%

c. Various Promissory Notes, showing the outstanding availments under the Loan Line, with the following details:

CCT No. CCT No. 004-2020002602

1. To prove that on 17 October 2018, Philippine Bank of Communications (“ PBCOM”) approved the application of the credit facilities for ONE WORLD MUSIC AND SPORTS INC. (“ONE WORLD”);

Member

b Domestic Bills Purchase Line Agreement duly notarized on 05 November 2018 for the acceptance of the bills purchase line extended by Plaintiff to ONE WORLD;

W

ATTY. GIRLIE ISABEL D. UMALI-REQUIZO, 28 Division Head of PBCOM RMD.

L.

625

a. Credit Agreement duly notarize on 13 November 2018 for the short-term credit accommodations extended by Plaintiff to ONE WORLD;

CCT No. 004-2020003262

SUMMARY OF INTENDED TESTIMONY

Andrea

5%

7.2. The following loan and other related documents were executed by ONE WORLD, all of which were signed by MR. CHUA, under the approved credit facilities:

V

NAME OF WITNESS

C.

7.1. The said approval was contained in a Letter Approval Advice dated 17 October 2018 which was duly conformed, accepted and signed by ONE WORLD, through MR. CHUA, amounting to a total of Seven Million Pesos (Php 7,000,000.00). The approved credit facility consisted of a Loan Line in the amount of Five Million Pesos (Php 5,000,000.00) and a Domestic Bills Purchase Line amounting to Two Million Pesos (Php 2,000,000.00).

89. In further support of the application for the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment, Plaintiff submits the Affidavit of Merit executed by Atty. Girlie Isabel D. Umali-Requizo, Division Head of PBCOM-Remedial Management Division. 27

90. The Plaintiff will present:

Anne

Ryan C. Garganta

C

H

Patricia Mateo

10.1. The Borrower shall fail to pay when due any amount payable hereunder; xxx 10.5. The Borrower or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates shall become insolvent or unable to pay its debt as they mature, shall commit an act of bankruptcy or insolvency, or shall file any petition for dissolution, suspension of payments or any action for relief under any bankruptcy, reorganization, rehabilitation, insolvency, moratorium, or other laws for the relief of debtors, or any dissolution, insolvency or bankruptcy petition or proceeding shall be commenced or filed against the Borrower or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates under such laws. or any judgment or order is entered by a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a receiver, trustee or the like to take charge of all or substantially all of the assets of the Borrower, its subsidiaries or affiliates; x x x

By:

11. Consequences of Default. If any Event of Default occurs: 11.1 PBCOM may, at its sole discretion, treat the whole obligation, its principal and accrued interest and other charges, penalties, if any, as immediately due, payable and defaulted, without the necessity of demand, presentment or notice by PBCOM to the Borrower, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower and its guarantors and sureties, if any. Where applicable, PBCOM shall declare the Credit Facility under this Agreement terminated and the obligation of PBCOM to maintain the Credit Facility shall terminate; x x x

(Sgd.) JERRY P. AGNES JR. Roll of Attorneys No. 58709 IBP No. 487415/PPLM Chapter/12-26-2024 PTR No. MKTl 0476021/ Makati City/1-08-2025 MCLE Compliance No. VIII-0021 056/02-04-2025 Email: JPAgnesjr@pbcom.com.ph

11.5. In the same manner, the Promissory Notes provide that in case of failure to pay when due any amount payable to the Plaintiff, the whole sum remaining unpaid shall become immediately due and payable:

(Sgd.) MERCEDITA Q. GALVEZ Roll of Attorneys No. 85789 IBP No. 516658 / Bulacan Chapter /01-15-2025 PTR No. 7705037 / Quezon City / 06-03-2025 MCLE Compliance No. VIII-0036722/05-28-2025 Email: MQGalvez@pbcom.com.ph ---------------------------------------------------------------------------1 Machine copies of the Special Power of Attorney and Secretary Certificate are attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annexes “A” and “B”, respectively.

2 As evinced in the Continuing Surety Agreement duly notarized on 05 November 2018 attached hereto as Annex “L”, 3 As evinced in the machine copy of the Articles of Incorporation of One World Music and Sports, Inc. which is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “C”.

4 A machine copy of the 2019 General Information Sheet of One World Music and Sports, Inc. is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “D”.

5 A machine copy of the Secretary’s Certificate of One World Music and Sports, Inc. duly notarized on 05 November 2018 is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “E”.

6 A machine copy of the Letter Approval Advice dated 17 October 2018 is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “F”.

7 As evinced in the Letter Approval Advice dated 17 October 2018, herein attached as Annex “F”.

8 A machine copy of the Credit Agreement duly notarized on 13 November 2018 is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “G”.

9 A machine copy of the Domestic Bills Purchase Line Agreement duly notarized on 05 November 2018 is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “H”.

10 Machine copies of the Promissory Notes are attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annexes “I”, “J”, and “K” , respectively.

11 A machine copy of the Continuing Surety Agreement duly notarized on 05 November 2018 is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “L”.

12 A machine copy of the Statement of Account as of 29 October 2025 is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “M”, 13 A machine copy of the Final Demand to Pay dated 29 October 2025 is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “N”, , 14 A machine copy of the Affidavit of Service duly notarized on 11 November 2025 is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “O”.

15 Machine copies of the LBC Track and Trace and the LBC Receipt No.: 81216650128 dated 30 October 2025 are attached hereto and made an Integral parl hereof as Annexes “P” and “P-1”, respectively.

16 Machine copies of the Affidavit or Service duly notarized on 30 October 2025 and the receiving copy of the letter are attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annexes “Q” and “Q- 1”, respectively.

17 G.R. No. 93262. December 29, 1991.

18 G.R. No. 184666. June 27, 2016.

19 A machine copy of the Secretary’s Certificate of One World Music and Sports, Inc. duly notarized on 07 December 2020 is attached hereto and made on Integral part hereof as Annex “R”, 20 A machine copy of the Verification and Certification for the Petition for Rehabilitation duly notarized on 07 December 2020 is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “S”, 21 A machine copy of the Interim Financial Statement of One World Music and Sports. Inc. duly notarized on 07 December 2020 is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “T”.

22 A machine copy of the Interim Financial Statement of One World Music and Sports. Inc. duly notarized on 07 December 2020 is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “U”.

23 As evinced In the Continuing Surety Agreement herein attached as Annex “L”.

24 A machine copy of the Statement of Account as of 29 October 2025 is attached hereto and made an Integral part hereof as Annex “M”.

25 A machine copy of CCT No. 004•2020003262 is atlached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “V”.

26 A machine copy of CCT No. CCl No. 004-2020002602 is altached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “W”.

27 The Affldavlt of Merlt executed by Any. GIRLIE ISABEL D. UMALI-REQUIZO is attached hereto and mode on integral part hereof as Annex “X”.

28 The Judicial Affidavit of Girlie Isabel D. Umali-Requizo is attached hereto and made an integral part hereof as Annex “Y”.

ANNEX “X”

Republic of the Philippines } Makati City } S.S.

AFFIDAVIT OF MERIT (In Support of the Application for Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment) I, ATTY. GIRLIE ISABEL D. UMALI-REQUIZO, of legal age, with . office address at 2nd Floor PBCOM Tower, 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino St., Makati City 1226, after having been duly sworn to in accordance with law, hereby depose and state: 1 . I am the Head of the Philippine Bank of Communications (“PBCOM”) Remedial Management Division Corporate and Commercial Banking Group, and have handled and monitored the account of ONE WORLD MUSIC AND SPORTS, INC. (“ONE WORLD” and/or “Borrower” ) with PBCOM; 2. I am the responsible officer who monitored and supervised the collection efforts for the account of One World.

I was likewise the one who assessed the possible remedial measures which PBCOM may resort to regarding this account; 3. On behalf of PBCOM, I was authorized to file a Complaint for Collection of Sum of Money and Damages with Prayer for Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment against the Sureties of ONE WORLD, Sps. Allan Pierre D. Chua and Gemma L. Chua, for their default in the payment of the ONE WORLD’s loan obligations; 4. ONE WORLD MUSIC AND SPORTS INC. is one of the clients of the Plaintiff. The company is engaged in the business of buying and selling of general merchandise including but not limited to sports equipment, music instruments, accessories and other related products.

5. Based on its 2019 General Information Sheet, the ownership and management structure of ONE WORLD is as follows:

Name

Ownership

Shares Subscribed

Board

91. The Plaintiff respectfully reserves the right to present additional witnesses, with leave of court, as shall become necessary and desirable in the course of the trial.

Allan Pierre D. Chua

50%

6,250

Chairman

Documentary and Object Evidence in Support of the Complaint

Ma. Cristina M. Ong

23%

2,875

Member

“Upon the happening of any of the following Events of Default, the whole sum remaining unpaid under this Note shall become immediately due and payable without demand or notice: a. The Borrower shall fail to pay when due any amount payable hereunder; x x x” (Emphasis and underscoring supplied) 12. As of 29 October 2025, the outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD amounted to THREE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED PESOS (Php 3,851,200.00), representing the unpaid principal amount, inclusive of partial interests, as shown in the Plaintiff’s Statement of Account on even date.

13. Considering that the Borrower had already defaulted and all its loan obligations became immediately due and payable, the Defendants, pursuant to the Continuing Surety Agreement they executed, shall also be jointly and severally liable upon notice of said default.

13.1. In their Continuing Surety Agreement with the Plaintiff, the Defendants bound themselves jointly and severally liable with ONE WORLD to unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the full and complete payment when due of any and all credit accommodations that have been granted or may be granted, renewed and/or extended by 1he Plaintiff to ONE WORLD, to wit: “1. LIABILITIES OF SURETIES 1.1 The SURETIES, jointly and severally with the PRINCIPAL, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the full and complete payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, or otherwise of any and all Credit Accommodations that have been granted or may be granted, renewed and/or extended by the BANK to the PRINCIPAL. xxx 1 .5 The liability of the SURETIES shall be direct and immediate and not contingent upon the pursuit by the BANK of whatever remedies it may have against the PRINCIPAL or the securities or liens it or they may possess, and the SURETIES will, at any time on demand, whether due or not due, jointly and severally pay to the BANK any obligations of the PRINCIPAL. xxx 3. DEFAULT 3.1. If the BANK shall declare the obligations of the PRINCIPAL to be due and payable because of the happening of any of the events of default as defined in the instrument evidencing said obligations, the SURETIES, upon receipt of written notice from the BANK, shall forthwith pay to the BANK the full amount of sold obligation, without need of demand, protest or notice of any kind, other than the notice provided herein, all of which are likewise expressly waived the SURETIES.” (Emphasis and underscoring supplied) 14. Accordingly, the Plaintiff sent a Final Demand Letter to the Defendants as Sureties of ONE WORLD on 29 October 2025, demanding the payment of the outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD as a matter of course.

15. The letter was served at the Defendants’ address on record at 10 Northern Polytech University Hills Subdivision, Malabon City and was duly effected through the following modes: a. Via Private Courier: Receipt was duly acknowledged by one Meriam Lopez, who identified herself as a housemaid of the residence stated above.

As proof thereto, the Affidavit of Service executed by Mr. Mario E. Cabungcal, Jr. dated 11 November 2025, the LBC Track and Trace, and the LBC Receipt No.: 81216650128 dated 30 October 2025, are all attached hereto as part of the annexes; b. Via Personal Service: The letter was served to one Nancy Anne Lopez who identified herself as a house caretaker at the address above-stated.

As proof thereto, the Affidavit of Service executed by Mr. Mario E. Cabungcal, Jr. dated 30 October 2025 and the receiving copy of the letter are likewise attached hereto as part of the annexes.

16. Despite formal written demand, however, the Defendants failed and refused, and continue to fail and refuse to settle ONE WORLD’s outstanding loan obligations to the Plaintiff.

17. Thus, by reason of the Defendants’ continued failure and unjustified refusal to pay the outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD, the Plaintiff was constrained to file the instant action with prayer for issuance of writ of preliminary attachment.

18. PBCOM has a sufficient and valid cause of action against the defendants. There is no other sufficient security for the claim sought to be enforced by the plaintiff, and that the amount due to the latter, or the value of the properly the possession of which it is entitled to recover, is as much as the sum for which the order of writ is granted above all legal counterclaims; 19 As advised, Section 1 (d), Rule 57 of the Rules of Court provides, as follows: “Section 1. Grounds upon which attachment may issue - At the commencement of the action or at any time before entry of judgment, a plaintiff or any proper party may have the property of the adverse party attached as security for the satisfaction of any judgment that may be recovered in the following cases: xxx (d) In an action against a party who has been guilty of a fraud in contracting the debt or incurring the obligation upon which the action is brought, or in the performance thereof;’” 20. This case is one of those mentioned in Rule 57, Section of the Rules of Court when a writ of preliminary attachment may issue. The present action is against a party who has been guilty of fraud both in contracting the debt or incurring the obligation upon which the action is brought, and in the performance thereof; 21. In this case, the grave and irreparable injury necessary to justify the issuance of the writ of preliminary attachment arises from the Sureties’ actions which constitute a pattern of fraud, bad faith and maIicious evasion that far exceeds a simple inability to pay.

22. As will be further explained below, the sequence of events surrounding the execution and performance of the obligation herein conclusively established the foregoing fraudulent scheme of the Sureties, focusing on the malicious role of the Defendants, particularly MR. CHUA’s calculated involvement in each stage of evasion.

23. First, it must be stressed that MR. CHUA served as both the President and Chairman of the Board of ONE WORLD. He is likewise the single majority shareholder, the ultimate beneficial owner, the authorized representative of the Borrower, and the single individual who executed the Credit Agreement, the Domestic Bills

Manila

Standard

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026

TODAY

Purchase Line Agreement, the various Promissory Notes, and all other key loan documents of the Borrower, for and on behalf of ONE WORLD. Consequently, this places full knowledge and control over the Borrower directly on him.

24. During the negotiations for the application of its credit facilities, ONE WORLD through MR. CHUA, made commitments to the Plaintiff that its outstanding loan obligations will be paid as they fall due or mature.

25. The Plaintiff approved the application of the credit facilities of ONE WORLD based on its representations, warranties, and covenants that it has good business, sufficient cash flow and resources, and generally more than adequate ability to repay its debts.

in case an order be issued granting the same.

65. Furthermore, the Defendants’ obligation cannot be denied, being evidenced by the fully executed loan documents as exhaustively discussed above. Crucially, the fraudulent scheme orchestrated by the Sureties is designed purely to evade payment. Allowing a defense or counterclaim based on these malicious acts would reward the Defendants’ fraud and violate the principles of equity.

66. Accordingly, the Plaintiff’s total claim should stand above all valid legal counterclaims and is consequently entitled to the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment.

26. These representations, warranties and covenants made by ONE WORLD, through MR. CHUA, are constantly acknowledged in the loan and other related documents it executed in favor of the Plaintiff.

67. Based on the foregoing, all the requisites for the issuance of a Writ of preliminary attachment are present. The overall conduct of the Defendants showed the commission of fraud both In contracting the obligation and in the performance thereof, which warrants the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment against them.

26.1. Under the Credit Agreement, ONE WORLD, through MR. CHUA, made the following representations, warranties, and covenants with respect to its existing credit facilities with the Plaintiff:

68. The Plaintiff identifies herein properties of the Sureties which may be subjected to a writ of preliminary attachment:

6. Representation and Warranties. The Borrower represents and warrants that: xxx 6.10. The maintenance of the Credit Facility is premised on the Borrower’s continued ability to service its obligation to its creditors. Accordingly, the Borrower hereby warrants that while any of the Credit Obligations remain unpaid, the Borrower shall at all times have sufficient liquid assets to meet operating requirements and pay all its/his debts as they fall due. Failure of the Borrower to pay any maturing interest, principal or other charges under the Credit Facility shall be conclusive evidence of violation of this warranty.

6.11 PBCOM’s approval and release of the borrowed funds is by reason of the Borrower’s representation and warranties, and the purpose for which the loan is approved. The Borrower affirms that a violation of its representations and warranties, including the purpose for which the loan is approved is tantamount to fraud or false pretense, punishable under Philippine penal laws. xxx 7. Affirmative Covenants. The Borrower covenants and agrees that during the term of the Credit Facility and until full payment of the full amount due hereunder, unless PBCOM shall otherwise consent in writing, the Borrower shall: xxx 7.5. Pay promptly when due, any and all sums becoming due under this Agreement before the same shall become in default; (Emphasis and underscoring supplied) 26.2. In the same manner, ONE WORLD likewise acknowledged in the Promissory Notes it executed in favor of the Plaintiff that the latter’s approval and release of the borrowed funds is by reason of borrower’s representation and warranties, and that a violation of the same is tantamount to fraud or false pretense, to wit: The Bank’s approval and release of the borrowed funds is by reason of the Borrower’s representation and warranties, and the purpose for which the loan is approved. The Borrower affirms that a violation of Its representation and warranties, including the purpose for which the loan is approved is tantamount to fraud or false pretense, punishable under our penal laws. (Emphasis and underscoring supplied) 27. Article 1159 of the Civil Code provides that "obligations arising from contracts have the force of law between the contracting parties and should be complied with in good faith.”

Title Number

Location

Considering that the defendants are sureties to One World’s obligations to the plaintiff as per the Continuing Surety Agreement, the Court deems it judicious to attach defendants’ properties so much as may be sufficient to satisfy plaintiffs demands ACCORDINGLY, the Application for the Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment is hereby GRANTED. Plaintiff PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS is DIRECTED, within ten (10) days from receipt of this Order, to post an attachment bond in the amount of Three Million Eight Hundred FiftyOne Thousand and Two Hundred Pesos (P3,851,200.00) executed in favor of defendants-spouses ALLAN PIERRE D. CHUA and GEMMA L. CHUA, subject to the following conditions: (1) That the plaintiff will pay all costs which may be adjudged to the defendants; and

Registry of Deeds

CCT No. 004-2020003262

Parking Slot 226 Podium Level 2, Grass Residence Tower 4, Quezon City

Quezon City

(2) That the plaintiff will pay all damages which the defendants may sustain by reason of attachment, if the court shall finally adjudge that the plaintiff was not entitled thereto.

CCT No. 004-2020002602

Unit 2337 Fern @ Grass Residence

Quezon City

Set this case for Monitoring Hearing on the Posting of Attachment Bond on 07 April 2026 at 8 :30 o’clock in the morning.

69. The Plaintiff is ready and willing to post a bond in the amount determined by the Honorable Court in its order upon the granting of the writ of preliminary attachment executed in favor the Defendants, conditioned that it will pay all the costs which may be adjudged to them, and all damages which they rnay sustain by reason of attachment, if the Honorable Court shall finally adjudge that the Plaintiff was not entitled thereto.

70. I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the truth or the foregoing and to support PBCOM’s application (or issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment against the Defendants.

SO ORDERED, Mandaluyong City, 24 March 2026

(Sgd.) GLORIA MONICA S. LOPEZ

Presiding Judge

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 27 NOV 25 in Makati City.

RTC279/GMSL/egh

(Sgd.) ATTY. GIRLlE ISABEL D. UMALI-REQUIZO

Affiant

Copy furnished: PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS - Plaintiff PBCOM Tower 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 27 NOV 2025 in MAKATI CITY affiant exhibiting to me her Driver’s License No. N02-01-444492 valid until June 17, 2033, as competent evidence of identity, in accordance With the prevailing and applicable provisions of the Notarial Law, as amended.

REFUERZO AGNES AND ASSOCIATES – Counsel for the Plaintiff 2nd Floor PBCOM Tower 6795 Ayala Avenue comer V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City E-mail litigationdivision@pbcom.com.ph SPOUSES ALLAN PIERRE D. CHUA AND GEMMA L. CHUA - Defendants (1) No 10 North Polytech, University Hills Subdivision, Malabon City

Doc. No. 310; Page No. 63; Book No. I; Series of 2025.

1

Record, pp. 1 -34 Id at pp 275-293 See Exhibit C” and series, Certificate of Incorporation of One World Music and Sports, lnc , Id. at pp. 413-431.

4 See Exhibit “D” and series Letter of Approval dated 17 October 2018, Id at pp. 223-228 5 Record pp. 239-246 6 Id at pp 247-248 7 See Exhibits “H” . “I” and “J”. Promissory Notes with PN Nos. LD19-192-43957. LD 19-310-40507. and LD 19-324- 200001; Id al pp 249-260 8 Record, pp. 261-264 9 See Exhibit “U”, Verification and Certification for Petition for Rehabilitation Record, pp 29 -299 10 See Exhibit “L”, Statement of Account (As of 29 October 2025) Id at p 265 11 See Exhibit “P”, receiving copy of Demand Letter dated 29 October 2025; Id at pp. 346-347.

12 See Exhibit “Y”, Condominium Certificate of Title No 004-2020002602, Id .at pp 325-328 13 See Exhibit X” Condominium Certificate of Title No 004-2020003262, ld at pp 322-324 14 See Exhibit•”Z” Judicial Affidavit of Atty Girlie Isabel D. Umali-Requizo, Id at pp. 167-198 15 See Exhibit “DD”, Judicial Affidavit of Mario E. Cabungcal, Jr., Id a pp, 35 16 See UEM Mara Philippines Corporation v Alejandro Ng Wee, GR. No. 206563 (14 October 2020).

17 G R No 219345 (30 January 2017) 18 See Security Bank Corporation v. Great Wall Commercial Press Company, Inc et al, G.R. No. 219345 (30 January 2017).

2 3

28. From the foregoing, it is clear that the Plaintiff would not have approved and granted the credit facilities of ONE WORLD if not for the foregoing warranties, representations and covenants. The Plaintiff evidently relied in ONE WORLD’s representations that it would comply with its obligations in good faith.

29. To emphasize and at the risk of being repetitive, when the Borrower, through MR. CHUA, availed the credit facilities in July and November 2019, the Borrower represented, among others, that (1) it possessed the financial capacity and solvency necessary to honor these substantial obligations; and (2) its outstanding loan obligations will be paid as they fall due or mature.

30. Unfortunately, the records readily reveal that this representation was fraudulent, as the Borrower began incurring overdue accounts and default just two (2) months after the final availment. This swift failure, occurring almost immediately after securing the funds, shows that the Borrower either lacked the capacity to pay from the outset or that they had no genuine intention to make good of its obligations as they fall due. What is clear in both instances, however, is that MR. CHUA, as the President and Chairman of ONE WORLD, misrepresented that they had the power to perform the obligations under the Credit Agreement and Promissory Notes, which is tantamount to deceit, fraud or false pretenses.

31. Second, the fraudulent scheme became more apparent when at the time that MR. CHUA was still the Chairman of the Board, a Board Resolution of ONE WORLD was issued to file for corporate rehabilitation, essentially admitting the company’s financial inability to meet its obligations.

32. Subsequently, MR. CHUA personally verified the Petition for Rehabilitation as the authorized representative of ONE WORLD in December 2020. As will be further discussed below, the timing of this petition which is one year after receiving the credit and just months after defaulting, provides conclusive proof that the Borrower and MR. CHUA himself employed fraudulent schemes to evade payment to its creditors.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT MANDALUYONG CITY BRANCH 279 E-mail: rtc1mdl279@judiciary.gov.ph Tel. No. (02) 72383904

33. It bears emphasis at this point that the filing of the said Petition for Rehabilitation, as calculated by the Defendants, immediately resulted in the issuance of a Stay Order, which placed a moratorium on all legal proceedings against the Borrower, thereby unjustly frustrating the Plaintiff’s attempt to collect its legitimate debt.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT MANDALUYONG CITY BRANCH 279 E-mail: rtc1mdl279@judiciary.gov.ph Tel. No. (02) 72383904

34. The further conclusive proof of the Defendants’ bad faith lies in the finding of the Rehabilitation Court itself.

The said court, after reviewing the facts and the proposed plan, subsequently determined and ruled that the Borrower’s rehabilitation was no longer viable. This clearly demonstrates that the initial filing was a sham, made with the primary intent to use the protective shield of the law to delay rather than to rehabilitate, thus manifesting malice and fraud on the part of ONE WORLD and Its Sureties.

35. Most importantly, the filing of the Petition for Rehabilitation, regardless of its ultimate goal, confirms the Sureties’ bad faith in dealing with the Plaintiff. Assuming arguendo that the intent to rehabilitate was genuine, this, necessarily means that the Sureties, particularly MR. CHUA, in his leadership role, was fully aware of the Borrower’s bad financial status and imminent insolvency at the time the debt was incurred.

36. Proceeding from this theory, the filing which came less than one year after the Borrower defaulted in its obligations supports the finding that the Borrower lacked the capacity to pay from the very moment the credit facility was availed of, rendering the initial representations of solvency and capacity fraudulent and misleading.

37. Even more telling is the subsequent finding of the Rehabilitation Court hat the Borrower’s rehabilitation is no longer possible further confirmed the Borrower’s legal and factual inability to satisfy Its obligations.

38. It thus bears emphasis that this is not a simple case of non-payment. To reiterate, all the Promissory Notes were availed from the months of July to November 2019. The Borrower started incurring overdue on January 2020, barely two (2) months after the last two (2) Promissory Notes were availed of. less than a year later after the said default, the Borrower filed a Petition for Rehabilitation.

39. Clearly, the circumstances surrounding the Borrower’s rapid default and the judicial finding that rehabilitation was no longer feasible, lead to the inescapable conclusion that the Defendants, particularly MR. CHUA, the President, Chairman, and majority shareholder of ONE WORLD, guaranteed the financial capacity of ONE WORLD with fraudulent intent.

40. Third, even the Borrower’s own audited financial statements belie its representations and warranties that it will make good of its obligations as it fall due.

41. Based on the records of ONE WORLD’s Petition for Rehabilitation, the Borrower’s 2019 Audited Financial statement reflected the amount of P 1,472,022.67 in its 2019 Retained Earnings. On the other hand, its Interim Financial Statement reflects a substantial increase in ONE WORLD’s corporate equity, reporting approximately P26,012,058 in Retained Earnings in the year the Petition for Rehabilitation was filed and the period Immediately succeeding the loan availment.

42. The existence of these substantial retained earnings shows that the Borrower could have had the financial means to fulfill its obligation to the Plaintiff before the Petition for Rehabilitation was filed. Despite this, MR CHUA, who directs the corporate funds as the President, Chairman, and ultimate beneficiary of ONE WORLD, maliciously chose to withhold payment and instead directed the corporation to file for rehabilitation.

43. Instead of directing the readily available retained funds toward honoring a legitimate short-term loan, MR. CHUA authorized the transfer or reclassification of that equity into nonoperational purposes. By reclassifying the foregoing corporate assets into retained earnings, MR. CHUA abused his position as President and Chairman to ensure that when the Petition for Rehabilitation was filed, the Borrower’s assets were legally siphoned off, making ONE WORLD appear insolvent while preserving his control over the converted value.

44. This reclassification effectively hollowed out the Borrower, ensuring that while the financial statements might still reflect large paper assets, ONE WORLD was deliberately stripped of the cash necessary to satisfy its creditors.

45. Verily then, the fact that MR. CHUA, the individual who executed the loan documents, is also the same person who had the corporate authority to direct the funds and signed the Verified Petition for Rehabilitation, confirms the malicious and calculated intent behind this fraudulent scheme, which severely prejudiced the Plaintiff’s ability to recover its debt.

46. Fourth and finally, the Sureties’ guarantee of full and complete payment was likewise a false representation made to the Plaintiff in order to assist ONE WORLD in securing the credit facilities. In fact, the Sureties themselves had no true intention of honoring their commitments and obligations under the surety agreement, which constitutes fraud in the contracting the obligation and in the performance thereof.

47. To emphasize and at the risk of being repetitive, MR. CHUA was the President, Chairman, and majority shareholder of ONE WORLD. It is clear that he had full knowledge and information of the transactions pertaining to the application of ONE WORLD’s credit facilities, as well as the supposed imminent risk of the Borrower’s insolvency.

48. Despite this, the Sureties still made guarantees to the Plaintiff in its Continuing Surety Agreement that the loans will be paid in full when due. The pertinent provision of which states: The SURETIES, jointly and severally with the PRINCIPAL, hereby unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee the full and complete payment when due, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration, or otherwise, of any and all Credit Accommodations that have been granted or may be granted, renewed and/or extended by the BANK to the PRINCIPAL. (Emphasis and underscoring supplied).

49. As it turned out, MR. CHUA already had a preconceived intention of not honoring ONE WORLD’s outstanding loan obligations with the Plaintiff. When ONE WORLD started to default shortly after the Promissory Notes were availed of, and subsequently filed a Petition for Rehabilitation less than a year after the said default, it became clear and unmistakable that the foregoing warranties, representations, covenants of MR. CHUA in his personal capacity and as a representative of ONE WORLD were all untrue.

50. Moreover, the records show that from the time the account of ONE WORLD defaulted in January 2020 up to the present and, notwithstanding the Bank’s demand to pay in the letters dated 29 October 2025, not a single payment was received by the Bank from the Sureties, and there was no concrete proposal at all from the Sureties on how they intend to settle the loans, evincing an intentional evasion of the normal fulfillment of their obligations.

51. Clearly, MR. CHUA not only consented to the foregoing, fraudulent inducement, he himself employed the same in his personal capacity and as the representative of ONE WORLD. In other words, his involvement is direct and personal.

52. With the foregoing, it is indubitable that the conduct of the Defendants, particularly MR. CHUA. established a fraudulent design or scheme to induce PBCOM to approve the credit facilities of ONE WORLD

B5

a Petition for Rehabilitation before the RTC of Valenzuela City, which admits One World’s financial incapacity to fulfill its loan obligations.

PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS,

Plaintiff,

-versus-

SPOUSES ALLAN PIERRE D. CHUA nd GEMMA L. CHUA,

Defendants. x----------------------------------------------------x

PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS,

Plaintiff,

CIVIL CASE NO. R-MND-25-01369-CV For: Collection of Sum of Money and Damages with Prayer for Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment.

SPOUSES ALLAN PIERRE D. CHUA and GEMMA L. CHUA,

Defendants. x------------------------------------------------------x CIVIL CASE NO. R-MND-25-01369-CV For: Collection of Sum of Money and Damages with Prayer for Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment

ORDER

Before this Court is the attachment bond posted by plaintiff Philippine Bank of Communications in the amount of Three Million Eight Hundred Fifty One Thousand Two Hundred Pesos (P3,851,200.00), as evidenced by Bond No. JCL (4) 13-079, for the plaintiff’s application for the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment.

Finding the said attachment bond to be in order, the same is hereby APPROVED.

ORDER

For resolution of this Court is the Application for the Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment (Application) which forms part of the Complaint1 dated 27 November 2025 filed by plaintiff Philippine Bank of Communications (plaintiff) against defendants-spouses Allan Pierre D. Chua (Allan) and Gemma L. Chua (Gemma) (collectively, defendants).

In its Application, the plaintiff seeks the attachment of defendants’ properties equivalent to their outstanding obligations to the former. Without necessarily giving due course to the main action, the court proceeded to hear ex-parte the evidence of plaintiff to support its Application.

In the Affidavit of Merit2 attached to the Complaint, the plaintiff contends that in 2018, One World Music and Sports, Inc. (One World), a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines3 , secured credit facilities from plaintiff4 . Consequently, Allan, being the President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, signed in behalf of One World several documents such as the Credit Agreement5, Domestic Bills Purchase Line Agreement6, and Promissory Notes7.

Allan, with conformity from his wife, Gemma, also executed a Continuing Surety Agreement8 with plaintiff whereby the defendants, as sureties, would bound themselves to be jointly and severally liable with One World’s obligations to plaintiff.

Eventually One World’s application for credit facilities was granted by plaintiff taking into account that One World, through its President and Chairman, Allan, made representations, warranties and covenant during its application for credit facilities that it has a good business standing, has sufficient assets and cash flow, and is able to pay its debts to plaintiff, and that the Continuing Surety Agreement executed by the defendants guaranteed One World’s obligation to pay its debts to the plaintiff.

In January 2020, One World has failed to tender payment of its principal debt and the corresponding interest to the plaintiff even if the same is already due. Worse, In December 2020, One World even filed a Petition for Rehabilitation before the Regional Trial Court of Valenzuela City (RTC of Valenzuela City}.9 Thus, One World has been in default of its obligation pursuant to paragraphs 10.1 and 10.5 of the Credit Agreement. As a result, all of One World’s unpaid loan obligations to the plaintiff have become due and payable, and that the defendants, as sureties, are jointly and severally liable for One World’s loan obligations.

The said attachment bond shall answer for the costs and damages which the defendants may sustain by reason of the issuance of the writ of preliminary attachment if the court shall finally adjudge that the plaintiff-applicant is not entitled thereto.

ACCORDINGLY, let a Writ of Preliminary Attachment be issued in favor of plaintiff PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMINICATIONS. The Branch Clerk of Court is likewise DIRECTED to issue the corresponding Summons.

Set this case for Monitoring Hearing on the Service of Summons and Implementation of the Writ of Preliminary Attachment on 23 June 2026 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning.

SO ORDERED, Mandaluyong City, 08 April 2026.

RTC279/GMSL/egh Copy furnished: PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS – Plaintiff PBCOM Tower 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City REFUERZO AGNES AND ASSOCIATES - Counsel for the Plaintiff 2nd Floor PBCOM Tower 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City E-mail: litigationdivision@pbcom.com ph SPOUSES ALLAN PIERRE D. CHUA AND GEMMA L. CHUA - Defendants No 10 North Polytech University Hills Subdivision, Malabon City

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CAPITAL JUDICIAL REGION REGIONAL TRIAL COURT MANDALUYONG CITY BRANCH 279 E-mail: rtcmdl279@Judiciary.gov.ph Tel No (02) 72383904

As of 29 October 2025, One World’s outstanding loan obligations has amounted to Three Million Eight Hundred Fifty-One Thousand and Two Hundred Pesos (P3,851,200.00), constituting the unpaid principal debt and partial interests. 10 In due course, a letters were sent by plaintiff to the defendants demanding the payment of the outstanding loan.11 Notwithstanding this, plaintiffs demands fell to deaf ears. Hence, plaintiff was constrained to pursue this suit praying, among others, that a writ of preliminary attachment be issued in its favor.

Plaintiff now invokes Section 1 (d), Rule 57 of the Rules of Court as a ground to attach defendants’ real properties in Quezon CIty, particularly a condominium unit12 and parking slot13 in their name.

To bolster its asseverations in its Application, plaintiff presented the testimonies of Atty. Girlie Isabel D. Umali-Requizo14 (Atty. Umali-Requizo), the head of the Remedial Management Division-Corporate and Commercial Banking Group (RMD-CCBG) of plaintiff and Mario E. Cabungcal, Jr. 15 (Cabungcal), a remedial officer of plaintiff. Atty. Umali-Requizo testified as to the execution and authenticity of the pieces of evidence submitted by plaintiff. On the other hand, Cabungcal was presented as plaintiffs witness to prove that he caused the service of the demand letters to the defendants and that he conducted an asset search, inquiring as to the existence of defendants’ properties.

The Court now resolves.

PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS,

Plaintiff,

CIVIL CASE NO. R-MND-25-01369 CV -versus- For: Collection of Sum of Money and

Damages with Prayer for Issuance of

Writ of Preliminary Attachment SPOUSES ALLAN PIERRE D. CHUA and GEMMA L. CHUA,

Defendants. x----------------------------------------------------x WRIT OF PRELIMINARY ATTACHMENT TO:

A writ of preliminary attachment is a provisional remedy issued upon order of the court where an action is pending to be levied upon the property or properties of the defendant therein, the same to be held thereafter by the Sheriff as security for the satisfaction of whatever judgment might be secured in said action by the attaching creditor against the defendant. It is governed by Rule 57 of the Rules of Court.16 Section 1, Rule 57 of tile Rules of Court enumerates the grounds for the issuance of a writ of preliminary attach ment , viz: “Section 1 Grounds upon which attachment may issue. - At the commencement of the action or at any time before entry of judgment, a plaintiff or any proper party may have the property of the adverse party attached as security for the satisfaction of any judgment that may be recovered in tile following cases:

(Sgd.) GLORIA MONICA S. LOPEZ Presiding Judge

JONATHAN B. BAYUN Sheriff IV Regional Trial Court, Branch 279, Mandaluyong City

GREETINGS: WHEREAS, plaintiff Philippine Bank of Communications filed a Complaint for Collection of Sum of Money and Damages with Prayer for the Issuance of Writ of Preliminary Attachment against defendants-spouses Allan Pierre D Chua and Gemma L. Chua, duly supported by an Affidavit of Merit as required by the Rules, praying for the issuance of a Writ of Attachment against the defendants, WHEREAS, on 24 March 2026, the Court granted the plaintiffs application for the Issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment;

(a) In an action for the recovery of a specified amount of money or damages, other than moral and exemplary, on a cause of action arising from law, contract, quasi-contract, delict or quasi delict against a party who is about to depart from the Philippines with intent to defraud his creditors;

WHEREAS, on 06 April 2026, the plaintiff posted an attachment bond in the amount of Three Million Eight Hundred Fifty One Thousand Two Hundred Pesos (P3,851,200.00) as evidenced by Bond No. JCL (4) 13-079 issued by the Milestone Guaranty and Assurance Corporation;

(b) In an action for money or property embezzled or fraudulently misapplied or converted to his own use by a public officer, or an officer of a corporation or an attorney, factor, broker agent, or clerk, in the course of his employment as such, or by any other person in a fiduciary capacity, or for a willful violation of duty;

WHEREAS, on 08 April 2026, the Court approved the attachment bond posted by the plaintiff.

54. ONE WORLD’s outstanding loan obligations with the Plaintiff were only secured by a Continuing Surety Agreement dated 05 November 2018 executed by the Defendants.

55. On the other hand, as of 29 October 2025, the total outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD amounted to THREE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED PESOS (Php 3,851,200.00), representing the unpaid principal amount, inclusive of partial interests, as shown by the Plaintiff’s Statements of Account on even date.

(c) In an action to recover the possession of property unjustly or fraudulently taken, detained or converted, when the property, or any part thereof, has been concealed, removed, or disposed of to prevent its being found or taken by the applicant or an authorized person;

53. Verily then, the combined effect of the Sureties’ own acts and personal control over the Borrower clearly demonstrates the imminent risk that the Sureties will render a final judgment in favor of the Plaintiff illusory and ineffectual. Absent the protective writ, the Surety is highly likely to continue in its fraudulent acts, causing the Plaintiff an injury that cannot be remedied by mere monetary compensation.

56. While the contract of suretyship is a valid and binding contractual instrument, it is merely a paper promise or a contractual right. In the context of the present action, this security is rendered utterly insufficient because the Defendants are in active breach of their obligation.

57. The purpose of the suretyship was to guarantee the payment of the principal loan. The Defendants’ continued refusal to pay upon demand converts the security instrument itself into the claim sought to be enforced, meaning the Plaintiff is suing on the security rather than relying on the security to cover the claim.

58. Given that the Borrower is judicially declared insolvent and liquidation, and the Sureties as the remaining obligors are deliberately refusing to honor their absolute commitment, the Bank has no property, chattel, or monetary deposit that can be foreclosed or applied to the debt.

59. Thus, even if a favorable judgment is obtained by the Plaintiff against the Defendants, there will be no sufficient security for the enforcement of its claim since there is a huge disparity between the claim of the Plaintiff and the existing security.

60. The only recourse left to the Plaintiff to ensure that the eventual money judgment is not illusory is the immediate application for the writ of preliminary attachment against the Sureties’ tangible properties. The writ of preliminary attachment is thus mandatory to secure the satisfaction of the judgment and prevent the total loss of the Bank’s recovery.

61 . The amount due to the Plaintiff is sufficient to warrant the issuance of the writ of preliminary attachment, consistent with the requirement of Rule 57 of the Rules of Court that the sum granted must be above all legal counterclaims.

62. The Plaintiff’s cause of action is based on a demandable obligation arising from the executed Promissory Notes by the Borrower and guaranteed by the Surety. The amount due is fixed as detailed in the preceding paragraphs and supported by the annexed documents.

63. As previously pointed out, as of 29 October 2025, the outstanding loan obligations of ONE WORLD amounted to THREE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED FIFTY-ONE THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED PESOS (Php 3,851,200.00), representing the unpaid principal amount, inclusive of partial interests, as shown in the Plaintiff’s Statement of Account on even date.

64. The foregoing amount, plus the estimated amount for Attorney’s Fees and Exemplary Damages as herein prayed for can be secured by the issuance of a writ of preliminary attachment over the above-stated properties

(d ) In an action against a party who has been guilty of a fraud in contracting the debt or incurring the obligation upon which the action is brought, or in the performance thereof, (e) In an action against a party who has removed or disposed of his property, or is about to do so, with intent to defraud his creditors; or (f) In an action against a party who does not reside and is not found in the Philippines, or on whom summons may be served by publication.” (Emphasis and underscoring supplied) In Security Bank Corporation v. Great Wall Commercial Press Company, Inc., et al. 17, the Supreme Court elucidated that for a writ of preliminary attachment to issue under Section 1(d), Rule 57 of the Rules of Court, the applicant must sufficiently show the factual circumstances of the alleged fraud, whether committed in contracting an obligation (dolo causante) or committed in the performance of the obligation (dolo incldente). Fraudulent intent cannot be inferred from the debtor’s mere nonpayment of the debt or failure to comply with his obligation.

While fraud cannot be presumed, it need not be proved by direct evidence and can well be inferred from attendant circumstances. Fraud by its nature is not a thing susceptible of ocular observation or readily demonstrable physically; it must of necessity be proved in many cases by inferences from circumstances shown to have been Involved in the transaction in question.18 A perusal of the Application and the evidence adduced by the plaintiff would reveal that defendants’ actions fraudulently induced the plaintiff. Plaintiff approved One World’s applicatIon for credit facilities considering that the latter presented to the former that it is in good business standing. One World through its President and Chairman, Allan, entered into a Credit Agreement wherein it assured that One World has sufficient liquid assets to meet its operating requirements and that it shall pay its debts as they fall due. Because One World represents and warrants that it will be able to pay its loan obligations in good faith, plaintiff granted the credit facilities that One World needs for its operations. Clearly, the plaintiff would not have granted these credit facilities to One World if not for the latter’s r presentations, warranties, and covenants as stated in the Credit Agreement and promissory notes. One World even affirmed that a Violation of its representation and warranties constitutes fraud or false pretense.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to Section 5, Rule 57 of the Rules of Court, you are hereby ORDERED to attach only so much of the property in the Philippines of the defendants, not exempt from execution, as may be sufficient to satisfy the plaintiffs demand, corresponding to the value of the principal claim that may be adjudged against the defendants, unless the defendants make a deposit with this Court or gives a counter-bond exe plaintiff in an amount equal to the bond fixed by the Court in the order of attachment or to the value of the property to be attached, exclusive of costs.

No levy or attachment shall be enforced unless it is preceded or contemporaneously accompanied by service of summons together with the copy of the Complaint and its annexes, the application for attachment, plaintiff’s Affidavit of Merit and attachment bond, the Order granting the application for preliminary attachment, and the Writ of Preliminary Attachment, pursuant to Section 5, Rule 57 of the Rules of Court.

After enforcing the writ, you must likewise, without delay, make a return thereon to this Court with a full statement of your proceedings under the writ and a complete inventory of the property attached, together with any counter-bond given by the defendant, and serve copies thereof on the plaintiff pursuant to Section 6, Rule 57 of the Rules of Court.

SO ORDERED, Mandaluyong City, 08 April 2026.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MONICA S. LOPEZ Presiding Judge

RTC279/GMSL/egh Copy furnished: PHILIPPINE BANK OF COMMUNICATIONS – Plaintiff PBCOM Tower 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City REFUERZO AGNES AND ASSOCIATES - Counsel for the Plaintiff 2nd Floor PBCOM Tower 6795 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City E-mail: litigationdivision@pbcom.com ph SPOUSES ALLAN PIERRE D. CHUA AND GEMMA L. CHUA - Defendants No 10 North Polytech University Hills Subdivision, Malabon City

Defendants’ bad faith became more apparent when One World, through its President, Allan, filed (MStandard - Aug. 7 & 14, 2026)

TRANSPORT

C1

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com Darwin G. Amojelar, Issue Editor

PPA expands healthcare benefits for employees Lufthansa Technik Philippines breaks ground on its new maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility within the Clark International Airport complex. This marks another significant investment that strengthens Clark’s position as a premier aviation and aerospace hub. The 157,000-square-meter facility will generate around 1,200 jobs and commence operations in 2028. (LIPAD Corporation)

T

New Clark MRO facility to generate 1,200 jobs

HE government is expecting the new Lufthansa Technik Philippines maintenance facility at Clark International Airport to generate around 1,200 highlyskilled jobs while strengthening the country’s capacity to service large commercial aircraft.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the project would create employment and training opportunities for Filipino aviation professionals, including engineers and technicians.

“Its clearest benefit to Filipinos will be opportunities it creates. Around 1,200 highly skilled jobs are expected to open over the coming years,” Lopez said.

The transport chief said the facility would give Filipino aviation professionals opportunities to undergo specialized training and build long-term careers in the country.

“The facility will also expand our capacity to maintain and service wide-body aircraft here in the Philippines. In doing so, it will strengthen Clark’s role as an aviation and airspace hub for the country,” Lopez said.

The project is aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for the DOTr to modernize and improve the country’s aviation infrastructure, with the broader goal of positioning the Philippines as a global transport hub and creating more employment opportunities for Filipinos.

2GO teams up with CCCI to build stronger supply chains in Central Visayas 2GO, the country’s leading integrated transportation and logistics provider, is strengthening its partnerships with businesses, government agencies and industry groups in Central Visayas as it seeks to build more reliable connections that can support the region’s trade, tourism and economic growth.

The company recently gathered members of the Cebu business community, industry experts and policymakers for a strategic forum focused on the importance of stronger transportation and supply chain networks in sustaining the region’s economic momentum.

Held in partnership with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and in coordination with the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Region VII, the forum brought together regional stakeholders to discuss Central Visayas’ economic outlook and the role of logistics in connecting businesses to markets and travelers to destinations.

“We want to hear your pain points and identify your areas of growth so we can co-create solutions together,” Ethel Concepcion, 2GO Marketing Business Unit head said.

Concepcion said sustained dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders are important in developing solutions that can support the long-term growth of the region’s trade and tourism sectors.

CCCI president Regan Rex King said stronger connectivity can help businesses move products faster, improve supply chain resilience and open access to new markets.

“When connectivity improves, businesses can move products faster and more efficiently. Tourism destinations become more accessible, supply chains build resilience, and new markets open,” King said.

Targeted to begin operations in 2028, Lufthansa Technik Philippines’ Clark facility will be built on a 157,000-square-meter site and will have up to nine bays for the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of large aircraft.

The project represents a three-digit-milliondollar investment and will significantly expand the company’s maintenance capabilities in the country.

Lufthansa Technik Philippines operates an MRO facility at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. The company, a joint venture between Lufthansa Technik and MacroAsia Corporation, specializes in the maintenance of Airbus A330, A340 and A380 aircraft, as well as the Boeing 777.

The Clark facility is expected to allow the company to expand its portfolio to include the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. It will also feature a paint shop and workshops for non-destructive testing, further enhancing the Philippines’ aircraft maintenance capabilities.

Soeren Stark, Lufthansa Technik chairman and chief executive thanked the Philippine government for providing what he described as a business-friendly environment during the company’s more than 25 years of operations in the country.

“The growth and success of the company are never given, they require not only hard work and dedication but also business friendly environment and strong support from the government,” Stark said.

Lufthansa Technik Philippines president and chief executive Holger Beck said the Clark site would become an important part of the company’s global network and help establish the Philippines as a center for aviation excellence in

the Asia-Pacific region.

“With these investments, Clark will become a key part of Lufthansa Technik’s global network and an important center for aviation excellence in Asia-Pacific,” Beck said.

Luzon International Premiere Airport Development (LIPAD), which operates Clark International Airport, said the project further advances the development of the Clark AeroDistrict and strengthens the airport’s emerging ecosystem for aviation, logistics and aerospace-related industries.

LIPAD Consortium Chairperson Josephine Gotianun-Yap described the investment as a vote of confidence in Clark and Filipino talent.

“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Clark, in Filipino talent, and in the long-term growth of our country’s aviation industry,” she said.

Noel Manankil, LIPAD president and chief executive said Lufthansa Technik Philippines’ expansion complements the presence of other global industry players in Clark, including FedEx Express and UPS. “Lufthansa Technik Philippines is an important addition to the Clark AeroDistrict. Together with global industry leaders such as FedEx Express and UPS, it strengthens the ecosystem taking shape around Clark International Airport and reinforces Clark’s growing role as a preferred destination for aviation, logistics, and globally competitive industries,” he said.

With operations expected to start in 2028, the project is poised to provide thousands of Filipino aviation professionals with access to specialized employment and training while expanding the country’s role in the growing Asia-Pacific aircraft maintenance industry. Darwin G. Amojelar

THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is expanding healthcare support for its workforce through a new Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) program covering 2,092 employees and their qualified dependents.

Through its accredited employees’ association, PANTALAN, the PANTALAN National Executive Board (NEB), with assistance from the Human Resource Management Department (HRMD), signed an HMO contract with MEDOCare Health Systems Inc. on August 11, 2026.

Effective immediately, the program covers PPA regular employees and Contract of Service (COS) personnel, as well as their qualified dependents. Beneficiaries will have access to MEDOCare’s nationwide healthcare network of more than 10,000 specialist doctors and over 1,000 affiliated hospitals and clinics.

PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said the initiative reflects the agency’s commitment to caring for the employees who keep port operations running and ensure the continuous delivery of services to the public.

The HMO program is aligned with the Medical Allowance Benefit under the Compensation and Position Classification System (CPCS) and is being implemented under the authority granted by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG).

The new healthcare coverage complements PPA’s continuing employee wellness and preventive healthcare programs.

Among these initiatives is the agency’s Annual Medical and Physical Examination (AMPE) for Head Office personnel, which encourages employees to regularly monitor their health and take preventive measures against potential illnesses.

PPA also conducted a bloodletting activity in July as part of its 52nd anniversary celebrations, encouraging employees and stakeholders to donate blood while promoting community service and awareness of the importance of blood donation.

Aboitiz InfraCapital invests P231m to modernize MCIA ABOITIZ InfraCapital has invested P231 million in modernization projects at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), introducing new technologies and passenger-focused improvements aimed at making one of the country’s busiest gateways more efficient and sustainable.

The investment forms part of the continuing development of MCIA under its public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement, with the airport operator working with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) to improve airport operations and passenger services.

A major component of the modernization effort is the deployment of bridge-mounted equipment (BME) and electric ground support systems.

MCIA became the first airport in the Philippines to deploy the technology in 2024, allowing aircraft at the gate to use fixed electrical power and pre-

Officials from the Public-Private Partnership Center, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), and Aboitiz InfraCapital gather at Mactan-Cebu International Airport following a site visit highlighting how sustained public-private collaboration continues to enhance the passenger experience and strengthen one of the country’s busiest gateways.

conditioned air instead of relying on their onboard auxiliary power units.

The system helps reduce aircraft emissions and noise while lowering airline operating costs by an estimated

40 percent to 60 percent, according to Aboitiz InfraCapital.

The P231-million investment also supports passenger-oriented improvements designed to make

travel through Cebu more convenient.

Among these is CEB Connects, which allows minimum connection times of 35 minutes for domestic-todomestic transfers and 60 minutes for international-to-domestic journeys.

MCIA has also introduced CEB Balik, a dedicated program for overseas Filipino workers that includes an OFW Lounge and OFW Facilitation Center, giving returning workers access to comfortable waiting areas and essential government services.

Aboitiz InfraCapital Head of Corporate Affairs Christopher Camba said the improvements reflect the value of sustained cooperation between the government and private sector.

“The success of Mactan-Cebu International Airport has always been rooted in partnership,” Camba said, adding that continued collaboration with government partners enables the airport to introduce improvements that directly benefit passengers.

AirAsia PH offers P600 extra baggage, seat bundle for domestic flights AIRASIA Philippines is offering travelers an affordable way to bring more luggage on their next domestic trip through a limited-time P600 fixed-price Value Pack Lite bundle that includes a seat and 15 kilograms of checked baggage allowance.

The promo is available for all AirAsia Philippines domestic flights until September 30, 2026, giving passengers an option to secure additional baggage and a seat at a fixed price when booking their flights.

The 15-kg baggage allowance can be spread across any number of checked-in bags, provided their combined weight does not exceed 15 kilograms.

AirAsia Philippines said the offer may benefit families, heavy packers, shoppers and travelers bringing home souvenirs and pasalubong from their trips.

Passengers can avail themselves of the P600 Value Pack Lite by pre-booking the bundle through the AirAsia website or mobile app during flight booking.

The offer covers all AirAsia Philippines domestic routes, including destinations such as Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, Iloilo, Tagbilaran, Cebu, Caticlan, Kalibo and Bacolod.

The baggage promotion comes alongside AirAsia Philippines’ ongoing low-fare campaign, which offers domestic and international flights at discounted rates.

For domestic routes from Manila, one-way base fares start at P188 for Cagayan de Oro and Bacolod, while fares to Kalibo, Cebu, Iloilo and Tacloban start at P288. Fares to Caticlan start at P488.

Travelers planning international trips can also find promotional fares starting at P988 to Macau and P1,088 to Kaohsiung and Taipei.

The international fare sale runs from August 10 to September 6, 2026, with a travel period covering August 10, 2026 to July 31, 2027.

C2 FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

SHOWBIZ Elijah Canlas gets even with John Arcilla in ‘HB2ME’

W

HAT if every birthday of your life came with a prank from your

that kind of actor, it’s so enjoyable to create because he gives something, and then you can give something back,” he said.

And that chemistry is one of the film’s biggest draws.

HB2ME also stars Alexa Miro,

Very Wang

Nickie Wang

father?

Matthew McConaughey returns to the big screen in ‘The Rivals of Amziah King’

Matthew McConaughey takes a sweet return to the big screen US actor Matthew McConaughey had plenty of reasons to select The Rivals of Amziah King, a honey-themed thriller set in the American Southwest, for his return to the big screen after more than five years away.

“The joy, the soul, the humor, the music, the poetry, the mythology, original time, place, and space,” the Oscar-winning actor told AFP when asked why he chose the indie film for his comeback.

Written and directed by Andrew Patterson, The Rivals of Amziah King follows McConaughey’s charismatic local honey producer, who tends his beehives and plays the banjo in a folk band of friends and neighbors.

“I knew these people. I liked the way they loved each other, I liked the way they fought with each other, I liked the way they cared. I liked the way they use music and humor to survive,” the 56-yearold Texan said.

McConaughey stepped away from movies after Guy Ritchie’s 2019 dark comedy The Gentlemen, focusing instead on his memoir Greenlights.

Although audiences saw him last year in The Lost Bus, that film was shot after The Rivals of Amziah King.

The Southwestern tale blends crime, comedy, musical, and drama as King reconnects with Kateri, played by Angelina LookingGlass, a young Native American woman he had taken in years earlier with his late wife.

King helps her integrate into the community while passing on his leadership role. But Kateri soon discovers that the world of honey is not as sweet as it seems.

“I really loved playing her,” the 22-year-old LookingGlass told AFP. “A lot of people would underestimate her just by looking at her. They wouldn’t expect the things that she does.”

Patterson developed the project after his acclaimed 2019 debut, “The Vast of Night,” wanting to center the story on a Native American woman who uses her intellect and resourcefulness.

McConaughey was not initially part of his plans, Patterson said, but the two eventually crossed paths. AFP

Joy Barcoma turns her focus to hosting after deciding that her pageant journey has already given her the platform she wanted

That is the nightmare confronting Jon, the young protagonist of MAVX Productions’ HB2ME (Happy Birthday To Me), a dark action-comedy directed by Veronica Velasco and opening nationwide Aug. 19.

Jon, played by Elijah Canlas, has spent most of his life enduring his father’s increasingly humiliating birthday pranks. His birthday falls on April 1, giving his father, played by John Arcilla, the perfect excuse to turn an annual celebration into a yearly lesson in embarrassment.

To the father, it is discipline. To the son, it is trauma.

The ritual continues well into Jon’s 20s, until he finally decides enough is enough. If his father can prank him year after year, why shouldn’t he get a taste of his own medicine That decision, naturally, goes spectacularly wrong.

What begins as revenge spirals into a dangerous situation that puts the lives of people close to Jon, particularly his father, at risk. Suddenly, the birthday boy has bigger problems than getting even. He has to figure out whom he can trust and do whatever it takes to save someone’s life.

Canlas described the film as an unusual but original story that he believes younger audiences can relate to.

“It’s an original concept written and directed by Veronica Velasco, who I’m a fan of as well,” Canlas said.

“I think a lot of young people would resonate with Jon.” The actor admitted that the film’s premise may sound strange on paper.

“Many of our team members only really understood what we were doing when they watched it,” he said shortly after a screening. “It’s an original concept, and the concept is a bit crazy. The story has an absurd quality.”

“It was really fun to hear the audience’s reaction because they immediately understood what the film wanted to convey and what it wanted them to feel,” Canlas said.

Arcilla, meanwhile, had plenty of

praise for his onscreen son.

HB2ME marks the first time Arcilla and Canlas have worked together on a film, and Arcilla said the younger actor was a joy to work with.

“I love working with Elijah. He is one of the best and most talented actors of his generation when it comes to executing a character,” Arcilla said.

What impressed him most was Canlas’ commitment to his character choices.

“When you act, when you create a character, usually you have choices that you hold on to just to keep the backbone of your character,” Arcilla said. “I can clearly see that in him. He holds tightly to his choices in the way he interprets the scene and the way he interprets the character.”

Arcilla compared their scenes together to a game of ping-pong, with each actor returning the other’s energy.

“When you have

John Arcilla (left) and Elijah Canlas take on a revenge plot that turns a birthday prank into a dangerous test of trust, family, and survival

Carmi Martin, Dindo Arroyo, Rubi Rubi, Ron Capinding, Archie Alemania, Joe Vargas, JM Salvado, Criza Taa, and Basti Flores.

Shot mostly in Pampanga, the film explores the messy collision between parents and children, particularly when an oldfashioned idea of discipline turns into something far more damaging.

Because sometimes a birthday prank is just a joke.

From left: John Arcilla, Alexa Miro, and Elijah Canlas at the red carpet premiere of MAVX Productions’ latest movie, ‘HB2ME’

‘The Loyalty Game’ remains Prime Video PH’s most-watched show ABS-CBN Studios and Prime Video’s The Loyalty Game remains the most-watched show on Prime Video Philippines as it heads into its final two episodes today, Aug. 14.

The series also ranks among the platform’s most-watched

shows in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

Since its premiere, The Loyalty Game has generated buzz online with its mysterious storyline and performances from its cast.

In the latest episode, Mara (Yassi Pressman) revealed

Janine Gutierrez confronts painful truths as Anna weighs whether Ben can still be trusted

more of Ben’s (Jericho Rosales) dark secrets to Anna (Janine Gutierrez), including his role in covering up his father’s death.

Mara also told Anna that she believed Regina (Charlie Dizon) was right to suspect that Ben was responsible for the deaths of their

Jericho Rosales stays at the center of the storm in ‘The Loyalty Game’ as Ben’s secrets begin to catch up with him

father and Regina’s husband.

With Ben’s secrets exposed and the bodies of his alleged victims seemingly being uncovered, viewers are left wondering whether Anna can still trust her husband and whether Ben can keep the truth hidden.

Charlie Dizon keeps the tension high as Regina’s suspicions take on new urgency near the series’ final stretch

Joy Barcoma bids pageants goodbye

By Angelica Villanueva NO more pageants for Joy Barcoma.

The 27-year-old beauty queen has ruled out a return to pageantry, saying she is content with the opportunities she gained from competing and now wants to focus on hosting.

In a recent interview, Joy said it would take a major reason for her to consider joining another pageant.

“Siguro kung merong million na prize,” she joked before turning serious. “Parang

tapos na talaga ako sa pageant. Ayoko na.”

Joy, who previously competed in Miss Philippines Earth, said she no longer feels the need to return to the pageant stage because she is already using her voice and platform outside competitions.

“Kapag mag-rejoin ka ng pageant, I want to use the platform. I want to use my voice. Eh feeling ko nagagawa ko naman na siya outside pageantry,” she continued.

Joy added that she remains grateful for

the doors that pageantry opened for her.

“So very grateful na ako for all the opportunities, the doors that opened for me, even windows, meron mang nagbukas. And I feel like I’m living the best life,” she said.

For now, she prefers hosting.

“Ayoko na bumalik sa pageantry. Paghost na lang,” she said.

Joy also expressed openness to acting if the right opportunity comes, adding that she would be willing to take on any role offered to her.

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LIFE & SHOWBIZ

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026

By Nickie Wang

V

ICE Ganda has earned a new title from no less than Mr. MVP himself, Manny V. Pangilinan.

From left: MVP Group chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, comedian Vice Ganda, and MediaQuest Holdings president and CEO Victorico Vargas at the signing event Vice Ganda begins a new creative partnership with MediaQuest Holdings while continuing his work with other major networks

The 50-year-old television host and comedian entered into a creative partnership with MVP’s MediaQuest Holdings on Wednesday, Aug. 12, opening a new chapter in a career that now includes ongoing partnerships with the country’s three major networks.

“You have built an exceptional career with your exceptional talents.

On your own, you have built a distinctive brand, an audience that is not only nationwide but goes beyond the shores of the Philippines, in a career that very few people in this room can match,” Pangilinan said during the signing ceremony in Pasig City.

“This event completes the elevation of Vice Ganda to the title of Queen of All Networks,” he added.

Vice Ganda, meanwhile, expressed excitement over the partnership, which had been in the works for a year.

“I’m so grateful and super-excited to be able to unleash every ounce of

MVP hails Vice Ganda as ‘Queen of All Networks’ creativity, hard work, and passion that’s still left in my soul,” Vice Ganda said with a smile.

“I’ve been on television every day for several years, but I still believe I have more to give. I still have something left to offer,” he added.

The partnership will see Vice Ganda develop projects and content for TV5 and other MediaQuest platforms through a production company. The collaboration brings together MediaQuest’s financial capacity and Vice Ganda’s mass appeal.

“We have what you don’t have,

but you have what we don’t have,” Pangilinan said, referring to what each side brings to the partnership.

Vice Ganda continues to appear primarily on ABS-CBN, while also appearing on GMA Network through the noontime program It’s Showtime.

Vice Ganda also expressed gratitude to ABS-CBN, crediting the network for the experiences and lessons that shaped the career being carried into the new partnership.

“Every learning that I carry now, every experience that I have

now, everything I can offer that started with them, came from the experiences I had with them,” the TV host shared.

Vice Ganda also addressed the history with TV5, where It’s Showtime previously aired until June 30, 2023, before the network gave the timeslot to Eat Bulaga! The program moved to GTV on July 1, 2023, before beginning its run on GMA-7 on April 6, 2024.

“It broke my heart at that time,” Vice Ganda recalled. “But now, it’s wonderful that the heartbreak is healing. There are many learnings,

New AI center opens door to smarter Filipino businesses GMA Network, through its digital arm and subsidiary GMA New Media, Inc. (NMI), joined the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in launching the AI & Scale-Up Center on Tuesday, Aug. 11, in Makati City, advancing its commitment to technology-driven innovation and digital transformation.

Representing the network at the launch was GMA NMI president and chief operating officer Dennis Augusto L. Caharian, who joined DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque, DTI Assistant Secretary Nylah Rizza D. Bautista, and Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. cofounder and CEO Dennis Anthony H. Uy. Also in attendance were business leaders and foreign dignitaries.

“This AI and Scale-Up Center provides a realistic, accessible entry point for Filipino businesses to explore and adopt modern technology like AI. Scaling a business requires usable tools and expert guidance so that innovative ideas can turn into functional solutions,” shared Secretary Roque.

“By bringing private tech leaders like Converge together with our local enterprises, we are giving businesses of all sizes the practical knowledge and connectivity they need to improve efficiency and stay competitive,” the official added.

The DTI AI & Scale-Up Center is a practical hub for technology adoption and business growth stemming from the partnership between DTI and

Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. Through the Center, companies, startups, and local enterprises can learn to integrate artificial intelligence and digital tools directly into their operations.

“This is such an important step in helping Filipino MSMEs move beyond awareness of AI and start putting it to work. The real opportunity is exploring where it can create meaningful business value, whether it be greater productivity, lower costs, better customer experiences, or even new business models. I am honored to be part of this initiative and to support efforts that help businesses become more competitive in a rapidly changing digital landscape,” said Caharian.

As GMA Network’s innovation and technology center, GMA NMI plays a strategic role in shaping and driving the network’s digital transformation by adopting emerging technologies, developing platforms, and creating technology-driven experiences for audiences, including generative AI. It also provides support for brands through comprehensive services that include web development, bespoke web applications, and interactive experiences designed to further enhance campaigns and boost engagement across multiple platforms.

Key partnerships and collaborations further drive the network’s commitment to innovation and leadership across multiple platforms.

Government and private-sector leaders strengthen efforts to help Filipino enterprises adopt artificial intelligence and other digital tools through the new DTI AI & Scale-Up Center

and you can still build a good relationship after a heartbreak.”

The new partnership has already sparked a creative rush.

“Last night, I couldn’t sleep. I had so many things in my head,” Vice Ganda said. “There’s so much content I want to create. I can’t sit still again. This is the feeling I want. This excitement.”

After 16 years of working almost every day on It’s Showtime, Vice Ganda admitted that the fear was no longer being excited by the routine.

“I was afraid that one day I would wake up and I wouldn’t be excited anymore. That everything would feel repetitive and routine,” Vice Ganda explained.

“This partnership gives me so much excitement. It has reignited the fire in me. It makes my stomach churn again.

It even makes my acid reflux worse,” Vice Ganda said in jest. “And I like that feeling. I like thinking, ‘There’s a new home. There are new people to talk to. There are new people to work with.’”

Pageant Concept Eton Concepcion

has already reached 7,000 individuals as of 2026 With her exceptional dancing and acrobatic skills, Simpson will surely give the other contestants a run for their money in the Miss Talent fast-track challenge.

Simpson succeeded Krishnah Gravidez, who finished in the Top 8 and was named Miss World Asia 2025.

Reigning Miss World 2025 Suchata Chuangsri will crown her successor. *** Filipino-Kiwi model crowned Mister World Philippines 2026

Asia Rose Simpson carries the Philippines’ hopes to the 73rd Miss World pageant in Vietnam, bringing with her a youth-focused advocacy centered on mental wellness, sports, and dance

Asia Rose Simpson guns for Philippines’ second Miss World crown IT’S time for the 73rd edition of the Miss World pageant, with Philippine bet Asia Rose Simpson vying for the prestigious title, along with more than a hundred delegates from around the world.

The finals will be held in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on Sept. 5.

The 18-year-old Simpson, born to a Filipino father and an American mother in Hobbs, New Mexico, USA, is aiming to win the country’s second Miss World crown since Megan Young in 2013. Simpson was raised in Roxas City, Capiz, and frequently traveled early in life with her missionary parents.

Homeschooled, she was taught to dance by her father at the age of three, and together with her three siblings, they formed the acrobatic act The Simpson Tribe, which competed in the fifth season of Pilipinas Got Talent in 2016.

Simpson, who was crowned Miss New Mexico Teen USA 2023, is a strong contender for the Miss World “Beauty With a Purpose” challenge title, with her project, “The SED Initiative,” which her family founded. Authentic and impactful, the passion project is Simpson’s lifelong mission, which aims to achieve mental wellness for kids and the youth using the medium of sports and dance. It

MEANWHILE, Aaron Beau Davis, a 29-yearold Filipino-New Zealander model and athlete, was crowned Mister World Philippines 2026 during the recent finals held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City.

Born in Palmerston North, New Zealand, the 6-foot-5 banker is a member of the Philippine Beach Handball national team and was a former Far Eastern University basketball player. Davis will vie at the next edition of Mister World, set for late this year.

Mister World Philippines 2026 Aaron Beau Davis (left) and Miss World Philippines 2026 Asia Rose Simpson prepare to represent the country internationally

LIFE

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

PEOPLE

A new remix adds color to the smoke-free scene INSPIRED by the power of music, the new iridescent design invites legal-age nicotine users to rediscover the excitement of what’s next.

IQOS, the world’s leading tobacco heating system, is turning up the volume with the launch of the IQOS ILUMA i Remix Limited Edition device. This music-inspired design celebrates legal-age nicotine users who move to their own rhythm and are always chasing the next beat.

With more than 35 million users worldwide, most having switched away from cigarettes, IQOS continues to redefine the smoke-free experience through science-driven innovation and adult consumer preferences.

Through “Notes to Self,” Geloy Concepcion extends his visual storytelling beyond galleries and into pieces people can wear in daily life

Geloy Concepcion turns his handwritten reminders and affirmations into embroidery designs that give everyday clothing a personal touch

Geloy Concepcion’s notes to self

are now made to wear

The IQOS ILUMA i Remix Limited Edition brings a music-inspired look to the brand’s latest heatnot-burn device for legal-age nicotine users

“At IQOS, curiosity is our driving force and part of our DNA. It inspires us to constantly innovate and elevate the consumer experience as we advance our vision of a smoke-free future,” said Vickna Tharmalingam, director for smoke-free products at PMFTC, the Philippine affiliate of Philip Morris International.

PMI’s smoke-free journey combines advanced design, breakthrough technology, and cultural relevance for adult smokers seeking better alternatives. Its most advanced heat-not-burn device, IQOS ILUMA i, delivers a more intuitive experience shaped by years of scientific progress and user-focused design.

The Remix Limited Edition features iridescent finishes and fluid color transitions that capture energy and individuality. Like the global IQOS community, its shifting hues fade, merge, and reappear, echoing how people remix influences and aesthetics to create their own rhythm.

IQOS continues to encourage adult smokers who would otherwise keep smoking to switch to better smoke-free alternatives.

For adult smokers and users of nicotine products looking for more information on smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes, please visit https://iqos.com.

By Nickie Wang

V

ISUAL artist and storyteller Geloy Concepcion is turning private thoughts into something people can carry with them.

Concepcion has teamed up with Uniqlo Philippines for “Notes to Self,” an embroidery collection featuring his handwritten notes and affirmations on LifeWear pieces.

The collaboration was a natural fit for Concepcion, who admitted he had long been a Uniqlo lover before the brand approached him.

“I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. I’ve been using Uniqlo for so long. Even before this collaboration, their clothes were already what I usually wore,” Concepcion told Manila Standard Life in an interview.

When the opportunity came, Concepcion was already exploring ways to take his work beyond traditional art spaces.

“They reached out to me, and it just happened at the right time because I had been wanting to explore ways to transform and channel my work,” he shared.

The simplicity of the partnership also appealed to him, as did

the basic clothing favored by Concepcion and his family.

“In my family, we’re okay with keeping things simple,” he said.

The collection takes his personal notes and turns them into small public messages. Concepcion said he was careful not to make them feel imposing or preachy.

“I didn’t want them to be imposing on other people. I thought first about the person who would be wearing the clothes,” he said.

That approach has already produced unexpected encounters, with strangers approaching him after reading messages on his clothes.

“People sometimes come up to me and say thank you after reading something I had written on my clothes,” Concepcion relayed.“It’s very personal at first, and then it goes outward.”

Customers can have selected “Notes to Self” designs embroidered on Uniqlo LifeWear at the Re.Uniqlo Studio in the Manila Global Flagship Store at Glorietta 5, Makati City.

The collection expands to Uniqlo Manila Global Flagship Store, UNIQLO BGC High Street, Uniqlo SM Mall of Asia, Uniqlo Ayala Center Cebu, and Uniqlo Davao Roadside Store.

The embroidery costs P500 per design and is available on select items and designated placements.

The collection also extends to denim, including pieces from the 26FW UNIQLO Jeans Collection, giving Concepcion’s handwritten reminders a new place to live, from classic LifeWear to wide-leg jeans.

Coming full circle Leo Consul finds his way home to Manila

Random Talk

“I am so grateful for the trust and belief that Indonesia gave me,” Leo said. “I’m forever grateful for that.”

Rams David believes Leo fits naturally into the Artist Circle roster.

“The core of Artist Circle is acting artists,” Rams said. “He has so many talents. He can act, he can host.”

Going beyond Leo’s résumé, Rams was drawn to his energy.

“I saw a very high energy in him because his eyes smile,” Rams said. “For me, that’s the positivity that reciprocates. If I give you my energy and you give it back, that’s good.”

He added, “There’s no pressure. I just said, let’s help each other. The boat won’t move with just one oar. Both sides have to row the boat.”

For Leo, the feeling was mutual. His first

Kate Adajar

EVER since I first met singer-actor-host Leo Consul years ago, I was always distracted by his striking resemblance to Iñigo Pascual. But fastforward to today, Leo has come into his own.

He is Leo, a singer, actor, and host who established a successful career in Indonesia and is now entering a new acting chapter in Manila.

That chapter officially begins with his signing with Artist Circle, the management company led by seasoned manager Rams David. For Leo, it is a homecoming with a team that shares his vision.

“I found my new home after months of looking for a management to represent me here in the Philippines,” Leo shared. “Finally, I found the right one.”

Leo added, “When I talked to Sir Rams, I said I want to focus on acting, and it’s the same thing he said. The management and the family are focused on acting. So I think it’s the right path for me.”

But while Leo is beginning this new chapter locally, he is not leaving Indonesia behind. He intends to continue juggling both countries.

“Like I said before, I can’t just leave Indonesia like that because I owe a big chunk of my success there. So I cannot just leave my followers or my fans,” he said. “So, whenever there’s a project, I’ll fly to Indonesia. And if there’s something in the Philippines, that’s important too.”

Leo’s career has always crossed borders. His big break came in Indonesia, where he became a face on television through Eat Bulaga Indonesia and the Indonesian version of It’s Showtime. He also hosted travel and cooking shows, released a cookbook, and wrote his autobiography.

But acting eventually became his true calling.

A director discovered him on set and told him, “You don’t need a workshop. You don’t need to audition because I see it in your eyes, in your

Leo Consul sets his sights on more acting projects while maintaining his career in Indonesia

soul.” Leo was then handpicked for a lead role without auditioning.

He also credits his stepfather for nurturing his confidence from a young age.

“I was raised by my stepfather, and he believed in me, from singing to acting,” Leo recalled. “I may not have been the best at that time, but the fact that my father was there supporting me and believing in me, that was enough.”

He worked alongside some of Indonesia’s biggest stars, including an actress he describes as the Indonesian equivalent of Judy Ann Santos.

The gamble paid off, and the series became number one in the ratings.

Leo (left) signs with Artist Circle under the management of talent manager Rams David

meeting with Rams gave him a sense of family.

“I’m alone here,” he said. “So I consider them my second family here.”

One of Leo’s most satisfying reminders of how far he has come comes from an unexpected place, Philippine immigration.

Leo remembers being terrified when he first tried to leave the Philippines for Indonesia, worried that he might be offloaded.

“I was shaking. I was scared I wouldn’t be allowed to leave,” he recalled.

At the time, he told himself that one day he would return as someone people would recognize.

“When I leave the country and come back, they always say, ‘Don’t you have a shoot today?’ or ‘How are things in Indonesia?’” he said. “It’s a full-circle moment for me.”

And then there is his glow, something that is hard to miss. Leo credits skincare and regular visits to his dermatologist, but says his dewy complexion also reflects something deeper, peace. He meditates, works out consistently, watches what he eats, and believes that caring for himself from the inside is just as important as what he puts on his skin.

For the video component of our interview, Leo delivered a message to his Indonesian supporters in Bahasa, thanking them for standing by him.

For his Filipino audience, his message was equally sincere: “To all the supporters here in the Philippines who are just beginning to recognize me or get to know me, thank you so, so much.

I’m hoping that you will also appreciate what I can give, just like what I’ve given in Indonesia.”

Now, with Artist Circle behind him and being on top of his plans, Leo is not choosing between Indonesia and the Philippines. He embraces both.

And while the resemblance to Inigo, and perhaps even Piolo, may still get a second look, Leo Consul has come into his own.

With Artist Circle, Indonesia’s darling and our Pinoy pride has definitely come full circle.