Manila Standard - 2026 August 25 - Tuesday

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WITHDRAWAL IN GOOD FAITH UPHELD BY SC NEWS / A2

NZ BANS SOCMED FOR UNDER 16

VOL. XL • NO. 192 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026 •

WORLD / A6

‘OVP informants got P122m in medicines’ ‘‘

Witness: Ex-OVP security head handled confi fund use

Pagong, Pusa, Piang: Unusual names get VP cash like Piattos

By Maricel V. Cruz MORE unusual names surfaced Monday in acknowledgment receipts used to account for the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds – with Antonio Pagong, Timon Andrew Pusa, Don Piang, Shane Ngitngit and Xuniso P. Belat joining the now-infamous Mary Grace Piattos and others.

Former OVP special disbursing officer (SDO) Gina Acosta, testifying as a hostile witness for the House prosecution, acknowledged that she did not personally witness Duterte’s security chief, Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, make the payments attributed to the individuals named in the receipts.

Senator Lito Lapid also questioned Acosta on the presence of his surname on an acknowledgment receipt in the disbursement of the OVP's confidenNext page tial funds.

By Joel Zurbano and Maricel Cruz

S

ENATOR Erwin Tulfo yesterday flagged the P122 million worth of medicines the Office of the Vice President reportedly bought using confidential funds, which the OVP then classified as rewards for informants.

“How can medicines be considered a reward for an informant?” Tulfo asked former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta during the resumption of the impeachment trial.

Acosta, however, said she could not explain the transactions and pointed instead to former OVP security officer Col. Raymund Lachica as the one who implemented the ground activities for which confidential funds were used.

“I cannot explain it, Your Honor, because I was not the one who did this. Col. Lachica, the security officer, was the one who implemented it,” Acosta said.

Next page

DepEd postpones active threat drills until next week

By Gabriel Oliva DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara announced the postponement of the nationwide active threat drills scheduled to take place in all basic education schools across the country on Aug. 25.

In a radio interview on Monday, Angara said DepEd would defer the drills despite their prior scheduling to ensure future exercises are more appropriate and suited to students’ needs.

“There is nothing to lose if we wait a little longer,” said Angara.

In an advisory on Monday, DepEd said it would postpone the drills until next week following reports of face-toface class cancellations due to inclement weather, while it consolidates Next page

UNPRECEDENTED. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. surveys the flood-affected towns of Bulacan and Pampanga from the air yesterday, together with Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon. Inset shows the President visiting an evacuation center in Bacolor, Pampanga where food packs and hygiene kits were distributed and the payout of financial assistance was made for 566 target beneficiaries under the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. PCO

Habagat to continue bringing rain as 100 areas declare calamity

By Rio N. Araja and Rex Espiritu THE southwest monsoon (habagat) will bring 50-100 mm of rain-

PINOY WELCOME. Filipinos wave flags before the arrival of Pope Leo XIV before a holy mass in the port of Rimini, during a pastoral visit on August 22, 2026.

AFP

fall in Batanes on Tuesday, and the same amount of rainfall in Zambales, Bataan and Occidental Mindoro from Wednesday noon to Thursday noon (August 26-27), according to the Phil-

ippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Meanwhile, some 100 areas have been placed under a state of calamity

as the combined effects of tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng and the “habagat” continue to affect millions of Filipinos, the Office of Civil Defense Next page (OCD) said Monday.

PBBM orders agencies to undertake immediate, long-term anti-flood actions

By Charles Dantes, Gabriel Oliva, and Thony Lesaca PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered government agencies to pursue immediate and long-

term measures to address recurring flooding in Central Luzon, as officials reported that more than 3.5 million people in the region have been affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) and recent tropical cyclones.

Next page

DOH activates anti-leptospirosis lanes ALL SET. The venue of the National Board of Canvassers is all ready for the tally of the results of the vote for senators and party-list at Tent City, Manila Hotel. Danny Pata

By Ram Superable and Alexandra Demaisip THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday activated dedicated fast lanes in 33 government hospitals across Metro

Manila and four regions in Luzon amid spikes in leptospirosis that filled the emergency rooms of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI).

The DOH said this aims to ensure Next page

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NEWS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

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SC upholds bank withdrawals in good faith T The high tribunal issued the remark after its Third Division denied the petition filed by BDO Unibank, Inc. to return the money the customer had already withdrawn in good faith on the ground of unjust enrichment, when the loss was caused by the bank’s gross negligence.

The court emphasized that “bank-

ing is a business imbued with public interest and banks are required to exercise the highest degree of diligence.”

“Paying out funds from a deposited check before proper clearance and disregarding established banking procedures fall below this standard,” it added.

On Sept. 17, 2003, “C” deposited a regional check worth PHP151,200 from an Albay branch of Land Bank of the Philippines into her savings account at BDO Lucena City branch.

The BDO teller mistakenly validated the check as local instead of regional, allowing the amount to be credited after only three banking days, instead of the required seven.

Barcellano then withdrew PHP76,000 on Sept. 23, 2003. Shortly after, BDO received a stop payment order on the check and demanded that

‘OVP...

ed her to release the first P125-million confidential tranche to Lachica in December 2022 as well as three more tranches in 2023.

She said Lachica supplied operational inputs, implemented confidential activities, furnished fund utilization reports and reclaimed the internal documents he had signed after each liquidation.

“The entire prosecution team is discussing who else we believe needs to be subpoenaed, in the event that we deem the testimony and evidence gathered from our lined-up witnesses to be insufficient,” prosecution spokesperson former Surigao

del Norte Rep. Ace Barbers said.

The camp of the Vice President said it will wait for the prosecution’s decision as to Lachica’s possible appearance as a witness.

“I think they were very categorical in saying they're not ready to disclose yet if and when they will produce or even include Col. Lachica in their list. So, maybe we should just wait instead of saying they're hesitant or not,” Duterte’s defense trial spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa said.

As this developed, House prosecutors also flagged how Acosta appeared to have memo-

rized her testimony during yesterday’s hearing.

“I wouldn't go so far as to say she was coached. But if you observe closely, she kept repeating the exact same phrase in her answer—it sounded like a memorized response,” House prosecutor Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Flores said.

“She was very responsive then,” he said. “Her answer is not just one sentence that is repeated over and over again. She used to answer your questions better.

Now, unfortunately, everyone can observe: she gives the same answer for every question.”

traumatized and claimed the lives of three students.

He cited a student from San Jose National High School who was reportedly so affected by the incident that they could no longer return to school.

“We are not experts in this field, so we should listen to the experts. What we are implementing should be based on science and studies,” said Angara.

According to the statement from the psychiatric associations, they recommended deferring the drills, noting that unlike “necessary” and “beneficial” exercises such as earthquake and fire drills, active-shooter drills “expose learners to hyper-realistic scenarios of violence.”

The associations said that current evidence does not show these simula-

tions can reduce casualties or prevent violent incidents.

“Multiple studies demonstrate that they can cause lasting psychological harm across age groups,” they added.

Instead of active-threat drills, the groups recommended non-traumatizing safety measures, emphasizing the prioritization of door locks, controlled entry points, and campus security.

They also called for the involvement of guidance counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and child psychiatrists in developing trauma-informed and inclusive protocols.

The groups added that instead of live simulations, schools can conduct tabletop exercises and discussionbased activities to help students and

staff understand how to respond if an active threat occurs on campus.

“Each school should conduct a needs assessment before developing and implementing drills, to ensure that the unique characteristics of its community are considered,” it added.

The active threat drill was initially tested during the National Safe Schools Summit at Manila Science High School on July 15 as part of the implementation of the DepEd Guidelines on Ensuring a Safe and Motivating Learning Environment (ESMLE).

The policy consolidates existing measures on learner rights protection and school safety into a unified framework aimed at strengthening both preventive and response mechanisms.

placed but staying outside evacuation centers.

The floods also damaged 578 houses, including 65 that were totally destroyed and 513 that sustained partial damage.

Agriculture suffered more than P933.7 million in losses, with Pampanga accounting for the largest share at about P423.6 million. The region reported 22,684 hectares of affected agricultural areas and more than 27,120 metric tons in production losses.

Pampanga had 8,691 farmers and fisherfolk affected, while Bulacan reported the largest livestock and poultry losses at 12,870 heads.

The President and Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian also visited families taking temporary shelter at the Bacolor Integrated School evacuation center.

They inspected the delivery of government assistance, including food packs and hygiene kits, and witnessed the payout of financial assistance to 566 beneficiaries under the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

Pampanga Vice Gov. Dennis Padilla and Bacolor Mayor Eduardo Datu also joined the visit.

DepEd: P2.604-b in repair and rebuilding costs DepEd said the affected classrooms sustained minor to major damage, with Region III (Central Luzon) accounting for 41 percent of the total damage nationwide, with 3,596 classrooms affected across 412 schools.

According to the DepEd’s latest report, 126,584 learners were affected across the region, with Pampanga reporting the highest number of damaged classrooms at 1,689, followed by Bulacan with 933.

DOH... rapid patient triage and avoid hospital overcrowding while managing an expected surge in leptospirosis cases following widespread flooding caused by weeks of heavy rainfall in NCR, the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

The NKTI announced on Sunday that its emergency room is “currently operating at full capacity.”

“Due to the current surge in leptospirosis cases and high patient volume in the Emergency Room, the hospital is currently operating at full bed capacity,” NKTI said in a statement.

The DOH said the fast lanes system relies on active surge capacity management to guarantee adequate bed space and an uninterrupted supply of essential medications for admitted patients.

Nationwide leptospirosis infections reached 4,285 cases as of Aug. 22, a 37% decline compared with the 6,839 cases reported during the same timeframe last year.

Despite this, recent monitoring shows a 29% increase in biweekly transmissions, rising to 495 cases between July 26 and Aug. 8 from 383 cases between July 12 and July 25.

The highest concentrations of recent infections were recorded in the National Capital Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.

Additional case surges remain anticipated due to the disease’s typical incubation period of five to 15 days following exposure.

“The Department reminds the public that, whether experiencing symp-

toms or not, immediately consult the nearest health center or doctor within 24 to 48 hours after wading or being submerged in floodwaters,” the DOH said.

Free consultations and preventive medications remain accessible through all local health centers, state medical facilities, and YAKAP clinics nationwide.

Indigent patients admitted to DOH hospitals can access the Zero Balance Billing Program, while PhilHealth coverage for severe leptospirosis cases has been expanded to more than Php 400,000.

List of designated center in Metro Manila The designated treatment centers in Metro Manila include Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium, East Avenue Medical Center, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, Lung Center of the Philippines, National Center for Mental Health, National Children’s Hospital, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Rizal Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital, Tondo Medical Center, and Valenzuela Medical Center.

Regional facilities equipped with fast lanes include Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center and Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital in the Cordillera Administrative Region.

morning.

Before entering PAR, “Saudel” was located 1,480 kilometers east northeast of extreme Northern It was moving west northwest at 30 kph with maximum sustained winds of 175 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 215 kph.

The tropical depression is expected to remain over the Philippine Sea and is less likely to directly affect the country’s weather and sea conditions over the next three days.

In its latest situational report, the OCD said 2.2 million fami-

lies, or 7.5 million individuals, had been affected across Regions I, II, III, V, VI and IX, as well as CALABARZON, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the National Capital Region (NCR), and MIMAROPA. The areas placed under a state of calamity are Dagupan City; four municipalities in Pangasinan; Benguet; the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Zambales and Cavite; Rizal; Batangas; and Occidental Mindoro.

The figures showed that 29 people had died, 19 were injured and three remained missing in connec-

tion with the combined effects of the weather disturbances.

The storms and enhanced southwest monsoon also damaged about 2,500 houses, including 2,200 partially damaged and 285 totally damaged homes.

Infrastructure damage has reached ₱5.1 billion, while agricultural losses were estimated at ₱1.7 billion.

The government has provided ₱1.31 billion worth of assistance to affected communities, according to the OCD. Authorities also reported 418 evacuation centers housing 9,858 families, or 33,358 individuals.

HE Supreme Court on Monday said a customer cannot be compelled to return money mistakenly credited by a bank ahead of actual clearing of the check covering the sum.

From A1

Lachica’s name, however, did not appear in the documents submitted by the OVP to the Commission on Audit to support the transaction.

The House prosecution panel said it is keeping the option of asking the impeachment court to subpoena Lachica after Acosta repeatedly identified him as the person who received and implemented the office’s confidential funds.

Acosta has testified that Vice President Sara Duterte had instruct-

DepEd...

From A1

expert opinions and evidence-based practices to further strengthen the initiative.

The move follows the joint recommendation of the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA) and the Philippine Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (PSCAP) on Aug. 22 to postpone the drills, warning that they could “cause lasting psychological harm across age groups.”

According to Angara, the June 22 Tacloban school shooting, in which two high school students opened fire on their classmates, left some learners

PBBM...

From A1

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported that 9,597 classrooms across 1,594 schools nationwide sustained damage due to the rains and subsequent floods.

For its part, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it released P1 billion to the University of the Philippines (UP) to strengthen Project NOAH’s artificial intelligencepowered flood forecasting, real-time hazard monitoring and disaster prevention capabilities.

Marcos presided over a situation briefing in Pampanga on the impact of the prolonged rains and inundations, focusing on the extent of damage, the condition of affected families, and measures to prevent similar disasters from repeatedly disrupting communities.

The briefing covered short- to longterm flood-control measures, including the dredging and declogging of waterways, construction of floodgates and pumping stations, and development of sabo dams.

The government also emphasized continued coordination between national and local authorities to speed up relief operations and strengthen the region's flood management system.

Data presented during the briefing showed that 1,666 barangays, 1,095,710 families and 3,517,338 people in Central Luzon have been affected by the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng.

At least 283 evacuation centers were open, housing 6,527 families or 22,633 people. Another 13,163 families, or 51,801 people, were dis-

Habagat...

From A1

The state weather agency also warned of localized flooding mainly in urbanized, low-lying, or riverside areas, and landslides in highly susceptible areas.

Meanwhile, typhoon “Saudel” entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday at 1:20 p.m.

PAGASA gave “Saudel” the local name "Obet."

“Obet” is forecast to briefly stay inside PAR, and expected to leave between Monday evening and Tuesday

From A1

she return the money.

Barcellano would not return the sum to BDO, which later refused to release the remaining balance and filed a criminal complaint for estafa.

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) acquitted Barcellano and held that the premature withdrawal resulted from BDO’s own negligence. The Court of Appeals affirmed the ruling.

Before the SC, BDO asked to review the civil aspect of the case, arguing that despite Barcellano's acquittal, she should still be required to return

the money. BDO argued that her refusal amounted to unjust enrichment.

The bank argued that because it released the funds due to an error in processing the check, Barcellano must return them under the principle of solutio indebiti, which requires repayment of money received by mistake.

Unjust enrichment happens when someone keeps a benefit without valid reason and at another’s expense, or retains money or property against principles of justice, equity and good conscience.

Loren extends medical leave to Sept. 2 SEN. Loren Legarda has extended her medical leave to the first week of September, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. said yesterday According to Bantug, Legarda’s office sent notice on Monday that the senator shall be on medical leave on August 24-26, and September 1-2, 2026.

Legarda has been on medical leave beginning August 3. The last time she was seen at the Senate was on July 29, during the plenary session.

Her son, Rep. Leandro Leviste, is currently on a two-month vacation leave.

The senator's travel coincided with the Office of the Ombudsman launching last July 31 a preliminary investigation into graft and plunder complaints against her and her son involving over P10 billion in solar power projects.

Pagong,...

From A1

Acosta did not give a clear answer to Lapid’s question, saying the receipts bearing the Lapid name are all from Lachica, and that she merely relied on the security official’s accounts.

Previously, the names presented in court included Beverly Claire Pampano, Matthew N. Keso, Nova Santos, Salah Casim, Renan Piatos, Xiaome Ocho, Jay Kamote, Miggy Mango, Kokoy Villamin, Connor Adrian Contis, Honeylet Camille Sy, Kristine Applegate Estrada, and Denise Tanya Escudero.

Three of those surnames match those of Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Francis Escudero and senators Risa Hontiveros and Jinggoy Estrada.

The names add to scrutiny surrounding purported recipients of the OVP’s confidential funds, most notably Piattos, whose name appeared on multiple acknowledgment receipts submitted to support the office’s expenditures.

Piattos became a central figure in an earlier House investigation after lawmakers questioned her identity and offered a P1-million reward for information that could lead to her.

The prosecution has also said it plans to present testimony from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to establish whether individuals named in acknowledgment receipts used to account for Duterte’s confidential fund expenditures exist in Philippine civil registry records.

House prosecution counsel Amando Virgil Ligutan presented the documents as he questioned Acosta on how she accounted for confidential funds released to Lachica for operations on the ground.

One receipt showed Antonio Pagong purportedly receiving P100,000 for the purchase of information. Asked whether she personally saw Lachica hand the money to Pagong, Acosta said she did not.

“I did not see him, Your Honor, because I was not on the ground. He was the one who implemented it, Your Honor,” Acosta testified.

Another receipt identified Timon Andrew Pusa as the recipient of P100,000 for the rental of a transport vehicle, while Don Piang was listed as receiving P250,000 for transport rental.

Ligutan also presented a receipt bearing the name Shane Ngitngit for P150,000 and another under Xuniso P. Belat for P100,000.

Acosta repeatedly said she did not personally witness Lachica make any of the payments reflected in the documents.

Senate Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Sen. Francis Escudero asked Acosta whether she personally knew that the funds had been given to the listed recipients or were actually spent for the stated purposes.

NEWS

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HOT CAR.

Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno and Land Transportation Office chief Markus Lacanilao inspect a surrendered sports car allegedly owned by a celebrity during a joint press conference at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City on Monday, Aug. 24. The vehicle is under investigation for fake plates, customs misdeclaration and tax underpayment.

Manny Palmero

BARMM pushes for modern-day Moro Province

By Nash B. Maulana THE Committee on Local Governments has resumed deliberating House Bill 3299, creating the Moro Province out of eight municipalities of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in Cotabato Province, BARMM Member of Parliament Mohammad Kelly Antao said on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026.

Antao said he was invited to submit legal and policy bases for the creation of Moro Province to the House Committee on Local Governments by Deputy Speaker Democrito Mendoza, who represents the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) Party-List in the House of Representatives.

The PCBPLF is a bilateral legislative body created by Republic Act 11054, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), as a venue for legislative consensusbuilding on BARMM. Antao said the BARMM Parliament under Speaker Mohammad Yacob earlier took up the measure as the region’s main agenda with the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Legislative Forum (PCBPLF), together with lawyer Sha Elija Dumama-Alba, a member of the BARMM Parliament, and Maguindanao del Norte Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura.

Yacob and Antao have both expressed a deep sense of gratitude to Mastura, Dumama-Alba and other members of the bilateral PCBPLF for including the creation of the proposed Moro Province in its agenda.

Mendoza, husband of Cotabato Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Talino-Mendoza, and their daughter, Rep. Ma. Alana Samantha Talino Mendoza, sponsor House Bill 3299. Sen. Vicente Sotto and Senate President Win Gatchalian authored Senate Bill 447, the counterpart measure in the Philippine Senate, creating the proposed Moro Province— which will be composed of the eight towns of the 63-barangay Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Antao said.

“On behalf of the 240,000 SGA residents,” MP Antao said, “we are deeply grateful and thank Cotabato Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Jacolo TaliñoMendoza, as well as the members of the PCBPLF.”

Taguig cops net 3 persons in school shooting threats

By Vince Lopez

DOE sees up to P2.31/l fuel price increase T

By Alena Mae S. Flores

HE Department of Energy announced Monday pump prices will increase by as much as P2.31 per liter even as it assured that consumers will not likely see doubledigit increases in the next few weeks.

“This week we have some unfortunate news. As a result of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, motorists will see increases in gasoline and diesel prices, driven by new developments with the war that have pushed up global prices,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

Diesel will increase by P2.31 per liter, gasoline by P1.08 per liter and kerosene by P0.95 per liter effective 6 a.m. Tuesday.

“This is the difficulty with the Philippines’ long-time dependence on imported fuel. And this is the reality the Department of Energy is working to change, because we know that every increase at the pump is felt by Filipino families and businesses,” Garin said.

She said that in the past week, prospects for a diplomatic resolution to the U.S.-Iran conflict and the normalization of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have weakened.

“This means investing in stronger domestic energy infrastructure and, over the long term, pursuing measures such as the Philippines’ Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

However, what we are seeing is pressure on prices, not a shortage of supply. We continue to work with industry to monitor supply levels and address potential risks early,” the energy chief said.

Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said that while it would be hard to predict how world oil prices will move, the situation in the Middle East has reached the stage called “grinding attrition.”

He said the biggest signal that can happen is when there is an escalation and there is bombing of a port or pipeline in the Middle East because the supply will be directly affected.

The DOE also said fuel supply remains strong at 47.22 days.

Garin said the P12-per-liter fuel subsidy remains available to PUJ and UV Express drivers, providing support of up to P1,800 per week for each driver.

Oil prices fell on Monday as investors braced for details of a U.S. plan to isolate the Iranian economy that President Donald Trump billed as the “most crushing” financial operation ever against Tehran.

Eyes are on Treasury boss Scott Bessent, who said he would give more details in a news conference on the fresh push to pile economic pressure on the Islamic republic, which comes as the unpopular war drags toward the six-month mark.

IN BRIEF Contractor faces P50k fine over traffic THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the contractor responsible for asphalting a section of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) may face a P50,000 fine due to traffic congestion encountered by motorists on Sunday.

Construction activities on EDSA, from Guadalupe in Makati to Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong, resulted in a slowdown along the capital’s primary roadway.

The MMDA said the contractor failed to deploy flagmen who could have helped direct motorists and ease the traffic jam.

The agency is working with the Department of Public Works and Highways to impose the fine on the unnamed contractor.Joel E. Zurbano

DHSUD, UPLB start 4PH rental housing THE Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the University of the Philippines on Monday marked another milestone in the construction of the UP-Los Baños 4PH Rental Housing Project with a concrete pouring ceremony at the project site in Barangay Paciano Rizal, Bay, Laguna.

Housing czar Jose Ramon Aliling, Senior Undersecretary Eduardo Robles Jr., UP President Angelo Jimenez, and UP-Los Baños Chancellor Jose V. Camacho Jr. led the ceremony, signaling the start of full-blast construction of the affordable rental housing project.

DHSUD and UPLB broke ground for the project last March 6, ending a 45-year wait for a government housing project at the university. The last UPLB housing project was implemented under the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Rio N. Araja

DPWH to construct 9km dike in Hagonoy

LEARNING AI. SM City Baguio and DICT-CAR hold an artificial intelligence (AI) learning session for children and senior citizens, promoting digital learning across generations. Dave Leprozo

Critical infrastructure investments key to unlocking Pax Silica potential

EARLY CHRISTMAS. Shoppers pass by stores selling Christmas trees in

Valenzuela City. Boy Bautista

THE Taguig City Police Station on Monday confirmed to Manila Standard that the three individuals, two of whom were students from the city, were now under their custody following an intelligence operation involving a school shooting threat.

During a phone call, Capt. Melvin Garcia said the 20-year-old male Grade 10 student identified only as alias “Ben,” who has a mental condition, was inquested and is facing criminal charges for violation of Article 282 (Grave Threat) in relation to RA 10175. The case is being prepared for inquest proceedings before the City Prosecutor’s Office of Taguig City.

The account sent a threatening message to a Grade 10 class group chat through Messenger, stating: “Who wants to be shot there? Whoever wants to, just come here,” accompanied by a video showing a long firearm and loaded magazines. His message and video caused fear, intimidation and alarm among the students, witnesses and members of the school community.

Investigation also disclosed that the 15-yearold Grade 10 Child in Conflict with the Law (CICL), identified as alias “Jass,” allegedly used Ben’s cellphone and Facebook account to send the threatening message and video.

“The video they used reportedly came from Facebook and they downloaded it.

That was the video they used to threaten them,” Garcia said.

THE Philippines must accelerate investments in fiber networks, data centers and other critical digital infrastructure if it wants to capture the full economic potential of the U.S.led Pax Silica initiative, Stratbase Institute president Prof. Victor Andres Manhit said.

Pax Silica seeks to build secure and resilient supply chains spanning artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, computing and data infrastructure. In the Philippines, plans include a 4,000acre AI-native industrial hub in New Clark City, with government estimates placing potential investments at $40 billion to $70 billion.

Manhit said the scale and tech-

nological intensity of the industries being envisioned require the countr y to build infrastr ucture ahead of demand.

“Pax Silica cannot run on yesterday’s digital infrastructure. If we want to attract AI, advanced manufacturing, semiconductor operations, dataintensive services and other high-value industries, we need to build the connectivity backbone capable of supporting them at scale,” Manhit said.

He said this would require expanded fiber capacity, redundant domestic and international routes, hyperscaleready data centers, cloud connectivity, cybersecurity infrastructure and reliable links between industrial and economic zones.

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will begin constructing a 9-kilometer dike in Hagonoy, Bulacan, in 2027 as part of a long-term flood control program aimed at protecting low-lying communities from flooding caused by high tides and river backflow.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the dike will serve as a barrier against seawater during high tide while allowing trapped floodwaters to drain more efficiently.

The project forms part of the government’s comprehensive flood mitigation strategy under the Pampanga River Basin Master Plan and a proposed coastal defense dike system. The DPWH is also preparing a comprehensive study and master plan to address Hagonoy’s recurring and prolonged flooding. Vito Barcelo

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES COMMISSION ON APPOINTMENTS Twentieth Congress Second Regular Session

ANNOUNCEMENT President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has submitted to the Commission on Appointments (CA), for its consent to the nominations of the following Flag Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP): 1. CAPTAIN MICHAEL G. BARRION to the rank of Commodore 2. COMMODORE RAUL A. REGIS to the rank of Rear Admiral The public may submit any information, written report, or sworn/notarized complaints or oppositions to the above nominations in seven (7) copies to the CA Secretariat, 11th Floor, Uptown Eastgate Tower I, corner 11th and 36th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

For the schedule of the public hearings, the CA Secretariat can be reached through telephone number 8832-2827 local 2142 to 2144, and local 2512 to 2514.

19 August 2026.

MYRA MARIE D. VILLARICA Secretary (MS-AUG. 25, 2026)

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DPWH completes parallel bridge in Naguilian, Isabela

By Jessica M. Bacud NAGUILIAN, Isabela—The new Naguilian Parallel Bridge in Brgy. Palattao, built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at a cost of P969,1 million, has been completed, marking a major milestone in infrastructure development of the province.

The newly bridge was built with prestressed concrete girders and supported by 187 bored piles, the DPWH said. It provides two widened lanes and pedestrian sidewalks to complement the older Naguilian Bridge, improving regional mobility.

DPWH Region 2 director Adonis Asis provided the technical details of the completed structure.

“The Naguilian Parallel Bridge spans 687.80 meters, with a 265.48-meter first approach and a 266.72-meter second approach. It is built with prestressed concrete girders, and features two 3.66-meter-wide lanes with 1.55-meter sidewalks,” he said.

“Its cable-supported, wide-lane design is engineered for heavy traffic, flood resilience, and long-term durability. This is the first of its kind in this part of Cagayan Valley. It is more than just concrete and steel. It is about connectivity, resilience, and opportunity for our communities,” he added.

The landmark project, championed

by Isabela District 2 Rep. Ed Christopher Go, is seen to transform travel, trade, and disaster resilience across Isabela and Cagayan Valley.

Go described the project as “more than just infrastructure.”

“It means faster travel, safer crossings, and new opportunities for our people,” he said.

BRIDGE TO PROGRESS. The Department of Public Works and Highways has completed a P969-million, 687-meter parallel bridge in Naguilian, Isabela replacing the old span that has seen better days. The first of its kind in Cagayan Valley, the infrastructure is cable-supported, with wide-lane design and created for heavy traffic, flood resilience, and long-term durability. Jessica M. Bacud

PNP wraps up probe on killing of mother, two sons in Bulacan IN BRIEF T

By Vince Lopez

HE Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said they have wrapped up investigation on the death of a mother and her two young sons whose bodies were found last Thursday, Aug. 20, in a remote area in San Rafael, Bulacan.

PCG to get two new US-made patrol ships

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is bound to receive two new 27-meter marine protector-class patrol vessels from the United States, expanding the country’s search and rescue operations, marine environmental protection, and maritime domain awareness and capabilities.

PCG spokesperson Commo. Noemie Cayabyab said the new patrol vessels will be integrated into the Coast Guard Fleet as BRP Pag-asa and BRP Patag following their expected arrival this coming October..

The transfer follows the completion of specialized operational and maintenance training by 24 PCG crew members for the two patrol vessels in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. “BRP Pag-asa and BRP Patag will strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard’s operational efficiency in safeguarding the country’s vast waters. They will enhance our ability to conduct maritime safety operations and respond to emergencies at sea, including oil spills and other marine environmental protection challenges,” Cayabyab said. Vince Lopez

BI agents nab Korean fugitive in Gen. Trias THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has arrested a South Korean fugitive accused of complicity in syndicated large-scale illegal online gambling operations in his country.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said operatives of the Bureau’s Fugitive Search Unit, working with the Philippine National Police–Intelligence Group (PNP-IG) and South Korean authorities, arrested Kim Youngsun in Barangay Buenavista I, General Trias, Cavite.

Kim was arrested based on an arrest warrant issued by the Incheon District Court on April 22, 2025, for allegedly operating an illegal cyber gambling business in violation of South Korean law.

She is also the subject of an Interpol Red Notice issued in June 2025. Vito Barcelo

OPAPRU, Army boost assistance to ex-rebels THE Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) and the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division boost efforts to help former communist rebels rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities in Eastern Visayas.

Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento discussed the reintegration program with 8ID officials during his visit to the division headquarters on August 21.

The discussions focused on the importance of providing former rebels with sustained support and opportunities to help them rebuild their lives, become productive members of their communities, and contribute to lasting peace and development in the region.

Sarmiento and his team visited Saad nga Balay in Calbiga, Samar, where they talked with former rebels residing in the facility. Rex Espiritu

PUBLIC HEARING ON BSKE. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, Senator Francis Escudero and Commission on Elections chairman George Erwin Garcia lead a public hearing on the proposed postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections originally set on November 2026, extending in the process the tenure of the youth councilors to five years. Lino Santos

BuCor seeks P11.9-b budget under 2027 NEP THE Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has proposed an P11.9-billion budget in the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), a 9.6 percent increase from its P10.88-billion last year.

BuCor director general Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said their request will support personnel requirements, facility development, prison security, the transfer of inmates to other penal facilities, and modernization of correctional operations.

The proposed allocation included P7.6 billion for personnel services; P3.7 billion for maintenance and other operating

expenses; and P519.9 million for capital outlay.

In a statement, Catapang said the proposed budget reflects BuCor’s continuing efforts to address congestion, improve prison infrastructure, enhance personnel capabilities, and strengthen the security and accountability of correctional operations.

It will also support the bureau’s broader mandate to provide humane safekeeping and meaningful rehabilitation programs for PDLs. Through investments in modern facilities, digital systems, livelihood

programs, rehabilitation services, and personnel development, BuCor aims to improve prison administration and help ensure the productive reintegration of former PDLs into their communities.

BuCor has an authorized plantilla of 10,425 positions of which 9,831 are filled, leaving 725 vacant positions. These include 592 positions for corrections officers, 108 for corrections technical officers, and 25 for civilian personnel.

The additional positions are intended to strengthen BuCor’s workforce and improve the ratio between correctional personnel and the PDL population.

During a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesman Col. Allen Rae Co said the probe conducted by the Region 3 police under Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez had been completed and the report submitted to PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and to the family of the victims.

Co said further details were being withheld upon request of the family.

Furthermore, Co also said that the identity of a suspect or person of interest in the case was submitted to Nartatez.

“We are investigating and the report has already been submitted to the chief PNP and also to the family, and the wishes of the family are for their privacy especially in this time of grief,” he said.

Mendez ordered a thorough investigation of the murder of the woman and her two sons whose bodies bore gunshot wound and were discovered inside a vehicle in Barangay Talacsan, San Rafael.

Mendez said the probers retrieved a 9mm handgun, two spent cartridges and a slug inside the car. The evidence were turned over to forensic examiners still need to determine whether the same gun was used in the killings.

The victims were identified as a 31-yearold mother, while the children were 9 and 4 years old, residents of Baliwag City, Bulacan.

The woman’s husband said he last saw his children at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19.

“We now have leads and a person of interest, but we are still investigating the incident. We are waiting for the forensic examination results,” Mendez said.

Mindanao trial courts convict 3 in money laundering cases

By Thony Rose Lesaca THE Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has secured two convictions involving individuals linked to a religious organization and a trading company implicated in alleged illegal solicitation of investments.

The AMLC said the Davao City Regional Trial Court convicted a person of 13 counts of money laundering in conspiracy with the founders of a religious organization to illegally solicit investments from the public.

The case stemmed from the alleged unlawful activities of the religious organization and its founders, who were charged with violating the Securities Regulation Code. The AMLC said its investigators found that the con-

victed respondents abetting the illicit scheme.

The respondent was sentenced to a prison term of seven years to eight years and one month, plus a fine of P3 million for each count of the case.

In a separate trial, the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court convicted two persons of violating Section 4(b) of the AntiMoney Laundering Act of 2001.

The case arose from the alleged unlawful activities of a trading company owned and operated by one of the respondents.

The AMLC said the company engaged in the illegal solicitation of investments and offered huge returns without the required secondary license and registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

ON REINTEGRATING FORMER REBELS. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity and the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division hold public consultation and dialogue on the reintegration into mainstream society of former communist guerillas in Eastern Visayas. Army photo

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Shein grapples with EU backlash, but clients keep coming

By Nédim Tobbi PARIS — Shein’s meteoric growth has made it a lightning rod for critics of ultrafast fashion in Europe, where officials are trying to rein in its operations in the name of social and environmental responsibility.

The probes, financial penalties and fierce debates have dampened but not fully curbed the enthusiasm of millions of clients in a key market for the Chinafounded online juggernaut.

The company’s $1.7 billion stock market listing, announced on Monday, aims in particular to juice its international expansion.

Short-lived Paris store Starting in 2012, Shein began online sales of its continually renewed stock of tops, dresses and other items, drastically undercutting the prices of its rivals -- to say nothing of traditional clothing stores.

Its European customer base rose to 156 million average monthly users by the end of last year, making Shein one of the continent’s biggest e-commerce platforms alongside China’s AliExpress (193 million users), and Amazon (around 180 million).

In November, the group made waves with its first-ever physical outlet, a dedicated space in the storied BHV department store in Paris.

Hundreds of customers lined up on its opening day, and dozens more people gathered to protest, requiring a heavy police presence to keep the tense situation from getting out of hand.

Demonstrators slammed what they called inhumane working conditions at Shein’s suppliers, the environmental costs of selling clothes not made to last, and unfair competition against brickand-mortar retailers struggling to stay open.

The company says it holds its suppliers to strict compliance standards and does not tolerate forced labour.

Sex doll scandal It did not help that just a few days before the Paris opening, France’s consumer protection agency said it had discovered childlike sex dolls for sale on Shein’s platform.

Accusing the company of fostering child pornography, French officials asked the European Commission to open an inquiry under the bloc’s widereaching Digital Services Act. The EU investigation that opened in February 2026 targeted the sale of illicit goods “including child sexual abuse material” as well as what it alleged was Shein’s “addictive design.”

In June, French authorities imposed two fines on Shein totalling more than 22 million euros ($25 million), citing problems with product traceability, environmental labelling and delivery times.

EDITORIAL

The next month it secured an EUwide halt on the sales of items with crocodile logos -- deemed a counterfeit of France’s famed Lacoste brand of polo shirts.

Overall, Shein has paid over 210 million euros in various French fines over the years, and Italy has also imposed fines alleging misleading environmental claims.

In June, the BHV’s new owners said they would part ways with Shein, calling the decision to welcome a physical outlet a “strategic error.”

Regulatory pushback Shein has called the penalties “disproportionate and discriminatory,” while China’s commerce ministry says they violate World Trade Organization rules.

—“—

The EU fee applies to the type of item imported, not the number.

That did not stop the European Union from imposing duties on the billions of small, inexpensive retail parcels entering the bloc each year -- most of them from Chinese e-commerce sites.

Since July, a duty of three euros per item applies to packages valued at less than 150 euros, similar to a move last year by US President Donald Trump’s administration against products originating in China.

But the EU fee applies to the type of item imported, not the number. So a person buying five T-shirts pays just three euros, but someone buying a Tshirt, jeans and socks would pay nine euros.

Brussels says the duty helps compensate for overwhelmed customs authorities given the popularity of e-commerce, in particular for clothes and other items from China and elsewhere that do not comply with EU standards.

According to the head of the European Parliament’s trade committee, Bernd Lange, the number of small parcels from abroad have more than quadrupled to 5.88 billion since 2022.

Starting in November, the EU will impose a still-undetermined handling fee on such parcels.

It is far from clear how effective the duties will be, especially as online giants like Shein could build warehouses in Europe to limit the impact.

After France imposed its own duty of two euros on such parcels this year -- before the EU system kicked in -- the customs office estimated it brought in around 2.3 million euros per month.

That was far below the 33 million euros per month the government had expected in the 2026 budget. AFP

Blowing in the wind, humble balloon gets green makeover

By Alexandra del Peral LONDON -- A global symbol of parties and celebrations but an environmental headache, the humble balloon is undergoing a green revolution, thanks to UK researchers.

Researchers at Imperial College London say they have developed the first fully biodegradable balloon and hope to bring it to market within two years.

“So there were hundreds of trials. We had many, many failures,” said Juliana Cumming, a PhD student at the university and co-creator of the “Bioloon,” a 100-percent biodegradable balloon.

In a university laboratory, the 29-year-old proudly showed AFP a flask containing a precious yellow liquid.

Once solidified, it becomes a soft, elastic material with a texture comparable to that of a conventional balloon.

But there is one crucial difference -it breaks down completely within nine months unlike traditional balloons, Cumming said.

The Bioloon is the result of a publicprivate partnership launched by Charlotte Melia, an events entrepreneur, who describes herself as environmentally minded.

“I was a party planner for over 10 years and... I was very sustainably focused. The final stumbling block for me was the balloon waste,” she told AFP. “We were putting out thousands of party balloons every single week,” she said, but they were only there “for a matter of hours simply to be popped and thrown in the trash.”

The final straw came when she realized “balloons were non-biodegradable” even though the packaging said they would break up “at the rate of an oak

leaf.”

Convinced that a sustainable alternative was possible, Melia decided with an associate to put up some £30,000 ($41,000) to part fund Cumming’s doctoral research.

Ecological risk The environmental impact of traditional balloons, which despite their advertising do not degrade, is largely unknown to the general public.

But a number of studies have documented the dangers posed by balloons once they end up in nature, particularly for marine life and birds.

—“—

The Bioloon is 100 percent biodegradable.

A 2019 study by the University of Tasmania, published in Scientific Reports, found balloons were “the highest-risk plastic debris item” for seabirds, carrying a mortality risk 32 times higher than ingesting hard plastics.

Imperial College’s department of chemical engineering estimates that between 20 and 25 billion balloons are purchased worldwide every year.

Cumming spent three years developing her formula.

The starting point is the same as for an ordinary balloon: natural latex derived from the sap of the rubber tree, native to the Amazon, and has changed little since the balloon was invented in 1824.

“In order to turn the natural latex into something that we refer to as rubber it goes through this process called sulphur

L

ET us treat the recent Zamboanga tragedy, where two students died and nine others were wounded, as an act of terrorism, and let the authorities act forthwith.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida correctly identified the chilling reality behind the tragedy at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University: a school shooting broadcasted with a bodyworn camera carries the undeniable fingerprints of terror.

Terrorism is not defined by conventional affiliation or roadside bombs.

At its core, an act of terror relies on specific elements: executing grave violence designed to intentionally create a state of profound panic, coerce behavior, or sow widespread fear within the general public.

When a minor opens fire inside a sanctuary of learning while livestreaming the carnage, the objective extends far beyond a localized personal grievance.

It forces an entire nation into a state of psychological hostage, satisfying the core criteria of violent extremism.

But recognizing these alarming contours in public statements is only a starting point.

Secretary Vida and law enforce-

ManilaStandard

ONLINE

PPI

Philippine Press Institute The National Association of Philippine Newspapers

—“—

Justice demands handcuffs, indictments, and the complete dismantling of the online conduits poisoning our youth.

But identifying these dark realities in front of a microphone is only the bare minimum.

Condemnation and speculative briefings from officials are not enough to bring justice or deter future atrocities.

The Department of Justice and law enforcement agencies must swiftly transition from rhetoric to concrete

THE Department of Foreign Affairs delivered a masterclass in diplomatic misdirection on Tuesday, August 11, insisting that its secret Provisional Understanding with China preserves every Philippine right, surrenders nothing, and has shepherded 15 resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre without incident. This is either the most elegant statecraft since the Peace of Westphalia, or a slow-motion constitutional heist dressed in diplomatic pieties. The public is asked to guess which.

Let us begin where all serious inquiries must: with the text nobody has read.

The DFA describes a simple operational protocol—schedules, radio channels, a mutual agreement not to ram each other’s boats. China’s Ambassador Jing Quan describes something rather more expansive: a document whose “spirit” prohibits Philippine construction, mandates prior notification, and transforms Chinese Coast Guard baton strikes into righteous enforcement. On July 20, two Filipino sailors learned the difference when Chinese personnel introduced wooden clubs to Philippine skulls. The DFA called it a violation. Beijing called it a consequence of Philippine violations. These are two nations operating from entirely different documents while insisting they are reading the same page.

The structural rot runs deeper. DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro confirms the Understanding exists and was approved at the highest levels. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. says he knows of no such agreement. The Cabinet official constitutionally responsible for the armed forces conducting these missions claims ignorance of the diplomatic framework governing them.

Either inter-agency coordination is a Potemkin village, or one of these officials is not being candid. Neither possibility inspires confidence.

But the DFA does have a case. The 2016 Arbitral Award found definitively that Ayungin Shoal lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, that China has no entitlement, and that Beijing’s obstruction of Philippine resupply missions violated international law. The DFA argues that a provisional arrangement facilitating those exact missions cannot logically undermine the Award it

implements. Fifteen incident-free rotations stand as evidence the mechanism has kept Filipino sailors alive. UNCLOS contemplates provisional arrangements.

The Supreme Court’s Saguisag doctrine recognizes executive agreements implementing existing treaty obligations without Senate concurrence.

This argument is elegant, coherent, and entirely dependent on a factual premise the DFA refuses to verify: that the document says what they claim.

And here the DFA commits its cardinal error. It has ceded to Beijing an effective veto over Philippine domestic transparency. The text remains secret, the DFA explains, because both governments must consent before publication. Read that again. The Republic of the Philippines—whose Constitution enshrines the people’s right to information, whose Senate has filed two resolutions demanding disclosure—must now ask China’s permission to show its own citizens what its own government agreed to. If this is not a sovereignty concession, it is a performance so convincing the distinction has ceased to matter.

What might the hidden text contain?

Ambassador Jing claims Philippine construction breached the Understanding’s “spirit,” implying the letter constrains structural activity on a military outpost within Philippine waters. If accurate—if the Philippines promised not to repair the Sierra Madre without Chinese acquiescence—then the DFA has not negotiated procedures for exercising rights. It has negotiated limits on them. An executive agreement restricting maintenance of a military installation does not implement UNCLOS; it amends the practical content of Philippine sovereignty. That requires Senate concurrence under Article VII, Section

21. That requires something other than a spokesman’s reassurance.

Justice Antonio Carpio has called the arrangement “dumber than dumb” and an impeachable betrayal of public trust. His impeachment threat is constitutionally foreclosed—the one-year bar triggered by the House’s dismissal of complaints in January 2026 runs until approximately January 2027—but his core insight cannot be dismissed as theater. An adjudicated right, finally settled by international tribunal, needs no bilateral management. The 2016 Award did not say the Philippines may resupply its outpost contingent upon Beijing’s good graces. Entering any arrangement that treats this settled conclusion as open for negotiation implicitly resurrects the controversy the Tribunal laid to rest.

The strategic danger is not formal surrender but procedural erosion—what international lawyers call acquiescence and everyone else recognizes as the slow-motion normalization of Chinese jurisdiction. Today, an “exchange of information.” Tomorrow, prior notification. The day after, Beijing invokes the Understanding’s “spirit” to demand consultation on all activities. This is the precise arc of gray-zone expansion China has perfected across the South China Sea. What is to be done? Keep the mechanism that has reduced dangerous encounters, but subject it to the constitutional stress test it has evaded. Publish the text—or at minimum, deliver a sanitized summary to the Senate answering what matters: Does China have a veto?

Is construction restricted? Is notification permission? Clarify that information exchange is not authorization. Maintain redundant resupply capabilities so no single diplomatic failure can starve a Philippine garrison. Reaffirm the 2016 Award as non-negotiable baseline.

The Marcos administration must answer one question: Did we negotiate procedures for exercising our rights, or limits on them? The DFA has a defense, but not yet a complete case. In a republic where sovereignty resides in the people, the burden of proof rests on those who would keep the evidence hidden. Show us the text. Nothing less will do.

vulcanization,” she explained.

That involves adding “sulphur accelerators, antioxidants, and activators into the material” which “prevents the biodegradation of balloons” and also leaks “toxic chemicals into the environment.”

Gloves, condoms and clothing It was this stage of the manufacturing process which became the focus of Cumming’s research. “Our balloon is still made with natural latex, but we

blend it with another biodegradable polymer and we don’t add any of these additives that are used in traditional balloons,” she said.

“So this retains the biodegradability,” she added, declining to reveal further details of the patented process.

According to the creators, the Bioloon breaks down regardless of where it ends up.

The researchers “tested it in soil, seawater and deionised water. It degraded

in all of those conditions ... and we estimate that it would biodegrade within about nine months,” she said.

Importantly for all those planning a shindig, the balloon inflates as easily as a conventional one.

For Melia, the technology’s potential extends far beyond party decorations, and could be adapted for everyday and medical products, including household gloves, surgical gloves, latex clothing and condoms. AFP

—“—

Or, how to surrender sovereignty without actually signing anything

Board Member & Chief Legal Adviser

Emil P. Jurado+ Chairman Emeritus, Editorial Board

ROLANDO G. ESTABILLO Publisher

can be accessed at: manilastandard.net

MEMBER

ment agencies have pointed to disturbing leads regarding online “mentors” and hidden group chats who allegedly manipulate vulnerable minors, grooming them to execute horrific acts and seek virtual validation.

police action.

Justice demands handcuffs, indictments, and the complete dismantling of the online conduits poisoning our youth.

Investigators must unmask and track down the adult handlers, online recruiters, and radicalizers who use gaming platforms and chat rooms to exploit young minds.

If these hidden mentors or negligent firearm owners -- such as those who carelessly allowed a minor access to weapons -- contributed legally to the tragedy, they must be charged.

Warrants must be served and suspects brought before courts to face criminal culpability.

The public does not need more cautious statements or prolonged deliberation on the limits of online speech while shadows groom our children for slaughter.

Acknowledging that terrorism has infiltrated our classrooms requires a wartime footing from our justice system.

Authorities must prove their competence not through press conferences, but by locking up every single individual who bears legal liability for this bloodshed.

The time to hunt down the architects of this terror is now.

The Ayungin paradox

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

Beyond rhetoric

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NZ bans social media for under-16s W

EU releases new $7.1 billion aid boost for Ukraine

ELLINGTON – New Zealand’s government introduced legislation on Monday to ban under 16s from using social media, joining a number of countries seeking to keep youngsters off sites such as Instagram and TikTok.

BRUSSELS – The European Union said Monday that it had released another 6.1 billion euros ($7.1 billion) in military aid for Ukraine to boost its air defenses against Russian missile attacks.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced the move ahead of talks on Monday between Ukraine and its allies on stepping up military support.

“On Ukraine’s Independence Day, we show our unfaltering support. Today, we approved €6.1 billion for the air and missile defense systems, missiles, ammunition and radars that Ukraine urgently needs,” von der Leyen said on X. “With 376 missile strikes recorded in July alone, reinforcing Ukraine’s defenses has become increasingly urgent,” the EU commission said in a separate statement.

The finance is part of a 90 billion-euro loan, including 60 billion euros in military aid, that the EU has said will go to Ukraine.

Some 16 billion euros has already been allocated and 8.5 billion euros sent to Kyiv.

Ukraine is desperate to secure more missile interceptors, particularly Patriot air defense systems, to fight off Russian attacks on its cities. AFP

Australia implemented world-first legislation banning children from social media in December, with the UK, France and others following suit.

Under New Zealand’s proposed law, firms like Meta could be fined up to 10 percent of their global revenue if they fail to comply.

“We simply cannot accept the harm being done to a generation of New Zealand children,” Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said.

“One in three children aged between 13 and 17 are now spending at least five hours on social media a day,” he said.

“Social media is exposing them to harmful content, addictive technology and pressures they are not equipped to deal with, and it’s affecting their family life, mental health, sleep and education.”

Luxon specifically called out platforms Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook, saying they would be required to take “reasonable steps to check users are over the age of 16.”

REAL-LIFE HERO. Indonesian student Rudiansyah (right) dressed in a Superman costume helps to They would have to use “existing acextinguish a forest and land fire at Petuk Katimpun in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan. AFP count information, facial age estimation, CYAN digital ID services and formal ID” to Manila verify age.

Standard Platforms would also be required to asTODAY Manila sess the risks they pose as well as report Standard on how those dangers are being reduced, TODAY with penalties slapped on companies that fail to comply.

Education Minister Erica Stanford TEHRAN – Oman’s foreign minister will travel Career Opportunities in COLAS RAIL PHILIPPINES, INC. said the Bill “places legal obligations on to Iran on Tuesday, Iran’s foreign ministry said, Project Tools & Data Integration Specialist platforms.” as Tehran and Muscat seek a way to regulate the Vice President (for Procurement) “No penalties are proposed for chilpassage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

JOB DESCRIPTION dren, their parents or caregivers,” StanBadr al-Busaidi will hold the “ongoing politi● Manages and integrates project management tools, systems, and data to ensure accurate, accessible, and ford said. cal consultations between the two sides, as two consistent information across teams. This role includes system configuration, data integration, reporting/ It’s unclear whether the bill will pass, littoral states of the Strait of Hormuz, to help dashboard development, data quality management, and user support to improve project visibility and efficiency. as both National Party’s coalition partstrengthen peace and security in the region,” QUALIFICATION: ners – the libertarian ACT party and popIran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil • Bachelor degree in engineering, construction management, transportation or a related field. ulist NZ First -- have said they oppose it.

Baqaei said in a statement on Monday.

• 3–5 years of experience in railway operations, construction, training development, or a related role.

In a statement, the populist NZ First • Strong knowledge of project coordination, documentation, and compliance procedures.

“The visit is aimed at strengthening Iransaid they could not support the law given Oman bilateral cooperation and al-Busaidi will Application may be sent to the “colossal failure” of the legislation in meet with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghcolasrail.philippines@colasrail.com Australia, while ACT said they believed chi to discuss bilateral and regional issues,” the law “won’t work” and that teenagers Name of foreign national intending Baqaei added.

Company/ Employer to apply for the position would easily get around the ban.

Iran has exerted control over Hormuz, a key Company Name: Colas Rail Philippines, Inc. Name: Keith Zeba Malcom Thibault Traore The main opposition party Labor has waterway for oil and gas shipping, since the outComplete Address: Level 6 Ayala Triangle Gardens Address: Makati City submitted a list of dozens of questions it break of the war in the Middle East on February Tower 2, Paseo De Roxas cor. Makati Avenue Bel-Air Nationality: French wanted answered before deciding wheth28. It requires vessels to obtain permission and 1209 City of Makati NCR, Fourth District Philippines Intended Period of Employment: Two (2) Years Nature Of Business: Construction of roads, er it would offer support – including how pay transit fees before using the waterway. highways, bridges and railways. age verification will work and which The United States wants the strait to return to COLAS RAIL PHILIPPINES, INC. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, platforms will be affected. its pre-war system of free navigation, while US NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC willing and qualifi ed to perform the services and job description for this position. The company “We take this legislation very seriousPresident Donald Trump claims Washington has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the estate of the Department of Labor and Employment – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, ly,” spokesman Reuben BLACK Davidson said. “has total control” over Hormuz, through which CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW Lucena Santos Alas, who Died intestate on 06 Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002, Philippines.

“The safety of young people in around one fifth of the world’s oil and LNG exFebruary 2022, Leaving a parcel of land with AnyManila Filipino jobseeker who is competent, able and willing to perform the services for which the foreign Aotearoa New Zealand is at stake and the ports passed before the war.

Improvements situated at Blk.5,lot.12,MCP. national is intended to be hired for, may fi le an objection at Department of Labor and Employment – Standard risks they face in increasingly complex Iran and Oman have been in talks to establish DepartmentTODAY of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Building, Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, HOA,INC.,Pinkian central,Brgy.Pasong Tamo Manila, 1002, Philippines after this publication. Please inform the Department of Labor and Employment – online environments are significant,” he a new route through the strait, the only entrance Quezon City, under Social Housing Finance NCR, if you have any information on criminal off enses committed by the foreign national. added, using the Maori-language name Corporation with Account Number 31405940070; to the Gulf and which separates their two counhas Been Adjudicated by her heirs Under an for the country. tries, but a deal has not yet been finalized.

EXTRA JUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Australia banned under 16s last year Tehran, however, says even if the talks bear WITH WAIVER OF RIGHTS, Entered as Doc. from the likes of Facebook, Instagram fruit, that would not on its own open the waterNo.225, Page No.45, Book No.191 Series of 2026 and TikTok, in a crackdown designed to way unless the US meets Iran’s broader demands in Notarial Register of Notary Public Atty. Kathryn protect children from online bullying and including the lifting of its blockade on Iranian T. Elemen of Quezon City (MS-JULY 24/31/AUG. 7, 2026) “predatory algorithms.” AFP ports. AFP

Oman top diplomat to visit Iran to discuss Hormuz Strait rules Career Opportunity in Sino-Philippine New Environmental Construction Building Material (SPNECBMI) Inc.

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2.

3.

Management capacity to handle procuring, negotiating, coordinating, and executing logistics of large-scale supply and fulfillment of building materials; Reporting information of importance between Company, Suppliers, Partners & Investors; Assuring the exchange of information, verbally and through written documents is accurate to reflect mutual interests, specializing in procurement;

QUALIFICATION :

    

Male or Female At least High School Graduate Fluent in Chinese (Mandarin) Language written and spoken With or Without Experience Chinese National is Advantage

Applications may be sent to : Jemimah Guipit spnecbmi@yahoo.com

Company/Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Sino-Philippine New Environmental Construction Building Materials (SPNECBMI) Inc. G/F LPL Center 130 L.P Leviste St. Brgy. Bel Air Makati City 1209 Construction

Erbin Dong Unit 3205, 2201 Residences, Roxas Boulevard, Brgy 13 Pasay City, Philippines 1300 Chinese Three (3) years

Sino-Philippine New Environmental Construction Building Materials (SPNECBMI) Inc. Hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able , willing , and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position . The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region Located at 967 Maligaya Street, Malate, Manila

Career Opportunity in PIC Philippines, Inc.

Position title: SR SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER

Vacancy (1)

Job Description:    

Responsible for contractual obligations of PIC and partners.

Responsible for budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Develop and manage a standardized supply chain strategy that optimizes costs, bio-security, and product quality of boars, gilts, and semen to meet PIC’s customer needs and align with the operating company’s objectives/strategies.

Ensure proper inventory management, reporting and projections are accurate to facilitate sales.

IN BRIEF

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

University or Advanced Degree in Agriculture or Business Related Field Minimum three years’ experience in a Managerial Level Role, with strong understanding of PIC live production and system management, proven ability in supplier and key account management

Applications may be sent to: Name of Company HR: Karen Castroverde Email address: Karen.Castroverde@genusplc.com Company/ Employer

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position

Company Name:

Name: Emiliano Hidalgo Casanueva

PIC Philippines, Inc.

Address: Citadines Millenium Ortigas, 11 Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center

Complete address:

Pasig Metro Manila Philippines 1605

Unit 2101-2103 & 2203, Jollibee Plaza Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center Pasig City

Nationality: American Intended period of employment: Three (3) years

Nature of business: a corporation primarily engage in and carry on the business of purchasing, importing, marketing, reselling, trading or otherwise dealing with farmers/hog raisers and other agricultural organizations or entity (on wholesale basis only); including but not limited to contract production of breeders/breeding stocks applying appropriate emerging biotechnology and/or techniques; provided hog raisers and breeders and other agricultural organizations or entities with professionally organized and consistent delivery of high quality breeding stock using a systematic programme of genetic improvement; transfer of technological expertise to the Philippine service industry; provide technical supervision of contracted production farms; provide marketing and service of advanced computer software to better enable Filipino farmers and hog raisers to realize the genetic potential of breeders and costeffective management of production; provide support to the corporations affiliates in the Asian region including but not limited to financial accounting and staff training; and generally to perform any and all acts connected with the business aforementioned or arising therefrom or incidental thereto.

PIC Philippines, Inc. hereby declares that the above-named foreign national is able, willing, and qualified to perform the services and job description for this position. The company has the intention to employ the said foreign national and apply for an Alien Employment Permit with the Bureau of Local Employment located at 6F First Intramuros BF Condominium, Solana St. cor. A. Soriano Ave., Intramuros, Manila.

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

Career Opportunity in PMI Business Solutions (Philippines) Inc. Position Title: Supply Chain Customer & Consu Executive

• •

Job Description: •

Provide operational support for warehousing and transportation activities, including routine tasks, ad hoc requests, and control/reporting functions • Manage inventory and transportation data through accurate tracking files and dashboards Error! No document variable supplied.

• Oversee warehouse operations such as stock management, Loss on Goods Damaged (LOGD) reporting, and import coordination • Monitor and track shipments, plan routes, and manage system transactions, including month-end shipments and budget tracking • Create impactful PowerPoint presentations and Power BI dashboards for weekly and monthly operational meetings • Analyze forecasted volumes by brand, account, and channel segment, and compare against historical and actual volumes Company/ Employer Company Name: PMI Business Solutions (Philippines) Inc. Complete Address: 15/F and 16/F, 8 Rockwell, Hidalgo Drive, Rockwell Center, 1210 Makati City Nature Of Business: Manufacturing

•

Troubleshoot and resolve process issues with quick workarounds Document processes and conduct knowledge transfers during service migrations and onboarding of new affiliates Participate in system improvement initiatives and act as a key user in testing and project implementation

Qualification (Education, Experience, Professional License, Skills 1 Certification, Specialized Training): • 2-3 years of experience in supply chain, procurement, finance, or commercial functions • University or postgraduate degree in a relevant field • Proven knowledge of supply chain processes and FMCG dynamics Applications may be sent to: joan.munoz@pmi.com

Name of foreign national intending to apply for the position Name: Iveta Trakhimchyk Address: Makati City Nationality: Belarusian Intended Period of Employment: Three (3) Years

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

INVITATION TO APPLY FOR ELIGIBILITY AND TO BID The ILOCOS NORTE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (INEC) through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) is inviting all interested manufacturers, and distributors of goods to apply for and bid for the following: Bid No.

Name of Project (Brief Description)

ABC

Source of Fund

Completion Period

Accreditation Fee (valid for 1 year)

NonRefundable Fees/Bid documents

BAC202026

CONSTRUCTION OF INEC Area 2 BUILDING

₱33,000,000.00

GF

120 DAYS Upon receipt of Notice to Proceed

₱10,000.00

₱25,000.00

BAC212026

INSTALLATION OF 393.7KW SOLAR ROOFTOP PV SYSTEM IN INEC MAIN OFFICE BUILDING

₱38,438,190.00

GF

120 DAYS Upon receipt of Notice to Proceed

₱10,000.00

₱25,000.00

Prospective Bidders should have completed a similar contract, and have key personnel and equipment available for the execution of the contract. The Eligibility Check/ Screening, as well as the Preliminary Examination of Bids, shall use non-discretionary “pass/ fail” criteria. Post-qualification of the Lowest Calculated Bid (LCB) shall be conducted. All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of the NEA Procurement Guidelines and Simplified Bidding Procedures for Electric Cooperatives.

To complete schedule of activities is listed, as follows: Procurement Activity

Date

Conditions/Remarks

Advertisement/Posting of Invitation to Bid

August 25, 2026

Start of Availability of Bidding Documents

Pre-Bid Conference

September 01, 2026

10:00 AM at INEC Training Room, Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte

Deadline of Submission and Receipt of Bids, and Bid Opening

September 14, 2026

10:00 AM at INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte

Bid Evaluation & Post Qualification

September 15- 16, 2026

INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte

Issuance of Notice of Award

To be announced

To be announced

Interested bidders may obtain further information from INEC through the BAC and its Secretariat located in INEC Main Office, Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte.

INEC reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders.

For further information, please refer to: THE INEC BAC SECRETARIAT Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) Brgy. Suyo, Dingras, Ilocos Norte Email : bidsawardc@gmail.com (Lorena T. Bungcayao) Contact Nos. : (077) 600-46-32 loc. 1101; 09608179844 (077) 600-46-32 loc. 1301; 09611003849 (Sgd.) ENGR. ALBERTO C. ACERET BAC Chairman Noted by: (Sgd.) MR. CIPRIANO E. MARTINEZ III General Manager

Russia says Ukrainian drone strike kills two children MOSCOW — Debris from a Ukrainian drone attack fell onto a childcare facility in southern Russia, killing two youngsters and wounding nine others, Russian regional authorities said early Monday.

The latest attacks came as Ukraine prepared to mark the 35th anniversary of its independence and to host a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, to be attended by leaders of its European allies.

“Drone debris fell on a private children’s center in Krasnodar. Sadly, two children were killed,” Krasnodar regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev said in a Telegram message.

Seven other children and two adults were wounded, he added.

Kondratyev also said a fire broke out at a warehouse after a drone fell on it.

Russian e-commerce giant Ozon said on Monday that a “major fire” was burning at one of its logistic centers in Krasnodar after a drone attack, adding there were no casualties.

Kyiv’s attacks on Russian warehouses – typically easier to reach than heavily defended military installations – have already delivered economic losses worth billions of dollars. AFP

Japan lawmakers visit China seeking to patch up ties TOKYO – A delegation of Japanese lawmakers left for China on Monday seeking to patch up ties in the wake of comments about Taiwan by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that angered Beijing.

Takaichi suggested in November that Japan could intervene militarily in any conflict over Taiwan, which Beijing insists is part of its territory.

China warned its citizens against travel to Japan and imposed trade restrictions that have reportedly led to big drops in supplies of rare earth minerals to Japanese firms.

The delegation comprises a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and two opposition lawmakers, all from a crossparty group that seeks to foster ties with China.

They were expected to meet with senior officials of the Chinese Communist Party, Japanese media reported, in the first such exchange since Takaichi’s comments.

“In a situation where everything is currently cut off, I would like to make this an opportunity to somehow grasp an opportunity of dialogue,” said delegation member and lower house MP Shinichi Isa, who is also public communications chief for the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance. AFP

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

term of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA, including the period of operation of the Power Plant prior to the issuance by the ERC of the COC or PAO therefor; and

35. Pursuant thereto, applicant ISLA DAGYAB prays that information contained in the documents enumerated below be treated as CONFIDENTIAL and that the same be continuously protected from public disclosure, except to the officers and staff of the Honorable Commission (collectively referred to as “Confidential Documents”):

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Pasig City

2. Applicant ISLA DAGYAB is a corporation duly organized and existing under and by the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address at 9th Floor, Oakridge IT Center 3, Oakridge Business Park, A.S. Fortuna Street, Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines.

For purposes of this Joint Application, applicant ISLA DAGYAB is represented by its Authorized Representative, MR. ERICKSON B. OMAMALIN, duly authorized for the purpose by virtue of the Secretary’s Certificate dated 11 June 2026.2

IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT (EPSA) ENTERED INTO BY AND BETWEEN FIRST CATANDUANES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND ISLA DAGYAB ENERGY CORPORATION, WITH PRAYER FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION

3. Applicants may be served with the Honorable Commission’s orders, notices, and other processes through their respective undersigned counsels at the addresses indicated herein.

NATURE OF THE APPLICATION

ERC CASE NO. 2026-112 RC FIRST CATANDUANES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND ISLA DAGYAB ENERGY CORPORATION

August 11, 2026

Applicants. x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - x NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: Notice is hereby given that on 05 August 2026, First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) and Isla Dagyab Energy Corporation (ISLA DAGYAB) filed a Joint Application, dated 08 July 2026, seeking the Commission’s approval of their Emergency Power Supply Agreement (EPSA), with prayer for confidential treatment of information.

4. The instant Joint Application for the approval of the Emergency Power Supply Agreement (“EPSA”) entered into by and between the Applicants dated 29 May 2026 (the “FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA”) is being submitted to the Honorable Commission for its review and approval pursuant to Sections 25 3 and 45(b) 4 of Republic Act (“RA”) No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (the “EPIRA”), Rule 20(B) of the Honorable Commission’s Resolution No. 01, Series of 2021 5 (the “ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure”), the Department of Energy (“DOE”) Department Circular No. DC2023-06-0021,6 as amended and supplemented by DOE Department Circular No. DC2025-100022,7 (the “DOE CSP Policy”), and the Honorable Commission’s Resolution No. 7, Series of 2026 (the “ERC CSP Guidelines”).

5. In compliance with Section 2, Rule 6 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure, a copy of the instant Joint Application (with all its annexes and accompanying documents, except those subject of a motion for confidential treatment of information) shall be furnished to the following 8 offices: 2 See Annex “P” of the Joint Application.

3

4 5 6

The docketed copy of the Joint Application, excluding its annexes, is attached as Annex “A” hereof.

7

ERC CASE NO. 2026-112 RC NOTICE VIRTUALhas HEARING The OF Commission set the instant Joint Application for PAGE 2pursuant OF 4 to the pertinent rules of the Commission, as follows: hearing, Date and Time 15 September 2026 (Tuesday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.) 22 September 2026 (Tuesday) at two o’clock in the afternoon (2:00 P.M.)

Platform

Microsoft Teams

ALLEGATION ON TIMELINESS

Pre-Trial Conference and Presentation of Evidence

Any interested stakeholder may submit its comments and/or clarifications at least one (1) calendar day prior to the scheduled initial virtual hearing, via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph. The Commission shall give priority to the stakeholders who have duly submitted their respective comments and/or clarifications, to discuss the same and propound questions during the course of the expository presentation.

Moreover, any person who has an interest in the subject matter of the instant case may become a party by filing with the Commission via e-mail at docket@erc.ph, and copy furnishing the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, a verified Petition to Intervene at least five (5) calendar days prior to the date of the initial virtual hearing. The verified Petition to Intervene must follow the requirements under Rule 9 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure, indicating therein the docket number and title of the case, and state the following: The petitioner’s name, mailing address, and e-mail address;

ERC CASE NO. 2026-112 RC 2) The nature of petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING the proceeding and the way and manner in which such PAGE 3 OF 4 interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceeding; and 3)

A statement of the relief desired.

Likewise, all other persons who may want their views known to the Commission with respect to the subject matter of the case may file through e-mail at docket@erc.ph, and copy furnish the Legal Service through legal@erc.ph, their Opposition or Comment thereon at least five (5) calendar days prior to the initial virtual hearing. Rule 9 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure shall govern. No ERC CASEform NO. of 2026-112 RC or Comment is required, but the particular Opposition NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING document, letter, or writing should contain the following: PAGE 4 OF 4 1) Theallname, mailingpersons address, address of the Finally, interested mayandbee-mail allowed to join the person;hearings by providing the Commission, through scheduled virtual legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph, their respective e-mail addresses and indicating thestatement case number the instantorJoint Application.

2) therein A concise of theofOpposition Comment; and The Commission will send the access link/s to the aforementioned hearing platform within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled 3) The grounds relied upon. hearings.

All interestedthe parties filingChairperson their Petition to Intervene, WITNESS, Honorable and Chief Executive Opposition or Comment are required C. to submit hardthe copies thereof Officer FRANCIS SATURNINO JUAN,theand Honorable through personal service, registered mail or ordinary mail/private Commissioners FLORESINDA G. BALDO-DIGAL, MARKO ERC CASE 2026-112 RC days courier, within five (5) working from the dateand thatPARIS the same ROMEO L. NO. FUENTES, AMANTE A. LIBERATO G. NOTICE OF VIRTUAL HEARING were electronically submitted, as reflected the acknowledgement REAL, Energy Regulatory Commission, PasiginCity.

PAGE e-mail 4 OF 4sent by the Commission. receipt Finally, all interested persons may be allowed to join the scheduled virtual hearings by providing FOR ANDthe BYCommission, AUTHORITY through legal.virtualhearings@erc.ph, their OF respective e-mail addresses and THE COMMISSION: indicating therein the case number of the instant Joint Application.

The Commission will send the access link/s to the aforementioned hearing platform within five (5) working days prior to the scheduled (This space ATTY. is intentionally blank.) C. GINES1 hearings.

MARIAleft CORAZON Director III, Legal Service WITNESS, the Honorable Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer FRANCIS SATURNINO C. JUAN, and the Honorable Commissioners FLORESINDA G. BALDO-DIGAL, MARKO ROMEO L. FUENTES, AMANTE A. LIBERATO and PARIS G. REAL, Energy Regulatory Commission, Pasig City.

LS: LBB/RCD

FOR AND BY AUTHORITY OF THE COMMISSION:

ATTY. MARIA CORAZON C. GINES1 Director III, Legal Service

STATEMENT OF FACTS 8. Applicant FICELCO as an off-grid electric cooperative is wholly dependent on generation facilities provided, installed, and operated by qualified generation companies within the Franchise Area.

9. Applicant FICELCO previously entered into an EPSA with Sunwest Water & Electric Co., Inc. (“SUWECO”) on 16 May 2025 for a capacity of 5MW (the “FICELCO-SUWECO EPSA”) to address its power requirements pending the completion of its Competitive Selection Process (“CSP”) for a long-term power supply agreement.

10. The FICELCO–SUWECO EPSA served as an additional source of 8 power for applicant FICELCO May 2025 to May 2026. This supplemental See Annex “Q” and series of the Jointfrom Application.

9 See Annex supply was“R”onof the topJointofApplication. the existing 7.975 MW already being provided by SUWECO’s hydro and diesel power plants under their Power Supply3 Agreements (“PSAs”). During the same period, the National Power Corporation (“NPC”) likewise delivered interim supply to FICELCO through its hydro power plant, with a contracted capacity of 1.6 MW. 11. On 21 October 2025, the National Electrification Administration (“NEA”) issued the Certificate of Conformity, certifying that applicant FICELCO’s CSP is consistent with its latest posted 2025 – 2034 Power Supply Procurement Plan (“PSPP”). The NEA, on even date, issued the Notice to Commence in connection with applicant FICELCO’s CSP for the procurement of 16 to 24 MW power supply with a cooperation period of fifteen (15) years.

12. Thereafter, applicant FICELCO commenced the conduct of its CSP, including publications of its Invitation to Bid, issuance of LetterInvitations to CSP observers, conducting its Pre-bid Conference, and the issuance of Supplemental Bid Bulletins.

13. Applicant FICELCO in the course of its above-described CSP deemed it more advantageous to its Member-Consumer-Owners (“MCO”) to revise the said CSP’s Terms of Reference (“TOR”) through the issuance of a Special Bid Bulletin.

14. On 11 December 2025, applicant FICELCO received the NEA’s Letter dated 11 December 2025, advising applicant FICELCO of the possible regulatory hurdles due to the revision of the CSP’s TOR. 10 The NEA then instructed applicant FICELCO to either revert back to the original TOR, or terminate the CSP and republish the revised TOR instead. Applicant FICELCO chose the latter.

15. Acting in accordance with NEA’s guidance, applicant FICELCO terminated the CSP on 17 December 2025 in order to republish the revised TOR. 11 On 23 December 2025, applicant FICELCO submitted a revised TOR for the conduct of a new CSP to the NEA for its review and approval. In the months that followed, applicant FICELCO actively coordinated with both the NPC and the NEA toward finalizing its CSP documents and commencing the conduct of its CSP. As of date, the CSP documents remain pending approval.

16. Meanwhile, the FICELCO-SUWECO ESPA expired on 15 May 2026.

Further, the 10 See Annex “U” of the Jointprevailing Application. dry season has significantly reduced water 11 See Annex “V” area, of the Joint Application. levels in the resulting in the non-operation or substantially diminished output of available hydropower facilities which supply power to applicant4 FICELCO’s Franchise Area. This, coupled with the pending completion of applicant FICELCO’s CSP and the anticipated rise in demand, has led to a supply deficiency that has caused, and continues to cause, rotational power interruptions and prolonged outages within FICELCO’s Franchise Area.

17. Hence, on 23 April 2026, applicant FICELCO, through public posting in the official websites of applicant FICELCO and the NEA,12 solicited proposals for emergency power supply from generation companies, eventually resulting in the negotiation and execution of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA subject of the instant Joint Application.

12

112 RC ERC CASE NO. 2026-_____ FIRST CATANDUANES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND ISLA DAGYAB ENERGY CORPORATION,

August 05, 2026

Joint Applicants. x-------------------------x JOINT APPLICATION (With Prayer for Confidential Treatment of Information) Applicants FIRST CATANDUANES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. (“FICELCO”) and ISLA DAGYAB ENERGY CORPORATION (“ISLA DAGYAB”) (collectively, the “Applicants”), through the undersigned counsels and unto the Honorable Commission, most respectfully state that: 1. Applicant FICELCO is a non-stock, non-profit Electric Cooperative (“EC”) duly organized and existing by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 269, as amended, with principal office address at Marinawa, Bato, Catanduanes. Applicant FICELCO serves the power requirements of the municipalities of Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, San Andres, San Miguel, Viga, and Virac, all in the province of Catanduanes (collectively, the “Franchise Area”). For purposes of this Joint Application, applicant FICELCO is represented herein by its General Manager, ENGR. FRANCIS A. GIANAN, duly authorized by virtue of Executive Committee Resolution No. 17, series of 2026.1 1

1

It shall not be terminated prior to the end of the term, except: (a) by mutual written agreement by the Parties, (b) upon commencement of commercial operations of the long-term power supply agreement procured through a competitive selection process, (c) disapproval of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA by the ERC, or (d) approval by the ERC of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA but with a Total Cost Generation Rate (“TCGR”) that is not viable to applicant ISLA DAGYAB, whichever comes first.

28.3. Outage Allowance: Applicant ISLA DAGYAB shall be allowed scheduled outage allowance of 584 hours per unit and

See Annex “S” of the Joint Application.

21. Further, in the case of Awayan vs. Sulu Resources Development Corporation, G.R. No. 200474, 9 November 2020, the Supreme Court has held that in order for force majeure to apply, the subject event must not be from any neglect to act from the claiming party.

22. It must be emphasized that the circumstances which necessitated the execution of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA, namely -- the expiration of the FICELCO-SUWECO EPSA, the pending approval, conduct, and conclusion of applicant FICELCO’s CSP, the anticipated rise in demand, and the prevailing dry season which has significantly reduced water levels in the area resulting in the non-operation or substantially diminished output of available hydropower facilities -- were independent of the will of, and not attributable to any negligence on the part of applicant FICELCO. Further, the pendency of the CSP cannot be attributed to any inaction on the part of applicant FICELCO, which, as earlier shown, had timely commenced and continuously pursued the long-term procurement process in accordance with applicable regulatory and procedural requirements. In fact, less than a week after terminating the CSP pursuant to the NEA’s guidance, applicant FICELCO submitted its revised TOR and other CSP documents to the NEA for review and approval, thereby demonstrating its continued diligence in pursuing the long-term procurement process.

23. It likewise bears stressing that despite applicant FICELCO’s diligent efforts to secure additional power supply to meet the demands of its Franchise Area through the conduct of a CSP, the same is still pending due to circumstances beyond its control.

23.1 Notably, applicant FICELCO commenced preparations and undertook efforts to conduct its CSP for its

8

28.5. Fees: For each Billing Period commencing on Delivery Date, applicant ISLA DAGYAB shall bill, and applicant FICELCO shall pay the Total Cost Generation Rate (“TCGR”) with the following components:

These components shall be applied as follows: a. Fixed Rate shall be billed based on actual energy delivered or Guaranteed Energy, whichever is higher. b. Variable Rate will be billed based on actual energy delivered. c. During testing and commissioning period, applicant ISLA DAGYAB shall bill applicant FICELCO for VOM and Fuel Fee, and subject to UC-ME Subsidy.

29. Estimated Rate Impact. In the absence of the FICELCO–ISLA DAGYAB EPSA, applicant FICELCO is expected to incur an average capacity shortfall of approximately eight (8) MW within its franchise area, thereby jeopardizing its ability to maintain an adequate and reliable supply of electricity to its captive consumers. The estimated average rate impact on applicant FICELCO's blended generation rate (PhP/kWh), comparing scenarios with and without the additional supply to be provided by applicant ISLA DAGYAB, is shown below:

Deficit in

9

Supply, MW

Rate 7.3401

baseline

8

13.8051

6.4650

0

ISLA DAGYAB EPSA ISLA DAGYAB EPSA 30. Copies of the following documents and/or information are attached to this Joint Application as annexes and made integral parts hereof: Annex “A” “B”

“H” “I” and series “J”

Documents/Information FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA FICELCO Board and Executive Committee Resolutions FICELCO Registration Documents Supply and Demand Scenario, Details of Existing Suppliers, Contract Utilization, Average Daily Load Curve Power Supply Procurement Plan Estimated Rate Impact Analysis FICELCO Affidavit on Force Majeure Event FICELCO Explanation on NonApplicability of Certification on Force Majeure Event FICELCO Letters to DOE, ERC, and NEA ISLA DAGYAB Corporate Documents [CONFIDENTIAL] ISLA DAGYAB Financial Model and Supporting Information ISLA DAGYAB Relevant Technical and Economic Characteristics of the Generation Capacity ISLA DAGYAB Affidavit of Undertaking – COC or PAO

“M-1”

ISLA DAGYAB Undertaking – Agreement

“M-2”

ISLA DILAAB Sworn Statement on Fuel Procurement [CONFIDENTIAL] Sample Billing [CONFIDENTIAL] ISLA DAGYAB Supporting Narrative of the Proposed Rates ISLA DAGYAB Secretary’s Certificate Proof of Service to LGU Offices

“N” “O” “P” “Q” and series “R” “S” “T” “U” “V”

Q w

38. Also, the Confidential Documents were prepared and developed for the exclusive use of applicant ISLA DAGYAB, and are designed for the specific use of the company in its power generation business.

Consequently, should the same be disclosed to the public, they could easily be copied or used by applicant ISLA DAGYAB’s competitors or other entities engaged in the power business for their own benefit, and to the prejudice of applicant ISLA DAGYAB.

17

39. The interest of applicant FICELCO’s MCOs Member-ConsumerOwners (“MCO”) are sufficiently protected by the review and evaluation of the rates under the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA by the Honorable Commission, without the need to disclose the contents of the Confidential Documents.

40. Given the foregoing, the Confidential Documents qualify as “confidential information”, and applicant ISLA DAGYAB respectfully moves for the issuance of a Protective Order to this effect.

ALLEGATIONS RELATIVE TO THE PRAYER FOR ENTITLEMENT TO UNIVERSAL CHARGE FOR MISSIONARY ELECTRIFICATION SUBSIDY

However, for DUs with a single GenCo or provider, the EPSA executed due to a validated force majeure or fortuitous event where the conduct of CSP is not feasible to address an imminent supply shortage, shall qualify for Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (UCME) subsidy. All other conditions under Section 2.3.5 of the 2023 CSP Policy shall still be observed in such EPSA.

45. Prior to the execution of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA, applicant FICELCO was being supplied by a single generation company (namely SUWECO) through various PSAs. Applicant FICELCO is likewise concurrently being supplied by the NPC through several interim PSAs which were necessitated due to emergency circumstances. With the expiration of the FICELCO-SUWECO EPSA, the pending approval, conduct, and conclusion of applicant FICELCO’s CSP, the anticipated rise in demand, and the prevailing dry season which has significantly reduced water levels in the area resulting in the non-operation or substantially diminished output of available hydropower facilities, there was an imminent supply deficiency in applicant FICELCO’s Franchise Area.

46. Such imminent supply deficiency necessitated the immediate procurement of emergency power supply to ensure the continued delivery of electricity to consumers. Given the urgency of the situation, the conduct and completion of applicant FICELCO’s CSP was not feasible to address said supply deficiency and to avert the rotational power interruptions and prolonged outages being experienced by FICELCO’s MCOs.

15 delivered during the Testing and Commissioning period should remain eligible for the applicable UCME subsidy, without prejudice to the Applicants' subsequent compliance with all applicable ERC, DOE, NPC, and other regulatory requirements.

10

Affidavit of Fuel Supply

Affidavit of Publication Public Solicitation of Proposals FICELCO Notice of Award to ISLA DAGYAB NEA Letter dated 11 December 2025 FICELCO Notice of CSP Termination

32. Under Sections 2.3 and 2.3.6 of the DOE CSP Policy, the conduct of a CSP is not required for the negotiated procurement of emergency power supply, and the filing for approval of an emergency power supply agreement with the Honorable Commission does not need any prior clearance or certification from the DOE. 11 33. In compliance with prevailing regulations, the generation component to be charged under the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA, pending the Honorable Commission’s approval of the same, shall be capped at the latest ERC-approved generation tariff for the same technology.

ALLEGATIONS RELATIVE TO THE PRAYER FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION 34. Section 2, Rule 4 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure provides that a party to a proceeding before the Honorable Commission may move for information to be treated as confidential.

35. Pursuant thereto, applicant ISLA DAGYAB prays that information contained in the documents enumerated below be treated as CONFIDENTIAL and that the same be continuously protected from public disclosure, except to the officers and staff of the Honorable Commission (collectively referred to as “Confidential Documents”): Documents/Information [CONFIDENTIAL] ISLA DAGYAB Financial Model and Supporting Information [CONFIDENTIAL] Sample Billing

44. As shown below, the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA satisfies the foregoing requirements. Pursuant thereto, applicant ISLA DAGYAB prays that 14 the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA qualify for the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (“UCME”) subsidy beginning the testing and commissioning of the Power Plant, and continuing throughout the term of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA, including the period where the ERC Certificate of Compliance (“COC”) or Provisional Authority to Operate (“PAO”) for the Power Plant has not yet been issued, subject to applicant ISLA DAGYAB’s subsequent compliance with all applicable DOE, ERC, and other regulatory requirements.

48.

The emergency deployment of the ISLA DAGYAB generating facility was undertaken solely to ensure the continuous, adequate, and reliable supply of electricity within FICELCO's franchise area following the expiration of the previous Emergency Power Supply Agreement. Considering the public interest involved and the urgent need to avoid disruption of electric service to consumers, Applicants respectfully submit that the energy

31. Applicant FICELCO need not undergo a CSP prior to the execution of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA. Moreover, the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA is immediately implementable upon its execution consistent with the prevailing regulations of this Honorable Commission and the DOE.

“N”

w

47. Following the solicitation of proposals and due evaluation, applicant ISLA DAGYAB was determined by applicant FICELCO to be capable of providing the required emergency power supply within the shortest available period and at the least cost reasonably achievable under the circumstances, consistent with the objective of minimizing the impact on its MCOs.

The conduct of a CSP is not required and the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA is immediately implementable

Annex “K” and series

m

a. the EC is served by a single power supplier; b. the EPSA was executed due to a validated force majeure or fortuitous event; c. the conduct of CSP is not feasible to address an imminent supply shortage; and d. the selected power supplier is capable of providing the necessary emergency power supply within the shortest available time and at the least cost to be passed on to consumers.

Light Fuel Oil: 0.2800/li/kWh Lube Oil: 0.0010/li/kWh

Existing PSAs with

O

43. Following the DOE Advisory, an EPSA may qualify for UCME subsidy where:

4.5680 PhP/kWh 1.5257 PhP/kWh Pass-through based on the maximum fuel consumption rate as indicated below or the actual fuel consumption rate, whichever is lower.

Baseline Without

12

The EPSA entitled to UCME shall be entered into by the DU with a GenCo or provider, as determined by the DU, that is capable of providing the necessary emergency power supply in the shortest available time with the least cost to be passed on to consumers, to the exclusion of the existing GenCo or provider found in default of providing the contracted capacity. The default of the existing GenCo or provider resulting in the failure to supply all or a portion of the contracted capacity shall be considered as a force majeure or fortuitous event under the 2023 CSP Policy.” [Emphasis and underlining supplied]

28.4. Billing and Payments: Applicant FICELCO shall pay an invoice not later than fifteen (15) calendar days from receipt thereof by applicant FICELCO. An invoice for the relevant Billing Period shall begin on the 26th day of each month and end on the 25th day of the following month.

Rate Impact

“A trade secret is defined as a plan or process, tool, mechanism, or compound known only to its owner and those of his employees to whom it is necessary to confide it. The definition also extends to a secret formula or process not patented, but known only to certain individuals using it in compounding some article of trade having commercial value. A trade secret may consist of any formula, pattern, device, or compilation of information that (1) is used in one’s business; and (2) gives the employer an opportunity to obtain advantage over competitors who do not possess the information.

Generally, a trade secret is a process or device intended for continuous operation of the business, for example, a machine or formula, but can be a price list or catalogue or specialized customer list. It is indubitable that trade secrets constitute proprietary rights.”

G. R. No. 172835, 13 December 2007.

“EPSAs executed pursuant to Section 2.3.5 of the 2023 CSP Policy shall strictly refer to instances wherein (1) the EPSA was executed due to the DU’s delay or failure to timely conduct a CSP, consistent with its latest Power Supply Procurement Plan (PSPP), and (2) there are multiple Generation Companies (GenCos) in such franchise area.

unscheduled outage allowance of 292 hours per unit for the term of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA. Within the allowable outage allowance period, applicant ISLA DAGYAB is not required to provide replacement power to applicant FICELCO.

Blended

15

42. In line with this, the DOE in its Advisory dated 18 August 2025 (the “DOE Advisory”) clarified the implementation of Section 2.3.5 (now Section 2.3.6) of the DOE CSP Policy, to wit: 13

28.2. Guaranteed Dependable Capacity and Guaranteed Energy: Applicant ISLA DAGYAB shall supply and make available the Guaranteed Dependable Capacity of 8 MW with N-1 (backup) Contingency, with a Guaranteed Energy of 5,409,000 kWh.

Generation

5. In the event that the Honorable Commission approves a TCGR higher than the Interim Rate actually charged to applicant FICELCO, and authorizes the charging of the SAGR to FICELCO, DIRECT the NPC-SPUG to: (i) refund directly to FICELCO the difference between the Interim Rate and the SAGR; and (ii) pay directly to applicant ISLA DAGYAB the difference between the approved TCGR and the Interim Rate, through th U M m m m m m mm m

41. Section 8 of the 2026 ERC CSP Guidelines provides that the procurement of emergency power supply shall not be entitled to any form of subsidy, except as allowed under existing DOE policies.

28.1. Term: The FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA shall have a term of one (1) year from Delivery Date and shall be effective therefrom.

14

6

See Annex “B” of the Joint Application.

Salient Features of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA.

“M”

See also Section 3.6 of the DOE 2023 CSP Policy.

20. Measured against this standard, the circumstances confronting Section 3.8 of the DOE 2023 CSP Policy. applicant FICELCO fall squarely within the ambit of the foregoing definition of Force Majeure. The resulting supply deficit during the unavoidable gap5 between the expiration of the FICELCO-SUWECO EPSA, and the completion of applicant FICELCO’s CSP and eventual approval process for a long-term power supply agreement, compounded by the anticipated surge in demand, as well as the reduced water levels in the area resulting in the non-operation or substantially diminished output of available hydropower facilities, are inevitable and beyond applicant FICELCO’s control.

13

IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BY 1 Authority granted per Office Order No. 71, Series of 2025 dated 20 August 2025, with the AND BETWEEN Authorities FIRSTfor Consumer Complaints Cases and Interlocutory subject “Approving/Signing Orders”.

CATANDUANES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND ISLA DAGYAB ENERGY CORPORATION, WITH PRAYER FOR CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT OF INFORMATION

27. Generation Facility. The power to be provided to applicant FICELCO will be sourced from applicant ISLA DAGYAB’s 9 x 1250 kVA Modular Diesel Engines (the “Power Plant”). Applicant ISLA DAGYAB shall supply power to applicant FICELCO under the terms stipulated in the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA.

“L”

19. The foregoing definition is unmistakably broad in scope, encompassing not only events that are entirely unforeseeable, but also those which, even if anticipated, are nonetheless inevitable and beyond the power of the DUs to prevent or avert.

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Ortigas Center, Pasig City

26. Commencement of Emergency Power Delivery. Pursuant to the FICELCO–ISLA DAGYAB EPSA, ISLA DAGYAB commenced the delivery of7 emergency power to FICELCO on 16 June 2026 to address the supply deficiency within FICELCO's franchise area. At the time of commencement, the generating facility was still completing the remaining requirements for the issuance of its Certificate of Compliance (“COC”) or Provisional Authority to Operate (“PAO”). Considering the urgent need to ensure the continuous and reliable supply of electricity, ISLA DAGYAB commenced operations pending the issuance of the applicable ERC authorization. Accordingly, Applicants respectfully seek the reliefs prayed for in this Joint Application, including the recognition of the applicable UCME subsidy from the Testing and Commissioning period, subject to subsequent compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

“K” and series

“Force Majeure or Fortuitous Event refers to any extraordinary event not foreseeable or avoidable, or to an event that could not be foreseen, or which, though foreseen, is inevitable and independent of human will or the DU’s participation, whether by active intervention, neglect or failure to act.”14 [Emphasis and underscoring supplied]

Authority granted per Office Order No. 71, Series of 2025 dated 20 August 2025, with the subject “Approving/Signing Authorities for Consumer Complaints Cases and Interlocutory Orders”.

25. FICELCO’s Power Situation. Applicant FICELCO’s peak demand for May 2026 was 16.575 MW. Such peak demand is projected to increase in the following months, with the peak demand for June 2026 projected to be 19.660 MW.

Particular

[CONFIDENTIAL] ISLA DAGYAB Supporting Narrative of the Proposed Rates

37. In the case Air Philippines Corporation vs. Pennswell Inc,15 the Supreme Court defined “trade secret” as follows:

ABSTRACT OF THE EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION

Fixed Rate Variable Rate Fuel Fee

4. After due notice and hearing, ISSUE A DECISION: (i) approving the Joint Application in toto which will thereby allow/authorize applicant FICELCO to charge and collect the fees from its consumers reckoned from the commencement of the supply to the latter by applicant ISLA DAGYAB; and (ii) directing that the rates, terms, and conditions of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA be retroactively applied for the entire term of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA.

Documents/Information [CONFIDENTIAL] ISLA DAGYAB Financial Model and Supporting Information [CONFIDENTIAL] Sample Billing

36. The Confidential Documents contain certain non-public information, data, and calculations involving business operations and financial trade secrets reflecting applicant ISLA DAGYAB’s investment and business calculations. As such, the foregoing information, data, and calculations fall within the bounds of “trade secrets” that are entitled to protection under the law.

24. Applying the DOE CSP Policy and settled jurisprudence, the above-outlined circumstances, taken together, are precisely those events contemplated under the DOE CSP Policy -- those which though foreseen, are inevitable and independent of the DU’s will or participation. It is on this basis that applicant FICELCO was not only justified, but in fact duty-bound, to take immediate remedial action to safeguard the continuous and reliable supply of electricity to its member-consumer owners. As such, the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA is one expressly sanctioned by Section 2.3.6 of the DOE CSP Policy.

“E” “F” “G”

18. Section 2.3.6 of the DOE CSP Policy allows for the negotiated procurement of Emergency Power supply in the event that a distribution utility’s actual power supply falls below its load demand due to Force Majeure or Fortuitous Events that are beyond its control.13 Force Majeure or Fortuitous Event is likewise defined under Section 3.8 of the DOE CSP Policy, which provides:

“N” “O”

23.3 It bears noting that just a few days subsequent to such termination, applicant FICELCO immediately submitted a revised TOR for the conduct of a new CSP to the NEA for its review and approval. Throughout the following months, applicant FICELCO exerted its utmost efforts to finalize its CSP documents and commence the conduct of its CSP. However, despite such effort, the CSP documents are still pending approval as of date.

“C” “D”

All the above-described events constitute force majeure or fortuitous events that are beyond the control of applicant FICELCO, thus allowing the procurement and execution of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA subject of this Joint Application

Annex “K” and series

23.2 However, for reasons outside of its control or not attributable to any irregularities on its part, applicant FICELCO was constrained to terminate the CSP on 17 December 2025 due to significant revisions to the original TOR which arose during the conduct of the CSP, necessitating further regulatory review and compliance with applicable procedural requirements under the rules governing CSPs.

28.

7. For purposes of the filing of this Joint Application, the timeliness for the same is reckoned from 29 May 2026, or the date of execution of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA.

LS: LBB/RCD 1

2

6. Further, this Joint Application shall also be published in a newspaper of general circulation.9

Accordingly, Applicants are hereby directed to mirror the virtual hearings, to be hosted by the Commission, at FICELCO’s Principal Office at Marinawa, Bato, Catanduanes as the designated venue for the conduct thereof and ensure that the same is open to the public.

Moreover, Applicants shall guarantee that, during the conduct of the expository presentation, the participation of the public shall not be impaired.

1)

Cebu; Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the City of Mandaue, Province of Cebu; g. Office of the Provincial Governor of Cebu; and h. Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Cebu. f.

Activity Determination of compliance with jurisdictional requirements and Expository Presentation

SEC.25. Retail Rate. – The retail rates charged by distribution utilities for the supply of electricity in their captive market be subject by the Mayor ERC basedofonBato, the principle of full of recovery of a. shallOffice of totheregulation Municipal Province prudent and reasonable economic costs incurred, or such other principles that will promote efficiency Catanduanes; as may be determined by the ERC. Distribution utilities may enter power supplyBayan contractsofsubject to review by the ERC: xxx. b. Office ofinto thebilateral Sangguniang the Municipality A Resolution Adopting the Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure of the Energy Regulatory of Bato, Province of Catanduanes; Commission.

Prescribing the for the ConductGovernor of the Competitive Selection Process by the c. Policy Office of Mandatory the Provincial of Catanduanes; Distribution Utilities for the Procurement Power Supply for Their Captive Market.of the d. Office of the ofSangguniang Panlalawigan Prescribing Policies to Enhance the Procurement of Power Supply by Distribution Utilities for the Province of Catanduanes; Captive Market, Amending and Supplementing for This Purpose Department Circular No. DC2023-060021 e. Office of the City Mayor of Mandaue, Province of

power requirements as early as 2025, with the NEA issuing the Notice to Commence and Certificate of Conformity in October 2025. Throughout the following months, applicant FICELCO proceeded to conduct its CSP, which included publications of its Invitation to Bid, issuance of Letter-Invitations to CSP observers, holding the Pre-bid Conference, and the issuance of Supplemental Bid Bulletins.

49. Given the foregoing, the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA satisfies the conditions for UCME eligibility contemplated under the DOE Advisory.

50. It also bears noting that, considering the critical need to avoid service interruptions and maintain a stable power supply within applicant FICELCO’s Franchise Area, initial energy deliveries under the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA, including during the testing and commissioning of the Power Plant, may necessarily commence prior to the issuance of the required approvals, including a COC or PAO by the ERC. 50.1. Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant ISLA DAGYAB respectfully submits that the UCME subsidy should cover all energy delivered to applicant FICELCO under the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA, including the period prior to the issuance of the COC or PAO for the Power Plant, subject to applicant ISLA DAGYAB’s subsequent compliance with all applicable DOE, ERC, and other regulatory requirements.

50.2. To reiterate, the immediate delivery of energy, even prior to the issuance of a COC or PAO, is brought about by necessity, and ultimately, for the benefit of applicant FICELCO’s MCOs. Accordingly, such delivery should not prevent the entitlement of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA to the UCME subsidy pursuant to the DOE Advisory, corresponding to the period of operation prior to the issuance of the required approvals.

PRAYER WHEREFORE, premises considered, Joint Applicants FIRST CATANDUANES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. and ISLA DAGYAB ENERGY CORPORATION, most respectfully pray that the Honorable Commission: 1. ISSUE AN ORDER declaring the Confidential Documents attached hereto as Annexes “K” and series, “N”, and “O” as confidential information as well as directing that the same be treated with confidentiality and be protected from public disclosure; 16

2. ISSUE the corresponding PROTECTIVE ORDER in accordance with Section 2, Rule 4 of the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and Procedure; 3. DIRECT the National Power Corporation – Small Power Utilities Group (“NPC-SPUG”) to execute a Subsidy Agreement with the Applicants and DIRECT NPC-SPUG to pay applicant ISLA DAGYAB the difference between applicant ISLA DAGYAB’s Total Cost Generation Rate (“TCGR”) and the Subsidized Approved Generation Rate (“SAGR”) through the Universal Charge for Missionary Electrification (“UCME”) subsidy, all reckoned from the testing and commissioning of the Power Plant, and continuing throughout the term of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA, including the period of operation of the Power Plant prior to the issuance by the ERC of the COC or PAO therefor; and 4. After due notice and hearing, ISSUE A DECISION: (i) approving the Joint Application in toto which will thereby allow/authorize applicant FICELCO to charge and collect the fees from its consumers reckoned from the commencement of the supply to the latter by applicant ISLA DAGYAB; and (ii) directing that the rates, terms, and conditions of the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA be retroactively

Republic of the Philippines ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Ortigas Center, Pasig City IN THE MATTER OF THE JOINT APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF THE EMERGENCY POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT ENTERED INTO BY AND BETWEEN FIRST CATANDUANES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. AND ISLA is shall confidential treatmentISLA of information) be furnished the following 2.

Applicant DAGYAB a corporation dulytoorganized and DAGYAB ENERGY CORPORATION, 8 offices: existing under and by the laws of the Republic of the Philippines, with 10.

The FOR FICELCO–SUWECO EPSA served as an additional source of WITH PRAYER CONFIDENTIAL principal office address at 9th Floor, Oakridge IT Center 3, Oakridge Business power for applicant FICELCO from May 2025 to May 2026. This supplemental TREATMENT a.OF INFORMATION Office the Municipal of Bato, Province of Park, A.S. Fortuna Street,ofBarangay Banilad,Mayor Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines. supply16. was on top of thetheexisting 7.975 MW already being provided by Meanwhile, FICELCO-SUWECO ESPA expired on 15 May Catanduanes; For purposes of this Joint Application, applicant ISLA DAGYAB is represented SUWECO’s hydro and diesel dry power plants under their112 Power ERC CASE NO. 2026-_____ RC Supply 2026. prevailing season has significantly reduced water b. the Office of the Sangguniang Bayan of the Municipality by its Further, Authorized Representative, MR. ERICKSON B. OMAMALIN, duly Agreements (“PSAs”).

During the same period, the National Power levels in thefor resulting in the non-operation or substantially diminished 33.

Inarea, compliance with prevailing regulations, the generation of Bato, Province of of Catanduanes; authorized the purpose by virtue the Secretary’s Certificate dated 11 Corporation (“NPC”)hydropower likewiseELECTRIC delivered interim supply to FICELCO through its FIRST2026.

2to be charged output ofCATANDUANES available facilities which supply power applicant August 05, to 2026 component the FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA, pending c. Office of under the Provincial Governor of Catanduanes; June hydro power plant,INC. with aAND contracted capacity ofthe 1.6pending MW. completion of COOPERATIVE, ISLA FICELCO’s Franchise Area.

This, coupled with the Honorabled.Commission’s approval of the same, shall be capped Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of theat the DAGYAB ENERGYProvince CORPORATION, applicant FICELCO’s CSP and the anticipated rise technology. in demand, has led to a latest ERC-approved generation tariff for the same of Catanduanes; Applicants may be served with thetoHonorable Commission’s supply3. deficiency that has and continues cause,Province rotational e. 21Office ofcaused, the City Mayor of Electrification Mandaue, ofpower 11.

On October 2025, the National Administration orders, notices, and otherApplicants. processes through their respective undersigned Joint interruptions and prolonged outages within FICELCO’s Franchise Cebu; (“NEA”) issuedALLEGATIONS the Certificate of Conformity, certifying thatArea. applicant RELATIVE TO THE PRAYER FOR counsels x - - - - - -at- the - - - addresses - -Office - - - - -of - indicated -the - - -Sangguniang - - - xherein. Panlungsod of the City of FICELCO’s CSPf.CONFIDENTIAL is consistent with its latest posted 2025 – 2034 Power Supply TREATMENT OF INFORMATION Province Cebu; Procurement PlanMandaue, (“PSPP”).

The 2026, NEA,ofon even date, issuedthrough the Notice to 17. Hence, on 23 April applicant FICELCO, public Office ofwith the Provincial Governor Cebu; and NATURE OFapplicant THE APPLICATION 12 Commence ing.connection applicant FICELCO’s CSP for procurement JOINT APPLICATION posting in the official websites of FICELCOof and thethe NEA, solicited 34.

Section 2, supply Rule 4with of Sangguniang the ERC Revised Rules of Practice and h.

Office of the Panlalawigan of the of 16 to 24 MW power a cooperation period of fifteen (15) years.

(With Prayer for Confidential Treatment of Information) proposals for emergency power supply from generation companies, Procedure providesProvince that a ofparty before the Honorable Cebu.to a proceeding eventually in the of of thethe FICELCO-ISLA 4. resulting The instant Jointnegotiation Applicationand for execution the approval Emergency Commission may move for information to be treated as confidential.

DAGYAB EPSAThereafter, subject of applicant the instantFICELCO Joint Application.

PowerApplicants Supply Agreement (“EPSA”) entered into byCOOPERATIVE, and betweenofINC. the FIRST CATANDUANES ELECTRIC 12. commenced the conduct its 6. dated Further, this Joint Application shall also issuance be(“ISLA published in a Applicants 29 May 2026 “FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA”) being (“FICELCO”) andpublications ISLA DAGYAB ENERGY CORPORATION DAGYAB”) CSP, including of (the its Invitation to Bid, of isLetter9applicant ISLA DAGYAB prays that 35.

Pursuant thereto, newspaper ofthe general circulation. submitted to the Honorable Commission for its review and and approval (collectively, “Applicants”), through theitsundersigned counsels Invitations to CSP observers, conducting Pre-bid Conference, andunto the All the above-described events constitute force 3 documents 4 enumerated below be treated as information contained in25the pursuant Sections and of Republic Act (“RA”) No. 9136, the Honorable Commission, most respectfully state issuance oftoSupplemental Bid Bulletins. majeure or fortuitous events that45(b) are beyond the that: CONFIDENTIAL andasthat the samePower be continuously protected from public otherwise the Electric Industry control of known applicant FICELCO, thus ON allowing theReform Act of 2001 (the ALLEGATION TIMELINESS disclosure, except to the officers and staff of the Honorable Commission “EPIRA”), Rule 20(B) of the Honorable Commission’s Resolution No. 01, procurement and execution of theis FICELCO-ISLA 1.

Applicant FICELCO aDocuments”): non-stock, non-profit Electric 5 13.

Applicant FICELCO in the course of its and above-described CSP (collectively referred as “Confidential Series ofEPSA 2021 (theto“ERC Revised Rules of Practice Procedure”), the DAGYAB subject of this Joint Application Cooperative (“EC”) duly organized and existing by virtue of Presidential deemed it more advantageous to its Member-Consumer-Owners (“MCO”) to6 7.

For purposes of theDepartment filing of this Joint Application, the timeliness Department of Energy (“DOE”) Circular No. DC2023-06-0021, Decree No.said 269, as amended, with principal address atissuance Marinawa, revise Terms of Reference (“TOR”) foramended thethe same is CSP’s reckoned from 29 May 2026, oroffice thethrough date ofthe execution ofofthea as and supplemented by DOE Department Circular No. DC2025-10Annex Documents/Information Bato, Catanduanes.

Applicant FICELCO serves the power requirements of the 7 Special Bid Bulletin.

18.

Section of the Policy allows for the negotiated FICELCO-ISLA DAGYAB EPSA. 0022, (the “DOE CSP2.3.6 Policy”), andDOE theCSP Honorable Commission’s Resolution “K” [CONFIDENTIAL] ISLA that DAGYAB municipalities Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato,inCaramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, procurement Emergency Power supply the event a distribution No. 7, Series ofofof2026 (the “ERC CSP Guidelines”). and series and Panganiban, Sanpower Andres, San Miguel, Viga, Model andload Virac, allSupporting in the province of utility’s actual supply fallsFinancial below its demand due to Force 14. On 11 December 2025, applicant FICELCO receivedofthe Information STATEMENT OFArea”).

FACTS 13 Catanduanes (collectively, thethat “Franchise For purposes thisNEA’s Joint Majeure or Fortuitous Events are beyond its control.

Force Majeure or Letter 5. datedapplicant 11compliance December 2025, advising FICELCO of theManager, possible In with 2, applicant Rule 6 of3.8 the ERC Revised Rules of “N” [CONFIDENTIAL] Sample Billing Application, FICELCO isSection represented herein byofits General Fortuitous Event is likewise defined under Section the 10DOE CSP Policy, regulatory to the revision of theJoint CSP’s TOR. NEA then Practice andhurdles Procedure, a copy of the authorized instant all its ENGR. A.due GIANAN, duly byApplication virtue The of(with Executive which provides: 8.FRANCIS Applicant FICELCOtoas an off-grid cooperative isTOR, wholly instructed FICELCO either revert1 electric back tosubject theDAGYAB original or annexes andapplicant accompanying documents, except thoseISLA of a motion for “O” [CONFIDENTIAL] Committee Resolution No. 17, series of 2026. dependentthe onCSP generation facilities provided, installed, and operated by terminate and republish the revised TOR instead.

Applicant FICELCO Supporting Narrative of the 1qualified generation companies within the Franchise Area.

See Annex “B” of theMajeure Joint Application. chose the “Force latter. or Fortuitous Event refers to any Proposed Rates 2 See Annex “P” of the Joint Application. extraordinary event not foreseeable or avoidable, or to 1 3 SEC.25. Retail Rate. – The retail rates charged by distribution utilities for the supply of electricity in their 15. insubject accordance with NEA’s guidance, applicant FICELCO an Acting event could notpreviously be oronwhich, though captive shall bethat to regulation byforeseen, the ERC based the into principle recovery of 9. market Applicant FICELCO entered anof full EPSA with 36. and The Confidential contain certain non-public prudent reasonable costs Documents incurred, or suchinother principles that will will promote efficiency terminated the CSP on 17 December 2025 order to republish the revised foreseen, iseconomic inevitable and independent of human Sunwest Water & Electric Co., Inc. (“SUWECO”) on 16 May 2025 for a as may be determined by the ERC. 11 information, data, and calculations involving business operations and Onof December 2025, applicant FICELCO a revised TOR or23 the DU’s participation, whether active 4TOR. Distribution utilities may(the enter “FICELCO-SUWECO into bilateral power supply contracts subject to review byits the ERC: xxx. capacity 5MW EPSA”)submitted tobyaddress power 14 5 financial trade secrets applicant ISLA DAGYAB’s investment Athe Resolution Adopting thereflecting Revised ofNEA Practice and Procedure of the Energy Regulatory for conduct of a new CSP toRules for its review and approval.

Inand the intervention, neglect orthe failure to act.”

[Emphasis and requirements pending the completion of its Competitive Selection Process Commission. business calculations.

As such,FICELCO the foregoing information,with data, months that followed, applicant actively coordinated bothand the underscoring supplied] 6(“CSP”) for long-term power supply agreement.

Prescribing athe Policy for the Mandatory Conduct of the Competitive Selection Process by the calculations within thefinalizing bounds of CSP “trade secrets” and that are entitled the to NPCDistribution and thefall NEA toward its documents commencing Utilities for the Procurement of Power Supply for Their Captive Market.

7 protection under the law.

Prescribing Policies to Enhance the Procurement of Power Supply by Distribution Utilities for the conduct of its CSP. As of date, the CSP documents remain pending approval.

19.Market, TheAmending foregoing definition is Purpose unmistakably scope, Captive and Supplementing for This Department broad Circular No.inDC2023-060021 encompassing not only events that are entirely unforeseeable, but also those 8 See 37.

Annex “Q” the Joint Application. Corporation vs. Pennswell Inc,15 the Inand theseries caseof Air Philippines 2 9 See Annex “R” of the Joint Application.

10 Supreme defined “trade secret” as follows: See AnnexCourt “U” of the Joint Application.

11

See Annex “V” of the Joint Application.

See Annex “S” of the Joint Application.

See also Section 3.6 of the DOE 2023 CSP Policy.

14 Section 3.8 of the DOE 2023 CSP Policy.

15 G. R. No. 172835, 13 December 2007.

12 13

3

4 5 12

SPORTS

A8

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

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

Buhain: Hosting future bigger open-water swim tilts now possible BORACAY—The country’s staging of the just-concluded 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, has opened up opportunities for hosting similar yet bigger international events in the future.

“We are grateful that we staged this international open-water swimming showcase smoothly. It has opened up chances in hosting similar but bigger events in the future,” said Philippine Aquatics Inc. secretary general Eric Buhain, who was hands-on in staging the meet from start to finish.

“The opportunities are there now that we have laid the foundation in organizing and hosting bigger international events because of the lessons learned and experiences we’ve had here,” Buhain noted.

He disclosed the overall positive feedback from the participants of the three-day meet, also supported by the National Sports Tourism Interagency Committee, led by PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, as well as the Aklan provincial and Malay municipal governments.

Among those who gave high marks for the staging of the three-day competition organized by the PAI and sanctioned by the Southeast Asian Swimming Federation was World Aquatics evaluator Damian Van de Berg of Australia.

“For this event to be approved by World Aquatics, it must have WA evaluator for referees, so basically that is why I am here,” Van de Berg said. “And I could see overall the joy and pride of those who are involved in the hosting.

“It has been an honor and privilege to witness that.”

Asked if bigger international open water swimming meets could possibly be staged in the Philippines, Van de Berg replied: “Absolutely. The infrastructure needs to be on a bigger scale, but all the core parts are there.”

“From what I have seen, there is a basis for the future of staging Asian open water championships and World Cups. They come with high costs for the hosts and your government, but all you need to do is to scale up,” explained the veteran international open-water swimming referee of four world championships.

Alexandra Eala is set to team up with men’s world No. 4 Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada in the US Open mixed doubles.

Eala highest-ranked Southeast Asian in history at world no. 18 A

By Jeremiah Sevilla

LEXANDRA “Alex” Eala continued her meteoric rise as the Filipina tennis star soared to a new career-high of world No. 18 ahead of her much-awaited campaign in the 2026 US Open.

Eala moved two notches up with 2,281 points in the latest WTA official rankings released on Monday to emerge as the highest-ranked Southeast Asian woman player in history.

The 21-year-old Pinay sensation surpassed Indonesia’s Yayuk Basuki and Thailand’s Tamarine Tanasugarn, both of whom reached a best ranking of No. 19 during their respective careers.

Eala reset her career-high rank just three weeks

after cracking the top 20 following her historic run in the WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open where she clinched her breakthrough Tour-level title.

The Washington Open queen then reached the fourth round (Round of 16) at the WTA 1000 National Bank Open in Toronto, Canada and the third round (Round of 32) at the Cincinnati Open, another 1000-tier tilt, in Ohio, USA to seize the 18th spot in the world rankings.

With her fresh career-best rank, Eala is expected to earn another seeded slot in a Grand Slam when she makes her second consecutive main draw appearance in the US Open.

Eala previously grabbed the No. 29 seed in the Wimbledon Championships 2026, becoming the first Filipino tennister to be seeded in a major singles event.

She kept on etching history at Wimbledon, pulling off a stunning sweep over then No. 3 and defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland to become the first Filipino to advance to the fourth round at the All England Club.

Eala is hell-bent on sustaining her momentous journey in the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year. The tournament main draw is slated from August 30 to September 13 in Flushing Meadows, New York.

The Rafa Nadal Academy alum has already started her training sessions at the Arthur Ashe Stadium inside the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, including a practice match with Romanian Elena-Gabriela Ruse.

Before launching her singles campaign, Eala is set to team up with men’s world No. 4 Felix AugerAliassime of Canada in the US Open mixed doubles.

Playing as a wildcard pair, Eala and AugerAliassime will clash against the power couple of Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils in the first round (Round of 16) scheduled for Tuesday.

The Filipina stalwart will also see action in the Stars of the Open exhibition event, where she will face No. 14 and good pal Iva Jovic of the US in one of the four feature friendly matches on August 27.

Fil-Chinese seniors regain ASEAN cage crown THE Filipino-Chinese Veterans Basketball Association (FCVBA) completed its redemption tour in style by regaining its 70-year division title via a three-game sweep in the recent 35th ASEAN Seniors Basketball Tournament in Kuching, Malaysia.

Spearheaded by Danny Ching, Andrew Ongteco, former PBA star Elmer Reyes, and Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que, the FCVBA Bearcats avenged their last year’s defeat to ZAAP of Bangkok, 43-34, to clear the path for their return trip to the top.

The Bearcats, inspired by stellar games from Benjie Poblete and Aries Franco, then capped their dominant show with a 43-30 drubbing of the host team. They opened their campaign with a massive 52-21 win over Hatyai of Thailand.

Ching took the MVP plum in their division for his strong performance throughout the tournament.

The other members of the Chingka Lee-mentored team – whose trip was bankrolled by Que, Jimi Lim of Ironcon Builders and Eduard Tio – were James Chua, Julio Cruz, Amang Santos, Med Sultan, and Achit Kaw. Not fortunate enough was FCVBA’s 50-year division team, which failed to get past the elims.

Rain or Shine co-team owner Terry Que and Eduard Tio (7th and 8th from left) receive the championship trophy from the organizer during the awarding ceremony of the 35th ASEAN Seniors Basketball Tournament in Kuching, Malaysia. (FCVBA photo)

Alcober, Amaya cop gold in Taipei City boxing meet

By Randy M.Caluag MERVIN Lucky Alcober and Jefferson Amaya delivered gold medals for the Philippines at the 2026 Taipei City Cup Boxing Invitational Tournament held recently in Taiwan.

Alcober ruled the elite men’s 60-kilogram division, while Amaya emerged champion in the under-19 men’s 50kg category.

The two Filipino standouts also earned individual honors, with Alcober named Best Boxer in the Elite Men’s division and Amaya receiving the same recognition in the U19 category.

John Michael Estorba added a silver medal in the U19 men’s 60kg class, while five other Filipino boxers reached the podium.

Jerome Lopez secured bronze in the elite men’s 50kg division, along with Ganne Ian Gerodias in the men’s 55kg class.

Patricia Sumalinog took bronze

Members of the victorious PH boxing team in Taipei hold their medals. ABAP

in the women’s 48kg category, Xian Baguhin finished third in the women’s 51kg event and Erich Grace Hubiera earned another bronze in the women’s 60kg division.

The Philippine contingent was

guided by coaches Roel Velasco, Violito Payla and Elias Recaido Jr. The latest medal haul underscored the continuing youth development program of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philip-

pines under president Marcus Manalo as the federation builds a strong pool of potential future champions.

Only last month, Jake Fitch and Clark Vicera captured bronze medals at the Asian Boxing Under-19 and Under-23 Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Fitch reached the podium in the U19 men’s super heavyweight division at 90-plus kilograms, while Vicera won bronze in the U23 men’s 50kg flyweight class.

Vicera, who turned 19 this month, was among the youngest competitors in his division. His Jakarta bronze was already his third international medal of the year after winning two gold medals in separate tournaments in Serbia and the Netherlands.

Fitch, meanwhile, is a 6-foot-5, 111kg Filipino-British prospect and one of the newest recruits in ABAP’s national pool. The 17-year-old represents a rare Philippine entry in the super heavyweight division, particularly at the youth level.

Fils tops Tiafoe, claims first ATP Masters’ crown CINCINNATI—Arthur Fils surged past Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 1-6, 6-0 to win his first ATP Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati on Sunday.

The 22-year-old bagged his biggest career title and, with the US Open starting in one week, he is projected to jump from 21st in the world rankings to a career-high 11th.

Fils was on his phone to his parents only seconds after securing the victory, calling his father back home after becoming the first French player to win a Masters 1000 since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in Toronto in 2014.

“That was my dad on the phone, now I need to call my mom,” the delighted winner said at the trophy ceremony, lamenting only that his father missed one of his tournaments for the first time this year.

“Wow, that feels good, that feels good,” Fils said. “It’s a lot of training, a lot of things, a lot of sacrifice.

“Injury,” added Fils, who missed much of 2025 with a back injury and months this year with a hip ailment.

“To be able to win one title like this means a lot to me.”

Fils was also cognizant of the fact that it was the first time two Black players have met in an ATP Masters 1000 final, and he told Tennis Channel he hoped it could inspire others.

“If they can watch us playing some great final like this and they can dream about it, it’s nice,” he said.

AFP

Arthur Fils ATP Tour

BUSINESS P6.36 trillion 244

Green lane investments

Investment projects endorsed

425,454

Jobs expected from projects

IN BRIEF SIPCOR wants permits reinstated

B1

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

Green lane investment approvals reach P6.36t

By Othel V. Campos

S

TRATEGIC investments certified under the government’s green lane initiative reached P6.36 trillion as of July 31, 2026, with 244 certified projects expected to generate 425,454 jobs, One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI) director Ernie Delos Reyes said Monday.

Data showed that of the total portfolio, 166 projects worth P5.52 trillion remain in the pre-development stage. Renewable energy accounts for the bulk of this pipeline, representing the majority of both project count and investment value among pre-development projects. Public-private partnership, infrastructure and water projects follow.

Forty-six projects worth P368.64 billion are under construction, with renewable energy leading in project

count. Food security and manufacturing projects are also being implemented at this stage, while digital infrastructure projects account for a significant share of the investment value.

Nine projects valued at P190.21 billion have reached the pre-operation stage, primarily in renewable energy, manufacturing and public-private partnership, infrastructure and water.

Another 23 projects worth P286.17 billion are already operational. Digital infrastructure accounts for the largest

share of operational investment value, followed by renewable energy and food security.

By sector, renewable energy has 187 certified projects worth P5.46 trillion and is expected to generate 276,469 jobs. Digital infrastructure has 10 projects worth P405.12 billion and 20,393 expected jobs, while public-private partnership, infrastructure and water has six projects valued at P416.745 billion and is expected to generate 113,363 jobs.

Food security has 33 projects worth P19.68 billion, with 7,421 expected jobs, while manufacturing has seven projects valued at P67.04 billion and about 7,773 expected jobs. The pharmaceutical sector has one project worth P45 million with 35 expected jobs.

Ten renewable energy projects worth P137.47 billion were removed from the portfolio following the surrender of their service contracts to the Department of Energy.

S.I. POWER Corp. (SIPCOR) said it is exhausting legal remedies to reinstate its operating permits following a favorable Court of Appeals decision, which reversed an Energy Regulatory Commission ruling that revoked provisional authority to operate SIPCOR power plants on Siquijor Island over alleged violations.

SIPCOR informed Premiere Island Power REIT Corp. that lease agreements suspension remains in effect until operating permits are restored.

“The continued suspension of the lease agreements will have a corresponding impact on the corporation’s rental income. Based on PREIT’s quarterly report, while the suspension remains in effect, the corporation’s revenue is expected to remain reduced at approximately 51 percent of the prior-year level,” PREIT said in a disclosure to the stock exchange Monday.

“The reduction in revenue will continue for as long as the lease agreements with SIPCOR remain suspended. Upon restoration of SIPCOR’s PAOs and the corresponding resumption of the lease agreements, the corporation expects its rental income from SIPCOR to resume, subject to the applicable terms and conditions of the respective lease agreements,” PREIT said.

The ERC filed a motion for reconsideration on Aug. 17 on the court ruling, which cited procedural lapses on the part of the regulator. SIPCOR filed an omnibus motion on Aug. 18.

Alena Mae S. Flores

DA strengthens early-warning system

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said Monday it is strengthening its market earlywarning system to anticipate supply disruptions, link farmers with buyers sooner and prevent agricultural products from spoiling or being sold at distress prices.

The DA said its Agricultural Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) is developing the system to provide timely alerts on upcoming harvests, weather disturbances, logistics constraints and other developments that could disrupt the farm-to-market supply chain.

Agriculture assistant secretary for agribusiness, marketing and consumer affairs and head of KADIWA ng Pangulo Genevieve VelicariaGuevarra said the system would complement regional help desks by giving the government a clearer picture of supply conditions and allowing it to intervene earlier.

“We want to move from reacting to problems to anticipating them,” she said, noting that regular harvest projections would improve government planning, while more timely and transparent farmgate price monitoring could help address market abuses by middlemen.

The system would also generate alerts for logistics and other forms of assistance, enabling the DA to respond more quickly when supply or market disruptions begin to emerge.

Guevarra said the DA would also intensify its information campaign to make KADIWA assistance more widely known and accessible to farmers, particularly those operating in major trading centers. Othel V. Campos

Manila Water adds 14,501 connections

MANILA Water Company said it expanded its water coverage with 14,501 new service connections in the first half of 2026 as part of efforts to deliver quality water services to more households in the East Zone of Metro Manila and Rizal.

It said the expansion benefited 14,149 residential customers and 352 commercial and industrial accounts. In June alone, the company installed 2,332 new connections, bringing its total number of water service connections to 1,223,835.

Manila Water manages more than 5,700 kilometers of pipelines across the East Zone as of June 2026, enabling the delivery of reliable water services to its growing customer base.

“Our growth in service connections is matched by our investments in water security.

By expanding our network and developing alternative water sources, we are ensuring that more customers receive dependable water service today while building a more sustainable and resilient water future for generations to come,” Manila Water corporate communication group head Dittie Galang said.

RENTAL HOUSING. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and University of the Philippines (UP) president Angelo Jimenez mark another milestone in the construction of the UP-Los Banos 4PH Rental Housing Project with the concrete pouring ceremony at the project site in Barangay Paciano Rizal, Bay, Laguna.

Aliling, accompanied by Senior Undersecretary Eduardo Robles Jr., attributed the project’s fruition to the close collaboration between DHSUD and UP leaderships.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Zeno Ronald Abenoja (second from left) participates in the Philippine Economic Briefing panel discussion, ‘Macroeconomic Trends and Outlook: Creating the Conditions for Future Industries in Mindanao,’ together with (from left) host and anchor Cathy Yang, Department of Economy, Planning and Development Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Kim Robert de Leon and Department of Finance assistant secretary Neil Adrian Cabiles.

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

BOI promotes strategic AI-led industrialization for Mindanao THE Board of Investments (BOI) is positioning Mindanao as a strategic hub for the country’s AI-driven industrialization, leveraging its strengths in critical minerals, agribusiness, renewable energy, digital services and manufacturing to support higher-value industries.

The agency made the pitch during the final leg of its 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan roadshow held alongside the Philippine Economic Briefing in Davao on Aug. 24, 2026.

The agency identified food security, integrated circuit design and mineral processing as key opportunities for Mindanao under the 2026 plan, which seeks to strengthen value chains supporting advanced manufacturing and technologydriven industries.

“Mindanao’s next chapter should not be defined only by what it produces or supplies. It should also be defined by how much more we can build here,” BOI governor Marjorie Ramos Samaniego said.

She said the region’s nickel, copper and gold resources provide a strong base for processing, manufacturing and other value-adding activities that can generate more economic activity locally.

To support growth in emerging sectors, BOI Industry Development Services executive-director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa cited the need to match infrastructure investments with skilled labor.

“The industries that will drive the next phase of growth require more than investment and infrastructure. They also require a workforce equipped with the right skills,” she said. Othel V. Campos

Bangko Sentral pledges support for emerging industries in Mindanao

By Thony Rose Lesaca BANGKO Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Zeno Ronald Abenoja expressed support for government efforts to foster new industries, saying a stable economy and sound financial system will enable these developments.

“Future industries do not happen by chance. They are made today upon the right foundations of macroeconomic stability, a sound financial system, technological innovation, and strong public-private partnerships,”

Abenoja said in his welcome remarks at the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in Davao City.

Under the theme “Make Future Industries Happen,” the PEB convened key stakeholders to discuss the economic outlook and opportunities to expand investment and develop future industries in Mindanao.

Abenoja highlighted growing opportunities in Davao and Mindanao, particularly in agribusiness, manufacturing, logistics, digital services, renewable energy and other emerging industries.

He said confidence in inflation returning to target, the capacity of banks to lend and support growth and faster and more secure digital payments would help spur investment, innovation and job creation.

The forum featured two panel discussions on Mindanao’s economic outlook and the macroeconomic conditions needed to support future industries.

Panelists explored how national investment priorities under the 2026 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) can be translated into regional opportunities.

The event complements the regional rollout of the SIPP by the Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments and a civil society consultation on macroeconomic assumptions and fiscal programs by the Department of Budget and Management.

PEBs are organized by the Investor Relations Group of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in collaboration with the Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments, and Department of Budget and Management.

Coal plants to restart in two weeks to relieve power shortages in Visayas

By Alena Mae S. Flores COAL plants generating hundreds of megawatts will return to service within two weeks to relieve power shortages on the Visayas grid after system operators placed the region on red and yellow alerts Monday.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines declared a red alert for the grid from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and yellow alerts from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. because of ongoing plant outages.

A total of 919 MW remains unavailable to the grid, with 27 power plants on forced outage—including 7 in August 2026—and 14 operating on reduced capacity. Major coal facilities TVI 1, TVI 2 and KSPC 1 remain of-

fline, while power imports from Mindanao remain limited.

Visayas’ forecasted available capacity stands at 2,318 MW against a peak demand of 2,431 MW, with demand expected to rise by 71 MW at 10 p.m.

A red alert signals that power supply cannot meet demand and regulating requirements, while a yellow alert signifies an insufficient operating margin for contingency needs.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said TVI Unit 2 (169 MW) and KEPCO SPC Power Corp. (105 MW) will return to service within the week. TVI Unit 1 (169 MW) and Cebu Energy Development Corp. Unit 1 (135 MW) will return in September, adding further capacity.

MOMENT OF PROGRESS. TVI Resource Development Inc. Balabag IEC senior specialist JM Cenia looks back with principal Mercy on moments they have shared while working together to improve the facilities of Depore Elementary School through the company’s social development and management program. From 2023 to 2025, TVIRD’s SDMP assistance reached about P3.6 million, supporting classroom repairs, a multipurpose hall and kiosk, school supplies and equipment, reading materials, water tanks, a perimeter fence, feeding programs and other learning facilities.

DOE announces plan to remove co-ops’ non-technical system loss THE Department of Energy on Monday announced a phased plan to eliminate non-technical system loss among electric cooperatives by cutting down on electricity theft and operational inefficiencies to lower consumer bills.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the initiative aims to protect paying electricity consumers from shouldering expenses caused by illegal connections or utility inefficiencies.

The phased rollout targets an initial 25 percent reduction in non-technical system losses, progressing in incre-

ments to 50 percent, 75 percent and ultimately 100 percent.

“Consumers should not be made to shoulder costs arising from electricity that is illegally taken or improperly accounted for. Nor should consumers pay for costs due to inefficiencies of their electric cooperatives,” Garin said.

According to the DOE, the multiagency strategy focuses first on nontechnical losses, which stem primarily from power pilferage, tampered meters and collection gaps.

Alena Mae S. Flores

BUSINESS

B3 TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com

BPI, SM Prime downgraded to mid-cap in FTSE review PSEi edges higher to 6,251 despite B geopolitical tension

By Jenniffer B. Austria

ANK of the Philippine Islands and SM Prime Holdings Inc. will move from the large-cap to the midcap segment of the FTSE Global Equity Index Series, while Emperador Inc. will re-enter the global index as a small-cap constituent, according to the latest FTSE review.

The changes are part of the FTSE Global Equity Index Series Asia Pacific ex Japan ex China September 2026 Semi-Annual Review.

Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions Inc. and Megaworld Corp. will also move down one category, from mid-cap to small-cap.

Emperador was among the small-cap inclusions, marking its return to the FTSE GEIS universe. The reclassification places the company in the FTSE Small Cap and All Cap benchmark universes and could help broaden its exposure to institutional investors.

The company said it remains focused on expanding its institutional investor base, improving share liquidity and strengthening its investable market capitalization.

Emperador has a market capitalization of about $3.8 billion and operates brandy and Scotch whisky businesses in the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Spain, Mexico and other international markets. It is listed on both the Philippine Stock Exchange and the Singapore Exchange.

Other changes in the review included Bloomberry Resorts Corp. and Cebu Air Inc., which were removed from the smallcap segment after failing to meet the investable market capitalization level. Both companies were moved to the micro-cap category.

INVESTMENT DISCUSSIONS. The Department of Trade and Industry and The Coca-Cola Company discuss areas of collaboration to support sustainable business growth and strengthen the country’s food and beverage industry. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque met with Michael Goltzman, senior vice president for global public policy, environmental sustainability, and social impact at The Coca-Cola Company, to exchange views on industry policies, sustainability, micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) development, and investment.

PHILIPPINE shares traded sideways before closing slightly higher Monday as investors remained cautious due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The peso closed lower at 61.73 per U.S. dollar, down from 61.67 on Thursday.

The 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange Index gained 12.92 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 6,251.38. The broader all shares index, however, slipped 0.01 percent, or 0.34 point, to 3,434.89.

“The local bourse ended higher after a cautious trading session, with investors remaining wary following news of an ‘economic D-Day for Iran,’” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis Limlingan said. “Strong buying interest emerged toward the close, pushing the market into positive territory.”

US President Donald Trump earlier announced an “economic D-Day” financial campaign against Iran.

Among sectoral indices, mining and oil led gainers, rising 3.19 percent. Services followed with a 0.51 percent increase, while holding firms advanced 0.18 percent.

Property also edged higher by 0.09 percent. Industrial dropped 0.3 percent, while financials declined 0.25 percent.

Value turnover was thin at P4.37 billion.

Market breadth was negative, as decliners outnumbered gainers 108 to 83, while 65 stocks were unchanged.

Shares of Bank of the Philippine Islands declined 1.12 percent to P106.10. Meanwhile, Jollibee Foods Corp. jumped 1.27 percent to P160.

Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP

Principal aspects of exchange rate management A CHANGE in the exchange rate of its currency has far-reaching repercussions for a country that has extensive dealings with the international marketplace. For this reason the guardian of this country’s external monetary stability, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) approaches its exchange-rate management responsibility with utmost care and caution.

A currency—a US dollar, a euro, a yen, or a renminbi—is a commodity, and, like any other commodity, a currency’s market value depends on changes in the demand for or supply of it. Thus, if something disrupts the supply of foreign currency, that currency’s market value will rise, and more pesos will be needed to acquire it.

Currency instability is bad for an economy because of the uncertainty that it creates for economic decisionmaking. The Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) require members to maintain exchange-rate policies conducive to economic stability. As with the rate of inflation, the BSP almost certainly has at any time a target bond within which it seeks to keep the peso’s exchange rate.

The rate of exchange between the Philippine peso and any currency is hardly ever perfectly unmoving. It constantly rises or falls on the basis of daily transactions involving that currency.

Under stable circumstances, the BSP merely observes the ebb and flow of demand for that currency. It is when the market for a currency—usually the US dollar, which is the universally preferred transactions currency—becomes highly disturbed that BSP intervention is activated BSP intervention in the foreign exchange market is usually undertaken in a manner so quiet and so smooth that the people of this country, including the members of the business community, can only speculate if the central bank has been intervening in the market. Over the past year the peso-US dollar exchange rate has been steadily moving from around 57 pesos to today’s almost 62.

Has the BSP been intervening to steady the depreciation of this country’s currency? Or has it been maintaining a let-the-marketdecide posture? Filipinos can only speculate.

Intervention is a costly proposition for the BSP. The central bank does not have a limitless supply of foreign currency with which to undertake market intervention, and it has to maintain a gross international reserve (GIR) of foreign assets with which to finance the future needs of the Philippines. When it decides to undertake a peso-support operation, the BSP has to dips into the GIR, and that lessens this country’s capacity to withstand a prolonged international economic crisis. Thanks to the heroic efforts of our overseas Filipino workers (OFW) the GIR stands today at close to $103 billion, which is currently good for seven months’ worth of imports of goods and services.

Essentially intervention involves a judgment by the monetary board as to the desirable value of the peso vis-a-vis other currencies. Should the value of the peso be maintained at more or less its current level, should it be allowed to depreciate, or, in the rare instance, should it be pushed upward?

—“—

The welfare of the Philippine external debt and of this country’s millions of consumers cannot be sacrificed to please those who claim to be export enthusiasts but have had very little to show for it.

This is an extremely important judgement for the BSP to make because the depreciation or appreciation or value-maintenance of the peso will have serious repercussions for various aspects of the Philippine economy’s growth and stability.

Arguably the most important aspect is the budgetary aspect.

A large part of the Philippine government’s debt is held by foreign creditors. Every depreciation of the peso means a commensurate increase in the debt that is denominated in foreign currencies. Pesos that could have been budgeted for the pressing needs of the Filipino people will now go toward paying for the increase in the peso equivalent of the foreigncurrency-denominated debt.

Another very important aspect of exchange-rate decisonmaking is imported inflation. For a country, that is now importing practically all its basic needs—fuel, cars, food and industrial materials—means an upward notch or two in the consumer price index (CPI). Every peso of depreciation operates as an additional tax on the Filipino people.

The argument put forward by those who favor taking an approving attitude toward the steady depreciation of the peso is the boost that a weaker peso will give to this country’s merchandise export trade. That is a hollow argument.What new exports are they talking about? The peso has been steadily losing ground over the last few decades, yet the composition of Philippine merchandise export trade appears to have been engraved in stone. No new exports have been coming forward. The welfare of the Philippine external debt and of this country’s millions of consumers cannot be sacrificed to please those who claim to be export enthusiasts but have had very little to show for it.

Finally, there is the additional financial mileage that our OFWs get for their remittances every time the peso depreciates. That is by no means an insignificant aspect of the decisionmaking of this country’s currency manager.

All factors taken into consideration, the maintenance of the peso exchange rate at or around its present level is in the best interest of the Philippine economy. (llagasjessa@yahoo.com)

BUSINESS

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

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

PH life insurance premiums jumped 17.9% in first half

By Thony Rose Lesaca

P

SUPPLY DEAL. Officials from PNB Holdings Corp. and First Gen Group hold a signing ceremony to formalize a power supply agreement that will directly deliver geothermal energy to the PNB Financial Center in Pasay City and the PNB Makati Center in Makati City. Attending the event are (from left) Arlene Sy Soriano, First Gen head of sales and engagement; Carlo Vega, First Gen chief customer engagement officer; Karlu Say, PHC president; and Ponciano Carreon Jr., PHC chief financial officer.

Envoy urges long-term mineral investment rules

By Othel V. Campos LONG-TERM regulatory certainty will be critical in attracting German investments in the Philippines’ critical minerals sector, with projects potentially requiring commitments lasting up to 25 years, German Ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke said.

Pfaffernoschke said German companies are looking at the Philippines for possible investments in critical minerals, though there are no concrete investment plans yet.

“There are general intentions to look into the Philippines also for critical minerals, not concrete investment plans

so far,” he said on the sidelines of a climate security conference. “But definitely there is an eye on the Philippines to see whether there are possibilities for investments in critical minerals.”

The ambassador said the Philippine government’s planned critical minerals framework could help attract more German investors if it provides clear, stable rules over the lifetime of a project.

He said investors need “a long time span of clear expectations” and a legal framework that provides confidence for investments lasting “10, 20, maybe 25 years.”

Such predictability is particularly important for critical minerals be-

Purposeful print in a digital-first world

By Ida Evina Ong-Co WE often talk about digital transformation as something that happens on a screen. But for most people, that is only where it begins.

A parent prints study materials before a child’s exam. A small business owner prints a label before fulfilling weekend orders. A freelancer marks up a proposal at the dining table. A family pins a calendar to the refrigerator because everyone needs to see it, not just save it. These moments reveal an overlooked truth about modern life: digital tools help us create, but progress often happens when ideas become tangible.

That is especially true in the Philippines, where homes have become classrooms, offices and business hubs at the same time. Parents juggle work and caregiving, students move between physical and digital learning, entrepreneurs are building businesses from flexible and home-based setups. With micro, small and medium enterprises accounting for more than 99% of registered businesses in the country, entrepreneurship is woven into everyday life.

In environments like these, productivity is not defined by the latest technology, but by what helps people move forward. This is why I believe print still matters. Not as an alternative to digital technology, but as an extension of it.

Print is often the last mile of digital progress. Ideas may be created digitally, businesses may run from smartphones, and AI may help generate the first draft.

But eventually, many ideas need to be shared, tested, displayed or acted upon. A prototype on a desk, a worksheet in a student’s hands, a label on a product ready for sale. That is where intention becomes action.

For entrepreneurs, it is often the difference between planning a business and launching one. Labels, packaging mock-ups, menus, invoices and marketing materials are more than printouts. They are tools for learning, refining and building credibility with customers. For families, print can bring structure to increasingly busy lives; a checklist on the wall, a medical form ready when it is needed, or even a schedule that keeps everyone aligned. These small details rarely attract attention, yet they often keep households running smoothly.

For students, printed materials can offer something screens sometimes struggle to That is why the provide: focus. In a world of notifications future of print and distractions, a worksheet creates space for deeper attention and active learning. is not about And for creators, print transforms ideas into nostalgia. It is something lasting. It could be a photograph worth displaying, personalized design, a about intention. craft project, or even a journal page. Physical objects carry a sense of permanence that digital files often do not.

These examples may seem simple, but they point to something bigger. People are not looking for technology for its own sake, they are looking for technology that helps them make progress, express ideas and accomplish meaningful things. That reality becomes even more relevant as AI becomes part of everyday life.

AI will make it easier to generate content, images, plans and possibilities.

The challenge will no longer be creating more, it will be deciding what is worth keeping, sharing, developing or acting on. When anything can be created instantly, the act of printing, marking up, displaying or handing something to another person becomes a conscious choice. It signals that an idea deserves attention.

That is why the future of print is not about nostalgia. It is about intention. At HP, we think about how to make that transition from idea to action as seamless as possible. Technology should remove friction, not create it. Whether a parent is preparing learning materials, an entrepreneur is fulfilling orders, or a student is completing an assignment, the tools should simply work.

The best technology rarely draws attention to itself., it helps people focus on what they are trying to achieve. For many Filipino households, life today is ambitious, connected and constantly in motion. It is undeniably digital, but it is also deeply physical. It is lived through notes, schedules, labels, documents, projects, keepsakes and all the everyday things that help people turn plans into progress.

So perhaps the question is not whether print still has a place in a digital-first world. A better question is this: When an idea matters enough to act on, what helps bring it to life? More often than we realize, the answer is still print.

—“—

Ida Evina Ong-Co is the Managing Director of HP Inc. Philippines, leading the company’s local strategy, operations and growth across consumer, commercial and public sector markets.

cause extraction and processing projects require significant capital, taking considerable time to develop and become commercially viable, he said.

Pfaffernoschke said investors need assurance that rules will not change unexpectedly after committing substantial resources to a project.

“You are not surprised by a change in conditions two years later,” he said, warning that sudden changes in investment conditions could render an entire project commercially unviable.

The German envoy stressed that the need for long-term certainty applies to investments generally, not just critical minerals.

HILIPPINE life insurance premiums climbed 17.91 percent to P229.98 billion in the first half of 2026 from P195.05 billion a year ago on higher collections from variable life insurance products, the Insurance Commission said Monday.

Data from the IC showed that variable life insurance premiums increased 14.79 percent to P150.03 billion as of end-June from P130.70 billion a year ago, while traditional life insurance premiums jumped 24.25 percent to P79.95 billion from P64.35 billion.

Total benefit payments climbed 19.57 percent to P69.21 billion from P57.88 billion in the six-month period.

The industry posted a total net income of P21.42 billion, up 3.42 percent from P20.72 billion a year earlier.

Total assets reached P2.17 trillion in the first 6 months, while total liabilities stood at P1.88 trillion. Net worth amounted to P289.48 billion, and invested assets reached P2.10 trillion.

The Insurance Commission said the figures reflected the stability and resilience of the sector.

“Despite the financial challenges encountered earlier this year, the in-

dustry demonstrated its capacity to withstand financial shocks while continuing to meet its obligations to policyholders and beneficiaries,” the commission said.

AIRPORT INSPECTION.

The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) conducts an onsite inspection of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), together with the satellite offices of the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Aug. 14, 2026.

As part of ARTA’s mandates under Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Law, the Compliance Monitoring and Evaluation Office (CMEO) regularly conducts onsite inspections to monitor and evaluate government agencies’ compliances with the law.

PAL rolls out 7-day Maya uses National ID to speed onboarding seat sale with up to 60% discount

By Darwin G. Amojelar PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) launched its biggest sale Monday, giving travelers a 7-day window to book discounted fares across its domestic and international network.

The 2026 Ultimate Seat Sale runs from Aug. 24 to 30, 2026, and covers destinations in the Philippines, Asia, North America, Australia, the Middle East and the Pacific.

Travelers booking trips between Sept. 16, 2026 and Jan. 31, 2027 can get discounts of up to 40 percent off domestic base fares and up to 35 percent off international base fares.

Those booking travel from February 1, 2027 onward can access bigger discounts of up to 60 percent off domestic base fares and up to 45 percent off international base fares.

The sale coincides with the period when many Filipinos begin planning their year-end holidays and 2027 trips, the airline said. PAL said travelers with flexible schedules who plan early can access more destination options and maximize their savings.

PAL said it is also running daily voucher drops from Aug. 24 to 30, releasing a new promo code each day that can be applied on top of seat sale fares. Redemption guides and offer mechanics will be posted on PAL’s official social media channels.

The airline also expanded payment options for eligible domestic bookings, adding UnionBank to its roster of installment partners alongside BPI, HSBC and Metrobank, giving more cardholders access to installment plans of up to 3 months.

MAYA announced Monday it integrated the Philippine Statistics Authority’s National ID eVerify system to streamline digital onboarding.

The development comes as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas proposed requiring supervised financial institutions to integrate with National ID authentication services for customer due diligence and identity verification, expanding the use of the National ID across the financial system.

“National digital infrastructure gives us a trusted foundation to build on,” Alfred Lo, chief technology officer at Maya, said. “By combining the National ID with homegrown AI and automation, we can remove friction for customers while keeping verification robust and scalable. It shows how shared digital infrastructure can make financial services easier to access and safer to scale.”

Since early this year, eligible customers have been able to upgrade their accounts without photographing

COMMUNITY KITCHENS. Art

Relief Mobile Kitchen (AMRK) volunteers prepare hot, freshlycooked meals for disaster-affected communities. Through its Jollibee Group FoodAID program, Jollibee Group Foundation supports partners such as ARMK with prepositioned ready-to-cook meals, and connections that help strengthen collaboration during emergencies.

or uploading a physical ID, with their identity verified against the National ID system.

“For us, the real test of AI is not how advanced the model sounds. It is whether it solves a real customer problem safely, reliably and at scale,” Melecio Valerio, head of data governance at Maya, said.

For customers, the difference is straightforward. Eligible users can enter their National ID number instead of uploading a physical ID and re-entering information already on record. Maya then verifies the information through National ID eVerify against government-held National ID records and completes identity verification through a video selfie.

If additional information is needed, Maya asks only for missing details.

Customers who cannot be verified through National ID eVerify can continue through the regular ID-upload process without having to start over.

Darwin G. Amojelar

ENVIRONMENT

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

extrastory2000@gmail.com RAY S. EÑANO, Editor

& S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Integrated plan sought on waste woes

T

HE government is seeking a unified stand to address residual waste to prevent it from ending up in waterways and polluting the environment.

Metro Manila alone generates an estimated 9,000 metric tons of municipal solid waste daily. Based on estimates of the Department of Energy (DOE), the current waste stream in the metropolis could support around 200 megawatts of waste-to-energy (WTE) capacity, subject to the availability and suitability of feedstock and other technical requirements “The President has underscored the need for a more integrated approach to addressing our waste challenges.

Waste that can no longer be reused or recycled should not simply end up in landfills or waterways,” says Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin.

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

The DOE is stepping up the implementation of its WTE program following President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s renewed call to turn residual waste into a productive resource, and amid concerns over garbage accumulating in waterways and contributing to flooding.

The President’s directive gives further momentum to ongoing DOE efforts to develop WTE as an additional energy resource, while supporting the government’s broader solid waste management objectives.

The DOE last month officially resumed the activities concerning the Special Auction Round for Wasteto-Energy under the Green Energy Auction Program, increasing the installation target from 230 megawatts (MW) to 400 MW and revising the auction terms to encourage greater participation and accelerate investment in qualified WTE projects.

The auction proper is scheduled on October 13, 2026, with the projects of winning bidders expected to achieve mechanical completion by the end of 2028 and begin delivering electricity by the end of 2029.

The DOE sees WTE as an additional pathway for managing suitable residual waste that would otherwise require final disposal, while producing electricity that can contribute to the country’s growing energy requirements.PIA

Mangrove planting in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. (Borongan City Information Office)

Borongan’s green agenda backed

By Sarwell Meniano TACLOBAN CITY—The city government of Borongan is exploring coordination with the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership to strengthen its transition toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible local economy.

The proposed collaboration was discussed during a meeting on Aug. 13 at the Borongan City Hall between the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), its partner agencies and the local government.

The city government said the recent meeting focused on the objectives and priority programs of the EU-PH Green Economy Partnership, particularly initiatives aimed at helping local governments adopt greener and more sustainable practices.

Implemented by the UNDP with the European Union and Philippine government partners, the program seeks to support the country’s shift toward a circular and green economy by reducing plastic and other forms of waste, promoting resource efficiency, improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of clean and renewable energy.

Borongan City was identified by the UNDP as a potential partner in Eastern Samar because of its existing programs on sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

“The partnership is expected to complement the city’s existing environmental initiatives while opening opportunities to develop and strengthen projects aligned with the green economy agenda,” the city government said.

Among Borongan’s ongoing

ASEAN biodiversity body calls for ecosystem restoration efforts

By Christopher Hedreyda LOS BAÑOS, Laguna—As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) celebrates its 59th anniversary, the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) is calling on member-states to commit to the regional bloc’s vision of restoring degraded ecosystems and further supporting protected areas through science- and knowledge-based restoration efforts.

In his ASEAN Day message, ACB Executive Director Dr. Jerome Montemayor laid out the initiatives being

undertaken by the region’s center of excellence for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.

The ACB, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, will hold an ASEAN Heritage Parks Forum in September as part of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship.

Themed “Navigating Sustainable Future for ASEAN Heritage Parks,” the forum will bring together park managers, experts, stakeholders and partners from across ASEAN member states in Manila to highlight the vital

role that ASEAN heritage parks play as anchors of resilience, prosperity, and people empowerment. “[It] aims to showcase and facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative approaches to AHP management from the Philippines and to contribute to the effective and sustainable management of protected areas across the ASEAN member states,” Montemayor said.

In relation to people empowerment and emphasizing the shared goals of multi-sectoral cooperation for biodiversity, the ACB is reintroducing the ASEAN Green Initiative (AGI), a

merit-based recognition program for outstanding ecosystem restoration efforts in Southeast Asia.

The initiative calls on outstanding individuals and organizations to join the planting of 10 million native trees across ASEAN member-states over a 10-year period.

Among the awardees under the Medium-Scale Category is the Daang Kalikasan Native Trees Arboretum and Ecological Restoration Initiative of Pangasinan Native Trees Enthusiasts Inc., which was recognized for planting 101 to 5,000 native trees in its area. PIA

Meet five Indigenous advocates fighting to protect their traditions Conclusion

Klamath River, returning the salmonrich waterway to a free-flowing state for the first time in more than a century.

For Bowers Cordalis, it was a moment of triumph. An attorney and member of the Toruk tribe, she led a years-long campaign to remove the dams, which had decimated the salmon fishery on which the Yoruk rely.

“I thought we were going to be the generation that witnessed the collapse and complete death of the river,” Bowers Cordalis said 2024. “But now we will be the generation that sees the rebirth and restoration of our ecosystem, our culture and our lifeblood.”

Yacouba Sawadogo, Burkina Faso Sawadogo, who died in 2023, spent four decades helping communities re-green the dusty soils of Africa’s Sahel region.

Known as “The Man Who Stopped the Desert,” he was an evangelist for an Indigenous farming technique known as zai, in which farmers dig small pits into

Amy Bowers Cordalis

the soil and line them with compost to trap rainwater.

Sawadogo’s modified version of zai, which uses rocks to trap moisture and termites to break up hard ground, can boost yields five-fold. Today, it is used from Ghana to Kenya and has become a critical tool for communities grappling with droughts linked to climate change.

Yacouba Sawadogo

Amy Bowers Cordalis, United States of America In 2024, crews demolished the last of four dams along California’s

Sonia Guajajara, Brazil Born in the Amazon rainforest, Guajajara made history in 2023 when she was appointed Brazil’s first-ever Minister of Indigenous Peoples.

A longtime activist, her elevation was considered a watershed moment for Brazil’s Indigenous communities, who have faced intimidation and violence–including murder—for protecting their land.

As a minister, Guajajara focused on formally recognizing Indigenous land claims in the Amazon, and rooting out illegal loggers, miners and drug traffickers.

“With these operations, we want to hand the territory back to Indigenous

Peoples so they can live in dignity and according to their own customs,” said Guajajara.

Celebrated annually on August 9, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is designed to raise awareness about the plight of Indigenous communities, who often face violence and discrimination, and showcase how traditional practices can help a planet beset by a series of environment crises.

UNEP News

Sonia Guajajara

sustainability efforts are renewable energy initiatives, community forestry, climate adaptation programs and environmental conservation measures, including mangrove planting and the deployment of former loggers as forest rangers.

The EU-PH Green Economy Partnership runs from 2023 to 2028 and is supported by a 60 millioneuro grant from the European Union. Its broader objective is to help the Philippines build an economy that uses resources more efficiently, generates less waste and relies increasingly on clean energy.

For Borongan, the proposed partnership presents an opportunity to scale up its existing environmental efforts and align local development more closely with the country’s broader transition toward a green economy. PNA

DENR hails mangrove stewards of metro areas Conclusion ACROSS Metro Manila, Bakawan Warriors help safeguard three of the region’s most important coastal habitats: Tanza Marine Tree Park in Navotas City, a rehabilitated mangrove forest that serves as a natural coastal buffer; BASECO Lagoon in Manila City, a key restoration site under the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program; and the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), Metro Manila’s only Ramsar Site and an internationally recognized wetland that provides critical habitat for migratory birds and marine biodiversity.

For Alfie Martinez, a longtime Mangrove Nursery Worker at Tanza Marine Tree Park, every surviving mangrove seedling represents hope for the community. Despite enduring long hours under the sun and navigating muddy terrain while clearing marine debris and maintaining mangrove plantations, the work remains deeply rewarding.

At the LPPWP, Jaymark Olvido helps protect one of the country’s most significant wetlands through habitat maintenance, biodiversity monitoring and coastal cleanups.

DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director Nilo B. Tamoria stressed that protecting mangroves begins with recognizing and supporting the people who dedicate themselves to conserving these vital ecosystems.

“Mangroves are among our strongest natural defenses against climate change and coastal hazards, but they cannot thrive without committed individuals who care for them every day. Our Bakawan Warriors embody environmental stewardship at its finest. Their dedication reminds us that protecting nature is a shared responsibility, and by protecting our mangroves, we are safeguarding communities, biodiversity, and future generations,” Tamoria said.

DENR News

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SHOWBIZ

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

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

‘Spider-Man’ swings back to No. 1 for fourth weekend SPIDER-MAN: Brand New Day is still riding high at the North American box office, topping ticket sales for the fourth consecutive weekend in cinemas, but sharply down from last week’s performance.

The superhero film fronted by Tom Holland and his real-life wife, Zendaya, brought in $39 million, down 45 percent from last weekend’s take.

The latest Marvel blockbuster, which had the biggest debut weekend of all time at the domestic box office, has now brought in $854.9 million in the United States and Canada since its July 31 release, as well as an additional $1.37 billion internationally, according to industry watcher Exhibitor Relations.

Coming in second and also distributed by Sony Pictures was Insidious: Out of the Further, which scared up a solid opening weekend of $25.3 million for the sixth installment of the horror franchise.

The movie, starring Amelia Eve, Brandon Perea, and Maisie Richardson-Sellers, follows the story of a young woman who can bring spirits into the mortal world but is herself haunted.

Christopher Nolan’s epic The Odyssey slipped to third, bringing in $19.5 million, down 17 percent in its sixth weekend, for a current domestic total of $539.1 million.

At fourth, Paramount Pictures’ Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie took in $9.1 million, down 55 percent from last weekend’s opening.

Warner Bros.’s sci-fi thriller The End of Oak Street, starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor as a couple battling to survive when their neighborhood is transported back to prehistoric times, brought in $9 million, down 57 percent.

Rounding out the top 10 were Mutiny, with $7.5 million; Tony, with $5 million; Spa Weekend, with $3.1 million; The Fast and the Furious, with $3.1 million; and Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, with $1.9 million. AFP

Tom Holland and Zendaya’s latest ‘Spider-Man’ film stays on top in North America as its global box office total climbs past $2 billion

With ‘Miss Behave’ closing its run, its cast weighs in on the show’s themes of misogyny, abuse, teenage trauma, and kindness beyond what people see online

‘Miss Behave’ cast shares the truths and lessons behind explosive finale

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“We cannot base our judgment only on what we see on social media. We don’t know what people are going Nickie Wang through,” she said. “I hope people become kinder and more understanding toward others. A little kindness goes a long way.”

She also described Miss Behave as a story about “female rage, revenge, and women’s empowerment.”

The cast said working on the series also helped them understand their characters’ struggles. Rain plays Isabel, an outspoken member of the girl group whose tough personality hides a softer side, while Andi portrays April, a tech-savvy student who becomes isolated as she navigates relationships, friendships, and family problems.

Rans plays Dessalyn, a scholar who creates the persona Daphne while struggling to fit into an elite science high school. Raven portrays Ant, a member of the Kings of Sosh whose secret is exposed, while LA plays Migo, a complicated character whose actions leave viewers questioning his motives.

Zach plays Earl, a student who tries to enter the school’s popular circle and impress Isabel. Akira portrays Warren, a protective friend who refuses to let those close to him get hurt, while JC plays Cole, the leader of the Kings of Sosh, whose family pressure and ambition place him at the center of the conflict.

S Miss Behave came to an end, the cast hoped viewers would take away its message about accountability and the realities many young people face.

Very Wang

In a recent Star Magic Spotlight press event, the cast members shared the lessons they learned from the youth series, including issues such as leaked private photos, misogyny, abuse, teenage trauma, and the pressure to fit in.

Directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal, the dark comedy follows five high school girls whose private images are exposed online, forcing them to deal with public judgment, personal conflicts, and their search for justice.

Rain Parani, Andi Abaya, Rans Rafol, Raven Rigor, LA Santos, Zach Guerrero, Akira Morishita, and JC Alcantara discussed their characters and the challenges of portraying young people dealing with difficult situations.

The cast said the series gave them a deeper understanding of the struggles young people face online and the importance of empathy before passing judgment.

Rans said one of the show’s key lessons is that people should not judge others based solely on what they see on social media.

‘It’s Showtime’ reaches 10 billion social media views on 10th year of ‘SOU’ IT’S Showtime has reached 10 billion social media views as its digital presence continues to expand across Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. The milestone comes as Showtime Online U (SOU), the noontime program’s online show, celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Since its launch in 2016, SOU has given viewers, including Filipinos living abroad, another way to connect with the It’s Showtime experience beyond television.

The anniversary celebration opened with a performance by SOU hosts Wize Estabillo, AC Soriano, Nicki Morena, Lorraine Galvez, JM Dela Cerna,

Marielle Montellano, Anthony Castillo, Anne Tenorio, Jannah Alanise, Mackie Empuerto, Eris Gonzaga, and Zeah Pala.

The hosts and madlang onliners later gathered at the Dolphy Theater for a celebration featuring music, games, and performances.

SOU host Nicki Morena described the anniversary as a meaningful occasion, having experienced Showtime as a contestant, host, and OFW-turned-viewer who returned to the Philippines for the celebration.

“Na-experience ko yung Showtime from different sides—bilang contestant, host,

and OFW—kaya mas na-realize ko kung gaano ka-importante ang SOU para sa mga OFW na malayo sa Pilipinas,” she said.

AC Soriano also credited SOU with making the program accessible to viewers wherever they are.

“Para siyang bridge of happiness. Dati, sa TV mo lang aabangan ng alas-dose, pero ngayon kahit nasa MRT ka o nasa abroad bilang OFW, pwede mo nang mapanood ang It’s Showtime,” he said.

As It’s Showtime heads toward its 17th year, viewers can expect more moments with its hosts and segments, including the much-awaited “Magpasikat.”

A decade after its launch, ‘SOU’ continues to give ‘madlang’ onliners another way to join the noontime program beyond television

Dennis Trillo eyes new career chapter as Kapuso

A renewed GMA contract keeps Dennis Trillo with his longtime network as he prepares for ‘Hari ng Tondo’ and the MMFF entry ‘Amir’

AWARD-WINNING actor Dennis Trillo recently renewed his contract with GMA-7, marking his 20th year as a Kapuso with plenty of gratitude and pride.

“I’m simply happy to renew my ties with them. I’m looking forward to making more challenging projects as my career begins a new chapter with my mother network for the longest time now,” he said.

So, what made him decide to remain with the network after two decades?

“First and foremost, it’s the trust that the management has given me since the beginning of my career, when I was just struggling to create a name in the ‘biz. GMA took a chance on me when I was still a neophyte. They really gambled and gave me huge projects, which endeared me to the public.

“Until now, after twenty-plus years, that’s what they still do. So, for that alone, as an appreciation and for the very nice camaraderie that we have all these times, there’s

no reason why I’d leave the network. I don’t want to waste our relationship.”

Dennis also credits GMA for helping shape him into the actor he is today.

“When I first signed up with GMA in 2003, I was very shy.

Now, I’m already confident with myself and my craft as a thespian. I also got to know and built a good working relationship with my costars. This has resulted in the success of the projects we’ve starred in over the years.”

Among his many Kapuso projects, three remain particularly close to him: Mulawin, My Husband’s Lover, and Maria Clara at Ibarra.

His next chapter includes Hari ng Tondo, where he will reunite with Ruru Madrid, his co-star in the critically acclaimed and box-office hit film Green Bones, which earned Dennis numerous Best Actor trophies.

“I’m excited about this new soap.

Especially since the action genre is

collaborators. He hopes to work with Coco Martin, John Lloyd Cruz, and Piolo Pascual. *** Joseph Peter Gonzales JERIC Gonzales recently opened up about his reaction to in. It’s nice to be working with Ruru learning that his former girlfriend, again. We have a good and positive Rabiya Mateo, has found new working relationship.” romance with actor Jake Cuenca.

Dennis will also appear in GMA “Admittedly, at first, I didn’t know Pictures’ official entry to the 2026 what to feel. I guess, it’s awkward Metro Manila Film Festival this that your ex has already found a December, Amir, which tells the new love. Perhaps, the feeling is story of a family’s struggle during just like that,” he said in a television the Marawi siege. interview.

Being one of GMA’s prized Still, the handsome actor is happy stars comes with its own pressure, for his former flame. however.

“I realized that I should be happy “It’s always there! You need for her. I mean, we ended good. We’re to always be on your toes. There friends, I mean not friends-friends are lots of new faces that pop out but we can reach out to each other of the scene every day who are anytime we feel the need or we want!” younger and are promising, too. The And what about Jeric? competition becomes stiffer. You “Nope! Currently, I’m very much have to put up with the flow.” single!” he said.

Still, Dennis has no shortage of dream

Shticks

LIFE & SHOWBIZ Jerald Napoles’ dreams changed after marrying Kim MolinaVinzon Anton

By Jasper Valdez

MARRIAGE has changed what Jerald Napoles wants for himself.

Five months after marrying longtime partner Kim Molina, the actor-comedian said many of the things he now works toward are no longer centered on his own wants but on the life they are building together.

“I don’t really dream just for myself anymore. Whenever I think about something I want to have or something I want to do, I think about Kim being part of it or our future child,” Napoles said during a recent press conference.

Napoles cited something as simple as buying a new car. Instead of replacing his current one, he said he would rather earn enough money to eventually start a small business.

“Instead of dreaming about getting a new car, I think about earning more so I can start a small business. Those are the kinds of things I dream about

now,” he said.

His health has also become a bigger consideration. Now in his 40s, Napoles said he wants to remain strong and energetic when he and Molina eventually have a family while keeping up with the demands of his career.

Molina, meanwhile, said marriage has made her more conscious of how she looks after her husband.

The couple had already lived together and shared financial responsibilities before getting married, so their day-today setup did not change drastically.

What changed for Molina was how closely she now pays attention to Napoles’ schedule, rest, and health.

“Recently, he had a general checkup for the first time,” Molina said. “When he goes to work, I don’t want to interfere, but I’ll ask him, ‘Are you getting enough rest?’”

“So, I became more mindful of him and of how I would take care of him,” she added.

C3 TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

After five months of marriage, Jerald Napoles (left) now makes career choices with the future he is building with Kim Molina

The two also acknowledged that having children has already entered their conversations. Molina said Napoles has left the timing largely up to her, while both remain open to whatever comes.

“If we’re blessed with a little one, why not?” she said, adding that they may start actively planning for one “maybe next year” because they still have several things to take care of.”

Napoles and Molina spoke about

married life as they were introduced as ambassadors for Botejyu Philippines’ Teishoku campaign. The partnership marks their first endorsement together after years of working alongside each other in theater, film, and television.

“Yes, this is our first endorsement together, and hopefully it won’t be the last,” Molina said.

Napoles said joint opportunities now carry a different meaning for them. Rather than weighing whose

Shared work takes on new meaning for Kim Molina (right) and Jerald Napoles as marriage changes how they view career opportunities

career should take priority, they look at projects offered to them as a couple as something that can contribute to their future as husband and wife.

“We no longer think in terms of whose turn it is or whose career should come first. We don’t look at things that way anymore,” he said.

Inside Fogo de Chão’s Full Churrasco, one year after its Manila debut Seafood, lamb, and other sides broaden the meal beyond beef while keeping variety at the center of the table

within sight of the dining room, allowing guests to watch gaucho chefs prepare and cook the meats over an open flame.

The setup brings part of the kitchen into view and adds another layer to the experience.

Even after the last turn of the medallion, there is still dessert. The thick chocolate brigadeiro provided a fitting finish to lunch, dense and deeply chocolatey after a meal dominated by smoke, salt, and grilled meat.

A year after its Manila opening, Fogo de Chão still leaves much of the meal in the

By Jasper Valdez

A

T Fogo de Chão in Glorietta 4, a meal can begin with something as small as a medallion on the table.

Turn it green, and the restaurant’s gauchos begin making their rounds, carrying skewers of fire-roasted beef, lamb, pork and chicken. Cuts are carved directly onto the plate. Turn the medallion red, and the service pauses, at least until there is room for another round.

This is the rhythm behind Fogo de Chão’s full churrasco experience, the Brazilian restaurant’s signature offering and the centerpiece of its first year in the Philippines.

The branch opened in Makati in August 2025 as Fogo de Chão’s first restaurant in the country and its first in Asia. A year later, the company says the experience has been served nearly 80,000 times and is preparing to open a second Philippine location at Okada Manila.

As part of its first-anniversary activities, Fogo de Chão hosted Manila Standard Lifestyle for a full churrasco lunch, offering a firsthand look at the dining format that has defined its first year in Makati.

The meal features 16 cuts of Between rounds of grilled meat, caipirinhas meat, including picanha, Fogo and Brazilian Limonada give de Chão’s signature cut, and the Makati meal a brighter break fraldinha, both of which were among the selections I enjoyed most. The frango, or chicken, also stood out and gave us a break from the several rounds of beef.

Unlike ordering a single steak, diners do not have to decide on one cut at the start. Gauchos move from table to table and offer whatever has just come off the grill, while guests can accept, skip, or wait for another selection.

A full churrasco lunch lets diners pace each serving through the table The meat may get medallion, from the first carved cuts to the final pause most of the attention, Open-flame grilling remains central to the dining format that has but the meal does before returning to the diner’s hands, from which cuts not revolve around it shaped the restaurant’s first year in Makati churrasco. For those make it onto the plate to how alone. something lighter alongside the looking for something long the churrasco continues.

At the Market Table, diners can steady parade of grilled meats. stronger, the restaurant also serves That freedom to choose gives choose from salads, vegetables, Brazilian Limonada also came caipirinhas, a traditional cocktail each visit its own personal charcuterie, and other sides. I in handy between various cuts in Brazil made with cachaça, lime, touch, making the experience particularly enjoyed the roasted of meat. Bright and refreshing, and sugar. unfold at its own pace, one vegetables, especially as it worked as a palate cleanser The restaurant places its grill serving at a time.

The best mobile video experience MOBILE video has become part of everyday life, with Filipinos streaming series, watching short-form clips, joining livestreams and following sporting events wherever they have a signal. As demand for smoother, faster and sharper viewing continues to grow, the quality of a mobile network can make the difference between seamless streaming and the dreaded spinning buffer.

Smart Communications Inc. is betting on that experience as it continues to expand its 5G network nationwide, earning recognition from network intelligence firm Ookla for delivering the Best Mobile Video Experience in the Philippines for the

posted a Video Score of 72.82, the highest among mobile operators in the country.

The recognition measures users’ real-world streaming experience, including video start times,

uninterrupted playback and full HD resolution. A higher score indicates that more users experienced videos that loaded in less than two seconds, played without rebuffering, and reached 1080p or higher resolution

Network upgrades gain attention as higher video scores point to faster loading, fewer buffering delays, and sharper mobile playback

second consecutive year.

Based on Speedtest Intelligence data from the first half of 2026, Smart

Everyday mobile use now demands faster connections as Filipinos stream series, short clips, livestreams, and sporting events wherever they have a signal

during most viewing sessions.

“This back-to-back recognition reflects the work of our network teams to continuously strengthen and improve our infrastructure,” Debbie M. Hu, Smart’s first vice president and head of wireless networks, said.

Smart has also continued investing in network upgrades and 5G expansion. As of the end of June, the number of 5G-capable individual devices on its network had risen 30 percent to 12.5 million, representing 21 percent of all individual devices connected to the network.

Lloyd R. Manaloto, Smart’s first vice president and officer-in-charge, said the recognition shows that the company’s network investments are translating into improvements in customers’ streaming experience.

With 5G adoption climbing and mobile video consumption continuing to grow, Smart is focusing on faster connections and smoother streaming as Filipinos consume increasingly data-heavy content on the go.

LIFE

C4

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026

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

Spider-Man craze hits drive-thrus nationwide MCDONALD’S Philippines marked the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day with a new Happy Meal, collectible figures, and promotional activities at selected stores nationwide.

The Spider-Man Happy Meal features 10 backpack toy designs, while each Happy Meal box includes a QR code that gives customers access to Spider-Man-themed gameplay.

The fast-food chain also introduced four premium collectible figures: Upside-Down Spider-Man, Crouching Spider-Man, Hammock Spider-Man and Side Hang Spider-Man. Customers can purchase a collectible for an additional P165 with any McDonald’s meal.

As part of the movie campaign, SpiderMan also appeared at McDonald’s Drive-Thru locations nationwide, where he took orders, handed out meals, greeted customers, and posed for photos.

“Spider-Man has always been a hero who connects with people in the most genuine and relatable way,” Ada Almendras-Lazaro, chief marketing officer of McDonald’s Philippines, said.

The company also held opening-weekend block screenings of Spider-Man: Brand New Day at Trinoma Cinema in Quezon City and Glorietta 4 Cinemas in Makati.

The screenings were attended by fans and members of the media as part of McDonald’s Philippines’ movie tie-in activities.

The Spider-Man Happy Meal toys and premium collectibles are available for a limited time at participating McDonald’s stores nationwide.

Peter Parker’s latest film gets a family-friendly push with toys, digital games, collectibles, and surprise customer interactions

TRAVEL planning covers flights, hotels, and itineraries, but even experienced travelers can overlook details that lead to avoidable problems.

Here are four common mistakes and tips to avoid them.

1. Forgetting about home Before leaving, secure your home. Check doors and windows, unplug appliances, and ask someone you trust to check on the house. If you have CCTV, make sure it is working.

2. Leaving travel documents until the last minute Complete requirements such as the eTravel pass before heading to the airport. Keep photocopies of your passport, valid ID, visa, if required, and hotel bookings in both your handcarry and checked luggage.

3. Skipping travel insurance Medical emergencies, delays, cancellations, and lost baggage can turn an ordinary trip into an expensive headache.

Content creator Maki Santos considers travel insurance a non-negotiable.

“Sadly, getting travel insurance is still not top of mind for Filipinos, when in fact, it is a need, especially during trips where you do so many different activities that are out of the ordinary,” she said.

GCash offers GInsure Travel starting at P299, with selected p l a n s covering medical emergencies, delays, cancellations, lost baggage, and personal accidents. Policies can provide up to P2.5 million in coverage and can be purchased within minutes, including at the airport up to two hours before departure.

4.

Assuming every destination uses the same payment methods Payment habits vary by destination.

Travel creator Marvin Samaco researches how people pay before each trip.

“Some destinations, especially in Southeast Asia are still very cash-heavy, so I make sure to carry enough cash when I visit there,” he said. “Others are mostly cashless, so when I’m there, I use my cards.

Then there are places like China, where digital wallets are essential.”

Marian Rivera (center) fronts a new campaign that aims to make everyday money tools more accessible to Filipino families

By Angelica Villanueva

M

ARIAN Rivera is already teaching her children that getting something they want comes with effort.

The actress said she and husband Dingdong Dantes have started introducing financial discipline to their children, Zia and Sixto, through a simple system at home. Instead of freely handing them money, the couple lets them earn points by completing tasks.

“When they want something, they have to do something we ask them to do, like clean up their room, wash, and things like that. Then they get points before they can buy what they want,” Marian shared in the vernacular.

The actress said she and Dingdong have also discussed when to let their children begin handling money more directly. Zia, who is nearing 11, may start learning more about it when she is around 13, she said.

“But that doesn’t mean you give her money. I think it’s also good at that age for her to understand its value,” she added.

Teaching children about money also means making sure they understand where it comes from, Marian said. She regularly reminds her children that the things they receive are paid for through work.

“When I buy something for them, they know where it came from. I worked for it, I worked hard for it. You want something? Work for it,” the actress explained.

Marian said her own attitude toward money was shaped by growing up with her grandmother and learning early to value what she earned.

Her priorities also changed as she moved from being single to becoming a wife and mother.

“Before, it was just for myself. I saved for myself. Now, it’s different. I think about what can help my

How Marian Rivera

is raising money-smart kids She spoke about her approach to money during an event marking the Palawan Group of Companies’ 41st year and the launch of its “Palawan for All” campaign.

The campaign brings together the company’s expanding range of financial services, which now includes Palawan Express Pera Padala, the PalawanPay digital wallet, international remittances, ProtekTODO micro-insurance and services for businesses.

Palawan president and CEO Karlo M. Castro said the company is combining its nationwide branch network with digital services as customer needs change.

The group recently surpassed 3,800 branches nationwide and has about 20,000 employees, according to company officials.

Palawan also renewed its partnership with Marian as its brand ambassador for a second year.

Marian’s financial lesson for her children remains simple.

“They need to learn how to gradually spend, save and understand what is important,” she said.

Marian Rivera now looks at money differently as a wife and mother, with saving now tied more closely to her children’s future

children have a good future,” she said.

Marian added that she now thinks more deliberately about growing their finances and preparing for their children’s future.

At home, Marian Rivera (center) uses simple tasks and a points system to help (from left) Sixto and Zia understand effort, responsibility, and the value of money

Four travel mistakes Filipinos make and how to avoid them

For Marvin Samaco, travel planning includes researching practical details that can affect how smoothly a trip goes once he lands

Payment habits can change from one destination to another, a detail Marvin Samaco checks before each trip to avoid cash, card, or wallet problems abroad

Bangkok’s vibrant food scene gives Maki Santos plenty of reasons to pause, taste, and enjoy every bite

Travel insurance remains a non-negotiable for Maki Santos, especially for trips filled with activities, delays, and other possible disruptions

GCash offers e-wallet payments, real-time spending tracking, Alipay+ and Tap to Pay on compatible Android devices. Its GCash Card can also be used for overseas purchases and ATM withdrawals, with 0 percent foreign exchange fees on shopping purchases, according to the company.

Travelers cannot predict every problem, but preparation can make unexpected situations easier to handle. Secure your home, organize your documents, consider insurance, and research payment options before you fly.