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Guteza recants testimony, says was used to accuse ex-Speaker

By Joel E. Zurbano Orly Guteza

RETIRED Marine T/Sgt. Orly Guteza retracted his testimony that connected the former House Speaker to the flood-control scandal, saying he was offered money in exchange for falsely implicating the lawmaker.

In an exclusive report of GMA’s 24 Oras, Guteza

VOL. XL • NO. 187 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

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Roblox link to shooter probed DILG: Online chats likely influenced student in Zambo shooting

By Vince Lopez, Charles Dantes, Gabriel Oliva, and Joel E. Zurbano

I

NTERIOR Secretary Jonvic Remulla said investigators are looking into whether online activity, including chats on the gaming platform Roblox, influenced the minor involved in Tuesday’s shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU), which left the shooter and another junior high school student dead.

ON SITE. Vice President Sara Duterte, left photo, visits the wake of the Grade 10 student killed in the shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga Junior High School building in Zamboanga City. Right photo shows DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) where he met with ADZU President Fr. Ernald Andal, other school officials and authorities on the progress of the investigation. DepEd Philippines

Zamboanga Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso declared Wednesday, Aug. 19, an official day of mourning and suspended classes at all levels in public and private schools across the city. ADZU

separately kept classes suspended until Thursday to give students, faculty and staff time to recover.

The firearms used in the attack were

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Teachers hits Castro for ‘reckless’ tirade after school shooting

By Charles Dantes and Gabriel Oliva THE Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) pushed back against Presidential Communications Officer (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro’s remarks on the Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting, where she said teachers sometimes teach children to be disrespectful.

Netizens joined in, expressing dismay over Castro’s comments, with some urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fire her.

Castro rejected, however, insinuations that she blamed or insulted teachers in her remarks about the Ateneo de Zamboanga incident, saying she was only reminding educators of their responsibility in shaping students’ behavior and values.

During a Malacañang press briefing, Castro said addressing violence requires children to be guided not only by their parents at home. but also by teachers in schools.

“We have seen this… the teachers themselves violate the rules of morality. Sometimes, they teach their students how to be disrespectful, especially to the elderly

‘Underground water-retention facilities eyed to ease flooding’

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By Charles Dantes and Rio N. Araja PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Wednesday the government is considering digging underground water-retention facilities beneath existing

DBM releases P1.85b more funding for PGH

By Thony Rose Lesaca

MITIGATION MEASURES. President Ferdinand R.

Marcos Jr. convenes key government agencies for a situation briefing yesterday to assess and address the effects of the southwest monsoon #Habagat in Metro Manila and other affected areas. PCO

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said yesterday it released P1.855 billion in additional funding for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) to ease patients’ financial burden while ensuring the continued delivery of critical medical and specialized services.

Of the total, P1.040 billion will support the provision of medical services at PGH, while P800 million will go to the Next page

VP Sara seeks speedy trial but won’t attend hearings

By Katrina Manubay and Maricel Cruz VICE President Sara Duterte called for a speedy impeachment trial even as she nixed calls to attend the hearings, adding

that the process should not be prolonged unnecessarily as the public waits for a resolution to the allegations against her.

“We simply want to speed up the process because it can’t be allowed to drag on. People are wondering— is it true that

wrongdoing happened, or are the accusations false?” Duterte said in a chance interview in Zamboanga City yesterday.

“So, the process needs to be quick because our Constitution guarantees Next page

SC: NOTARIAL SERVICES TO GO ELECTRONIC STARTING OCT. 19

‘META HOOKED, ABUSED CHILDREN, MISLED PUBLIC’

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public spaces, including football fields and open areas, as part of efforts to strengthen Metro Manila’s defenses against increasingly intense rainfall.

For its part, the Department of Education (DepEd) pushed for more flexNext page

REMEMBERING QUEZON.

Floral wreaths and bouquets are seen at the Quezon Memorial Shrine in Quezon City on Wednesday (Aug. 19, 2026), as the city commemorates the 148th birth anniversary of former president Manuel Luis Quezon. Quezon City Memorial Circle FB page

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Teachers...

From A1 or other people,” Castro said in her remarks.

The allegations came on the heels of a shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga on Tuesday morning, where a student brought a gun to school and shot a fellow student before taking his own life.

ACT assailed Castro’s comments as “a reckless and insulting tirade,” adding that the allegation unfairly placed responsibility on teachers for broader social problems.

“Malacañang is pointing fingers yet again, shifting the blame for the country’s culture of violence onto teachers and accusing us of failing to instill good manners among learners,” the group said.

ACT asserted that teachers were also victims of the same culture of violence, following years of neglect of the government, lack of support, poor working conditions, excessive workload, and attacks on teachers’ human rights and freedom.

“We have also borne the brunt of festering state violence, including human and trade union rights violations, repression, intimidation, and the silencing of dissent,” it added.

Focus on people’s needs rather than lecturing teachers

ACT said Malacañang should focus on addressing people’s needs rather than lecturing teachers on values and discipline, as public funds “continue to be directed” toward what the group described as corruption, pork barrel and discretionary funds, confidential and intelligence funds, and “bloated” military and defense spending.

It said the administration prioritizes projects that serve political interests, but not classrooms, teachers, learning materials, and the protection of learners.

“The government cannot lecture teachers about the values it has repeatedly failed to uphold itself,” said ACT. Castro claimed her earlier comments were misinterpreted after ACT criticized her remarks as “reckless” and “insulting.”

“First of all, we are not blaming teachers,” Castro said. “This is a reminder to our respected teachers about their important role in shaping good behavior, especially among young people.”

DBM...

From A1 Universal Health Care Fund for Zero Balance Billing, which seeks to reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket hospital expenses for eligible patients.

DBM Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said the funding release will provide additional government resources to help address concerns over the cost of medical care.

“When a family member gets sick, the first priority should be recovery, not where to find the money to pay the hospital bill. That is why we are putting P800 million behind Zero Balance Billing at PGH. Government must help make sure that needing medical care does not become a financial crisis for Filipino families,” he said.

The remaining P15 million will fund the treatment of Dystonia-Parkinsonism, or Lubag Syndrome, ensuring continued access to specialized care and related medical requirements for affected patients.

“Every peso we release for health must ultimately reach the patient.

This P1.855 billion is not simply additional funding on paper—it means more resources for treatment, less financial pressure on families, and continued support for patients who depend on PGH for critical and specialized care,” De Leon said.

Guteza...

From A1 said in his new affidavit that former Anakalusgan party-list Rep. Mike Defensor pressured him to provide false testimony against Rep. Martin Romualdez.

Earlier this month, four former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co – known as the “Maleta Boys” -- also recanted their earlier sworn statements that implicated President Ferdi-

VP: Consolidate raps vs. Madriaga

By Katrina Manubay

V

ICE President Sara Duterte’s camp on Wednesday said it will file a motion to consolidate the first and second perjury complaints against alleged former aide Ramil Madriaga, arguing that the complaints aim to dispute his “lies.”

In a virtual press briefing, Duterte’s legal counsel, Paolo Panelo, said the second perjury complaint against Madriaga was filed to further establish that his allegations were false and to highlight the prosecution’s reliance on what he described as a “malicious, baseless, and desperate”

witness against Duterte.

“We went through all this effort to put pressure also on the Department of Justice because we know they are controlled by Malacañang,” he added.

He also disputed Madriaga’s sworn affidavit, including his connection with

Roblox...

From A1

minds,” Remulla said.

Remulla said investigators were also looking into the student’s alleged use of a gore website, where he reportedly posted a livestream of the shooting. Authorities have yet to complete the forensic examination of his electronic devices.

taken from the vehicle of the suspect’s father, who worked at the Bureau of Customs, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said Wednesday, intensifying calls for stricter gun-safety measures and tighter school security.

Remulla said the claim of the shooter’s father -- that he left his firearms in the car that ferried his son to school and thus allowed the student to get hold of the guns -- was “highly improbable.”

Vice President Sara Duterte, who visited some of the victims at the Ciudad Medical Zamboanga, called for psychosocial wellness and anti-bullying programs in schools in light of the shooting.

“Dapat meron tayong psychosocial wellness program sa loob ng ating mga paaralan.

Iba pa ’yung anti-bullying program sa loob din ng ating paaralan,” Duterte told media in an ambush interview.

She said school monitoring should cover not only students but the entire campus community, including school personnel, to identify those who may need therapy, counseling or other forms of support.

‘Chats on Roblox expose youth to radicalization’

Remulla also said investigators were examining the student’s electronic devices, including possible activity on Roblox and other online platforms.

He stressed that Roblox itself was not dangerous but said group chats on the gaming platform could expose young users to violent content and potentially contribute to radicalization.

“Roblox itself is not a dangerous game, it was the chat,” Remulla said of the online game that also surfaced following the shooting at a public high school in Tacloban City last June, which left three students dead and 20 injured.

He called on Congress to consider restrictions on first-person shooter games that could influence young people.

“I call upon the Congress again to help us control and curb the use of first-person shooter games that influence these young

Psychosocial support for parents, community

The DILG chief said the student had been described as a high-performing pupil with no reported history of bullying or known behavioral problems. He said authorities are examining whether online interactions may have contributed to the student’s emotional distress.

Meanwhile, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said Ateneo has started to reach out to ADZU parents as part of their psychosocial support following Tuesday’s incident.

“They have already spoken with the parents, but it is still only on a voluntary basis for now. The challenge is how to reach all of them,” he told reporters at the campus he visited on Wednesday, accompanied by Mayor Olaso and school officials.

Psychiatrist Dr. Randy Dellosa pointed out that the second school shooting in just three months affects the entire community, requiring a community-wide response, he said in an ANC interview on Wednesday.

“What happens is that parents become more hypervigilant, the teachers become scared of having to monitor everything and everyone, and the students themselves it’s very scary for them to think that the killer was one of their very own schoolmates… this is quite very alarming and it will raise the anxiety levels of everyone,” he said.

Empathy for the victims should be the top priority in the wake of such tragedies, Dellosa said, adding: “This is not just ordinary, a regular crime that we keep on hearing about. There are victims and now the students themselves have experienced the impact of death.”

Dellosa pointed to what he called “weak social media regulations for minors,” which he said could contribute to worsening incidents.

‘Underground...

From A1 ible, school-level decisions on class resumption after disasters and severe weather, saying a localized approach could help prevent further learning losses while ensuring student safety.

Following a situation briefing with concerned government officials, the President said 30 potential sites have been identified for the proposed underground facilities, which would temporarily store excess rainwater and help ease flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.

Among the sites identified are Raja Sulaiman, Rizal Memorial and Camp Bagong Diwa, he said following a briefing at the Laguna Lake Development Authority on the effects of the southwest monsoon in Metro Manila.

The proposal was developed with assistance from experts from The Netherlands who studied possible locations where additional water-retention capacity could be built under existing facilities.

“Under existing facilities, such as football fields and open fields, areas can be excavated even if buildings are present,” Mr. Marcos said.

The proposed underground storage system comes

nand Marcos Jr., the former Speaker, Co, and other personalities in alleged kickbacks from flood control projects.

Guteza said it was during a meeting at a Japanese restaurant near the Senate where he was given an affidavit tagging Romualdez that was drafted for him.

He said Defensor dictated the details of the allegations against the former Speaker.

He also mentioned that Senator Marcoleta edited and completed the draft that was typed by Defensor’s son-in-law, Mark.

“Senator Marcoleta began reading

former congressman Roilo Golez and his claims of delivering duffel bags and vehicles filled with money to various locations on supposed orders linked to the vice president’s camp.

“We will be filing today a motion to consolidate the first perjury complaint and the second perjury complaint. Because, of course, the allegations in the first and second perjury complaints are related,” Panelo said.

“And above all, we are of the opinion that the second perjury complaint and Madriaga’s statements in the supplemental affidavit actually prove that he perjured himself in the first perjury complaint,” he added.

Duterte’s camp said that presenting Madriaga as a prosecution witness could backfire, calling it their “funeral” during the impeachment trial.

Panelo emphasized that the defense is confident it can challenge Madriaga’s statements in court, adding that even if the prosecution does not call him, the defense has also listed him as a potential witness.

“If the prosecution presents Ramil Madriaga, it’s their funeral. Because they will be killed during the defense’s cross-examination, all his lies will come out. We are confident that we’re already telegraphing what we have by filing this complaint affidavit,” he said.

“So, it’s also unfair to blame parents, schools or other factors when social media platforms themselves do not abide by their own community rules,” he said.

Remulla: Amend ‘Robin Padilla Law’

Palace: Exercise restraint in reporting

The Presidential Communications Office urged media organizations and the public to exercise restraint in reporting and sharing material related to the shooting, particularly graphic videos and other content involving minors.

PCO Secretary Dave Gomez appealed to media organizations to exercise extreme care and responsibility in covering the incident and avoid publishing material that could compromise the dignity, safety and privacy of the victims, their families and other minors or interfere with the investigation.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center said it was monitoring social media activity related to the shooting, including videos of the attack.

It was coordinating with Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to seek the immediate removal of the footage and urged netizens not to repost or share the material, warning that continued circulation could cause public panic or encourage copycat attacks.

The Philippine National Police likewise ordered intensified cyber patrols to remove photos and videos related to the shooting.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed the Anti-Cybercrime Group to coordinate with social media platforms to take down the material and prevent its repeated circulation.

“This is an unfortunate incident that should be treated with utmost sensitivity, especially that there were minors involved,” Nartatez said.

Senator Pia Cayetano also called for tighter restrictions on social media access for young children, saying parents and schools must play a stronger role in protecting minors from harmful content and online predators.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong and Manila Rep. Joel Chua also expressed condolences to the family of the slain student.

as Metro Manila continues to face heavier rainfall associated with climate change.

Mr. Marcos said 201.7 millimeters of rain recently fell in just five hours, equivalent to about 44 percent of the rainfall brought by Typhoon Ondoy over a 24hour period.

He said the scale of the rainfall showed why the government could no longer rely solely on conventional flood-control measures.

As this developed, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said DepEd is drafting a new executive order that would make class suspensions more localized amid recurring weather disturbances.

“We’re drafting an executive order on frequent class suspensions so that in areas where there is no typhoon, schools can resume classes immediately.

We would have separate rules for private schools because some of their students have access to vehicles that can withstand a little rain,” Angara said.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said this proposal has been presented to the President and is being studied by the department.

Under the proposal, schools would assess actual conditions in their respective communities rather than automatically following a uniform suspension order covering an entire province, city or municipality.

the affidavit prepared by Mark based on what former Congressman Mike said, ‘I will correct the Tagalog.’ Right in front of me, Senator Marcoleta was revising that affidavit. Former Congressman Mike Defensor remarked that Mark did not know how to speak Tagalog.”

Marcoleta previously described Guteza as the “most credible witness” on the alleged flood control anomalies.

Guteza, in the 24 Oras report yesterday, also recounted overhearing a conversation between Marcoleta and

Remulla also called on Congress to amend what he referred to as the “Robin Padilla Law” or Republic Act No. 8294 to make illegal possession of firearms a non-bailable offense.

He said loose firearms were involved in the overwhelming majority of firearm-related crimes and argued that stronger penalties were needed to prevent unauthorized access to guns.

Padilla, now a sitting senator who spent three years in jail for illegal possession of unlicensed weapons, thanked Remulla for mentioning the law and expressed his support for declaring martial law if necessary to curb violence.

Remulla also questioned the storage of the firearms allegedly used in the Zamboanga shooting, saying firearm owners should be responsible for securing their weapons and preventing minors from accessing them.

Nartatez said the PNP was considering additional gun-safety requirements for firearm owners, including comprehensive safety seminars not only for applicants for a License to Own and Possess Firearms and firearm registration but also for those renewing their permits, as well as consulting gun-store owners.

The PNP’s Firearms and Explosives Office, which handles firearm licenses, permits and registrations, is preparing updated guidelines for regular gun-safety seminars for registered firearm owners nationwide, Nartatez said.

Beyond guards, cameras, metal detectors and higher fences, Angara said schools should regularly check in on students and conduct active-shooter drills to improve awareness among students, faculty and staff.

He said measures such as hiring security guards, installation of surveillance cameras, metal detectors, and construction of higher fences are a great help but not actually a deterrent.

The DepEd chief encouraged schools to conduct active shooter drills to create awareness among the students, faculty, and staff. Ateneo de Zamboanga had a drill conducted last July 18 and another was scheduled for Sept. 1, he noted.

Duterte...

From A1 the speedy administration of justice,” she added.

Duterte also maintained that her personal attendance is unnecessary as her defense team fully represents her.

“I am fully represented by our defense team; having lawyers there participating in the process is sufficient— it is basically like the respondent has also attended the impeachment trial,” she said.

“Since I am not an impeachment lawyer, I cannot contribute to the process of presenting or cross-examining witnesses—that’s the job of our lawyers,” the Vice President added.

Presiding senator-judge Francis Escudero earlier clarified the impeachment rules do not require the respondent to attend the hearings.

Duterte, who warned of a “bloodbath” during the impeachment, is currently on trial for alleged betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes.

Only a guilty verdict by two-thirds of the Senate can strip Duterte of the vice presidency and permanently bar her from elected office.

Defensor regarding financial matters.

“Cong Mike said, ‘Read it first, you take care of it, if that’s okay, he said, ‘Bro, P150-M will make us happy.’

After he finished reading the affidavit, he stated, ‘This is the missing link we have been searching for because Zaldy Co is the only one being mentioned and now you’re the one who can mention former Speaker Martin about delivering the money.’”

“He told me to just read it, and you will be compensated again. I felt compelled

to say it for him, ‘Alright, sir, if this is the way to help, but I am just concerned about my children’s education.’”

Guteza mentioned that Marcoleta instructed him not to make a mistake in what they had discussed when he is called to the Senate Blue Ribbon hearing on the flood control mess.

Guteza served as a surprise witness during the hearing in September last year.

Marcoleta presented Guteza at the hearing, noting that he was referred

by Defensor.

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Firms may suspend work amid bad weather P RIVATE sector employers may suspend work during typhoons, heavy rains, and other weather disturbances, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Wednesday.

In Labor Advisory 14 issued on Aug. 19, the department noted that companies have the discretion to suspend operations to ensure the safety and health of their workers during heavy downpours.

DOLE also issued guidelines on workers’ pay during intense thunderstorms.

Employees who report for work on such days are entitled to receive full pay for at least six hours of work.

“To alleviate the plight of employees during weather disturbances and similar occurrences, employers may provide extra incentives or benefits to employees who reported to work on the said days,” it said.

Those who did not work will not receive regular pay, “unless there is a more favorable company policy, practice, Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), or use of accrued leave credits.”

Employees who worked for less than six hours will receive proportional pay based on actual hours worked.

The department added that workers who do not report for work or refuse to work due to imminent danger caused by inclement weather or similar occurrences “shall not be subject to administrative sanctions.”

DPWH to alter drainage inlets in major NCR roads

By Vito Barcelo THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has started redesigning drainage inlets along major roads in Metro Manila to improve the flow of floodwater during heavy rains, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said.

Dizon said the project aims to address a long-standing problem where drainage systems have been widened but many road inlets remain too narrow, slowing the entry of rainwater.

He added that clogged inlets, often blocked by garbage, further worsen flooding.

The redesign has begun along C5 Road and Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA).

The DPWH also plans to expand the project within the year to flood-prone sections of Roxas Boulevard, España Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, and Quezon Avenue.

Dizon said the upgraded inlets will be made wider and fitted with trash traps designed to catch debris before it reaches underground drainage systems, helping maintain the free flow of water.

Although the 2026 national budget does not include a separate allocation for the project, Dizon said the DPWH will use existing road maintenance funds to finance the modifications.

WORKING IN MIDAIR. Workers appear to be

suspended in midair as a passenger jet passes overhead while landing near a construction site in Taguig City on Aug. 19. Manny Palmero

Lawmaker urges LGUs to adopt Japan’s Dōtoku

By Joel E. Zurbano A LEGISLATOR has encouraged local chief executives in Metro Manila to adopt Japan’s Dōtoku concept in a clean schools and communities initiative.

Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Anthony Santos emphasized that addressing the garbage issue in the densely populated region requires instilling in children the values of discipline, responsibility, cleanliness, and respect for the community and the environment, rather than relying solely on enforcement measures.

“Laws, fines, and enforcement alone are not enough. We need to change the mindset and behavior of

our young people. This is where the concept of Dōtoku, or moral education, comes in—teaching discipline, responsibility, and respect for others and our environment,” Santos said.

The flooding issue in Metro Manila has been partially attributed to the community’s careless waste disposal practices.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has recognized the escalating waste crisis in the country, especially in Metro Manila, following his inspection of a “sea of garbage” at a reclaimed section of Manila Bay adjacent to Baclaran Church in Parañaque City.

Marcos stated that merely imposing fines for improper waste disposal

would be insufficient if communities do not have adequate trash bins and appropriate facilities for garbage disposal.

“The problem sometimes is that there are no trash bins or proper places to dispose of garbage. Look at a country like Japan. They don’t just throw their garbage anywhere; they keep it in their pocket and throw it away at home because there is a very good system for picking up their garbage,” Marcos said.

Santos said that the proposed Dōtoku-inspired approach should complement, rather than replace, proper waste collection, disposal facilities, and consistent enforcement.

IN BRIEF Leptospirosis cases dips 35.31% this year: DOH THE Department of Health (DOH) logged 3,440 leptospirosis cases and 220 deaths so far from January to August 8 this year.

DOH Disease Prevention and Control Medical Officer Dr. Anne Dominique Asis-Matuba said in an interview with Balitanghali on Tuesday that the recent tally is lower compared to last year, which recorded 5,318 cases.

She cautioned individuals to avoid exposure to floodwater as much as possible, but if exposure is unavoidable, they must take necessary precautions, such as wearing rain boots and raincoats and covering recent wounds that may be exposed. Alexandra S. Demaisip

KWF draws flak over ‘Wikang Filipino’ awards

FOOD PACKS FOR FAMILIES. Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and her team distribute food packs to 44 families affected by flooding in Barangay Tinajeros who are temporarily staying at the Tinajeros Elementary School evacuation center. Andrew Rabulan

Teodoro camp: Assault charges ‘baseless’

By Maricel V. Cruz

DISTRESSED YACHT. The Philippine Coast Guard responds to the sailing

yacht ‘Anastacia,’ which ran aground off Barangay San Teodoro, Mabini, Batangas, after its mooring line broke amid strong waves on Aug. 17, 2026. An initial assessment found no visible hull damage, leakage, oil sheen or other signs of marine pollution.

THE camp of Marikina First District Rep. Marcelino Teodoro on Wednesday denounced the charges of sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness filed against the lawmaker, calling them baseless and lacking probable cause.

Teodoro’s legal counsel, lawyer Alma Mallonga, maintained that the complaints filed against the congressman lack sufficient basis and questioned the circumstances surrounding the resolution issued in the case.

Mallonga also questioned why the resolution was not prepared and signed by the Department of Justice panel that conducted the investigation, but instead by another state prosecutor.

“The complaints underwent an investigation by a DOJ panel constituted for this purpose, which included Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Anna Noreen T. Denavadera and Assistant State Prosecutor Ruth Anne P. Zamora,” Mallonga said.

“There were hearings, and the investigation concluded more than seven months ago. So it is surprising that a resolution was issued that was neither prepared nor signed by the DOJ panel that conducted the investigation. Instead, it was prepared and signed by a different state prosecutor,” she added.

Similarly, Marikina City residents have denounced what they described as continued politicking efforts to bring down Teodoro through what they described as baseless complaints.

THE Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) drew criticism after announcing its six commissioners as recipients of the “Kampeon ng Wikang Filipino” award on Aug. 18, as part of the celebration of Buwan ng Wika.

The “Kampeon ng Wikang Filipino” citation is an annual award first conferred in 2013 to recognize individuals, organizations and institutions that have contributed to the promotion, development and preservation of the Filipino language and other indigenous languages.

Former KWF Commissioner Jerry Gracio called the move “nonsense,” saying the award has traditionally recognized champions of the Filipino language, while this year’s recipients include the commission’s own six commissioners.

Previous awardees include National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, Alyansa ng mga Tagapagtanggol ng Wikang Filipino/Tanggol Wika, and University of the Philippines Professor Galileo S. Zafra. Gabriel Oliva

Minority solon urges review of 2027 budget cuts A MEMBER of the House minority bloc on Wednesday called on his colleagues to review and reprioritize the proposed P7.2trillion 2027 national budget, particularly the reductions in funding for education, health, skills development, and social protection.

Rep. Chel Diokno of Akbayan Party-list raised concern over proposed cuts to the budgets of the Department of Education, state universities and colleges, Commission on Higher Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Health, PhilHealth, and Department of Social Welfare and Development despite a six-percent increase in the overall budget.

Maricel V. Cruz

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NCWM captures P194m smuggled cigarettes in Sulu

By Rex Espiritu THE Philippine Navy’s Naval Command Western Mindanao (NCWM) has seized more than P194 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and vessels in two separate operations in the waters of Sulu.

The latest raid was conducted on Aug. 14 when personnel of the Naval Task Force 61 aboard BA486, intercepted a watercraft off Buton Mahablo in Parang, Jolo, Sulu.

The vessel was carrying undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes estimated to be worth P170.14 million, while the watercraft itself was valued at P1.5 million, according to the NCWM. Five crew members and 19 laborers were apprehended during the operation.

“The seized items and vessel were turned over to the Bureau of Customs– Port of Zamboanga for proper disposition and further legal action.” NCWM spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Chester Ross Cabaltera said.

The operation followed an earlier interdiction by the NCWM off Simisa Island, Sulu, on July 29, resulting in the seizure of smuggled cigarettes and a motorized banca worth approximately P23 million.

FOILED SMUGGLING. The Philippine Navy’s Naval Command Western Mindanao seizes more than P194 million worth of smuggled cigarettes, two vessels, and 24 crewmen in two separate operations in the waters of Sulu. The confiscated items were turned over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition. NCWM photo

Cordillera people to seek PBBM’s backing for CAR OFWs in HK told: Stay within limits of work permit B

By Dexter A. See

By Katrina Manubay THE Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong on Wednesday reminded Filipino workers in the territory to adhere to the conditions of their stay, warning that participating in unauthorized work or business activities could lead to penalties.

In an advisory, the consulate reminded OFWs not to work outside their contract terms in Hong Kong.

“The Consulate General reminds all OFWs, especially those admitted under the Foreign Domestic Helper (FDH) scheme and Enhanced Supplementary Labor Scheme (ESLS), that they can be held liable for “Breach of Condition of Stay” if they perform commercial activities or engage in other work, whether paid or unpaid, that is not within the Schedule of Work in their Standard Employment Contract,” the advisory read.

It also advised OFWs not to overstay their permitted period in Hong Kong, noting that such violations can result in a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and up to two years in prison under the Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance.

It clarified that this regulation does not apply to Filipino Permanent Residents in Hong Kong who have the right of abode.

Earlier this month, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that Filipinos were involved in an immigration operation over alleged illegal employment and overstaying.

Meanwhile, a Chinese-language newspaper based in Manila reported that China’s actions against Filipinos—including possibly those in Hong Kong and Macau—were a response to Teodoro, following Philippine law enforcement operations involving Chinese nationals.

AGUIO City — Hundreds of Cordillerans are expected to go to Malacañang to seek President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s unequivocal support for the region’s renewed push to establish the Cordillera Autonomous Region, former lawmaker Mauricio Domogan said.

Domogan said the delegation is awaiting confirmation of its Palace visit so local officials, lawmakers, regional line agency officials, and representatives of civil society organizations can convey to Marcos

the region’s sentiment on self-determination.

A staunch advocate of regional autonomy, the former Baguio mayor said the group seeks to address what he described as “misinformation” that may have reached the President in the past.

“We hope that no one will back out when the schedule of our visit to the President will be finalized so that we will be able to show to him that we are united in clamoring for autonomy,” he said.

“We believe that we will be able to convince the President to declare his support to our quest for autonomy once we will be able to explain to him the benefits and advantages of establishing the autonomous region,” Domogan said.

Last December, all seven Cordillera congressmen and two party-list lawmakers with roots in the region filed House Bill 6981, which seeks to

establish the Cordillera Autonomous Region pursuant to the 1987 Constitution.

The Constitution provides for the creation of autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao and the Cordilleras.

What exists today is the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), established in 1987. Autonomy requires a national law and a regional plebiscite approval.

In 2006, the Cordillera Regional Development Council adopted autonomy as its overarching agenda for the region’s growth and development following the rejection of two autonomy laws in separate plebiscites, in 1990 and 1998.

The first plebiscite, held on Jan. 30, 1990, rejected Republic Act 6766, or the Organic Act for the Cordillera Autonomous Region. The second, held on March 7, 1998, rejected Republic Act 8438.

WOUNDED PERSONNEL MEDALS. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete pins the Wounded Personnel Medals to soldiers injured in action and currently recuperating at the military’s Western Mindanao Command in Camp General Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga City. AFP photo

Notarial services soon to go electronic—SC

SEARCH FOR MISSING GIRL. A massive search for missing Sofia Magalgalit Oria, 17, of Pasil, Kalinga, now on its 11th day, is expanded to cover the Chico River with the participation of volunteers from various sectors and government agencies including the local disaster risk reduction and management office, the police, the fire protection, and local government units. Dave Leprozo

THE Supreme Court (SC) announced Wednesday that eNotarization (Electronic Notarization) services will officially become available to the public starting Oct.19, 2026.

The launch will follow the commissioning of the first batch of qualified Electronic Notaries Public (ENPs), who are authorized to perform notarial acts for individuals located anywhere in the Philippines and, in certain cases, even abroad.

The system is a digital process wherein electronic documents are signed and notarized through a secure Electronic Notarization Facility (ENF) Provider.

ENPs will perform notarial acts electronically using only SC-accredited facilities in accordance with set protocols. Pot Chavez

IN BRIEF SC acquits woman of bigamy charge THE Supreme Court (SC) has acquitted a woman of bigamy, saying a prior marriage that was void from the beginning (ab initio) may be raised as a defense even without a prior judicial declaration of nullity.

The SC’s Third Division ruled that that an accused in a bigamy case may directly argue that a previous marriage is void as a defense, even without a prior court decision.

The High Court explained that one of the essential elements of bigamy is the existence of a valid prior marriage.

If the first marriage was void from the beginning, that element is absent, the court said.

In the case on hand, a certification from the Local Civil Registrar sufficiently proved that no marriage license was issued to the spouses involved. This certification was enough to counter the presumption of the marriage certificate’s validity. Pot Chavez

Woman gets life term for trafficking—DOJ THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has secured the conviction of Almira Arrojo, alias “Joan,” for large-scale qualified trafficking in persons, sentencing her to life imprisonment plus ₱2-million fine.

“This conviction underscores the effectiveness of coordination between law enforcement and prosecution, from surveillance and rescue operations to case build-up, ultimately bringing human traffickers to justice,” said Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida.

The DOJ commended the Task Force on Women and Children and Trafficking in Persons and recognized assistant state prosecutor Ruth Anne Zamora who handled the case.

In her decision handed down last July 5, Regional Trial Court Judge Ma. Lourdes BarriosSapalo found Arrojo guilty of recruiting and offering three women for sexual services in exchange for money. Pot Chavez

Cagara is new chief of WESTMINCOM ARMY Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara has assumed as acting commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM), succeeding Lt. Gen. Donald Gumiran.

Cagara formally took over during a change of command ceremony held August 17 at Camp General Basilio Navarro in Zamboanga City, presided over by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete.

Cagara previously served as commander of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division.

Gumiran was recently promoted as commanding general of the Philippine Army. Rex Espiritu

OPINION

A5

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

mst.daydesk@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

BARMM at a crossroads

The heavens are crying RIVERS…oh, how they are crying!

For almost three weeks, the heaviest of rains have been pouring into the western half of Luzon, from the Ilocos provinces to Benguet to Pangasinan and Central Luzon, all the way down to Mindoro and Calabarzon and of course, as always, Metro Manila, the political and economic heart of the benighted land.

It wasn’t because of strong typhoons.

No, they veered away from us mercifully, while pummeling Japan and China with gale force winds and tons of water as well. But the typhoons sucked more water from the South China Sea, carried by the “habagat,” and poured its buckets, nay, tons of tears upon us.

Are the heavens sending a message? If so, for whom?

Nunca debes olvidar. Never forget how your leaders, elected or appointed, stole almost two trillion of your money to “control” the floods, without controlling their greed.

That greed continues, because the ringleaders and the masterminds of the heist of the century are getting away with their crimes. And with such impunity, they will get away with more, as they “need” to fund their re-election or the election of their kin to positions of power from which they can practice their greed, as in forever and ever.

Among a people cursed with short memories, the heavens are sending a strong message: throw the garbage out. And garbage means the leaders they elect, who “bought” their votes with free if under-weight packs of rice, with ayuda, and pesos on the day of election itself.

In return for which they ransack the public till and bleed it dry, so that the treasury needs to borrow more and more, mortgaging the present and worse, the future of generations yet to come.

All because a quarter of the annual budget, perhaps more, will finance uncontrolled greed.

Per investigations that have been made public, a kickback of 25 percent on project cost is normal. In most of the provinces where the floods take an eternity to abate, the bill for greed goes as high as 40 percent.

Leadership funds were embedded in the NEP, the president’s budget, allegedly the bright idea of someone who has taken her own life, but implemented by someone who is now being considered as a state witness, and marketed to legislators by one who has confessed and is now accepted as state witness, along with his sidekick in whose engineering district office, the piles of cash were staggering.

To provide the cash, legislators ditched funds for important priorities, from health to deposit insurance, from foreign assisted

infrastructure, and threw these into the dustbin, awaiting new funding sources that will never come unless the economic managers can borrow increasingly more, unable to tax an angry multitude any further.

The president tells us to accept the floods as the “new normal.”

The Public Works secretary curses like a Duterte clone, wondering why the “highgrade” asphalt over EDSA melted, while the attorneys he brought to the department of anomalies scratch their heads just as the engineers who remained in the woodwork are dumbfounded, speechless because they know that uncontrolled greed equals uncontrollable floods.

—“—

And the greed continues.

A predecessor from PNoy’s time revealed that there was a “Convergence and Special Support Program” amounting to 1.1 trillion from 2022 to 2024, another major scam for ghosts. On top of these, the Committee on Appropriations in the House of Representatives and the Finance Committee in the Senate used their magic wand in the bicam and “small” committees to ante up the provenance for their uncontrolled greed.

Now here comes one of the key members of the HoR, a pastor he calls himself, an un-elected yet Comelec-ted congressman claiming that the heavens cried and the floods worsened because the vice-president they impeached has not appeared before the trial in the Senate, as if her physical presence is required by law and the heavens so demand. *** Tomorrow, August 21, 43 years since a man clad in white, rosary in hand, was shot in the tarmac of the international airport.

The event marked the beginning of the end of the long reign of a president, once popularly elected, turned dictator for life.

I remember one of my meetings with Ninoy Aquino in his small Harvard office in Boston, where he asked me and another what we considered Ferdinand Marcos’ biggest public sin.

The scholar from Hawaii’s East-West Center said it was the flagrant violation of human rights.

I answered: it is the institutionalization of graft and corruption from the highest to the lowest levels of government under Ferdinand Marcos.

Looking back and looking at the present, if they care to, the yellow crowd would likely say: Like father, like son.

The immoral EPIRA law THE Electric Power Industry Act or Republic Act 9136 of 2001 has got to be one of the most unjust laws ever passed by the government. It is so one-sided in favor of the power companies. No matter how the government or power companies try to justify the provisions, it is difficult to find a good reason. Letting the public pay for services they are not receiving is against all laws of reason no matter how one looks at it. If only the public is getting first class service by way of continuous and stable power supply, perhaps this could ease the consumer’s burden.

But we not only have the most expensive power rates but also the worst service in the whole of Asia.

In 2001, in an effort to entice investors to put their money on power generation and distribution, the government passed the EPIRA law privatizing the whole power industry. The trouble was, although the government ensured that the private investors will get their money’s worth, it put the whole burden on the consumers in seeing to it that the companies make money and more.

For example, the Energy Regulatory Commission recently allowed Meralco to collect more than P8.7 billion in what it termed as unrecovered cost which includes generation, transmission and system losses for the last 36 months from its consumers. The ERC, however, was quick to point out that the money is revenue-neutral and not a source of profit if we can believe that. Whatever it is, it is undeniable that passing all these kinds of losses -- which by the way include foreign currency fluctuations -- to consumers is unconscionable.

This means that power companies

need not be efficient in preventing system losses that normally take place in power distribution. Efforts to catch consumers connecting illegally to the power grid therefore is no longer a priority.

The consumers will shoulder the system losses including the Value Added Tax which is blatantly illegal. VAT is supposed to be paid for goods and services received yet, the government is collecting VAT without the goods and services received.

—“—

Passing on these losses to consumers is simply unconscionable.

To add insult to injury, power companies do not even have to justify how these so-called system losses are computed.

The amounts are simply incorporated in the monthly bills of consumers.

The amount that consumers have to pay, which has nothing to do with the electricity supplied, is substantial. In addition, the EPIRA law prohibited the government from putting up power plants to compete with the private companies “unless it is absolutely necessary” whatever that means.

With all these incentives and privileges that the power companies got, the service being provided to the power consuming public remains abysmal. Constant power interruptions lasting for the better part of the working day is the norm. This could only mean that the total available power

T

HE reported ambush of Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua on August 15 has heightened security concerns just weeks before the region’s first-ever parliamentary elections on September 14. While Macacua survived unharmed, the incident underscores the fragility of peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and raises questions about election-related violence and political rivalries.

This is more than another episode of violence in a region long accustomed to armed conflict. It is a disturbing warning that the BARMM remains caught between its aspiration for democratic governance and the political realities of its violent past.

The target was not simply a government official. Macacua is also the newly elected chairman of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), which is challenging the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the political arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The political dimension makes the ambush disturbing. Macacua’s break with the MILF and his decision to enter electoral politics have altered the political equation in the Bangsamoro.

Former comrades are now competing for votes, positions and control of the emerging parliamentary govern-

ManilaStandard

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PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

The Macacua ambush is a stark reminder that the region’s transformation is far from complete.

The September 14 elections are deemed historic because they represent the first time BARMM voters will directly elect the members of their

THE finality of a judgment ordinarily marks the end of a court’s authority to alter or modify its ruling. Nonetheless, the doctrine of immutability of judgments admits of exceptions, one of which is the entry of a nunc pro tunc judgment. “’Nunc pro tunc” is a Latin phrase that means ‘now for then.’ A judgment nunc pro tunc is made to enter into the record an act previously done by the court, which had been omitted either through inadvertence or mistake.” (Far East Bank and Trust Company, G.R. No. 172983, June 9, 2026 citing Mercury Drug v. Spouses Huang) “It neither operates to correct judicial errors nor to ‘supply omitted action by the court.’ Its sole purpose is to make a present record of a judicial action which has been actually taken.” It “is narrowly confined to cases where there is a need to correct mistakes or omissions arising from inadvertence…” (Op. cit.)

“Furthermore, nunc pro tunc judgments or orders can only be rendered if none of the parties will be prejudiced. Parties… [must] allege and prove that the court took a particular action and that the action was omitted through inadvertence.” (Op. cit.) “[C]ourts must ensure that the matters sought to be entered are supported by facts or data.” “[I]t is required that the record present some visible data of the order which it is sought to be supplied by said nunc pro tunc order…” (Op. cit.)

In Far East Bank and Trust (FEBTC) v.

Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, FEBTC filed a Motion to Correct Judgment dated July 3, 2023, arguing “that it is entitled to a nunc pro tunc judgment as the [Supreme] Court in its July 22, 2015 Decision inadvertently omitted the Laoag property in the list of disputed fixed assets.” (G.R. No. 172983, June 9, 2026) In the original case, on November 14, 1985, [FEBTC] submitted its bid for the nonfixed and fixed assets of Philippine Banking Corporation (PBC) together with the assumption of the latter’s liabilities.

“PBC’s fixed assets are those described in the Asian Appraisal Report of August 1, 1984 and August 9, 1984 (Asian Appraisal Report).” “[FEBTC] proposed to purchase the assets at a price equivalent to the values indicated in the Asian Appraisal Report, subject to the discounts proposed in the

bid.” “On November 22, 1985, the Monetary Board accepted [FEBTC’s] bid,” and FEBTC, PBC, and the Central Bank later entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). (Op. cit.)

Pursuant to the MOA, FEBTC, PBC, and the Central Bank executed a Purchase Agreement covering FEBTC’s purchase of PBC’s assets and assumption of its liabilities.

The Agreement “merely covered the nonfixed assets of PBC and did not include the fixed assets agreed upon under the MOA.” However, because there were other assets not covered by the Purchase Agreement, the parties subsequently agreed to their purchase by FEBTC of the additional assets. The Monetary Board approved the Purchase Agreement, which was also approved by the Regional Trial Court, acting as the liquidating court.

The Regional Trial Court later issued an Order holding that there was a perfected contract of sale or direct purchase of the disputed fixed assets under both the MOA and the Purchase Agreement, as identified and valued in the Asian Appraisal Report.

Among the fixed assets included in the Decision was a property located in Laoag City. “[PDIC] appealed to the Court of Appeals which granted the appeal and reversed the Regional Trial Court’s Decision.” FEBTC then filed a Petition for Review on Certiorari with the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the Central Bank Board of Liquidators (CB-BOL) filed a Motion for Leave to Intervene before the Court, alleging that PBC had assigned the disputed fixed assets to it. (Op. cit.)

The Supreme Court granted the Petition and held that PDIC, “as the liquidator of the PBC, may be compelled to execute the deeds of sale over the nine disputed PBC fixed assets as there was a perfected contract of sale over such assets.” The Decision did not include the Laoag City fixed asset as among the properties subject to the sale, even though it was part of the RTC Deci-

sion that had been reinstated.

“The [Supreme Court] Decision became final and executory and was recorded in the Book of Entries of Judgments.” “[FEBTC] then filed the present Motion to Correct Judgment… argu[ing] that the Court inadvertently omitted to include the Laoag City branch from the list of disputed fixed assets.” (Op. cit.) “[FEBTC further] points out that the Laoag City branch only disappeared from the list in the Supreme Court Decision without any explanation as to why it was left out. [FEBTC] emphasizes that the Laoag property has always been included in the Asian Appraisal Report and Decisions of the Regional Trial Court and Court of Appeals.” (Op. cit.)

In granting the motion, the Supreme Court explained that “[t]he doctrine of immutability of judgment dictates that “a decision that has acquired finality becomes immutable and unalterable, and may no longer be modified in any respect…”

However, the doctrine of immutability of judgment is subject to several exceptions, namely: (1) the correction of clerical errors; (2) the so-called nunc pro tunc entries which cause no prejudice to any party; (3) void judgments; and (4) whenever circumstances transpire after the finality of the decision rendering its execution unjust and inequitable. (Op. cit.) “[W]hile the Court’s July 22, 2015 Decision already became final and executory on October 19, 2016, a study of the Decision and case records reveal that the [Supreme] Court inadvertently omitted the Laoag property from the list of disputed assets sold to [FEBTC].”

In granting the Motion to Correct Judgment, the Supreme Court merely made “the record speak the truth.” “It is only ‘[entering] of record such judgment as had been formerly rendered, but which had not been entered of record as rendered.’” (Op. cit.)

Thus, a nunc pro tunc judgment, as an exception to the immutability of judgments, does not permit a court to reconsider or revise the substance of a final and executory judgment. Its function is limited to making “the record speak the truth” by reflecting what the court had actually decided but inadvertently failed to include in its judgment.

for the whole country is not enough as evidenced by regular and frequent rotational brownouts. Yet, the power companies are not putting enough power plants to ensure stable power supply to the consuming public.

No reserve is available in case one or two power plants suddenly encounter problems and have to stop operations for maintenance or any other reason like natural calamities. For example, I live in an area which is always the first to go when there is power interruption and the last

to light back when power is restored. At times, power simply goes off two or three times a day. When this happens, the day is basically over, not counting the frustration it causes.

But why should these power companies care what happens to the health and appliances of the consumers so long as they are making so much money?

This brings us to the question as to why the government chooses to simply throw the public at the mercy of the power companies all these years without doing any-

thing about it. And without any concrete step being taken, the issue has now in fact died down since President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. brought it up a few weeks ago.

I am therefore not holding my breath that anything dramatic will happen.

Wala talaga ang bayan natin. We not only have corrupt officials who steal everything but also a citizenry that doesn’t seem to know how to dispose of their trash properly. We are a country bouncing from one big problem to another with no end in sight. It’s sad.

—“—

Their function is limited to making ‘the record speak the truth.’

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser

Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

—“—

Understanding nunc pro tunc judgments

Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno

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

Telephone numbers 8-5646225 and 8-5646229 (connecting all departments), (Editorial) 832-5554, (Advertising) 832-5550. P.O. Box 2933, Manila Central Post Office, Manila. Website: www.manilastandard.net

ment. The transition from an armed revolutionary movement to a political organization has not been easy. What is now being tested is whether political disagreements can be settled through ballots rather than bullets.

parliament. The 80-member body is expected to become the central institution of the region’s new system of self-government. Its success will determine whether the Bangsamoro peace agreement can evolve into a functioning democratic system. That is why the Macacua ambush cannot be dismissed as an isolated incident.

The government must investigate it thoroughly. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order for a full investigation and tighter security is appropriate, but the investigation must establish not only who pulled the trigger but also who financed, organized or ordered the attack. If political violence is involved, those responsible must be prosecuted regardless of their political affiliation, former revolutionary credentials or local influence.

At the same time, security operations must be carefully calibrated.

The government cannot allow the election period to become militarized in a way that intimidates legitimate political activity or voters. The objective should be to create an environment where candidates can campaign freely and citizens can vote without fear.

BARMM stands at a crossroads.

The September 14 elections should mark the beginning of a new political era in which legitimacy comes from voters rather than guns, clans or armed organizations. The Macacua ambush is a stark reminder that this transformation is far from complete.

Mario R. Policarpio Jr. Head - Finance

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Head - Ad Solutions

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Opinion Editor

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Online Editor

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WORLD

A6

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

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US,IN Sokor cut BRIEF drills short after Trump criticism SEOUL – Annual war games between South Korea and the United States will end around a week earlier than planned, both countries said on Wednesday, after US President Donald Trump ordered the “inappropriate and hostile” drills scaled back.

Trump said on Sunday that he had told the Pentagon to curtail the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises – a day before they started – citing his “good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Pyongyang’s state media criticized the drills on Wednesday as a “most immediate and open threat”, without mentioning Trump’s order.

Hours later, Seoul’s military said the drills would wrap up on Friday, not on August 27 as originally planned.

“We have decided to adjust the UFS exercise period to run from the 17th to the 21st,” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

The decision was made “at the suggestion of the US side,” it added.

The Pentagon said the “substantially reduced” drills would “preserve essential readiness and... (cause) no degradation to US training objectives.”

The exercises are designed to prepare for a possible attack by North Korea.

They were understood to consist of two phases: the first, focused on defending against potential North Korean threats, was due to run until Friday; and the second, focused on a counteroffensive, from August 24 to 27. AFP

SOCMED VICTIMS. Olivia Konar holds a banner with the names of nearly 400 young people who allegedly died from the impacts of social media outside the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building & United States Courthouse in Oakland, California as opening arguments begin in the Meta trial over a lawsuit brought by US states about social media addiction. A coalition of US states is seeking around $200 billion in damages against Meta, which they accuse of intentionally designing Facebook and Instagram to be addictive for children. AFP

Meta hooked, exploited children IN BRIEF and misled public — prosecutors China’s robots search O

India hotel fire kills 9, several others injured

KOLKATA – At least nine people were killed and several others injured in a fire at a hotel in the Indian city of Kolkata on Wednesday, a senior fire department official said.

“Nine people were killed, including a child, in the fire that broke out early on Wednesday,” Anuj Sharma, the fire services director of West Bengal state, told AFP. “Thick smoke enveloped the hotel.

Some victims were found in the bathrooms.”

Preliminary information suggested an air conditioner in the budget hotel may have exploded and caused the blaze, Sharma said.

He added that nine people – six men, two women and a child – were rescued and taken to hospital.

Some victims seemed to be Bangladeshi nationals who had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment, Santosh Pathak, a member of West Bengal’s ruling party, said.

“We are trying to confirm the nationality of the victims,” he told reporters. AFP

for workforce breakthrough

In what many experts have called social media’s “big tobacco moment,” a coalition of states is asking that Meta be penalized by around $200 billion for designing products addictive to children.

The states are intervening where “Congress failed to act,” Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said Tuesday afternoon during a press conference, noting that – like landmark cases against tobacco companies from decades past – this case, too, involved “public health, and in some cases, marketing to kids that hurt kids.”

During opening statements, California prosecutor Megan O’Neill painted Meta’s business model as one intended to “hook the users, hold them for as long as they can, harvest their data, and then hide the truth from the public.”

Meta “exploited how kids’ brains work,” O’Neill said.

Meta’s lawyer, Paul Schmidt, acknowledged that some users had negative experiences on the apps, but argued that the company had “tried to come up with tools to help them.”

Before the trial began, the company denied the allegations, insisting it had

Belgian wildfire ‘encircled’ but situation ‘complicated’ MALMEDY, Belgium – Firefighters managed overnight to fully surround Belgium’s largest wildfire in a century, but the situation on the ground “remains complicated” with crews battling several new flare-ups, authorities said Wednesday.

Crisis cell spokesman Tony Hosmans said the fire raging in the High Fens nature reserve “has been encircled” and is not moving east towards Germany, with the goal today to bring it under control “if possible with aerial support.”

“The situation remains complicated due to a number of flare-ups that have occurred in various parts of the site,” he added.

The blaze charring the expanse of peatland, pine trees and hiking trails grew over the weekend to half the size of Manhattan – 3,000 hectares (7,500 acres) – although hundreds of firefighters working night and day have managed to stop it spreading further. AFP

AKLAND – Meta knowingly hooked and exploited children, a US federal court heard Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) in a trial against the social media giant on charges that it deliberately made Instagram and Facebook addictive to young users.

worked with parents, experts and law enforcement to incorporate safeguards for children.

Former Meta engineering director Arturo Bejar testified that during Facebook’s early years, “the goal was to be able to get things into the hands of users as fast as possible, which meant that a lot of the time, safety or security was an afterthought.”

Days before the trial, Meta attempted to block Bejar from testifying, a move which the judge denied.

This is not the first case seeking to hold tech companies, including Meta, accountable for these types of issues, but it could become one of the most consequential if it forces Meta to make sweeping changes.

Activists, including mothers of children they say were driven to suicide by their social media usage, rallied outside court.

One mother, Lori Schott, called out Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Instagram head Adam Mosseri, saying they “built one of those most powerful and richest companies in the world...

But power does not excuse harm.” AFP

US imposes sanctions on ICC chief Tomoko Akane of Japan

‘Mushroom killer suffered miscarriage of justice’

HUMANOID DEVELOPMENT. The photo taken on August 4, 2026 shows a robot named Wuji, which manufactured by Unitree, giving a guided tour to visitors at the Hangzhou Robot school in Hangzhou, in eastern China’s Zhejiang province. AFP

MELBOURNE – Australian mushroom killer Erin Patterson suffered a “substantial” miscarriage of justice in her trial, her lawyers said on Wednesday as they sought to quash her conviction in a triple-murder case that sparked a worldwide media frenzy.

The 51-year-old was found guilty last year of murdering her husband’s parents and an elderly aunt in 2023 by serving them a beef Wellington lunch laced with lethal death cap mushrooms.

Patterson was also convicted of the attempted murder of her husband’s uncle, a small-town local pastor who survived the beef-and-pastry dish after weeks in hospital.

A judge sentenced her to life imprisonment, eligible for parole after 33 years.

Her lawyers sought on Wednesday to overturn that conviction, alleging a litany of irregularities and the misuse of evidence during her trial.

Lawyer Veronika Drago argued that some evidence allowed by the judge – relating to cell towers and posts of death cap mushroom sightings – was “innocuous” and unreliable. AFP

HANGZHOU – A horde of schoolchildren watched excitedly as a diminutive humanoid tour guide named Wuji welcomed them to a robot school in eastern China, gesticulating theatrically as it described the institute’s aspiration to train the mechanical workforce of the future.

A steady buzz is growing around China as advanced robotics emerges as the next frontier of the global AI boom, encompassing both investor enthusiasm and alarm from rivals such as the United States.

Hundreds of companies are taking part in the World Robot Conference in Beijing on Wednesday, the same day national champion Unitree made its much-anticipated stock market debut.

The firm’s shares jumped over 600 percent on opening, but the frenzy is very much a bet on the future, with commercial application of even the most sophisticated humanoids currently limited.

When AFP met Hangzhou Robot School’s Wuji – a customized Unitree model – it asked visitors to bear with it as it showed them around the school’s reception.

“I’m still in my training period, so I’m feeling a little nervous,” the selfdescribed “intern” said in an earnest female voice, explaining how the school provided tailored courses and certification for specific robot jobs.

Unitree humanoids are among the world’s most recognizable, having wowed audiences with fluid martial arts dances and robot-on-robot kickboxing skirmishes.

However, in its prospectus, the company said large-scale commercial deployment “still faces uncertainty, with a risk that progress will fall short of expectations.”

Experts say the holy grail – machines capable of independently reacting to the unpredictability of any real-life situation – is a long way off for any company. AFP

WASHINGTON – The United States on Tuesday (Wednesday, Manila time) imposed sanctions against International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane of Japan and another senior official as part of Washington’s campaign against what it calls a “corrupt and fatally politicized” body.

Washington also slapped sanctions on ICC Senior Trial Lawyer Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal in the Trump administration’s latest salvo against The Haguebased court.

“These individuals have directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose government has not

consented to ICC jurisdiction,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement, without providing examples.

The ICC replied Tuesday, saying the US sanctions “undermine the rule of law.”

“When judicial actors are threatened for applying the law, it is the international legal order itself that is placed at risk,” the court said in a statement.

Established in 2002, the ICC prosecutes individuals accused of the gravest atrocities and acts as a last resort when countries do not have adequate legal systems to ensure accountability.

AFP

ANOTHER PERSON’S TREASURE. Scrap collectors transport sacks of cardboard and plastic waste on a make-shift motorcycle-cart in Amritsar, India. AFP

SPORTS

A7

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Asian Games preparations in final stretch TOKYO—The Asian Games begin in Japan next month featuring teenage prodigies, more athletes than the Olympics and a cruise ship that will house competitors in the middle of typhoon season.

About 15,000 competitors and officials are expected at the event, which takes place in Nagoya and the wider Aichi area from September 19 to October 4.

Among those in action will be Philippine tennis sensation Alexandra Eala and a pair of world-class talents in 15-year-old Indian cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi.

Organizers hope the athletes will have a “unique experience” staying in accommodation ranging from a cruise liner and wooden containers to standard hotel rooms.

A flame-lighting ceremony was held in Tokyo on Tuesday, with a similar event planned for 1994 Asian Games host Hiroshima on Thursday, before the flames come together on Saturday in Nagoya to begin the torch relay.

Kazuhiro Yagi, vice-secretary general of the Aichi-Nagoya Games organizing committee, told AFP that “it feels like the Games are right around the corner”.

“The final stages of preparation are now upon us,” he said.

“We will continue working as one right until the last moment and we hope that people from all over Asia, not just Japan, will enjoy the event.”

Organizers have opted for temporary athlete accommodation to cut costs, hiring the Italian cruise ship Costa Serena for the event.

Between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes will stay on the ship, which features 571 cabins, seven swimming pools, eight restaurants and nine bars.

Officials are confident that the plan will not be disrupted by Japan’s typhoon season, which is usually in full swing in September-October.

Teen stars A further 2,000 athletes and officials will stay in wooden shipping containerstyle huts in Nagoya’s Garden Pier area while the rest will stay in hotels.

That includes in Tokyo, where swimming, diving and equestrian events will take place.

“For the athletes the accommodation is a place to relax and socialize with their fellow competitors,” said Yagi.

“To ensure that all athletes can enjoy a comfortable stay and deliver their best performance, preparations for accommodation are entering their final stage.” AFP

Japanese sprinter Yoshihide Kiryu lights the torch from the Olympic cauldron during the torch lighting ceremony for the 2026 Asian Games, outside the National Stadium in Tokyo on August 18, 2026.

About 15,000 competitors and officials are expected at the event, which takes place in Nagoya and the wider Aichi area from September 19 to October 4.

POC‘s Tolentino confident PH can surpass 4-gold Asiad mark P HILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino is confident the country can surpass its four-gold medal haul from the Hangzhou Asian Games when Team Philippines plunges into action at the 20th Asian Games in AichiNagoya, Japan, next month.

Speaking during a media briefing, Tolentino expressed optimism over the Philippines’ medal prospects, pointing to the growing depth of the national delegation and the quality of athletes who will carry the country’s colors in the continental showpiece.

The Philippines won four gold, two silver and 12 bronze medals in Hangzhou in 2023, and Tolentino believes the country is capable of improving on that performance in Nagoya, where the Games are scheduled from September 19 to October 4.

“Minimum goal is to do better.

Lalampas ‘yan, God willing,” Tolentino said previously of the country’s

target, while stressing that the Philippines will be sending a stronger group of athletes to Japan.

The POC chief has repeatedly expressed confidence in the national team’s chances, particularly with several Olympians, world-class athletes and reigning Asian champions expected to lead the campaign.

Among those at the forefront are tennis superstar Alexandra Eal, Paris Olympics double-gold medalist Carlos Yulo in gymnastics and reigning Asian champion and Asian-record holder Ernest John “EJ” Obiena in pole vault.

The men’s 5x5 basketball team will also seek to defend the gold medal

POC president Abraham Tolentino

it won in Hangzhou, while jiu-jitsu, boxing, athletics, gymnastics, swimming, golf, esports and other sports are expected to provide additional medal opportunities.

Iloilo paddling festival slated Aug. 20 to 23 DRAGON boat racing takes center stage starting August 20, with the 3rd edition of the Iloilo Paddling Festival at the Iloilo River Esplanade.

Jointly organized by the Iloilo City Government, headed by Mayor Raisa Trenas, the Philippine Paddling Federation, led by its president Len Escollante, and local club Iloilo Dragons, with support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the event is part of the city’s Charter Day celebration.

Dragon boat teams from as far as Manila, Iligan, Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Cebu, Calbayog, Aklan, Bora-

Iloilo Paddling Festival

cay, plus local teams, have confirmed their participation, highlighting the popularity of the sport in the South.

Competitors, ranging from under 18 to 40+ and 50+ will use 10-seater boats over distances of 100 to 250 meters, including the Open Division.

Commissioner Fritz Gaston will represent the PSC, which has donated both a dragon boat and several rowing boats to Iloilo, with the Philippine Rowing Association set to launch its riding grassroots program during the event.

PSC is also setting up a regional training center for rowing in Iloilo.

Ng, Lao chosen to lead PH delegation to 22nd ASEAN University Games in Malaysia

By Graham C. Lim THE Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines (FESSAP) has unanimously approved the designation of Mary G. Ng as Head of Delegation and Frank Lao as Deputy Head of Delegation for the Philippine contingent to the 22nd ASEAN University Games (AUG), to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from December 10 to 19, 2026.

The decision was confirmed during a meeting of the FESSAP Board of Trustees at the FESSAP Secretariat in Binondo, Manila, presided over by FESSAP President Edwin C. Fabro. FESSAP Board OF Trustees members were Board Chair Alvin Tai Lian, Vice Chair Baldomero Estenzo, Vice Presidents Dr. Jesus Rodrigo Torres, Commissioner Felix Tiukinhoy, and Col. Ariel Querubin, Treasurer Jeane Monteverde, Board Secretary Maria Cecilia Sarmiento, and Directors Joseph A. Sy, Sean Elijah Siy, Allan Soria, Melchor Posadas Divina, and Gerry Sergio.

FESSAP’s legal adviser, Atty. Maria Luz Arzaga Mendoza, also attended in her capacity as a member of the FISU

Frank Lao

Mary G. Ng

The ASEAN University Games’ final technical meeting in Malaysia last July 23, 2026.

Legal Committee headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Further confirmed was the recommendation of Ng, the President of the Philippine Inter-School Sport Association affiliated with the International School Sport Federation (ISF), to appoint businessman-philanthropist Frank Lao as Deputy Head of Delegation.

Both David Ong of Philippine Airlines and businessman Christian Tan of Healthy Options will serve as Assistants to the Head of Delegation.

In addition, both FESSAP Chairman Alvin Tai Lian and FESSAP Fabro will act as Honorary Head of Delegation, respectively.

Earlier, in April 2026, FESSAP hosted

the ASEAN University Sports Council (AUSC) Executive Committee meeting in Manila and Boracay Island.

The AUSC, founded in 1980 by the Malaysia University Sports Federation, is currently led by president Phassakon Nuntapanich of Thailand and serves as the organizer of the biennial ASEAN University Games.

The Philippines is also preparing to field one of its biggest Asian Games delegations in recent history. The national team had reached 443 athletes by late June, with the final number potentially changing as additional qualifications are finalized. The contingent is expected to compete in 38 of the 47 sports on the Nagoya-Aichi program.

Tolentino’s optimism has also been fueled by the steady addition of qualified athletes. Modern pentathlon, taekwondo, indoor volleyball and football have all provided boosts to the Philippine campaign, expanding the country’s opportunities to chase medals.

Four additional taekwondo slots, two each in poomsae and kyorugi, were among the latest developments that Tolentino said strengthened the Philippines’ medal prospects. He acknowledged, however, that the Asian Games have become increasingly competitive, with the level of competition approaching that of the Olympics.

Kidd, Jackson to headline PH’s 1st NBA House THE National Basketball Association (NBA) recently announced that NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer member Jason Kidd and WNBA champion Lauren Jackson will headline the first NBA House Philippines 2026 presented by Gatorade, a free, immersive basketball experience and fan event at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City on Saturday, Aug. 29 and Sunday, Aug. 30.

Fans in the Philippines can visit NBA.com/NBAHousePhilippines to redeem free tickets.

Operated by Eventscape Manila, NBA House Philippines 2026 presented by Gatorade will feature 2,700 square meters of interactive basketball and pop culture activities for fans of all ages.

“NBA House Philippines presented

by Gatorade will be a celebration of basketball, entertainment and music, featuring an exciting lineup of NBA and WNBA legends, local artists and authentic NBA experiences,” said NBA Head of Southeast Asia and Asia Marketing Sheila Rasu. “We’re grateful to our partners for helping bring the NBA closer to one of the world’s most passionate basketball communities and look forward to delivering an unforgettable weekend that celebrates the vibrant culture that surrounds our game.”

“Gatorade and the NBA have a longstanding partnership of building basketball globally and we’re proud to present the first NBA House in the Philippines to the Filipino community,” said PepsiCo Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Nicole Villarojo. “Gatorade will fuel the fans, athletes, and festivities that will bring basketball, music, fashion and culture together over the weekend.”

SPORTS

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

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

Magnolia’s Lastimosa is week’s best PBA player MAGNOLIA ended the first part of the PBA 50th Season Governors’ Cup on a high note thanks to Jerom Lastimosa.

The Hotshots guard scored a career-high 30 points last Saturday to lead his team to a 115-101 win over Phoenix Super LPG. With Lastimosa in charge, Magnolia won its third straight game after a 1-3 win-loss start before the league takes a sixweek break.

Lastimosa’s strong play allowed him to capture the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period August 11-14.

Lastimosa shot 11-of-14 from the field, while also dishing out three assists, and contributing two steals to beat the likes of Justin Arana of Converge and Chris Newsome of Meralco for the plum handed by sportswriters covering the PBA beat.

“More than his offense, ‘yung depensa niya,” Magnolia coach LA Tenorio said about Lastimosa.

“Buti nagre-respond siya. Alam ng mga players na siya ang madalas ko pagalitan because I know ‘yung kaya niyang gawin sa team na ‘to. Sabi ko sa kanya na it’s his responsibility now na matuto siya. May mangyari sa team sa loob ng team o wala, siya ang pagagalitan ko.”

Lastimosa said he doesn’t mind if he is being scolded by Tenorio during games and practices.

“Doon naman tayo matututo. I never take for granted na nagagalit si coach sa akin. It means, may pakialam siya at gusto lang niya ma-improve pa ‘yung laro ko,” Lastimosa said.

Gilas Women attempt to keep semis bid alive SEEKING to keep its semifinal bid alive after a heartbreaking debut, the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s squad takes on powerhouse Canada in the 2026 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament at the Arena Astros in Guadalajara, Mexico on Thursday (Philippine time).

The world No. 30 Philippines clashes against the No. 7 Canada at 7:30 a.m. in its crucial second game in Group B. The Filipinas had one last chance to force overtime or even win the game with a three-pointer, but a costly turnover off Afril Bernardino’s errant pass dashed their hopes.

Head coach Burke “BT” Toews rued the missed opportunities and urged his players to learn from the narrow defeat as they quickly shift their focus to Canada.

“I don’t want to take anything away from Mexico because they played a good second half. But we feel we gave that game away,” Toews said.

“So, we have to have a quick turnaround before we play Canada. But I prefer if everybody takes a few hours and feels bad about the game, and really thinks about what it is we have to focus on,” the Canadian mentor continued.

“We have to be more meticulous about continuing to be a strong team.

And then when that time’s done, we’ll flip a switch and we’ll be positive and you know, next play, next game.”

Another loss could end Gilas Women’s semifinal hopes, as only the top two teams from each group will advance to the final four. The tourney’s champion will earn the lone ticket to the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Jeremiah Sevilla

Vanessa de Jesus FIBA

Magnolia’s Jerom Lastimosa scores against two Phoenix Super LPG defenders in a PBA game won by the Hotshots, 115-101. The Hotshots guard scored a career-high 30 points as Magnolia won its third straight game after a 1-3 win-loss start before the league takes a six-week break.

Lastimosa’s strong play allowed him to capture the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period August 11-14.

Eala climbs to career-best live WTA ranking of no. 18

By Jeremiah Sevilla

F

ILIPINA tennis pride Alexandra “Alex” Eala is on track to reach a new career-high world ranking of No. 18 and set another milestone as the highestseeded Filipino player in Grand Slam singles in the upcoming 2026 US Open.

Eala climbed to No. 18 with 2,221 points in the WTA live rankings on Wednesday after reaching the third round of the Cincinnati Open, where she pushed No. 10 Amanda Anisimova to the limit before losing steam, 6-4, 4-6, 2-6.

The next official rankings, which are expected to be released on August 24 after the conclusion of the WTA 1000 Cincinnati tournament, will settle the 32 seeds for the main draw of the US Open.

If Eala holds on to her current ranking or even slips a few spots, she will surpass her previous mark as the No. 29 seed at Wimbledon last July.

The 21-year-old tennis sensation made history at the All England Club as the first Filipino to be seeded in a major singles tourney.

She went on to make a breakthrough run at Wimbledon, stunning defending champion Iga Swiatek en route to be-

coming the maiden Filipino to reach the fourth round of the prestigious tilt.

Eala is set to make her second straight appearance in the US Open main draw, which will run from August 30 to September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York.

Meanwhile, Eala and men’s world No. 4 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada headline the wildcard entries for the US Open mixed doubles competition scheduled for August 24 to 26.

Eala will make her professional mixed doubles debut alongside the 25-year-old AugerAliassime, who won a bronze medal with Gabriela Dabrowski in the mixed doubles event in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Alexandra Eala rocks the NikeCourt Slam blue dress, her official kit for the US Open.

PH bags historic 83 medals, ranks 2nd in ASEAN chess

By Randy M. Caluag TEAM Philippines completed a historic campaign in the 24th ASEAN+ AgeGroup Chess Championships, winning 83 medals to finish second overall in the tournament recently in Singapore.

Fielding its largest delegation in the competition, the Philippines collected 24 gold, 36 silver and 23 bronze medals against 672 players. Vietnam topped the standings, while India placed third.

The Filipinos earned 28 medals— nine gold, nine silver and 10 bronze— in Standard chess; 29—six gold, 17 silver and six bronze—in Rapid; and 26—nine gold, 10 silver and seven bronze—in Blitz.

Jodiel Chloe Banawa of Alicia, Isabela, the youngest member of the Philippine delegation, delivered its most successful campaign with six gold medals in the Girls Under-6 division.

Banawa swept the individual and

Jodiel Chloe Banawa and Elisha Romarate with their medals NCFP

team titles in Standard, Rapid and Blitz. She shared the three team championships with Elisha Romarate of Di-

polog City and Rien Euri Villa of San Mateo, Rizal.

Romarate also won individual gold

in Rapid and individual silvers in Standard and Blitz to finish with three golds and three silvers. Villa earned three gold medals from the team events.

International Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca of Zamboanga City swept the individual Standard, Rapid and Blitz titles in the Open Under-20 division. He also led the Philippine team to gold in Standard and silver medals in Rapid and Blitz, completing a six-medal haul of four golds and two silvers.

FIDE Master Arlan Cabe of Pangasinan ruled the Seniors 50 Standard event and earned the direct International Master title, becoming the first Filipino senior player to achieve the feat through the ASEAN+ championships.

Iana Angela Sotaridona of Iloilo won the Girls Under-16 Standard crown and earned the direct Woman FIDE Master title, subject to reaching the required standard FIDE rating of 1900.

North staves off South fightback, takes 7-5 Foursomes win CAGAYAN DE ORO — Team North appeared headed for another runaway victory after racing to a commanding lead, only to find itself fighting for every point down the stretch before escaping with a crucial 7-5 victory over South in Foursomes in Day 2 of the ICTSI North vs South Elite Junior PGT Championship at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club here Wednesday.

What looked like another North romp quickly turned into a test of nerve.

North surged to an imposing 8-4 lead midway through the alternate-shot format, with its depth once again on full display. But South refused to fold, launching a spirited comeback that steadily chipped away at the deficit and turned what had appeared to be a one-sided affair into a gripping finish.

The hosts produced a string of clutch performances in the closing encounters. With momentum firmly on their side, South pulled within striking distance at 4-6 and needed only to win the final two matches to salvage a dramatic overall draw for the day.

North, however, held its nerve when the pressure peaked.

Jakob Taruc and Nathan Belandres battled from three holes down in the stretch and forced Clem-

ent Ordeneza and Sebastian Sajuela to an all-square finish, while Mona Sarines and Kendra Garingalao likewise halved their match against Tashanah Balanguan and Precious Zaragosa, with both matches ending level in the 15-18 division.

Those two halves proved decisive.

Instead of completing the comeback, South was forced to settle for a split of the day’s final two points, leaving North with a 7-5 victory and, more importantly, preserving its advantage heading into the remaining singles matches.

North consequently stretched its overnight three-point cushion to five points, 14 1/2-9 1/2, putting itself in a strong position heading into the deciding singles matches of the North-South duel on Thursday.

But the scoreline hardly told the whole story.

The day was marked by wild swings in momentum, lopsided results and matches that went down-to-thewire. North controlled the early stages and seemed poised to bury the hosts under another avalanche of points. South responded with the urgency of a team with its back against the wall, winning key matches and capitalizing on North’s inability to close out the final stretch.

Mona Sarines and Kendra Garingalao Manny Marcelo)

BUSINESS

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Startups fuel demand for PH virtual assistants SMALL and micro-businesses have become the primary driver of demand for Filipino remote talent, according to an August 2026 report from global recruitment firm VA Masters.

The 2026 edition of “The State of the Filipino Virtual Assistant Industry” report found that 87 percent of international clients hiring Filipino virtual assistants (VAs) have fewer than 50 employees, with micro-businesses of 10 or fewer staff accounting for 57 percent of total hiring.

The findings challenge the common belief that offshore hiring is done only by large business process outsourcing (BPO) call centers or global corporations. Small startup founders are instead turning to flexible remote hiring to access highly skilled employees they previously could not afford, the report said.

By company size, micro-businesses with 2 to 10 employees made up 53 percent of clients, while small businesses with 11 to 50 employees accounted for 30 percent. Larger enterprises with more than 201 employees represented 8 percent, mid-size companies with 51 to 200 employees made up 5 percent, and solo founders comprised 3 percent.

Small businesses often start with limited engagements to lower risk, the report said. About 41 percent of new clients begin with a part-time plan of 80 hours per month, giving owners time to build work routines and test results before making a bigger commitment. Light part-time plans of 40 to 60 hours per month made up 14 percent of initial requests, while 20 percent of clients hired full-time VAs of 160 hours per month from the start.

About 87 percent of international clients hiring Filipino virtual assistants (VAs) have fewer than 50 employees, with micro-businesses of 10 or fewer staff making up 57 percent of the total hiring, according to an August 2026 report from global recruitment company VA Masters.

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has extended the suspension of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) collection until December to ease the financial burden on consumers.

It said in an advisory that the suspension applies to the GEA-All rate of P0.0371 per kilowatt-hour and will cover the September through December 2026 billing months. The GEA-All is a uniform charge billed to all on-grid consumers used to pay

61.995

Peso sinks to new record 61.785 low, drags stock market T ABS-CBN starts

By Jenniffer B. Austria and Thony Rose Lesaca

HE Philippine peso sank to a new record low against the US dollar Wednesday, nearing the 62-to-1 level, as volatile global fuel prices and renewed tensions in the Middle East fueled market jitters and dragged the local stock market lower.

The peso opened at 61.85 per dollar and fell to an intraday low of 61.995, breaching its previous record low of 61.847 set on July 24, 2026, according to data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines.

It closed at 61.815 against the greenback Wedneday.

It has weakened steadily in recent sessions,

as fuel price volatility tied to Middle East tensions weighed on sentiment.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort linked the peso’s movement to possible intervention activities as it neared the psychological 62-a-dollar mark.

He said that the local currency’s

weakness came after US President Donald Trump signalled the absence of peace talks with Iran, following the expiration of their memorandum of understanding earlier this week.

“Trump signaled that there are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran, after the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran signed in June 2026 expired on Aug. 17, 2026 with no plan to extend it,” Ricafort said in a Viber message.

Meanwhile, Union Bank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo Asuncion said the weakness also reflected higher oil prices and continued US dollar strength.

housing and financing.

The Naga City Employees’ Housing Project initially covers 576 housing units at BellaVita Naga in Barangay Pacol, each priced at P350,000.

Making the homes even more affordable, qualified employees may purchase them through Pag-IBIG Housing Loans at a subsidized interest rate of just 3 percent per annum for the first five years under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program.

Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor Robredo said the project addresses a long-standing aspiration of the city government to provide affordable housing opportunities for its employees, particularly those who previously found homeownership beyond their means.

“For many years, it has been our aspiration to provide housing opportunities for our city government employees, but affordability has always been a challenge, especially for those in the lower salary grades.

Through our partnership with PagIBIG Fund and BellaVita, that aspiration is now becoming a reality.

With Pag-IBIG Fund providing affordable financing terms and a subsidized 3 percent interest rate, we were able to make homeownership possible for employees who previously could not afford it,” Robredo said.

“We especially appreciate how quickly this partnership has delivered results. Just two months after signing

our agreement, more than 100 housing loan accounts have already been taken out, and we are very happy to see our employees and their families becoming homeowners. We hope to complete the takeout of all 576 housing units by October, and eventually extend the same opportunity to our teachers, uniformed personnel, and other workers in Naga, including those in the informal sector who are also Pag-IBIG Fund members,” she said.

Robredo also expressed appreciation to Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling for his leadership in advancing the Expanded 4PH Program and expanding affordable homeownership opportunities for Filipino workers.

The turnover coincided with Jesse Robredo Day, which honors the former Naga City mayor and interior secretary’s legacy of good governance, leadership and public service.

ERC extends green energy bill suspension until December

By Alena Mae S. Flores

Peso’s closing on Wednesday Peso’s intra-day low

Pag-IBIG, Naga team up to help employees become homeowners

Pag-IBIG Fund and the City Government of Naga began turning over affordable homes Tuesday to qualified city government employees who are acquiring their properties through Pag-IBIG Housing Loans.

The turnover marks the first group of city employees to become homeowners through a partnership signed just two months ago to help public servants, particularly those in lower salary grades and first-time homebuyers, gain greater access to affordable

61.815

GEA developers.

“This measure is being implemented to provide relief to Filipino households facing rising inflation and costs of living brought about by external global pressures,” the ERC said.

The commission said its evaluation showed a fund balance of P556.91 million as of Aug. 5, 2026.

“This balance is determined to be sufficient to cover the estimated monthly payment requirements for eligible RE developers for the period covering the suspension, even with the projected entry of three additional

plants into the program by August 2026,” the regulator said.

The ERC notified all collection agents, including distribution utilities, retail electricity suppliers and the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, of the temporary suspension.

The commission directed all collection agents to submit formal compliance reports, including a transmittal letter and sample bills for each customer class, clearly demonstrating the suspension of the GEA-All line item.

Collection agents that fail to com-

ply with the directive or submit the required reports will face show-cause orders and potential penalties under the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 and other applicable commission rules.

The ERC has suspended the collection since May to provide immediate consumer relief amid inflation and cost-of-living pressures linked to global developments. The commission said it will continue to safeguard the fund’s financial integrity to ensure timely payments to developers.

Peso’s closing on Tuesday

rebuilding business to return to profit

By Darwin G. Amojelar ABS-CBN Corp. is rebuilding its business after years of financial and operational setbacks and remains optimistic about returning to profitability, ABS-CBN president and chief executive Carlo Katigbak said Wednesday.

Katigbak, in a message to shareholders, described the company’s current period as a “defining moment,” saying recent crises have forced it to confront whether its long-standing “In the Service of the Filipino” mission is more than a slogan.

Katigbak acknowledged ABSCBN has not yet returned to profitability but said improving revenue, a lower cost base, reduced debt and narrowing losses provide grounds for optimism.

“We recognize that we are not yet where we need to be. And while this has no doubt been a difficult chapter in ABS-CBN’s history, we continue to believe with complete confidence that the momentum you are seeing will carry us through to profitability,” Katigbak said.

Excluding cable unit Sky, ABSCBN’s revenue fell to P9.3 billion in 2021, the first full year after the company lost its broadcast franchise, from P33.2 billion in 2019. Revenue recovered to P12.6 billion in 2025, the company’s highest level since the franchise loss.

The company also cut expenses.

General and administrative expenses and manpower costs fell to P6.9 billion in 2025 from P15 billion in 2019, a 54-percent reduction from pre-franchise levels.

Outstanding debt, excluding Sky, declined to just under P8.5 billion in 2025 from P20.5 billion in 2019, a reduction of about 58 percent, Katigbak said.

Recurring net losses excluding Sky also continued to narrow, reaching P2.5 billion in 2025 compared with P8.3 billion in 2020.

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BUSINESS

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Standard Standard Standard TODAY TODAY TODAY TODAY TODAY

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

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Clark food hub a prelude to modern PH agriculture —“—

Opportunity OpportunityininHinduja HindujaGlobal GlobalSolutions SolutionsLimited Limited Ê Career Ê Career Ê Career Opportunity in Hinduja Global Solutions Limited PositionÊtitle:ÊShift PositionÊtitle:ÊShiftManager Manager PositionÊtitle:ÊShift Manager Vacancies Vacancies (1)(1) Vacancies (1) Ê Ê Ê

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Hinduja HindujaGlobal GlobalSolutions SolutionsLimited Limited Hinduja Global Solutions Limited

CompleteÊaddress:ÊÊ CompleteÊaddress:ÊÊ CompleteÊaddress:ÊÊ Ê Ê Ê 19th-21st 19th-21stFloor FloorBridgetowne BridgetowneZeta ZetaTower TowerE.E.Rodriguez RodriguezJr.Jr.Avenue Avenue Ê Ê 19th-21st Floor Bridgetowne Zeta Tower E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue Ugong UgongNorte NorteDistrict District3,3,Quezon QuezonCity City1110 1110 Ugong Norte District 3, Quezon City 1110 NatureÊofÊbusiness:Êto NatureÊofÊbusiness:Êtoengage engageinincustomer customercontact contactservice servicebusiness business NatureÊofÊbusiness:Êto engage in customer contact service business and andbusiness businessprocess processoutsourcing outsourcing Ê Ê and business process outsourcingÊ

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Hinduja HindujaGlobal GlobalSolutions SolutionsLimited Limitedhereby herebydeclares declaresthat thatthe theabove‑named above‑namedforeign foreignnational nationalisisable, able,willing, willing,and andqualified qualifiedtotoperform performthe theservices services Hinduja Global Solutions Limited hereby declares that the above‑named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and andjobjobdescription descriptionforforthis thisposition. position.The Thecompany companyhas hasthe theintention intentiontotoemploy employthe thesaid saidforeign foreignnational nationaland andapply applyforforananAlien AlienEmployment EmploymentPermit Permit 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 withthe theDepartment DepartmentofofLabor Laborand andEmployment EmploymentBureau BureauofofLocal LocalEmployment Employment6F6FFirst FirstIntramuros IntramurosBFBFCondominium CondominiumSolana SolanaSt.St.cor. cor.A.A. with the Department of Labor and Employment Bureau of Local Employment 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor. A. Soriano SorianoAve. Ave.Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila Manila1002.

1002.If Ifthere thereareareany anyobjections objectionsororinquiries, inquiries,please pleasecontact contactthetheconcerned concernedDOLE DOLERegional RegionalOffice.

Office.

Soriano Ave. Intramuros, Manila 1002. If there are any objections or inquiries, please contact the concerned DOLE Regional Office.

Any AnyFilipino Filipinojobseeker jobseekerwho whoisiscompetent, competent,able ableand andwilling willingtotoperform performthe theservices servicesforforwhich whichthe theforeign foreignnational nationalisisintended intendedtotobebehired hiredfor, for,may mayfilefile 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 ananobjection objectionatatDepartment DepartmentofofLabor Laborand andEmployment EmploymentBureau BureauofofLocal LocalEmployment Employment6F6FFirst FirstIntramuros IntramurosBFBFCondominium CondominiumSolana SolanaSt.St.cor. cor. an objection at Department of Labor and Employment Bureau of Local Employment 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium Solana St. cor.

A.A.Soriano SorianoAve. Ave.Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila Manila1002 1002after afterthis thispublication publication A. Soriano Ave. Intramuros, Manila 1002 after this publication Please Pleaseinform informDepartment DepartmentofofLabor Laborand andEmployment Employment– –NCR, NCR,if ifyou youhave haveany anyinformation informationononcriminal criminaloffenses offensescommitted committedbybythetheforeign foreignnational. national.

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

Career Career Opportunity Opportunity ininCONCENTRIX CONCENTRIX CVG CVG PHILIPPINES, PHILIPPINES, INC. INC. Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. Site SiteDirector Director Position Position Title: Title: Position Title: Site Director Job JobDescription: Description: Job Description: a)a) a) Plan, Plan, deliver deliver and andand execute execute project(s) project(s) deliver execute project(s) and andPlan, program(s) program(s) and program(s) b)b) b) Ensure Ensure execution execution of of delivery delivery work work Ensure execution of delivery across across one oneone oror or more more clients clients orwork or or across more clients portfolios, portfolios, leading leading service service delivery delivery portfolios, leading service delivery strategy strategy across across all all locations locations where where the the strategy all locations where the services services are areacross provided provided (e.g., (e.g., client-site, client-site, services are provided (e.g., client-site, delivery delivery center) center) delivery center) c)c) c) Address Address performance performance issues issues across across performance create issues across the theAddress client(s)/portfolio(s); client(s)/portfolio(s); create the thethe the client(s)/portfolio(s); create operational operational approach approach and and implements implements operational approach and implements continuous continuous improvement. improvement. continuous improvement. d)d) d) Implement Implement standard standard SLA SLASLA commitments commitments standard commitments and andImplement other other operational operational metrics metrics for forfor and other operational metrics client(s)/portfolio(s) client(s)/portfolio(s) client(s)/portfolio(s) e)e) e) Support Support the the achievement achievement of of contract contract Support the achievement ofascontract controllable controllable income income targets, targets, as well well controllable income targets, as well asasthe thethe achievement achievement ofofcost-to-serve cost-to-serve as achievement of cost-to-serve targets; targets; deliver deliver efficiencies efficiencies through through targets; deliver efficiencies through standard standard processes processes and andand synergies. synergies. standard processes synergies. f)f) f) Manage Manage recruiting, recruiting, staffing, staffing, people people Manage recruiting, staffing, people engagement, engagement, pyramid, pyramid, mix, mix, utilization, utilization, engagement, pyramid, mix, utilization, cost-to-serve cost-to-serve and and capacity capacity of of service service cost-to-serve and capacity of service delivery delivery staff staff toto to optimize optimize balance balance delivery staff optimize balance between between cost cost and andand delivery delivery targets. targets. between cost delivery targets.

Qualification Qualification (Education, (Education, Experience, Experience, Professional Professional Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, License, Skills Skills Certification, Certification, Specialized Specialized Training): Training): License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): •• • Must Must have have 15-20 15-20 years’ years’ experience experience inin in Must have 15-20 years’ experience business business process process outsourcing outsourcing (BPO) (BPO) business process outsourcing (BPO) inin •• • Must Must have have at at least least 10 10 years years of of experience experience Must have atpreferably least 10 years ofmanaging, experience in leadership leadership role role preferably from from managing, leadership role preferably from managing, customer customer care care and andand operations operations customer care operations •• • Proven Proven experience experience in in Voice, Voice, Email, Email, and and Chat Chat Proven experience in Voice, Email, and Chat BPO BPO operations operations BPO operations •• • Strong Strong client client management management expertise expertise along along Strong client management expertise along with with sales sales and andand solution solution support support with sales solution support •• • Strong Strong oral oral and and written written communication communication Strong oral and written communication skills, skills, with with the thethe ability ability toto articulate articulate clear clear skills, with ability to articulate clear ideas ideas and andand strategies strategies effectively. effectively. ideas strategies effectively.

Applications Applications may may be besent sent to: to:to: Applications may be sent PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix.com PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix.com PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix.com

Name Name ofofforeign foreign national national intending intending Name of foreign intending totoapply apply for forthe thenational position position to apply for the position Name: Name: Concentrix Concentrix CVG CVG Philippines, Philippines, Inc. Inc. Name: Name: Andre Andre Lloyd Lloyd Company Company Name: 14/F Concentrix CVGAyala Philippines, Inc. Address: Name:Pasig Andre Lloyd Company Complete Complete Address: Address: 14/F toto25/F 25/F Ayala North North Pasig City City Complete Address: 14/F to 25/F Ayala North Address: Address: Pasig City Exchange, Exchange, Tower Tower 2,2,6798 6798 Ayala Ayala Avenue Avenue cor. cor.

Nationality: Canadian Canadian Exchange, Tower 2, 6798 Ayala Avenue cor. Nationality: Nationality: Canadian Amorsolo Amorsolo and and Salcedo Salcedo Streets, Streets, Brgy.

Brgy.

San San Intended Intended Period Period of of Employment: Employment: Two Two (2) (2)Years Years Amorsolo and Salcedo Streets, Brgy.

San Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) Years Lorenzo, Lorenzo, Makati Makati City City Lorenzo, Makati City totoBusiness Nature Nature of of Business: Business: Business Business Business IT IT Nature of Business: Business to Business IT Company Company hereby hereby declares declares that that the theabove-named above-named foreign foreign national national isisable, able, willing, willing, and andand qualified qualified totoperform perform hereby that the above-named foreign national isthe able, willing, qualified to perform the theCompany services services and andand job jobdeclares description description for forthis thisthis position. position.

The TheThe company company has has thethe intention intention totoemploy employ the the said said the services job description for position. company has intention to employ the said foreign foreign national national and and apply apply for for an an Alien Alien Employment Employment Permit Permit with with the the Bureau Bureau of of Local Local Employment Employment (BLE) (BLE) foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) thth Floor, Floor, Banco Banco Filipino Filipino Condominium, Condominium, Solana Solana Street, Street, Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila.

Manila. located located at at 6 6 located at 6th Floor, Banco Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Company/ Company/ Employer Employer Company/ Employer

Career CareerOpportunity OpportunityininCONCENTRIX CONCENTRIXCVG CVGPHILIPPINES, PHILIPPINES,INC. INC. Career Opportunity in CONCENTRIX CVG PHILIPPINES, INC. DirectorWorkforce WorkforceManagement Management Position PositionTitle: Title:Director Title: Director Workforce Management Job JobPosition Description: Description: Description: • • Job Review Reviewcompleted completedforecasts, forecasts,schedules, schedules, • plans Review completed forecasts, schedules, plans and andreal real time time(intraday) (intraday) processes processes plans and real time (intraday) processes developed developed bybyteam team members members totoensure ensure developed by team members to ensure completion, completion,accuracy, accuracy,and andadherence adherence toto completion, accuracy, and adherence to standards standards standards •• Lead Lead reviews reviewsofofWorkforce WorkforceManagement Management • strategy Lead reviews of Workforce Management strategy toto identify identify opportunities opportunities toto strategy to identify opportunities improve improve utilization utilization and and develop develop new new to improve utilization and develop new strategies strategies totoproactively proactivelyrespond respond totoclient client strategies to proactively respond to client needs needs needswith •• Partner Partner with Business Business Development, Development, • Operations Partner (Delivery), with Business Development, Operations (Delivery), and and Clients Clients toto Operations (Delivery), and staffing Clients develop develop new newmodels models totosupport support staffing to new models to support staffing and anddevelop volume volumechanges changes and volume changes •• Lead Lead review review ofofCall CallCenter Centerefficiency efficiencyand and • customer Lead review ofperformance Call Center to efficiency customer service service performance toensure ensureand customer performance to ensure client client needs needsservice and and Concentrix Concentrix financial financial client needs and Concentrix financial performance performance are aremet met performance are met functions •• Partner Partner with with support support functions (IT) (IT) • toto ensure Partner with support functions ensure that that forecasting, forecasting, planning, planning,(IT) to ensure that forecasting, planning, scheduling, scheduling, and and real real time time (intraday) (intraday) scheduling, and real time (intraday) tools/software tools/software are are properly properly configured configured are properly configured and andtools/software maintained maintainedtotosupport support the theWorkforce Workforce and maintained Management Management team team to support the Workforce Management team •• Lead Lead the the development development ofof forecasts, forecasts, • resource Lead plans, the schedules development forecasts, resource plans, schedulesand andof real real time time resource plans, schedules and real time (intraday) (intraday) for fornew newprograms programs (intraday) for new programs •• Establish Establish goals goals for for allall workforce workforce • management Establish goals for all workforce managementpositions positionskeyed keyedtotoprocess process positionsmeasuring keyed to and process and andmanagement program programperformance performance measuring and and program performance measuring trending trending individual individual performance performance that thatleads leadsand trending individual performance that leads the thedevelopment developmentofofWFM WFMtalent talent the development of WFM talent

Qualification Qualification(Education, (Education,Experience, Experience, Qualification (Education, Professional Professional License, License, Skills Skills Experience, Professional License,Training): Skills Certification, Certification, Specialized Specialized Training): Training): • • Certification, Strong Strong Specialized background background inin forecasting, forecasting, • scheduling, Strong resource background inand forecasting, scheduling, resource planning, planning, andintraday intraday scheduling, resource (real‑time) (real‑time)management. management.planning, and intraday (real‑time) management.

•• Ability Ability toto review review and and validate validate forecasts, forecasts, • schedules, Ability to review forecasts, schedules, and and plans plansand for forvalidate accuracy accuracy and and schedules, and plans for accuracy and adherence adherence totostandards. standards. adherenceleading to standards.

•• Experience Experience leading reviews reviews ofof WFM WFM • strategy, Experience leading reviews of WFM strategy, identifying identifying opportunities opportunities totoimprove improve strategy, identifying opportunities to improve utilization, utilization, and and developing developing proactive proactivestaffing staffing utilization, and developing proactive staffing models. models. models.

•• Proven Proven ability ability toto partner partner with with Business Business • Development, Proven ability to partner withand Business Development, Operations, Operations, Clients, Clients, and ITIT Development, Clients, and IT totoalign alignworkforce workforceOperations, planning planningwith with business business to align workforce planning with business needs. needs. needs.

•• Skilled Skilledininevaluating evaluatingcall callcenter centerefficiency efficiencyand and • customer Skilledservice inservice evaluating call center efficiency customer performance performance toto balance balanceand customer service performance to balance client client satisfaction satisfaction with withfinancial financialgoals. goals. client satisfaction with financial goals.

•• Familiarity Familiarity with with WFM WFM tools/software tools/software • (forecasting, Familiarity with scheduling, WFM tools/software (forecasting, planning, planning, scheduling, intraday) intraday) intraday) and and(forecasting, ensuring ensuringplanning, proper properscheduling, configuration/ configuration/ and ensuring proper configuration/ maintenance. maintenance. maintenance.

•• Ability Ability toto lead lead the the creation creation ofof forecasts, forecasts, • resource Ability plans, to lead the creation forecasts, resource plans, schedules, schedules, and andofintraday intraday resource plans, schedules, and intraday processes processes for fornew newprograms. programs. processes formay newbe programs.

Applications Applications may be sent sentto: to: Applications may be sent to: PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix.

PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix.

PH_QC_EASTW_MULTILINGUAL@concentrix. com com com

Name Nameofofforeign foreignnational nationalintending intending Name of foreign intending totoapply apply for forthe thenational position position to apply for the position Name:Concentrix ConcentrixCVG CVGPhilippines, Philippines,Inc. Inc. Name: Name:Partha ParthaPal Pal Company CompanyName: Name: Concentrix Philippines, Inc. Name: Partha Pal Company Complete Complete Address: Address: 14/F 14/F toto CVG 25/F 25/F Ayala Ayala North North Address: Address: Pasig Pasig City City CompleteTower Address: 14/F to 25/F Ayalacor.

North Nationality: Address: Pasig City Exchange, Exchange, Tower 2,2, 6798 6798 Ayala Ayala Avenue Avenue cor.

Nationality: Indian Indian Exchange, Tower Streets, 2, 6798Brgy.

Ayala Avenue cor. Intended Nationality: Indian Amorsolo Amorsolo and andSalcedo Salcedo Streets, Brgy.

San San Lorenzo, Lorenzo, Intended Period Periodof ofEmployment: Employment:Two Two(2) (2)Years Years Amorsolo Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) Years Makati Makati City City and Salcedo Streets, Brgy. San Lorenzo, Makati City Business Nature Nature ofofBusiness: Business: BusinesstotoBusiness BusinessITIT Nature of Business: Business to Business IT Company Companyhereby herebydeclares declaresthat thatthe theabove-named above-namedforeign foreignnational nationalisisable, able,willing, willing,and andqualified qualifiedtotoperform performthe the Company hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is to able, willing, to perform services services and andjob job description description for forthis thisposition. position.

The Thecompany company has hasthe the intention intention toemploy employ the theand said saidqualified foreign foreignnational national and andthe services and job descriptionPermit for thiswith position.

The company hasEmployment the intention (BLE) to(BLE) employ the said national th Floor, Floor, Banco Bancoand apply apply for foran anAlien Alien Employment Employment Permit withthe theBureau Bureau ofofLocal Local Employment located located atat6th 6foreign th Floor, Banco apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) located at 6 Filipino FilipinoCondominium, Condominium,Solana SolanaStreet, Street,Intramuros, Intramuros,Manila.

Manila.

Filipino Condominium, Solana Street, Intramuros, Manila.

Company/ Company/Employer Employer Company/ Employer

Career Career Opportunity Opportunity ininCOLAS COLAS RAIL RAIL PHILIPPINES, PHILIPPINES, INC. INC. Career Opportunity in COLAS RAIL PHILIPPINES, INC. Chief ChiefFinancial FinancialOfficer Officer(CFO) (CFO) Position Position Title: Title: Position Title: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Job Job Description: Description: Job Description: • • Responsible for forfor overseeing overseeing the thethe company’s company’s financial financial operations, operations, including including budgeting, budgeting, •Responsible Responsible overseeing company’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial financial planning, planning, reporting, reporting, cash cash flow flow management, management, and and risk riskrisk control. control.

This This role role ensures ensures financial planning, reporting, cash flow management, and control.

This role ensures financial financial stability, stability, regulatory regulatory compliance, compliance, and and supports supports strategic strategic business business decisions decisions toto to financial stability, regulatory compliance, and supports strategic business decisions achieve achieve organizational organizational goals. goals. achieve organizational goals.

Qualification Qualification Qualification •• Bachelor’s degree degree ininFinance, Finance, Accounting, Accounting, Business Business Administration, Administration, Economics, Economics, ororaa related related field. field.

•Bachelor’s Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field.

•• Proven experience experience ininfinancial financial management, management, budgeting, budgeting, accounting, accounting, financial financial reporting, reporting, and and •Proven Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, and strategic strategic planning, planning, preferably preferably ininaa leadership role. role. strategic planning, preferably inleadership a leadership role.

•• Strong Strong knowledge knowledge of of financial financial regulations, regulations, risk risk management, management, cash cash flow flow management, management, taxation, taxation, • Strong knowledge of financial regulations, risk management, cash flow management, taxation, and and corporate corporate finance. finance. and corporate finance.

Application Application may may be besent sent toto to Application may be sent colasrail.philippines@colasrail.com colasrail.philippines@colasrail.com colasrail.philippines@colasrail.com Name Name ofofforeign foreign national national intending intending Name of foreign national intending totoapply apply for forthe the position position to apply for the position Name: Name:Colas ColasRail RailPhilippines, Philippines,Inc. Inc. Name: Name: Prost, Prost, Damien Damien Pierre Pierre Francois Francois Company Company Name: Prost, Damien Pierre Francois Company Name: Colas Rail Philippines, Inc. Address: Address: Alabang, Alabang, Muntinlupa Muntinlupa City City Address: Alabang, Muntinlupa City Complete Complete Address: Address: Level Level 66 Ayala Ayala Triangle Triangle Nationality: Nationality: Indian Indian Complete Address: Level 6 Ayala Triangle Nationality: Indian Gardens Gardens Tower Tower 2,2,Paseo Paseo De DeRoxas Roxas cor. cor.

Makati Makati Intended Intended Period Period ofof Employment: Employment: Three Three (3) (3)(3) Gardens Tower 2, Paseo De Roxas cor.

Makati Intended Period of Employment: Three Avenue Avenue Bel-Air Bel-Air 1209 1209 City City ofof of Makati Makati NCR, NCR, years Avenue Bel-Air 1209 City Makati NCR, years years Fourth Fourth District District Philippines Philippines Fourth District Philippines Nature Nature ofof of Business: Business: Construction Construction ofof of roads, roads, Nature Business: Construction roads, highways, highways, bridges bridges and and railways. railways. highways, bridges and railways.

COLAS COLAS RAIL RAIL PHILIPPINES, PHILIPPINES, INC. INC. hereby hereby declares declares that that the thethe above‑named above‑named foreign foreign national national isisable, able, COLAS RAIL PHILIPPINES, INC. hereby and declares that above‑named foreign national is able, willing willing and and qualified qualified totoperform perform the thethe services services and job jobjob description description for forthis thisthis position. position.

The The company company willing and qualified to perform services and description for position.

The company has has the the intention intention to to employ employ the the said said foreign foreign national national and and apply apply for for an an Alien Alien Employment Employment Permit Permit has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with with the thethe Department Department ofofLabor Labor and and Employment Employment ––Department Department ofofLabor Labor and and Employment Employment (DOLE) (DOLE) with Department of Labor and Employment – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Building, Muralla Muralla Wing Wing cor. cor.

General General Luna Luna St., St.,St., Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila, Manila, 1002, 1002, Philippines Philippines Building, Muralla Wing cor.

General Luna Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines Any Any Filipino Filipino jobseeker jobseeker who who isiscompetent, competent,able able and and willing willing totoperform perform the thethe services services for forwhich which Filipino jobseeker who is able and willing to perform services which the theAny foreign foreign national national isisintended intended totocompetent, be behired hired for, for, may may fifilele anobjection objection atatDepartment Department ofoffor Labor Labor the foreign national is intended to be hired for, may fian le an objection at Department of Labor and and Employment Employment – – Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment (DOLE) (DOLE) Building, Building, Muralla Muralla Wing Wing cor. cor. and Employment – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing cor.

General General Luna Luna St., St.,St., Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila, Manila, 1002, 1002, Philippines Philippines after after this thisthis publication. publication.

Please Please inform inform the the General Luna Intramuros, Manila, 1002, after publication.

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

Company/ Company/ Employer Employer Company/ Employer

AN EMERGING center can soon resolve the age-cold complaints of Filipino farmers. Selling their agricultural products to the marketplace has long been the bane of Filipino farmers. The logistics Selling their agricultural products to gap between farms and markets has proven to be a major disincentive for our rural workers. the marketplace has long been the They need a food hub to market their produce, raise their earnbane of Filipino farmers. ings, encourage private investments and lower the cost for consumers.

The Clark National Food Hub in Pampanga seeks to provide the with the DA overseeing implementation and monitoring the conanswer and, hopefully, start the modernization of Philippine agristruction phase. culture.

The Clark food hub is expected to generate about 2,500 jobs The Department of Agriculture (DA) wants to speed up the esand create opportunities across the agriculture and fisheries value tablishment of the Clark National Food Hub in Pampanga, moving chains. the P4-billion project from planning to construction with the backThe Clark National Food Hub is designed to strengthen logistics ing of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as a pillar of food security by improving storage, processing, transThe project gained momentum with the signing of agreements port and market access. between the DA, Food Terminal Inc. (FTI) and Clark International Other Clark initiatives Airport Corp. covering the funding, development and operations The hub is one of the major features of the New Clark City, of about 40 hectares at the Clark Aviation Capital, with provisions where other major infrastructure projects are being lined up. for future expansion.

The New Clark City, the flagship project of state-run Bases ConSensing the urgency of the project, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu version and Development Authority (BCDA), has already drawn Laurel Jr. requested FTI president Joseph Lo and Undersecretary the interest of both local and foreign investors—eager to become Arrey Perez to make the Mega Food Hub partially operational bethe pioneer settlers of the smart city development. fore the end of 2027.

Foreign investors, as I’ve written here before, are scouring idle The integrated facility aims to consolidate food aggregation, lands covered by the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, storage, processing, distribution and marketing. Other facilities inwhile the government is about to launch the construction of the clude food and cold storage, processing areas, food safety laboraSubic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway project that could tories, export processing facilities and wholesale and retail spaces.

PARTIAL PARTIAL EXTRAJUDICIAL EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT SETTLEMENT OF OFINTESTATE INTESTATE cost over $7 billion.

PARTIAL EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF INTESTATE sector if our farmers can “We cannot build a modern agriculture ESTATE ESTATE OF OFTHE THE LATE LATE CONRADO CONRADO T.T.ANTONIO ANTONIO ESTATE OF THE LATE CONRADO T. ANTONIO BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang earlier produce more but cannot get their products Notice Noticeisishereby hereby given giventhat that the theestate estateofofthe thelate lateCONRADO CONRADO T. T.ANTONIO ANTONIO to markets efficiently Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CONRADO T. ANTONIO (hereinafter (hereinafterreferred referredtotoasas“decedent”), “decedent”),who whodied diedon onJune June19, 19,2014 2014without without disclosed the agency’s partnership with Science Park of the Philip(hereinafter referred to as “decedent”), who died on June 19, 2014 without and profitably,” says Tiu Laurel. any anywill willwas wassettled settledbybythe thesurviving survivinglegal legalheirs heirsparticularly particularlya aparcel parcelofofland land any will was settled by the surviving legal heirs particularly a parcel of land with withTCT TCTNo. No.295752 295752located locatedininthe theCity CityofofQuezon, Quezon,Metro MetroManila, Manila,Philippines.

Philippines. pines Inc. (SPPI) to develop a 100-hectare industrial park, along Preparations for food hub started as early as last year, with with TCT No. 295752 located inthe the City of Quezon, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Being Beingofoflegal legalage ageand andwith withfull fullcivil civilcapacity capacitytotocontract, contract,they theyhave haveagreed agreedtoto Being of legal age and with full civil capacity to contract, they have agreed to with Japanese companies, to attract high-value manufacturing and divide divideas asthey theydo dohereby herebydivide divide and andadjudicate, adjudicate,the the subject subject property property aboveaboveFTI assembling dedicated team to develop divide as they do herebyadivide and adjudicate, the subject property above-the facility’s operating described, described,ininequal equalshares; shares;that thatthey theyhave haveexecuted executedthe theforegoing foregoinginstrument instrument described, in equal shares; that they have executed the foregoing instrument technology investments. model.

The team studied food hub and logistics systems in Thaiout outofoftheir theirvoluntary voluntary free freewill willwithout without force forceon onMay May28, 28,2025, 2025, ininTaytay, Taytay, Rizal Rizal out of their voluntary free will without force on May 28, 2025, in Taytay, Rizal asasper perDoc. Doc.No. No.176; 176;Page PageNo. No.37; 37;Book BookNo. No.II;II;Series Seriesofof2025 2025before beforeNotary Notary The BCDA, in addition, is piloting an AI-driven smart mobility as perFrance, Doc. No. 176;Spain, Page No. 37; Book No. II; Series of 2025and beforeJapan Notary land, the Netherlands as possible standard Public PublicAtty.

Atty.Chantal ChantalEvanne EvanneJ.J.Castañeda.

Castañeda.

Public Atty. Chantal Evanne J. Castañeda.

(MStandard-July (MStandard-July30, 30,Aug. Aug.6 6&&13, 13,2026) 2026) system within New Clark City in partnership with Zenmov and the (MStandard-July 30, Aug. 6 & 13, 2026) for the local hub.

New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization The FTI will op(NEDO). The first of its kind in the Philippines, the mobility sysmanage and NOVENA NOVENA FAILS NOVENA--NEVER -NEVER NEVERFAILS FAILS erate, Manila Manila tem features low-carbon transport solutions and autonomous pubManila maintain the facility, Standard Standard OOMost Sacred Sacred Heart Heart ofofJesus, I Ihave have asked asked Standard OMost Most Sacred Heart ofJesus, Jesus, I have asked lic utility vehicles TODAY TODAY TODAY you you for forfor many many favours, favours, now now I Iask ask you you for forfor you many favours, now I ask you (PUVs).

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The OSacred Sacred Heart ofJesus, Jesus, I place trust •Ê•Ê Confers Conferswith withthe thePresident Presidentand andthe theadministrative administrativepersonnel personnelofofmother mothercompany companyininJapan Japantotoreview review Con e w h he P e den nd he dm n e pe onne o mo he omp n n p n o e ew achievements achievementsand anddiscuss discussrequired requiredchanges changesiningoals goalsororobjectives objectivesresulting resultingfrom fromstatus statusand andconditions. conditions.

BCDA and the ininthee (say (say three three times times and and publish). publish).

ItIthas h e emen nd d u equ ed h n e n o o ob e e e u n om u nd ond on inthee thee (say three times and publish).

Ithas has •Ê•Ê Develops, Develops,reviews, reviews,updates updatesand andimplements implementsbusiness businessstrategic strategicplanning, planning,including includingsales, sales,financial financial De e op e ew upd e nd mp emen bu ne e p nn n n ud n e n n Japan Overseas never never failed. failed.

(A.C.) (A.C.) performance, performance,new newproduct productdevelopment developmentand andadditional additionalprojects. projects. never failed. (A.C.) pe o m n e new p odu de e opmen nd dd on p o e PARTIAL PARTIAL EXTRAJUDICIAL EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT SETTLEMENT OF OFINTESTATE INTESTATE Infrastructure InPARTIAL EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF INTESTATE Qualification Qualification(Education, (Education,Experience, Experience,Professional ProfessionalLicense, License,Skills SkillsCertification, Certification,Specialized SpecializedTraining): Training): Qu on du on pe en e P o e on en e Ce on pe ed nn ESTATE ESTATE OF OFTHE THE LATE LATE CONRADO CONRADO T.T.ANTONIO ANTONIO vestment CorporaESTATE OF THE LATE CONRADO T. ANTONIO •Ê•Ê Must Musthave haveatatleast least10 10years’ years’work workexperience experienceininProduction, Production,Administration, Administration,ororEngineering Engineeringofof Mu h e e 10 e wo e pe en e n P odu on Adm n on o n nee n o Notice Noticeisishereby herebygiven giventhat thatthe theestate estateofofthe thelate lateCONRADO CONRADOT.T.ANTONIO ANTONIO Manufacturing.

Manufacturing.

Notice is hereby given that the estate of the late CONRADO T. ANTONIO tion for Transport M nu u n (hereinafter (hereinafterreferred referredtotoasas“decedent”), “decedent”),who whodied diedon onJune June19, 19,2014 2014without without (hereinafter referred to as “decedent”), who died on June 19, 2014 without Goodunderstanding understandingand andexperience experienceininanalysis analysisand andimprovement improvementofofquality qualitymanagement, management,productivity, productivity, •Ê•Ê Good any anywill willwas wassettled settledbybythe thesurviving survivinglegal legalheirs heirsparticularly particularlya aparcel parcelofofland land Good unde nd n nd e pe en e n n nd mp o emen o qu m n emen p odu any will was settled by the surviving legal heirs particularly a parcel of land and Urban Develcost costaccounting accountingand andpolicy policymanagement management with withTCT TCTNo. No.295752 295752located locatedininthe theCity CityofofQuezon, Quezon,Metro MetroManila, Manila,Philippines.

Philippines. o oun n nd po m n emen with TCT No. 295752 located in the City of Quezon, Metro Manila, Philippines.

•Ê•Ê Good Goodcommunication communicationand andreporting reportingwith withspeaking, speaking,writing writingand andreading readingininEnglish Englishand andininJapanese Japanese Being Beingofoflegal legalage ageand andwith withfull fullcivil civilcapacity capacitytotocontract, contract,they theyhave haveagreed agreedtoto Good ommun on nd epo n w h pe n w n nd e d n n n h nd n p ne e opment (JOIN), Being of legal age and with full civil capacity to contract, they have agreed to divide divideasasthey theydo dohereby herebydivide divideand andadjudicate, adjudicate,the thesubject subjectproperty propertyaboveaboveN N O O T T IIadjudicate, Iexecuted C E Ethe divide as they do hereby divide and the subject property aboveApplications Applicationsmay maybe besent sentto: to: N N O O T T IT C C E E N O ICexecuted C E described, described,ininequal equalshares; shares; that that they they have have executed theforegoing foregoinginstrument instrument a Japanese govApp on m be en o N O T I C E described, in equal shares; that they have the foregoing instrument out outofoftheir theirvoluntary voluntaryfree freewill willwithout withoutforce forceon onMay May28, 28,2025, 2025,ininTaytay, Taytay,Rizal Rizal Notice Notice is hereby hereby given that that SEAOIL SEAOIL PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINES out of their is voluntary free given will without force on May 28,AIRSTREAM 2025, in Taytay, Rizal Gerlyn GerlynT.T.Umali, Umali,General GeneralAdmin AdminManager Manager Notice Notice is is hereby hereby given given that that AIRSTREAM ernment-private Notice is hereby given that SEAOIL PHILIPPINES asasper per Doc. Doc. No. No.176; 176; Page Page No. No.37; 37; Book Book No. No.II;II;Series Series ofof2025 2025 before beforeNotary Notary Ge n Um Gene Adm n M n e Notice is hereby given that AIRSTREAM as per Doc. No. 176; Page No. 37; Book No. II; Series of 2025 before Notary INC. INC. with with office office address address atatapplying 22nd 22nd Floor, Floor, The The Taipan Taipan Email: Email:gtumali@cfdevice.com gtumali@cfdevice.com Public Public Atty.

Atty.

Chantal Chantal Evanne Evanne J.J.Castañeda.

Castañeda.

RENEWABLES RENEWABLES CORP. CORP. isis for forfor registration registration INC. with office address at 22nd Floor, The Taipan m um @ de e om Public Atty.

Chantal Evanne J. Castañeda.

RENEWABLES CORP. isapplying applying registration infrastructure inPlace, Place, F. F. Ortigas, Ortigas, J.J. J. Road, Road, Ortigas Ortigas Center, Center, Pasig Pasig (MStandard-July (MStandard-July 30, 30, Aug. Aug. 6 6&&13, 13, 2026) 2026) with with the the Board Board ofofInvestments Investments (BOl) (BOl) as as a a Renewable Renewable Place, F. Ortigas, Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig (MStandard-July 30, Aug. 6 & 13, 2026) with the Board of Investments (BOl) as a Renewable City, City, is is applying applying for for registration registration with with the the Board Board of of Energy Energy Developer Developer of ofof Wind Wind Energy Energy Resources Company Company/ /Employer Employer vestment fund, are Name Nameofofforeign foreignnational nationalintending intendingtotoapply applyfor for City, is applying for registration withResources the Board of Energy Developer Wind Energy Resources Comp n mp o e N me o o e n n on n end n o pp o Investments Investments (BOI) (BOI) as asan anan Industry Industry Participant Participant with with New New the theposition position (100.000 (100.000 MW MW Mercedes Mercedes Offshore Offshore Wind Wind Farm) Farm) Investments (BOI) as Industry Participant with New he po on (100.000 MW Mercedes Offshore Wind Farm) trying to accelerate Investment Investment (Seaoil (Seaoil Bangar Bangar LPG LPG Import Import Terminal Terminal Name: Name: Daiji Daiji Nishimura Nishimura Company Company Name: Name: Citizen Citizen Finedevice Finedevice located located in in Barangays Barangays Mambungalon, Mambungalon, Cayucyucan, Cayucyucan, Investment (Seaoil--Bangar LPG FAILS Import Terminal NOVENA NOVENA NEVER NEVER FAILS N me D N h mu Comp n N me C en nede e located in Barangays Mambungalon, Cayucyucan, NOVENA NEVER FAILS with with Two Two New New Storage Storage Tanks Tanks with with total total Capacity Capacity of ofof Philippines PhilippinesCorp.

Corp. the execution of Caringo, Caringo, Apuao, Apuao, and and Quinapaguian Quinapaguian in in Mercedes, Mercedes, with Two New Storage Tanks with total Capacity Ph pp ne Co p Address: Address:15E 15ETower Tower22Park ParkTerraces TerracesWest WestSt., St.,cor. cor.

Caringo, Apuao, and Quinapaguian in Mercedes, 4,000 4,000 MT), MT), under under Tier Tier 11Special Special Laws Laws -Taba-taba -Taba-taba Downstream Downstream Add e Barangay 15 oweSan 2P e Ayala e We and and Barangays Barangays Mangcamagong Mangcamagong and and ininin Arnaiz Arnaiz Ave., Ave., Barangay San Lorenzo, Lorenzo, Ayala Center, Center, o MT), under Tier 1 -Taba-taba Downstream O4,000 OIndustry Most Most Sacred Sacred Heart Heart of ofSpecial Jesus, Jesus, ILaws Ihave have asked asked the plan. and Barangays Mangcamagong and A n City A e B n n o en o A Cen e O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked Complete Complete address: address: Lot Lot 9-A, 9-A, FPIP FPIP -II, -II, Special Special Oil Oil Industry Deregulation Deregulation Act Act (R.A. (R.A. 8479) 8479) of of the the 2026 2026 Makati Makati City Basud, Basud, Camarines Camarines Norte Norte toto avail of8479) the incentives incentives Comp e e dd e o 9A PP pe Oil Industry Deregulation Act (R.A. ofincentives the 2026 M C Basud, Camarines Norte toavail avail ofthe the Economic EconomicZone ZoneSanta SantaAnastacia Anastacia4234 4234City Cityofof you you for for many many favours, favours, now now I(SIPP), Iof ask ask you you for for Strategic Strategic Investment Investment Priority Priority Plan Plan (SIPP), with with project project The partneronom one n An 4234 C o under under R.A. R.A. No. No. 9513, 9513, otherwise otherwise known known as as the the you for many favours, now I ask you for Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), with project Nationality: Nationality: Japanese Japanese under R.A. No. 9513, otherwise known as the Sto. Sto. Tomas Tomas Batangas, Batangas, Philippines Philippines site site located located atat at Brgy.

Brgy.

Paratong Paratong No. No. 4, 4, Bangar, Bangar, La LaLa N on p ne e o om B n Ph pp ne Renewable Renewable Energy Energy Act Act of of 2008.

2008. site located Brgy.

Paratong No. 4, Bangar, this this one one (make (make request). request).

Take Take it it and and place place ship is preparing a Renewable Energy Act of 2008. this one (make request).

Take it and place Union.

Union.

Intended Intendedperiod periodofofemployment: employment:One One(1) (1)Year Year Union. n ended pe od o emp o men One 1 e Nature NatureofofBusiness: Business:Manufacturing Manufacturing itAny itAny in inyour your own own broken broken heart heart and and when when Thy Thy N u e o Bu ne M nu u n business case for person person with with valid valid objection/s objection/s on on the the above‑ above‑ it in your own broken heart and when Thy Any person with valid objection/s on the above‑ CITIZEN CITIZENFINEDEVICE FINEDEVICEPHILIPPINES PHILIPPINESCORP. CORP.hereby herebydeclares declaresthat thatthe theabove-named above-namedforeign foreignnational nationalisisable, able, Any Any person person with with valid valid objection/s objection/s on on the the aboveabovementioned mentioned project project may may file file his/her his/her objection objection in inthe writing, writing, C N N D V C PH PP N CORP he eb de e h he bo e n med o e n n on be Any person with valid objection/s on aboveestate management Heavenly Heavenly Father Father sees sees ithis/her ithis/her He will will not not refuse refuse mentioned project may file objection in writing, willing, willing,and andqualified qualifiedtotoperform performthe theservices servicesand andjob jobdescription descriptionfor forthis thisposition. position.The Thecompany companyhas hasthe the Heavenly Father sees itHethree He will not refuse mentioned mentioned project project may may file file his/her objection objection inin writing, writing, w n nd qu ed o pe o m he e e nd ob de p on o h po on he omp n h he under under oath, oath, with with the the BOI BOI within within three (3) (3) days days from from mentioned project may file his/her objection in writing, intention intentiontotoemploy employthe thesaid saidforeign foreignnational nationaland andapply applyfor foran anAlien AlienEmployment EmploymentPermit Permitwith withthe the under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from n en on o emp o he d o e n n on nd pp o n A en mp o men Pe m w h he services, ensuring under under oath, oath, with with the the BOI BOI within within three three (3) (3) days days from from the the it. it.

It It is is not not my my prayer prayer but but Thy Thy prayer prayer of of the the the the date date of of this this publication. publication.

Department Department of of Labor Labor and and Employment Employment – – Bureau Bureau of of Local Local Employment Employment located located at at 6F 6F First First Intramuros, Intramuros, BF BF under oath, with theprayer BOI within threeprayer (3) days it.

It isofpublication. not my but Thy offrom the the Condominium, the date this publication.

Dep menSolana o bo nd mpSoriano o menAvenue, – Bu e Intramuros, u o o mp o men o ed 6 n mu o B date date ofof this this publication.

Condominium, Solana St., St.,Corner Corner Soriano Avenue, Intramuros, Manila.

Manila. date of this publication. the efficient and Condom n um o n Co ne o no A enue n mu o M n Sacred Sacred Heart Heart ofofJesus.

Sacred Heart ofJesus.

Jesus. sustainable adOOSacred Sacred Heart Heart of of Jesus, Jesus, I I place place all all my my trust trust (SGD.) (SGD.) MARY MARY ANN ANN E. E.RAGANIT RAGANIT O Sacred(SGD.) Heart of Jesus, IANN place all my trust (SGD.) MARY E. RAGANIT (SGD.) FRANCIS FRANCIS M. M. PEÑAFLOR PEÑAFLOR ministration of the Director Director (SGD.) FRANCIS M. PEÑAFLOR ininthee thee (say (say three three times times and and publish). publish).

It It has has Director Acting Acting Director Career Career Opportunity Opportunity ininPROCREDIT PROCREDIT FINANCING FINANCING CORP. CORP. in theeInfrastructure (say threeand times and publish).

It has Infrastructure and Services Services Industries Industries Service Service Acting Director Career Opportunity in PROCREDIT FINANCING CORP. city as it welcomes Infrastructure and Services Industries Service Resource‑Based Resource‑Based Industries Industries Service Service never never failed. failed.

(A.C.) (A.C.) Resource‑Based Industries Service never failed. (A.C.) Position Positiontitle: title:CEO CEO more businesses.

MS MS AUG. AUG. 13, 13, 2020 && 27, 27, 2026 2026 MS AUG. 13, 20 & 27, 2026

MS MS AUG. AUG. 13, 13, 2020 && 27, 27, 2026 2026 MS AUG. 13, 20 & 27, 2026

N NN O OO TTT II C EEE ICC

Notice Notice is hereby hereby given given that that AIRSTREAM AIRSTREAM Notice Notice isisishereby hereby given given that that SEAOIL SEAOIL PHILIPPINES Notice ishereby hereby given thatPHILIPPINES AIRSTREAM Notice is given that SEAOIL PHILIPPINES RENEWABLES RENEWABLES CORP. CORP. isat isatis applying applying for forfor registration registration INC. INC. with with office office address address 22nd 22nd Floor, Floor, The The Taipan Taipan RENEWABLES CORP. applying registration INC. with office address at 22nd Floor, The Taipan with with the the Board Board of of Investments Investments (BOI) (BOI) as as a a Renewable Renewable Place, Place, F. F. Ortigas, Ortigas, J. J. Road, Road, Ortigas Ortigas Center, Center, Pasig Pasig with theF. Board of Investments as Center, a Renewable Place, Ortigas, J. Road, (BOI) Ortigas Pasig Energy Energy Developer Developer of of Wind Wind Energy Energy Resources Resources City, City, is is applying applying for for registration registration with with the the Board Board ofof of Energy Developer of Wind Energy Resources City, is applying for registration with the Board (100.000 (100.000 MW MW Mauban Mauban Offshore Offshore Wind Wind Farm) Farm) Investments Investments (BOI) (BOI) as as an anan Industry Industry Participant Participant with with New New (100.000 MW Mauban Offshore Wind Farm) Investments (BOI) as Industry Participant with New located located in in Barangays Barangays of of San San Lorenzo, Lorenzo, Cagsiay Cagsiay I,I, I, Investment Investment (Seaoil (Seaoil Bangar Bangar LPG LPG Import Import Terminal Terminal located in Barangays of SanLPG Lorenzo, Investment (Seaoil Bangar ImportCagsiay Terminal Daungan, Daungan, Luya-Iuya, Luya-Iuya, Tapucan, Tapucan, and and Sadsaran Sadsaran in in with with Two Two New New Storage Storage Tanks Tanks with with total total Capacity Capacity of ofin Daungan, Luya-Iuya, with Two New Storage Tapucan, Tanks withand totalSadsaran Capacity of Mauban, Mauban, Quezon Quezon to to avail avail of ofSpecial the the incentives incentives under R.A. R.A. 4,000 4,000 MT), MT), under under Tier Tier 1avail 1Special Special Laws Laws - -Downstream Downstream Mauban, Quezon to of the incentives under R.A. 4,000 MT), under Tier 1 Laws -under Downstream No. No. 9513, 9513, otherwise otherwise known known as as the the Renewable Renewable Energy Energy Oil OilNo. Industry Industry Deregulation Deregulation Act Act (R.A. (R.A. 8479) 8479) of of the the 2026 2026 9513, otherwise known as the Renewable Energy Oil Industry Deregulation Act (R.A. 8479) of the 2026 Act Act ofof2008.

2008.

Strategic Strategic Investment Investment Priority Priority Plan Plan (SIPP), (SIPP), with with project project Act of 2008.

Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), with project site site located located atat at Brgy.

Brgy.

Paratong Paratong No. No. 4,4, 4, Bangar, Bangar, La LaLa site located Brgy.

Paratong No. Bangar, Any Any person person with with valid valid objection/s objection/s on on the the above‑ above‑ Union.

Union.

Any person with valid objection/s on the above‑ Union. mentioned mentioned project project may may file filefile his/her his/her objection objection ininwriting, writing, mentioned project may his/her objection in writing, under under oath, oath, with with the the BOI BOI within within three three (3) (3)on days days from from Any Any person person with with valid valid objection/s objection/s on on the the aboveaboveunder oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from Any person with valid objection/s the abovethe the date date of of this this publication. publication. mentioned mentioned project may may file filefile his/her his/her objection objection ininwriting, writing, the date project of this publication. mentioned project may his/her objection in writing, under under oath, oath, with with the the BOI BOI within within three three (3) (3) days days from from the the under oath, with the BOI within three (3) days from the date date ofofthis this publication. publication. date of this publication.

(SGD.) (SGD.) FRANCIS FRANCIS M. M.M. PEÑAFLOR PEÑAFLOR (SGD.) FRANCIS PEÑAFLOR (SGD.) (SGD.) MARY MARY ANN ANN E. E.RAGANIT RAGANIT Acting Acting Director Director (SGD.) MARY ANN E. RAGANIT Acting Director Director Director Resource‑Based Resource‑Based Industries Industries Service Service Director Resource‑Based Industries Service Infrastructure Infrastructure and and Services Services Industries Industries Service Service Infrastructure and Services Industries Service

Position CEO Vacancy Vacancy (1) (1)title: Vacancy (1) Responsible Job Job Description: Description: Responsible for forproviding providing overall overall strategic strategic leadership leadership and and direction direction toto to Job Description: Responsible for providing overall strategic leadership and direction the thethe company; company; overseeing overseeing the thethe company’s company’s business business operations operations and and financial financial performance; performance; company; overseeing company’s business operations and financial performance; developing developing and and implementing implementing business business strategies strategies and and plans; plans; managing managing key key business business activities; activities; developing and implementing business strategies and plans;business managing key business activities; making making major major corporate corporate and and operational operational decisions; decisions; establishing establishing business relationships relationships with with making major corporate and operational decisions; establishing business relationships with clients clients and and partners; partners; and and ensuring ensuring the the efficient efficient and and sustainable sustainable growth growth of of the the company. company. clients and partners; and ensuring the efficient and sustainable growth of the company.

Qualifications: Qualifications: Qualifications: ●● ● Bachelor’s Bachelor’s degree degree ininBusiness Business Administration, Administration, Management, Management, Finance, Finance, ororrelated related Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, or related field. field. field.leadership ●● ● Strong Strong leadership and and management management skills. skills.

Strong leadership and management skills. ●● ● Good Good decision‑making decision‑making and and communication communication skills. skills.

Good experience decision‑making and communication skills. ●● ● Relevant Relevant experience ininbusiness business operations operations and and management. management.

Relevant experience in business operations and management.

Application Application may may be be sent sent to: to: Application may be sent to: Email Email address: address: sarah@procredit.ph sarah@procredit.ph Email address: sarah@procredit.ph

The Japanese has competition.

Singapore offered to develop New Clark City after the recent visit of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to the Philippines.

Company/ Company/ Employer Employer Name Name ofofForeign Foreign National National Intending Intending toto to Company/ Employer Name Foreign National Intending Apply Apply for forof the the Position Position President MarApply for the Position cos and Bingcang Company Company Name: Name: Procredit Procredit Financing Financing Corp.

Corp.

Name: Name: Adnan Adnan Ally Ally Agha Agha Company Name:Unit Procredit Financing Corp.

Name:Makati Adnan Ally Agha Complete Complete Address: Address: Unit 2203 2203 Cityland Cityland 10 10 Address: Address: Makati City City during Mr. Wong’s Complete Address: Unit 2203 Cityland 10 Address: Makati City Tower Tower 1,1,156 156 H.V H.V Dela Dela Costa Costa Street, Street, Bel BelBel Air, Air, Nationality: Nationality: Pakistani Pakistani Tower 1, 156 H.V Dela Costa Street, Air, Nationality: Pakistani Makati Makati City City Intended Intended Period Period ofofEmployment: Employment: three three visit presented the Makati City Intended Period of Employment: three Nature Nature ofofBusiness: Business: Financing Financing and and Lending Lending (3) (3)years years Nature of Business: Financing and Lending (3) years government’s viServices Services Services sion of transformhereby hereby declares declares that that the thethe above‑named above‑named foreign foreign national national PROCREDIT PROCREDIT FINANCING FINANCING CORP. CORP. hereby declares that above‑named foreign national PROCREDIT FINANCING CORP. ing New Clark City isisable, able, willing willing and and qualified qualified totoperform perform the thethe services services and and job jobjob description description for forthis this position. position. is able, willing and qualified to perform services and description for this position.

The The company company has has the thethe intention intention totoemploy employ the thethe said said foreign foreign national national and and apply apply for foran anAlien Alien The company has intention to employ said foreign national and apply for an Alien into an industrial Employment Employment Permit Permit with with the thethe Department Department ofofLabor Labor and and Employment Employment (DOLE), (DOLE), located located atat at Employment Permit with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), located Dole Dole Building, Building, Muralla Muralla Wing, Wing, corner corner General General Luna Luna Street, Street, Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila.

Manila. hub where SingaDole Building, Muralla Wing, corner General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. porean businesses Any Any Filipino Filipino jobseeker jobseeker who who isiscompetent, competent, able able and and willing willing totoperform perform the thethe services services for forwhich which Any Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform services for which the thethe foreign foreign national national isisintended intended totobe behired hired for, for,for, may may file filefile an anobjection objection atatthe thethe Department Department ofof of can contribute. foreign national is intended to be hired may an objection at Department Labor Labor and and Employment Employment (DOLE), (DOLE), located located atatDole Dole Building, Building, Muralla Muralla Wing, Wing, corner corner General General Labor and Employment (DOLE), located at Dole Building, Muralla Wing, corner General Luna Luna Street, Street, Intramuros, Intramuros, Manila.

Manila. after after this thisthis publication. publication.

Please Please inform inform the the Department Department ofofLabor Labor The BCDA Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila. after publication.

Please inform the Department of Labor and and Employment Employment (DOLE), (DOLE), ififyou you have have any any information information on oncriminal criminal offenses offenses committed committed by bythe thethe and Employment (DOLE), if you have any information on criminal offenses committed by teamed up with foreign foreign national. national. foreign national.

Surbana Jurong of Singapore in Career CareerOpportunity OpportunityininSALESFORCE SALESFORCEPHILIPPINES PHILIPPINESCORP. CORP. drawing up New Career Opportunity in SALESFORCE PHILIPPINES CORP. Position Positiontitle: title:Senior SeniorManager, Manager,Sales SalesDevelopment Development(1(1Vacancy) Vacancy) Clark City’s Position title: Senior Manager, Sales Development (1 Vacancy) Job JobDescription: Description: Comprehensive Job Description: • • Lead Leada ateam teamofofBusiness BusinessDevelopment DevelopmentRepresentatives Representatives(outbound (outboundprospecting) prospecting)that thatare areresponsible responsiblefor fordeveloping developing Master Develop• Lead a team of Business Development Representatives (outbound prospecting) that are responsible for developing and andqualifying qualifyingrevenue revenueopportunities opportunitieswithin withintheir theirassigned assignedterritory. territory. and qualifying revenue opportunities within their assigned territory.

• • Generate Generatenew newbusiness businessopportunities opportunitiestotofuel fueldifferent differentbusiness businessunits’ units’pipeline pipelinebybyconducting conductingstrategic strategicresearch researchand and ment Plan, lever• Generate new business opportunities to fuel different business units’ pipeline by conducting strategic research and cold coldcalling. calling. cold calling. aging on Singa• • You Youwill willplay playa akey keyrole roleasasyou youlead/handle lead/handlethis thishighly highlyvisible visibleand andmotivated motivatedteam teamthat thatachieves achievesindividual, individual,team teamand and • You will play a key role as you lead/handle this highly visible and motivated team that achieves individual, team and organizational organizationalquotas. quotas. organizational quotas. pore’s expertise • • You'll You'llbebea avaluable valuablecontributor contributortotothe thecorporate corporatesales salesstrategy strategywhile whileproviding providingdefinition definitionand andimplementation implementationofofthe the • You'll be a valuable contributor to the corporate sales strategy while providing definition and implementation of the plan planfor forSales Salestotoachieve achievecorporate corporateobjectives. objectives. plan for Sales to achieve corporate objectives. in smart city de• • Hire, Hire,Train, Train,and andLead Leadteam teamofofBusiness BusinessDevelopment DevelopmentRepresentatives Representatives • Hire, Train, and Lead team of Business Development Representatives • • Develop DevelopReps Repsinto intosales-ready sales-readycandidates candidatesfor forfuture futureAccount AccountExecutive Executivepositions positions velopment.

• Develop Reps into sales-ready candidates for future Account Executive positions • • Build BuildMetrics Metricsfor forMonthly MonthlyQualified QualifiedLead LeadObjectives Objectives • Build Metrics for Monthly Qualified Lead Objectives • • Empower EmpowerIndividuals Individualsand andTeam Teamtotoexceed exceedobjectives objectivesthrough throughmentor, mentor,regular regularbroadcast broadcastofofresults, results,and andcreative creative Also strategic to • Empower Individuals and Team to exceed objectives through mentor, regular broadcast of results, and creative incentives incentives incentives • • Regularly Regularlyreport reportononTeam/Individual Team/IndividualResults Results- Lead - LeadQuantity, Quantity,Quality, Quality,Revenue Revenue the development of • Regularly report on Team/Individual Results - Lead Quantity, Quality, Revenue • • Work Workclosely closelywith withMarketing Marketingonondefining definingCampaign Campaignfollow-up follow-upand andreporting reporting • Work closely with Marketing on defining Campaign follow-up and reporting the smart city is the • • Align Alignwith withSales SalesLeaders Leadersand andReps Repstotoensure ensureLead LeadQuality/Quantity Quality/Quantityand andproper properfollow-up follow-up • Align with Sales Leaders and Reps to ensure Lead Quality/Quantity and proper follow-up • • Collaborate Collaboratewith withOperations Operationstotomake makerecommendations recommendationson onprocess processimprovements improvements • Collaborate with Operations to make recommendations on process improvements Subic-Clark-Ma• • Identify Identifyand andmake makerecommendations recommendationsfor forimprovement improvementininthe theareas areasofofProcess, Process,Efficiency, Efficiency,Productivity Productivity • Identify and make recommendations for improvement in the areas of Process, Efficiency, Productivity nila-Batangas railQualification Qualification(Education, (Education,Experience, Experience,Professional ProfessionalLicense, License,Skills SkillsCertification, Certification,Specialized SpecializedTraining): Training): Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills Certification, Specialized Training): way project, which • • Bachelors BachelorsDegree DegreeininPhysics Physicsorora aclosely closelyrelated relatedcourse. course.

• Bachelors Degree in Physics or a closely related course.

• • 5+ 5+years’ years’experience experienceininsoftware softwaresales, sales,preferably preferablyCRM CRMororEnterprise EnterpriseApplications., Applications.,preferably preferablyininCRM CRMororenterprise enterprise seeks to streamline • 5+ years’ experience in software sales, preferably CRM or Enterprise Applications., preferably in CRM or enterprise applications applications applications logistics, reduce • • Consistent Consistenttrack trackrecord recordofofsales salessuccess successinina asimilar similarenterprise enterprisesoftware softwareapplication applicationenvironment environment • Consistent track record of sales success in a similar enterprise software application environment • • Strong Strongexperience experiencesuccessfully successfullycoaching coachingand andmanaging/team managing/teamleading leadingpeople people totoachieve achieve performance performancegoals. goals. YELLOW CYAN CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW • Strong experience successfully coaching and managing/team leading people to achieve performance goals.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK t r aBLACK nBLACK sportation • • Successful Successfultrack trackrecord recordinina ahigh-volume high-volumetransaction transactionsales salesenvironment environment • Successful track record in a high-volume transaction sales environment • • Outstanding Outstandingcommunication, communication,interpersonal interpersonaland andtime timeleadership leadershipskills skills costs and promote • Outstanding communication, interpersonal and time leadership skills • • Excellent Excellentpresentation presentationand andlistening listeningskills skills • Excellent presentation and listening skills better economic • • Potential Potentialtotothrive thriveinina avery veryfast fastpaced pacedenvironment environment • Potential to thrive in a very fast paced environment • • Ability Abilitytotohire hireand andtrain trainnew newsales salesrepresentatives representatives • Ability to hire and train new sales representatives integration.

• • Experience Experienceworking workinginina amulti multi- cultural - culturalenvironment. environment.

• Experience working in a multi - cultural environment.

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E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com CYAN CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK CYAN CYAN MAGENTA MAGENTA YELLOW YELLOW BLACK BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

M. Standard – Aug. 13 & 20, 2026

BUSINESS

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026 extrastory2000@gmail.com RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor

Growth seen rebounding to 4.8% in 2027

By Thony Rose Lesaca

HIGH LEVEL CONFAB. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. (front row, fifth from

right), South East Asian Central Banks Centre executive director Cynyoung Park (sixth from left), BSP Deputy Governor Lyn Javier (fourth from right), and heads of delegation from SEACEN-member central banks take part in the ‘High-Level Conference and Meeting of Deputy Governors for Financial Stability and Supervision’ on Aug. 11 to 12, 2026 in Taguig City.

Jollibee plans four more price hikes in second half

By Jenniffer B. Austria FAST-FOOD chain operator Jollibee Foods Corp. announced plans to implement four more price increases in the second half of 2026 as it seeks to protect profit margins from continued inflation and higher costs.

JFC chief finance officer Richard Shin said during a recent analysts’ briefing the increases would be selective, targeting specific products instead of the entire menu, a strategy aimed at limiting the impact on customer traffic while improving margins.

“The cost pressures have not gone

away and we know inflation is still there. So we will continue to implement smart, calculated and timely price increases in the second half of the year to the tune of four more price increases,” Shin said.

Shin said the company would continue to carefully consider timing and product demand when raising prices.

The planned increases follow three price hikes Jollibee implemented in the first half of the year, which boosted profitability in the second quarter.

Despite the planned increases, Shin said the company remains optimistic about delivering double-digit growth

IN BRIEF

in operating income as sales are expected to accelerate in the fourth quarter.

Jollibee is also continuing to shift toward a more franchise-led expansion model, with about 77 percent of new stores opened in the first half operated under franchise agreements, reducing the amount of capital needed for expansion.

International markets are expected to remain key growth drivers, particularly North America, Vietnam and Korea, while Jollibee continues to improve the performance of businesses such as Smashburger and its China operations.

P

HILIPPINE economic growth could rebound to 4.8 percent in 2027 as energy prices, food costs and government spending normalize, HSBC chief Asia economist and co-head of Global Research Asia Frederic Neumann said Tuesday.

Neumann said the structure of the Philippine economy remains healthy despite volatile energy and commodity prices.

The financial sector looks in good shape as the country has no excessive government debt, a robust balance of payments position and a generally competitive economy, he said.

“We look at the slowdown that we see in the first half of the year being driven really by these external factors and we think that [may] last this quarter, maybe into next quarter,” Neumann told reporters during a media roundtable following the HSBC Philippines Flagship Business Summit on Tuesday.

Gross domestic product growth averaged 2.6 percent in the first half of 2026, with economic expansion slowing to 2.3 percent in the second quarter amid continuing global and domestic challenges.

Survey: Filipinos stay cautious on finances

Visayas grid under red alert again

THE Visayas grid faced the continued threat of rotating brownouts after the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines placed it under red alert from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday as more power plants went offline amid increased demand.

Visayas’ peak demand matched its available capacity at 2,481 MW, NGCP said, with more than 800 MW of total capacity remaining unavailable to the grid.

Eleven power plants went on forced outage in August, while another 18 have been down long-term: one 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 12 plants are running at reduced capacities.

NGCP also placed the grid under yellow alert from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The continued unavailability of Visayas’ large coal plants, TVI 1 and TVI 2, and limited power imports from Mindanao, which is also suffering from coal plant outages and high system demand, drove the power tight spot.

Other factors included a 53-MW increase in forecasted demand at 7 p.m. and the outage of two power barges, PB101 U2 (5.6 MW) and PB101 U4 (5.6 MW).

NGCP issues a red alert when power supply is insufficient to meet consumer demand and the grid’s regulating requirement. It issues a yellow alert when the operating margin is insufficient to meet contingency requirements. Alena Mae S. Flores

PLDT, Smart expand D2D satellite tests

PLDT Inc. and wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. have expanded testing of Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite connectivity to Batangas in partnership with Lynk Global, aiming to strengthen communications resiliency and support national disaster response.

Smart’s Network Strategy and Architecture Team conducted the tests with Lynk, simulating disaster scenarios in which terrestrial network infrastructure was temporarily unavailable. The Batangas activities build on pilot tests conducted earlier this year in Catanduanes and Ilocos Norte.

D2D technology works with standard mobile phones, allowing users to connect through satellites without specialized satellite phones or other dedicated equipment.

PLDT said the technology could help reduce connectivity gaps in rural, underserved and hard-to-reach areas while providing an additional communications layer during emergencies.

Beyond one-way emergency alerts, Smart and Lynk are also testing two-way communications, including the ability to send SMS messages when terrestrial cell towers are unavailable. The companies said the capability could prove particularly useful during typhoons and prolonged power outages, when conventional telecommunications infrastructure may be damaged or temporarily inaccessible.

PLDT chief operating officer and network head Menardo Jimenez Jr. said reliable communication is essential in times of crisis, emphasizing the technology’s potential to strengthen communications resilience and support disaster response.

Darwin G. Amojelar

ERC to appeal CA ruling on SIPCOR

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it will file a motion for reconsideration with the Court of Appeals after the court reversed the regulator’s decision to revoke the provisional authorities to operate of S.I. Power Corp.’s generating units on Siquijor Island.

ERC chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan said the commission will file the motion through the Office of the Solicitor General.

“I would not comment on the decision itself or the merits of our case. But please note, regardless of the final outcome of the case, the term of SIPCOR’s provisional authority to operate had already expired. So SIPCOR cannot just resume operations without filing for its renewal,” Juan said.

The Province of Siquijor Island Electric Cooperative Inc. (PROSIELCO), the province’s distribution utility has conducted a competitive selection process and contracted with a new power provider. Alena Mae S. Flores

“But we see by 2027 a rebound of the economy as we see energy prices normalize, food prices begin to normalize, and government spending start to normalize as well,” he said.

HSBC forecasts the Philippine economy to grow 4.8 percent next year, with potential upside to the projection, Neumann said.

HSBC Philippines president and chief executive Sandeep Uppal also said the core of the economy remains intact despite what he described as a “stretch” over the past six months.

He stressed that the country needs to focus more on execution rather than new ideas.

“The need of the hour is execution, not new ideas because we need growth in the next six months and we are not talking about six years. While six years is important, what we have today, we just got to finish it,” Uppal said.

MOBILE PLANT. Manila Water Company deploys six mobile treatment plants to typhoon-affected areas in need of safe drinking water in the east zone concession area. Manila Water says it continues to ensure reliable and uninterrupted water services through proactive measures designed to strengthen operational resilience during the Habagat season.

Epson expands Batangas unit to include industrial robotics

By Othel V. Campos THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said Wednesday Epson Precision Philippines Inc. (EPPI) has expanded its manufacturing operations in Batangas to include industrial robotics.

PEZA director-general Tereso Panga and EPPI chairman and president Yushi Irie signed a supplemental agreement on Aug. 13 covering the company’s new project at the Lima Technology Center-Special Economic Zone in Batangas.

The agreement allows EPPI to manufacture industrial robots, including selective compliant articulated robot arm (SCARA) and six-axis models, as well as parts, sub-assemblies, spare parts and after-sales service parts.

The project is scheduled to start commercial operations in March 2027, with an investment of more

than P40 million and an average workforce of 118 employees.

Panga said the expansion marks Epson’s move into higher-value manufacturing, from precision printing to precision robotics.

“Epson has been part of the PEZA family since 1995,” Panga said, adding that the project reflects the type of investment that strengthens innovation and global competitiveness.

Epson’s 31-year presence in the Philippines shows the company’s long-term commitment to the country and Japanese investors’ confidence in the Philippines as a manufacturing base.

The robotics project will further integrate EPPI into Epson’s global supply chain and strengthen the Philippines’ position in advanced manufacturing as automation and Industry 4.0 reshape global production, according to PEZA.

FILIPINOS remained cautious about their financial outlook as inflation, rising living costs and energy prices continued to weigh on household budgets, but confidence in credit and interest in digital banks strengthened, according to TransUnion’s 2026 Credit Perception Index.

The Philippines’ Credit Perception Index rose to 75 out of 100, the highest score since the global information and insights company launched the study in 2023. Improvements in favorability, product trust and product knowledge drove the increase.

TransUnion Philippines president and chief executive Peter Faulhaber said confidence in credit continued to improve even as consumers faced a more challenging economic environment.

“What stands out this year is that confidence in credit continued to improve even as consumers faced a more challenging economic environment,” he said.

“With household budgets remaining under pressure, we might have expected consumers to become more hesitant. Instead, we’re seeing greater trust, familiarity and willingness to engage with formal financial products. That signals a maturing credit market and creates new opportunities to expand access responsibly,” he said.

Expectations of financial improvement fell to their lowest levels since the study began in 2023.

Only 64 percent of consumers expect their financial situation to improve over the next three months and 73 percent over the next year, both down three percentage points from 2025.

Jenniffer B. Austria

Globe Business pushes ‘intelligent transformation’

By Minerva Newmann

Globe Business unveils its ‘Intelligent Transformation’ framework at G Summit 2026 at NUSTAR in Cebu, urging Philippine enterprises to unify network, data, AI and cybersecurity as GDP growth slows to 2.3 percent.

PHILIPPINE businesses are entering 2026 with record optimism despite downgraded growth forecasts and the slowest gross domestic product expansion in five years, Globe Business said Wednesday at the G Summit 2026 in Cebu.

Globe Chief Marketing Officer KD Dizon, speaking before more than 200 enterprise leaders at NUSTAR Resort & Casino, framed the year as one of “quiet defiance” and called for a shift from buying disconnected digital tools to what she termed “orchestrating intelligence.”

“If you open any news feed, the

headlines feel quite heavy. ADB has growth down to 3.8 percent, IMF to 3.9, OECD to 3.2. Our nation’s GDP growth came in at 2.3 percent. Reuters reports this as our slowest growth in five years. But those headlines miss the sheer quiet defiance of the Filipino business leader,” said Dizon.

Citing a CPA Australia survey, Dizon said 79 percent of Philippine small and medium enterprises grew last year, the strongest result since before the pandemic. This year, 89 percent expect to grow, the highest expectation among countries surveyed, ahead of Singapore and Australia.

“This room is not a side conversation to the Philippine economy. You are the

Filipino economy. The business sector employs about 29 million Filipinos.

That is over 60 percent of our country’s workforce, and it generates 45 percent of our GDP,” Dizon said.

Dizon acknowledged that companies have spent the last decade migrating to the cloud, automating operations and building digital touchpoints, but said friction persists.

“When an executive needs a clear cross-departmental answer, for many of you, it still means someone has to go and manually extract three, five different spreadsheets,” she said.

“Over 80 percent of data in modern enterprises still sits locked within silos,” said Dizon.

BINONDO

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

FFCCCII, Fujian groups seal trade cooperation push

By Michael Wong Ho

T

HE Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) hosted a delegation from the Fujian Construction Machinery Industry Association on Monday for an exchange seminar on industry cooperation and trade.

Fujian Construction Machinery Industry Association executivedirector Zhen Zhi Shun led the delegation, accompanied by Philippine Automotive Traders Association President Cai Zong Jun and honorary president Xu Huan Ran. FFCCCII president Victor Lim said industrial machinery plays a vital role in modern economic development, with wide-ranging effects on job creation, urbanization, environmental protection and globalization.

He said the Fujian Construction Machinery Industry Association has earned a strong reputation and has contributed significantly to Fujian’s local economic growth.

Lim pointed out the Philippines’ strong growth potential as one of Southeast Asia’s major economies. He said the local engineering machinery industry remains heavily dependent on imports due to the lack of heavy industrial manufacturing capacity.

Demand continues for equipment such as excavators, cranes and cement mixers as the government’s infrastructure program drives

FFCCCII hosts Fujian Construction Machinery Industry Association delegation for a trade seminar, discussing Philippine demand for imported construction equipment and a 2027 machinery and auto parts expo in Manila.

construction activity, Lim said. He added that leading Chinese brands, including Zoomlion, remain active in the Philippines through the PHILCONSTRUCT exhibition.

The Fujian Construction Machinery

Industry Association introduced its two main business sectors, engineering machinery and automotive parts, and promoted its upcoming Engineering Machinery and Automotive Parts Expo, set for May 23 to 25, 2027 at the World

Trade Center Manila.

The expo will showcase advanced engineering machinery, automotive parts and upstream and downstream supporting products, and is expected to serve as a major platform for

Rust Bean Coffee brings fresh concept to Binondo

Filipino-Chinese dentist federation marks 45th year

By Julie Ann Lope RUST Bean Coffee has opened at 819 Salazar St. in Binondo, Manila, offering a relaxed escape and a fresh concept in the middle of the busy district.

The café features an industrial interior with camping-style furniture, street art designs and a tatami-style lounge area, along with books for customers to read, creating a comfortable setting for dining and leisure.

The menu highlights signature drinks with creative flavor combinations. Cynasso combines cinnamon, cream and milk. Cloud creamy features pistachio, espresso and milk. Maple latea blends hojicha, espresso and puffed rice. Black square combines an espresso square with chocolate and milk.

The café’s little specials offer lighter and more refreshing choices.

Coastal combines coconut water, cold brew and cream. Sunset mixes pineapple, orange and cold brew. Midsummer blends lemon, lemongrass and cold brew.

Rust Bean Coffee also serves classic coffee favorites, including black coffee, coco americano, coffee latte, Spanish latte, coconut latte, oat latte, cold brew and affogato. Non-coffee beverages include matcha latte, greengage tea, greengage soda, peach lime soda and red pomelo soda.

Snacks complementing the drinks include chicken nuggets, chicken rings, french fries, chicken strips and Taiwan sausage. Cakes such as vanilla basque and chocolate mousse round out the menu.

Rust Bean Coffee opens in Binondo with an industrial-camping interior and a menu of creative signature drinks, refreshing specials, classic coffee favorites and snacks.

CKSC Splendour 86 celebrates 40th anniversary CHIANG Kai Shek College (CKSC) Splendour 86 marked its 40th anniversary and held its new officers’ induction ceremony on Aug. 8, 2026 at The Manila Hotel, where Desmond Sia was

inducted as the new president of the batch association.

Outgoing president Alvina Sy thanked the alumni for their trust and support during

Chiang Kai Shek College Class 1986 marks its 40th anniversary, installs Desmond Sia as new batch association president and donates P1 million to the CKSCAA Alumni Welfare Fund.

industry exchange, procurement and business cooperation, organizers said.

The association invited FFCCCII to help mobilize local industry groups and enterprises to participate in the expo.

her term.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the batch association,” she said.

Sy expressed hope that members would continue supporting the group’s future projects, as well as Sia and his leadership team, as they work toward a brighter future for the association.

Chiang Kai Shek College Alumni Association (CKSCAA) president Alex Sy thanked Class 1986 for its consistent support for the alumni association’s activities and the school’s development through the years.

He said he was confident that under Sia’s leadership, the batch association would reach even greater heights.

In his inaugural address, Sia called for continued mutual support and collective effort.

“The values of friendship, service and giving back remain timeless and should inspire future generations,” he said.

Julie Ann Lope

THE Filipino Chinese Dentists Federation Inc. (FCDFI) celebrated its 45th anniversary and inducted its new set of officers on Aug. 2, 2026 at the Manila Prince Hotel.

Dr. Pamela Talavera was elected as the federation’s new president.

Philippine Dentists Association (PDA) president Dr. Mariusse Chars Esquillo served as commissioner of oath, while former senator Jose Lina was the guest speaker.

Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) secretarygeneral Dr. Fernando Gan was invited as a special guest and delivered a speech during the event.

Gan said FCDFI has long been an active member unit and partner of FFCCCII. He said the federation has joined FFCCCII’s free medical missions many times and has served many patients in different areas on weekends.

Gan expressed hope that FCDFI’s new leaders and members would continue to use their professional expertise to serve the wider community, share their feedback with mainstream society and encourage more people to join charitable and volunteer services.

FFCCCII social responsibility committee co-director Dr. Xu Huan Ran also attended the event.

Michael Wong Ho

Filipino Chinese Dentists Federation Inc. marks its 45th anniversary and installs Dr. Pamela Talavera as its new president in a ceremony in Manila attended by FFCCCII and PDA officials.

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SHOWBIZ

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Kris Lawrence scores

Grammy-winning partner for ‘Unlove You’ Very Wang

Nickie Wang

‘Unlove You’ is Kris Lawrence’s latest single

Kris Lawrence (left) reunites with Lil Eddie for a new R&B single shaped by heartbreak, old feelings, and a fast twoday recording process

S

OME collaborations take months of emails, meetings, and studio sessions. Kris Lawrence’s latest came together in a remarkably shorter span, with a two-hour songwriting session eventually turning into his newest heartbreak anthem.

The R&B singer teamed up again with Filipino-Puerto Rican Grammy Award-winning songwriter Lil Eddie for “Unlove You,” a song about an ex who remains impossible to erase, no matter how much time has passed.

The partnership was hardly a first. The two are longtime friends and previously worked together on “Nobody,” Lawrence’s 2025 single inspired by his daughter, Katie.

But “Unlove You” moved at lightning speed.

Lil Eddie wrote the song in two hours when the pair recorded in the United States in August 2025.

Lawrence and his U.S.-based producer, Chokobeats, then built the track around its opening guitar lick, completing the recording in two days.

“Eddie wrote the song in two hours,” Lawrence recalled. “From idea to finished product, it took two days.”

Working with Lil Eddie remains something of a dream collaboration for Lawrence. The songwriter has worked with major international artists, including Usher, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Maluma, Daddy Yankee, and Britney Spears.

“He’s probably the best writer I’ve ever worked with,” Lawrence said. “He’s a multi-Grammy-award winning writer, so it’s definitely an honor working with him.”

The result is “Unlove You,” a sleek R&B track built around a hypnotic guitar hook and an emotionally loaded refrain: “I could never unlove you.”

Lawrence describes the song as being about “that one ex that you can never unlove, ‘the one that got away.’”

The single was released on Spotify on June 24, followed by music and lyric videos on YouTube. Its official video, shot in Los Angeles in September 2025, features Lil Eddie and model Chey.

The collaboration has also given Lawrence another reason to hit the road and promote the song himself. As an independent artist, he has been handling the grind through radio and TV appearances, social media content, and media interviews.

Then there is the curious timing of all that heartbreak music.

Katrina Halili (left) and Kris Lawrence draw fresh attention online as fans continue to follow their rekindling romance

Kris Lawrence works the promo circuit as an independent artist while bringing ‘Unlove You’ to radio, television, and social media audiences

Lawrence, who became one half of the much-followed “Mr. and Ms. B” online pairing with former partner Katrina Halili, has found himself back in the social media spotlight as fans continue to react to their sweet interactions and root for another chapter.

Lawrence is taking the attention in stride.

“I feel so grateful that we’re being received so positively by netizens,” he said. “It makes us feel like what we’re doing is headed in the right direction. Where it leads, we don’t know, but we’re kinda just going with the flow.”

Their 13-yearold daughter, Katie, has also become part of the family’s feel-good online presence.

Lawrence said seeing his daughter happy remains more important than whatever theories the internet may cook up.

“I think Katie is genuinely happy,” he said, adding that children thrive when the people they love choose peace over pride.

For Lawrence, that appears to be the bigger story behind the online buzz.

As for “Unlove You,” it has landed at a rather convenient time: a song about the one who got away, released while fans are busy wondering whether someone from Lawrence’s past might be finding his way back.

Call it a breakup song with excellent timing.

New ‘Insidious’ film makes haunting case for parental fears

Hudson Williams (center right) and Connor Storrie remain at the center of the hockey romance as the series readies its 2027 return with new cast members

‘Heated Rivalry’ heats up with new actors in season 2

By Jasper Valdez THE second season of Heated Rivalry is expanding its cast with five new additions as the sports romance series heads toward its 2027 return.

HBO Max announced Emily Hampshire, Edvin Ryding, Priyanka, Robert Naylor, and Sabrina Jalees as the latest cast members of the Crave Original series created by Jacob Tierney.

Hampshire, known for Schitt’s Creek and Marvel’s VisionQuest, will play Vanessa. Ryding, who starred in Young Royals and 28 Years Later, joins as Luca Haas.

Naylor, whose credits include Mile End Kicks and Cardinal, will portray Wyatt Hayes, while Jalees, known for I Used to Be Funny and Black Mirror, will play Farah Jalali.

Priyanka, the winner of the first season of Canada’s Drag Race, joins as Tarek.

Previously announced Season 2 cast members include Hudson Williams, Connor Storrie, Justice Smith, and Charlie Gillespie.

Williams and Storrie will reprise their roles as rival hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, whose secret relationship anchors the series.

Based on Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers book series, Heated Rivalry premiered on Crave in November 2025 before expanding to HBO Max and reaching a wider international audience. The series also raised the profiles of Williams and Storrie, who were relatively unknown before its debut.

Season 2 is set to premiere on HBO Max in spring 2027 across the United States, Australia, Europe, Latin America and parts of Asia, including the Philippines.

Season 1 is currently available on HBO Max.

WHEN he sat down to write Insidious: Out of the Further, the sixth installment of the blockbuster horror franchise, director Jacob Chase channeled his fears over becoming a parent.

“I became a dad for the first time, and I was terrified of being a dad,” he told AFP. “I was really nervous I would raise my child in the wrong way, and I was thinking about parenting almost in opposition to how I was raised.”

The movie, which opens in U.S. theaters Friday, takes audiences into the Further and brings back the demons who live there.

The story follows Gemma (Amelia Eve), a young single mother raising her daughter in the same home where she grew up, a house filled with traumatic memories. She discovers she can enter the afterlife and bring

its shadowy inhabitants into the world of the living, making her a target for terrifying entities and putting her daughter in danger.

“I wanted to create a character who was haunted by her past ... the experience with the Insidious ... a character who already had this trauma from her past and was trying desperately to outrun her own sins of her mom,” Chase said.

Starring Eve, Lin Shaye, Brandon Perea, and Sam Spruell, the film introduces new characters and directions to a franchise that has grossed more than $740 million worldwide.

Eve said joining the franchise gave her the chance to explore a new aspect of its world. To build her character’s bond with her on-screen daughter, she drew

inspiration from her relationship with her sisters, “the people you’d do anything for.”

Eve shares the screen with Shaye, who returns as Elise Rainier, a character fans consider the heart of the franchise. This time, Rainier serves as a beacon of light for Gemma.

“It’s still completely evolving, which is very exciting to me,” said Shaye, 82. “You’d think it’s the same old, same old every time (but) I feel that Elise is learning something new about herself.”

The women and their allies face Cyrus, a new demonic entity played by Spruell, who commands the forces of evil.

“I wanted a villain that was different,” Chase said. “To me, a charming villain is so much scarier because I could see myself wanting to follow them.” AFP

The franchise’s sixth installment turns childhood trauma and motherhood into its latest source of terror

LIFE Getting ready for big school starts at home

By Nickie Wang

T

HE road to big school does not begin with the first school uniform or the first morning drop-off. For many Filipino families, it starts at home, with a toddler learning to follow directions, finish a simple activity, and say what they need.

Knowing letters, numbers, colors, and basic words remains important, but school readiness involves much more. Children also need time to become comfortable with routines, guided activities, communication, and doing small tasks on their own.

That is the space Kids Learning Ville, or KLV, aims to fill.

The home-based learning program provides personalized sessions for pre-toddlers and toddlers preparing for their eventual transition to formal schooling. Lessons take place in the child’s home, allowing young learners to build new routines in a familiar setting.

A toddler may already know the alphabet but struggle to stay focused during an activity. Another may confidently count numbers but need help following instructions.

Others may know what they want but still be figuring out how to express it clearly.

KLV tailors its lessons to each child’s developmental stage, interests, abilities, and pace. Early literacy and numeracy are introduced alongside purposeful play, communication exercises, and guided activities that make learning feel like part of the child’s everyday world.

The goal is progress in the little things: responding to directions, moving from one activity to another, handling learning materials, and completing simple tasks with less assistance.

These skills can become especially useful once children enter a classroom where routines are more structured and independence is expected.

The home-based setup also offers a practical advantage for parents. Instead of regularly traveling with a young child to another learning center, families can have guided sessions at home while remaining connected to the learning process.

Parents can observe which skills their children are developing and where they may need more practice.

Educators provide the structure, while parents remain partners in the process.

KLV is also part of a broader home-based child development ecosystem with Kids Therapy Ville, which provides therapy and developmental support for families who require additional services.

As more Filipino parents explore learning options before formal schooling, KLV is carving out a role in that crucial in-between stage, when toddlers are learning not only what to know but also how to learn.

The program calls this approach “Your Child’s First Step Toward Big School.” And that first step may begin much earlier than parents expect, right at the place where a child already feels most at ease: home.

Kids Learning Ville helps young children build the skills, routines, and confidence they need before entering formal school

C3 THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

Melai Cantiveros-Francisco encourages Filipino families to prepare for unexpected medical needs through more accessible health coverage

Melai says yes to good health ACTRESS and host Melai Cantiveros-Francisco is the new face of iCare Prepaid Cards, joining the health care provider in promoting affordable medical coverage for Filipino families.

The partnership aims to encourage families to seek medical care early instead of delaying treatment because of concerns over costs, a practice often associated with the Filipino tiissakit mentality.

Cantiveros said becoming a mother to two daughters changed how she views health care and the importance of preparing for unexpected medical expenses.

“Nung nagkaanak na ako, naging open na ako sa HMO kasi doble na ang iniisip namin,” she said. “Hindi mo na kailangang hintayin na magkasakit kayong lahat sa pamilya bago kayo magpatingin sa ospital.”

She added that having health coverage gives her peace of mind when bringing her family to a hospital without having to borrow money.

“Panatag ka na dalhin sa ospital ang pamilya mo nang hindi nangungutang. Sobra akong happy na nag-a-adjust ang iCare para sa masa,” she said. iCare offers prepaid HMO plans that require a one-time payment and do not involve long-term commitments or recurring premiums. Coverage options range from emergency room treatment to inpatient care.

Its ER Care Choice plan starts at P100 and provides shortterm coverage for emergency room treatment and confinement due to accidents and viral or bacterial illnesses.

The K12 Health Cover/Dengue Flex plan starts at P500 and provides up to P50,000 in outpatient and inpatient coverage for emergency cases involving dengue, leptospirosis, and COVID-19.

The plans can be used across iCare’s network of more than 2,000 partner hospitals and clinics and over 50,000 accredited doctors nationwide.

“Yung goal ng iCare is to be stress-free para sa mga magulang at sa mga tao kapag nag-oospital. Hindi ka na mastress kapag bayaran na ng hospital bills,” Cantiveros said.

The partnership encourages Filipino families to consider prepaid health coverage as part of their household planning, particularly for unexpected medical needs.

More information on iCare Prepaid Cards is available at icare.com.ph.

Health and beauty care chain offers free thyroid screenings at selected stores WATSONS Philippines is offering free thyroid screenings at selected stores this August as part of its efforts to make preventive health services more accessible to Filipinos.

The screenings will be held at Watsons North EDSA Grand on Aug. 15, Watsons SM Aura Premier Mall on Aug. 22, and Watsons SM Mall of Asia 8 on Aug. 29.

The thyroid produces hormones that help regulate metabolism and other bodily functions, including energy levels, heart rate, body temperature, and weight. Some thyroid conditions, however, can have symptoms that may be mistaken for ordinary changes in health.

“Health monitoring should be something that people can access without having to make it complicated,” Watsons Philippines

managing director Danilo S. Chiong said.

“Through our free thyroid screenings, we want to make it easier for our customers to pay attention to their health and take the next step when needed.”

Watsons also offered free liver test screenings on Aug. 17 and 18 at Watsons Robinsons Galleria and Watsons SM City North EDSA 2.

The health initiatives are part of Watsons’ preventive health programs, which bring selected screening services closer to communities.

Customers may visit the participating stores on the scheduled dates for the free screenings.

Updates on schedules, participating locations, and other health activities are available through Watsons Philippines on Facebook and the Watsons website.

Early detection becomes the focus of Watsons’ latest preventive health initiative for Filipino shoppers

From left: SDEAS Dean Dr. Marian Patricia Bea Francisco, Benilde chancellor Benhur Ong, MBA, ManilaMed president and CEO Dr. Eduardo Eseque, Benilde vice chancellor for Academics Angelo Marco Lacson, and ManilaMed human resources and organizational development director Tyne Dignadice, Jr. at the contract signing event

Advancing inclusive health care for Deaf community MEDICAL Center Manila Inc. (ManilaMed) and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLSCSB) School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) have formalized a partnership aimed at promoting accessible and inclusive health care for the Deaf community.

The institutions signed a memorandum of understanding covering initiatives in health care, education, employment, and community service.

ManilaMed President and CEO Dr. Eduardo S. Eseque and Human Resources and Organization Development director Tyne A. Dignadice Jr. represented the hospital. Benilde chancellor Benhur A. Ong, vice chancellor for academics Angelo Marco U. Lacson, and SDEAS dean Dr. Marian Patricia Bea U. Francisco represented Benilde.

Francisco said the partnership would help expand access to health care for Deaf people, citing previous joint efforts such as providing Filipino Sign Language interpretation during health seminars and creating employment opportunities for Deaf individuals.

“By bridging the worlds of inclusive education and accessible healthcare, we are contributing to the Sustainable Development Goal 3, good health, and well-being, especially for Deaf people,” Francisco said.

She also cited Republic Act 11106, or the Filipino Sign Language Act, which provides for the equal access of Deaf people to health care.

The partnership will explore experiential learning placements at ManilaMed, scholarships, grants, volunteer opportunities, internships, and employment for Deaf people.

Other planned initiatives include educational visits to ManilaMed facilities, industry exposure programs, immersions, capacity-building activities, and inclusive workplace development.

The institutions also plan to work on patient accessibility, the use of Filipino Sign Language in medical and clinical settings, scholarship orientations, webinars, workshops, and outreach programs.

Eseque said the partnership is part of ManilaMed’s corporate social responsibility efforts and its work with various institutions and communities.

“We’ve seen how our two institutions share the same commitment, ensuring that quality healthcare is inclusive and is also accessible to every member of the community,” Lacson said.

Lacson also cited previous collaborations between ManilaMed and Benilde, including Deaf awareness orientations and health forums with Filipino Sign Language interpretation.

C4 THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com NICKIE WANG, Editor ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

PEOPLE

Dentist and entrepreneur Sam Bernardo advocates preventive dental care, encouraging patients to seek regular checkups before problems become serious

Awesam Smile invests in modern equipment and continuing training as Sam pushes for better and more comfortable dental care

By Nickie Wang

D

ENTIST and entrepreneur Sam Bernardo believes a healthy smile begins with education. That belief guides her work as a dentist, clinic owner, and founder of Awesam Smile Dental Clinic and Tradent Dental Supply.

Her ventures have grown from a dental practice with nine branches to a company advocating dental health, yet one concern remains constant: many Filipinos still seek dental care only when pain becomes impossible to ignore.

“We have to accept the fact that dental care is not really the number one priority, especially here in the Philippines,” she told Manila Standard Life.

“Most patients only go when their tooth already hurts and the situation has become serious.”

“Changing that mindset is as important to me as treating a cavity,” she added in jest.

Dental health, she points out, affects more than appearance because it can influence speech, eating, and confidence. Through her clinics and public advocates, she hopes to encourage Filipinos to pay closer attention to oral health and seek treatment before problems worsen.

“It’s not just aesthetics. There are so many functions,” she stated.

Bernardo’s interest in improving dental care also led her into entrepreneurship. In 2021, she began researching and importing dental products and

LIFE

Community dental missions remain a key part of Awesam Smile’s effort to make proper oral care accessible to more Filipinos

Dental care expert gives Filipinos more reasons to smile

Awesam Smile Dental Clinic brings dental services and oral health education closer to communities through its continuing outreach programs

equipment. Tradent Dental Supply now focuses on dental chairs, X-ray machines, and digital sensors, supplying equipment to clinics and university partners.

Technology continues to change dentistry, from 3D scanners to systems that allow patients to visualize possible results before cosmetic procedures. Bernardo is also interested in equipment designed to make dental visits less intimidating, including chairs with massage functions.

“Patients are really scared. They have anxiety because, of course, we know that when it comes to the dentist, people think it’s going to hurt,” she discussed. “We want to provide peace and comfort

to patients.”

Her own dental practice started at her family home and has since expanded to nine branches, including its first mall location in Taguig.

Yet business growth has not diminished the part of her work closest to her heart: reaching people who may not otherwise have access to dental care.

Bernardo’s involvement in outreach began after she became a licensed dentist. Her first mission took her to remote places, where she joined efforts that later developed into a continuing outreach program focused on dental services and donations.

“After I graduated and, of course, got my license, one of my prayers was really to help,” she said.

She has since participated in dental missions,

donation drives and relief efforts for communities affected by calamities.

“For me, the fulfillment is being able to help others.

When there are calamities, like floods, we also help affected areas. The satisfaction is being able to share your blessings with them,” she went on.

Her experiences with underserved communities have also given Bernardo a soft spot for the underprivileged. She understands that families struggling with daily expenses may place dental checkups low on their list of priorities, often seeking treatment only when a toothache becomes severe.

Her response has been to build businesses around better equipment, improved patient experiences and wider access to care. She sees dental education as a crucial part of that effort, helping people understand that oral health is connected to everyday life, not merely appearance.

Bernardo also sees education as essential for dentists themselves. New technology and treatment methods require practitioners to continue learning, and she plans to upgrade equipment in her older branches while investing in training.

“There are so many trainings now, and we also need to be updated. It’s more about the quality,” she explained.

Being the first dentist in her family and eventually becoming its breadwinner also fueled her entrepreneurial drive. She wanted to support her family while building businesses that could create additional opportunities.

Still, Bernardo believes profitability should not come at the expense of genuine care.

“Of course, we want to earn, but it should come from the heart because the heart is what will bring the patient back,” she said.

What years behind the camera taught Cheryl Cabanos about skincare

Cheryl Cabanos develops products with a focus on formulation and effectiveness through her skincare brand Cinema Skin FX

By Jasper Valdez CHERYL Cabanos spent much of her career making other people camera-ready. These days, the longtime makeup artist is applying the same eye for detail to something that lasts beyond a shoot: skincare.

Cabanos, founder and CEO of Cinema Skin FX, marked the skincare brand’s second anniversary during a media launch that also coincided with her birthday celebration.

For her, the business is another way to continue the beauty work she had long done behind the scenes.

“I just want to continue making women and men beautiful and helping them feel confident, the same way I did through makeup before,” Cabanos said.

Before Cinema Skin FX, Cabanos built a long career in film and television makeup, working on around 60 movies and series in the Philippines. Her work included beauty makeup, prosthetics, and special effects, giving her years of experience handling different faces, skin concerns, and production demands.

She also worked with international talents and continues to accept selected makeup assignments, particularly for events involving the French Embassy.

Cabanos said her approach to film makeup went beyond applying products. She would study scripts and characters to make sure each look worked with the story.

“I also read the scripts. I really get into them and dig into the story so I can properly execute the look,” she said.

She also taught cinema makeup before and said some of her former students have since built careers of their own in the film industry.

Years of working with different skin concerns eventually influenced what Cabanos wanted to develop for Cinema Skin FX.

The brand offers a range of skincare and wellness products, including collagen supplements

“My challenge before was how difficult it was to cover acne,” Cabanos said. “It was hard to conceal melasma, acne, and other skin concerns. As a makeup artist, it’s your job to cover those things as much as you can.”

Eventually, she began looking beyond concealment.

“So I decided to come up with a product that would make things easier for me, so I wouldn’t have to keep covering those skin concerns,” she said.

Cabanos said she worked with senior chemists and looked to Morocco, Korea and Japan while developing the brand. Finding the right chemist was one of her early challenges because she did not want Cinema Skin FX to simply resemble products already in the market.

Her standards, she said, were also shaped by the trust she had built with actors throughout her career.

“I thought, these artists trust me. They call me to do their makeup, so I couldn’t just come up with something ordinary. I didn’t want to let them down,” she said.

That same attention to detail followed her into the business.

“They know I’m very particular. I’m really fussy when it comes to brushes, so I started calling my consumers

From left: Celebrities John Estrada, Jackie Lou Blanco, Rikki Davao, and Ramon Christopher join Cheryl’s birthday celebration

‘ka-arte,’” Cabanos said.

She said that meticulousness also became part of how she approached the products.

“I brought that same attention to detail into the products. Everything has to be right, especially the formulation and the doses,” she said.

Cinema Skin FX now carries dozens of skincare and wellness products, including supplements such as collagen.

Two years into the business, Cabanos said she still finds it unusual to be the one facing cameras after spending much of her career behind them.

“It still feels surreal to me. I still get nervous, you know,” she said.

Stepping away from regular film and television sets, however, did not mean leaving beauty behind.

“I used to pray that one day, God would still give me the strength to continue helping men and women feel beautiful, even if I was no longer on set,” Cabanos said. “And this is a gift from God.” Years of working with different skin concerns as a makeup artist shape Cheryl’s approach to developing skincare products