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2 dead in Zambo school shooting High school student kills schoolmate before taking own life
By Gabriel Oliva, Vince Lopez, Charles Dantes, Maricel Cruz, Ram Superable and Joel Zurbano
A
HIGH school student livestreamed himself shooting another schoolmate dead before taking his own life at a high school in Zamboanga City on Tuesday, authorities said.
VOL. XL • NO. 186 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
• PBBM orders agencies: Conduct thorough probe • DILG: Security needed for private schools too
The school shooting, the country’s second in as many months, took place at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, a Catholic private institution in western Mindanao. “What we know so far is that (the shooter) went to the classroom of our Next page
UNSAFE ZONE. Police gather
at Ateneo de Zamboanga University following a shooting at the school in Zamboanga on August 18, 2026. Inset shows one of the guns used by the shooter. AFP/ PNP Zamboanga
Gov’t focuses on safety, swift response amid ‘habagat’rains, flooding Impeach court ready to rule on socmed posts PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to prioritize the safety of residents and ensure swift assistance to communities affected by widespread flooding as heavy rains continued to batter Metro
Manila and other parts of the country. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Mr. Marcos had directed a coordinated, whole-of-government response as the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, and
successive weather disturbances continued to disrupt communities. The Office of Civil Defense has mobilized response agencies and search-and-rescue teams, while relief, clearing and medical operations continue in flood-hit areas.
Free rides have also been ordered in Metro Manila to assist stranded commuters. The government is monitoring health risks associated with prolonged flooding, including leptospirosis. Castro Next page
Palace extends alternative work, learning setups in NCR, 17 provinces By Charles Dantes MALACAÑANG ordered government offices in Metro Manila and 17 provinces to adopt alternative work arrangements on Wednesday, Aug. 19, as these areas continue to deal with heavy rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon or ‘habagat.’ The directive was issued through Memorandum Circular No. 129, signed Tuesday by Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.
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RELIEF GIVERS. Social workers use an improvised banca to deliver food packs and other relief goods to a
By Ram Superable, Maricel V. Cruz SENATE Impeachment Court spokesperson Reginald Tongol confirmed to Manila Standard yesterday that presiding officer Francis Escudero will announce the prepared ruling on the defense panel’s manifestation during the resumption of trial proceedings. According to Tongol, Escudero has already evaluated the context, content and timing of a social media post by private prosecutor Amando Virgil Ligutan regarding court procedures. Ligutan will be given 30 minutes during the next open session to present his side before Escudero finalizes the decree covering Rule 18. “If Atty. Ligutan’s statement on the open floor of the impeachment Next page
flooded community in Pangasinan. PCO
Ombudsman suspends Mendoza, OMB flags Sen. Guadiz over Stradcom IT system Loren, son’s extended leaves ‘suspicious’ By Rex Espiritu and Rio Araja
OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered the preventive suspension of former Land Transportation Office (LTO) chiefs Vigor Mendoza II and Teofilo Guadiz III over the continued use of the STRADCOM-operated LTO information technology system, which resulted in an additional P13.3 billion
in computer fees for the government. Mendoza, now chairman of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Guadiz, currently chairperson of the Office of Transportation Cooperatives, were placed under preventive suspension without pay for six months or until the resolution of the administrative case against them. Next page
THE Office of the Ombudsman has flagged the two-month travel authority obtained by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste and the extended medical leave of his mother, Senator Loren Legarda, as “suspicious” amid its ongoing investigation into alleged undelivered solar power resources. “We were able to obtain a travel authority wherein he asked for two Next page
‘BULAKBOL.’ Sen. Robin Padilla’s FB post earned him bad reviews online, with some
netizens likening to an act of ‘bulakbol.’ The post read: ‘Dito lang kami ng birthday boy na si Senator Mark Villar, kasama ang ‘bisyo ay magserbisyo’ na si Senator Bong Go sa Senate lounge, nakikinig sa trial.’ Robin Padilla FB
NBI: False testimony may lead to obstruction case By Rex Espiritu
Teofilo Guadiz III
Vigor Mendoza
PERSONS who might have encouraged former bodyguards of fugitive lawmaker Zaldy Co to give false tes-
timonies on the flood control scandal could face additional criminal charges if an investigation confirms the allegations, according to National Bureau of Investigation director Melvin Matibag.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano also said the four ex-bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co who recanted their allegations linking Next page
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OMB probes 3 for links to contractors T HE Office of the Ombudsman is conducting preliminary investigations into complaints against former and incumbent lawmakers over their alleged links to construction firms that secured major government contracts, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano told reporters Tuesday.
The complaints are being investigated as the Ombudsman continues to look into alleged irregularities in flood control projects involving members of Congress and their families or associates. Those facing complaints include the following: Tarlac Rep. Christy Angeles, who is married to Victor Angeles of Northern
Builders, a construction firm that secured flood control projects across different regions between 2022 and 2024 during her term as lawmaker; Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel, the former congressman of the province’s second district, over alleged links to a corporation that secured government infrastructure contracts; and
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court aligns with what the presiding officer expects him to answer, then his draft will remain unchanged because it matches the answer he anticipated from Atty. Ligutan,” Tongol explained. Escudero earlier deferred releasing the prepared ruling due to court suspension caused by inclement weather and widespread commuter strandings. The upcoming directive applies universally to all entities bound by Rule 18, including the respondent Vice President Sara Duterte, defense counsel, the House prosecution panel, private prosecutors and senator-judges. The spokesperson assured the public that the Senate secretariat, clerk of court and presiding officer’s staff continuously monitor public statements and media comments made by all involved parties outside the courtroom.
known victim. He shot the victim, and after doing that, he went up to the fifth floor and shot himself,” regional police spokeswoman Shella Chang said. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the shooter was a Grade 9 student while the other victim was a Grade 10 student. Local media said the suspect was a Grade 7 student. “At approximately 7:50 a.m. Tuesday, a certain Grade 9 student entered the Ateneo Zamboanga City High School bringing one pistol and one rifle. He entered and started indiscriminately firing, hitting a Grade 10 at the fourth floor, subsequently went to the 5th floor, and jumped from the said building and committed suicide,” Remulla said. The alleged shooter’s Facebook account has since been disabled.
No gag order yet — Barbers
In the video, which was circulated by local media, the barrel of a gun can be seen moving down a hallway in the style of a first-person shooter video game before being pointed into a classroom and fired. Children in school uniforms are then seen screaming and rushing for an exit. In a television interview, Mayor Khymer Olaso said the student had a short firearm and a high-powered gun. Olaso said three other students were wounded in the shooting. The alleged shooter’s father, a Customs police personnel, reportedly owns the firearms used in the attack. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno ordered the relief and preventive suspension of the personnel pending the outcome of the investigation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for a thorough investigation into the Zamboanga City school shooting incident as he expressed his grief over what he described as “a tragedy that should never have happened.” Mr. Marcos conveyed his solidarity with the families of the victims and the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) community, emphasizing that schools “must be among the safest
Earlier, House prosecution panel adviser and spokesperson, former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, said there is no gag order barring the House prosecution from speaking publicly about Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, and its lawyers have not crossed the line into publicly arguing the merits of the pending case. “There is no gag order yet as we speak,” Barbers said. The prosecution consists of 11 House members supported by a team of 15 private prosecutors, while Barbers was specifically appointed as a prosecution spokesperson and impeachment adviser to help explain the proceedings to the public. “But obviously, you know we want to let the people know that the prosecution panel adheres to the rules of the impeachment court,” Barbers stressed. He maintained that neither the public prosecutors nor the private lawyers assisting them have publicly crossed into discussion intended to influence the outcome of the trial.
‘Tragedy that should never have happened’
Aurelio Dong Gonzalez Jr., former representative of Pampanga’s third district, over a firm that is linked to his family and secured hundreds of millions of pesos in DPWH contracts during his time in Congress. Section 3(h) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act prohibits public officials from directly or indirectly having financial or pecuniary interest in any business, contract or transaction in connection with which he or she intervenes or takes part in their official capacity, or in which they are prohibited by the Constitution or by law from having any interest. Clavano said they are facing complaints for violation of the Anti-Graft
and Corrupt Practices Act, particularly the provision on conflict of interest, due to their alleged links to construction firms that bagged huge amounts of government contracts during their incumbency as public officials. “Let us be clear, whether a case is already pending before the Sandiganbayan or is still under preliminary investigation, our position remains the same. No public official is above the law, and every peso spent on infrastructure meant to protect Filipino lives, especially flood control, must be accounted for,” Clavano said. “We will continue to update the public as each of these cases progresses,” he added. Rex Espiritu and Pot Chavez
places in our country.” “I have directed our law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and to determine what more must be done to prevent another family, another school and another community from suffering the same grief,” he said.
ing sensitive content pertaining to the shooting incident or its aftermath. “The circulation of such material may further compound the trauma of those directly affected and cause additional distress to their loved ones,” DepEd said. “Let us choose compassion over clicks. Our priority must be the safety, dignity, and healing of the affected school community,” it added. Several educational institutions including Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), and Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) have expressed support for the victims and their families. The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), a national network of Catholic schools across the country, also called on the public to respond to the incident with sensitivity, compassion, and restraint as every news, photograph, and social media content are students, families, teachers, and community members experiencing grief. “May this tragedy awaken in all of us a deeper commitment to making every school a place of safety, care, vigilance, and peace, where the protection of every child and every member of the school community remains a shared moral responsibility,” CEAP added. The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) called for enforcement policies which aim to safeguard learners inside and outside educational institutions. In a statement, EDCOM 2 said anti-bullying policies, mental health support, secure learning spaces, and the passage of a school safety bill should be pushed to ensure the safety of students. “Every Filipino learner deserves a safe, supportive space to learn, grow, and thrive,” it added. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said DepEd plans to use part of its proposed 2027 budget to strengthen security in public schools, including the possible deployment of more security personnel and the installation of additional metal detectors. “That is DepEd’s plan, and that is also what we want to happen so that we can provide greater protection to students, especially those in public schools,” Castro said.
DILG eyes security measures for private schools, too
Remulla said a review of existing safety policy for schools may be in order following the shooting. He said the Department of Education and the Philippine National Police have an existing accord allowing cops to monitor security measures but only outside public schools. “Perhaps it’s time to call for a policy review so that we can cover private schools also,” Remulla said. Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered a full investigation into the shooting incident. “The police will allow the evidence and verified information to guide the investigation, and will refrain from making conclusions while the fact-finding process is ongoing,” he said. “The PNP likewise appeals to the public to exercise restraint in sharing unverified reports, photographs, or videos related to the incident, particularly materials involving students and other affected individuals,” Nartatez added. Ateneo de Zamboanga president Father Guillrey Andal, confirming the two fatalities, said the school was “deeply saddened” by the shooting and was cooperating with the investigation. “We are in process of working with the police for us to be able to identify them, so that we can communicate first with their loved ones,” he said, acknowledging the incident had caused “deep concern and worry.” School shootings are rare in the Philippines, but three teenaged students were killed and 20 others wounded in an attack at a school in Tacloban in June. Legal gun ownership is tightly regulated, but a large black market exists for firearms.
DepEd: Compassion over clicks
For its part, DepEd urged the public to exercise compassion and to refrain from posting, sharing, or amplify-
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In an order dated August 17, the Ombudsman found sufficient grounds to suspend the two officials, citing strong evidence supporting the administrative charges of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. The order is immediately executory, the Ombudsman said. Mendoza said he is ready to present evidence-backed legal arguments. “This will be a good opportunity for me to clear my name, in the proper forum,” he said. Guuadiz added: “I remain confident that the evidence and the official records will show that the actions I took during my tenure as Chief of the Land Transportation Office were lawful, undertaken in good faith, and guided by my duty to serve the public interest.” “The continued utilization of the LTO IT System by Guadiz and Mendoza demonstrates a patent disregard of established government policy and prior official directives intended to transition LTO operations to the LTMS,” its ruling said. The case centers on the continued use of the STRADCOM-operated LTO IT system despite the government’s implementation and acceptance of its replacement, the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS). The Ombudsman said the Commission on Audit (COA) had flagged the parallel use of the two systems, saying it resulted in the “non-maximization of the benefits” expected from the LTMS project. COA found that the continued use of the old system imposed an “additional burden and expense for the transacting public” through computer fees charged by STRADCOM amounting to P13,379,196,499.73 from 2019 to 2025.
months of leave from July 26 to September 24. He listed several countries that he would want to or intended to visit. On the other hand, Senator Loren Legarda is on, I believe, her third extension of her travel authority for medical reasons, which we have begun to find quite suspicious already,” Assistant Ombudsman and spokesperson Mico Clavano said in a press conference Tuesday. “We need to flag this because there is an ongo-
NBI:... From A1 several personalities to the flood control mess could face appropriate charges. In an interview, Matibag said inducing witnesses to provide false testimonies could constitute obstruction of justice. He was referring to the four former bodyguards of Co who recanted their statements implicating lawmakers who were supposedly bribed by Co. Matibag said the recantation would not necessarily erase any liability arising from the bodyguards’ original statements. “That is clear because it could constitute obstruction of justice—encouraging a person to bear false witness to something that was not said or did not happen,” Matibag said in an in-
ing case [investigation] here in the Office of the Ombudsman,” Clavano added. He said the agency is already “taking concrete steps” toward seeking the cancellation of their passports should they remain abroad for a prolonged period. “If there is a prolonged absence and we can consider them fugitives from justice, then that is the time we will move for the cancellation of their passports,” Clavano said. In a statement, Sen. Legarda reiterated that she filed a medical leave with the Senate “in accordance with Senate rules.” Rex Espiritu, Joel Zurbano
terview with Ted Failon on True FM. Matibag said the recantation could potentially be considered a mitigating circumstance if the cases reached court, depending on the charges and the prosecution’s assessment. He added, however, that the former bodyguards should provide a categorical explanation for their change of heart about the case.
Recanters should explain recantation
“They should categorically deny it and explain why they did what they did, who instructed them and what really happened,” Matibag said. He said the NBI had received “feelers” even before the reported recantations that some members of the group of 18 former Marines or the so-called Maleta Boys wanted to come forward and talk to investigators. “First two, then four, and later there may be
Gov’t... From A1 said hospitals had been assured of sufficient medicines, including those needed to treat flood-related illnesses, and urged local authorities to immediately report any shortages. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, meanwhile, said it was treating the humanitarian response as a single, continuing operation after nearly a month of successive weather disturbances. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the southwest monsoon, Tropical Storm Luis, Tropical Storm Maymay and succeeding episodes of enhanced Habagat had affected 4,516 barangays and 1,539,614 families as of 6 a.m. Tuesday. “We have not stopped our relief operations since the southwest monsoon began,” Gatchalian said. The DSWD reported 461 evacuation centers still operating nationwide, sheltering 12,194 families, while another 11,554 families were staying outside formal evacuation centers. The prolonged rains have damaged 1,993 houses, including 206 totally destroyed and 1,787 partially damaged. The agency has distributed 1,057,972 family food packs, 17,291 ready-to-eat food boxes and 12,740 non-food items, including kitchen, sleeping, hygiene and family clothing kits. Total humanitarian assistance has reached nearly P717 million. Gatchalian said the DSWD has 4,228,458 family food packs in its national stockpile across about 1,000 warehouses despite releasing more than 1 million packs in about a week and a half. “People should not worry because there is sufficient food stored in DSWD warehouses nationwide,” he said. Replenishment is continuing, with the DSWD’s Luzon Repacking Center producing about 22,000 family food packs daily. Gatchalian said the stockpile would continue to increase as production continues and additional supplies are sent to areas needing assistance. Under the country’s devolved social welfare system, local governments remain responsible for distributing relief goods to residents, while the DSWD augments their supplies.
Floodwaters receding, DPWH monitoring vulnerable areas
Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon said floodwaters had begun receding in several parts of Metro Manila, although authorities continued monitoring vulnerable communities. In the Camanava area covering Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela, flooding was relatively lower and receded faster despite record rainfall, Dizon said. He attributed the improvement partly to the rehabilitation of flood-control infrastructure. Charles Dantes, Pot Chavez, Rex Espiritu, Maricel V. Cruz, Vince Lopez and Katrina Manubay
Palace... From A1 The circular covers the National Capital Region and the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro. The Palace emphasized that alternative learning modes for classes and learning continuity measures at all levels in public and private schools shall be implemented in the aforementioned areas. “Agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other vital services shall continue their operations and render the necessary services,” it reminded.
more. We were validating it, then it came out in the news,” he noted. He said the development was consistent with the NBI’s earlier findings, which had raised questions about the credibility of the statements attributed to the group. Matibag said some members had initially hesitated to cooperate and that not all of them signed the statements. “First, there was hesitation. Second, they did not sign the statement. Only half signed it,” he said.
Indications of coaching
He recalled that the NBI had earlier found indications that lawyer Levito Baligod may have coached the 18 former Marines. Matibag said these circumstances led the NBI to withhold clear credibility from the statements.
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UNDAUNTED. A farmer risks life and
limb carrying freshly harvested cabbage along a swollen river in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, at the height of the prevailing Southwest Monsoon ‘Habagat.’ Dave Leprozo
IN BRIEF Malaysia conveys support for peace process, polls MALAYSIA has conveyed its continued support to the Mindanao peace process ahead of the Sept. 14 parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Visiting Foreign Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Mohamad bin Haji Hasan on Tuesday said Malaysia “attaches great importance” to its long-standing cooperation with the Philippines to support peace efforts in the south. “As a third-party facilitator, Malaysia remains committed to supporting lasting peace, stability, and inclusive development in Mindanao,” he said. “Malaysia is also ready to share its experience in areas such as the Halal economy and Islamic finance to support the socioeconomic development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” he added. The Malaysian top diplomat is in Manila to co-chair the 9th Philippines-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro. Katrina Manubay
DOLE reminds employers of holiday pay THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday reminded employers to strictly follow the prescribed pay rules for workers who report for duty during the holidays in August. DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino issued Labor Advisory No. 13, Series of 2026, covering the special non-working day on Aug. 21, Ninoy Aquino Day, and the regular holiday on Aug. 31, National Heroes Day. For the Aug. 31 regular holiday, employees who do not work are entitled to 100 percent of their daily wage, subject to the conditions under the advisory. Those who work for the first eight hours must receive 200 percent of their daily wage. An additional 30 percent applies when the regular holiday falls on the employee’s rest day. For Aug. 21, the “no work, no pay” rule applies unless a company policy, practice or collective bargaining agreement provides otherwise. Vito Barcelo
Poa denies fake statement vs. Ridon VICE President Sara Duterte’s defense spokesperson, lawyer Michael Poa, on Tuesday denied issuing a statement circulating on social media that was purportedly his response to Rep. Terry Ridon during the impeachment proceedings. In a statement, Poa said that while he and Ridon may be on opposing sides in the trial, he has consistently kept his remarks respectful, professional and focused on the issues. “I wish to clarify that a statement circulating on social media, purportedly attributed to me as a response to Rep. Terry Ridon, is not true. I never made or issued that statement,” Poa said. “While Rep. Ridon and I may find ourselves on opposing sides in the impeachment proceedings, I have always endeavored for my statements to be respectful, professional and focused solely on the issues. I would therefore not want words that I did not say, particularly statements directed personally against him, to be attributed to me,” he added. Katrina Manubay
UAE expands visa privileges for Pinoys—DFA By Katrina Manubay
Avail of Yakap, Gamot, PhilHealth urges Bicolanos T HE Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in Bicol is urging its more than 6.20 million registered members in the region to maximize its expanded health benefits, particularly the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT).
PhilHealth Bicol has recorded a 97-percent registration rate in the region, with its expanded benefit packages aimed at improving access
to healthcare services and providing greater financial protection to Bicolanos. During the PhilHealth Updates for Media Partners and Information Officers of Partner Agencies on Tuesday, PhilHealth Regional Vice President Alberto Manduriao emphasized that the agency’s programs should translate into actual assistance for members and their families. “A policy is useless if its impact isn’t felt,” he said, stressing that healthcare policies must benefit patients seeking medical care, families needing financial protection, and healthcare providers who need support to continue serving the public. “This is not simply a story of numbers but a story of the expanded benefits, broader coverage, faster service, and strong financial
DepEd proposes guidelines to reduce learning losses By Gabriel Oliva THE Department of Education (DepEd) is pushing for school-level class resumption guidelines to reduce learning losses caused by class suspensions during times of disasters and inclement weather on Aug 18. DepEd said a proposed executive order aims to authorize schools to declare localized, school-level face-to-face class resumptions when they are unaffected by or have already recovered from emergencies even while broader suspensions are in effect. It added the proposal of this initiative came after consulting local chief executives, school heads, teachers, parents, and students who all “showed broad support” for decisions based on actual on-ground conditions. According to DepEd, the proposal amends Executive Order No. 66, s. 2012, which prescribes rules on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in government offices due to typhoons, flooding, other weather disturbances, and calamities.
GARBAGE OUT. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon checks out the San Juan River
which overflowed at the height of rains yesterday, flooding G. Araneta Ave. at E. Rodriguez Sr. Ave. Nine truckloads of garbage were retrieved from the river, the DPWH said.
protection for the Bicolanos,” Manduriao added. PhilHealth Public Affairs Unit Public Relations Officer III Leri Ilagan, meanwhile, underscored the need to continuously encourage members to use the YAKAP program, saying awareness of available benefits is essential for members to access the healthcare services intended for them. YAKAP is among PhilHealth’s expanded outpatient benefits under the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. Based on the latest available data, PhilHealth Bicol has 737 accredited healthcare facilities across the region, including 210 accredited under YAKAP and 128 under GAMOT. Under GAMOT, qualified beneficiaries may receive up to PHP20,000 worth of covered medicines annually.
THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday announced expanded eligibility for visa-on-arrival privileges in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Filipino citizens holding valid regular Philippine passports. Under the updated UAE requirements, eligible Filipinos include those with valid visas or residence permits from the US, EU countries, or the UK, as well as those holding valid residence permits from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Singapore, or New Zealand. The DFA explained that eligible travelers can choose between two options for obtaining visas: - Stay for 14 days at AED 100, with a one-time extension of an additional 14 days for AED 25. - A non-extendable 60-day stay costing AED 250. It added that visa applications can be submitted at UAE airports or through the ICP Smart Services Website. For applications submitted via the ICP Smart Services website, an additional ICP Smart Services fee of AED 150 applies to each request. The DFA emphasized that issuing a visa upon arrival and entry into the UAE remains subject to the assessment and approval of UAE immigration authorities. In June, the DFA explained that the UAE’s decision to grant visa-onarrival to Filipino citizens was influenced by the “excellent” bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE.
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MMC supports solon’s proposal versus dumping By Joel E. Zurbano THE Metro Manila Council (MMC) supports two proposed measures to combat illegal waste dumping, which significantly contributes to flooding in the metropolis. Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Anthony Santos welcomed the MMC’s support as a crucial step toward creating a unified, sustainable and long-term solution to the garbage and flooding issues in the National Capital Region. Santos disclosed that MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora will spearhead the creation of a technical working group (TWG) to study and further develop his proposals. The lawmaker is proposing the creation of specialized “Garbage Police” units within the 17 local government units (LGUs) of Metro Manila, in addition to the implementation of uniform minimum standards and coordinated policies aimed at combating littering and illegal dumping. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Don Artes has also voiced his support for the initiative, stating that the two measures ought to work in tandem to create a more coordinated and effective strategy for tackling the garbage issue in Metro Manila. The MMC, composed of the 17 mayors in Metro Manila, is the governing board and policy-making body of the MMDA. Santos said the two proposals are intended to complement, rather than interfere with, the authority and autonomy of individual LGUs.
Show our best humanity in crisis, says Leonen
DEFENSE DRILL. The Quezon City Police District, under PBGen. Randy Glenn Silvio, conducts a Camp Defense Drill at Camp Karingal in Quezon City on Tuesday, to assess and enhance personnel’s tactical readiness, response speed, coordination and perimeter security against possible security threats. QCPD Facebook page
Archbishop urges rich Catholics to help the poor By Vito Barcelo
P
APAL nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown has urged wealthy Catholics to use their resources to help the poor, saying their generosity could one day lead those they helped to welcome them into heaven. Brown made the appeal during the opening Mass of the 70th national
assembly of the Pontifical Mission Societies-Philippines at the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral in Leyte, saying material wealth becomes an obstacle when it prevents people from following Christ and serving others. Reflecting on the Gospel story of the rich young man, Brown said Jesus did not teach that wealth itself is evil. Instead, he called on Catholics to use their resources responsibly and generously, especially for the poor and vulnerable. “We need to ask ourselves always, what is valuable to me? What am I aiming for in the end? What is my ultimate goal?” Brown said, stressing that these questions should lead
Catholics toward Christ, generosity and concern for others. He said donations to the mission societies help support churches, seminaries, formation programs, feeding projects and other missionary activities in communities with limited resources. The Aug. 17 to 20 assembly brought together dozens of diocesan mission directors and animators in Tacloban City to strengthen missionary work. Brown said donors may never know all the people they help, but their generosity can make a lasting difference and, in the end, be remembered by those who benefited from it.
By Pot Chavez SUPREME Court (SC) Acting Chief Justice Marvic MVF Leonen urged Filipinos to show the best of their humanity in times of crisis, while calling for reflection on the natural and human causes of disasters. “Recall the values of kindness and solidarity during these difficult times. Maintain our impartiality but always within the context of what is happening within our environment and our society,” he said Tuesday. “Even with the challenges to ourselves and our families, take care and remember our mission to serve our people,” Leonen added. The acting SC chief directed the appellate courts and the Office of the Court Administrator to assess court personnel, facilities and resources affected by flooding and monsoon rains. Among the matters that must be assessed are the condition of court personnel, judges and justices, and their families; the condition of courthouses and facilities; as well as the condition of material and financial resources available to those affected. The SC would also like to assess the ability of courts to provide the needed services for urgent petitions and motions affecting bail, releases, habeas corpus, habeas data, amparo and similar reliefs.
IN BRIEF PCG welcomes home BRP Gabriela Silang THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) welcomed home BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301) and its contingent on Aug. 18 after completing the Coast Guard’s first participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise. PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan led the arrival ceremony at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila, recognizing the officers and personnel who represented the Philippines during the exercise in Hawaii. During RIMPAC 2026, the contingent participated in maritime interdiction, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, explosive ordnance disposal training, crossdeck operations and combined maritime maneuvers. PCG personnel also served at the Combined Task Force/Combined Forces Maritime Component Command Joint Operations Center and Combined Joint Information Bureau, working with counterparts from participating nations. Vince Lopez
PNP lauds off-duty officer on hit-and-run suspect PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Tuesday praised a police officer for helping apprehend an alleged hit-and-run suspect in Antipolo City despite being off duty. Nartatez said Police Executive Master Sgt. Andy Evangelista’s response showed the commitment expected from police personnel to protect the public even outside their regular duty hours. “I commend PEMS Andy Evangelista for responding to the incident and helping apprehend the suspect even while off duty. His actions show his commitment to public safety and his duty as a police officer,” Nartatez said. Vince Lopez
Customs seizes P6.29m suspected shabu in Clark FLOOD CLEARING. MMDA and Meralco personnel conduct clearing operations after a century-old acacia tree falls onto EDSA-Kamuning in Quezon City at dawn Tuesday, Aug. 18, following flooding caused by southwest monsoon rains. Manny Palmero
PNP heightens monitoring of armed groups By Vince Lopez
AFTERMATH. Accumulated garbage is seen in a creek along Araneta Avenue
in Quezon City on Tuesday, Aug. 18, following flooding in the area the previous day. Edd Castro
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday intensified its efforts to prevent Filipino job-seekers from being lured into joining armed conflicts abroad. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the PNP is investigating reports of Filipinos being recruited to participate in foreign conflicts as it stepped up surveillance of groups suspected of using job offers as a means to recruit Filipinos for combat-related activities. “We are coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the intelligence community regarding this serious matter. If there is any, our goal is to shut down the network of recruitment in the interest of pro-
tecting all our fellow Filipinos,” said Nartatez. This came amid reports that a Filipino was killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reports said the Filipino had signed a contract with the Russian armed forces in May. There were claims that at least three more Filipinos were recruited. Nartatez said the PNP is looking into possible recruitment schemes that may lure Filipinos with promises of high-paying employment before sending them to areas affected by armed conflict. Authorities are also monitoring reports involving groups that may be facilitating the recruitment of Filipinos for foreign military or combat operations.
THE Bureau of Customs (BOC) intercepted suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, at the Port of Clark valued at P6.29 million and concealed inside water pressure equipment shipped from the United States to Taytay, Rizal. The shipment was flagged during Customs clearance after the BOC’s X-ray Inspection Project detected suspicious images inside the declared equipment. A physical examination uncovered a transparent plastic bag wrapped in duct tape and hidden inside the equipment. The package contained about 925 grams of a white crystalline substance that initially tested positive for suspected methamphetamine. Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the seizure highlighted the importance of combining modern inspection technology with the knowledge and vigilance of Customs personnel. He said the agency continues to strengthen its officers’ capabilities to detect suspicious shipments quickly and efficiently. Vito Barcelo
OPINION
A5
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
mst.daydesk@gmail.com
EDITORIAL
Kill the system loss charge or fix it? NOT surprisingly, there’s been a growing clamor to remove the system loss charge from consumers’ electricity bills. After all, why should consumers pay for electricity they never actually receive? The answer, however, is more complicated. The Management Association of the Philippines has warned that eliminating the charge altogether could do more harm than good. The real issue is not whether system losses should exist, but whether consumers are being made to shoulder more than what is reasonable. In the power industry, system loss refers to electricity that disappears between generation and actual consumption. Some of this is unavoidable. As electricity travels through wires and transformers, part of the energy is dissipated as heat. This is dictated by the laws of physics and thermodynamics. You cannot simply legislate technical system losses out of existence. There are also non-technical losses, principally electricity that is consumed but not recorded by meters. These include meter tampering and illegal connections, commonly known as pilferage. Distribution utilities can combat these practices, but cannot completely eliminate them. Pilferage is also a socio-economic problem, influenced by poverty, high electricity prices and inadequate law enforcement. System loss is therefore not unique to electricity. Rice farmers, millers and retailers, for example, do not sell every grain harvested. Some are lost during threshing, milling, transport and handling, and those losses are reflected in the price of rice. A tailor similarly cannot use every square inch of fabric. Scraps and cuttings become part of the cost of the finished garment. What makes electricity unusual is that system loss is separately identified in the consumer’s bill. Distribution utilities get electricity from the transmission system and deliver it through their networks of wires and transformers. Along the way, electricity is lost through both technical causes and pilferage. System-loss levels vary widely among the country’s roughly 140 distribution utilities, from around 3 percent to more than 20 percent. Recognizing this reality, Republic Act No. 7832 and Republic Act No. 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), allow the recovery of systemloss costs but impose limits on what can be passed on to consumers. Currently, the feeder-loss cap for privately owned distribution utilities is 5.5 percent, while electric cooperatives have caps ranging from 8.25 percent to 12.5 percent. Any amount beyond the allowable cap must be absorbed by the utility.
This principle should be preserved. The law recognizes system loss as an inherent part of electricity distribution, but it does not give utilities an unlimited right to recover the cost from consumers. Excess losses beyond the prescribed cap should be shouldered by the distribution utilities themselves. There is also a strong case for removing the value-added tax on non-technical system losses. Consumers should not be required to pay VAT on electricity that was stolen or pilfered and never legitimately delivered to them.
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The prudent thing to do may be to fix the system instead of pretending the loss does not exist. But abolishing system-loss recovery altogether could weaken utilities financially. If utilities are forced to absorb legitimate and unavoidable costs, some may cut essential expenditures or delay payments to generating companies. That could eventually affect electricity reliability, resulting in outages, reduced production and higher costs for businesses and consumers. There is a better approach than outright abolition: let the Energy Regulatory Commission undertake a comprehensive, transparent and data-driven review of the existing system-loss caps. Where lower losses are demonstrably achievable, the caps should be tightened. Utilities that consistently exceed reasonable benchmarks should be held accountable, while legitimate technical losses should remain recoverable. There is already clear evidence of progress. Department of Energy data show that national system loss declined from about 12 percent in 2003 to 8 percent in 2025. That improvement should be recognized—but accelerated. The goal should not be to pretend that system losses can be eliminated. Nor should utilities be given a blank check to pass inefficiencies on to consumers. The goal should be efficiency, accountability and reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost. Review the caps. Remove VAT on non-technical losses. Penalize inefficiency. And ensure that utilities remain financially capable of delivering reliable electricity. The system-loss charge may be unpopular, but simply abolishing it may not be sound energy policy. The prudent thing to do may be to fix the system instead of pretending the loss does not exist. ernhil@yahoo.com
The courage to care EVERY age presents the Church with new opportunities to reveal the face of Christ. Today, one of those opportunities is found in the growing call to care for mental health with greater understanding, compassion, and hope. More families now recognize the importance of mental health. More young people have found the courage to ask for help. More professionals have devoted their lives to caring for those who struggle. The recent July 2026 pastoral letter of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on mental health, compassion, and hope enters that conversation with wisdom, warmth, and pastoral sensitivity. It gives voice to something many Filipinos have long hoped to hear: that the Church sees them, walks with them, and continues to proclaim hope even in life’s most difficult seasons. That message could not have come at a better time. Mental health is part of everyday life. It is present around our dining tables, inside our classrooms, in our workplaces, in our parishes, and within our own homes. Behind every statistic is a son trying to stay strong, a mother quietly carrying exhaustion, a student weighed down by pressure, an elderly parent living with loneliness, or a family searching for light after a long season of suffering. The Church has always met people where life is lived. That is why this pastoral letter feels deeply rooted in the
Gospel. It speaks to real people with real struggles. It reminds us that every person deserves to be received with love, accompanied with patience, and encouraged with hope. Three reasons capture why this pastoral letter deserves our attention: compassion, companionship and courage.
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A healthier nation begins with kinder hearts. First, compassion. Every journey toward healing begins with someone who cares. Sometimes healing starts with a conversation that lasts a little longer. Sometimes it begins with a friend who simply stays. A parent who listens. A teacher who notices. A priest who welcomes. Small acts often become the turning points in another person’s life. The Gospels reveal Christ drawing close to people before lifting their burdens. He restored dignity before He restored strength. He entered people’s lives before He spoke into their wounds. The Church reflects Him most faithfully whenever it does the same. Compassion invites us to slow down enough to notice one another. In a world that prizes speed and achievement, the simple decision to be present can become
T
RIALS are long and tedious, and even officials tasked to sit through them are not begrudged opportunities to take brief breaks for reasonable purposes. But these breaks should be taken with common sense, propriety, and constant mindfulness of duty. During Monday’s hearing, the prosecution called its first hostile witness, Special Disbursement Officer Gina Acosta of the Office of the Vice President. Ms. Acosta initially appeared to have difficulty comprehending questions and communicating in English or Filipino. The prosecution worked hard to bridge these gaps, real or imagined. Outside, rain beat down hard on Luzon, as workers and students already outside tried to seek shelter or wade through floodwater to make good on their commitments to show up. Through all this, Senator Robinhood Padilla posted on his Facebook account about his huddle at the Senate lounge with two of his colleagues. “Dito lang kami ng birthday boy na si Senator Mark Villar, kasama ang ‘bisyo ay magserbisyo’ na si Senator Bong Go sa Senate lounge, nakikinig sa trial. (The birthday boy Senator Mark Villar and I are
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Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers
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The verb ‘bulakbol’ easily comes to mind. Of course, what status update is not complete with pictures? Villar and Go still had their deep red robes on, while Padilla was in a white barong. In front of them was a dining set-up, with placemats and napkins. In one photo, there was a fresh coconut in front of Padilla. A large TV was on, showing prosectory Amando Virgil Ligutan talking. The clock on the wall said 11:11. The hearing had not yet broken for lunch. The huddle itself is plain wrong. Water breaks could be fine, a trip to the bathroom, an urgent call. For the most part, senator-judges are expected to listen intently to
the proceedings, in the flesh, on the Senate floor. That Padilla said they were “listening” to the trial rankles. Many other Filipinos were listening from their devices at that moment. But citizens are not senator-judges. The verb “bulakbol” easily comes to mind, naughty school boys skipping classes together, convinced they have better things to do. The dwindling Senate attendance has been noticeable in the past few days – even if you take out prisoners Rodanrte Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada, and the fugitive Ronald dela Rosa. Several others were absent for their own reasons. To have Padilla, Mark Villar, and Go show up only to lounge around betrays their disrespect for the process, and for what it takes to do their job well. That Padilla posted about the huddle in an ATM (at the moment) impulse shows his lack of comprehension of, or his utter disregard of, the grave task they are expected to do. We know that however strong and compelling the evidence against the Vice President may be, some senator-judges already have a decision in mind. This is likely the case here. We only wish these senators would at least make an attempt to temper their smugness.
Brass bonds and B-flats: A timeless melody
COLORADO SPRINGS — It was 1958 when we first met Tony Galinato, then the first trumpet of the high school band organized and led by my maternal first cousin Honor Baysa, himself a trombonist in an earlier decade in Ilocos Norte. A deep bond was immediately formed between Tony, then a sophomore, and us as brass players of the Paoay North Institute Band playing, among others El Capitan, Under the Double Eagle, National Emblem and Stars and Stripes as well as El Palikero. Those days, Tony had special tasks for us beyond the musical score sheets -crafting love letters which, as a sentimental afterthought, prepared us to become a ghostwriter for necrological orations and speechwriter for some government officials and private executives. But life took us apart after those salad days at the PNI -- Tony went to the Feati University in Manila to pursue electrical engineering while we enrolled at the only boys school at that time in Mendiola, the San Beda College. He was a working student and the lead trumpet of Feati, played in nightclubs in Manila and Quezon City with his older brother Amy, an agricultural engineering graduate of the Central Luzon State University in Munoz, Nueva Ecija, himself a trumpet virtuoso whose interpretation of Cerezo Rosa of Perez Prado and Ciribiribin by Harry James made him admired and respected by fellow musicians in the region. They eventually also played together in bright lights in Tokyo, Seoul and Saigon while we played with the Mendiola Brass with the Bad Habits, going through
Herb Alpert iconic tunes like Spanish Flea, The Lonely Bull, and the Tijuana Brass. In one of our chats, reminiscing his stage presence in Tokyo and Seoul, he told us: “Music life was very interesting and successful. “I remember those banners -- Playing Tonight The Great Amy Galinato Band. Then I organized the Horsepower Band for Tokyo” whose members were all from Paoay and trained by his brother.
Amy himself and us would meet every now and then when we were invited as crowning guest speaker in town fiestas in Pinili, Ilocos Norte from the 80s to the millennium rollover, when the Amy International Band was repeatedly commissioned for the night by the local government unit. Fast forward the years, and by 1982 he moved to Michigan to join his wife of three years Corazon where he became a registered nurse before retirement. But he continued playing his trumpet -- often seen on YouTube jamming with street musicians in different capitals overseas or when on cruise with his wife.
In our case, we shifted to paragraphs and allowed aspiring journalists in various universities in the capital to go through modules while beating broadcast and print newsroom deadlines. But there has been a lifelong chord. Oceans and decades have failed to silence our kind of music, and we stayed in contact, thanks to social platforms available in this digital age. And we talk as musicians from the same Ilocos Norte soil who share a syncopated language in the key of C or G minor. The PNI Band of an earlier season may be gone, but our duet plays on, which proves that true friendship stays through scores and distance. *** We take this space to congratulate Teagan Zoe C. Crowley, a Thai-born nineyear-old fourth grader who represented the Thailand Karate National Team at the Third Karate Open Championship in Bangkok on Aug. 14-16. The grade schooler’s father is from Australia and her mother Eva Corazon Bucaneg Cabie, our grandniece, is from Gonzaga, Cagayan in the Philippines. Zoe competed in the Kata U10 category alongside athletes from 26 countries and brought home the gold medal. Only last January, Zoe traveled to California and showcased her acting and modeling skills at the Society of Performers (SPIN) Convention in Los Angeles in front of agents and professionals, where she placed second in the Swimwear Competition among 200 talents from ages 4 to 25. She remains in the honor roll at the Bangkok Christian International School.
an extraordinary act of love. Second, companionship. No one flourishes alone. Healing grows through relationships. Families, friends, priests, religious, counselors, psychologists, doctors, teachers, and parish communities each have a place in that journey. Together, they remind someone who is struggling that life can always be shared. Faith and professional care naturally enrich one another. God works through the wisdom of medicine and psychology. He also strengthens hearts through prayer, the sacraments, Scripture, and the quiet assurance of a caring community. Grace often arrives through people who choose to accompany others. That is how hope becomes visible. It takes the shape of people walking together. Third, courage. Healing also asks something of the person who suffers. It asks for courage. It takes courage to
speak after a long silence. It takes courage to ask for help. It takes courage to trust that tomorrow can become brighter than today. Every small step deserves to be honored because every step moves a person closer to healing. Faith nurtures that courage. Prayer steadies the heart. The Eucharist strengthens weary souls. God’s Word opens windows where discouragement once filled the room. Hope grows quietly, one day at a time, until people begin to discover strength they never knew they possessed. That same courage belongs to all of us. Families can create homes where every conversation is safe. Schools can build environments where every learner feels valued. Employers can care for the well-being of their people alongside performance. Government can continue strengthening mental health services and expanding access to quality care. Every parish can become a place where people
discover that they belong and that their lives remain precious in the eyes of God. Perhaps that is the greatest contribution of the CBCP pastoral letter. It widens our understanding of what it means to care. It reminds us that pastoral ministry includes listening, accompanying, and encouraging with the same love that Christ offered to every person He encountered. A healthier nation begins with kinder hearts. A stronger Church grows through communities that know how to listen. A hopeful future takes shape every time compassion becomes action, companionship becomes a daily habit, and courage carries someone through another day. The Gospel has always been good news for people who carry heavy burdens. It remains so today. Every Filipino deserves to know that hope is within reach, healing is possible, and every person can find companions for the journey.
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We talk as musicians from the same Ilocos Norte soil who share a syncopated language in the key of C or G minor.
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just here, together with Senator Bong Go ‘whose vice is service,’ at the Senate lounge, listening to the trial.)”
Honor Blanco Cabie
Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno
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WORLD
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
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IN BRIEF Several wounded as 620 drones flew over Moscow MOSCOW – A total of 620 drones flew towards the Moscow region overnight, Russian officials said on Tuesday, reporting that several people were wounded and buildings were struck. With frontline fighting at a near standstill and talks frozen, Ukraine and Russia have significantly stepped up long-distance attacks, pushing the civilian death toll to its highest levels since the war’s first months in 2022. Russian air defenses destroyed more than 180 of the drones over the capital region, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on the state-backed MAX platform. The drone swarm wounded three people, including a 10-year-old girl, Moscow region Governor Andrey Vorobyov said on Telegram. “Tonight and in the morning, air defense and electronic warfare forces were repelling a large-scale drone attack on Moscow region,” he said. The “most serious consequences” were reported in the Pavlovsky Posad district, where a house burned down, Vorobyov said. AFP
Backlash as Thailand frees 85-year-old drug trafficker BANGKOK – Thailand’s justice minister pledged on Tuesday to review pardon criteria following backlash over the release of an 85-year-old drug trafficker who served less than a decade of a life prison sentence. Laota Saenlee, a former anti-communist guerrilla turned drug runner linked to powerful Myanmar drug kingpins, was arrested by undercover officers in 2016 for selling crystal meth in the Golden Triangle drug-producing region. The rugged Golden Triangle zone – where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet – has long been a hub for some of the world’s most prolific illicit drug producers. Organized crime groups move an estimated tens of billions of dollars’ worth of heroin, methamphetamine and ketamine annually from the region. AFP
SOLEMN CEREMONY. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky (right) looks at servicemen of the Ukrainian Honor Guard carrying the coffin bearing the repatriated remains of Yevhen Konovalets, leader of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists (OUN), who was killed by a Soviet agent in 1938, during his reburial ceremony at the National Military Memorial Cemetery near Kyiv on August 18, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. AFP
Trump threatens to bomb Oman W
ASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump threatened Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) to bomb Oman if it “gets in the way” of a US deal with Iran on the Strait of Hormuz and called for Tehran to surrender in a war that has become a growing political burden.
Venezuela earthquake death toll rises to 6,438
Infographic maps showing Indonesia’s rainfall anomaly and fire hot spot maps. AFP
Control of the waterway, which Iran has effectively closed since the conflict began on February 28, remains at the heart of the deadlock between Tehran and Washington. With whipsawing fuel prices and public opposition to the war weighing on Republicans ahead of November’s midterm elections, Trump has faced mounting pressure to end a stalemate that has dragged on for nearly six months. “If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the shit out of them,” Trump told Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, referring to ongoing talks between Oman and Iran on control of the strait, which lies between the two countries. Oman, a US ally in the Gulf, has not publicly commented on Trump’s remarks. Tehran and Muscat have been discussing for weeks future navigation arrangements through the route, and Iran’s foreign ministry said earlier Monday the two sides were working on a joint declaration. Iran’s coast flanks the northern side of Hormuz, while Oman sits on the south. Their talks follow the collapse of a Pakistan-mediated US-Iran interim deal aimed at keeping Hormuz open to traffic.
Renewed fighting over the waterway quickly derailed the arrangement, spreading the conflict to Gulf allies and commercial shipping across the Middle East. Trump also said that Iran should “put up the white flag of surrender,” according to Yingst’s account of the interview on X. The president has repeatedly insisted that the strait is under US control despite traffic remaining heavily throttled. On Friday, he said he would declare the Strait of Hormuz part of US territory, prompting Iran to retort that the energy chokepoint “will remain Iranian.” Before the war erupted on February 28, the strait was considered an open, international waterway carrying roughly a fifth of global oil supplies as well as other commodities. Tehran has used its effective control over the strait as leverage against the US-led attempts to destroy its military and force it to abandon a controversial nuclear power program. Trump insisted that he was in no hurry to reach a deal despite the unpopularity of the war and opposition Democrats seeking to take control of Congress from the Republicans in the midterm elections. AFP
SEOUL – Japan underlined on Tuesday that security cooperation with the United States and South Korea was “critical” for the region’s stability, after President Donald Trump alarmed allies by scaling back military drills with Seoul while hailing his ties with Pyongyang. Trump abruptly announced on Sunday that he had ordered the Pentagon to scale back “inappropriate and hostile” military drills with South Korea. The following day he insisted he was making the situation “much safer”
has.” Trump said “it’s very positive” when asked what stage the conversations with Kim were at, but provided no further detail. He then doubled down on his praise for Kim, saying their ties reduced tensions. “Kim Jong Un has always treated me with great respect,” Trump said. “I understand him. He understands me.” The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises with South Korea are designed to prepare for a possible war with North
Korea, which decries the drills as dress rehearsals for an invasion. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi strongly supported joint security cooperation with key defense backer Washington and neighbor Seoul. “As Japan faces the most severe and complicated security environment in the post-war era, the cooperation among Japan, the United States and South Korea is critical to the peace and stability of the region,” Koizumi told journalists during a visit to Australia. AFAP
CARACAS – Twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela in June killed 6,438 people, according to the latest official death toll released Monday. Nearly two months since the disaster, relatives and rescuers continue searching for the missing amid the rubble. The latest figure, announced by Parliament Speaker Jorge Rodriguez, brings the death toll up from last week’s figure of 6,301. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes knocked down at least 190 buildings when they struck near Venezuela’s coast on June 24. Authorities say that at least 60,000 homes were affected in some way, with 24,000 being left uninhabitable. Thousands of Venezuelan residents remain in temporary camps, where conditions are precarious. In Caracas this weekend, heavy rain destroyed some of the tents housing victims. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez’s government has promised housing for those affected. AFP
40% of world’s health facilities Asian allies stress ‘critical cooperation’ with US, Korea meet sanitation standards — UN GENEVA – Only four in 10 healthcare facilities worldwide meet basic sanitation standards for accessible and usable toilets, the United Nations said Tuesday, while 11 percent have no sanitation services at all. In a report, the UN’s health and children’s agencies said only 40 percent of healthcare facilities last year had toilets that adequately met the needs of patients and staff, including people with limited mobility. The report from the World Health Organization and UNICEF for the first time provided global estimates of basic sanitation services in healthcare settings. Its 2025 estimate found significant gaps in access to basic sanitation standards, which it said required usable facilities including at least one toilet dedicated to staff, at least one sex-separated toilet with menstrual hygiene facilities and at least one toilet accessible for people with limited mobility. Relying on data from 70 countries, the report showed that sanitation levels in healthcare facilities varied widely between regions, with only 23 percent of facilities in sub-Saharan Africa providing basic services, compared to 55 percent in central and southern Asia. It found there was no sanitation service at more than one in 10 health facilities globally, serving 936 million people. AFP
through his ties with the North’s Kim Jong Un, whom he met three times in his first term but has yet to encounter since his return to the White House. While praising the leader of nucleararmed North Korea, he rebuked key ally Seoul for failing to help Washington fight Iran – a war Trump says is aimed at stopping Tehran from getting an atomic bomb. Pressed about whether Kim had responded to his messages, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office: “Yeah, he
Japan to test hypersonic missiles in Australia under new accord SYDNEY – Japan will conduct tests of hypersonic missiles and other projectiles on Australian soil, the two countries’ defense ministers said on Tuesday as they deepened military cooperation, including with a co-developed laser system. Richard Marles said alongside his counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi in Canberra that the deal would see a “better and enhanced arrangement between Australia and Japan for Japan’s use of our missile ranges over the course of the next decade.” “We have spoken previously about Australia being able to provide strategic depth to Japan across a range of areas, but one of them is the use of our ranges,” Marles said.
Koizumi welcomed the measure. “If the Japan Self-Defense Forces are able to conduct test launches of standoff missiles, such as hypersonic missiles, in Australia, it would be a groundbreaking development,” he said. “We will therefore accelerate discussions toward realizing this objective.” Australia and Japan have increased defense cooperation as they watch a rising China, mindful also of US demands that its regional allies spend more on their militaries. The two countries agreed last year to one of Japan’s biggest defense export deals since World War II, in which Australia will pay Aus$10 billion ($6 billion) over the next 10 years to acquire a fleet of stealth frigates. AFP
ALLIES. Japan’s Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi (right) reacts as he talks with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra on August 18, 2026. AFP
NEWS
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
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PH, Malaysia renew vows for stronger ties By Katrina Manubay
T
HE Philippines and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during the 9th PhilippinesMalaysia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Manila, which covered cooperation in defense and security, trade, labor, digital economy, food and energy security, and people-to-people exchanges.
GESTURE OF GRATITUDE. The Philippine Coast Guard honors outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya Monday for his contributions to strengthening maritime collaboration between the two countries. PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan presents the outstanding achievement awards during the envoy’s farewell visit at the PCG headquarters at Port Area, Manila. Japan Embassy photo
PCG salutes outgoing Japanese ambassador to Manila THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday honored Japanese Ambassador to Manila Endo Kazuya for his contributions to strengthening maritime collaboration between Japan and the Philippines. During a farewell ceremony, PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan presented Endo with the Outstanding Achievement Medal and Ribbon, recognizing Japan’s support to the PCG, including the provision of patrol vessels. Endo expressed hopes that cooperation be-
tween Japan and the Philippines will continue to advance in addressing shared challenges. “I would like to express my deepest respect for the professionalism that the Philippine Coast Guard has shown in handling these issues, challenges, and incidents. Maritime cooperation, security-related cooperation, and other areas of law enforcement will remain among the most important areas of our policy coordination and cooperation with the Philippines,” he said. He emphasized that patrol efforts have not
only improved cooperation in the coast guard field but have also strengthened the strong partnership between Japan and the Philippines. The envoy also praised the cooperative relationship between the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and the PCG, as well as the leadership of Gavan. Gavan acknowledged Endo’s ongoing engagement with the Coast Guard and his role in facilitating initiatives that enhanced the capabilities of PCG personnel in carrying out maritime safety and security operations. Katrina Manubay
In a press statement following the meeting on Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said that she and Malaysian counterpart Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan acknowledged the growing ties of both countries across many sectors. “I also acknowledged the invaluable support of Malaysia in advancing peace in Mindanao, and its continued extension of goodwill in the Bangsamoro,” Lazaro said. “On defense and security, we have acknowledged the growing ties between our armed forces, the ongoing efforts to promote camaraderie among our soldiers, sailors, and airmen, as well as the successful sub-regional cooperation in the form of the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA) among the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia,” she added. Lazaro also said that they discussed the importance of combating transnational crimes, specifically illegal drug trafficking and abuse, noting proposed agreements to enhance law enforcement cooperation and expand intelligence sharing. “On social security and labor cooperation, the Foreign Minister and I had a fruitful exchange on Malaysian labor policies, as well as explored ways to strengthen social protections for migrant workers, including Filipinos who live, work, and contribute meaningfully to the Malaysian economy and society,” Lazaro said. As the Philippines holds the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairship this year, both leaders committed to fostering stable, constructive, and mutually beneficial trade, investment, and economic relations that promote regional resilience and improve people’s lives.
Manileños may have priority in city-run hospital services
IN BRIEF
By Pot Chavez
All set for multilateral 2026 maritime exercise
THE Manila City Council is pushing a measure to prioritize bona fide residents for non-emergency healthcare services in city-run hospitals. The proposed ordinance aims to give local residents priority in outpatient consultations and routine medical procedures in public hospitals across the city. The services include dental checkups and basic laboratory tests in all public hospitals owned and operated by the city government, while ensuring that emergency medical cases remain open to everyone regardless of residency. “I want to commend councilor Jaybee Hizon (for this initiative). Truth be told, I often hear the Manileños complaining that when seeking medical checkups, they have to compete with non-residents of Manila,” Vice Mayor Chi Atienza said. “It is about time that the local residents are the first to enjoy the benefits of the funds and services of the city government,” Atienza said in Filipino. She added that the measure will address public concerns as the city continues to decongest its main hospitals by improving health centers. For his part, Hizon said that while the city takes pride in providing quality medical services, local taxpayers often endure long lines to access basic healthcare needs.. “This measure is tantamount to a major reform in our public policies on health to ensure that our people are taken care of,” Dizon added. With the favorable report from the Committee on Health, the ordinance is set for its third and final reading before its formal enactment.
NATIVE COCOA. Tuao,
Cagayan’s native cocoa wins the bronze medal in the International Chocolate Awards 2026 in Canada, signifying a milestone achievement in the indigenous candy bar’s journey across the global market. Jessica M. Bacud
THE Philippine Navy and its Indian counterpart have finalized preparations for the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) 2026, which will bring together 13 navies across Asia for maritime security and interoperability exercises next month. The final planning conference for the multilateral drill was held Aug. 10 to 12 in Pasay City, led by Philippine Navy Naval Defense Command chief Commo. Lued Lawan Lincuna and Indian Navy commander Commo. Amaninder Singh Sangha co-presiding over the discussions. The exercise is scheduled Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 and will involve navies from India, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, TimorLeste and Brunei. The Philippine and Indian navies will serve as hosts of this year’s exercise, which has for its theme “Anchored in Trust, United at Sea.” Rex Espiritu
Padilla pushes measure amending PH Civil Code
OUTREACH PROJECT. The municipal government of Imus, Cavite, in partnership with the provincial government, holds a humanitarian mission called ‘AAksyon Caravan’ that extended various forms of charitable services to more than 3,000 local residents, including medical check-up and consultation, dental and legal assistance, distribution of wheelchairs and reading glasses, and free haircuts. Dennis Abrina
Tuao chocolate candy bars bag bronze in Canada fest By Jessica Bacud TUAO, Cagayan—Cacao products from this northern town have earned international recognition after a locally produced chocolate bar bagged the bronze medal at the International Chocolate Awards 2026 in Canada. The winning product, with the brand name Tuao Chocolate Bar, scored 87.8 percent in the Micro-batch – Plain/Origin Dark Chocolate Bars category. It was cited for its distinct chocolate flavor with hints of ripe banana, green apple, and grape. The cocoa beans, sourced from NCB Cacao Farm in Tuao, Cagayan owned by provincial administrator lawyer Charo Mamba Villaflor, were praised for their quality, flavor, traceability, and unique fruity profile. The competing bars were processed in Canada as a special release. “This is the start of Tuao chocolate going global. I’m proud that our town is being
recognized. My farm will serve as a reliable source of quality beans and seedlings to help our farmers succeed,” Villaflor said. Villaflor said she aims to do more than just sell beans, and hopes to become a model and supplier of quality seedlings for Tuao farmers. The NCB Farm was supported by the Office of athe Provincial Agriculturist, the Department of Trade and Industry, and the local government unit to ensure proper cultivation and production. Tuao Mayor William Mamba welcomed the recognition, saying it highlights the potentials of local farmers. “This is a proud moment for Tuao. Our farmers have worked hard to produce quality cacao, and now the world is tasting what Cagayan can offer. This award will inspire more Tuaoeños to venture into cacao farming and help boost our local economy,” Mayor Mamba said.
A BILL requiring the online publication of newly enacted Philippine laws on official government websites alongside traditional print releases gained renewed support from Senator Robinhood Padilla. The measure seeks to amend Article 2 of the Civil Code of the Philippines and relevant provisions of the Administrative Code of 1987 to modernize the dissemination of laws in the digital age. “Nowadays, most of our countrymen get their information from the internet. If we want the law to be followed, we must first ensure that it is easy for citizens to see, read, and understand,” Padilla said. Under the bill, newly enacted laws would take effect only after complete publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation, as well as on official government websites. Ram Superable
LTO to wage campaign vs. bogus license plates THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to launch on Sept. 1 a nationwide crackdown on vehicles using fake or improvised license plates imitating the design of government-issued plates. In a press briefing at the LTO headquarters in Quezon City, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said vehicles not authorized to use improvised plates will be impounded, while counterfeit plates will be confiscated. Lacanilao said the agency has observed a rise in the online sale of improvised plates that closely imitate official LTO plates, including the QR code. “As I have said repeatedly, that it prohibited by the LTO. We did not authorize anybody to manufacture improvised plates,” he said.
SPORTS
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
RIERA U. MALLARI, Editor RANDY M. CALUAG, Asst. Editor
Eala stays inside top 20, banks P3.8m despite Cincinnati exit By Jeremiah Sevilla
Alexandra Eala of the Philippines returns a shot against Amanda Anisimova of the United States on Day 7 of the Cincinnati Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. AFP
Obiena sustains resurgence with gold in Poland tourney meeting record,” the 30-year-old two-time Olympian wrote on social media. “Thank you very much Golden Sand, for having me. Happy to finally be back over a 90 bar,” he added. Obiena lorded over the 11-man World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event, with Qatar’s Seifeldin Abdelsalam settling for silver with a distant 5.75m and USA’s Cole Walsh nabbing bronze with 5.70m. The reigning Asian Games champion is continuing to build momentum ahead of his title defense in this year’s continental tilt slated for September 19 to October 4 in Nagoya, Japan. Obiena snared gold in the 2023 Hangzhou edition in China with an Asiad record of 5.90m. Currently ranked No. 13 in the world, Obiena is also looking to break into the top eight to qualify for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship scheduled for September 11 to 13 in Budapest, Hungary. The two-time World Championships medalist and three-time Asian Athletics winner is likewise continuing his qualification campaign for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
By Jeremiah Sevilla
E
RNEST John “EJ” Obiena continued to flex his fine form as he soared to a new season-best jump, claiming another gold medal at the Golden Sand 2026 in Promenada Gwiazd, Międzyzdroje, Poland, early Tuesday (Philippine time).
Sustaining his resurgence, the Filipino pole vault star cleared 5.91 meters to surpass his previous season-high of 5.85m and claim his eighth gold of the year. It was Obiena’s third straight title and fifth overall in the outdoor season after posting backto-back victories in Germany earlier this month. The two-time Olympian reached the 5.90-m mark for the first time since finishing fourth in the Paris Olympics two years ago, while setting a new meeting record at the Golden Sand.
Ernest John Obiena
“I haven’t been up here for some time. 5.91m here in Międzyzdroje for the gold and a new
North dominates best-ball, wrests 3-pt lead in JPGT Finals CAGAYAN DE ORO—Team North showed its class, resolve and championship mettle right from the opening tee, overcoming the so-called homecourt advantage to seize a commanding 7 1/2-4 1/2 lead over Team South in the Four-ball format at the start of the ICTSI North vs South Elite Junior PGT Championship at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club here Tuesday. Playing on unfamiliar turf and against a South squad expected to draw strength from local knowledge, the defending champions instead imposed their will early, taking control of seven of the 12 best-ball matches contested across three age-group divisions. More importantly, the Northerners refused to let the challenging conditions or the home-side advantage disrupt their rhythm, sustaining their pressure through the heat of the midday battles to nearly match their 8-4 opening output they fashioned in last year’s inaugural regional showdown at The Country Club. The message from Team North was unmistakable: they came not merely to defend the title, but determined to dictate the pace from the outset. Zach Guico and Kingston Ching set the tone for the Northerners’ early charge, going 3-up after just seven holes against South’s Ethan Lago and Lucas Revilleza in the boys’ 7-10 division. They never looked back, closing out a convincing 5&4 victory
that immediately put North on the front foot. Zoji Edoc and Kenzo Tan then displayed the composure and fighting spirit that have become the hallmark of the North side. Trailing by one hole at one stage, the pair patiently worked their way back before turning the match around and beating Stephen Clementer and Darren Ong, 3&2, in another boys’ 7-10 duel. Edoc highlighted their victory with a hole-inone on the 80-yard No. 13 using a 54-degree club and a Taylormade TP5 ball. Chan Ahn and Vito Sarines made it three straight for North with an equally emphatic performance in the boys’ 11-14 class. They surged ahead early and never allowed Ken Guillermo and Mico Woo to recover, romping to a 6&4 victory and completing North’s sweep of the first three matches. South finally stemmed the tide when Ralph Batican and Jared Saban fashioned a 4&2 victory over Javie Bautista and Jacob Casuga in the other boys’ 11-14 match. But the setback hardly slowed North’s momentum. The Northerners responded by taking three of the next four matches, sweeping the boys’ 15-18 encounters. They were also poised to dominate girls’ 7-10 duels as conditions grew hotter but Athena Serapio and Jehanne Mendoza blew a 3-up lead, enabling Blake Aguilar and Soleil Molde to force an all-square match, the only face-off that ended in standoff in the day.
Cone: Sotto game-changer for Gilas PH By Randy Caluag
Zach Guico and Kingston Ching Manny Marcelo
PTA kicks off golden anniversary celebration with SMART/MVPSF inter-school tilt THE readiness of the country’s top collegiate jins will be known when the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) stages the 2026 SMART/ MVPSF National Inter-School Taekwondo Championships from Aug. 22 to 23 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. One of the highlights of the PTA’s Golden Anniversary celebration, the tournament features the Kyorugi and Poomsae competitions, with the former to be held this weekend. Poomsae is scheduled for Aug. 30 also at the same venue. PTA Grandmaster Sung-Chon Hong sees fast and exciting matches, especially in the Kyorugi event since the tournament will serve as the final tune-up of the collegiate jins ahead of the opening of their respective leagues. Top-caliber athletes from National University, San Beda, University of Santo Tomas, La Salle, and College of St. Benilde, just to name a few, are expected to participate in the country’s larg-
FILIPINA tennis ace Alexandra “Alex” Eala is expected to stay within the WTA top 20 while pocketing $61,865, or over P3.8 million, despite falling short against world No. 10 Amanda Anisimova, 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, in the third round of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Ohio, United States on Tuesday (Philippine time). The world No. 20 Eala took a gutsy win in the opening set and even went up 2-0 in the decider, but the American star Anisimova displayed ice-cold composure to emerge victorious in the grueling Round of 32 match. “Alex is such a great player and such a fighter so I knew it was gonna be a tough match,” the twotime Grand Slam finalist said after eking out the victory in two hours and 28 minutes. “I’m really proud of my performance for being able to find a way and push myself,” she added. While Eala’s deep runs in recent weeks have pushed her live ranking to a career-high No. 18, other active players still competing in the final rounds of Cincinnati can theoretically leapfrog her point total before the week ends. But she has accumulated enough safe padding (2,166 points) from her recent North American hard-court surge, including her historic breakthrough title at the Mubadala DC Open to comfortably secure her spot in the world’s top 20 going into the US Open. Eala was not able to keep her six-match winning streak alive against top 10 players as her record versus the elite tennisters slid to 9-5. The 17th-seeded Pinay lefty was coming off a dominant 6-1, 3-0 win against Romania’s ElenaGabriela Ruse, who retired due to an injury. With her Cincinnati campaign now over, Eala now sets her sights on the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year, where she is expected to make a second straight appearance in the main draw slated August 30 to September 13. Anisimova, for her part, advanced to the fourth round (Round of 16) to face reigning Wimbledon champion and No. 8 Linda Noskova of Czech Republic, who swept Clara Tauson of Denmark, 7-6(3), 6-2, in their third-round clash earlier. Eala fought through a nip-and-tuck battle in the opening set, coming out on top of a taxing fifth game that had 13 deuces to take a 3-2 lead. Anisimova struck the first break point to snatch a 4-3 advantage, but Eala roared back with three straight games built on two break points to close out the hour-long opener.
A player in blue armor defends against a roundhouse kick by a rival. (PTA photo)
est inter-school tournament, which has the full backing of the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, SMART, MVP Sports Foundation, and MILO. The opening ceremony on Aug. 22 will also mark the start of the association’s Golden Anniversary celebration, with a special commemorative program honoring five decades of excellence in Philippine taekwondo. To culminate the much-awaited event, the PTA will host a Golden Anniversary Gala Dinner also on Saturday at the Grand Ballroom, Coral Wing, Okada Manila. It will be attended by government officials, sports leaders, international taekwondo dignitaries, and members of the Philippine taekwondo community. Grandmaster Hong also affirmed the association’s commitment to developing world-class athletes and advancing the sport of taekwondo in the Philippines.
KAI Sotto’s much-awaited return to Gilas Pilipinas has given head coach Tim Cone renewed confidence as the national team prepares for two crucial games in the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers later this month. “No doubt, he is a game-changer for us. No doubt, I feel like a better coach with him in the fold,” Cone said, as quoted by multiple sources. The 7-foot-3 center joined Gilas’ opening practice ahead of its matches against Jordan on Aug. 28 and Iran on Aug. 30. “We had our first day of practice, and it was great, especially because Kai joined us in practice,” Cone said. “He is taking a break from his schedule to play for us in the FIBA window.” Sotto last suited up for the Kai Sotto FIBA national team during the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in January 2025. The injury sidelined the Filipino big man for an extended period, making his return a welcome development for a Gilas squad facing what Cone described as a make-or-break stretch in the qualifiers. “It’s a do-or-die situation, and we’re extremely happy that he responded to the call,” Cone said. Sotto’s height, rim protection and ability to score inside give Gilas an imposing presence in the paint against Jordan and Iran, two of Asia’s established basketball powers. His return also provides Cone with greater flexibility in his rotations as the Philippines tries to strengthen its position in the Asian qualifiers. Meanwhile, naturalized player Justin Brownlee is nearing his return after missing Gilas’ final game in the previous window and the early part of Barangay Ginebra’s campaign in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
BUSINESS
B1
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
WHAT’S INSIDE?
2.48% Industrial lot vacancy in Q2
4.2%
Robinsons Land eyes logistics REIT
B2
Industrial lot vacancy in Q1
AFAB LEAGUE. Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) administrator and chief executive Hussein
Pangandaman (eighth from left) and Percival Perelta, head of the Office of the Administrator, flash the AFAB sign as they open on Aug. 17, 2026 the new phase of the annual sports event in the Freeport. The FAB Sports League (FSL) team participants will compete in the various games of the FSL such as men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, pickleball and golf. Joseph Muego
Nestlé, DA to boost PH coffee output
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Australia’s Kairos group eyes PH hub
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Planned industrial lots
Industrial lot vacancy falls to 2.48%
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NDUSTRIAL lot vacancy in the Philippines fell to 2.48 percent in the second quarter of 2026 from 4.2 percent in the first quarter, as foreign investment pledges reached P140.7 billion and Metro Manila’s office market staged a cautious, selective recovery, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s Q2 2026 Philippine MarketBeat report.
The report described a market shaped by selectivity rather than retreat, with capital and occupiers concentrating on well-located, energy-efficient and future-ready assets, widening the gap between prime and non-prime stock. The industrial segment delivered the quarter’s clearest signal of structural strength. Vacancy across roughly 9,400 hectares of industrial lots dropped
sharply on strong manufacturing investment and steady plot take-up. CALABA (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas) logged the tightest vacancy at 3.20 percent, led by demand in Batangas and Laguna, while Central Luzon’s 8 percent reflected supply expansion rather than softening demand. Foreign investment pledges reinforced the trend, reaching P140.7 billion in total commitments. Manufac-
Meralco restores power to nearly all customers hit by bad weather
turing accounted for 45 percent of the total, logistics 15 percent and ecozone developments 9 percent. The logistics and small-to-medium factory building segment proved particularly resilient, led by e-commerce growth, nearshoring and the decentralization of distribution networks beyond Metro Manila. Roughly 860 hectares of industrial supply are planned over the next three to four years, with the overall supply-tostock ratio near 4 percent, a pipeline the report said signals demand-led rather than speculative development. Cushman & Wakefield Philippines investment, logistics and industrial services manager David Pastrana said take-up of available industrial plots remained steady, reflecting the strength of foreign investment com-
TRANSPORT INITIATIVES.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez meets with Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay on Aug. 5, 2026 to discuss transport projects that will help boost the country’s tourism sector and encourage local and international visitors to discover the Philippines’ tourist gems. Lopez cites updates on ongoing and upcoming airport and seaport projects, including Siargao Airport, Benoni Port in Mahinog, Camiguin Island and Port of Jubang in Dapa, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
By Alena Mae S. Flores MANILA Electric Co. (Meralco) said Tuesday it has restored power to nearly all customers affected by outages caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat which brought heavy rain and flooding to its franchise area. It said that as of 9 a.m. Tuesday, the number of customers without power had fallen to 2,000 from 10,000 reported on Aug. 17, most of them affected by flooding. The majority of the remaining outages are in Cavite and Quezon provinces. Meralco vice-president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said crews were working around the clock to complete the restoration. “Our crews and field personnel are working overtime to address concerns and safely restore power in areas affected by the Habagat. Rest assured that we will not stop until service is restored to the last affected customer,” Zaldarriaga said. The company said it is closely monitoring weather conditions after the state weather bureau forecast that rains would persist through the week. Meralco, through its One Meralco Foundation (OMF), also mobilized employee volunteers for relief efforts in communities hit hardest by the Habagat. The foundation has assisted more than 1,400 families in Bulacan and Cavite provinces. The company reminded the public to observe electrical safety measures, particularly in areas affected by flooding and severe weather. It advised customers to stay away from downed power lines and electrical facilities, especially those that may have been damaged or submerged in floodwater. Once floodwaters recede, customers should remove mud and dirt from service equipment or the main circuit breaker or fuse and its enclosure using rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes. Customers should not turn on flood-damaged appliances and should have licensed electricians inspect appliances and wiring before using them again, the utility said.
860 hectares
MPIC to study MRT-3 PPP terms before investment By Darwin G. Amojelar METRO Pacific Investments Corp. chairman Manuel Pangilinan said the company will study the terms of the proposed MRT-3 Capacity Expansion, Operations and Maintenance Public-Private Partnership before deciding whether to pursue the project. Pangilinan said MPIC would first need to determine whether the project offers terms conducive to investment, particularly regarding financial viability, when asked about the company’s potential interest in the MRT-3 PPP. “That’s difficult to answer. Naturally, the board will ask you: you’re
already losing money on the first one, so what makes the number three different? Why would you want to double down on something that’s losing money?” Pangilinan said. MPIC operates the LRT Line 1 through subsidiary Light Rail Manila Corp. and previously submitted an unsolicited proposal to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for the operations and maintenance of MRT-3. “We have to know the terms of MRT-3, whether it is conducive,” Pangilinan said. The DOTr earlier said at least 26 Japanese firms expressed interest in investment opportunities under the
MRT-3 Capacity Expansion, Operations and Maintenance PPP during a market-sounding activity in Tokyo. The government now fully owns the MRT-3 system’s assets following the expiration of the build-leasetransfer agreement between the government and Metro Rail Transit Corp. on July 15, 2025. The government operated MRT3 prior to the transfer of the assets, while Metro Rail Transit Corp., owned by Metro Rail Transit Holdings II Inc. and led by businessman Robert John Sobrepeña, was responsible for the design and construction of the EDSA rail transit system.
mitments and demand from high-value occupiers. “Take-up of available industrial plots remained steady, reflecting the strength of foreign investment commitments and demand from high-value occupiers—increasingly defined by build-to-suit, energy-efficient and powered-land specifications,” Pastrana said. Cushman & Wakefield Philippines tenant advisory services director Ivan Talita said several constraints will shape the pace of expansion. “Persistent geopolitical tensions, elevated input costs, a depreciated peso, prolonged high interest rates and unresolved power, infrastructure and talent challenges remain critical to the continued progress of various development nodes,” Talita said.
PSALM secures P155-b loan from LandBank By Thony Rose Lesaca LAND Bank of the Philippines said Tuesday it signed a P155-billion bilateral term loan facility with the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) and onboarded the state agency to its Link.BizPortal digital payment platform. LandBank will serve as sole lender and arranger for the facility, giving PSALM greater financial flexibility to sustain critical energy obligations, the bank said. Link.BizPortal will provide electric cooperatives, power companies and other authorized payors a secure online channel to settle Universal Charges, streamlining nationwide collections while enhancing operational efficiency, transparency and accountability. The agreement builds on nearly two decades of partnership between LandBank and PSALM in advancing the country’s power sector reform program. The bank has provided significant financial backing in recent years, including syndicated term loans of P110.0 billion in 2024 and P100.0 billion in 2025. LandBank president and chief executive Lynette Ortiz and PSALM president and chief executive Dennis Edward Dela Serna led the ceremonial signing of the loan agreement and digital onboarding on Aug. 4 at LandBank Plaza in Manila.
Cebu businessmen asked to look at East Asia By Minerva Newman
EMPLOYEE SAFETY. Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines Inc. (PCPPI), the exclusive bottler of PepsiCo beverages in the country, reinforces its commitment to employee safety and preparedness through a disaster and typhoon preparedness webinar on July 28, 2026. The webinar brought together PCPPI Bravehearts nationwide and provided practical guidance on understanding disaster risks, preparing for emergencies, staying informed and responding effectively during natural disasters.
CEBU business leaders should look beyond the local market and tap opportunities in East Asia, according to a regional .group East Asia Business Council (EABC) chair Jay Yuvallos invited members of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Philexport Cebu and other Cebu business groups to two back-to-back conferences in September focused on the next big shifts in trade and investment. The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) will hold the 24th MAP International CEO Conference on Sept. 8 under the theme
“In the Age of Flux: Next Inflection Points.” The conference will gather business executives, policymakers and innovators to discuss how technology, geopolitics, demographics and changing consumer behavior are reshaping companies. The EABC will hold its inaugural RCEP Business and Investment Summit on Sept. 9, titled “Business in the RCEP Economy: Competing, Connecting and Scaling Across East Asia.” The summit will focus on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the world’s largest free trade bloc, and how Philippine firms, including those in Cebu’s export, manufacturing and services sectors, can expand across East Asia.
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
BUSINESS
B2 Manila
Standard
TODAY
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com
Robinsons Land eyes logistics for REIT R By Jenniffer B. Austria
OBINSONS Land Corp. sees scope to infuse additional assets into its listed real estate investment trust, RL Commercial REIT Inc., with logistics emerging as the next major growth phase.
Kerwin Max Tan, RLC chief financial, risk, and compliance officer, said while the property developer still holds a substantial inventory of malls and offices eligible for transfer to RCR, logistics represents the next stage.
“Right now, we’re still focused on malls because we still have a huge number,” Tan said during the Philippine Stock Exchange STAR Investor Day forum. Tan noted that RLC has infused only about 45 percent of its mall
portfolio and 60 percent of its office portfolio into RCR, leaving a sizable pool of income-generating properties available for future transfers. Logistics properties could eventually join the REIT, though Tan noted the timing depends on market maturity. While RLC’s logistics business remains young, he compared its current trajectory to the early development of the local office sector a decade ago. Hotels offer another potential asset class, though inclusion will depend on sustained recovery in the tourism sector. RLC currently operates 15 industrial, logistics, and warehouse
facilities, alongside 27 hotels and resorts spanning 10 brands. RCR’s portfolio has expanded from an office-heavy footprint into a balanced mix of retail malls and offices. The ongoing asset infusion plan is central to RLC’s capital recycling program, which unlocks capital from mature assets while securing recurring rental revenue for RCR. Separately, RLC stated it has no plans to issue securities this year or next, relying instead on approximately P8 billion in free cash flow to fund capital investments, debt servicing, and dividend payouts.
Kerwin Max Tan, RLC chief financial
Career Opportunity in Hitachi Asia Ltd.
Position title: Sales Manager Vacancy (1) Job Description:
Sales Producer & Creator
Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training):
Support business development and sales activities for Water & Environment solutions, including water recycling, wastewater treatment, and related technologies. Conduct market research and customer analysis to identify business opportunities and strategic leads. Take the lead in building relationships with Japanese clients and stakeholders. Support participation in exhibitions, seminars, and customer events. Prepare sales materials, review of technical proposals, and tender documentation in coordination Proficient in Japanese language, written and spoken.
Applications may be sent to: Name of Company HR: Marichris Lim Email address: marichris.lim.vn@hitachi.com Company/ Employer
Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position
Company Name:
Name: Miyuki Watanuki (Tomosaki)
Hitachi Asia Ltd.
Address: Makati City
Complete address:
Nationality: Japanese
Unit 8, 11/F Zuellig Bldg., Corner Makati Avenue & Paseo De Roxas Makati City
Intended period of employment: one (1) year/s
Nature of business: a corporation organized under the laws of Singapore. It is licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under SEC License No. AFO93-00026 dated 12 August 1996 to engage in the business of importation, exportation and whole sale distribution of products and equipment for power generation, electric power transmission, substation, industrial plant, oil and gas, transportation, and other similar projects, products and equipment for electrical, electronics, electromechanical industries, automotive and high functional materials, digital media and consumer goods, components and devices, construction machinery and information technology solutions.. Hitachi Asia Ltd. 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. 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
Career Opportunity in HCL TECHNOLOGIES PHILIPPINES, INC. Position title: Senior Technical Software Engineer l Vacancy (1)
MERALCO-PNP TIE-UP. Manila Electric Co. and the Philippine National Police reaffirmed their commitment to combatting electricity theft and the pilferage of power distribution equipment. From left: Police Col. Joseph Adelbert Aliño, Police Col. Laudemer Llaneta, Police Brig. Gen. Manuel Abrugena, Meralco SVP and head of Networks Froilan Savet, Revenue Assurance and Metering Services head Marvin Gonsalves, and Central Distribution Services head Jason Calsas met to prevent theft of electrical facilities, electric meters, and power lines.
Job Description: • •
Overall Release management for Digital experience and Connections which includes planning, coordinating, and overseeing the deployment of software releases to ensure they are delivered on time, within scope, and with minimal risk. Work with development, testing, operations, and business teams to manage release schedules, resolve deployment issues, and ensure smooth production rollouts.
Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): •
Bachelor of Engineering(IT) , Post Graduate Diploma in Management( Systems) Applications may be sent to: Name of Company HR: BLANCA GRACE VILA Email address: blancagrace.vila@hcltech.com Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position
Company/ Employer Company Name: HCL Technologies Philippines, Inc.
Name: Namrata Das Address: Mandaluyong City Nationality: Indian Intended period of employment: Two (2) year/s
Complete address: 6TH FLOOR, SCIENCE HUB TOWER 4 CAMPUS AVENUE CORNER TURIN STREET, MCKINLEY HILL CYBERPARK FORT BONIFACIO, TAGUIG CITY Nature of business: A domestic corporation primarily engaged in the business of providing information technology and business process outsourcing services to clients around the world and in the Philippines
HCL Technologies Philippines, Inc. 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 Employment Bureau of Local Employment 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave. Intramuros, Manila 1002.
Career Opportunity in HCL TECHNOLOGIES PHILIPPINES, INC. Position title: Deputy General Manager Vacancy (1)
Dutch firm buys stake in ACEN’s India wind project By Alena Mae S. Flores ACEN Corp. announced Tuesday that a Dutch investment firm is acquiring a stake in its wind project in India, aligning with the company’s international expansion and capital recycling strategy. ACEN disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange that its subsidiary, Unlimited Renewables Holdings B.V., signed a securities subscription and purchase agreement with Diamond India Renewables One B.V., known as DIRO. The companies also signed a shareholders’ agreement with UPC Renewables India Management Private Ltd. regarding DIRO’s acquisition of up to 49 percent of Avana Renewables Private Ltd. The transaction will close in stages, starting with DIRO acquiring an initial 10 percent voting interest in Avana, which is
developing a 20-megawatt wind project in Karnataka, India. Closing the deal remains subject to contractual and customary regulatory conditions, ACEN said. In June, Unlimited Renewables Holdings and Amsa Solar Holdco Pte. Ltd. — an entity under ACEN’s joint venture with UPC Renewables for India projects — executed agreements with DIRO to acquire up to 49 percent of Tejorupa Renewables India Project Private Ltd., which is constructing a 250 MW solar project in Rajasthan, India. ACEN has an attributable capacity of approximately 7.5 gigawatts. “We expect to continue to grow, but we will be very, very disciplined about the projects that we bring into the portfolio in terms of their return requirements,” said Jonathan Back, ACEN group chief finance officer and chief strategy officer.
Job Description: • • • •
Maintains information technology strategies. Researches and implements technological strategic solutions. Maintains organization’s effectiveness and efficiency by defining and delivering strategic plans for implementing information technologies. Onboard New Projects
Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): •
Graduate Degree, Delhi University, India Applications may be sent to: Name of Company HR: BLANCA GRACE VILA Email address: blancagrace.vila@hcltech.com Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position
Company/ Employer Company Name: HCL Technologies Philippines, Inc. Complete address: 6TH FLOOR, SCIENCE HUB TOWER 4 CAMPUS AVENUE CORNER TURIN STREET, MCKINLEY HILL CYBERPARK FORT BONIFACIO, TAGUIG CITY
Name: Sandeep Kumar Address: Mandaluyong City Nationality: Indian Intended period of employment: Two (2) year/s
Nature of business: A domestic corporation primarily engaged in the business of providing information technology and business process outsourcing services to clients around the world and in the Philippines HCL Technologies Philippines, Inc. 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 Employment Bureau of Local Employment 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave. Intramuros, Manila 1002.
Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Position Title: Lead Product Support Engineer Delivery Job Description: a) Lead the design, configuration, and optimization of cloud contact center processes, including IVR, live chat, skill‑based routing, and integrations to support client requirements. b) Implement and maintain contact center technologies such as CRMs, telecommunications systems, workforce management, and quality management tools to ensure seamless operations. c) Evaluate operational KPIs, configure reporting solutions, and deliver actionable insights through custom reports and automated data delivery processes. d) Ensure adherence to solutioning standards, security protocols, and data protection policies while conducting solution testing and supporting UAT.
Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): • Experienced in designing, configuring, and implementing cloud contact center processes including IVR, live chat, skill‑based routing, and system integrations. • Participates in defining solution requirements and translating client needs into customized workflows, forms, and applications. • Skilled in IVR scripting, CRM systems, telecommunications, outbound campaigns, workforce and quality management, and reporting tools. • Understands operational KPIs; evaluates reporting needs; develops configurable reports and automated data delivery processes. • Adheres to solutioning standards, security, and data protection policies; conducts testing and supports UAT.
San Miguel power arm posted P32-b first-half income SAN Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. reported a 7 percent decline in consolidated net income for the first half of 2026 to P32.15 billion from P34.57 billion in the same period last year. Consolidated revenues for the first six months reached P101.86 billion, up 27 percent from 2025. Revenue growth was driven by new power supply agreements (PSAs) covering a combined contracted capacity of 1,140 megawatts from the Mariveles, Masinloc, and San Roque hydroelectric power plants, which took effect in June, August, and September 2025, respectively. Revenues also reflected contributions from reserve market sales of five battery energy storage system facilities that began operating in 2025, along with previously unrecognized recoveries of incremental power supply costs incurred in 2022. These gains were partially offset by lower revenues from the Ilijan and Batangas power plants — which contributed one
month of revenue in 2025 before their deconsolidation in January 2025 — and the Sual and Limay plants, following the expiration of PSAs with select distribution utilities in January 2026 and the first half of 2025, respectively. Lower spot market sales also weighed on results. Selling and administrative expenses rose 17 percent to P4.64 billion from P3.98 billion, driven by incremental operating costs from the five BESS facilities and higher personnel expenses. Consolidated income from operations surged 90 percent to P41.97 billion, buoyed by improved margins on contracted capacities, higher reserve market contributions from BESS facilities, and the recovery of past power supply costs. Interest expense and other financing charges rose 9 percent to P12.82 billion due to higher interest on Sual Power Inc.’s short-term loans and new long-term borrowings drawn by San Miguel Global Power in 2026. Alena Mae S. Flores
PH stocks rise on late bargain-hunting PHILIPPINE shares edged higher Tuesday as late bargain hunting helped the benchmark index eke out a 0.05 percent gain. The peso slipped against the U.S. dollar, closing at 61.785 from 61.495 on Monday. The Philippine Stock Exchange index rose 2.90 points to 6,264.70, while the broader all shares index gained 0.23 percent, or 7.95 points, to 3,440.82. “The Philippine equities staged a late-session recovery, reversing a midday slump,” First Metro Securities Brokerage Corp. said. “After testing the support near 6,200, buyers stepped in to absorb selling pressure sparked by Wall Street’s overnight weakness and broader risk-off sentiment,” it added. Trading remained mixed, with 100 advancers against 102 decliners and 53 issues unchanged. Total value turnover reached P5.8 billion. Mining and oil stocks led sectoral gains, climbing 1.58 percent, followed by industrial stocks, which advanced 0.78 percent. Property and services also posted modest gains of 0.43 percent and 0.04 percent, respectively. Financials slipped 0.07 percent, while holding firms fell 0.18 percent. Analysts said investors remained focused on global developments, particularly geopolitical risks and their potential impact on oil prices, inflation, and interest rates. Ayala Land Inc. was the top index gainer, rising 2.9 percent to P15.62, while Jollibee Foods Corp. was the primary laggard, dropping 2.82 percent to P155.Jenniffer B. Austria
Applications may be sent to: PH_QC_EASTW_ MULTILINGUAL@concentrix.com 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
Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name: Kiruthika Chandrasekaran Address: Sta. Rosa City, Laguna Nationality: Indian 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.
SAGIP CARINDERIA. Solane has partnered with the Philippine Association of Sari-Sari Store and Carinderia Owners to launch “Sagip Karinderia,” a nationwide program aimed at helping small food businesses lower operating costs, improve safety practices, and build more resilient livelihoods. The initiative focuses on kitchen safety, LPG emergency response, and cost-efficient LPG use to support the daily operations and longterm sustainability of small food vendors. CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
BUSINESS
B3
Man a
Manila Standard Standard TODAY TODAY
TODAY
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com
SCN SCNFORM FORMNO NO.1 1 R(R.A. A NO NO.9139 9139)
A Authenticated B Birth h C Certificate/s fi PSA of petitioner’s child/children (issued by PSA); C Certified ACR o or C d C Certificate/s fis on Energy true copy ACR 1-Card of petitioner’s child/ LOG STB ofCS HUB Env children (issued by BI);
naugurates ts Nat ona D str but on Center n the Ph pp nes mark ng D Duty notarized F Financial C Capacity p AffiAffidavit of a mm Affiestone n expand ts oca Affidavit of ofng the petitioner, or S Support from the person financially supporting petitioner, if petitioner is either supp y cha n and fecyc e serv ce w w w m a student, a new graduate, spouse or war cities without income or a candidate m m w who has nowown income. m m for a government licensure exam, In addition, submit: capab t es 1 500 square meter B Bank C Certifications w(two The m must CYAN (1)* are required: [1] said bank certifications p past six fac ty serves the company indicate the present balance andas [2] average daily balanceo forsh the mon h C Certificate of EmEmployment m P Proof of R Registration months); (2)* ifmemployed or og st cs hub for stor C Company m centra mngalso the latest of if doing business (if doing business, please submit G GIS S G(General m S w w m S and manag ng hwhich ma or submitted w nd turb ne Information Sheet) was to the Securities and E Exchange C Commission mm SEC finfinancial n m n m (SEC)nd and the statements of the company, w which w components m BR mmed Pand a ong wgovernment th um (3)*Proof was submitted to the BIR/appropriate agency]; OwOwnership of R Real P Property/ies such as condominium, m m etc.; and ifwowner of m sma s zed w spare parts m P Ow
C Certified true copy of NBCR o of p petitioner’s on BTBT); NBCR/s child/children (issued also by
REPUBL C OF L PP NES REPUBLIC OFTHE THEPH PHILIPPINES SPEC AL COMM TTEE ON ZAT ON SPECIAL COMMITTEE ONNATURAL NATURALIZATION
NIN THE MATTER OFOF THE PET T ON OFOF THE MATTER THE PETITION YASH SOKHAL YASH SOKHAL oto b be n naturalized u d as F Filipino p no citizen n pupursuant u n oto R Republic pub A Act NoNo. 9139. SCN CASE NONO. 000981 SCN CASE x - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - x PET T ON PETITION
Man a
Standard
TODAY
P Pursuant to the provisions of R Republic A Act N No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits m m a citizen of the R Republic of the P Philippines a petition for naturalization to become and respectfully declares:
Nestlé, DA vow to boost local coffee production N
of motor vehicle, proof of ownership of the same (4) Proof of Ownership of other property/ies, such as shares of stock, insurance, etc. N Note: If petitioner is relying on support from m another person, the said person m must also submit m the above-mentioned m m documents. N Note: If petitioner is already a graduate but unemployed, m m a notarized submit ffiaffidavit of w what petitioner is currently preoccupied w with.
NOTICE NOTICEOF OFDISSOLUTION DISSOLUTION
M My full name m YASH SOKHAL w since childhood 1. is YASH SOKHAL , but I have also been known m NA asN A N/A or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) N/A .
L Latestn Income om T TaxR Returns u n TR um n m(must show w the M My present place of residence is 34-I, TOWER B B, PEARLPLACE CONDO PEARL (ITR)nd andT TaxDoDocuments 2. TOWER PEARL PLACE CONDO., PEARL m BR R Revenue)] for the past three DRDRIVE, VE BRGY SAN ANTON O M Municipality ofPAS G P Province ofNCR m my receiving stamp of the BIRB(Bureau of Internal BRGY. SAN ANTONIO PASIG NCR and all mhim/her, w with P Proof oo o of m (3) years of the petitioner or of the person supporting former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) P Payment m n of said taxes (such asffiofficial receipts, alphalist, etc.) N Note: If petitioner ismemployed in a mfamily-owned w m m TRITR W M company, the company’s (2018-2024) 2271 18-J KRISTINEVILLE TOWNHOMES, CAGAYAN ST., BRGY. 881 , ZONE 97, m P Proof of P Payment m T Taxes m must also be submitted, m M MANILA and the company’s of aside STA. ANA, m the submission m wownTRITR and tax documents m P Proof of C UN B C RANC CO BRG KA AWAN MAKA C from of petitioner’s and 1208 C UNIT I-B C. FRANCISCO ST., BRGY. KASILAWAN, MAKATI CITY P Payment m m S G(General Information m ofT Taxes.N Note:T The company’s latestG GIS S Sheet),w whichw was submitted m mm to theS Securities andE ExchangeC Commission SEC m m w which w was submitted m OCTOBER MANDALUYONG C TY (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, to the 3. wI was born on OCTOBER 18, 1996, in MANDALUYONG CITYP Philippines. B RBIR/appropriate government m m m P A m agency, must also be submitted. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or ND A subject of INDIA D Duly notarizedAffid d b nd n d Affidavitso of at leastwo two (2) credible andd disinterested w witnesses n w whom must beF Filipino citizens (preferably natural-born citizens m PARV NDER KUMAR SOKHAL w was born on 4.M My father's name is PARVINDER KUMAR SOKHAL and he P mm m NOVEMBER A H He is a citizen or subject ofND A M My m mother's of the Philippines), of good repute in their community, and have no criminal NOVEMBER 14, 1966 inND INDIA. INDIA. m N NationalB Bureau of InvestigationNB m AN TA RAN SOKHAL w was born onANUARY A recordNo(Note: submit (NBI) clearance of name is ANITA RANI SOKHAL and she JANUARY 7, 1973, inND INDIA. w witnesses; also submit m a copy of theDID w which the character w witness S She is a citizen or subject ofND A character INDIA. ffi No w m must attest used in the notarization of the affidavit) [Note: character witness ffi w AL in the affidavit: (a) that he/she has known petitioner for at least 10 years or 5.M My trade, business, profession or wlawful occupation isCOMMERC COMMERCIAL m morem(must also indicate how w he/she got acquaintedw with the petitioner); D RECTOR m w which I derive an average annual income m of 2,200,000.00, DIRECTOR and from w he/shem minglesw with mm w M w (b) the goodm moral character of the petitioner (and how inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, F Filipinos and the society); (c) that in his/herwown opinion, petitioner has all the w N A m w business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an m a citizen of the P Philippines and none of the m N A qualifications necessary to become average annual income of N/A. disqualifications provided for bywlaw); Wh dodoes nonotpp m m the requirement m (Whereh thebo above apply): Imam exempt from of M d fi m agogovernment nm n hohospital p m submitting m m MedicalC Certificate from stating that petitioner lucrative trade or occupation and from income tax returns for the m m mental alienation, or a user of prohibited drugs or is not suffering from past three (3) years because Imam a college degree holder [please state (1) w w with acquired NESS ADM NSTRAT ON MAMAJOR OR NINEXPORT otherwise a drug dependent, and that he/she is notfflafflicted degree obtained:BSBSBUS BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION EXPORT mm m A(AIDS) DS or any incurable contagious disease MANAGEMENT m NT immune deficiency syndrome MANAGEMENT (2) name of school:DEDELALASALLE SALLECOLLEGE COLLEGEOFOFSASAINT w N P BEN LDE and (3) years graduated: 2016w] who cannot practice m my profession [please attach the following to the certificate: (1) Neuro-Psychiatric BENILDE E EvaluationR Report (from m a duly licensed psychiatristw(who is am medical w which requires a government m m (the practice of licensure examination) by reason T Test R Results for D Drugs T Test and m my citizenship. doctor), not a psychologist); (2) Laboratory of HV T Teat, and, (3) other laboratory test’sN(Note: all laboratory tests m must also HIV m a government m M N A w m N A N A M w conducted from hospital)]; 6. My civil status is N/A, I was married on N/A in N/A. My wife's/husband's N Note:P Petitioners for naturalization are required to have theirm medical m isN A w was born on in NA NA S She/he is a citizen or subject name N/A and she/he N/A in N/A m m NA examination/diagnostic procedures conducted in a government hospital of N/A and presently residesN AN/A. or facility, and notm merely hospitals or facilitiesw which are accredited by the m T m m m m m m m w government. The mere fact that the government hospital or facility is not near 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per w work of petitioner is not a valid reason for petitioner m NA NA the residence or place of decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate m medical examination m m w w w andm my not to have said or diagnostic procedure conducted in a the particular courtw which granted the same). Imam w a widower/widow m N Note: m m medical certificate NA NA government hospital or facility. It must be clear in the spouse died on N/A in N/A. and the diagnostic/laboratory test results that the subject of saidm medical m N A w m examination or diagnostic/laboratory test is the petitioner. 8. I have N/ANOchild/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and SCN w 11 SCN FORM NO 1 SCNFORM FORM NO. residences are(issued as follows: A Authenticated B Birth hw C Certificate/s fi PSA C D pDiploma om child/children nd T Transcript n p(issued o of R Records oPSA); d of Authenticated Birth Certificate/s of petitioner’sR child/children by PSA); A NO by R A NO 9139 Certified true copy with school sealofofpetitioner’s the and (R.A. NO.9139 9139) N Name m D Date of B Birth P Place of B Birth R Residence m petitioner m from the school’sohe orC shed attended from in the PC the C Certificate/s fi to and/or ofgraduated NA NA NA NA m copyHofACR S School C College) Certified tr ACR o C d C fi CertifiedEtrue ACR or and 1-Card petitioner’s child/ N/A N/A N/A N/A Philippines (Elementary, High B BI); N Note: m C fi on m B children (issued isby If petitioner still a student, please submit a Certification from the school w where he/she is currently attending, stating his/her year level, that he/she is currently m my primary m m the following w C NBCR o p on BT 9. I received and secondary education from public m mBT);a C NBCR o p on BT enrolled Certifiedtherein, true copy ofplease NBCR/s ofproof petitioner’s child/children (issued also and attach of petitioner’s enrollment therein and by submit D m schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of certification as to themamountFof tuition fee and other required school feesAffi paid (such as E Education,C Culture andS SportsDECS w whereP Philippine history, government m D Affi C p (DECS), D Affi F C p Affi C OF THE PH L PP NES m ffiofficial Duty notarized Affidavitm Financial Capacity of the petitioner, or Affidavit of REPUBL receipt/s, certificate ofofmatriculation, etc.) w where REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES OF as THE PHILIPPINES S Support m the and civics are REPUBLIC taught and prescribed part of the school curriculum and N m and S m from person financially supporting petitioner, if petitioner either Note: if petitioner nowown income is relying on another for is support, m mCOMM SPEC TTEE ZAT ON w has w war w without m person enrollment isAL not to any race orON nationality: SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON NATURALIZATION mcities m income w w w SPECIAL m limited COMMITTEE ONNATURAL NATURALIZATION a student, afinancially new graduate, spouse or or a candidate the person supporting petitioner must as to m m w who has nowownsubmit m certifications m the NIN THE MATTER OFOF THE PET mamount m mw wTHE m m T ON OFOF IN THE MATTER OF THE PETITION OF for a government licensure exam, income. In addition, submit: MATTER THE PETITION of tuition and other required school fees paid by said person for the Name of School Place of School Dates of Study Highest Grade Completed B Bank C Certificationsw(two are required: m must YASH SOKHAL m [1] said B C w m YASH SOKHAL (1)* bank certifications YASH SOKHAL education of his/her other dependents (example: the tuition and required o forhother p past oto bOBbe n naturalized u do as hF Filipino pp no STA.citizen MONTESSORI ANA,nMANILA 2003-2009 GRADUATED to be naturalized as Filipino citizen indicate theofpresent balance and [2] financially average daily balance the six school fees the children of the person supporting petitioner). mon h C Certificate of EmEmployment m P Proof of R Registration pum u n oR NoNo. 9139. mon h C Em m P pub R A Act pursuant to Republic Act No. 9139. months); (2)* ifmemployed or pursuant OB MONTESSORIto Republic STA. ANA, MANILA 2009-2013 GRADUATED C Company m C Certified w with D pDiploma, om Tplease n submit pm o of Ralso o the d latest o or C m m of if doing business (if doing business, true copy school seal of the Transcript Records, CASE NONO. 000981 G GIS S fiG(General m S Sheet) w was submitted m S Securities and SCN CASEaNO. 000981 C on (ifInformation m wthewhich MALATE, MANILASCN 2013-2016 COLLEGE GRADUATE GS G m S w w DE LAmSALLE COLLEGE OF SST. BENILDE SCN CASE to the from school’s enrolled in, Man E Certification C Commission mm applicable) nd finfinancial n attended mby,n currently m Manila m SEC mofmust x - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - x E C mm SEC nd h fin nx - - - - m - -m- -n- - - - - -- - w--m- - - - - - x F Exchange andh the the company, graduated from by(SEC) petitioner’s child childrenstatements [the school’s either w w and/or w m B R m P be 10. I m am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following DEPED w w m BR P which schools was submitted toeducational the BIR/appropriate agency]; (3)*Proof public orR private institutionsgovernment duly recognized by the DEPED P Philippines: NA PET T ON PETITION Ow P m m w dialects of the N/A. PETITION D(Department m EofEducation), w where P Philippine m etc.;and Ow R P m m w of Ownership Real Property/ies such ashistory, condominium, andcivics if owner of government are m motor vehicle, mm (4) Pw Proof of OwOwnership m m w P the provisions Owm m of P mPursuant R A N No. 9139, petitioner hereby m of proof ofwownership of curriculum the same of Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits taught and prescribed as part of the school and where enrollment is not w submits 11. I havetoenrolled my minorRepublic childrenAct of schoolRage in the following public mlimited m P other property/ies, such as shares of stock, insurance, etc. a petition for naturalization to become a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines to any race or nationality); D m a petitionorforprivate naturalization to become a citizen the Republic theDepartment Philippines NN Note: If petitioner m another educational institutions dulyofrecognized byofthe m isCarelying fi ononsupport m from w where N m schools person, the said person and respectfully declares: (Note: please submit Certification from the school said child/children is/ E C S DECS w P H m and respectfully declares: m must also submit m the above-mentioned m m ofmEducation, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government m m m currently attending, stating his/her yeardocuments. level,mthat he/she ismcurrently enrolled m w where N are andM civics aremtaught andSOKHAL prescribed as part of the school curriculum msubmit therein N mYASH w sinceand Note: If and petitioner already a graduate but unemployed, a notarized 1. My full name is YASH SOKHAL , but I have also been known since childhood pleaseisattach proof of said child/children’s enrollment and mm My fullisname 1. is YASH SOKHAL I have also been known childhood ffitherein, w what w with. enrollment notmlimited to any race or, but nationality: m m ffi w w N A m N A affidavit of petitioner is currently preoccupied submit a certification as to the amount of tuition fee and other required school as N/A or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) N/A . as NN/A or I have been judicially authorized to use the alias name(s) N/A . ffi m m of C Child N Name m and P Place of S School D Date of E Enrollment m fees paid (such as official receipt’s, certificate of matriculation, etc.) for said child Name L Latestn Income om mT TaxR Returns u n TR um n m(must show w the L n om T R u n TR nd T Do n m w M Myum TOWER PEARLPLACE CONDO (ITR)nd andT TaxDoDocuments children’s enrollment inBsaid school. 2. My present place of residence is 34-I, TOWER B, PEARL PLACE CONDO., PEARL N AN/A NTOWER A B B, N AN/APEARL 2. present place of residence is 34-I, PEARL PLACE CONDO., PEARL m R R Revenue)] for the past three m BR B DRDRIVE, VERBRGY SAN ANTON O M MunicipalityN/A G P Province ofNCR m my receiving stamp of the BIRB(Bureau of Internal DRIVE, BRGY. SAN ANTONIO Municipality of PASIG Province of NCR and all my BRGY. SAN ANTONIO ofPAS PASIG NCR and all m w P oo o of C n NB C n B ng C n w m w P oo o m (3) years of the or ofBarangay the personClearance supportingofhim/her, with Proof P Clearances NBIpetitioner Clearance; the barangay where former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) former residence (please indicate periods ofmresidence) m n of said ffiofficial receipts, alphalist, 12. places I shall ofnever be a are public charge. Imam of good moral character. I believe in P m n ffi Payment taxesresiding (such as(It petitioner is currently should be a mbarangay etc.) clearance, not a P Philippine C Constitution. I have conducted m myself in N m m w m TR the principles underlying the P C m P S P N m m w m m TR W M Note: If petitioner is employed in aClearance family-owned company, the Station company’s ITR (2018-2024) 2271 18-J KRISTINEVILLE TOWNHOMES, CAGAYAN ST., BRGY. 881 , ZONE 97, residence from the Police Police m manner m my881 (2018-2024) 2271irreproachable 18-J KRISTINEVILLE TOWNHOMES, ST., BRGY. , ZONE 97, m certification); P Proof Police P Payment m T Taxes m must m proper during theCAGAYAN entire period of residence in OffiOffice wof m P P m T aSTA. mANA, m M and and the company’s of also be submitted, aside STA. ANA, MANILA having jurisdiction the place where petitioner is currently residing: P m w m w w MANILAin my relations with the constituted government as well as with the m C the submission m R wownTRITR m P Proof of RTC T C Court), m and RTC m m w TR the m CPhilippines UN C C.RANC BRG KAKASILAWAN, AWAN C CITY from of petitioner’s tax wdocuments 1208 C UNIT I-B C. FRANCISCO ST., BRGY. KASILAWAN, MAKATI CITY (Regional from the which hasand jurisdiction mm wI-B m PCO m w with FMAKA 1208 C UNITBin FRANCISCO ST., BRGY. MAKATI P RTC m Clearance N Note:T Trial m GRTC S G mMTC community Filipinos and have evinced w where M(General TC MTCC P m T N T m G S Gwhich I am living. m m I mingled socially Payment ofT Taxes. The company’s latest GIS Information over the place petitioner isScurrently residing; MeTC/MTCC/MTC/ m S w w m E C mm a sincere desire to learn and embrace the customs, traditions and ideals of the MCTC C n M T C M T C S w w m S F E C mm Sheet), Clearance which was (Metropolitan submitted to Trial the Securities and Exchange Commission MCTC Court/Municipal Trial Court inC Cities/ SEC m m w w m Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under M T C M C T C m mthe SEC m m w w m w OCTOBER MANDALUYONG C TY P (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, which was submitted 3. I was born on OCTOBER 18, 1996, in MANDALUYONG CITY Philippines. Municipal Trial Court/Municipal Circuit Trial Court, m as the case may be)tofrom R Republic Nborn on 3. I Awas OCTOBER 18, 1996, in MANDALUYONG CITY Philippines. BR mMCTC agency, m must 9139. M MeTC/MTCC/MTC/MCTC TC MTCC MTC w which BR m m mAct aNo. P Philippines since birth. A At present, Imam a citizen or BIR/appropriate government be submitted. I have been a resident of the Philippines since birth. At present, I am a citizen or the hasalso jurisdiction over the placew where I have been resident of the Offi P C m ND A subject of INDIA petitioner is currently residing); Office of the Prosecutor Clearance, from m of INDIA m ffi w subject Affid o of atand d b nd d disinterested n d OffiOffice P Affidavits wwo D Affid o wo I am dnot b opposed nd dw tonorganized d government or affiliated with any association D the Duly notarized two (2)petitioner credible of the Prosecutor of the least place where isand currently residing. w n w m F or group of persons who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized N A m m w n w m F M m PARV NDER KUMAR SOKHAL w witnesses who must be beFilipino citizens (preferably natural-born citizens 4. My father's name is PARVINDER KUMAR SOKHAL and he was born on Note: All clearances must current and must not be expired. m m 4. My father's name is PARVINDER KUMAR SOKHAL and he was born on mm governments. I am notNDdefending the necessity of P mm m NOVEMBER A H He isorateaching A orMpropriety of theP Philippines), of good repute in their community, and have no m criminal NOVEMBER 14, 1966 in INDIA. He is a citizen or subject of INDIA. My mother's mm mother's NOVEMBER 14, 1966 in INDIA. citizen ofND INDIA. My No(Note: m mN NationalB Bureau of InvestigationNB violence, personal assault or assassination fororthesubject success and predominance O record m submit No m N B NB m AN TA RAN SOKHAL w A (NBI) petition: clearance of name is ANITA RANI SOKHAL and she was born on JANUARY 7, 1973, in INDIA. 16. Other documents submittedmby the petitioner inDsupport his/her mand she mINDIA. name is ANITA SOKHAL born onANUARY JANUARY 7, 1973, inND w witnesses; w whichofthe w witness one's ideas. RANI Imam not awpolygamist norwas a believer in the practice of polygamy. I w m D w S of ND A character also submit a copy of the ID character She is a citizen or subject of INDIA. ______________________________________________________________ m m m not suffering She isnot a citizen or subjectofofany INDIA. w witness m must attest beenwconvicted ffi No have m m crime involving moral turpitude. I am used in the notarization of theffiaffidavit)No[Note: character _________________________________________________________________ m m mental alienation T The country w or from any incurable contagious disease. ffi w from wlawful AL in theffiaffidavit: (a) that he/she has known petitioner for at least 10 years or 5. My trade, business, profession or lawful occupation is COMMERCIAL w which w w withoccupation P Philippines 5.M MyImam trade, business, profession orwar isCOMMERC COMMERCIAL m m w w of a citizen or subject is not at the and grants to PRAYER m m w wand from RECTOR mw m of 2,200,000.00, more (must also indicate how he/she got acquainted with the petitioner); DIRECTOR and from which I derive an average annual income of 2,200,000.00, PRAYER FD Filipinos DIRECTOR I derive citizens an average annual income w he/shem minglesw with the right tombewhich naturalized m w bonuses, w mm w or subjects M My wthereof. (b) the goodm moral character of the petitioner (and how inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, inclusive of commissions and allowances. wife's/husband's trade, F Filipinos and the society); (c) that in his/herwown opinion, petitionerP has all the WHEREFORE F w wlawful occupation isN A m w which she business, profession or lawful occupation is N/A and from which she derives an WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred Philippine m m P business, profession or N/A and from derives an m P 13. It is my true and honest intention to become a citizen of the Philippines R A N m P m N A No ce sis hehereby eby g given ven oto he c ha qualifications necessary become aofcitizen of the Philippines and none of the average annual income of N/A. citizenship pursuant to the toprovisions average annual income of N/A. Notice the pub public thatw wlaw); Republic Act No, 9139. and to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign disqualifications provided for by ND A w he esestate a e o he e Edga do MM.Eugen o prince, potentate, state sovereignty, and, particularly, INDIA ofmwhich at D P C City, M M Manila, this 25th day of June, 2026. the alate Edgardo Eugenio Wh h thebo do or no m m to the (Where the above does not apply): I amthe exempt from the of requirement of mtime Im wI will reside P Philippines (Where notpp apply): Imam exempt from requirement of MDated d atCParañaque fi m Metro nm n hohospital p aka Edga MM. o d SSr.) am aabove citizendoes or subject. in the M C has fihas been m go nm n this ho m submitting m continuously m mtax Medical Certificate from agogovernment stating that petitioner (akaincome Edgardo been lucrative trade or occupation and from submitting taxdo returns for Eugen theEugenio m pthe date mtime m lucrative trade ofor the occupation and petition from income returns for the m m from filing of this up to the of my admission to m m m exextrajudicially a udholder c a [please y sesettled h his s susurviving v v ng is not suffering from mental alienation, or a user of prohibited drugs or past three (3) years because I am a college degree stateed (1) among P Philippine past threecitizenship. (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) among w fflafflicted w with acquired YASH SOKHAL w ffl w BS BUS NESS ADM NSTRAT ON MA OR N EXPORT otherwise a drug dependent, and that he/she is not degree obtained: BS BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION MAJOR IN EXPORT heheirs s asaspeper Supp emen a Deed a SOKHAL degree obtained: BS BUSINESS ADMINSTRATION MAJOR IN EXPORT mm m NA(AIDS) DS orYASH Deedo ofEx Extra m S any P Petitioner m A DS MANAGEMENT m DEDE LALASALLE COLLEGE SA NT immune deficiency syndrome incurable contagious disease MANAGEMENT (2) name of school: DE Jud LA SALLE COLLEGE OFSupplemental SAINTo Esmm M My character w(2)witnesses OSHUA MARRON B B. GUEVARRA KEV N Name and Signature of MANAGEMENT name ofareschool: SALLE COLLEGEOFOF SAINT c a Se emen a e w h Pa a w N P 14. JOSHUA MARRON GUEVARRA and KEVIN T phon Numb w N P BEN LDE w m Judicial Settlement of Estate with Partial [please attach the following to the certificate: (1) Neuro-Psychiatric BENILDE and (3) years graduated: 2016 ] who cannot practice my profession DUANE T LACUATA Fgraduated: BLK LOT Telephone Number: 09277792564 BENILDE and (3) years 2016of] legal who age, cannot profession E EvaluationR Report (from mEm a Add w@gm DUANE T. LACUATA both andpractice residing my at BLK. 3, LOT Wa ve oexamination) gh sbyand n ope hpsychiatrist o h E men Ro ofPProperty m y wwBELLAZONAARAGONSUBD mFilipinoa citizens, m V Slicensure m duly licensedyash.sokhal23@gmail.com (who is om am medical (the practice of which requires a government licensure reason Waiver ofRRights andAppo Appointment ZARAGOSAST ON MOL NO BACOORCAV TE Email Address: (the practice of which requires government examination) byCAVITE reason T R D T Test and 4 ZARAGOSA ST., BELLAZONA ARAGON SUBDIVISION, MOLINO, BACOOR T R D T m doctor), not a psychologist); (2) Laboratory Test Results for Drugs Adm n s a o and o ney n Fac asasenentered e ed of my citizenship. PLYMOUTH STST. V STA REALCLASS CA SUBD V S ON BRGYBATASAN of my citizenship. Administrator andAAttorney-in-Fact H V T N m and 37 PLYMOUTH VISTA REAL CLASSICA 1 SUBDIVISION, BRGY BATASAN HVT N m HIV Teat, and, (3) other laboratory test’s (Note: all laboratory tests must also H LLS QUEZON C TY w who have executedwsworn statements m n he No a a Book y Rod go S m a government m HILLS, QUEZON CITY respectively, attached Notarial Booko ofAAtty. Rodrigo deRea Real mS.de m A m married A A w wife's/husband's conducted from hospital)]; 6. My civil status is N/A, I was married on in N/Athe in N/A. My wife's/husband's m myN wNwith: 6.M My civil status isinstant N/A,wIpetition, was on N/A (a) inNbrief N/A.M My N Note:P Petitioners for naturalization are required to have theirm medical hereto in support of together biographical data about asas Doc Page N 11 P Book m m N A w N A N A S Doc. No.48or 48; PageNo No. 11; BookNo No.1616; name is N/A and she/he was born on in N/AJinJr N/A She/he is No a citizen subject m m m w m name is N/A(b)and she/hestatements was born on inthe N/A in N/A She/he is a citizen orme, subject m m themselves; detailed on dates they first came to know the m m N A N A Se es o of2026 examination/diagnostic procedures conducted in a government hospital of N/A and presently resides N/A. m of N/A and presently resides N/A. Series 2026. circumstances of our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing m w or facility, and notm merely hospitals or facilitiesw which are accredited by the mfamiliarity; m mtimes they have acted as character w witnesses in other M m T m m and (c) the number of (MS-AUG. 12/19/26, 2026) REPUB C OF THE PH PP NES m T m m 7. Imam legally separated from m m my spouse; m my m marriage w was annulled, per government. The mere fact that the government hospital or facility is not near 7. I am legally separated from my spouse; my marriage was annulled, per REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) wOF petitions for naturalization. MUN C PA TYorOF C TY MAKAT S SS.S. is not a valid reason for petitioner w m NA NA the residence place of work of petitioner decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate CITY/MUNICIPALITY OF CITY OF MAKATI decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted by N/A. (please indicate C TY m medical m m m w which granted the same). mm w w w w andm my not to have said examination or diagnostic procedure conducted in a the particular court which granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my A Attached the15. particular court Imam a of widower/widow m N m m medical hereto as annexes and made part this petition are the YASH SOKHAL TOWER B B, PEARL m N m m N A N A government hospital or facility. Note: It must be clear the certificate spouse died on N/A in N/A. dup o originals gonn N/Aoinor fi d pho o op w m I, YASH SOKHAL of legal age and a resident of in34-I, TOWER spouse died N/A. m PEARL duplicate CONDO PEARL DRDRIVE, VE BRGY ANTON G C TY mcertified photocopies of the following documents PLACE and the diagnostic/laboratory testSAN results that OthePAS subject of said PLACE CONDO., PEARL BRGY. SAN ANTONIO, PASIG CITY aftermedical being m (please check the appropriate box): w m m N A w m or diagnostic/laboratory the petitioner. 8. I have N/A child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and dulyexamination sworn, depose and say that I amtest theispetitioner herein, that I have read 8. I have N/A child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and ( of ud c a Sett ement ofofEstate ( ofExtra Extrajudicial Settlement Estate) ) w the foregoing petition and known w the contents wB C SCN FORM NO. 1 residences are as follows: A Authenticated PSA P the foregoing petition and know residences are as follows: w m school sealmof the D pDiploma om w nd T Transcript n p o of R Records o d of Authenticated Birthw Certificate/s of petitioner’s byofPSA); C D p omSchild/children nd T An (issued p copy o R oBirth d Certificate of petitioner [issued by PSA (Philippine thereof, (R.A. NO. 9139) C Certified and andtrue thatcopy the with same is true of mywown knowledge. N Name m Authority)]DmDate of B Birth P Place of B Birth R Residence Statistics Name Date of Birth Place of Birth Residence m the petitioner m from the school’s he or she attended to and/or graduated m from in the NA N A N A N A P E m H S C PCertified true of petitioner’s child/ N/A N/A N/A N/A E mcopy ofH ACR S or 1-Card C Certificate/s N/A N/AA n C fiN/A o R g N/A Philippines (Elementary, High School and College) C on ACR No ce sishehereby eby g given ven otoNchildren he c byha N Note: If petitioner is still a student, pleaseYASH m SOKHAL C fi on m Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) (issued BI); he C dfi Ctrue onficopy m of petitioner’s Notice thepub public that the OFmo Certified submit aSOKHAL Certification from the school B BIB(Bureau ofmm YASH NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDERS w where he/she is currently attending, Certificate [issued by Immigration)]; wenven do LMEETING NOTICE OFTHE THE STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING OF 9.orCII-Card es a eANNUAL oANNUAL e Spouses BBienvenido Ga ca N Name m and S Signature Pthat he/she is currently stating his/her year level,of m m m w Man a my primary estate ofhe the late Spouses L. Garcia 9. IManila received and secondary education from the a following public received my also primary and secondary education from the following public m Petitioner m a Certified true copy of NBCR/s of petitioner’s child/children (issued by BT); m m enrolled therein, and please attach proof of petitioner’s enrollment therein and submit D m and Pu abyDthe Ga c a ofhas ex a ud c a y INC EVERWOODS GREEN RESOURCES AND HOLDINGS C Certified N Native-Born Borecognized n C Certificate fi by the o of R Residence d n of schools or private educational institutions duly recognized Department schools or private educational institutions duly Department and Pura D. Garcia hasbeen been extrajudicially EVERWOODS GREEN RESOURCES AND HOLDINGS, INC. true copy petitioner’s m SUBCR BEDasAND SWORN m me C TY OFOF MAKAT th as certification toAND them amount of tuition fee and other required school feesthis paid25 (such E Education, C Culture SofSports DECS m NBCR BwBI); Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philippine history, government SUBCRIBED SWORN to before at CITY MAKATI day sesettled ed ember among he susurviving v v00 ngPnotarized heheirs sAffidavit as (DECS), whereP Philippine history, government ffi m (NBCR), if available (issuedofalso by Duty ofpe Financial Capacity of the petitioner, orand Affidavit ffi m among their as per UNE Sep 15 2026 03 M official receipt/s, etc.) m and w where OF as THE PHILIPPINES and civics are REPUBLIC taught and prescribed partDeed of theSeptember school and where ofNJUNE 2026. certificatewof matriculation, 2026, 03:00 P.M. andpetitioner, civics areif taught andisprescribed of the school curriculum m and is relying on another person for support, Support from the person petitioner either M as part o ofcurriculum Ex a 15, Jud c a Se emen o of Es a e m supporting N wfinancially Note: if petitioner has no own income m m Deed Extra Judicial Settlement Estate A g C fi m enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: enrollment is not limited any race or nationality: SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON m certifications as to the Authenticated copy ofto petitioner’s Marriage Certificate, if petitioner is married a student, a new graduate, or war cities without or a candidate m m income the person financially supporting petitionerm must submit w NATURALIZATION h Appo n men o ofPProperty ope y Adm n s a spouse o PSA Appointment Administrator mamount of tuition and other required school fees paid by said person for the (issued by PSA); licensure exam, who has no own income. In addition, submit: IN THE Name MATTER OF THE PETITION OF with m a government School of School DatesAof Study Highestng Name ofand School Place of School Dates of Study Highest Grade Completed and oMee ney nGradeFac as enentered efor No a(twoa areGrequired: No ceSOKHAL sisofhe eby g given venPlaceha Annua oCompleted Sas ockho de ohe Eve woods een mResou ces m (1)*ed Banksnin Certifications [1] said bank certifications must and Attorney-in-Fact the Notarial Notice hereby thathe the Annual Meeting ofhe the Stockholders of Everwoods Green Resources and YASH education of his/her other dependents (example: the tuition and other required A Authenticated copy ofD Death h C Certificate fi MONTESSORI MANILA Book 2003-2009 GRADUATED o ofA y Fe edan J Jras Doc No of 2003-2009 his/her spouse ifGRADUATED petitioner is indicate the present balance [2] average MONTESSORI MANILA toOBbe as o Filipino Ho d naturalized ngs nc me STA.citizen yANA,Eve esco Resou cespe and d ngs nc “EGRN” oand wfor the past sixSTA. ANA, school fees of the children of the person financially supporting petitioner). Book Atty. Felipe I.Ho Iledan as Doc. No.4848; wOBdaily w balance Holdings, Inc. (formerly Ever-Go Gotesco Resources and Holdings, Inc.), (“EGRN” orhe the“Company” “Company”) widowed, or will ofofhis/her parent’s if petitioner is a student or candidate for a months); (2)*oCertificate of Employment if employed or Proof Registration pursuant No 5151;GRADUATED Book No 449 Se es 2022 OB MONTESSORIto Republic Act No. STA. 9139. ANA, MANILA Page 2009-2013 m m OB MONTESSORI STA. ANA, MANILA 2009-2013 GRADUATED Page No. Book No. 449; Series of 2022. C Certified true copy w with school seal of the D pDiploma, om T Transcript n p o of R Records, o d o or bebeheheld d ononSep embe 1515,2026 a at3 3:00 00 p p.m. m a atCCity y Ga GRAND Ho e (if 8008 Maka &o& of Company if doing doing business, please submit also den C w business D pMakati omgovernment T Ave nAve plicensure R the o exam; dlatest o September 2026 Garden GRAND Hotel (8008 DE LA SALLE COLLEGE OF ST. BENILDE MALATE, MANILA SCN 2013-2016 COLLEGE GRADUATE CASEaNO. 000981 C Certification fi on (if applicable) from m the school’s attended by, currently enrolled in, DE LA SALLE COLLEGE ST. BENILDE andMALATE, MANILA 2013-2016 COLLEGE GRADUATE GIS fi(General Information Sheet) which was submitted theOF Securities C Man accessed Cou D Decree udgm n annulling/nullifying of Ka PhPhilippines). pp nes The s oon he ngmand can atoat he Man a Manila m m C Certified true copy of Court Judgment xKalayaan - -ayaan - - - - - - -Ave -Ave., - - - --Maka - --Makati, - - - - - -NCR xNCR,1200 1200, Thedocumen documents for themee meeting can beaccessed the Exchange Commission (SEC) thebe financial statements of the company, m m and/or graduated from by petitioner’s child children [the school’s must either be w write and speakF Filipino and/or wany of the following w m marriage 10. I am able to read, write and speak Filipino and/or any of the following 10. Imam able to read, DEPED petitioner’s or Agranting legal separation, if such was the fact; which com was submitted to the BIR/appropriate government (3)*Proof M DEPED nk ovtheded ninhe Company s webs e a ath http://www.everwoods.com.ph. p www eve woods ph public schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the DEPED Pagency]; N (MS-AUG. 12/19/26, 2026) linkp provided the Company’s website dialects of Philippines: N/A. PETITION dialects of the N/A. D(Department m E w P m of ofE Real Property/ies etc.; and if owner D Ownership m w P such as condominium, mPhilippines: of Education), where Philippine history, government and civics are m and w where enrollment m of motor vehicle, proof of ownership of the same (4) Proof of Ownership of m w m Pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9139, petitioner hereby submits taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum is not m m w 11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public 11. I have public mlimited to any race or nationality); other etc.enrolled my minor children of school age in the following m property/ies, such as shares of stock, insurance, a petition naturalization to become citizen the Republic theDepartment Philippines m The agenda o of he ng asis asas oof ows schools orforprivate educational institutions duly recognized byofthe or private duly recognized by theD Department The agenda themee meeting follows: N(Note: please submit m Ca Certification fi on from m the school w where said child/children is/ Note: If petitioner is relying on support from schools another person, theeducational saidSpersoninstitutions N m C fi on m w NOT CE OF THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS MEET NG OF and respectfully declares: E C DECS w P H m of Education, CultureOF and Sports where Philipine History, government NOTICE THE(DECS), ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ OF of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government mustMEETING also submit the above-mentioned documents. are currently attending, stating his/her year level, that he/she is currently enrolled m and w where and civics are taught and prescribed as part ofRESOURCES the school curriculum andAND where HOLD EVERWOODS GREEN NGS is already NC civics aresubmit taught prescribed as part of the school curriculum m Note: If petitioner unemployed, notarized mm aand GREEN RESOURCES AND HOLDINGS, INC.a graduate but and 1.EVERWOODS My fullisname is de YASH SOKHAL I have also been known since childhood therein, and please attach proof of said child/children’s enrollment therein and m enrollment not limited to any race or, but nationality: 1 1.Ê CaCall otoO enrollment m a certification as to themamount of tuition fee and other required school affidavit of what petitioner is currently preoccupied with.is not limited to any race or nationality: Order m Sep embeto use 15 2026 03 00 . PP.M. M m submit as N/A or I have been judicially authorized the alias name(s) N/A September 15, 2026, 03:00 ffiofficial receipt’s, certificate of m matriculation, etc.) for said child m of C Child N Name m and P Place of S School D Date of E Enrollment m ffi mN Name Name and Place of School Date of Enrollment 2 2.ÊName P Proof ooof Child o ofNo ce and due ca ng o mee ng fees paid (such as Notice and due calling of meeting m Latest Tax Returns children’s enrollment in said school. 2.ce My present place of residence is ha 34-I, TOWER B,Annual PEARL PLACE CONDO., No seN/A eby g given ven he Annua ngN/A o ofPEARL he ockho de Income s o ofm Eve woods (ITR) and Tax Documents N AN/A (must show the N AN/A N AN/A N/A ishe hereby that the Meeting theS Stockholders Everwoods 3Notice m on oMunicipality ex ence o ofaMee um receiving stamp of the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue)] for the past three 3.ÊDe Determination ofhe the existence aquo quorum BRGY. SANna ANTONIO ofsngs PASIG Province ofo NCR and all my Go esco GDRIVE, een Resou ces and Ho d nc me y Eve Resou ces and C n NB C Clearance; n B Barangay ng C Clearance n w where Green Resources and Holdings, Inc.es(formerly Ever-Mee Gotesco (3) years the ofBthe ng personCsupporting him/her, with Proof C no ofResources NBpetitioner Cockho n orand n w of Clearances NBI of the barangay former places of residence are (please indicate periods of residence) m m 4 Read ng and app ova o he M nu o he Annua ng he S de s he d on Novembe 12. I shall never be a public charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in Ho d ngs nc EGRN o orhe Company bebe heheld d onon Sep embe 1515, 2026 12.alphalist, I shall never charge. I am of good moral character. I believe in 4.Ê Reading approval of Minutes w ofwill the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders on November Payment of said taxes (suchaas receipts, etc.) be a public Holdings, Inc.),and (“EGRN” thethe “Company”) September 2026 atofficialheld petitioner is currently residing (It should be a barangay clearance, not a P Philippine C Constitution. I have conducted m myself in principles underlying the den Philippine Constitution. Iehave conducted myself in & Ka the principles underlying the 3the 00 p m a C y Ga GRAND Ho 8008 Maka Ave ayaan Ave Maka m theP PoliceS StationP Police If petitioner is employed company’s P in aC family-ownedmcompany, P the S Pm ITR 18p.m. 2025 3:00 at City Garden GRAND Hotel Makati Ave & Note: Kalayaan Ave., Makati, 2271 18-J KRISTINEVILLE TOWNHOMES, ST.,(8008 BRGY. , ZONE 97, residence certification);P PoliceC Clearance from m my residence in 18, 2025 a(2018-2024) proper and irreproachable manner during theCAGAYAN entire period ofhe my881 residence a proper andbe irreproachable manner during the entire period of OffiOffice having jurisdiction of the place w where petitioner is currently residing: NCR Ph pp nes The documen s ofor mee ngincan a at he and the company’s Proof ofnk Payment ofw Taxes also submitted, aside Offi STA. ANA,1200 MANILA 1200, Philippines). The meeting canbe beaccessed accessed the link 2025 Pmust m w with the constituted government m w well as w with the Philippines inhe my relations with the constituted government as the welleve as the 5NCR, App ova oCompany he Aud ed Fdocuments nanc ahMAKATI Sp Statements a www emen s with o woods he Company as o of31 Decembe the Philippines in myand relations as RTC C ClearanceR(Regional T Trial C Court), from m the RTC w which has jurisdiction from the submission of petitioner’s own ITR and tax documents Proof of pthe ov ded n s webs e a com ph RTC C R T C m RTC w 5.Ê Approval of the Audited Financial of the Company as 31 December 2025 1208 C UNIT I-B C. FRANCISCO ST., BRGY. KASILAWAN, CITY RTC RTC mm w m m w F provided in the http://www.everwoods.com.ph. community in which I amCompany’s living. I mingledwebsite socially withatFilipinos and have evinced community which I am living. I mingled socially with Filipinos and have evinced TC MTCC MTC Taxes. The company’s latest GIS in (General Information wo sNote:s and Mand TC MTCC MTC over the placew where petitioner is currently residing;M MeTC/MTCC/MTC/ membrace the customs, m App ova and ca the oncustoms, o ofa traditions sideals o ofofhe dPayment o which DofDirectors, ecwas ng comm ees a6sincere desire to learn and a embrace and the aMsincere desire to learn and traditions and ideals of the 6.Êagenda Approval and ratification all he theac acts theBoa Board standing committees, and MCTC C Clearance n M(MetropolitanT TrialC Court/Municipal M T TrialC Court inC Cities/ Sheet),of submitted to Tthe Securities and Exchange Commission MCTC C n M C T C C The o he mee ng s as o ows MCTC F Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under The agenda of the meeting is as follows: Filipino people. I have all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications under M T C M C T C m may be) from m (SEC) and the financial statements of the company, which was submitted to the managemen s nce he as annua mee ng M T C M C T RC m m 3.Ca I was born on 18, 1996, in MANDALUYONG CITY Philippines. Municipal Trial Court/Municipal Circuit Trial Court, as the case A Act N No. 9139. management since the last annual meeting 1Republic OOrder deOCTOBER Acto No. 9139. Republic 1. Call to TC MTCC MTC MCTC w which has jurisdiction over the placew where BIR/appropriate government agency, be submitted. M TC MTCC MTC MCTC w must also w have been ao resident ofhethe Philippines since birth. At present, ID am aeccitizen or theM MeTC/MTCC/MTC/MCTC 2I72. P oo No ce and due ca ng o mee ng E ec on o membe s o he Boa d o o s Offi P C m Proof of Notice due calling meeting 7.Ê Election of theand members of theofBoard of Directors Offi C m of petitioner is currently residing); and Office of the Prosecutor Clearance, from mP not opposed m w with any association am not opposed to organized government with any association 3subject De eINDIA m na on o ofhe s enceoroaffiliated um to organized government orffiaffiliated OffiOffice of the P Prosecutor of the place w where petitioner is currently residing. DulyOffinotarized Affidavits of at least two credible and disinterested P w (2)I am 3.Igroup Determination theex of quorum Appo nand men ouphold Ex eoexistence na Aud oaes saquo the w who uphold and teach doctrines opposing all organized ofng persons who and teach doctrines opposing all organized 8.Ê Appointment of External Auditors or group of persons 4or84.Read app ova he M nu o he Annua Mee ng o he S ockho de s N A m m witnesses who must natural-born N A the m be Filipino citizensm (preferably 4.Reading My father's name isdefending PARVINDER KUMAR SOKHAL and he born on and approval the Minutes of the Annual of Stockholders Note: All clearances must be current and must not be expired. m mam not citizens governments. INovembe am not orofteaching the necessity or was propriety of Meeting governments. defending or teaching the necessity or propriety of 9 9.Ê O Ma ein sINDIA. he dhe onon 18 of the Philippines), of good repute in their community, and Ihave no criminal NOVEMBER 14, 1966 He is2025 a2025 citizen orthesubject of INDIA. My mother's Other Matters m held November 18, personal assault or assassination fora success and spredominance violence, personal assault or assassination for the success and predominance O Other documents m m record (Note: submit National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance of 5violence, App ova o he Aud ed F nanc S a emen o he Company as o 31 Decembe O m m name is ANITA RANI SOKHAL and she was born on JANUARY 7, 1973, in INDIA. 16. submitted by the petitioner in support of his/her petition: m m m 5.one's Approval ofnotthe AuditednorFinancial of the Company as witnesses; of 31 December Ad ouI am nmen of10 ideas. a polygamist a believer inStatements the practice of polygamy. I of ID one's ideas. am not awitness polygamist nor a believer in the practice of polygamy. I character also submit a copy of the which the Icharacter 2025 She10.ÊAdjournment isnot a citizen or subjectofofany INDIA. ______________________________________________________________ m involving m moral turpitude. Imam not suffering have been convicted crime involving moral turpitude. I am not suffering 2025 have not beenwitness convicted any crime used inec the onotarization of the affidavit) [Note: character mustof m attest _________________________________________________________________ 6from App ova and a fica on o a he ac s o he Boa d o D s s and ng m m T alienation or from any incurableofcontagious The countryBoard inoftheDirectors, 6.5. mental Approval and ratification all thedisease. acts of the standing from mental fromorany incurable contagious disease. The country affidavit: (a) that he/she has known petitioner for atalienation least 10 or years MyI am trade, business, orwar lawful is COMMERCIAL w which w war w with the P Philippines and grants to comm and managemen soccupation nce he annua mee of which aesees citizen or subject isous not at with the and grants to The m nu o ofwhich he pprofession ev Annua S Philippines ockho de sannual Mee ng ng wh ch(must was heheld d ononhow Novembe 18 w of Imamwith a will citizen or subject is not at PRAYER committees, and management since theas meeting more also indicate he/she got acquainted the petitioner); PRAYER The minutes the previous Annual Stockholders’ Meeting which was November 18,2025 2025 DIRECTOR and from I derive an average annual income oflast 2,200,000.00, PRAYER F Filipinos the right to be naturalized citizens or subjects thereof. 7Filipinos E ec on o he membe s o he Boa d o D ec o s the right to be naturalized (b) the good moral character of the petitioner (and how he/she mingles with citizens or subjects thereof. 7.ava Election of the members of the Board ofhou Directors inclusive of bonuses, commissions and allowances. My wife's/husband's trade, th be ab e o exam na on du ng o ce s n he O ce o he Co po a e Sec e a y a 8 F oo 8business, n menfor olawful ExExternal e na Aud o sand from beAppo available examination during office hours in anthe Office Corporate 8m petitioner Floor, has WHEREFORE P Philippine Filipinosofandthe the society); (c) thatSecretary in his/her own at opinion, all the WHEREFORE P 8. Appointment of Auditors profession or occupation is N/A which she derives WHEREFORE, it is respectfully prayed that petitioner be conferred m P 13. Ithe is my true eand honest intention to become aecitizen of the Philippines 13. ItNis my true honest 9Cha Oham Ma s of R Republic A Act N No, 9139. House Condom n um Va o fidelity She co ne gRu no o S St., SaSalcedo cedo age and sisand qualifications necessary toha becomeMaka aMakati citizen the Philippines none of theintention to become a citizen of the Philippines R ofC Ay No ce ven pub cVVillage, average annual income N/A. 9. Matters citizenship pursuant to the provisions of Chatham House Condominium, Valero St. corner Rufino andand No ce s he eby g ven o he pub c ha and to Other renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance andsis toeby any foreign Notice hereby given to he the public that andCity to renounce absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign disqualifications provided for by law); 10 Ad ou nmen A of w which at 10. Adjournment he aptoe www o of ofhe awoods do o prince, potentate, orcompany’s sovereignty, and, particularly, INDIA which ate Edga access b e ninstate he s webs eeshestate eve com phP MM.Eugen he es a e o he a e Edga do M Eugen o prince, potentate, state or sovereignty, and, particularly, toND INDIA D Dated at P Parañaque C City, M Metro M Manila, this 25th day of June, 2026. the late Edgardo Eugenio accessible thecompany http://www.everwoods.com.ph. D C M M theaabove not apply): Iwebsite: amthe exempt from the requirement of mtime Imam a citizen or subject.wI will reside continuously in the P Philippines this(Where time I am citizendoes or subject. I will reside continuously indo the Philippines aka Edga Eugen owhSch has been Medical Certificate from a government this hospital stating that petitioner aka Edga do M Eugen o S has been (aka Edgardo Eugenio Sr.) has lucrative tradees occupation and from income tax returns the The mminutes nu o of he evpetition oussubmitting Annua S ockho deMM. sfor Mee ng was heheld dbeen on m the date mtime ofm my admission m from date ofor the filing of pthis up to the time of my admission to Thethe the previous Annual Stockholders’ Meeting which was on from of the filing of this petition up to the to is not suffering from mental alienation, or a user of prohibited drugs or ex a ud c a y se ed among h s su v v ng past three (3) years because I am a college degree holder [please state (1) ex a ud c a y se ed among h s su v v ng P Novembe 18 2025 w be ava ab e o exam na on du ng office hou s n he Office settled among his surviving The ockho de 2025 s o ofwill eco d as o extrajudicially yfor 1515, 2026 who aduring e qua ed hours oto end he mee ng he/she may ccitizenship. pa ewith acquired Philippine citizenship. Philippine November 18, be available examination office in the Office YASH SOKHAL Thes stockholders as ofJu 2026 who are qualified attend the may participate otherwise a adrug and that ispanot afflicted YASH SOKHAL obtained: MAJOR INSupp EXPORT pe emen a Deed odependent, YASH SOKHAL odegree Co po aBS e BUSINESS Sec erecord a yADMINSTRATION a at 8he hheirs FsJuly ooasas Cha ham House Condom nDeed um Va eEx oExtra Sameeting he s as pe Supp emen a Deed o Ex a per Supplemental of ofhe the Corporate Secretary 8th Floor, Chatham House Condominium, Valero N Name m and S Signature of P Petitioner deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or any diseaseOSHUA MARRON B GUEVARRA and vo echaracter hthrough ough pSa oxy emo commun ca on oOF nSAINT absen a immune us ng he above s aaSt. ed N mnk S incurable Pcontagious MANAGEMENT (2)witnesses name ofare school: DEe LA SALLE COLLEGE M My character w witnesses KEV N and vote proxy, remote communication or in absentia using the above-stated link. 14. My JOSHUA MARRON B. GUEVARRA and KEVIN Jud c a Se emen o Es a e w h Pa co ne Rufino S cedo V age Maka C y and s access b e n he company s 14. are JOSHUA MARRON B. GUEVARRA and KEVIN Jud c a Se emen o Es a e w h Pa a T phon Numb [please attach the following to the certificate: (1) Neuro-Psychiatric Judicial Settlement of Estatein the withcompany’s Partial corner Rufino St.,graduated: Salcedo Village, Makati City and is accessible T phon DUANE Numb T LACUATA BENILDE and (3) years 2016 ] legal who cannot practice my profession F BLK LOT Telephone Number: 09277792564 DUANE T. LACUATA both Filipino citizens, of age, and residing at BLK. 3, LOT webs e h of pwhich www evea woods com ph oexamination) DUANE T. LACUATA both Filipino citizens, of legal age, and residing at BLK. 3, LOT Wa ve R gh s and Appo n men o P ope y Em Add h o h @gm om Evaluation Report (from a duly licensed psychiatrist (who is a medical Wa ve o R gh s and Appo n men o P ope y Em Add h o h @gm om website: http://www.everwoods.com.ph. (the practice requires government licensure by reason Waiver of Rights and Appointment of Property ZARAGOSAST BELLAZONAARAGONSUBD V S ON MOL NO BACOORCAV TE Email Address: yash.sokhal23@gmail.com 4 ZARAGOSA ST., BELLAZONA ARAGON SUBDIVISION, MOLINO, 4Test ZARAGOSA ST., BELLAZONA ARAGON SUBDIVISION, MOLINO, BACOOR CAVITE doctor), notand aas psychologist); (2) Laboratory Results Drugs TestREALCLASS and The equ emen s and p procedure ocedu e Administrator on how cand paCAVITE hthis s mee ng ofor vo ng ninabsen aPLYMOUTH a are e s stated afor ed Adm nhow s oatopa oBACOOR and AeAttorney-in-Fact oninney nmeeting Fac evoting ed ofThe my ST V STA CA SUBD V S ON BRGYBATASAN Adm n s a o and A o ney n Fac as en e ed requirements and on participate and absentia and 37scitizenship. PLYMOUTH ST.sVISTA REAL CLASSICA 1 SUBDIVISION, BRGY BATASAN asen entered andall 37 laboratory PLYMOUTH ST. VISTA REAL CLASSICA 1 SUBDIVISION, BRGY BATASAN HIV Teat, and, (3) other laboratory test’s (Note: tests must also The ockho de o eco d as o Ju y 15 2026 who a e qua fied o a end he mee ng H LLS QUEZON C TY w w m stockholders of arecord of July 15, 2026 who are qualified to attend the meeting nexecuted he a a se Book oshed AAtty. yand Rod goaccess SS. Rea HILLS, QUEZON CITYon respectively, who as have statements attached nThe ncivil ma S emen These a No esworn kew pub made eReal ninhospital)]; he nk n he No a a Book o A y Rod go S de Rea QUEZON in the Notarial Book of Rodrigo de conducted from a de government in6.he the Information Statement. are likewise published and made accessible thesame sameHILLS, linkabove above.mCITY respectively, who havew executed sworn statements attached may pa co status pa e isand e married htogether ough p proxy, oxy emo e commun on o ninabsen ab us ng My N/A, Ipetition, was onThese N/A in brief N/A. My wife's/husband's may andvo vote through remote communication or absentia using hereto inparticipate support of my instant (a) biographical data about caNo hereto in to support petition, together with: (a) brief biographical data about Jinwith: asas Doc 48 Page 11 Book No 16 Note: Petitioners forNo. naturalization haveof my theirinstant medical J as Doc No 48 Page No 11 Book No 16 JrN/A Doc. No. 48; Page No. 11; Book 16; are required name is N/A(b)and was born on N/A She/he is No a citizen or subject he above s detailed ashe/he ed statements nk m m m w m me, the themselves; oninthe dates they first came to know me, the the above-stated link. themselves; (b) detailed statements on the dates they first came to know examination/diagnostic procedures conductedm in a government hospital Se esand o of 2026 of N/A and presently resides N/A. Se es o 2026 Series 2026. initial acquaintance and reasons extent ofsubm our continuing circumstances our initial acquaintance and the reasons and extent of our continuing Scircumstances ockho deof sourwho opopt otovovote e the byby p proxy oxy mus and he oxy m otohe a attention en which on oareofofaccredited he oress facility, andMpnot merelyoform hospitals orthe facilities by m the Stockholders who must submit andhadd address their proxy the m m w The equ emen s and p ocedu e on how o pa c pa e n s mee ng and o vo ng familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other M familiarity; and (c) the number of times they have acted as character witnesses in other REPUB C OF THE PH PP NES (MS-AUG. The procedure onmarriage how towas participate in this meeting and for12/19/26, voting government. The mere fact that2026) thes government hospital orage facility is not near OFpub THE PH PP 7.po I requirements am annulled, REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) Co a naturalization. elegally yand afrom 8my h nspouse; FoFloor, oo House Bper dg Va eresidence oCseco ne Ru noNES S SaSalcedo cedo VforVillage, for npetitions absen a Sec a Secretary eseparated sestated aa ed nin mamyCha on Sham a emen These a are eREPUB kew shed and naturalization. Corporate athe 8th Chatham House Bldg. Valero corner C TY MUN C PA TY OFOF C TY OFOF MAKAT S SS.S. the or ofTYwork of Sts., petitioner not a valid reason for petitioner in absentia are the Information These likewise published and C TY MUN C PA TYplace OF CRufino OF MAKAT S S ispetitions decree of legal separation/annulment dated N/A granted byStatement. N/A. (please indicate CITY/MUNICIPALITY CITY MAKATI made access b which ev n he same nk above not to have said medical examination or diagnostic procedure conducted in a Maka C y o a e ma a adm n@eve woods com ph no a e han 5 00 p m on o be o e Sep embe made accessible in the same link above. the particular court granted the same). I am a widower/widow and my A m Makati Cityhereto or via at admin@everwoods.com.ph later than 5:00 p.m. Note: on or before September 15. Attached as e-mail annexes and made part of this petition are the notgovernment 15. Attached hereto as annexes and made part of this petition are the YASH SOKHAL TOWER B B, PEARL hospital or facility. It must be clear in the medical certificate YASH SOKHAL spouse diedoriginals on N/A inor N/A. dup o g TOWER nph o B PEARL fi d pho o op w m I, YASH SOKHAL of legal age and a resident of 34-I, TOWER PEARL duplicate certified photocopies of be the following 13 2026 e p ooxy m may ound ndocuments Company webs ep PEARL aoxy poDRm www woods com duplicate certified photocopies of the following documents PLACE CONDO PEARL DRDRIVE, VE BRGY SAN ANTON O PAS G C TY and the diagnostic/laboratory test eve results that the S ockho deAsAsamp who eoform by oxy mus subm and add ess he 13, 2026. sample bemust found inhe the Company website ath http://www.everwoods.com.ph. PLACE CONDO VE o BRGY SAN ANTON O subject PASoriginals G CofTYsaidor medical PLACE CONDO., PEARL BRGY. SAN ANTONIO, PASIG CITY after being Stockholders whoopoptproxy tovovote byp may proxy submit and address their proxy form to (please check the appropriate box): (please check the appropriate box): wsworn, depose and say that Imam the petitioner herein, that I have read examination orBdiagnostic/laboratory test is the petitioner. he a en on o he Co po a e Sec e a y a 8 h F oo Cha ham House dg Va e o w m 8. I have N/A child/children, whose names, dates and places of birth and duly ( of Extra ud c a Sett ement of Estate ) the attention of the Corporate Secretary at 8th Floor, Settlement Chatham House Valero ( of Extra ud c a Sett ement of Estate ) ( of Extrajudicial ofBldg. Estate w the foregoing petition and known w the contents w ) residences are ascopy follows: co ne Rufino S Sts., sof Birth Sa cedo Vof age Maka C y o(Philippine a e e-mail ma a atadm n@eve woods A Authenticatedw copy of B Birth C Certificate of petitioner [issued by PSA the foregoing petition and know Authenticated Certificate petitioner [issued byCity PSA corner Rufino Salcedo Village, Makati orvavia PSAP(Philippine m is true of m mywown knowledge. w 2026 Certified true copy withemschool sealon ofm the Diploma Transcript of Any ques ons he dm mus a also so bebe ed add essadmin@everwoods. men oned above o or e he 00of Records wbebefore Sowand A 5Authority)] thereof, and that the same Any questions the Board must emailed athe the address mentioned on the 5:00 com ph nonot alater e ofor han 5Boa 00 p onof oema eResidence Sep embe 13 A samp pabove oxy Statistics Authority)] Name Date of Birth Place Birth com.ph than 5:00 p.m. ono orbebefore September 13, sample proxy the2026. petitionerAfrom the school’s he or she attended Statistics to and/or graduated from in the m may be ound nin he Company webs e a ath N/A p www eve woods ph High School and College) poform m onmay embe 2026 N/A N/A N/A Philippinescom (Elementary, be found13 the Company website http://www.everwoods.com.ph. p.m. onSep September 13, 2026. C Certified true copy of petitioner’s A n C Certificate fi o of R Registration g on ACR Certified true copy of petitioner’s Alien No Certificate ce of sisRegistration hehereby eby g(ACR) ven otoNote: he c is ha he (ACR) No ce s he eby g ven o he pub c ha he Ifpub petitioner still a student, Certification school B Alien YASH SOKHAL Notice given the public that the please submit YASH SOKHAL o aor CI-Card d C Certificate fifrom the[issued YASH SOKHAL or I-Card Certificate [issued by BI (Bureau of Immigration)]; by BIB(Bureau ofmm Immigration)]; TICE OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF Any ques ons oforhe Boa d mus aa soebe ema edeaSpouses he add ess men oned above on where he/she is currently attending, stating his/her year level, that he/she is currently es o he a B enven do L Ga c a N Name m and S Signature of P Petitioner Any questions the Board must also be emailed at the address mentioned above on es a eANNUAL o he a e Spouses B enven do LMEETING Ga c a N m S P estate ofEVERWOODS the late Spouses Bienvenido L. Garcia 9. I o received my primary andon secondary education from the following public GREEN RESOURCES oschools be e he 5 00 p m Sep embe 13 2026 enrolled therein, and please attach proof of petitioner’s enrollment therein and submit a and Pu a D Ga c a has been ex a ud c a y EVERWOODS GREEN RESOURCES C N Bo n C fi o R d n before thecopy 5:00 p.m. on Native-Born September 13, 2026. or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department of andGREEN Pu a D RESOURCES Ga c a has been a ud c a y INC orCertified VERWOODS ANDexHOLDINGS true of petitioner’s Certificate of Residence and Pura D. Garcia has certification been BED extrajudicially required Certified truefees copy of(such petitioner’s Native-Born Certificate of Residence as to the amount of tuition fee and other school paid as SUBCR BED AND SWORN m C TY OF MAKAT SUBCR AND SWORN m C TY OF MAKAT NBCR B BI); AND INC Education, and (issued Sports also (DECS), where Philippine history, government SUBCRIBED AND SWORN to before me at CITY OF MAKATI this 25th day (NBCR),Culture if available by BI); sesettled ed EVERWOODS among he GREEN susurviving v vofficial ng heheirs s asasofpe (NBCR), if available (issued also by ANDHOLDINGS HOLDINGS, INC. se Sep ed ember among15 he he s as pe receipt/s, certificate matriculation, among per etc.) RESOURCES UNE 2026su03v v00ngP M and civics are taught and prescribed as partDeed of the school curriculum andtheir where ofUNE JUNE 2026. EVERWOODS GREEN RESOURCES o Ex a Jud c a Se emen o Es a e Note: if petitioner has no own income and is relying on another person for support, Deed o Ex a Jud c a Se emen o Es a e Deed of Extra Settlement of Estate AND HOLD NGS NC A Authenticated copy of petitioner’s M Marriage g C Certificate, fi enrollment is not limited any race or nationality: Authenticated copy ofto petitioner’s Marriage Certificate, ifAND petitioner isJudicial married HOLDINGS, INC. if petitioner m is married the person financially submit certifications as to the wwith h Appo n men o ofPProperty ope y Adm n ssupporting a o petitioner must PSA w h Appo n men o P ope y Adm n s a o (issued by PSA); Appointment Administrator byby: PSA); amount ofn tuition and other required school fees(issued paid bybysaid person for the of School Place of School and DatesAof Study Highestn GradeFac Completedas en e o ney ed he No a a A oMee ney ng n Fac en e ed Nowoods a a G een ResouName ven ha heand Annua o heas S ockho de sn oheEve ces and and Attorney-in-Fact as entered inhis/her the Notarial education of other dependents (example: the tuition and other required A Authenticated h C Certificate fi OBAuthenticated copy of Death Certificate of 2003-2009 his/her ifGRADUATED petitioner MONTESSORI STA. ANA, MANILA Book o ofAspouse y Fe pe I.is edan J Jras No copy ofD Death of his/her spouse if petitioner is school fees ofDoc. the children of48 the person financially petitioner). o A y Fe edan J as No 48o he “Company” Book Atty. Felipe asDoc No. 48; w supporting w me y Eve Book Go esco Resou cespe and Ho d ngs ncDoc“EGRN” widowed, or w of his/her parent’s if petitioner is a student or candidate for a Iledan widowed, or of his/her parent’s if petitioner is a student or candidate for a No 51 Book No 449 Se es o 2022 OBgovernment MONTESSORI licensure exam;STA. ANA, MANILA Page 2009-2013 GRADUATED Page No 51 Book No 449 Se es o 2022 m m Page No. 51; Book No. 449; Series of 2022. government exam; Certified true copy with school seal of the Diploma, Transcriptlicensure of Records, or mbe 15 2026 a 3 00 p m a C y Ga den GRAND Ho e 8008 Maka Ave & DE LA SALLE COLLEGE OF ST. BENILDE MALATE, MANILA 2013-2016 CHRISTINE COLLEGE GRADUATE P P.BASE Certification (if applicable) from the school’s attended by, currently enrolled in, D CHRISTINE BASE C Certified udgm n Manila Certified a true he copy of Court Decree Judgment annulling/nullifying of aka NCR 1200 Ph pp nes The documen s o he mee ng can be accessed true must copy either ofCou Court of and/or graduated from by petitioner’s child children [the school’s be Decree Judgment annulling/nullifying CORPORATE m marriage w was the fact; 10. I am able to read,orwrite and legal speakseparation, Filipino and/or any of the thefact; following SECRETARY CORPORATE SECRETARY petitioner’s marriage granting if such was petitioner’s or granting legal separation, if such Mor private educational institutions duly public schools recognized by the DEPED e Company s webs e a h p www eve woods com Mph (MS-AUG. 12/19/26, 2026) dialects of the Philippines: N/A. (Department of Education), where Philippine history, government and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where enrollment is not 11. I have enrolled my minor children of school age in the following public limited to any race or nationality); schools or private educational institutions duly recognized by the Department mee ng s as o ows (Note: please submit a Certification from the school where said child/children is/ THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS MEET NG OF of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS), where Philipine History, government are currently attending, stating his/her year level, that he/she is currently enrolled and civics are taught and prescribed as part of the school curriculum and where S GREEN RESOURCES AND HOLD NGS NC therein, and please attach proof of said child/children’s enrollment therein and enrollment is not limited to any race or nationality: submit a certification as to the amount of tuition fee and other required school Sep embe 15 2026 03 00 P M fees paid (such as official receipt’s, certificate of matriculation, etc.) for said child
By Othel V. Campos
ESTLÉ Philippines is working with the Department of Agriculture and its newly created Coffee Industry Development Office to boost local coffee production and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.
The par nersh p fo ows he crea on of CIDO by Agr cu ure Secre ary Franc sco T u Laure Jr hrough Depar men Order No 06 ssued n February The office s asked w h coord na ng governmen programs po c es and fund ng for he coffee sec or w h a focus on ra s ng produc v y and s reng hen ng farmer suppor Nes é he coun ry’s arges buyer of oca y produced coffee and b gges domes c coffee manufac urer we comed he n a ve and reaffirmed s “Kapeng
PEZA shares ecozone development model with Bangladesh
THE Ph pp ne Econom c Zone Au hor y shared s econom c zone deve opmen and nves men fac a on prac ces w h he Bang adesh Econom c Zones Au hor y as he Sou h As an coun ry seeks o bu d compe ve econom c zones PEZA hos ed he BEZA de ega on ass s ed by he Japan In erna ona Cooperaon Agency on Aug 12 as par of a s udy v s under BEZA’s Pro ec for Capac y Bu d ng on Econom c Zone Managemen and Inves men Promo on PEZA depu y d rec or genera for Po cy and P ann ng Emmanue Cor ero presen ed he agency’s mode for deve op ng nves men -ready econom c zones and promo ng ease of do ng bus ness h gh gh ng ns u ona reforms nves men promo on s ra eg es and ncen ves under he CREATE MORE aw “Among our bes prac ces n ecozone managemen s our One-S op Non-S op Shop n a ves a key examp e of de ver ng governmen serv ces more qu ck y smoo h y and n an n egra ed manner o he p nves ors se up opera e and expand bus nesses w h ease ” Cor ero sa d The s udy v s prov ded BEZA offic a s Standard w h prac ca ns gh s n o PEZA’s apTODAY proach o ecozone deve opmen nves or fac a on governance and ns u ona s reng hen ng a ongs de d g a za on and sus a nab e deve opmen prac ces PEZA sa d he engagemen opens oppor un es for expanded know edge-sharng and nves men coord na on among he Ph pp nes Bang adesh and Japan add ng ha ooks forward o fur her co abora on o suppor nc us ve econom c grow h Othe V Campos
NOTICE ven that ders and NOTICE sishereby herebyggiven thatthe theshareho shareholders andBoard Boardofof DDirectors rectors ofofFILINVEST LIFEMALLS MIMOSA, INC., FILINVEST LIFEMALLS MIMOSA, INC.,aacorcorporat on du y organ zed and st ng under poration duly organized and ex existing under the the aws laws ofof the the Repub c of the Ph pp nes, have approved the c osure and Republic of the Philippines, have approved the closure and ddissolution sso ut on ofof FILINVEST FILINVEST LIFEMALLS LIFEMALLS MIMOSA, MIMOSA, INC. INC. by by shorten ng ts corporate term unt 31 December 2026. The shortening its corporate term until 31 December 2026. The necessary osure and sso ut on sha necessarydocuments documentsfor forthe thecclosure andddissolution shallbe be fifiled ed wwith th the Secur t es and Exchange Comm ss on. the Securities and Exchange Commission. AAll persons ng cclaims a ms aga nst FILINVEST persons hav having against FILINVEST LIFEMALLS LIFEMALLS
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK INC. MIMOSA, MIMOSA, INC.are arerequested requestedtotopresent presentthe thesame sameatat the the27th 27th
P p no para sa P p no” advocacy by ncreas ng sourc ng from F p no farmers Dur ng a ser es of mee ngs w h CIDO Nes é presen ed s Nescafé P an and d scussed po en a areas of co abora on o suppor he governmen ’s coffee deve opmen agenda The program prov des farmer ra n ng and ass s ance n produc v y mprovemen regenera ve agr cu ure and sus a nab e sourc ng CIDO wh ch opera es under he Office of he Undersecre ary for Spec a Concerns and Offic a Deve opmen Ass s ance s engag ng pr va e sec or s akeho ders o s reng hen he domes c coffee va ue cha n
FFloor, oor, One nvest Bu d ng, Ort gas Avenue OneFFilinvest Building, Ortigas Avenuecorner cornerADB ADBAvAvenue, gas Center, g CCity, ty, Attent on: Atty. na O. enue, Ort Ortigas Center, Pas Pasig Attention: Atty. Katr Katrina O. CClemente-Lua, emente-Lua, for mmed ate sett ement. for immediate settlement.
Th s announcement ce totoaallconcerned This announcementwwillserve serveas asnot notice concernedofof the osure and on from ness ofofFILINVEST the ega legalcclosure andcessat cessation frombus business FILINVEST LIFEMALLS MIMOSA, INC. LIFEMALLS MIMOSA, INC.
Standard Standard TODAY
TODAY
DA steps NOTICE up aid for Benguet OF DISSOLUTION farmers after vegetable loss NOTICE s hereby g ven that the shareho ders and Board of
THE Depar men of Agr cu ure s s epp ng up effor s o he p BenD rectors of FILINVEST LIFEMALLS MIMOSA, INC., a corgue vege ab e farmers marke he r produce and preven was e fo ow ng wo denys where ra nzed and rad ng ex de ays ef 5 under 8 ons of the aws of the porat onncdu organ and st ng vege ab es ocroof the Ph pp nes, have approved the c osure and Repub Agr cu ure Secre ary Franc sco T u Laure Jr d rec ed DA-Cord sso ut on of FILINVEST LIFEMALLS MIMOSA, INC. by d era Adm n s ra ve Reg on offic a s o assess he s ua on and nga e ts 31 December 2026. The deshorten ver mmed a d corporate o growers h term by weaunt her- nduced marke necessary documents for the c osure and d sso ut on sha be d srup ons NOTICE NOTICE The order fo owed repor s of Ch nese cabbage and carro s d sfi ed w th the Secur tSupplemental es and Exchange Comm ss on. ( (of Extrajudicial ofSupplemental Extrajudicial carded near a p g farm and a ong Labey-Lacamen Road n)Tub Settlement of Settlement ofEstate Estate ) ay Bengue A persons hav ng c a ms aga nst FILINVEST LIFEMALLS DA-CAR reg ona d rec or Jenntoyn Dawayanthe sa d same a MIMOSA, INC.execu are ve requested present at the 27th farmer n Gambang Bakun harves ed 2 5 ons of Ch nese cabbage oor,13One F nvest BuLadTrng, Ort onFAug The produce reached n dad bu gas sa nAvenue a hau ers’ corner ADB Avenue, Ort gas Center, Pas g C ty, Attent on:- Atty. Katr na O. queue for wo days and wo n gh s Ra n and we oad ng cond ons caused he cabbagefor o rommed before ate cou sett d be soement. d C emente-Lua, In a separa e nc den a farmer n Am may Bugu as harves ed 4 ons s on Aug 11 Buyers on y 700 ograms Thofscarro announcement wbough serve as knot ce atohea concerned of rad ng cen er by m dday he nex day As he rema n ng 3 3ness ons of FILINVEST the ega c osure and cessat on from bus began o spo he dr ver dumped he oad a ong Labey-Lacamen LIFEMALLS MIMOSA, INC. Road NOTICE NOTICE The osses o a ed an es ma ed 5 8 me r c ons The agency emphas zed he need for fas er og s cs dependab e buyer nks and emergency n erven ons dur ng severe wea her To preven fu ure osses DA-CAR s expand ng d rec sa es hrough s Kad wa ng Pangu o ou e s prov d ng ranspor asStandard Standard s s anceTODAY and connec ng farmers w h commerc a buyers The TODAY agency s a so se ng up pro oco s o red rec fresh harves s before qua y de er ora es In Augus he reg ona office ass s ed 46 farmer coopera ves and fac a ed he d rec sa e of 32 83 me r c ons of h gh and vege ab es genera ng P1 Standard 2Standard m on n gross sa es Othe V Campos TODAY TODAY
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK
NOTICE ( of Supplemental Extrajudicial Settlement of Estate )
NOTICE NOTICE ( (of ofSupplemental SupplementalExtrajudicial Extrajudicial Settlement Settlementof ofEstate Estate) )
NOTICE
NOTICE NOTICE
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Y
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
Standard
TODAY
CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK
CYAN CYANMAGENTA MAGENTAYELLOW YELLOWBLACK BLACK
CYAN CYANM
BUSINESS
B4
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
Australia’s Kairos Care eyes PH hub
By Othel V. Campos
A
ustralia-based healthcare provider Kairos Care and Kairos Medical Group is planning to set up an information technology-business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) operation in the Philippines to support its Australian health services business and other global markets, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said. PEZA director-general Tereso Panga met with representatives of Kairos Care and Kairos Medical Group on Aug. 13 to discuss the planned Philippine operation.
Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Sydney commercial counselor Emmanuel Ang referred the group to PEZA. The company is reportedly
exploring the establishment of export-oriented administrative and back-office operations in the country. Kairos also plans to explore partnerships with Philippine universities for internships and future talent recruitment, according to PEZA. Kairos Care and Kairos Medical Group provide general practice, mental health, disability support and aged care services in Australia. Panga cited the Philippines’ IT-BPO advantages, including incentives under the CREATE MORE Act, PEZA’s ecozone ecosystem, the strong performance of Australian
firms in the country and its growing AI-enabled healthcare talent pool. Kairos plans to expand its Philippine operations over time by providing outsourced services to
IN BRIEF DBM allots P57b for PDIC fund restoration ruling
RETIREMENT INVESTMENT. EastWest expands access to its Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) products through partnerships with DragonFi and Luna Securities, giving more Filipinos convenient digital channels to start investing for retirement. Shown are EastWest trust officer and head of trust asset management group Raul Victor De Guzman and Luna Securities chairman and co-Founder John Gatmaytan.
JFC’s Tim Ho Wan to take full control of North America unit By Jenniffer B. Austria JOLLIBEE Foods Corp. said Tuesday its Tim Ho Wan brand will buy WDI Corp.’s 30-percent stake in their North American joint venture for about $5.05 million, giving the Hong Kong dim sum chain full ownership of its business in the region. The fast-food chain said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange it will let Tim Ho Wan open more stores and sign on new franchise partners across North America. WDI will acquire Tim Ho Wan’s
30-percent stake in their Japan joint venture for about ¥166.1 million, or roughly $1 million, giving the Tokyobased company full ownership of the brand’s franchise rights in Japan. The companies expect to complete the deal in the third quarter of 2026, subject to approval. Tim Ho Wan operates five stores in the United States, three of them company-owned and two franchised. Under the new ownership structure, it will take over the New York and Hawaii stores directly and manage the Las Vegas and Texas locations.
Jollibee said Tim Ho Wan plans to grow its US store count to 20 by 2028, largely through franchising. “North America is one of Tim Ho Wan’s most important growth markets, and taking full ownership of the platform gives us greater flexibility to invest in, expand and franchise the brand,” Tim Ho Wan chief executive Yeong Sheng Lee said. The realignment lets Tim Ho Wan concentrate on North America while WDI focuses on Japan, where it has deep local experience, the companies said.
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said Monday that P57 billion earmarked under unprogrammed appropriations for the possible restoration of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp.’s (PDIC) Deposit Insurance Fund would give the government fiscal room to comply with a final court directive without displacing priority programs and essential public services. PDIC previously remitted P107.23 billion to the Bureau of the Treasury in January 2025 under a congressional mandate in the 2024 General Appropriations Act and an opinion from the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel. Under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program, the government plans to restore P57 billion, or 53.2 percent of the total amount, under unprogrammed appropriations for the “Restoration of the Fund Balances of the PDIC.” That leaves P50.23 billion still to be restored. DBM said allocating the full P107.23 billion in a single fiscal year would strain the government’s limited fiscal space and could displace programmed expenditures under the proposed national budget, given its size and the absence of a final and executory court directive. Thony Rose Lesaca
EastWest Bank sees expansion this year
EASTWEST Banking Corp. is targeting high single-digit to low-teen loan growth in 2026 as it takes a more measured approach to lending and shifts more capital toward secured businesses. “We’re seeing more measured pace of growth this year, probably high single digit to low teens,” EastWest Bank chief executive Jerry Ngo said during the PSE Star Investor Day forum. Ngo said the bank is moving toward
Cebu Pacific to resume Iloilo flights to Bangkok, Singapore in November By Darwin G. Amojelar CEBU Pacific said Tuesday it will resume direct flights from Iloilo to Bangkok and Singapore starting Nov. 23, 2026, strengthening international connectivity from its Iloilo hub. The budget carrier said it will operate flights from Iloilo to Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport and to Singapore three times weekly, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Return flights from Bangkok and Singapore to Iloilo will begin November 24 and operate every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The route resumption is expected to strengthen Iloilo’s role as an international gateway for travelers
from Western Visayas, offering more options for leisure and business travel across Asia. In Bangkok, passengers can explore the city’s temples, night markets and Thai cuisine. Singapore offers a mix of tourist attractions, multicultural food and shopping destinations. Cebu Pacific is also holding a seat sale until August 31, with select domestic and international flights available for as low as P199 oneway base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The promotional travel period runs from August 16, 2026 to January 31, 2027. Cebu Pacific operates flights to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
other healthcare organizations. The group is also exploring wellness and rehabilitation partnerships with Philippine resorts for mental health and disability care programs.
expanding its secured businesses, particularly mortgage and auto loans, while also growing its small and medium enterprise lending. “We’re moving towards expanding more our secured businesses, mortgage, auto, and even now we’re expanding into SME business loans. This hopefully can then complement our higher performing unsecured portfolio. So we want to make sure that there’s a balance as we go through the cycle,” Ngo said. The strategy is intended to complement EastWest Bank’s unsecured consumer portfolio, which has expanded over the past three to four years. Ngo also expects credit costs to remain elevated amid current volatile global and domestic economic conditions. Jenniffer B. Austria
Visayas grid suffers red alert for 2nd day
NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines placed the Visayas grid on red alert for the second straight day as plant outages continued to plague the region. NGCP placed Visayas on red alert from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday because power supply was insufficient to meet consumer demand and the transmission grid’s regulating requirement. Forecast available capacity was pegged at 2,410 megawatts against peak demand of 2,502 MW. Visayas was also placed on yellow alert from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. as 836.9 MW remained unavailable to the grid. A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement. NGCP said eight plants suffered forced outages in August 2026, one plant since July, three since June, seven since May, one since March, three since 2025, two since 2024, two since 2023, and one since 2021. Another 13 plants ran on derated capacities. Alena Mae S. Flores
Goldilocks hikes solar capacity with 2 facilities By Alena Mae S. Flores
VALUED PARTNER. SM Foundation Inc. project manager for health and medical programs Albert Uy (fourth from left) is recognized during the Stakeholders’ Night 2026 to honor valued partners of the Medical Center, Armed Forces of the Philippines. The event brought together 25 valued partners from the government, private sector, non-government organizations, military units and healthcare institutions who were feted for their unwavering support and significant contributions to the center’s mission of delivering quality healthcare. With Uy are AFP Medical Center officials led by Bgen. Erickson Gob, commander of the AFP Medical Center (third from left).
BPI waives PESONet fees for business disbursements via BizLink platform
BEST OF CEBU. From seamless airport transfers to island adventures, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) serves as the gateway to Cebu and the rest of the Visayas. As the premier tourism transfer hub, MCIA makes discovering Cebu—and the islands beyond— more seamless through CEB Connects, Cebu Pacific’s convenient air-to-air transfer service. Travelers arriving through the airport can easily connect to 28 domestic and 14 international destinations, with minimum connection times of just 35 minutes for domestic-to-domestic transfers and 60 minutes for international-to-domestic journeys.
BANK of the Philippine Islands said Tuesday it is waiving PESONet transfer fees for businesses using the Pay Non-BPI disbursement feature of its BPI BizLink corporate banking platform starting Aug. 1. The bank said in a statement the fee waiver covers existing and new BPI BizLink corporate clients, allowing them to send funds to accounts in other banks through PESONet without transfer charges. BPI said businesses using Pay Non-BPI can make payments to suppliers, service providers, employees and other beneficiaries through the PESONet network. BPI BizLink also offers several other payment options for businesses. Pay Now allows immediate transactions while Pay On supports future-dated payments and Pay Every enables recurring transactions. For transfers between BPI accounts, the platform offers Pay BPI, which allows businesses to move funds at no cost. Starting in July, BPI removed transfer fees for InstaPay and PESONet transactions made through the BPI app, online banking, VYBE, BanKo and BizKo, in line with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Circular No. 1238, Series of 2026. The moves form part of BPI’s effort to help companies reduce transaction costs and make digital transactions more affordable. Jenniffer B. Austria
GOLDILOCKS Bakeshop Inc., the country’s largest bakeshop chain, has inaugurated new rooftop solar facilities in Cebu and Pangasinan, expanding its total solar capacity to 1,010 kilowatt-peak (kWp), the company said. The two facilities are expected to generate approximately 1.06 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 716.5 metric tons a year, based on current estimates. Lopez-led First Gen Corp., one of the country’s leading renewable energy providers, developed both facilities and will maintain them. The 516-kWp solar photovoltaic system at Goldilocks’ facility in LapuLapu City supports operations serving outlets across the Visayas. A second 494-kWp system at the Richbake Inc. facility in Pangasinan supports Goldilocks stores in Northern Luzon. The projects are part of Goldilocks’ effort to strengthen energy efficiency, manage operating costs and reduce environmental impact. “At Goldilocks, we recognize that responsible growth requires responsible operations. Introducing solar power to our facilities supports our efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and build a more sustainable future for our business and the communities we serve.” Goldilocks chief operating officer Jerson Uy said. “We are already seeing tangible benefits from generating a portion of our energy requirements on-site, both through cost savings and lower carbon emissions,” said Goldilocks head of manufacturing for the Visayas Marilou Plando.
COMMUNITY
C1
SPOTLIGHT
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026 DIGITAL.MANILASTANDARD@GMAIL.COM/ DIGITAL.MKTG@MANILASTANDARD.NET PETER PAUL DURAN, Issue Editor
New US-funded center targets illegal fishing
US and Philippine officials join fisheries representatives to formally open the Community IUU Fishing Reporting Center in Palawan on July 30.
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UERTO PRINCESA CITY, —The US Embassy in the Philippines, through the Fish Right Project, launched the Community Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Reporting Center in partnership with the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development. The new facility strengthens Philippine-led efforts to combat IUU fishing—a shared economic and security threat for both the United States and the Philippines.
Resources, the National Maritime Center, and the Provincial Government of Palawan, these reports will be forwarded to appropriate Philippine government agencies for validation, follow-up action, and feedback to local fishing communities. “Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is both an economic and a national security challenge. It depletes fish stocks, disrupts supply chains, distorts markets, threatens food security, and places responsible fishers and legitimate businesses at a disadvantage,” said US Embassy Officer Taylor Fincher. “Addressing illegal fishing and related maritime concerns is an important area of cooperation between the United States and the Philippines.” “By providing fisherfolk with a safe and accessible way to report suspected illegal fishing and other unlawful maritime activities, this Community IUU Fishing Reporting Center empowers coastal communities to become active partners in protecting our fisheries,” said
Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Fisheries Drusila Esther Bayate. The launch of the Community IUU Fishing Reporting Center coincides with the 80th anniversary of US-Philippines diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Philippines, underscoring the two nations’ enduring partnership in upholding international law, promoting lawful activity at sea, and advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Fish Right Project supports Philippine-led efforts to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Philippine exclusive economic zone bordering the South China Sea. It strengthens community reporting by connecting fishers’ observations with Philippine government systems, supports marine scientific research to inform decision-making, and promotes better market access for safe, legal, and sustainably sourced seafood.
By Tet Defensor THE partnership between local fintech firm BlockShoals and global crypto giant Binance is prioritizing education to help everyday Filipinos safely navigate the world of digital currencies. BlockShoals is currently working with Binance under a special regulatory program called the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Strategic Sandbox. A secure 24-month trial environment allows companies to test new financial products under strict government supervision to ensure consumers are protected. Binance is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, serving over 300 million registered users across more than 180 countries. It is the preferred exchange for trading Bitcoins, Altcoins, and other virtual assets and is known for its low fees and over 600 cryptocurrencies. The program enables a controlled trial of global platform services—notably tied to Binance—while setting up flat rails with a local Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)-licensed virtual asset provider (VASP). Binance APAC Head SB Seker describes the Philippines as a “critical market,” citing the high-speed digital adoption of local users. “There is pure entrepreneurial energy in this country,” he said. In a report by Google, Temasek, and Bain & Co., the country’s digital economy was at $36 billion in 2025 with digital payments making up 59% of the country’s total retail transactions. More than half of every peso spent locally now moves through digital channels. Seker added that users are not just using digital cash for remittance transactions. “It’s spread across merchant settlement, treasury settlement, intercompany settlement; in business, this drives organic and diffused growth.” During the Digital Assets media round table at the ASEAN tech summit, Binance General Manager Jen Bilango explained that the product approach will align with user habits and local infrastructure on top of addressing regulatory requirements. “We need to be local and intentional in our approach. We serve over 300 million users globally; hundreds of communities and multiple cultures, and no two countries are alike. We’re fortunate to have Blockshoals as our partner who can help us navigate and understand the best pathway to offer our products and services to the market.”
Gawad Pilipino names Brian Poe outstanding legislator
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe
Building on the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development’s existing coordination mechanisms with local and national agencies, Fish Right will integrate American technologies, such as Starlink and data visualization software EarthRanger, to strengthen connectivity, improve the collection and organization of community reports, and support timely information-sharing with Philippine authorities. The Center will serve as a community hub for receiving and organizing real-time reports from fishermen on suspected IUU fishing, unusual vessel activity, and other illegal maritime activities. With support from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
The Cabalen Group: 40 Years of bringing Filipino families together THE Cabalen Group proudly celebrates its 40th Anniversary, marking four decades of bringing Filipino families together through great food, warm hospitality, and meaningful celebrations. Since opening Cabalen—the First Filipino Buffet Restaurant in the Philippines—in 1986, the company has grown into one of the country’s leading homegrown restaurant groups, with a diverse portfolio that includes Cabalen, Mangan, Soi, Tsurumaru Udon x Tempura, Suki-Ya Unlimited Shabu-Shabu, Salo Saya, and other emerging concepts.
Let’s learn crypto! Partnership aims to protect and educate crypto investors
Trusted for Decades, Loved by Generations is more than a brand statement—it reflects the trust earned from millions of guests, the dedication of thousands of employees, and the enduring relationships built with partners and communities over the past four decades. Celebrating 40 years is more than commemorating a milestone—it is The Cabalen Group’s heartfelt way of thanking the millions of guests, dedicated employees, trusted partners, and communities whose unwavering support has made the journey possible. Throughout the quarter-long anniversary celebration, the company will introduce exclusive guest promotions, new employee appreciation initiatives, and meaningful community programs that reflect its commitment to the people who have been part of its story. Guests can look forward to exclusive anniversary experiences, including the Passport to Cravings, an interactive dining passport that rewards guests for exploring The Cabalen Group’s family of brands. Participating restaurants will also offer anniversary promo coupons featuring exclusive discounts, complimentary treats, and limited-time dining offers. To make celebrations even more rewarding, qualified BDO Credit Cardholders can also enjoy BDO Dine Now, Pay Later, with 0% interest for up to three (3) months on eligible dine-in and takeout transactions. As part of the celebration, The Cabalen Group is also launching Lifestyle Circle, an employee lifestyle and rewards program that provides exclusive dining privileges and special offers from partner brands in wellness, healthcare, fitness, travel, en-
tertainment, and other lifestyle services as a gesture of appreciation for the people behind every memorable dining experience. Giving back remains at the heart of the milestone celebration through Cabalen Para sa Kabataan: Learning Forward Together, a one-day corporate social responsibility initiative led by the Cabalen Training Institute. Selected high school students will receive free academic and practical training, hands-on learning experiences, industry exposure, and career readiness sessions designed to inspire, equip, and prepare them for future opportunities.
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe has been named one of Gawad Pilipino’s Ten Outstanding Legislators – Congressmen in the Philippines, earning recognition alongside veteran and emerging lawmakers from both chambers of Congress. Poe was among ten members of the House of Representatives selected for the distinction, together with Reps. Jose “Bong” Teves Jr., Patrick Michael Vargas, Jude Acidre, Marivic Co-Pilar, Bernadette Escudero, Ann Matibag, Maria Cristina Angeles, Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde, and Nelson Dayanghirang Jr. Gawad Pilipino also recognized ten members of the Senate, including Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Joel Villanueva, Christopher “Bong” Go, Imee Marcos, Jinggoy Estrada, Raffy Tulfo, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Erwin Tulfo, and Win Gatchalian. For Poe, being included among lawmakers with years of experience in national and local public service makes the recognition particularly meaningful as he completes his first year in Congress. “Being recognized alongside public servants who have spent years serving our country is a tremendous honor, especially in my first year in Congress. But more than anything, it reminds me that we have to keep earning the trust of the people through our work every single day,” Poe said. The award comes on the heels of another recognition for Poe. In June, FPJ Panday Bayanihan placed fourth among the country’s top-performing party-list representatives in the RPMD Foundation’s nationwide “Boses ng Bayan” Index of Governance, earning a 67.4 percent rating based on public trust and job performance. Poe said the two recognitions reinforce the direction his office has pursued since the opening of the 20th Congress: focus on issues that have a direct impact on the daily lives of Filipinos. In his first year, Poe filed 166 bills as principal author and 96 as co-author, for a total of 262 measures, while recording 233 committee hearing attendances. His legislative agenda is organized around FPJ Panday Bayanihan’s three pillars of Food, Progress, and Justice. Under Food, Poe has pushed measures on food waste reduction, expanded school-based feeding, agricultural support and long-term food security. Under Progress, his legislative work includes proposals on artificial intelligence governance, climate resilience, water security, disaster preparedness and blockchain-based government transparency. Under Justice, he has advanced the Freedom of Information Bill, stronger animal welfare legislation, measures protecting children online, reforms for senior citizens, and efforts to address illegal online gambling. Several of these measures have already advanced in Congress. Poe’s Freedom of Information proposal was incorporated into the substitute measure approved by the House on third and final reading, bringing a reform pursued for more than three decades closer to enactment.
C2
SHOWBIZ
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
BINI makes historic ‘Summer Sonic’ debut in Japan P-POP girl group BINI made its debut at Japan’s Summer Sonic festival, representing the Philippines at one of the country’s biggest music events. The eight-member group performed a 40-minute set on the Mountain Stage at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Osaka on Aug. 14 and returned to the same stage at ZOZO Marine Stadium and Makuhari Messe in Tokyo on Aug. 16. The Tokyo performance was also streamed on WOWOW On Demand.
BINI performs a 40-minute set, including songs like ‘Cherry on Top’ and ‘Pantropiko’
BINI performed “Cherry on Top,” “Zero Pressure,” “Out of My Head,” “Blink Twice,” and “Step Back,” along with the Japanese version of “Born to Win” and a Japaneseinfused rendition of “Salamin, Salamin.” The group closed its set with “Pantropiko,” while “Sugar Rush” was performed in Osaka and “Unang Kilig” in Tokyo. The group’s appearance also generated buzz online, with BINI reaching No. 1 and No.
3 on X’s global trends on Aug. 14 and 16, respectively. It also topped trending topics in the Philippines on both days. Filipino acts Ena Mori and SB19 also performed at this year’s Summer Sonic. BINI resumed its Signals world tour with shows in Vancouver on Aug. 18 and then in Calgary on Aug. 21, Edmonton on Aug. 22, Winnipeg on Aug. 24, Toronto on Aug. 27, and Brooklyn, New York, on Aug. 28.
‘Disney On Ice’ turns the rink into a dance floor By Japser Valdez
D
ISNEY On Ice is putting a
different spin on its usual arena format with Let’s Dance!, a production that uses remixed music, audience participation, and a DJ setup to move between familiar Disney stories. The show, which makes its Philippine debut later this year, casts Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy as DJs. Their role helps connect scenes from Wish, Frozen 2, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Moana rather than presenting the titles as completely separate parts.
‘Let’s Dance!’ is making its Philippine debut with stops in Cebu and Manila later this year
Goofy, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck take on DJ duties as ‘Disney On Ice: Let’s Dance!’ connects familiar stories through remixed music
British duo Thandii teams up with PH’s most recorded drummer for new album WHEN British alt-soul and art-pop duo Thandii collaborates with Filipino musical royalty, the result is Coco Okayo, an album that crosses geographical and generational lines. For London-based act Thandii, a whirlwind trip to Manila allowed Graham Godfrey and Jess Berry to explore a new cultural context for songwriting. After several prolific years of self-released albums, they channeled Godfrey’s Filipino heritage through Sama Sama Records founder Norsicaa’s project to make their next album with the Philippines’ most recorded drummer, Jun Regalado. Regalado is a 1998 KATHA Outstanding Musician, a 2018 ALIW Lifetime Achievement Awardee, and a Pakil’s Pride Awardee at the 2024 1st Laguna Jazz Festival. Now in his late 70s,
The format also asks audiences to do more than watch. Singing and dancing are built into the experience, while the production combines figure skating with aerial choreography, acrobatics, stunts, and visual effects. Newer characters such as Asha, Valentino, Star and King Magnifico from Wish appear alongside established Disney figures, including Ariel, Simba, Anna, Elsa, and Moana. Music remains the main link between the different sections, with songs from the featured films reworked for the ice production. Among them are “This Wish,” “Show Yourself,” “Circle of Life,” “Under the Sea,” and “How Far
his track “Pinoy Funk” was reissued by Londonbased Soundway Records on its 2024 Ayo Ke Disco album. Over the past five years, he has also recreated drumming for nearly 100 songs he originally recorded in the 1970s and 1980s. Regalado notes that Coco Okayo “is unlike OPM sessions or Manila Sound cuts I’ve done before,” calling it his first album collaboration outside his peers. Thandii also drew from the 1970s Manila Sound movement, recording in a local studio the duo described as “like stepping into a time-warp.” “Period-correct pre-amps, compressors and instruments recreated the tones of the era and, combined with Sir Jun’s magical sound and touch, created an authenticity so completely right for the moment,” the duo says. With roots in British soul and the Filipino diaspora, Coco Okayo also taps the musical range of Berry and Godfrey. Berry says the process allowed melodies and flute passages to flow freely in a way unlike their previous albums. The album moves through OPM, soul, discofunk and trip-hop while maintaining a cohesive sound. Thandii calls the hybrid “MAR-NILA,” describing it as a genre shaped by Filipino diaspora artists paying tribute to Manila Sound while mixing in modern post-punk disco and beat-driven art-pop from Margate. Regalado called on listeners to support the project, describing it as “Filipino musicianship being celebrated abroad.” Coco Okayo by Thandii and Jun Regalado arrives on Spotify and other streaming platforms through Bandcamp on Sept. 11. The single is available now, with vinyl and digital album preorders also open. British duo Thandii (rightmost) works with veteran Filipino drummer Jun Regalado (center) on ‘Coco Okayo,’ an album blending Manila Sound, soul, disco-funk and art-pop
I’ll Go.” Produced by Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice has toured internationally for more than four decades. Let’s Dance! first premiered in Orlando, Florida, before becoming part of the touring lineup. The Philippine run opens at SM Seaside Cebu Arena from Nov. 28 to Dec. 6 before moving to SM Mall of Asia Arena from Dec. 18, 2026, to Jan. 3, 2027. The Manila engagement covers the Christmas and New Year period, while Cebu serves as the first local stop for the production.
Crowds turn out for ‘Total Eclipse’ singer Bonnie Tyler’s funeral Mourners were told how Bonnie Tyler was loved by millions, and had ‘a warmth and sincerity’ that shone through
HUNDREDS joined mourners Monday for the funeral of Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, with fans singing along to her hit “It’s a Heartache” as her white, flower-covered coffin was carried into Swansea Minster. The husky-voiced singer, known for “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” died in Portugal last month at 75. More than 1,000 people gathered outside the church for the service, which was also livestreamed. Her coffin, adorned with white roses and lilies, drew applause as it arrived. “It’s a Heartache” and “If I Sing You A Love Song” played as pallbearers carried the casket inside. The service also featured Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and a male voice choir’s rendition of “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” “She is a Welsh icon,” retiree Bette Richards told AFP. “She was a beautiful person. She never
changed.” Tyler, born Gaynor Hopkins, died July 8 in Faro, Portugal, after being placed in an induced coma following emergency surgery in May. In a eulogy, longtime tour manager Matt Davis remembered a performer who could command stages from small clubs to stadiums and loved performing wherever possible. Talent scout Roger Bell, who discovered Tyler, remembered her warmth and humility despite worldwide fame. Born and raised in a coal-mining village near Swansea, Tyler rose to fame in the 1970s with “Lost in France” and “It’s a Heartache.” “Total Eclipse of the Heart” later topped charts in Britain and the United States, while “Holding Out for a Hero” became another hit in 1984. At the time she fell ill, Tyler was preparing for a European tour celebrating 50 years since her 1976 breakthrough, “Lost in France.” AFP
LIFE
C3 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
‘Mag-iina’ leads the Cinemalaya 2026 winners, taking Best Full-Length Feature along with four other major award
Cinemalaya honors
Martin del Rosario wins Best Actor for ‘Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam’
Cinemalaya festival director Chris Millado reported P18.5 million in preliminary ticket sales, up 47 percent from P12.6 million last year. Attendance also rose to about 25,000 from 17,000. Despite the growth, Millado said the festival remains dependent on external funding. “Pagkatapos ng 22 taon, survival mode pa rin ang Cinemalaya,” he said, citing community contributions, longer corporate partnerships, and grants as possible funding sources. Cinemalaya president Laurice
the best in indie film circle Pokwang, Ruby Ruiz share Best Actress plum at Cinemalaya 2026
By Angelica Villanueva and Jasper Valdez
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OKWANG and Ruby Ruiz shared the Best Actress award at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival for 2 Valid IDs and Status: Rejected, respectively.
‘Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam,’ starring (from left) Epy Quizon, Yayo Aguila, Martin Del Rosario, and Miguel Odron, bags the Best Ensemble Performance award at the 22nd Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival
Pokwang returned to Cinemalaya after 10 years in 2 Valid IDs, playing Sylvia, a poor farmer unable to claim a remittance because she lacks the required identification documents. The film also won the Audience Choice Award for Full-Length Feature and the Special Jury Prize. “After 10 years, yung una ko sa Cinemalaya, ito na ako. Nagpapasalamat ako sa Cinemalaya, sa co-actors ko. Sa lahat ng nanood, alam ko mahirap ang buhay ngayon pero sinupportahan niyo. Bangon, industriya! Kaya natin ’to! Kaya ng Pilipino,” Pokwang said in her acceptance speech. “Sa lahat ng may pinagdadaanan, huwag kayo mawalan ng pag-asa. Laban lang,” she added. Ruiz, on the other hand, portrays Virginia “Biring” Divinagracia, a 69-year-old woman whose hopes of reuniting with her son in the United States are threatened after her fourth visa rejection. Status: Rejected, directed by Vahn
‘Mag-iina’ director Giancarlo Abrahan (center) receives Best Director as his film emerges as the festival’s biggest winner
Leinard C. Pascual, also won the NETPAC Award for Best Film in the Full-Length Category. Mag-iina, directed by Giancarlo Abrahan, emerged as the festival’s biggest winner, taking Best Full-Length Feature along with Best Director for Abrahan, Best Screenplay for Guelan Varela-Luarca, Best Production Design for Katrish Aristoki, and Best Original Musical Scoring for David Yuhico. Lucas Andalio also shared Best Supporting Actor honors with K.D. Omalin of Hand of God. Martin del Rosario won Best Actor for Tayo Lang ang Nakakaalam, which also received Best Cinematography for Adam Dumaguin and Best Sound Design for Elian Idioma. Del Rosario, Yayo Aguila, Miguel Odron, and Epy Quizon won Best Ensemble Performance. Bituin Escalante won Best Supporting Actress and John Rogers received Best Editing for A.ni.mál. In the Short Film Category, Rey
Pokwang (right) and Ruby Ruiz share the Best Actress award for their performances in ‘2 Valid IDs’ and ‘Status: Rejected’, respectively
P-pop girl group KAIA delivers a special performance of ‘KAYA’ at the Cinemalaya 2026 awards night
Cinemalaya 2026 brings together this year’s winners and filmmakers as the festival closes its 22nd edition with stronger ticket sales and attendance
Anthony Villaverde’s Silkscreen won Best Short Film. Gabriela Serrano received Best Director for Elenita Elena Elaine, while Lysa Catolico and Jazmine Gin R. Pateña won Best Screenplay for RUNO! Lot-lot Hermosura’s The River Flows in Different Places won the
NETPAC Award for Short Film, while Hoy, Hoy, Ingat! (Hey, Hey, Take Care!) by Norvin de los Santos received the Audience Choice Award for Short Film. The Special Jury Prize went to 2 Valid IDs and Mae Chan Li’s Paraparaan (Finding a Way Through).
Ricky Lee opens workshop door to a new generation of Filipino writers and refining his approach to storytelling. Since Trip to Quiapo was published, Lee has conducted numerous workshops, including during the pandemic. Those sessions became the source of the new book. “Andaming bagong experiences, bagong lessons, bagong learnings, bagong insights,” Lee said in an interview after the launch. He compiled workshop experiences that were not covered in the first book. Quiapo Ilalim contains lectures, exercises, and other materials used in his workshops, offering those who never made it into one another way to learn. “Kung may libro (Quiapo Ilalim), para na rin silang nag-workshop,” Lee said.
Guillen reminded filmmakers that awards should not define their work. “No award can make that more true. And the absence of an award can make it no less true,” Guillen said. She also announced that Cinemalaya 2027 is open for entries until Sept. 17, 2026.
The book extends Lee’s teaching practice beyond the limits of a physical workshop. While a classroom is constrained by space and time, a book can reach readers wherever they are. Copies were formally turned over to the Film Academy of the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, and the Cinemalaya Foundation Inc.. These institutions help document, support, and promote Philippine cinema. The launch, held during Cinemalaya 2026, featured screenplay readings by Epy Quizon, Rocco Nacino, Martin del Rosario, Miguel Odron, Zaijian Jaranilla, Yayo Aguila, Nour Hooshmand, Chai Fonacier, Meryll Soriano, and Cherry Pie Picache, with a performance by Bayang Barrios. Beneath the celebration lay a simple proposition: lessons in filmmaking should not remain available only to those fortunate enough to attend a workshop. Quiapo Ilalim may be a sequel by title, but its larger story is about opening the door wider. This time, the workshop has no limited seating. It is between the pages.
National Artist Ricky Lee continues his mission of helping aspiring writers learn the craft through his new book ‘Quiapo Ilalim’
By Kurt Zubieta FOR years, getting into Ricky Lee’s writing workshops meant getting a seat first. Demand often exceeded capacity, and even during the pandemic, applications for his online workshops continued to pour in, leaving many aspiring writers outside the workshop room. Now, Lee is bringing the workshop to them. That is the idea behind Quiapo Ilalim, the new book by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts and a sequel to his 1998 book, Trip to Quiapo. For more than four decades, Lee has been a major figure in Philippine screenwriting. He has
Ricky Lee’s ‘Quiapo Ilalim’ brings lessons, exercise, and insights from his decades of free writing workshops to a wider audience
written acclaimed films including Himala, MuroAmi, Jose Rizal, Anak, and Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus. Named National Artist in 2021, Lee has also conducted free scriptwriting workshops since 1982, mentoring writers who went on to work in film and television. Launched at Red Carpet Cinemas in ShangriLa Plaza, “Quiapo Ilalim” is less a conventional sequel than a record of what happened after the first book, as Lee continued teaching, writing,
The launch of Quiapo Ilalim gives more aspiring Filipino writers access to lessons once limited by workshop space and schedules
LIFE
C4 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026
lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer
PEOPLE
By Nickie Wang
W
HEN Spencer Ozo talks about his latest exhibition, Intimate Reflections, the conversation moves past paint, canvas and technique. The exhibition draws from his emotions, including grief, his experiences, hard work and, ultimately, his decision to find happiness again.
Spencer Ozo’s ‘Intimate Reflections’ looks back on grief, family, and the work behind starting over
The collection uses texture, color, and personal memory to reflect the different versions of loss
Spencer Ozo paints his way through grief with a splash of color The exhibit brings together 25 works shaped by loss, healing, and his choice to seek happiness again
With Intimate Reflections, he proves that sometimes the most revealing portrait is not a face, but everything an artist has carried along the way. Presented by Conrad Manila as the 42nd edition of its Of Art and Wine series, the 25-piece exhibit is currently on view at Gallery C until Sept. 26. Curated by resident curator Nestor Jardin, the collection brings together abstract and figurative works that reveal different sides of Ozo, from the happy and hungry to the lost and searching. It is a striking departure from his first exhibition, Positive Negative, which he mounted in 2022 after the pandemic. “This time, the collection is a representation of grief and getting over hardships,” Ozo told Manila Standard Life. In 2021, he lost both his mother and father. The losses changed the way he approached his art, opening the door to emotions he had previously kept at a distance. There is also an unexpected personal connection to the exhibition. Its opening date, April 15, coincided with his mother’s birthday. “It was really coincidental,” he said, describing the timing as a gift from his mother.
From left: Nestor Jardin, Elizabeth Sy, Spencer Ozo, Peggy Angeles, and Rupert Hallam lead the opening of Gallery C’s newest art showcase
Rather than confining the collection to a single artistic style, Ozo chose to let the works wander. Abstract pieces sit alongside figurative paintings, while texture, color, and experimentation become recurring threads. “This is a representation of me—the happy me, the hungry me, maybe the lost me,” he related. “This is everything.” Among the works is a painting depicting an urban brother and sister, inspired by children Ozo
encountered through his work with students and artists. He recalled one simple moment involving a bag of fries, which had to be divided among the children. One child was missing, so they waited before sharing the food. The seemingly ordinary scene stayed with him. “You don’t have to have a ring to belong,” Ozo said. “Somebody will take care of you.” For six months, Ozo devoted himself almost entirely to the collection, working from 8:00 a.m.
to 8:00 p.m. He joked that he had “no friends and no family” during that period. The result is an exhibition that asks viewers to look inward as much as they look at the paintings. Ozo said his greatest reward is seeing people who may not usually engage with art become emotional in front of his work. “When I see someone who isn’t really into art become emotional while looking at a piece, or somebody who would stand in front of a painting almost teary-eyed because they relate to it, that is my message,” he explained. Seeing his work appreciated is gratifying, he added, but emotional connection is what truly counts. The exhibition features 25 pieces, all available for acquisition. Guests and collectors may contact Conrad Manila at +632 8833 9999 or Conrad.Manila.info@conradhotels.com for inquiries. Since joining Conrad Manila in 2017, Ozo has balanced his career as the hotel’s front office manager with his growing life as an artist.
A flight finds its way home at the Singapore Embassy THERE was something fitting about a sculpture called Flight finding a new home at the Singapore Embassy in Manila. Singapore Airlines gifted Filipino artist Impy Pilapil’s original sculpture Flight to the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore as the airline celebrates 60 years of operations in the Philippines. The handover took place at the embassy in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, with Pilapil, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See, and Singapore Airlines Philippines general manager Liwei Tai in attendance. Commissioned by Singapore Airlines in 2015, Flight was created to capture the experience of flying with the carrier and its long-standing ties with Filipino artists. For a decade, it stood at Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, greeting travelers before they took off. Now, it has returned to a ‘Quest’ forms rather fitting address. part of an The sculpture joins three embassy collection other Pilapil works, Silent that reflects Wave, Quest, and Blooms, Impy Pilapil’s which have been displayed interest in at the embassy since its movement, building opened in 2008. nature, and The reunion brings four of cultural the artist’s works together exchange under one roof. “Art has always served as an important instrument in bridging countries and cultures,” Tai said, adding that Flight would continue its
Created for Singapore Airlines in 2015, ‘Flight’ moves from an airport lounge to its new home at the Singapore Embassy in Bonifacio Global City
After a decade at NAIA Terminal 3, ‘Flight’ joins Impy Pilapil’s other works at the Singapore Embassy in Manila
legacy as a symbol of the ties between Singapore and the Philippines. Pilapil was equally pleased to see her works reunited. “Reuniting Flight with its companion pieces feels like bringing back a missing dynamic element into a single, cohesive dialogue,” she said, describing art and flight as forces of movement, connection, and cultural exchange. “Every artist wishes to have a good home for their work, and then it becomes a gift when the ‘home’ is occupied by good people,” she added. Pilapil, whose work spans stone, glass, steel, wood, and
‘Silent Wave’ remains part of the Singapore Embassy’s Pilapil collection as the artist’s works come together under one roof
paper, is known for exploring nature, harmony, tranquility, and community. Her works have been exhibited in the Philippines and abroad, including Singapore, Japan, Australia, Italy, and the United States. Ambassador See welcomed the addition, noting that Singapore Airlines’ six decades in the Philippines have helped strengthen connections between the two countries. “We are so happy to give Flight a new home at the Singapore Embassy, and to continue supporting and showcasing the creativity of Filipino artists,” she said. And so, after 10 years in an airport lounge, Flight has landed somewhere perhaps even more meaningful: surrounded by its artistic siblings, diplomats, and a building devoted to the enduring relationship between two neighboring Southeast Asian nations.